Here we go with the thirteen 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.
Also, thank you to those who left the reviews for the last chapter. I appreciate it and so does my friend. We are now going into the part of the story my friend had been wanting to get to for some time. How will things go from here on out?
Also, the story is set before the events of the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie. So, we're not close to the fifth one involving Henry Turner and Carina Smyth. There will be some familiar characters appearing in the story. However, none of the major ones from the fourth or fifth one appearing.
Now then, last time we saw how Melody and Lapis broke Gabriella out. Joining up with her, in exchange, she helps them find Ariel, and rescue her. Will they find her in time? Will they be able to save her and stop Titus from whatever he's going to do?
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 XIII
Tirulia
"How could you two have allowed this to happen?!" King Triton shouted as his words echoed across the castle.
To say he was in a bad mood is an understatement. He was livid.
King Triton and Eric were busy interrogating the pirates that they had captured. They had the pirates separated, so they can see if the information they get is accurate to what the other said. Unfortunately, none of the pirates offered anything substantial. Mainly due to their stories offering nothing that seems true and sounds more like they're saying whatever the other wants for their freedom.
Mainly due to the fact the pirates were never told much about what Titus was up to.
They were just told do as they're told, they won't get killed, and they'll get what they're owed.
While the king and Eric were off speaking to the pirates, they had been informed that the pirate, Gabriella had escaped. Not only did she escape, but she appeared to have had some help. Two other pirates were seen with him. All three snuck onboard the warship, provided by the kingdom of Corona, but they tricked both royal guard captains and stole the ship that the kingdom of Arendelle had given them.
To make matters worse, the pirates had disabled the rudder to the warship, the Achéron indisposed for at least a day or two. Meanwhile, the Arendelle ship, the Úlfr, is in the hands of the pirates, who King Triton now believes are in league with Titus. However, his anger is more directed towards the royal captains. Both of whom failed to stop the pirates from escaping.
"How could you two have allowed that pirate from escaping with one of the ships and disabling the other?" Triton asked, clearly in rage with how things turned on.
"King Triton, with all due respect, we did everything we could to try stopping them. We didn't anticipate the pirate to not only have friends, but also expect them to be able to escape," said Captain Bryan as he tries to defend their actions, knowing they did everything by the book.
"And yet they were able to evade you both," said King Triton who clearly didn't care for their excuses. "Now because of your mistake, that pirate and her allies are off with the only ship that could help us hunt down Titus and rescue my daughter."
"That's enough!" King Eric spoke up, clearly not having any more of what his father-in-law is doing. "Your majesty, with all due respect, our men made a mistake. A mistake that I'm sure they deeply regret allowing to let happen. But yelling at them will not fix anything. Nor will it help rescue Ariel any faster."
Attina, who was nearby, afraid to speak up, mainly because she didn't want her father yelling at her too. However, when Eric spoke up, and stood up to her father, well, it gave her some courage to speak up as well. To help diffuse the situation.
"Eric is right, daddy. They made a mistake and one I'm sure they will try correcting if given another chance," said Attina as she turns to the guards and walks over to place her hand on Captain Nereus. "Don't you agree, captain?"
Captain Nereus looks up to the princess, who will be his future queen to guard over when she rules and gives her a small head bow. "Yes, my lady," he then turns to his king and apologizes. "We are sorry, my king. I know we made a mistake, but I promise you, we won't make it again. We will do all we can to have the Achéron ready for sails in a day."
Captain Bryan nods in agreement as he turns to his king. "We'll have every man working around the clock to ensure nothing else delays our departure."
King Triton knew the others were right. He couldn't allow his anger to cloud his judgement. He knew he was just worried for his daughter's safety and wanted to bring her back. But yelling at their allies won't help bring her home anytime soon.
"No," said King Triton. "I'm sorry. Eric and Attina are right," said King Triton as he apologized to the two captains. "You two did all you could, and I could not ask you to do any more than what you did. I apologize for how I spoke to you two and know you did your jobs. Just promise me the ship will be ready as soon as possible for our departure."
Both captains nod in response before they begin taking off.
Once they left, King Triton walks over and takes a seat on a nearby chair. "I do apologize for how I spoke," said King Triton towards Eric and Attina. "I'm just frustrated. Powerless even. Unable to do anything to help find Ariel and not knowing where she's at."
Attina walks over to her father and kneels in front of him, before she placed her hand on his shoulder. "Daddy, you're not the only one who feels the same way. We're all on edge. All hoping Ariel will be okay. Not knowing if she's all right or not, but it doesn't mean we should take out our anger on each other."
"Attina is right," said Eric as he spoke up next. "We all are working around the clock to find Ariel. Sebastian went back home with Flounder and your daughters to rally the people to work together. To go through all our allies to try finding any clues on where the pirates are located. So, that when the time comes, we'll rescue her together. And bring her home in one piece."
