Here we go with chapter 24 is here! Okay, so a quick little update of what happened. So, I wasn't able to gain access to my account and it turned out someone logged into it then changed the password. I managed to get it all back, but it took a while to do so. Turned out, it was a friend's asshole boyfriend…well, ex-boyfriend.
Why it happened, not going to go into details. Just that my friend got it back for me and the asshole got some sweet karma in the end. But just to be safe, I've come up with some new passwords to use to replace my old one. Word of advice: Always be careful with your account and I highly recommend changing your password once in a while.
So, that way you can avoid letting it get taken by some asshole. It did give me a chance, while I waited, to work on the next chapters, and go back to edit mistakes from previous ones. So, if you go back from the beginning to before this chapter, you'll see some changes. Including some I forgot to bring up for future chapters.
Anyways, I hope everyone is ready for this chapter. Thank you all again for your support. I appreciate it and so does my friend. He is happy with how this story has gone and how it's still going on.
It's gone beyond what he expected it to go and he's happy with it gaining more eyes on it than when he wrote it originally. Also, this chapter is going to be a fun one. I've gotten to the part I've been working on for a long while now. So, here's hoping it'll turn out good.
Don't worry, you'll know what it is once you see it. And if you've seen the fifth Pirates movie, then you'll get it. But for now? Let's go over what happened last time before we begin.
Now then, last time we saw the big fight going on in York. Pirates against the British/English, however you want to call them. It was a fight that lasted throughout the night. With Gabriella failing to save Ariel, who chose to stay behind with Titus and his crew to keep her family safe.
We also saw Melody, Ashla, Lapis, and Lana getting some help from Attina. She arrived with Urchin and Sally just in time to save them. But now with Titus escaping with his prisoner, how will things go for our heroes? And will they be able to save Ariel, before Titus can use her to get the original trident?
Tune in today to find out everyone. Now, time for the disclaimer. I don't own anything from 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 XXIV
York, England
The sun began to rise over the once safe haven for pirates. The city of York had been attacked by the English forces, that came into the town, looking to eradicate all pirates. The plan almost worked until the Knights of Roger got involved. Their involvement inspired the rest of the pirates to fight back and kill all the soldiers.
There were heavy casualties though. At least 120 pirates were all dead, while 80 civilians were killed in the crossfire. At least five to eight pirate ships had been sunk, while the entire navy fleet of the English were wiped out. Allowing for any ships to leave port and have those wanting to come into port to gain access. Unfortunately, the attack was likely just the beginning.
News of what happened will reach London, so the Knights of Rogers have announced the city of York will no longer be a safe haven to all pirates. They will move their operations up north to Scotland. Where they hope to establish a more secure area for pirates to resupply. The townsfolk understood this and began removing any trace of piracy in their city.
However, not all was well for a certain group near the port of the city.
King Eric and Triton had arrived an hour after the fight had ended. They came with their soldiers and were greeted by Urchin. He explained what happened but reassured them that Melody and Lapis were safe. However, Ariel was gone.
They reunited with the girls, where they were told what had happened. How they broke Gabriella out to save Ariel, they arrived to York to break her out, Titus though threatened their safety if Ariel didn't stay, so she did and pushed Gabriella off the ship. They then escaped and disappeared into the darkness. While the ship the girls had used was destroyed, leaving them behind.
Attina had arrived to save the girls, but also had some help from Gabriella, who was locked in a holding cell. King Eric had borrowed the constable's building, so they could keep Gabriella there, but also talk with the girls in privacy. Gabriella though wasn't alone in the room. Ashla was in the cell with her, due to being a pirate as well, and because she wanted to talk with Gabriella.
So, while the adults spoke to Melody and Lapis in the other room, Gabriella is seen sitting on the floor in the holding cell. With Ashla sitting on a chair across from her, with Lana on her shoulder looking worried.
"She hasn't said anything since telling us everything that happened last night," said Lana towards Ashla. "I'm worried about her."
"I can't blame her for not wanting to talk," Ashla whispered to Lana. "She felt like she let the poor princess down and didn't save her mom. I'd feel the same way if I failed to keep my promise and want to do nothing more than to sit on the dirty floor like a loser."
"You know I can hear you, right?" Gabriella replied as she kept her eyes down on the floor but overheard what the others said.
"I know," said Ashla who is aware the other overheard her. "I was trying to get a response out of you after you spend the entire night completely silent."
"Can you blame me for not wanting to talk?" Gabriella replied while she grabbed a rock and tossed it across the cell floor. "I not only let Melody down, but I let that bastard get away, again."
"None of which were your fault," said Lana as she flew over to her friend. "You did all you could to save the queen, but fear got to her, and you were in no condition to get her out."
"I had plenty of energy left to get her out," said Gabriella who wasn't injured, but she was hurting from her fight against Titus and had lost a lot of energy. "I could have gotten her out, swim away, and get her home."
"And Titus would have sent everyone after us before you made it to the ship," said Lana before reminding her of what happened to the English fleet. "You also saw that beast that Marina had. Do you really believe we could have gotten away that easily?"
Gabriella looked away and crossed her arms. "Maybe…possibly…" she then sighed as she realized yeah, there was no way they were getting away even if they got Ariel. "No."
"Exactly," said Lana who knew their whole plan went out the window after what happened. "Listen, things are bad, we both know that, but it doesn't mean we should give up and let them get away."
"She's right," said Ashla as she stood up from her seat and walked over. "You're still alive and can finish what you started."
