Here we go with the fourteenth 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, glad to have been able to get this out before the new movie comes out. Looking forward to it. I know it will have flaws but hoping the actors and story at least do well. Because visually?
Hmm, it doesn't really look that good. There are some things that can be adapted to live-action, but then there's others that can't work for live-action. Still, again, hoping the plot and actors hit it out of the park, because Disney need a successful live-action movie to work. Otherwise, it will end up as bad as the Lion King, Aladdin, and Pinocchio movies.
Now then, last time we saw Gabriella spending some time with Melody and Lapis. The two girls learning about the pirate girl's past and understand why she kept her identity hidden. Even opening up to her and wanting to befriend her. While Gabby isn't sure if she should open up her feelings or not just yet.
We also saw King Triton and Eric finding out Melody has snuck out with Lapis to join Gabriella. How will things go when the adults find the kids? Will the girls save Ariel before that happens? Or will their plan backfire on them?
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 XIV
North Sea
For a sailor, whenever a storm approaches them, the best course is to sail away from the storm's path. To avoid being hit by its fast winds, large waves, and heavy rainfall. All of which can cause heavy damage to a ship. In a heavy storm, you run the risk of having a large enough wave to capsize your ship.
Rogue waves are rare, but when they happen, it's rare for anyone to survive.
Even the most skilled sailors try their best to avoid these storms. To avoid losing their own ship and their crew. Less they risk dying and end up being taken to the afterlife by the captain of the Flying Dutchmen. But for someone like Titus, he didn't seem concerned.
Onboard Titus' ship, hours ahead of the young teenage pirates that are chasing them, the remaining pirate crew are seen working through the rain. It wasn't a strong storm, but it was enough to cause the waves to knock onto the ship. This caused the crew to be ordered to work overtime to ensure they make it through the storm.
Isaac is seen on the quarter deck where the helm is at, steering the ship, while ordering the men to continue their work. Those that refuse to obey, he'll feed them to Undertow. Something the men believed and worked even harder. Since they knew Isaac wasn't kidding and will make an example out of those who disobey.
As the men work, Ariel can be seen inside the ship. In a private quarter, where she was kept locked in. Unharmed of course. Under orders of the captain.
Despite this being a pirate ship, Ariel was kept in a very nice room. Some nice furniture, a nice soft rug, a fancy bed with a soft mattress, and a trunk full of nice clothes. Ariel though, chose to sit in the corner of the room. Looking through the porthole and seeing the waves.
Ariel didn't want to sleep in the bed or touch any of the clothes that were left for her. Mostly because she knew the pirates here didn't get them through purchase. So, they all belong to the people they stole. Maybe even killed to take them.
Ariel huddled up on the chair, while she had her legs up. She was cold. She could feel the chill in the air surging through the ship. But she again refused to use the blankets to keep herself warm.
She tried to keep her mind focused on what she was going to do and why the pirates were after her. She had a good idea of what this woman, Marina wanted and who she's related to. She also knows why Undertow came after her and Melody. But the one in charge, the one who's leading the pirates.
Why did he want her? Who is he? How powerful is he? And why did they keep her locked up here instead of telling her what they need?
She has all these questions surging through her mind and didn't have any answers. She wanted to escape from the ship and go back home. She knew it was dangerous, especially since she left behind the amulet that would help turn her into a mermaid. But she knew it was better than staying here.
But if she tried to escape, they would go back to her home. They would go after her family. She couldn't let that happen. She had to protect them, at any cost.
She soon heard a knock on the door, causing her to snap out of her thoughts and turn to the door.
"Ello'? Miss? You awake?" the voice was that of a young man. One who opened the door and pops his head in. "Sorry to disturb ye, but I came to bring your food."
It was a young man around his 20s with short red head, pale skin, and green eyes with some freckles under them. He appeared to be wearing a white button shirt with red vest, dark pants, gloves, boots, and a hat on his head. He also spoke with an accent. One that Ariel recognized as a Scottish one.
He also appears to be holding a plate with the food on it. He sets it down on the table, near the queen, while carrying her drink as well.
"I do apologize for how the ship is rocking around so much," said the young man as he hands her the water. "Our dear fellow Isaac is doing everything he can to keep the ship steady, but it seems the sea has other plans."
