The Little Mermaid III: The Princess & the Sparrow

by AVP5

4 years after the events of Return of the Sea, Melody's life will once again change when she comes across a young pirate. Someone who will help her when an old enemy returns, but doesn't come back alone. Together, will it be enough to defeat their enemy and keep them from destroying everything they hold dear? Read on to find out. Melody/OC (Originally theReaper13 story)

25. Chapter 25

Here we go with chapter 25 is here and 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.

Also, Happy New Year to all! I hope everyone is ready for the new year. I know 2024 was not great, especially near the end. But let's try to make it through this year together. And ensure it all goes well without any more shit…hopefully.

Anyways, last time we saw Gabriella, Melody, and Lapis regrouping with the adults. We see Eric, Attina, Triton, and Urchin all meeting up with the girls so they can figure out their next move. Thanks to Calypso, they had gotten a map that would help them find where Titus and his ship is heading. And were able to get the Black Pearl freed so they can chase after them.

How will things go for them as they sail after Titus and his crew? Will they be able to save Ariel and the world? Will they be able to stop him from destroying the world? And what will happen when both ships head to Neverland?

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 XXV

Atlantic Ocean

Out in the Atlantic, the Leviathan is seen sailing across the open sea. No land in sight for thousands of miles and no sign of any ship anywhere. It has been a day since the ship left York with its new crew and are now on their way towards their destination. While most of the new crew had no idea where they were going, the original crew did and were already making preparations for their arrival.

As they sailed, Isaac is seen on deck ordering the men to reef the sails. Isaac knew this sea well and they'd be running into some storms. It was hurricane season, and he knew how unpredictable they can be when out at sea, especially around this time of the year. As they sailed, he took out his telescope and looked to see if there's any signs of any storms.

When he couldn't see any, he began closing his telescope and began taking a big sniff of the sea air. When he couldn't smell any storm coming their way, he began ordering the men to cast off. To set the sails free so they can stay on schedule. The men complained about this, but he doubled down and told them to get to work.

Isaac had taken lessons from his captain to have a better understanding of the sea. To know when a storm is forming, to know where the wind will blow, and to tell if they're heading towards rough waters.

As he puts his telescope away and ordered one of the men to keep to their heading, he hears the door behind him open. Showing his master, Titus emerging from his cabin.

"Captain," said Titus as he greeted his captain and bowed his head to him.

"Isaac," said Titus as he greeted his second-in-command back. "How's it looking? Any storms?"

"None, sir. That's the good news," said Isaac as he showed the map of where they are and how far it'll take them to get to their destination. "If we keep to this heading without running into any storms, we should get to the triangle in about a 25 to 28 days."

"I see," Titus looked at the map and knew this is not an acceptable time for them. "Have Marina call on her pet. See if she can get her to help speed us to our destination faster."

"Captain? Are you sure?" Isaac asked, who seemed confused by his captain's request. "I mean, we made sure our enemies wouldn't be able to track us down and I doubt they know where we're going."

"We assumed the same thing back when we were getting to York, yet look what happened," said Titus who couldn't take anymore unnecessary risks. "We're close to our goal, Isaac, and we can't afford any more mistakes. Understood?"

Isaac didn't question his captain's reasoning and simply nodded in response. "Aye captain. I will speak with her about this then."

"Very good," said Titus before he begins bringing up what Isaac said earlier. "You mentioned good news. Any bad news?"

Isaac nodded in response as he rolled up the map. "Marina took notice of the damages from the ship. I lied to her about what happened, but she didn't believe me. She suspects we ran into some trouble. And I believe she's worried for your safety."

Titus sighed as he leaned against the railing with his hands and nods. "I know she is, and I can't blame her, but just let her know it's nothing to worry about. Our only goal is our destination. Nothing more and nothing less."

"I understand, but I still believe you should still speak with her," said Isaac who normally doesn't pry into the captain's privacy, but he believes in this case, it is necessary. "I would hate for us to have anything interfere with your goal."

"Considered it considered," said Titus who will make a note of it and will speak with Marina about it, but in a later time. "Is there anything else?"

"There is," said Isaac as he brings up one more thing they need to do. "Sir, about the prisoner. Would you mind if we let her join us for dinner?"

