Here we go with the sixth 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.
Thankfully though I'm getting back in the rhythm and getting past any problems. I still hope everyone is ready for the new chapter and glad you are all supporting it. My friend really does appreciate the love you're showing for it. And is happy with how it's all going.
Now then, last time we saw Melody and Gabriella finally meeting. Both ending up talking for a bit, before parting ways. But not before Melody ended up being followed. Followed by Gabriella's mysterious little friend.
Who is this mysterious little friend that is with Gabriella? Can she be trusted? Also, who are these people that Undertow is working for? And what are they planning?
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 VI
Tirulia
The sun began to set as dinner was being set for the royal family. Ariel had asked her sister to stay over and join them for dinner. Attina gladly accepted, especially since she wanted to spend more time with her sister and niece. Melody had returned an hour ago and had gotten herself cleaned up.
The family all showed up wearing some normal clothes that they had. Normally the royal family would wear their fancy clothes to dinner, but Ariel had suggested they wear something more comfortable. After all, it will just be them eating dinner together. So, they should wear something comfortable and enjoy their dinner.
Melody had greeted her aunt and was happy to see her here. The two embraced in a hug and Attina couldn't wait to spend time with her favorite niece. Despite the fact she's her only niece. Still, it's the thought that counts.
The family all sat for dinner as their food is brought to them and they began to eat. All the while, Ariel and Attina brought up some stories to share with Eric and Melody.
"Your mother thought it would be a good idea to adopt a baby orca, who she named Spot, and found while swimming around the kingdom," Attina began explaining while eating her meal. "She tried to keep him a secret from daddy, but he eventually found out when Spot crashed into Sebastian's performance. Oh, he was not happy about that."
"Sebastian or grandpa?" Melody asked.
"Both," Ariel and Attina replied in unison before they giggled softly.
"I knew you got yourself in trouble, Ariel, but I didn't think you were always such a troublemaker like this," said Eric as he gave a small chuckle before he took a bite of his food.
"I didn't always get in trouble all the way," said Ariel who tried to defend herself. "I'll have you all know, I did a lot of good around the kingdom too."
"After causing the trouble in the first place," said Attina as she got a scowled look from her sister, which she ignored. "Anyways, after Spot was discovered, your mom, Sebastian, and Flounder tried to help him survive on his own. Nothing worked, until your mom almost got eaten by a shark."
Melody nearly choked on her food after what her aunt said but managed to swallow her food. "Mom?! You almost got eaten by a shark?!"
Ariel cleared her throat and wipes her lips of the food with the napkin. "Well um y-yes. It actually was quite a common thing to deal with when you live underwater. But it all turned out okay. Spot saved my life, was reunited with his family, and we went back home."
Ariel knew of course, that wasn't the first time she survived a shark attack. And if her sister wants to stay in the palace, she better make sure not to bring up any more of those stories.
"Your mother is right," said Attina as she took a sip of her drink before she continued. "There's been so many stories from other Merpeople of sharks coming by and attacking us. Thankfully, we've managed to outsmart them and escape. And thanks to the new magical barrier father had set up, the sharks have avoided coming back to our home. In fact, there's almost been no sightings of any sharks, not even in the shipwreck area."
"That's good to hear," said Eric who knew the last thing they want to deal with is a shark problem. "Still, it's fun to hear these stories about what you went through, Ariel. Granted some of them are ones where you've nearly gotten hurt, but they sure sounded more fun than what would go on in my life."
"Oh, come on, father," said Melody who doubts what her father is saying. "I'm sure you had some fun adventures too. You used to tell me how you'd sail a lot. I'm sure you have some fun stories to tell about your time sailing across the sea."
"I wish," said Eric as he took a sip from his soup, before he thinks back of anything that would be close to exciting. "I mean, I guess sailing through a storm this one time was the only adventurous thing I ever did. But nothing compared to what your mother went through."
