Here we go with chapter seventeen is here and I'm glad to be back here. I'm glad to be back and thank you all for your support. I appreciate it and I can't wait for you all to see what I have got in store here. Thank you to my friend also for allowing me to rework his story and help push it to the end.
Also, if there's any information here that I get wrong about history, let me know. If I made a mistake, I would like to fix it. Yes, there's going to be some historical info that'll be brought on here. But if there's any errors, then let me know please.
Now, last time, we saw Melody and Gabriella having a moment. A nice little moment, where they appear to be on better terms. Dare even say, some feelings being formed between the two. But are those feelings enough to help keep them together or will they end up parting ways?
Also, yes, this chapter they'll finally make it to York. How will things go once they arrive? Will they be able to figure out a way to save Ariel from Titus and his crew? Or will they run into some trouble that'll ruin their plan and end up ending in a complete utter disaster?
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 XVII
York, England
Long before Britain and Scotland existed, this small continent was home to several tribes. All cut off from the rest of Europe and lived within their own societies. All with their beliefs and cultures of how they live. It wasn't always peaceful, but it was their home.
That was until the Roman Empire arrived. The natives of the land resisted, but before long, the Romans took control over the continent. While enforcing their laws, rule, and power over its people. Forcing them to serve as soldiers or as slaves to their masters. Despite continuing to resist the Romans the people could never defeat them.
But time became the enemy of the Roman Empire. Time and corruption eventually overtook the Romans. Their once mighty empire that had controlled all of Europe had crumbled. Their enemies took full advantage and began driving their former masters from their land.
This would leave a power vacuum that would consume Europe in war. Countless tribes are fighting to take control over their lands and become the new power in the world. Over hundreds of years, the fighting led mighty empires rising from the ashes of the once Roman Empire. With one of them emerging from the north being Great Britain.
The British took control over the land, including into its neighboring countrymen, Scotland. Scotland had gained its independence in 1328, until it was united with the British in 1707 as part of the Acts of Union.
The city of York was founded in 71 AD and was used mostly by the Romans to build their fortresses where the rivers Ouse and Foss met. But was later used by the government as an important trading center. Allowing them to make trade with other countries across the world. Including the New World, which provided an array of countless valuable items.
It also serves quietly as one of the few locations where pirates can come to port. To make trade, hire sailors to join them, and rest. Provided they pay the ones in charge of the area to look the other way. And not alert the British of pirates being around the area.
Although, pirate activity happens more at night, when pirates could come out and have a fun time in the town. Pirates are seen walking around, drinking, getting into fights, and trying to seduce women. All the while, avoiding getting into any serious trouble. Since they didn't want to ruin what they had going for them.
Pirate ships can be seen docked with a skeleton crew being left to keep an eye on things, while the rest of the crew go to shore. With some rules added that no pirate can mess with a pirate's ship while they're on shore.
One ship, the the Úlfr, is seen heading into the dock. Gabriella can be seen steering the ship to shore, while Melody and Lapis help prepare to toss the line to the sailors down at the dock. Once the ship is close enough Gabriella gives the word to toss the rope over. Thankfully, the girls tossed it hard enough for the men to grab hold of the rope and tie the ship down.
It also helped that Gabriella took care of the sails and just let the momentum of the waves help them get to the docks. Gabriella orders the anchor to be dropped, allowing them to hold perfectly still. Avoiding their ship from crashing into another ship or even against shore. Gabriella motions for the girls to put their facemasks up, while she goes to talk to the dock master.
"Good evenin' miss," said the dock master with a Scottish accent as he approached Gabriella with a clipboard and a feather pen. "This a nice-lookin' ship you've got here. Norwegian I'd say, right?"
The dock master soon noticed it was mostly just girls who were sailing the ship and took notice of their outfit. Immediately, he knew what they were.
"Do I want to know how you girls got this ship?" the dock master asked with two of his armed men standing behind him.
Gabriella took out a small bag and walked up to the dock master, before slipping it in his coat pocket. "Of course. We got it from some nice folks in Arendelle after trading it for some gold. Is that a problem?"
The dock master feels the weight of the gold in the bag from his coat before he begins smiling at Gabriella. "Not at all. Just making sure I'm speakin' with some honest girls, such as yourselves."
The dock master motions for one of his men to hand him his stamp and presses on the paper, before handing it to Gabriella. "Welcome to York, my dear. And if there's anything we can do for you, feel free to let me know."
"Thank you, sir. In fact, there is something you can do for me," Gabriella pulls out another small bag and moves it up for him to see it. "By any chance, did a rather large dark ship with a red moon and pirate skull symbol on it?"