King Triton knew that Eric and Attina are right. Everyone and he means everyone are doing all they can to try finding the pirates. Even those once enemies, who had been redeemed by his daughter, are out trying to find her. He can't ask them to do more than they already are.
All they can do now is just wait and hope they'll find her soon.
"Very well. In the meantime," King Triton turns towards the case, which contains the broken trident. "I'll have to do whatever I can to help too. Even if I must do it without my trident."
"Are we sure you can't fix it?" Eric asked who figures they must have a way to fix something as powerful as the trident. "There must be another way to put it back together, right?"
Attina sighed as she shook her head in response. "I'm afraid not. The trident has never been damaged like this before. To the point that it has been broken, taking the magic along with it."
"So, that's it? There's nothing we can do?" Eric asked who feels there's a way to fix the trident, somehow.
"Not necessarily," said King Triton as he walks up to the case and begins remembering what his brother said. "My brother's sword, remember when I told you both that it was powerful enough to deflect the trident's power?"
"Yeah. The magic sword," said Eric as he remembers what the king told them. "I still can't believe there's anyone out there that was able to make such a powerful weapon. I'm surprised Morgana or Ursula never went through these people before."
"That's because the ones who made it aren't normal people. They are the children of Hephasestus, the God of Blacksmiths," King Triton explains the story of the mighty Blacksmith of the Gods.
How he was once created by Hera, the wife of Zeus. But was cast out due to his appearance. But was saved and raised in the world of man. Where he became a natural in making powerful weapons, armor, and tools. In fact, he was able to return to the gods after he had bested his own mother with a chair he made, that trapped in the seat.
Seeing the great gift of her son, she welcomed him back, apologizes, and even had him marry the goddess Aphrodite.
"Afterwards, he earned the title of Blacksmith of the Gods and made the most powerful inventions for them. In fact," King Triton placed his hand on the box and remembers what the blacksmith did. "It was he who created the trident that I would later use. One of his final creations before his passing, but his legacy would live on through his children: Thalia, Erichthonius, Eucleia, Eupheme, Philophrosyne, Cabeiri and Euthenia"
"And they made the weapon that Titus used?" Eric's lessons on Greek Mythology was rusty, but he knew some of those names and how they weren't master blacksmiths like their father.
"When the age of the gods was ending, the children all took lessons from their father. Creating weapons, armor, and tools of all sorts to help those who come to them for help," said King Triton as he explains what happened to the children. "So long as they are related to the gods or have been send by them."
"And I guess your father never told them what Titus did," said Eric who figures Titus was able to make his weapon, without the children ever knowing the truth.
"Most likely not. Only Zeus knew of what happened and even then, I doubt he would have told everyone what Titus had done," said King Triton knowing his uncle would never tell the other gods what had happened. "It was around the time the age of the gods was ending. And I'm sure Zeus had more important things on his mind than to tell the other gods that Poseidon was gone."
Triton knew with everything that the gods had gone through, the last thing they needed to hear was one of their own dying, because of the actions of his own son.
"Still, if they were able to make Titus his sword, then they might know it's weakness," said Triton as he realizes the importance of this revelation. "In fact, they might even be able to give us what we need to destroy it."
"And maybe even reforge your weapon to make it more powerful than ever before," said Attina as she realizes where her father was going with this. "Where are they? Are they far? Please tell me they're close by."
"Somewhere in Greece, I'm afraid," said King Triton before he took the case and walks over to his daughter. "But I have something back home that will help get you to where you need to go," he then hands her the case. "And you can go take it to them to fix what was destroyed."
"M-Me?!" Attina exclaimed. "Why me? Can't you take it to them, daddy?"
King Triton shook his head in response. "I failed to keep Titus from destroying it to begin with and I failed to protect your sister, and everyone else," he then moves the case into her hands and placed his hands on her own. "You're going to rule one day over our kingdom. I want to make sure the moment the weapon is restored, that you will be there to take it, and ascend as queen."
Attina was completely in shock. Her father is not only stepping down as king, once she got the reforged trident, but he's entrusting her to get it fixed.
"I-I don't know. I mean, do you think I'm ready?" Attina asked who still isn't sure about this.
"I'm sure," said King Triton as he recalls her actions in fighting the pirates last night and how she showed no fear. "You're ready. I know you are."
Attina smiles at her father, before looking down at the box. She gives her father a hug and whispers into his ears. "Thank you, daddy. I promise I'll be back as soon as possible."
King Triton is happy to hear this and begins hugging her back. He just hopes by the time the trident is fixed, that they'll have Ariel back. He then tells her where to find the item she'll need and to take Urchin with her. Attina understood and took off for her journey to fix the trident.
