Here we go with the ninth 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.
Again, apologies to everyone for being so late on this. I still appreciate the support from everyone and glad everyone understands why this got out late. Working hard to get everything out in time. While at the same time, working my job with more hours than usual.
Anyways, last time we saw Melody and Gabriella getting ready for the party. While also seeing whoever is coming to crash the party is getting ready for it. How are things going to go as we get to the party? Will it end well or will things go badly for Melody and her new friend?
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 IX
Tirulia
The sun was beginning to set over the kingdom as the castle doors opened to let in the guests of the royal family. The people who were invited were other royal family members from other kingdoms, members of rich noble families, rich businessmen, and even ambassadors from other countries.
It was not uncommon for these many people to show up to this kingdom, even if it's a small kingdom. In fact, it was common for rich noble families, rich businessmen, ambassadors, and even other members of other royal families to show up. This is done to either form an alliance, to form a business deal, a trade negotiation, or to buy property on their land. It's usually for business that these people come to visit.
There are those who do show up to congratulate the family and even offer anything to them if they require assistance. Although, a lot of times, especially for the birthday of the young princess Melody, the people who came over, used this as a chance to try having their sons win over the princess for future marriage.
While Melody was hoping she can get through tonight without dealing with a lot of boys trying to win her hand in marriage. From the looks of things, it was looking unlikely.
Ariel and Eric were seen up the stairs, where they waited for Melody to come down to join them. They also wanted to wait till Ariel's father, King Triton showed up. Ariel's sisters had left to get themselves ready, while also ready to give their father the suit they got for him. Ariel had gone with them earlier to find the right suit and had it send over so when her father arrived, he can wear it.
"It's almost time," said Eric as he looks over at the grandfather clock they have. "I hope Melody will be ready."
"Don't worry, Eric," said Ariel as she fixes her husband's bow when she noticed it was crooked. "Melody will be down soon. I think she's just trying to get rid of the last-minute jitters. You know she gets like this anytime it's her birthday or when we have a party."
Eric couldn't help but chuckle a little when his wife said that. "Well, doesn't that sound familiar? Remember how you used to be the same when you attended your first party here?"
"Oh, how could I forget?" Ariel knew that was a night where she was more nervous than her daughter ever was. "I was worried about making a first bad impression in front of the nobles and royal families, especially after they began finding out who I was."
Ariel had grown concerned that the people would ask to meet with her father, her sisters, and even try using her to form an alliance with her home. Ariel of course refused, since she knew despite her father opening to Eric and the people of Tirulia, he wasn't ready for the rest of the world.
"I'm just glad I was able to get through that night in one piece," said Ariel who was relieved when the whole thing ended and was able to get through the next party better.
"It still feels different for Melody though. Not just because she grew up most of her life in the surface, but because I was able to find someone to be with so soon, while her…" Ariel sighed before placing her hands on her husband's shoulders. "I feel like she's still looking. I know she'll find that special someone, but I hope these boys won't put her off on finding her true love."
Eric understood his wife's concerns and too is worried the amount of pressure that Melody is being put on will cause her to avoid finding love. He knew they have to give her time and know she'll find that special someone. Under better circumstances than how he and Ariel got together. But he's still hoping for his daughter.
"I know and that's why I feel we need to do our part in ensuring that she gets her chance to find her true love," said Eric who tries to reassure his wife it will be okay. "But we shouldn't worry about her finding her true love. She's still young and has all the time in the world to find her special someone."
Ariel knew that was true. Yes, it is tradition for kids when they turn 16 to look into marriage, especially those of royalty. However, Eric and Ariel knew they're willing to break tradition in order to keep their daughter happy. She's still young and can take her time before marriage.
"You're right," said Ariel who managed to calm down after what her husband said. "It will all be okay, and I know whoever she does find to be with, we'll support her."
"Just like when I supported you, Ariel," Ariel gasped when she heard the familiar voice and turns around to see it was her father. Wearing a dark navy blue suit with gold buttons, his beard appeared to be shorter, and his long white hair being pulled back.