Gabriella scoffed as she looked up at the dirty ceiling. "Only to likely screw it all up again. You saw how Melody looked when I told her what happened. I don't want to disappoint her again. I don't want her to hate me for fucking things up."
"She doesn't hate you. From how it looks, she seemed to care about you as much as you do for her," said Ashla who could tell the other seems to have feelings for the princess. "You should have seen her when she thought you and her mom were on the ship when it blew up. Poor girl thought she lost two very important people in her life."
Gabriella looked a bit surprised that Melody valued her in her life, despite knowing what she is. She didn't think they had that strong of a bond, enough for her to worry for her safety.
"Now. We have two choices. You can either sit here and do nothing but sulk, which will likely disappoint the princess. Considering she's looking ready to keep going till she saves her mom," said Ashla as she gave the other the options presented to her. "Or the other, with the backup we have now, we can go out to save the queen from Titus and save the world."
"Whoa, whoa, what's this 'we' you're talking about?" Gabriella asked with a raised eyebrow. "You don't have to get involved, Ashla. You've done enough. I don't want you to risk your life."
"Well, too late for that," said Ashla as she grabbed her friend's right arm and picked her up. "I like those girls you met, and I don't want them to get hurt after you left them alone."
"Not alone! I left them with Lana," said Gabriella who tried to justify what she did.
"Without telling them about her sooner," said Ashla who knows for sure she didn't tell the girls about their pixie friend.
"I didn't want them to know since I didn't trust either of them. But after what happened last night, they're growing on me," said Lana who was mostly liking Lana due to the back massages she gave her last night with her index finger.
"And besides, I've been looking to have a little bit of fun. So, why not go on a dangerous and life-threatening adventure with you both again," said Ashla who knew she wasn't going to miss out on a big adventure. "That and you owe me £100 for the supplies you both bought."
"A-Are you serious?! I paid you back," said Gabriella who knew for a fact she paid her friend back after their last visit.
"Three weeks late though, which meant you owed me interest for the lateness," said Ashla as she reminded her, she paid her debt of late, so she added some interest for it.
"Oh, you sneaky little…" Gabriella should have figured the other would pull something like this. "Fine, fine. You can come along with us, I just…I just don't know if I'm ready to talk to Melody though. I really let her down and you saw how she looked after I told her what happened."
"I'm pretty sure she's over it and doesn't blame you for what happened. She likely is focusing more on wanting to save her mom than anything else," said Ashla as she wipes the dirt from her friend's clothes. "So, don't worry. Your little girlfriend will forgive you."
Gabriella's face turned red and looked away. "W-Wh-What are you talking about? She's not my…"
"Gabby, we dated for three years. I think I know when you like someone a lot," said Ashla as she fixes the other's hat and kisses her forehead. "And don't worry, I'm sure she'll forgive you easier than with me."
Gabriella pushes her hat down to hide her face, knowing that Ashla is right about how she feels, but hates how she can read her so easily.
"Well, if we're done with that, let's go see the others then," said Ashla as she begins moving towards the gate door and kicks it open with ease.
"Just one problem," Lana begins bringing up as she lands on Gabriella's hat. "How are we going to find them? I mean, none of their crew stayed behind and Triton knows where the original trident is at."
"I do though," the girls turned towards the open doorway to the holding cell and see an older looking woman with a Jamaican accent standing there. "It be a long time since we last saw each other, young Sparrow."
"Holy crap," said Gabriella as she saw who it is and knew their chances of finding Titus has just gone up. She just hopes Triton is in a listening mood for them and will give them a chance to gain his trust.
Without him trying to blow them up into tiny pieces.
Meanwhile
Outside of the room, Attina and Urchin had been explaining everything that happened. From their adventures to get the trident fix, to the gifts they were given, including a special necklace that Sally, Scuttle's seagull daughter got, which turned her human. They then explained they had traveled to York, where they found Gabriella, Melody, Lapis, and their pirate friend. While also fighting the English soldiers, who were threatening the girls.
Melody and Lapis meanwhile, explained their side of the story on what happened. From breaking Gabriella out, to arriving to York, to everything up to when Attina arrived to save them.
Once the explanation ended, Triton rubbed his forehead from how much the girls had left him worried. While Eric had his arms crossed and looked upset. Not as upset as Triton, but still didn't like what his daughter did.
"Melody, what were you two thinking? Do you two realize how dangerous this whole thing was? What would have happened had Attina not been there? What happened if you two had gotten seriously hurt?" Eric asked while lecturing to his daughter, which was something he never thought he needed to do, considering how he raised her.
"I know, dad. I know it was stupid and I'm sorry. I just…I just felt responsible for mom being taken away. I had to do something, and I knew Gabriella was the only one who could have helped us," said Melody as she tried to justify what she did, even if she knew it was still reckless.
"Well, why didn't you take us along then? What if that pirate was lying to you in order to break free and escape?" Triton asked angrily while still refusing to call Gabriella by her name.
"Her name is Gabriella and she's not a bad guy," said Melody as she stood up for Gabriella.
"She's right…um your majesty, sir," said Lapis as she tried to stand up for Gabriella too, but still felt a little intimidated by the king of the sea himself. "And besides, didn't she save you from Titus…um sir?"
Triton refused to accept that there could be such a thing as a good pirate, especially what he witnessed. "It all could have been a trick. Pirates can't be trusted, especially what they…"
"What they did to grandma, yes, I know," said Melody as she interrupted her grandfather. "But if that's the case, why did she risk her life to save mom? Or why did Ashla risk her neck to save us too from Titus' crew?"
