Here we go with chapter sixteen is here and I'm glad to be back here. I'm sorry for taking such a long time to come back to this. I've taken some time off during the summer so I could focus on work. While using this chance to work out ideas for my stories, including my Bleach/Teen Titans story.
I promise to not take too long again guys. I'm working to make sure my stories come out without delaying for too long. I want to thank you guys all for the support on the story. And I appreciate you all sticking around for the series as it continues.
It's been a little difficult these last two months, especially near the end of this month. But thankfully, I'm back now and hoping to get things done. Got my mojo flowing and I'm going to get my stuff done. As much as I'm humanly able to of course.
Now, last time we saw Attina and Urchin meeting the two Olympian Gods, Helios and Hermes. They're off now to try fixing the broken trident. Hopefully before the girls find the pirates and Ariel. Think they'll succeed in their goals?
Will they make it in time to stop the pirates from whatever they're after? Will they be able to save Ariel? What will happen when they all arrive to their destination? And will they run into trouble?
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 XVI
The North Sea
Gabriella is seen in the captain's cabin, sitting in her chair, while leaning on the desk. She had her coat off and had it hanging on the coat rack. While she has her sword and gun on the bed. And she has her hat on the desk.
She had decided to set up her stuff in the captain's cabin, while the girls took the first mate's quarters. Sure, she could have offered the girls the room, but she needed the room to formulate her plan. To go rescue Ariel and bring her home without being killed. Not exactly an easy task, considering who she's going up against.
She looks down at the map before her, knowing they're close to their destination, York. A city under the control of the English. A city that is also a haven for pirates. Despite being despised by the English, the city had become a place for pirates to sail to for relaxation, resupply, and repairs.
It was also the last place for them to be able to find Titus before he and his crew sailed into the unknown. She knew they had an opening for them to get to Ariel and save her. The hope she has is by the time they save her, that the king will have gotten his trident fixed. Allowing him to better protect their home the next time Titus comes back.
"And maybe he can use it to sink Titus beneath the sea," said Gabriella who knew that would be a sight to behold.
Still, she knew that they needed to first get Ariel out and make their escape.
"Maybe if I can disable the ship's rudder, that'll give us time to get away," at the very least, get some distance from them before they come after them.
"That'll take too much time, Gabby," Gabriella looks up and saw her fairy friend, Lara flying down from the ceiling. "If you want to try keeping them from escaping, then may I suggest blowing up their gunpowder supply?"
"Hmm, not a bad idea," said Gabriella who knew that'll guarantee them that Titus won't come after them. "Just one problem though, one of the rules we pirates must heed when in safe zones like York is not to destroy another pirate's ship. Hence the reason I suggested sabotaging their rudder."
"Oh yeah," said Lara as she remembered the rules. "Still surprised you're willing to follow the rules, despite who we're dealing with."
"Ha! I know, right?" Gabriella replied knowing she wouldn't normally do it but knowing her grandfather would be pissed at her. "And besides, there's a good chance Titus is onboard. I'd rather have him killed by my blade than this way."
"Well, that's disappointing," said Lara as she tried to figure out what else they can do. "Well, what if we disabled the helm? Would that be more useful?"
"The helm huh?" Gabriella begins thinking of how long that would take before they could escape. "I think I can make that a possibility. Maybe once I get Ariel out, we'll head to the helm and disable it before we escape."
"Hopefully not in the water, where that shark is probably hiding out," said Lara who knew Undertow could be in the water, keeping guard. "And after how you burned him, most likely he'll come after you if he sees you."
"Oh yeah. I forgot about the shark," Gabriella knew that might be a problem if they don't look out for him. "Then I better find a better way for us to get to land instead of the sea."
"For both your sakes, you better," said Lara as she walks over and sits down on Gabriella's hat. "Gabby, are you sure you don't want me to join you? I mean, I get you want me to look out for the girls, but I think you're going to need me to watch your back while on Titus' ship."
Gabriella placed her feather pen down and knew why her friend is concerned. "That's why I'm going over everything. To avoid running into Titus or his crew. I'm not going to do anything stupid. I made Melody a promise and I intend to keep it."