The dock master gave a small cough and appeared nervous when she described the ship. "I'm afraid I can't disclose the location of every ship that docks with us, especially if it results in a fight breaking out. That would be bad business for everyone, don't you think?"
"Agreed, but see, I'm not looking for a fight. I'm simply looking to retrieve someone this individual kidnapped and return them home," said Gabriella as she's aware of the rules and is not looking to break them. "They'll never even know we were here."
The dock master seems to hesitate to tell the girl anything. Given the risk that's involved. However, even if he didn't tell her, she'd likely find out on her own. And risk a fight breaking out if that happens.
The dock master motions for his two men to step back, before he leans close to whisper. "He's on the western part of the city. His ship came in five minutes ago. Most of his crew are offshore from the look of things."
"But not him?" Gabriella asked as she got a small 'no' head shake from the captain. "I see…well, thank you for your help," she offers him the bag, but he turns it down.
"I saw nothing, I heard nothing, and we never spoke," said the dock master who refuses to be involved any more than he already was.
Gabriella gives him a small head bow before the dock master left with his men. Once he was gone, Gabriella walks over and places the paper down on one of the bits, before she puts her dagger knife right on the paper. Sticking it on the bits, so whoever comes by knows the ship has a permit. But will also notice the marking on it, indicating the mark shows this ship belongs to a pirate.
Once she finished, she looked over to see the girls coming down the ship on the walkway. "Everything taken care of then?" Lapis asked.
"All taken care of," said Gabriella as she motioned down to the note. "Every Pirate Lord has their own symbols. They're used mostly to mark their ships, property, or to show who works for them or is at least associated with them."
In her case, the symbol on the paper belongs to her grandfather, Captain Edward Teague.
"So, this will keep any pirates from trying to steal from us?" Melody asked as she gets a nod from Gabriella. "Good to hear."
"It is indeed," said Gabriella as she looked over at the town and sighed softly. "All right. It looks like Titus' crew are onshore like I expected them to. You girls go into town, do what you can to keep them there, and I'll sneak onboard their ship to get Ariel out."
"I know you told us how to distract them, but are you sure this'll work?" Lapis asked who isn't sure about the plan Gabriella told them to follow.
"Trust me, it'll work," said Gabriella as she took out two pistols and hands it to them. "Hopefully you two won't have to use them, but if you do, then it's better to have them, then not have them."
Lapis took the pistol and examined it, while Melody hesitates to take hers, but takes it before looking at it. Gabriella knew Melody is good at sword fighting, but shooting is completely different.
Gabriella grabs hold of Melody's hand and begins showing her how to use it. "Pull the trigger back, aim, and keep your hand steady. These guns aren't good for long distance due to how unreliable the muzzle is, but up close and you'll never miss."
Melody blushed a little when she felt Gabriella holding her hand but paid close attention despite this. She looks at the gun and pulls the hammer back, then aims at it. She then stops and begins putting it away in her hoister.
"Remember, it takes time to reload, so use it sparingly," said Gabriella as she turned to where west is at and knew she'll need to hurry. "Remember what I told you also how to act as pirates."
Melody remembers and begins reciting everything Gabriella told them. "Don't take shit from anyone, stand your ground, if they try to kill you then shoot or stab them first, don't be afraid to talk dirty, and if trouble occurs, then cause a bar room brawl."
"And spit," said Lapis as she remembers what else they had to do. "Spit like a pirate and punch anyone who gives you trouble," she begins demonstrating by spitting to the dock.
While Melody found that part to be disgusting, Gabriella laughed and patted Lapis in the back. "Lapis, I believe you'll make a fine pirate one day."
Lapis took the compliment with pride. She of course will never try to become a pirate, but it didn't mean she won't accept the nice thing her friend said.
"All right, time for me to get going," said Gabrilla as she took out her mask and covers her face. "Stay in town for at least 30 minutes or until you complete the plan. If all else fails, do the bar brawl and get back to the ship. I'll meet you girls with Ariel and then we get the hell out of here."
"You got it, captain," said Lapis as she begins walking down the dock like how she's seen some of the locals walk around.
Melody turns to Gabriella and grasps her hand. "Gabby, please be careful. Don't do anything reckless, okay?"
Gabriella smiled towards Melody and knew she really does care for her. Despite the issues from before, she's happy that she's no longer feeling any hostility towards Melody.
She grasps her hand back and gives her a small kiss on the cheek. "Relax, Mel. I'll be fine. Just stay out of trouble and don't get yourself killed."
Gabriella soon took off and headed into town. Unaware, she made the poor half-mermaid princess blush completely red. Lapis walked back over when she saw what happened and had an excited look on her face. All the while Melody stood there frozen wondering what that kiss meant.