"Let's be honest, none of us ever had the kind of adventures Ariel had," said Attina before turning to her niece. "I mean, other than you, Melody."
Melody knew her aunt is referring to her encounter with Morgana, her becoming a mermaid, and being tricked by the sea witch. "That's true. I'm just glad despite everything, things all turned out well in the end."
The room got silent after memories of their fight with Morgana came flooding back. Ariel still felt some blame for what happened. Yes, she knew her daughter forgave her for lying, but she still should have been upfront with her about the truth. If she did, she wouldn't have gone to her.
Eric also felt some blame for what happened. He knew they did what they did to keep their daughter safe, but they should have told her sooner. He's glad that everything turned out okay for everyone, but he still didn't like the idea of them being in danger. At least though, Morgana is gone for good.
Sensing how the mood changed, Attina tries to change the subject and lighten things up. "So, um Eric, you mentioned sailing through a storm, right? I've sailed on the ships before with you and your crew, but I've never been in one during a storm. Anytime a storm happens, we're usually underwater and never saw any danger. I presume its much different on the surface?"
Knowing what Attina is trying to do, Eric goes along with it and nods in response. "A whole lot different. The waves are much rougher, the wind is blowing in all direction, and we have to keep the ship steady during all of this. One wrong move and we would end up either flipping over or being engulfed by a large wave. Under the sea, things are all calm during a storm, but above it is dangerous."
Melody became fascinated by this since she's been curious to learn more about sailing. "Really? Wow. Were you ever scared, papa? Were you worried about everything going wrong?"
Eric chuckled softly and nods before taking a sip from his drink. "I was, but I had to keep myself levelheaded. I couldn't allow himself to panic or let my doubt gets the better of me. Otherwise, it would be all over."
He then turns to his wife and reaches over to hold her hand. "If that ever happened, I would never have had the chance to meet your mother. Who in the end, ended up saving my life during a storm."
Ariel remembers that night all too well. It was the night she fell in love with Eric. How when she first saw him, she knew he was the one. And how she wanted to be with him.
She saw him risk his life to save his crew and dog. Getting them all off the ship and making sure they were safe. Showing her he's a good man, a brave man, and a loving man. One she would gladly risk her life to protect, just like she knows he'd do the same.
"And I'd do it all over again to make sure you never leave us," said Ariel as she looks back at her husband, with so much love in their eyes.
Melody saw the look both her mother and father gave, which made her smile. She knew her mother is lucky to have her father. To be with the one she loves. She only hopes one day she'll find her true love as well.
Attina couldn't help but smile when she saw her sister and her husband showing their love. It makes her hope one day she'll find her own man to be with, while hoping the same for her niece.
Once the family finished eating dinner, they began making their way towards the library. Looking to have some quiet time before heading off to bed and even play some games. Melody however, wanted to ask her mother something. She pulls her away, while her aunt and father went off ahead of them to the library.
"Um mom, can I ask you for a favor?" Melody asked.
Ariel seems confused on what her daughter wanted. She normally doesn't ask for favors this late, unless its something important or something small, which is rare.
"Is everything okay?" Ariel asked.
"Everything is fine," Melody replied reassuring her mother nothing is wrong. "I was just…well…see the thing is, I met someone. A girl down at the beach."
"Really? Anyone familiar? Maybe someone from the town?" Ariel asked wondering who this girl is her daughter met.
"No. I think she's new," said Melody as she explains how the girl didn't know she was a princess. "I was going to tell her the truth, but it's so rare for me to meet someone who doesn't know about my secret, know I talk to fish, I'm part-mermaid, and someone who sees me as normal."
"Oh sweetie," Ariel moves her hands up to her daughter's shoulders and kneels in front of her. "You are normal, and I understand why you feel this way. Don't forget, I used to be treated the same way when everyone found out the truth of who I was."
"But you didn't grow up around all of this like me," Melody replied.