"Daddy!" Ariel rushes over and gives her father a big hug.
Triton begins to laugh with joy and embraces his daughter after not seeing her for a long time. "It's good to see you, my dear."
"And it's good to see you too, daddy," said Ariel as she broke the embrace and looks up at her father. "I'm so glad you could make it. But I thought you were going to come by later?"
"I managed to finish my work up days ago and left Urchin in charge until I return," said Triton as he also explains that he had the girls keep this a secret so he could surprise Ariel and Melody. "I hope this was okay."
"Of course, daddy. I'm just glad you came," said Ariel who didn't care if her father came early or later, as long as he was here, that's all that mattered to her. "Melody is still getting busy, but she'll be down soon."
"That's good to hear. I can't wait to show her the gift I got her," said Triton as he turns to see Eric walking over to them. "Eric my boy, good to see you too," said Triton as he gives his son-in-law a pat in the back. "I trust you've been well?"
Eric knew it was meant to be a playful pat, but the king really needed to work on holding back his strength. He managed to not let it show it hurt and mustered through.
"I'm doing well, King Triton sir," said Eric as he replied back while being respectful to his father-in-law.
"You don't need to call me by my title, Eric," said Triton as he reassures Eric it's okay to call him by his name. "Just Triton will do and glad to see everything is going well so far in the party."
"Y-Yes it has, Triton, sir," said Eric who knew even years later, he still has trouble not calling Triton by his title or saying 'sir' at the end. "I trust things have been well back home?"
"As well as things have been around here," said Triton as he explains how things have been quiet back home.
The king has managed to finally bring some peace in the sea with some of their former enemies and other smaller kingdoms. Attina had been a great help and helped him settle these conflicts. He knew she would be the perfect person to succeed him once he steps down as king. And with how things have been going, he's considering doing it sooner than later.
For now, though? He's going to focus on being here for his family and granddaughter's birthday.
"Well, we're happy to have you here and I know Melody has been looking forward to you showing up," said Eric who knew his daughter is always happy to see her grandfather.
"The feeling is mutual," said Triton who couldn't wait to spend time with his granddaughter, who he hadn't seen since she was an infant, and after the Morgana incident, he's had four years to make up for lost time.
Triton looks around and sighs softly as he saw the work the people put into the decorations. "I'm glad that everything looks good for Melody's party tonight. Will she be down soon?"
"She will be, daddy," said Ariel as she reassures her dad Melody will be down. "I had sent Gabriella to make sure she comes down soon for the party."
"Gabriella? Is she a new friend of Melody?" Triton asked.
Eric nods in response. "They met yesterday. She's Melody's first human friend that she met that knows her secret and is completely fine with it."
"Really? I'm surprised to hear that," considering Triton knew those on land who knew their secret didn't always treat Melody kindly. Or rather, more with the children on how they treated her. "Is she new?"
"She is," Ariel explains how she's been sailing on her own, while traveling around the sea. "I wasn't sure about her being out on her own like this, but I'm hoping she might end up staying here. That way she won't have to travel the seas alone and Melody can have her friend close by."
"Hmm a child at such age traveling alone? And without her parents to be there?" Triton didn't like that at all. He may not know who this child is, but he knew his daughter's idea would be best for the child. "I'm just glad she made it here without running into anything dangerous, like…pirates."
Eric remembers Ariel telling him how her father, despite being okay with some of the humans, he still despises pirates. After what happened to Triton's wife at the hands of pirates, Eric couldn't blame him for still holding a grudge.
"Well, you don't need to worry about any pirates around here," Eric had explained before how pirates have always avoided coming by his home. "Some of the locals explained pirates focus on attacking towns that can offer them more gold, than risk attacking one small."
"I see," Triton knew since losing his wife, he made sure no pirates ever came back around these parts, which must have traveled fast across the sea and kept pirates at bay. "As long as they never come here to bring harm to my family, then that's fine."
