Aquatic Kingdom Hearts

Chapter 3: Talking for the First Time; Part of Your World pt.1

Port Royal Cove

Back in the Caribbean

After taking the East and West Current, Ariel and Flounder were swimming their way back to the Caribbean. However, they were taking a different path than the one they used to get to Scuttle. Instead it was closer to the forest region of Port Royal Cove's beach, and was near the underwater caverns of the area. What the two didn't know was that Sebastian was following behind them.

Sebastian panted for air as he stopped at a nearby rock. He had nearly given himself a heart-attack while catching up to the two. The Current didn't really help matters considering his size; the current was too strong for someone of his size to even control where he was going. And it didn't make matters better, considering that the targets he was chasing were ten times bigger than he was and could swim faster. Sebastian sighed as he said to himself, while still panting, "Somebody's…gotta be…better for…this job."

But then something caught Sebastian's eyes as he saw to where Ariel and Flounder were swimming at. The two had stopped by a circular rock near a rocky hill. Ariel was able to wheel the rock away, to reveal a cavern opening being blocked by the rock. She looked around very carefully, hoping that nothing or no one was watching her. And as soon as she was sure, she and Flounder swam into the cavern, with the rock wheel rolling back into position.

Sebastian saw this as his one chance, and with all his might, swam to the entrance with much needed speed. And had reached it at the last second, but unfortunately, his legs were caught by the closed door. Sebastian struggled to pull himself free; he pulled and tugged with all his might. Until with one mighty pull, he slingshot himself free as he was sent bouncing forward, until he banged into something. As soon as his head cleared up, he saw what he had rammed into; it was an hourglass that was lying on the floor. But when he looked forward, Sebastian couldn't believe what he had been led to, or what he was seeing now.

It was a vast cavern that stretched upward with what looked to be around twenty feet in height. At the very top, there was a small shimmer of light that illuminated the area. It was also big enough for a person to swim around freely and with more room to do it in. But what really got Sebastian flabbergasted, was that on each layer that acted like a shelf, there were objects, artifacts, and devices from the Human world there. There was everything you'd ever find: silverware, paintings, music boxes, bottles, TVs, shoes, bikes, vases, nautical equipment, and clothing from every era that went from Victorian to modern. The room was a complete treasure trove of human artifacts that had been salvaged from wreckages of the Atlantic.

And in the center of the cave, sitting on a rock formation used like a chair, was where Ariel and Flounder were sitting at. Ariel had placed her 'dinglehopper' on a candlestick along with a knife and spoon. The 'snarfblatt' was placed along with a few more of different designs. But now, Ariel was just sitting on the rock formation, and looking at the Album's pages, with the many different pictures.

Flounder had been looking at her with much concern. Ever since the discussion with Triton ended pretty badly for her, she insisted that they came back to their hiding spot. He had thought that she would cheer up after she had looked at her collection, but she seemed even more depressed. But she seemed to be both depressed and deep in thought as she looked at the pages in the thing that Scuttle had called a Photo Album.

He swam over to her shoulder as he asked her, "Ariel, are you okay?"

Ariel remained quiet for only a few seconds, but she then asked, "Flounder? Do you think my father's right?" Flounder raised an eyebrow as Ariel asked, "I mean about humans.", she turned to look at Flounder as she asked, "Do you think they're dangerous?"

Flounder was quiet for a moment, but then shrugged, "Uh, well…I'm not sure, Ariel." He then scratched the back of his head and fin as he replied, "I mean, I hear a lot of stories about them…but I've never seen or met a real human before."

"I met one when I was ten.", Ariel replied with no signs of realization she let her biggest secret slip out. Flounder nearly had to do a take-back, considering he had heard his best friend say that she met a human, but seemed to be a little surprised than in total brain shock. Sebastian, on the other hand, was in complete horror and shock at the realization that the youngest daughter of Triton had broken one of the most important of all the rules that the great Sea King upheld: All contact between the humans and merfolk was strictly forbidden.

However, Sebastian stayed hidden and Flounder didn't say anything as Ariel explained, "I was out swimming in the Atlantic one night, when all of a sudden, I heard thunderous explosions coming from the surface." She then looked to Flounder who wanted to listen and she continued, "I swam up there to see what it was, and what I saw…I still remember it."

Flounder asked, "What did you see?"

