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Aerrow grinned as he looked down at the now fully polished floor. His last few hours effort had paid off and the Condor was looking spick and span. Radarr was also next to him wringing out a cloth as it let out its familiar chirp upon noticing Aerrows gaze on him.
"Looking good, Radarr." He said. Before frowning as he heard what sounded like flapping. Getting up, he followed the noise outside of the hallway into the hangar where he saw a golden bird perched on one of their skimmers.
"Uhh hey birdie." He commented. Unsure of where this one came from but considering what happened with 'Mr. Fluffykins' he was going to be cautious.
The door opening behind him revealed the rest of the team onboard. Which consisted of Piper, Junko and Stork. Finn currently was on a supply run. "I knew the ship detected something." Stork mumbled. Eyeing the bird warily.
"Here I can get rid of some bird." Junko assured. Getting up and waving his arms widely in front of him. "Go on get. This is our Condor." Junko said. The bird however seemed to take great offense to this as squawking angrily it just started flapping and pecking at Junko.
"Ow! Bad birdie! Bad bird!" Junko exclaimed. Wildly trying to get it away from him.
"Wait a second!" Piper suddenly explained. Rushing out and putting her hands up before crossing them around the wrists. "We accept your message." She said. The bird stopped upon seeing her approach before reaching down to its talons, where Aerrow now noted a note seemed to be tied.
Breaking the string, the bird threw it at Piper before giving one last warning screech at Junko before turning and flapping away. Rubbing the back of his neck Junko reached down before picking up the note it dropped. "Its from Terra Rex." He noted. Recognizing the insignia.
"Of course it is. That was a Messenger Hawk. Something that Terra Rex uses." Piper reminded, as if this should be common knowledge.
"What do they want?" Aerrow questioned. Curiously trying to look as Junko opened it to start reading.
Everyone was crowding around him. "Uh oh." Junko said. Just as Piper managed to grab the letter from him. Skimming through it quickly, her brow furrowed before she let out a frustrated sigh.
"Seriously?" She exclaimed.
"What?" Aerrow questioned.
As Piper seemed to reread it she finally shoved it to Aerrow. "Finn got arrested." She said.
"What?" Aerrow echoed. Finally getting to read the note. Radarr also reading it above his shoulder.
Attention Storm Hawks,
At Eleven afternoon, yesterday evening, you're team member, Finn was apprehended by Terra Rex Authorities. His court hearing will be today at 1pm. I hope that this letter reaches you in time.
Harrier
"It doesn't say what he got arrested for." Aerrow noted.
"It's not customary to disclose that until the court itself." Piper explained. Already packing up her heliscooter. Terra Rex wasn't too far off from where they were docked. And it probably would be faster to just fly down.
"Okay, Stork, bring the condor in. Piper, Junko and I will head down to catch the trial in time." He said. Glancing at the clock. They would have to hurry.
Getting onto his bike, he decided not to being anything as he looked over. Making sure Radarr was secure and the other two were ready before racing off.
The flight wasn't too long, most of it was spent trying to come up with theories about what happened. Maybe they were being framed again, misunderstanding. There were many different ideas that it could have been. As they approached Terra Rex he wasn't surprised to see the Rex Guardians fly up to meet them.
"Storm Hawks." Harrier greeted. He didn't exactly sound happy as he looked them over.
"Where's Finn?" Piper demanded.
"The trial should be soon. Wouldn't you like to land and get re-"
"Sky knight law states that the accused can have Council before his trial. We are his Council. Where is he?" Piper interrupted.
Harrier seemed annoyed at being interrupted but regardless just waved them to follow him. Leading him down to the 'dungeons' they were only half way down the steps when they heard his familiar voice. "Like I'm just saying Skavald, hundred percent better than Govah. Fact that you are comparing them. Is honestly insulting."
Rounding the corner they could see him apparently deep in an argument with two other 'prisoners'. "You don't know nothing boy."
"Nuh uh! Clearly I know music better than you. Getting too old, your hearings going." Finn shot back.
