The Talon Austry

Austry is I'm the house and ready to play. I think that's how we do this? I don't know, ask me anything. oh guess what? I'm kinda Canon! look at me in the only appearance I have!

[austrydieder]

HI!

Names Austry.

For those who don't know me, HI, nice to meet you. I'm that talon that hands the Dark Ace the crystal in episode one of storm hawks and then is never seen or heard from again.

For those who do know me, good to see you. You know the drill. Ask me anything, any au version. We're all here.

Including Xander's intruder. Hi Xander! From the Knight of Xerxxes blog.

I accidently put a poll on this, and I can't make it go away. whoops. uh, did you know about me before this post?

yes

no

Voting ended onJan 18, 2024

Let's have some fun!

I'm open to any and all questions. There may be pictures for some answers if I can figure out how to add those.

[austrydieder]

I was recently reminded of an awful time that I had to share.

It was like a year ago now?

Anyways I was on the Condor with the knight of Xerxxes and his squadron (@not-the-Dark-ace) and the whole ship got swallowed by a leviathan.

With ME in it!

And the little red haired boys sky lemur. There were people in this things stomach already and they really wanted to eat the lemur. Apparently existing on a diet of pure sky krill in a giant monstrosity's stomach will drive a man to eat anything.

[buridans-darkace]

I'm looking through old photos and I… don't remember the context for this one at all. What happened?

[austrydieder]

Oh I remember this one!

You lost to a child because of a wrench in your switchblade.

Came home covered in ash and dirt.

[buridans-darkace]

Oh... I remember now...

Wait, then who photographed this?!

[austrydieder]

[buridans-darkace]

I'm looking through old photos and I… don't remember the context for this one at all. What happened?

[austrydieder]

Oh I remember this one!

You lost to a child because of a wrench in your switchblade.

Came home covered in ash and dirt.

[austrydieder]

I don't recommend having an eldritch horror for a husband. Unless you're willing to help him make regular sacrifices and deal with the crisis of them finding out theyre not fully human.

They had so many things going on that you'd think that would be obvious but no.

[buridans-darkace]

Life would be so much easier if I was a dragon.

[austrydieder]

Here, I got you something.

[finnster-agilaz]

@austrydieder @buridans-darkace

Closed RP- Continuation of Scenario 1

TW: Human Experimentation

[Cyclonis POV]

A sense of satisfaction was heavy as the machines around her started to power down. Smiling at Piper who she had forced to help her with this. She needed someone to stabalize her project and she knew her affection for the boy would have her give it her all to keep him alive. And as long as he made it through the night, it seemed to be a success. Despite how shallow his breathing was.

The coppery scent of blood was thick in the air. As giving Piper a moment as she tried to comfort and apologize to the unconscious boy on the table; Cyclonis moved to make a direct line call to Dark Ace.

Informing him to come to the dungeons. A secret part of the castle that only a select few even knew existed. She also told him to bring a trusted friend. That he would need it for clean up. Leaving him to guard the room and watch and inform her of any changes with him.

Once certain he was on her way. She returned to Piper. Activating her crystal to force the other girl to move taking one more moment to look down at the boy.

The sharpshooter from the Storm Hawks. Technically her property since the war had ended and she took them on as a prisoner. She needed someone to test a crystal she had found in the Far Side. Unsure of what the effects might even be as she worked on it.

Now following his name sake, the boy seemed to have bloodied fins all over his body as well as scales. Internally where she had cut him open and placed the crystal it also clearly changed internal processes. Which was the most worrying part. And why she needed the other girl to keep him stable. Use magic to keep his heart breathing while his body mutated. He even had a long serpentine tail. Also covered in blood.

It seemed gills might have also formed. Which would have worried her about how well he could breathe but he appeared to be still breathing. If a bit shallow. She would have to test more things later.

Piper was crying.

Cyclonis didn't care as heading out of the room. Leaving her Champion to clean up her mess.

As per usual.

[buridans-darkace]

The moment he'd heard Cyclonis's voice over the line, he knew he wouldn't like what she'd called him into the lower levels where the Empresses kept all their darkest secrets.

Dark secrets that made his blood boil and his stomach churn.

Austry was the only person he trusted to follow him down there and come back out in one piece, despite the current tension between them. Whatever Cyclonis had planned, he hoped it wouldn't shatter what little faith his friend may have had in him.

The halls were dark, and the air down here was stagnant. The metal walls were unnaturally clean despite so few people ever coming down here; not even housekeepers were allowed down here to keep things from getting dusty. Tension rose in his shoulders the further down they went, and he kept stealing glances at Austry for... what? Reassurance? Solidarity?

He saw Cyclonis standing outside one of the many rooms, and his expression hardened.

"What do you want?" he asked, not bothering with formalities. She didn't get any grace from him in private, not any more. Not since she'd ripped the Citadel out of its foundations, causing chaos for the masses of Cyclonia.

Crying could be heard in the other room, and it sent a chill through his blood.

What had she done?

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

He'd been surprised when Dark Ace had asked him to join him for something. Some assignment from the Empress. His stomach had dropped when they entered the dungeons. It only got worse the deeper they went and he caught the distinct scent of blood.

He stayed quiet as the approached the Empress, his eyes fixated on the door and the sound of crying inside. His skin prickled with crystal energy. What ever had happened, he knew it wasnt good. He didn't want to deal with the witch or storm hawks mage turned pet. He wanted into that room, despite the dread eating at his insides.

'Please dont be what I think...' he silently prayed.

[finnster-agilaz]

[Cyclonis POV]

"I told you. I need you to clean up." She said simply. Catching his tone and the way he was standing. She knew he could be touchy about certain things but she had assumed he wouldn't have an issue with this.

"You know how we created our Family pets and even the Nightcrawlers. I just made use of some annoying baggage." She explained. Proud of how it went, especially since she had convinced Piper to join in.

Still wanting her to join her. She would join her. Perhaps depending how much of a mind her surviving friend kept, perhaps she'd stay just to be his handler.

"Now if you'll excuse me. I have more important things to do." She said simply. Using her magic to pull Piper forward. Forcing her to follow as she turned to leave.

[buridans-darkace]

"Clean up what? What did you two do?!"

Dark Ace's voice shook the walls, and he had half a mind to march after the girls and force them to explain what had happened. But Cyclonis's words and the smell of blood stopped him from making a move for either of them.

The door was ajar, and the air was much too still.

"This isn't fucking over, Cyclonis!" he barked before shoving the door open to look inside.

What he saw was something he'd never wanted to see again. Bloodstained work surfaces, a limp body on an operating table. He could see the changes right away, and the surgical scars across the boy's body.

He almost threw up then and there, his throat spasming in an aborted attempt to keep his last meal down.

[austrydieder]

He flinched at the Dark Ace's voice, waiting behind him until the Empress was gone before entering the room. Horror and rage warred with each other over what was inside. He was shoving past his friend before he registered what he was doing. Approaching the table with quick measured steps.

"Finn?" He spoke softly, gently wiping away blood and sweat from the boys face.

Of all the things Cyclonis could decide to get into, human experiments was one of the few he couldn't justify or make excuses for. Even too himself. He looked to the Dark Ace a moment, decisions already made. He wasn't going to stick around for more of this.

He gently moved the boy's limbs. Checking his wounds, making sure everything had been closed properly. He grabbed clean rags to clean and wrap things, moving mostly on auto pilot.

"Finn can you hear me?" He asks, "you don't have to speak just move your fingers for me." He should get him to the infirmary, have an actual doctor look him over instead of Austry's limited field knowledge.

[tuffdwightwest]

Pain.

Thats all Finn could really focus on as he felt someone. Something nudging him. Force that made him tense and flinch. "No..." he whimpered. Forcing an eye open only to see Dark Ace standing there.

A pained yelp escaping him as his eyes squeezed shut. Shaking as he started to become more aware of things besides just the pain. He felt weird, different. Memories of before coming back as he forced himself to open his eyes once more.

This time recognizing the nice talon who would give him treats. "Is it over?" He asked. Hopeful when he saw him. Before whimpering when he saw Dark Ace again.

"Don't.. don't hurt me." He pleaded.

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace felt himself shaking, but he was unable to tear his eyes away from Finn as he pulled himself together. He stepped inside, ignoring Finn's whimpers. There were more clean rags, and a sheet which he brought over to Austry before shifting completely out of Finn's view.

There was a storm brewing in his chest. He'd made a lot, a lot of allowances for Cyclonis's actions under the basis that she would see reason eventually and slow down her rampage across Atmos, but this was unforgivable. Despite his disagreements with the boy, he would never have wished this on him.

"Is it safe to move him?" he asked Austry. He wanted to get out of here and take Finn as far away from this place as possible. He wanted to tear something or someone apart over this. Phantom pains made his hands and chest ache whenever he looked at the fresh surgical wounds. He was at a loss to how he could actually help. It was a feeling he'd always despised.

[austrydieder]

"I don't know yet..." Austry shook his head as he checked things over. He was worried about internal organs, potentially jostling something rhat they couldnt see.

"We're not going to hurt you, Finn. I promise. Can you tell me what hurts the most?" He asks, hoping maybe Finn could tell hi. What was the worst, then he could figure out more. He wanted to relieve the boys pain but he needed more information and trust before he started using his needles.

He could feel the rage coming off his friend as they wrapped the boy in the sheet.

Good.

He should be angry at Cyclonis for this.

[finnster-agilaz]

What hurt the most? What didn't hurt. Although closing his eyes he tried to think about.

"Lungs." He said. "Feel like, like I'm choking." He admitted. Moving to shift his position. The gills on the side of his neck opening and closing at each movement.

It was at this moment that he got a good look at his claws.

Claws.

His hands webbed and elongated. Panic settling further in his chest as he let out a scared yelp. "What-" he said before coughing. A pained moan escaping him at the pain that it caused. His new tail swishing under the blanket as he panted.

Blood sliding down his body from the still open lacerations on his body. He fought through the pain though as he reached out. Touching each fin and scale against his body. Realizing what that foreign feeling was now that he could actually see them.

And then, he started to cry.

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace's stomach turned as Finn started crying. The sound echoed against the cold metal walls of the lab. There was a faucet in the lab and he went to soak some more cloth rags in water before approaching to sponge blood away from the newly-sprouted gills in hopes it would help him breathe easier. He knew Aquinoans used similar methods to stop their gills from drying up during extended trips out of the water.

"Close your eyes and steady your breathing," he said. His voice was tight with anger and nausea. The shaking of his hands made his motions rougher than he intended. "We'll get you out of here as soon as we can."

Cyclonis could clean up her own fucking lab. If she even had a lab left to clean up once he'd calmed down.

[austrydieder]

He let Dark Ace handle the gills for now, looking through storage cabinets, roughly throwing useless items on the floor out of his way until he found the suture kit he was looking for.

"Let's get you stitched up and clean." He said softly, gently cleaning a wound. For the moment, he forced himself to ignore the tears. He needed to treat the wounds quickly. The sooner they were done the sooner he could leave with Finn. He hated what that would mean for his family, but this was a line he couldn't overlook.

He paused only briefly at Dark Ace's words, wondering if he meant out of Cyclonia.

"Think you can stand?" He asked once hed finished cleaning and dressing Finn's wounds. He stood in front of him, offering his hands for support.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

Finn hated crying. And had managed to avoid crying ever since Aerrow was killed and he was thrown into that stupid cage. Trying to be brave. Trying to be strong.

He had gotten close.

But he tried not to think about him. Or them or even himself. Dissociating had been working wonders for him.

But now.

Body wrong. Pain unlike anything he had felt before. And the one helping him was the monster that forced him here. Finn not seeing much difference between Dark Ace and Cyclonis. Yet here he was trying to wipe the blood away. Applying water at the part of him that burned. The feeling soothing but only a small reprieve from everything else.

Then Dark Aces anger filled voice reached him. Causing him to flinch. The words not even registering to him as he just started crying harder. Unable to stop it at this point.

He barely noticed what Austry was doing. Until he caught sight of the needles. Tensing before he realized what he was doing. Reminding himself that this was the Pie Cyclonian. He had always been kind.

He managed at that point to first here Dark Ace promise to let him out of here. As well as Austry's question of if he could stand. Offering himself for support.

He didn't know if he could. But sniffling he knew he had to try. Shifting he pushed himself off of the operating table. Only slightly stumbling. Taking a deep breath, he looked down at himself now that he was standing.

Seeing the quick stitch Austry had given him. The new scales along his body. He was longer too. Not just cause of his 'tail' behind him. If he could even call it that. It had arms and he could move them, if a bit clumsy.

"She turned me into a monster." He realized. Instead of crying this time though he just started laughing. "Not the first time she did this to me either." He said. His laugh more shrill and panicked not amused but afraid.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace sighed, "It helps if you don't look at it. Come on, let's get you someplace else, where she won't come near you."

He considered leading the way to his personal quarters, where Finn would be able to rest in an actual bed and perhaps take a shower while he and Austry talked about what to do next. But then he remembered how Cyclonis had been invading his private spaces more and more as of late. If she found out the newest subject of her curiosities was there, she could snatch him back whenever she felt like it.

"Do you still take supplies out to the Terra of Thorns?" he asked Austry. If the boy was fit to fly, then the unmapped Terra would be one of the safest places to take him.

The muffled sound of thunder made him look up, concerned. There hadn't been a storm in today's forecast so where had that come from? Hopefully it wouldn't stop them from flying.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

"You are not a monster." Austry said firmly, lifting Finn's arm across his shoulders to better support him, "she's changed you, yes. But that does not make you a monster." He could hear the fear in the boys voice, he didn't know how quite to help him other than give him something to lean on.

"Come on, one step at a time."

He glanced at Dark Ace again wondering what his plan was exactly. They needed to leave the terra, not just this lab.

The question of the Terra of Thorns was a relief. It meant exactly what Austry had been hoping for. If Dark Ace left too over this... there was a good chance there would be consequences for the Empress she wouldn't be able to overlook.

"I do, yes." He nodded, "we could probably find a transport ship." The suggestion came out the same time as thunder rumbled outside. He wasn't exactly surprised to hear it considering Dark Ace's mood. The weather always weirdly seeming to coincide with the man's temper.

"It'll be better than trying to leave on skimmers, between his tail and the weather."

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

It helps if you don't look at it. You are not a monster.

He didn't really find comfort in those words. But still tried. Looking away and instead keeping his eyes forward on the two in front of him.

Letting Austry guide him away from the bed. Feeling unsteady with the new weight and feel of his body.

His next words confused him even more. Somewhere else? "Wait-" he said softly barely audible as he tried to piece together what that meant.

The more they talked though he wondered. Were they... saving him? They weren't going to just throw him into a dungeon.

"Why are you? Are you helping me?" He asked unsure. Tail swishing behind him. Almost knocking him off of his feet as he messed up the movement of them.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace caught Finn by the shoulder before he could fall to the floor. His expression was gravely serious as the boy questioned why he was helping him.

"There's lines even I won't cross," he explained. "What Cyclonis has done to you is one of them."

Even though it didn't make the boy a monster, Cyclonis had committed an egregious violation that Dark Ace refused to stand by. If she could so easily do that to someone she saw as a trophy, who else was she willing to twist and break to fit her whims?

"There should be some transport ships in the southeast hangar," he said to Austry as they led Finn out of the lower levels. "I'm going to get Duchess from my quarters and I'll meet you there. Is there anything you want me to grab?"

He really wasn't sure when, or even if, he'd come back at this point and there were a few things he didn't want to leave behind. Some stubborn part of him was still reluctant to leave and abandon his duties, still sure that he could find a way to fix things from here, but one look at Finn was enough to shut those thoughts down.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

Austry kept walking focused on just getting them to the southeast hangar. Simply shaking his head at Dark Ace's question. He didn't keep many personal items here anymore, what he did have was either already on him or could easily be replaced, like his wire works. Though...

"My mask... I keep it in my foot locker, under a false bottom." He didn't need anyone finding that. His friend could know the truth, he already knew he was an assassin for the Empress anyways.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

His eyes were wide and scared as Dark Ace said that to him. Cyclonis crossed a line to him. And that is why he was angry.

He just nodded.

Growing quiet as he walked with them. Too tired and shocked to say much as they listed off what they might need. Still a bit uncertain what could happen. But despite his fears he found himself just numb. If they were actually just leading him out to kill him fine. At this point he didn't even care. He was tired and in pain and... missed Aerrow dearly.

Aerrow would have been stronger then him at this moment. He still couldn't believe Piper helped, why did she helped. This whole time... did she really hate him that much? Was that why they always sent him away or left him behind.

Did she... did they, not believe in him?

He almost felt like crying again as they arrived at the hanger. But held it together as Dark Ace ran off. Stepping into the ship that they were preparing. Before finding the closest soft thing to lay down on. His tail wrapping close against him. An instinctive thing that was already forming within him as it moved to cover his more sensitive and vulnerable spots.

He wanted to ask questions. Be brave. He wasn't though. He was tired. He was hurt. Walking here was already him going over his limit. So closing his eyes, he fell unconscious soon afterwards.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace moved as swiftly as possible, getting Duchess and packing a few spare clothes into a bag before getting Austry's mask. He barely paused to look at it before packing it up. Stopping by his office on the way to the hangar, he scratched out a hurried note to Cara Cara with some instructions for her and to not expect him back for a while. He trusted his secretadg to be able to carry out what might be his final orders to her as a commander.

All in all, it didn't take long before he'd rejoined Austry and Finn at the transport ship. His eyes lingered on the boy's unconscious form for a moment before he went to help finish preparing for travel.

His heart was hammering in his chest as they took off, and he felt his hands shaking again. The anger and dread and that sick, haunted feeling he'd been trying to suppress this whole time was starting to catch up to him. It caught in his throat when he tried to say something to Austry, only coming out as a strangled croaking noise.

Fuck, not now… Fine, he wouldn't say anything. He'd just focus on the journey ahead. What would talking even do for him anyway?

Rain lashed against the ship's windows and thunder rumbled all around them, matching the tumultuous feelings rising up in his chest.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

As Finn lay down Austry grabbed another blanket to throw over him. Carefully tucking it around his back and tail. Duchess stayed near Dark Ace when he returned but did sniff the boy, her ears flattened in that way she would whenever the champion was wounded.

"I know your job is to look after Feathers, but i think he needs you too right now." He said softly, touching her head before looking at Finn, "Its not a very long flight, I promise." He assured him even as he quickly passed out. He'd definitely need antibiotics and painkillers once they arrived. Austry had stashed plenty over the years.

Joining Dark Ace at the controls he started the ships engines, sending them off into the storm. He heard the croak as Dark Ace tried to speak, knowing what was happening. He reached over and simply took his friends hand, he didn't need to speak for this.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

Finn woke again just as they appeared to be landing at their destination. Still tired, still scared but he found it easier to calm this time. Confused when he saw a dog. And the two holding hands.

Looking away as he slowly looked over himself again. Taking a shuddering breath as he took a quiet moment just to inspect himself. What he was now. He looked like some type of fish, he realized. Maybe thats why his lungs hurt so much?

Feeling his gills they felt dried and in pain. Foreign to his touch and sensitive. Pulling away he stared at the claws he had and the webbing on his hands.

Yeah definetly some type of fish. Moving to get up, it was as if everything hurt more now that he rested then it did before. A yelp escaping him as he moved in a way that jostled his stitches. Deciding to stay where he was instead. New leg on his 'tail' kicking as he pushed the new form of himself closer to him.

Taking the time to look over the colors of what he could only describe as a beastly form of himself. It was probably disingenuous to call it a tail. It wasn't. It was an extra piece of body. Uncertain of its place but still there.

Despite his hatred of what happened to himself. He had to admit his scales were beautiful. Almost iridescent in the light. His mind wrestled between the thoughts of this being him and completely denying it.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace gave Austry a grateful look, squeezing his hand gently. He heard Finn yelp and turned around to look at the boy. Duchess was pressing her nose against Finn's arm the way she would do to Dark Ace when her usual deep pressure training wasn't an option. At least the kid was in good paws.

He made sure the ship stayed beneath the clouds as they flew to the Terra of Thorns, occasionally flying above them to check landmarks and make absolutely sure they were going in the right direction. The storm seemed to follow their little transport ship, conveniently obscuring them from any passing warships along the way.

Eventually, their destination came into view. A graveyard of abandoned ships overgrown with thorn bushes. It looked almost barren, but he and Austry knew that life hid just beneath the surface. He landed by the old husk of a decommissioned warship and cut the engines. But he didn't let himself feel relief just yet.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

Austry stood, letting go of Dark Ace's hand and stepped out of the ship. It was pouring rain already, though he couldnt help but think how nice the water would probably feel to Finn. His gills looked pretty shriveled up currently.

"The outside looks a lot worse than it actually is." He smiled awkwardly as he stepped back inside the transport ship, "Think you can walk again? The Captain's cabin has a bath you could probably fully submerge in." He offered his hands again, Duchess backing up a step but ready to press against the boys side the minute she could.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

The dog suddenly touching him made him jump. Eyes wide as he turned to stare at Dutchess. She didn't look like she wanted to bite him so he tried to calm himself.

He didn't react much as the others walked away. Flinching at the sound of thunder. But staying where he was. As Austry returned he was instantly locked back into him.

At the question of walking again, he looked down at himself. At the mention of a bath though. His eyes just widened in concern again. "Is that- that will help?" He asked. Voice small, so unlike how he normally sounded.

He knew it probably would. He wasn't blind. But the idea of it. Was so terrifying. He didn't end up answering any of his questions. As he just curled up where he was.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

"It should at least help a little," Dark Ace said, waiting just inside the ship entrance in case Austry and Finn needed help. "At the very least you can clean yourself up. We can get you something to eat too. If you're up for it, that is."

He was already thinking over what to make. Something simple and easy to keep down for certain. Hopefully Finn's internal biology hadn't changed too much that he couldn't eat normal food.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

"Ooh, lucky you. Dark Ace's cooking is a real treat." Austry smiled, helping Finn to his feet and guiding him from the transport to the older abandoned carrier ship. Taking him in through a giant hole in the side of the ship. The inside was surprisingly well maintained despite the exterior. Newer panels clearly replaced broken ones. furniture sat in places, not new but not original either.

He walked them deeper into the ship until the arrived at the captains quarters. The room divided into a sitting room and a bedroom. A side door leading off to a private bath.

Austry had at some point replaced the ratty rotting mattress for something more comfortable with clean sheets. He set Finn there before heading to the bathroom.

"Ill get the water going. What sounds better, hot or cool?" He asked, giving him the option.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

Finn just stared when he was offered food. Looking owlishly back at Austry as he said that Dark Ace was apparently good at cooking. The old carrier ship was familiar. It wasn't the condor but the familiarity of it. Did help relax him as he followed the other two.

Sitting on the bed, he watched as Austry went to the bath. Before asking him what temperature. He wasn't sure honestly, "Not... not too hot but not cold?" He said. His voice sounded stranger, the sharper teeth and different tongue felt weird. Part of why he also wasn't talking.

He got up instead of sitting, as he approached Austry. Stepping into the bathroom as he looked around. "My eyes are different." He said. Bringing a hand up as he forced himself to stare at himself again.

Trying to calm himself but it ended up just causing him fear instead. "What did she do to me?" He whimpered.

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace left them to it, splitting off and entering the kitchen where he just planted his hands on the counter and stared at the chrome surface. The nausea he'd felt upon first seeing the lab was coming back. He could feel his whole body start to shake, his knees were weak and it felt like his head was under water. Outside, the storm grew in intensity, lashing rain down on the ship and growling thunder like it was some beast trying to break through the hull.

Slowly, he sank down onto his knees as the past few weeks finally caught up to him. The last few hours were the final straw. Duchess was immediately pressing up against him but he barely registered her attempts to ground him.

Two years.

The last two years had been a complete waste. Killing Anarchis had lead to Cyclonis turning out to be just as bad as her despite his efforts to steer her away from repeating her grandmother's mistakes. Sparing Aerrow had just ended in him killing the boy anyway and one of his teammates being subject to something he'd sworn to never let happen again. The Empire was at risk of cannibalising itself in Cyclonis's endless desire for conquest, stretching resources and military forces too thin and breeding nothing but avarice on all sides. His best friend could hardly look at him. The regret and disgust he'd been trying to shove down was finally rearing its ugly head.

Numb fingers tangled in Duchess's fur. Calm. He needed to calm down in case Austry came in. Why couldn't he just calm down? He wasn't even the one who'd been torn apart this time.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

Austry nodded and set about getting the water going. He'd replaced the aqua stones for the captains bath and the kitchen when he could afford the crystals. It was definitely worth the investment. He glanced at Finn when he joined him, sitting on the edge of the bath.