"And how do you know she even tried to save your mother?" Triton who knew no one was around to see what she did, so it all could have been a lie.
"I don't know about that," said Eric who didn't side with Triton on the dangers of Gabriella.
"Oh, please don't tell me you believe that pirates are good," said Triton who couldn't believe Eric is siding with the pirate.
"I'm not saying they're all good, but I'm going by the actions that these two pirates did. They both risked their lives to save those we care about and stayed by their side even after all this happened," said Eric as he reminded Triton what Gabriella and Ashla did. "Not to mention it was Gabriella that saved Attina from being shot."
"This is true," said Attina as she agreed with Eric. "I don't like what the girls did working with pirates, but Gabriella and her friend aren't really as bad as we thought they'd be. I think we should give them a chance to help us, especially since we're out of leads you know."
Triton couldn't believe what he was hearing. His family are all siding with these pirates and are actually defending them. He didn't like this at all, but he also knew he didn't have much of a choice. They are right that they do need their help, especially to find out where Titus is going with Ariel.
Triton sighed in frustration before he moved the palm of his left hand to his face and then down to his beard. "Fine…but if they try anything, anything at all that looks like they'll betray us, and I will make them regret it."
"Fair enough," said Eric as he walked over to Melody and placed his left hand on her shoulder. "I understand why you did what you did and to be honest? Your mom would have done the same thing too if the roles were reversed. But please, try to avoid doing anything without letting us help you. Okay?"
Melody knew her dad is right and right now; they need to work together. In order to save her mom and stop Titus.
"Thank you, dad," said Melody as she gave her dad a big hug, which he returned and hugged his daughter. "I love you, dad."
"I love you too, sweetie," said Eric who's happy to have his daughter back and hopes to get his wife back next. He breaks the hug and sighs softly. "So, I guess we're going to need to talk to your friends then. Let's go get them out."
"Already done," the group turned around and saw Gabriella standing there with Ashla, and Lana on Gabriella's shoulder. "And I believe we have a way to find Titus or at the very least, know where they're going."
"H-How did you get out of your cell?" Urchin asked, who looked a little surprised.
"As if any cell can hold a Sparrow," said an older woman from behind the girls as she begins walking forward, with a hood covering her head. "It's been a long time since I last saw you, young Triton. You've aged well. As to be expected from the son of Poseidon."
Triton looked on a little surprised this woman knows who he is, and act as if they're familiar with one another. "Who are you? I don't recall making friends with any humans, except for the ones from Eric's kingdom."
"Seems your memory did not age well. Perhaps you will remember my name," the woman begins removing her hood to reveal her appearance. She appeared to be in her late 40s, dark skin, with black teeth, blue lips, and she has long black hair in dreadlocks. "I am Calypso."
The moment she said her name, Triton's expression turned to one of shock and nervousness. "L-La-Lady Calypso," he kneeled down before her, which caught everyone, including his guards off-guard. "It has been too long since we last met."
"So ye do remember me then," said Calypso as she smiled when she saw Triton's response.
"Y-Your majesty," said Captain Nereus, the captain of the Atlantean Royal Guards. "Who is this woman? And why do you kneel before her?" he asked wondering why their king is kneeling to this unknown woman.
"This is the goddess, Calypso. Daughter of the Titan Atlas and the sea nymph, Pleione," said King Triton as he explained who the woman before them is.
This caused Captain Nereus, Attina, and Urchin to kneel down before Calypso. Eric, Melody, Lapis, and the royal guards with them stood there a little surprised by the revelation of the woman but didn't bow since they weren't too familiar with her.
"She's really a goddess? But she looks…human," Lapis whispered towards Melody as she seemed skeptical about this.
Melody nods in agreement. "I heard of Atlas, who is the Titan that holds up the heavens, but I didn't know he had a daughter," Melody whispered back.
"He had many children. Each with their own titles, but Calypso is said to be the goddess of renowned beauty," Gabriella explained while turning towards Calypso. "She also controlled the seas along with Poseidon. Despite being the daughter of a Titan, she worked out a good deal with the Olympians."
"A deal that I had no choice to take, but did it because my father insisted, I did," said Calypso who still held a grudge against Zeus for punishing her father. "Still, I grew close with Poseidon and his family over the centuries. Even assisted Poseidon when he began focusing on raising his family and kingdom."
"It was Calypso who also taught my sister, Alexis, magic and how to use it to help our kingdom," said Triton as he stood up and is still reeling from the fact that Calypso is alive. "I thought you were dead. I had thought you left with the gods or had passed away."
"I am immortal, young Triton. I may look like I aged, but I can make myself look however I please," said Calypso as she showed she can regress her age to look young before regressing back to her older looking age. "It is simply what I choose to look."
"Well, it is an honor to see you again," said Triton before turning to the pirate girls. "But how do you know these pirates?"
Calypso turned to the girls and walked around them. "Long ago, I was bound to human form by the Brethren Courts, a group of pirate lords who wanted to tame the sea and felt if I was bound, this would make sailing easier for them."
Calypso would later find out it was because of Davey Jones who told them how to bind her. She remained in this form so what felt like an eternity, until she was set free years ago during the battle against Cutler Beckett and the East India Trading Company.