Gabriella was tempted to go after Titus. To make him pay for what he did and take his head. But she knew she had a promise to keep. And intend to keep it.
"And besides, you've seen the girls. They need someone to look out for them and avoid getting hurt," said Gabriella as she leans down and moves her index finger to her friend. "And that's where you come in. My awesome, trusting, loyal, pretty, and bad-ass fairy friend."
Lara didn't fall for the flattery comments from her friend and slapped her friend's finger. "Please don't try buttering me up. It doesn't suit you."
Gabriella giggled softly as she leans back against her seat. "Fair enough. But I do trust you and that's why I'm entrusting the safety of the girls with you."
Lara still didn't like this. She wanted to look out for her friend's safety and make sure she won't get killed. But she knew she had a point. She is the best hope for those girls to avoid getting hurt.
She didn't like them, more specifically Melody, since she still didn't trust her. However, they just need to rescue her mother and then return them home. After that? They'll never need to see them again…assuming Gabby doesn't let her feelings get in the way again.
"Fine," said Lara as she agrees to do this. "Just please, don't do anything reckless. Go in, save the queen, get out, sabotage the ship, and get back here. Okay?"
"I promise I won't do anything reckless," said Gabriella as she leans back forward and moves her index finger out to her.
Lara grabs hold of her finger and begins shaking it with her hand. Both agreed to keep doing what they both promised to do.
Once they stopped shaking, Lara flew off the hat and flew over to the nearby bag. "You know, I just realized something else."
"What's that?" Gabriella asked as she stood up and turned to where her friend had landed.
"Well, you know we'll have to return this ship to the people of Arendelle. And I doubt they'd be okay with giving their ship to a pirate" said Lara who knew without a ship, they won't be able to find Gabriella's dad. "But if say, they did fix the trident. What if we used its magic to say, return a certain ship in a jar back to its former glory?"
Gabriella leans against the desk, listening to her friend. She knew it was true, there was no way Melody's parents or even the people of Arendelle and Corona would give them their ship. Even if they did save the queen, they're pirates. And if people knew what they did, it wouldn't look good for them.
But then she brought up to the part of the power of the trident and how it can probably help give them what they need.
"Hmm that's entirely possible," said Gabriella who knew the magic her grandfather used was powerful, but surely the power of the trident can overpower it. Maybe even free the ship she took from her grandfather before she left will one day be hers. "I would need to ask Melody about that to see if it's entirely possible. Assuming she can convince her grandfather to lend us the trident."
Although, she did bring up how even if they do that, they'll need a crew. No way in hell can they sail a ship of that size.
"Well, be sure to ask her soon, before we make it to York," said Lara before she looked over to see the time on the grandfather clock. "By the way, it's time."
Gabriella looked down at her pocket watch and sighed. "11 pm. Yep, it's time for me to relieve Lapis of her duty. You going to join me?"
"Nah," Lara replied as she let out a loud yawn. "I'm going to hit the hay. You going to be okay?"
Gabriella shook her head as she took a sip of her coffee and stretched her arms. "I'll be fine. Just remember to stay out of sight, okay? I don't want the girls to know about you…yet."
Lara nods in response while letting out another loud yawn and flies over to the makeshift bed she made on an empty lantern above the ship. She begins grabbing the little blanket she made before passing out.
Gabriella grabs her coat and walks out towards the door. Once she opened it, she looked up to see the beautiful night sky. The stars all shining around, the moon illuminating their way, and the sound of the ship breaking through the waves was a soothing sound for the pirate girl. She walks up to the helm where she sees the poor girl Lapis looking like she's ready to pass out.
Poor girl. She had been doing this for hours since they left. She had Melody take over for a bit, while Lapis took her break. But Melody wasn't so good at following the directions on the map, so Lapis came back to help her. Once Melody got the hang of it, Lapis decided to stick around.
She then took over the rest of the journey and now looks like she's ready to go to sleep.
"Ms. Lapis, you're relieved of your duty for the night," said Gabriella to the mermaid girl. "Go down to your quarters and get some rest."
