Here we go with the third chapter, and I want to thank everyone for the support. My friend appreciates the support for his old story and is glad it's getting better than the last two times he tried this. It's a slow progress, but I told him more people will like it. In time.

Also, again, for those who don't know the story for the film takes place four years after the Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea movie and before the fourth Pirates movie. So, trying to keep it to around the time my friend wanted it set in. Also, the time period this is set in, yeah, it doesn't fit. But it's fanfiction, so people can make the timeline however they want.

Now then, last time we saw the introduction of Gabriella Sparrow. The daughter of Jack Sparrow and Angelica, while the granddaughter of Edward Teach aka Blackbeard. We saw her make her escape, in a way that I'm sure Jack would do it. While also getting the assistance from a glowing light, that makes ringing noises.

We also saw Melody having some trouble with nightmares and her personal life. How will things go for her upcoming party? Will things go better than what happened in the second movie? Or will something come along to ruin it?

Tune in today to find out everyone. Now, time for the disclaimer. I don't own anything owned by Disney except the OCs of my friend. Also, again I'm doing this for my friend who can no longer work on my projects.

Enjoy the chapter everyone.

Chapter III

Beach

Melody is seen walking along the beach, just outside of the palace. She's happy that her mom is once again letting her skip her morning classes, especially after their talk from yesterday. Melody knew she needed this. She needed some time to herself, especially after the nightmares she's been having.

Now, granted last night she didn't have any nightmares, which was good. But she couldn't help but think about what she dreamed. Normally nightmares are caused by something she experienced in her life or if she ate a late-night snack. This dream though…it was different.

She knew she had a chance to tell her parents about it, but she chose to keep it from them. They had enough to worry about as it is, so she decided to just keep it to herself for now.

For the time being? She decided to go to the beach and go for a nice swim. Before her classes later. Maybe if she gets out early again, she'll have another chance to go swimming.

She gets out her bag and begins stretching. "I think I'll go near that area where I found those shells from yesterday," she said to herself as she straps her bag over her right shoulder. "Maybe if I'm lucky, I'll find another shell with a pearl inside. I know Ms. Carlotta would love it."

While she's also hoping to find more seashells and bring back to add to her collection. A collection of items she's found in the sea. From different colored seashells, conch shells, some coral base rocks, and others. Her collection got so big that they no longer fit in her closet.

So, her parents gave her a room where she could put her collection. Just like how her mother had her own collection of human stuff, which she would hide in her grotto. Back before she met her father and before she made that deal with Ursula, the evil Sea Witch. Melody was surprised when her mother told her what she used to do and how alike she really is to her mother.

Both collecting things they found under the sea and putting them in a safe place to later admire. The only difference is, her parents know of her collection, while her grandpa when he found out…well, didn't handle it well.

Back when her grandpa hated humans and her mother had to hide her hobby from him. Unfortunately, he did find out and ended up destroying her collection, including a statue of Melody's father. Melody's mother though would forgive him for what he did, especially when she understood his fears of her own child being in danger. And her being overprotective.

Melody goes towards the water and dives in. Making sure to take a deep breath as she begins swimming towards the spot she went by yesterday.

Maybe if I'm lucky, I'll find something new like last week. Melody thought while hoping to find something new to add to her collection. Maybe something that drifted off the old ships that sunk nearby.

As she swims towards the spot, she sees some fish swimming by and greeting her. All wishing her an early happy birthday.

Melody knew it was no secret that they knew who she is and who her family is. Stories about what they did defeating the two evil sea witches has spread far and wide across the sea. So, the sea life they would meet would greet and thank them for what they did. Melody is just glad the greetings she would get isn't forced because of her title as the granddaughter of the king of the sea.

But rather out of respect and because they wanted to.

I just wish I would spend my time out in the sea, then be out at those royal parties. Where everyone pretends to be nice, kind, and want to be her friend. She knew though it was all an act. All to try getting on her good side and gain favors from her family.

Just for once I would love to meet someone at these parties who wasn't being forced to pretend to me my friend or is sucking up to me to try getting on my good side. Melody thought knowing that was unlikely to happen.

Melody is glad her parents can see through the lies and deceit. But they still must invite them anyways. Mainly because they're the king and queen. They can't push away all the rich nobles, especially how it would end up hurting the kingdom and their people.