All the while, Gabriella once got halfway away from the dock began to slowly realize what she just did. "Why the fuck did I just kiss her like that? Why didn't I just say for her not to worry and not kiss her?" she said to herself while blushing as well with what she did.
"I was wondering that myself," said Lara as she appeared on Gabriella's hat. "Seriously? Now was not the time to give the princess a little kiss, Gabby."
"Oh, shut up," said Gabriella as she did her best to keep her voice down. "I wasn't thinking clearly."
"You weren't indeed," said Lara as she looked back at the girls and knew this isn't good. "With what happened, the poor girl is likely to forget everything you taught her. She might end up getting hurt in the end if she's not careful."
Gabriella was mentally cursed knowing her friend was right. Shit, she's now caused Melody to lose focus and will likely be thinking about the kiss. She needs to fix this. And by her, she of course means her friend.
"That's why I have you. You go keep them safe from harm and make sure they finish the mission," said Gabriella as she begins sneaking around town through the alleyways. "Make sure they come back in one piece, got it?"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah I got it," said Lara as she got up and began stretching her arms. "Just remember what the princess said. Don't do anything reckless, okay? Just go in, save the mother, sabotage the ship, get out, and come back."
"I know," said Gabriella as she stops when she spots where Titus' crew is at. "Just keep the crew from coming back. I'm going to need time to get in."
"You know me. When it comes to causing trouble among you humans, I'm an expert," said Lara as she begins flying up in the sky and flies off towards the bar.
While Gabriella looked towards the direction of where the enemy ship was before she took a deep breath. "All right. Let's do this, Gabby. Time to go stealthy."
*A few minutes earlier*
On the other side of the town, there lies Titus' ship, the Leviathan. The ship had arrived not too long ago, with the crew helping finish getting the ship to dock. Isaac ordered the men to make sure to tie the sails down, while he gives some of the men their tasks. Gathering supplies such as food, fresh water, ammunition, clothing, medicine, etc.
He knew the journey would be long, so they'd need to gather the supplies needed for this trip as soon as possible. Fortunately for them, they have plenty of gold to spend. The only thing missing was a crew. He knew some of the crew had asked for their release, since they felt uneasy about where they were going.
If his captain or Marina knew of this, they'd kill them. However, Isaac was a merciful man. Yes, he is a pirate, but a pirate who has some sense of mercy. And knows his captain will respect any decision he makes, even if Marina will see it as a sign of weakness.
Isaac gave them their pay and saw them off before he headed below deck to see their prisoner. Along the way, he passed Noah and Naomi, who were on their way up.
"So, how many men left this time?" Naomi asked who seems aware of them losing more men.
"Five this time. That cuts our number down quite significantly," said Isaac who knows this isn't good.
"Five eh'? Well, at least it wasn't like last time where we lost ten of em'," said Noah as he took out his violin, looking to play. "Perhaps some bit of music will help cheer the rest of the crew up."
Before he could play, Naomi took away the instrument, making a screeching sound from the wires. "How about no?" She then turns towards Isaac and sighed. "So, how many will you want us to recruit then?"
Isaac sets down the bag he was carrying before he makes a count of gold inside. "At least 25," he then hands the bag over to Naomi. "Be sure they're strong, experienced, but also stupid. Once we leave this city, there will be no going back."
"Ooooh ominous," said Noah as he made ghostly sounds, before Naomi hits him in the gut with the violin, causing him to make groaning sounds. "No need to be so hostile, Naomi," said Noah as he begins to recover from the hit. "If your charms don't work on recruiting these men, then I'll play some little music to bring them in."
"Oh, please don't," said Naomi as she groans softly at the idea of hearing him sing.
"Just do what you can and let's make sure we finish up around here soon," said Isaac as he looked behind him to ensure no one hears them before he whispers to his crewmates. "I was informed by the dock master that a British carrier will be arriving here soon. It seems a certain pirate hating judge is coming for a visit."
"Seriously?" Noah looks to Naomi with a look of surprise before he puts his violin away. "Does this mean he knows about pirates being around here?"
"All possible, but if that's the case, then it be best if we leave soon before all hell breaks loose," said Isaac who didn't want to risk them losing any more men or get their ship damaged to delay their departure.
"We'll be fine," said Noah who despite being told of the trouble, still feels they'll make it out of here. "We'll find some men to join us, come back to the ship, and set sail away from here to…wherever it is we're going."
"That reminds me. Isaac, where are we going?" Naomi asked as she crossed her arms and leaned against the wall. "I mean, no offense, we love the captain and owe him for all he did, but we do have a proper destination, right?"
"We do have one and while I cannot tell you, I ask you both to keep putting your trust in the captain," said Isaac who couldn't tell his crewmates more than he can. "Simply lie to the men you recruit that we're heading towards the Caribbeans for treasure and wealth. And if they ask any more questions, then brush them off and offer the next man gold for their services."