Lapis yawns loudly and tries to rub her eyes. "N-Noooooo I'm okay ~ I just need some bit of what you humans call…coffee. Yeeeeeaaahhh that's it. Some coffee. Can I have some?"
Gabriella had no trouble giving her some earlier, but after seeing how hyper the mermaid got, it showed her she can't handle her caffeine.
"Sorry, but after seeing how hyper you got earlier, I'd rather not give you some caffeine," said Gabriella as she walks over and begins helping remove her from the helm. "Come on, you've done your job well, but it's time for you to sleep. Okay?"
The last thing she wants is for them to go off-course, crash into some iceberg, or end up in a completely different land. Something she's done before in the past.
"Aww, but I can keep…driving…the…ship…." Lapis struggled to stay awake but is having trouble shaking off her sleepiness.
Gabriella sighed as she pulls the other off the helm and sets her down on the floor. She knew she wasn't going to carry her down and not have someone steer the ship. So, she sets her down, so she can try calling Melody over.
"I think she might need these," said Melody as she came up to see Gabriella setting Lapis down. In her hands, is a pillow and blanket. "I saw how tired she looked before I went down. So, I brought these to help her sleep before you steered."
"Heh. Good thinking," said Gabriella as she placed the pillow under Lapis' head and a blanket over her body to keep her warm. "She'll be all right till morning. I'll steer the ship, while you head down to sleep."
"I would, but…" Melody sighed as she walks over and kneels to check on her friend. "I haven't been able to get any sleep."
Gabriella couldn't blame her for not being able to sleep. She knew with her mom in the hands of pirates and there was less than a day from arriving to their destination, she knew she was nervous. Something she's felt before in her life. One too many times.
Gabriella decides to try helping her loosen up and not feel so nervous. "Come here."
Melody looked confused with what Gabriella wanted, but she saw her again motion for her to join her. So, Melody walks over and joins her with the helm. Once she did, Gabriella begins taking out a telescope and hands it to the princess. Before she begins pointing up to the night sky, where the stars are shining brightly.
"You know, when it comes to sailing at night, I'm sure you've been taught how to read the stars, right?" Gabriella asked Melody as she got a small nod. "I'm glad to hear that. So, where from reading the stars, are we at?"
Melody looks down at the map before looking up at the stars. She looks through them and begins looking down at where she's at. "It looks like, we're…here."
Gabriella looks down at the map to see they're at least halfway through to their destination. With the wind by their side, she believes they'll get there sooner than she expected them to. "Looks like we'll be there a few hours earlier than expected."
"Really?" Melody perked up when she heard this. "We're close?"
"Not till around the afternoon later, but yes, we should get there before Titus' ship does," said Gabriella who knew they could use this chance to scout around the area. "This might give me a chance to show you girls around, give you more tips on how to walk around like a pirate, and act like one too."
"I thought we got the acting down just fine," said Melody as she figures how the pirates acted when they attacked their home, that's how they really act.
"No, no, no, not all pirates act like that or talk the way Lapis did when we took the ship," Gabriella explains that pirates are stupid, but not entirely stupid. "They act more like drunken sailors do. They have a few things on their mind, especially when they're on shore. Drinking, women, gold, drinking, and fighting."
"You said drinking twice," said Melody as she pointed out what word Gabriella repeated.
"Because they do nothing but drink while on shore. However, that's more for older pirates," said Gabriella as she explains how this is more for pirates who are in their early 20s to 50s. "Those older than that are rare to find since they're usually dead or in a gutter somewhere. Now, young pirates like us, we act more like youngsters looking to make a name for ourselves. If a pirate tries to pick a fight with you, you stand your ground, give them a tough look, and punch them."
"W-W-ait. What? You want me to punch them?" Melody asked who's never really punched anyone before. Yes, she knows how to and how to fight, but never really needed to do it.