Titus raised an eyebrow before he turned to Isaac, confused. "Why?"

"Well, I feel that now that she understands her position and won't try to escape. I figured we can try having her join us," said Isaac as he explained his reasoning for what he's requesting.

"Perhaps, it'll make it easier for her to become more open-minded about why you're doing what you're doing. And will help make her more cooperative when the time comes to complete our goal."

Titus knew what Isaac said does make a fair good point. He kept Ariel locked up to keep her from escaping and keep the crew from touching her, especially Marina due to their history. Still, now that she's aware of what he seeks and what he intends to do, perhaps trying to win her over to his side wouldn't be so bad. And would work with his most loyal crewmates who would be able to win her over.

It already seemed to be working when Naomi and Noah seemed to be winning her over from their interactions.

"While I agree with what you're saying, it's Marina that concerns me," said Titus who knows Marina will be the one that'll make things difficult. "You know why she hates Ariel and has been restraining herself from harming Ariel."

"I understand, sir. However, she also must understand we need the queen to achieve your goal. If she tries anything stupid, it'll only cause more harm to our objective than anything else," said Isaac as he walked up to the captain and leaned in close to him. "And forgive me for saying this sir, but if you had told her the truth from the beginning, I feel this tension she has with the queen wouldn't be there."

Titus sighed once more, knowing Isaac is right and did wish he had been more forthcoming with Marina, but he knew with what had happened, he was afraid how it would have gone.

"I'm aware, Isaac. I'm aware," said Titus as he pushed himself off the railing and looked around. "Tell Marina that Ariel will be joining us for dinner, and I want her to restrain herself. If she cannot, then she won't join us."

"Yes sir," said Isaac who already knew how that conversation would go but will give it a try.

"Isaac," Titus called out to his subordinate before he left. "Do you truly believe if I had told her the truth, do you believe the path we're on would have gone differently?"

Isaac thinks about it knowing that his captain had always set his sights on revenge on the world, but if he had told the truth to Marina, then who knows how things would have gone.

"Perhaps. Perhaps then, you would have found some peace, sir," said Isaac as he took his leave and heads down below.

Titus, meanwhile, looked back out to the sea and thought about what Isaac said. If he had told Marina the truth, perhaps things could have gone much differently. Maybe even prevent him from doing what he did to so many people. But he knew it was too little too late.

He can't change the past but can change the future. And he'll do it by finding his father's trident, then make this world into his own image.

Meanwhile

Down below, Ariel had been sent back to her room after the escape attempt with Gabriella. Ariel was still reeling from what happened and couldn't believe Gabriella tried to save her. Even more, finding out her daughter had joined her to try saving her. Ariel wasn't happy about it, but knew deep down, she would have done the same thing Melody did if she had been taken.

She also wasn't fond of hearing Gabriella was a pirate. But she wasn't like the pirates she heard stories of and like the ones who attacked her home. Gabriella was more like…well, Naomi and Noah. Kind, caring, and good company. She understands why she didn't tell her the truth.

She couldn't blame her for that.

Ariel still felt guilty for pushing Gabriella off the ship, but she knew she had come to save her. If she didn't, she would have been killed.

Ariel understood the promise Gabriella made to Melody to bring her home. She understood this since she would have done the same thing. However, it was a risk she couldn't take on the off-chance Titus would attack her home and family.

Yes, she knew what Titus was planning and what he'll do if she refuses. Still, despite knowing this, she had to keep her end of the deal. In order to keep her family and people safe. She can only hope if they make it to where the trident is at, she can try grabbing it and use it against the pirates.

At least, the ones who try to harm her.

Not like the two she has befriended, Naomi and Noah. The two young pirates weren't like the ones who attacked her home or like their captain. They were nice, caring, funny, and good. She still finds it hard to believe they were pirates and that they work for such an awful man like Titus.

Ariel had been alone in her cabin since the ship sailed, but then Naomi and Noah came to see her. Wanting to cheer her up and spend some time with her. Something that really helped lift her spirits. It even helped when Noah began playing and singing some music for her, while Naomi watched on.

Noah is seen playing on an accordion, while he sings the song "Yo Ho a Pirate's Life" to the queen. Not something he'd normally play to any prisoners, but he tried to make it sound fun and goofy.

