Phillip Gottschalk's Story

Phillip Gottschalk

Phillip swam about in the sea looking around the bottom of the sea floor. He searched and searched for the perfect gift. He found a sparkling coral piece that was of many beautiful colors. He broke a piece and swam to the water’s surface. “This one’s perfect!! I gotta hurry!” Phillip said aloud to himself.

He swam back to the shore and pulled himself up onto the docks. He still had his tail. It took energy for Phillip to transform his tail into a pair of legs. He took a deep breath and his tail transformed into legs. He sighed and hopped up wobbling a bit. Once he gained his balance he rushed over to his small cottage home and rushed in. He quickly put on a pair of brown string up pants and a shirt then proceeded to work at his work desk. He was not only a fisherman by trade but also a skilled atelier. Phillip would often make beautiful accessories with his findings from the sea. Merpeople often had a skill in accessory creation. He finished his gift for the princess, a beautiful coral necklace affixed to a golden chain.

“A gift befitting even my own bride, whoever that may one day be.” Phillip exclaimed. He rushed toward Molly’s home to give her her newly created wedding gift.

Molly Dubois

“Hurry Mildred!!! Molly needs her corset fastened!!” Molly’s mother, Mrs. Dubois commanded Mildred the chamber maid.

“Yes Madam. Right away.” Millie replied as she rushed about.

“Mother must I wear that awfully tight thing?” Molly asked sounding already tired of her Mother’s wedding anxiety. She wasn’t really freaked out at the fact that she would be married in a few hours, her mother did all of the freaking out for Molly.

“Molly…. You are going to wear that corset if I have to put you in it myself.” Mrs. Dubois scolded with a frowned face.

“Well I guess I am because you’re putting me in it vicariously through Millie.” Molly sighed and rolled her eyes. She looked back to Mildred who was beginning to fasten Molly’s corset and the two giggled.

“Molly don’t you sass me young lady!” Mrs. Dubois fussed. “I swear to God the father that your wedding will be as perfect as his throne in Heaven! So you should at least want a fraction of that for your own wedding… If you weren’t marrying I don’t know what I’d do with you girl.”

Molly’s bedroom doors swung open startling the three ladies and in rushed Phillip Gottschalk. He bore a large smile and outstretched arms. “OH most blessed of mornings!! Congratulations Molly Dubois! You are to be a proper married lady!” Phillip rushed over and grabbed Molly in his arms lifting her easily off of the floor.

“Please don’t barge in on the bride to be Sir Gottschalk, It’s improper to walk in on a lady who’s changing!!” Mildred fussed.

“Oh oh so sorry Millie! Sorry Mrs. Dubois! And… I’ve seen you in less Molly.” Phillip Joked with a big chuckled and a wide smile. He looked Molly in the eyes and picked her up once again spinning her around and then placed her back down.

“Oh stop it Phillip Gottschalk you big child!!” Molly giggled happily. Phillip was her best friend and she was most of all eager to see him. “Please don’t tell me you’re ready to marry me off like right now too dearest Phillip?” Molly looked Phillip in the eyes with a cute kitten expression.

“Well… not just yet. I actually had to come earlier to see you so I could be the first to personally give you a wedding gift. I made it this morning. I searched for one of the rarest, most colorful coral around. This is called rainbow coral and is most precious. This coral shimmers in the light, both sunlight and moonlight. It will change colors for all eternity. It will tell you when there is danger a foot by turning black. I made it into a necklace for you. Please wear it and think of me.” Phillip now calmer, showed the necklace to Molly.

“Oh my Phillip it’s most lovely!! I love this with all my heart! Thank you soooo much!!” Molly leaped into Phillip’s arms and gave him a big hug. “Momma why can’t I just marry Phillip?” Molly whipped around to address her mother.

“Now, now Molly Phillip is a Fisherman and you, although you sometimes forget it, are a Princess. You two and marriage don’t mix.” Mrs. Dubois rebutted.

“Well this Bachgen fellow is merely a nobleman not a Prince so what makes him much different?” Molly argued.

“Molly, I’m much too old for you to marry. I may look 24 but I’m actually 74 years old. Besides, you being born of land and I of the sea should not have children together. The child would simply not be happy, not being able to truly belong to either place.” Phillip responded in a serious tone. “We are friends for life. And if you would like, I’ll be your husband in friendship matrimony.” Phillip then chuckled.

