The Seventh Member of the Storm Hawks

A Corrupt Mind

The Storm Hawks watched as Nika fell backwards into the Dark Ace's arm, with a victorious smirk he gathered her close, she was completely limp in his arms. Was she knocked out or did the Dark Ace just kill her in front of them? Aerrow and Junko simultaneously screamed as they launched themselves past the remaining Talons towards the Dark Ace, he looked surprised and amused by their actions but kept his collected composure. "Was I being too vague with describing this one as merely a squad member?" The Dark Ace mused sarcastically, Aerrow growled and swiped towards his sworn enemy but was met with a kick in the ribs, forcing him onto the edge of the wing on Nika's skimmer. "Argh! Let her go!" Junko shouted, missing the Dark Ace with his knuckle busters and falling off her skimmer – with Finn successfully catching him. "Shut up!" Aerrow yelled as he made another attempt to attack, the only thing on his mind was getting Nika back – he didn't care what became of the Dark Ace. "Wow, Aerrow. Don't tell me that you've fallen for a princess?!" The Dark Ace cackled obnoxiously, easily forcing him back onto his own skimmer where Aerrow stood tall and pointed his sword threateningly. "She's more than that. Let her go." Aerrow spat, his breathing becoming heavier as he watched the Dark Ace squish Nika's cheeks in his hand with a sly smirk on his face, he'd kill him for that. "Well, if you want her. Come and get her!" The Dark Ace challenged, only antagonising Aerrow even more. His plan worked as the redhead angrily swung for him, the Dark Ace suddenly moved Nika in front as a human shield laughing manically when Aerrow's blade came into contact with Nika's skin.

Time suddenly slowed down for Aerrow, he could see his arm drawing closer to Nika, but he couldn't stop himself – it was his worst nightmare. He paled as his energy blade sliced into Nika's right arm and drew blood and all he could hear was the Dark Ace's laugh and his friend's gasps. He stumbled back in horror, his weapons loose in his hands – unable to take his eyes away from Nika, she didn't even flinch or react. "Now, what was that for? It's me that you wanted, wasn't it?" The Dark Ace mockingly asked as he bundled Nika into one arm, taking one of her swords and casually kicking Aerrow square in the chest, who only just managed to get back to his feet – at the very edge of his skimmer. "Goodbye, Aerrow." The Dark Ace called emotionlessly, ignoring the yells of the other Storm Hawks in the background as he raised Nika's sword above both of their heads. Aerrow took in shallow and laboured breaths, his eyes full of pain and fear glistening from the guilt of injuring Nika and failing her. The Dark Ace smirked one final time before he struck Aerrow deep in the shoulder, the force knocking him from the skimmer to the Wastelands below.

"AERROW!" Everyone shouted as the Sky Knight fell towards the Wastelands, the Talon took the opportunity to escape in amongst the shock, taking Nika with him. Piper attempted to give chase but Nika's skimmer was too fast for her heliscooter to catch up to. Finn and Junko raced down with Radarr to retrieve Aerrow – who was trying to use his wings to land safely, now and again spinning out of control but regaining as he slid to a stop on the ground, however he screamed in pain as he collapsed to his knees, clutching his shoulder. "Aerrow, are you ok?!" Finn shouted, running over to the redhead as he stood up, his back to his friends. "I'm fine." He tensely replied, his fists clenched as he spoke through his teeth. The three Storm Hawks looked at one another, their own emotions raw as well. "C'mon, we should get back to the Condor." Finn said, walking up to Aerrow, who moved out of his reach, "Leave without me, I'm staying here." Aerrow curtly replied, only turning his head a little to see Finn out of the corner of his eye. "We aren't leaving without you, this isn't going to help anyone." Junko interjected, standing beside Finn, "You're injured as well." He pointed out, Aerrow touched his left shoulder – there was a deep gash, but it was nothing compared to what he did to Nika, the reminder made him grit his teeth. Junko, Radarr and Finn nodded to one another, if Aerrow wasn't going to come back to the Condor willingly, then they were going to make him. Junko wrapped his large arms around Aerrow, pinning his arms to his sides and walked towards his Skimmer, "Let me go Junko!" Aerrow demanded as he kicked his legs around, the Wallop ignored him and flew back up to the Condor. Everyone then grabbed each of his limbs and pinned him to the infirmary bed, Piper using a hypnosis crystal on the redhead to sedate him, despite being injured he was able to put up a long fight for his friends.