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me

We pillage plunder, we rifle and loot

Drink up me hearties, yo ho

We kidnap and ravage and don't give a hoot

Drink up me hearties, yo ho

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me

We extort and pilfer, we filch and sack

Drink up me hearties, yo ho

Maraud and embezzle and even hijack

Drink up me hearties, yo ho

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me

We kindle and char and in flame and ignite

Drink up me hearties, yo ho

We burn up the city, we're really a fright

Drink up me hearties, yo ho

Ariel leaned to Naomi while Noah was playing a little solo number, while he does a little dance. "He's really good. Why don't you join him in the singing?" Ariel whispered.

"I would, but I'm not a fan of this song," Naomi whispered back to Ariel. "I may be a pirate, but holy cr…cow it's annoying when a bunch of drunk pirates sing it nonstop."

Ariel giggled softly, understanding Naomi's reason for hating the song, before she whispered back to her. "There is a lot more drinking than anything else."

"Exactly," Naomi whispered as she giggled in response, while Noah goes back to singing.

We're rascals and scoundrels, we're villains and knaves

Drink up me hearties, yo ho

We're devils and black sheep, we're really bad eggs

Drink up me hearties, yo ho

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me

We're beggars and blighters and ne'er do-well cads

Drink up me hearties, yo ho

Aye, but we're loved by our mommies and dads

Drink up me hearties, yo ho

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me

Noah finished playing the song and gives a small bow, which causes Ariel to applaud for his performance, with Naomi applauding next, but a slow applause.

"Thank you, thank you very much," said Noah as he put his instrument down. "I'll be here all week. Literally, I can't go anywhere else."

"Not unless you want to go for a swim," said Naomi as she chuckled softly.

"Well, I'm glad you're here, Noah. You have a nice singing voice," said Ariel who is glad to have heard his performance. "Did your parents teach you to sing?"

"Me mum did," said Noah as he gave a small smile before he goes to get his violin out. "She sang for me every single day. From the morning to wake me up, to the afternoon when we'd be doing our chores, and at night before I went to bed."

"And your father?" Ariel asked until she saw Noah's expression changed, causing her to feel bad. "Oh, I'm sorry. He passed away?"

"Nah," said Noah as he explained what happened, while trying not to look sad. "He left me mum for another lady. Never saw him again," he then saw how his story made the queen feel bad for him, so he tried to fix it. "But I'm fine. I never needed the bast…the coward for leaving me and me mum. She raised me well and took good care of me till she passed away from an illness. After that? I began taking my performance across the country, till Titus recruited me."

"He recruited you? How?" Ariel asked who was now curious about how someone like Titus, who threatened her family and friends would take in someone so young to join him.

Noah begins to tell his story while playing a little bit on his violin. "He was at a tavern, looking to hire some men to join his crew. I saw how grumpy he looked, and it looked like he needed some music. So, I began to play for him a little song that I knew would lighten his mood."

Ariel looked on, confused by what song he was going to play, but Naomi groaned as she knew what song he was going to play.

… What will we do with a drunken sailor?

What will we do with a drunken sailor?

What will we do with a drunken sailor?

Early in the morning!

… Way hay and up she rises

Way hay and up she rises

Way hay and up she rises

Early in the morning!

… Shave his belly with a rusty razor

Shave his belly with a rusty razor

Shave his belly with a rusty razor

Early in the morning!

… Way hay and up she rises

Way hay and up she rises

Way hay and up she rises

Early in the morning!

… Put him in a long boat till his sober

Put him in a long boat till his sober

Put him in a long boat till his sober

Ariel giggled softly as Noah played this song, which she had never heard before, but Naomi seemed to know it well. Her expression tells the tale of how many times she's heard this song and how she seems to dislike it. It didn't stop Noah as he kept on singing and even jumped on a nearby chair. Doing a little Irish jig dance while he finishes with his singing.

Early in the morning!

… Way hay and up she rises

Way hay and up she rises

Way hay and up she rises

Early in the morning!

… Stick him in a scupper with a hosepipe bottom

Stick him in a scupper with a hosepipe bottom

Stick him in a scupper with a hosepipe bottom

Early in the morning!

… Way hay and up she rises

Way hay and up she rises

Way hay and up she rises

Early in the morning!