"However, I grew close to the a few pirates, including young Gabriella's father, witty Jack Sparrow," said Calypso who knew there were good humans in this world who she trusted and is thankful to have gotten to known. "Just as there was a time you trusted humanity when you were young. Before…"
"Before Titus came along," said Triton as he lowered his head in shame for what happened to his home and their people.
Calypso walked over and helped Triton to his feet. "Do not blame ye self for what happened. We both know your brother's hatred for humanity could not be erased so easily, especially what he went through. I should know. I held much hatred for the humans who bound me to human form for a long time. However,…"
Calypso turned towards Gabriella and Ashla, before she began to smile. "I grew close to many humans and found they were more than what I thought they were. They are capable of doing so much good in the world, with a bit of guidance."
"I-I see," said Triton who still held a grudge against pirates for what they did, but not against all humans, who he's seen are more than he thought they were. "But these are pirates. They have done terrible things and have even…"
"Taken the life of your wife…" said Calypso who understood Triton's anger when she found out what happened and why he wants them dead. "Ye have every right to hate them for the rest of your life, but if you do that, then you will never be able to find peace. To be free of this hatred and become a better person."
Calypso turned to the humans and walked over near them. "Titus despises you humans because he has seen only the ugliness and the darkness within you all. I have as well and can understand why there is hatred within him," she then turned to Melody and Lapis before moving her right hand along their faces. "But as I said, I've seen the good within you humans and know those like you can help guide the rest of humanity down a better path."
Melody and Lapis smiled when they were complimented by the goddess herself. And are told they can do a lot to help make the world better.
Calypso turned to Triton and sighed. "Your brother will never be free of these emotions unless you show him humanity can change. That all humans, even the pirates you despise, are capable of so much more. If provided with the right guidance to help the world from ending."
Gabriella nods in agreement and takes a step forward. "I know you hate me, sir. I know you hate what I am, what my friends are, but I made a promise to your granddaughter I would bring your daughter home. Let me help and I promise we will be able to do this, together."
Triton turned to Gabriella and then back to his family. Melody seemed to motion for her grandfather to do this. To take Gabriella up on her offer. Triton even sees Attina seem to be motioning to do the same thing.
Triton turned to Gabriella and still felt that hatred within him telling him not to work with her. But the other side of him. The side of him that once trusted humans, the side of him that his beloved, Athena, once loved. His beloved who too trusted humans and wanted there to be peace between their people.
Triton sighed before he nodded in response. "I will try…thank you."
Gabriella felt a little relieved that Triton not only say he'd let her help them, but even thanked her. Something she never expected to hear from the mermaid king.
"Thank you," said Gabriella before clearing her throat. "Because Calypso here is going to help us. She knows exactly where Titus and his crew are going. And where the original trident is located."
"She does? Really?" said Melody who looked excited with this revelation.
"I know where it can be found, but I won't be joining you on the journey. This is a path only you all must take," said Calypso who knew she couldn't intervene. Not this time. "I helped Triton's sister, Alexis, choose where to hide the trident. It is a realm that exists beyond our own. A place where time stops for those who visit it and allow those from different time periods to appear."
Gabriella's eyes widened when she realized where this place is at. "Calypso, please tell me it's not where I think it is."
"I'm afraid so," said Calypso before she revealed the name of the place. "It has gone by many names, but it is one that Gabriella and Lana know, for it is where the young pixie fairy came from…Neverland."
The expression on everyone's face, except for Ashla, Gabriella, and Lana, all looked confused. Neverland. They had never heard of such a place. And didn't understand what Calypso meant by "realm". Is it really another world?
"What is Neverland? I've never heard it before," said Attina who's read dozens of books of different mythology of this world, but never heard of this one.
Gabriella sighed and knew she'd need to explain this. "It's as Calypso said, it's a realm that exists outside of our own. Time moves differently there to the point you don't age and is home to countless people from different time periods. It's also home to the original king of the pirates, Jolly Roger himself."
"The original king of pirates?" Eric asked, who looked a little surprised to find out Jolly Roger is a real person and not a flag. "Why would Alexis hide the trident in such a place filled with pirates?"
"Because Jolly Roger does not seek to control the sea. He feels any sailor, even a pirate must learn to sail the sea through hard work," said Calypso who knew when the first Brethren Court bound her to human form, he was disgusted with their decision. "I told Alexis that the pirate king will keep her location hidden from all who seek the trident. That is why Titus took Ariel, because with the blood of Poseidon flowing through her, they will be able to find the trident, without needing to see the king himself."
"My sister working with a pirate…a pirate king at that. I can't believe it," said Triton who couldn't believe his sister would do this, but figured she didn't have much of a choice. "And you are sure he never tried to take the trident for himself?"
"Jolly Roger is not like the pirates ye know, Triton. He is the original and a man of honor," said Calypso who knew out of all the pirates, Jolly Roger is one she has a lot of respect for. "And someone who will enforce the rules set for all pirates. Any who disobey or dishonor piracy, will pay the price."
"And last night is proof of that," said Ashla who knew the Knights of Roger made sure any who tried to break the rules or threaten their way would pay.
Eric clears his throat and steps forward. "Gabriella, can you get us to Neverland?"
Gabriella sighed softly and shook her head. "My pixie friend here, Lana. She used what is known as pixie dust to help us leave Neverland and return here to this realm. However, she doesn't have enough to help all of us get there…but I do know there are hidden portals around the world which can lead us to Neverland."
"And luckily for you, I have something that'll help you get to one of these portals," said Calypso as she steps aside, and a little man appeared by the door. "Aidan, did you find it?"
