Chapter 4: Skulls and Crossbones (Part 2)
So far, Eleanor was in progress to save one of her friends and is halfway through it after assembling skeletons and helping a werewolf conductor.
Now that Eleanor has spent enough time with werewolves, she and Flap left when, "I think I feel a challenge card in my pocket." She then reached it out and read it.
Continue the quest with pillage and plunder
Sail the ship in the seven seas
Loot 1000 pieces of gold
"A ship?" a surprised Eleanor noticed. "I know what ship the card talks about. Follow me." Flap suggested as they left the Werewolf Grounds
It didn't take long as they stopped by at a lake. "Strange. I see a cave at the other side. This is what the town does not have." Eleanor exclaimed. "Until now when Ms Grunkle did her magic. Now, into this boat for we have to row into the cave."
"In...the...cave?" Eleanor was starting to feel a bit uncomfortable of all the haunted horrors but, "C'mon, it's the only route to the challenge area." Flap told her. Sighing, "No choice then." She got onto the boat and started rowing while Flap continued flapping his wings.
The boat entered the cave as bats flew out. Eleanor ducked and after that, "Right in front of us is the Flying Dutchman. Legend says that this ghost ship haunts the seven seas." Flap explained. The boat rowed deeper into the cave until, "I see a glowing ship." Eleanor noticed.
"That's the ship alright." said Flap as they came to a stop. Eleanor climbed her way up and into the ship while Flap just flew up. There, "Arrrrr...maties." Both turned to their right to see, a ghost pirate who's the captain of the Flying Dutchman. "I was not expecting visitors. But, I could use some fresh meat to join my crew and loot some treasure!" Eleanor and Flap said nothing about it as they looked around to see many ghost pirates appearing all over the ship. "Alright mates! Time to go down and underwater!"
"Did the captain say, go underwater?" Eleanor asked. "Yup. Let's enter the cabins before we get washed out!" Flap answered as they entered the cabin in time as te ghost ship took a plunge down into the waters.
After a while...
"How long do we have to wait?" asked Eleanor. Flap can be seen looking through the window. There are fishes swimming by when suddenly, "BWOOSH!"
"Now we're on the water." Flap answered as they decided to check what's going on outside.
On the deck, "Brace yourselves! We got company!" The captain ordered as the ghost pirates prepared for battle for they are surrounded by a huge number of ghost ships. He turned behind to see Eleanor and Flap coming out of the cabin. "Right on time. I need you 2 to work on the cannon with my first mate who needs assistance." He pointed at a ghost pirate that has an eye patch on his left eye. Eleanor then noticed that the cannonballs piled beside it are not only coloured black but other colours with it. "How strange." She thought as the pirate manning it pointed at the ammunition and at the weapon. "We better load the cannon." said Flap. So Eleanor took a black cannon ball and loaded it into the cannon. Once it's loaded, the pirate opened fired as the cannonball was launched onto an orange ghost ship hitting it. All cheered when suddenly, the ship fired back and, "BOOM!"
"This doesn't make any sense!" Eleanor complained to Flap as they struggled from the impact. He looked at the cannonballs and ships for a moment. Then, "Try loading 2 cannonballs into the cannon. Use the red and yellow ones." Eleanor did as told and once loaded, it fired and this time, "KSH!" All cheered again as the orange ship was destroyed and even better, a treasure chest flew out of it and landed on their deck. "Ghost against ghost. And that's why the damage took place." said Eleanor. She then turned to Flap. "How did you know of this?"
"The ghost ships attacking the Dutchman are of different colours. And the cannonballs too. We make a combination of what colours are mixed to make the colour that the ghost ships are." Flap explained. "I see." Eleanor then eyed on another ship which is blue green in colour. "Kisha knows to mix them well and thus, I'll make use of it since she showed them to me." She recalled in her mind as she ordered 2 cannonballs coloured blue and green loaded and, "BOOM!"
"KSH!" another down and another treasure chest flew out from the explosion landing on the deck. "More treasure!' A ghost pirate cheered. More ships prepared to attack but Eleanor observed their colour and had the cannonballs loaded and fired at 3 more ships. "Keep it up mates! Full canvas!" the captain ordered as the Flying Dutchman fought back. Eleanor did the job right as already, the cannon she loaded destroyed 4 more ships. One grey ghost ship remains. "Now, we load the white and black cannonballs. Good thing they're light when lift and explosive when fired upon." said Eleanor as she got to work. Once loaded, the cannon fired destroying the ghost ship and it's treasure chest thrown onto the deck. "Captain! The armada's withdrawin!" a ghost pirate reported. All cheered as some of the ghost pirates began swashing and buckling about on the masts. "Ha! Ha! Ha!" The captain laughed and turned to Eleanor and Flap. "I owe you 2 for this help. Now that we've looted a total of 1000 gold, let's head back to the cove shall we? DIVE!"