… Put him in the bed with the captains daughter

Put him in the bed with the captains daughter

Put him in the bed with the captains daughter

Early in the morning!

… Way hay and up she rises

Way hay and up she rises

Way hay and up she rises

Early in the morning!

… That's what we do with a drunken sailor

That's what we do with a drunken sailor

That's what we do with a drunken sailor

Early in the morning!

… Way hay and up she rises

Way hay and up she rises

Way hay and up she rises

Early in the morning!

… Way hay and up she rises

Way hay and up she rises

Way hay and up she rises

Early in the morning!

Noah finished playing and begins giving yet another bow, which Ariel of course applauded for and seemed to have enjoyed the little performance as much as the one earlier.

"Thank you, my lady," said Noah as he thanked Ariel for the applause. "So, yeah, that was the song I played for Titus, which not only lightened his mood, but he offered me a position in his crew."

"He was lucky that Titus liked music. Otherwise, he would have thrown Noah out of the tavern," said Naomi as she remembered that night well and how Titus did seem to enjoy the performance.

"You were there when that happened?" Ariel asked Naomi, while now curious to know how she joined the crew. "What about you? How did you join his crew?"

"Me? Well, mine isn't as sad as Noah's tale, but it's still somewhat sad," said Naomi who wasn't sure if she should tell the queen. "I don't want to bore you with it though."

Ariel didn't want to pry into their stories if they don't want to, but she did want to get to know these kids better and befriend them some more. "I won't force you to if you don't want to. I was just asking," she replied in her motherly tone.

Naomi really didn't want to, but something about how Ariel spoke to her and her warm personality just reminded her of her mother. Back before…before losing her.

"I'll tell you my story, but only because you wanted to hear it," Naomi asked as she gets a small nod from Ariel, who seemed fine with the short version. "Okay, well, you know people like me, with the color of my skin, aren't all well accepted by everyone. You don't see a lot of us walking around in nice fancy clothes or communing with the commoners, right?"

Ariel soon began to realize where this was going and why Naomi didn't want to tell her. "Oh…so you were a…" she wasn't sure if she should say the word.

"A slave," said Naomi who knew what Ariel was going to say but understood her hesitation. "Yeah, I was born a slave. My mother and father were sold as slaves when they were young, before they were separated. My mom was pregnant with me, and I was born over where the colonies are at."

Naomi was born within the British 13 colonies that was across the Atlantic. She was raised by her mother before she too was put into servitude when she was old enough to work. Naomi made sure to obey the rules and was kept out of trouble. That was until her master tried to sell her off and separate her from her mother.

Her mother sacrificed herself to save her daughter and help her escape. The last thing Naomi heard from her mother was to keep running and never look back. After that? She heard gunshots, followed by a body falling to the ground.

Naomi ran away and made her way to the shore. The men followed her and were able to capture her. They prepared to whip her for running away, until Titus arrived.

"He appeared from the shadows and killed each of the men. One-by-one until only the master was left. Titus had him tied to a tree and gave me the chance to whip him, just as he intended to do to me," said Naomi who remembered holding on to that whip in her hand and then looking up at the man who had planned to sell her away.

"I think you can tell what I did next after that," said Naomi who wanted to spare Ariel the gruesome details.

Ariel is thankful for that, because she already felt sick to her stomach from what Naomi told her. Eric never believed in slavery and whatever slaves that they found that were trying to run away, they were given safe haven within his kingdom. Ariel couldn't believe how heartless people were to enslave one another. Even tearing children from their parents, she couldn't bear the thought of ever going through that.

"After that, Titus freed my people, killed the slave owners along with their companions, then freed their slaves too," Naomi then explained how Titus took them to a safe place, where they can be free and no longer deal with those who tried to keep them as properties.

"I decided to join Titus though because I wanted to return the favor for what he did for my people. Had it not been for him, my people and I wouldn't have our freedom," said Naomi who is thankful for Titus and owes him for his kindness.

She also knew with her parents gone, she had nothing left, except her service to Titus and her brother.

"It was also my meeting with Titus that I found out I had a brother, Isaac," said Naomi revealing her brother's name.

"Isaac? Really? He's your brother?" Ariel asked, while shocked to hear who Naomi's brother is. "Where was he during what you and your mother went through?"