Ariel knew that part was true. She was older and could handle the criticism. Her daughter on the other hand, well not so much, especially since Ariel had her friends and family to talk to. Melody didn't always talk to them growing up about what's bothering her and didn't have any humans' friends.
"Anyways, I know it's wrong for me to lie to her and I do plan to tell her the truth, but…" Melody knew it's better to tell her the truth now than later, but with the schedule she has tomorrow. "Well, I was wondering, would it be okay if I go see my new friend and then invite her to the party?"
Ariel wasn't so sure about inviting someone her daughter just met to the party. At least, not until she gets to know her a little better. Still, the look her daughter gave her showed her how she really wants to do this. How she wants to invite her new friend to her party and have someone other than Lapis be there to spend time with.
At least then, she'll be able to get to know this new friend of hers.
"I suppose it will be okay. However, my only condition is you bring her by a few hours before the party begins so I can at least get to know her," said Ariel as she agrees to what her daughter wants, but only if she agrees to her terms.
Melody didn't like that, but she knew if it's the only way for her mom to agree with this, then so be it. "Fine, but please don't say anything that might freak her out, okay? I'm going to tell her I'm a princess and nothing more. I need to work my way up to telling her everything once I know she can handle the truth."
"I completely understand. I'll make sure to let your grandfather, father, and aunts know all about this," Ariel knew she can trust them with keeping a secret and know they'll help with whatever Melody needs. "Now, mind telling me the girl's name and what you know about her?"
Melody begins telling her mother how her friend's name is Gabriella, how she appears to be sailing on her own, and how she seems very nice.
Unaware that the two are being watched by a small, cloaked figure. With long blond hair, green eyes, and sparkling wings. The figure watched the mother and daughter took off, before she stood up from her hiding spot. She begins to smile a little, before pulling out her tricorn black hat and places it on her head.
"Looks like Gabby is going to love to find out not only is her new friend a princess, but appears to be a mermaid," said the fairy figure before she begins to fly up in the air. "I just hope she's going to take this well and won't end up being disappointed. Who knows? Maybe she might even try figuring out how to use this to our advantage."
The little fairy soon heads for an opening out of the castle and to her friend. All the while, avoiding from being seen from the people around the castle and from being seen by any birds flying around.
Meanwhile
Gabriella decided to go to the docks to try getting work there. Unfortunately for her, the old man that works there told her that all the positions have been filled. They aren't looking to hire anyone else, especially with the party coming up tomorrow. Despite this setback, Gabriella did get a chance to look around the docks and see its security.
She counted at least a dozen armed men. Older looking men, who she knew wouldn't fall for such tricks. At least those she feels would be used against them. However, they appeared to be the type that take their job seriously.
So, if say an incident occurred on one of the ships, they'd put their full attention towards it. While they'd reassure the king everything is okay.
Gabriella walked away from the docks, while coming up with a plan. "For this to work, I'll need to likely start a fire on one of these ships. No doubt most of the sailors will be on land drinking and eating. So, they'll leave a skeleton crew on board. Most likely around three to five men."
Enough for Gabriella to have her little friend sneak by and cause the fire. Allowing the crew and the guards to get distracted, while Gabriella gets the ship she wants.
"I'll need to wait till tomorrow to pick out which ship to take," Gabriella knew the royals and nobles will likely arrive around the afternoon. Allowing them time to get dressed and cleaned. "I'll know which ship to take by then. For the time being, I'll need to find a place to stay at."
She knew there must be a place to stay in town. Luckily for her, she has plenty of gold to get a room. "Preferably one on the second or third floor."
She suddenly hears a noise coming nearby and looks over to see its her little friend. "Welcome back, Lara. I was wondering where you went."
The small fairy landed on a nearby tree stump, so her friend can sit down next to it and they can talk. Despite making ringing noises, Gabriella understood what she was saying.
"Sorry about that. I was just following your new friend to see what she was hiding," Lara apologized as she explains where she went.