Ariel didn't say anything but did take the cup. She could tell from how he was talking to her; he wasn't like the other pirates she saw while getting onboard.
"Thank you," said Ariel as she thanks the other for his kindness. "But I'm not hungry."
"Oh?" the young man asked before looking down at the food. "Eh, probably for the best. In this storm, you might end up throwing it up. Though, I don't think Raph will like it when he finds out someone didn't eat the food he made."
"No, no that's not it," said Ariel as she spoke up again, while trying to better explain herself. "I'm just not hungry."
"Really?" the young man asked while looking confused. "I mean, you haven't eaten in some time I think, so I would have imagined you would be starving. Hmm…" the young man tries to think of a way to make this better, before getting an idea. "Oh! I know what to do. Give me a second."
The young man runs out of the room, making some noises down the hallway, before he came back. With a small instrument as he walks back to the queen.
"Apologies, but maybe some music will help?" the young man asked as he offers to play some music. He begins playing his instrument, causing Ariel to let out a small laugh.
This was her first laugh in a while, and she didn't expect to do it while as a hostage. However, she could really tell this young man isn't a threat. She was about to say something when someone threw a boot at the young man's face. Knocking him to the ground.
"The lady said she's not hungry, so she's not hungry!" Ariel looks over and sees a young woman around the same age as the young man, but with a bandana over her head, no hair, brown eyes, dark skin, and wore a pirate uniform. "So, please stop playing on that infernal instrument, Noah."
"Ow! You didn't have to hit me with your boot, Naomi," said the young man, now revealed to be Noah, as he stood up, while rubbing the side of his face. "I was just simply trying to play the queen something nice so she can eat."
"She's not hungry, because she's not happy to be a hostage, you idiot," said the young woman revealed to be Naomi, as she took her boot back and puts it on. She turns towards the queen and clears her throat. "Apologies for that. Noah is the ship's so-called musician, and he likes to think people love hearing his music."
Noah gasped loudly and looked shocked with what Naomi said. "How could you say that! I am the ship's most beloved musician! Why, even Captain Titus invites me to his quarters to listen to me play while he eats. Why else would he give me this wonderful instrument he calls a viola."
Naomi facepalms as she lets out a small groan. "First off, he calls it a violin. And secondly, he only gave it to you, because you kept on breaking into his room to play with it."
"Hmm, I prefer calling it a viola," said Noah as he begins poking his friend's face with the bow. "And you're just jealous that the captain likes my playing."
Naomi took the bow and looked like she's going to hit him with it. "You poke me with this again and I'm shoving it down your…"
"Excuse me," Ariel begins speaking up to disturb the two from their argument. "I apologize, but your friend is right…Noah. I'm not hungry, because, well…I just don't feel like eating right now, due to my current situation."
"Oh…oh…oooooooh. Right. The whole you, being our hostage situation," said Noah as he begins looking around the room realizing that was true. "I guess that means you haven't gotten any sleep on the very soft bed too. I understand."
Ariel nods before she begins drinking the water and hands it back to Noah. "I do appreciate your kindness. It's nice to see some friendly faces around here."
"Whaaaat? We're all friendly on this ship," said Noah before leaning over to Ariel and whispers to her. "Except Naomi, but that's only when she wakes up from her sleep. She's not a morning person."
Naomi kicks her friend in the shin, causing him to yelp in pain and stagger back. "Keep it up, dummy and you'll see how bad I can be," she then turns to the queen and then to the food. "My lady, with all due respect. While I understand your feelings about your current situation, please understand, that not all of us are bad."
"I mean, she's not wrong," said Noah as he managed to recover from being kicked. "Yeah, we're pirates, but that doesn't mean we're all terrible monsters…well, just a few of us are."
Ariel knew she was indeed hungry. She didn't want to eat mostly out of protest, but she couldn't keep it up for long. She opens the cloche, covering her food, and sees it did look good. It was cooked chicken, which was cut up to better eat it, with some rice and broccoli on the side.
"It does look delicious. Thank you," said Ariel as she sat back down on the chair to prepare to eat her meal. But before she did, she had something to ask the two pirates. "I hope you two don't mind me asking this, but where exactly am I being taken? And what does your captain want from me?"
"Well, he…he um…uuuuuuuummm," Noah tried to remember exactly the reason for them bringing the queen here but couldn't remember. "Um Naomi, do you remember what the captain wanted from her?"
