The Black Sail Of The Storm Hawks (Pirate AU)

Chapter Thirty Five - Chains

As Aerrow and Dove found themselves on Repton's ship, the two were taken captive by the Raptors. They were locked in chains and placed in the holding cells. For three days, Repton's ship sailed for an unknown destination. The two were fed just enough to keep them alive. When the ship arrived at it's destination, Aerrow and Dove were taken our of their cells and escorted to the ship's deck. As they were brought to the deck, Aerrow recognized the location.

Aerrow: Cyclonia....bloody hell.....

Repton: Welcome back, Captain Edwards. The Admiral is waiting.

Repton and a group of Raptors took Aerrow and Dove to shore. They were then led through the streets of Cyclonia in chains. Dove looked at the people and saw a kind of collective misery that she had never known.

Dove: These people....

Aerrow: Aye, Dove. This place has been robbed of all joy and happiness. Only misery remains in this place.

Such misery was foreign to Dove. This place was nothing like the peace and bliss she lived back on the island with Wren. When they turned a corner, Dove managed to slip out of her chains. Aerrow could see this and whispered to her.

Aerrow: Go. Get the hell out of here.

Dove: I'm not leaving you.

Aerrow: I've already mucked up your life, lass. I refuse to let you die on my account.

Dove: But Aerrow....

Aerrow: Go. Find a way out of this hellhole. Don't look back. Please.

As Aerrow pleaded Dove to escape, Dove reluctantly agreed to it. When she saw her opportunity, she steps on one of the Raptor's feet and slips out of her chains and runs off.

Raptor: You little fucking bitch! I'll fucking....

Repton: Leave her. She's not our concern. Let the Talons deal with her. She's their problem. Our priority is Captain Edwards.

Aerrow smiled as Repton chose not to chase after Dove. Radarr chirped sadly to Aerrow. Aerrow remained silent as he was led through the streets of Cyclonia in chains. Meanwhile at her mansion, Admiral Cyclonis was drinking tea with some of the Talon captains. When she sees Repton bring Aerrow to her mansion, Cyclonis dismisses the captains. She then approaches Repton who presents Aerrow to the Admiral.

Repton: May I present you Captain Aerrow Edwards.

Admiral Cyclonis: Captain Edwards. The last I saw you, you were in chains. Now here you are, in chains. Oh how the mighty have fallen.

Aerrow: And where the hell is Dark Ace? I thought he'd be at your side like the proper dog he is.

Admiral Cyclonis: On his way back to Cyclonia as we speak. Tell me, Repton. Did the Condor put up a fight?

Repton: We didn't find him on the Condor. He was nowhere near the ship.

Aerrow: Sorry to disappoint you, Admiral.

Cyclonis took note of Aerrow's response. At this moment, the Condor was of no concern to her.

Admiral Cyclonis: Leave us, Repton. We shall discuss your payment later.

With that, Repton and the other Raptors left the mansion grounds. As she was left alone with Aerrow,

Admiral Cyclonis: I believe you have something that belongs to me. Captain Arygyn's private journal. I want it back.

Aerrow: What makes you think I still have it?

Admiral Cyclonis: You have something I want. You may think you have some idea of what you are in possession of, but you do not. In a few moments, it will be mine. It means more to me than you will ever know. I am willing to bargain with you. Give me the journal or tell me where I can find it, and all shall debts shall be forgiven, Captain Edwards.

Aerrow: Just like that? How do I know you won't kill me the moment I give it to you?

Admiral Cyclonis: If you're asking if you can trust me, you cannot. Just as you betrayed our business arrangement, I would gladly break any promise and watch you die at my hand. The assurance I give is this: I will act in my own self-interest, which at this time involves your cooperation and benefit. Let me be clear, I am not interested in the wealth Arygyn amassed. I want what made Arygyn undefeated in battle. I am willing to offer you a place at my side, Captain Edwards. You are an exceptional sailor and captain. Your victories over my men have proven that to me. Help me find Arygyn's treasure and you can have his gold and wealth. I will take the weapon and bring order.

As Admiral Cyclonis laid out her offer, Aerrow knew that she would not keep her word. The moment he outlived his usefulness, he would be killed at a moment's notice. Staying true to his nature, Aerrow smirked.

Aerrow: I do really wish I could help, but I think I left that old journal back at the Condor. Or maybe at that little raft Repton found me in.

Aerrow's continued defiance annoyed Cyclonis as she looked down on the Irish pirate.

Admiral Cyclonis: Think on your situation carefully, Captain Edwards. You are at my mercy. The Council of Captains is no more. Atmosia is now under Cyclonian control. Captain Harrier and Captain Carver are dead. Captain Suzy Lu is on the verge of meeting the same fate. You want to know why I hate Pirates? It's not because you're murderers and thieves, but it's because what you desire. You are like children. You want unlimited freedom without responsibility or consequence. I have the corpses of Pirates I captured caged and displayed to show others what fate befalls on them. That fate shall be yours unless you cooperate. I am being more generous than I should, Pirate. I would chose my next words very carefully.

Aerrow said nothing as he maintained his defiance much to the annoyance to Cyclonis.

Admiral Cyclonis: Very well. There are other ways of making you talk. But understand this, Captain Edwards. I gave you a chance. I extended an olive branch to you. But instead of taking my generous offer, you slapped it out of my hand. Now you will reap what you sow.

As Cyclonis said that, she summoned two Talons who dragged Aerrow away. Another Talon grabbed Radarr and stuffed him in a small cage. In that moment, Aerrow was now a prisoner of Admiral Cyclonis herself. But Aerrow would not be so for long.