"Don't worry, daddy," said Ariel as she wanted to reassure her father all will be okay. "If they ever did show up, Eric has made sure our soldiers will keep everyone safe. And if all else fails, I know you'll be there for us."
Triton nods knowing he would indeed be there for his daughter and granddaughter. He won't let anyone, or anything try to harm the ones he loves. Never again. Not as long as he lives and breathes.
"Now then, we should get ready," said Ariel as she looks over to see the time on the clock and knows its close. "I'll go check on the girls and make sure they're ready."
"Very well then," said Triton as he decides to take his leave. "I'll head down to join the girls and wait for you all to come down."
"Thank you, daddy," said Ariel as she kisses her husband before she heads on up to check on Melody and Gabriella.
Meanwhile
Melody wasn't in her room anymore. In fact, she was out on the other side of the palace looking down at the ballroom down below. She saw the guests already going around, mingling with one another, and eating the food the chef had brought out. While even seeing some young kids playing around, while the older ones were talking with one another.
She even saw her aunts had arrived with her friend Lapis and saw her grandfather going to join them. She was happy to see them all arriving for the party. She just has to hold out for a few hours before they can go have some real fun. And get far from here.
Although, when Melody looked down at the boys by the staircase, she knew this won't be easy. She knew they would try to ask her to dance in an effort to win her over.
She wasn't looking forward to this at all and leans back before letting out a small groan. "This is the last thing I really need to deal with."
"Aww I don't know. This looks like it will be fun," said Gabriella as she walks over to see her friend, while wearing the dress Ariel got her.
Melody stares at her friend in her dress and almost blushed. "W-Wow. You, um look beautiful."
Gabriella giggled softly and moves her hair back. "You like it? I'm glad someone other than your mother likes it, because I'm not a big fan of dresses."
Melody remembers her mother telling her about this. "So, I've been told," she replied while giggling. "But don't worry. Once we finish with this party, we plan to go out to the sea to finish up the rest of the party. It's reserved for family members and friends."
"Is that so? I presume this means your grandfather and aunts will be there?" Gabriella asked figuring the rest of Melody's family from the sea would show up for this part of the party.
"Actually," Melody motions for her friend to follow her, before moving the curtain aside to point to a group talking to her parents.
"The six ladies there are my aunts: Attina, Alana, Aquata, Arista, Adella, and Andrina," she then points to the girl around their age with long blond hair, green eyes, fair skin, and has a long green dress. "That girl there is my best friend, Lapis. She's really nice and she loves making new friends."
Gabriella was surprised with how many sisters Ariel had, while surprised to know she was the youngest. She also figured the girl Lapis was a mermaid, since she never saw her around town or the castle.
Melody then points towards the older man with the long white beard and hair that was with the girls. "And that man there is my grandfather."
Gabriella felt herself getting nervous. The moment her set on the old man; she felt a cold shiver running up her spine. The stories about the mermaid king striking down any pirates that threatened his people or just happen to come across his home, would be destroyed. She knew if her plan is going to work, she'll need to avoid letting him find out who she is.
Melody took notice of her friend looking nervous, before she placed her hand on her shoulder. "Hey. It's okay. They're really nice and you'll like them. Just like my parents ended up liking you, I know the rest of my family will be the same."
"Y-Yea-h. I hope so too," for the sake of the poor pirate girl, she hopes so. "Anyways, um anyways, don't worry about the boys' downstairs. If they give you any trouble, let me know and I'll take care of it."
"Really?" Melody asked wondering how she plans to do that but knew she couldn't let her do that. "I mean, no, it's okay. I'll be okay. I just need to dance with each of them, ignore their attempts at wooing me over, and then that will be it."
"And if they persist?" Gabriella asked as she reminds Melody these rich boy types don't give up so easily. "Trust me. I know from past experiences."
"Is that so?" Melody asked who seems surprised. "You had a lot of boys try to win you over?"