So, as much as they don't like many of these rich nobles, they must play along to help provide business for their people and make trade with them. As long as they don't try anything, then it will be okay.

She's just glad that once her grandpa gets here then she can have some fun before she must go for the party at the palace. Of course, that will be a while before he shows up, so until then? She'll need to get through each day until he arrives. And so, she can spend time with her whole family.

Melody swims up to the surface after finding a few seashells and get some air. She knew she could stay under much longer than most humans can, but she knew not for too long.

When she made it to the surface, she sees someone is there waiting for her. "Hey, Mel. How are you?"

The one waiting for her turned out to be a mermaid. A girl around her age, except she has long blond hair, green eyes, and green scaled fish tail.

"Lapis!" Melody replied with excitement as she jumps over and hugs the other. "I'm so glad you came."

The mermaid is revealed to be Lapis, Melody's best friend…her only friend who's the same age as her. She met Lapis after the wall came down and the two became best friends. They both would spend time together, they would visit one another, and explore. With Melody exploring the shipwrecks with her friend, while Lapis would go to the surface world with Melody.

Of course, Melody's parents never knew about her going to the shipwrecks for obvious reasons. While Lapis could become human with the help of Melody's grandpa's help.

Lapis smiled as she returns the hug, while giggling. "It's good to see you too, Melody. What's kicking?"

Melody giggled when her friend used the word, she taught her last time she was here. "I'm doing fine. How are things back home?"

"They're okay. A little boring though, since well my parents have me helping them with their business," Lapis replied as she remembers something. "Oh, by the way. I know it's a little early, but…" she pulls out from her bag a beautiful blue colored conch shell. "Happy early birthday, Mel. I hope you like it."

Melody gasped when she saw the gift and happily accepts it. "Oh, thank you so much, Lapis. I love it so much, but where did you get this? I could never find something as beautiful as this one around here."

"Oh? Well, I would go by this old creepy looking skeleton lair that I think belonged to one of the sea witches. Mostly because I heard a lot of the older merkids would go by to raid it of any cool stuff. I just happen to find it and well here it is," Lapis explained without lying about where she found it, since she could trust telling Melody the truth of what she does.

A creepy skeleton lair? Melody recognized it as the one Ursula used from her mother's stories. She did hear how after Ursula's death, a lot of seafolks would go by to steal stuff from her old lair. At least, whatever they could find that Morgana didn't steal when she went into hiding.

"I know my parents told me never to go near there but come on. It's a giant freaking skeleton of an old monster and once the lair of one of the sea witches! How could I not go there and find something cool for my best friend? And, I checked, it's not magical so it won't do anything dangerous…I think," Lapis really should check to make sure the stuff she gives aren't cursed or haunted, like the last few she gave to her folks.

Melody giggled softly and puts the gift away in her bag. "Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me, but maybe you should stay away from the lair. I know Ursula is gone, along with Morgana, but it doesn't mean you won't get hurt."

Melody knew that the old lair of Ursula and Morgana are usually home for dangerous sea creatures that wanted to fill the void that was vacated by the sea witches.

Lapis understood and reassured her friend it will be okay. "I understand and don't worry. I won't go back there," especially since most of the cool stuff are gone. "Anyways, enough about me. What about you? I heard the king will be there to celebrate with you all. And I heard he has a big surprise too."

Melody is indeed excited for the party, but mainly when her family come by to visit her. She also knew he did have a big surprise for her and knew it's probably related to what she spoke to him about months ago.

"I am and I can't wait for it. I also can't wait for you to join me too. I really need some company with me when I go to the main party and have to deal with all those rich snobby kids," Melody isn't really looking forward to dealing with those kids, especially those who are trying to hit on her.

So, having her best friend by her side will help.

"Of course, princess," Lapis replied while giving a small sarcastic bow, before she begins giggling. "Relax. I totally understand. Anytime you leave, a lot of the merkids always ask me questions about the princess and how I became friends with her. I just told them to be themselves and you'll likely like them. And not call you by your title too."

Melody knew every time she would go down to the undersea kingdom, she would get a lot of greetings from everyone. While she knew they were doing it out of respect, she did prefer it if they just call her by her name and not with her title.

She's just glad Lapis never called her 'princess' or her 'majesty'.

