The Black Sail Of The Storm Hawks (Pirate AU)

Chapter Thirty Four - The Shifting Seas

After leaving the island, Aerrow and Dove set out on their voyage to Havana to begin their search for the Condor. As the boat sailed the open seas, Dove was exposed to sights she never thought she would see. The open seas was a beautiful sight for Dove as she had only heard stories about the seas from Wren. At one point, she saw a Humpback Whale jumping out of the water. Aerrow couldn't help but chuckle at Dove's childlike sense of wonder. 

Aerrow: You didn't see much on that island, did you?

Dove: No. I've only ever heard stories from my Grandpapa about the seas and the creatures that live in it. It's all....breathtaking. 

Aerrow: The seas can be a beautiful place, but it can also be dangerous. I've heard stories of ships being sunk by crossing paths with a whale at the wrong place at the wrong time. 

Dove: Have you ever encountered a whale like that?

Aerrow: Not at all. I know well enough to leave Whales alone. To avoid the ire of a whale, you have to watch the seas closely. If you see a spot of bubbles in the water, that's where the whale is about to breach. 

As Aerrow said this, Radarr chirped at Aerrow, earning a laugh from the Irish pirate.

Aerrow: Fair point, lad. Whales are indeed mighty beasts, but if you leave them alone, they won't bother you. 

As days passed, Aerrow told Dove stories about his various exploits as a pirate. While Aerrow was far from being a masterful storyteller, he was able to tell his stories in a way that did them justice. During the course of their voyage, Aerrow used the stars in the sky as a means of navigation. Seeing this practice in action piqued Dove's curiosity. But as time passed, the days became longer and the supplies began to dwindle. Aerrow and Dove took to fishing in order to keep themselves well fed. Some days were bountiful. Other days not so much. But Aerrow's will and determination kept him going. The same was said for Dove. Despite her young age and frail appearance, Dove shared the same kind of grit and determination shared by the most hardened of pirates. As days turned to weeks, Aerrow and Dove continued to converse with one another about their own respective lives and beliefs. Despite their vastly different lifestyles, both were made strong by those said circumstances. One night, Aerrow passed out from exhaustion. Aerrow soon had a dream of himself piloting a ship in the midst of a powerful storm. He was sailing what appeared to be the Condor. Despite the storm growing more and more violent, Aerrow kept sailing into the storm. He soon saw Harrier at his side. 

Harrier: Welcome aboard, Aerrow Edwards! It's prizes, plunder and adventures, ahead, you game? Raise a toast of glass to freedom, my boy! To gentlemen of fortune and women of leisure!

Aerrow: Harrier?

Suddenly, Harrier was gone and Carver took his place.

Carver: I fully understand the tempting call of vast riches and lost treasures, but those are distant dreams. Keep chasing them and you'll find yourself staring into the abyss with nothing left but a cursed name and a broken mind.

Aerrow: To hell with you, Carver!

But as Aerrow cursed Carver, he saw Piper standing before him.

Piper: Is everything you do out of spite?!

Aerrow: Not spite, Piper! Courage! 

Piper: Courage for what, Aerrow? There's no one left in your life to care!

Aerrow: Goddamn you all! I can handle this! 

As Aerrow said this, the storm continued to grow violent. The storm became so powerful that the winds began to slowly chip at the Condor's hull. The rampaging seas continued to batter the Condor. Despite all this, Aerrow continued to sail towards the storm, determined to reach his unknown destination. 

Piper: Look at yourself, Aerrow! Always tearing down when you could be building things up. Or building yourself up, if nothing else!

Aerrow: Just leave me be! I'll get to the end! I'll show you all! DO YOU HEAR ME?! I'LL SHOW YOU ALL!

Piper: STOP THIS MADNESS BEFORE IT CONSUMES YOU, AERROW! CHANGE YOUR COUSE! CHANGE YOUR BLOODY COURSE BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE! 

Despite Piper's warnings, Aerrow continues to sail towards the storm even as the Condor was being torn apart. 

Piper: AERROW! AERROW!

Just as the storm was about to consume the Condor, Aerrow wakes up, hearing Dove's voice. 

Dove: Aerrow! Aerrow! Wake up!

Aerrow: Dove? Bloody hell....how long was I out?

Dove: I'm not sure. But I've got good news! A ship was passing by and I was able to get the ship's attention! 

Aerrow: You're a godsend, Dove! It seems our luck has finally turned!

As the boat was being hoisted up to the ship's deck, Radarr climbed on Aerrow's shoulders. 

Aerrow: Don't worry, mate. We'll get you some nice fat and juicy apples! You've earned them, mate! 

As the raft was being raised, Aerrow couldn't help but smile at the change of luck. But when the raft was raised, Aerrow's optimism and excitement turned to horror as he saw that the crew were in fact the Raptors. He looked up at the ship's mast to not only see a Raptor flag, but the flag of Repton's personal ship. Dove could see the horror on Aerrow's face, unaware of what was going on. 

Dove: Aerrow? What's wrong?

Before Aerrow could respond, Repton approaches them. When Repton's eyes glances at Aerrow, the Raptor captain recognizes Aerrow and lets out a sinister laugh. 

Repton: Welcome aboard, Captain Edwards. I believe we have some...unfinished business. 

In that moment, Aerrow along with Radarr and Dove became prisoners of Repton. And just like that, the fortunes of Aerrow Edwards had shifted once again like the shifting seas.