She remembered it all too well as she answered, "It was the Flying Dutchman, the ship of the Dead." This earned a gasp from Flounder as he had heard of that ship. The stories had he had heard of the Ghost Ship would scare even the scariest of sharks. But he remained silent as Ariel went on, "It was attacking this giant white ship, during a terrible storm; I didn't know why. Most of the humans were getting off in time before it sank, but one human, a boy around my age, wasn't lucky as he was thrown overboard by an explosion."

It was then that Sebastian was climbing around, the walls and shelves areas. He didn't tear away from what Ariel was saying as she continued, "I knew it was against Daddy's law to go and make contact with a human." She then looked at the picture of the boy, with his uncle and an elderly chap, "But it didn't seem right to do that. I couldn't let him die like that…", she then went a little silent, unable to go on.

But it was Flounder that answered, "You saved him, right? Ariel?"

Ariel warmly smiled at that as she nodded, "I did. I even swam him to shore, and kept a watchful eye on him before he could wake up." She then closed the book as she replied, "And when he did…he saw me."

Flounder gasped at that as he asked, "Wh-What happened, Ariel? Did he try to hurt you?"

Ariel shook her head as she kept her smile, "He told me his name before….", she sighed, before she replied, knowing that it made her sound like a coward, "…before I ran off without telling him mine." She then looked at the book as she explained, "That's why I don't think humans are so bad. Because…he wasn't anything like Daddy had always told me and my sisters that all humans were cruel monsters that would hurt the Merpeople."

She then closed the book as she replied, "I just wished I could make him understand. I just don't see humans the way he does.", she knew that her father would disapprove of what she did six years ago, let alone this human treasure trove of hers as she looked to Flounder, "I don't see how a world that makes such wonderful things, or a human boy who was being so nice to me…could be bad."

She then looked at the photo album as Flounder reassured her…and Sebastian kept his doubtful eye on her, "Look at this stuff, isn't it neat?" she then looked at her satchel as she placed the book back into it, "Wouldn't you think my collection's complete?", she then looked around at her treasure trove with a yearning look on her face as she sang out,

Wouldn't you think I'm a girl…They girl who has everything.

Look at this trove, treasures untold. How many wonders can one cavern hold?

Lookin' around here you'd think, she shrugged, "Sure…", and swam up to the nearest section of her collection, She's got everything. She swam near a couple of pocket watches and wrist strapped watches as she pointed to them as she continued,

I've got gadgets and gizmos, a plenty

She then swam over to another shelf; not noticing Sebastian looking amongst her in the items as she continued to sing out,

I've got whozits and whatzits galore,

She then held swam up to Flounder as she held up a box, and smiled, "You want thingamabobs?", she opened the case, revealing a collection of screws and bottle caps, "I've got twenty." But then she gently closed the case, and set it down as she sang out once more,

But who cares, no big deal

She then swam over to one of the shelves and rested her head on it as she looked up at the glassy surface. I want more….

She then smiled as she looked at a music box with two figurines dancing together. She smiled at this, taking her hand and turning them around while it played a musical tune,

I want to be, where the people are,

I wanna see, wanna see'em dancin'. Walkin' around on those…, she then looked to Flounder as she asked with a smile, "What do you call them?", Flounder smirked as he waved his tail fin at Ariel. She then giggled at it as she tickled him there, causing him to laugh a little, "Oh yeah, feet." Sebastian, who remained hidden, huffed at this as she continued,

Flippin' your fins, you don't get too far,

Legs are required for jumpin', dancin', strolling along down a….Ariel pondered for a moment, "What's that word again?" She then smiled as she remembered, Street. She then swam up to see a school of silver fish swam by as she continued,

Up where they walk, Up where they run…

She then smiled as the fish glided above her as they sparkled in the light that was coming down from the opening.

Up where they stay all day in the sun,

Wanderin' free, wish I could be…part of that world.

Sebastian was wandering around, trying to make heads or tails of this place. But unfortunately, he walked into a piece of a Fun House mirror that reflected him in a twisted way. As soon as he saw himself, he freaked out and got stuck in a beer mug with an attachable lid.

What would I give, if I could live out of these waters?

Ariel swam back to the floor as she lay on it, as if she was sunbathing, with Flounder joining her as he dug under and had a blanket of dirt on him.

What would I pay, to spend a day warm on the sand?