"Finn!" Junko called out. Immediately forgetting the current argument and the absolutely pissed prisoner behind him as he ran up to the bars.
"Dudes, you're here!" He said happily. Getting close to the bars as they rushed to greet him. His armor was stripped leaving him in just his casual clothes. Looking him over, Aerrow was relieved that he didn't seem hurt. Although he did note a bit of a mark on the crook of his neck.
"Please tell me you are here to do an awesome jailbreak." Finn said hopefully.
"What are you being charged with?" Piper questioned.
"Um well destruction of property, disturbance of the peace, resisting arrest, uh…." Finn looked down at this point. "Stealing." He said quietly.
"Oh then it definitely wasn't you right buddy." Junko said, sounding relieved. Finn meanwhile just gave an awkward grin.
"Finn?" Aerrow questioned this time.
"Okay so… like I may have been caught with a bunch of wallets and stolen stuff. And I… may or may not have stolen it." Finn said. Yelping and pulling back when Piper took that opportunity to smack him. Not hard but enough to make her point.
"You idiot! Thought you said you stopped pickpocketing." She said angrily.
"I did! Kind of… maybe. Like I'd only do it occasionally, if I thought I could easily get away with it. Or they deserved it." Finn said, sounding smug for a moment before catching the gaze of his friends and looking down. Piper looked about ready to smack him again so he wisely pulled back. "I mean how else did you expect me to make money? I can't exactly do all your crystal stuff. Besides I only stole from Outlaws or Cyclonians, honestly." Finn said.
"Why'd you target here then?" Aerrow questioned. "There are our allies, Sky knights. Besides, we didn't need the money," he recalled.
Finn just shrugged, tapping his foot on the ground, "I dunno." He mumbled.
"Finn." Piper prompted.
Glancing at her and glancing away, he finally stopped kicking at the ground but did pull away. "Cause they are just such…. gah I just hate them okay. I was just down here trying to get our supplies and I heard them all whispering about how we can't even afford our own suits. Or that we all are just charity cases. And how 'That we are a disgrace to Sky Knights right down to our dress.'" He repeated, crossing his arms and rambling.
"So I thought: 'Hey you know if they are so concerned about our way of dress then maybe they should contribute!" Finn said, finally looking at them before back down at the ground. Calming down slightly. "I only swiped a few things and then this guy comes running out of the library and the place blows up. I try to chase the guy down but then they see me. And instead of assuming I saw something. They just assumed it was me!" Finn mumbled.
"So they taser crystaled me. Which by the way, hurts a lot. Then they check my pockets and yeah… now I'm here." He admitted.
Aerrow let out a soft sigh while Piper shook her head. "You're an idiot." She repeated.
"Yeah next time I'll look the other way." Finn said.
"No! Next time you won't steal. You're better than that." Piper disagreed. Causing him to flinch just from the tone before looking down.
"Guess not." He said softly.
"No you are. You're a good person Finn. And we'll figure this out. Just promise me, no more stealing?" Aerrow cut in. Reaching out and actually taking his hand. At his movement, Piper also reached in. Cause although she was angry at him, she agreed, and definitely didn't want him to go to jail over this or anything.
They both looked at him expectantly but he actually didn't agree immediately. Although they did squeeze their hands back. "I'll try." He finally said after a moment.
It wasn't exactly the answer Aerrow wanted but considering their situation he figured he could 'discuss this' further with Finn later. For now they needed to figure out a plan.
~~~~~~
A plan was somewhat made but Aerrow had to admit he was worried. They couldn't really deny that he stole however Piper did say that considering his actions recently against Cyclonia, and the fact that he was a minor. Everything should work out, that they could just for once use the 'kid' card. Stork had finally made it and they were just filling him in with what happened while the court got ready.
The only worry they had was that despite everything the Rex Guardians really disliked them. Especially Finn although Piper assured them that the judge that comes down wouldn't be from Terra Rex. Which gave them some hope. As they were finally called inside they quickly moved to the first row to take their seating.
