Video: Kiss from a Rose

Chapter VIII - Ascending to Redemption

The sound of thunder and the blinding light of the lightning bolts waltzed together in the red skies of Cyclonia as Aerrow flew towards the castle. He had made up his mind and nothing would make him turn back. He thought of how he had told Radarr to stay on the ship and bring it under covers to the main Terra.

"Remember, stay on the Wastelands level until you arrive." - he knelt on the ground and looked at the co-pilot in the eyes - "Once you see the base of the Terra, bring the ship to the south port side. I'll provide the distraction on the surface."

The little animal saluted him. Leave it to him! He dashed to the helm and prepared the ship for its descent into the most dangerous area of the Atmos. Which would only become even more dangerous the closer he got to Cyclonia, but he didn't even flinch like last time they had gone for a trip to the lava-filled place.

Aerrow nodded just as determined and headed for the hangar bay. He hopped on the skimmer and took off without looking behind. There wasn't a single drop of hesitation in his mind then.

And there definitely wasn't any in his head right now that he was flying straight into the enemy territory. He didn't bother with the Cyclonian patrols seeing him. In fact, he wanted to draw as much attention as possible, so he even lit up his sword and shot at the watchtowers, destroying a few and causing some squadrons to go after him.

~~~

Meanwhile, the Dark Ace had arrived at the main Terra. He walked into the Throne Room, offering the Aurora Stone to Cyclonis.

"Excellent work as always, Dark Ace." - the Master said as she took the crystal from his hand and placed it on the storm machine - "Now it won't be long until the machine has absorbed enough energy from the Aurora Stone to start our new age."

"I see the Princess from Terra Solaris is already a captive." - he commented as he saw the girl inside the cell - "You don't think that would attract that Sky Knight here?"

"Of course. But you shouldn't worry. He'll eventually be finished off at some point." - the Empress told him - "He just cannot get through all of our defenses."

She went back to working on the control panel, the machine would make some strange noises as if it were recharging its energy. The Talon Commander left the room without saying a word. Piper frowned at that. With every passing moment, things were getting grimmer and grimmer.

"Please, Aerrow, hurry." - she whispered to herself.

~~~

The Cyclonians chased after Aerrow non-stop. Yet, he didn't flinch. As a couple of Talons closed in on him, one of the enemies shot and he smoothly dodged the bolt of energy, which ended up hitting the Cyclonian behind him instead. Then, he quickly flew by his attacker, cutting off the rotor of his heliblade.

He didn't stop there, though. One by one, he'd slice the wings, boosters, and rotors of the Cyclonian skyrides. The sky was covered by the red and green parachutes, falling down like kites on a day without wind.

He was angry and seeking redemption. The Cyclonians had chosen the worst day ever to mess with him and get on his bad side. And they learned that the hard way.

As another group of Talons came from the front, Aerrow soared with his skimmer, dragging them along. Then he jumped with his swords in hand, their light leaving a tray as he fell and sliced off all the switchblades chasing him. They never had a chance to retaliate. As they observed him flying deeper and deeper into Cyclonian territory, only one thought crossed their minds: he was just as ruthless as the Dark Ace. And the Talon Commander was the only one who could deal with that teenager.