"To be honest... I don't know. Fused you with some sort of far side crystal." He stood, pulling Finn away from the mirror, "I know you want to focus on the what and the why but we should get you stable first. I know this is scary, trust me, I know what you're going through, so does Feathers. We're going to get you through this, I promise."

He kept Finn turned towards him, guiding him to the water as the storm picked up outside.

"Im... ill be right back, okay? Im going to see how food is coming along."

He kept his pace calm as he left the bathroom, only to break into a sprint once he was back in the hall. He didn't stop until he was in the kitchen, finding Duchess pressed against Dark Ace kneeling on the floor.

" I was afraid of that." He sighed, stepping closer, "Feathers, come back to me. Please?"

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

Fused with some sort of far side crystal. That was putting it lightly in his opinion. At him trying to comfort him, he just nodded. He was letting him guide him before he went to leave. Watching his retreating form as he ran off. Each movement of his body easy to track. Almost as if he would know each small movement before he even did it. The slight stumble as he took the corner too wide, caught before Austry even felt the effect.

Finn looked away once he was around the corner. Feeling the water with his hand, it felt nice. He always liked the sea but had never felt at home with it. Hesitating a moment he pulled his hand back. Taking a moment to breathe, to prepare himself before finally moving to get into the water.

Instantly the effect of it was noticed. The itchy pain of his new scales softening as the water wrapped around him. His lungs didn't hurt as much either as he fully submerged himself. It was small, smaller then his new shape needed but it was something. He felt more flexible, able to wrap his lower tail around himself. In a comforting embrace. Similar to what he did before but it was more natural in the water.

He briefly wondered if this was what the Aquanosian felt like but in some ways he realized he was different from them. Similar but as similar as human was to a Wallop.

Closing his eyes, he just listened to the water around him. It had an almost song to it. Adjusted by each one of his movements. But muted due to the size. It was an unnatural place for water. Something he felt like he shouldn't know.

And yet he was learning anyway.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

He noticed Austry coming in through the haze of panic, but didn't quite register his friend's words.

"You were right," he gasped out between unsteady breaths. "We would have been better off losing."

He should have done more, been firmer with Cyclonis and less subversive with Aerrow. Should have kept a closer eye on the cells and intervened with Cyclonis's Far Side bullshit sooner, maybe then he wouldn't have failed again to keep another kid from being torn apart and put back together wrong. What kind of Champion let their Empress step all over them and ran away when she finally crossed one too many lines?

A weak one. The words echoed in his head and cut through him the same way Anarchis used to.

"You should be with Finn. He needs you more than I do."

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

"We can still fix things." Austry coaxed, trying to keep Dakr Ace's eyes on him, give him something else to focus on, "we can make things right. Not perfect, not the same but healed."

He shook his head when Dark Ace tried to send him away. Gently taking his hands in his.

"Finn isn't currently having a panic attack, you are." He glanced at Duchess, whos ears were laid back, clearly upset her usual tricks weren't working. "Go keep an eye on Finn, I got this." He told her before focusing back on his friend. She whined but did as he asked.

"Freathers... whats 5 things you can see?" He asked deciding to try a technique his uncle had taught him.

@finnster-agilaz

[buridans-darkace]

How could they possibly fix this before it completely broke down?

He shuddered slightly when Duchess left and clung onto Austry's hands for stability. The fact that Finn wasn't actively panicking right now didn't reassure him all that much. But the thought was quickly washed away by another wave of panic that he had to fight to stay focused through.

Five things he could see... Five things. His eyes darted around trying to settle on something.

"I see... you, the fridge... the stove. The pan rack. And the storm outside," he listed off between deep breaths.

[austrydieder]

"Thats it. Keep going," he encouraged squeezing Dark Ace's hands, he didn't care that the last thing wasn't technically something they could see. He just needed his friend to ground himself, to calm down.

"Now, 4 things you can touch." He coaxed waiting for an answer before moving on to the next steps, 3 things he could hear, 2 things he could smell, 1 thing he could taste.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Rainwater that had gotten in his hair on the way in, the weight of his armour, the hard floor panels and Austry's hands,

The creaking of the ship's hull, a distant roll of thunder, and the humming of the fridge,

Dried rosemary and some sort of cleaning chemical,

He struggled a bit with the taste one before settling on toothpaste.

With each sense he listed off, Dark Ace did manage to come back to himself. His breathing evened out and his heartbeat wasn't so loud in his ears. He felt exhausted though.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, leaning forward until his forehead met Austry's. "I don't know why that was so difficult this time."

Pins and needles were starting to set into his legs and he began pulling himself up onto his feet before they fell asleep. Some part of him was still looking for a distraction, fixated on being helpful by making dinner.

"It feels like everything I've tried to do hasn't meant anything."

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

"Don't, you have nothing to apologize for." Austry reasured him, putting a hand on the back of his friends neck when he pressed their foreheads together, holding him for a second before letting go so the could stand.

"You've done so much, and made a difference for so many. Myself included."

He waited until the Dark Ace's pulse had slowed down a bit more before letting him go.

"Why don't I help you make dinner? Then we can both go back and check on Finn." He trusted Duchess to keep the boy calm until they were able to return to him.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

He believed what Austry said, but there was still that nagging voice in the back of his mind insisting that he hadn't done enough. It had been kept quiet for years, but now it was back again, pervasive and pulling him back down into the dark pit he kept finding himself in on a more frequently occurring basis.

"Some help would be nice," he agreed as he started looking through the cupboards, refreshing his memory on what Austry kept here. There were tinned beans and tomatoes, some onions that hadn't sprouted yet, among other things. "Do you think he'd be able to stomach braised bean soup?"

There was no way of telling how much Finn's internal biology had changed and if he could still digest the same things as normal. Dark Ace wasn't exactly looking to experiment right now and risk making him sick.

He started with rinsing off the beans and got out a chopping board and a pan. This probably wouldn't take very long to make.

@austrydieder

[finnster-agilaz]

The dog was back.

He stared at it panting above him as he looked up at it through the water. Did they know a dog ended up on the ship? It seemed friendly at least. So lifting up out of the water, he reached out hesitantly. Touching its head, flinching as it leaned into it. Before relaxing.

His hand didn't even feel or look like it should as he pushed it through the beasts fur. "I can smell you." He said after a moment. "And not, like i know where you- you've been around Dark Ace a lot haven't you?" He said.

So it must be Dark Aces dog. Lowering his hand, he felt his tears threatening to come back. The dog instantly coming to bump its nose against him. "I'm not supposed to be like this." He mumbled.

Looking down at himself again. The bath felt nice and was washing away the blood on him. As well as easing what he now realized was gills. He wasn't breathing properly still though. His lungs hurt but less then before. Getting better.

Shifting he decided to get out of the bath. It was kind of dirty at this point. Stepping out he didn't dry himself off as he tested standing again. Namely his large snake like tail? Extra body? He wasn't sure what to consider it. It had legs and didn't feel like a tail. Well not all of it. He flicked the end of the tail watching it move around. Yeah that was the tail. The rest... something else.

He did wonder though. Biting his lip he let it take his full weight. Surprised when he was able to lift himself. Pulling his legs up to his chest as he held onto them. Taking a step with the new part of his body. He could do it although it felt different then how he'd normally walk. Like he was... Slithering, the legs just helping to adjust the direction. It felt like gliding.

Lowering himself back down he felt his heart start to hammer again. The dog once more touching him and making him jump. "Stop doing that." He snapped. The dog just let out a small whine. Making Finn feel a bit bad about yelling at it.

"Sorry." He mumbled.

[buridans-darkace]

Mini timeskip - About 20 minutes..

They finished the soup in good time and companionable quiet. Warm spices and the sharp tang of cooking tomatoes filled the kitchen. Dark Ace ladelled it into bowls, passed one to Austry and carried his own portion and one for Finn to the captain's quarters.

He whistled for Duchess as he came in, the dog hurried to his side and circled him, whining.

«I know, I'm sorry good girl,» he murmured, setting one of the bowls on the desk in the room so that he could scratch her between the ears. He looked over at Finn, "We made soup if you're hungry."

He thought about asking the boy if he was alright, but he would probably be sick of that question before long. Best not to hasten that along and besides, Austry was probably the better person to be asking those sorts of questions.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

Austry didn't eat at first, instead simply watching his friend and their new ward. He and Duchess were going to have their hands and paws, full.

"How was the bath? Did it help?" He asked, noting he was still soaking wet. Thought with his new features the water was probably preferable. Could they undo it? Or would that be just a painful?

@finnster-agilaz

[buridans-darkace]

Any funny stories with your talons?

Besides Ravess and Snipe's usual antics?

Several years ago, the locks on a bunch of the pegasus stalls broke and I got to watch the cavalrymen chase all the untrained colts - who were having tons of fun playing chase with the humans - around the stronghold grounds.

Countless, countless stories of Talons overestimating how much chilli powder they can actually handle in meals and thinking they can impress me by testing their spice tolerance. Especially the newer recruits.

I don't go swimming when the depth pool is busy anymore because too many people have swum right into the sides of the pool while staring at me.

Some idiot (that wasn't Snipe) thought they could train the Citadel cats into specialised attack animals. The cats put the dumbass in his place very quick.

And that guy who thought it was a great idea to turn weather equipment into mines? Oh I have many, many stories about him.

[austrydieder]

I miss when you'd go to the pool. That was always funny to watch.

Please tell them more about the weather man. I always love making fun of him.

[finnster-agilaz]

@austrydieder @buridans-darkace

Closed RP- Continuation of Scenario 1

TW: Human Experimentation

[Cyclonis POV]

A sense of satisfaction was heavy as the machines around her started to power down. Smiling at Piper who she had forced to help her with this. She needed someone to stabalize her project and she knew her affection for the boy would have her give it her all to keep him alive. And as long as he made it through the night, it seemed to be a success. Despite how shallow his breathing was.

The coppery scent of blood was thick in the air. As giving Piper a moment as she tried to comfort and apologize to the unconscious boy on the table; Cyclonis moved to make a direct line call to Dark Ace.

Informing him to come to the dungeons. A secret part of the castle that only a select few even knew existed. She also told him to bring a trusted friend. That he would need it for clean up. Leaving him to guard the room and watch and inform her of any changes with him.

Once certain he was on her way. She returned to Piper. Activating her crystal to force the other girl to move taking one more moment to look down at the boy.

The sharpshooter from the Storm Hawks. Technically her property since the war had ended and she took them on as a prisoner. She needed someone to test a crystal she had found in the Far Side. Unsure of what the effects might even be as she worked on it.

Now following his name sake, the boy seemed to have bloodied fins all over his body as well as scales. Internally where she had cut him open and placed the crystal it also clearly changed internal processes. Which was the most worrying part. And why she needed the other girl to keep him stable. Use magic to keep his heart breathing while his body mutated. He even had a long serpentine tail. Also covered in blood.

It seemed gills might have also formed. Which would have worried her about how well he could breathe but he appeared to be still breathing. If a bit shallow. She would have to test more things later.

Piper was crying.

Cyclonis didn't care as heading out of the room. Leaving her Champion to clean up her mess.

As per usual.

[buridans-darkace]

The moment he'd heard Cyclonis's voice over the line, he knew he wouldn't like what she'd called him into the lower levels where the Empresses kept all their darkest secrets.

Dark secrets that made his blood boil and his stomach churn.

Austry was the only person he trusted to follow him down there and come back out in one piece, despite the current tension between them. Whatever Cyclonis had planned, he hoped it wouldn't shatter what little faith his friend may have had in him.

The halls were dark, and the air down here was stagnant. The metal walls were unnaturally clean despite so few people ever coming down here; not even housekeepers were allowed down here to keep things from getting dusty. Tension rose in his shoulders the further down they went, and he kept stealing glances at Austry for... what? Reassurance? Solidarity?

He saw Cyclonis standing outside one of the many rooms, and his expression hardened.

"What do you want?" he asked, not bothering with formalities. She didn't get any grace from him in private, not any more. Not since she'd ripped the Citadel out of its foundations, causing chaos for the masses of Cyclonia.

Crying could be heard in the other room, and it sent a chill through his blood.

What had she done?

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

He'd been surprised when Dark Ace had asked him to join him for something. Some assignment from the Empress. His stomach had dropped when they entered the dungeons. It only got worse the deeper they went and he caught the distinct scent of blood.

He stayed quiet as the approached the Empress, his eyes fixated on the door and the sound of crying inside. His skin prickled with crystal energy. What ever had happened, he knew it wasnt good. He didn't want to deal with the witch or storm hawks mage turned pet. He wanted into that room, despite the dread eating at his insides.

'Please dont be what I think...' he silently prayed.

[finnster-agilaz]

[Cyclonis POV]

"I told you. I need you to clean up." She said simply. Catching his tone and the way he was standing. She knew he could be touchy about certain things but she had assumed he wouldn't have an issue with this.

"You know how we created our Family pets and even the Nightcrawlers. I just made use of some annoying baggage." She explained. Proud of how it went, especially since she had convinced Piper to join in.

Still wanting her to join her. She would join her. Perhaps depending how much of a mind her surviving friend kept, perhaps she'd stay just to be his handler.

"Now if you'll excuse me. I have more important things to do." She said simply. Using her magic to pull Piper forward. Forcing her to follow as she turned to leave.

[buridans-darkace]

"Clean up what? What did you two do?!"

Dark Ace's voice shook the walls, and he had half a mind to march after the girls and force them to explain what had happened. But Cyclonis's words and the smell of blood stopped him from making a move for either of them.

The door was ajar, and the air was much too still.

"This isn't fucking over, Cyclonis!" he barked before shoving the door open to look inside.

What he saw was something he'd never wanted to see again. Bloodstained work surfaces, a limp body on an operating table. He could see the changes right away, and the surgical scars across the boy's body.

He almost threw up then and there, his throat spasming in an aborted attempt to keep his last meal down.

[austrydieder]

He flinched at the Dark Ace's voice, waiting behind him until the Empress was gone before entering the room. Horror and rage warred with each other over what was inside. He was shoving past his friend before he registered what he was doing. Approaching the table with quick measured steps.

"Finn?" He spoke softly, gently wiping away blood and sweat from the boys face.

Of all the things Cyclonis could decide to get into, human experiments was one of the few he couldn't justify or make excuses for. Even too himself. He looked to the Dark Ace a moment, decisions already made. He wasn't going to stick around for more of this.

He gently moved the boy's limbs. Checking his wounds, making sure everything had been closed properly. He grabbed clean rags to clean and wrap things, moving mostly on auto pilot.

"Finn can you hear me?" He asks, "you don't have to speak just move your fingers for me." He should get him to the infirmary, have an actual doctor look him over instead of Austry's limited field knowledge.

[tuffdwightwest]

Pain.

Thats all Finn could really focus on as he felt someone. Something nudging him. Force that made him tense and flinch. "No..." he whimpered. Forcing an eye open only to see Dark Ace standing there.

A pained yelp escaping him as his eyes squeezed shut. Shaking as he started to become more aware of things besides just the pain. He felt weird, different. Memories of before coming back as he forced himself to open his eyes once more.

This time recognizing the nice talon who would give him treats. "Is it over?" He asked. Hopeful when he saw him. Before whimpering when he saw Dark Ace again.

"Don't.. don't hurt me." He pleaded.

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace felt himself shaking, but he was unable to tear his eyes away from Finn as he pulled himself together. He stepped inside, ignoring Finn's whimpers. There were more clean rags, and a sheet which he brought over to Austry before shifting completely out of Finn's view.

There was a storm brewing in his chest. He'd made a lot, a lot of allowances for Cyclonis's actions under the basis that she would see reason eventually and slow down her rampage across Atmos, but this was unforgivable. Despite his disagreements with the boy, he would never have wished this on him.

"Is it safe to move him?" he asked Austry. He wanted to get out of here and take Finn as far away from this place as possible. He wanted to tear something or someone apart over this. Phantom pains made his hands and chest ache whenever he looked at the fresh surgical wounds. He was at a loss to how he could actually help. It was a feeling he'd always despised.

[austrydieder]

"I don't know yet..." Austry shook his head as he checked things over. He was worried about internal organs, potentially jostling something rhat they couldnt see.

"We're not going to hurt you, Finn. I promise. Can you tell me what hurts the most?" He asks, hoping maybe Finn could tell hi. What was the worst, then he could figure out more. He wanted to relieve the boys pain but he needed more information and trust before he started using his needles.

He could feel the rage coming off his friend as they wrapped the boy in the sheet.

Good.

He should be angry at Cyclonis for this.

[finnster-agilaz]

What hurt the most? What didn't hurt. Although closing his eyes he tried to think about.

"Lungs." He said. "Feel like, like I'm choking." He admitted. Moving to shift his position. The gills on the side of his neck opening and closing at each movement.

It was at this moment that he got a good look at his claws.

Claws.

His hands webbed and elongated. Panic settling further in his chest as he let out a scared yelp. "What-" he said before coughing. A pained moan escaping him at the pain that it caused. His new tail swishing under the blanket as he panted.

Blood sliding down his body from the still open lacerations on his body. He fought through the pain though as he reached out. Touching each fin and scale against his body. Realizing what that foreign feeling was now that he could actually see them.

And then, he started to cry.

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace's stomach turned as Finn started crying. The sound echoed against the cold metal walls of the lab. There was a faucet in the lab and he went to soak some more cloth rags in water before approaching to sponge blood away from the newly-sprouted gills in hopes it would help him breathe easier. He knew Aquinoans used similar methods to stop their gills from drying up during extended trips out of the water.

"Close your eyes and steady your breathing," he said. His voice was tight with anger and nausea. The shaking of his hands made his motions rougher than he intended. "We'll get you out of here as soon as we can."

Cyclonis could clean up her own fucking lab. If she even had a lab left to clean up once he'd calmed down.

[austrydieder]

He let Dark Ace handle the gills for now, looking through storage cabinets, roughly throwing useless items on the floor out of his way until he found the suture kit he was looking for.

"Let's get you stitched up and clean." He said softly, gently cleaning a wound. For the moment, he forced himself to ignore the tears. He needed to treat the wounds quickly. The sooner they were done the sooner he could leave with Finn. He hated what that would mean for his family, but this was a line he couldn't overlook.

He paused only briefly at Dark Ace's words, wondering if he meant out of Cyclonia.

"Think you can stand?" He asked once hed finished cleaning and dressing Finn's wounds. He stood in front of him, offering his hands for support.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

Finn hated crying. And had managed to avoid crying ever since Aerrow was killed and he was thrown into that stupid cage. Trying to be brave. Trying to be strong.

He had gotten close.

But he tried not to think about him. Or them or even himself. Dissociating had been working wonders for him.

But now.

Body wrong. Pain unlike anything he had felt before. And the one helping him was the monster that forced him here. Finn not seeing much difference between Dark Ace and Cyclonis. Yet here he was trying to wipe the blood away. Applying water at the part of him that burned. The feeling soothing but only a small reprieve from everything else.

Then Dark Aces anger filled voice reached him. Causing him to flinch. The words not even registering to him as he just started crying harder. Unable to stop it at this point.

He barely noticed what Austry was doing. Until he caught sight of the needles. Tensing before he realized what he was doing. Reminding himself that this was the Pie Cyclonian. He had always been kind.

He managed at that point to first here Dark Ace promise to let him out of here. As well as Austry's question of if he could stand. Offering himself for support.

He didn't know if he could. But sniffling he knew he had to try. Shifting he pushed himself off of the operating table. Only slightly stumbling. Taking a deep breath, he looked down at himself now that he was standing.

Seeing the quick stitch Austry had given him. The new scales along his body. He was longer too. Not just cause of his 'tail' behind him. If he could even call it that. It had arms and he could move them, if a bit clumsy.

"She turned me into a monster." He realized. Instead of crying this time though he just started laughing. "Not the first time she did this to me either." He said. His laugh more shrill and panicked not amused but afraid.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace sighed, "It helps if you don't look at it. Come on, let's get you someplace else, where she won't come near you."

He considered leading the way to his personal quarters, where Finn would be able to rest in an actual bed and perhaps take a shower while he and Austry talked about what to do next. But then he remembered how Cyclonis had been invading his private spaces more and more as of late. If she found out the newest subject of her curiosities was there, she could snatch him back whenever she felt like it.

"Do you still take supplies out to the Terra of Thorns?" he asked Austry. If the boy was fit to fly, then the unmapped Terra would be one of the safest places to take him.

The muffled sound of thunder made him look up, concerned. There hadn't been a storm in today's forecast so where had that come from? Hopefully it wouldn't stop them from flying.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

"You are not a monster." Austry said firmly, lifting Finn's arm across his shoulders to better support him, "she's changed you, yes. But that does not make you a monster." He could hear the fear in the boys voice, he didn't know how quite to help him other than give him something to lean on.

"Come on, one step at a time."

He glanced at Dark Ace again wondering what his plan was exactly. They needed to leave the terra, not just this lab.

The question of the Terra of Thorns was a relief. It meant exactly what Austry had been hoping for. If Dark Ace left too over this... there was a good chance there would be consequences for the Empress she wouldn't be able to overlook.

"I do, yes." He nodded, "we could probably find a transport ship." The suggestion came out the same time as thunder rumbled outside. He wasn't exactly surprised to hear it considering Dark Ace's mood. The weather always weirdly seeming to coincide with the man's temper.

"It'll be better than trying to leave on skimmers, between his tail and the weather."

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

It helps if you don't look at it. You are not a monster.

He didn't really find comfort in those words. But still tried. Looking away and instead keeping his eyes forward on the two in front of him.

Letting Austry guide him away from the bed. Feeling unsteady with the new weight and feel of his body.

His next words confused him even more. Somewhere else? "Wait-" he said softly barely audible as he tried to piece together what that meant.

The more they talked though he wondered. Were they... saving him? They weren't going to just throw him into a dungeon.

"Why are you? Are you helping me?" He asked unsure. Tail swishing behind him. Almost knocking him off of his feet as he messed up the movement of them.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace caught Finn by the shoulder before he could fall to the floor. His expression was gravely serious as the boy questioned why he was helping him.

"There's lines even I won't cross," he explained. "What Cyclonis has done to you is one of them."

Even though it didn't make the boy a monster, Cyclonis had committed an egregious violation that Dark Ace refused to stand by. If she could so easily do that to someone she saw as a trophy, who else was she willing to twist and break to fit her whims?

"There should be some transport ships in the southeast hangar," he said to Austry as they led Finn out of the lower levels. "I'm going to get Duchess from my quarters and I'll meet you there. Is there anything you want me to grab?"

He really wasn't sure when, or even if, he'd come back at this point and there were a few things he didn't want to leave behind. Some stubborn part of him was still reluctant to leave and abandon his duties, still sure that he could find a way to fix things from here, but one look at Finn was enough to shut those thoughts down.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

Austry kept walking focused on just getting them to the southeast hangar. Simply shaking his head at Dark Ace's question. He didn't keep many personal items here anymore, what he did have was either already on him or could easily be replaced, like his wire works. Though...

"My mask... I keep it in my foot locker, under a false bottom." He didn't need anyone finding that. His friend could know the truth, he already knew he was an assassin for the Empress anyways.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

His eyes were wide and scared as Dark Ace said that to him. Cyclonis crossed a line to him. And that is why he was angry.

He just nodded.

Growing quiet as he walked with them. Too tired and shocked to say much as they listed off what they might need. Still a bit uncertain what could happen. But despite his fears he found himself just numb. If they were actually just leading him out to kill him fine. At this point he didn't even care. He was tired and in pain and... missed Aerrow dearly.

Aerrow would have been stronger then him at this moment. He still couldn't believe Piper helped, why did she helped. This whole time... did she really hate him that much? Was that why they always sent him away or left him behind.

Did she... did they, not believe in him?

He almost felt like crying again as they arrived at the hanger. But held it together as Dark Ace ran off. Stepping into the ship that they were preparing. Before finding the closest soft thing to lay down on. His tail wrapping close against him. An instinctive thing that was already forming within him as it moved to cover his more sensitive and vulnerable spots.

He wanted to ask questions. Be brave. He wasn't though. He was tired. He was hurt. Walking here was already him going over his limit. So closing his eyes, he fell unconscious soon afterwards.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace moved as swiftly as possible, getting Duchess and packing a few spare clothes into a bag before getting Austry's mask. He barely paused to look at it before packing it up. Stopping by his office on the way to the hangar, he scratched out a hurried note to Cara Cara with some instructions for her and to not expect him back for a while. He trusted his secretadg to be able to carry out what might be his final orders to her as a commander.

All in all, it didn't take long before he'd rejoined Austry and Finn at the transport ship. His eyes lingered on the boy's unconscious form for a moment before he went to help finish preparing for travel.