Once she was gone, Eric, who remained quiet to let the two speak, begins walking over. "That was nice of you to do that. Ariel and I knew it was going to happen, but we had hope it was under better circumstances."
King Triton nods in agreement as he had already planned out, he was going to retire. "I know she'll do a better job as ruler than I will. I'm just hoping we'll find Ariel before Attina returns and I risk her fighting, Titus."
Eric nods in agreement who didn't want to risk Attina or anyone else fighting Titus. It was then he begins recalling something that the sailors had told them about Gabriella's escape and the pirates with him.
"You know, it's strange. Melody never mentioned seeing anyone else with Gabriella," said Eric as he remembers what his daughter told him about her meeting with Gabriella.
"Perhaps she lied. She is a pirate after all," said King Triton who knew the pirates were likely in hiding when Gabriella met Melody.
"A possibility. And yet, Gabriella not only fought against the pirates, but there were no witnesses that saw any friends of her getting involved," Eric then remembers their conversation with the pirates. "And the pirates we captured never mentioned any other pirate with them or fighting them. In fact, according to the guards, they saw three female pirates, Gabriella included."
King Triton did remember hearing that. The pirates didn't offer any solid information that could allow them to find Titus. However, when it came to Gabriella, they did make it clear they weren't with her, and they didn't fight any other pirates. And yet, their guards told them there were female pirates with Gabriella.
In fact, if memory serves him correctly, despite their disguises, they did look to be around Gabriella's age, and…it was then, that King Triton, and judging from the look on Eric's face, he came to the same conclusion he did.
"You don't think they would?" King Triton began to ask hoping he was wrong.
Eric begins to shake his head and crossed his arms. "No, no, no. They've been quiet up in Melody's room all day and I made sure to have Carlotta have some of the maids around to ensure they didn't sneak out. And her bed sheets are too short to make a rope to make it down."
"Yes, of course," said King Triton as he begins to laugh. "It's not like she's like her mother who would sneak out any chance she got to do something reckless and dangerous."
Eric laughs in response too as he nods in agreement. "Yeah, yeah. No way she'd do something like sneak out, free Gabriella, stole the ship, and are off to find Titus to save Ariel."
Both Eric and Triton begin to laugh awkwardly as they know Melody wouldn't do something so reckless. Both wishfully thinking that the young teenage girl didn't try doing what her mother used to do when she was young.
"Of course not! It's not like you have a secret door in her room to help her get out and do what we said she wouldn't do," said King Triton as he kept on laughing, until he saw Eric's facial expression change. "Eric? Right?"
"Um…" Eric knew that it wasn't entirely out of the realm of possibility that Melody found the secret tunnel from her closet.
After a moment of silence, the two adults ran towards Melody's room. Running past their guards and maids, before they reached her room. The door was locked, so King Triton broke through the door and found no one around. Eric rushes to the closet and finds the wall to the secret tunnels completely open, along with much of Melody's clothes missing.
Eric turns towards Triton, showing Melody isn't here, causing the two to yell out Melody's name in unison. "MELODY!"
Meanwhile
Far from home, Melody is seen down below the ship as she was tasked to overlook the supplies the ship has. It was an task that Gabriella had given her. So, they can assess how much supplies they have. Just in case this ends up being a long trip.
As Melody finishes up, she begins heading upstairs to the main deck when she heard something or rather someone calling her name. She looks around, looking rather confused. It didn't sound like Gabriella or Lapis. And there was no one else around the ship.
Maybe it was just her imagination.
"You okay, Mel?" Lapis asked as she's seen at the helm of the ship.
"Oh, it's nothing," Melody lied as she walks over to where her friend is at. "I just thought I heard someone calling my name."
"Hmm, well couldn't have been me and Gabriella. I'm busy steering the ship and she's busy with the sails," said Lapis as she watched Gabriella make sure the rope to the sails is tied down. "I got to say, she really does know her way around a ship. I didn't even know the wheel here is called a helm. Such a weird name to call a wheel, right?"
Melody giggled softly as she goes to stand by her friend. "Lapis, you've been on ships before whenever we did our parties."
"Yeah, but I've never asked what the name of the wheel is called, since well, I never bothered to ask," thanks to Gabriella, Lapis has been learning so much about the names for the different part of the ships.
From the front part being the bow, the back the stern, how turning left means port side, and right means starboard. Even learning how there's different parts of a ship: the hull, the keel, the rudder, the mast, the mainsail, the boom, the kicking strap (boom vang), the topping lift, the jib, the spinnaker, the genoa, the backstay, the forestay, etc.
"I'm still getting used to it, but I'm getting the hang of it," said Lapis before feeling a rogue wave hitting them, causing her to lose grip of the wheel, before fixing it. "Hehe whoops. Sorry about that."
"Just keep her steady please and don't loosen your grip on it," said Gabriella as she managed to hold on as the ship got hit. She then saw Melody next to her friend, before she walks over to her. "Ms. Melody, did you finish inspecting for our supplies?"
"You mean the ones we stole?" Melody asked as she took out her notepad, with what she wrote.
"Now, now, I said we commandeered. We're commandeering the ship and everything in it, with every intention of returning it," said Gabriella as she walks up the steps and gets to the helm. "Besides, we're going to need those supplies. We don't know if Titus got to where I think he's heading and is no longer there."
"It's only been a day," said Melody who argues they'll be able to catch up to Titus. "So, we don't have to worry about making this a long trip since it's likely he's going to need more men and supplies for his own trip."
"Ah true, but the man doesn't like staying in one place for too long. Regardless of any injury he gets," said Gabriella who argues back on Melody's logic, before stepping up to her and smiles. "But who knows. The damage I caused on him might be enough to keep him from leaving."
"Speaking of which," Lapis decided to bring up something that she's been wanting to ask. "Where did you learn how to fight? I mean, you were able to take him down on your own. While our king was unable to stop him. Even with the trident."
"I am curious about that too," said Melody who wonders who taught her how to fight. "And I was wondering, you mentioned your two grandfathers, one of them being Blackbeard. As in, Blackbeard the Pirate?"
Gabriella sighed as she figured this was going to be brought up. "You know my dad is Jack Sparrow. Well, his father is Edward Teague, the Pirate Lord of Madagascar. While from my mother's side, her father is Edward Teach, Blackbeard the Pirate."
"A-Are you serious? The actual Blackbeard?" Lapis asked who had heard of the pirate himself and how all merpeople fear the ruthless pirate. "I thought he had died. Like years ago."
"Not exactly," Gabriella explained that it was a lie and he in fact survived his supposed death. "He ended up repairing his ship and resumed his piracy, but he always did it in the shadow. Making sure to attack they're in random to prevent the British Navy from figuring out his pattern."
"O-Oh wow," said Lapis who had hope to hear that he was actually dead, but it seems that wasn't a case. "And you're his granddaughter?"
"Yes, but please hold your questions till I finish explaining this part," said Gabriella who the last thing she wanted was to avoid the same situation as last night.
Melody was shocked to hear how someone who she already knew was a pirate, but the granddaughter of the most infamous and most dangerous pirate of all time. However, she saw her concerned look and knew she didn't want to be accused like last night, so she wanted to give her a chance.
"Go ahead. Please, tell us everything, Gabriella," said Melody who wanted to hear what she has to say.
Gabriella is glad to hear that and decides to tell her everything. "All right. So, my mother told me when she was young, her mother told her who her father was. That she met him when he had attacked her town and she had slept with him. Months later, she gave birth to my mother, but had kept her father's identity a secret, out of fear Blackbeard would have killed her."
Gabriella explained that her grandfather wasn't exactly…a kid friendly kind of person.
"However, when my mother became pregnant with me, she turned to Blackbeard, and he allowed her to stay with him. I never understood why he would allow her to stay with him, but I suspect after his near-death experience, he decided to try having someone to pass on his legacy to," either that or Gabriella believes he just wanted to use her for something else.
"Wow. So, I guess living with Blackbeard wasn't exactly a good childhood, huh?" Lapis asked figuring that being around a monster like this pirate was hell.
"Surprisingly? Not at all, at least at first," said Gabriella as she tries her best to explain this part of her life. "Early on, my mom raised me well and only taught me some stuff to survive. It wasn't until I was eight years old when I saw what kind of man my grandfather was…a monster."
The raids they would go on, where she watched whole towns being set on fire. The innocent screaming and begging for help. The number of dead at the hands of her grandfather. She saw him for what he truly was and yet her mother refused to leave.
"That's when I decided to leave. I knew if my mother wouldn't listen to me, then I should leave it all behind before she would force me to take part in the madness," something Gabriella wanted no part of. "I may be a pirate, but I would never be anything like Blackbeard. Hell, only a few acted the way he did."
Both Melody and Lapis both stood there in complete shock. They couldn't believe how horrible Gabriella's life was like. Being raised by such a monster, who didn't seem to care about human life. While her own mother refused to leave such a beast and follow her daughter.
Melody not only felt bad for what Gabriella went through, but even more when she realizes how she really isn't a bad guy. She may be a pirate but is someone with morals. Someone who won't harm the innocent and even fight her fellow pirates to do the right thing. Melody felt so much guilt for how she treated her and wish she had stood up for her last night.
"So, um h-how long has it been since you last saw them?" Lapis asked.
"Hmm, about four years. I've been on my own since I was twelve and have been happy with my decision," said Gabriella who has no regret for what she did.
"I probably wouldn't either if I was in your position," said Lapis who was glad she was on their side. "That reminds me, where exactly are we going? I mean, I know you told me keep going in this direction, but where are we going exactly?"
Gabriella had a feeling this would be brought up and walks over before presenting a map. "Here's a little secret that I want you both to know before I tell you anything. One only a few know about, and I would appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone about it."
"I mean, we've been good at keeping secrets so far," said Melody who didn't mind keeping some more secrets. "So, what is it?"
Gabriella opens the map and shows what looks like someone marked certain areas. "Okay, so the reason why pirates don't come around kingdoms like your Mel, isn't just because they fear your grandpa, which is a reasonable, but it's because we set these places up as safe zone for all pirates."
"A safe zone?" Melody asked who looks confused. "What do you mean?"
"What I mean is we pirates set up these areas, where they can go to rest up, resupply, and fix any damages to their ship," Gabriella begins showing the different areas. "My grandfather, from my dad's side, and is a pirate lord, had made this suggestion. Due to the world changing, he wanted to set up these places for all pirates, as to avoid the law from causing us any trouble."
Gabriella also explains that some of the lords of these lands made deals with these pirates to ensure these places are safe for pirates to go. In exchange, the pirates won't attack their home, or businesses. Ensuring there's a mutual relationship between the two sides. Even Blackbeard avoids these areas, since he needs more men to join his crew and wants to avoid the British.
"And this," Gabriella begins pointing to a town off the coast of England. "Is this where we're going?"
Melody looks at the map and sees where they're going. "York? Is that where they're really gonna be at? Are you sure?"
Gabriella nods in response as she puts the map away. "Despite it being under the control of the British, the people in charge there had secretly made dealings with the pirates. Allowing them to make port, in exchange they don't cause any trouble. Something the pirates agreed to do. Mostly to avoid the wrath of the British government."
"Well, I have been wanting to go to England for a long time," said Melody who had hope to visit the country due to the stories she overheard from some of the noble families.
"All right, so what's the plan once we get there?" Lapis asked as she realizes they haven't been told about the plan.
"I was wondering if you had a plan or not. So, what is it? How do we get my mother back?" Melody asked.
"We?" Gabriella asked before she begins chuckling softly. "Oh no. No, no, no. Neither you nor your mermaid friend are going anywhere. I'm going to need you two to stay on the ship, while I go rescue your mother."
"Wait, what?" Melody asked as she seems shocked by what Gabriella said.
Lapis decides to keep quiet and let her friend do her thing. While trying to focus on her job and street the ship towards, wherever they're going.
"Why should you have to go? We can help you out. Just like when we helped you to take the ship," said Melody who argued to let them help save her mother.
"Yes, your pirate talk, really, really scared those guys," said Gabriella being sarcastic with the princess before she explains why she wants them to stay. "Mel, you, and Lapis don't have the experience I have when it comes to dealing with pirates like Titus. I also know his ship inside and out. I know where he'll likely keep your mother and know how to get her out. You two on the other hand…"
Gabriella tries to find the right words that would make it sound like she's not trying to be insulting.
"Well, let's just say, when it comes to fighting against pirates, I don't think you two will be able to hold your own," okay, yeah that didn't sound right, but it was the best she could think of.
"Is that so?" Melody asked as Gabriella turns her back to her, before the princess pulls out her sword. "Then let me show you what I can do."
Gabriella heard her unsheathe her sword and it made the pirate girl sigh softly. She turns towards her friend and sees her with her sword.
"Okay," Gabriella took out her sword. "You want to show me what you can do, fine. Show me."
Melody got into a fighting stance, like she was taught and got ready. Gabriella sees the position, before she simply had her left arm behind her back and kept her right hand's grip on her sword.
Melody moves forward and swings her sword. Swinging upwards and downwards, but it was more to test her opponent's reaction time. Melody was taught how not to rush into a sword fight. To take her time and conserve energy.
Gabriella's gaze did not leave Melody's as she watched her swing her weapon. It was clear from her stance and how she swung her weapon, she was indeed no slouch.
It was Gabriella's turn to swing her sword but worked to side to side and upward and downward. Gabriella even steps forward, forcing Melody to take a step back and defend before she counters back and begins stepping forward. Forcing Gabriella back and blocks her swings.
"You seem to know what you're doing. I'll give you that. Excellent form," said Gabriella who praises Melody's skills so far. "But how's your footwork," as she said this, she begins moving her left foot over her right. "If I step here?"
She swings her sword and sees Melody moving along with her and blocks her attacks. Gabriella could see she wasn't tripping up when they begin moving out of a straight line. This was good, but she needed to see if she could do it if she steps over with her right. Again, Melody blocks her attacks, even those where Gabriella tries to push her sword aside, but Melody quickly switched hands and grab her sword with her other hand.
"Very good," said Gabriella who was glad to see how good she is. "You're even quick with switching your sword over to your hand before I can lay a strike on you. Well done."
"Now are you considering changing your mind then?" Melody asked hoping this is enough to get her to let them come along.
"Hmm, not yet. Let's see how good you are when I go all out," said Gabriella who decided to really test her.
Gabriella steps forward and begins swinging her sword, forcing Melody to move and defend. Lapis watches this go on as she sees her friends fight from the helm down the steps on the deck. Gabriella swings her sword upwards and downwards. Side to side at a much faster pace than she was earlier with Melody.
Melody managed to block the attacks but was losing her footing from how fast Gabriella is moving. She moves behind the mast, forcing Gabriella to move around and attack. Melody though swings her sword and pushes the blade against the mast, getting it stuck. Gabriella tries to pull her sword freed, but Melody moves in to disarm her.
Gabriella grabs hold of her sword and leaps over Melody, before landing behind her. Melody turns around, but Gabriella kicks her in the chest, knocking her over towards a barrel, knocking them both down. Gabriella gets her sword freed, but Melody sees her coming and kicks the barrel over to her. Gabriella jumps over the barrel and lands on her feet, while Melody used that attack to get her to her feet.
Gabriella charges in, but Melody jumps up on the railing of the ship and jumps over the pirate girl, surprising her. Melody lands on her feet and had a surprised look on her face too but regained her composure and got into her fighting stance.
Gabriella soon shakes off the surprised she had and charges at her again. The two begin fighting along the ship, before moving back to the helm. Lapis sees them coming back and begins moving away, while still trying to steer the ship. Gabriella moves backwards as she keeps on deflecting Melody's attacks, before pushing them close till they were an inch from their faces.
"Well, well, I must admit. I am rather impressed to find a princess who knows how to fight in a sword," said Gabriella who was enjoying herself. "Where did you learn to do all of this?"
"My aunt had given me a private tutor. One to teach me how to fight, and even teach my mom and Lapis how to fight too," said Melody who is also thankful she's fighting in this outfit and not a dress, which would have kept her from fighting well. "So, still think we can't help you?"
"Hmm, no, because there's one more thing you should know when fighting a pirate," said Gabriella who still refuses to let her join her.
"And what's that?" Melody asked wondering what else does she need to do to prove herself.
Gabriella pushes Melody back, full force. Forcing Melody to stagger back, while Gabriella grabs the wheel.
"Is that we don't fight fairly," Gabriella spins the wheel, causing the boom vang of the ship, to swing over and hit Melody.
Melody grabs hold of the boom vang and hold on, as it was now hovering over the water. Lapis sees this and tries to help, but Gabriella moves her sword up, to keep her from getting close.
Gabriella motions for Lapis to move around, so she can have her and Melody in her eye of sight. "Now then, while I have you hanging there, here's what you need to know. While your skills as a fighter is very good and could hold your own against any opponent, against a pirate, is a completely different story. Not all pirates will play fair, have any sense of honor, and will do whatever it takes to win."
"Just like you did now?" Melody asked as she struggled to hold on.
"Actually, yes," said Gabriella as she continues. "If you two truly wish to help me out, then you two will need to learn how to fight and think like a pirate. Something that can be taught, but that takes time. Time, we don't have, especially to go and free your mother. I on the other hand, not only have all the knowledge I need on being a pirate, but also how to get the job done and save your mother."
Gabriella spins the wheel, allowing the boom vang to swing over and allow Melody to fall back on the ship. Lapis helps her friend up, before handing her sword to her.
"You tasked me with getting your mother back," said Gabriella as she walks over and speaks in a gentle tone. "And that's what I plan to do. I will get her back to you, but I can't save her and keep an eye on you two at the same time."
"So, what? You just want us to stay here and wait till you come back?" Lapis asked who didn't like this plan at all.
"No," said Gabriella as she walks over to the girls. "I expect you two to distract Titus' crew."
Melody and Lapis look on confused by what Gabriella means by distracting the pirate crew.
"I have no doubt that Titus will have his men offshore. Gathering supplies and recruiting a crew to join them. So, what I need you two to do is distract them. Do something to slow down their departure, until I can get Ariel freed," said Gabriella as she explains her plan to the others.
Melody and Lapis had to admit, this plan…is an actual good one. One that could work and could give them the time they need to have Gabriella to do her part.
"How do you expect us to distract? Do you have any tips?" Melody asked.
"Plenty," said Gabriella as she motions for Lapis to come over and resume the steering. "Pirates like the ones we're going to see are all a bunch of drunk, drugged up, and incredibly stupid. So, distracting them is rather easy. One of my person favorites though is…" she begins whispering it to both, making the two looks at each other confused.
"Really? That'll work?" Lapis asked.