Naomi sighed as she wished Isaac would tell her what they were looking for but didn't want to argue about it. "Fine. But what if the British do arrive? Do we have a plan for that?"
"Don't worry. It won't be a problem," the crew turn around and see Marina walking towards them, with two masked girls behind her.
Both girls are seen wearing a white cat-like mask with white cloaks, long hats, and long sleeves to cover their arms. Naomi and Noah move behind Isaac, almost as if they feared the girls.
"Ugh, seriously? Why are those two out of their room?" Naomi asked as she didn't like seeing the twins out and about.
"They're with me," said Marina as she moved her hands along the hair of the twins. "I felt they needed some fresh air before we depart."
"I completely forgot they were still with us," said Noah who had hope they were left behind since Singapore.
Marina ignores the two idiots and turns towards Isaac. "I finished giving Titus the medication needed to be completely healed."
"Very good," said Isaac who now has nothing to worry about for the captain's health and safety.
"Hold up. I thought you didn't have what you needed to make that possible," said Naomi who could have sworn Marina didn't have the resources to complete her treatment for their captain.
"That's why I had Undertow gather what I needed beneath the sea. I couldn't wait till we got here and risk something like this from happening," said Marina who knew she got extremely lucky with the medication, thanks to Undertow.
"I mean, that's good to hear, but um did ya' really need the creepy twins to come with ya'?" Noah asked as he isn't a fan of the two masked girls.
"They're only with me as a precaution. I'm meeting with someone to gather some special ingredients for the spells I'll need for our trip," said Marina as she turns to the two masked girls. "And if we run into the British, then the girls will have some bit of fun."
"As long as they're far away from us, that's fine," said Naomi who didn't care what they did, just if they're not there to see it.
Marina turns her attention to Isaac and hands him a folded paper. "The captain has ordered you to stay onboard with Raphael. He wants you to keep an eye on the prisoner, while Raphael finishes cooking her meal for the night."
Isaac had figured Marina would stay on the ship, but it seems she has other plans. He opens the paper and finds its indeed from the captain.
"Very well. I will remain onboard then," said Isaac who didn't argue against the order.
"Wait, Raphael is staying onboard?" Noah asked as he looked confused. "Usually, he leaves the ship to pick out the right food for us to get."
"He's sending Salalai in his place," Marina replied.
"She does have a good eye on picking out food and making sure it's not rotten," said Isaac who knew they can trust her to get the task down. "Naomi, Noah, go and finish with what you need to do."
"Yes sir," said Naomi and Noah in unison before the two head upstairs and head to the city.
"By the way, I know you paid off those cowards for running away," said Marina who was aware of what Isaac did. "While the captain may allow you to do this behind his back, I don't. We can't have any loose ends be left behind before we leave."
"I'm aware, but I'm not concerned," said Isaac who didn't see anything wrong with what he did. "Those men won't say a word on where we're going, because none of them know where we're going."
"That's your belief, but who's to say one or two overheard what we had discussed," said Marina who clearly didn't trust any of the men on the ship.
"While I agree that to be a possibility, I still stand by my decision," said Isaac who still didn't see anything wrong with what he did. "Even if they know anything, by the time we leave this town, it'll be too late."
"For your sake, Isaac. You better be right about this," said Marina who didn't like what Isaac had done and didn't trust in his judgment. "The captain may trust you, but not me."
"I'm fully aware of your distrust towards me and while I understand it, I simply do not care," said Isaac as he gets a angry look from Marina. "You hate me because of how close I am to the captain. You hate how he turns to me for advice, while he rarely goes to you for it. That is because unlike you, my temper is kept under control. I do not lose it or lash out like a child."
"A child? A child?! How dare you, you…" Marina goes to attack him, when he pulled a dagger and aims it to her neck, without her realizing it until she felt the point of the blade against her neck.
The twins go to grab their swords in unison, when Isaac turned to them, his eyes narrowing at them, causing them both to stop and move their hands away from the handles.
"You see?" Isaac asked as he pointed out what Marina just did. "You must control your temper, Marina. You are a skilled witch, and your magic surpasses that of your mother. But do not forget, that temper will end up costing you your life if you're not careful. If you wish to take my place one day, then I suggest you first learn to control your emotions."
Isaac pulls his dagger away and moves it back in its sheath behind his back. "If you are able to do that, then I will step aside and I will even pledge my services to you."
"Tch. As if I'd ever want your services," said Marina who backs away and rubs her neck to see a bit of blood coming out from where the pointy end of the blade touched her skin. "Just do your job and keep a close eye on our 'guest'. I'm sure she'll try to find a way out of here now that we're docked."