“Oh… alright. Get down on one knee Phillip and present your friendship engagement necklace to me properly.” Molly teased.

Phillip giggled and got down on one knee and held up the shiny necklace. “I Phillip B. Gottschalk, promise with all of my heart and being to God in Heaven to love, protect, support, and to make smile everyday possible, Molly Vanessa Dubois, as her lawfully wedded friendship Husband for as long as I live.” Phillip looked up at Molly who blushed vividly as he stood to his feet and placed his coral necklace around her neck.

“Good because I won’t be forgetting this Phillip B. Gottschalk.” Molly said with a composed smile.

“Stop all of this foolishness Molly, Mr. Gottschalk!!” Mrs. Dubois hissed angrily.

Mildred fanned herself flustered by the romantic scene that unfolded before her. “I wish I had a friend husband too…” Millie sighed.

“Phillip You MUST go now. Moly is behind and needs to finish preparations for her REAL husband. Now shoo please!! Oh and do change into more formal clothing Phillip, I will insist the guards deny you entry to the wedding ceremony if you arrive dressed like you just jumped from the ocean and simply threw something on. Now please go and change, Molly will see you later.” Mrs. Dubois backed Phillip out of the door and quickly shut it.

Phillip returned home and changed while Molly was finally finished getting dressed. All preparations were complete at the manor and now they awaited the arrival of the Groom and his party.

"Yea!" Selena yelled when the captain told her she could go, although she had to wear something fancy to get in. That bummed her out a bit, but she was still excited even as she kissed Nemo goodbye and told him to be a good boy for the captain. She then climbed up the fimilar stairs and made her way to her 'room'. It was tiny, she didn't really even sleep on the boat, she just layed in the water, but she kept her most valuable things in there. She had found what she was looking for, a red and black dress that seemed to have been made for some type of celebration, because she found a weird headress that went with it, although it was pure black and white in the center. She put on her 'fancy' clothes, and she must have looked at least color-blind, although she couldn't tell, she never understood human's fasination with clothing.

She made her way out of her room and went to the captain, and said, "Hope I look good. I got exploring to do." She said with a huge smile as she hugged him, human greeting were hard for her too understand, although kissing was reserved for lovers, so she hoped this was the right expression. She quickly left, still-bare foot, and made her way to whatever building she could find. She just left a fishery, when she noticed someone dressed-up walking to the castle, he seemed to being having a hard time walking, so she assumed he was a merman, and she began to sing as she walked up to him, "Hello." She said sweetly, "You going to the wedding too, because I need a date." She said, knowing that there was only one reason to dress up today, and she didn't want to sing past the gaurds.

Molly Vanessa Dubois

Molly after getting dressed was idle for a little while so she decided to take a stroll about the manor. There were many people rushing to and fro setting up chairs and flowers. Everyone stopped to greet and congratulate Molly on her engagement. She could see how happy everyone was. This wedding wasn’t just for her and her husband to be but for the whole island. They while focusing on the wedding preparations and celebrations could forget about daily life and the mundane. This was to be one of the most exciting things to happen since the islands creation so it was important for many people. Everyone had a hand in making sure the preparations went perfectly. Molly was told by many that they wanted to help her as much as they could because she always selflessly helped them, even when she didn’t have to. It was her duty to see this through.

Molly left the Manor and walked down the island road. She wanted to think a bit about what was to happen today. “How can I marry someone I barely know?” Molly pondered aloud to herself. “Perhaps my parents have more of a political agenda for this marriage? However, I haven’t heard daddy mention a single thing that he’s gaining from this outside of a son in law, not money, or a peace treaty… nothing.” Molly stopped as she paused in thought as well. “I guess the thought of their daughter getting married is just that important to them. Wow… Molly, look at this crazy happening. I only met this man twice before, and he seemed not so much like a man but more like a boy… I’d bet I could beat him easily in a fencing duel, however Teacher Hamilton always said that once you prematurely judge your opponent you’ve lost your own footing.” Molly spoke quietly to herself as she continued down the road. She saw a rose bush and she picked one of the ruby red blooms. Twirling it in her fingers she stared silently off into the scenery.