"Not only will it work, but it will buy us plenty of time," said Gabriella as she turns towards Melody. "It will work. I promise you that I will get your mother and bring her home to you."
Melody could tell she meant what she said and is hoping she'll be able to save her mom. She didn't like being unable to be there to save her mom, but she knew she has to trust Gabriella to do her thing and help save her.
"All right. I'm going to hold you to your promise, Gabriella," said Melody who's putting her trust in the pirate girl.
Gabriella nods in response before looking up at the sails. "I'm going to head up to make sure everything is okay up there," she then turns towards Lapis. "You told me earlier you're good with coordinates, right?"
Lapis nods in response, before she's told by Gabriella to follow the compass and use the map to help lead them towards their destination.
"How long till we get there?" Lapis asked.
"A day," said Gabriella who knew it will take them some time to get to their destination. "Maybe less due to how fast our ship is."
"So, you think Titus' crew will get there before us?" Melody asked hoping they'll still catch up to them before they leave.
"I'm sure of it," said Gabriella who explains that Titus' ship is big, but slow. So, it will take them time to get to their destination. "It will give us plenty of time to get there before they take off. Just remember what I said, okay? And don't do anything reckless."
Lapis gives Melody a small salute, before almost losing control of the wheel. "Oh whoops. Sorry, but um, yes ma'am. Understood."
Gabriella let's out a small, concerned sigh, before she heads up to the sails.
Once she was gone, Melody begins taking a seat nearby and rubs her sides. Despite bracing herself for the mass, she did feel some bit of bruising. Still, she knew Gabriella wasn't trying to hurt her. She just wishes she proved her point a little better.
"You all, right?" Lapis asked as she noticed her friend looks like she's hurting.
"I'm fine," said Melody as she turns to her friend. "I just wish that, you know, I could do more to help get my mom back. Like be there to help get her out of the ship and to ours."
"Me too," said Lapis who felt so useless during the pirate attack. "But Gabriella has a point. You know how to fight and so do I, but we've never done what she's done. She seems to be confident in her plan though. So, maybe we should trust her."
"I do," said Melody who does trust her, but still can't shake this feeling she has. "Although, I still feel like I need to do more to regain her trust. After, well, you know."
Lapis understood her friend's reason for how she feels and knew Gabriella hasn't completely trusts them yet. "I can't blame her though. But at the very least, she's trusting us with following her plan, and listening to her. So, maybe we're slowly regaining that trust again. It's just going to take some time, which we still have."
"Do we?" Melody asked who realizes something. "You remember what the deal was, right? The moment she rescues my mom and brings us home, she's leaving," she knew once that happens, she's likely not going to see her again. "I don't want her to leave without me making sure everything is okay between the two of us. And without making sure that she knows that…that I still care about her."
"You still got time, Mel," said Lapis as she reminds her friend how much time they have to get to her mom, save her, and then bring her home. "You have time to talk to her about how you feel and make sure everything goes okay between you two."
"I guess you're right," said Melody who knew she did have time before Gabriella leaves. "I should tell her before we arrive. Thank you, Lapis. I don't know what I would do without you."
"Probably be on your own steering the ship," said Lapis who knew if she wasn't here, Melody would be the one steering. "Now, mind keeping an eye on the compass and map? So, I don't have to do so many things at once, please?"
Melody giggled and nods as she took the map and compass, before she begins relying to her friend where to go.
Meanwhile, Gabriella heads up to the crow's nest, to pull out her telescope. So, she can make sure they aren't being followed by any merpeople sent by the king. While also making sure they don't run into any other enemy ships or even a storm. The last thing Gabriella wants is for someone to get the jump on them.
As they sail across the sea, she hears a familiar bell sound coming nearby.
"Something on your mind, Lara?" Gabriella asked, while she kept on looking through her telescope.
"Just seeing how you're doing," said Lara as she's seen sitting on the top of the mast where the flag is at.
"I'm doing fine," said Gabriella as she keeps on looking around. "I'll admit, I wish I had a crew to help me with everything, but this will have to do," she then remembers one more thing to do and begins pulling the flag down, before replacing it with a British one. "Need to avoid anyone dumb enough to attack this ship."
Lara knew the British were the rulers of the sea when it comes to combat. So, if an enemy country tries to battle against them out in the sea, they'll lose.
"Gabby, we both know you're not completely fine," said Lara as she flies down in front of her friend's face. "I know you were having fun with your little princess, and you still have feelings for her. Despite how she hurt you, how she didn't even defend you, and how the only reason she freed you was to get you to help save her mom."
Gabriella moves her index finger out and pushes her friend back. "First off, so what if I was having fun? It's not often I fight with someone who isn't trying to kill me. Secondly, my feelings for her are completely gone and while I am mad for what she did, I got over it. I don't really care about it anymore, especially since my reason for saving her mom is because she was very nice to me."