Watching as Finn was also brought in. Who looked around nervously although seemed to calm when he saw them. As he took a seat, he was assigned some kind of lawyer who talked quietly to him. Aerrow wished she could make it out but they were too far away. As the judge called the court into order it was the Rex Guardians turn to go first.
Crossing his arms, Aerrow was annoyed. They were making Finn come off as this unhinged evil. Saying he came in and maliciously stole from everyone in sight before destroying the library. Something that Finn went to argue about before being hushed quickly by his representative.
Truth be told, Aerrow had never really been in a trial like this before. But so far he was not enjoying it. Apparently they even brought up other instances of Finn. Saying that he was rude with no regard to the code, that he was reckless and it sounded like they were trying to paint him as some kind of turncoat. He was relieved when finally their turn ended and it was their turn to speak.
As Finn's representative went up. She admittedly couldn't deny the stealing thing but was going hard on Finn's character. Calling the moment a lapse of judgment. Even calling up them to say something which Aerrow gladly did. He had lots of stories and instances of Finn doing the right thing and being a good person. Including saving the Atmos countless times.
Finally it was time for Finn to speak as he was brought up. His lawyer standing nearby as the Rex Guardians ones went up to him. "Do you deny that you stole from the good people of Terra Rex?" They demanded.
Glancing around the courtroom then finally at his lawyer Finn finally shook his head. "No." He admitted.
"Oh? Then why would such a good person do something like this? Are you always thinking about stealing?" They questioned.
"No?" Finn responded back.
"Oh only around innocent people."
"Wouldn't exactly call you all innocent." Finn shot back. Immediately his lawyer tried to stop him and Aerrow tensed. Oh Crystal's don't run your mouth now Finn.
"Oh? So you think we deserved it? Then you decided to destroy our public library?" They demanded.
"I didn't destroy your library. I was trying to stop whoever blew it up. Only for you all to shoot me and not give me a chance to explain!" Finn replied.
"And why should we trust a lowly thief?" They questioned.
"I'm not a lowly thief! I'm a Storm Hawk! Maybe if you all would treat us with respect! Considering how many times we saved your a-" Finn said. Standing up this time to get his point across.
"Enough!" The Judges voice boomed across the courtroom. Aerrow flinched worried for Finn as he watched him reluctantly sit back down. Noticing the smug look the lawyer had on their face.
"Mr. Swanson, you may take a seat." The judge ordered. With enough purpose as someone who assumed they won. They went and sat down. Finn meanwhile was just tapping the podium he was on.
"How old are you, Finn?" The judge asked. Speaking directly to him this time.
"Fifteen." He said. "Just turned last month."
"How old were you when you joined the Storm Hawks?" The judge asked.
"Thirteen."
"And what did you do before that?" She asked.
"Um well I lived on Terra Neverlandis for a few years." He admitted.
"And before that? What happened to your parents?" The judge asked. Despite her interrogating Finn, she seemed to be using a gentle tone with him. That Aerrow seemed to appreciate. Although one thing he knew about Finn was that he never talked about the past. Not even to Piper or him.
"Grew up on the streets mostly. Took what I needed, did what I could to survive." He admitted. Being purposely vague but then again that was about what they got from him too.
"For how long were you alone?" The judge questioned.
"I… I don't know? After my parents…" he paused, deciding not to continue with that statement. "I just fled, met some people who helped me. Lived with them but mostly had to fend for myself. Until I made it to Neverlandis." He explained. "I don't like talking about it." He added at the end.
The judge nodded, before looking back at the rest of the court. "I'm going to call the first break now. I have some things I want to consider before making my decision. Fifteen minutes then we shall resume." She said simply. Aerrow was confused what did that mean, did it mean that Finn got to talk with them? Apparently not being called off the podium, he was led away by his lawyer who led them out one of the back doors.
The onlookers all seemed to stay in the court though. So they decided to do the same. "This isn't going well." Piper whispered.
"I've seen worse." Stork murmured.
"Is Finn going to go to jail? Can they even do that?" Junko cut in.