"I did, my lady," said Aidan as he walked into the room with a wooden cane and wearing a green robe.
The men in the room took notice of his height, his pointy ears, and his accent. Making some of them wonder if this man is what they believe he is.
"Um, who is this?" Attina asked as she never saw such a small man before.
"Top o' the morning to ya," said Aidan as he took off his green hat and gave a small bow to Attina. "I be Aidan, a friend of Calypso, owner of the nearby magical potion store, and a leprechaun."
"A leprechaun?" Urchin asked looking confused. "I thought you guys were myth?"
"Same could be said about Merpeople, right, boyo?" Aidan asked as he got a small head response from Urchin.
"Aidan is one of the last few leprechauns in the land who still associates with humans. In fact, he also helped provide potions for young Marina before she departed," said Calypso as she explained who Aidan is and what he does.
"You assisted one of the pirates who took my wife?" Eric asked who didn't like finding out about this.
"Aye this true, sir," said Aidan as he turned to Eric with is hat in his hand. "I do apologize for that, but I did not know what she had done and would have turned her away had I knew. But when I was told by Lady Calypso what happened, I decided to come and assist you all with a gift."
Aidan pulls out a rolled up wooden map, which he unrolled to show what is on it. On it, they showed a complete map of the world. What caught everyone's attention though is how the map appeared to move. From the sea, the clouds, and showed how dark one side is, indicating nighttime for those areas.
It even showed where they're located, which surprised everyone.
"This here map is an ancient one that was made by the elves long ago. A map that can allow its user who it bonds with to seek out their hidden desires, find a person of interest, or find a special location that cannot be found on any map," said Aiden as he explained the map's powers.
"Oh wow. This is amazing!" said Lapis who looked on in shock at what she's seeing.
"Careful lass, it is very rare and I can only give it to the one who will take good care of it," said Aidan who didn't want to give the map to just anyone.
"Oh um okay, sorry about that," said Lapis who let her curiosity get the better of her.
"All good, lass. You can hold on to it if you promise to be careful," said Aidan as he hands the map over to Lapis, who carefully took it.
"I promise to keep it safe from harm, Mr. Aidan sir," said Lapis as she gives her word to keep the map safe for him.
Aidan laughed a little and turned to Calypso. "I like this lass."
"I'm surprised you had something like this, and you never told me about it," said Gabriella who whispered to Calypso.
"You were not ready for it, because you were focused on two different goals. One that would have led to Titus getting his hands on this map," Calypso whispered back as she brought up why she wasn't ready for it. She then walked over and is given the map by Aidan before turning it to Gabriella. "However, I feel you are more than ready to use it now. To save the queen and save the world. And then afterwards, when this is all over, then you'll be able to use it to finally find your father."
Gabriella didn't seem to deny she would have used the map to hunt Titus down, but she also knew the risk she poses if it fell in the wrong hands. "I understand, thank you. And I promise to keep it safe."
"I hope so, lass, because if I find out anything happens to it, I'll put a curse on ye," said Aidan as he took out his smoke pipe and begins smoking.
"All right. We have a map then and we can use it to get to Neverland," said Eric as he turned to his men. "Get the ship ready. We're leaving soon."
"I'm afraid your ship isn't fast enough," said Calypso as she warned them of their next problem. "Titus' ship is already ahead of you and will make it to one of the portals soon enough. By the time you get there, it'll be too late."
"Not with the trident," said Attina as she moved her weapon up. "We can use it to get to Titus and…"
"And then what? Are you combat ready to go up against Titus? With his magical sword, you won't be able to harm him, and you won't attack his ship with your sister onboard," said Ashla as she points out the problem with that plan of Attina's.
"She is right. You must arrive to where the trident is hidden, prepare for their arrival, and then free your sister," said Calypso who knew their best chance of stopping Titus is to get ahead of him.
"We could always use the trident to help us set sail then faster," said Urchin who feels that'll make things easier for them.
"You very well could, but given how little practice she's had controlling its new bound power, can you really risk it?" Calypso asked as she caused Attina to have some bit of doubt in herself and didn't want to risk destroying their ship.
"Then what do you suggest, Calypso?" Triton asked, hoping the goddess has another solution. "Do you have a ship that is fast enough to get us there?"
"Not I," Calypso turned towards Gabriella and points to her bag. "But she does."
Gabriella looked confused at first, until she saw where Calypso was pointing and sighed. "I do have a ship that can help us, but…" she begins pulling out from her bag a bottle. A bottle with a ship inside of it, which was moving through what looked like a storm.
"What is that?" Eric asked as he looked at the bottled ship.
"This is…the Black Pearl. My father's ship," said Gabriella as she revealed what the ship in the bottle is.
"The Pearl," said Captain Bryan, the captain of the royal guard for King Eric as he sounded shocked. "I heard so many stories about it. She's been preying on ships and settlements for years. How it single-handedly took down a dangerous Spaniard that had killed countless pirates. The ship even took on the Flying Dutchman and was responsible for the death of Cuttler Beckett."
"Aye. The Black Pearl was captained by two great pirate lords. It has been involved in countless battles and has been successful in many of them. And has been to the afterlife, only for it to return," said Calypso who knew Davey Jones dragged this ship and its captain to the Locker, but they both escaped, being the only ship to ever do it.
"But why is it in a bottle? How did it go from well, a large ship to this?" Lapis asked as she tapped on the glass, before Gabriella pulled it away.