"It's easy and I can teach you an easier way to do it that'll guarantee you'll knock them out faster," said Gabriella as she motions for Melody to take the helm while she explains. "Okay, so, normally in a fight, two gentlemen will ball up their fists and move them up to their sides ready to throw a punch. As pirates, we do ball up our fists, but my mom taught me to always focus your punches on the enemy's throat."
She shows this by moving her fist to her throat, but slowly of course to show where to hit. "Right in throat where that lump men have is at. That'll leave them disoriented, you then punch them right under their chin with all your might, and that'll knock them out."
Melody listened carefully to what Gabriella is telling her, but she didn't like the idea of doing that. The throat punch seems like a cheap move to do, but the second move on what to do she isn't sure if she'd be able to do it.
"And, what if that doesn't knock them out?" Melody asked, wondering what to do if those two things don't work.
"Then grab a beer bottle, smash it over their heads, and then press a knife to their neck saying…" Gabriella moves up to Melody and moves her hand to her neck pretending it's a knife. "You try touching me again; I'll slit your throat and watch the rats feast on your body, you filthy fat pig!"
Melody's eyes widened with what Gabriella did and said, causing her to get a little frightened. She never saw her speak like this before, much less talk with such an intimidating tone and expression. But then she saw her return to normal, take a step back, and give a small bow.
"And that's how it's done," said Gabriella as she chuckles softly before returning to taking the helm. "Oh, and sorry about that. I didn't mean to scare ya."
Melody managed to recover from what happened before she cleared her throat. "I-It's okay. I was just um…I was just a little surprised by that. I didn't expect that from you. But I guess you've um done this before, huh?"
"Ha! Oh lord yes, so many times," said Gabriella as she chuckled softly knowing the young pirate has had to deal with a lot of scumbags in her life. "I may hate my mother and grandfather for the shit they've done, but I'll give them some credit. They did teach me how to survive against assholes like that."
Melody knew she was referring to her grandfather Blackbeard the pirate and her mother, who Gabriella told her, practices some witchcraft. Mostly involving voodoo, which Gabriella does know a bit about but doesn't use herself.
"Did they teach you how to sail a ship?" Melody asked figuring out they must have taught her some good things. "Even how to navigate?"
"Nah," said Gabriella as she explains it was her other grandfather who taught her those things. "He's a way nicer guy than those two assholes. He taught me everything I needed to learn how to make my way across the sea. Even gave me some tricks on how to be a better swordsman."
"Wow. That's good to hear," said Melody who's glad that at least, Gabriella has one family member that she doesn't seem to hate. "Did he teach you to read the stars?"
Gabriella shook her head and looked up at the stars. "That was someone else," said Gabriella who knew who it was but didn't want to tell Melody the complete truth. "Her name is Lara and well…she's my best friend in the whole world."
Melody is surprised to hear this. Gabriella hasn't told her much more about her past, except for her family. So, finding out more about her past, especially about having a best friend, had her excited.
"Really? Wow. What's she like? And where did you meet her?" Melody asked hoping to find out more about Gabriella's best friend.
Gabriella decided to tell her some bits of the truth, without fully exposing everything. "We met after I lost my ship to Titus. She actually saved me and helped me get off the island the bastard stranded me on. After that, she revealed to me she could read the stars and that's how she can navigate where we are at night. She's really smart and real brave too."
"Did she learn all this from her family?" Melody asked as she stood by the side of the helm, while listening to Gabriella's story.
"She actually learned all this on her own. Her family wanted her to do what they expected her to do, but it didn't make her happy. So, she left and began learning everything about the stars," Gabriella knew though that her friend's 'family' aren't exactly her real family since fairies don't have one. "We had our difficulties in the beginning, you know, considering I'm a pirate, but we became the best of team. And she saved my life a couple of times."
"Wow. That's amazing," said Melody before she turns to Lapis and smiles. "It's the same way with me and Lapis. We've been best friends for years since we met. Truth is…I never had any friends growing up. Any humans' friends I mean."
"Ah, right. I heard about that," said Gabriella who knew there was a sea wall that surrounded the palace due to some evil sea witch that attacked the family. "One of the sisters of the sea witch, right?"