"He's a minor still so it would be a prison for underage but… yeah yeah he could." Piper admitted.
"He's saved Atmos countless times and is a member of our team. Doesn't that count for anything here?" Aerrow asked, crossing his arms and looking off in the direction that Finn had disappeared from. He was worried so much for him and he was considering just escaping with him and going on the run. He was sure the others would go along with it.
"Well think of how quick they were willing to turn on us last time we were framed." Piper reminded. Aerrow sighed knowing it was true but still not liking it.
"I don't like this." He mumbled. The sighs that came from the rest of the Hawks showed that they agreed. Talking quietly for the rest of the time. Finally everyone seemed to return, including Finn. Who just couldn't keep his hands still at this point. Aerrow didn't blame him for being nervous.
As the judge walked back up to their seat, the whole court went silent. "I have made my decision." She said. Aerrow held his breath as he watched Finn.
"I have decided that the defendant is… guilty." Aerrow couldn't stop the shout of defiance that escaped him as he stood. Piper right next to them as they immediately fought against it. Cause no, no way was that going to happen.
Finn meanwhile just remained where he was. Looking down at his hands. Not even bothering to defend himself. Which made Aerrow want to fight for him even more.
"Enough! If you two do not sit down I will have you both removed from the court." The judge yelled. Aerrow grit his teeth but reluctantly sat down. Piper was also gently eased down by Radarr. Although neither of them seemed happy.
"Now, Finn you are found guilty of the charges of theft however with no evidence linking you to the incident at Terra Library you won't be charged with this. And considering your character reference, I would only accept actual evidence linking you to the crime." She said, Finn just nodded.
"For your sentence you are going to be required to spend 1 month at Atmosian Mental Institution." She started this surprised Aerrow. He wasn't going to jail? His surprise seemed to be echoed by the Rex's who spoke up. "One month? Honorable judge, I beg you to reconsider. Finn has proven to be a danger to those around him. We have plenty of prisons with space." Harrier of all people spoke up. Aerrow grit his teeth glaring daggers at the man.
"Perhaps I should schedule you a trip there too. With how willing you are to send a child into the general populace." The judge shot back. Effectively shutting up Harrier who looked embarrassed before quickly sitting down.
"You will be required to take any medication the physician prescribe you in your stay. And you will have a therapy session every second day. You will also be allowed visitation whenever time is available." She assured. Looking up at the Storm Hawks when she said that.
"At the end of the one month duration you will be evaluated by the head physician. If you are deemed stable enough to leave you will be released. If not you will be required to stay until they deem you ready." She explained. "Do you understand?"
Finn nodded.
"For the record, please state your answer out loud." She ordered.
"I understand." Finn said out loud.
"Very well." And with that, court was officially over. Aerrow wasn't really sure what would happen next but not caring about if someone yelled at him. He leaped over onto the main room, quickly racing over before pulling Finn into a hug.
He immediately hugged back which just proved how scared he was. They weren't alone in the hug long before the others joined them. Aerrow noticed even Stork rested one of his arms on Finn. For support. "I'm sorry." Finn mumbled.
"It's okay." Piper immediately soothed. She may have been angry at him but she would never take it out on him when he was this vulnerable. After all, her anger did come from concern.
They stayed like that for as long as they were allowed before finally someone approached. "It's time for us to go." The person said. Aerrow didn't want to let Finn go at his point but feeling him pull back he reluctantly let go.
"Well uh… visit me as soon as you can okay?" Finn said.
"You couldn't keep us away." Piper assured. Junko meanwhile just cried out again before pulling him into another hug.
"I'm going to miss you little buddy." He cried. Finn meanwhile gasped, "Dude, can't breathe." He panted out. Realizing that he was basically crushing the dude. Junko finally let go.
Taking a moment to catch his breath, despite the watery look of his eyes he offered them a small smile. "Kick some Cyclonian butt for me." He said. Trying to keep it light.
"Don't go too crazy, in there." Aerrow shot back. Finn smiled before his smile faded as he finally turned towards the person. Nodding at them before turning to follow them out of the room. It was silent as he walked away, and as he gave them one final glance and a finger gun for good measure. He finally disappeared out of sight.