"I know and hopefully that will happen soon. Still, I think I know what my grandfather has planned. I overheard Sebastian saying to my mom that grandpa has been working on a gift that will allow me to be a mermaid anytime I want," Melody knew she was excited for that, especially how any time she needed to become a mermaid, she'd need her grandpa to show up and use his trident to make her into one.

"This way will be easier and will allow us to spend more time in the sea," something Melody knew her friend is looking forward to.

Indeed, Lapis is looking forward to it as she lets out a small squeak. "Yes! I can't wait either. This is going to be so much fun. We'll be able to swim as much we want, explore those sunken ships some more, and even swim with the whales."

Melody was excited too and couldn't wait to spend more time with her friend. Assuming her parents will give her some time to go to the sea and hang out with her friend.

"Yeah. I can't wait either. I just…" Melody lets out a small sigh. "I just hope my parents will be okay with this since they're having me take so many of these classes. And then I have these parties I'm forced to go. Parties filled with rich snobby kids. Those that all pretend to be nice but are really mean."

Lapis understood why her friend feels this way. She met those kids when she was invited to a party last month. It was for Melody's mother's birthday. It was supposed to be a fun time, but instead it was miserable for both teenage girls.

Both having to deal with these rich kids who would talk badly behind their backs, would call them freaks for talking to fish, and think Melody shouldn't hang out with a commoner like Lapis. Of course, Lapis would pull some pranks on them to make them pay for how they made Melody feel, but she knew her friend still hated these parties.

Lapis knew there were at least three of the kids who did treat Melody normally. But they never tried standing up for her. Mainly due to fearing how the other kids will treat them. And how it will affect their families among the other nobles.

Lapis didn't really care what they thought about her. Since, she knew she was different and is proud of it. But Melody? She really wants to have more friends that aren't from the sea, but on land.

Lapis goes over to her friend and placed her hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry. It will be okay. I know these parties won't be fun, but I know we can get through them. We just need to be patient and hope that it will go by fast, so it can be done."

Melody couldn't help but smile a little knowing her friend is right. They just need to get through the party and then they can be done with it. After that? The real party can begin with them going under the sea.

"All right. But that won't be for another few days, until then," Melody puts her bag down and jumps back into the water. She comes out of the water and waves her friend over. "Let's get swimming and have some fun."

Lapis giggled and dives under the water before appearing next to her friend. The two begin to swim, as Lapis brings up something.

"Do you think we might run into some cute boys at the party?"

Melody blushed a little, before shaking her head a little. "I doubt it. I've met all the boys at these parties and trust me, not one of them are cute."

Lapis began giggling. "We'll see. Who knows? Maybe I'll find myself a cute boy like how your mom met your dad. Minus me having to save him from a sinking ship and making a deal with a sea witch."

Melody giggled in response while knowing that was something the two should avoid. "Here's hoping."

Meanwhile

Outside of the palace, is the local town where the citizens live. Mostly fishermen, farmers, bakers, traders, and blacksmiths. All living quietly in their little town and going about their day like it was any other. All the whole they're preparing for the birthday celebration of their princess.

They knew it was in a few days, but they still wanted to make the preparations, especially when the nobles arrive.

While it's true, the citizens knew the nobles weren't all nice and did look down on some of them. They knew the nobles would still have a look around. Possibly interested in any of the items the citizens will have to sell, which in turn will help provide for their town. Some of these nobles might even make deals with some of the traders and fishermen.

The citizens of this town knew of the secret of the king and queen. How the queen was a mermaid, how she was a princess, and how her daughter can talk to fish. It wasn't really much of a secret, especially when they saw a giant sea witch appeared from the sea and how their king who back then was a prince, killed the sea witch.

So, when word began spreading around about what happened, the people grew to accept it. Even show their support for the royal family and their extended family from the sea.

Out in the water is a small, sailed boat. The boat is seen heading towards the dock. The boat is seen being sailed by a young woman, who's revealed to be Gabriella. Wearing her black tricorne hat, black overcoat, and a black vest over a long-sleeve shirt, dark brown pants boots, and belt with her sword in its sheath.

Gabriella is seen on the mast as she has her telescope in hand. She could see how far she is from the docks, while trying to calculate how long till she gets there before her boat…well sinks.