Melody nods in response as she didn't question how Gabriella knew about that. "Because of how isolated we were and how most of the kids I met weren't exactly the nicest, I never had a friend before. So, when I met Lapis, I just…I knew I found that special someone to be my friend. Who I could talk to about anything, and we'd watch out for one another."
"Like traveling with a pirate girl to save your mom from other pirates," said Gabriella as she made a little joke.
"Ha ha, but yes," said Melody as she gave a sarcastic laugh, before she continued. "But even if it's against pirates, sharks, or another sea witch, I know we'll be there for one another."
Gabriella turns towards the sleepy mermaid girl on the floor and finds out Melody wasn't wrong. This girl would risk her life to ensure her best friend is safe and happy. Even if it means going up against dangerous pirates.
"Speaking of which, where is Lara? Did something happen?" Melody asked, fearing the worse for her friend's best friend.
"What? No, no, no she's fine," said Gabriella as she reassured the other Lara is fine. "She's…actually in England," she lied not wanting to reveal where she really is. "I left her there with friends to keep an eye on her till I come back with a ship to find my father."
"Really? Aww, I was hoping I'd meet her," said Melody who was hoping to get the chance to meet Gabriella's best friend.
"I'm sure you'll get your chance," said Gabriella as she looks down knowing below them in the captain's quarters, her fairy friend is here with them, sleeping. "Anyways, I just hope once we do return home, your grandpa and dad will have cooled down by then. I'm sure they're still mad after what we did."
Melody has never seen her father or grandfather mad before. But she's been told from Sebastian, Flounder, and her own mother how pissed off he can get.
"I'm sure it'll be fine," said Melody knowing once they see they brought her mom home, they'll have forgotten about the whole thing. "Although, I think the king and queen of Arendelle won't be happy when they find out we took the ship."
"I'm not entirely worry about them really," said Gabriella who's more concerned about the…rumors of magic that surrounds that land. "Anyways, I'm just hoping by the time we get back your grandpa's trident is fixed, since I do have an idea for a ship that he can give me."
"Really? What kind of ship?" Melody asked as she became curious on what other ship could Gabriella be referring to.
Gabriella knew she'd said too much and should wait to tell her when the job is done. Thankfully, when she saw her rubbing her eyes and letting out a small yawn, it gave her the out she needed.
"That's a story for another time. Right now? I suggest you get some sleep. Once my shift is done, it'll be your turn next you know," said Gabriella as she hopes that'll help get her to forget about what she said.
Melody was about to speak up when another yawn was let out. This one was louder and was feeling herself getting tired.
"You're right. I'll go do that then," said Melody as she completely forgot why she wasn't able to get some sleep. She figures her talk with Gabriella help shake off whatever was bothering her.
However, when she turned to her sleepy friend, Lapis, she knew she didn't want to sleep down below alone. So, she came up with a suggestion.
"Do you mind if I sleep here with Lapis?" Melody asked not wanting to leave her friend's side. "I'd rather sleep with some company, than down all alone in the dark."
Gabriella didn't see any issues with that and knew below it probably wouldn't be comfortable to sleep all alone. At the very least there's no rats around. Now if there were, she knew there would be a lot of trouble for her to get any sort of sleep. She was not a big fan of rats at all.
"Fine with me, but I suggest you get warmer blankets," said Gabriella as she motioned forward ahead of them. "We'll be entering colder weather soon and I don't want to risk you two getting sick."
Gabriella also knew they'd need to keep a good look out too. Just in case they run into some ice. She knew the path she was taking she'd be able to avoid them running into any ice. But the sea is always unpredictable.
Even if you go out here prepared, the sea will find ways to mess up everything you've prepared for. It also doesn't help that thanks to the events of years ago with the Brethren Court releasing Calypso, the sea has become more difficult to sail through, especially on one's own. Thank you, Henry, your parents really made things difficult for the stupid shit they did.
Melody already had a cold breeze brushing up against her, knowing her friend is right about that. "Good call," as she prepares to head down to get some warmer blankets, she remembers what she wanted to talk to Gabriella about. "Um Gabriella, say we succeed in our mission to get my mom back, and we head back home…what are you going to do?"
