Salt fills my nose and I smile through my tears of joy. Naomi squeezes my hand and I squeeze it back.

Kicking my way up for air, I open my eyes. The sun seems to have changed position in the sky and the strip of land looks more wild, more overgrown. Naomi smiles beside me.

"That was so much FUN!" she screams to the blue sky. Looking up, my brows furrow. A second ago there were no clouds. How did the sky get filled with puffy white things in that amount of time?

Turning around, my breath catches in my throat. A large ship looms behind us taking the place of "Aurora." This boat looks a bit like the one used in "The Pirates of the Carribean" except this one is more elegant and grander in size. On its side, written in royal purple paint, is "The Mariposa."

People and many mythical creatures look over the edge of their ship laughing in surprise. Naomi bites her lip and I hear her gulp. I gulp too.

"Naomi?" I whisper.

She nods.

"I don't think we're in San Diego anymore." I frown.

A rope is thrown over "The Mariposa" and a man climbs down it to swim over to us. He swims elegantly and with marveling speed and in a matter of seconds stops infront of us. His wet blonde hair falls into his ocean blue eyes that crinkle as he smiles a grin that shows a perfect, white set of teeth. His skin looks rough and slightly tan from probably the many hours outside. A scar mars his cheek.

He grins. "Hello, m'ladies. May I ask how you mysteriously appeared in the middle of a sea?"

Naomi opens and closes her mouth like a goldfish.

I blink several times.

He chuckles. "Here. Take my arm. Clearly, you're too dazed to speak." Pulling us onto the deck of "The Mariposa", he lets us take several breaths before bowing.

"I am High King Peter the Magnificent of Narnia." He puffs out his chest with pride of his title.

Someone snorts behind him. It is a beautiful woman with black hair tumbling down her black and ocean blue eyes sparkling with laughter.

Peter looks over at her. "What?"

The woman grins. "You have grown quite vain over the past few years, haven't you brother?"

His brows furrow. "What do you mean, Susan?"

The woman ignores his question and instead smiles at us. "Hello. I am Queen Susan the Gentle."

We gape at her like animals. Several of the crew on deck with us laugh and whisper amongst themselves.

Naomi is the first to speak. "I'm Naomi. And I would like to know where the hell we are!"

Susan smiles at her. "Why, you are in Narnia! Well, you're about to dock at Narnia."

Naomi snorts. "Yea, Narnia. Sure. Isn't that some fairytale? Written by C.S. Lewis?"

Peter cocks his head. "Excuse me? Fairytale?"

Naomi rolls her eyes. "Written by C.S. Lewis? After World War 2? About some group of kids who got sent to a magical land through a wardrobe, a lion that killed some witch, and then they all lived happily ever after?"

Susan smiles nervously at Naomi. "Narnia is a world of fact. My siblings and I came through a wardrobe to Narnia, Aslan defeated the White Witch, and currently all of Narnia and its adjoining lands live in peace and harmony. It is no myth. And whether some 'Lewis' wrote it, I do not know of."

Naomi shrugs. "Whatever. Sure. But if this is some reality TV show about teens being convinced of fake lands, then I'm going to make sure to personally kill all of you."

I roll my eyes. "Shut up, Naomi."

She raises her hands in defense. "What?"

Ignoring her, I curtsey. "Nice to meet you, Your Majesty. I'm Ariel."

Susan sighs, happy with the fact SOMEONE believe her and her brother. "Please. Call me Susan, Ariel. My mother gave me one name and I plan to ONLY be called by that name."

Naomi crosses her arms over her chest. "Ariel, you actually BELIEVE them?"

I glare at my friend. "Listen. You wanted an adventure. How much more of an adventure do you need than a magical land filled with two hot kings and magic and mythical creatures that can TALK? Because you never really specified what you needed."

"I meant something FUN that will bring you out of your mopey stage and for you to get over the stupid dumb ass called Clyde! When people say adventure, they don't mean being sent away to some mythical land that doesn't even EXIST!" Naomi spits out.

I raise my arms in defense. "Well, you said so yourself. Enjoy what life has to give you. So ENJOY it. Even if it IS fake."

Naomi shakes her head and laughs. "You really are desperate for ANYTHING to believe in."

I glare at her. "At least I believe in something."

I don't notice the deck has become quiet, listening in on our argument, and that they all are shaking their heads sadly.

Susan frowns. "Listen, ladies. We do not know when you two will be sent back, IF you will be sent back. Would you like some proper attire for the time being?"

Glaring at Naomi, I say calmly, "I would love some, Susan." Turning my head, I follow the Gentle Queen below decks.

"You and your friend seem on bad terms. Is there anything we can do?"

I shake my head. "No. Naomi and I will be fine. We always are. That's just what best friends do." Susan nods and opens a door to a cabin.

