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“She went this way!” A voice from behind shouted as the brunette raced through the trees of Neverland, grabbing a vine and swinging over a pit as an eagle soared above her head immediately and screeched, leading the way into the darkness of night. “Get back here!” The same voice shouted. “Never in a millenia, Jasper!” The young pirate answered before waving her sword, cutting down a few vines and then tossing them across a ravine, catching hold of a rock and proceeding her way across by holding onto the vine.
“You can’t escape from us, Blind-lee!” Jasper shouted as an arrow whisked past in front of her and cut the vine, causing the startled girl to cry out and freefall backwards, hitting the wall of the ravine hard and knocking the wind right out of her on impact. The same eagle screeched several times, swooping down towards her. “Oakley, stay back! I repeat, stay back!” The girl ordered as the eagle halted, obeying the order and flying back up to avoid being harmed.
She panted to catch her breath before looking up swiftly at the sound of cackling and laughing as a slightly older boy knelt down, looking towards the dangling pirate. “Hand me the Ruby Scepter and I may just spare you some pain, Merilee.” Jasper told her. “Never!” She snapped before going wide eyed at the sound of a sword being unsheathed and watching the glimpse of a blade near the vine at the top. “Wanna rethink about your choice?” He pressed as Merilee growled, pulling out a gold scepter with the top part being a star encased with six rubies; One on each point and a single ruby in the middle.
“Here!” Merilee growled, throwing it at him as one of Jasper’s crewmates caught it for him. “Okay. You have what you wanted.” Merilee reluctantly said. “I know I said you wouldn’t suffer some pain, but...Surely, the fall will be fast and painless.” Jasper grinned as she gasped and quickly pulled out her diamond sword right as Jasper suddenly brought his down, chopping the vine as Merilee screamed, falling briefly and then whipping out her sword and catching the wall, driving it into the rock and slowing down her fall as the moment she felt herself stop falling, she went dead silent despite her arm being in a sharp amount of pain from the force she used.
Jasper listened, smiling at hearing some brief noises and believing that Merilee had fallen all the way to the bottom of the ravine. “Come on, crew. This beauty will fetch a good price.” He chuckled, examining the Ruby Scepter before following his crew as they headed back down the path to get back to their own ship.
Merilee felt her breath finally leave her chest at hearing the receding footsteps and then finally, there was silence. “Oakley? Are you still there, buddy?” She called as the golden eagle screeched, swooping down towards her with ease and then hovering near her, “That’s my boy. Find me another vine and help me out of here, please.” She requested as Oakley nodded before flying out of the ravine, grabbing a spare vine and casting it down as Merilee grabbed it before unhinging her sword from the rocky wall, carefully climbing up.
Oakley pulled on the vine, carefully helping her out of the ravine as the moment Merilee pulled herself up, she rolled onto her back and fought to catch her breath from her hurting chest and back. “Oh by the Never Seas...” She coughed, feeling the adrenaline wearing off slightly. Oakley chirped, nuzzling against her head gently as Merilee rubbed the back of his shoulders in response. “Good boy. You’re my good bird, Oak.” She whispered, “Give me...a minute...to rest.” She added as Oakley perched himself on a rock near her to be her guard as Merilee reluctantly passed out from the pain and exhaustion in her body.
It felt like eternity when Merilee, finally and suddenly, snapped awake, shooting upright and wincing at the pain as she looked around, realizing it was daybreak as Oakley was asleep on a rock near her. “Oakley.” She said gently, awakening the bird with her soft voice as the golden eagle screeched and opened his wings to show that he was awake and alert. “Thank you. Come on, we must find Jasper. And get back the Ruby Scepter.” She instructed, standing up as best as she could with the help of her sword and holding open her free arm, allowing Oakley to fly over and land on her arm without hurting her. Once she felt steady enough on her feet, Merilee began her way down the path with her bird and sword.
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“Step lively crew! Last one to Coconut Grove is a rotten codfish!” A young boy in dark blue called, running off his ship with two other kids behind him and lastly followed was a white leopard and a green parrot. “Hopefully I can find more coconuts for my collection!” The younger boy said. “And let’s not forget some coconuts for Cubby’s famous Coconut Pie!” The girl added. “That too!” Cubby laughed. “Crackers, these kids get faster every day.” The parrot said while flying overhead. “They’re kids. They got energy,” The leopard replied.
“Hey Captain Jake, slow down! I need to check my map so that we can be sure that we are on the right path!” Cubby said, slowing down and pulling out his map to check the paths as Jake slowed down and used his sword to grapple the ground so that he could slide on his feet, standing back up and putting his sword back while walking over to his crew. “What does your map say?” Izzy asked. “As long as we stick to this path and when we get to the fork in the path, we need to go right. And then we should be able to get to Coconut Grove in a giffy!” Cubby explained.
“Yay hey, let’s go!” Izzy said as Savaa took off immediately. “Ha! Try to catch up!” She called. “Hey! You had a head start!” Jake yelled and ran after her, grabbing a vine and swinging right after her as the rest of the crew followed after them. Jake quickly used his sword to cut a vine, launching himself quickly into the air and starting to catch up to Savaa. The Never-leopard looked back and grinned before looking forward, yowling at a sudden fallen tree in the path and running into it as Jake swung over with ease. “Sorry, Savaa!” He yelled.
Savaa popped up from behind the log and growled a little bit in a playful kind of way. “I’ll catch up to you, Captain!” She said as Izzy and Cubby leapt over the log with Savaa climbing over and running after them. Jake landed with ease quickly and made a run for it, starting to slow down when he noticed a fork in the path, but was caught off guard at hearing a screech in the air. “Fast Claw?” He questioned, looking up before feeling himself collide into something, both him and the unknown figure tumbling against the ground before landing by the fork in the path. “Captain Jake!” The crew called as Izzy and Cubby ran over and helped Jake to his feet. “Ow...That kind of hurt.” Jake mumbled. “Are you okay?” Skully asked. “Yeah, but what in Neverland did I run into?” He asked. “More like, who?!” Cubby asked, pointing at the figure.
The girl stood up, rubbing her arm and picking up her sword before noticing the group and immediately pointing her sword right at them. “Who are you?! Are you a friend or a foe?!” She snapped. “Crackers! Put the sword down, lady!” Skully said. “Everyone, belay!” Jake said, pulling out his sword and putting it on the ground, “It’s okay. My name is Captain Jake and this is my crew. We’re friendly. I apologize for running into you, I heard a noise and I didn’t see you come into my path.” He explained.
Merilee stood carefully, still holding her sword as the same screech happened with the golden eagle diving down and landing on a nearby rock and glaring like a dagger at the kids. “That’s not Fast Claw.” Izzy pointed out, “That’s an eagle!” She added. “Yes. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to continue my search.” The girl said, sheathing her sword and holding her arm out as if to call for the bird, but grunted and retreated her arm back with her other arm quickly grabbing the side of her chest.