His heart was hammering in his chest as they took off, and he felt his hands shaking again. The anger and dread and that sick, haunted feeling he'd been trying to suppress this whole time was starting to catch up to him. It caught in his throat when he tried to say something to Austry, only coming out as a strangled croaking noise.

Fuck, not now… Fine, he wouldn't say anything. He'd just focus on the journey ahead. What would talking even do for him anyway?

Rain lashed against the ship's windows and thunder rumbled all around them, matching the tumultuous feelings rising up in his chest.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

As Finn lay down Austry grabbed another blanket to throw over him. Carefully tucking it around his back and tail. Duchess stayed near Dark Ace when he returned but did sniff the boy, her ears flattened in that way she would whenever the champion was wounded.

"I know your job is to look after Feathers, but i think he needs you too right now." He said softly, touching her head before looking at Finn, "Its not a very long flight, I promise." He assured him even as he quickly passed out. He'd definitely need antibiotics and painkillers once they arrived. Austry had stashed plenty over the years.

Joining Dark Ace at the controls he started the ships engines, sending them off into the storm. He heard the croak as Dark Ace tried to speak, knowing what was happening. He reached over and simply took his friends hand, he didn't need to speak for this.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

Finn woke again just as they appeared to be landing at their destination. Still tired, still scared but he found it easier to calm this time. Confused when he saw a dog. And the two holding hands.

Looking away as he slowly looked over himself again. Taking a shuddering breath as he took a quiet moment just to inspect himself. What he was now. He looked like some type of fish, he realized. Maybe thats why his lungs hurt so much?

Feeling his gills they felt dried and in pain. Foreign to his touch and sensitive. Pulling away he stared at the claws he had and the webbing on his hands.

Yeah definetly some type of fish. Moving to get up, it was as if everything hurt more now that he rested then it did before. A yelp escaping him as he moved in a way that jostled his stitches. Deciding to stay where he was instead. New leg on his 'tail' kicking as he pushed the new form of himself closer to him.

Taking the time to look over the colors of what he could only describe as a beastly form of himself. It was probably disingenuous to call it a tail. It wasn't. It was an extra piece of body. Uncertain of its place but still there.

Despite his hatred of what happened to himself. He had to admit his scales were beautiful. Almost iridescent in the light. His mind wrestled between the thoughts of this being him and completely denying it.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace gave Austry a grateful look, squeezing his hand gently. He heard Finn yelp and turned around to look at the boy. Duchess was pressing her nose against Finn's arm the way she would do to Dark Ace when her usual deep pressure training wasn't an option. At least the kid was in good paws.

He made sure the ship stayed beneath the clouds as they flew to the Terra of Thorns, occasionally flying above them to check landmarks and make absolutely sure they were going in the right direction. The storm seemed to follow their little transport ship, conveniently obscuring them from any passing warships along the way.

Eventually, their destination came into view. A graveyard of abandoned ships overgrown with thorn bushes. It looked almost barren, but he and Austry knew that life hid just beneath the surface. He landed by the old husk of a decommissioned warship and cut the engines. But he didn't let himself feel relief just yet.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

Austry stood, letting go of Dark Ace's hand and stepped out of the ship. It was pouring rain already, though he couldnt help but think how nice the water would probably feel to Finn. His gills looked pretty shriveled up currently.

"The outside looks a lot worse than it actually is." He smiled awkwardly as he stepped back inside the transport ship, "Think you can walk again? The Captain's cabin has a bath you could probably fully submerge in." He offered his hands again, Duchess backing up a step but ready to press against the boys side the minute she could.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

The dog suddenly touching him made him jump. Eyes wide as he turned to stare at Dutchess. She didn't look like she wanted to bite him so he tried to calm himself.

He didn't react much as the others walked away. Flinching at the sound of thunder. But staying where he was. As Austry returned he was instantly locked back into him.

At the question of walking again, he looked down at himself. At the mention of a bath though. His eyes just widened in concern again. "Is that- that will help?" He asked. Voice small, so unlike how he normally sounded.

He knew it probably would. He wasn't blind. But the idea of it. Was so terrifying. He didn't end up answering any of his questions. As he just curled up where he was.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

"It should at least help a little," Dark Ace said, waiting just inside the ship entrance in case Austry and Finn needed help. "At the very least you can clean yourself up. We can get you something to eat too. If you're up for it, that is."

He was already thinking over what to make. Something simple and easy to keep down for certain. Hopefully Finn's internal biology hadn't changed too much that he couldn't eat normal food.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

"Ooh, lucky you. Dark Ace's cooking is a real treat." Austry smiled, helping Finn to his feet and guiding him from the transport to the older abandoned carrier ship. Taking him in through a giant hole in the side of the ship. The inside was surprisingly well maintained despite the exterior. Newer panels clearly replaced broken ones. furniture sat in places, not new but not original either.

He walked them deeper into the ship until the arrived at the captains quarters. The room divided into a sitting room and a bedroom. A side door leading off to a private bath.

Austry had at some point replaced the ratty rotting mattress for something more comfortable with clean sheets. He set Finn there before heading to the bathroom.

"Ill get the water going. What sounds better, hot or cool?" He asked, giving him the option.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

Finn just stared when he was offered food. Looking owlishly back at Austry as he said that Dark Ace was apparently good at cooking. The old carrier ship was familiar. It wasn't the condor but the familiarity of it. Did help relax him as he followed the other two.

Sitting on the bed, he watched as Austry went to the bath. Before asking him what temperature. He wasn't sure honestly, "Not... not too hot but not cold?" He said. His voice sounded stranger, the sharper teeth and different tongue felt weird. Part of why he also wasn't talking.

He got up instead of sitting, as he approached Austry. Stepping into the bathroom as he looked around. "My eyes are different." He said. Bringing a hand up as he forced himself to stare at himself again.

Trying to calm himself but it ended up just causing him fear instead. "What did she do to me?" He whimpered.

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace left them to it, splitting off and entering the kitchen where he just planted his hands on the counter and stared at the chrome surface. The nausea he'd felt upon first seeing the lab was coming back. He could feel his whole body start to shake, his knees were weak and it felt like his head was under water. Outside, the storm grew in intensity, lashing rain down on the ship and growling thunder like it was some beast trying to break through the hull.

Slowly, he sank down onto his knees as the past few weeks finally caught up to him. The last few hours were the final straw. Duchess was immediately pressing up against him but he barely registered her attempts to ground him.

Two years.

The last two years had been a complete waste. Killing Anarchis had lead to Cyclonis turning out to be just as bad as her despite his efforts to steer her away from repeating her grandmother's mistakes. Sparing Aerrow had just ended in him killing the boy anyway and one of his teammates being subject to something he'd sworn to never let happen again. The Empire was at risk of cannibalising itself in Cyclonis's endless desire for conquest, stretching resources and military forces too thin and breeding nothing but avarice on all sides. His best friend could hardly look at him. The regret and disgust he'd been trying to shove down was finally rearing its ugly head.

Numb fingers tangled in Duchess's fur. Calm. He needed to calm down in case Austry came in. Why couldn't he just calm down? He wasn't even the one who'd been torn apart this time.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

Austry nodded and set about getting the water going. He'd replaced the aqua stones for the captains bath and the kitchen when he could afford the crystals. It was definitely worth the investment. He glanced at Finn when he joined him, sitting on the edge of the bath.

"To be honest... I don't know. Fused you with some sort of far side crystal." He stood, pulling Finn away from the mirror, "I know you want to focus on the what and the why but we should get you stable first. I know this is scary, trust me, I know what you're going through, so does Feathers. We're going to get you through this, I promise."

He kept Finn turned towards him, guiding him to the water as the storm picked up outside.

"Im... ill be right back, okay? Im going to see how food is coming along."

He kept his pace calm as he left the bathroom, only to break into a sprint once he was back in the hall. He didn't stop until he was in the kitchen, finding Duchess pressed against Dark Ace kneeling on the floor.

" I was afraid of that." He sighed, stepping closer, "Feathers, come back to me. Please?"

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

Fused with some sort of far side crystal. That was putting it lightly in his opinion. At him trying to comfort him, he just nodded. He was letting him guide him before he went to leave. Watching his retreating form as he ran off. Each movement of his body easy to track. Almost as if he would know each small movement before he even did it. The slight stumble as he took the corner too wide, caught before Austry even felt the effect.

Finn looked away once he was around the corner. Feeling the water with his hand, it felt nice. He always liked the sea but had never felt at home with it. Hesitating a moment he pulled his hand back. Taking a moment to breathe, to prepare himself before finally moving to get into the water.

Instantly the effect of it was noticed. The itchy pain of his new scales softening as the water wrapped around him. His lungs didn't hurt as much either as he fully submerged himself. It was small, smaller then his new shape needed but it was something. He felt more flexible, able to wrap his lower tail around himself. In a comforting embrace. Similar to what he did before but it was more natural in the water.

He briefly wondered if this was what the Aquanosian felt like but in some ways he realized he was different from them. Similar but as similar as human was to a Wallop.

Closing his eyes, he just listened to the water around him. It had an almost song to it. Adjusted by each one of his movements. But muted due to the size. It was an unnatural place for water. Something he felt like he shouldn't know.

And yet he was learning anyway.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

He noticed Austry coming in through the haze of panic, but didn't quite register his friend's words.

"You were right," he gasped out between unsteady breaths. "We would have been better off losing."

He should have done more, been firmer with Cyclonis and less subversive with Aerrow. Should have kept a closer eye on the cells and intervened with Cyclonis's Far Side bullshit sooner, maybe then he wouldn't have failed again to keep another kid from being torn apart and put back together wrong. What kind of Champion let their Empress step all over them and ran away when she finally crossed one too many lines?

A weak one. The words echoed in his head and cut through him the same way Anarchis used to.

"You should be with Finn. He needs you more than I do."

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

"We can still fix things." Austry coaxed, trying to keep Dakr Ace's eyes on him, give him something else to focus on, "we can make things right. Not perfect, not the same but healed."

He shook his head when Dark Ace tried to send him away. Gently taking his hands in his.

"Finn isn't currently having a panic attack, you are." He glanced at Duchess, whos ears were laid back, clearly upset her usual tricks weren't working. "Go keep an eye on Finn, I got this." He told her before focusing back on his friend. She whined but did as he asked.

"Freathers... whats 5 things you can see?" He asked deciding to try a technique his uncle had taught him.

@finnster-agilaz

[buridans-darkace]

How could they possibly fix this before it completely broke down?

He shuddered slightly when Duchess left and clung onto Austry's hands for stability. The fact that Finn wasn't actively panicking right now didn't reassure him all that much. But the thought was quickly washed away by another wave of panic that he had to fight to stay focused through.

Five things he could see... Five things. His eyes darted around trying to settle on something.

"I see... you, the fridge... the stove. The pan rack. And the storm outside," he listed off between deep breaths.

[austrydieder]

"Thats it. Keep going," he encouraged squeezing Dark Ace's hands, he didn't care that the last thing wasn't technically something they could see. He just needed his friend to ground himself, to calm down.

"Now, 4 things you can touch." He coaxed waiting for an answer before moving on to the next steps, 3 things he could hear, 2 things he could smell, 1 thing he could taste.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Rainwater that had gotten in his hair on the way in, the weight of his armour, the hard floor panels and Austry's hands,

The creaking of the ship's hull, a distant roll of thunder, and the humming of the fridge,

Dried rosemary and some sort of cleaning chemical,

He struggled a bit with the taste one before settling on toothpaste.

With each sense he listed off, Dark Ace did manage to come back to himself. His breathing evened out and his heartbeat wasn't so loud in his ears. He felt exhausted though.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, leaning forward until his forehead met Austry's. "I don't know why that was so difficult this time."

Pins and needles were starting to set into his legs and he began pulling himself up onto his feet before they fell asleep. Some part of him was still looking for a distraction, fixated on being helpful by making dinner.

"It feels like everything I've tried to do hasn't meant anything."

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

"Don't, you have nothing to apologize for." Austry reasured him, putting a hand on the back of his friends neck when he pressed their foreheads together, holding him for a second before letting go so the could stand.

"You've done so much, and made a difference for so many. Myself included."

He waited until the Dark Ace's pulse had slowed down a bit more before letting him go.

"Why don't I help you make dinner? Then we can both go back and check on Finn." He trusted Duchess to keep the boy calm until they were able to return to him.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

He believed what Austry said, but there was still that nagging voice in the back of his mind insisting that he hadn't done enough. It had been kept quiet for years, but now it was back again, pervasive and pulling him back down into the dark pit he kept finding himself in on a more frequently occurring basis.

"Some help would be nice," he agreed as he started looking through the cupboards, refreshing his memory on what Austry kept here. There were tinned beans and tomatoes, some onions that hadn't sprouted yet, among other things. "Do you think he'd be able to stomach braised bean soup?"

There was no way of telling how much Finn's internal biology had changed and if he could still digest the same things as normal. Dark Ace wasn't exactly looking to experiment right now and risk making him sick.

He started with rinsing off the beans and got out a chopping board and a pan. This probably wouldn't take very long to make.

@austrydieder

[finnster-agilaz]

The dog was back.

He stared at it panting above him as he looked up at it through the water. Did they know a dog ended up on the ship? It seemed friendly at least. So lifting up out of the water, he reached out hesitantly. Touching its head, flinching as it leaned into it. Before relaxing.

His hand didn't even feel or look like it should as he pushed it through the beasts fur. "I can smell you." He said after a moment. "And not, like i know where you- you've been around Dark Ace a lot haven't you?" He said.

So it must be Dark Aces dog. Lowering his hand, he felt his tears threatening to come back. The dog instantly coming to bump its nose against him. "I'm not supposed to be like this." He mumbled.

Looking down at himself again. The bath felt nice and was washing away the blood on him. As well as easing what he now realized was gills. He wasn't breathing properly still though. His lungs hurt but less then before. Getting better.

Shifting he decided to get out of the bath. It was kind of dirty at this point. Stepping out he didn't dry himself off as he tested standing again. Namely his large snake like tail? Extra body? He wasn't sure what to consider it. It had legs and didn't feel like a tail. Well not all of it. He flicked the end of the tail watching it move around. Yeah that was the tail. The rest... something else.

He did wonder though. Biting his lip he let it take his full weight. Surprised when he was able to lift himself. Pulling his legs up to his chest as he held onto them. Taking a step with the new part of his body. He could do it although it felt different then how he'd normally walk. Like he was... Slithering, the legs just helping to adjust the direction. It felt like gliding.

Lowering himself back down he felt his heart start to hammer again. The dog once more touching him and making him jump. "Stop doing that." He snapped. The dog just let out a small whine. Making Finn feel a bit bad about yelling at it.

"Sorry." He mumbled.

[buridans-darkace]

Mini timeskip - About 20 minutes..

They finished the soup in good time and companionable quiet. Warm spices and the sharp tang of cooking tomatoes filled the kitchen. Dark Ace ladelled it into bowls, passed one to Austry and carried his own portion and one for Finn to the captain's quarters.

He whistled for Duchess as he came in, the dog hurried to his side and circled him, whining.

«I know, I'm sorry good girl,» he murmured, setting one of the bowls on the desk in the room so that he could scratch her between the ears. He looked over at Finn, "We made soup if you're hungry."

He thought about asking the boy if he was alright, but he would probably be sick of that question before long. Best not to hasten that along and besides, Austry was probably the better person to be asking those sorts of questions.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

Austry didn't eat at first, instead simply watching his friend and their new ward. He and Duchess were going to have their hands and paws, full.

"How was the bath? Did it help?" He asked, noting he was still soaking wet. Thought with his new features the water was probably preferable. Could they undo it? Or would that be just a painful?

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

@austrydieder @buridans-darkace

Closed RP- Continuation of Scenario 1

TW: Human Experimentation

[Cyclonis POV]

A sense of satisfaction was heavy as the machines around her started to power down. Smiling at Piper who she had forced to help her with this. She needed someone to stabalize her project and she knew her affection for the boy would have her give it her all to keep him alive. And as long as he made it through the night, it seemed to be a success. Despite how shallow his breathing was.

The coppery scent of blood was thick in the air. As giving Piper a moment as she tried to comfort and apologize to the unconscious boy on the table; Cyclonis moved to make a direct line call to Dark Ace.

Informing him to come to the dungeons. A secret part of the castle that only a select few even knew existed. She also told him to bring a trusted friend. That he would need it for clean up. Leaving him to guard the room and watch and inform her of any changes with him.

Once certain he was on her way. She returned to Piper. Activating her crystal to force the other girl to move taking one more moment to look down at the boy.

The sharpshooter from the Storm Hawks. Technically her property since the war had ended and she took them on as a prisoner. She needed someone to test a crystal she had found in the Far Side. Unsure of what the effects might even be as she worked on it.

Now following his name sake, the boy seemed to have bloodied fins all over his body as well as scales. Internally where she had cut him open and placed the crystal it also clearly changed internal processes. Which was the most worrying part. And why she needed the other girl to keep him stable. Use magic to keep his heart breathing while his body mutated. He even had a long serpentine tail. Also covered in blood.

It seemed gills might have also formed. Which would have worried her about how well he could breathe but he appeared to be still breathing. If a bit shallow. She would have to test more things later.

Piper was crying.

Cyclonis didn't care as heading out of the room. Leaving her Champion to clean up her mess.

As per usual.

[buridans-darkace]

The moment he'd heard Cyclonis's voice over the line, he knew he wouldn't like what she'd called him into the lower levels where the Empresses kept all their darkest secrets.

Dark secrets that made his blood boil and his stomach churn.

Austry was the only person he trusted to follow him down there and come back out in one piece, despite the current tension between them. Whatever Cyclonis had planned, he hoped it wouldn't shatter what little faith his friend may have had in him.

The halls were dark, and the air down here was stagnant. The metal walls were unnaturally clean despite so few people ever coming down here; not even housekeepers were allowed down here to keep things from getting dusty. Tension rose in his shoulders the further down they went, and he kept stealing glances at Austry for... what? Reassurance? Solidarity?

He saw Cyclonis standing outside one of the many rooms, and his expression hardened.

"What do you want?" he asked, not bothering with formalities. She didn't get any grace from him in private, not any more. Not since she'd ripped the Citadel out of its foundations, causing chaos for the masses of Cyclonia.

Crying could be heard in the other room, and it sent a chill through his blood.

What had she done?

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

He'd been surprised when Dark Ace had asked him to join him for something. Some assignment from the Empress. His stomach had dropped when they entered the dungeons. It only got worse the deeper they went and he caught the distinct scent of blood.

He stayed quiet as the approached the Empress, his eyes fixated on the door and the sound of crying inside. His skin prickled with crystal energy. What ever had happened, he knew it wasnt good. He didn't want to deal with the witch or storm hawks mage turned pet. He wanted into that room, despite the dread eating at his insides.

'Please dont be what I think...' he silently prayed.

[finnster-agilaz]

[Cyclonis POV]

"I told you. I need you to clean up." She said simply. Catching his tone and the way he was standing. She knew he could be touchy about certain things but she had assumed he wouldn't have an issue with this.

"You know how we created our Family pets and even the Nightcrawlers. I just made use of some annoying baggage." She explained. Proud of how it went, especially since she had convinced Piper to join in.

Still wanting her to join her. She would join her. Perhaps depending how much of a mind her surviving friend kept, perhaps she'd stay just to be his handler.

"Now if you'll excuse me. I have more important things to do." She said simply. Using her magic to pull Piper forward. Forcing her to follow as she turned to leave.

[buridans-darkace]

"Clean up what? What did you two do?!"

Dark Ace's voice shook the walls, and he had half a mind to march after the girls and force them to explain what had happened. But Cyclonis's words and the smell of blood stopped him from making a move for either of them.

The door was ajar, and the air was much too still.

"This isn't fucking over, Cyclonis!" he barked before shoving the door open to look inside.

What he saw was something he'd never wanted to see again. Bloodstained work surfaces, a limp body on an operating table. He could see the changes right away, and the surgical scars across the boy's body.

He almost threw up then and there, his throat spasming in an aborted attempt to keep his last meal down.

[austrydieder]

He flinched at the Dark Ace's voice, waiting behind him until the Empress was gone before entering the room. Horror and rage warred with each other over what was inside. He was shoving past his friend before he registered what he was doing. Approaching the table with quick measured steps.

"Finn?" He spoke softly, gently wiping away blood and sweat from the boys face.

Of all the things Cyclonis could decide to get into, human experiments was one of the few he couldn't justify or make excuses for. Even too himself. He looked to the Dark Ace a moment, decisions already made. He wasn't going to stick around for more of this.

He gently moved the boy's limbs. Checking his wounds, making sure everything had been closed properly. He grabbed clean rags to clean and wrap things, moving mostly on auto pilot.

"Finn can you hear me?" He asks, "you don't have to speak just move your fingers for me." He should get him to the infirmary, have an actual doctor look him over instead of Austry's limited field knowledge.

[tuffdwightwest]

Pain.

Thats all Finn could really focus on as he felt someone. Something nudging him. Force that made him tense and flinch. "No..." he whimpered. Forcing an eye open only to see Dark Ace standing there.

A pained yelp escaping him as his eyes squeezed shut. Shaking as he started to become more aware of things besides just the pain. He felt weird, different. Memories of before coming back as he forced himself to open his eyes once more.

This time recognizing the nice talon who would give him treats. "Is it over?" He asked. Hopeful when he saw him. Before whimpering when he saw Dark Ace again.

"Don't.. don't hurt me." He pleaded.

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace felt himself shaking, but he was unable to tear his eyes away from Finn as he pulled himself together. He stepped inside, ignoring Finn's whimpers. There were more clean rags, and a sheet which he brought over to Austry before shifting completely out of Finn's view.

There was a storm brewing in his chest. He'd made a lot, a lot of allowances for Cyclonis's actions under the basis that she would see reason eventually and slow down her rampage across Atmos, but this was unforgivable. Despite his disagreements with the boy, he would never have wished this on him.

"Is it safe to move him?" he asked Austry. He wanted to get out of here and take Finn as far away from this place as possible. He wanted to tear something or someone apart over this. Phantom pains made his hands and chest ache whenever he looked at the fresh surgical wounds. He was at a loss to how he could actually help. It was a feeling he'd always despised.

[austrydieder]

"I don't know yet..." Austry shook his head as he checked things over. He was worried about internal organs, potentially jostling something rhat they couldnt see.

"We're not going to hurt you, Finn. I promise. Can you tell me what hurts the most?" He asks, hoping maybe Finn could tell hi. What was the worst, then he could figure out more. He wanted to relieve the boys pain but he needed more information and trust before he started using his needles.

He could feel the rage coming off his friend as they wrapped the boy in the sheet.

Good.

He should be angry at Cyclonis for this.

[finnster-agilaz]

What hurt the most? What didn't hurt. Although closing his eyes he tried to think about.

"Lungs." He said. "Feel like, like I'm choking." He admitted. Moving to shift his position. The gills on the side of his neck opening and closing at each movement.

It was at this moment that he got a good look at his claws.

Claws.

His hands webbed and elongated. Panic settling further in his chest as he let out a scared yelp. "What-" he said before coughing. A pained moan escaping him at the pain that it caused. His new tail swishing under the blanket as he panted.

Blood sliding down his body from the still open lacerations on his body. He fought through the pain though as he reached out. Touching each fin and scale against his body. Realizing what that foreign feeling was now that he could actually see them.

And then, he started to cry.

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace's stomach turned as Finn started crying. The sound echoed against the cold metal walls of the lab. There was a faucet in the lab and he went to soak some more cloth rags in water before approaching to sponge blood away from the newly-sprouted gills in hopes it would help him breathe easier. He knew Aquinoans used similar methods to stop their gills from drying up during extended trips out of the water.

"Close your eyes and steady your breathing," he said. His voice was tight with anger and nausea. The shaking of his hands made his motions rougher than he intended. "We'll get you out of here as soon as we can."

Cyclonis could clean up her own fucking lab. If she even had a lab left to clean up once he'd calmed down.

[austrydieder]

He let Dark Ace handle the gills for now, looking through storage cabinets, roughly throwing useless items on the floor out of his way until he found the suture kit he was looking for.

"Let's get you stitched up and clean." He said softly, gently cleaning a wound. For the moment, he forced himself to ignore the tears. He needed to treat the wounds quickly. The sooner they were done the sooner he could leave with Finn. He hated what that would mean for his family, but this was a line he couldn't overlook.

He paused only briefly at Dark Ace's words, wondering if he meant out of Cyclonia.

"Think you can stand?" He asked once hed finished cleaning and dressing Finn's wounds. He stood in front of him, offering his hands for support.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

Finn hated crying. And had managed to avoid crying ever since Aerrow was killed and he was thrown into that stupid cage. Trying to be brave. Trying to be strong.

He had gotten close.

But he tried not to think about him. Or them or even himself. Dissociating had been working wonders for him.