"A story for another time," said Naomi who felt it was best her brother tells his side of the story than herself. "But just know we're fortunate for Titus coming into our lives and giving us a second chance at life."

Ariel is surprised to hear how Titus, who all she has seen is his darker side, who despises humans for what they've done, has been willing to go out of his way to help them. Yes, his way of doing it still involves murder, but he still helped free the slaves and has brought them to a safe place to live. It even has taken those who lost so much to join his crew.

"I never knew Titus could show such kindness. I've only seen him doing terrible things towards my people and is threatening to wipe more innocent from this world," said Ariel who had a hard time believing all his good deeds his done, can justify his plans. "You two do know what he's going to do, right?"

Naomi and Noah turned to each other, both aware of their captain's plan. Both are aware of how many lives will be lost and understand why Ariel is against it.

"Ms. Ariel, tell us. Have you ever ventured far from your home?" Naomi asked.

"How far?" Ariel begins thinking about it knowing she has traveled with Eric, but if it's anything like right now. "I suppose this is the farthest I've actually traveled. Not counting under the sea."

"So, you haven't been to France, where the monarchy of the land has abused their authority, starved their people, and torture those who are innocent?" Naomi asked as she gets a silent response from Ariel. "What of England? A country where their king massacred natives from their land, called them savages, and took their land from them. What about Spain? Maybe Russia?"

Ariel knew where Naomi was going with this and understood that humanity wasn't perfect. She wasn't as naïve as she used to be. When she believed the surface world was filled with good people. Still, it didn't justify what Titus is going to do.

"I know the world isn't all I expected it to be, but it doesn't mean that what Titus is doing is any better. Are you really okay with him drowning this world and killing millions?" Ariel asked, hoping to convince these two what Titus is doing is wrong.

"We're not and Titus is aware of this. He knows what he plans to do will be seen as a horrible act, but answer us this, is it any different than the horrible things humanity has done?" Naomi asked as she points out how humanity has committed the same kind of crimes as Titus plans to do. "Of course, he does plan to spare at least half of the humans he plans to save."

Ariel looked confused by what Naomi meant by that. Titus is planning to spare the very people he planned to destroy.

Noah cleared his throat and began speaking up. "My lady, ever heard of Noah's Ark?"

Ariel turned to Noah and shook her head in response. Before Noah can explain, the door opened and came Isaac. "You two were supposed to drop off the food and return to your duties."

"Oh whoops, sorry, sir," said Noah as he moved his arms behind his back. "We kind of just got caught up in keeping our guest entertained."

"Is that so?" Isaac asked before turning to Naomi.

Naomi knew Isaac wasn't pleased with them skipping out on their duties, but she knew Noah was right. "I mean, she's no longer considered a prisoner anymore, right? Isn't it wise for us to keep their moral high?"

Ariel didn't want her new friends to get in trouble for keeping her company. Unaware they had other duties to do. If she had known, she wouldn't have kept them from working. She stood up and began to apologize for them on her behalf.

"It's my own fault. I wanted some company after last night and they stayed to cheer me up. I apologize for this," said Ariel who hopes her apology will lessen any punishment the others might endure.

Isaac sighed softly as he closed his eyes and stepped to the side before his eyes turned to his crewmates. "Go assist in preparing the dinner table. The captain wants it ready in ten minutes."

"Yes sir!" Noah and Naomi replied at the same time before they left the room to get to work.

"And be sure to wash your hands before setting the table!" Isaac called out to Noah and Naomi, who wanted them to clean up before touching the plates.

Once they were gone, Isaac turned towards Ariel and took out a trunk. "The captain wishes for you to join us for dinner. I brought you some clothes to change into for the evening."

Ariel looked surprised that she was being invited to dinner. She assumed that she was going to eat her dinner in her room again. She looked down at the trunk as Isaac opened it. The clothes all looked normal and didn't seem fancy.

Not that she didn't mind. She did on occasions wear normal clothes from time to time.

However, her expression changed to one that was suspicious of the clothes. "And where did you get these clothes?"

Isaac can understand the queen's suspicion and quickly tries to quell them. "These clothes belonged to Marina. She didn't have any need to wear them anymore and I figured they would fit you," said Isaac as he pulled one out and hands it to her. "I would have asked Naomi, but I believe you two are not the same size."