Ruffling through a large wardrobe, she finds a green and silver dress for me. It is simple that hugs my waist and lets me move. Stripping my jean shorts and green tanktop off, I slip the dress on my petite frame. I leave my black Converse on.

Brushing my hair, Susan hums a lullaby to herself.

"Your Ma- I mean, Susan, where will me and Naomi stay once we dock?"

She thinks to herself. "Lucy will make arrangements. We'll find a room for you at Cair Paravel."

Stepping back, Susan smiles. "Perfect." My honey blonde hair is put into a loose bun at the nape of my neck and my bangs frame my face. She has set a butterfly barette to hold my bun and a small, diamond pendant hangs on a necklace on my neck.

Taking my hand, she leads me back on deck. Naomi sits on the ground, still wet, braiding her long wavy chocolate brown hair. Her white tanktop is see through, and her purple lace bra pokes through. She seems to be singing, and when we walk closer, I recognize the song.

Give me a second I,

I need to get my story straight

My friends are in the bathroom getting higher than the Empire State

My lover she's waiting for me just across the bar

My seat's been taken by some sunglasses asking 'bout a scar

I start to sing along under my breath.

I know I gave it to you months ago

I know you're trying to forget

But between the drinks and subtle things

The holes in my apologies, you know

I'm trying hard to take it back

So if by the time the bar closes

And you feel like falling down

I'll carry you home

We reach her, and I sing along at top volume.

Tonight

We are young

So lets set the world on fire

We can burn brighter than the sun

Tonight

We are young

So lets set the world on fire

We can burn brighter than the sun

Naomi looks up at me with her big brown eyes and I see tears sparkle at the corners of her eyes.

Plopping down next to her, I keep singing as I fishtail her hair.

Now I know that I'm not

All that you got

I guess that I, I just thought

Maybe we could find new ways to fall apart

But our friends are back

So let's raise a cup

'Cause I found someone to carry me home

Tonight

We are young

So let's set the world on fire

We can burn brighter

"Than the sun," I finish and tie her braid together using my pink elastic on my wrist.

She hugs me and I hug her back. Her tears pour down my back, and my tears pour down hers. She is the only thing I have left that I can still count on and I was about to give that up.

Peter claps from beside Susan. The deck erupts in applause.

"That was wonderful. What is the song called? I have not heard of it," he says confused.

Naomi grins at me. " 'We are Young' by Fun. You wouldn't know of it. It's from the 21st century."

Susan smiles. "Well it was lovely. My siblings would love for you to perform for us the next dinner. Can you prepare a song for tonight?"

I shrug. "Sure. Why not?"

In a few minutes, we docked at Cair Paravel with crowds cheering for the King and Queen. Centaurs stomp their hooves and fauns play their flutes. Mermaids wave their glittering fins in the air in greeting and birds fly over to the boat and chitter chatter amongst themselves.

"Queen Susan, do you have any nuts?"

"King Peter, you are back!"

"Your Majesties, who are the ladies?"

Naomi and I gape at the sheer size of everyone. The palace looms ahead on the cliff with more creatures waving from windows.

A man with a silver circlet on his head and a gold lion on his emerald cloak grins at the sight of the nobles. "Sister! Brother! You have come back!"

Peter embraced the man and laughed. "Why Edmund, I say, is that STUBBLE?" He guffaws and the creatures around him laugh.

Susan hugs her brother and smiles gently. "Ed, a mere hour ago we came upon two ladies swimming in the sea. Ed, they came from the 21st CENTURY! From EARTH!"

Naomi and I curtsey and we blush at the sight of the king. He looks like a male, handsome copy of Susan with muscular arms and chest, mischievous blue eyes, and a humorous smile. His floppy black hair is in his eyes and he pushes it back with his rough hand.

Bowing clumsily, he grins. "Pleased to meet you, m'ladies..."

I smile. "Ariel." He winks at me and I feel my cheeks redden.

Naomi rolls her eyes at his attempts to impress her friend. "Naomi."

The man kisses each of our hands. "I am King Edmund the Just. But you can call me Sweet Cheeks." Peter coughs from behind his brother.

I gape and slap his arm. "Really? Well you can call me Worst Nightmare."

Naomi laughs and hugs me. "Don't you love her? She's quite a catch, ain't she, SWEET CHEEKS?" I smirk.

Edmund's mouth drops open and someone giggles from beside him. That's when I notice the auburn haired, blue eyed, petite girl. She wears a dress similar to mine but of blue and gold.

The girl covers her mouth with her hand. "I'm sorry, Ed. But that just might be the only two girls who DON'T fall for you!"

I curtsey at her. "I'm Ariel."

Naomi follows my lead. "Naomi, your Majesty."