"What do you mean? I told you what I plan to do," said Gabriella as she explains once they head home, she'll get her own ship, and then sail off to find her father.
"Right, I know you did mention that but um what if and I'm just throwing this out there…what if when you do find him, what will you do? Continue sailing across the sea, forever?" Melody asked, trying to see if she'll consider another option. "I mean, I get it. The sea calls out to you. I know that feeling, because every day, it calls out to me too. Being out here in the sea, I just feel…I feel…"
"Free," said Gabriella as she had a feeling what word Melody wanted to say. "You feel nothing keeps you down, no responsibilities, and never staying in one place," she begins to smile knowing that's why she loves sailing, because it's what she enjoys doing, and can't see herself giving it up.
Melody nods in agreement knowing what she's saying is exactly how she feels. "Yeah. Exactly," but she also knows no matter how far she travels, home will always call out to her. "But what if, what if when you finish sailing around, you want to find that special someone, and makes you want to find a nice quiet little place to live. Wouldn't you want that too?"
Gabriella could tell that Melody is going somewhere with this and decides to just straight up ask her. "Melody, what are you trying to tell me? Do you want me to stay with you in your home?"
Melody blushes a little with her friend just being straightforward and seeing where this is going. "Well, if I have to be honest? I-I…I actually…would want that…yes."
Now it was Gabriella's turn to blush from what Melody is saying. Does this mean she wants her to stay as her friend or is she saying it for another…No! She shook those thoughts out of her head.
There's no way she's asking about that, right. It doesn't make any sense. She must know it would never work. She's a pirate and she's a princess.
Her family, nay, her people would never accept that.
"I mean, Mel…I-I…" now Gabriella was struggling to find the right words to say without hurting the young princess. "I just don't know if t-that wo-uld even work. I mean, living with you guys does sound like a nice deal, but…you know I'm a pirate. It's in my blood and being out there is my calling. Plus, I don't think your grandpa would want me anywhere near you once this is over."
Melody knew this was true. Her grandpa, hell, her father would never approve of a pirate living with them, but…she knows if she can prove she's good, then maybe she can change their minds. It should work, right?
A part of her is wondering why she's so focused on trying to keep Gabriella from leaving, but the other part of her secretly knows why. She's just afraid to admit it.
"W-Would you even consider it? Please?" Melody asked, hoping she'll think about it at the very least. "It would be a safe place for you, you can stay however long you want, and then you can sail again, before you come back to see us."
Gabriella wanted to tell Melody no. Not just because of what she is, but because she didn't want to cause more trouble for her. But a part of her told her not to do it. Not to say no to this beautiful angel, whose eyes are practically begging her to stay.
Gabriella again tries to shake those thoughts out of her head. No! She needs to say no! She has to.
And yet, when she opened her mouth, she said something completely different. "I'll…I'll consider it. After we save your mom and I take you all home, I'll give you, my answer. Okay?"
It wasn't a no response like Melody feared, but it did give her some hope and time to change her mind. Maybe when they save her mom, she can convince her to help her keep Gabriella around.
"Deal," said Melody as she extended her hand to her.
Gabriella seems to hesitate for a moment before she moves her hand out and shakes Melody's. "Remember though, I need to think about this, okay? Don't bring this up again until after we get your mom and get you all home."
Melody understood. The last thing she wants to do any more is to distract Gabriella from what she needs to do.
"Thank you, Gabriella," said Melody as she begins walking towards the steps but stops once more. "Gabby, if you do decide to stay but set off to sail the sea again…c-can I come with you?"
Gabriella was now surprised by that request, more than the one earlier about her stay. "W-What? Are you serious? Why would you want to do that? What about your family?"
Melody sighed as she turned to her friend and gave a weak smile. "They obviously wouldn't approve, but, then again, they wouldn't have approved of this idea either," she gave a small weak smile knowing that part was true. "But I think my mom will ultimately support my decision if it makes me happy. And to be honest? Being with you make me happy."