Then Ariel sat up, with a frown on her face as she went on,

Betcha on land…they understand…

Bet they don't reprimand their daughters

She then looked up back at the skylight, Bright young women…sick of swimmin'…and then her smile returned as she and Flounder swam back up towards the skylight, Ready to stand…….. She then went over to the collection of books that she had and pulled out a book of the Geography of Land with Flounder looking at it with her and just as excited,

And ready to know wha the people know

Ask'em my questions, and get some answers

She then swam up to one of the paintings of a lady looking at a candle, and traced her fingers at the flames, What's a fire, and why does it…she pondered a moment as she asked, "What's the word?" And then remembered it, Burn…she then swam up as she reached the top of the cavern,

When's it my turn?

Wouldn't I love,

Love to explore that shore up above?

But when she reached out of the cavern, she felt her reality come back. She then slowly sank back down to the ground, with her shoulders slumping over, and hanging her head in disappointment.

Out of the sea…

Wish I could be….

She then looked back up at the skylight, thinking about the wonders of the surface world. But then, at that time, she thought about the boy, and sang out,

…Part of his….world.

It was at that moment; Sebastian had pushed the mug he was in over the edge. It crashed on the ground, but sent him flying towards a curtain. He tried to grab it on, but the fabric slid off, along with the other items that were on top of it. They all came crashing down, creating a huge ruckus that scared Flounder into hiding in an old Knight's helmet. Ariel spun around, as equally startled, but saw Sebastian, with a few pipes in his mouth, a thimble on his upper left leg, and on an accordion that was slightly playing. She was surprised to see him, which was evident by her voice, "Sebastian?"

Flounder popped out of his hiding spot as he tried to confirm what Ariel had said, "Sebastian's here?"

Sebastian spat out the pipes and jumped off the accordion. He tried his best to walk over to Ariel, "Ariel! What are you…How could you…", but he was more focused on getting the stuff off of him as he struggled to do so, until he asked out of frustration, "What is all this?"

Ariel wasn't really sure how to put it; she fiddled with her fingers, trying to come up with a reasonable answer, "It's, uh…", she then fiddled with her hair for a moment, as Flounder swam up next to her, and then she finally answered, "It's just my…collection."

Sebastian had calmed down as he merely said, "Oh…", he then calmly smiled as he held up in his right claw a hook and examined it, "I see. Your collection. Hmmm." He then shouted at the top of his lungs, while removing all the stuff off of him, "IF YOUR FATHER KNOW ABOUT THIS PLACE, HE'D…!"

But before he could finish, Flounder was up to his face, pleading to him, "You're not gonna tell on her, are you?"

Sebastian was slightly taken off guard by him, but even by Ariel as she swam up to him. She pleaded to him as well as she explained, "Oh, please, Sebastian. He would never understand all this."

Sebastian sighed at this little pleading party. He then slapped his claw over his face and pulled down, calming himself down a bit. He then decided to try and help out, "Ariel, you're under a lot of pressure down here." He then took her hand and led her out as he convinced her, "Come with me. I'll take you home, and get you something warm to drink." But before the trio could go anywhere, they heard a rumbling coming from up above. And then the cavern became all darkened by a shadow.

Ariel looked up and saw something move from above the water's surface. She wondered out loud, "What do you suppose…?" But she shook her head as she let go of Sebastian's grip, and swam out of the cavern. Sebastian and Flounder looked to each other and followed after her. as soon as they got outside, they looked around to see where Ariel had swam off to, only to nearly go bug eyed as they saw her heading straight to the surface…towards what appeared to be some sort of shadow in the water.

Up on the Surface

Ariel broke the surface of the water, as she looked to see the object to where the shadow came from. There was a white yacht of some sorts; it was floating along the waters as it drifted awhile. There was a logo painted on it that said, Port Royal High School, and with a pirate's Jolly Roger as its team logo. However, the boat wasn't deserted as there was loud music being played there.

Ariel smiled at this little scene; she had only seen boats that were half sunk. This was the first time that she had seen a ship that was standing on the water. She giggled at seeing such a rare sight; she was so caught up by this, that she didn't notice Flounder or Sebastian pop up. Sebastian looked towards Ariel as he asked, "Ariel, what are you…?" He then turned to where she was looking and saw the boat. He nearly jumped out of the water as he gasped, "…Jumping Jellyfish."

Ariel's curiosity was at its peak, as she wanted to get closer. So she swam forward, doing her best not to be spotted on anyone that was on that boat. Sebastian saw her going towards it and shouted in a pleading manner, "Ariel! Ariel, please, come back!"

