The Stain of Atmos (Storm Hawks AU)

Chapter Twelve - Dove's Escape

After Stain's defeat at the hands of the Emerald Sentinels, Dove began making her escape from Terra Musutafu as the attack raged on. When she put some distance between herself and the alleyway, Dove got on her knees.

Dove: Damn it! Damn it! I shouldn't have left him! Ne needed my help and I left him!

As Dove was filled with remorse and rage, she remembered the last words Stain said to her before she left. To continue the mission was what mattered.

Dove: Stain....Chizome....I will continue your mission. I will follow your orders!

Dove soon resumed her escape attempt from Terra Musutafu. She knew that this attack would buy her time. Suddenly, she was ambushed by a Nomu.

Dove: So the Cyclonians are responsible for this attack.....

The Nomu looked upon Dove with interest in it's eyes. The Nomu cracked it's knuckles as Dove prepared her wristblades.

Nomu: Cyclonian Killer found. Target acquired.

Without hesitation, the Nomu began attacking Dove. Dove was able to dodge the Nomu's attacks. As the Nomu pressed the assault, Dove rolled behind it and got on the Nomu's back. She then stabbed the Nomu's brain with her wristblades. As the Nomu collapsed to the ground, Dove examined it.

Dove: That creature was after me....after Stain.....I have to get out of here! (Stain....don't die.....please.....)

Dove then proceeded to run across the rooftops to avoid being seen. As she does, she sees Endeavor along with the Storm Hawks. She hides behind cover and eavesdrops on the conversation.

Endeavor: It appears that the Cyclonians have sent these creatures.

Piper: But what for?

Endeavor: This attack is out of the ordinary. The creatures aren't causing random violence without purpose. They're looking for someone. 

As Endeavor said that, Dove quickly deduced that the Nomu are looking for her and Stain. 

Endeavor: Storm Hawks! You search the Terra for anyone that the Nomu are looking for! It may possibly be the Cyclonian Killers that they may be looking for!

Aerrow: What about the civilians?

Endeavor: I have my squadron and the Emerald Sentinels already on that. We need to focus our efforts on finding the Cyclonian Killers!

As Endeavor said that, the Storm Hawks split up to search for the Cyclonian Killers. Dove kept her eyes on Endeavor. She remembered the story Stain told her. As she remembered the story, rage built up inside of her. In Dove's mind, Endeavor was no better than Dark Ace. She could kill him right then and there, but she remembered Stain's orders.

Dove: You're lucky Endeavor.......

After eavesdropping on the conversation, Dove continued scaling the rooftops to find her Skimmer and escape to her hideout in Terra Neverlandis. As she does so, the attack grows more intense as the Nomu tear through the city.

Dove: The Cyclonians will pay for this!

When she gets near her Skimmer, she hears footsteps. Dove then hides inside an abandoned building. She soon sees Aerrow coming by to inspect the Skimmer.

Aerrow: This Skimmer......why is it here?

Suddenly, a large Nomu attacks Aerrow. Aerrow readies his Twin Energy Blades and attacks the Nomu. The attacks do nothing to the Nomu. 

Aerrow: Whatever you are, I'm taking you down!

As Aerrow continues attacking the Nomu, the Nomu launches a devastating attack on Aerrow. Dove watched as Aerrow is overpowered by the Nomu. Despite the impossible odds, Aerrow still kept fighting. 

Aerrow: I.....won't....give up! 

Dove: (Aerrow....stay down you fool!)

The Nomu then grabbed Aerrow and threw him away from the Skimmer. This gave Dove an opportunity to escape. She knew that she could escape, but that would mean leaving Aerrow to die. Dove looked upon the Nomu beating Aerrow and remembered all the times Aerrow and the Storm Hawks helped her and her grandfather Wren. 

Dove: (Damn it.....damn it! I won't let you die Aerrow! Not like this!)

As the Nomu was about to finish Aerrow off, Dove ambushed the Nomu and begins attacking it. She slashes at the creature's body as it swings it's fist around. The Nomu then grabs Dove and throws her to the ground. As it prepared to slam it's fist down on Dove, she rolls out of the way and jumps on it's back. 

Dove: Die you monster!

Dove then stabs the Nomu's exposed brain with her wristblades. After killing the Nomu, she walked to the beaten Aerrow who was in and out of consciousness. 

Dove: Aerrow....remember this kindness. I saved you because at one time, we were friends. You helped me and my grandpapa on multiple occasions. This was my was of repaying the debt. I saved you to repay that debt. But if we meet again Aerrow, all debts shall be forgotten. 

Dove began walking towards her Skimmer. As she gets on it, she turns to see Aerrow trying to get up.

Aerrow: D....D....Do.....ve....wa...wait....

Dove could hear the sound of the other Storm Hawks coming to their area. Dove took one final look at Aerrow as he collapsed to the ground.

Dove: Aerrow......thank you. Goodbye......

Dove started up her Skimmer and began flying away from the alleyway as the rest of the Storm Hawks tended to the wounded Aerrow. As she began the journey back to the hideout on Terra Neverlandis, emotions flooded Dove's mind. Her goodbye to Aerrow gave her slight remorse as she saw him and the rest of the Storm Hawks as friends. But her biggest regret came from leaving Stain to be captured by the Sky Knights. Despite her personal feelings, Dove would follow Stain's orders and continue the mission no matter the costs.