quixotism | [fanfic] [storm hawks] Between the Lines

Title: Between the Lines
Pairing: Dark Ace/Aerrow
Summary: [au] What if Cyclonia had all in her grasp? And the next generation was all but guaranteed to be a talon...
Parts: 3/?
Notes: You know what I suck at? Fight scenes. Never could get the hang of them.

"We did it, Radarr!" Aerrow yelled gleefully, ignoring how unprofessional it probably looked to the audience watching them below. Let them comment, Aerrow gloated, they took out the Talons. They were guaranteed a spot on the elite squad now! Aerrow leaned back on his Skimmer seat, waiting for Snipe to signal them to land.

Except Snipe never signaled him. Aerrow frowned. It shouldn't be taking him that long. Then out of nowhere, a streak of red energy caught him off guard and sent him spinning. Through sheer determination, he managed to right himself. Only in the nick of time as he spotted his incoming enemy.

"The Dark Ace," he whispered. He gripped his daggers tightly, a hum building up in his skin. This was unexpected. This was a chance. A challenge. He couldn't help the cocky grin that rose from his lips. No one had beaten the Dark Ace before.

But he could do it. He could prove himself. This is what Aerrow lived for. This was the thrill.

He dug his heels into the Skimmer, ready to leap down at the Dark Ace--

--only to find himself being pulled out of his seat by a strong arm and reflexively, he swung his daggers at the intruder without really looking. A harsh ringing sound was heard as his daggers met metal. A long, dangerous sword, jagged and cruel met his eyes along with the Dark Ace, looking amused.

"Nice form," the Dark Ace commented, the hand holding Aerrow's collar lazy but tight, "But you still have a long way to go."

Aerrow bared his teeth in anger and lashed out his legs at the Dark Ace, only to have himself pushed down by a knee and the sword pointed at his throat.

"Yield," Dark Ace said calmly.

Aerrow's gaze sharpened.

"You want to be a Talon, don't you?" the Dark Ace pressed on, "Then yield."

Aerrow turned his gaze away, shamefully, "I--I yield."

"Good," the Dark Ace said, sheathing the blade and pulling Aerrow to his feet, "Because you won't be any ordinary Talon."

Again, there was that emphasis when the Dark Ace addressed him, the added interest. Aerrow knew he was good but this... this was still bizarre to him. It must have showed since the Dark Ace gave him a cocky grin, a grin that resembled his own so very much.

"You'll be my Talon."

It was better than anything Aerrow had hoped for.

-XX-

"Well done, Dark Ace," Cyclonis congratulated him when he returned, "That was skillfully handled."

Dark Ace bowed low to accept her graciousness. Cyclonis smiled and waved his thanks away, "I take it you have plans for the boy."

"He has potential, Master," Dark Ace said, raising his head and looking straight at her. This issue, he does not want to cower before. He won't let Snipe and Ravess get their filthy hands on the first real talent they have seen in the Talon squadron, "I think I am the best teacher for the job."

"A good word there to use," Cyclonis pointed, "Teacher. Very well. Use him as you see fit. But if he stumbles too much... he goes to Snipe."

Dark Ace bit back a response. It almost sounded like she was accusing him of a deed that had yet to pass. He grimaced quietly and nodded, "I hear and obey."

Cyclonis dismissed him and he walked along the corridors, seething a lot more than he expected to. He had done everything for this Empire! Everything!

"Once a traitor, always a traitor."

It seemed that he was still paying dues. Well, he'll change that. With Aerrow.