But now.

Body wrong. Pain unlike anything he had felt before. And the one helping him was the monster that forced him here. Finn not seeing much difference between Dark Ace and Cyclonis. Yet here he was trying to wipe the blood away. Applying water at the part of him that burned. The feeling soothing but only a small reprieve from everything else.

Then Dark Aces anger filled voice reached him. Causing him to flinch. The words not even registering to him as he just started crying harder. Unable to stop it at this point.

He barely noticed what Austry was doing. Until he caught sight of the needles. Tensing before he realized what he was doing. Reminding himself that this was the Pie Cyclonian. He had always been kind.

He managed at that point to first here Dark Ace promise to let him out of here. As well as Austry's question of if he could stand. Offering himself for support.

He didn't know if he could. But sniffling he knew he had to try. Shifting he pushed himself off of the operating table. Only slightly stumbling. Taking a deep breath, he looked down at himself now that he was standing.

Seeing the quick stitch Austry had given him. The new scales along his body. He was longer too. Not just cause of his 'tail' behind him. If he could even call it that. It had arms and he could move them, if a bit clumsy.

"She turned me into a monster." He realized. Instead of crying this time though he just started laughing. "Not the first time she did this to me either." He said. His laugh more shrill and panicked not amused but afraid.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace sighed, "It helps if you don't look at it. Come on, let's get you someplace else, where she won't come near you."

He considered leading the way to his personal quarters, where Finn would be able to rest in an actual bed and perhaps take a shower while he and Austry talked about what to do next. But then he remembered how Cyclonis had been invading his private spaces more and more as of late. If she found out the newest subject of her curiosities was there, she could snatch him back whenever she felt like it.

"Do you still take supplies out to the Terra of Thorns?" he asked Austry. If the boy was fit to fly, then the unmapped Terra would be one of the safest places to take him.

The muffled sound of thunder made him look up, concerned. There hadn't been a storm in today's forecast so where had that come from? Hopefully it wouldn't stop them from flying.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

"You are not a monster." Austry said firmly, lifting Finn's arm across his shoulders to better support him, "she's changed you, yes. But that does not make you a monster." He could hear the fear in the boys voice, he didn't know how quite to help him other than give him something to lean on.

"Come on, one step at a time."

He glanced at Dark Ace again wondering what his plan was exactly. They needed to leave the terra, not just this lab.

The question of the Terra of Thorns was a relief. It meant exactly what Austry had been hoping for. If Dark Ace left too over this... there was a good chance there would be consequences for the Empress she wouldn't be able to overlook.

"I do, yes." He nodded, "we could probably find a transport ship." The suggestion came out the same time as thunder rumbled outside. He wasn't exactly surprised to hear it considering Dark Ace's mood. The weather always weirdly seeming to coincide with the man's temper.

"It'll be better than trying to leave on skimmers, between his tail and the weather."

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

It helps if you don't look at it. You are not a monster.

He didn't really find comfort in those words. But still tried. Looking away and instead keeping his eyes forward on the two in front of him.

Letting Austry guide him away from the bed. Feeling unsteady with the new weight and feel of his body.

His next words confused him even more. Somewhere else? "Wait-" he said softly barely audible as he tried to piece together what that meant.

The more they talked though he wondered. Were they... saving him? They weren't going to just throw him into a dungeon.

"Why are you? Are you helping me?" He asked unsure. Tail swishing behind him. Almost knocking him off of his feet as he messed up the movement of them.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace caught Finn by the shoulder before he could fall to the floor. His expression was gravely serious as the boy questioned why he was helping him.

"There's lines even I won't cross," he explained. "What Cyclonis has done to you is one of them."

Even though it didn't make the boy a monster, Cyclonis had committed an egregious violation that Dark Ace refused to stand by. If she could so easily do that to someone she saw as a trophy, who else was she willing to twist and break to fit her whims?

"There should be some transport ships in the southeast hangar," he said to Austry as they led Finn out of the lower levels. "I'm going to get Duchess from my quarters and I'll meet you there. Is there anything you want me to grab?"

He really wasn't sure when, or even if, he'd come back at this point and there were a few things he didn't want to leave behind. Some stubborn part of him was still reluctant to leave and abandon his duties, still sure that he could find a way to fix things from here, but one look at Finn was enough to shut those thoughts down.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

Austry kept walking focused on just getting them to the southeast hangar. Simply shaking his head at Dark Ace's question. He didn't keep many personal items here anymore, what he did have was either already on him or could easily be replaced, like his wire works. Though...

"My mask... I keep it in my foot locker, under a false bottom." He didn't need anyone finding that. His friend could know the truth, he already knew he was an assassin for the Empress anyways.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

His eyes were wide and scared as Dark Ace said that to him. Cyclonis crossed a line to him. And that is why he was angry.

He just nodded.

Growing quiet as he walked with them. Too tired and shocked to say much as they listed off what they might need. Still a bit uncertain what could happen. But despite his fears he found himself just numb. If they were actually just leading him out to kill him fine. At this point he didn't even care. He was tired and in pain and... missed Aerrow dearly.

Aerrow would have been stronger then him at this moment. He still couldn't believe Piper helped, why did she helped. This whole time... did she really hate him that much? Was that why they always sent him away or left him behind.

Did she... did they, not believe in him?

He almost felt like crying again as they arrived at the hanger. But held it together as Dark Ace ran off. Stepping into the ship that they were preparing. Before finding the closest soft thing to lay down on. His tail wrapping close against him. An instinctive thing that was already forming within him as it moved to cover his more sensitive and vulnerable spots.

He wanted to ask questions. Be brave. He wasn't though. He was tired. He was hurt. Walking here was already him going over his limit. So closing his eyes, he fell unconscious soon afterwards.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace moved as swiftly as possible, getting Duchess and packing a few spare clothes into a bag before getting Austry's mask. He barely paused to look at it before packing it up. Stopping by his office on the way to the hangar, he scratched out a hurried note to Cara Cara with some instructions for her and to not expect him back for a while. He trusted his secretadg to be able to carry out what might be his final orders to her as a commander.

All in all, it didn't take long before he'd rejoined Austry and Finn at the transport ship. His eyes lingered on the boy's unconscious form for a moment before he went to help finish preparing for travel.

His heart was hammering in his chest as they took off, and he felt his hands shaking again. The anger and dread and that sick, haunted feeling he'd been trying to suppress this whole time was starting to catch up to him. It caught in his throat when he tried to say something to Austry, only coming out as a strangled croaking noise.

Fuck, not now… Fine, he wouldn't say anything. He'd just focus on the journey ahead. What would talking even do for him anyway?

Rain lashed against the ship's windows and thunder rumbled all around them, matching the tumultuous feelings rising up in his chest.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

As Finn lay down Austry grabbed another blanket to throw over him. Carefully tucking it around his back and tail. Duchess stayed near Dark Ace when he returned but did sniff the boy, her ears flattened in that way she would whenever the champion was wounded.

"I know your job is to look after Feathers, but i think he needs you too right now." He said softly, touching her head before looking at Finn, "Its not a very long flight, I promise." He assured him even as he quickly passed out. He'd definitely need antibiotics and painkillers once they arrived. Austry had stashed plenty over the years.

Joining Dark Ace at the controls he started the ships engines, sending them off into the storm. He heard the croak as Dark Ace tried to speak, knowing what was happening. He reached over and simply took his friends hand, he didn't need to speak for this.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

Finn woke again just as they appeared to be landing at their destination. Still tired, still scared but he found it easier to calm this time. Confused when he saw a dog. And the two holding hands.

Looking away as he slowly looked over himself again. Taking a shuddering breath as he took a quiet moment just to inspect himself. What he was now. He looked like some type of fish, he realized. Maybe thats why his lungs hurt so much?

Feeling his gills they felt dried and in pain. Foreign to his touch and sensitive. Pulling away he stared at the claws he had and the webbing on his hands.

Yeah definetly some type of fish. Moving to get up, it was as if everything hurt more now that he rested then it did before. A yelp escaping him as he moved in a way that jostled his stitches. Deciding to stay where he was instead. New leg on his 'tail' kicking as he pushed the new form of himself closer to him.

Taking the time to look over the colors of what he could only describe as a beastly form of himself. It was probably disingenuous to call it a tail. It wasn't. It was an extra piece of body. Uncertain of its place but still there.

Despite his hatred of what happened to himself. He had to admit his scales were beautiful. Almost iridescent in the light. His mind wrestled between the thoughts of this being him and completely denying it.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace gave Austry a grateful look, squeezing his hand gently. He heard Finn yelp and turned around to look at the boy. Duchess was pressing her nose against Finn's arm the way she would do to Dark Ace when her usual deep pressure training wasn't an option. At least the kid was in good paws.

He made sure the ship stayed beneath the clouds as they flew to the Terra of Thorns, occasionally flying above them to check landmarks and make absolutely sure they were going in the right direction. The storm seemed to follow their little transport ship, conveniently obscuring them from any passing warships along the way.

Eventually, their destination came into view. A graveyard of abandoned ships overgrown with thorn bushes. It looked almost barren, but he and Austry knew that life hid just beneath the surface. He landed by the old husk of a decommissioned warship and cut the engines. But he didn't let himself feel relief just yet.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

Austry stood, letting go of Dark Ace's hand and stepped out of the ship. It was pouring rain already, though he couldnt help but think how nice the water would probably feel to Finn. His gills looked pretty shriveled up currently.

"The outside looks a lot worse than it actually is." He smiled awkwardly as he stepped back inside the transport ship, "Think you can walk again? The Captain's cabin has a bath you could probably fully submerge in." He offered his hands again, Duchess backing up a step but ready to press against the boys side the minute she could.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

The dog suddenly touching him made him jump. Eyes wide as he turned to stare at Dutchess. She didn't look like she wanted to bite him so he tried to calm himself.

He didn't react much as the others walked away. Flinching at the sound of thunder. But staying where he was. As Austry returned he was instantly locked back into him.

At the question of walking again, he looked down at himself. At the mention of a bath though. His eyes just widened in concern again. "Is that- that will help?" He asked. Voice small, so unlike how he normally sounded.

He knew it probably would. He wasn't blind. But the idea of it. Was so terrifying. He didn't end up answering any of his questions. As he just curled up where he was.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

"It should at least help a little," Dark Ace said, waiting just inside the ship entrance in case Austry and Finn needed help. "At the very least you can clean yourself up. We can get you something to eat too. If you're up for it, that is."

He was already thinking over what to make. Something simple and easy to keep down for certain. Hopefully Finn's internal biology hadn't changed too much that he couldn't eat normal food.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

"Ooh, lucky you. Dark Ace's cooking is a real treat." Austry smiled, helping Finn to his feet and guiding him from the transport to the older abandoned carrier ship. Taking him in through a giant hole in the side of the ship. The inside was surprisingly well maintained despite the exterior. Newer panels clearly replaced broken ones. furniture sat in places, not new but not original either.

He walked them deeper into the ship until the arrived at the captains quarters. The room divided into a sitting room and a bedroom. A side door leading off to a private bath.

Austry had at some point replaced the ratty rotting mattress for something more comfortable with clean sheets. He set Finn there before heading to the bathroom.

"Ill get the water going. What sounds better, hot or cool?" He asked, giving him the option.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

Finn just stared when he was offered food. Looking owlishly back at Austry as he said that Dark Ace was apparently good at cooking. The old carrier ship was familiar. It wasn't the condor but the familiarity of it. Did help relax him as he followed the other two.

Sitting on the bed, he watched as Austry went to the bath. Before asking him what temperature. He wasn't sure honestly, "Not... not too hot but not cold?" He said. His voice sounded stranger, the sharper teeth and different tongue felt weird. Part of why he also wasn't talking.

He got up instead of sitting, as he approached Austry. Stepping into the bathroom as he looked around. "My eyes are different." He said. Bringing a hand up as he forced himself to stare at himself again.

Trying to calm himself but it ended up just causing him fear instead. "What did she do to me?" He whimpered.

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace left them to it, splitting off and entering the kitchen where he just planted his hands on the counter and stared at the chrome surface. The nausea he'd felt upon first seeing the lab was coming back. He could feel his whole body start to shake, his knees were weak and it felt like his head was under water. Outside, the storm grew in intensity, lashing rain down on the ship and growling thunder like it was some beast trying to break through the hull.

Slowly, he sank down onto his knees as the past few weeks finally caught up to him. The last few hours were the final straw. Duchess was immediately pressing up against him but he barely registered her attempts to ground him.

Two years.

The last two years had been a complete waste. Killing Anarchis had lead to Cyclonis turning out to be just as bad as her despite his efforts to steer her away from repeating her grandmother's mistakes. Sparing Aerrow had just ended in him killing the boy anyway and one of his teammates being subject to something he'd sworn to never let happen again. The Empire was at risk of cannibalising itself in Cyclonis's endless desire for conquest, stretching resources and military forces too thin and breeding nothing but avarice on all sides. His best friend could hardly look at him. The regret and disgust he'd been trying to shove down was finally rearing its ugly head.

Numb fingers tangled in Duchess's fur. Calm. He needed to calm down in case Austry came in. Why couldn't he just calm down? He wasn't even the one who'd been torn apart this time.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

Austry nodded and set about getting the water going. He'd replaced the aqua stones for the captains bath and the kitchen when he could afford the crystals. It was definitely worth the investment. He glanced at Finn when he joined him, sitting on the edge of the bath.

"To be honest... I don't know. Fused you with some sort of far side crystal." He stood, pulling Finn away from the mirror, "I know you want to focus on the what and the why but we should get you stable first. I know this is scary, trust me, I know what you're going through, so does Feathers. We're going to get you through this, I promise."

He kept Finn turned towards him, guiding him to the water as the storm picked up outside.

"Im... ill be right back, okay? Im going to see how food is coming along."

He kept his pace calm as he left the bathroom, only to break into a sprint once he was back in the hall. He didn't stop until he was in the kitchen, finding Duchess pressed against Dark Ace kneeling on the floor.

" I was afraid of that." He sighed, stepping closer, "Feathers, come back to me. Please?"

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

Fused with some sort of far side crystal. That was putting it lightly in his opinion. At him trying to comfort him, he just nodded. He was letting him guide him before he went to leave. Watching his retreating form as he ran off. Each movement of his body easy to track. Almost as if he would know each small movement before he even did it. The slight stumble as he took the corner too wide, caught before Austry even felt the effect.

Finn looked away once he was around the corner. Feeling the water with his hand, it felt nice. He always liked the sea but had never felt at home with it. Hesitating a moment he pulled his hand back. Taking a moment to breathe, to prepare himself before finally moving to get into the water.

Instantly the effect of it was noticed. The itchy pain of his new scales softening as the water wrapped around him. His lungs didn't hurt as much either as he fully submerged himself. It was small, smaller then his new shape needed but it was something. He felt more flexible, able to wrap his lower tail around himself. In a comforting embrace. Similar to what he did before but it was more natural in the water.

He briefly wondered if this was what the Aquanosian felt like but in some ways he realized he was different from them. Similar but as similar as human was to a Wallop.

Closing his eyes, he just listened to the water around him. It had an almost song to it. Adjusted by each one of his movements. But muted due to the size. It was an unnatural place for water. Something he felt like he shouldn't know.

And yet he was learning anyway.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

He noticed Austry coming in through the haze of panic, but didn't quite register his friend's words.

"You were right," he gasped out between unsteady breaths. "We would have been better off losing."

He should have done more, been firmer with Cyclonis and less subversive with Aerrow. Should have kept a closer eye on the cells and intervened with Cyclonis's Far Side bullshit sooner, maybe then he wouldn't have failed again to keep another kid from being torn apart and put back together wrong. What kind of Champion let their Empress step all over them and ran away when she finally crossed one too many lines?

A weak one. The words echoed in his head and cut through him the same way Anarchis used to.

"You should be with Finn. He needs you more than I do."

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

"We can still fix things." Austry coaxed, trying to keep Dakr Ace's eyes on him, give him something else to focus on, "we can make things right. Not perfect, not the same but healed."

He shook his head when Dark Ace tried to send him away. Gently taking his hands in his.

"Finn isn't currently having a panic attack, you are." He glanced at Duchess, whos ears were laid back, clearly upset her usual tricks weren't working. "Go keep an eye on Finn, I got this." He told her before focusing back on his friend. She whined but did as he asked.

"Freathers... whats 5 things you can see?" He asked deciding to try a technique his uncle had taught him.

@finnster-agilaz

[buridans-darkace]

How could they possibly fix this before it completely broke down?

He shuddered slightly when Duchess left and clung onto Austry's hands for stability. The fact that Finn wasn't actively panicking right now didn't reassure him all that much. But the thought was quickly washed away by another wave of panic that he had to fight to stay focused through.

Five things he could see... Five things. His eyes darted around trying to settle on something.

"I see... you, the fridge... the stove. The pan rack. And the storm outside," he listed off between deep breaths.

[austrydieder]

"Thats it. Keep going," he encouraged squeezing Dark Ace's hands, he didn't care that the last thing wasn't technically something they could see. He just needed his friend to ground himself, to calm down.

"Now, 4 things you can touch." He coaxed waiting for an answer before moving on to the next steps, 3 things he could hear, 2 things he could smell, 1 thing he could taste.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Rainwater that had gotten in his hair on the way in, the weight of his armour, the hard floor panels and Austry's hands,

The creaking of the ship's hull, a distant roll of thunder, and the humming of the fridge,

Dried rosemary and some sort of cleaning chemical,

He struggled a bit with the taste one before settling on toothpaste.

With each sense he listed off, Dark Ace did manage to come back to himself. His breathing evened out and his heartbeat wasn't so loud in his ears. He felt exhausted though.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, leaning forward until his forehead met Austry's. "I don't know why that was so difficult this time."

Pins and needles were starting to set into his legs and he began pulling himself up onto his feet before they fell asleep. Some part of him was still looking for a distraction, fixated on being helpful by making dinner.

"It feels like everything I've tried to do hasn't meant anything."

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

"Don't, you have nothing to apologize for." Austry reasured him, putting a hand on the back of his friends neck when he pressed their foreheads together, holding him for a second before letting go so the could stand.

"You've done so much, and made a difference for so many. Myself included."

He waited until the Dark Ace's pulse had slowed down a bit more before letting him go.

"Why don't I help you make dinner? Then we can both go back and check on Finn." He trusted Duchess to keep the boy calm until they were able to return to him.

@buridans-darkace

[austrydieder]

Congrats on getting married! Where did you meet your partner? On one of your diplomatic missions?

Appreciated!

You could call it that. I had a brief stint in another world and he was my welcoming committee. Kept me alive while I figured things out. Among other things.

One of his brothers tried to kill me when I first met him. It was quite the adventure.

[finnster-agilaz]

@austrydieder @buridans-darkace

Closed RP- Continuation of Scenario 1

TW: Human Experimentation

[Cyclonis POV]

A sense of satisfaction was heavy as the machines around her started to power down. Smiling at Piper who she had forced to help her with this. She needed someone to stabalize her project and she knew her affection for the boy would have her give it her all to keep him alive. And as long as he made it through the night, it seemed to be a success. Despite how shallow his breathing was.

The coppery scent of blood was thick in the air. As giving Piper a moment as she tried to comfort and apologize to the unconscious boy on the table; Cyclonis moved to make a direct line call to Dark Ace.

Informing him to come to the dungeons. A secret part of the castle that only a select few even knew existed. She also told him to bring a trusted friend. That he would need it for clean up. Leaving him to guard the room and watch and inform her of any changes with him.

Once certain he was on her way. She returned to Piper. Activating her crystal to force the other girl to move taking one more moment to look down at the boy.

The sharpshooter from the Storm Hawks. Technically her property since the war had ended and she took them on as a prisoner. She needed someone to test a crystal she had found in the Far Side. Unsure of what the effects might even be as she worked on it.

Now following his name sake, the boy seemed to have bloodied fins all over his body as well as scales. Internally where she had cut him open and placed the crystal it also clearly changed internal processes. Which was the most worrying part. And why she needed the other girl to keep him stable. Use magic to keep his heart breathing while his body mutated. He even had a long serpentine tail. Also covered in blood.

It seemed gills might have also formed. Which would have worried her about how well he could breathe but he appeared to be still breathing. If a bit shallow. She would have to test more things later.

Piper was crying.

Cyclonis didn't care as heading out of the room. Leaving her Champion to clean up her mess.

As per usual.

[buridans-darkace]

The moment he'd heard Cyclonis's voice over the line, he knew he wouldn't like what she'd called him into the lower levels where the Empresses kept all their darkest secrets.

Dark secrets that made his blood boil and his stomach churn.

Austry was the only person he trusted to follow him down there and come back out in one piece, despite the current tension between them. Whatever Cyclonis had planned, he hoped it wouldn't shatter what little faith his friend may have had in him.

The halls were dark, and the air down here was stagnant. The metal walls were unnaturally clean despite so few people ever coming down here; not even housekeepers were allowed down here to keep things from getting dusty. Tension rose in his shoulders the further down they went, and he kept stealing glances at Austry for... what? Reassurance? Solidarity?

He saw Cyclonis standing outside one of the many rooms, and his expression hardened.

"What do you want?" he asked, not bothering with formalities. She didn't get any grace from him in private, not any more. Not since she'd ripped the Citadel out of its foundations, causing chaos for the masses of Cyclonia.

Crying could be heard in the other room, and it sent a chill through his blood.

What had she done?

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

He'd been surprised when Dark Ace had asked him to join him for something. Some assignment from the Empress. His stomach had dropped when they entered the dungeons. It only got worse the deeper they went and he caught the distinct scent of blood.

He stayed quiet as the approached the Empress, his eyes fixated on the door and the sound of crying inside. His skin prickled with crystal energy. What ever had happened, he knew it wasnt good. He didn't want to deal with the witch or storm hawks mage turned pet. He wanted into that room, despite the dread eating at his insides.

'Please dont be what I think...' he silently prayed.

[finnster-agilaz]

[Cyclonis POV]

"I told you. I need you to clean up." She said simply. Catching his tone and the way he was standing. She knew he could be touchy about certain things but she had assumed he wouldn't have an issue with this.

"You know how we created our Family pets and even the Nightcrawlers. I just made use of some annoying baggage." She explained. Proud of how it went, especially since she had convinced Piper to join in.

Still wanting her to join her. She would join her. Perhaps depending how much of a mind her surviving friend kept, perhaps she'd stay just to be his handler.

"Now if you'll excuse me. I have more important things to do." She said simply. Using her magic to pull Piper forward. Forcing her to follow as she turned to leave.

[buridans-darkace]

"Clean up what? What did you two do?!"

Dark Ace's voice shook the walls, and he had half a mind to march after the girls and force them to explain what had happened. But Cyclonis's words and the smell of blood stopped him from making a move for either of them.

The door was ajar, and the air was much too still.

"This isn't fucking over, Cyclonis!" he barked before shoving the door open to look inside.

What he saw was something he'd never wanted to see again. Bloodstained work surfaces, a limp body on an operating table. He could see the changes right away, and the surgical scars across the boy's body.

He almost threw up then and there, his throat spasming in an aborted attempt to keep his last meal down.

[austrydieder]

He flinched at the Dark Ace's voice, waiting behind him until the Empress was gone before entering the room. Horror and rage warred with each other over what was inside. He was shoving past his friend before he registered what he was doing. Approaching the table with quick measured steps.

"Finn?" He spoke softly, gently wiping away blood and sweat from the boys face.

Of all the things Cyclonis could decide to get into, human experiments was one of the few he couldn't justify or make excuses for. Even too himself. He looked to the Dark Ace a moment, decisions already made. He wasn't going to stick around for more of this.

He gently moved the boy's limbs. Checking his wounds, making sure everything had been closed properly. He grabbed clean rags to clean and wrap things, moving mostly on auto pilot.

"Finn can you hear me?" He asks, "you don't have to speak just move your fingers for me." He should get him to the infirmary, have an actual doctor look him over instead of Austry's limited field knowledge.

[tuffdwightwest]

Pain.

Thats all Finn could really focus on as he felt someone. Something nudging him. Force that made him tense and flinch. "No..." he whimpered. Forcing an eye open only to see Dark Ace standing there.

A pained yelp escaping him as his eyes squeezed shut. Shaking as he started to become more aware of things besides just the pain. He felt weird, different. Memories of before coming back as he forced himself to open his eyes once more.

This time recognizing the nice talon who would give him treats. "Is it over?" He asked. Hopeful when he saw him. Before whimpering when he saw Dark Ace again.

"Don't.. don't hurt me." He pleaded.

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace felt himself shaking, but he was unable to tear his eyes away from Finn as he pulled himself together. He stepped inside, ignoring Finn's whimpers. There were more clean rags, and a sheet which he brought over to Austry before shifting completely out of Finn's view.

