Sky Pirates: Clouded Deception

     "Rubbish! Just an ol' wives tale, that is!" A disgruntled Scorchio shouted out. "No such beast exists!"

     "Aye, but it does! Seen it with me own eyes," the Krawk proclaimed. Krawket had spent most of his life devoted to sailing the skies to the far reaches of Neopia in search of unique lands from old stories and myths.

     "You only have one!" Another voice from his audience heckled. The crowd laughed.

     "Figuratively speaking, o'course," the Pirate Krawk adjusted his eyepatch. This was a rare reaction. Very little happened on the small floating community of Krawk Island, and the locals were usually captivated by even the simplest of stories. "Saw the entrance to its cave meself, through me spyglass. It'd be in the mountains over yonder, just west of Tyrannia!" Because of the mountain's high winds, he was never able to get too close to Terror Mountain's peaks with his air vessel without being pushed back.

     "Tis but a myth, t' keep them landlubbers' minds occupied. Next, ye'd be telling us that there'd be a world made completely o' jelly!" The Scorchio shot back. The room echoed with laughter. Krawket scowled and gritted his teeth, but avoided branching off on a tangent. He was less certain about a world made of jelly, even though he had heard strong rumours that such a place also existed.

     "Tis hard to prove. We can no longer explore Neopia's surface, like in them good ol' days. Otherwise, we could climb that mountain and-"

     "Get eaten by an ice worm?!" The Scorchio interrupted again. More laughter and murmurs filled the small room of the Golden Dubloon. "Good joke!"

     "It'd be no joke!" Krawket snapped. He should have stopped there, but it was now his pride he was defending. "There be a whole community of Neopians thriving up there!"

     "On top o' a mountain in sub-naught temperatures year 'round? Ye expect us t' believe this?! Tell us, do they spend the year makin' toys t' hand out fer Christmas?" The Scorchio displayed a smug smirk across her face as though it pleased her to get under Krawket's skin. But for what reason Krawket couldn't figure out. He had never seen this Pirate before.

     "Well, no," Krawket said, clearing his throat. "I think it'd be fer the whole Month of Giving." His failed attempt to convince the crowd caused the tavern to erupt with hysterical laughter.

     "See, a joke! Not ever has anyone seen somethin' upon those mountains! Let 'lone live up there! Do ye reckon we be gullible?!" The Scorchio needed not say more. She had successfully bruised Krawket's ego beyond repair. She got up from her chair and waved a dismissive hand at Krawket before leaving the tavern. Others followed suit and before long the Golden Dubloon was empty save for a couple of stragglers at the bar, sipping at their grog, and a lone Eyrie sitting motionless in the far corner of the room. The Bartender glared at Krawket disapprovingly and shook his head.

     Krawket looked down and sighed. Life as an explorer was tough. He often wondered how life was on Krawk Island before it was uprooted from the sea. A number of years ago, the Faeries grew impatient with the island's Pirates' dastardly deeds. They in turn cast a powerful enchantment to force its inhabitants to live up in the clouds. The enchantment was designed to stop pirates from raiding other ships in an attempt to bring back peace to Neopia's small fishing communities. Krawket had never experienced this lifestyle and deeply envied his ancestors' freedom.

     A lone chair scraped across the floor as the Pirate Eyrie stood up and waddled over to Krawket. An idle Pirate Pawkeet sat silently on his shoulder. Krawket looked up at him.

     "Those freebooters are the joke. The problem be no one understands the life o' the Pirate no more. Pirates belong down thar! On the sea!" The Eyrie pounded a clenched fist on a nearby table. "Salt water's in our blood. Pirates don't belong up here!"

     "Aye," the Krawk nodded, "but tis the life now. We must accept our fait 'n make the best of it."

     "Are ye sure, or are ye just givin' up?" The Eyrie grinned. Krawket chewed on the thought. "Sorry 'bout me manners. We've never met. The name's Alistaire. I'm from the mainland." He held out a hand. Krawket refrained. He never shook a hand of a man he had yet to trust.

     "Krawket. How'd you get up here?" Krawket asked. Alistaire chuckled and withdrew his hand, though he didn't appear offended.

     "I flew. The problem is, most of us don't," he answered.

     "Us?" Krawket asked.