"I highly doubt that," said Isaac as he moved his arms behind his back.
"And what makes you so confident?" Marina asked as she stopped walking and turns towards him.
"Mainly because she isn't a fool. She's been made aware what will happen if she tries to escape," said Isaac who reminds Marina of the agreement Ariel made with them. "If she tries to escape, then we will return to her home and burn it to the ground. Along with her people, friends, and family. A threat she believes will be met if she tries anything."
Marina remembers their little threat and knows he isn't wrong. Titus will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. Even if it means destroying an entire kingdom, along with all its people.
"Just keep a close eye on her," said Marina as she begins heading topside and head into town.
While Isaac sighed softly before he decides to go topside as well, but to go see the captain. He knew he needed to address Marina's attitude and make sure the captain keeps her in check. The captain is aware of her temper, but Isaac knows it must be controlled soon before she lashes out at their prisoner. He knows why she hates him, even if the queen is unaware of it yet.
Still, this must be taken care of soon before she ruins the captain's plan.
As he made his way up, he saw Undertow, in a heavy cloak, with his body over the railing. Isaac took notice of his claws digging into the railing and knows what this means.
Isaac walks over till he stood next to the anthropomorphic shark man and spoke to him without looking at him. "What do you smell, Undertow?"
"A British ship," said Undertow who thanks to Marina's magic, helped increase his sense of smell. "Three, no, five of them. All warships."
It seems the tip he got wasn't as accurate as he was led to believe. "It seems the British have become aware of this town being a haven for pirates. It also seems they intend to wipe out every pirate here, including those who helped them."
Isaac knew this would eventually happen, especially with everything that's happened. For a long time, pirates have been a thorn in the side of their enemies. A side that has caused them money and power over the seas. None felt this more than the British Empire itself.
"It was inevitable. The British have been doing everything they can to wipe out pirates since Cutler Beckett declared war on them. Only for his plan to fail, at least for the time being," said Isaac who knew even in death, Beckett's plan would continue.
Eventually, other government nations would see the threat of piracy and would try to wipe them out as well, especially since they knew without the Flying Dutchman helping the pirates anymore, the Black Pearl mysteriously disappearing, and Hector Barbossa supposedly dead, they saw a chance. A chance to end piracy. And in time, this will be a thing.
"So, what do you want me to do about it then?" Undertow asked who knew what he wanted to do, but he must wait to be given the orders by Titus or his close officers. "What shall we do about these men who are trying to get in our way?"
Isaac turns to the town and sees the people going about their night like nothing was wrong. "I really don't care what happens to these people. They can all perish with the pirates hiding in this town," he was a pirate, but he wasn't like these pirates or like the ones who he knew long ago.
The ones who left him scared, who took him away from his home, and took everything from him. He didn't like them at all. He was who he was thanks to his captain, who rescued him from his imprisonment. And gave him a new purpose in life.
"However, if the British get here before we can depart, they'll likely try to sink our ship to the sea. And that's something we cannot allow," said Isaac who couldn't allow the British to get in the way of his captain's plans.
Isaac begins grabbing Undertow's cloak and removes it, revealing his completely healed body. Once burned thanks to Gabriella but was now healed thanks to Marina's magic.
"Kill them all, Undertow. Don't spare any of them," said Isaac as he begins walking away from the shark man. "And be sure to make a grand spectacle. I have no doubt the British will send some soldiers on land to the city. So, I would like for them to see what happens to those who get in the way of our captain."
And will be a taste of the kind of destruction Titus will unleash on his enemies.
Undertow begins to smile, revealing the dozen rows of sharp teeth as his eyes begin to roll up. The excitement of him being given the chance to kill off all these men and make sure every one of them dies, has him shaking. He leaps into the water and soon begins swimming towards the five warships. Looking to sink them beneath the water and have the crew join Davey Jones' Locker.
And true to his word. He'll make sure to make a big spectacle of the whole thing. If it's a show Isaac wants, then it's a show he'll get. While he'll also make sure that every single one of these men die a horrible painful death.
Meanwhile (present)
In town, Melody and Lapis are seen looking for the bar they were told to find by Gabriella. They knew they had to get there, find Titus' crew, and keep them from returning to the ship. At least, long enough for them to give Gabriella time in her mission. How they'll do it, they haven't figured it out yet, but they had some ideas thanks to Gabriella who gave them some.
As they walked through town, they saw how the locals acted. A lot different than back home. Back in Tirulia, the citizens were kind, caring, and helpful. Sure, there were a few occasional drunken fights, but they never escalated to anything bad.
Here though? The girls flinched when they heard gunfire from a nearby building. Followed by a man being thrown from a building through a window. Yep, this place was nothing like back home.