Jake gasped and went to hurry over, but stopped when Merilee looked at him. “Don’t come near me!” She snapped a little, wheezing slightly. “I don’t have my weapon. We won’t hurt you, but you look like you need help.” He said, keeping his distance just in case. Oakley chirped and flew over to Merilee, landing on her arm after she reached it out for him as he nuzzled her face. “Are you sure, buddy?” She whispered as Oakley nodded a little to her. “Alright. You may approach, but I got my eye on you.” Merilee warned.
Jake ran over with Izzy and Cubby as the two older kids helped her up and brought her over to a nearby rock to sit down on. “Whoa! What happened to your eye?!” Cubby asked when he looked at the stranger once she had managed to sit down, spotting her milky white right eye. “Cubby!” Izzy whispered. “Don’t worry. It’s an old wound.” The brunette captain answered. “What happened to you?” Savaa asked. “I was ambushed last night. I had something stolen from me. I was trying to cross a ravine with a vine and of course, Jasper and his mates came and cut the vine which I proceeded to…” Merilee paused to let herself cough some from the chest pain, “I was sent down and landed against the rocky wall. I gave up my treasure, the Ruby Scepter of Captain Tess, just to keep myself from being hurt anymore, but Jasper cut the rest of the vine and if I hadn’t used my sword, I would’ve fallen and injured myself more. I managed to escape the ravine with some chest pain and a slightly injured wrist.” She explained.
“Who’s Jasper?” Skully asked. “An old enemy of mine who I must go after now and get back the Ruby Scepter.” Merilee answered, standing back up. “Captain uh-” Jake started. “Merilee.” She answered. “Captain Merilee, please, let us help you. If you go after this Jasper fellow and his crew on your own and in your current state, you’ll risk yourself getting even more hurt or worse.” Jake continued. “We can help you if you let us.” Cubby offered. “We have supplies back on Bucky to help treat your injuries and together, we can help you get back what was stolen from you,” Izzy added.
Oakley chirped and landed on the rock by Merilee and nudged her hand gently. She glanced at the bird, who chirped a little bit at her. “If I were you, I'd listen to your friend, miss.” Skully told Merilee. “What's he saying, Skully?” Jake whispered. “He's trying to convince Merilee to let us help her.” The parrot answered quietly. Merilee glanced over at hearing their whispering as Izzy quickly nudged Jake who looked at her. “What's wrong?” He asked as Izzy pointed at a glaring Merilee.
“Sorry. I was asking my matey, Skully, to translate what your eagle was saying.” Jake explained quickly to avoid making Merilee upset as the girl reluctantly sighed. “Alright. I'll let you help me, but make one wrong move or show me signs of betrayal. I'll make sure that you walk the plank,” Merilee replied. “We won't. Pirate's Honor.” Jake reassured, crossing his heart with his finger and holding up his hand. “Let's go.” She suggested as Izzy hurried over and helped Merilee to her feet while she also used her sword to stand back up.
“Savaa, can you let Merilee ride on your back so we can get her to Bucky? I don't want her hurting herself any more than she already is.” Jake asked as Savaa nodded in acceptance before walking over to Izzy and Merilee. “This is Savaa. She's-” Izzy started, but was cut off by Merilee. “A Never-leopard. The only one of her kind. I read about her in a book Peter Pan made about the creatures of Neverland.” The brunette explained. “Yeah! Here. Let me help you onto her back.” Izzy offered as Merilee nodded, letting Izzy help her onto the leopard's back.
Jake walked over to his sword and picked it back up, sheathing it onto its holder on his back before leading everyone back towards the beach to take Merilee to Bucky. “Oakley, be on guard, please.” Merilee said as the eagle screeched and flew up in the air, narrowly missing Skully, who dove down and hid on Jake’s shoulder. “Crackers, talk about a cranky bird,” He said. “Relax, Skully. I think he's just a little protective of his captain. It's okay.” Jake reassured his crewmate as the parrot nodded.
The crew walked back down the path, using a quick shortcut to avoid the fallen tree before bringing Merilee to their ship as once onboard, Jake helped her off Savaa's back while Izzy ran to get some medical supplies real quick from Bucky's cargo. “Bucky! This is Merilee! She's our new guest. Try not to scare her.” Jake said as Bucky gave two rings of a bell which Merilee was a little surprised, but decided to not question it.
Izzy came back up from below with a small box as she walked over to Merilee. “Um, I think we should head into the Captain's Quarters. Captain Jake, may we use it so I can take a look at her injuries and for privacy?” Izzy requested as Jake was about to question it, but then realized what she meant. “Go ahead, Iz. Me and the others will discuss a plan while we wait.” Jake answered quickly.
“Come on. Let's get you checked out.” Izzy said as Merilee walked over, jumping a little bit at the door opening on its own as she looked at Izzy. “Bucky's a ship who is self aware. He can open any of his hatches and doors. Sorry if he startled you.” She explained. “This day is just getting crazier by the minute.” Merilee said, walking into the quarters as Izzy followed along with Oakley behind them quickly and once he was inside, Bucky closed the door for them, being a little more careful this time.
It was silent for a minute before Savaa finally broke the silence. “Yeah, I don't trust her.” The Never-leopard said. “Let's not jump to conclusions. Yes, she seems odd, jumpy and distrustful, but we should still treat her with respect since she's injured and plus, I gave her my word that we wouldn't show any signs of betrayal and that we would help her out.” Jake told them. “Captain Jake's right. We've encountered pirates who didn't know if we were friend or foe before,” Skully replied. “But never this hostile.” Cubby gulped. “It's okay, Cubby. For now, let's focus on a plan.” Jake suggested. "Aye aye, Captain Jake!” The remainder of the crew replied.
In the Captain's Quarters, Izzy had sat Merilee on the bed with Oakley sitting on a chair and preening his feathers. “Ow...” Merilee winced a little when Izzy was wrapping her chest and back with some bandages gently. “Sorry. Seems like you bruised your back and side from what you explained earlier and may have pulled your wrist.” The girl explained, taking off Merilee's glove to check her wrist. “Fun.” The brunette replied flatly.
“If um, you don't mind me asking, why are you…?” Izzy started off nervously. “Hostile and not trusting you and your friends?” Merilee finished for her. “Yeah. Because we are being honest about wanting to help you. We're not like other pirates out there.” Izzy replied as Merilee sighed. “It's difficult to explain,” She answered. Izzy decided not to press for answers, but glanced over at the eagle real quick, who just had a calmer expression and watched the two curiously.
“What's your eagle's name?” She asked. “Oakley. He's my best friend, first mate, guide, guard, you name it.” Merilee explained as Izzy wrapped the Captain's wrist gently. “Where's your crew?” Izzy asked again to avoid there being an awkward silence. “I don't have one.” The half blind brunette answered as she winced when Izzy pulled on the bandage wrap a little too hard from being shocked at the answer. “Sorry!” Izzy apologized, loosening the wrap real quick, “I was just taken by surprise at your answer.” She said,
“Not surprised. Pretty much every captain has a crew of their own. The only crew I have and need is myself, my ship, and Oakley.” Merilee told her as Izzy cut the bandage from the roll and smoothed it out on the hand and helped her put her glove back on. Merilee lifted her hand up and flexed her fingers a little bit, relieved that the pain was managed. “Try and take it easy for a few days for your hand. Don't do anything that may hurt or worsen the injury.” Izzy inquired.
Merilee looked at her hand and nodded before whistling softly, holding her stronger arm out as Oakley took off from the chair and landed on her arm with ease. “I'm surprised you don't get hurt by his talons.” Izzy said. “It took some practice. Come on, let's go see if your...friends came up with a plan yet.” The female captain suggested before walking over to the door.
Izzy felt a little bit wary at Merilee's pause about her friends, but shook her head. “I'll talk with Jake.” She whispered to herself before hearing the door open and covered her mouth at both Merilee and Oakley jumping at Bucky opening the door for them. “Great Krakens, I can't get used to that.” Merilee said before walking outside and onto the deck as Izzy ran after her quickly.
Jake, Cubby and Savaa looked over with Skully poking his head down from the Crow's Nest from hearing them. “Hey! How are you feeling?” Jake asked, standing up from leaning on the mast. “A little better. Any ideas for a plan?” She responded. “Do you know where Jasper will be going with the Ruby Scepter?” Savaa asked. “Most likely his hideout, but he's bound to be stopping at Jungle Island for supplies and probably stay there for the day since they think they got rid of me. If we head there, we might be able to catch them.” Merilee suggested as Cubby pulled out a map quickly. “Jungle Island isn't far from here. We should be there by lunch if we leave now,” Cubby explained.
“Can we stop by and get my ship just in case?” Merilee asked. “Of course! Where'd you leave it?” Jake replied. “Near Mermaid Lagoon,” She answered. “Bucky! To the Mermaid Lagoon!” Jake said as Bucky rang his bell in response and retracted his gangplank from the shore before Oakley flew up and joined Skully at the Crow's Nest. “Hey, we gotta work together here, pal. Okay?” Skully said as Oakley chirped, surprising Skully. “Huh. Wasn't expecting you to agree with me.” He replied to the eagle.
Jake climbed up to the helm as Cubby and Izzy got to work on lowering Bucky's sails, allowing the ship to disembark and head to Mermaid Lagoon. Merilee respectfully stayed out of the way and walked over to the front of the ship, keeping an eye out for anything that was out of the ordinary. Izzy glanced over before climbing up the mast and then using a rope to swiftly get to the helm, landing beside Jake.
“Did she say anything when you were treating her?” Jake asked her. “Her bird's name is Oakley. The only thing I managed to find out was that she apparently doesn't have a crew. She's on her own.” Izzy answered. “Savaa, Cubby, and Skully kind of find her demeanor suspicious, but I have a feeling that she's only like this for some reason.” He explained. “Here. I can take over while you try and talk to her. Captain to captain.” She suggested. “Good idea. Thanks Izzy.” He nodded before letting her take over the wheel and sliding down to the bottom deck.
“Careful, Captain Jake.” Savaa whispered when realizing where Jake was going when he walked past her. “Savs. Relax. It's okay. Keep a lookout for her ship.” Jake told her quietly with a reassuring smile as Savaa nodded. “Aye aye, Captain.” She replied, hurrying to join Cubby real quick to keep an eye out.
Jake looked over and walked towards Merilee before taking a deep breath. "Captain Merilee?” He greeted before leaping back from the female, who immediately took out her sword and pointed it right at him, a mere inch from his nose. “Easy! Just me. It's okay.” He told her, remaining cool and calm while raising his hands up as Merilee sighed in relief a little bit and lowered her sword, sheathing it back onto her belt. “Sorry. You startled me,” She replied. “My apologies. I didn't mean to scare you. I just wanted to talk.” Jake said.
Merilee looked at him, her expression unphased as Jake stayed where he was just in case. “So, can you tell us anything about Jasper?” He asked to start everything off, wanting to take it slow. “Jasper is the captain of a crew of four. They're named Andrew, Freddie, Hammy, and Manny. All have a weapon. Jasper has a sword, Andrew has a tomahawk, Freddie is an archer, Hammy has a club, and Manny has a dagger. His crew sails their ship, The Serpent. I must warn you - Jasper and his crew are ruthless and violent. If you don't want to handle that stuff, then I suggest turning back when we find them and let me go after them.” Merilee explained.
“Yay hey, no way is that happening. Me and my crew have faced many dangers. We aren't letting you go against someone and be at an unfair advantage of five against one. Especially with your eye and current condition.” Jake shook his head in defiance. “I have survived being a half blind captain. I may have one eye, but that doesn't weaken my fighting. I have survived being on my own. So don't doubt someone just by their looks or who they are.” Merilee told him firmly as Jake was silent in a little bit of shock.
“You're right, I shouldn't have judged a book by its cover, meaning I shouldn't judge you because of your eye or demeanor, but you do get what I was saying at least. It still would be an unfair advantage for you to go against five people with just yourself and Oakley.” Jake explained to her as Merilee sighed. “You are right. I apologize for my tone. It's...Never mind. It's nothing important.” She shook her head. “Take your time. I understand.” Jake nodded before going ahead and walking off to leave her be as Merilee let out a breath and relaxed once he had walked away from her, turning back around to look out at the front of Bucky.
“Well?” Savaa whispered when Jake passed by him and Cubby. “One, don't startle her. Two, got some more information on who we're dealing with. Three, give her some space. I think something's bothering her.” Jake explained. “Aye aye, Jake.” Savaa and Cubby said in unison. “Ship ahoy!” Skully announced as Oakley screeched and flew down while Merilee ran to the side of the deck, looking out as the rest of the crew did the same out of curiosity.
Hidden beside the Mermaid Lagoon’s rocks was a medium sized blue ship with periwinkle blue striped sails, the main sail having a seahorse insignia on it. “Is that it?” Cubby asked. “Yes, the Mighty Navigator. Or for short, The Navi.” Merilee answered flatly as Savaa used one paw to pull Cubby away from Merilee out of protectiveness. Jake facepalmed a little bit as Izzy placed a hand on his shoulder. “Savaa’s just being her protective self, Captain Jake. Give her time,” Izzy whispered. “Right.” Jake nodded before walking over to Merilee as she slightly moved a step away from him.
“We’ll use a rope to pull your ship with Bucky.” Jake said as he grabbed a rope and then looked up, “Skully! Oakley! Can you take this rope and tie it to the front rail of Merilee’s ship?” He asked. “Aye aye, Jake!” Skully replied as he dove down and grabbed the one end of the rope while Oakley grabbed the other end, both flying off as Bucky positioned himself in front of The Navi. Skully flew over and tied the rope on two different railings on both fronts of the ship while Oakley tied the other end to Bucky, both using tight knots before the pair flew back onto the ship.
Oakley positioned himself right by Merilee and chirped twice as Skully landed beside the eagle and saluted both captains. “Ropes secured and the ship is good to go, captains.” He reported. “Thank you, um...What was your name again?” Merilee asked. “Skully,” He answered. “Thank you, Skully.” She nodded as Skully flew over to Jake and landed on Savaa’s back. “How’d you manage to work with her eagle?” Savaa asked. “We got to talking together while we sat in the Crow’s Nest. Turns out, he ain’t cranky! Jake was right, he’s just protective of Merilee. Just like how Savaa is protective of the whole crew.” Skully answered.
“Way to call me out.” Savaa muttered as the crew laughed a little bit. Merilee glanced over and then looked away respectively. “Alright. Bucky! Time to set sail for Jungle Island!” Jake said, unsheathing his sword into the air as Bucky rang his bell a couple of times in response and proceeded to take off while Merilee watched the smaller ship surprisingly pull The Mighty Navigator behind him.
“Impressive.” She muttered. “That’s Bucky for ya.” Izzy suddenly spoke up as before Merilee could grab her sword, Izzy gently put a hand in the way. “No need to be jumpy.” She giggled. “Sorry. I just keep my guard up.” Merilee told her, retracting her hand and putting it on the railing as Izzy grabbed a rope and hopped up to sit on top of the railing to keep herself from falling. “I know it feels...pushy to ask, but why are you so high on guard? We said we’re friends. And plus, no need to be cold and emotionless with Jake. We’re only trying to help.” Izzy explained.
Merilee sighed. “With my past, you’d understand why I am who I am.” She replied. “It involves the reason why you’re partially blind, doesn’t it?” The younger pirate asked as Merilee looked down at the wake of the water from Bucky’s movement against it. Izzy stayed silent, not pushing anything as she decided that she pushed hard enough and was about to climb off the railing to leave her alone. “Yes.” The brunette suddenly answered, making Izzy pause where she was and look at her. “What happened?” She asked.
“When I first became a captain, I hired my own crew. But everyone knows that the first time is never perfect. Numerous mistakes, misconceptions, you name it. I was starting to get the hang of it and learning from mistakes, but then a supply run changed everything. My first crew left. I waited three days for them, but they never once came back.” Merilee explained to her, keeping her gaze down. “They left you because they didn’t like that you kept making mistakes as a captain?” Izzy asked. “Yeah. Then I found Oakley as an egg and I raised him ever since to heal my heart. And it did work. I trained him and he soon became my best friend, almost like a son to me.” Merilee said, petting Oakley’s head as the eagle cooed in response.
“Wait, if they didn’t take your eye, then who...” Izzy looked at her as Merilee looked out towards the horizon in front of her. “Jasper and his crew took my eye. They used to be my crew. They were my second one. I found Jasper and his friends when I was looking for help on searching for a treasure I found from reading a book and finding a map. I accepted Jasper and his friends as my crew. I chose Jasper as my first mate since he showed skill, he and I made a good leadership team. I just wish...” Merilee paused to grip the railing and take a deep breath, “I wish I saw their true intentions.” She finished.
“We found the treasure. Me and Jasper shared a moment, but I had my guard down. Everything happened. The crew turned on me, revealing that they had no interest in being my crew. Jasper was their captain all along. The next thing I knew, Jasper was given Andrew’s tomahawk and I didn’t have time to recollect myself from the shock when I was struck in the face with the weapon. Oakley stayed by my side the whole time until I regained consciousness. I was heartbroken. I spent weeks with them and not once did I see what they truly were. I was sick with infection and fever from my wound. I had to go to the nearest place on my own and get help. My third and final crew was the final straw. I won’t go into detail, but needless to say. I faced a lot of discrimination and verbal attacks when my third crew found out I was a half blind female captain and left me before they could even give me a chance. Ever since, I refuse to even take on another crew. And whenever I meet others, I always keep my guard up because of the fear of knowing I can be backstabbed and turned on in a split second.” Merilee explained.
Izzy looked at Merilee in silence, looking away slightly. “I’m sorry that you had bad experiences with crews in the past. And that Jasper apparently took part of your eyesight.” She said softly. “He may have taken my eye, but he hasn’t taken my spirit. And he never will.” The captain replied to her as Izzy smiled a little. “That’s good to hear.” She replied. “Hey Iz! Can I talk with you?” Jake called from the helm. “Coming, Captain Jake!” Izzy answered, “Be right back.” She told Merilee before hopping down and running to the ladder as Merilee felt just a tad bit relaxed.
Izzy climbed up the ladder and then walked over to Jake and Cubby. “What do you need?” She asked. “So talking to her didn’t quite work out. The only thing I got out was learning we’re dealing with a group of pirates that she knows. Jasper and his crew who are named Freddie, Andrew, Manny, and Hammy. All of them are apparently known to be ruthless and violent.” Jake warned, turning to his crew. “V-Violent?” Cubby asked. “Don’t worry, Cubby. I have a feeling that they won’t be too much trouble to handle.” Savaa reassured Cubby from the deck after listening in on the conversation.
Oakley screeched at them and flew over as the group was startled at the eagle landing by the wheel. “Oakley!” Merilee called, “Don’t scare them.” She said as the eagle just sat upright and then just proceeded to preen at his feathers. “Okay then...Izzy, did you get anything else from Merilee?” Jake asked as Izzy thought for a second. “Yes, but I want to get her permission first to explain what she told me, but all I can say is that she’s only high on her guard because she’s afraid of knowing that she could have her back stabbed in a split second.” She explained.
“Thank you, Iz.” Jake nodded, respecting her choice not to give much personal information. “Seems like you managed to gain her trust a little bit,” Cubby said. “See? Like I said, I have a feeling that she's only who she is for some reason.” Jake replied. “Jake’s right. We just have to gain her trust. That’s all.” Cubby agreed. “I’ll back off a little so that you guys can try and gain her trust too.” Izzy offered, “Hopefully.” She mumbled softly. “Alright. Dismissed!” Jake told them as Cubby slid down the slide and landed on Savaa’s back, giggling.
“Jake, wait!” Izzy said, grabbing his shoulder real quick as Jake looked over at his crewmate. “What is it, Izzy?” He asked curiously. “Go one at a time. Since we’ve talked to her already, let Cubby have a try next.” Izzy explained. “Alright. Good point.” Jake nodded, high fiving her real quick.
Savaa walked over towards Merilee with Cubby as he gulped and climbed off her back carefully. “I’ll be right here, Little Cub.” She whispered. “Thanks, Savaa.” He replied, rubbing her ears before approaching Merilee carefully, “Um hi?” He greeted, nervous at first as Merilee looked over, but this time. She didn’t try going for her sword like she nearly did with Izzy and Jake. “Greetings.” She replied, looking away. “So, you met Captain Jake and Izzy. My name’s Cubby.” He introduced himself. “I remember.” Merilee told him.
Cubby twiddled with his fingers, trying to think of something and also trying not to get too nervous despite her demeanor earlier. “Question. How do you navigate? When we ran into you, I didn’t see a map or anything with you.” Cubby asked as Merilee reached into her pocket and pulled out a golden item that fit her palm before flipping open the lid, showing him a compass. “With this and the stars. I accidentally left my map back on my ship, but the majority of the time. I use my compass and at night, I use the stars.” Merilee explained.
“Celestial navigation? That’s actually pretty cool!” Cubby commented, “I never thought that the stars acted like guides. The only thing I know about the stars is the second star.” He said. “Really? Huh. Who knows? Maybe you can learn how to be able to use the stars like me.” Merilee responded, giving a small smile to the younger boy. “That’d actually be cool.” Savaa told them. Merilee looked back out at the water and whistled three times with her fingers. “Jungle Island, starboard side!” She called out to the small crew. “Good eye! Uh no pun intended.” Cubby said quickly. Merilee couldn’t help, but grin a little at the unintentional pun. “Yo ho, Bucky! Starboard, ho!” Jake said as Bucky rang his bell while Jake steered to the right towards the island as Merilee whistled.
“Oakley, ahead!” She ordered as the eagle took off towards the island immediately. “Where are you sending Oakley?” Savaa asked. “To check the island ahead of us just in case,” Merilee answered. “Smart.” Jake said, walking over with Izzy as she nodded to them. “Always good to think ahead of time,” Merilee replied quietly. Bucky gave two rings of his bell as he docked at the beach of the island, putting his gangplank out for them as Jake led the way and onto the beach with the rest behind them as Savaa motioned to Merilee go before her, who nodded in respect to the Never-leopard and walked off the ship with Savaa following last.
“Okay. This is a new island to us. Izzy, Cubby, you’re with me. Skully, Savaa, you stay with Merilee. Split up and stay in your groups. If you find anything, send a scout to either group and then we’ll try to find a middle meeting point.” Jake explained. “Aye, aye, Captain Jake!” Everyone said, including Merilee which surprised the others at hearing Merilee join in as Izzy gave her a small thumbs up before running after Cubby and Jake and into a nearby path of foliage.
Merilee looked at the sky and looked around a little. “Where are you, Oak?” She whispered. “Give him some time. Who knows how big this place is?” Skully replied. “Skully’s right. This is our first time here. So let’s avoid getting lost by staying close to one another.” Savaa suggested. “Lead the way, Savaa.” She replied as Savaa nodded before walking off onto a different path, leading Merilee while Skully sat on Savaa’s back to avoid getting lost or losing sight of the group.
The brunette captain walked in silence, occasionally looking up at the treetops and starting to think back through what she was told just in the small time she had with these strangers. Her gaze went down to her arm as she lifted it up and moved a little bit of her glove to look at the bandages underneath. “Because we are being honest about wanting to help you. We're not like other pirates out there.” Izzy’s voice repeated in her head as Merilee then looked up at Savaa, taking a couple of breaths. “I don’t have my weapon. We won’t hurt you, but you look like you need help.” Jake’s voice came next as her gaze softened and her pace slowed down. “We can help you if you let us.” Cubby’s voice came last as this time, Merilee stopped in her tracks and looked back up quickly.
‘Maybe...Maybe Izzy’s right. This crew of pirates. They’re nothing like the crews I’ve ever met...’ Merilee thought to herself before looking back over her shoulder towards the beach. “I need to talk to Jake.” She said quietly, turning and running back without a second thought as Savaa and Skully both looked back, surprised at the sudden noise and at finding Merilee suddenly gone. “Merilee!?” They yelled as Skully flew up into the air and took off with Savaa running after him.
Merilee ran back to the beach as she slid to a halt and turned, spotting the footprints in the ground and ran after them as Savaa and Skully popped out moments later, looking around. “Where’d she go?” Skully asked. “I don’t know.” She answered before hearing footsteps, “Guys?” She asked, turning her head before gasping at getting a net thrown over her and Skully, her paws getting swept out from under her. “Crackers! What’s going on?!” The parrot asked in a panic. “We happened.” A new voice replied as a shadow of five loomed over the pair of animals, making both of them realize what was going on.
The female captain slowed down after climbing over a log, clutching the side of her chest and started to slow down her breathing to catch her breath. ‘Breathe, Meri. Breathe.’ She mentally told herself before hearing noises up ahead as she stood up and hurried over to the bushes. “Are you sure about that, Jake?” Cubby’s voice asked as Merilee slowed down in her steps from feeling her chest burn, but knew it was from her earlier injury that Izzy treated. “Well, I know that Merilee’s hostile and everything. Yes, I at first didn’t trust her and I didn’t want to admit it.” Jake’s voice came as Merilee’s heart dropped when she heard those words.
“No...” She mumbled in shock, slowly taking a step back and felt tears well up in her eyes, but she forced them away. ‘They’re going to betray me. Just like all of those other crews! If they want to try hurting me, then I’ll go and find Jasper. On my own.’ Her thoughts raged and ran off again in a different direction to start her search alone.
“But after what Izzy just explained to us. It explains everything!” Jake continued talking to his crewmates, pacing a little bit while Izzy leaned on a rock and Cubby sat on a log. “I was going to wait for permission, but I felt like it was better now that you’re talking about wanting to make an alliance with Merilee and help her furthermore.” Izzy said. “And we could learn so much from her too! Like she uses celestial navigation! It means she uses the stars as her guide instead of maps along with using her own compass!” Cubby added. “And it’s not entirely her fault for her demeanor or her hostility. She only has it to protect herself from emotional and physical harm.” Izzy nodded.
“Exactly. If we make an alliance with her, we can help her. She could use friends, people who she can trust when she needs or is seeking help.” Jake replied to his crewmates. “Jake’s right. She’s been on her own, she’s been hurt, abandoned, discriminated against for being a female captain. Maybe that’s all she needs - Some friends.” Izzy nodded. “Cubby?” Jake asked to see if his younger crewmate had anything else to say. “All in favor of offering an alliance to Captain Merilee, say aye! Aye!” Cubby raised his hand. “Aye!” The other two raised their hands as Jake put his sword on his back. “Then it’s settled, but I’ll talk with Savaa and Skully. If they also agree, then I’ll talk to Merilee alone after this whole thing is over and hopefully, she’ll agree with making the alliance.” Jake said. “Yes!” Izzy and Cubby cheered a little bit. “Come on, let’s go find them.” The captain suggested as the three ran off into the foliage.
Merilee used her sword to cut away the foliage in her path, panting while holding back a majority of her tears and taking a deep breath every once in a while and holding her aching wrist which was close to making her release her tears. “No need to cry, Merilee. They didn’t betray you. They were probably going to. Then again...If they truly were going to betray me, then why would they help me?” She questioned herself, looking at her sword and sighed before her head jerked up at hearing screeching as she ran to the nearest clearing and raised her diamond sword, watching the sun catch the blade and creating a shine.
Oakley screeched, diving down at spotting the glaring blade as when Merilee spotted him, she lowered the blade and offered her arm out, allowing the bird to land on her arm. “What’s the report?” She asked once he landed as the eagle began screeching and chirping, flying back up a little as Merilee listened to him and felt her heart drop, “You found Jasper, didn’t you?” She asked as the eagle gave a desperate chirp in response. “Lead the way, Oakley!” She ordered angrily, eager to go against her rival as the bird took off with Merilee right behind him.
The brunette didn’t bother with any obstacle, leaping over a couple of logs and fallen trees, her sword slicing foliage like it was nothing, but paper before stopping at a cliff and using her sword to dig into the earth, hitching her breath at nearly going over the edge and regaining balance. “Where is he?” She asked as Oakley screeched, flying past and leading Merilee’s gaze down and her eyes caught sight of a green and gold colored ship docked at the beach. “Got ya.” She smirked and pulled out a small palm sized item, extending it out and revealing it to be a blue and gold spyglass, looking through it.
Merilee adjusted her one eye and watched the beach as she spotted a tall black haired male with tattered clothes and wearing a tattered captain’s hat with two crossed daggers as the symbol. “What are you guys up to?” She whispered, realizing that it looked like he was giving orders as she followed the direction of where Jasper was turned and gasped at spotting Jasper’s crew forcing the familiar Never-leopard into a wooden cage attached to a pulley system with one of the crewmates holding a cage containing the green parrot.
“NO!” She yelled, pulling the spyglass down and realizing what she had done, “I left them alone. I abandoned them without telling them I was going to find their crew. By the Neverseas, I’m such a fool!” Merilee said, angry at herself and started to pace, wondering if she should go after Jasper and save them on her own. “If you go after this Jasper fellow and his crew on your own and in your current state, you’ll risk yourself getting even more hurt or worse.” Jake’s voice reminded her in her head as she looked up at the horizon and then looked towards her eagle friend.
“Oakley. Find Captain Jake and his crew!” Merilee ordered desperately as the eagle screeched, nodding his head and taking off as Merilee looked back at the beach before folding her spyglass and putting it back in her pocket and ran after Oakley immediately.
-
“Savaa? Skully? Merilee?” The crew called out, walking down the path together as a group as a loud screech carried across the air, startling the group at first. “Oakley?” Jake asked as the eagle soared down, circling the area as Jake heard rustling from the bushes and held his hand out to his friends just in case as if signaling them to stay quiet. Before either of them could ask anything, Merilee stepped out of the bushes with her sword in hand and stabbed it in the ground, sitting down on her knees and allowing herself to cough violently. “Jake...” She wheezed.
“MERILEE?!” The crew yelled, running over and kneeling down or sitting on their knees beside the panting and crying captain. “Give her some space, don’t crowd her.” Izzy suggested as Jake placed a hand on Merilee’s back. “Merilee, what happened? Where’s Skully and Savaa?” He asked carefully. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I made a horrible mistake.” Merilee wheezed, “I-I left Skully and Savaa alone because I went to find you guys, but when I did, I heard you talking about me and I thought you were planning on betraying me like all the other crews in my life did and I went off to find Jasper on my own. Me and Oakley found him and his crew, but he has...he has Savaa and Skully. They captured them and it’s all my fault.” The brunette sobbed.
Jake, Izzy and Cubby immediately shared the same look of horror and worry mixed with concern and fear for their crewmates. “Captain Jake, I’m so sorry...” She whispered. “Merilee, look at me.” Jake said gently, placing the hand he had on her back onto her shoulder as Merilee looked at Jake, “We weren’t going to betray you. Izzy told us what you had told her. We weren’t talking about betraying you. We were talking about making an alliance with you.” He told her as Merilee’s eyes widened a little bit in shock. “Y-You want...to make an alliance with me? Even after my behavior...?” She asked.
The captain nodded to her. “We knew that you needed help. Physically, emotionally, and mentally. So we all agreed to make an alliance with you so that if anytime in the future, you had someone who you could go to for help or guidance.” Izzy pitched in. “And maybe we can even learn from you as well,” Cubby added. Merilee clutched her hands to her chest after letting go of her sword and looked back at them. “I never should’ve jumped to conclusions...Can you forgive me? And maybe...start over?” Merilee asked.
“Of course we forgive you. And we definitely can start over and try again.” Jake answered before hugging her as Merilee was taken back at first at being hugged for the first time in years, then hugged Jake back tightly and quietly broke down in tears as Izzy and Cubby both joined the hug. It took a minute for Merilee to recover herself as the three let go and looked at Merilee. “Come on. I think it’s time we finally caught up to Jasper and get the Ruby Scepter and our friends back.” Jake said, standing up as Cubby and Izzy did the same before Jake held his hand out to Merilee, “You coming, Captain Merilee?” He grinned.
Merilee smiled and gladly took his hand as Jake helped her up before letting her pull her sword out of the dirt and back into the sheath on her belt. “Jasper and his crewmates are most likely already heading out. They’re on the South side of the island. If we use Bucky, we can catch up fairly quickly,” Merilee explained. “I have an idea on how to catch him off guard,” Jake said. “What is it, Captain Jake?” Cubby asked as Jake grabbed a stick real quick before drawing in the dirt. “Alright, here’s the plan.” He smirked.
-
On the other side of the island, Savaa laid in the wooden cage and watched the crew do their work on the deck as she sighed, keeping her head on her paws. “The others will find us, Savaa.” Skully whispered, sitting in the birdcage beside hers, reaching his wing out and placing it on her tail. “But Jake and the kids don’t know we’re even out here. Nor does Merilee. Why did she even run off?” She whispered back to the parrot without looking at him. “I’m sure they’ll find us, Savaa.” Skully whispered.
The pair looked up at hearing the crew laugh as Savaa growled at watching Jasper walk over towards them. “A talking Never-leopard and parrot. Both should fetch a good price and maybe even some fair treasure trades.” He said before moving back when Savaa leapt to her paws and reached out through the cage, roaring in fury and anger. “Haha! Feisty. I like that.” Jasper commented. “What my friend here meant by her outlash is that we are not for sale or trade! We already have a home and owners! So you lot are making some big mistakes here by taking both of us prisoners!” Skully said to them.
Jasper looked at his crew before they proceeded to burst out in laughter as Freddie picked up the cage. “Aw, is itty bitty Polly angry because he wants crackers?” She taunted. “You can go and stuff your own face with crackers!” Skully replied angrily. “Go Skully!” Savaa laughed as Freddie dropped the birdcage onto the top of Savaa’s cage, grumbling a little bit while the others except Jasper were snickering slightly.
“Alright, alright. All of you, back to work.” Jasper said. “OI! JASPER!” A sudden voice shouted as the whole crew tensed up and ran to the port side of The Serpent as The Mighty Navigator pulled up to the side of the ship. “Is that...?” Manny started. “It can’t be!” Hammy replied. “Blind-lee!” Jasper growled. “Missed me, Jasper?” Merilee called out from the helm of her ship, a clear smirk on her face. “I THOUGHT I LEFT YOU IN THAT RAVINE!” Jasper yelled. “Well, you may not believe me, but...I HAD HELP!” She pointed her sword up as the crew looked up and yelled at three kids leaping off the side of the sail posts, using ropes to swing onto The Serpent and landing on the deck.
Merilee climbed up the railing and grabbed a rope before swinging over, taking her sword and catching the sail and sliding down the sail and ripping it right open as she leapt off and joined beside Captain Jake. “Who in Neverland are these pipsqueaks?!” Freddie asked. “Her new friends. YO HO, ATTACK!” Jake ordered. “GET THEM!” Jasper ordered as the opposing crew whipped out their weapons, charging for the kids in return. “You know the plan, crew!” Jake called out as the kids split up in different directions.
“Can’t catch me!” Izzy said, leaping onto the banister of the other side of the deck as Hammy and Manny both lunged at her at the same time right as Izzy used her foot to kick a rope loose and shot up with the rope, the pair of teens slamming into each other and falling against the deck. Cubby ran over to the barrels and ducked behind them as Freddie looked around. “Where are you, you puny pirate runt?” She asked as Cubby snuck out from the other side and then grabbed a mop, swabbing the deck real quick before whistling. “Over here!” He called as Freddie raced towards him only to step on the water and slip backwards while Cubby moved out of the way and made a run for it.
Izzy dropped down from the rope and high fived Cubby before the two split in different directions again when Manny and Hammy went after them. Jake snuck past the fighting before running over to the cages with his captain’s sword. “Hang tight. Time to heat things up!” He said, his sword heating up as he aimed real quick before slamming the sword down, cutting the lock on Savaa’s cage first as he moved out of the way right when Savaa roared and leapt out, tackling into Andrew before he could ambush Jake with his tomahawk.
“Thanks Savaa!” Jake said. “Right back at you, Captain Jake!” Savaa replied. Jake then grabbed Skully’s cage and pulled it down to his level, quickly cutting the lock with his sword as he opened the cage and allowing Skully to fly free. “Woohoo! Good to be free from that thing!” Skully said as Oakley screeched, flying past which alerted Jake and he looked at where Merilee was at to check on her.
Merilee stood on the ship’s helm area, engaged in a sword to sword combat with Jasper as she was easily moving against each of his blows against her sword and managing with her wrist. “I thought you were through with having crews, Merilee,” He told her. “They’re not my crew. They’re my new friends.” Merilee corrected, glancing down at his belt and spotting the Ruby Scepter as she looked back up at him, “OAKLEY!” She called, clashing with Jasper’s sword as the eagle screeched and attacked the male immediately in a flurry of feathers.
“Get off, you stupid bird!” Jasper growled, trying to use his one arm to get Oakley away as Merilee took the distraction and lunged forward, grabbing the scepter and rolling away before hoisting it up. “I got it!” She shouted as Oakley took that as the signal and retreated, flying over while Merilee held up the Ruby Scepter, “You’ve lost, Jasper! Time to surrender!” The girl ordered. “That’s what you think.” Jasper told her before whistling sharply, “Andrew!” He called while sheathing his sword.
Andrew turned away from Savaa and took his tomahawk, aiming then tossing it quickly as the blunt weapon hit Merilee’s wrist as a shot of pain spasmed in her arm, making her drop the scepter and her sword to grip the bandages and trying to get the pain to dim as Oakley started screeching desperately and dove down before backing off when an arrow whizzed past him, looking over at Freddie who had her bow in hand. Merilee looked up as Jasper kicked her in the chest and knocked her back as the female fell, scooting away when seeing Jasper pick the tomahawk back up.
“I just about had it with you. I should’ve just killed you in that cave or made sure that you were dead in that ravine.” Jasper said coldly as Merilee went wide eyed when he approached her, “So I’ll make sure to do it right here and right now!” He yelled, raising the weapon. “Not on my watch!” Jake suddenly shouted, swinging off the mast as Jasper looked up at the voice only to have the young boy tackle him into the railing, breaking it as the pair didn’t notice a loose net being dragged down with them before a loud splash occurred below.
“CAPTAIN!” Both crews shouted and raced to the side of the ship as Izzy and Cubby ran to Merilee and helped her up. Merilee scrambled to her feet and ran to the area where the pair of captains fell. “Jake?!” The two shouted when joining Merilee as they held their breaths for a split second until seeing Jasper surface along with Jake’s hat, but no Jake. “You win this time, Merilee! But next time won’t be so lucky!” Jasper yelled at them before swimming away from the area. “Where’s Jake?!” Skully asked, looking at the water.
Merilee then remembered seeing something when Jake and Jasper went overboard as her chest tightened, running to the Scepter and grabbing it along with her sword and hurrying back to Cubby and Izzy. “Take these to my ship!” She ordered, giving Izzy the Ruby Scepter and her hat. “Merilee, what-” Izzy was about to ask, only to watch Merilee sheath her sword onto her belt, back up and then run forward before diving right off the side of the ship. “MERILEE!” The kids shouted.
Cold water hit her immediately the moment she landed in the water as she held her breath, taking a moment until her eye spotted a shadow in the water as she quickly began swimming down as hard as she could. The closer she got, she understood the situation quickly once she spotted what she was looking for. Captain Jake had his sword handle and one of his legs tangled up in the net that went overboard with him and Jasper, struggling to swim and get himself free. Merilee swam harder before grabbing Jake’s hand to reassure him she was there, pulling him closer as she took out her sword, thinking and acting fast before using the blade to cut the net off his leg and then his sword. Once she saw Jake kick his leg free, she sheathed her sword and wrapped her one arm around him, under his arms and across his chest before beginning to swim back to the surface.