     "Decendants of the Pirates left behind," Alistaire gritted his teeth, an apparent soft spot.

     "Aye, when Krawk Island was banished to the sky," Krawket added.

     "Take over!" Squawked the Pawkeet on Alistaire's shoulder.

     "What did it say?" Krawket asked.

     "Oh, he's an ornery specimen. Doesn't like when chums take o'er conversations," Alistaire explained. "I can't help notice ye look forlorned. Not 'nough excitement in yer life I fear. I see that in a lot o' folk 'round here. But I may have a solution for yer problem. I know how t' bring yer island back to its rightful place on the sea."

     "I say that be highly unlikey, mate," Krawket said, though his interest had peaked. Alistaire's smile broadend, revealing several irregularly-spaced darkened teeth.

     "We just need t' get rid of them clouds. Then, 'plunk', ye be back on the sea where ye belong. Free to travel the world n' tell others of yer finds. No more myths and stories, but the truth! Yes, even the truth behind Terror Mountain. I'm offerin' ye a way of provin' yerself and saving yer community!" Alistaire winked.

     "And I'm sure ye know how?" Krawket asked.

     "Aye, I do," he said.

     "That's impossible!" Krawket said.

     "Ye do it every time one o' yer air vessels leaves yer island. A bit o' the cloud sticks to yer ship, makin' her float. Then it returns with the ship." Alistaire explained. Krawket was impressed. The Pirate had done his research.

     "What be your plan then? Turn the Faeries to stone so their magic won't work?" Krawket said sarcastically.

     "Now that'd be a bit unrealistic," Alistaire laughed. "I have a way, but I'll need some help."

     "Why does this matter so much fer ye?" Krawket asked, feeling some heat emitting from the scheme that was brewing.

     "We get the island back! Like ye, we've been waitin' a long time fer this: All Pirates united again, and our island back in its rightful place on the sea!" The Eyrie said. Krawket could see the passion in his eyes. It was unfair that there were those left behind. "So, what d'ya say, Matey?" Alistaire extended his hand once more. Krawket stared at it for a brief moment before embracing it with his own.

     *****

     Krawket made his way over to the Governor's Mansion, with an uneasy mind, to speak with Governor McGill. Convincing him would be no easy task, especially when Krawket, himself, was not entirely sure he trusted Alistaire. But could he pass up on an opportunity to return Krawk Island to the surface?

     He explained his encounter with the Eyrie in as much detail as he could to Governor McGill upon his arrival.

     "But can he be trusted?" Were the first words out of McGill's mouth. He had seen his share of swindlers, and accepting help from strangers was against the Pirate's code.

     "They're fellow Pirates. What's there to lose? They ask for nothing and want this island back on the sea like we do. I think it's about time we take our sea back!" Krawket explained.

     "Ye've been a reliable mate over the years, and I trust yer judgement, but I'm sure ye feel it in yer bones too. They're up to somethin'," McGill said. He pondered a moment before adding. "If they're successful, what's their plan with them clouds?"

     "Not sure, Gov," Krawket said. How did he not think to ask that. Was he losing his edge?

     "That'd be a concern," McGill said, "But not necessarily a deal breaker." Krawket's ears perked up. Gavril McGill was Governor of Krawk Island for a reason. He was as cunning as they came and was reliably able to think outside the box.

     "What do you propose?" Krawket asked.

     "Ye are far less likely to be double-crossed when ye expect to be double-crossed. Let's see what he proposes, and we'll go from there," McGill said.

     *****

     "So what say ye?" Alistaire asked as Krawket and McGill approached him on the sandy beach of Smugglers Cove. The Pawkeek was comfortably perched on his shoulder.

     "We have yet to hear how ye plan to remove the clouds," McGill responded calmly, standing tall and showing authority.

     "A wise man you be, Gov'. Spare me but a moment. Some things're best left demonstratin'," Alistaire said. He whistled sharply into the wind and called a Shoyru and Buzz out from a nearby cave. They carried with them a large device resembling a Giant Goo Blaster. Attached to it was a large, thick bag. The Pirates walked along the cloud-lined shore where the sea once caressed the sand. Krawket imagined how it must have looked back in the day.