Gabriella nods as she explains how many times this has happened. "During my travels, I used to meet a lot of different people. Whenever I found my way into a party full of rich people, I would have a lot of boys try to win me over. A lot of the times though their ways of doing so were bragging about how much money they have and how they're better than everyone else."
Gabriella even began receding what one boy said to her, while doing it with a mocking, British voice. "My daddy owns a large piece of land that was given to us by the King of England, who my daddy kisses up to for favors. I'm also a very pampered boy who can't do anything without one of his servants doing all the work for me, help me get my lazy ass on my horse, and protect me from the smallest of spiders."
Melody couldn't help but laugh at what her friend is doing as Gabriella began laughing too. She knew it was mean for her to mock other people, but she has met people like that. How a lot of the kids she met are really the pampered type, don't do any work and have their servants do the work, and will get scared if even the smallest insect appears. She knows there are some good kids out there who aren't like that, but it was still funny with what her friend did.
Gabriella finished calming down before she leans against the wall and crossed her arms. "None of the boys ever got close of winning me over though. I prefer to be with someone who loves me for who I am, can accept my flaws, be my partner in crime, and who I can count on while traveling the open seas."
"I see," said Melody who couldn't help but feel the same way her friend feels about finding her special someone. "I wouldn't mind finding someone like that too. Even wishing I could go traveling the seas like you, Gabriella."
Melody turns towards the ballroom down below, while keeping herself hidden. As she stares down at the people, her expression turns to one of sadness.
"I don't hate being a princess, but I wish I could be like you. Being able to go anywhere, without any responsibilities, visiting so many different people, go on these amazing adventures, and just feel…free," said Melody who felt a little bit of jealously for her friend's lifestyle.
Gabriella took notice of her friend's response and expression, before she moves in close to where she's at. "I mean, it's pretty cool, but it's not as great as I make it sound," she replied as she tried to reassure her friend, her life isn't perfect. "I had to deal with people who try to mess with me, secure a ship to sail in, work hard to make sure I get food, and avoid getting shot at by criminals too."
Gabriella knew her life wasn't all sunshine and rainbow. It was hard, difficult, cold, and at times lonely. She's thankful she had Lara, her small fairy friend for company, because if she didn't, it would have been bad. But she knew her journey was not without difficulties and near-death moments.
"I can't say I know the life of a princess is all picture perfect. However, I can say you do have a good thing going here," Gabriella points over to where her family is at. "You have your family, your friend, and a town where the people love you guys. Not every royal family I encounter can say they have any of that."
Melody knew that was true. She knew she did have the people she loves all here and they will support her no matter what.
"I know that. I just wish…well, can I tell you something?" Melody asked hoping her friend can keep what she's been thinking about for some time.
"Of course. Your secret is safe with me," said Gabriella who's wondering what's on the mind of the princess.
Melody seems to hesitate on telling her friend the truth but knew she could trust her and so she spills what's on her mind. "Well, you see…I've been thinking, what if…well…what if…"
Melody stops when she heard footsteps coming towards them. The girls look over to see its Ariel, who appears to have been looking for them.
"There you two are. I thought you two were in the bedroom," said Ariel who was worried when she didn't find the girls in Melody's room.
"Sorry mom," Melody apologized. "I just wanted to see how the party was looking before I came down."
Ariel sighs softly before she nods. "I understand," she walks over and brushes her daughter's hair back. "Are you ready?"
Melody knew she wasn't exactly ready, but she knew she couldn't put this off any longer. "Ready as I'll ever be," she then turns towards her friend. "Are you coming with us?"
"I'll be down in a bit," said Gabriella. "I just need a minute before I go down to join you guys."
Melody understood before she begins to leave with her mother, and they head downstairs. Once they were gone and making sure no one is around, Gabriella begins moving over towards the nearby pictures.
"How's it going?" Gabriella asked as Lara appeared from behind the painting.
"Everything going well," said Lara as she explains she managed to get the drug in the barrel, which the guards will soon drink from. "In another 30 minutes, the guards will get to the drink and pass out."
"30 minutes huh?" Gabriella looks over at the clock and knew that gives her plenty of time of what she needs to do. "As far as the ship we're looking for, found the right one?"
Lara nods as she points to the nearby window. Gabriella looks out and finds what she's looking for. "Oh yeah. That will do," she knew even if its not a large ship, it was still a good size, and she can work on it on her own till she gets her crew.
"The drug will keep the guards out for at least an hour. Plenty of time for us to get the ship out," said Lara knowing how long it would take for them to make their escape.
"And before Melody goes out with her family out to sea," Gabriella knew the time her friend will go out with her family for the second part of the party will be an hour and a half. Plenty of time of them to get away before they're noticed. "Any signs of King Triton's guards? I figured he must have brought some with him."
"I noticed some, but they're more towards the north side," said Lara as she points to where the guards are at, which was far from the docks. "We should be good."
"Excellent," said Gabriella who knew this was their chance to get out of this without getting caught. "Lara, go get things ready on the ship once the guards are down and I'll join you soon."
"Or you could just go now," said Lara knowing they could leave without her saying goodbye. "Unless of course you're beginning to have second doubts about all of this."
"Don't be ridiculous," said Gabriella as she scoffed at what she friend said. "I simply don't want to worry Melody if I happen to disappear without her knowing about it. If that happens, she'll likely tell her grandpa, who will try looking for us, and if that happens…"
"He would find out the truth," Lara knew her friend was hiding the real reason why she wants to stay a bit longer, but she knew what she said made sense. "All right, fine. Go say goodbye to her then. I'll go wait outside and make sure the coast is clear. Just, be careful."
"I always am," said Gabriella as she begins walking down towards the stairs.
She knew doing this was going to be horrible. She was starting to really enjoy her time with Melody and the company of her family. It was the first time she felt accepted by people who weren't pirates. But she knew the moment they found out the truth, they'll turn on her.
It's happened before and she knew it will be a matter of time
For now, though? She began refocusing on her goal. She just needs to mingle with Melody for a little while longer. At least until the drug kicks in.
Allowing her to sneak away, get to the ship, and sail out of here. Before Melody and her family find out what happened. She hopes to maybe one day come back to Melody and see her again. And maybe, when the time comes, she'll accept the truth about who she is.
At least, that's what she's hoping will happen.
As she began t leave, she stops when she spotted something. Something out near the dock. She tries to get a better look but couldn't see what it was. She decides to ignore it and head on down. It was likely just her mind playing tricks on her.
Meanwhile
Lara flew down towards where the barrel for the guards is at. She flew around, while avoiding being spotted. She knew if the humans saw her, it would be bad. Most likely they'd try to capture her and sell her for a lot of gold.
She knew from experience that when humans find out about her existence or the existence of her kind, they'd do whatever it takes to capture her. Whether it's for medicine, for good luck, or to be kept as a pet. Thankfully, Gabriella wasn't like those humans. And how she saw her as her friend, not as an object.
She knew she could trust her with her life and knew she's her best friend. Yes, the two have arguments, but they're always small and dumb. But the two watch each other's back. Making sure the other is safe and they'll be there for one another no matter what.
"And even though she tells me why she's hesitating to leave, I know she doesn't really want to go," said Lara to herself as she flew over towards a statue and sighs. "Just like how I didn't want to leave home."
Lara began thinking back of her time back home, with the other fairies. Back where she once lived, which was quiet, peaceful, and was a happy place to live in. Or so she thought. She made a lot of mistakes, but that's only because she wanted to make things better.
They were always minor mistakes and ones she did her best to fix, but it caused many in her home to distrust her.
Then one day, she made one huge mistake and was punished for it. Being stripped of the one thing she was good at, and no one tried to defend her. So, she left her home. She left it all behind and made her way beyond her home.
"That's when I found you," said Lara as she remembers that was the day, she met Gabriella. "You, like me, were left behind, and you were all alone. Since then, you and I have always been together."
Watching out for one another and doing all they can to ensure they are safe. It made her worry now for her friend, especially since she could tell she didn't want to leave Melody or this place, despite them having been here in just a few days.
"I can't blame her though. Out of all the places we've been to, this place seems like the most peaceful. And the people seem nice."
It also helps that the people who live here are a family of mermaids. So, keeping a secret fairy roaming around would be good for her. However, she knew they were of royalty. So, she knew staying here would be pointless.
"Even if they're good people, we both know they'll turn on us," said Lara as she begins flying off towards the lower levels. "And Gabriella can deny it as much as she wants, but she must know her, and Melody could never be together."
As she flew down, she began seeing less humans around. This was good. This meant she won't have to hide. Not at least until she can find the barrel to drug the guards.
Once she found it, she began landing on where the cork is at and begins pulling it off, quietly. After removing it, she began pulling out the small bag she had. Containing the drug that she and Melody made. To help drug the guards without harming them.
"All right. Time to drug these guys and then get to the ship, before…" Lara stops when she turns towards the door which leads to the outside, but saw it was wide open. With a guard on the ground. "What in the world?"
She puts the bag away and flies over to check on the guard. She checks for his pulse, but found it was gone. Looking down, she found a gunshot wound to the chest. It was then she looks over, she spotted the rest of the guards who were tasked to watch the dock…all dead.
"What or who could have done this?" Lara soon got her answer when she flew out and saw something out in the water. A large ship with a very familiar flag. "Oh no…I have to warn Gabby!" she flew back to the castle and goes to find her friend, before it's too late.
Palace
Back in the palace, the guests all stood ready by the staircase as the king and queen made their way down. Grimsby introduced the couple as they came down from the staircase. Waving at their guests, including their friends and family. Ariel and Eric both are glad to see everything appears to be going well so far.
They just hope once Melody comes out, it will continue. Without any incidents.
Melody peeks behind the curtain one more time, while seeing her family standing by for support. She didn't see Gabriella, but figures she was still upstairs and will be down soon.
She takes a step back and takes a deep breath. "Okay, you can do this. Just go in, dance a little, survive for a few hours, and then you'll be able to have some fun later."
"And now ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you all, Princess Melody," said Grimsby as he introduces the young princess.
Melody soon came out down the stairs as the guests all begin applauding for her. Melody took a deep breath and walks down, while trying to put on a brave face. Smiling at the crowd, while holding her dress so she won't trip and fall. All the while, looking over to her family, who are offering her moral support.
"Okay," Melody began muttering to herself. "You're fine. You're great," she kept saying while mentally hoping tonight will go much smoother than her previous birthdays.
Once Melody made it down, she was approached by several boys. All offering to dance with her. Melody was about to turn them down, but she knew she had to pretend to at least be interested. At least, she's hoping this will go by fast.
I'm just glad he's a different boy this time and not like the other ones from last year. Melody was thinking in her mind, as she saw some familiar faces. The same boys she had rejected last year, have returned. These guys really don't quit.
Soon enough, the band begins playing and Melody began dancing with the first boy. He was around her age, with short blond hair, blue eyes, and wearing a fancy outfit. He was cute, but the moment he began talking, she knew he wasn't going to be any different from the boys she's spoken to. He began bragging about his dad's fortune, how good he is on horseback riding, and how he's offering to take Melody to his place to show her around.
Melody couldn't help but think back of when Gabriella made fun of the rich boys earlier, which made her giggle softly. This guy is a lot like the boys Gabriella mentioned. I bet she'd get a good laugh out of this when I see her.
The boy seemed confused on why she was giggling, but she reassured him it was for something else. The boy seems to have bought it and kept on dancing. At least he's a better dancer than the other boys I've danced with. Just glad he's not stepping on my foot or doing some weird dance.
Ariel and Eric watched on happily to see the party is going well so far. And no signs of anything going wrong this time.