No, she wouldn't be Naomi's size due to their age & body differences. She looked down at the clothes and did find them to be nice, but wasn't sure about wearing something Marina wore.

"And I presume Marina will be joining us for dinner? Are you sure that is wise?" Ariel asked who wasn't sure about going to dinner with Marina around. "Considering her hostility towards me?"

"You can relax, my lady. I have already spoken to Marina, and she has reassured me she will behave. Where do you think I got the clothes from?" Isaac replied as he motioned to the trunk. "Of course, this is your choice. You can choose to eat with us or eat here in your room."

The idea of eating with the monster that plans to kill so many innocent lives did make her sick. But after hearing the stories from Noah and Naomi. Not to mention hearing how he planned to save half of the human race, well, it did catch her curiosity. She wanted to find out more about his plan and speak with him more in person.

Perhaps then she can try convincing him to not go through with his plan. To perhaps use his skills and knowledge to help the world. She knew it was a gamble about what she's going to do, but it was better than the alternative.

"I will join you for dinner then," said Ariel as she kneeled to look for the right dress to wear. "I do need to freshen up first of course."

"Of course. I will be outside to escort you to the captain's cabin," said Isaac who didn't want to risk her walking around on her own, get lost, and run into the rest of the crew.

"I appreciate it, thank you," said Ariel as Isaac gave her a small head bow before he turned to leave. But before he did, Ariel wanted to ask him something. "Isaac, is it? I hope you don't mind, but, well, Naomi and Noah told me stories of how they joined this crew. I wanted to ask…"

"How did I join?" Isaac asked as he got a small nod from Ariel. "I see…"

Isaac should have figured Naomi and Noah would have told the queen of their past. He figured it is only fair he does the same, if it I'll help show her what their captain is like.

"I assumed Naomi told you about our people, correct? How many of us were sold as slaves, many of us were taken from our families, and any of us who disobeyed would be punished," said Isaac as he asked Ariel his question to see if he has an understanding of the suffering of their people.

Ariel gave a small nod, knowing the horrors they have gone through. "I'm aware."

"Good, because that is pretty much my life," said Isaac as he begins to close his eyes and begins flashing to his past, while he tells his tale to Ariel.

"I was born in Africa. Our village lived close to the sea, where we hunted for our food. The men would go out to the sea to hunt, while the women stayed to grow crops. My father was the leader of the village, a proud and great warrior, while my mother was a kind and gentle soul."

"Things were good in his village, until the white men showed up. They claimed to come in peace, but my father knew what they really wanted," Isaac remembered the sound of gunfire being shot out and the armed soldiers marching towards them.

"My father and our warriors fought valiantly, but in the end…they perished," Isaac remembered seeing his father being shot down by the armed men, before himself and his mother were taken. "We were all forced on to their ships, chained together, and taken back to their home. That…was the last time I saw my home."

Isaac remembered it took what felt like months to get to their destination. He watched as many of their people died from diseases, starvation, and some even chose to escape just so they can jump into the sea to drown together.

"When we finally arrived at our destination, I was sold off to a cruel and vicious man, who claimed to be a religious leader. My mother, who was pregnant with Naomi at the time, was then sold to someone else, taken to the New World, while I was forced to stay behind," Isaac knew he'd never see his mother or his unborn sibling again, but so did many who were sold off.

"The religious man was strong in his belief, at least, his own version of it that was different from the church. He had a group of followers who obeyed his command and believed in the things he would tell them. Even spread horrible lies about my people and how we weren't human but were animals. To be treated as such and we would never know true freedom, unless we renounced our beliefs for his."

"Any who refused to listen to him, committed sin, or refused to renounce their beliefs were punished," said Isaac as he began to remove his shirt, before pulling it off and showed his back, causing Ariel to gasp in horror.

He showed the many burned and whipped scars all around his back. Including a branding of a cross in the middle. Ariel has seen scars before, but never like this. Never in such a horrifying manner.

"I refused to give up my beliefs and I refused to be broken," said Isaac who would never give up who he was or what he believed in.

It took Ariel a moment to regain herself as she saw Isaac cover himself. She took a deep breath, before she managed to find her voice.

