Here we go with the twelfth 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.
I'm glad though that many of you seemed to enjoy the last chapter. I'm on a roll right now with this story, so hoping to get this done soon. Well, as soon as I can. But thank you all to those who have left the reviews and continue to support this story.
Now, last time we saw Ariel has been kidnapped. Kidnapped by this mysterious woman, who seems to be connected to Ariel's past. We also saw Titus defeat King Triton and destroyed the trident. The very weapon that Triton's enemies had wanted to have.
We also saw Gabriella face off against Titus, but he escaped. Gabriella's secret has been exposed though and now the others know what she is. Will they put their feelings aside to get Gabriella to help them? And if Titus is not after the trident, then what is he after?
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 XII
Tirulia
The sun had begun to rise over the kingdom as the people of the land continue to recover from the pirate attack from last night. What was meant to be a night of celebration over the birthday of their princess, ended in tragedy. The pirate attack took the lives of at least 30 civilians, while taking the lives of 60 guards. At least twenty of them, who worked for the royal families and nobles who came to the party.
22 were from the Atlantica guards, while the rest were the royal guards.
There were more wounded and many trapped in the debris from the cannon fire. Thankfully, the people all worked together and began helping get the injured out. Even helped pick up the mess and began rebuilding. While offering food and shelter for those who lost their homes.
Many of the noble and royal families managed to escape from the attack but decided to stay out of town. They would return home, but their ships were all destroyed. Taking with them, much of their valuables. However, not all abandoned the people of the kingdom.
The families from Arendelle and Corona stayed behind to help the people. Even offered to financially help the people rebuild their homes and businesses. King Eric thanks the families for doing this and offers them a place to stay. At least, until their ship is rebuilt.
In the meantime, Eric is in his private chamber, where he discusses business meetings for his kingdom. With him, King Triton, Attina, Sebastian, and the captains of their royal guards. Eric had Carlotta tend to Melody and Lapis. Eric knew it had been a long night for Melody and he did his best to try tending to her, but he knew he needed to help tend to their people.
They were scared, frightened, wanting to know what happened to them, and what they'll do if the pirates returned. Eric is thankful that Ariel's sister, Attina offered to help him. Even having her sisters help around. Helping calm the people down, reassure them they'll all be okay, and the pirates won't come back.
Once things had calmed down, King Triton returned from his kingdom with more of his guards. Even providing supplies to help around town and help around the palace. While also trying to track down the pirate ship. Something that wasn't easy to do due to how chaotic things got.
"We've managed to track their last location here before they got too far," said Captain Nereus, of the Atlantica royal guards. "Their position puts them here…" he points on the map showing they're halfway through the North Sea. "They're appearing to be heading west, your majesties."
"West? Not north?" Eric asked figuring they would be heading to Morgana's old lair or at least somewhere they can catch up to.
"No sir," said Captain Nereus. "We had several patrols up there, but never found any indication anyone was living there or was setting up a base there."
"And yet Undertow managed to slip past your patrol guards," said Captain Bryan, before getting a scowled look from his king. "Apologies. I'm just a little angry, your majesty. I can't believe these pirates not only got past our defenses but took the queen in the process. I failed you sir."
Eric sighed softly and placed his left hand on his shoulder. "You didn't fail us. We all understand your frustration and wish we had been more prepared. But we never expected an attack to ever occur. But none of this is your fault or the fault of the rest of our guards."
"He's right," said Attina who agrees with her brother-in-law. "What happened can't be changed. What we can do is move forward and stop these pirates before they harm my sister. Where are we on that, Sebastian?"
Sebastian took out a note that was written by Urchin and begins taking his reading glasses to read from it. "According to Urchin, some of our allies from across the sea have promised to alert us as soon as possible where the pirates will be located. We've even gotten the assistance of Manta and his son."
King Triton still can't believe his daughter, Ariel, not only managed to turn Manta's son to the side of good, but even changed Manta himself too. Something he never dreamed was even remotely possible.
"We can only hope the information will be fast enough for us to mount a rescue," said King Triton as he looks over at the nearby table, where the once powerful trident lies in two. "I'm afraid though without my trident, I won't be able to do much to help."
"I still don't get it. I thought they came for the trident, like Ursula and Morgana in the past. If they didn't come here for it, then why Ariel?" Eric asked wondering why they took his wife and not the most powerful weapon in the world.
"I-I don't know," said Triton who too was confused on why his brother is doing this.
Attina though knew her father was hiding something and begins moving to question him. "Daddy, Eric said you know who this guy is that attacked us. Who is he and why did he do this?"
Triton turns towards his daughter and knows he was going to eventually tell them the truth. He just wishes it wasn't under these circumstances.
"Attina, do you remember the story about King Poseidon? The story about the fall of Atlantis and the one who betrayed his father?" Triton asked hoping his daughter remembers the story he told them when they were younger.
Attina was silent for a moment as she tries to think of the story her father is referring to. It was only then her eyes began to widen, and she begins remembering the story. Including the part of who was the one that betrayed the people of Atlantis. But soon her expression turned to one of confusion as she had always thought it was a story.
"B-But I thought it was all make-believe. That you made it up," said Attina.
Triton shook his head in response. "I'm afraid not."
Eric stood by in silent while Attina and Triton spoke, but he begins clearing up his throat. Wanting to know what they know.
"Your highness, do you mind sharing what you have with the rest of us?" Eric asked.
Triton clears his throat and begins to explain everything. How Atlantica once ago was once called Atlantis. The kingdom that the world assumed was a myth. The advanced civilization that sank beneath the sea was all made up.
Triton though reassures them it was all real and how it was ruled by the God of the Sea, Poseidon. Atlantis was his kingdom, where he ruled and had three children, with Triton being one of them. However, his older brother Titus betrayed them and wanted to take control so he could wipe out humanity. Believing humanity was a threat and they needed to be wiped out.
His plan failed and he was sealed away for his crimes. However, the fighting caused Atlantis to sink beneath the sea. Poseidon used his power to transform their people to merpeople. He even made sure any secret of his son was erased, out of fear he would be freed, and finish what he started.
"Due to being half-god, I aged slowly and became one of the few who remembers life before living under the sea," said Triton as he finished with his story.
Eric, much like everyone in the room, were in shock. They couldn't believe this. Eric doubts Ariel knew about this, since well, Attina looked just as surprised as them. From the sound of things, she assumed everything was all a story.
So, there was no way it could have been true. But now, she's been told the story she was told when she was little, was all true.
"D-Did mom know about this?" Attina asked as she was the first to break the silence that had filled the room.
Triton gave a small nod as he placed his hands on the table, before he sighs. "She knew all about it, but she made sure no one else knew about it. Not even you girls."
"But why keep it a secret? Weren't you worried something like this would have happened?" Eric asked.
