(I'm in the movie theater watching Black Panther when Gil and Tawna walk in)
Gil: Hey there.
Me: Hey Gil, Tawna.
Tawna: Watching Black Panther?
Me: Yeah. There's going to be a Black Panther 2 later this year. But to be honest, the movie just won't be the same without Boseman.
Gil: Yeah. It's a good thing he won't be recast. But what else could happen?
Tawna: Well, we'll cross that bridge when we get there, huh?
Me: Yeah.
(Gil and Tawna leave and I return to watching the movie)
Pirate101: The Pirates of Lore
Chapter 10: The Most Dangerous Catch
After Lasko tells the crew that the Frogfather may know where Ratbeard is, they head to Jonah Town to search for Captain Ahab. They see a pelican sailor near the town entrance.
"Excuse me, are you Captain Ahab?" Lindsey asked.
"And if I am?" Ahab responded.
"We were told you know the Frogfather."
"The Frogfather? Yup, I've heard of him. You seem a decent sort, the lot of you – what the blazes do you want with the Frogfather?" Ahab asked.
"We believe he knows where Ratbeard is hiding." Ryan told him.
"As much as I'd like to help you, I'm afraid I can't." Ahab said. "I know where the Frogfather is, but I don't talk about it – the Frogfather is not someone I want to offend."
"Told you." Hunter whispered.
"Besides, I have other troubles to see to. We here in Jonah Town are humble fisher folk – our lives are only as good as the day's catch." Ahab said. "My best fisherman, Brody, was due back yesterday, and there's no sign of him."
"Where was the last place he went?" Lola asked.
"Last I checked, he took his ship, the Amity, to trawl for Sky Clams out by the Vortex of Doom." Ahab responded. "Though, now that I say that out loud, it doesn't sound like a good idea at all! I fear the storm may have drawn him in! Say, you lot are tougher than any of us fishermen, can you brave the Vortex and see if you can find Brody?"
"If it means getting to speak to the Frogfather, we're in." Kyle accepted. They make their way back to the ship. Ryan sees the Vortex of Doom from the dock and looks back at their small ship.
"You're worried about Brody, aren't you, Ryan?" Lindsey asked.
"Not just Brody; our ship. If his ship didn't make it out, odds are ours won't either." Ryan said.
"Have you forgotten? We tempered the Troggies' aggression, stopped Fin Dorsal, discovered a golden city, survived Devilfish Hollow twice, and beat the Red Claw Gang and the Prawns. I'm sure this little thing can survive a Vortex." Hunter reminded him.
"You're right, Hunter. How silly of me to worry about our ship. Let's go!" They depart from Jonah Town and head for the Vortex of Doom. The storm's winds are powerful, but they managed to make their way inside the storm's eye with their ship intact.
"Huh. Guess our ship was stronger than I originally thought." Ryan admitted.
"Guys, look!" Lindsey shouted and pointed to the Amity. They see Brody aboard, but he's surrounded by Storm Sharks.
"Help!" Brody shouts for help.
"Brody! He's surrounded! We better help him!" Ryan said.
"Kyle! Take the helm! We'll save Brody!" The Privateer rushes to take the wheel while the others board the Amity to save Brody from the Storm Sharks.
Brody sees himself surround by several Storm Sharks. One was about to turn Brody into today's lunch before it ate a shock blast from Ryan's rifle. The Storm Sharks turn their attention to the pirates. The Storm Sharks attack the pirates.
Hunter and Lola strike a few of the Storm Sharks and take them down. Lindsey shot a few spells that protected Brody and Ryan provided cover fire. The Storm Sharks fled after being overwhelmed by the pirates.
"Ahoy there! Good thing you fellas happened along! Ayuh, the next time I trawl a Vortex, I need a bigger boat!" Brody said. They returned to the Pirates' ship just as the Amity sank.
"Hold on! What about the Amity?" Kyle asked.
"Leave it! The boat's done for!" Sarah said.
"Guess I'm riding with you then. Let's go!" Brody said as the ship left the Vortex of Doom. They return to Ahab in Jonah Town.
"We're back, and we brought Brody." Hunter reported.
"Well done, Captains! Well done indeed! You've saved one of our best!" Ahab thanked them.
"Hey, you would've done the same if it were any of us." Lola smiled.
"True, which is why I have a more serious problem…" Captain Ahab said.
"How serious?" Lindsey asked.
"It's my son Norville. He hasn't come back yet." Ahab told them. "He went to Rapa Nui to sell this month's catch of fish and clams, you see. I expected him back while you were off finding Brody – it's not like Norville to be late. I'm very worried!"
"You're pretty worried about your son, aren't you?" Hunter asked.
"Yes. We're just humble fisherfolk, after all – if we don't get that money soon, we might be able to pay our upkeep."
"So, what do you want us to do?" Kyle asked.