"Uh-Oh. We better run for his cabin." Flap suggested. So they did as the Flying Dutchman dove down underwater.
Later...
In the cove, the ship rose up. As it's safe now, Eleanor and Flap prepared to leave the ship when, "Hey, you forgot that I owe you for just now. Here, take it." The captain then took out a skeleton key from his pocket and gave it to Eleanor. "Thanks captain." Eleanor thanked the ghost as she turned to Flap. "So far so good. Let's head back." they boarded the boat they used just now and rowed out of the cove.
At the same time...
In the crystal ball, a box of dog biscuits appeared in it.
Madame Pomreeda: "Most Impressive."
And back there outside the cove...
They reached land which is the haunted town. As they left the lake. "So, anything?" asked Flap. "Anything? Hmmm...now that you mentioned it..." Eleanor dug through her pocket and soon enough, a challenge card was felt. Taking it out, the duo read it.
End your quest with crazy experiments
With volts and jolts that are quite shocking
You must help create 3 monsters
"Who creates monsters in this town?" asked Eleanor. "The crazy scientist. He lives in an underground lab called the Lab of Insane Creations." Flap answered. "If it's underground, that we need to find some entrance that leads us down right?" asked Eleanor. "Indeed. Let's find it." agreed Flap.
So they entered town and there, "Uh-Oh. He's back." Flap exclaimed. "I can feel the howling winds. He's making his appearance again." Eleanor can tell as Repsac did appear right in front of them. "Ah, we meet again. Ready for another challenge?" asked Repsac as it began.
"Which of the following is an adjective?"
"1. Consume"
"2. Mysterious"
"3. Burgers"
"4. Electricity"
"4 options? I'm surprised." Eleanor whispered to Flap. "Repsac will randomize his number of options. 3 or 4." Flap explained. "Okay...that seems a bit mysterious." Eleanor replied. Upon hearing that, "Darn it! You struck twice! No matter, I'll be back!" Repsac exclaimed as he disappeared. "Now that, was intentional." said Flap. He and Eleanor then laughed when they heard something. "BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZK!"
"Electricity?" Eleanor asked. "Indeed." Flap replied. Then, they heard it again and this time, "I am picking the sound from...there!" Flap flew to where he heard it as Eleanor followed him.
Soon enough...
Flap flew to a stop as Eleanor caught up with him. There was a hatch in front of them. "And I never thought that a skeleton key is on the grass and beside the hatch." Eleanor added as she went to pick it up. After that, she opened the hatch, "After you." She told Flap. He fluttered down as Eleanor joined him in.
Underground...
Once they touched bottom. "Whoa." They exclaimed. Around the lab, there are many machines at work and right in front of them, is the crazy scientist putting random parts in some table aligning them into a body. He was also laughing in insanity as he turned and saw the duo. "AHAHAHAHA! Ah! I could use some help around in this lab! HAHAHA!" The crazy scientist then beckoned Eleanor and Flap to come here and as they did. "I spent my life creating monsters of all shapes and sizes and sometimes, my beloved machine breaks down! AAAAARRRRGGGGHHH!" He growled as the machine had a nail pop out. After screwing it back, "Sometimes, either I used too much or too little of electricity generated to create my creations. On the right side is where the measurements are." He added as Eleanor and Flap went to take a look. There, "Ah, power meters and batteries. This is where the challenge begins." said Flap as he turned to see a box full of batteries and a skeleton key. Taking it, "Something to add to the collection."
"Cool. Thanks Flap." Eleanor kept it as she looked into the box. "All the batteries have a supply of current in it."
"And that meter on the machine shows how much power it needs." Flap added. "Therefore, you need to calculate through the batteries on how much the machine needs to power it up and help the crazy scientist create his monsters." Flap explained as the reading on the machine shows 250 Volts. "Let's see...the batteries have different voltages they can store." Eleanor deduced. "And not to mention there is a required number to use and meet the reading on the machine." Flap added as Eleanor checked some batteries. "The voltage ranges from 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50 and 100 volts. Odd, no battery can store 100 volts." Eleanor exclaimed. "Only in the lab these type of batteries can be found." said Flap as Eleanor examined a casing. "This casing requires 5 batteries."
"And these batteries must total up to 250 volts following the number required." Flap explained. So Eleanor examined the supply of batteries. "Alright. Let's use these 5 batteries." Eleanor first slot in 2 100V batteries followed by a 50V and then, 2 25V batteries. Once all are slotted in, "Tell the crazy scientist to power the machine." Eleanor ordered Flap. So the bat flew and relayed the message to him. "AHAHAHAHA! Finally, I was itching to pull the switch! Alright, all of you stand back now!" Upon hearing that, Eleanor and Flap stood back as the crazy scientist put on his gloves, "This is gonna be shocktastic! AHAHAHA! Wheeeeeeeee!" Insane he is as he pulled the switch. Electricity sparked up around the machine as an electrical cannon was lowered down to a pile of junk arranged. "A little lower and there!" The crazy scientist then pressed a button and, "ZAP!"