"I had feared it would, but after so many years had passed, I had thought it be best if we forgot all about it," said Triton who regrets not making sure his brother remained sealed away. "I have done many things to try keeping my family safe, but it seems every time I feel I did the right thing, it always ends up hurting my family."
"Oh daddy," said Attina as she walks over and hugs her father. "We know you were trying to keep us all safe and we aren't mad at you. But we need to know everything if we're going to save Ariel and stop your brother…who I guess I should call my evil uncle?"
"She's right, your majesty," said Sebastian who agrees with Attina. "We need to focus all our energy in finding out what they're up to and why they took Ariel."
"And get her back," said Eric who knows they need the king to help them getting Ariel back.
Triton knew his family were right. He can't let his mistake keep him from doing the right thing. His daughter needs him. And he'll do whatever it takes to save her.
"All right. I think we can assume right away he wasn't after the trident," said Triton as he looks over to his destroyed weapon. "But he did make sure to destroy it to ensure I can't use my powers."
"It still doesn't make any sense," said Eric who knew something didn't seem right with what Titus did. "The trident is the most powerful weapon in the world. It's powers can do almost anything the user wants and reign over the sea."
"And yet Titus destroyed it as if it didn't matter to him," said Captain Nereus.
"If the trident isn't what he was after, then what is it he wants and why take the queen?" Captain Bryan asked.
Triton begins thinking carefully about anything his brother said that might give them a clue of what he's up to. What he seeks and why he took his daughter. It was then he begins remembering his words, before the pirate girl, Gabriella got involved: "What makes you think I came here for this weak, pathetic, and inferior weapon? When I have a much bigger prize waiting for me."
Triton's eyes widened when he realized exactly what his brother meant and what he's up to. "Poseidon's trident," he whispered.
"I'm sorry, what?" Eric asked wondering what the king said.
"He's after my father, Poseidon's original trident," said Triton as he reveals what his brother is after, before walking over to the table where he picked up his destroyed weapon. "The trident you see before you is not the original that was made for my father. The original was a far more powerful weapon. It was one of the three original weapons that was made during the great Titan War."
"The Titan War?" Sebastian asked who was confused by what this war was.
"The great Titan War," said Eric as he remembers hearing the story during Melody's lessons with her private teacher. "It was fought between the former rulers of the world, the Titans. They were led by their king, Kronos (Cronos/Cronus), who overthrew his father, Uranus. However, he was warned that one day, one of his own children would overthrow him, like he did with his own father. So, one by one, when the children were born, he would swallow them whole to keep the prophecy from being fulfilled."
"I remember this too," said Attina who remembers reading about this in her father's private library. "It was the last child, Zeus, who was saved by his mother, and was sent away to grow up. Once he returned, he was able to free his siblings and together, they began their war against the Titans. Defeating them, sealing the Titans away, and ruled over the Earth."
"All true," said Triton as he reveals that the stories they read and heard, were all true. "However, they didn't fight their enemies alone. They had help from those who were sealed away by the Titans. Those same beings, the Cyclops, helped the Gods in their war against the Titans. Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades were even given their own powerful weapons to help them in their war. One of them being the original trident."
"The same one that your brother used to seek his revenge against his father, right?" Sebastian asked as he gets a small nod from Triton. "If that's true, then where is it? Maybe if we can find it, then you can use it to put your brotha in his place."
"I'm afraid I don't know where it is," Triton replied, before he placed his weapon pieces on the table again, before turning to the others. "After our brother's defeat and after our home sunk beneath the sea, father had entrusted me with this trident. And my sister was entrusted to hide the original. Somewhere none of us would know and to ensure it never falls in the wrong hands again."
"But what's to stop your brother from getting his hands on it?" Eric asked figuring since he used it once, he can do it again.
"After his defeat, father had a spell placed on the trident. One that would prevent anyone, except of royal blood or the trident deems as worthy, can ever use it," Triton explained.
"So, he can't get to it then," said Attina who was confused as to why he would be going after this weapon if he can't…hold on. Attina just realized why Titus kidnapped Ariel. "Daddy, would the spell prevent us, your daughters or grandchildren, from ever getting the trident?"
Triton was about to answer, but then stops when he realized that it was entirely possible the spell wouldn't keep his kin from getting to the trident. The spell only keeps those of non-royal blood and who the trident deems as worthy from being able to use it.
"That's why he took Ariel then. He intends to use her to get the trident," said Triton who knew this isn't good at all. "If he gets his hands on the weapon, he could finish what he started long ago. And that's wipe out all human life on this planet."
Attina gasped from the revelation, while Eric had a more concerned look on his face. He knew if they want to prevent this, they must find where the trident is located.
"Your highness, are you sure you don't know where your sister is located? Where could she have kept the trident?" Eric asked hoping the king might have an idea of where to find the trident, knowing the pirates will go there with his wife.
"I really don't know. My sister was sworn to secrecy never to reveal where she would be at to hide the trident and would never leave it unguarded," said Triton who knew his sister was dedicated to her job and would do everything in her power to keep the trident hidden.
"Your highness, I suggest we begin interrogating the pirates we've captured," said Captain Nereus who knew their best chance of finding the pirates, is through the captives.
"Wait!" the door opened as Melody had burst in the room. "We should talk to Gabriella first. She knows who Titus is and can help us find him."
"Melody, you're supposed to be in your room," said Eric who should have figured Melody would be snooping around here. "Let us handle this."
Melody had indeed snuck out of her room to go overhear what the adults were talking about. She was hoping they would find out who this Titus was and why he kidnapped her mother. She heard everything. Everything about who this Titus is, his history with her family, and what he's after.
"B-But she clearly has history with him," said Melody who tries to get them to listen to her. "She can help us find out where they're at and can help us get mom back."
"I'm afraid we already spoke to her," said Captain Bryan, who gets a look from his king.
"I'm sorry. You interrogated her? Without letting me know about it?" Eric asked who didn't seem happy to hear this.
"I-It was after we took her to her holding cell, sir," said Captain Bryan as he tries to explain himself. "You were busy with what had happened, so we tried to get some information from her. But she said nothing, sir. One of the guards did try to get her to speak, but she kicked him hard in the groin and we had to take him to the infirmary."
Eric sighed softly knowing this will make things difficult for them to get her to talk. "Okay, I should go down there to talk to her then."
"I'll go with you," said Triton as he offers to join her.
"I don't know about that," said Eric as he recalls how Triton acted around Gabriella last night. "We need to talk to her as peacefully as possible. We can't risk saying something wrong and have her shut down."
Eric knew about Triton's feelings against pirates. Ariel had told him about what happened to her mother and how her father despised pirates. That's why he was so worried something bad would happen to his children. He didn't want to relieve that moment again.