The girl gives us each a hug, taking us by surprise. "Queen Lucy the Valiant. But I hate being called that. Lucy will do."

Ed clears his throat. "Well, we should REALLY be making our way back to Cair Paravel. Don't want Ladies Ariel and Naomi waiting for their beds."

I smile at him sweetly. "Bet you'd really like to get into our beds."

Peter coughs out, "Bet he would."

Smirking at Ed's red face, I saunter off slyly Naomi in my wake.

I've never felt this good. Ever since Clyde, I've lost my flirtatious and confident attitude and Naomi soon became the more outgoing one. But know I remember my mother's words. This chase sure is going to be fun, I think to myself with a grin.

I plop myself onto my large, emerald green bed. The ceiling above me is painted with depictions of Narnian history. The beginning of Narnia is at the far left with the golden lion roaring at several animals and their mouths open, talking unlike others. Then the four kings and queens appearing infront of the lamppost with their faces showing shock. The death of the White Witch, her white cloak lying like a patch of snow on the grass. The coronation of the four, their thrones almost sparkling. Rabadash turning into a donkey with all of Narnia and Archenland guffawing to the sight, Aravis and Cor in the background. Each setting is exquisitely painted, the artist successful and well known probably.

Outside, birds chirp and talk and the white curtains dance back and forth with the wind. After we docked, we came to the castle and were shown to our rooms, with little time to marvel. Naomi immediately locked her door and was probably knocked out in dreams of hot shirtless boys playing volleyball and us exploring San Diego. I told the four I would meet them in an hour or two.

I sigh. I hated being alone. Being alone meant thinking and thinking meant reminiscing. It was a horrible time and I usually ended up in tears and cursing his name. But know I thought of the good times.

Him kissing my forehead as we fall asleep in my bed, then him sneaking out so my dad wouldn't find my boyfriend in the hourse. Me giggling as he said a stupid joke. I think my relationship with Clyde was a turning point in my life. I changed. I didn't need to prepare for chases anymore. So I lost my overconfident, sarcastic self and morphed into a gentle, lovely woman who wouldn't dream of taking a risk. What a stupid mistake I made.

Yet this afternoon, I think I saw that I still had that in me. That overconfident, kick ass attitude was still me, just hidden away, not needed until now.

God, I missed out on so many things. Like skinny dipping, drinking, staying out late at night, making out with random strangers then leaving them with just sweet, syrupy memories. I was like a witch, a spirit, a gypsy way back when, intoxicating, pulling boys in, then leaving them hang. And then Clyde came. Clyde broke my shell and left me a soft, sweet lump. He brought out what I loved, innocence, and used it against me.

Not anymore. I was not going to be that soft, sweet lump anymore. No. I realize that now. Laying on the plush bed, staring at the Narnian history, my lips curl into a smirk. If the world thinks I'm such a goody two shoes, then I sure will prove them wrong.

Getting up, I straighten my dress. Leaving my room, I go explore the halls of Cair Paravel.

Female dwarves hurry past me in the halls with bundles of clothes in their hands and occasionally trays of food. A faun sometimes appears with many scrolls falling from his hands, and even rarely, a human passes me. But most of the time its just dwarves.

I must have been daydreaming because I suddenly fall and yelp with pain. Books lay around me and a man is over me with a smirk on his face. A golden lion is stamped on his chest.

"You know, if you wanted me to be on top of you, you could've just asked," he says and winks.

Rolling my eyes, I lean back on my elbows exposing my chest. I notice his eyes wander down and he gulps.

I pout. "What? Is Sweet Cheeks embarrassed of a girl underneath him? Didn't have enough practice?"

He smirks. "I had plenty of practice. Or does that bother you?"

I snort. "Why am I even talking to you? You're a stranger. A quite impolite stranger at that."

Edmund gasps. "Is that anyway to treat your host?"

"Is that anyway to treat your guest? Especially on the ground hovering over her?" I counter.

Edmund's blood boils. Getting up, he offers me his hand. I decline it.

Wiping any vermin off my dress, I straighten. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," he coldly says.

The mood suddenly turns awkward and harsh. I clear my throat. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting, your majesty. Enjoy your time at the…" I glance at the books on the floor, some of which possess vulgar titles. "…library."

Curtseying, I walk away.

Edmund shakes his head. She is an ass, stubborn and headstrong, yet has the qualities of a lady. She can twist you around her finger toying with you, then suddenly blush and turn formal. And Edmund got that all from 3 hours with her.

Picking his books up, he watches her go then proceeds to return the novels to Aclepius.

Authors Note: Thank you for staying with me for the second chapter. I hope you liked it! As you can tell, Naomi and Ariel do know of Narnia from the books and this will lead to future events in Summer of Miracles.

Don't forget to REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW!