Pirate Chronicles

Once again, everyone was in a celebratory mood! Who wouldn't?! The Labyrinth pirates just bested the legendary sea creature, Ezekra! Furthermore, I am back to my old self. My spirit and body were unsevered and I was not spiritually sick anymore! But most of all, our crewmates wanted to officially celebrate Jacob and me. As a matter of fact, they already wanted to marry us off!

We were miles away from the place where we battled Ezekra. Neville cooked a feast and he was quick about that too. The table that they put out on the top deck was brimming with food. It looked like Neville cooked all our supplies but he said he did not. I have been sailing with them for two years and one thing I found out about them is that they love to eat! But who wouldn't if Neville was the cook, right?

Tibet and Fifer played their harmonica. Puma, Wabi, and Laurel sang silly songs! Zaki, Gondro, Elgo, and Urdel began a dancing competition betting their share of coins. I have never seen them dance so energetically like this before. Everyone cheered and clapped. In the end, Zaki won! Then everyone danced! Everyone was just so happy even though Jacob banned rum for the time being!

"Dance with me," Jacob asked and held out his hand.

I took his hand and we danced. However, before long, the upbeat music and dancing halted. Tibet and Fifer changed the rhythm of the music into a slow one. Everyone teased us to have a slow dance.

At first, I was embarrassed. But then I realized why would I be? The pirates were my newfound family and I can be myself with them. They won't judge me if I follow protocols and etiquettes, or not. They already accepted my flaws and all of my temper AND tantrums! And so, I giggled and wrapped my arms around Jacob's neck as he wrapped his around my waist.

"Why does this feel like a wedding festival?" Puma asked right away. Jacob winked at me. I chuckled.

"But you may NOT kiss the bride just yet. She's still recuperating," Paco teased. Jacob narrowed his eyes at Paco.

Tibet and Fifer changed the melody of the music to a fast one again. Paco danced with me. Then, Sandlot… and before I knew it, I was laughing and giggling and dancing with everyone while Jacob was seething as he watched us.

"What happened to asking for my permission first?!" he complained.

Paco waved his hand, "Psh!! Ignore him! Darling deserves to have fun after being sick for the entire week!"

I chuckled and turned to Jacob who smiled at me and nodded. "Fine. Go ahead, have fun," he conceded.

Zaki held my wrist to teach me a jig. Jacob thundered, "Watch those grimy hands, mate!"

Zaki held his hands up. "Apologies, Captain!" he replied but continued to teach me the dance steps. I followed but since I was more classically trained, I danced the fast steps awkwardly which elicited laughter from the crew.

"But, I was doing it right!" I insisted. I was not even a little bit upset about the laughter that was directed to me. Their laughter caused me to laugh as well.

"Yes, you were Miss. Yes, you were," Zaki said and scratched his head. "Let's do it again."

Paco shook his head, "No. Let Darling catch her breath," he said and looked at me. "Come and sit for a while." He was really like a father to me. I nodded right away and sat down close to him.

Gondro handed me one of his herbal tonics. "Drink this Miss Darling, so you could build up your strength right away," he told me. I followed the doctor's advice.

Thaddaeus handed me an apple. Recently, he has been like a protective older brother to me. "Eat." I smiled and remembered how he used to be antagonistic to me.

This was one of the best days I've had in Labyrinth. Second to the time Jacob and I both confessed our love for each other. I love being here! The magnificent and extravagant balls in Francua could not hold a candle to these genuine moments of pure joy with the crew. I would NEVER trade this for any luxuries my title could provide for me. I was born to be a pirate NOT a princess! AND I will stay with Labyrinth until my final breath!

Suddenly, the wave rose and towering above us was the grand Ezekra! She caught us by surprise! Her golden eyes were filled with enigmatic seriousness as she paused for a while as if she's telling us that it's her turn to cause suffering.

Then, before we knew it, she immediately wrapped her body encasing the whole ship! The bowsprit broke right away! Labyrinth rocked wildly sustaining damages in an instant. Some floorboards break! My crewmates immediately became defensive or else we will be shipwrecked!

Guns and cannons were fired simultaneously! Ezekra loosened her grip on the ship. But she was not done. She swam under the ship and tilted us to the right. She could've easily overturned the ship but she did not. Instead, it appeared that she was toying with us. Sending all of us at the edge of our seats, clueless of what she was up to! I screamed as I lost my balance and was sliding down.

"Miss Darling!" I heard Elgo shout.

I thought my situation was hopeless. I will fall into the sea! But, Ezekra moved again and tilted the ship to the left. I groaned because I was still sliding down but in the opposite direction. I tried to grab anything to stop myself but everything I held on to were loose objects. Then, Jacob's arm was around my waist. He had a rope tied to his so we would not fall.

I sighed, "What took you so long?"

He chuckled. "I thought my timing was perfect," he said and kissed my cheek.

I giggled. I was aware that we were still in danger but I couldn't help but be whimsical and flirtatious around him. More emotions that only he awakened in me. We were flirting with each other when Ezekra moved again and before we knew it we were sliding in another direction! Then, the rope that was holding Jacob snapped and we were sliding down fast!

Jacob and I held each other's hand. I looked down. Ezekra's mouth was opened.

"Jacob, she's going to eat us!" I panicked.

Jacob tried to do something so he let go of my hand for a second. But, that was a mistake. Ezekra flicked him with her claws and he was thrown into the sea immediately!

"Jacob!!!" I screamed for him.

I could not believe what just happened. I turned back to Ezekra and I swear I saw a mischievous look in her eyes before she gobbled me up. Then, everything was dark!