Triton understood what Eric is referring to and took a deep breath, before exhaling. "I understand, but I'll be sure to keep my feelings under control. For the sake of my daughter, I'll do it."
"I'll go too," said Attina who figures with her by her father's side, she'll keep him from losing it. "We need to do whatever we can to get her to open up and tell us what she knows."
Eric nods in agreement before he turns to his guard and Triton's. "As for you two, do me a favor and interrogate the other pirates. Get them to talk, but do not harm them. We won't sink to their level and use force to get them to talk."
"It doesn't mean we can't make it seem like we would," said Triton who knew a show of strength and intimidation can help.
Eric knew if no physical harm was caused, intimidation will have to do. "Melody, please go back to your room and wait there. We'll go talk to Gabriella and see what she can give us."
"O-Okay," said Melody as she begins leaving the room quietly before closing the door.
Attina seemed confused by Melody's response, before turning to Eric. "I'm surprised she didn't tell you she wanted to come along. I would have figured due to her friendship with Gabriella, she'd want to help us out and get her to talk."
Eric sighed softly and shook his head. "Last night seemed to have strained that friendship, I'm afraid," he explains what happened and how hurt Gabriella looked when Melody turned from her. "I think maybe she's afraid of what Gabriella will say if she sees her."
Attina can't blame the poor girl for how she feels, yet she knew she did lie to them about who she is. Still, that was no excuse for turning their back on her. She risked her life to save her sister, her niece, and Lapis. Not to mention saving the rest of the people in the castle from the pirates.
"Well, hopefully when we tell her what we need her help with, that she'll agree to help us out," said Attina who knew that's all they can do, is hope.
"Agreed," said Eric before he grabs his jacket and puts it on. "Now, let's go talk to Gabriella and see what she knows."
Meanwhile
Gabriella is seen in her cell, tapping her middle finger along the cold stone wall. She was sitting in the corner, away from the sunlight as its bright light beamed in through her holding cell window. It's bars keeping her from trying to escape. But had a clear view of the sea and the docks.
She sat in her cell, wearing the clothes she had on before the party. After being brought down here, the guards handed her old clothes, so she wouldn't be in her torn dress from last night. Once she had changed, she kept the dress. Using it more as a pillow, so she wouldn't have her head on the cold ground.
When Gabriella had been brought in, she found the place to be quiet, but clean. It was rare for her to find herself in a dungeon, where the place is cleaned. It also tells her that the king and queen never had any prisoners kept down here. Yet, they still try to keep this place as clean as possible.
She soon hears a bell ringing and begins to smile as she looks to see it's her fairy friend, Lara. "Good morning," she greeted.
"Good morning," Lara replied before landing on her friend's knee. "I take it you were able to get some sleep?"
"Surprisingly? Yes," Gabriella replied before she begins to stretch her arms. "Who would have thought their dungeon would feel so comfortable to sleep in. Better than the other ones we stayed in."
"More like you stayed in," Lara reminded her friend she could come and go as she pleased without staying for the night in the same cell as her friend. "You know I don't like sleeping in a smelly place, with the pirates trying to trick a dog into giving them the keys."
"Speaking of which," Gabriella's expression turns to a more serious one, before she continued. "Do you know where they kept the rest of Titus' men?"
Lara nods before flying off her friend's knee and points to where they are. "A few rooms down that way. I listened in on them, while they were trying to get the guard dog to give them the keys," why is it everywhere they go, there's always a guard dog with the key in their mouth, Lara thought. "But they don't seem to know anything. It looks more like they were new to joining Titus."
Gabriella knew that means this crew won't give them any information then. "Damn," she muttered under her breath. "If this is true, then these guys won't be able to tell us where their boss is going or why he took the queen."
"It doesn't make any sense," said Lara as she crossed her legs, while sitting on her friend's knee. "In all our journeys, we've never heard Titus taking any prisoners with him. Hell, he rarely even attacks a kingdom and kidnaps the royal families. So, why do this?"
"I think the real question is, where the hell did, he get that sword?" Gabriella remembers seeing him use his weapon to block the power of the trident. "The trident is said to be a powerful ancient magical weapon. One capable of doing anything the user wants. And yet, Titus' sword was able to deflect it. That's a level of magic that Titus shouldn't be capable of using."
"And he was able to destroy the trident with his own hands," said Lara who saw the destroyed weapon next to the king of the sea. "You're extremely lucky you caught him off-guard, otherwise, he would have killed you."
"Oh please, I would have been fine regardless," said Gabriella who knew she was too slippery to be caught by that monster. "And he knows he was lucky he got away alive. Had it not been for that stupid crew of his, he would have been dead."
"Well, he's not and you're stuck here," said Lara who knew that didn't change their situation. She soon stood up and dusts off her dress. "Thankfully for you, I got a way for us to escape."
"How? You told me last night the ships were all destroyed," said Gabriella who knew there was no more ship that they wanted that would get them out of here.
"Not quite," Lara motions for her friend to follow her and point outside the window.
Gabriella gets up and jumps up to hold on to the bars to look outside. In doing so, she saw a ship coming into port. Exactly the kind of ship they're looking for. She even saw a large warship coming in, which she didn't recognize before.
"I overheard some of the guards mentioned how the royal family from Arendelle had send one of their ships to assist the people. The bigger one behind them is from Corona," Lara explained.
Gabriella begins to chuckle softly as she realizes they may yet escape from this place after all. "Good work, Lara. Now, all we need is to find a way to escape," she knew that will be the easy part. "Once we do that and we get my belongings, then we'll be on our way."
"Speaking of which," Lara flew out of the cell and begins flying back up with a rope, attached to the bag Gabriella had buried outside the palace. "I dug it up last night and pulled it over here while the guards were busy."
Gabriella pulls on the rope and manages to get her bag in. It took some bit of effort due to how big it is, but she was able to make it fit through the bars.
"Lara, did I ever tell you how awesome you are," Gabriella asked before hearing some noises coming from the entrance. "Hide, now," she told her friend, before hiding the bag under her dress.
Lara flies out of the cell, while Gabriella moves the hidden bag under the bench that was in the cell. Hoping the dress will keep it covered. She soon lies down on the bench, with her hat covering her face. Making it seem like she was asleep.
She soon hears a man clearing his throat, before she moves her hat up to see who it is. Making the pirate girl smile and chuckle.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the king of this great land, the king of the sea, and one of his daughters," said Gabriella as she begins to sit up and turns to the trio. "Must be my lucky day if you three came to see little old me."
"I trust you've been treated well, Gabriella?" Eric asked before noticing the tray with her food was still untouched. "I take it you aren't hungry?"
"Don't have much of an appetite, considering you all did lock me up in here," said Gabriella as she had no interest in eating their food.
"Perhaps if you had been more forthcoming with us, you wouldn't be in here," said Triton before getting a small elbow hit from his daughter, reminding him to behave.
Gabriella begins to chuckle again, as she crossed her legs on the bench. "Oh yeah, now that sounds like a great idea," she then begins trying to talk like Melody. "Hey mom and dad, meet my friend Gabriella. She's a pirate, but that's okay, she's a good guy. Can she come over for tea and biscuit?"
The silence response from the trio showed Gabriella had a right to keep her identity a secret.
"Just like I thought," said Gabriella who had her point clear. "You royal people are all the same. You think because one is a pirate, that automatically assumes they're all bad. I'll have you know, there are pirates out there that have a code of honor and stick by with it. And don't go around attacking innocent people or pillage their homes."
"If that's the case, then I suggest you be forthcoming from now on and tells us everything you know," said Triton.
"Ah, that's why you're here. To interrogate me then?" Gabriella walks up from the bench and begins walking around. "You do realize what happened to your guards when they tried that earlier, right?"
Eric clears his throat and nods. "Yes, and how you attacked him."
"Only because he touched me and I didn't like it," said Gabriella who has no regrets with what she did.
"Regardless, we need you to tell us what you know about Titus," said Eric as he explains why they're here. "Where he makes port, where he could be hiding out, and what you know about why he took my wife."
Gabriella figured that's why they came to see her. Why else would they waste their time coming to see her unless it was for information.
"Why should I tell you anything? I mean, don't you have his crew to interrogate?" Gabriella asked as she begins looking down at her nails.
"We want to cover all our bases," said Eric who knew they need to take what they can get. "So, please, tell us, what do you know."
"You didn't answer my question," Gabriella as she walks up to the king, stopping right at the bars, separating the two. "Why should I tell you anything? What's in it for me?"
Triton was about to speak up, but Attina kept him from saying anything and spoke up next. "Gabriella, was it? I understand you're close to my niece and how close you got with my sister. I know you're not a bad guy and not like the pirates that attacked us. If you help tell us what you know, then we'll help you out."
Gabriella begins tapping on the prison bars and looks up at them. As if she's thinking about what the other is offering her but begins to chuckle. "You know, it's funny. You remind me so much of this other royal family I met. Those that were in a similar situation. Where their queen was kidnapped by these pirates, and they asked me for their help."
Gabriella tells them that she would do it if she got her freedom in exchange. They agreed, she told them everything, and even went to rescue the queen from the pirates.
"But then when I returned, you know what they did? They had me arrested and tried to cut my head off," Gabriella replied while still remembering that day and how the one she thought cared for her, ended up betraying her. "Since then, I made it clear never to trust the word of a royal family, especially with someone who has a deep hatred against what I am."
Attina seems confused by what she meant by that, before seeing Gabriella pointing to her father. "My father hates pirates, yes. But he's never killed any pirate."
"You sure about?" Gabriella asked as she takes a step back. "You want to tell her or should I?"
Triton's expression soon turns to one of anger, to one of regret as his daughter stares at her father, confused on what the girl is talking about.
"After your mother's death, I went after the pirates who killed her. When I found them…I showed no mercy," said Triton revealing that he had taken his revenge.
"Not just them," said Gabriella as she turns away from the group and walks to look out the window. "According to the stories I was told, you sunk down several different pirate ships that once sailed through here. Why else do you think you don't get any pirates, King Eric? You can thank your father-in-law for that."
Eric had wondered why pirates fear Triton. He knew they killed Triton's wife, but he didn't know that he went to get his revenge and killed so many pirates.
Even Attina didn't know anything about this. She knew her father had such distain towards the pirates, but she didn't know it was to the point he hunted them down. She can at least understand Gabriella's reason for not trusting her father. But it didn't mean she couldn't trust in them.
"I understand why you don't want to trust us, but we still need your help," said Attina who knew they needed her to find Ariel. "Please, just tell us what you know about Titus and how we can find my siter. If not for us, then do it for Ariel and Melody then."
"She's right," said Eric who knew they needed her help to hunt down Titus. "You're Melody's friend, so please help her by helping us find the pirates. If you do, then I promise you, you'll have your freedom."
Gabriella kept her back towards the group, almost as if she's thinking about the offer. She then turns towards the group and crossed her arms.
"First off, I believe Melody has made it clear we're no longer friends, especially how she turned her back towards me," said Gabriella as she made it clear they're not friends anymore. "Secondly, I know nothing to help you find Titus."
"W-What do you mean you know nothing?" Triton replied knowing the girl is lying. "I know you know something. You spoke to Titus as if you have history with one another. So, you must know something about him and where he's at."
"We have history yes," Gabriella admitted. "He attacked my ship three years ago and killed much of my crew. Including a priest, who was my guardian and my best friend. He showed no mercy, no chance at negotiating, he burned my ship, and left me marooned on an island to die. That's my history with him, as the bastard who took the life of my friends and tried to kill me."
Gabriella walks over to the group before pressing her hands on the bars. "I had spent the last three years hunting the bastard down, but I could never find him. So, sorry, but I don't know a damn thing about where he's at or where he's sailing towards."
"Y-You can't be serious," said Eric asked who couldn't believe that Gabriella didn't know anything to help them find Titus. "There must be something you can tell us on how to find him."
"Nope, sorry. Nothing," said Gabriella as she took a step back. "I've got nothing that can help you out."
Triton, Attina, and Eric turn towards each other, knowing this isn't good. If she really doesn't know anything, then they'll have to find other ways to track down the pirates and save Ariel.
They didn't anything else towards Gabriella and begins to leave.
Once they were gone, Gabriella sees Lara flying out from her hiding spot. "A little harsh, don't you think? I mean, I know you're mad, but don't you think you could have offered to tell them anything else?"
Gabriella sighed knowing her friend wasn't wrong, but with how she felt. She couldn't control herself.
"I know, but with how things went with Melody and how she turned her back on me…I just can't afford to let my guard down again and believe they'll keep their word," said Gabriella as she gets her bag out. "Now, go find the keys and see if you can lure the dog over here. I'm going to get dressed."
Lara understood and decided not to pursue this any longer. She knows Gabby needs time to recover and hopefully when they escape, she'll do the right thing.
The two were unaware though that during the conversation between the adults and Gabriella was being watched. Watched by a young teenage girl, who was listening in through a hole in the walls. The hole is soon filled in by a stone before the figure begins to leave.
Meanwhile
Melody returned to her bedroom, with a conflicted expression on her face. It has been a long night and she hardly got any sleep. Not hard to imagine though, especially after what happened last night. It started off promisingly well, until the pirates attacked, until Undertow appeared, until her mother got kidnapped, and then finding out her best friend was a pirate.