"I wonder if the people who live here are fine with these pirates running around and causing so much trouble," said Melody while keeping her voice down so no one would hear them.
"I mean, they must be if this place became a safe haven for pirates," said Lapis as she saw a pirate man try to grab a woman's ass, before she turns around and punches him in the face. Sending him into mud with some pigs nearby. "And seem to know how to handle these pirates."
"I guess so," said Melody as she keeps her guard up, while looking for the bar. "You know, I must admit, I never expected us to be here. Or at the very least, be this far from home."
"I know what you mean," Lapis knew they had talked about traveling around one day, but never this far. "This is pretty cool. I mean, yeah, I wish we had traveled here on better terms, but this is still something I never thought we'd experience."
Melody knew this was true. Still, she knew if they had to travel anywhere, it would have been France. "Maybe once this is over, we can still travel around, but to a more…"
A man is seen being kicked down the stairs of a nearby building, before landing on the ground in front of them. Melody and Lapis both cleared their throats and walked around the man who wasn't moving.
"To a kinder place," said Melody who didn't want to risk going to a place like this again.
"Yeah, that would be best," said Lapis as she looked around the town. "Assuming your grandpa will be okay with this idea."
"I'm sure he will. Just like I know when this is all over, he'll be okay with Gabriella," said Melody who knew her grandfather will look past Gabriella being a pirate and welcome her.
"Now that'll be sight to behold. Your grandfather, King Triton, being friendly towards a pirate," said Lapis who knew the stories she heard about how the king despised pirates so much, he would kill one on sight.
"Well, Gabriella isn't like the pirates he's met before. She's different," said Melody as she sighed softly before looking around. "We should look for the bar soon before the crew leave. I just wish I knew which bar it is."
Lapis couldn't help but agree with her friend as she looked around to see so many different establishments and couldn't figure out which one to go with.
"Hard to do that since I see at least a few different buildings where they're serving alcohol to these men," said Lapis as she points out at least five different establishments that serve as a bar. "And we can't just pop in to each one till we find the right crew."
Melody knew that wasn't a good idea, especially if they ask the wrong people and they get in trouble. "Well, we have to try something, and soon."
"I know, I know," said Lapis who knew with little options that they had, she knew there was only one thing they can do. "I say we just ask one of the locals for help."
"No way. If we do that then we'll run into trouble for sure," said Melody who didn't want to risk them getting hurt. "Just let me think."
"Well, I don't see any other option, Mel," said Lapis who knew with little time they had, they have to do something. "I think we should just ask the people and see if they'll help us."
"I know that, but we can't just go around asking them where to go," said Melody who didn't want to risk the mission and miss their chance to stop the crew. "I really wish Gabriella was here."
"You're looking for another kiss from her?" Lapis teased as she saw a blush coming from Melody. "I'm just teasing, Mel. I know you're really focused on the mission, and you want to save your mom, but I think we need to try something different. Plus, you seemed very tense and serious about this. I get it, it doesn't mean you should let it get to you."
"I know. I know that and I know I must relax. I just…I just wish I could be there to rescue my mom," Melody does trust Gabriella to find and save her mom, but she just feels she can do more.
Lapis sighed as she grasps her friend's hand and squeezes it gently. "I know. I want her back and she will, but we must help Gabriella do our part. And I think asking the people around here might help."
"You really think so?" Melody asked who wasn't sure about this. "What if they refuse?"
Lapis begins to smile as she fixes her hat. "Then we'll play the part of pirate then and get the answers we seek."
Melody giggled softly and knew her friend was right. If they're going to have any hope of finding the pirate crew, then they have to act the part.
"All right, thank you, Lapis," said Melody as she thanked her friend.
"No problem…but in all joking aside, the kiss Gabby gave you. Does that mean what I think it means?" Lapis asked hoping it means what she's hoping it all means.
Melody blushed some more and pulled her hat down to cover her face. "L-Let's just um focus on the task at hand and I'll tell you about it later."
"Fair enough," said Lapis as she's going to hold her friend to that. "Now, where to begin our search for Titus' crew?"
"You all are looking for Titus?" the girls turn around to see a big, tall, fat, and tan skinned man approach them, with two other men behind him. "What interest do two little girls have in finding that madman?"
Melody was almost taken aback by the tall intimidating man as she didn't expect for them to run into trouble already. Lapis though kept her cool and crossed her arms.
"That's right," Lapis spoke with a French accent. "My friend and I are looking to make our mark as pirates, and we figure joining up with one of the most dangerous pirates in the world will help with that."
The tall man and his two friends behind him laugh when they heard this, before he leans down to Lapis to face her. "How about you join up with us instead?" the tall man asked as he placed his right hand on her shoulder. "And if you be a good girl, I might help make ya leave a mark."