"How did you get away?" Ariel asked.

"When Titus came to port," said Isaac as he explained how he earned his freedom.

"Titus came to the town and met the religious man who had a group of followers by his side. They knew right away that Titus was a pirate and ordered him to leave their home or be punished. Titus did not say anything though and tried to walk past them. Showing his defiance of the religious man and his followers."

Isaac remembered being in awe when he saw Titus not only defy his master, but also showed no fear to someone who made his life hell for five years.

"What did this man and his followers do?" Ariel asked who probably knew the answer to that, but still wanted to know how this story ended.

"Well, this did not sit well with the religious man and his followers So much so that they tried to strike him down and kill him. You can imagine though what happened next," Isaac didn't need to tell the queen what happened in great details.

He witnessed Titus easily dispatched with the men. Not killing them but injuring them and leaving them beaten. Isaac hadn't seen someone fight so many men so easily since his father. But Titus was somehow faster and stronger than his own father.

Isaac skipped to the end so he can explain how he came to where he is now. "After defeated the religious man's followers, he gave him a warning, wanting to give him a chance to change his ways. To be better. To give up his life of hatred and hypocrisy. And live a good life."

"And did he" Ariel asked.

Isaac lets out a small chuckle before he turned around to show a scar on his chest. "Not exactly. He tried to stab Titus, but I stood in his way, and I instead was stabbed. You can imagine how Titus took this. He grabbed the man and severed his arm."

Ariel was in shock when she saw this man not only take the attack for a stranger he just met, but that he's still standing here.

"How did you survive such a wound?" Ariel asked.

"Titus had with him a special medication that he carried to help heal from serious injuries. He only had one vial left, but he gave it to me. A nobody who didn't want to see him lose his life and be killed by such hateful man," said Isaac as he covers his body up with his shirt. "Once I recovered, I pledged my loyalty to him and began following him. He of course refused and wanted to return me to my home, but I had no home to go back to, and wasn't sure if I would ever see my mother or sister. So, until my death where I would reunite with them, I was at his service."

Ariel is in awe at how loyal all these people are to Titus. A man who in her father's story despised humans for the terrible things they've done to the world and to each other. Yet this man, not only saved these people from such horrible fates, but from what she's noticed, he has taken a liking to them. At least, that's how she's interpreted from their stories.

"And your former master, what became of him?" Ariel asked who forgot to ask what happened to the religious man.

Isaac began to stare off into the ceiling before closing his eyes and began picturing what happened to his former master. He remembered seeing Titus take some chains, tie them around the religious man, and dragged him towards the docks. Kicking and screaming. Begging for God to strike the Devil down.

The last thing he saw, was Titus tying the chain to something heavy, before pushing it off the dock. He watched his former master being dragged off the dock, never to be seen again.

"Let's just say, he is paying for his sins, beneath the sea itself," said Isaac as he decided to spare her the truth.

Ariel didn't need to be told the full truth to know what Isaac meant by that. "Fair enough. Thank you for telling me your story, Isaac. It has helped me understand why you all serve Titus and even understand him a bit more."

Ariel also has an understanding of Titus' reasoning for hating humanity. She didn't know that such horrible things as what Naomi and Isaac went through existed. It's given her some insight of how humans aren't as good as she thought they were. Despite this though, she was still against Titus' plan and hopes she can change his mind.

"I will still be joining you all for dinner. I would like to talk to Titus and see if I can get to know him more, while hoping I can change his mind for his plan," said Ariel who is holding out some hope she can stop him from going through with drowning the world.

"I suppose that is fair for you to do. Just please, refrain from anything that might anger Marina. Let's just say, she has already learned to tolerate you for the trip. Please, do not give her a reason to change her mind," and with that, Isaac left the room and closed the door behind him to give the queen some privacy.

Ariel sighed as she looked down at the trunk filled with clothes, before she began looking through them. "Try to avoid angering Marina huh? I guess that means I should refrain from learning her story. Not that I need to," said Ariel who already figured out who she is. "Being related to that sea witch, I can already imagine what she's like."

Meanwhile

Marina sat in her quarters looking in the mirror in front of her. She was busy fixing her hair and preparing herself for dinner tonight. She was informed by Isaac earlier that dinner will be ready soon. So, this gave her time to get ready and to look presentable before Titus.