“I wonder where this guy’s family is and why haven’t I met them? I don’t think my parents are looking into this the way that they should. I suppose they’re so caught up in the distraction of marriage too. Something just isn’t sitting right with me…” Molly turned around with a sigh. “Well I suppose I should head back to the Manor, if Mama doesn’t see me in regular intervals she’ll assume I jumped ship and became a runaway bride. That would be terrible for anyone else around her….” Molly picked up her pace a bit as she headed home. She began to hum a little wedding song one of the farmer’s daughters would sing while she worked. Molly heard the girl sing the song when she’d help the girl and her family with the gardening on occasion.

“Beautiful… bells… Ringing~ ringing~
People… in pews…Singing~ Singing~
I stand at the alter….
With the priest do I wait.
I pray to god that he’s not late.
And if at final bells toll at the alter I alone stand,
Then my heart has been shattered by a man.”

The song wasn’t at all a happy song but it was the only wedding song that Molly knew so she sang it anyway. She thought it was catchy and it reminded her of the simple hot days where she would help out the town’s people. The little things like that made her happy. She happened to see a girl of long blonde hair running about barefoot down the island road in the distance. “That’s curious… I don’t think I’ve seen her before. Hmm? Perhaps she’s with the groom party… which would mean that the groom party is HERE! Oh I’d better hurry back!” Molly gathered up her dress and ran home as fast as she could run.

Molly made it home and her mother was there waiting for her. “Molly where have you been?!” Mrs. Dubois asked in an angry whisper. She didn’t really want an answer as she did not wait for one. She pulled Molly along into the Bride’s room for yet another round of dress alterations.

Phillip B. Gottschalk

Phillip changed into his best garments at his home. He had a suite custom made for special occasions like this. Phillip had been living on the land for some time so he had grown accustomed to the practice of wearing human clothing daily. He rather liked a nice outfit. He still didn’t care for walking on feet though. He would much rather swim places than walk. Walking on human legs simply felt unnatural for him so he often looked to be uncomfortable when he took steps.

A young girl walked up to him and said in a sweet voice, "Hello."

Phillip looked over surprised. “Oh, good morning there young lady.” Phillip greeted the young lady who gave off an aura of the ocean. She must have been a mermaid. Phillip was further surprised by this happening and his smile grew brighter.

"You going to the wedding too, because I need a date.” The girl said rather comfortably.

Phillip chuckled a little. “Indeed I am. My best friend is getting married today. You must be with the groom’s party. Seeing that I am without a date as well, we might as well go together. I’m Phillip B. Gottschalk. Nice to meet you fair maiden.” Phillip said as he smiled perpetually. He was in a very good mood today. He extended his hand as to shake hands with her.

Selena was happy that she had met another medperson, and appearently he knew the bride, so that was always a plus for her. She shook his hand and then moved her body so her arm was locked into his, "Call me Selena." She said very joyously.

"So, Phillip, tell me, how long have you known our blushing bride for?" She asked, still locked with him, trying to get them to move at a steady pace. "I have known the groom for some time, and let me tell you, i always cry at weddings, like at this one in Cuba, so beautiful. Although, I wish my pet, Nemo, could be here, although seeing how the castl eis land-locked, not lickey to happen." She said, still veyr happy, and then she began to hum while waiting for Phillip to respond.

Phillip B. Gottschalk

“Nice to meet you Selena!” Phillip greeted the young mermaid. He locked arms in response to Selena’s gesture. She seemed very pleasant.

"So, Phillip, tell me, how long have you known our blushing bride for?" She asked

Phillip scratched his head in thought. “Oh… lets see… I met Molly when she was 12 so I’ve known her for about 9 years.”

Selena seemed to be a bit of a chatter box. Phillip didn’t mind. She was friendly, a mermaid, and funny. She continued on in conversation.

"I have known the groom for some time, and let me tell you, I always cry at weddings, like at this one in Cuba, so beautiful. Although, I wish my pet, Nemo, could be here, although seeing how the castle is land-locked, not likely to happen." Selena spoke happily.

Phillip was surprised to hear that the young lady had attended many weddings, for Phillip himself had attended none before. He knew what a wedding was but never attended one for lack of a reason. She must have known many friends who were engaged. Or did she mean that the groom had previously been married? Phillip wasn’t quite sure what to think. “So what type of pet is Nemo?” Phillip asked.



The two arrived at the castle and the guards recognizing Phillip let him and Selena in without an issue. Phillip turned to Selena and ushered her into the Chapel of the castle where the ceremony would be held. “I think we are to wait here. This room is very beautiful don’t you think?” Phillip asked. He was beaming with excitement. He was really considering marriage for himself at this point.