~~~~~~~
The condor was not the same without Finn that much was for sure. After he was taken away. They had immediately taken the steps to get visitation. But weren't approved till almost a week later. The excitement to see him again was contagious. Apparently they were allowed two hours with him. So they decided to make some more home movies to watch. Which they had to get approved to bring in, someone watching their dumb movies was a bit awkward but regardless it got approved.
They were also allowed to give him gifts although apparently it had to be something soft, and unbreakable. Junko picked up some treats that Aerrow hoped were edible. Although apparently they were approved. Stork was trying to being him an anti-brain worm helmet but his was declined. Much to his annoyance. Piper decided to pack him some clothes, which apparently they were allowed here.
Even Radarr grabbed him some popcorn. Admittedly Aerrow wasn't sure what to bring in and had eventually decided to take the stuffie that Finn had won in Terra Neon. Not the same one Finn had gotten before, it had been destroyed after the condor blew up. But an exact copy of it. Considering how long Finn had kept that stuffie around he hoped that he would appreciate this one.
As they were ushered in. They were led to a room, putting in a code. The door opened only to reveal Finn. He looked strange at first glance, mostly due to the fact his hair was down. Ah right they probably didn't have gel here. Aerrow realized, feeling guilty as he figured he should have brought that instead. Besides the hair though, he also was just wearing pants and a t-shirt. Which okay yes, Aerrow had seen him dress casually before. But it was usually in a different context than this. And the white shirt and plain pants he wore, just made him seem… young.
Was Finn always this small?
As Finn turned to see them though and the familiar wide grin that only he could muster fell across his face. Aerrow figured that at least not everything had changed. "Guys!" He exclaimed. Quickly getting up and running towards them. As he did so the person seemed to leave them be in here as he hugged them.
Quickly hugging back, Aerrow grinned as he held onto him. Being forced to let go as Finn moved onto the next person. "How have you been?" Piper asked after exchanging a hug with him.
"I've been alright." Finn admitted. Doing a quick hug on Stork that the male accepted although not as intense as Finn. "Heard you guys were bringing me gifts though." He said excitedly.
Aerrow laughed at his response, of course that would be the first thing Finn would want to focus on. Regardless, Radarr let out a nod before quickly bringing out his bag of popcorn. "Woo yes, I knew I smelled it." Finn said. Taking the treat eagerly, as he took a handful. "The only treat they have here is jello. I hate the texture of jello." He whined.
Happily munching as Junko handed over his next. Finn looked over them warily, before finally shrugging and taking a bite. Instead of reacting negatively though, after a moment he just shrugged. "Kind of fishy, what is it?" He questioned.
"Seaweed chips! I tried to find something that uh I thought you would enjoy." Junko said.
"So you thought seaweed?" Finn questioned. Junko meanwhile looked really earnest so after a moment Finn shrugged. Eating another one.
"They're alright. Honestly with all the bland food I've eaten. You're weird stuff is welcome." Finn said, pulling Junko into a hug as thanks. Looking at Stork, Stork just looked annoyed as he tapped his foot.
"I was trying to bring you the latest anti-brain worm model. Had it here and everything. Yet they told me no. And wouldn't approve of it. It's as if they don't care about your safety at all!" Stork ranted. Finn meanwhile chuckled.
"It's alright dude." He assured him.
Piper meanwhile decided to step up next. She had even wrapped hers which seemed to get him excited as he reached down to look through it. "Oh clothes!" He said.
"D-do you like it?" Piper questioned. As Finn pulled out a shirt. She had gone on a spree with it. Getting him three shirts, a sweater, and a few pairs of pants in case he got chilly.
"How much did this cost?" He asked instead.
"It's no bother. I traded in a few extra crystals but we could spare them." Piper assured. Finn looked guilty before Piper reached out and pulled him into a side hug.
"Don't worry about it." She repeated again. Noting how his eyes lit up at the merch shirt she got of the The Masked Masher.