There was a storm brewing in his chest. He'd made a lot, a lot of allowances for Cyclonis's actions under the basis that she would see reason eventually and slow down her rampage across Atmos, but this was unforgivable. Despite his disagreements with the boy, he would never have wished this on him.

"Is it safe to move him?" he asked Austry. He wanted to get out of here and take Finn as far away from this place as possible. He wanted to tear something or someone apart over this. Phantom pains made his hands and chest ache whenever he looked at the fresh surgical wounds. He was at a loss to how he could actually help. It was a feeling he'd always despised.

[austrydieder]

"I don't know yet..." Austry shook his head as he checked things over. He was worried about internal organs, potentially jostling something rhat they couldnt see.

"We're not going to hurt you, Finn. I promise. Can you tell me what hurts the most?" He asks, hoping maybe Finn could tell hi. What was the worst, then he could figure out more. He wanted to relieve the boys pain but he needed more information and trust before he started using his needles.

He could feel the rage coming off his friend as they wrapped the boy in the sheet.

Good.

He should be angry at Cyclonis for this.

[finnster-agilaz]

What hurt the most? What didn't hurt. Although closing his eyes he tried to think about.

"Lungs." He said. "Feel like, like I'm choking." He admitted. Moving to shift his position. The gills on the side of his neck opening and closing at each movement.

It was at this moment that he got a good look at his claws.

Claws.

His hands webbed and elongated. Panic settling further in his chest as he let out a scared yelp. "What-" he said before coughing. A pained moan escaping him at the pain that it caused. His new tail swishing under the blanket as he panted.

Blood sliding down his body from the still open lacerations on his body. He fought through the pain though as he reached out. Touching each fin and scale against his body. Realizing what that foreign feeling was now that he could actually see them.

And then, he started to cry.

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace's stomach turned as Finn started crying. The sound echoed against the cold metal walls of the lab. There was a faucet in the lab and he went to soak some more cloth rags in water before approaching to sponge blood away from the newly-sprouted gills in hopes it would help him breathe easier. He knew Aquinoans used similar methods to stop their gills from drying up during extended trips out of the water.

"Close your eyes and steady your breathing," he said. His voice was tight with anger and nausea. The shaking of his hands made his motions rougher than he intended. "We'll get you out of here as soon as we can."

Cyclonis could clean up her own fucking lab. If she even had a lab left to clean up once he'd calmed down.

[austrydieder]

He let Dark Ace handle the gills for now, looking through storage cabinets, roughly throwing useless items on the floor out of his way until he found the suture kit he was looking for.

"Let's get you stitched up and clean." He said softly, gently cleaning a wound. For the moment, he forced himself to ignore the tears. He needed to treat the wounds quickly. The sooner they were done the sooner he could leave with Finn. He hated what that would mean for his family, but this was a line he couldn't overlook.

He paused only briefly at Dark Ace's words, wondering if he meant out of Cyclonia.

"Think you can stand?" He asked once hed finished cleaning and dressing Finn's wounds. He stood in front of him, offering his hands for support.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

Finn hated crying. And had managed to avoid crying ever since Aerrow was killed and he was thrown into that stupid cage. Trying to be brave. Trying to be strong.

He had gotten close.

But he tried not to think about him. Or them or even himself. Dissociating had been working wonders for him.

But now.

Body wrong. Pain unlike anything he had felt before. And the one helping him was the monster that forced him here. Finn not seeing much difference between Dark Ace and Cyclonis. Yet here he was trying to wipe the blood away. Applying water at the part of him that burned. The feeling soothing but only a small reprieve from everything else.

Then Dark Aces anger filled voice reached him. Causing him to flinch. The words not even registering to him as he just started crying harder. Unable to stop it at this point.

He barely noticed what Austry was doing. Until he caught sight of the needles. Tensing before he realized what he was doing. Reminding himself that this was the Pie Cyclonian. He had always been kind.

He managed at that point to first here Dark Ace promise to let him out of here. As well as Austry's question of if he could stand. Offering himself for support.

He didn't know if he could. But sniffling he knew he had to try. Shifting he pushed himself off of the operating table. Only slightly stumbling. Taking a deep breath, he looked down at himself now that he was standing.

Seeing the quick stitch Austry had given him. The new scales along his body. He was longer too. Not just cause of his 'tail' behind him. If he could even call it that. It had arms and he could move them, if a bit clumsy.

"She turned me into a monster." He realized. Instead of crying this time though he just started laughing. "Not the first time she did this to me either." He said. His laugh more shrill and panicked not amused but afraid.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace sighed, "It helps if you don't look at it. Come on, let's get you someplace else, where she won't come near you."

He considered leading the way to his personal quarters, where Finn would be able to rest in an actual bed and perhaps take a shower while he and Austry talked about what to do next. But then he remembered how Cyclonis had been invading his private spaces more and more as of late. If she found out the newest subject of her curiosities was there, she could snatch him back whenever she felt like it.

"Do you still take supplies out to the Terra of Thorns?" he asked Austry. If the boy was fit to fly, then the unmapped Terra would be one of the safest places to take him.

The muffled sound of thunder made him look up, concerned. There hadn't been a storm in today's forecast so where had that come from? Hopefully it wouldn't stop them from flying.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

"You are not a monster." Austry said firmly, lifting Finn's arm across his shoulders to better support him, "she's changed you, yes. But that does not make you a monster." He could hear the fear in the boys voice, he didn't know how quite to help him other than give him something to lean on.

"Come on, one step at a time."

He glanced at Dark Ace again wondering what his plan was exactly. They needed to leave the terra, not just this lab.

The question of the Terra of Thorns was a relief. It meant exactly what Austry had been hoping for. If Dark Ace left too over this... there was a good chance there would be consequences for the Empress she wouldn't be able to overlook.

"I do, yes." He nodded, "we could probably find a transport ship." The suggestion came out the same time as thunder rumbled outside. He wasn't exactly surprised to hear it considering Dark Ace's mood. The weather always weirdly seeming to coincide with the man's temper.

"It'll be better than trying to leave on skimmers, between his tail and the weather."

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

It helps if you don't look at it. You are not a monster.

He didn't really find comfort in those words. But still tried. Looking away and instead keeping his eyes forward on the two in front of him.

Letting Austry guide him away from the bed. Feeling unsteady with the new weight and feel of his body.

His next words confused him even more. Somewhere else? "Wait-" he said softly barely audible as he tried to piece together what that meant.

The more they talked though he wondered. Were they... saving him? They weren't going to just throw him into a dungeon.

"Why are you? Are you helping me?" He asked unsure. Tail swishing behind him. Almost knocking him off of his feet as he messed up the movement of them.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace caught Finn by the shoulder before he could fall to the floor. His expression was gravely serious as the boy questioned why he was helping him.

"There's lines even I won't cross," he explained. "What Cyclonis has done to you is one of them."

Even though it didn't make the boy a monster, Cyclonis had committed an egregious violation that Dark Ace refused to stand by. If she could so easily do that to someone she saw as a trophy, who else was she willing to twist and break to fit her whims?

"There should be some transport ships in the southeast hangar," he said to Austry as they led Finn out of the lower levels. "I'm going to get Duchess from my quarters and I'll meet you there. Is there anything you want me to grab?"

He really wasn't sure when, or even if, he'd come back at this point and there were a few things he didn't want to leave behind. Some stubborn part of him was still reluctant to leave and abandon his duties, still sure that he could find a way to fix things from here, but one look at Finn was enough to shut those thoughts down.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

Austry kept walking focused on just getting them to the southeast hangar. Simply shaking his head at Dark Ace's question. He didn't keep many personal items here anymore, what he did have was either already on him or could easily be replaced, like his wire works. Though...

"My mask... I keep it in my foot locker, under a false bottom." He didn't need anyone finding that. His friend could know the truth, he already knew he was an assassin for the Empress anyways.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

His eyes were wide and scared as Dark Ace said that to him. Cyclonis crossed a line to him. And that is why he was angry.

He just nodded.

Growing quiet as he walked with them. Too tired and shocked to say much as they listed off what they might need. Still a bit uncertain what could happen. But despite his fears he found himself just numb. If they were actually just leading him out to kill him fine. At this point he didn't even care. He was tired and in pain and... missed Aerrow dearly.

Aerrow would have been stronger then him at this moment. He still couldn't believe Piper helped, why did she helped. This whole time... did she really hate him that much? Was that why they always sent him away or left him behind.

Did she... did they, not believe in him?

He almost felt like crying again as they arrived at the hanger. But held it together as Dark Ace ran off. Stepping into the ship that they were preparing. Before finding the closest soft thing to lay down on. His tail wrapping close against him. An instinctive thing that was already forming within him as it moved to cover his more sensitive and vulnerable spots.

He wanted to ask questions. Be brave. He wasn't though. He was tired. He was hurt. Walking here was already him going over his limit. So closing his eyes, he fell unconscious soon afterwards.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace moved as swiftly as possible, getting Duchess and packing a few spare clothes into a bag before getting Austry's mask. He barely paused to look at it before packing it up. Stopping by his office on the way to the hangar, he scratched out a hurried note to Cara Cara with some instructions for her and to not expect him back for a while. He trusted his secretadg to be able to carry out what might be his final orders to her as a commander.

All in all, it didn't take long before he'd rejoined Austry and Finn at the transport ship. His eyes lingered on the boy's unconscious form for a moment before he went to help finish preparing for travel.

His heart was hammering in his chest as they took off, and he felt his hands shaking again. The anger and dread and that sick, haunted feeling he'd been trying to suppress this whole time was starting to catch up to him. It caught in his throat when he tried to say something to Austry, only coming out as a strangled croaking noise.

Fuck, not now… Fine, he wouldn't say anything. He'd just focus on the journey ahead. What would talking even do for him anyway?

Rain lashed against the ship's windows and thunder rumbled all around them, matching the tumultuous feelings rising up in his chest.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

As Finn lay down Austry grabbed another blanket to throw over him. Carefully tucking it around his back and tail. Duchess stayed near Dark Ace when he returned but did sniff the boy, her ears flattened in that way she would whenever the champion was wounded.

"I know your job is to look after Feathers, but i think he needs you too right now." He said softly, touching her head before looking at Finn, "Its not a very long flight, I promise." He assured him even as he quickly passed out. He'd definitely need antibiotics and painkillers once they arrived. Austry had stashed plenty over the years.

Joining Dark Ace at the controls he started the ships engines, sending them off into the storm. He heard the croak as Dark Ace tried to speak, knowing what was happening. He reached over and simply took his friends hand, he didn't need to speak for this.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

Finn woke again just as they appeared to be landing at their destination. Still tired, still scared but he found it easier to calm this time. Confused when he saw a dog. And the two holding hands.

Looking away as he slowly looked over himself again. Taking a shuddering breath as he took a quiet moment just to inspect himself. What he was now. He looked like some type of fish, he realized. Maybe thats why his lungs hurt so much?

Feeling his gills they felt dried and in pain. Foreign to his touch and sensitive. Pulling away he stared at the claws he had and the webbing on his hands.

Yeah definetly some type of fish. Moving to get up, it was as if everything hurt more now that he rested then it did before. A yelp escaping him as he moved in a way that jostled his stitches. Deciding to stay where he was instead. New leg on his 'tail' kicking as he pushed the new form of himself closer to him.

Taking the time to look over the colors of what he could only describe as a beastly form of himself. It was probably disingenuous to call it a tail. It wasn't. It was an extra piece of body. Uncertain of its place but still there.

Despite his hatred of what happened to himself. He had to admit his scales were beautiful. Almost iridescent in the light. His mind wrestled between the thoughts of this being him and completely denying it.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace gave Austry a grateful look, squeezing his hand gently. He heard Finn yelp and turned around to look at the boy. Duchess was pressing her nose against Finn's arm the way she would do to Dark Ace when her usual deep pressure training wasn't an option. At least the kid was in good paws.

He made sure the ship stayed beneath the clouds as they flew to the Terra of Thorns, occasionally flying above them to check landmarks and make absolutely sure they were going in the right direction. The storm seemed to follow their little transport ship, conveniently obscuring them from any passing warships along the way.

Eventually, their destination came into view. A graveyard of abandoned ships overgrown with thorn bushes. It looked almost barren, but he and Austry knew that life hid just beneath the surface. He landed by the old husk of a decommissioned warship and cut the engines. But he didn't let himself feel relief just yet.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

Austry stood, letting go of Dark Ace's hand and stepped out of the ship. It was pouring rain already, though he couldnt help but think how nice the water would probably feel to Finn. His gills looked pretty shriveled up currently.

"The outside looks a lot worse than it actually is." He smiled awkwardly as he stepped back inside the transport ship, "Think you can walk again? The Captain's cabin has a bath you could probably fully submerge in." He offered his hands again, Duchess backing up a step but ready to press against the boys side the minute she could.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

The dog suddenly touching him made him jump. Eyes wide as he turned to stare at Dutchess. She didn't look like she wanted to bite him so he tried to calm himself.

He didn't react much as the others walked away. Flinching at the sound of thunder. But staying where he was. As Austry returned he was instantly locked back into him.

At the question of walking again, he looked down at himself. At the mention of a bath though. His eyes just widened in concern again. "Is that- that will help?" He asked. Voice small, so unlike how he normally sounded.

He knew it probably would. He wasn't blind. But the idea of it. Was so terrifying. He didn't end up answering any of his questions. As he just curled up where he was.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

"It should at least help a little," Dark Ace said, waiting just inside the ship entrance in case Austry and Finn needed help. "At the very least you can clean yourself up. We can get you something to eat too. If you're up for it, that is."

He was already thinking over what to make. Something simple and easy to keep down for certain. Hopefully Finn's internal biology hadn't changed too much that he couldn't eat normal food.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

"Ooh, lucky you. Dark Ace's cooking is a real treat." Austry smiled, helping Finn to his feet and guiding him from the transport to the older abandoned carrier ship. Taking him in through a giant hole in the side of the ship. The inside was surprisingly well maintained despite the exterior. Newer panels clearly replaced broken ones. furniture sat in places, not new but not original either.

He walked them deeper into the ship until the arrived at the captains quarters. The room divided into a sitting room and a bedroom. A side door leading off to a private bath.

Austry had at some point replaced the ratty rotting mattress for something more comfortable with clean sheets. He set Finn there before heading to the bathroom.

"Ill get the water going. What sounds better, hot or cool?" He asked, giving him the option.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

Finn just stared when he was offered food. Looking owlishly back at Austry as he said that Dark Ace was apparently good at cooking. The old carrier ship was familiar. It wasn't the condor but the familiarity of it. Did help relax him as he followed the other two.

Sitting on the bed, he watched as Austry went to the bath. Before asking him what temperature. He wasn't sure honestly, "Not... not too hot but not cold?" He said. His voice sounded stranger, the sharper teeth and different tongue felt weird. Part of why he also wasn't talking.

He got up instead of sitting, as he approached Austry. Stepping into the bathroom as he looked around. "My eyes are different." He said. Bringing a hand up as he forced himself to stare at himself again.

Trying to calm himself but it ended up just causing him fear instead. "What did she do to me?" He whimpered.

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace left them to it, splitting off and entering the kitchen where he just planted his hands on the counter and stared at the chrome surface. The nausea he'd felt upon first seeing the lab was coming back. He could feel his whole body start to shake, his knees were weak and it felt like his head was under water. Outside, the storm grew in intensity, lashing rain down on the ship and growling thunder like it was some beast trying to break through the hull.

Slowly, he sank down onto his knees as the past few weeks finally caught up to him. The last few hours were the final straw. Duchess was immediately pressing up against him but he barely registered her attempts to ground him.

Two years.

The last two years had been a complete waste. Killing Anarchis had lead to Cyclonis turning out to be just as bad as her despite his efforts to steer her away from repeating her grandmother's mistakes. Sparing Aerrow had just ended in him killing the boy anyway and one of his teammates being subject to something he'd sworn to never let happen again. The Empire was at risk of cannibalising itself in Cyclonis's endless desire for conquest, stretching resources and military forces too thin and breeding nothing but avarice on all sides. His best friend could hardly look at him. The regret and disgust he'd been trying to shove down was finally rearing its ugly head.

Numb fingers tangled in Duchess's fur. Calm. He needed to calm down in case Austry came in. Why couldn't he just calm down? He wasn't even the one who'd been torn apart this time.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

Austry nodded and set about getting the water going. He'd replaced the aqua stones for the captains bath and the kitchen when he could afford the crystals. It was definitely worth the investment. He glanced at Finn when he joined him, sitting on the edge of the bath.

"To be honest... I don't know. Fused you with some sort of far side crystal." He stood, pulling Finn away from the mirror, "I know you want to focus on the what and the why but we should get you stable first. I know this is scary, trust me, I know what you're going through, so does Feathers. We're going to get you through this, I promise."

He kept Finn turned towards him, guiding him to the water as the storm picked up outside.

"Im... ill be right back, okay? Im going to see how food is coming along."

He kept his pace calm as he left the bathroom, only to break into a sprint once he was back in the hall. He didn't stop until he was in the kitchen, finding Duchess pressed against Dark Ace kneeling on the floor.

" I was afraid of that." He sighed, stepping closer, "Feathers, come back to me. Please?"

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

Fused with some sort of far side crystal. That was putting it lightly in his opinion. At him trying to comfort him, he just nodded. He was letting him guide him before he went to leave. Watching his retreating form as he ran off. Each movement of his body easy to track. Almost as if he would know each small movement before he even did it. The slight stumble as he took the corner too wide, caught before Austry even felt the effect.

Finn looked away once he was around the corner. Feeling the water with his hand, it felt nice. He always liked the sea but had never felt at home with it. Hesitating a moment he pulled his hand back. Taking a moment to breathe, to prepare himself before finally moving to get into the water.

Instantly the effect of it was noticed. The itchy pain of his new scales softening as the water wrapped around him. His lungs didn't hurt as much either as he fully submerged himself. It was small, smaller then his new shape needed but it was something. He felt more flexible, able to wrap his lower tail around himself. In a comforting embrace. Similar to what he did before but it was more natural in the water.

He briefly wondered if this was what the Aquanosian felt like but in some ways he realized he was different from them. Similar but as similar as human was to a Wallop.

Closing his eyes, he just listened to the water around him. It had an almost song to it. Adjusted by each one of his movements. But muted due to the size. It was an unnatural place for water. Something he felt like he shouldn't know.

And yet he was learning anyway.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

He noticed Austry coming in through the haze of panic, but didn't quite register his friend's words.

"You were right," he gasped out between unsteady breaths. "We would have been better off losing."

He should have done more, been firmer with Cyclonis and less subversive with Aerrow. Should have kept a closer eye on the cells and intervened with Cyclonis's Far Side bullshit sooner, maybe then he wouldn't have failed again to keep another kid from being torn apart and put back together wrong. What kind of Champion let their Empress step all over them and ran away when she finally crossed one too many lines?

A weak one. The words echoed in his head and cut through him the same way Anarchis used to.

"You should be with Finn. He needs you more than I do."

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

"We can still fix things." Austry coaxed, trying to keep Dakr Ace's eyes on him, give him something else to focus on, "we can make things right. Not perfect, not the same but healed."

He shook his head when Dark Ace tried to send him away. Gently taking his hands in his.

"Finn isn't currently having a panic attack, you are." He glanced at Duchess, whos ears were laid back, clearly upset her usual tricks weren't working. "Go keep an eye on Finn, I got this." He told her before focusing back on his friend. She whined but did as he asked.

"Freathers... whats 5 things you can see?" He asked deciding to try a technique his uncle had taught him.

@finnster-agilaz

[buridans-darkace]

How could they possibly fix this before it completely broke down?

He shuddered slightly when Duchess left and clung onto Austry's hands for stability. The fact that Finn wasn't actively panicking right now didn't reassure him all that much. But the thought was quickly washed away by another wave of panic that he had to fight to stay focused through.

Five things he could see... Five things. His eyes darted around trying to settle on something.

"I see... you, the fridge... the stove. The pan rack. And the storm outside," he listed off between deep breaths.

[austrydieder]

"Thats it. Keep going," he encouraged squeezing Dark Ace's hands, he didn't care that the last thing wasn't technically something they could see. He just needed his friend to ground himself, to calm down.

"Now, 4 things you can touch." He coaxed waiting for an answer before moving on to the next steps, 3 things he could hear, 2 things he could smell, 1 thing he could taste.

@buridans-darkace

[finnster-agilaz]

@austrydieder @buridans-darkace

Closed RP- Continuation of Scenario 1

TW: Human Experimentation

[Cyclonis POV]

A sense of satisfaction was heavy as the machines around her started to power down. Smiling at Piper who she had forced to help her with this. She needed someone to stabalize her project and she knew her affection for the boy would have her give it her all to keep him alive. And as long as he made it through the night, it seemed to be a success. Despite how shallow his breathing was.

The coppery scent of blood was thick in the air. As giving Piper a moment as she tried to comfort and apologize to the unconscious boy on the table; Cyclonis moved to make a direct line call to Dark Ace.

Informing him to come to the dungeons. A secret part of the castle that only a select few even knew existed. She also told him to bring a trusted friend. That he would need it for clean up. Leaving him to guard the room and watch and inform her of any changes with him.

Once certain he was on her way. She returned to Piper. Activating her crystal to force the other girl to move taking one more moment to look down at the boy.

The sharpshooter from the Storm Hawks. Technically her property since the war had ended and she took them on as a prisoner. She needed someone to test a crystal she had found in the Far Side. Unsure of what the effects might even be as she worked on it.

Now following his name sake, the boy seemed to have bloodied fins all over his body as well as scales. Internally where she had cut him open and placed the crystal it also clearly changed internal processes. Which was the most worrying part. And why she needed the other girl to keep him stable. Use magic to keep his heart breathing while his body mutated. He even had a long serpentine tail. Also covered in blood.

It seemed gills might have also formed. Which would have worried her about how well he could breathe but he appeared to be still breathing. If a bit shallow. She would have to test more things later.

Piper was crying.

Cyclonis didn't care as heading out of the room. Leaving her Champion to clean up her mess.

As per usual.

[buridans-darkace]

The moment he'd heard Cyclonis's voice over the line, he knew he wouldn't like what she'd called him into the lower levels where the Empresses kept all their darkest secrets.

Dark secrets that made his blood boil and his stomach churn.

Austry was the only person he trusted to follow him down there and come back out in one piece, despite the current tension between them. Whatever Cyclonis had planned, he hoped it wouldn't shatter what little faith his friend may have had in him.

The halls were dark, and the air down here was stagnant. The metal walls were unnaturally clean despite so few people ever coming down here; not even housekeepers were allowed down here to keep things from getting dusty. Tension rose in his shoulders the further down they went, and he kept stealing glances at Austry for... what? Reassurance? Solidarity?

He saw Cyclonis standing outside one of the many rooms, and his expression hardened.

"What do you want?" he asked, not bothering with formalities. She didn't get any grace from him in private, not any more. Not since she'd ripped the Citadel out of its foundations, causing chaos for the masses of Cyclonia.

Crying could be heard in the other room, and it sent a chill through his blood.

What had she done?

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

He'd been surprised when Dark Ace had asked him to join him for something. Some assignment from the Empress. His stomach had dropped when they entered the dungeons. It only got worse the deeper they went and he caught the distinct scent of blood.

He stayed quiet as the approached the Empress, his eyes fixated on the door and the sound of crying inside. His skin prickled with crystal energy. What ever had happened, he knew it wasnt good. He didn't want to deal with the witch or storm hawks mage turned pet. He wanted into that room, despite the dread eating at his insides.

'Please dont be what I think...' he silently prayed.

[finnster-agilaz]

[Cyclonis POV]

"I told you. I need you to clean up." She said simply. Catching his tone and the way he was standing. She knew he could be touchy about certain things but she had assumed he wouldn't have an issue with this.

"You know how we created our Family pets and even the Nightcrawlers. I just made use of some annoying baggage." She explained. Proud of how it went, especially since she had convinced Piper to join in.

Still wanting her to join her. She would join her. Perhaps depending how much of a mind her surviving friend kept, perhaps she'd stay just to be his handler.

"Now if you'll excuse me. I have more important things to do." She said simply. Using her magic to pull Piper forward. Forcing her to follow as she turned to leave.

[buridans-darkace]

"Clean up what? What did you two do?!"

Dark Ace's voice shook the walls, and he had half a mind to march after the girls and force them to explain what had happened. But Cyclonis's words and the smell of blood stopped him from making a move for either of them.

The door was ajar, and the air was much too still.

"This isn't fucking over, Cyclonis!" he barked before shoving the door open to look inside.

What he saw was something he'd never wanted to see again. Bloodstained work surfaces, a limp body on an operating table. He could see the changes right away, and the surgical scars across the boy's body.