As she reached the boat, she heard people laughing and chatting up on the deck. Doing her best at it, she climbed up the yacht's side and near one of the railings. When she got to one of the port holes, she was able to look up on deck without getting spotted. As she hid and looked, she couldn't believe what she was seeing with her own eyes. Up on the deck, commuting with one another, were humans; her own age, having a great time with one another. They were in all sorts of shapes and sizes; different clothing and genders, but all having fun with their little party.

Ariel couldn't help but smile at the whole scene, but then she took notice of something else. A shaggy dog was running around, jumping with excitement at the party. The teens ignored him as Max tried for someone to play with him. Suddenly, Max picked up a familiar scent somewhere; he began sniffing the ground and following to where the scent took him. Ariel looked at the strange behavior, only until she noticed that the animal was heading in her direction. She gasped as she sharply hid behind the side of the boat, hoping that the creature didn't find her. She then turned to look again to see if the close was clear, only to get a friendly lick in the face by Max.

"Max, here boy!", a familiar voice called out. Max completely forgot about the girl and ran over to his master. Ariel looked back to where Max was going; she slightly giggled at when the dog licked her. But then she was surprised to see who owned the dog; it was the same boy as before that she met today. Eric knelt down and scratched the back of Max's ears as he teased him, "Hey, come on, boy. Whatcha' been doin', eh, Max?"

It was when she was watching him; Ariel felt that familiar twinging pain in her heart again. She didn't know why, but her heart was beating really fast. Even her face felt warm with her cheeks going red. And she couldn't take her eyes off the boy at all; there were some pretty cute mermen back where she was from, but to her…this boy was so handsome. However, her daydreaming and starry-eyed staring was halted as a familiar squawk was coming from up above her.

"Hey there, Sweetie!", Ariel turned and saw Scuttle flying overhead as he shouted, "Quite a party, eh?"

Not wanting to get spotted, Ariel shushed him away as best she could, "Scuttle, be quiet!"

Scuttle stopped as he looked around, whispering and acting weirder than usual, "Oh, I got ya!", he then landed next to Ariel as he looked around like was a spy or something, "We're being in trepidacious.", and then without thinking, he shouted, "WE'RE OUT TO DISCOVER!", but was silenced as Ariel grabbed his beak, signaling him to speak quietly, less she be discovered.

She then turned towards the boy once more, who was at this point in time, joined by his blonde friend. Frey had Eric in a friendly chokehold as Max barked all excited at the scene. Ariel was once again staring at Eric with starry eyes as she sighed in looking at him, "I've never seen humans this close before. Not in a long time." She sighed as she looked at Eric with a smile, "He's very handsome…"

Scuttle looked at Ariel and then to whom he was looking at. Then he arched an eyebrow and rubbed the back of his neck as he stated, "I don't know, Ariel…", he then pointed to Max, "He seems kind of hairy and slobbery if you ask me."

Ariel raised an eyebrow at Scuttle, until she took a look at max. She chuckled lightly as she shook her head, "No, not that one. The one we saw surfing today." Scuttle was still confused, but Ariel saw that as she whispered while not tearing her eyes away from Eric, "The one who twirled in the air."

It was then that the music died down and an authority voice was speaking out, "Okay, people, settle down here, and settle down." After the teens had finally settled down, an adult figure popped in. He was a fellow in his thirties or forties, buffed up, and had a crew cut of dark brown hair, and sharp eyes. From the look of him, he was probably ex-military, as he stood up straight and walked in an ordered fashion. He was dressed in a brown coat, white shirt with a black tie, and light brown pants with black shoes. This was Steve Barkin, the coach for the swim team and other sports at Port Royal High School.

He had called this little meeting out on the newest boat that the school had purchased. The yacht was designed as the same function for a bus, whenever there was another swimming contest on another of the Caribbean islands. But tonight, Barkin used it as the meeting and party for tonight's event. Barkin barked out, "First off, I want to thank you kids for arrivin' at the invite." He then looked at his prize swim team, which consisted of Eric, Frey, Seifer, Krad, and Fuu, "It's my esteemed honor to present our swim team champion's, with a very special, very expensive…", and pointed to a huge object covered in a cloth, "…and very large award to both the team, and the school."

The teens all cheered at this, as Frey walked up to Barkin and slapped him on the back, "Oh, Barkin, you old dawg you!"

Eric walked up to him as he pulled his friend back from a glaring Barkin, and complimented him, "Seriously, Mr. Barkin, you shouldn't have."