"You can thank my grandfather for that. Blackbeard himself," said Gabriella as she explained that he used a mysterious and powerful magic that not only caused the ship to turn on its crew, but also caused the ship to shrink down. "Trapped in this bottle for all eternity. I took it with me before I left and tried to find a way to get it freed. Alas, I've never found any spell that could undo what Blackbeard did."
"Ah but there be one way to free it, my dear. The power of the trident itself," said Calypso as she walked over to Attina. "Its magic can undo whatever Blackbeard did to the Pearl and allow it to sail the seas once again. And with the right instructions, I can teach ye young Attina how to do this."
"You just said if I tried using the trident I could end up destroying our ship. Now you want to help me free this ship?" Attina replied while sounding a little insulted with what Calypso is doing.
"True, but that's because I won't be joining you on your journey to teach you how to control its power. But I can teach you how to use the trident to do this. Something nice and simple, instead of trying to control the weather itself," said Calypso as she explained herself.
"I suppose it couldn't hurt to try," said Eric who feels they are out of options, so they should give this a go.
Attina sighed in annoyance and decided to agree to this. "Fine, but don't blame me if things go wrong."
"Hold on a second!" said Gabriella as she spoke up. "If we're doing this, then I'll be the one in charge of sailing my ship. Meaning, I'll be giving the orders on the ship and you all work under me."
"Not so fast. I appreciate you assisting us, but we believe it would be best if you took the girls back home and keep them safe there," said Eric who didn't want to risk the safety of the girls.
"No!" Melody spoke up and ran over to Gabriella's side. "We're not going anywhere. We want to help get mom back, together."
"Yeah! What she said…um sir," said Lapis as she joined her friends and stood by their side.
"Girls, this isn't a game," said Eric who doesn't want to risk their safety. "This is going to be too dangerous for you all."
"Ha! I've gone through more dangerous stuff than any of you have in your whole life," said Gabriella as she spoke up proudly of her adventures. "And besides, I know Neverland better than any of you all. And without this map…" she showed she has in her possession the map Calypso gave her. "You won't be able to find your way to Neverland, much less around it."
"And what if we do run into danger? We can't risk the safety of the girls, who won't have anyone to defend them if…" Triton is soon cut off by Ashla who steps forward.
"Zip it, grandpa!" Ashla exclaimed before apologizing to Melody. "Sorry about that, but this needs to be said," she then turned back to Triton and Eric. "You guys need us. You're not just going to Neverland, you're also going to an area that Pirate King Roger reigns over. You're going to need us, otherwise you're all going to be hanged before you even can save Ariel."
Melody nods in agreement and tries to make one last plea with her family. "Dad, grandpa, please, I know you're both worried about us, but we're not little kids. We can take care of ourselves and can help bring mom home. Just please, give us a chance."
Triton and Eric both turned to each other, both knowing Melody is right. Even if they don't trust the pirates, they do trust her. They knew she wouldn't be able to stand by and let them go off to save Ariel. They didn't want to agree to the terms by Gabriella and felt they could just go off on their own, but she is right.
If they run into any pirates, what better way to avoid any fighting with them is with the help of another pirate.
"Very well," said Eric as he walked over to the girls. "We will follow your lead, but when we're on dry land and fight Titus, we do things our way, got it?"
"Got it. Unless of course it's with a bunch of pirates around, then we still do things our way," said Gabriella as she extends her hand over to Eric. "Do we have an accord?"
Eric turned back to his men and to Triton, before he shook Gabriella's hand. "We do."
"All right then. Let's do this then," Gabriella pulled up the bottle and moved it to where Attina is at.
Calypso gives Attina some tips on what to do and how to use the trident. "The trident is pure magic. You must bend it to your will and control its power. If it makes sense, the spells won't work the way you want it to. So, focus, show no fear, and have it do what ye want."
Attina took in everything Calypso told her and nodded. She took a couple of deep breaths and then turned to the others. They all looked on, showing her, they trust her. She knows she can do this. She knows this will work and will help get her sister back.
She just has to be firm, remain strong, and have no doubts. She moved the trident over as it began to glow, before she aimed it to the bottle.
"By the power vested in me, as the queen of Atlantica…no…as the queen of Atlantis, I set free the Black Pearl from its bottled prison and restore it to its former rightful glory!"
Attina thrusts the trident forward and pierces through the glass, before its magic zapping the ship. The glass around the bottle begins to crack as the ship begins to slowly grow.
"It's working!" said Gabriella before noticing the ship is getting a little bigger. "Oh, shit it's working. Um what do I do?!"
"Take her to the sea! It calls to her," said Calypso as she opened the door and leads the others outside.
Gabriella grabbed the bottle and began running out. The ship began leaking water that was trapped within the ship. It kept on growing as Gabriella ran over to the pier just as the ship broke through the glass and kept on growing in her hands. It kept on growing and growing until…it stopped.
Gabriella and the others looked a little confused as the ship stopped growing. Staying around the size of a dog. It didn't even look like a real ship. Just a wooden toy that children would play with.
"Is this it? I mean, did we mess it up or something?" Gabriella asked as she looked around wondering what went wrong.
"Maybe I need to use the trident again?" Attina asked, fearing she messed up the spell somehow.
"Nothing is wrong, young Gabriella," said Calypso as she spoke from behind the group. "She needs the sea to properly return to her true form."
"Oh? Well, I guess that does make sense," said Gabriella as she walked over to the edge of the pier and gently tosses the ship into the water. "All right, baby. Time to grow."