Naomi was about to respond, but too had no clue either of why the captain wanted the queen. "Your guess is as good as mine. Perhaps we should ask Isaac about it."
"That's a great idea! Isaac will know what the captain is planning," said Noah before he turns to the queen. "As for your other question, we're going to York. We'll be there later soon to get some supplies and get some fresh crewmates for our journey. Maybe some who will enjoy my music."
"In your dreams," said Naomi before she pushes her friend back towards the door. "Let's get going and leave the queen to eat her food."
"Ariel," Ariel spoke up, causing the two pirates to turn to her confused. "You two may call me Ariel."
"Oh? Um okay," said Naomi who didn't expect that at all. "Well, Ariel, I'm Naomi and this goof is Noah. If you need anything, just call for us, and we'll come over."
"Thank you, I appreciate it," said Ariel as she thanks for the kindness the two have shown to her.
Noah and Naomi both give a small nod before they leave the room. With them closing the door behind them and locking it as their footsteps can be heard walking away.
Once they were gone, Ariel couldn't help but let out a small happy sigh. "I guess not all pirates are bad," said Ariel to herself, before noticing the utensils left behind.
One was a fork, a spoon, and a knife. A rather sharp one, which Ariel knew could be of use to her. She took the knife and began wrapping in the napkin she was given. She didn't know what their captain Titus is up to, but she knew she would need this in case he tries to harm her.
She's just hoping she won't have to use it. She looked out at the storm and sighed softly. "Melody, Eric, sisters, daddy, I hope you're all okay," she whispered to herself hoping that her loved ones are all okay. "I promise I'll see you all again. Somehow."
With that, Ariel began eating her food. Knowing she'll need her strength for whatever the pirates are up to and whatever their captain wants from her. She just hopes though that she'll be able to keep the food down. Not from the rocking of the ship, but for the…other reason.
Meanwhile
Down in the galley, despite the ship rocking around, the cook of the ship is still working. He appears to be in his 50s, around 7ft tall fair-skinned man with a burn mark along his left face and his left eye being blind, but his right showing brown eye color, and has very short brown hair. He's seen cooking some food as he pours some meat in the pot he was cooking. Taking a spoon, he takes a sip of the food in his mouth and begins to think of what is missing.
"Ah, but of course," said the man with a Spanish accent. "What it needs is some bit of vegetables," he took out some cucumbers and begins cutting it before pouring it in the food. "The men need their vegetables of course. Otherwise, they will get sick."
It was then he remembered what else to add. "Maybe I can even add some bit of seasoning," he turns towards the cupboard and begins looking through what he has, before finding the bottle. "Ah, here it is. It's a good thing the captain had us travel through the Caribbeans last week. This will make it taste even better."
He begins shaking the bottle, pouring some seasoning into the food. Once he finishes, he stirs the food for a few more minutes, before he pulls out another clean spoon and takes a sip of the food.
"Ah ha! Es perfecto, yo me encanta lo bien que sabe," said the chef as he begins putting out the fire and begins humming to himself as he puts away the stuff he used for a later time. "In this ship, no food shall go to waste," it was then he realized something. "Hmm you know, I could…"
He begins looking over what he has left and decides to try using what he has left to make as a side dish for the men. As he begins working on the food, the door opens as the chef figures out who it is.
"Naomi, Noah, I take it la reina enjoyed the food?" the chef asked as he continued to cook, without turning to face the two who entered his domain.
"We didn't stop to see, but we assume she did," said Naomi as she walks over and begins pulling an apple from the pantry. "I mean, let's be honest, any food you make, will be good."
"She's right," said Noah as he walks over and sits on a barrel. "Your food is out of this world. No one can cook as good as you, Raphael."
"I still think you should have stayed and waited till she ate," said the chef, revealed to be Raphael, as he begins cutting up the remnants of food into pieces. "I want to make sure whoever I cook for is satisfied with their meal and will want more."
"We'll be sure to check with her to make sure she enjoyed the food," said Naomi who offers to go back to see the queen.
"Good," said Raphael as he begins setting the food aside, before he works on the rest of the leftovers. "Lunch is ready, but I hope to serve it once we're out of this storm. Since I presume Isaac has most of the crew up top?"