"Go to Rapa Nui and find Norville. Do that, and maybe I can help you find the Frogfather." Ahab requested. "Rapa Nui shouldn't be too far from the Skull Island Marketplace."
"Of course." Hunter agreed as the crew left Jonah Town. As Ryan flew the ship, Sarah noticed an uneasy look on his face.
"What's wrong, Ryan?"
"I was just thinking – if Ahab does know where to find the Frogfather, we may be in over our heads if things go wrong." Ryan thought aloud.
"Ryan, the sooner we find Norville, the sooner we can speak to the Frogfather." Hunter assured the Musketeer. They reach Skull Island within 20 minutes. They head to Rapa Nui and search for Norville, but don't find him.
"Welcome to Mormo's home! There – Tahi will know where we find Norville." Mormo said.
"Good idea, Mormo!" Lola agreed as they headed to the Rapa Nui market. They spoke to one of the traders, Tahi. "Excuse us."
"Market is open again! You have goods? We will trade." Tahi greeted them.
"Thanks, but we were wondering if you saw someone." Kyle corrected him.
"Oh, you sky pirates looking for someone?" Tahi asked.
"Have you seen a pelican named Norville some time ago?" Ryan asked.
"Norville? Ah, Fisher bird! Yes, I saw him. He was at last market, sold his fish, got his pay."
"Do you know where he was going?" Lola asked.
"Sorry, did not see. He left when Rat Pirate caused all the troubles, and the Waponis came – much confusion."
"Rat Pirate?" Bonnie Anne mused.
"Could you be talking about Ratbeard?" Lindsey spoke.
"Rat? Long story. Ask Chief Omutu about that."
"Thanks very much." Hunter thanked the trader before speaking with Chief Omutu.
"Chief Omutu, we wish to know about Ratbeard." Hunter greeted the chief.
"Ratbeard was a friend of the Nui. But he betrayed us – he stole the Sacred Feathers for our enemies the Waponis!" Chief Omutu spoke.
"So, it was Ratbeard, after all!" Sarah confirmed.
"And he's allied himself with the Waponis?" Emmett asked.
"The Waponis have no honor – they worship an evil Fire God and forget their ancestors. Now they circle Rapa Nui, singing mocking songs at us!" Chief Omutu said.
"Can't you do something about it?" Lindsey asked.
"The Nui are peaceful; the Nui are traders – friends to all! We have no warriors to fight the Waponis. Can you help us?"
The Pirates looked at each other. They smiled, thinking the same thing. "What can we do to help?"
"Take your mighty ship and turn your cannons on the Waponis. Destroy their War Boats and the Nui will do you great honor."
They leave Rapa Nui to sail and take down Waponi War Boats. The Pirates see them ahead. "There they are. Should we take down a lot of those War Boats?" Lola asked.
"I think three should be enough." Hunter suggested.
"Fine with me." Ryan smiled as he started firing at the War Boats. The first two were easy to sink, but they decided to board the third. The Waponi Water Moles battle the Pirates aboard. Kyle blocks an attack from a Spearman, and Lola knocks it back with a swing of her ax. Lindsey matches wits with a Waponi Witchdoctor. Hunter and Ryan take down some Waponi Slingmen. The third ship has sunk after the Waponis are defeated.
"Okay, that takes care of them. C'mon, let's head back to the chief." Lola said.
They report back to the chief of Rapa Nui. "My people praise you, Captains, and I thank you. You have restored my people's honor. In friendship, I offer you our greatest treasure: A Mojo Potion."
"A Mojo Potion? Thank you, Chief." Lindsey thanked the Water Moles.
"There is one more thing I'd like to give you. Our Spearman, Nanu-Nanu has seen your fighting abilities and it inspired him to join your crew."
"Sky Captains, you are seeking Ratbeard for some revenge, yes?" Nanu-Nanu asked. "I will come with you to help – together, we shall punish this traitor!"
"My Ancestors smile upon you all." Chief Omutu said. "I don't know why Ratbeard has made this pact with the Waponis. My heart tells me he will regret it, for the Waponis cannot be trusted."
"Speaking of trust, do you know the "Fisher bird"? We're looking for him." Hunter asked.
"You seek the Fisher bird? Hunter Raku is his friend – talk to Hunter Raku." Chief Omutu suggests. They head back the market and speak to Raku.
"Are you Hunter Raku?" Ryan asked.
"Yes, I am Hunter Raku." Raku told them.
"The chief told us you and the Fisher bird are friends." Hunter told him.
"Ah, Fisher bird – he who lives on the back of the Whale. He is my friend. You seek him? He was here for market." Hunter Raku told them.
"Yes, yes, we know." Kyle said. "Do you know what happened to him?"
"When the Rat Pirate and the Waponis caused all the troubles, Fisher bird ran away like many others did." Hunter Raku said before showing them a detailed drawing of Norville, flailing in fright as he sailed with several pirates. "I saw Fisher bird leave – was in boat with many Pirates. Was waving arms and yelling. Looked happy. Boat sailed to Skull Island."