"Thank you." He whispered, nuzzling against her before moving back. Pulling his current shirt off before quickly pulling on the one she bought him.
As Finn's gaze finally landed on Aerrow, he just felt embarrassed by what he decided to bring. Everyone else's gift felt much more sensible. Still, pulling out the gift box he had put the stuffie in he handed it to Finn.
Pulling it out, he seemed surprised as he inspected it. Aerrow meanwhile felt his heart hammer. Was he gonna hate it? He was frowning, oh Crystal's he hated it.
"Oh oh this was the one I won at Terra Neon! I thought I recognized it." Finn said suddenly brightening as he seemed to realize what it was. "Whoa you found the exact one. Did you have to shoot the duckies too?" Finn questioned.
"Uh no they were available on Hoops as well." Aerrow admitted.
"Ohhh that's cool, I like it! Was sad when my last one blew up." He said grinning at Aerrow. Aerrow grinned back relieved that he liked it.
"Oh! Oh! You guys aren't the only ones who got gifts. Everyone close your eyes." Finn said. Waiting to make sure everyone did before he could be heard running away. Waiting patiently, Aerrow tensed as he felt something slip over his wrist. Peeking an eye open as Finn attached a bracelet of some kind to him.
As he walked away to the others Aerrow took a moment to inspect it. Most notably was the Storm Hawks symbol and the use of blue and red beads. He also had a heart, some kind of flower and a green smiley face. "There!" Finns voice exclaimed after giving the last one out.
"I made you all bracelets! I tried to find stuff that I felt represented you all but admittedly there wasn't that good of a selection." He said. Now looking at them nervously.
"Its great! I love it!" Aerrow said. And it wasn't a lie, he liked it. He didn't expect Finn to be able to make them anything and this seemed sweet. His wide eyed grin as the rest also agreed made Aerrow happy.
"Made them in creative class." Finn explained. Aerrow nodded, as unfortunately the room fell into silence again. He knew it was bound to happen, what with how everything went down.
"Are you sure you are doing okay?" Piper asked.
Finn nodded, "Yeah, I'm doing okay. I mean I won't lie and say that I don't miss you guys or that I don't feel like a complete failure for this…" Finn said, voice breaking for a moment before he shrugged. "But, no, it's okay here. I've been getting schooling again, got creative class, therapy sucks but I guess it's good to… get stuff off my chest." He admitted. "Oh I'm also on this medication now. Apparently they think I have ADHD." He explained. Sitting down causing the others to do the same. The room seemed to have a lot of soft pillows and things to lean against.
"I just want out. I want to go out flying, shooting. God I can't practice my aim here. I'm going to be so rusty." Finn complained.
"You'll be fine." Aerrow promised. "It'll be fun to train with you again though." He added. Finn just nodded letting out a soft sigh before looking over and seeing the movies.
"So? Movie night? I wasn't able to finish mine before… but I'm ready to see yours." He said excitedly.
"Ohhh I want to go first!" Junko exclaimed. Quickly grabbing his disk before getting it ready.
With the lights off in the room, some popcorn in hand and just their movies for the next few hours it almost felt like things were normal. Everyone was joking and teasing each other at certain scenes.
With the knock on the door warning them they only had a few minutes left though final goodbyes were needed.
"Hopefully they don't keep us away too long. Cause I'd come in here everyday if I could." Piper said.
"No, you guys still need to be the Storm Hawks. I'd rather you be out there fighting Cyclonians." He admitted.
"Finn…" She said.
"No, I'm serious. It's my fault that I'm here okay? Besides, it's only a month. And then I'll be back, same as always." He said.
"And then gone is the peace and quiet of the Condor." Stork said. Finn laughed at that.
As another knock was heard and the door opened however they realized they were out of time. Pulling him into one final hug, they all took their time to leave.
Aerrow knew this month was going to be a long one. It just wouldn't feel like the Storm Hawks unless everyone was there. And looking at the crestfallen faces of his friends. He had a feeling that feeling was mutual.