Molly Vanessa Dubois

Mr. and Mrs. Dubois were notified that the Groom had arrived. They personally came out to meet him. Molly was told to wait in the bride’s quarters until it was time to start. She peeked out of the door occasionally to see all that was going on. There were many people pouring into the Castle. Everyone dressed in their best.



“Welcome, welcome our young groom!! Sir Bachgen it is a blessing to see you!” Mr. Dubois greeted Luke with a grand smile. Andrew Thomas Dubois gave Luke a big hug and several heavy pats on the back. He liked Luke, he thought that he was humble and had lots of potential. “Are you ready for life’s next phase? I hope so because it is indeed here my son to be!” Mr. Dubois chuckled with his arm around Luke’s shoulder.



“Sir Bachgen, Where is the rest of the Groom party? I would like to make sure they are all present and comfortable before we start. Also, your parents, won’t they be in attendance? As Molly’s parents we would like to sit with them during the ceremony.” Yevette Ethel Dubois was indeed an efficient person. She was most gentle with Luke in comparison to how she ordered everyone else about. She liked Luke he made her feel as if she didn’t have to fussed to get him to do something. This is possibly because Luke was afraid of her.

Selena was amazed at the size of the Chapel the wedding would be taking place in. It was huge, and so shiney. She could make out the artwork, and she knew how much it was worth. Phillip had said they should wait in here, and then he asked her about Nemo. "Nemo. He is a great white shark, I've had him sence he was a pup, he was so cute back then," She voice almost floating, "He is bigger now, but he is still a cuddle-bug. Maybe if I am around after the wedding we should go and see him, I do grow tired of wearing human clothes, they just feel weird on me, you know?" She asked, and began to sing, softly inorder for him to know he could answer, but she felt that this space was wasted without some kind of music in it.

Phillip B. Gottschalk

"Nemo. He is a great white shark, I've had him since he was a pup, he was so cute back then," Selena said her voice almost floating, "He is bigger now, but he is still a cuddle-bug. Maybe if I am around after the wedding we should go and see him, I do grow tired of wearing human clothes, they just feel weird on me, you know?" She asked, and began to sing, softly.

As Phillip listened to Selena talk she confirmed more that was indeed a mermaid. Perhaps the fact that she so freely would admit to having a pet shark or to being uncomfortable in human clothes meant that she knew that he was a merman as well. It didn’t bother Phillip, he was glad that he could be open with her about that as well. “I’ve never been on friendly terms with a shark before. I didn’t see many of them where I came from. But there seem to be plenty here. I would like to go see him.” Phillip replied with a big smile. “I also know how you feel about human clothing. It took a while but once I got used to them I began to love wearing them. They can accentuate one’s personality. For example, because you seem to have a very bright personality, bright colored clothes would accent your personality. Molly taught me that.” Phillip was somewhat proud to share some land based knowledge with his new young friend.

Molly Vanessa Dubois

When Mrs. Dubois asked about the grooms parents Luke hung his head “I I'm an orphan ma'am "he said his voice sounding sincere.

“Oh my heavens! I hope I didn’t upset you Sir Bachgen! My sincerest apologies!” Mrs. Dubois apologized she bowed elegantly and respectfully.

“Yevette dear…” Mr. Dubois sighed. “Well son, it seems that you’ve grown to be a fine young man and I’m sure they would be most glad to know that!” Mr. Dubois gave Luke another hug. He had no problem showing affection to others and as a king, he was admired by everyone in his kingdom. He had no problem with other nations in terms of political relations. So under his rule the island has known nothing but peace.

Molly could take hiding in the Brides room no longer. She opened the double doors and stepped out as if she weren’t breaking any of her mother’s rules. She had overheard part of her fiancée and parent’s conversation and came ready with a comment of her own. “Greetings, Sir. Bachgen. I suppose today you shall be an orphan no longer. You’ll have my family to call your own from today on right?” Molly spoke calmly as she held up her dress while approaching the group.

“Molly I told you to STAY…. In the Bride’s ROOM!! Heaven’s it’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the ceremony! Oh No!!!” Mrs. Dubois was highly upset, however she had a feeling that Molly wouldn’t stay in that room even had she locked it.

“Well mother I suppose we shall have to start the ceremony now won’t we.” Molly sassed eloquently. She was tired of waiting around for her fate to be decided for her.