The ship stayed afloat for a moment, before it turned its side and sank into the water. The whole group looked in shock with what happened and couldn't believe it didn't work. Gabriella was the most shocked as she stood there in disbelief. She actually thought that was going to work, but instead?
The ship she had hoped to sail one day. The ship that she heard so many stories about. The ship her father sailed for so many years. And the ship she hoped to inherit one day, was now gone.
Attina felt the guilt hitting her like a ton of bricks as she let out a defeated sigh. "I-I'm so sorry. I really screwed this up."
Melody, feeling the worst, walks over and tries to comfort her friend. "I'm sorry, Gabby. I know you really wanted this to work."
"I really did," said Gabriella as she just kept on staring where the ship sank. "I never even got to sail it once."
"I know," said Melody as she tried to find the right words to say. "Don't worry. Maybe if my aunt works on the trident some more, she can fix this and…"
"Shh," Gabriella cuts off Melody by shushing her.
"Um excuse me?" Melody replied to a little upset with what Gabriella said. "Gabby, I'm sorry your ship sank but that doesn't mean you should…"
Gabriella moved her hand up and shushes her again, before moving her head to the side. "Do you hear it?"
((34. Double Cross the Dead/Release Black Pearl. Its the first one that appears. Skip to 1:50-2:33))
Melody was about to speak up again in anger, when she did hear something. In fact, the others began hearing it too. It sounded like small batches of bubbles popping. It soon grew though as they looked over to see the bubbles growing around where the ship sank. Before they see something black appear in the water.
The Black Pearl soon emerged from the sea, returning to its fully-grown and glorious form. The group all began to cheer as they witnessed the spell work. Melody hugs Gabriella, who hugged her back, even kissed her on the forehead. This caused the princess to blush a little about what happened but didn't break away from the hug.
Calypso watched on smiling and happy with what they did. Now the Black Pearl has been freed from its prison and has also been returned to a Sparrow to captain it again.
Gabriella breaks the hug and walks over to Calypso. Embracing her in a hug and thanking her. "Thank you so much, Calypso. I don't know what to say but just thank you."
Calypso gladly returned the hug. She has befriended many pirates before in her life, but young Gabriella is one of the few that she became close to.
"You are welcome. Now, go, Captain Gabriella Sparrow. She calls out to you," said Calypso hinting at the Pearl calling for Gabriella to sail her.
Gabriella breaks the hug and nods before she says goodbyes to Calypso.
As she left to get on a rowboat, Triton and Attina walk up to Calypso. "Thank you for all your help. I wish you could join us on this journey," said Triton who felt they could use Calypso's help some more.
"Ye already have what you need to help succeed in your journey. Just remember to give them a chance and not let your feelings cloud your judgement," said Calypso towards Triton. "And when this is over, we will meet each other again."
"I-I understand. Thank you," said Triton as he thanked the goddess once more.
"We really do appreciate this and thank you for the lesson," said Attina who appreciated her guidance and hopes she'll use the trident properly.
"You will become a mighty queen, young Attina. Just remember what I told you and you will succeed," said Calypso as she turned to see Eric ordering his men to bring their equipment and supplies from the other ship to the new one. "Now go, before ye are left behind."
"R-Right. Of course. Thank you again and we'll see you when this is over," said Attina as she grabbed her father's hand and led them to the rowboats.
Calypso watched on happy to see Triton and his family again. While happy to see Gabriella, who she knows will become a great pirate lord one day. She just needs to first let go of her need for revenge against Titus and let go of the past. In order to move forward and become the pirate she knows she can become.
Aidan walked beside her and sighed. "Ye think they're going to make it?"
"Only time will tell," said Calypso who knew there isn't much they can do but wait to see what happens. "What will ye do now, Aidan?"
"I'll be going home," said Aidan as he explained where he'll go. "I believe my time in this realm is over and I should go back to see my family," he let out one big sigh and shook his head. "I will miss this place this. And I will miss your company."
"As will I," said Calypso who knew she'll have one less friend in this realm, but she knew she'll see them again one day. "As for me? The sea is calling for me to return. I believe I will do just that."
Aidan nods in agreement before he extends his hand to Calypso. "Goodbye, old friend."
"And goodbye to you as well, old friend," said Calypso as she took his hand and shakes it, before she begins to break down into thousands of crabs before they all begin jumping into the water.
Aidan chuckled when he saw this and began walking away. "I'll still never get used to that."
Meanwhile, the crew made their way towards the ship as Gabriella was the first one to board. She looked around the ship and still couldn't believe this is really happening. She begins touching everything, making sure what she's seeing is actually real. From the mass, the rope, the barrels, the sails, and the railing.
It was all really here. She had dreamed of this moment for so long. To finally sail the ship that she had heard so many stories about. And now? It has finally come true.
She looked up at the deck and saw the helm. She runs over towards it, while the others begin boarding the ship to load the supplies down below. All the while they even began exploring the famous Black Pearl herself and couldn't believe it's really here. They had many stories about the famous pirate ship that its really here.
Even Ashla looked around the ship and couldn't believe it was really here. She knew Gabriella had dreamed of this moment for a long time, while Ashla herself had dreamed of this moment too. She knew her grandfather had sailed on this ship before. And now?
She too has a chance to sail on the very same ship.
Melody looked around before seeing where Gabriella went. She smiled a little while still blushing when she remembered the kiss she gave her. She wanted to ask what that was about but chalked it up to her being in the moment. But was it really all that was or maybe something else?