Looking down she sees how much water is still pouring in, causing her to grab the rope and climbs down. She grabs a nearby bucket and begins pouring the water out of the boat. Doing her best to keep it from sinking. Something that was becoming difficult to do.

"Don't you dare sink, you stupid boat," she muttered under her breath.

Earlier, her boat ended up hitting a reef, which caused water to start pouring in. She managed to block the hole, but she knew it wouldn't last for long.

She could hear the ringing bell near her ear, causing her to drop the bucket and roll her eyes. "I'm aware we don't have a lot of time. Not my fault the stupid boat hit the rocks," she said to the bright light flying over her. "Just got to make it to the docks before it sinks. Don't worry. We've got this."

Gabriella could hear the ringing stop and see the light flying on her hat. She grabs her bag and begins climbing up to the mast again.

As her boat begins moving closer to the docks, some of the locals nearby took notice of this. They could see this young girl sailing on her sinking boat towards the docks. The sailors around these parts have seen some strange things before, but never anything like this before. All just kept on watching as the girl has a calm look on her face.

As if her boat sinking isn't seen as a problem for her.

Gabriella's boat continued to sink in the water as the mast was quickly going under. Thankfully, she arrived at the docks and begins walking forward. Her feet touching the docks as she begins walking off, while her boat sinks beneath the water. With only the top of the mass poking out of the water.

"All part of the plan," Gabriella said to herself as the ringing sound again before replying. "Yes, it was. Be quiet."

Gabriella begins walking up the docks towards town when the dock master walks up and stops her. "Hold on there, you," said the dock master as he walks up to the girl. "You need to pay the fee for docking your boat here."

Gabriella turns to the dock master and looks around confused. "Boat? What boat?"

The dock master points towards what is left of the girl's boat, which caused Gabriella to shrug her shoulders.

"Well, since it sank, then there's no point of me paying. So, I'll be on my way," said Gabriella as she prepares to leave when the dock master grabs her by her shoulder.

"Sunk or not. You still need to pay," said the dock master as he pulls his hand away and opens up his ledger. "And I'll need your name as well."

Gabriella clears her throat, before pulling out five gold coins. "How about you didn't see anything?" she places the coins on the man's ledger. "And we forget the name."

The dock master looks down at the coins for a moment, before looking around and puts them away in his pockets. "Welcome to Tirulia, Ms. Smith."

Gabriella gives him a small nod before the two walk away. Unbeknownst to the dock master, a bag carrying his coins is seen pulled out of his coat's pocket. The bag is seen being flown to Gabriella, who grabs it. She opens it to see how much coins there are inside, before she smiles.

"Good work. You're getting better at this," said Gabriella to her unseen friend as she hears the bell ringing again, causing her to snicket. "Yeah, I know. We'll get a bite to eat before we take off to find what we're looking for. Hopefully he's here. I would hate for us to have come all the way out here, only to find he's gone."

Gabriella can hear the ringing again, before the young teenager sighed softly. "We're not going to seal a boat. We're going to…commandeer."

She knew that they weren't stealing a ship, especially if they'll return it…eventually. Just like the last one she borrowed…at least, she thinks she did.

However, she plans to take care of some stuff first before they head out.

"First thing's first, we need to see if he's here," said Gabriella as they head towards the nearest bar they can find.

Along the way, they took notice of all the people decorating their town. As if there's festivities coming up. After eavesdropping on a few locals, she found out it was for the princess that lives close by. A birthday party for the soon to be 16-year-old princess.

Oh joy. Gabriella thought as she rolled her eyes. A party for a royal stuck-up little princess. How fun.

Gabriella really didn't like the rich, especially those of royalty. Always going all out for their little spoiled brats. All who treat the common people like they're garbage. Only to serve them and give them what they want.

Gabriella has crashed to a few of these parties before, but mainly to steal from the rich and give to the poor. While keeping some of the expensive stuff to herself. She may be a pirate, but she's one that tries to do some good. While doing a little bit of bad along the way.

She managed to make her way towards the bar, where she looks around. Seeing a lot of sailors drinking, eating, and laughing. All appearing to have a good time. While music is being played and there's women passing around with the orders of the men.

Gabriella walks past some of these sailors, including one who seem staring at the girl. Before he pulls out a piece of paper from his pocket and stares at it for a moment, before he puts it away.

Gabriella walks over to the bartender and begins speaking to him. "Excuse me. You got a minute?"