It was a lot for her to take in and wasn't sure how to handle or even react to it all.
Was she mad that her friend was a pirate? Yes. But was she mad at herself for not standing up to her? Yes.
Gabriella is a pirate, but it didn't mean she should have turned her back to her. She risked her life to save them from Undertow and the pirates. When she overheard Carlotta telling her how Gabriella saved her, Grimsby, and Chef Louis from the pirates, she knew she wasn't a bad person. If she was, she would have tried to harm them.
"But why did she have to keep it a secret?" Gabriella asked herself. "Was she worried how I would react?" she turns towards the balcony and walks towards it to see the sailors helping clean up the debris left behind by the pirate attack. "I guess I can't blame her. I bet it's the same reason why my parents didn't want to tell me the truth about banning me from the sea. Fear."
Melody knew her parents were afraid that Morgana would hurt her and they'd lose her forever. Much like her grandfather tried to keep her mother from the surface world. Out of fear he'd lose her. Much like how her grandmother was killed by pirates.
Melody lets out a loud groan and falls backwards on her bed. "I'm such an idiot!"
"I don't think you're an idiot," said Lapis as she walks in from the closet. "I just think you were in shock with what happened. I know I was."
"Lapis!" Melody got up from the bed and walks over to her friend. "How did it go? What happened? Is Gabriella, okay? My grandpa didn't hurt her, right?"
Lapis placed her hands on her friend's shoulders to help calm her down. "Easy, Mel. It's all okay…well, somewhat."
Melody and Lapis had found the secret room in Melody's closet when they had stayed up late last night. Lapis was trying to occupy her mind after what happened and was curious to see if her friend had a secret room too, like the one in her parent's room. Lapis did indeed find the room and how it led to several tunnels.
One of them leading towards the dungeon room. Towards a wall, which allowed them to hear what's going on in the room. Even found a loose rock to pull out of. To see what's going on in the room too, without being seen.
"What do you mean, somewhat?" Melody asked who didn't like the sound of that. "Did Gabby tell them anything to help find my mom?"
"Well, um not exactly," Lapis replied before she tries her best to explain what happened. "She told them she didn't know anything. She does know him, but not enough to tell them where to find him or where he's heading."
"A-Are you sure?" Melody asked before getting a nod from her friend. This caused her to sigh softly before she walks back to her bed and sits down. "I really thought she knew more."
Lapis walks over to her friend and sits on the bed next to her. "I'm sorry, Mel. I wish she knew something too."
Melody soon begins thinking about the other thing she wanted to know but was also worried to find out. "Lapis, did she say anything else? Like, does she…hate me?"
Lapis' expression turning to a nervous one and tries not to look at her friend in the eyes. She had hope she wouldn't have asked about that, but she knew it was going to be brought up.
"I mean, she didn't use the words 'hate' or 'angry'. But she did say she wasn't your friend anymore," said Lapis while withholding some of the other things she said. "I'm sorry."
Melody felt her guilt that she already had, getting worse. She felt so much guilt for turning her back on her friend and wanted to do something about it. She wanted to go see her, apologize to her, and be her friend again. But now with what Lapis told her, she feels its all too late now.
Melody stood up from her bed and walks over to her nightstand, before pushing it over in anger. Mostly at herself for not being there for her friend, like Gabby was with her.
Lapis has seen Melody get upset, but never like this before. She stood up and goes over to her. "Mel, are you okay?"
Melody lets out a small sigh before she shook her head in response. "No, I'm not. I hurt her, Lapis. Even after all she did to prove she wasn't a bad guy, I still hurt her by turning my back to her. And I hate myself for not being there for her when she needed it."
"I know, Mel, but you were in shock with what happened. I'm sure if you had known the truth beforehand, then things could have gone differently," said Lapis who tries her best to cheer her friend up. "Just give it time. I'm sure once we find a lead on finding your mother, then they'll free Gabriella and you two will end up being friends."
Melody knew her friend is trying to make her feel better, but it wasn't working. She knows time is not on their side. If they don't hurry to find out where her mother is, then it will be too late. And there's no telling what they'll do to Gabriella if her mother isn't rescued soon.
Melody walks out to the balcony and looks down to see two ships heading into dock. She knew what she wanted to do. She wanted to go out and find her mother. But she had no clue on how to find her or where these pirates were heading to.
"Hey!" Melody gasps and leans away from the balcony, before hearing the voice coming down from below. "Found another one. Help me out."
Melody looks down and sees it was some of the royal guards. They were seen carrying what looked like a dead body. One that was washed up on the shore. From the look of the body, it was one of the pirates.
"What is it now? The 10th or 15th body we found?" one of the guards asked.
"Nah. It was at least 35 now," said the first guard as they carried the body out of the water. "Hard to imagine there were this many pirates that attacked us."
"How so?" the second guard asked as they carry the body towards a wagon.
"Well, it takes at least six to ten to sail a ship the size that they came in. Not to mention having at least ten down below to help fire the cannons. And we saw at least ten rowing back to the ship," said the first guard as they threw the body into the back of the wagon. "You round up the numbers, that's close to 26 to 30. So, they lost half of their crew during the fight."
"Wow. That's um bad," said the second guard who knew they lost a lot of their own, but they have something the pirates don't have. "But if they come back again, we'll be more prepared and we'll have more men coming in to join us fight against them."
"Ay," the first guard agreed, before bringing something important up. "But what happens if they go replenish their numbers? We can get more to join our rank, but so can the pirates, especially if they find more to sail under their rank to fight against us. I can bet you the first thing they'll do is go find more to join their crew, before they sail off wherever they're going."
The second guard didn't think that through and knew that was true. "Well, if they do that, where would they get the crew, they need?"
"Wherever pirates go to get more of their crew. I don't know. Only a pirate knows," said the first guard before they head to front of the carriage and begins having the horses move to continue with their job.
Once they were gone, Melody begins to stand up and think about what they said. If what they said is true, then that means. It was then she begins to formulate a plan. A risky, dangerous, but good plan in her view.
She begins walking over towards her closet and begins to pull out a bag. All while Lapis looks on, wondering what her friend is doing.
"Um, Mel? What are you doing?" Lapis asked.
"Packing," said Melody as she begins putting some clothes in her bag, before going to her nightstand and pulls out some more.
"W-Wait a minute. Why are you packing? Are you going somewhere?" Lapis asked who had no idea what her friend is planning.
"Yes, I am. I'm going to go find my mom," said Melody as she finishes packing her clothes, before pulling out a bag from her nightstand, revealing to be gold coins inside.
"Wait, what?!" Lapis grabs her friend's bag, before pulling it back. "No, you're not. It's too dangerous and you don't even know where she's at. And it's also too dangerous!"
"Yes, it is," said Melody as she pulls her bag back. "But we both know if my mom was here and I was taken, she'd come look for me too. Like she did years ago."
Lapis took the bag back and brought up a counterargument. "Big difference there. You ran away from home and believed the lie of a sea witch. Your mom was captured by pirates. P-I-R-A-T-E-S. The same ones led by your evil uncle who destroyed the king's trident and was a monster."
"Don't you think I know that?" Melody replied as she pulls her bag back.
"If you know all of that, then why are you still trying to go?" Lapis asked.
"Because she's, my mom!" Melody shouts in response, causing the room to become silent, while tears begin forming in the young princess' eyes. She begins to wipe them away, while she continued to speak. "She sacrificed herself to save our lives. I can't just sit here and wait while my mom is in danger. I know it's dangerous, I know it's foolish, and I know the risk, but I don't care. She's my mom, I must do something."
Lapis was a little stunned with what her friend said, since she never saw her like this before. Still, she understood her feelings. If her parents were in danger, she'd do anything to help them. In fact, she has several times when their business was in danger.
She would go out to find valuable objects to help trade in, to help keep her family's business going. It was dangerous and almost got eaten a few times, but she knew it was worth it to help keep her family happy.
Lapis knew what she's going to say is crazy, but what Melody said wasn't exactly sane either. "I'm going with you."
Melody turns to her friend, before wiping away the rest of her tears. "N-No way. It's too dangerous. I'm not going to risk you getting hurt too."
Lapis pulls out a napkin and walks up to her friend, before wiping away her tears. "Like you're going to stop me from going. If you go into danger, then I'll be right behind you all the way. Just like the time I followed you to that shipwreck and we almost got eaten by three sharks."
Melody knew what her friend is referring to and couldn't help but chuckle softly. "It was two, Lapis. Not three. You just saw three because you got hit on the head."
"Two, three, or even one. It doesn't matter. I still stuck by your side in the end anyways," said Lapis before putting the napkin away and brings her friend in for a hug. "And I'm going to keep doing it even now."
Melody felt herself feeling better and returns the hug. She was so lucky to have such an amazing friend like Lapis by her side. Something she wished she had done with Gabriella. But maybe she has a chance to make it up to her with what she has planned.
Lapis breaks the hug and begins clearing her throat. "Now then, do you have a plan on how we're going to find the pirates?"
"I might have a lead on how we can find them, and I know just the person to help us out," said Melody before she motions for her friend to follow her. "Come on. Let's get going before my dad finds out."
Meanwhile
Gabriella is seen with a piece of chicken drumstick in her hand, as she's using it to try luring a small sheepdog with grey/white fur along his body. She had Lara lure the dog into the room after the guards had taken the pirates from the other room to be interrogated elsewhere. So, Gabriella used this chance to try luring the dog to her. Using the food, she didn't eat to bring the dog over, so she can get the key from his mouth.
"Come on, boy. Come here," Gabriella whistles to the dog over, while moving the food around in her hand. "I got a nice juicy chicken for you."
"I still think I should just put the dog to sleep and get the key," said Lara as she spoke to her friend while on her hat. "You know this isn't going to work."
"What do you mean? Of course, it will," said Gabriella as she reassures her friend this will work. "It worked on grandpa's dog all the time."
"No. It worked, because your grandpa had the dog go to you and not for the chicken you had," said Lara as she brought up how things went.
"It was turkey thank you very much and I'm betting it will work differently this time with chicken," said Gabriella as she keeps on whistling to the dog to come to her. "Come here, baby. Come get the chicken and give mommy the keys."
Lara sighed in annoyance and facepalms her face. "Gabby, this is just a waste of time. It isn't going to…" the dog soon goes up to Gabriella and drops the key in front of her, before getting the chicken.
"That's a good boy~ You're such a good boy~ Yes you are," said Gabriella as she begins petting the dog's head, while grabbing the keys, before turning to her friend with a smug look.
Lara huffed and turned away. "Whatever. Just get the door open and let's get out of here."
As Gabriella goes to use the keys to open the door, she hears the door to the entrance of the dungeon opening. Gabriella hides throws the key under the bench, before she walks back to sit on the bench, while Lara flies under the bench for cover.
Gabriella and Lara had expected it to be one of the two kings or Ariel's sisters to come see her. To try convincing her to give them what she knows.
"Gabriella," Gabriella looks up from under her hat and is surprised to see its Melody, and her friend Lapis. "H-Hey there."
Gabriella lifts her hat and looks surprised. Still angry, but also surprised and confused. She hadn't expected Melody to show up to see her. Since, well, she figured she didn't want to see her again.
"Well, this is a surprise. Not many princesses come down to see a dangerous pirate," said Gabriella as she crossed her arms and shows she still had some bit of anger in her.
Melody took notice of the response and figured she'd react like this. "That would be true, but then again, you aren't a dangerous pirate. Or at the very least, not like the ones from last night."
"No? And yet, you turned away from me as if I was dangerous," said Gabriella as she brought up what she did when the truth came out.
"I did and I am sorry for that," said Melody who apologized for what she did, but did try to defend her actions a little. "But it's not like you weren't honest with me about the truth as well. You lied to me. You didn't tell me you were a pirate. Maybe if you had been forthcoming, I could have acted differently."
Gabriella gave a small chuckle as she lifts her feet up and crossed her legs. "How exactly did I lie? Hmm? Please, tell me, what did I say that was a lie?"
"Well, um you never told me you were a pirate," said Melody as she brought up the lie that Gabriella told her.
"Hmm, no," Gabriella replied as she tells her how that's false. "You never asked if I was a pirate. Did I say I sailed the seas? Yes, but that didn't make me a pirate."
Melody knew that was true. She never did ask her if she was a pirate and she never confirmed she was one or made it seem like she wasn't one.
"Well, what about your father?" Lapis asked as she spoke up next. "You told Melody he was a sailor, not a famous, dangerous, pirate."
"Also false," said Gabriella as she once again disproves these lies. "I told Mel my I was looking for my father. I never confirmed with him he was a pirate and never a sailor too."
Melody knew this was true too, since it was something, she assumed. "I told her he was a sailor. I just figured since he was out in the sea, he was a sailor too."
"Exactly," said Gabriella as she felt a little good about disproving, she wasn't a liar to the girls. "So, you see. I was somewhat forthcoming with you and your family, Melody. I just didn't tell you my secret as a pirate, the same reason you were worried about me finding out the truth. You were afraid."
"My secret is different from yours. I'm half-mermaid, you're a pirate. It's not the same," said Melody as she realizes this is going nowhere and tries to get back on topic. "Okay, look. I get it. You're right. I really am sorry for turning my back on you Gabby and I wish I could take it all back. And I know you likely will never forgive me, but I'm hoping you'd give me a chance to try to make it up to you."
"I find it unlikely, especially since this is all clearly a trick from your dad to try to get me to spill something about Titus," said Gabriella who isn't buying that Melody came down here on her own.
"She didn't come here because her father asked her. She came here to make you a deal," said Lapis as she tries to defend her friend from Gabriella's accusation.
"A deal?" Gabriella asked as her curiosity was getting the better of her. "What deal?"
Melody has her friend step back, before she steps forward until her hands are holding the cell bars. "Gabby, do you care what happens to me? Or rather, do you care about what happens to my mother?"
Gabriella wasn't sure where she was going with this, but she decided to humor her. "I mean, I don't want to see anything bad happen to either one of you."
Melody knew this was a good start at least. It shows she may hate her for what she did, but she didn't want her to get hurt.
"And if you were given a chance to save her, would you do it?" Melody asked.
Gabriella was now very curious to see where this was going, so she begins approaching Melody. "Melody, what are you trying to do?"
"Just please answer the question. Would you?" Melody asked hoping she'd say what she hopes she'll say.
Gabriella walks up to the bars and looks straight into Melody's eyes. She could see she was up to something, but clearly needed to hear what she has to say before she tells her.
She moves her hands up to the cell bars right above Melody's hands and answers her question. "I would, but…" she decides to ask her own question. "The question is, would you do the same thing for your own mother? Would you sail to the end of the world to do it?"
Melody's hands brushes against Gabriella's, while her eyes locked onto the pirate girl's, before she answers her. "I would."
Gabriella begins to form a smile as she figures out what Melody is planning and begins to chuckle. "You came to break me out, didn't you?"
Melody nods in response, showing no sign of surprise or shock that the other figured out what she's up to. Lapis on the other hand, was still in shock that this was Melody's plan. She had a feeling it was, but she didn't think she'd actually do it. But then again, it did make sense.
To find a pirate, they need a pirate to help them.
Here's the deal, I break you out of here and you take us with you to find my mom. We free her from Titus, we escape, and come back home in one piece. In exchange, I'll make sure you get a full pardon from my parents and even give you your own ship to sail off to wherever you want to go. What do you say?" Melody clearly had thought this through and knew it was a risk, but it was one she was willing to take.
"My oh my, this is very interesting," said Gabriella who didn't expect this day to go the way it is now. "You, a princess wish to sail under the same ship with a pirate? To rescue your mother from another pirate and bring you all back in one piece. And you're promising me all these wonderful things if I do this. Is that right?"
Melody gave another small nod, showing she's serious. "Do we have a deal?"
Gabriella leans close, which caused Melody to do the same, before she gave her response in a whisper. "No."
She pulls back and begins walking back to her seat. "No?" Lapis spoke up, looking angry. "Are you serious? She's offering to help break you out of here, offer a pardon, and give you a ship. How can you say no to that?"
"Because the deal only works if I can find the bastard," said Gabriella as she explains the situation. "I'm not going to make a deal when I can't live up to my side of the deal. My grandfather taught me better than to do that and dishonor my name for not keeping my word," she kicks her feet up and begins to lie down on the bench. "So, sorry, princess. But I can't help you."
Melody and Lapis turns to one another, before Melody begins to smile. "Well, what if I told you we have a lead on how to find him?"
Gabriella lifts her hat up, looking confused and suspicious. "And how exactly did you find such a lead on how to find him? Hmm?"
"We overheard some of the guards talk about how many men Titus lost. About…a lot, right, Melody?" Lapis asked as she recalls what her friend told her.
Melody nods as she crossed her arms and had a smug look on her face. "And you also injured Titus as well. Meaning, he'll likely need to go somewhere to resupply, get more men, and medicine for his wounds. Now, my father and grandfather won't be able to figure out where they'll likely make port. But if say a pirate who knows where all pirates make port knows, then maybe that might help."
Gabriella gave a small scoff, before she thinks about it more and begins realizing they were right. She did kill a large number of Titus' men and did leave him pretty badly wounded. If he does need to recruit more men and get medication for his injuries. Then she does know exactly where he'll make port.
"But, if you don't want the deal, then fine. I guess we'll go make the offer to the other pirates," said Melody as she begins to leave with Lapis, while whistling for the dog. "Max Jr., come on."
The dog begins to bark and follow the girls, before Gabriella quickly got up from her seat. "Hold on a…" she fell down after slipping, before she gets up and runs to the cell. "Hold on. Now, those pirates your dad has locked up are all stupid morons, who will never provide any good details of where all the pirates make port. I on the other hand, being the granddaughter of two famous pirates, know exactly every detail of where Titus would likely make port."
Melody knew her plan would work and begins walking back towards Gabriella. "So, does this mean you agree to my deal?"
Gabriella begins realizing she just got tricked by Melody, just by looking at the smug look on her face. So, she tries to regain some bit of control.
"Not so fast. If we do this, then you'll need to follow my lead," said Gabriella as she tries to add some more terms to their deal. "I know these seas better than you and your friend. If we do this, then you'll listen to whatever I tell you and when I tell you. And when we do find your mother, we'll get her out my way. Understand?"
Melody figured as much that Gabriella would try this but didn't fight it. She knew about sailing, but nothing else about the sea they're going to travel to and nothing about a pirate's life. So, if they do this, then she'll need to follow Gabriella's lead.
"All right. You got a deal," said Melody as she extended her hand to Gabriella.
Gabriella looks down at her hand, before looking back up to Melody. She soon holds out her hand and shakes her hand. "Deal."
Melody is glad to see they agreed on the deal and turns to her friend. "All right. Let's find the keys and get her out."
"No need," said Gabriella as she walks under the bench to pull out her bag and the keys, before tossing them to Melody. "Had them taken from your dog, after feeding him chicken," she sees the confused look on Melody and Lapis' face, before seeing the bone nearby.
"If you had the keys, why didn't you just say no and escape later?" Lapis asked.
"Well, if I did that, you two would have realized what I did and sound the alarm," Gabriella lied knowing she didn't think that through at all and was just lucky. "Besides, if we're going to set sail, I'm going to need a hand. But before we go, you two are going to need a change of clothes."
"What do you mean?" Melody asked as she looks down at her casual clothes, she'd used when going into town.
"Well, can't let your dad know you two are coming with me. So, if you're going to sail with a pirate," Gabriella pulls out some clothes from her bag. "Then you're going to dress like one."
Later
The guards begin finishing up cleaning up the debris left behind by the attack from last night. Including finding a lot of rowboats that were part of the ships of the royal and noble families that got destroyed. The guards were ordered to round up the boats and take them to be salvaged. However, the boats were too heavy for the men to carry, so they headed off to find some horses to help them pull on the boats.