     "Feast yer eyes on this," Alistaire said as he flipped up a switch. The machine whirred and began to suck up the nearby clouds, causing the bag to slowly increase in size. After a moment he flipped off the switch. The whirring stopped and a hole remained in a small section of cloud. Alistaire smiled proudly. Krawket and McGill could hardly believe what they saw.

     "Blimey!" Exclaimed Krawket.

     "How?" McGill asked, completely befuddled.

     "I got some o' the best engineers Neopia has t' offer and they designed this beauty. When I flip the switch, the pressure inside creates a vacuum, suckin' air into the bag. Thanks t' blessings o' some Dark Faeries I've become acquainted with o'er the years, we can suck up the enchanted cloud mass surroundin' yer island."

     "And what be yer plans with them clouds?" McGill asked.

     "We have no use fer 'em. Thar part of yer island, so it'd be yers to do as ye please. Yer the Gov after all," Alistaire said.

     "I like yer answer," McGill said, soaking up the compliment. "And ye have me permission to reside amongst us on Krawk Island, if ye so wish."

     "Take over!" Squawked the Pawkeet.

     "What did it say?" McGill asked, furrowing his brows.

     "He's ornery," Krawket said of the Pawkeet.

     "Doesn't like interruptions," added Alistaire.

     "Oh," McGill said, accepting the answer. From his experience, Pawkeets could be quite particular sometimes.

     "We have 'nough o' these t' arm yer whole fleet o' air vessels. With the help o' yer community, we can attach one t' each ship within two days time," Alistaire said. "By this time next week, ye'll have more stories than ye will know what t' do with. Everyone will. And, Gov, yer tavern will be packed t' the nines. Imagine yer income."

     "Aye, that'd be plenty of time to plan our celebrations," McGill said, hardly containing his excitement. "Krawk Island will thrive once again."

     "Have we a deal then?" Alistaire asked.

     "Aye," McGill said, nodding his head in appreciation.

     "Ye're a very wise man," Alistaire said, showing off more of his knobbly teeth. "I promise, ye will not regret a single thing."

     *****

     For the next two days Krawket walked with a slight spring in his step. There was a real small-community feel as he observed the whole community working together as one, and alongside some new companions.

     Each Pirate was assigned a task and no one complained as they were eager to contribute. Governor McGill had his closest cronies assigned to help install Alistaire's Cloud Absorbers alongside the surface Pirates. Other Pirates helped by cleaning up the shores and streets in an effort to make Krawk Island more presentable for tourism. As an early celebration, Captain Threelegs provided free training at the Squashbuckling Academy to anyone interested. Courtesy of Governor McGill.

     As for McGill, he contained himself in his mansion to prepare for the life-changing event, followed by the largest celebration Krawk Island would ever experience.

     The Golden Dubloon filled up past its maximum capacity both evenings, so the crowds had to continue into the streets. Bands played music and gossip was shared amongst the excited crowd. The Food Club gang conversed about the potential of new food items being added to their menus, while Krawket and others told stories of days gone by to a fully captivated crowd.

     On the second evening, after the last Cloud Absorber was installed, Governor McGill presented an inspirational speech and promised great days to come. Everyone cheered, completely unaware of the impending disaster slowly unfolding behind the scenes.

     On the surface another group of Pirates held their own celebrations to acknowledge their hard work. Alistaire sat at the head table in front of a legion of Pirates, celebrating with a hearty feast, and expressing their plans to destroy the sky Pirates living on their rightful land. He was proud of his family. Beside him sat a Scorchio, also basking in the moment.

     "You did well, Embers," He said to the Scorchio."

     "It was nothin'. I was hopin' for a bigger challenge," Embers laughed. After observing Krawket's close relationship to Governor McGill, Alistaire had asked her to demoralize him to make him a vulnerable target.

     "How are our troops?" Alistaire said.

     "They're ready at yer disposal, Gov." She said. Governor Alistaire chuckled maliciously, then rose up from his chair to speak to the crowd.

     "Ok, that's it fer tonight. We need everyone well rested fer the morn'. Celebrations will commence once we take Krawk Island back!" Alistaire said, slamming a fist on his table.

     "Take over Krawk Island!" His Pawkeet added.

     "Ye all heard the bird!" Alistaire laughed.