"He's having them run around like mice. Mice running around in the rain, getting themselves wet, and possibly all going to get sick," said Noah as he begins taking out his violin. "Ah the poor lads. Perhaps I should play them a nice song to help them feel better when they come down ill."
"Please don't," said Naomi as she took a bite of her apple.
"Why? Everyone loves my music, even Raphael here loves it," said Noah as he walks over towards the chef. "How about it, Raphael? Shall I play ye a song from the old country?"
Raphael turns his head towards Noah, giving him a death glare. Noah gently puts his instrument down and backs away.
"Oh right. You're not a fan of your old home. Gotcha," said Noah as he backs away, before got a sniff of the food that got cooked in the pot. "Hmm it smells soooooo gooooood ~ Raphael, you sure know how to make your food smell as good as it tastes."
The chef, revealed to be Raphael, grabs Noah by his shirt collar and tugs him back. "Don't smell it, idiot. I added some spices to it, and I don't want you to sneeze on it like last time."
"Aww, but that was an accident. I'm sure I won't…I won't…" Noah begins feeling his nose twitching and almost sneezes, but Raphael, moved with a speed that made him look superhuman, quickly grabs him and tosses him out of the room to have him sneeze.
Of course, the door was closed, so Noah went through it, and hit the wall. Making a loud crash noise, followed by a soft "Ow" response from Noah, before the two could hear him say. "I'm okay!"
Raphael sighed in annoyance before he begins grabbing his cloth and goes to wash his hands. "I swear, I'm going to kill that boy one day. Why in the hell did the captain even bother bringing him onboard?"
Naomi looks over at the direction that Noah was flung, before looking down at the apple. "The same reason he took us all in," she said in a quiet, yet sad voice.
Raphael stops in his track with what Naomi said. Her words reminding him of why the captain took in the boy, which is the same reason they're all here. Despite the methods of their captain, they're still loyal to him. And those who know him, won't turn their backs on him.
Noah came back into the room, crawling a little as he spits out some debris from his mouth. "I'm all good now…can I have some food?"
Raphael sighed before he grabbed two bowls and pours some of the food from the pot in them. He hands them to Naomi and Noah, before setting a place next to their bowls to have the side dishes.
"Thank you," said Noah as he begins eating, while on the floor.
Naomi gives a small head bow to Raphael before thanking him. "Thank you, Raphael."
Raphael gives a small nod before he sees someone else entering the room. "What was that noise?" it was Marina, and she didn't look happy, especially when she saw the door got destroyed and the hole in the wall. "Seriously? Did you have to damage Titus' ship like that?"
"El niño was about to sneeze on the food," Raphael replied before he goes towards his station. "Not my fault he doesn't listen to me."
Marina begins rubbing her forehead as she tries to keep calm. "At least tell me you finished cooking the food I asked you to make for the captain, right?"
Raphael nods as he grabs a bowl that was covered, and hands it over to Marina. "How is he?"
"He's…doing better than last night," said Marina who didn't bother lying to the crew, or at the very least, the ones she knows she can trust. "He's at least listening to me. Better than that stupid shark."
"I still think you should have let Raphael cut him up into pieces and serve him to us," said Naomi as she finished eating her apple. "It's his fault that the captain got hurt, because he couldn't handle one girl."
"Aww but that one girl is Captain Jack Sparrow's kid," said Noah as he took a bite of his food. "And she did kick our ass when we fought her."
"By we, I think you mean you, you're the one who fought her, and she kicked your ass," said Naomi who knew none of them fought Gabriella.
"She was still strong enough to take our captain down," said Raphael as he begins cleaning his hands with his cloth. "I trust though he'll be okay by the time we get to shore?"
"Enough to move around," said Marina before she turns to the others. "Remember, once we arrive, you will get to your tasks. Do you remember them?"
"Oh, oh! I remember," said Noah as he stood up and raises his right hand. "Raphael here is going to get the food supply for our very long trip. While Naomi and I go recruit some more men to join us."
"And make sure to recruit the ones who are most desperate," the last thing Marina needs is a crew that will try to mutiny on them. "Isaac will go into town with most of the crew to gather the rest of the supplies, including the medical ones."
"Don't you usually go out to do that?" Naomi asked.