He almost threw up then and there, his throat spasming in an aborted attempt to keep his last meal down.

[austrydieder]

He flinched at the Dark Ace's voice, waiting behind him until the Empress was gone before entering the room. Horror and rage warred with each other over what was inside. He was shoving past his friend before he registered what he was doing. Approaching the table with quick measured steps.

"Finn?" He spoke softly, gently wiping away blood and sweat from the boys face.

Of all the things Cyclonis could decide to get into, human experiments was one of the few he couldn't justify or make excuses for. Even too himself. He looked to the Dark Ace a moment, decisions already made. He wasn't going to stick around for more of this.

He gently moved the boy's limbs. Checking his wounds, making sure everything had been closed properly. He grabbed clean rags to clean and wrap things, moving mostly on auto pilot.

"Finn can you hear me?" He asks, "you don't have to speak just move your fingers for me." He should get him to the infirmary, have an actual doctor look him over instead of Austry's limited field knowledge.

[tuffdwightwest]

Pain.

Thats all Finn could really focus on as he felt someone. Something nudging him. Force that made him tense and flinch. "No..." he whimpered. Forcing an eye open only to see Dark Ace standing there.

A pained yelp escaping him as his eyes squeezed shut. Shaking as he started to become more aware of things besides just the pain. He felt weird, different. Memories of before coming back as he forced himself to open his eyes once more.

This time recognizing the nice talon who would give him treats. "Is it over?" He asked. Hopeful when he saw him. Before whimpering when he saw Dark Ace again.

"Don't.. don't hurt me." He pleaded.

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace felt himself shaking, but he was unable to tear his eyes away from Finn as he pulled himself together. He stepped inside, ignoring Finn's whimpers. There were more clean rags, and a sheet which he brought over to Austry before shifting completely out of Finn's view.

There was a storm brewing in his chest. He'd made a lot, a lot of allowances for Cyclonis's actions under the basis that she would see reason eventually and slow down her rampage across Atmos, but this was unforgivable. Despite his disagreements with the boy, he would never have wished this on him.

"Is it safe to move him?" he asked Austry. He wanted to get out of here and take Finn as far away from this place as possible. He wanted to tear something or someone apart over this. Phantom pains made his hands and chest ache whenever he looked at the fresh surgical wounds. He was at a loss to how he could actually help. It was a feeling he'd always despised.

[austrydieder]

"I don't know yet..." Austry shook his head as he checked things over. He was worried about internal organs, potentially jostling something rhat they couldnt see.

"We're not going to hurt you, Finn. I promise. Can you tell me what hurts the most?" He asks, hoping maybe Finn could tell hi. What was the worst, then he could figure out more. He wanted to relieve the boys pain but he needed more information and trust before he started using his needles.

He could feel the rage coming off his friend as they wrapped the boy in the sheet.

Good.

He should be angry at Cyclonis for this.

[finnster-agilaz]

What hurt the most? What didn't hurt. Although closing his eyes he tried to think about.

"Lungs." He said. "Feel like, like I'm choking." He admitted. Moving to shift his position. The gills on the side of his neck opening and closing at each movement.

It was at this moment that he got a good look at his claws.

Claws.

His hands webbed and elongated. Panic settling further in his chest as he let out a scared yelp. "What-" he said before coughing. A pained moan escaping him at the pain that it caused. His new tail swishing under the blanket as he panted.

Blood sliding down his body from the still open lacerations on his body. He fought through the pain though as he reached out. Touching each fin and scale against his body. Realizing what that foreign feeling was now that he could actually see them.

And then, he started to cry.

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace's stomach turned as Finn started crying. The sound echoed against the cold metal walls of the lab. There was a faucet in the lab and he went to soak some more cloth rags in water before approaching to sponge blood away from the newly-sprouted gills in hopes it would help him breathe easier. He knew Aquinoans used similar methods to stop their gills from drying up during extended trips out of the water.

"Close your eyes and steady your breathing," he said. His voice was tight with anger and nausea. The shaking of his hands made his motions rougher than he intended. "We'll get you out of here as soon as we can."

Cyclonis could clean up her own fucking lab. If she even had a lab left to clean up once he'd calmed down.

[austrydieder]

He let Dark Ace handle the gills for now, looking through storage cabinets, roughly throwing useless items on the floor out of his way until he found the suture kit he was looking for.

"Let's get you stitched up and clean." He said softly, gently cleaning a wound. For the moment, he forced himself to ignore the tears. He needed to treat the wounds quickly. The sooner they were done the sooner he could leave with Finn. He hated what that would mean for his family, but this was a line he couldn't overlook.

He paused only briefly at Dark Ace's words, wondering if he meant out of Cyclonia.

"Think you can stand?" He asked once hed finished cleaning and dressing Finn's wounds. He stood in front of him, offering his hands for support.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

Finn hated crying. And had managed to avoid crying ever since Aerrow was killed and he was thrown into that stupid cage. Trying to be brave. Trying to be strong.

He had gotten close.

But he tried not to think about him. Or them or even himself. Dissociating had been working wonders for him.

But now.

Body wrong. Pain unlike anything he had felt before. And the one helping him was the monster that forced him here. Finn not seeing much difference between Dark Ace and Cyclonis. Yet here he was trying to wipe the blood away. Applying water at the part of him that burned. The feeling soothing but only a small reprieve from everything else.

Then Dark Aces anger filled voice reached him. Causing him to flinch. The words not even registering to him as he just started crying harder. Unable to stop it at this point.

He barely noticed what Austry was doing. Until he caught sight of the needles. Tensing before he realized what he was doing. Reminding himself that this was the Pie Cyclonian. He had always been kind.

He managed at that point to first here Dark Ace promise to let him out of here. As well as Austry's question of if he could stand. Offering himself for support.

He didn't know if he could. But sniffling he knew he had to try. Shifting he pushed himself off of the operating table. Only slightly stumbling. Taking a deep breath, he looked down at himself now that he was standing.

Seeing the quick stitch Austry had given him. The new scales along his body. He was longer too. Not just cause of his 'tail' behind him. If he could even call it that. It had arms and he could move them, if a bit clumsy.

"She turned me into a monster." He realized. Instead of crying this time though he just started laughing. "Not the first time she did this to me either." He said. His laugh more shrill and panicked not amused but afraid.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace sighed, "It helps if you don't look at it. Come on, let's get you someplace else, where she won't come near you."

He considered leading the way to his personal quarters, where Finn would be able to rest in an actual bed and perhaps take a shower while he and Austry talked about what to do next. But then he remembered how Cyclonis had been invading his private spaces more and more as of late. If she found out the newest subject of her curiosities was there, she could snatch him back whenever she felt like it.

"Do you still take supplies out to the Terra of Thorns?" he asked Austry. If the boy was fit to fly, then the unmapped Terra would be one of the safest places to take him.

The muffled sound of thunder made him look up, concerned. There hadn't been a storm in today's forecast so where had that come from? Hopefully it wouldn't stop them from flying.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

"You are not a monster." Austry said firmly, lifting Finn's arm across his shoulders to better support him, "she's changed you, yes. But that does not make you a monster." He could hear the fear in the boys voice, he didn't know how quite to help him other than give him something to lean on.

"Come on, one step at a time."

He glanced at Dark Ace again wondering what his plan was exactly. They needed to leave the terra, not just this lab.

The question of the Terra of Thorns was a relief. It meant exactly what Austry had been hoping for. If Dark Ace left too over this... there was a good chance there would be consequences for the Empress she wouldn't be able to overlook.

"I do, yes." He nodded, "we could probably find a transport ship." The suggestion came out the same time as thunder rumbled outside. He wasn't exactly surprised to hear it considering Dark Ace's mood. The weather always weirdly seeming to coincide with the man's temper.

"It'll be better than trying to leave on skimmers, between his tail and the weather."

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

It helps if you don't look at it. You are not a monster.

He didn't really find comfort in those words. But still tried. Looking away and instead keeping his eyes forward on the two in front of him.

Letting Austry guide him away from the bed. Feeling unsteady with the new weight and feel of his body.

His next words confused him even more. Somewhere else? "Wait-" he said softly barely audible as he tried to piece together what that meant.

The more they talked though he wondered. Were they... saving him? They weren't going to just throw him into a dungeon.

"Why are you? Are you helping me?" He asked unsure. Tail swishing behind him. Almost knocking him off of his feet as he messed up the movement of them.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace caught Finn by the shoulder before he could fall to the floor. His expression was gravely serious as the boy questioned why he was helping him.

"There's lines even I won't cross," he explained. "What Cyclonis has done to you is one of them."

Even though it didn't make the boy a monster, Cyclonis had committed an egregious violation that Dark Ace refused to stand by. If she could so easily do that to someone she saw as a trophy, who else was she willing to twist and break to fit her whims?

"There should be some transport ships in the southeast hangar," he said to Austry as they led Finn out of the lower levels. "I'm going to get Duchess from my quarters and I'll meet you there. Is there anything you want me to grab?"

He really wasn't sure when, or even if, he'd come back at this point and there were a few things he didn't want to leave behind. Some stubborn part of him was still reluctant to leave and abandon his duties, still sure that he could find a way to fix things from here, but one look at Finn was enough to shut those thoughts down.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

Austry kept walking focused on just getting them to the southeast hangar. Simply shaking his head at Dark Ace's question. He didn't keep many personal items here anymore, what he did have was either already on him or could easily be replaced, like his wire works. Though...

"My mask... I keep it in my foot locker, under a false bottom." He didn't need anyone finding that. His friend could know the truth, he already knew he was an assassin for the Empress anyways.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

His eyes were wide and scared as Dark Ace said that to him. Cyclonis crossed a line to him. And that is why he was angry.

He just nodded.

Growing quiet as he walked with them. Too tired and shocked to say much as they listed off what they might need. Still a bit uncertain what could happen. But despite his fears he found himself just numb. If they were actually just leading him out to kill him fine. At this point he didn't even care. He was tired and in pain and... missed Aerrow dearly.

Aerrow would have been stronger then him at this moment. He still couldn't believe Piper helped, why did she helped. This whole time... did she really hate him that much? Was that why they always sent him away or left him behind.

Did she... did they, not believe in him?

He almost felt like crying again as they arrived at the hanger. But held it together as Dark Ace ran off. Stepping into the ship that they were preparing. Before finding the closest soft thing to lay down on. His tail wrapping close against him. An instinctive thing that was already forming within him as it moved to cover his more sensitive and vulnerable spots.

He wanted to ask questions. Be brave. He wasn't though. He was tired. He was hurt. Walking here was already him going over his limit. So closing his eyes, he fell unconscious soon afterwards.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace moved as swiftly as possible, getting Duchess and packing a few spare clothes into a bag before getting Austry's mask. He barely paused to look at it before packing it up. Stopping by his office on the way to the hangar, he scratched out a hurried note to Cara Cara with some instructions for her and to not expect him back for a while. He trusted his secretadg to be able to carry out what might be his final orders to her as a commander.

All in all, it didn't take long before he'd rejoined Austry and Finn at the transport ship. His eyes lingered on the boy's unconscious form for a moment before he went to help finish preparing for travel.

His heart was hammering in his chest as they took off, and he felt his hands shaking again. The anger and dread and that sick, haunted feeling he'd been trying to suppress this whole time was starting to catch up to him. It caught in his throat when he tried to say something to Austry, only coming out as a strangled croaking noise.

Fuck, not now… Fine, he wouldn't say anything. He'd just focus on the journey ahead. What would talking even do for him anyway?

Rain lashed against the ship's windows and thunder rumbled all around them, matching the tumultuous feelings rising up in his chest.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

As Finn lay down Austry grabbed another blanket to throw over him. Carefully tucking it around his back and tail. Duchess stayed near Dark Ace when he returned but did sniff the boy, her ears flattened in that way she would whenever the champion was wounded.

"I know your job is to look after Feathers, but i think he needs you too right now." He said softly, touching her head before looking at Finn, "Its not a very long flight, I promise." He assured him even as he quickly passed out. He'd definitely need antibiotics and painkillers once they arrived. Austry had stashed plenty over the years.

Joining Dark Ace at the controls he started the ships engines, sending them off into the storm. He heard the croak as Dark Ace tried to speak, knowing what was happening. He reached over and simply took his friends hand, he didn't need to speak for this.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

Finn woke again just as they appeared to be landing at their destination. Still tired, still scared but he found it easier to calm this time. Confused when he saw a dog. And the two holding hands.

Looking away as he slowly looked over himself again. Taking a shuddering breath as he took a quiet moment just to inspect himself. What he was now. He looked like some type of fish, he realized. Maybe thats why his lungs hurt so much?

Feeling his gills they felt dried and in pain. Foreign to his touch and sensitive. Pulling away he stared at the claws he had and the webbing on his hands.

Yeah definetly some type of fish. Moving to get up, it was as if everything hurt more now that he rested then it did before. A yelp escaping him as he moved in a way that jostled his stitches. Deciding to stay where he was instead. New leg on his 'tail' kicking as he pushed the new form of himself closer to him.

Taking the time to look over the colors of what he could only describe as a beastly form of himself. It was probably disingenuous to call it a tail. It wasn't. It was an extra piece of body. Uncertain of its place but still there.

Despite his hatred of what happened to himself. He had to admit his scales were beautiful. Almost iridescent in the light. His mind wrestled between the thoughts of this being him and completely denying it.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace gave Austry a grateful look, squeezing his hand gently. He heard Finn yelp and turned around to look at the boy. Duchess was pressing her nose against Finn's arm the way she would do to Dark Ace when her usual deep pressure training wasn't an option. At least the kid was in good paws.

He made sure the ship stayed beneath the clouds as they flew to the Terra of Thorns, occasionally flying above them to check landmarks and make absolutely sure they were going in the right direction. The storm seemed to follow their little transport ship, conveniently obscuring them from any passing warships along the way.

Eventually, their destination came into view. A graveyard of abandoned ships overgrown with thorn bushes. It looked almost barren, but he and Austry knew that life hid just beneath the surface. He landed by the old husk of a decommissioned warship and cut the engines. But he didn't let himself feel relief just yet.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

Austry stood, letting go of Dark Ace's hand and stepped out of the ship. It was pouring rain already, though he couldnt help but think how nice the water would probably feel to Finn. His gills looked pretty shriveled up currently.

"The outside looks a lot worse than it actually is." He smiled awkwardly as he stepped back inside the transport ship, "Think you can walk again? The Captain's cabin has a bath you could probably fully submerge in." He offered his hands again, Duchess backing up a step but ready to press against the boys side the minute she could.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

The dog suddenly touching him made him jump. Eyes wide as he turned to stare at Dutchess. She didn't look like she wanted to bite him so he tried to calm himself.

He didn't react much as the others walked away. Flinching at the sound of thunder. But staying where he was. As Austry returned he was instantly locked back into him.

At the question of walking again, he looked down at himself. At the mention of a bath though. His eyes just widened in concern again. "Is that- that will help?" He asked. Voice small, so unlike how he normally sounded.

He knew it probably would. He wasn't blind. But the idea of it. Was so terrifying. He didn't end up answering any of his questions. As he just curled up where he was.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

"It should at least help a little," Dark Ace said, waiting just inside the ship entrance in case Austry and Finn needed help. "At the very least you can clean yourself up. We can get you something to eat too. If you're up for it, that is."

He was already thinking over what to make. Something simple and easy to keep down for certain. Hopefully Finn's internal biology hadn't changed too much that he couldn't eat normal food.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

"Ooh, lucky you. Dark Ace's cooking is a real treat." Austry smiled, helping Finn to his feet and guiding him from the transport to the older abandoned carrier ship. Taking him in through a giant hole in the side of the ship. The inside was surprisingly well maintained despite the exterior. Newer panels clearly replaced broken ones. furniture sat in places, not new but not original either.

He walked them deeper into the ship until the arrived at the captains quarters. The room divided into a sitting room and a bedroom. A side door leading off to a private bath.

Austry had at some point replaced the ratty rotting mattress for something more comfortable with clean sheets. He set Finn there before heading to the bathroom.

"Ill get the water going. What sounds better, hot or cool?" He asked, giving him the option.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

Finn just stared when he was offered food. Looking owlishly back at Austry as he said that Dark Ace was apparently good at cooking. The old carrier ship was familiar. It wasn't the condor but the familiarity of it. Did help relax him as he followed the other two.

Sitting on the bed, he watched as Austry went to the bath. Before asking him what temperature. He wasn't sure honestly, "Not... not too hot but not cold?" He said. His voice sounded stranger, the sharper teeth and different tongue felt weird. Part of why he also wasn't talking.

He got up instead of sitting, as he approached Austry. Stepping into the bathroom as he looked around. "My eyes are different." He said. Bringing a hand up as he forced himself to stare at himself again.

Trying to calm himself but it ended up just causing him fear instead. "What did she do to me?" He whimpered.

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace left them to it, splitting off and entering the kitchen where he just planted his hands on the counter and stared at the chrome surface. The nausea he'd felt upon first seeing the lab was coming back. He could feel his whole body start to shake, his knees were weak and it felt like his head was under water. Outside, the storm grew in intensity, lashing rain down on the ship and growling thunder like it was some beast trying to break through the hull.

Slowly, he sank down onto his knees as the past few weeks finally caught up to him. The last few hours were the final straw. Duchess was immediately pressing up against him but he barely registered her attempts to ground him.

Two years.

The last two years had been a complete waste. Killing Anarchis had lead to Cyclonis turning out to be just as bad as her despite his efforts to steer her away from repeating her grandmother's mistakes. Sparing Aerrow had just ended in him killing the boy anyway and one of his teammates being subject to something he'd sworn to never let happen again. The Empire was at risk of cannibalising itself in Cyclonis's endless desire for conquest, stretching resources and military forces too thin and breeding nothing but avarice on all sides. His best friend could hardly look at him. The regret and disgust he'd been trying to shove down was finally rearing its ugly head.

Numb fingers tangled in Duchess's fur. Calm. He needed to calm down in case Austry came in. Why couldn't he just calm down? He wasn't even the one who'd been torn apart this time.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

Austry nodded and set about getting the water going. He'd replaced the aqua stones for the captains bath and the kitchen when he could afford the crystals. It was definitely worth the investment. He glanced at Finn when he joined him, sitting on the edge of the bath.

"To be honest... I don't know. Fused you with some sort of far side crystal." He stood, pulling Finn away from the mirror, "I know you want to focus on the what and the why but we should get you stable first. I know this is scary, trust me, I know what you're going through, so does Feathers. We're going to get you through this, I promise."

He kept Finn turned towards him, guiding him to the water as the storm picked up outside.

"Im... ill be right back, okay? Im going to see how food is coming along."

He kept his pace calm as he left the bathroom, only to break into a sprint once he was back in the hall. He didn't stop until he was in the kitchen, finding Duchess pressed against Dark Ace kneeling on the floor.

" I was afraid of that." He sighed, stepping closer, "Feathers, come back to me. Please?"

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

Fused with some sort of far side crystal. That was putting it lightly in his opinion. At him trying to comfort him, he just nodded. He was letting him guide him before he went to leave. Watching his retreating form as he ran off. Each movement of his body easy to track. Almost as if he would know each small movement before he even did it. The slight stumble as he took the corner too wide, caught before Austry even felt the effect.

Finn looked away once he was around the corner. Feeling the water with his hand, it felt nice. He always liked the sea but had never felt at home with it. Hesitating a moment he pulled his hand back. Taking a moment to breathe, to prepare himself before finally moving to get into the water.

Instantly the effect of it was noticed. The itchy pain of his new scales softening as the water wrapped around him. His lungs didn't hurt as much either as he fully submerged himself. It was small, smaller then his new shape needed but it was something. He felt more flexible, able to wrap his lower tail around himself. In a comforting embrace. Similar to what he did before but it was more natural in the water.

He briefly wondered if this was what the Aquanosian felt like but in some ways he realized he was different from them. Similar but as similar as human was to a Wallop.

Closing his eyes, he just listened to the water around him. It had an almost song to it. Adjusted by each one of his movements. But muted due to the size. It was an unnatural place for water. Something he felt like he shouldn't know.

And yet he was learning anyway.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

He noticed Austry coming in through the haze of panic, but didn't quite register his friend's words.

"You were right," he gasped out between unsteady breaths. "We would have been better off losing."

He should have done more, been firmer with Cyclonis and less subversive with Aerrow. Should have kept a closer eye on the cells and intervened with Cyclonis's Far Side bullshit sooner, maybe then he wouldn't have failed again to keep another kid from being torn apart and put back together wrong. What kind of Champion let their Empress step all over them and ran away when she finally crossed one too many lines?

A weak one. The words echoed in his head and cut through him the same way Anarchis used to.

"You should be with Finn. He needs you more than I do."

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

"We can still fix things." Austry coaxed, trying to keep Dakr Ace's eyes on him, give him something else to focus on, "we can make things right. Not perfect, not the same but healed."

He shook his head when Dark Ace tried to send him away. Gently taking his hands in his.

"Finn isn't currently having a panic attack, you are." He glanced at Duchess, whos ears were laid back, clearly upset her usual tricks weren't working. "Go keep an eye on Finn, I got this." He told her before focusing back on his friend. She whined but did as he asked.

"Freathers... whats 5 things you can see?" He asked deciding to try a technique his uncle had taught him.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

@austrydieder @buridans-darkace

Closed RP- Continuation of Scenario 1

TW: Human Experimentation

[Cyclonis POV]

A sense of satisfaction was heavy as the machines around her started to power down. Smiling at Piper who she had forced to help her with this. She needed someone to stabalize her project and she knew her affection for the boy would have her give it her all to keep him alive. And as long as he made it through the night, it seemed to be a success. Despite how shallow his breathing was.

The coppery scent of blood was thick in the air. As giving Piper a moment as she tried to comfort and apologize to the unconscious boy on the table; Cyclonis moved to make a direct line call to Dark Ace.

Informing him to come to the dungeons. A secret part of the castle that only a select few even knew existed. She also told him to bring a trusted friend. That he would need it for clean up. Leaving him to guard the room and watch and inform her of any changes with him.

Once certain he was on her way. She returned to Piper. Activating her crystal to force the other girl to move taking one more moment to look down at the boy.

The sharpshooter from the Storm Hawks. Technically her property since the war had ended and she took them on as a prisoner. She needed someone to test a crystal she had found in the Far Side. Unsure of what the effects might even be as she worked on it.

Now following his name sake, the boy seemed to have bloodied fins all over his body as well as scales. Internally where she had cut him open and placed the crystal it also clearly changed internal processes. Which was the most worrying part. And why she needed the other girl to keep him stable. Use magic to keep his heart breathing while his body mutated. He even had a long serpentine tail. Also covered in blood.

It seemed gills might have also formed. Which would have worried her about how well he could breathe but he appeared to be still breathing. If a bit shallow. She would have to test more things later.

Piper was crying.

Cyclonis didn't care as heading out of the room. Leaving her Champion to clean up her mess.

As per usual.

[buridans-darkace]

The moment he'd heard Cyclonis's voice over the line, he knew he wouldn't like what she'd called him into the lower levels where the Empresses kept all their darkest secrets.

Dark secrets that made his blood boil and his stomach churn.

Austry was the only person he trusted to follow him down there and come back out in one piece, despite the current tension between them. Whatever Cyclonis had planned, he hoped it wouldn't shatter what little faith his friend may have had in him.

The halls were dark, and the air down here was stagnant. The metal walls were unnaturally clean despite so few people ever coming down here; not even housekeepers were allowed down here to keep things from getting dusty. Tension rose in his shoulders the further down they went, and he kept stealing glances at Austry for... what? Reassurance? Solidarity?

He saw Cyclonis standing outside one of the many rooms, and his expression hardened.

"What do you want?" he asked, not bothering with formalities. She didn't get any grace from him in private, not any more. Not since she'd ripped the Citadel out of its foundations, causing chaos for the masses of Cyclonia.

Crying could be heard in the other room, and it sent a chill through his blood.

What had she done?

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

He'd been surprised when Dark Ace had asked him to join him for something. Some assignment from the Empress. His stomach had dropped when they entered the dungeons. It only got worse the deeper they went and he caught the distinct scent of blood.

He stayed quiet as the approached the Empress, his eyes fixated on the door and the sound of crying inside. His skin prickled with crystal energy. What ever had happened, he knew it wasnt good. He didn't want to deal with the witch or storm hawks mage turned pet. He wanted into that room, despite the dread eating at his insides.

'Please dont be what I think...' he silently prayed.

[finnster-agilaz]

[Cyclonis POV]

"I told you. I need you to clean up." She said simply. Catching his tone and the way he was standing. She knew he could be touchy about certain things but she had assumed he wouldn't have an issue with this.