Gabriella should have known that's what her fairy friend did. "Seriously? You really need to stop doing that. I'm not going to let myself get caught up in the same situation as in France. We just happen to meet, we spoke, and that's it. If I see her tomorrow, it will just be for a bit, especially since she's likely going to that party."
Gabriella has to admit though, Melody is cute. She's much cuter than the girls she's met before, but she also felt she was different. She didn't seem to act like how most daughters of a business father would. But she knew better than to get too close, especially after last time.
"Oh really? So, you don't want to know what I found out?" Lara asked with a bit of a mischievous grin. "Aren't you at all curious on what I found out about her and how she might have lied to you?"
Gabriella wanted to tell her no, she wasn't curious at all. But she knew. She knew if Lara is pushing this so much it's because she found out something good. Something she knew would be worth finding out.
Gabriella let's out a small sigh and turns to her friend. "Fine. What did you find out about her that's so important?"
Lara clears her throat and begins telling her friend what she found out. "Your new friend…is the princess of the land."
Gabriella's eyes widened in shock with what she was told. She knew Lara wouldn't lie about something like this, so it must be true.
"S-Seriously? The one the people are preparing for her big birthday party tomorrow. She's a princess?" Gabriella asked.
"Damn right," Lara replied before she explains how she found out.
She followed her back to the castle, where she saw the other servants calling her by "Princess" and was with her family during dinner. Gabriella couldn't believe it. She couldn't believe the girl she met was the actual princess. Her surprised expression though soon began to turn to one of confusion.
"Why in the hell would she lie about that? I mean, if she was a princess, she would have told me," Gabriella also knew if she is the princess, why was she at the beach all alone. "Shouldn't she have been with armed guards or at least a bodyguard?"
"I was confused about that myself but that's not the only thing I found out," Lara replied as she decides to drop some more truth bombs to her friend. "You remember those stories we heard about? About supposedly the prince of the land marrying a mermaid princess?"
"I remember. I also remember hearing that from a bunch of drunken sailors," said Gabriella who knew that the story they heard this from was from some unreliable people.
"Well, it turns out it's all true," Lara began to explain everything.
How she overheard the royal family discussing how the queen was a mermaid, how her sister is one, how they're related to the king of the mermaids, to their fight against the sea witches, and that Melody is half-mermaid. Once Lara finished, Gabriella's mind almost went blank after being told everything.
This was a lot for her to process. She took a moment to move her hands to her head, before she took off her hat. She soon stood up from the ground and begins pacing around. Taking it all in slowly.
Once she was calm, she begins thinking about what this means. The girl she spoke to is not only a mermaid, but if the stories she heard from both her grandfathers are true, then Melody's grandfather must be.
"Madre de Dios," said Gabriella in Spanish as she puts her hat on. "Okay…well…this just makes the whole thing now complicated. If Melody's grandfather is the freaking king of Atlantis, then that means he also possesses the Trident of Poseidon, which means if he finds out about us then he'll kill us."
"What do you mean kill us? Why would he want to kill us?" Lara asked while looking confused. "We haven't done anything to him."
"Oh, not us directly, no. But as pirates, yes," Gabriella began to explain what she means to her friend. "See, there's a story going around that long ago, that a pirate ship ended up killing a mermaid off the coast along this part of the land. It also turns out that the mermaid they ended up killing, was the king's wife."
Gabriella also explains she knows this story, because the ship that killed her ended up being destroyed by the king himself, with only a few survivors. All of who warned all pirates to steer clear away from this land. For those who sail here, will run the risk of being destroyed by the king of the mermaids himself. Using his mighty trident to destroy them and send them off to Davey Jones' Locker.
Lara now understands why Gabriella is worried about this and what this will mean if the king finds out. "S-So w-what d-o we do? Do we just bail on the plan then and move on somewhere else?"