"Not while Titus is injured," Marina can't risk leaving the captain unguarded. "I also want to make sure our little queen doesn't try to escape."
"Aww, but she seems so nice and harmless. You don't need to worry about her causing tr-…" Marina cuts off Noah with a tentacle appearing from her left arm and wraps it around his neck.
"Nice and harmless? You have no idea what you're talking about," said Marina as Raphael and Naomi stood up, but she kept them back with her right arm turning into a tentacle too. "You have no idea what she really is and how much pain she has caused towards…"
"Marina, enough!" Isaac appeared by the entrance and yelled at Marina. "Let him go. Now."
Marina turns towards Isaac, who was completely soaked from head to toe. She then turns towards Noah, who was gasping for air. She gently sets him down, before her arms returned to normal. She begins to calm herself down and turn to the others, who kept their guard up around her.
She turns back towards Isaac, before she grabs the bowl and walks off. Walking past Isaac, who didn't bother trying to stop her. Once she is gone, Isaac walks over and helps Noah to his feet. Dusting off his clothes before picking up his food and hands it to him.
"Be best if you don't talk highly about the queen or about her family," said Isaac as he turns towards the others. "Same goes for all of you. She has a history with them and it's not a pleasant one."
"I *gasping for air* figured *gasps for more air* as much," said Noah as he struggled to get some air back in his body.
Naomi walks over and checks on Noah, to make sure he's okay. While Raphael turned towards Isaac and sighed softly. "We knew she didn't like them, but I think it would be best if you told us a bit more of why that is. To better understand her. I mean, after all…" Raphael turns towards Naomi and Noah, before turning back to Isaac. "We all know about each other's past and why we're here. But her, well, we don't know a damn thing about her. Except that she's a witch."
Isaac nods in response, knowing this to be true. "Aye, she is a witch. But there's more to her than you all know," said Isaac who knew more about Marina and why she is the way she is. "But if she's not ready for you all to know, then it be best if you leave her be. Just mind what you say and do as you're told. Understand?"
Naomi, Noah, and Raphael all turn to each other, before they give a small nod towards Isaac. Isaac sees the others understand this and begins to walk off, before stopping at the door.
"I'll be sure to fix your door before we depart from York, Sir Raphael," said Isaac as he intends to have the chef's door fixed.
"Gracias amigo. I appreciate it," said Raphael as he thanks the other for what he plans to do.
Isaac soon left and began heading towards the captain's quarters. Once he was gone, Naomi sighed in annoyance as she leans against the table.
"Now how is that fair? We've all been together for years and have told each other our secrets. Yet she's the only one who gets to keep her past hidden?" Naomi asked while angry with what happened. "And did you notice? Isaac didn't reprimand her for attacking Noah."
"You hit me all the time and Isaac doesn't punish you for it," said Noah before he gets hit along his shoulder. "Ow!"
"Oh, shut up. You can take any injury and come back better than ever," said Naomi who was trying to make a point. "But if you get your neck snapped like what she planned to do, you aren't coming back."
"No need to remind me of that," said Noah as he rubs his neck and felt the sucker marks, still on there. "Still, if memory serves me correctly, she's done this a couple of times on the ship. Yet Isaac and the captain never punished her for her actions. Why is that?"
"I don't know, but I'm going to find out. This has gone out of hand," said Naomi as she decides enough is enough.
"Leave it be," said Raphael as he tells the others to forget about it.
Naomi and Noah turn towards Raphael, confused by what he said. "Are you serious? Raphael, after what she did, how can you not be upset? What if she tries that with you?"
"Well, if she did," Raphael pulls out his butcher knife and slams it on the cutting board. "She'd lose her arms."
Noah gulps a little as he saw how serious Raphael is. "Now that'd be a fight I'd like to see."
"And it is one you won't see, because I know better than to say something that will cause such a fight to occur," said Raphael as he picks up his knife and begins to clean it. "I have been around longer than you two. I have learned to keep my mouth shut about things like these, since it is none of my business. I am the chef, I have one job, and that is it. However, if she does threaten my work, I will deal with it."
Raphael could tell though that Naomi wasn't happy with his answer, so he tries something else. "I don't know why the captain doesn't punish her for her actions. But I know this, in time, her secret will be revealed to us. Just do as your told in the meantime and be patient…"
As he said this, he felt the ship beginning to slowly stop rocking so much and looks through the porthole to see the storm has subsided.