Gabriella's face was now completely red with what she said, causing the pirate girl to almost lose control of the steering. She managed to regain her composure before she cleared her throat. "Um y-you better get those blankets soon. It's getting colder and I don't want you all to get sick."
Melody noticed the blushing and wondered what she was thinking, but the cold air brushing against her caused her to shake those thoughts and focus on getting the blanket.
Once she was out of sight, Gabriella began thinking about what she said and couldn't help but wonder if she really meant it. Would she really consider leaving her home to join her to sail the sea? Just the two of them together? Is that something she dared to believe could be possible.
No! No, she can't think she'd really do that, right?
But then again, no girl she's met before has ever come close to even offering to join her out at sea. Hell, none of them would even want to be with her even after finding out she's a pirate. Melody though was different. She did want to be with her and even sail the sea with her, despite knowing the danger.
Is it possible that she has feelings for her? The same way she has feelings for her. Is it truly possible for her to believe such a thing could be true? Or could this all be a ploy?
Gabriella groans softly and knows she has to refocus on the task at hand. Even if what she says is true or not, it doesn't matter. The most important thing right now is getting this ship to its destination. Once they get there, then they'll need to set everything up before Titus' ship arrives.
"Once we do that, then I'll go in, rescue Ariel, disable the enemy ship, get everyone home, and then, and only then, will I come to my decision," Gabriella knew only then will she decided if she'll stay or not.
"And the only way that'll be possible is if…" Gabriella moves her right hand to her chest and begins closing her eyes. "Is if Melody's feelings for me are what I hope they are. If they are, then…then I'll stay. If it turns out she just wants to be friends, then I'll still stay, but when I leave, she won't come with me."
The last thing Gabriella wants is to give Melody the pirate's life. A life where yes, you are free to sail across the sea and go on so many adventures. But at a price. Your life is in constant danger everywhere you go.
You run the risk of running into people who will try to kill you or sell you off to be hung. It's not always a glamorous life. It's even worse if you have a family and the authorities find out. Because even if they're innocent and did nothing, they'll still be put down to death.
Just for having piracy in your blood.
"I do like her," said Gabriella as she confessed on what she feels. "I do like her a lot, but I can't put her in danger. Even if she has feelings for me, I can't let her get hurt. I just can't," and so she knew she made her choice.
"I'm sorry, Mel. But once this is over, I'm leaving. To keep you and your family safe from harm. Even if we both end up hurting over it," said Gabriella as she wipes away some tears from her eyes and focuses on steering this ship to York to complete her job.
She's completely unaware that everything she just said has been overheard by Lapis. She managed to come after passing out from exhaustion. Long enough to hear the conversion her friends had just had. Up to what she had just heard Gabriella said.
She knew if what she said is true and she does like Melody, then as the super best friend that she is, she'll find a way to make sure she doesn't leave. She'll find a way to get her to stay and make sure her two friends tell the other the truth of how they feel. Maybe then and only then, can the two have their happy ending.
Without either one having their hearts broken. She needs to formulate a plan first and she'll need to do it soon. Before they save Melody's mom and return home. If they get back home and Gabriella does leave, Melody will never be happy.
That's the end of the chapter and okay so yeah not quite any action around here. Don't worry, there will be soon enough. Just wanted to give a little calm before the storm kind of chapter. Trust me, the next chapter will have hell breaking loose and a nice surprise at the end too.
Anyways, it looks like Gabriella and Melody seem to like one another. But one doesn't want to tell the other, due to the life of being a pirate. Something that is true. Even if you're the child of a pirate and you had no clue about the parent being a pirate, you'd still be killed.
Also, the way Gabriella learned from her family and friends on how to make her way around the world. May not be the best way for a child to grow up, but then again, the way Melody grew up wasn't exactly perfect either. Poor girl didn't have any human friends growing up till after the sea wall came down. Things didn't come easy for her at all.
Still, think these two will eventually tell the other how they feel before it's too late? Think by the time they make it to York they'll have a good plan on how to save Ariel? Will it be so easy to get her out as Gabriella thinks it is? Or think something will come by to ruin the plan?
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.