"You know how we created our Family pets and even the Nightcrawlers. I just made use of some annoying baggage." She explained. Proud of how it went, especially since she had convinced Piper to join in.

Still wanting her to join her. She would join her. Perhaps depending how much of a mind her surviving friend kept, perhaps she'd stay just to be his handler.

"Now if you'll excuse me. I have more important things to do." She said simply. Using her magic to pull Piper forward. Forcing her to follow as she turned to leave.

[buridans-darkace]

"Clean up what? What did you two do?!"

Dark Ace's voice shook the walls, and he had half a mind to march after the girls and force them to explain what had happened. But Cyclonis's words and the smell of blood stopped him from making a move for either of them.

The door was ajar, and the air was much too still.

"This isn't fucking over, Cyclonis!" he barked before shoving the door open to look inside.

What he saw was something he'd never wanted to see again. Bloodstained work surfaces, a limp body on an operating table. He could see the changes right away, and the surgical scars across the boy's body.

He almost threw up then and there, his throat spasming in an aborted attempt to keep his last meal down.

[austrydieder]

He flinched at the Dark Ace's voice, waiting behind him until the Empress was gone before entering the room. Horror and rage warred with each other over what was inside. He was shoving past his friend before he registered what he was doing. Approaching the table with quick measured steps.

"Finn?" He spoke softly, gently wiping away blood and sweat from the boys face.

Of all the things Cyclonis could decide to get into, human experiments was one of the few he couldn't justify or make excuses for. Even too himself. He looked to the Dark Ace a moment, decisions already made. He wasn't going to stick around for more of this.

He gently moved the boy's limbs. Checking his wounds, making sure everything had been closed properly. He grabbed clean rags to clean and wrap things, moving mostly on auto pilot.

"Finn can you hear me?" He asks, "you don't have to speak just move your fingers for me." He should get him to the infirmary, have an actual doctor look him over instead of Austry's limited field knowledge.

[tuffdwightwest]

Pain.

Thats all Finn could really focus on as he felt someone. Something nudging him. Force that made him tense and flinch. "No..." he whimpered. Forcing an eye open only to see Dark Ace standing there.

A pained yelp escaping him as his eyes squeezed shut. Shaking as he started to become more aware of things besides just the pain. He felt weird, different. Memories of before coming back as he forced himself to open his eyes once more.

This time recognizing the nice talon who would give him treats. "Is it over?" He asked. Hopeful when he saw him. Before whimpering when he saw Dark Ace again.

"Don't.. don't hurt me." He pleaded.

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace felt himself shaking, but he was unable to tear his eyes away from Finn as he pulled himself together. He stepped inside, ignoring Finn's whimpers. There were more clean rags, and a sheet which he brought over to Austry before shifting completely out of Finn's view.

There was a storm brewing in his chest. He'd made a lot, a lot of allowances for Cyclonis's actions under the basis that she would see reason eventually and slow down her rampage across Atmos, but this was unforgivable. Despite his disagreements with the boy, he would never have wished this on him.

"Is it safe to move him?" he asked Austry. He wanted to get out of here and take Finn as far away from this place as possible. He wanted to tear something or someone apart over this. Phantom pains made his hands and chest ache whenever he looked at the fresh surgical wounds. He was at a loss to how he could actually help. It was a feeling he'd always despised.

[austrydieder]

"I don't know yet..." Austry shook his head as he checked things over. He was worried about internal organs, potentially jostling something rhat they couldnt see.

"We're not going to hurt you, Finn. I promise. Can you tell me what hurts the most?" He asks, hoping maybe Finn could tell hi. What was the worst, then he could figure out more. He wanted to relieve the boys pain but he needed more information and trust before he started using his needles.

He could feel the rage coming off his friend as they wrapped the boy in the sheet.

Good.

He should be angry at Cyclonis for this.

[finnster-agilaz]

What hurt the most? What didn't hurt. Although closing his eyes he tried to think about.

"Lungs." He said. "Feel like, like I'm choking." He admitted. Moving to shift his position. The gills on the side of his neck opening and closing at each movement.

It was at this moment that he got a good look at his claws.

Claws.

His hands webbed and elongated. Panic settling further in his chest as he let out a scared yelp. "What-" he said before coughing. A pained moan escaping him at the pain that it caused. His new tail swishing under the blanket as he panted.

Blood sliding down his body from the still open lacerations on his body. He fought through the pain though as he reached out. Touching each fin and scale against his body. Realizing what that foreign feeling was now that he could actually see them.

And then, he started to cry.

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace's stomach turned as Finn started crying. The sound echoed against the cold metal walls of the lab. There was a faucet in the lab and he went to soak some more cloth rags in water before approaching to sponge blood away from the newly-sprouted gills in hopes it would help him breathe easier. He knew Aquinoans used similar methods to stop their gills from drying up during extended trips out of the water.

"Close your eyes and steady your breathing," he said. His voice was tight with anger and nausea. The shaking of his hands made his motions rougher than he intended. "We'll get you out of here as soon as we can."

Cyclonis could clean up her own fucking lab. If she even had a lab left to clean up once he'd calmed down.

[austrydieder]

He let Dark Ace handle the gills for now, looking through storage cabinets, roughly throwing useless items on the floor out of his way until he found the suture kit he was looking for.

"Let's get you stitched up and clean." He said softly, gently cleaning a wound. For the moment, he forced himself to ignore the tears. He needed to treat the wounds quickly. The sooner they were done the sooner he could leave with Finn. He hated what that would mean for his family, but this was a line he couldn't overlook.

He paused only briefly at Dark Ace's words, wondering if he meant out of Cyclonia.

"Think you can stand?" He asked once hed finished cleaning and dressing Finn's wounds. He stood in front of him, offering his hands for support.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

Finn hated crying. And had managed to avoid crying ever since Aerrow was killed and he was thrown into that stupid cage. Trying to be brave. Trying to be strong.

He had gotten close.

But he tried not to think about him. Or them or even himself. Dissociating had been working wonders for him.

But now.

Body wrong. Pain unlike anything he had felt before. And the one helping him was the monster that forced him here. Finn not seeing much difference between Dark Ace and Cyclonis. Yet here he was trying to wipe the blood away. Applying water at the part of him that burned. The feeling soothing but only a small reprieve from everything else.

Then Dark Aces anger filled voice reached him. Causing him to flinch. The words not even registering to him as he just started crying harder. Unable to stop it at this point.

He barely noticed what Austry was doing. Until he caught sight of the needles. Tensing before he realized what he was doing. Reminding himself that this was the Pie Cyclonian. He had always been kind.

He managed at that point to first here Dark Ace promise to let him out of here. As well as Austry's question of if he could stand. Offering himself for support.

He didn't know if he could. But sniffling he knew he had to try. Shifting he pushed himself off of the operating table. Only slightly stumbling. Taking a deep breath, he looked down at himself now that he was standing.

Seeing the quick stitch Austry had given him. The new scales along his body. He was longer too. Not just cause of his 'tail' behind him. If he could even call it that. It had arms and he could move them, if a bit clumsy.

"She turned me into a monster." He realized. Instead of crying this time though he just started laughing. "Not the first time she did this to me either." He said. His laugh more shrill and panicked not amused but afraid.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace sighed, "It helps if you don't look at it. Come on, let's get you someplace else, where she won't come near you."

He considered leading the way to his personal quarters, where Finn would be able to rest in an actual bed and perhaps take a shower while he and Austry talked about what to do next. But then he remembered how Cyclonis had been invading his private spaces more and more as of late. If she found out the newest subject of her curiosities was there, she could snatch him back whenever she felt like it.

"Do you still take supplies out to the Terra of Thorns?" he asked Austry. If the boy was fit to fly, then the unmapped Terra would be one of the safest places to take him.

The muffled sound of thunder made him look up, concerned. There hadn't been a storm in today's forecast so where had that come from? Hopefully it wouldn't stop them from flying.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

"You are not a monster." Austry said firmly, lifting Finn's arm across his shoulders to better support him, "she's changed you, yes. But that does not make you a monster." He could hear the fear in the boys voice, he didn't know how quite to help him other than give him something to lean on.

"Come on, one step at a time."

He glanced at Dark Ace again wondering what his plan was exactly. They needed to leave the terra, not just this lab.

The question of the Terra of Thorns was a relief. It meant exactly what Austry had been hoping for. If Dark Ace left too over this... there was a good chance there would be consequences for the Empress she wouldn't be able to overlook.

"I do, yes." He nodded, "we could probably find a transport ship." The suggestion came out the same time as thunder rumbled outside. He wasn't exactly surprised to hear it considering Dark Ace's mood. The weather always weirdly seeming to coincide with the man's temper.

"It'll be better than trying to leave on skimmers, between his tail and the weather."

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

It helps if you don't look at it. You are not a monster.

He didn't really find comfort in those words. But still tried. Looking away and instead keeping his eyes forward on the two in front of him.

Letting Austry guide him away from the bed. Feeling unsteady with the new weight and feel of his body.

His next words confused him even more. Somewhere else? "Wait-" he said softly barely audible as he tried to piece together what that meant.

The more they talked though he wondered. Were they... saving him? They weren't going to just throw him into a dungeon.

"Why are you? Are you helping me?" He asked unsure. Tail swishing behind him. Almost knocking him off of his feet as he messed up the movement of them.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace caught Finn by the shoulder before he could fall to the floor. His expression was gravely serious as the boy questioned why he was helping him.

"There's lines even I won't cross," he explained. "What Cyclonis has done to you is one of them."

Even though it didn't make the boy a monster, Cyclonis had committed an egregious violation that Dark Ace refused to stand by. If she could so easily do that to someone she saw as a trophy, who else was she willing to twist and break to fit her whims?

"There should be some transport ships in the southeast hangar," he said to Austry as they led Finn out of the lower levels. "I'm going to get Duchess from my quarters and I'll meet you there. Is there anything you want me to grab?"

He really wasn't sure when, or even if, he'd come back at this point and there were a few things he didn't want to leave behind. Some stubborn part of him was still reluctant to leave and abandon his duties, still sure that he could find a way to fix things from here, but one look at Finn was enough to shut those thoughts down.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

Austry kept walking focused on just getting them to the southeast hangar. Simply shaking his head at Dark Ace's question. He didn't keep many personal items here anymore, what he did have was either already on him or could easily be replaced, like his wire works. Though...

"My mask... I keep it in my foot locker, under a false bottom." He didn't need anyone finding that. His friend could know the truth, he already knew he was an assassin for the Empress anyways.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

His eyes were wide and scared as Dark Ace said that to him. Cyclonis crossed a line to him. And that is why he was angry.

He just nodded.

Growing quiet as he walked with them. Too tired and shocked to say much as they listed off what they might need. Still a bit uncertain what could happen. But despite his fears he found himself just numb. If they were actually just leading him out to kill him fine. At this point he didn't even care. He was tired and in pain and... missed Aerrow dearly.

Aerrow would have been stronger then him at this moment. He still couldn't believe Piper helped, why did she helped. This whole time... did she really hate him that much? Was that why they always sent him away or left him behind.

Did she... did they, not believe in him?

He almost felt like crying again as they arrived at the hanger. But held it together as Dark Ace ran off. Stepping into the ship that they were preparing. Before finding the closest soft thing to lay down on. His tail wrapping close against him. An instinctive thing that was already forming within him as it moved to cover his more sensitive and vulnerable spots.

He wanted to ask questions. Be brave. He wasn't though. He was tired. He was hurt. Walking here was already him going over his limit. So closing his eyes, he fell unconscious soon afterwards.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace moved as swiftly as possible, getting Duchess and packing a few spare clothes into a bag before getting Austry's mask. He barely paused to look at it before packing it up. Stopping by his office on the way to the hangar, he scratched out a hurried note to Cara Cara with some instructions for her and to not expect him back for a while. He trusted his secretadg to be able to carry out what might be his final orders to her as a commander.

All in all, it didn't take long before he'd rejoined Austry and Finn at the transport ship. His eyes lingered on the boy's unconscious form for a moment before he went to help finish preparing for travel.

His heart was hammering in his chest as they took off, and he felt his hands shaking again. The anger and dread and that sick, haunted feeling he'd been trying to suppress this whole time was starting to catch up to him. It caught in his throat when he tried to say something to Austry, only coming out as a strangled croaking noise.

Fuck, not now… Fine, he wouldn't say anything. He'd just focus on the journey ahead. What would talking even do for him anyway?

Rain lashed against the ship's windows and thunder rumbled all around them, matching the tumultuous feelings rising up in his chest.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

As Finn lay down Austry grabbed another blanket to throw over him. Carefully tucking it around his back and tail. Duchess stayed near Dark Ace when he returned but did sniff the boy, her ears flattened in that way she would whenever the champion was wounded.

"I know your job is to look after Feathers, but i think he needs you too right now." He said softly, touching her head before looking at Finn, "Its not a very long flight, I promise." He assured him even as he quickly passed out. He'd definitely need antibiotics and painkillers once they arrived. Austry had stashed plenty over the years.

Joining Dark Ace at the controls he started the ships engines, sending them off into the storm. He heard the croak as Dark Ace tried to speak, knowing what was happening. He reached over and simply took his friends hand, he didn't need to speak for this.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

Finn woke again just as they appeared to be landing at their destination. Still tired, still scared but he found it easier to calm this time. Confused when he saw a dog. And the two holding hands.

Looking away as he slowly looked over himself again. Taking a shuddering breath as he took a quiet moment just to inspect himself. What he was now. He looked like some type of fish, he realized. Maybe thats why his lungs hurt so much?

Feeling his gills they felt dried and in pain. Foreign to his touch and sensitive. Pulling away he stared at the claws he had and the webbing on his hands.

Yeah definetly some type of fish. Moving to get up, it was as if everything hurt more now that he rested then it did before. A yelp escaping him as he moved in a way that jostled his stitches. Deciding to stay where he was instead. New leg on his 'tail' kicking as he pushed the new form of himself closer to him.

Taking the time to look over the colors of what he could only describe as a beastly form of himself. It was probably disingenuous to call it a tail. It wasn't. It was an extra piece of body. Uncertain of its place but still there.

Despite his hatred of what happened to himself. He had to admit his scales were beautiful. Almost iridescent in the light. His mind wrestled between the thoughts of this being him and completely denying it.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace gave Austry a grateful look, squeezing his hand gently. He heard Finn yelp and turned around to look at the boy. Duchess was pressing her nose against Finn's arm the way she would do to Dark Ace when her usual deep pressure training wasn't an option. At least the kid was in good paws.

He made sure the ship stayed beneath the clouds as they flew to the Terra of Thorns, occasionally flying above them to check landmarks and make absolutely sure they were going in the right direction. The storm seemed to follow their little transport ship, conveniently obscuring them from any passing warships along the way.

Eventually, their destination came into view. A graveyard of abandoned ships overgrown with thorn bushes. It looked almost barren, but he and Austry knew that life hid just beneath the surface. He landed by the old husk of a decommissioned warship and cut the engines. But he didn't let himself feel relief just yet.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

Austry stood, letting go of Dark Ace's hand and stepped out of the ship. It was pouring rain already, though he couldnt help but think how nice the water would probably feel to Finn. His gills looked pretty shriveled up currently.

"The outside looks a lot worse than it actually is." He smiled awkwardly as he stepped back inside the transport ship, "Think you can walk again? The Captain's cabin has a bath you could probably fully submerge in." He offered his hands again, Duchess backing up a step but ready to press against the boys side the minute she could.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

The dog suddenly touching him made him jump. Eyes wide as he turned to stare at Dutchess. She didn't look like she wanted to bite him so he tried to calm himself.

He didn't react much as the others walked away. Flinching at the sound of thunder. But staying where he was. As Austry returned he was instantly locked back into him.

At the question of walking again, he looked down at himself. At the mention of a bath though. His eyes just widened in concern again. "Is that- that will help?" He asked. Voice small, so unlike how he normally sounded.

He knew it probably would. He wasn't blind. But the idea of it. Was so terrifying. He didn't end up answering any of his questions. As he just curled up where he was.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

"It should at least help a little," Dark Ace said, waiting just inside the ship entrance in case Austry and Finn needed help. "At the very least you can clean yourself up. We can get you something to eat too. If you're up for it, that is."

He was already thinking over what to make. Something simple and easy to keep down for certain. Hopefully Finn's internal biology hadn't changed too much that he couldn't eat normal food.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

"Ooh, lucky you. Dark Ace's cooking is a real treat." Austry smiled, helping Finn to his feet and guiding him from the transport to the older abandoned carrier ship. Taking him in through a giant hole in the side of the ship. The inside was surprisingly well maintained despite the exterior. Newer panels clearly replaced broken ones. furniture sat in places, not new but not original either.

He walked them deeper into the ship until the arrived at the captains quarters. The room divided into a sitting room and a bedroom. A side door leading off to a private bath.

Austry had at some point replaced the ratty rotting mattress for something more comfortable with clean sheets. He set Finn there before heading to the bathroom.

"Ill get the water going. What sounds better, hot or cool?" He asked, giving him the option.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

Finn just stared when he was offered food. Looking owlishly back at Austry as he said that Dark Ace was apparently good at cooking. The old carrier ship was familiar. It wasn't the condor but the familiarity of it. Did help relax him as he followed the other two.

Sitting on the bed, he watched as Austry went to the bath. Before asking him what temperature. He wasn't sure honestly, "Not... not too hot but not cold?" He said. His voice sounded stranger, the sharper teeth and different tongue felt weird. Part of why he also wasn't talking.

He got up instead of sitting, as he approached Austry. Stepping into the bathroom as he looked around. "My eyes are different." He said. Bringing a hand up as he forced himself to stare at himself again.

Trying to calm himself but it ended up just causing him fear instead. "What did she do to me?" He whimpered.

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace left them to it, splitting off and entering the kitchen where he just planted his hands on the counter and stared at the chrome surface. The nausea he'd felt upon first seeing the lab was coming back. He could feel his whole body start to shake, his knees were weak and it felt like his head was under water. Outside, the storm grew in intensity, lashing rain down on the ship and growling thunder like it was some beast trying to break through the hull.

Slowly, he sank down onto his knees as the past few weeks finally caught up to him. The last few hours were the final straw. Duchess was immediately pressing up against him but he barely registered her attempts to ground him.

Two years.

The last two years had been a complete waste. Killing Anarchis had lead to Cyclonis turning out to be just as bad as her despite his efforts to steer her away from repeating her grandmother's mistakes. Sparing Aerrow had just ended in him killing the boy anyway and one of his teammates being subject to something he'd sworn to never let happen again. The Empire was at risk of cannibalising itself in Cyclonis's endless desire for conquest, stretching resources and military forces too thin and breeding nothing but avarice on all sides. His best friend could hardly look at him. The regret and disgust he'd been trying to shove down was finally rearing its ugly head.

Numb fingers tangled in Duchess's fur. Calm. He needed to calm down in case Austry came in. Why couldn't he just calm down? He wasn't even the one who'd been torn apart this time.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

Austry nodded and set about getting the water going. He'd replaced the aqua stones for the captains bath and the kitchen when he could afford the crystals. It was definitely worth the investment. He glanced at Finn when he joined him, sitting on the edge of the bath.

"To be honest... I don't know. Fused you with some sort of far side crystal." He stood, pulling Finn away from the mirror, "I know you want to focus on the what and the why but we should get you stable first. I know this is scary, trust me, I know what you're going through, so does Feathers. We're going to get you through this, I promise."

He kept Finn turned towards him, guiding him to the water as the storm picked up outside.

"Im... ill be right back, okay? Im going to see how food is coming along."

He kept his pace calm as he left the bathroom, only to break into a sprint once he was back in the hall. He didn't stop until he was in the kitchen, finding Duchess pressed against Dark Ace kneeling on the floor.

" I was afraid of that." He sighed, stepping closer, "Feathers, come back to me. Please?"

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

@austrydieder @buridans-darkace

Closed RP- Continuation of Scenario 1

TW: Human Experimentation

[Cyclonis POV]

A sense of satisfaction was heavy as the machines around her started to power down. Smiling at Piper who she had forced to help her with this. She needed someone to stabalize her project and she knew her affection for the boy would have her give it her all to keep him alive. And as long as he made it through the night, it seemed to be a success. Despite how shallow his breathing was.

The coppery scent of blood was thick in the air. As giving Piper a moment as she tried to comfort and apologize to the unconscious boy on the table; Cyclonis moved to make a direct line call to Dark Ace.

Informing him to come to the dungeons. A secret part of the castle that only a select few even knew existed. She also told him to bring a trusted friend. That he would need it for clean up. Leaving him to guard the room and watch and inform her of any changes with him.

Once certain he was on her way. She returned to Piper. Activating her crystal to force the other girl to move taking one more moment to look down at the boy.

The sharpshooter from the Storm Hawks. Technically her property since the war had ended and she took them on as a prisoner. She needed someone to test a crystal she had found in the Far Side. Unsure of what the effects might even be as she worked on it.

Now following his name sake, the boy seemed to have bloodied fins all over his body as well as scales. Internally where she had cut him open and placed the crystal it also clearly changed internal processes. Which was the most worrying part. And why she needed the other girl to keep him stable. Use magic to keep his heart breathing while his body mutated. He even had a long serpentine tail. Also covered in blood.

It seemed gills might have also formed. Which would have worried her about how well he could breathe but he appeared to be still breathing. If a bit shallow. She would have to test more things later.

Piper was crying.

Cyclonis didn't care as heading out of the room. Leaving her Champion to clean up her mess.

As per usual.

[buridans-darkace]

The moment he'd heard Cyclonis's voice over the line, he knew he wouldn't like what she'd called him into the lower levels where the Empresses kept all their darkest secrets.

Dark secrets that made his blood boil and his stomach churn.

Austry was the only person he trusted to follow him down there and come back out in one piece, despite the current tension between them. Whatever Cyclonis had planned, he hoped it wouldn't shatter what little faith his friend may have had in him.

The halls were dark, and the air down here was stagnant. The metal walls were unnaturally clean despite so few people ever coming down here; not even housekeepers were allowed down here to keep things from getting dusty. Tension rose in his shoulders the further down they went, and he kept stealing glances at Austry for... what? Reassurance? Solidarity?

He saw Cyclonis standing outside one of the many rooms, and his expression hardened.

"What do you want?" he asked, not bothering with formalities. She didn't get any grace from him in private, not any more. Not since she'd ripped the Citadel out of its foundations, causing chaos for the masses of Cyclonia.

Crying could be heard in the other room, and it sent a chill through his blood.

What had she done?

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

He'd been surprised when Dark Ace had asked him to join him for something. Some assignment from the Empress. His stomach had dropped when they entered the dungeons. It only got worse the deeper they went and he caught the distinct scent of blood.

He stayed quiet as the approached the Empress, his eyes fixated on the door and the sound of crying inside. His skin prickled with crystal energy. What ever had happened, he knew it wasnt good. He didn't want to deal with the witch or storm hawks mage turned pet. He wanted into that room, despite the dread eating at his insides.

'Please dont be what I think...' he silently prayed.

[finnster-agilaz]

[Cyclonis POV]

"I told you. I need you to clean up." She said simply. Catching his tone and the way he was standing. She knew he could be touchy about certain things but she had assumed he wouldn't have an issue with this.

"You know how we created our Family pets and even the Nightcrawlers. I just made use of some annoying baggage." She explained. Proud of how it went, especially since she had convinced Piper to join in.

Still wanting her to join her. She would join her. Perhaps depending how much of a mind her surviving friend kept, perhaps she'd stay just to be his handler.

"Now if you'll excuse me. I have more important things to do." She said simply. Using her magic to pull Piper forward. Forcing her to follow as she turned to leave.

[buridans-darkace]

"Clean up what? What did you two do?!"

Dark Ace's voice shook the walls, and he had half a mind to march after the girls and force them to explain what had happened. But Cyclonis's words and the smell of blood stopped him from making a move for either of them.

The door was ajar, and the air was much too still.

"This isn't fucking over, Cyclonis!" he barked before shoving the door open to look inside.

What he saw was something he'd never wanted to see again. Bloodstained work surfaces, a limp body on an operating table. He could see the changes right away, and the surgical scars across the boy's body.

He almost threw up then and there, his throat spasming in an aborted attempt to keep his last meal down.

[austrydieder]

He flinched at the Dark Ace's voice, waiting behind him until the Empress was gone before entering the room. Horror and rage warred with each other over what was inside. He was shoving past his friend before he registered what he was doing. Approaching the table with quick measured steps.

"Finn?" He spoke softly, gently wiping away blood and sweat from the boys face.

Of all the things Cyclonis could decide to get into, human experiments was one of the few he couldn't justify or make excuses for. Even too himself. He looked to the Dark Ace a moment, decisions already made. He wasn't going to stick around for more of this.