Lara rubs her chest where her friend poked her back, before she crossed her arms and had a stern look on her face. "Gabby, come on! I can you like a book. I know you still care about her, but you're too stubborn to admit it. Just like you're too stubborn to admit you're mad for what she did."
Gabriella sighed softly before she puts her telescope away. "I'm not mad, Lara. I mean, okay, maybe a little, but I can't blame her for how she feels."
Gabriella moves over to the ledge of the crow's nest and rests her arms on it, while looking down. "I had some time to think about this, especially when I looked straight in her eyes after she offered to free me. I realize that even though I was mad she didn't stand by my side, I don't hold it against her for how she reacted. If anything, the whole thing was my own fault."
"Your fault?" Lara asked before flying down to sit next to her friend. "Why are you blaming yourself for what happened?"
"Because had I told her the truth before the pirate attack, then maybe her reaction wouldn't have been so bad. Hell, maybe then, she could have defended me for what happened," said Gabriella as she explains why she isn't mad at Melody.
Lara was beginning to understand why her friend is feeling the way she is. So far, the princess has shown to have been willing to give Gabriella a chance to tell her about her past. Yet despite knowing who her grandfather is and the horrible things he did, she didn't show any signs of hating her. Instead, it looked more like she was understanding.
It didn't mean she trusts her completely, since she didn't want Gabriella to get hurt again. Anytime she opens her heart and lets people in close, especially those she falls for, it never ends well.
"Gabby, I get it. I do, but it doesn't mean you shouldn't let your guard down with her. I don't want to want you getting hurt again, okay?" said Lara as she warns her friend to be careful.
"I'll be fine," said Gabriella as she leans stood up and begins stretching her arms. "I appreciate you looking out for me, but I'll be okay. I can handle anything that's thrown my way."
"Sure, like the last one you fell in love with and how she ended up ratting you out. So, I had to swing in to keep you from being hung," said Lara as she reminded her friend of the last time, she did this.
"Oh, hush you," said Gabriella as she sticks her tongue out at her fairy friend, before looking out at the sea, with a thought popping into her mind. "You know, it's funny. I completely forgot to ask Triton what's his connection with Titus and how he knows him."
Lara knew that was true. With all the excitement of them trying to escape and getting this ship, they didn't have any time to ask what the royal family knew.
"And why he took Ariel. Since, well, let's be honest. Titus doesn't exactly kidnap people, unless he's after something important," said Lara who knew this didn't make any sense.
"No, it doesn't," Gabriella then looks down towards where Melody and Lapis are at before she begins rubbing her chin. "I wonder if those two know anything."
Lara looks down where her friend is staring at and narrows her eyes. "If they do, do you think they're willing to tell us the truth?"
"If they want to see the queen in one piece, yeah," said Gabriella before she turns to her friend. "Do me a favor though, keep a close eye on them. If I ask them and they don't tell me the full truth, I want you there to overhear anything they're hiding from me."
Lara nods in response. "You got it."
Gabriella may have given Melody and Lapis some of her trust, but until she knows the full story, she's keeping an eye on them. Making sure not to give them her full trust. Not until she knows the truth. And nothing that will keep her from finding out their connection with Titus.
She soon begins getting a whiff of something over the horizon, causing her to look over to the direction of the scent. Her eyes narrowing before she grips the rope that led her down below.
"Better get down below, Lara. We've got rain coming," said Gabriella as she looks out to see a dark cloud heading their way. "Thankfully, not a major storm. That comes till later," said Gabriella before she begins making her way down to warn the others of incoming rain.
While her fairy friend flies down below. Finding a safe spot to hold up in till the rain passes and hopefully, till they get to their destination.
That's the end of the chapter and it looks like Melody has some skills. I decided to have her be taught how to defend herself, especially after the stuff she went through. Despite being a good fighter, she's never really taken a life before. So, there might come a time where she'll need to do that too.
Still, it looks like the girls are okay with Gabriella's past, but there's still some issues on her completely trusting them. Will Melody be able to change that before they get to the pirates?
We also see that Eric and Triton are not too happy with what Melody did. Eric should have expected it though, considering how many times Ariel snuck out. Triton knows and probably had flashbacks when he saw Melody did the same. Like mother like daughter.
Also, the reason why I chose York, was mainly because I wanted to choose an area that wasn't too far from where the Little Mermaid is set in. While also picking a place that doesn't have a strong military presence. At least, I do believe York didn't have one in this time period…I think.
Anyways, how will things go for Gabriella, Melody, and Lapis? Will they make it to Ariel on time? Will they be able to save her from whatever Titus is up to? And will Gabriella figure out what Melody is keeping from her?
Considering how Melody and Lapis did overhear what the adults were talking about. So, they must know about Poseidon's original trident.
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.