Storm Hawks: The Yuuzhan Vong War

XIII

As they were surrounded by Yuuzhan Vong warriors, Aerrow and Dark Ace readied their weapons.

Aerrow: They got us cut off! There's no way out.

Dark Ace: Then I believe it's time we make our own exit.

Without hesitation, Aerrow and Dark Ace began fighting the Yuuzhan Vong warriors. The two fought side by side as the Yuuzhan Vong warriors attempt to swarm them.

Aerrow: We have to get out of here! We're outnumbered!

Dark Ace: Then follow my lead, boy!

Dark Ace then began to cut his way through the Yuuzhan Vong with Aerrow following. Radarr scurried on the ground while avoiding the Yuuzhan Vong. Aerrow and Dark Ace continued to fight through the Yuuzhan Vong until they were confronted by Tsavong Lah, who they immediately recognize. 

Dark Ace: Out of our way. 

Tsavong: You stand before the Warmaster of the Yuuzhan Vong. You stand before the one who serves the Supreme One. 

Aerrow: You won't win! We'll beat you!

Tsavong: The Gods have given me Atmos. Now I must give them your lives. You have escaped me once. That will not happen again. 

Tsavong soon armed himself with his Amphistaff and got into a combat stance. Aerrow and Dark Ace found themselves boxed in by the Yuuzhan Vong. 

Dark Ace: We cannot waste our time with this. 

Aerrow quickly realized that both he and Dark Ace were no match for the Yuuzhan Vong Warmaster. He looked around for any solution that could help him and Dark Ace escape. 

Aerrow: Dark Ace, I got a plan. 

Dark Ace: What exactly do you plan? 

Aerrow: Just follow my lead, boy. 

As Aerrow said that, the two were engaged in a heated duel against Tsavong. He quickly proved to be the superior fighter. Despite working together, Aerrow and Dark Ace were unable to land a hit on him. 

Dark Ace: Is your plan suicide, Aerrow?! Or did you forget our mission?!

Aerrow: Just keep fighting! 

Aerrow and Dark Ace continued fighting Tsavong with no success. During the fight, Aerrow did his Lightning Claw attack on Tsavong. The attack managed to give Aerrow and Dark Ace an opening for them to attack. As Aerrow and Dark Ace attempted to utilize the opening, they managed to disarm Tsavong. However, Tsavong quickly pressed the attack on the two. 

Tsavong: This world will run red with the blood of heretics! This world shall be cleansed of the impurity that rots within it! 

Tsavong quickly overpowered both Aerrow and Dark Ace. As the Yuuzhan Vong Warmaster moved in to finish them off, they were soon attacked by blaster fire. Aerrow and Dark Ace slowly got up to see Radarr on Aerrow's Skimmer. 

Aerrow: There's our chance! 

With that, Aerrow and Dark Ace began making a run for with with the Mars Crystals. As they ran, Dark Ace was attacked by Tsavong. 

Tsavong: All heretics must die!

Aerrow turned his head to see Dark Ace fighting for his life against Tsavong. Aerrow knew that Dark Ace stood no chance against him. Aerrow could leave and use this opportunity to make his escape. However, Aerrow couldn't bring himself to do so despite everything Dark Ace had done. 

Aerrow: Cover me, Radarr!

Aerrow readied his Twin Energy Blades and went back for Dark Ace while Radarr covered him. In one swift strike, Aerrow severed Tsavong's left forearm. Dark Ace then took the opportunity to sever Tsavong's right foot. With that, Aerrow and Dark Ace rushed to the Skimmers and made their escape. As they flew away from Terra Cyclonia, Dark Ace spoke with Aerrow. 

Dark Ace: So you sent your pet to the Skimmers while we fought the Warmaster? I must say, that little trick was clever. 

Aerrow: Glad you approve. 

Dark Ace: Though I'm surprised you came back for me. You could've have easily have left me to die. It would've bought you time to escape. If our positions were reversed, I wouldn't have done the same. 

Aerrow: I know you wouldn't. I'm not like you. I'm not the kind of person that would leave anyone behind. 

Dark Ace couldn't help but smirk to himself. 

Dark Ace: And that is why you will fail. I am more than capable of leaving behind anyone who will slow me down. Your compassion is your weakness. 

Aerrow: I pity you, Dark Ace. You were once a hero. You were once one of the greatest Sky Knights in all of Atmos second only to my father. Now look at you. 

Dark Ace: I grew up, boy. Like I told you many times, if you live, you win. 

It was clear to Aerrow that Dark Ace was beyond redemption. What little faith he had that Dark Ace could be redeemed fell apart. Dark Ace showed no remorse for his actions nor would he ever show remorse.

Aerrow: Let's these Crystals back to the others. They'll need them if we're going to rearm the Malevolence. 

Dark Ace: The sooner we can drive these filthy animals off of Atmos, the better. If only I had time to cut down that Warmaster so I can show these animals who's in charge.

Aerrow: Something tells me it won't be the last time we'll be seeing that Warmaster....

With that, Aerrow and Dark Ace had successfully acquired the Mars Crystals and escaped from Terra Cyclonia. Now they needed to make it back to Terra Neverlandis so that could go forward with their plan to restoring the Malevolence and use it in the fight against the Yuuzhan Vong.