The bartender, looking to be in his 40s with short facial hair, and small glasses looks at the girl before he scoffed. "Sorry kid. We don't serve to minors."

"I'm not here to drink," said Gabriella as she pulls out a gold coin and moves it to the bartender.

The bartender looks around for a moment before he took the coin in secrecy and puts it away in his pocket. "What can I do for you, kid?"

"I'm looking for someone. An old man who appears to be…in his 60s, I guess? With a big hat, long dreadlock hair, and scars along his face? And would likely be with a small dirty looking dog," Gabriella explained the description of the man she's looking for, while doing her best to describe him.

The bartender thinks about the description of the man the girl mentioned and begins remembering seeing him. "The dog wouldn't happen to be carrying some keys with him, right?"

"That's the one," Gabriella replied who sounds happy when the bartender said that.

"I did. He was just here a few minutes ago. I think if you hurry, you might catch up to him," said the bartender as he goes back to cleaning the mug he was working on.

"Perfect. Thank you," as Gabriella prepares to leave, she feels a pistol in the back of her head, causing her to sigh. "Really? Are you serious?"

"Don't move, girly," said the man behind her as he spoke quietly. "I recognize you from your wanted poster. You're a wanted girl. Worth a lot of money. So, I suggest you start moving or I'll blow a hole in your head."

Made no difference to the man if she's alive or dead. Either way, he'll still get his reward.

Gabriella, however, has no intention of going quietly. She looks around to try figuring out a plan on how to get out of this. She could hear from her unseen friend that the man has his finger on the trigger. So, if she tries moving, she'll get shot.

She needs to time this just right. If she can back him up and get away from path of the pistol, she can take him down. He's also alone. If he wasn't, her friend would have let her know.

However, before she even had a chance to do anything, the sound of a dog barking caught everyone's attention, including the man behind Gabriella. He turns to the source of the barking before he ended up getting shot. The gunfire caused everyone to turn their head, even cause the musician playing to stop. The room stood silent as the man who got shot keeled backwards.

Falling through a table and took his last breath before he died.

The patrons, including Gabriella turn to where the shot came from and see it was from a man who appeared to be in his…well, appeared to be old looking. He wore a red with gold markings coat, a big hat with feathers on it, while appearing to have long dreadlock hair, a few scars along his face, and in his hand a flint pistol. Next to him stood a small dog. A dirty looking one with some keys on the floor below the dog.

"She's with me," said the older man as he spoke in a calm tone, but one that commanded authority.

The rest of the men and women go back to their business. Not wanting to piss off the older man. The bartender has some of his employees carry the body and take it out back. But not before the older man walks over to hand him some coins to keep this quiet.

The older man walks over and tosses a coin at the musician. "Keep playing," he told the musician, who looks down at the coin, before he nods and continued playing with his music.

The older man walks over to Gabriella, who is seen fixing herself after nearly getting shot…again. "Hello there, Gabby. Good to see you again."

Gabriella smiles at the older man and gives him a small head bow. "Good to see you too, Grandpa Teague. Finally found you."

The man, now revealed to be Edward Teague, Keeper of the Code and Pirate Lord of Madagascar, gives his granddaughter a small nod and a small smile. "More like I was waiting for you to finally catch up. And I have to say, it's about time."

That's the end of the chapter and yep, now here comes a familiar face from the Pirates movies. For those who don't know, Edward Teague, is Jack Sparrow's dad. He appeared in the third movie as the Keeper of the Code, which are rules that pirates follow. Made up by the Pirate Lords of the Brethren Court, which Edward makes sure all pirates follow.

Any who disrespect the Code, end up getting shot.

So, yes, I brought him in to meet up with his granddaughter, who is of need of his help. Also, yes, the name of Prince Eric's kingdom is Tirulia. I had to look this up, which I'm glad for. Also, the OC, Lapis was made by my friend who wanted to give Melody a mermaid friend, since she didn't have many.

How will things go now that Gabriella is here? Will she eventually meet with Melody? Will they end up getting into some trouble? And how will things go as the party gets ever closer?

Tune in next time to find out & thank you all for the support for my friend. He appreciates all the support for his story and if you like how this chapter went, then please leave some reviews. Just nothing negative please. See you all next time, take good care, and have a good day.