The tall man and his friends begin laughing, while Melody felt her skin crawl. She goes to get her sword when Lapis stops her. Lapis began to smile before grabbing the man's smelly hand off her shoulder.
"How about this? You give us the info we want, and I won't kick your teeth out?" Lapis threatened while keeping a cool tone in her voice.
This just made the man, and his friends laugh even harder as they didn't take these girls seriously. "Oh yeah? Well, I'll tell ya what. I'll give you a free shot. If you can get me to my back, I'll give ya what you want."
"All right then," said Lapis as she backs away and begins moving her feet along the ground, causing the man to look down at them.
This allowed Lapis to punch him in the throat and kicked him in the balls, causing him to fall to his knees. His two friends tried to get involved, but Melody pulled out her gun and aims it at them. This kept the men back, while Melody had a serious look on her face. She knew Lapis was up to something but didn't expect this at all.
She looks around and is thankful that the people didn't get involved. It looks like they saw what had occurred but didn't bother getting involved. It must be something they're used to. Melody on the other hand, wasn't used to seeing her friend as the aggressor, because she's never seen this side of her before.
The man begins coughing as he tried to get some air back in his body. "Y-o-ou s-a-id y-ou were g-o-ing to k-ki-kick me i-in the face."
"You calling me a liar?" Lapis asked before she kicks him square in the face and knocking the man on his back.
Lapis soon looks up to the two men, before the two looked at each other and then began running away. Leaving their friend behind. Lapis walks over and steps on the man's stomach, causing him to let out a loud groan and feel more air leave his body. Lapis then proceeds to sit on the man's stomach before taking her gun out and aims it at his head.
"Now, it looks like you're on your back," said Lapis before noticing the man missing four teeth. "And you're missing some teeth too. So, as promised, you going to tell us what we want to know?"
The man slowly nods in response and whimpers a little before he begins pointing slowly towards one of the buildings. "H-is c-r-ew a-are all there. I sw-ear."
Lapis and Melody look over at the establishment he's pointing to. They could see it wasn't as crazy as the other bars, so it must be the place they're looking for.
"Pleasure doing business with you," said Lapis as she puts away her gun and gets off of the man before she walks away with Melody.
Melody walks up to her friend, while looking back at the injured man. "Lapis where did that come from?" she asked pointing to what had occurred.
Lapis stops walking and looks confused, before looking back at what she did. "Oh, um well I had begun learning how to defend myself in case we ran into some trouble in the future. Plus, while you slept, Gabby gave me a few pointers on how to fight. Even how to keep my cool. After what happened back at the palace, I knew I had to avoid getting scared, and focus on helping you get your mom back."
Melody was touched to hear how her friend was learning all this from her and acted so brave because she wanted to save her mom. Melody really is lucky to have such an amazing friend like her and gave her a big hug, which Lapis returned.
"Thank you, Lapis," said Melody as she thanked her friend.
"Anytime," said Lapis before breaking the hug and sighed softly.
It was then the two walked towards the window and saw it was filled with pirates. Melody and Lapis recognized a few of them, knowing they're the pirates that attacked the palace. They also appear to have a table near a piano, which had one of the pirates playing a song. The one behind the table appears to be recruiting more pirates to join their ranks.
Melody and Lapis move away from the window, knowing this is going to be tricky.
"So, you got an idea on how we can keep these guys busy?" Lapis whispered wondering if her friend had something.
Melody begins thinking about it and knows if Titus' crew is here, then it'll give Gabriella a chance to get her mom out. But this'll only work if she can keep them from returning to the ship. She begins looking through the window again and noticed some of the pirates singing along to the one playing on the piano. It was then she remembered something Gabby told her and begins to smile.
"Lapis, remember when Sebastian taught us how to sing in a group and perform in front of a crowd?" Melody asked.
Lapis nods in response. "Not hard to forget, especially how we used what he taught us to get out of trouble once. Why?"
"Well, how we use what Sebastian taught us and use it to help keep them from leaving?" Melody suggested.
Lapis looks inside and soon begins following what her friend is up to. "I love it. Let's do it."
Meanwhile
Outside of the town, the five pirates who worked with Titus are seen waiting. Waiting for someone it seems as they look around nervously. It was then they saw several carriages approaching the town. One of them, being fancier than the others and guarded by armed military soldiers.
One of the five pirates walks over to the carriage and takes his hat off before he speaks to the one inside the carriage. "As promised, the pirates are all in town, including the one you're after."
"Very good," spoke an older sounding gentleman in the carriage, hiding in the shadows. "Do you have a location of his ship?"
The pirate nods and points where it is. "Western part of the city. His ship is docked and most of his men are in town in the tavern called The Mermaid Cove."