As the smoke cleared, all heard something and then from the wooden block used as a board to pile the junk, something got up and, "Raaaaaah!" It stood up and walked towards the trio. After that, it began walking around. "Yes...YES! IT IS ALIVE! IMMA GENIUS!" The crazy scientist then started doing the robot dance. After that, "I got a new one to create! Get to work!" He ordered. Eleanor and Flap headed to the same area. There, the reading shows 357 volts. "More than just now." said Eleanor as she picked 3 100V, 1 50V and 1 2V batteries. Once slotted in, "Go time!" Flap called out. The crazy scientist got the message and powered his machine with one switch. Result? "YES! Bigger and Brawn it is! I luv my work!" He shed a tear as, "I have one more to create. Input the voltage!" He ordered.
The third reading shows 115 V. So Eleanor rummaged through the box and after a while, found 2 50V and 3 5V batteries. "Okay...this should do it." She got them placed and then, switch is on and ZAP!
The final monster is created and it's 2 feet shorter than the first monster. "All my experiments are a success! YES! YES! I'm so smart! I'm so pleased at my beloved works!" He then gave them a command and then, they began cleaning up the lab. "As for you, I believe this should satisfy you and yes, without your assistance, my experiments could have gone haywire." From his shirt pocket, he took out a skeleton key and handed it to Eleanor. "Alright! I got a decent number of keys so far." Eleanor exclaimed.
And at the same time...
In the crystal ball, a whole pepperoni pizza appeared in it.
Madame Pomreeda: "At last. All 4 items are acquired."
And back there...
The hatch outside opened up and Eleanor and Flap got out. "I have to admit. The lab smells bad." Eleanor admitted. "That explains the smell of leaked chemicals from the batteries and rotten food that his monsters eat." said Flap. Then, they felt something. "Is it just me or is something-"
"Warping us up!" Flap finished Eleanor's sentence and a portal opened up below them and they were sucked in.
Later...
The portal that sucked them in reappeared and spat them out. "THUD!"
"Ow! That hurts!" Eleanor exclaimed as Flap fluttered to her. Then, "Ah, glad that I summoned you back." They looked at the front to see Madame Pomreeda. "Now to begin with, while you and Flap attempt the challenges that are stated in the cards that I kept sending you, an item which is the prized possessions that your friends keep has been revealed to me. Now, look to your right." They did and saw them. "These items are related to Frankie..." Eleanor thought. "Now my dear, we shall begin your friend's restoration." Madame Pomreeda announced as the crystal ball revealed the vision of the monstrous Frankie. "Just one question, how did you acquire all the stuff?" asked Eleanor. "When you completed the challenge from the card you read, they are revealed to me. Using m magic, I was able to venture out and acquire it all." answered Madame Pomreeda. "Now, let's get started. First, the bone." Eleanor took the white bone. "Now throw the bone into the crystal ball." said Flap. Eleanor complied and threw it at the ball and to her surprise, it absorbed the item in. "Next, the Frisbee." Madame Pomreeda ordered. Eleanor took the red, circular Frisbee and tossed it directly into the crystal ball as it absorbed it. "After that, the box of dog biscuits." Madame Pomreeda ordered. Eleanor took the box which is still sealed tight and hurled it into the crystal ball thus making it absorb the item. "And finally, the whole pepperoni pizza." Madame Pomreeda ordered. Eleanor took the pizza which is in a box and gently tossed it once near and the crystal ball absorbed it.
So now, all 4 prized possessions are in, "But I didn't get a chance to try the pizza!" Flap complained. "You'll get your chance one day." said Eleanor as, "Now I shall do what needs to be done." Madame Pomreeda got to work as she chanted some spell while gazing at the crystal ball as it glowed and in front of their eyes, the 3 headed monstrous Frankie instantly had a change as the 2 heads shrunk out of sight and his teeth became normal. "Now, Frankie is restored." she announced. "Alright!" Eleanor and Flap cheered. "Not only he's normal, his prized possession will now return to the spot where I found them." Madame Pomreeda added. "Not bad for your first quest. Now, I recommend you should get some rest before you begin the next one, to your left is a room where you can sleep for the night."
"Yeah...even if there's no morning, I'll have to get used to the endless night." said Eleanor as she tiredly entered the room.
After that, "One restored, 6 more to go." said Flap. "Indeed. Let's hope we can save this town as quickly as we can." agreed Madame Pomreeda as she turned off the lights.
Nice. One all-star is restored but it's just the beginning of Eleanor's adventure. More challenges ahead, darker is the night, let's hope she can endure the difficulties. Chapter 5 is currently in progress haunted.
Skeleton Keys: 7/50