She walked over as Gabriella held her hands on the helm. Moving her hand along the wheel and felt herself getting emotional. Lana flew over in front of her friend and gave her a small nod. They both knew how important this moment is for Gabriella and how she now has the ship she dreamed of sailing.
Melody leaned against the railing and is glad that Gabriella is getting her moment, but she knew they were on borrowed time too. She cleared her throat and got her attention. "The Black Pearl is yours now, Captain Sparrow. What are your orders?"
Gabriella snapped out of her thoughts when she heard what Melody said and smiled a little. "Captain Gabriella Sparrow…I like the sound of that," said Gabriella before remembering time is not on their side. They have to get going before they lose more time than they already has.
Gabriella walked from the helm to look over to where the rest of the crew were at, who continued to look around at the ship. Gabriella cleared her throat and began giving her first orders. "On deck you scabrous dogs! Get the rest of the supplies below! Hence the breeze! Get cracking you lazy dogs!"
The crew down below all begin getting to work as they begin getting the ship ready to sail. Even Eric joined the crew as they began getting the ship ready. While Triton goes down below with Attina, Sally, and Urchin to take their things down to their cabin. As everyone got to work, Ashla and Lapis, walk up to where their friends are at.
"So, we have a heading them, captain?" Ashla asked as she leaned against the railing with her arms crossed.
"Indeed, we do," said Gabriella as she unrolls the map to find it leading them towards their destination. "Out west it seems. Towards the Bermuda Triangle…of course it is," Gabriella cleared her throat and turned to Ashla. "Master Ashla, hoist the colours."
Ashla begins to smile and nod in response as she heads down to the deck of the ship. She heads up the mass and finds the flag. The flag of the Black Pearl. White skull and two swords across each other under the skull. She begins to tie the flag and hoist the colours. To show all the Pearl's flag.
As she did this, a monkey suddenly appeared on the helm, causing the girls to jump a little.
"W-Where did this monkey come from?" Melody asked knowing they didn't see any monkeys around.
Gabriella looked closely and recognized the Capuchin monkey from the stories she heard. "Unbelievable. I know this little bastard. This is Jack, a pet of the pirate who stole the ship from my dad. I guess he got stuck in the bottle when Blackbeard took it."
"R-Really? Wow," said Lapis as the monkey jumps on the girl's shoulders and then head, causing her to giggle. "Aww he seems friendly."
"For now but keep an eye on him and keep him out of trouble," said Gabriella as she looked up to see the black flag with a white skull with two swords as crossbones sailing high. "All right. Time to sail, ladies. We're off to Neverland and save the world!"
That's the end of the chapter and yep, the Black Pearl has returned. I had been wanting to bring it in for some time and I knew this was a good time to do it. The whole setup of how they freed the Pearl was about the same way as in Dead Men Tell No Tales. Of course, the only difference is, Eric and Triton didn't take over the ship like Barbossa did to Jack.
The other being that it happened before the events of On Strangers Tide. So, does this mean if this goes well, and we get a sequel, we might see it against Blackbeard? We'll see. If we survive long enough for it.
Funny enough, I already have ideas for it. Just need to give it some time guys. I likely won't do a third one involving the fifth movie. I mean, maybe, but it's likely it will be a no.
I see no point in doing so. Also, the scene with freeing the Black Pearl the music for it is from the Dead Men Tell No Tales soundtrack, but if you want to hear the best part, skip ahead to 1:50 to the end to listen to it.
Also, to Neverland, I should bring this up, but I have heard a lot of different stories about it. How we see different people from different times appear in the place. Like in Hook, how we see someone like Rufio who looks to be from a different time period than the one Peter is from. So, it gave me some ideas to go in this direction.
Where Neverland has pockets that can lead people from different time periods into this realm. It is also a realm where aging stops, which is why guys like Hook still look young even after so many years. I won't include the part where if you stay there too long you forget your past. I felt that part was odd.
Anyways, how will things go for our heroes now that they have the Black Pearl? Think they'll have a better chance against Titus and his ship? Will we end up seeing a ship battle between the two sides? And how will things go when our heroes get to Neverland?
Tune in next time to find out & thank you all for the support of 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.
Also, for those wondering how the characters sound like. Well, in my head, these are actors who I'd pick for them to sound like (or who they played from the canon films):
Main Protagonist:
Queen Ariel – Jodi Benson
Princess Melody – Tara Strong
King Eric – Christopher Daniel Barnes
King Triton – Kenneth Mars
Attina – Kari Wahlgren
Urchin – Danny Cooksey
Sally – Awkwafina
Gabriella Sparrow – Sarah-Nicole Robles
Lara the Fairy – Brenda Song
Lapis – Ashly Burch
Side Characters:
Alana – Jennifer Hale
Aquata – Grey DeLisle
Arista – Grey DeLisle
Adella – Tara Strong
Andrina – Tara Strong
Sebastian – Samuel E. Wright
Flounder – Jason Marin
Grimsby – Ben Wright
Carlotta – Edie McClurg
Captain Bryan – Jon Favreau
Captain Nereus – Chris Parnell
Lyra – Marina Satti
Polyphemus – Manos Katrakis
Main Antagonist:
Titus – Temuera Morrison
Marina – Elsie Lovelock
Isaac – Idris Elba
Raphael – Danny Trejo
Naomi – Anna Akana
Noah – Michael Kovach
Mei & Mai Katsumoto – Olivia Hack
Odina – Amber Midthunder