The crew studied the drawing. "I don't think Norville looked happy." Barnabus commented.
"How will we find Norville now?" Wing Chun asked.
"We could ask Skinny Pete in the Kraken Skulls. He knows a lot of what goes on in Skull Island." Sarah suggested.
"Oh yeah." Kyle said. They head to the Kraken Skulls and speak to Skinny Pete.
"Skinny Pete. Do you know anything about a pelican?" Ryan asked the barkeep.
"Pelican? How should I know? Go ask Blind Mew. That old cat has an ear to every keyhole on this island!" Skinny Pete told them. With that suggestion, they leave the tavern and speak to Blind Mew.
"We meet again. May I be of more assistance? I've been standing here awhile – I know everyone who's come and gone." Blind Mew greeted them.
"Do you know if a pelican came by here with a group of dogs?"
"Well, if it's that you seek, you're in luck – I noted the briny smell of a fisherman's coat a while back, amidst a big group of panting pirates." Blind Mew told them. "I took the liberty of following them a short way. They were indeed walking with a long-legged sea bird."
"Sea bird? Norville!" Ryan thought. "What else did you hear?"
"Though the pirates didn't utter a word, they made straight for the drain by the abandoned shack. I heard the grate open and shut – they've gone in the sewers."
"Ugh!" Lindsey groaned in disgust.
"The sewers, huh? Thanks so much." Hunter thanked the elderly feline. They headed to the sewer drain by the abandoned shack and found dog tracks in mud.
"The old cat's right – there are a lot of tracks in the mud. Norville and some dogs went this way." Bonnie Anne confirmed.
"Well, what are we standing around for? Let's head in." Kyle said as they entered the sewer one by one.
They made it inside the sewers. Sarah Steele smells the awful odor around them. "Whew. This place reeks."
"I hear you, Sarah." Lindsey agreed, plugging her nose.
"Guys, I know you don't like the foul stench, but if what Blind Mew said is true, Norville should be down here." Hunter said. "So, we better make this fast." They search the sewer and find an otter named Beemish.
"Who goes there? Hey! You're not Sammy – get them, lads!" Beemish barked. The dogs start attacking the pirates.
Ryan and Beemish are in a firefight while Kyle and Lola fight off some of the dog pirates. Ryan and Lindsey provide cover fire protecting Norville. They were able to drive them off.
"Norville! Are you okay?" Ryan asked.
"Thank you! I thought I was doomed for certain." Norville thanked them.
"I heard one of the ruffians say they were waiting for 'Sammy'. Any idea who he could be?"
"No, and I hope to never meet him."
"Anyway, your dad Captain Ahab sent us to find you." Lola told him.
"Captain Ahab sent you? Good – I need to get the Frogfather's payment to him at once!"
"The Frogfather?!" The pirates gasp in surprise.
"Yep, the Frogfather. Jonah Town pays him each month to… well… I'll leave that to my father to explain. Ayuh. Let's go." Norville said as they head back to Jonah Town and meet with Captain Ahab.
"You have my thanks, Captains. My son is safe and sound, and you've recovered our money from the market." Captain Ahab thanked them.
"Speaking of money, your son told us that you use that money to pay the Frogfather. Is that true?" Hunter interrogated.
"Ayuh, the money is going to be paid to the Frogfather, yes. That's supposed to be a secret."
"But why would you give up your earnings to pay him?" Kyle asked.
"Long story short, we have an arrangement with the Frogfather. At the end of each month, we pay him to protect Jonah Town from all the Cutthroats and other ruffians." Captain Ahab explained.
"Like those dogs we saw in the sewers back at Skull Island." Lindsey noted.
"Exactly. I advise against it, but if you still wish to see the Frogfather, I guess I can send you down." Captain Ahab.
"Down?" The pirates asked.
"That's right – down." Captain Ahab confirmed. "In case you haven't heard, the Frogfather doesn't live in Jonah Town, young ones, he lives under it! He and his associates dwell down in Gullet, in the whale's dark belly. They don't take kindly to strangers, which you five certainly are." Captain Ahab said. Lola notices a large bucket dangling over the whale's blowhole.
"And I'm guessing that bucket's the way in?"
"Yep. Climb in and I'll lower you down. You best watch yourself." Ahab confirmed. The pirates enter the bucket and Captain Ahab lowers them into the dark underbelly that is Gullet.
(After the movie was over, I stand up and do the Wakandan salute. I leave the theater, just as Sunset Shimmer walked by)
Sunset: Just finished the movie?
Me: Yeah. That movie skyrocketed during its first years. I was surprised the producers were in the dark about the condition that claimed Boseman's life.
Sunset: Those producers knew just how to honor him.
Me: They sure do. I better get this new chapter up before I forget. You readers know what to do. Excelsior!