Gabriella knew that is what they should do. The last thing she wants is for them to be discovered stealing a ship and then have Melody's grandfather find out they're pirates. If he does, then he'll likely kill them before they can even make it out to the open waters. However, she knew waiting is not an option.
"We can't. I just went by the docks and saw the ships they currently have are too big for us to sail on our own," Gabriella knew she would need at least a crew of seven to ten to sail one of those larger ships. "The ships the rest of the guests will come in will likely be the right size that we need to make sail on our own. At least until we can make port and get a crew."
"But if we did that, we'd have to make sure to do this while the guests are distracted inside the party and get the guards away from the one we plan to steal," Lara replied knowing they'll need to think this plan carefully.
"Agreed. And using any explosives will likely attract the guests," Gabriella knew though there's one other way to get what they want. It was then, Gabriella began formulating a plan. "Unless we drug the guards. If we can get in the castle, we can get to the barrels they'll be using to drink from, and spike it with something to keep them knocked out."
"Assuming we can find out what barrel they'll be using. And I can't fly around in the palace without being seen," and with the number of guests that will be around, Lara knew she'll be likely spotted. "I was able to move around because of how there were a few people in the castle."
Gabriella began to smile and motions to herself. "Which is why I'll be the one to do that."
"You?" Lara asked looking confused and raising an eyebrow. "How?"
"Easy. Melody and I are meeting tomorrow. So, all I have to do is win her over, become friends, get the truth, reassure her it's all okay, and then get in the castle," Gabriella knew by doing this, she'll be able to prepare herself to drug the guards. "Once the party begins, I'll slip away, drug the barrels, and then you can cause a commotion in the party to allow me to get away."
Lara knew this could work. It was still risky, especially with the part of her trying to win over the princess in less than a day. But Gabriella is good at these sorts of things and princesses are easy to win over. So, this might work.
"This is perfect. I think we can make this all work, provided we make sure that no one finds out what we're up to," said Lara knowing their whole plan hinges on Melody not finding out, much less her grandfather.
"Exactly. For now? I'll need you to back in the castle. Get a scope of the whole area, where everything is at, so I can try making a map to memorize it all," Gabriella knew she'll need at least an hour to remember everything, before making their move.
Lara nods knowing if she goes when it's night, then she'll have a better chance to move around without being seen. "What about the drug? Do we have what we need to make it?"
"We do," said Gabriella as she walks over to some nearby plants and finds what she's looking for. "Despite how much I hate my mom for having me live with her shitty monster father, I do owe her for teaching me how to make different kinds of herbs. Some for medicine, some to help numb the pain, and some to even paralyze, kill, or drug my enemies."
And with the amount of enemies Gabriella has made, yeah, this information has come in handy. "Just remember, stay out of sight, don't do anything reckless, and head to where I'll be staying."
"Which will be?" Lara asked wondering where they'll be at.
Gabriella finished grabbing the plants she needed, before she motions for her friend to follow her. "I was just about to look for a place to stay at. But I'll make sure toe leave the window open, make sure it's on a second or third story, and leave a candle lit so you know it's my room."
Lara nods in response before she flies up to her hat and stays there. "And while we're at it, mind if we get a bite to eat? I'm hungry."
"I am too. Let's get something to eat and then you can go out to do your thing," said Gabriella as the two begin making their way into town, but not before Lara decided to bring something up.
"Just remember, Gabby. Don't get too close to this girl," Lara reminded her friend. "Even if she ends up being nice, we can't risk you getting too close to her. Otherwise, it will end up not just like what happened in France, but also in the Caribbeans."
Gabriella knew her friend isn't wrong and knew she couldn't risk getting attached to the princess. Much less make sure she doesn't get close to her too.
"I know. Trust me. The last thing I want is to break any hearts…unintentionally," said Gabriella as she understands her friend's concern. "Now, let's head on out and get some food."