“Oh… darling must you upset your mother so?” Mr. Dubois said as he gave Molly a slight look of disappointment. However he was most proud of his daughter. He could see that she carried his heart and her mother's determination.

Molly gave Luke a curtsey, “Shall we be married Sir. Bachgen?” She smiled.

Selena was fancinated that Phillip said he loved human clothes, and could give her tips, even if it was from the bride.

"That is interesting, although I could be wearing a tuxedo, and I couldn't tell the difference in appeal." She laughed a little bit, and then realized Phillip had said he had grown up with-out sharks, "WHAT!? Where did you grow up, a lot of merchildren have sharks, even if it is only nurse sharks, it's like dogs to these humans. We are getting you one, no ifs, and, or buts, got it?" She said all serious, and then heard a woman scream out that the bride should stay in the room and then she noticed Luke and his blushing bride, although, she looked a tad pissed off at something.

"Looks like the wedding will be starting soon, want to sit down or say hi to your friend." She asked while looking at him, "Oh, yea. Don't let this make you think we are done talking about you never having a pet, but start thinking of names now." She said, and just stood beside Phillip.

Molly Vanessa Dubois

Luke smiled and shook his head. "I have plenty of luck how else could I be able to marry a girl like Molly."

Molly blushed and shifted her head to the right while she placed her hand on her cheek. “You’re too sweet Sir Bachgen. “Shall we be married Sir. Bachgen?”

Luke bowed back to her "Yes we shall Ms. Dubois."

“Shall we proceed into the sanctuary Sir Bachgen?” Mr. Dubois asked Luke with a kind smile. Mrs. Dubois calmed her puffy expression and began her procession into the Sanctuary.

“I do hope that all of your guests have arrived Sir Bachgen. I would like to start the ceremony soon. Is there anything you would like to request?” Mrs. Dubois asked Luke as she made her way toward the sanctuary.

Phillip B. Gottschalk

"That is interesting, although I could be wearing a tuxedo, and I couldn't tell the difference in appeal." Selena laughed. Phillip chuckled along with Selena. When Phillip said that he hadn’t seen many sharks Selena was surprised. "WHAT!? Where did you grow up, a lot of merchildren have sharks, even if it is only nurse sharks, it's like dogs to these humans. We are getting you one, no ifs, and, or buts, got it?" She said seriously.

“I grew up in the Baltic Sea near Germany. There are a few sharks there but not nearly as many as there are here. We Baltic Sea mer folk aren’t very close to sharks. But perhaps I could have one as a pet. Some of my mer brothers, who I met in the here in the Caribbean, owned pet sharks. However I like dolphins much better. They are far gentler.” Phillip explained calmly.

"Looks like the wedding will be starting soon, want to sit down or say hi to your friend." She asked while looking at him, "Oh, yea. Don't let this make you think we are done talking about you never having a pet, but start thinking of names now." Selena responded.

“Oh alright. I’ll try to remember but I’m sure I’ll be too excited to think of any.” Phillip replied. “We should sit. I spoke to Molly earlier and if Mrs. Dubois thinks we’re in the way she’ll get angry and fuss at us. We can talk to them after the ceremony.” Phillip said while keeping his eyes locked on Molly, the Groom, and the Dubois’. The Dubois’s and Luke Proceeded into the Sanctuary and the musicians began to play.

Selena was sitting with Phillip when she felt something hit her head. She looked around to see who threw it, but she couldn't see anyone within range. She then decided to look in the note, making sure Phillip didn't see. When she opened it, she easily recognized the hand-writing, it was the captains.

The note told her to stall everyone for around ten minutes and that if she wanted to take Phillip, she had to make sure he could be trusted, which she didn't know how he would respond, although seeing how they were robbing his friend blind, probably badly. She needed a way to distract everyone, when she got an idea.

Her idea was simple, she got up from where she and Phillip were sitting, and she ran up to the alter, to were Luke was, but his bride was still not in, so she went up to Luke, and said into his ear, so only he could hear, "I hope you are ready for the song of your life." She chuckled a bit before turning to everyone else in the Chapel, and saying very loudly, "Good day, everyone. I know you were looking forward to seeing the wedding, but I must say, this is one of the most beutiful places I have ever seen." She said, dramatics were well within her personality, "My name is Selena, for those of you who do not know, and I am a mermaid. It is tradition in my culture that we sing the song of true love before the wedding is started, so if the people playing the instuments would start up again." She said waving to them, and they started, fortunatly the beat was simple, but the song took around 12 minutes to complete, and it was a duet. "If I could get my new friend, Phillip, could you help me sing these two into their new life as husband and wife?" She said and extended her arm to him, knowing even he must know that song, everyone learned it when they were young.

