The Black Sail Of The Storm Hawks (Pirate AU)

Chapter Forty Six - A Rock & A Hard Place

As the Storm Hawks charted a course for Xoam, the crew of the Condor were silent. Years of relentless searching was about to pay off. They were on the verge of uncovering Captain Arygyn's lost treasure. Soon enough, the Condor was closing in on the island of Xoam. 

Piper: Here we are, Captain Edwards. The island of Xoam. 

Aerrow: Beyond that island is the treasure of Captain Arygyn! Today, we make history! 

As the Condor was about to dock on Xoam, the pirate ship was fire upon by cannons. Shocked by the attack, the Storm Hawks looked behind them to see the Cyclonian Armada. 

Stork: That's not good....

Piper: That's the entire Cyclonian Armada! How did they follow us?!

Finn: Looks like we got one hell of a fight ahead of us!

Starling: We won't last five seconds against the entire Cyclonian Armada! 

Junko: Why aren't they firing? 

Aerrow: Let's see what they want. 

As ordered, the crew of the Condor stood down as the Cyclonian Capital ship sailing towards them. The ship toward over the Condor, making the Condor seem like a rowboat in comparison. As the capital ship anchors next to the Condor, Admiral Cyclonis and Dark Ace along with a crew of Talons led by Ravess and Snipe boarded the Condor. 

Admiral Cyclonis: Captain Edwards. 

Aerrow: If it isn't the illustrious Admiral Cyclonis. 

Admiral Cyclonis: I underestimated you, Captain Edwards. That was my mistake.

Aerrow: I always aim to impress. 

As Aerrow said that, Dark Ace approaches him and punches Aerrow in the gut. Aerrow collapses to the ground as the Talons aim their muskets at the rest of the Storm Hawks to keep them from intervening. Aerrow simply chuckles at this.

Aerrow: You hit like an old lady....

Dark Ace: Keep laughing, pirate. I'll see you and your band of pirates hanged in the gallows. 

Admiral Cyclonis: Enough, Dark Ace. You should be thankful, Captain Edwards. You've caused me quite a bit of trouble. I should have you and your entire crew executed. But luckily for you, I have....other uses for you. 

Aerrow: And what would that be? 

Admiral Cyclonis: It's clear that you were able to solve the mysteries within that journal. And thanks to you, you've led us straight to the location of Captain Arygyn's treasure. 

At this point, Aerrow remembered Cyclonis's motivation for finding Arygyn's treasure. Remembering this, Aerrow chuckled. 

Aerrow: That's right. You don't care about the treasure. You want that....weapon? The thing that allowed Captain Arygyn to achieve all those victories. Heh. 

Admiral Cyclonis: I care not for the loot of a pirate. However, it is clear that Captain Arygyn had a weapon at his disposal that allowed him to challenge all the great empires, even the Cyclonian Armada. Such a weapon would make the Cyclonian Armada invincible. I've heard the stories about Xoam. We both want something from Captain Arygyn. You want the treasure and I want the weapon. You will help us navigate through the traps of Xoam. 

As the Admiral made her demands known, Aerrow gets up as he begins chuckling. 

Aerrow: You're an interesting one, Admiral. I rob you blind twice in your own home and you still want to make a deal with me. 

Admiral Cyclonis: Killing you now would gain me nothing. Here is my offer. You will help me navigate through the traps of Xoam. You will be free to take whatever treasure you want and I get the weapon. 

Aerrow: And if I refuse? 

Admiral Cyclonis: Then you and your entire crew will be executed. Your ship will be sent to the bottom of the sea. We will recover both the weapon and the treasure either way. 

As Admiral Cyclonis made her offer, Aerrow knew that Cyclonis had no intention of honoring whatever deal she made. However, Aerrow knew that he and her crew were between a rock and a hard place. After much consideration, Aerrow makes a decision.

Aerrow: Alright, Admiral. You got yourself a deal. 

Upon hearing this, the Storm Hawks were shocked to hear Aerrow agree to Admiral Cyclonis's deal. The Cyclonian Admiral smiled at the pirate's apparent cooperation. 

Admiral Cyclonis: Thank you for your cooperation, Captain Edwards. I will leave a detachement of Talons aboard your ship to watch the crew. 

Aerrow: Miss Escuella, you'll be coming with me ashore. 

Piper: Aye, Captain. 

Aerrow: The rest of you will stay aboard. Keep the Condor safe. 

As Aerrow said this, he turned to Radarr. 

Aerrow: Stay here, mate. I'll need you to watch over the ship. There's a box of berries with your name on it bellow decks. Help yourself. 

When Aerrow says this, he nods to Radarr. Radarr simply nods to Aerrow and jumps off his shoulders and scurries below decks. 

Admiral Cyclonis: I believe it's time we entered Xoam. 

With that, Aerrow and Piper were escorted to a rowboat by a group of Talons. Admiral Cyclonis and Dark Ace along with a squadron of Talons got on a separate rowboat. The two rowboats then went ashore to Xoam. As the rowboat sailed to Xoam's shores, Aerrow spoke with Piper. 

Piper: This is a risky gamble, Aerrow. 

Aerrow: Don't worry, Piper. We'll be just fine. 

With that, Aerrow and Piper went ashore to Xoam with Admiral Cyclonis and Dark Ace to explore the island. Little did the Cyclonians know that the Storm Hawks had set a plan in motion that would even the odds against the might of the Cyclonian Armada. For now, all the Storm Hawks could do was play along.