Barking just politely sneered as he stated, "I know…but here it is anyway." He then pulled the sheet away to reveal what was under it. What was under the sheet was a statue of Eric, Frey, Seifer, Krad, and Fuu, all together in a pose of a famous American statue of a couple of soldiers holding up a flag. The whole thing seemed kind of embarrassing for the five teens; everyone had questionable looks on their faces at this statue. Max was growling at it, and Eric had on a look of disgruntlement on his face with a raised eyebrow.

It was then, Frey being the slick one, stated out loud, "Well, gee, Mr. Barkin…um…it's um…it's really something."

Barkin, being pretty proud of himself, stated, "Yup, the school board had it commissioned for the Art Department to make it." He then looked to the other teens as if he was proclaiming, "This statue, will be looked upon as this year's greatest team victory symbol."

Seifer groaned, "Great. As if one Thatch wasn't hard to deal with."

Frey smirked as he nudged his buddy in teasing, "I guess you'll be having a little competition with the statue for the girls, eh Eric?" Eric playfully shoved his friend aside as Frey asked, "So how did things go with the school hottie, Priscilla? She your gal now?" Eric turned away, not saying a word or smiling whatnot. And Frey didn't need a verbal answer, as he groaned in contempt as he whined, "You didn't, did you? You just blew her off and just rejected her…like you did the other fifteen girls."

Eric shrugged as he walked to where Ariel and Scuttle were hiding. They hid as he leaned against the rail as he explained, "I don't know, I just…didn't feel comfortable around them."

Frey slapped his face and groaned as he walked over, "Eric! You can not keep doing this to your love life." He then pointed to the other teams with their female teammates as he stated, "Come on, Eric. There are over a million girls in our school, and…"

And Eric interrupted him as he bluntly answered, "I don't want a million, I just want to find one. That one."

Frey groaned as he knew what Eric was talking about. Ever since he had met Eric, he had always stated the same; the one and only girl for him was this mysterious dream girl that he had met when he was ten. Frey nearly shouted up his lungs as he said, "For crying out loud, Eric. You were ten years old, that was six years ago. Do you honestly think that girl would remember you?" he then leaned in over to Eric as he asked, "And even if she did, how would she find you?"

Eric scratched the back of his head as he shrugged, "Well, she's out there…", he then sighed, not noticing Ariel right under his nose, both metaphorically and literally, "…I don't know, maybe you're right. But I know I have to see her again." Ariel couldn't help but smile at hearing this. If this was the Eric she had met when as a child, she couldn't help but feel happy that he had thought about her this whole time.

Then Frey asked him, "And how exactly, are you gonna remember her? I mean it's been six years now. Even if she did exist, what would she look like? How would you know it was her?"

Eric just turned and smiled as he stated, "Believe me, Frey, I'll know. Without a doubt; if I see her, it'll hit me like…"

BLAM!

Suddenly the boat shook with a force of untold force as everything was shaken around. Everyone fell to the floor as they groggily got back up, and felt another blast hit them. Finally, Barkin shouted, knowing full well what it was, "CANNON FIRE! PIRATES!" The students screamed and panicked, knowing full well that even in this day and age, piracy didn't die.

Ariel nearly fell off the boat as she clung to its side. Scuttle, was able to float off the boat long enough to fly on the rail as he stated, "I've heard those guns being fired before." Scuttle looked overhead and saw a mysterious fog bank coming in, along with a few dark clouds. And to everyone' surprise, land or sea life alike, it started to pour down immensely. But then suddenly, an immense wind blew, nearly blowing off everyone off the boat, and Scuttle too as he shouted while grabbing on to the rail, "Whoa, the wind's picking up on strength!", and he was suddenly puylled

Everyone aboard the ships were either taking lifeboats, or jumping off the boats and swimming towards the shore. The only ones, who seemed to get caught up by the crowd and got left behind, were Eric and Frey. Eric ran over to his dog as he picked him up, "C'mon, boy!" Max was whimpering at this whole thing, that is until Eric threw him overboard, as he shouted, "Go! Go back to shore! We'll catch up to you!" And then a cannon ball whizzed right by him as he nearly ducked from that. Max, not wanting to leave his master behind, couldn't help but obey as he swam back to shore with the others.

Eric ran over to his friend Frey, who was down on the ground with footprints. He helped his friend up to his feet as he asked him, "Frey, are you alright?" All he got from Frey was a groan, and a complaint as he yelled out, "Ow! Okay! Who was the wise guy that was wearing cleats?" But their little noisy and argued escape came at a little too late, as they heard something roar behind them.