Meanwhile
Back in the artic, the large ship is seen being filled with much of Morgana's properties. Her potions, her ingredients, her treasures, and even the chest that they had discovered inside.
"We're moving out soon!" said the woman as she ordered the men to get things ready. "Prepare to make sail and load everything down below!"
She walks over to the end of the ship, before she looks down to see the large shark, Undertow. "The old man wanted me to let you know that he's giving you a chance to stick around to continue assisting us and get your revenge. Provided you pledge your loyalty to him."
"Ha! I would never pledge my allegiance to anyone, but if it means I can get my teeth on that little brat and her family, then consider this a temporary pledge," said Undertow who will only work for this group, until he gets what he wants.
"Very well. Now, keep in mind, for this to work I'll be using a potion that will allow you to do more than be in the sea," said the woman before she turns to leave, but then stops and turns her head to him. "And don't worry. Unlike my useless aunt, my potions always work."
"As long as they don't hurt, then fine," said Undertow who is hoping the girl is telling the truth. "I'll head on out and scout around, before I come back to report to you all what I find."
"Understood," said the woman as she sees the shark taking off to do his job.
She begins making her way towards her upper quarters before she walks inside. Finding the elderly man, now appearing younger thanks to the magic from the helmet and armor he now dons.
"Assuming we stay on the course I've chosen to avoid being spotted by Triton's guards, we should get there tomorrow night," said the woman as she explains their course. "Once we arrive, we'll launch the attack from the sea and have you along with half of the crew go to shore."
"Very good," said the once elderly man as he looks out the window towards the moon. "Be sure to remind the crew to capture and bring me the ones that carry his blood. I don't care if its one of his daughters or his granddaughter. I want them brought to me, alive. If any of them harms them, then they'll deal with me."
"I understand," said the woman who knows the crew have been warned about this before, but she'll remind them again. "Just remember our end of the deal. I help you get what I want and I get what I want."
The man turns his head towards the woman, with a cold expression on his face. "I'm still surprised you even cared about what happened to her. From what you've told me, it seems like you were glad she was gone."
"Don't mistaken what I'm doing as a way to avenge my mother's death. I have my reason for doing this, which I shall keep to myself," said the woman as she walks over towards a nearby box on a table and pulls out a sword. "I did the best I could to make this powerful enough to withstand the power of the trident, but only for a short period, so try not to take so many hits."
She walks over and hands the man the sword. The man grasps the sword's handle and lifts it, while examining it. The blade was light blue with the handle being black and possessing a blue gem in the middle. He swings the weapon away, while noticing how weightless it feels. He puts it in its scabbard, before he turns to the woman.
"And the spell that you promised to my crew. Is it ready?" the man asked.
The woman pulls out from her bag a paper and places it on the table. "It will only work once we've signed this deal. Once you do, then I will give your crew the strength they need to begin your long-awaited war. Assuming you still want to kill your brother and take back your throne."
The man turns to the woman, before taking the feather pen and begins to sign it. "He stopped being my brother the moment he stole my birthright. And I don't intend to take my throne to rule the sea. I plan to take my throne to rule this world, as I should have all those years ago."
The woman sees the paper beginning to glow once the man finished signing the contract, before she wraps it up and nods towards him. "If it is war you want, then it is war you will get."
That's the end of the chapter and it looks like Melody's party is going to have some uninvited guests. It also seems like Gabriella is going to try taking advantage of Melody's friendship. Will she end up doing it without trying to hurt Melody's feelings? Or will something help her change her mind?
Also, yeah if you've seen the Little Mermaid series on Disney, then you know Ariel got into a lot of shenanigans. More than her daughter and husband have ever been on in their entire lives. Still, at least she can tell them all these stories of what she's gone through. And no one got hurt in the end…well no one on the good side.
How will things go though next time? Will Gabriella be able to go through with her plan? Will Melody's family find out the truth about her new friend? And what will happen when their uninvited guests arrive?
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.