While using this time to mentally prepare herself to eat with their…guest.

Marina was able to tolerate a lot of things on this ship. Noah's constant annoying music, Naomi's backtalk towards her, and Isaac under-minding her. However, finding out she was going to eat dinner with the woman who has been the bane of her existence. Well, let's just say it's taking all her will-power to keep her from losing her temper. She couldn't help it though.

"Every time I see her, I just keep getting reminded of what she did. How her actions led to…" Marina stops herself and tried to avoid getting mad. "Yes, I know it was her husband who did the deed, but had it not been for her, I wouldn't have lost my chance to finally prove myself."

Marina stood up from her seat and began finishing fixing her hair, before looking herself in the mirror. "Because of them, I will never get the recognition that I deserved. To finally show I'm not a failure like she's always said I was."

"But you are ~" Marina gasped softly when she heard the familiar voice. A voice she never thought she'd ever hear again. "You've always been a failure and a disappointment. Even now, you've continued to disappoint."

Marina closed her eyes and tried to drown out the voice. "You're not here. You're not real. You died. I saw you die."

"Oh, I did die," said the familiar voice as it echoed all around her. "I died because of you. Because you failed at using magic. You failed to help me get the trident. And you failed to help me get my revenge."

As she said this, a shadowy figure of a robust woman with long tentacles appeared around the room. Moving around and continuing to mock her.

"And now you think because you got a little better that it will make up for your failure? You had a chance to redeem yourself by finishing what I started and yet you failed to do that!" said the familiar voice as she begins laughing at Marina.

"Shut up! Shut up! I'm not weak and I'm not a failure!" said Marina as she opened her eyes and tried to regain some control.

"I have grown more powerful in magic, and I will soon help bring Titus to the most powerful weapon in the world. One far more powerful than the trident you went after. As for Ariel, well, don't worry, once her usefulness comes to an end, I will finish what you failed to do."

"Oh please! You think I care about Titus' plan and what he plans to do?" said the familiar voice as the shadowy figure begins moving around the room before heading to the mirror. "You will never truly redeem yourself unless you take the trident for yourself and take control of the sea. Face it, girly. You will always be too weak to do what needs to be done. Face it, you will always be a failure."

Soon the woman appeared revealing to be the evil Sea Witch, Ursula. She begins mocking Marina while laughing in her maniacal evil laugh.

"Shut up…Shut up…SHUT UP!" Marina punches the mirror again and again and again, until it shattered.

Marina begins panting heavily as she takes a step back while feeling her body shake. She hated feeling this way. She hated the way she used to make her feel. How she made her feel weak. How she made her feel like she wasn't good enough.

She didn't even notice her right hand was bleeding from where she punched the mirror. She begins moving back to her bed before looking down at her wound. She begins feeling tears forming in her eyes before she begins to bawl.

As she cried, tentacles formed began to appear and wrap around her. Hugging her body to comfort her. She looked down at her lower half to find her legs were gone and replaced with eight long black tentacles. She didn't freak out though.

She knew what she was and who her mother is. She knew it but doesn't mean she will let it defy her.

"I'm not weak…I'm not a failure…I will prove you wrong…I will prove you wrong, mother," said Marina to herself as she continued to cry and tried to reassure her, she isn't going to fail.

She begins to concentrate as the tentacles begin to retract and soon her human legs return. She begins to get to her feet and look down at her injury. "I will prove you all wrong. Just wait and see."

That's the end of the chapter and honestly? I think you all could have figured out that Marina is Ursula's daughter. I mean, I did leave hints earlier about it when she went to confront Ariel. Still, who's the poor unfortunate soul who had to get in bed with that crazy witch?

Will we find out more about Marina's past? How she ended up joining Titus' crew? Will she be able to control herself during the party? Or think she'll lose it in a minute?

Also, I wanted to give some bit of backstory about some of the crew of Titus. To show why they're loyal to him, despite knowing his plans. Showing they have a reason to be with him and how he does seem to care about them. Enough to tolerate them or enough to see them as more than his crew?

Also, I wanted to give this chapter to what is going on within the ship. Don't worry, we'll be back with the others soon enough. Still, how will things go for them? And think they'll be able to catch up to Titus?

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.

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