"It looks like Melody is enjoying herself or at the very least showing she is," said Attina as she walks over to Ariel and spoke to her.
"Yes, she is," said Ariel who's happy to see things are going well. "I doubt we'll see her finding any boy here that she'll like, since it feels like they're all going to be the same as last year."
"I thought some of them looked familiar," said Attina as she noticed how most of the boys looked like the ones from the year before. "I just hope if she tells them no, they'll take the hint and leave her be."
"I hope so too," said Ariel who's hoping the boys will leave her daughter be and their parents won't try pressuring them again.
"By the way," Attina looks around and noticed someone missing. "Where's that girl, Gabriella? I've been hoping to introduce her to the others soon so they can meet her. Is she still upstairs?"
"I guess so," said Ariel who didn't see where Gabriella was either. "I'll go look for her in a minute. I just want to stay a little longer and hope everything goes well."
"Ariel, relax," said Attina as she tries to reassure her sister it's all okay. "The party is going well, the guests are happy, Melody is fine too, so please, just relax. As long as the boys aren't causing trouble and the parents behave, then it's all going to be…"
Suddenly a large explosion erupted near the entrance, causing the guests to begin panicking and scream. Eric quickly got into fighting mode as he motions for the guards to get the people to safety and get his family out, before getting his sword from one of the guards. Triton calls for two of his guards, who he brought with him, to get his daughters to safety, before transforming his cane, into his trident weapon.
"Melody! Over here!" Ariel rushes to her daughter and quickly begins getting her up the stairs, along with her sisters, as Eric, her father, and their guards all rush to the entrance.
Eric soon saw a group appearing from the entrance, as smoke covered the area where the explosion erupted. They stood ready with the palace guards aiming their musket rifles where they believe the attackers will appear.
As they waited, they could hear a woman singing. Singing a very familiar song, which caused Triton feeling his anger rising.
"Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me," the mysterious woman sang as she begins walking over towards the group. "We pillage plunder, we rifle and loot. Drink up me hearties, yo ho. We kidnap and ravage and don't give a hoot. Drink up me hearties, yo ho…"
The woman soon appeared before the group, wearing what Eric recognized was one pirates wore. The woman appeared to be in her early 20s, with long black hair, blue eyes, and light tan skin.
"Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me," the woman finished singing before lifting her head up to reveal her appearance. "Good evening, did we miss the party?"
"Pirate scum," said Triton as his trident begins to glow brightly as he aims it at her. "How dare you show your face around here! I will make sure you and your kind never come back here to threaten my family, ever again."
"My oh my, sounds like someone has finally grown a spine," said another voice. The voice of a man. A very familiar man, who Triton recognized, causing his weapon to stop glowing as he lowered it down.
"It's such a shame you didn't have this long ago…" the figure appeared to be in his late 50s with long silver hair, blue eyes, tan skin, and wearing a cloak that covered much of his body. But wore a medallion that Triton immediately recognized. One he never thought he would ever see again. "What's the matter?" the figure asked. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
"No," said Triton as his voice almost trembled.
Eric noticed this and looked confused. "Triton, sir. What's going on? Do you know this person?"
"It can't be you. You're still alive?" Triton asked who couldn't believe what he's seeing.
"Oh, I'm very much alive. Thanks to my new friend," said the figure as he turns towards Triton. "Hello there, little brother. Did you miss your big brother, Titus? Because I sure missed you too."
That's the end of the chapter and looks like big bro has come home. He also doesn't seem to be alone either. It looks like he brought some friends to join him. And it doesn't look like they're here to party.
How will things go as the story progresses from here on out? Will Melody and her family make it out of this in one piece? Who is this woman who's with Titus and what s her connection to him? Will Triton be able to handle his brother, now that he's back?
Will we also see Gabriella help the others out? Will she end up revealing who she is? Will the others accept her if they find out the truth? Or will they end up turning on her like Lara fears they will?
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.