Phillip was surprised when Selena hopped up and ran to the front of the sanctuary. He was a little more shocked that she wanted to sing a mermaid wedding song. It was an old song that differed only slightly from region to region given the clan of merpeople. He was from the Baltic sea and usually sang it in German but he knew it in English as well. He was floored when the little mermaid asked him to sing it with her! Phillip’s eyes grew wide and scared. He shook his head ‘no…’ He really didn’t want to be thrown out of the wedding by Mrs. Dubois who would personally shoot anyone who interfered.

The other reason Phillip abstained from singing the song was because not everyone in the town knew that he was a merman. He knew that some townspeople didn’t take kindly to merpeople. Those who were sailors were afraid of them. The merpeople in the waters surrounding the island would often give the importers from the island trouble. Phillip wasn’t quite ready to expose himself.

Molly, who stood at the sanctuary doors, looked in confusion at Phillip. Phillip looked back at Molly and shrugged in an ‘I don’t Know’ fashion. Mrs. Dubois turned to her husband and looked at him with puffed cheeks. She did not like what she was seeing. She turned to Phillip and glared at him with squinted eyes. She knew Phillip was a merman and she didn’t mind that. Mrs. Dubois did think about Luke and the possibility that he may want his guest to sing a mermaid song so she allowed it.

“Phillip sing along to the best of your ability with the young lady…” Mrs. Dubois said as if trying to remain calm. Phillip stood up and walked nervously to the front of the sanctuary. When he reached Mrs. Dubois she pulled his arm toward her so she could whisper to him, “Now you hear me well. I want this kept brief so my Molly can walk down this aisle and get married ASAP! Do you hear and understand me?” Mrs. Dubois threatened eloquently.

“Ye-yes madam.” Phillip said with a heavy gulp.

He stood next to Selena and the musicians began to play. After about 6 min’s Mrs. Dubois Stood up and motioned for the musicians to cease playing. She had enough and was ready to see Molly walk down the aisle to holy matrimony. Phillip stopped singing and took Selena’s hand. “We had better be seated now.” He said with a quiet whisper.

Molly giggled as she watched the fiasco from outside of the sanctuary doors. “Poor Phillip. Teehee!”

Connor

Connor smirked hearing Selena singing. He continued filling the bags until they were filled up with the metals and gems. He heaved them onto his back with ease. "What on earth did you write on that note?" "To distract isn't there anything more entrancing than a beautiful woman singing. Not that you have ever had to be distract anyone in a positive way." he said snickering. He did like to get under his sister's skin occasionally but not too often since she was an asset. He threw a few bags at her feet. "Come on we gotta get em." he said starting outside.

Luke

"I hope you are ready for the song of your life." Luke shuddered and a chill went down his spine. He didn't know she was on the island let alone at the wedding and standing on the altar. He listened to the the song thoroughly thinking it was a plan made up by Teach. He was at ease and it did seem to take the edge off him. When Mrs.Dubois motioned for them to stop Luke panicked on the inside. He knew everything was planned to the wire but all that he could hope for was the ceremony would take too long and the Captain would be there to get him and Selena out of here. Before he broke the girl's heart to much.

Selena knew she had to stall the wedding for only a few more minutes, but she doubted Phillip would help her in this case. She had told the Chapel about her being a mermaid, not only to sing, but also she knew about this town's history with mermaids. Her kind had done some wrong things to them, although she didn't really care, humans were on thier territory, so us not killing them was pretty kind in her eyes.

She had to sit back down with Phillip, but she knew that some people were looking at them with hatred for being merpeople. She turned to Phillip, "I don't think some people here liked our song." She said all innocently, "Do you think I offended them by singing, I hope not." She said and gave him sad puppy eyes, "Do you think we should leave, I am not liking the looks we are getting." She said, her plan would only work if he agreed to leave with her, and she could get some people to try somthing without her being caught, "I think they want to do something, do these people not like our kind?"

"I don't think some people here liked our song." Selena said all innocently, "Do you think I offended them by singing, I hope not." She said and gave him sad puppy eyes, "Do you think we should leave, I am not liking the looks we are getting."