One of the armed soldiers took out a map and locates where their targets are at. He gives a small nod to the man inside the carriage, before getting a hand wave from the man inside.
The soldier motions for his men to bring the five pirates a chest. They opened the chest and revealed the gold coins inside.
The four pirates rush over to inspect the gold, while the fifth pirate turns to the man in the carriage. "Thank you so much. You know, when you came to us with this offer, I was worried you were going to have us killed. Considering your reputation."
"I am a man of my word," spoke the man in the carriage. "I make sure to keep my end of any deal I make, especially when it comes to dealing with pirates. And while you are pirates, you're of no interest to me. Now who you served on the other hand, he's the one I have been seeking to bring into justice…but if you turned out to be lying, I will have your heads."
"W-We assure you. He's there," said the pirate as he tried to show they're not lying. "He's there and he's badly hurt. He got injured in Tirulia when he kidnapped the queen."
"Is that so?" the man asked as he leans back against his seat. "Why if we manage to rescue her and bring the pirate's head to the king, I'll surely be rewarded."
Perhaps even be given the position he so deserves to have and dreamed of always having one day.
"Will there be anything else, judge?" the pirate asked.
The man soon reveals his appearance as the same judge that Gabriella encountered days ago. He was an older looking man to be around his late 40s, wearing a white powdered wig, fair skin, and blue eyes.
"That's Judge Christopher Roth," said the judge, revealing his name to the pirate.
Judge Roth had been humiliated days ago at the hands of the pirate and was mocked by the people for his embarrassing loss to the pirate. However, when he got a tip from these filthy pirates of the dangerous pirate, Titus, was going to dock in York, and how it's a safe haven for pirates, he knew this was his chance at redemption.
He informed the king of this and was given a chance to make up for what happened. So, he was given at least a few warships to prevent the pirates from escaping to the sea. Each being given at least 600 men, while Judge Roth had with him at least 300 men. More than enough to wipe these pirates from their land and send a message to other pirates.
Judge Roth also knew bringing in Titus, one of the most feared and wanted pirates, would give him more power within the government. And if he brings the queen of Tirulia back alive, then it'll help him even more, especially if they use this to gain an alliance with the small kingdom.
Maybe even gain some of their resources to expand the British's power and influence in the economic world.
"Now, begone, pirate scum and leave before I change my mind," said Judge Roth as he ordered the pirates to leave.
The pirates did so and began carrying their chest filled with gold. Once they were gone, Judge Roth ordered the captain of his men over to him. "Captain, surround the city and prepare the cannons. I want you to begin bombardment before the warships arrive."
"Sir," the captain begins speaking up. "There are civilians down there."
"Those 'civilians' as you call them are in league with the pirates. They are no longer considered citizens of the British, but rather traitors and pirates," said Judge Roth who has no intention of showing mercy. "This will send a message to all towns who offer safety to these pirate scum. If you harbor the enemy, then you too will face the same fate as them. Death."
The captain seemed to hesitate to go through with this, but he knew the judge was right. These people are aware of the hatred the government has for pirates. If they chose to side with them, then they will be punished. Even if it's through extreme measures like these.
The captain begins giving the orders, while the judge gets out of the carriage. He wore a black attire and coat that covered his body. While wearing a dark hat, gloves, and boots. Judge Roth looked less like a judge and more like an executioner. Something that rang true.
He has judged these people, found them guilty, and will execute them all. These pirates' scum will never again set foot on his land and will all perish from the face of the Earth. That is a promise he has made to himself and to God. Not a single pirate will escape his wrath.
"Before this night is over, every single one of these pirates, will be dead," said Judge Roth as he prepares to watch the extermination of the pirates of York.
That's the end of the chapter and it looks like the judge that appeared in chapter two is back. Giving him more information and giving him a name, since I don't believe I ever gave him one. It also looks like is goal is to wipe out everyone from York. Not good for our heroes, huh?
I wanted to bring in something that would help cause more trouble for our heroes. Otherwise, the story would be over too quickly. So, why not include another bad guy to come in to try ruining the plans of the good guys? Who are up against the main bad guy for the story.
Also, this is set around a year before the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie. So, around 1750, which is set four years before the French Indian War and 15 years before the American Revolution. Just throwing out some bits of info here and there. Doesn't mean I'm having them interact during either wars.
It also looks like Lapis has some fire in her. Good thing too. She's going to need it for whatever Melody has in store. Will their plan work before the British arrive?
Also, it looks like Isaac and Marina are aware of the arrival of their enemies. Not the arrival of Melody, Lapis, and Gabriella. Think they'll find out before all hell breaks loose? Will Gabriella make it in time to save Ariel or will she run into trouble too?
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.