He gently moved the boy's limbs. Checking his wounds, making sure everything had been closed properly. He grabbed clean rags to clean and wrap things, moving mostly on auto pilot.

"Finn can you hear me?" He asks, "you don't have to speak just move your fingers for me." He should get him to the infirmary, have an actual doctor look him over instead of Austry's limited field knowledge.

[tuffdwightwest]

Pain.

Thats all Finn could really focus on as he felt someone. Something nudging him. Force that made him tense and flinch. "No..." he whimpered. Forcing an eye open only to see Dark Ace standing there.

A pained yelp escaping him as his eyes squeezed shut. Shaking as he started to become more aware of things besides just the pain. He felt weird, different. Memories of before coming back as he forced himself to open his eyes once more.

This time recognizing the nice talon who would give him treats. "Is it over?" He asked. Hopeful when he saw him. Before whimpering when he saw Dark Ace again.

"Don't.. don't hurt me." He pleaded.

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace felt himself shaking, but he was unable to tear his eyes away from Finn as he pulled himself together. He stepped inside, ignoring Finn's whimpers. There were more clean rags, and a sheet which he brought over to Austry before shifting completely out of Finn's view.

There was a storm brewing in his chest. He'd made a lot, a lot of allowances for Cyclonis's actions under the basis that she would see reason eventually and slow down her rampage across Atmos, but this was unforgivable. Despite his disagreements with the boy, he would never have wished this on him.

"Is it safe to move him?" he asked Austry. He wanted to get out of here and take Finn as far away from this place as possible. He wanted to tear something or someone apart over this. Phantom pains made his hands and chest ache whenever he looked at the fresh surgical wounds. He was at a loss to how he could actually help. It was a feeling he'd always despised.

[austrydieder]

"I don't know yet..." Austry shook his head as he checked things over. He was worried about internal organs, potentially jostling something rhat they couldnt see.

"We're not going to hurt you, Finn. I promise. Can you tell me what hurts the most?" He asks, hoping maybe Finn could tell hi. What was the worst, then he could figure out more. He wanted to relieve the boys pain but he needed more information and trust before he started using his needles.

He could feel the rage coming off his friend as they wrapped the boy in the sheet.

Good.

He should be angry at Cyclonis for this.

[finnster-agilaz]

What hurt the most? What didn't hurt. Although closing his eyes he tried to think about.

"Lungs." He said. "Feel like, like I'm choking." He admitted. Moving to shift his position. The gills on the side of his neck opening and closing at each movement.

It was at this moment that he got a good look at his claws.

Claws.

His hands webbed and elongated. Panic settling further in his chest as he let out a scared yelp. "What-" he said before coughing. A pained moan escaping him at the pain that it caused. His new tail swishing under the blanket as he panted.

Blood sliding down his body from the still open lacerations on his body. He fought through the pain though as he reached out. Touching each fin and scale against his body. Realizing what that foreign feeling was now that he could actually see them.

And then, he started to cry.

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace's stomach turned as Finn started crying. The sound echoed against the cold metal walls of the lab. There was a faucet in the lab and he went to soak some more cloth rags in water before approaching to sponge blood away from the newly-sprouted gills in hopes it would help him breathe easier. He knew Aquinoans used similar methods to stop their gills from drying up during extended trips out of the water.

"Close your eyes and steady your breathing," he said. His voice was tight with anger and nausea. The shaking of his hands made his motions rougher than he intended. "We'll get you out of here as soon as we can."

Cyclonis could clean up her own fucking lab. If she even had a lab left to clean up once he'd calmed down.

[austrydieder]

He let Dark Ace handle the gills for now, looking through storage cabinets, roughly throwing useless items on the floor out of his way until he found the suture kit he was looking for.

"Let's get you stitched up and clean." He said softly, gently cleaning a wound. For the moment, he forced himself to ignore the tears. He needed to treat the wounds quickly. The sooner they were done the sooner he could leave with Finn. He hated what that would mean for his family, but this was a line he couldn't overlook.

He paused only briefly at Dark Ace's words, wondering if he meant out of Cyclonia.

"Think you can stand?" He asked once hed finished cleaning and dressing Finn's wounds. He stood in front of him, offering his hands for support.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

Finn hated crying. And had managed to avoid crying ever since Aerrow was killed and he was thrown into that stupid cage. Trying to be brave. Trying to be strong.

He had gotten close.

But he tried not to think about him. Or them or even himself. Dissociating had been working wonders for him.

But now.

Body wrong. Pain unlike anything he had felt before. And the one helping him was the monster that forced him here. Finn not seeing much difference between Dark Ace and Cyclonis. Yet here he was trying to wipe the blood away. Applying water at the part of him that burned. The feeling soothing but only a small reprieve from everything else.

Then Dark Aces anger filled voice reached him. Causing him to flinch. The words not even registering to him as he just started crying harder. Unable to stop it at this point.

He barely noticed what Austry was doing. Until he caught sight of the needles. Tensing before he realized what he was doing. Reminding himself that this was the Pie Cyclonian. He had always been kind.

He managed at that point to first here Dark Ace promise to let him out of here. As well as Austry's question of if he could stand. Offering himself for support.

He didn't know if he could. But sniffling he knew he had to try. Shifting he pushed himself off of the operating table. Only slightly stumbling. Taking a deep breath, he looked down at himself now that he was standing.

Seeing the quick stitch Austry had given him. The new scales along his body. He was longer too. Not just cause of his 'tail' behind him. If he could even call it that. It had arms and he could move them, if a bit clumsy.

"She turned me into a monster." He realized. Instead of crying this time though he just started laughing. "Not the first time she did this to me either." He said. His laugh more shrill and panicked not amused but afraid.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace sighed, "It helps if you don't look at it. Come on, let's get you someplace else, where she won't come near you."

He considered leading the way to his personal quarters, where Finn would be able to rest in an actual bed and perhaps take a shower while he and Austry talked about what to do next. But then he remembered how Cyclonis had been invading his private spaces more and more as of late. If she found out the newest subject of her curiosities was there, she could snatch him back whenever she felt like it.

"Do you still take supplies out to the Terra of Thorns?" he asked Austry. If the boy was fit to fly, then the unmapped Terra would be one of the safest places to take him.

The muffled sound of thunder made him look up, concerned. There hadn't been a storm in today's forecast so where had that come from? Hopefully it wouldn't stop them from flying.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

"You are not a monster." Austry said firmly, lifting Finn's arm across his shoulders to better support him, "she's changed you, yes. But that does not make you a monster." He could hear the fear in the boys voice, he didn't know how quite to help him other than give him something to lean on.

"Come on, one step at a time."

He glanced at Dark Ace again wondering what his plan was exactly. They needed to leave the terra, not just this lab.

The question of the Terra of Thorns was a relief. It meant exactly what Austry had been hoping for. If Dark Ace left too over this... there was a good chance there would be consequences for the Empress she wouldn't be able to overlook.

"I do, yes." He nodded, "we could probably find a transport ship." The suggestion came out the same time as thunder rumbled outside. He wasn't exactly surprised to hear it considering Dark Ace's mood. The weather always weirdly seeming to coincide with the man's temper.

"It'll be better than trying to leave on skimmers, between his tail and the weather."

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

It helps if you don't look at it. You are not a monster.

He didn't really find comfort in those words. But still tried. Looking away and instead keeping his eyes forward on the two in front of him.

Letting Austry guide him away from the bed. Feeling unsteady with the new weight and feel of his body.

His next words confused him even more. Somewhere else? "Wait-" he said softly barely audible as he tried to piece together what that meant.

The more they talked though he wondered. Were they... saving him? They weren't going to just throw him into a dungeon.

"Why are you? Are you helping me?" He asked unsure. Tail swishing behind him. Almost knocking him off of his feet as he messed up the movement of them.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace caught Finn by the shoulder before he could fall to the floor. His expression was gravely serious as the boy questioned why he was helping him.

"There's lines even I won't cross," he explained. "What Cyclonis has done to you is one of them."

Even though it didn't make the boy a monster, Cyclonis had committed an egregious violation that Dark Ace refused to stand by. If she could so easily do that to someone she saw as a trophy, who else was she willing to twist and break to fit her whims?

"There should be some transport ships in the southeast hangar," he said to Austry as they led Finn out of the lower levels. "I'm going to get Duchess from my quarters and I'll meet you there. Is there anything you want me to grab?"

He really wasn't sure when, or even if, he'd come back at this point and there were a few things he didn't want to leave behind. Some stubborn part of him was still reluctant to leave and abandon his duties, still sure that he could find a way to fix things from here, but one look at Finn was enough to shut those thoughts down.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

Austry kept walking focused on just getting them to the southeast hangar. Simply shaking his head at Dark Ace's question. He didn't keep many personal items here anymore, what he did have was either already on him or could easily be replaced, like his wire works. Though...

"My mask... I keep it in my foot locker, under a false bottom." He didn't need anyone finding that. His friend could know the truth, he already knew he was an assassin for the Empress anyways.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

His eyes were wide and scared as Dark Ace said that to him. Cyclonis crossed a line to him. And that is why he was angry.

He just nodded.

Growing quiet as he walked with them. Too tired and shocked to say much as they listed off what they might need. Still a bit uncertain what could happen. But despite his fears he found himself just numb. If they were actually just leading him out to kill him fine. At this point he didn't even care. He was tired and in pain and... missed Aerrow dearly.

Aerrow would have been stronger then him at this moment. He still couldn't believe Piper helped, why did she helped. This whole time... did she really hate him that much? Was that why they always sent him away or left him behind.

Did she... did they, not believe in him?

He almost felt like crying again as they arrived at the hanger. But held it together as Dark Ace ran off. Stepping into the ship that they were preparing. Before finding the closest soft thing to lay down on. His tail wrapping close against him. An instinctive thing that was already forming within him as it moved to cover his more sensitive and vulnerable spots.

He wanted to ask questions. Be brave. He wasn't though. He was tired. He was hurt. Walking here was already him going over his limit. So closing his eyes, he fell unconscious soon afterwards.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace moved as swiftly as possible, getting Duchess and packing a few spare clothes into a bag before getting Austry's mask. He barely paused to look at it before packing it up. Stopping by his office on the way to the hangar, he scratched out a hurried note to Cara Cara with some instructions for her and to not expect him back for a while. He trusted his secretadg to be able to carry out what might be his final orders to her as a commander.

All in all, it didn't take long before he'd rejoined Austry and Finn at the transport ship. His eyes lingered on the boy's unconscious form for a moment before he went to help finish preparing for travel.

His heart was hammering in his chest as they took off, and he felt his hands shaking again. The anger and dread and that sick, haunted feeling he'd been trying to suppress this whole time was starting to catch up to him. It caught in his throat when he tried to say something to Austry, only coming out as a strangled croaking noise.

Fuck, not now… Fine, he wouldn't say anything. He'd just focus on the journey ahead. What would talking even do for him anyway?

Rain lashed against the ship's windows and thunder rumbled all around them, matching the tumultuous feelings rising up in his chest.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

As Finn lay down Austry grabbed another blanket to throw over him. Carefully tucking it around his back and tail. Duchess stayed near Dark Ace when he returned but did sniff the boy, her ears flattened in that way she would whenever the champion was wounded.

"I know your job is to look after Feathers, but i think he needs you too right now." He said softly, touching her head before looking at Finn, "Its not a very long flight, I promise." He assured him even as he quickly passed out. He'd definitely need antibiotics and painkillers once they arrived. Austry had stashed plenty over the years.

Joining Dark Ace at the controls he started the ships engines, sending them off into the storm. He heard the croak as Dark Ace tried to speak, knowing what was happening. He reached over and simply took his friends hand, he didn't need to speak for this.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

Finn woke again just as they appeared to be landing at their destination. Still tired, still scared but he found it easier to calm this time. Confused when he saw a dog. And the two holding hands.

Looking away as he slowly looked over himself again. Taking a shuddering breath as he took a quiet moment just to inspect himself. What he was now. He looked like some type of fish, he realized. Maybe thats why his lungs hurt so much?

Feeling his gills they felt dried and in pain. Foreign to his touch and sensitive. Pulling away he stared at the claws he had and the webbing on his hands.

Yeah definetly some type of fish. Moving to get up, it was as if everything hurt more now that he rested then it did before. A yelp escaping him as he moved in a way that jostled his stitches. Deciding to stay where he was instead. New leg on his 'tail' kicking as he pushed the new form of himself closer to him.

Taking the time to look over the colors of what he could only describe as a beastly form of himself. It was probably disingenuous to call it a tail. It wasn't. It was an extra piece of body. Uncertain of its place but still there.

Despite his hatred of what happened to himself. He had to admit his scales were beautiful. Almost iridescent in the light. His mind wrestled between the thoughts of this being him and completely denying it.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace gave Austry a grateful look, squeezing his hand gently. He heard Finn yelp and turned around to look at the boy. Duchess was pressing her nose against Finn's arm the way she would do to Dark Ace when her usual deep pressure training wasn't an option. At least the kid was in good paws.

He made sure the ship stayed beneath the clouds as they flew to the Terra of Thorns, occasionally flying above them to check landmarks and make absolutely sure they were going in the right direction. The storm seemed to follow their little transport ship, conveniently obscuring them from any passing warships along the way.

Eventually, their destination came into view. A graveyard of abandoned ships overgrown with thorn bushes. It looked almost barren, but he and Austry knew that life hid just beneath the surface. He landed by the old husk of a decommissioned warship and cut the engines. But he didn't let himself feel relief just yet.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

Austry stood, letting go of Dark Ace's hand and stepped out of the ship. It was pouring rain already, though he couldnt help but think how nice the water would probably feel to Finn. His gills looked pretty shriveled up currently.

"The outside looks a lot worse than it actually is." He smiled awkwardly as he stepped back inside the transport ship, "Think you can walk again? The Captain's cabin has a bath you could probably fully submerge in." He offered his hands again, Duchess backing up a step but ready to press against the boys side the minute she could.

@finnster-agilaz

[finnster-agilaz]

The dog suddenly touching him made him jump. Eyes wide as he turned to stare at Dutchess. She didn't look like she wanted to bite him so he tried to calm himself.

He didn't react much as the others walked away. Flinching at the sound of thunder. But staying where he was. As Austry returned he was instantly locked back into him.

At the question of walking again, he looked down at himself. At the mention of a bath though. His eyes just widened in concern again. "Is that- that will help?" He asked. Voice small, so unlike how he normally sounded.

He knew it probably would. He wasn't blind. But the idea of it. Was so terrifying. He didn't end up answering any of his questions. As he just curled up where he was.

@buridans-darkace

[buridans-darkace]

"It should at least help a little," Dark Ace said, waiting just inside the ship entrance in case Austry and Finn needed help. "At the very least you can clean yourself up. We can get you something to eat too. If you're up for it, that is."

He was already thinking over what to make. Something simple and easy to keep down for certain. Hopefully Finn's internal biology hadn't changed too much that he couldn't eat normal food.

@austrydieder

[austrydieder]

"Ooh, lucky you. Dark Ace's cooking is a real treat." Austry smiled, helping Finn to his feet and guiding him from the transport to the older abandoned carrier ship. Taking him in through a giant hole in the side of the ship. The inside was surprisingly well maintained despite the exterior. Newer panels clearly replaced broken ones. furniture sat in places, not new but not original either.

He walked them deeper into the ship until the arrived at the captains quarters. The room divided into a sitting room and a bedroom. A side door leading off to a private bath.

Austry had at some point replaced the ratty rotting mattress for something more comfortable with clean sheets. He set Finn there before heading to the bathroom.

"Ill get the water going. What sounds better, hot or cool?" He asked, giving him the option.

@finnster-agilaz

[buridans-darkace]

[Scenario- Alternate AU]

TW: Character Death

Dark Ace did it. When the Storm Hawks and the rest of Atmos attacked. They managed to push them back and defeat them. And when the dreaded Storm Hawks attacked. He finally managed to do a one up over Aerrow finally.

Piper being too weak to sustain him, and Cyclonis's power giving him the edge he needed to finally deal a killing boy to the annoying teen.

But now its over. The others had been captured and Cyclonia is now considered the rulers of the whole Atmos.

Dark Ace won. So how does he feel now?

🎭Open RP Starter - Anyone is welcome to respond! Are you a trapped Sky Knight? Rebelling against the emboldened Cyclonian Empire? A fellow Talon uncertain of what this victory means for your future? One of the remaining Storm Hawks? Reblog with a reply! 🎭

After the initial burst of satisfaction, and the last dregs of adrenaline that every battle gave him had faded out, Dark Ace felt relief for the briefest of moments. For a moment, he let himself think that the war was won, that it was all over, and he could finally rest.

As he watched the screaming, crying young mage be dragged away from Aerrow's body, and her friends hauled off in chains though, all he had to do was look at Cyclonis's face to know that the fighting was far from over. There would always be new horizons to conquer, rebellions to put down, and orders to carry out. It was his duty as Champion, and he was bound by whatever honour he had left to fulfil it.

Sometimes, he visited the prison that lay in the bowels of Cyclonia's floating citadel. It was where they kept the defeated Sky Knights that had chosen surrender over death, and what remained of the Storm Hawks. Cyclonis wanted them close enough that she could gloat whenever she pleased, and while Dark Ace was leery of keeping dangerous foes with so little to lose at the drifting heart of the Empire, he would admit that he liked to see how far they'd fallen as well. Especially on sleepless nights when he questioned if he really should still be going along with Cyclonis's desires to conquer every last corner of Atmos, including the Far Side which she was starting to fully set her sights upon. He questioned, and somewhat feared, the risks that it posed on his people.

[austrydieder]

They'd won the battle, but it didn't feel like a victory. He'd cheered with everyone else, went along with the celebrations. All the while he kept thinking of what the victory had cost. The children kept in Cyclonia's prison. The one that had lost his life. He couldnt stop seeing that boys face.

He couldn't look at his friend the same, after. Actively avoiding him as much as possible, when before he'd spent as much free time with the Dark Ace as either of them could spare.

Now he just felt sick and needed time to get through it, throwing himself at his work. Which was hard since his diplomatic duties had become few and far between as Cyclonis chose a more direct and violent approach to conquering the whole of Atmos.

He turned when he saw his friend, immediately going back the way he'd come. Hoping to find a side room to quietly get himself together in. Hopefully he hadnt been seen.

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace just barely glimpsed Austry as he exited the room, gritting his teeth in frustration at the very obvious fact that his friend was avoiding him.

And he knew exactly why. He couldn't blame Austry in the slightest. But it still tugged at his chest and made his wrist sting, like the bracelet wrapped around it had become hot enough to burn.

Steeling himself, he marched after Austry. They needed to fucking talk.

[austrydieder]

He didn't find a room, but a small alcove he could hide in. The hall was little used so it wasn't likely someone not looking for him would find him. He just sat with his knees tucked up to his chest, head resting on his arms as he waited for the nausea to pass. The scars on his back burned.

He'd tried carrying his stiletto blades today but had to remove them, pushing them just out of reach with his foot. They burned worse than the scars did.

His uncle kept saying he should talk to someone. If not Dark Ace then a mutual friend. He couldnt see burdening anyone else with this though. It was his problem after all, not theirs.

He shut his eyes and hoped the approaching footsteps weren't who he absolutely knew they were.

[buridans-darkace]

He almost lost Austry, but managed to find him curled up in the alcove. For a while, he just stood there, not saying anything. There was plenty that he wanted to say, a lot that needed to come out between them. He'd been guilty of avoiding it too, until now.

"I'm not leaving until either you say something, or you paralyse me so I can't keep following you," he said, "Your choice."

If Austry did choose to paralyse him, he'd just keep following him once it wore off. They both knew how stubborn he was.

[austrydieder]

He curled up tighter on himself when Dark Ace spoke. Knowing that paralyzing him wasnt actually an option. They were both completely capable of finding the other no matter where they were. Paralysis would just delay the inevitable.

"Something." He muttered, also knowing that wouldn't be enough to actually get the man to walk away. They needed to talk and they both knew it.

He shifted enough so that there was space enough that the others could sit beside him. He still couldnt look at him though. There was still too much blood.

[buridans-darkace]

Well, he'd gone and set himself up for that one, hadn't he? But it was better than the endless silence that had stretched between them for the past few months.

When Austry shifted, Dark Ace sat down next to him and sighed.

"If I could've let him live, I would have," he said, getting to the point. "You know that, right?"

[austrydieder]

His shoulders hunch, fingers digging into his uniform.

"I don't know." He admitted, still not looking at his friend, "how could you possibly know whether you could or couldn't let him live?" How could he be certain that killing Aerrow was the only way? That wasnt even the worst part really.

A breath shuddered out of him as the real reason he was upset surfaced. Panic rising as he tried not to see his little brother in place of the young skyknight. The two could have been twins despite not being related.

He'd checked.

Repeatedly.

Obsessively.

He'd gone home to his family after the battle, just to make sure. His brother was fine.

Still he couldn't seem to move past the image in his head. The feeling of betrayal in his gut.

[buridans-darkace]

"...If there was an alternative, I didn't find it. I spent two years letting him go. I warned him, Austry."

His jaw clenched, he hated the fact that he was justifying this. He knew why Austry was so upset over this.

He'd carried Austry's brother's body home once already, mistaking him for dead and forcing himself to make peace with it. Maybe that was why he'd been numb to the possibility of killing Aerrow for months before he'd gone and followed through on it. Why he'd meant it when he'd told the boy that he would kill him one day, the day he'd met him at his old team's memorial on Terra Munin mere weeks before the final battle of the Storm Hawks.

Why he didn't see Ryder at the end of his blade, but someone else. A face he used to see in the mirror every day.

"I really fucking tried," he ground out.

[austrydieder]

He still didnt look at him, but he shifted again, leaning against the Dark Ace's side, head on his shoulder.

"I believe you." He said softly, "I just... have to figure out how to forgive you."

They were just kids. They were the same age as the Dark Ace and Austry had first met. There was a lot to unpack, not just how much his brother looked like Aerrow and the gut wrenching pain that caused him.

[buridans-darkace]

Dark Ace just nodded, leaning into the contact. Something he'd missed, even if it felt selfish to want it.

He did ask himself if what he'd done had truly been necessary. Not even hindsight was giving him any answers though. There was just numbness where he would've usually felt victorious.

"Would you feel this way if he hadn't looked like Ryder?" he asked.

[austrydieder]

"Yes." He answered immediately then sighed, "maybe not quite this deeply. But yes."

Maybe he'd have felt it worse, because he wouldn't have had another face to look at. Another person he cared about to focus on.

"Even if Ryder hadn't looked like him... you did once. I remember helping you cut away the last of the red... we were his age..."

[buridans-darkace]

The recollection made him wince. He'd been trying to avoid thinking about that. As much as he tried to convince himself he'd made peace with it, some part of him hadn't.

"We were... And I know that makes it worse."

[austrydieder]

"It... feels like you're trying to kill your past...killing Aerrow was just another part of that." He pulled his legs tighter against himself, the thought of Dark Ace hurting himself, even figuratively, making him more nauseous than he already was.

I can't watch you keep doing that."

[buridans-darkace]

"That's not..."

He tailed off mid protest as Austry's words sank in deeper. That wasn't what he'd been trying to do. Was it? He shifted uncomfortably, the idea made his skin crawl and he couldn't explain why.

"...You're a part of my past as well," he murmured. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

[austrydieder]

"I wouldn't be able to say it if it wasnt true... you know that." He huffed glancing away.

"Im... not part of... that past though. It wasn't until you became champion that we became friends." He picked at his sleeves, "I know... this isn't what you wanted. I just... struggling with how this ended."

[buridans-darkace]

"I know... I'm sorry."

He ran his hands along his wrists, trying to get rid of the phantom aches and buzzing that had been plaguing him on and off since that last great battle.

"Do you think it would've been better if we hadn't won?" he asked quietly. "Or just lost?"

If Cyclonia had lost, he wouldn't have a child's death on his conscience. If they hadn't won, maybe he wouldn't be dealing with an Empire that was growing more unsustainable with every conquered Terra and an Empress who only cared about her own interests.

"I didn't expect this to leave me feeling so… aimless."

[austrydieder]

"You want my honest opinion?" He glanced at the Dark Ace finally, "Yes... I do think it would be better if Cyclonia had lost."

He felt awful saying it, turning away again.

"But im also afraid of what might have happened if we had lost too. I might have lost you. Skies knows what the skyknights would do to the remaining talons. The civilians." He shook his head, already imagining the horrors that might have been had they lost.

[buridans-darkace]

Ravess just called me a 'country bumpkin' because of my accent when I speak Cyril.

Fuck you, you hoity toity bitch!

[austrydieder]

Please tell me you called her out on her fake as hell posh accent. We all know based off Snipe its fake.