"All good things come to those who wait," said Raphael as he turns to Naomi and knows she still needs to let some anger out. "Go up on top and get the men down below. Have them dry up and then get to the galley for lunch," Noah begins coughing as he still feels some pain around his neck. "Noah, go see Mei. See if she can give you something for your neck."
"I think she's seeing the captain right now," said Noah who knew he couldn't see the captain right now.
"Ah yes," said Raphael before he remembers who else he can see. "I'm sure her sister Mai isn't with the captain. Go see her instead."
"Yes sir," said Noah as he grabs his violin and begins walking out of the room.
Naomi begins slowly leaving, before Raphael talks to her once more. "Naomi," she turns towards him, as he takes his apron off. "Please don't cause any trouble. Isaac may be your brother, but if you try anything, even he won't defend you. Okay?"
Naomi knew her brother, Isaac, was loyal towards the captain. He still looks out for her and will defend her. But if she crosses the captain, she knew whose side he would be on. She also knows he won't allow insubordination, even from his own sister.
"I understand, thank you, Raphael," said Naomi as she walks out of the room and heads up to get the men.
Raphael, meanwhile, begins gathering the bowls and heads to the galley to serve the men when they get here. All while, hoping that things settle down before they head off to their next destination.
Meanwhile
Marina made her way towards the captain's quarters. Wanting to check on Titus, before they arrive in the city of York. While also hoping with the medicine she had given him, he'd have his strength back. Enough to help intimidate the crew once more and force them to do what he wants.
It has been rather difficult for to keep order on the ship without almost killing someone. Thankfully, Isaac was there to help her and manage the crew properly. While she may disagree with Isaac from time to time, she's grateful to have him with her, especially to help her control herself. It was something that only developed after…after losing everything thanks to red-headed bitch and her family.
She calmed down and soon arrived to the door, where she saw Undertow guarding it. "I presumed you've healed from your injuries?"
"Mostly," said Undertow as he appears from the shadow of the corner and into the light of the lanterns. Showing he had some burned scars along his upper body.
Marina looks up and down at his body, before she lets out a small, annoyed sigh. "Well, I guess it was to be expected. I only had a little bit of ingredients to make the medicine. But at least the burning is gone."
"Maybe on my body, but on the inside, it's growing. Fueling my desire to not only get my revenge on that brat, Melody, but also the bitch who burned me," said Undertow as he stood up and growls angrily. "The next time I see her, I'm going to rip her in two and drink her blood!"
"First off, gross. Very gross," said Marina who didn't care much to imagine what he would do. "And secondly, there won't be a next time. Once we've resupplied, we'll be heading towards our destination. We're not going back," said Marina as she goes towards the door handle before Undertow grabs her left hand.
"We had a deal. I do whatever you want and in exchange I get my revenge," said Undertow who clearly wasn't happy knowing he won't get his revenge.
Marina simply began to smile before she replied. "You seem to forget who you're speaking to," her left hand begins emitting a purple glow before Undertow felt a strong painful surge going through his body, forcing him to his knees. "You're speaking to someone who learned magic from some of the most powerful sorcerers in the world, but someone who gave you this body. A body I can return to normal at any time and feed you to the men."
It was then she got an idea as she begins using her magic to transform him from a tall-hulking monster to a small and weak version of his anthropomorphic form.
"Or I can leave you like this and feed you to your own kind," said Marina as she gave Undertow his options. "You agreed to serve us until our goal is completed. So, you belong to us and will continue to do whatever we want, until we choose to set you free. Understand?" when she didn't get a response out of him right away, she increases the pain, causing him to fall on all four. "I said, do you understand?"
"Yes!" Undertow yells out as he struggled through the pain. "I-I un-der-stand!"
"Good," Marina frees him of the pain and returns him to his tall-hulking size. "Now, then, once we've docked, I want you to go around and make sure Triton didn't send anyone to follow us."
"Y-Yes, ma'am," said Undertow as he slowly got to his feet and begins walking away, while cursing under his breath.
Marina could hear what he said but didn't bother doing anything about it. Mostly because she knew there was nothing, he could do to stop her.
She opens the door and finds Titus standing over his table, while appearing to be breathing heavily. Marina sighed in annoyance when she saw this and walks over towards him.