Phillip looked around as he and Selena were now seated. The people in the sanctuary had mixed expressions. Some of the people were not very happy and others were delighted by the beautiful sounds of the sea. Only those who worked as importers were a bit peeved. Phillip was a good fisherman and caught many fish and sold them cheaply to the people of the island. Many of the residents appreciated him, so finding out that he was a merman was a shock to them but they couldn’t hate him.

"I think they want to do something, do these people not like our kind?" Selena asked.

“Oh… well some of them don’t like us but others don’t mind. I personally have many friends here and they wouldn’t do anything to harm me. That should cover you as well. But we’re okay, no one would dare cause a scene here, Mrs. Dubois would shoot them dead before this wedding be ruined.” Phillip patted Selena’s hand reassuringly.

A man stood up in the pew and began to state his anger with merfolk at the royal wedding of the beloved princess Molly. He uttered only a couple of sentences and Mrs. Dubois stood up quickly and pulled a pistol from her small purse. “NOT AT MY DAUGHTER'S WEDDING! Sit down Mr. Penwhistle or I will shoot you in between the eyes!” Mrs. Dubois commanded with the pistol pointed and aimed directly at Mr. Penwhistle. The man swiftly sat down quiet as a church mouse. “Now we shall proceed with the wedding… No interruptions please.” Mrs. Dubois plopped down in her seat and quickly grabbed her husband’s hand.

“Oh… Yvette darling…” Mr. Dubois sighed.

Molly was not surprised that her mother had brought a pistol to the wedding. She tried desperately to contain her laughter. She thought she had heard something odd from upstairs. Since she couldn’t check it out for herself she asked a palace guard to look around upstairs for her. She turned around and waited for him to return but the music started up again and it was time for Molly to walk the Aisle. Molly took a deep breath and the double doors opened. Everyone was looking at her all smiles. She suddenly felt nervous. She began to walk the aisle toward the altar where Luke stood waiting. She started to sing quietly the wedding song that she had learned from the farm girl, who was present at the wedding, she would help out.

“Beautiful… bells… Ringing~ ringing~
People… in pews…Singing~ Singing~
I stand at the alter….
With the priest do I wait.
I pray to god that he’s not late.
And if at final bells toll at the alter I alone stand,
Then my heart has been shattered by a man.”

It was a sad song but for some reason it helped to calm her nerves and keep her feet moving forward. Phillip gave Molly a thumbs up and a big smile. Molly reached the altar and stood next to Luke. She gave him a smile and then turned to bow to the priest. She held her bouquet tightly as she looked into Luke’s eyes. The priest began, ”Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sign of God, and in the face of this company, to join together this man and woman…”

"To distract isn't there anything more entrancing than a beautiful woman singing. Not that you have ever had to be distract anyone in a positive way." Connor replied. Carmin rolled her eyes, although she would have liked to strangle him. Carmin picked the bags up that Connor threw at her feet, and followed him as he said, "Come on we gotta get em."

Carmin could hear the priest say, ”Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sign of God, and in the face of this company, to join together this man and woman…”

"Crap. Connor, do something or whatever with that pistol!" she said as he pulled out his blunderbuss. He put the blunderbuss back, and then took out his revolvers. Carmin was confused about what he was planning to do.

"..if anyone objects to this marriage, let them speak now or forever hold their peace..."
Connor then turned the corner, and shot in the air.
"Hello " he said evilishly.

Carmin was extremely confused. Why on earth would Connor just bust in and reveal himself like that? Ah well, what were they gonna do? they were pirates anyway. Carmin gave a devilish smile as she stood next to her brother.

When Molly heard a gunshot she was startled and confused as to what was going on. She turned around to see a man standing and holding revolvers. "Hello " he said in an evil manner. He was accompanied by a woman.

“Who are you and what business do you have to cause a scene here at my wedding?” Molly asked. Her face was frowned and cheeks red as a rose in anger.

Mrs. Dubois sat glaring at the man, mortified. Mr. Dubois stood to his feet and walked toward his daughter to shield her from harm. Phillip looked over the two, his eyes squinted, “Those two, their clothes, they are pirates…” Phillip said to himself in a whisper. He looked over to Selena, “Selena did you know about this?” Phillip stared at her in confusion

Selena was panisked when the wedding actually began, Luke couldn't go through with it, he was too much of a romantic to leave that girl. When she heard the shots of the Captain, she knew that the real fun was starting.

