The Black Sail Of The Storm Hawks (Pirate AU)

Chapter Eleven - A Daring Escape

After claiming the strange piece of metal inside the war room, Aerrow and Piper begin running for the row boat while the chaos is occurring. As they tried to get the row boat moving, Radarr chirps frantically.

Aerrow: What is it, mate?!

Aerrow and Piper then see the Condor fighting off the Cyclonian ships docked at Fort Neverlandis.

Piper: We won't make it far with all that chaos.

Aerrow: Well it looks like we're gonna have to swim. Let's not linger in the sea for too long!

Left with no other choice, Aerrow and Piper along with Radarr began swimming to the Condor while dodging stray gunfire. It didn't take long for the trio to reach the Condor.

Junko: Captain on board!

Finn: Did you find what you were looking for?!

Aerrow: Aye! I see you've made some friends!

Finn: These bastards started firing on us! I did what any sensible scoundrel would do and fired back!

Aerrow couldn't help but find humor in Finn's words. But the time for humor was over. Now it was the time for a daring escape.

Aerrow: I think it's time we bid farewell to Fort Neverlandis! Mr. Stork! Full speed ahead!

Stork: Aye Captain!

Aerrow: I want every able bodied man on those cannons! Let's send these bastards to the bottom of the sea!

The pirates of the Condor let out a hearty cheer as they complied with their Captain's orders. They fired their cannons upon the pursuing Cyclonian ships. Soon enough, the rest of the ships gave up the chase.

Aerrow: They're pulling back!

Finn: Look at these bastards running scared! Go back home to your mothers and tell them the Storm Hawks sent ya crying to Hell!

Finn soon led the other pirates in a thunderous cheer as they began happily singing a shanty. Piper soon approached the smiling Irish captain.

Piper: It seems your plan worked.

Aerrow: Aye, Ms Escuela. The sea was good to us this day.

Stork: What exactly did we stick our necks for?

Aerrow then pulls out the piece of metal and showed it to Stork.

Stork: What exactly am I looking at?

Aerrow: That was what we found inside the fort. It was hidden beneath the floorboards in the war room.

Stork then inspects the strange piece of metal. He quickly notices the serrated edges indicating that it was broken.

Stork: Looks like it's a piece of a larger puzzle. It clears that there's more to these strange things. What it exactly is I don't know.

Aerrow: Then I guess we'll just have to keep looking. We're already making good progress on the search for Captain Arygyn's treasure! I say we keep this momentum!

Radarr chirps excitedly as he hands Arygyn's journal to Aerrow. Aerrow then takes a moment to look through the journal past the entry regarding Fort Neverlandis. Upon seeing the next entry, Aerrow smiles.

Aerrow: It looks like the next step is Havana.

Piper: Havana? That's under the control of the Spanish Empire.

Aerrow: I'm aware of that. It's no secret that the Cyclonian Armada has some influence within the Spanish. But for a time, Arygyn called Havana home. So it's not a wild stretch of the imagination that our next puzzle piece lies in lively Havana.

Upon hearing this, Piper and Stork were rather concerned with this idea. It seemed rather reckless to sail to a place not only controlled by one of the great Empires, but a place where the Cyclonians have influence even if it was minor.

Piper: Going to Havana seems unwise. There would be far too many eyes and none too fond of pirates.

Aerrow: Then we'll pose as a Cyclonian vessel. We may not be the most polish looking lads, but I imagine these Spaniards wouldn't think twice if we waved a Cyclonian flag. The way I see it, we'd probably be welcomed there with open arms!

Despite Aerrow's cockiness, Piper and Stork were still concerned. However, there was little choice. If there was another piece to be found in Havana, then they had to get there. As the Condor began sailing for the Condor, Aerrow retired to the Captain's Quarters where Piper was waiting for him.

Aerrow: What a pleasant surprise! Care for a drink?

Piper: I don't like this plan of yours, Captain.

Aerrow: It's not like we have any other choice. The journal tells us we need to go to Havana, so we might as well go to Havana. Who knows, you might even find a lead on the Colonel.

Upon hearing the Colonel's name leaving Aerrow's mouth, Piper became annoyed.

Piper: You are reckless.

Aerrow: I make my own luck, lass. I've always heard stories about how lively Havana is. A proper getaway for scoundrels. I'm sure we'd be able to navigate through Havana without much complication. If not, I'm sure we can pull off another daring escape!

Piper simply sighed. As Aerrow pours himself a cup of ale, there was one thing on his mind.

Aerrow: You never said why you harbor ill will towards the Colonel. I know he's a vicious bastard, but this sounds more like a personal vendetta.

Piper: The Colonel has caused me great pain. I will say no more. I trust you'll respect that, Captain.

Aerrow simply nods as he realized that her answer was the best he was gonna get. As she left the room, Aerrow smiled as he anticipated a lively trip to lively Havana.