     "Yarr!!!" The crowd boomed.

     *****

     The sun was at a slow rise, painting a striking aura around the entire island through the illuminated clouds. Aye, it was a beautiful sight and one Krawket was going to miss.

     "Many a times have I sailed out first thing in the morn'. Tis hard to imagine we'll soon be on water," Krawket said to McGill as they waited on Smugglers Cove's beach for the avian surface Pirates to arrive. The roost of butterflies gathering in his stomach grew by the second.

     "Aye," McGill answered. He stood confidently in his finest admiral coat and favourite bicorn hat. "There'd be better times ahead." A large group of spectators gathered upon the hill for a better view. Moments later Alistaire appeared with his crew of Pirates. Enough to tend to each of the Absorbers.

     "Morning, Gov. Shall we get straight to it?" Alistaire asked.

     "No sense in waiting," McGill answered, nodding to Alistaire, who in turn nodded to his crew. The surface Pirates spread out to their respective stations.

     Upon Alistaire's signal, the first of the Absorbers was activated, followed sequentially by the rest. The low, whirring noise they produced echoed throughout the island. As the cloud mass slowly began to dwindle, Krawk Island lowered steadily to the sea below.

     "If ye don't mind, I'd like to part fer a moment to get a better appreciation of things," McGill said, tilting his hat slightly to the Eyrie.

     "Aye, a fine plan indeed," Alistaire said, pleased to see him distracted and out of sight. Krawket opted to stay. A small opening in the clouds allowed him to see the sea below. A large number of vessels had gathered, and more were advancing. Krawket was not great at math, but guessed that there was well over a hundred ships. In his opinion, Krawk Island's current population would not require as many.

     "Ye have a high number o' sea vessels," Krawket said. He felt he needed to comfort his concern.

     "Aye, we built up the numbers o'er the years," Alistaire said.

     "I thought ye were all descendants of our island," Krawket said.

     "Nay, some o' us be outcasts and others from bands or guilds 'round Neopia. But we all be Pirates at heart," Alistaire said. Krawket looked back down below. Most of the clouds were now gone and Krawk Island was getting very close to the sea's surface. He felt a bit uneasy.

     "How about ye? Were yer ancestors from Krawk Island?" Krawket asked.

     "Of course they were!" Alistaire snapped, clenching his fists together.

     "Take over!" The Pawkeet squawked.

     "Curious how it says that every time someone mentions Krawk Island," Krawket said.

     "Take over!" The Pawkeet shouted again.

     "You're planning on taking over Krawk Island, aren't you?!" Krawket realized out loud. Alistaire began to look uncomfortable.

     "Take over Krawk Island!" The Pawkeet screeched.

     "Useless bird!" Alistaire muttered, then turned to Krawket. "I be more o' a Pirate than ye could ever dream o' bein'!" Alistaire looked down at the sea. They were still higher than desired, but he had no choice but to act now.

     "NOW!!" Alistaire shouted, his voice echoing down the beach. Cannons went off signalling the cue to attack.

     "ABORT!! ABORT!!" Krawket cried at the top of his lungs. Grappling hooks shot up from the ships below at the shoreline and air vessels. An instant later, enemy Pirates were climbing up the ropes. The spectators on the hill scattered. Some to spread word of the invasion while others ran to the shoreline to defend their island.

     Alistaire ran awkwardly towards the eastern shore. Before Krawket could react, a Scorchio swooped in and knocked him over. He glared at the Scorchio.

     "Ye! At the Golden Dubloon!" Krawket snarled. "I should have known ye was a no-good landlubbin' Scoundrel!"

     "Guilty," she laughed. "What are ye plannin' t' do? Have ye another borin' story fer me?" Krawket unsheathed his sword. "Watch it, Krawk! Ye only have one eye and yer thrice me age!"

     "That's many more years experience yer lookin' at. Ye've been warned!" Krawket snapped back. The battle of words quickly switch to weapons as Embers jumped towards the old Krawk. Swords clashed in a series of sparks as the battle for the island commenced. Krawket's depth perception may have been hindered by the absence of an eye, but it did not show. Eventually, he was caught off guard when the Scorchio flew up and over him, kicking Krawket to the ground. Upon impact, his sword released from his grip and flew out of reach along the island's edge.