The boys turned and saw the most horrifying thing that could have ever been imagined. What had been shooting at them from out of nowhere, and suddenly appeared out of nowhere, was a massive ship. It looked like it came from the old 16th Century, due to it being made of wood. It was massive compared to the yacht that they were on; covered slightly in barnacles and seaweed, showing no signs of age. The front of it, or mast head, opened up with jagged teeth resembling that of a crocodile. It was the visage of a demonic ghost ship if any, but the oddest thing was, no one was aboard it.

Sebastian had finally caught up to Ariel, while Flounder waited below them. He crawled up as he reached Ariel, and scolded, "Ariel! What are you….", he then saw the look of surprise and terror on her face as he turned to see who or what it was. He gasped as he covered the sides of his head with his claws, "Jumpin' Jellyfish!"

Ariel whispered the name, with her voice in fright, "It's the Dutchman."

Sebastian gulped as he squeaked, "The Flying Dutchman?" He then shook as he told Ariel, "I've heard stories about that accursed ghost ship. The vessel has been preying upon human ships and settlements for nearly thirty years. They never leave any survivors."

Ariel raised an eyebrow as she turned towards Sebastian and asked, "No survivors? But then where do the stories come from?" Sebastian was then left stumped by that question, as Ariel turned to see what was happening.

What Eric and Frey saw next, only defied logic or reality for that matter. Suddenly, out of the floorboards and walls of the boat, almost phasing out from the boat, came out men dressed like pirates. Or at least that's what they thought were men, but only when they got a better look at them. They were men alright, but they were more sea creature than human, as parts of them were meshed together by a different sea beast, plant, or shipwrecked boat piece.

Frey gulped, asking Eric, "Please tell me this is a bad dream?"

Eric's breathing became silent due to the rain, but his look of shock was the same as he stated, "If this is a dream, then I must be having it too."

The pirates scowered all over the boat, taking it over, and claming it as their own. As Eric and Frey were standing up, one of the pirates noticed them without hesitation and with a half-satisfied smirk on his barnacled and mussel face. He had hair for seaweed, and with one eye closed. He was dressed in old pirate boots, pants with a sash, two belts around his chest, huge barnacles on his left shoulder, and wearing a pirate's hat. He was carrying a pair of chain-shot cannon balls as he used them like they were nunchucks. He cackled as he saw the boys and proclaimed, "Down on you marrow bones and pray, boys!"

He charged at the two with two downward swiped with it, but the boys were easily able to dodge him. Frey bumped into a fellow, who had tendrils coming out of one eye and his right leg was fused with a tentacle. In place of his mouth was what appeared to be crab mandibles. He wore a barnacled hat, and had a sawfish bone sword, which he used to restrain the boy with. Frey tried his best to break his grip, but to no avail at this.

Eric saw his friend in trouble and was about to try and help, until he ran into the most horrifying looking fellow there was. He was a towering fellow who had lost all trace of his humanity on his body and face. He had only one red eye at the top of his head and a twisted, inhuman mouth. He was dressed all buccaneer like the others, and his clothes were covered in barnacles and mussels. He had on a red bandana on his head and had a hook for his weapon. That is until Eric spotted the sword at his belt. With quick thinking, Eric grabbed the sword and held it out in a threatening manner, as he barked, "Get back! Get back!"

But the fish-men ignored the threat and charged right at him. Although Eric was a little unskilled at when it came to swords, he was easily able to dodge their advances at him. All Eric could do was swing the sword blindly as the inhuman one that he got the sword from charged right at him. Eric was able to get lucky enough, and slash the 'man's' stomach, causing slime and fish to come spilling out and on the deck, nearly grossing Eric out. The hooked man gurgled in pain, in an inhuman voice, and fell to his knees. Eric thought that he might have had the advantage, until he was bludged from behind his head as he fell to the ground.

The one, who did it, was the hammerhead shark crewmember, Maccus, who bellowed, "What's all this then?" The crewmembers stopped all their horse-playing and paid high attention to the first mate of the Flying Dutchman. He then picked the semi-unconscious lad up and looked at him, then to his struggling friend. He then smirked, "Looks like Capt. Jones' gonna have new blood on his ship."

As the fish men laughed in their victory, all Ariel could do was watch in horror as the two humans were rounded up.

Next Chapter: Talking for the First Time; Part of Your World pt.4