"Titus, I told you, you need to rest. The medicine will only work if you rest," said Marina as she walks by him and saw his in his monster form. Growling softly as his hands grip the table tightly, to the point they're beginning to crack.
Marina though didn't let this scare her, mostly because she's gotten used to it. She placed her hands in his left hand and begins trying to get him to let go of the table
"Titus, please. Just listen to me and get to bed," said Marina as she spoke with a gentle, but stern tone.
Titus looked like he didn't want to move to bed, but he knew he was in no condition to argue. Once Marina saw him loosening his grip on the table, she begins helping carry him to bed. Slowly and gently setting him down on the soft bed, as Titus hissed and groaned. Feeling the pain from his injuries still affecting him.
Marina looked down and saw where he suffered his wounds. She managed to stop the bleeding and used the medicine she had to help close the wounds. Her medicine, however, will only work if he rests and let her magic do its thing. So, when she sees him moving around, she's worried it will end up causing his wounds to open up again.
"Where's our current location?" Titus asked as he moved the blankets away as his body was too hot and didn't want to feel uncomfortable.
"We're not far from our destination," Marina walks over to the map that Titus had on his desk and brings it over to show him where they're at. "We'll be in York soon enough. Although, I still think we should head more north to the Scottish territories or even the French northern coast. I've been told there's been British activity here in York and if they spot us before we can recruit enough men…"
"Do not concern yourself, Marina," said Titus as he sat up and took the map, while taking out a pair of glasses from his nightstand as he puts them on. "With the British in the middle of their war against the French, they've focused their main fleet in the western colonies. Leaving their less reliable captains to deal with the pirates in these areas."
"And you know this, how?" Marina asked who wonders how Titus knows anything about this.
"Since the death of Cutler Beckett, several captains and politicians have been fighting to fill the void that had been left. I've managed to bribe a few of these fools to provide me with important information," said Titus as he hands the map back to Marina. "In exchange, I stay out of their affairs and provide them with a few pirate captains to sure up their ranks."
Marina couldn't help but laugh at how Titus made a deal with these humans and how easy they are to be manipulated. "These humans never seize to amaze me. They talk about being honorable, trustworthy, and never associate themselves with criminals. Yet they continue time and time again to prove us how in the end, they'll do anything for power and money."
"Exactly," said Titus as he removes his glasses and begins to smile a little. "This is why I despise these humans so much. They're nothing but a plague on this world. They've done nothing but destroy everything they want and take what they believe is theirs. They will never change."
Even if there are a few good people in this world, he knew it wasn't enough to change the rest of their kind. Eventually, they'll destroy the whole planet and leave it completely wasteland. Something he knew he couldn't allow to do. Damn what his father said to him about how these humans can change, they had their chance, and they failed.
Now, it's time to do things his way and he knows there's one way to do that.
"Marina, are we certain the trident is located where you said you saw it located in?" Titus asked as he closed his eyes, waiting for Marina's answer.
"I'm very certain," said Marina who had no doubts where the weapon of Poseidon is at. "Once we finish securing a new crew, supplies, and equipment for the journey, we can head on out. However, the journey will likely take us eleven days to get there. Nine if we sail during the night."
"So be it," said Titus as he opened his eyes and looks up at the ceiling of his room. "I can't afford to allow my brother or anyone else to delay me from my destiny," he then remembers about their 'guest' that they have on the ship. "That reminds me, how's our prisoner doing?"
Marina managed to keep her temper under control when the queen was mentioned. Although, she did have to ball up her fist before she replied in a calm tone.
"Noah and Naomi brought her food to her room earlier. It seems like everything is fine and she doesn't appear to be trying to escape," said Marina who knew it was pointless for her to even try to escape, since she knows the consequences if she does. "Although, I don't get why you agreed with Isaac to put her in that nice room. She should be in our holding cell instead of someplace nice."
Titus understood why Marina feels this way and took notice of her balled up fists. He knew about her history with Ariel, even if the queen had no idea about it, and why she despises her. Although, deep down, he feels it's not her directly that she feels this way. But more someone else.