Then Phillip leaned over to her, and said. "Selena did you know about this." And obviously she couldn't tell the truth. "What!? Oh my God, Phillip, why on earth would you think that, because I tried to bring some culture to this human discrace on our territory. You know, just don't even talk to me." She stated and moved over slightly, she didn't want to explode on him, but she couldn't risk him getting hurt, he was another merperson. She and the Captain had done this before, she would be all scared and ask why they came and he would take her 'hostage' and that way they made a clean escape.

"What are you doing here. Leave now, sea vulture. This is a wedding, although you have probably never been around class, please just leave before someone gets hurt." She yelled at the Captain, she did love this bit they did.

The Pirate burst out laughing sounding particularly devilish. "Ah that, I'm here for my cabin boy, oh and possibly a few other hostages. " he said pulling out two things of rope. He threw one over Mr. Dubois into Luke's hands and the other he took.

Phillip watched as the Pirate tied and picked Selena up after she had confronted him. Phillip wanted to help her but he was realizing that she might have been in on this. Her talk of previous weddings and being a part of the mysterious grooms wedding party finally made sense to him.

Molly looked at Luke with furious eyes. He husband to be was a lie. “Cabin boy?” She said to him. The coral necklace that Phillip had given her had turned black as it sensed danger however Molly had not paid it any attention.

Luke bit his lower lip then acted. He shoved his elbow into Mr. Dubios' neck then swept him off his feet with one swift kick knocking him out as he hit the ground. Molly gasped, “Daddy!”

"I'm sorry" he muttered as he put his hand around Molly's mouth.

Molly was able to slap Luke hard across the face once. Then Luke proceeded to tie her up. He then slung her over his shoulder and ran after his captain. Mrs. Dubois pulled her pistol once more and shot at Luke as he carried Molly away. She would not let him escape with her daughter if she could help it. However one of the butler’s stopped her from shooting for fear that she might hit Molly. Luke escaped, got onboard and sat down his 'bride' on deck.

She struggled still holding tightly to the wedding bouquet. “What is all of this?! WHO ARE YOU AND LET ME GO!!” Molly yelled. She would give almost anything to get at Luke and this Pirate who was attempting to kidnap her.

Back in the sanctuary Mrs. Dubois tended to her unconscious husband. “Someone please stop them!” She screamed. “Phillip do something, help Molly!!” Mrs. Dubois looked over to the merman who stood not knowing exactly what to do.

Phillip knew the other Pirate was still there but he had to go after Molly. He quickly tossed himself through the stained glass window of the sanctuary and ran toward the shore. Phillip removed several clothing articles along the way and dove into the ocean. His legs transformed back into tail and fins. He swam as fast as he could looking for any unfamiliar ships. However those that he knew all appeared to have large chunks taken out of the bottoms of them. They were sinking slowly into the water. “These look like shark bites… Could this be the work of Selena’s Nemo?” Phillip was very innocent seeming but he was also very wise. This all made sense to him now.

Selena was over-joyed, her part had gone off very smoothly, and they just needed to wait for Carmin. She was dancing on the deck of the ship, free of her fake bindings.

"That's alright, Captain. He needed the exercise. I am so happy right now." She exclaimed and did a litle waltz with the Captain, before going the the bride, Molly. "Hello, you must be the bride. I am Selena, and welcome to the greatest pirate ship in the world." She paused, laughing her head off out of excitment, "We are going to have so much fun." She practically yelled the last, before noticing her girl's necklace, it was a rare coral that changed colors based on it's enviorment, and she realized that one thing needed to be taken care of. "Captain, that guy you saw me with will try and save her, but I got it, don't worry deary, he will not die, I can't do that to a fellow merperson." She said as she easily slipped out of her dress and diving into the ocean, returning to her natural form.

She was swimming around looking for Nemo, when she realized that he would be off somewhere, doing his own thing, probably too full to hunt. She laughed a bit at her pet, and then continued on her mission. She started to sing in order to make the fish in the water go mad, and swim around frantically. This was to her advantage majorly, because she knew how to hunt her prey when they didn't know she was there.

She spotted Phillip swimming madly, through her fish. He probably had no idea she was there, but she could see him. "Come on, little guppy. Lets play." She thought to herself as she sang her fish to swarm on him.