Absolute Focus

No, Finn did not care for navigation, math, crystals, charts, books or engineering. No, his sense of humor wasn't the best. No, he wasn't the guy all the ladies went for (Even though he tried real hard to be). And no, he wasn't the best guitarist.

But absolutely no-one had the right to say that he could not apply his mind.

It was something unspoken. Something that everyone knew, but never mentioned. Something they all hardly noticed, but still acknowledged, from time to time.

Finn was, after all, a sniper. A really, really good one. One single shot could take out the enemy. When he wanted to be, Finn was deadly.

Yes, he talked and teased and joked. Yes, he couldn't take things seriously at the best of times. Yes, he lacked leadership skills and sometimes, a sense of fair play. But that didn't mean he couldn't concentrate. It didn't mean he couldn't focus.

The thrill of battle hammered his heart.

Deep breaths. One, two, three. Calm, calm…

It was as though the cannon pulsed in pleasure when he touched it. He chose a neat Blazer crystal.

Deep breaths. Four, five, six. Calm, calm…

Around him, Aerrow swerved out of harm's way. Junko bashed up a talon on a skimmer. Piper blasted a Cyclonian into oblivion.

Behind, Stork manned the Condor.

But it was time to close off. It was time to relax. Not panic, not get scared.

The gun he was using was sleek and metallic, and invited admiration. Click, click, the weapon said excitedly. It was ready for war. Now it was Finn's turn.

His mind acted on instinct. Closing off. Focusing. Absolute. Unbreakable. Complete and total. Focus. There was not a single Cyclonian before him. No, they were just targets. Not people. Which made it easier to kill. The Talon was battling his sister. Piper. And she was losing. So now, the man had to die.

Teamwork. Silly excuse for murder, really.

Softly, as though he was singing a lullaby, Finn whispered, "I see you."

His hand caressed the weapon as it glinted in the sunlight. His fingers found the trigger.

The Talon never had a chance.

Before Piper could lift her downed crystal staff, the Cyclonian she was fighting went out of the air with a small, indiscreet moan. He was dead before he could open a parachute.

Finn exhaled softly, bringing his heartbeat back to normal.

Thump, thump, thump, thump.

He saw as Piper turned to face him, relief and surprise on her face. "Thanks," she said cordially.

It was more than just a word of gratitude. Because it took a lot out of Finn. He was a sniper. But he never wanted to be. That 'Thanks' went deeper than saving her life. It soaked into his core, revitalizing him enough to reload his weapon.

Piper flew out of the way on her heliscooter, taking down more Talons.

Finn swallowed as he aimed the gun at another Cyclonian.

Deep breaths. Seven, eight, nine. Calm, calm…

Click, click.

A/N: A little bit of Finn angst always makes my day! xD. This wasn't a Finn/Piper. I just have fun with their sibling relationship. I hope you all liked it. Thanks for reading. Please review :)