"Marina, I know you want her to pay for what happened. I know you want to make her pay. Believe me, I know the feeling of wanting revenge," said Titus as he looks down at his injuries and gave a small chuckle. "Even understand why that little pirate brat came after me. But remember, we need her alive to achieve our goal. We need her in one piece to make sure we get our prize. If we bring any harm to her, chances are, she'll refuse us."
"Then I'll go back to her home, bring her brat in, and make her give us what we want," said Marina who didn't seem to have a problem with using the princess as a bargaining tool.
"Marina, we both know despite your hatred for the queen, you wouldn't harm her child," said Titus as he moves his left hand over and grasps her right hand. "Don't let your anger cloud your judgement. And don't let it get in the way of what we both want."
Marina looks over to Titus and then to his hand on top of her own before she begins to relax. Her balled-up fists begin to unclench.
"You're right. I'm sorry. I just…every time I see her, I can't help but feel this way, especially what she did to my mom," said Marina as she still felt some anger towards the queen, but also a bit of sadness as well.
"I know, but once we get the trident, her life will be in your hands," said Titus who hopes that by the end of this, she'll let this all go.
"Despite her being your niece, you'll accept whatever I do to her once we get the trident?" Marina asked as she got a small nod from Titus. "Well, all right then. I'll hold you to that. Although, when do you plan to tell her the truth?"
"Soon enough," said Titus as he begins relaxing in the bed but winced a little from the pain. "Once I've regained my strength and make this pain go away."
Marina turns to the nightstand and sees she has just enough medicine to help him with the pain. However, she's going to need more supplies. Once she has the stuff she needs, she can create a potion that will help him recover and regain his full strength. And even get some supplies she needs to help with his monstrous form.
"Here," Marina begins handing him a cup with some glowing purple liquid. "This will help you sleep for a few hours. I'll wake you once we've arrived."
"Very good," said Titus as he took a sip from his drink and feels its magic already working. "You're a good girl, Marina *loud yawn*, I'm glad to have you…by my…side…" soon enough, Titus passes out from his sleep and feels his body begin to relax.
Once he's out, Marina sees his body beginning to transform. Appearing human once more, before he transformed into his beast form. She knew the potion she added to the medicine would help him return to his human form and allow him to blend in with the rest of the humans. Or at least in his case, around the crew.
Marina checks his temperature and finds him to be getting cold. She moves her left hand out and a tentacle forms. Grabbing hold of the blankets and places it to cover his body. She has her hand return to normal, while making sure he was deep in his sleep. She took his map and placed it back to his desk.
Despite the terrible things Titus has done, Marina never considered leaving his side. Much like Noah, Naomi, Isaac, and the twins, they all owe Titus. All of them came had nothing. They either lost their homes, families, or were slaves.
He came into their lives and saved them. Giving them a home, a family, and a purpose. They all owe him. And would never turn their back to him.
Marina goes to set the map down on the table, when she sees a familiar marking that was on the map. It was a picture. A picture of a skeleton serpent creature. One that she began having flashbacks.
Flashbacks of an older woman with gray skin, white hair, and long dark tentacles. To a younger version of herself, creating a potion with the woman. To her in a storm, watching a ship sailing towards the woman. Before it pierced through her and her younger self screaming in distress.
Marina's hands broke the sides of the table's edge, causing her to snap her eyes open and gasp. She looks down to see her breaking through the side of the oak-made table and drop the broken pieces.
Once she did, she looks back at the map and back to the picture she was looking at, before her eyes begin narrowing.
"I will make them pay," said Marina as she walks over to the window to open it and throw the pieces out. "I will make them pay for what they did and for taking away my chance to make her proud of me. They will all pay."
That's the end of the chapter and decided to try something different. Dedicating a chapter to what's going on with Ariel and what they find with Titus' crew. It appears that not all of the crew are bad people. And some seem to be loyal towards Titus, despite the stuff he's done.
I showed this to my friend, and he was happy with it. Wanting to show that not all the pirates onboard are all bad guys. That there are some who are there for a reason. A reason that will be explained as time passes.
Also, a little bit more hints on Marina's past and her connection to Ariel. While also giving an understanding on why she hates her. Hopefully more of you are getting the idea, but don't spoil it for everyone just yet. But how will things go for next time?
With Gabriella, Melody, and Lapis hot on Titus' tail, think they'll be able to save Ariel? What will happen when they do catch up? How will they rescue her? Or will trouble end up running into them?
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.