     "Ye may have more experience, but yer still no match," the Scorchio mocked, pointing her sword at him. The ground suddenly began to shake. The Pirates on the western side of the island successfully staved off the invasion and reversed the Absorbers to return the clouds back to the island. The island began to tilt at a significant angle as the western side of the island rose.

     As Embers tried to hold her balance, Krawket swept his dominant foot and knocked her hard to the ground on her wing, then made a mad scramble for his sword. Embers got to her feet and tried to fly, but the pain was too much. Instead, she ran hard towards Krawket before he could reach his sword. As if by instinct, and probably so, he turned on his back and lifted up his legs quickly enough to flip Embers over the ledge. He got up and saw her hanging onto the edge of the cliff.

     "Take me hand," Krawket said, reaching his arm down.

     "And be indebted to ye? A sky Pirate?! I'd sooner take me chances with them sharks!" Embers said before letting go and dropping down into the water. Krawket looked over and saw her swimming to the nearest ship. He shook his head.

     Krawket ran towards the eastern shore after Alistaire. He saw McGill and Alistaire on an air vessel not too far from land. McGill's hands were tied together and he stood at the end of a plank. The vessel's Absorber was switched off.

     Krawket made a rash decision to take a running leap at the vessel. The steep slope of the island was to his advantage as he sailed like a vessel through the sky, barely grabbing hold of the edge of the ship.

     Finally aboard, he noted the vessel's crew tied together to the main mast. He snuck stealthily behind the cabin, obstructing him from Alistaire and his cronies' view.

     "I find ye guilty o' tamperin' with our equipment. I don't recall my men installin' a reverse switch," Alistaire said.

     "I have a few good men who know a thin' or two 'bout machines. Do ye think I didn't anticipate a betrayal?" McGill added, still calm.

     "Then why follow through if ye doubted s'much?" Alistaire asked.

     "I hoped I was wrong, but either way I liked yer technology. T'will make good additions to me air vessels," McGill said.

     "Aye. Too bad ye won't be here t'enjoy them." He held out hit sword and poked it towards McGill. "Now jump ye Scallywag or suffer the consequence!"

     "Give up! Ye don't belong here!" Krawket interupted. Alistaire's crew was overtaken by the newly-freed Pirates. "Yer men have long been defeated and have retreated." Krawket pointed to the shoreline where a massive gathering of sky Pirates stood watching.

     "This is MY land!" Alistaire spat, and scowled when his Pawkeet flew off of his shoulder and away.

     "It could have been. But Scoundrels like you will never step foot on Krawk Island again." A whirring noise started up and clouds spewed out of the Cloud Absorber.

     "It's time fer ye t' go!" McGill said as he rushed at Alistaire, knocking him off the plank. Alistaire managed to spread his wings and fly off to safety, but lost his sword to the sea. His words were inaudible as he flew away, but Krawket was sure he said he regretted the day he ever stepped foot on Krawk Island.

     "Ye've made a name of yerself," McGill said once his hands were cut free and the island was returned to its rightful place in the sky. "You saved our home."

     "I'm not sure 'bout that. We are right where we started, and we almost lost our island," Krawket said.

     "Aye, t'was a risk. But well worth it," McGill said.

     "What d'ye mean?" Krawket asked.

     "We still have those Cloud Absorbers on our air vessels," McGill said with a wink. "I feel we have a bright future ahead of us, and that can't go without celebrating!"

     *****

     One week later..

     "Okay, we be getting closer! Activate the Absorber!" Krawket called. A whirring sound commenced and the air vessel slowly lowered in the sky. "Easy.. easy.." Slowly, the last of the clouds was absorbed and the vessel slipped seamlessly into the briney water.

     "Avast! Now we be sea borne! Ha-har!" Krawket said, congratulating his crew. Several other air vessels dipped onto the sea next to his vessel. The salty mist on his face felt good. This was the beginning of a new era for Krawk Island.

     "Where t' now, Capt'n?" Asked an eager Bruce manning the wheel.

     "I was thinking we head north and check out Terror Mountain. Hope ye brought yer hiking boots!" Krawket said. Adventure awaited. The high winds were not keeping him away today.

     The End.