As the men left, one of the rowboats is seen being lifted as a pair of feet can be seen appearing underneath it. The boat soon moves towards the water, with rocks, tied to a string, attached to the boat as they head into the water. The weight of the rocks helped submerge the boat. Allowing the occupants inside to make their way across the ocean bed, while still having air within the capsized boat.
The occupants inside are soon revealed to be Gabriella, in the front, Melody in the middle, and Lapis in the back. The two girls are seen dressed up in similar clothing as Gabriella, minus the jacket and hats. They instead had bandanas around their heads, allowing their hair to be in a ponytail, and a facemask to cover under their eyes.
Gabriella explained to them her plan, which Melody wasn't a fan of, but knew what she was getting herself into when she agreed to this deal. Lapis on the other hand didn't seem to mind this, especially since she was fascinated with Gabriella's idea of getting them past the guards, and getting to the ship they're going after.
Gabriella also reassured Melody that they're not stealing a ship. But rather commandeering one, with every intention of returning it when they finish their mission.
They soon arrive to their destination. A rather large warship, which was only manned by six men. They were mainly on the ship, waiting for the rest of the crew to finish supplying the smaller ship, but was made more for its speed, than its power. And with time of the essence, King Eric knew they needed this ship to help them hunt down the pirates. He left his captain, Bryan, in charge of supplying the ship, while he works with King Triton to interrogate the rest of the pirates.
Gabriella, Melody, and Lapis begin removing the rocks from the side of the rowboat, before they're lifted up to the surface. Once they made it, Gabriella begins climbing the stern of the ship before tossing a rope down to the girls. The two girls climb up and begin covering their faces with their masks.
Gabriella then hands them both their swords before she took out her gun. While reassuring them, they won't need to use them.
Gabriella makes her way down the steps, with the girls right behind her. "Everyone! Hands up, we're taking the ship!"
"Aye! Avast!" said Melody, trying to sound like a pirate, while her friend Lapis.
"Argh!" Lapis growled in response thinking that's how pirates sound like.
The men begin laughing, while Gabriella mentally groans as she turns to the girls, a bit insulted with what they did.
"This ship cannot be crewed by three girls. Three little girls," said one of the men as the rest laughed with what he said. "You'll never make it out of the harbor alive."
Gabriella begins to form a cocky smile before moving her sword close to the man's neck. "Buddy, I'm Gabriella Sparrow. Daughter to the great Captain Jack Sparrow, granddaughter to Captain Edward Teague, and Captain Edward Teach aka Blackbeard the Pirate. Savvy?"
The men's expression soon turn from cocky to fear as they realize who this girl is. And what she says is the truth, causing them to drop their weapons, and move their hands up.
"Good boys," said Gabriella before she turns to the girls. "Ready for some piracy?"
Back at the dock, Captain Bryan is with Captain Nereus, of King Triton's royal guards, going over the supplies for the trip. They knew it was going to be a long one, but they knew they needed all they can get for the trip.
"Captain Bryan!" one of the guards rushed over to the captain. "You better see this," he hands the captain a telescope, to show what he sees.
Captain Bryan takes it and begins looking through it, seeing the guards he left on the warship, on a rowboat. With one of them shouting at the captain and pointing to the ship. He looks over and sees its Gabriella Sparrow. With two unidentified pirates with him, appearing to be trying to sail the ship.
"Sparrow," said Captain Bryan as he hands the telescope to Captain Nereus. "It seems she was lying and is indeed in league with Titus."
Captain Nereus seems to be angry from this as he crushes the telescope. "Such a foolish girl. I do believe that is one of the worst pirates I've ever seen."
Captain Bryan and Nereus ordered their men to the ship as they begin sailing towards the warship. Looking to take it back from the pirates and arrest them.
They sail past the rowboat and begin moving to the side of the ship. Once they caught up to the ship, they begin throwing grappling hooks and pull the ship closer to allow their boarding bridge to connect with the ship. Allowing them to board it and begin looking for the pirates.
"Search every inch of this ship and arrest them," said Captain Bryan as the entire crew begin looking for the pirates.
Unaware that the girls had used the rope to swing to the other side. Landing on the smaller ship, before Gabriella orders the girls to cut the rope, while she gets to the helm and gets them away.
Captain Nereus realizes something is wrong and looks back to see the pirates taking the ship. "Men! Back to the ship!" he ordered, but it was too late as the bridges collapsed and the rope to their grappling hooks were cut.
"Thank you, gentlemen for getting the ship ready for us!" said Gabriella as she took off her hat and waves it to the men. "We would have had a hard time for us to get the ship ready on our own."
The guards opened fire with their rifles, but the pirates were out of range and they missed. Captain Bryan sees what happened and begins making his way to the helm.
"Set top sails and get the long nines in range of the ship," said Captain Bryan as he ordered his men to get the ship moving, so he can fire their cannons at it.
"You indent to sink them?" Captain Nereus asked as he stood by Bryan's side. "I don't think our allies of Arendelle will like this at all."
"I think they'd rather see her sink beneath the sea than fall in the hands of these pirates," said Captain Bryan while noticing one of the men having trouble moving the helm. "What's going on?"
"Sir, I don't know, I think…" it was then the guard realized what was wrong. "I think she disabled the rudder sir."
If this is true, then the ship can't make any turns and that will allow the enemy to escape. Captain Bryan looks back towards the pirates, realizing the whole thing was a trap. The pirates used them to get the ship ready for sail, tricked them to bring it out to them, disabled the warship, and took the smaller ship without killing anyone or hurting any of the guards.
This caused Captain Bryan to begin laughing a little, which caught Captain Nereus' attention. "What's so funny?"
"You said that has to be the worst pirate you've ever seen and yet she took the ship from right under us, without harming a single one of our men," said Captain Bryan as he brought up what was so funny. "She truly is Jack Sparrow's child. Doing what seems impossible, possible, without harming a single man."
Captain Nereus wasn't sure if that was truly funny, but more impressive that she did all this without any problems. "So, it would seem. You know we'll need to inform our kings of this, right?"
"But of course, but first," Captain Bryan begins turning to the helm and sighed. "We need to fix the ruder first."
That's the end of the chapter and yep, I borrowed a scene from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. One that is still one of my favorites and one that's true. Jack impressed Norrington because he took the ship without killing a single man or harming one. So, obviously I'm going to use the same one that Gabriella's dad did before.
Also, it looks like Gabriella is now working with Lapis and Melody to get Ariel back. It also looks like Titus is seeking the original trident. One more powerful than the one Triton had been using. Think they'll succeed in finding Ariel before it's too late?
Also, how do you think Melody and Lapis will do being pirates? Think they'll be able to play along until they can get Ariel back? Think they'll find wherever Titus is hiding out? And how long till Eric finds out what his daughter did?
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.