Izzy, Cubby, Savaa and Skully watched after getting back on Merilee’s ship, all of them anxious and nervous by the second before spotting bubbles from the water. “Is it them?” Cubby asked. A moment later, Merilee surfaced and gasped for air, coughing and having a grip on the dazed yet conscious boy in one of her arms. “Izzy! This is an emergency!” Cubby said. “Then it’s pixie dust away!” The girl shouted, taking a bit of pixie dust from her pouch and throwing it down towards the pair of captains.
Merilee felt something being sprinkled on her before gasping at feeling herself being lifted from the water along with Jake as she realized what she was hit with, taking the advantage and grabbing Jake with one arm and the other grabbing his hat before she flew up to the deck as she flew over the crew and then landed behind the four. “Jake!” They yelled, running over as Jake sat up, coughing and sputtering while taking in air. “I almost…” He muttered before looking over at Merilee who was also panting to catch her breath, “Merilee, thank you...You saved my life.” He said, a little shocked and astonished.
“It’s what friends are for.” Merilee smiled tiredly before Izzy and Cubby both hugged Jake after giving him some space to breathe as he hugged both of them back while Savaa licked Jake’s face. “Savaa!!!” He laughed. “Shush, you’re soaking wet.” The leopard told him with a relieved purr. “Where’s my hat?” Jake and Merilee suddenly asked in unison before looking at each other and laughing slightly as Merilee grabbed his wet hat and put it on his head. “There it is.” Jake chuckled softly.
Izzy got up and immediately hugged Merilee. “Thank you for saving Jake!” She said, “It’s what friends are for.” Merilee repeated, hugging Izzy back before letting her go, “Here. You guys can rest on my ship. Plus your captain needs to rest.” Merilee suggested. “Thank you, Captain.” Cubby said as he and Savaa helped Jake to his feet carefully. “Here, follow me.” She told them before leading the crew to where they could rest on her ship.
Merilee opened the front cabin of the ship. “Here. These are my crew quarters. You guys can rest here. I can ask Bucky to lead the way back to where you live.” She explained to them as she moved out of the way, letting Savaa help Jake inside as Izzy and Cubby followed, taking some of the pillows and blankets from the hammocks and making a little area real quick on the floor for all of them. Once it was set up, Savaa laid down and let Jake lay against her as he took off his hat and coat and set them aside as Merilee took them both and used some clothespins to hang the wet coat and hat from a draping rope by the wall.
“I’ll be at the helm if any of you need anything.” She told them. “Thanks again, Merilee.” Cubby whispered as she nodded before walking out and carefully closing the door for them. Izzy placed a blanket over Jake as she then sat by him and Cubby taking the opposite side. “That was too close for comfort,” Cubby said. “Agreed. We thought Jasper had done something.” Izzy nodded in agreement. “No, he didn’t...I must have caught the net somehow since I don’t know where it even came from. All I remember is letting go of Jasper when we landed in the water and when I tried to swim after him, that’s when I found my leg and the handle of my sword stuck in the net.” Jake explained.
“All that matters is that you’re safe now thanks to Merilee’s fast thinking.” Skully replied. “So what do you guys think? Officially offer her the alliance?” Jake asked the four of them as they looked at each other, grinning and smiling. “Aye aye!” They answered altogether as Jake laid his head against Savaa who grabbed his blanket and nudged it over his shoulder gently before touching her nose to his head. “Get some sleep, Jake.” She whispered as Izzy and Cubby both laid down against the leopard while Skully landed between the leopard’s paws, nestling against her chest. Jake fought to stay awake a little longer before finally falling asleep along with the rest of his crew quietly.
Merilee stood at the helm of The Navi, wringing her hair out as she then flipped her hair behind her, grabbing her hat and readjusting it before taking a deep breath, finally taking a moment to decompress and think about the whole day’s events. “Wait, where’s the-” Merilee started and looked around before hearing Oakley chirp, catching her attention as the bird hopped over while holding the Ruby Scepter with his beak. “Thank the Neverseas...” She whispered, kneeling down and gently taking the scepter into her hands, running her hand over it and feeling relieved to find no damage to it whatsoever.
Oakley chirped and flew up to her arm after she offered it out to him, chirping quietly as he nudged her head a little. “I’m okay, I’m okay. Just...thinking.” Merilee told the eagle and looking at the scepter as she took a deep breath, “Oakley, please fetch me Captain Tess’s journal.” She requested as the eagle flew off and headed into the captain’s quarters of the ship real quick before returning with a small book and quickly dropped it in her hands as Merilee opened it and looked at the pages quietly. She looked at the pages and then at the Scepter before smiling a little bit. “Oakley. I know what I need to do,” She said.
Merilee closed the book and then set it down on the railing, walking to the side of the ship. “Yo ho, Bucky!” She called out before hearing the familiar bell as the smaller ship came to the side of The Mighty Navigator immediately. “Hey Bucky. Can you lead the way to your crew’s home for me, please?” Merilee asked as Bucky gave two rings of his bell before circling around towards the front of the ship with Merilee quickly heading to the wheel and steering her ship as Oakley set the sails by releasing the ropes and allowing the gentle breeze to catch the sails with Bucky leading the way home.
It had been some time when Jake had fallen asleep as he woke up and looked around, spotting Savaa and his crew, all still asleep around him as he looked at the nearby windows which the colors shining through the glass told him easily what time it was. “Sunset?” He mumbled softly before getting up and then placing the blanket down by Savaa, being careful not to wake up his friends. Jake looked over at his clothes and walked over to the line, checking his jacket and hat and feeling a little relieved to see that they were no longer wet.
Jake carefully took them down, putting on his jacket and then his hat as he walked over to the door and gently opened it, heading out onto the deck. His eyes quickly adjusted to the dim light of sunset, looking around and taking a few moments to be able to see what the ship looked like, out of a little bit of curiosity. “Glad to see you up.” A voice startled Jake as he looked up the stairs when he made it to them, spotting Merilee at the wheel with Oakley perched on the railing in front of her.
“Where are we going?” Jake asked, walking up the stairs to join her at the helm. “I asked Bucky to lead the way to where you live. We’re taking things slow and steady right now since I didn’t want to wake you up if we got there quickly,” Merilee answered as she clicked her tongue which Oakley reached a his foot out and grabbed a pole, sticking it through the wheel and having it attached to the railing to keep the ship steady and on course, allowing Merilee to take a step back. “How are you feeling?” She asked. “Better. Don’t think I’ll sleep tonight thanks to that nap.” He chuckled. “You’ll sleep. You’d be surprised.” She replied, walking over to the railing and looking at the sunset a little bit, “I never got the chance to say this, but thank you. For saving me when Jasper had me cornered.” Merilee told him as Jake joined beside her, grinning a little bit.
“It’s like what you said earlier; It’s what friends do.” Jake recalled as Merilee playfully rolled her eyes. “You know, I always thought I would never be able to make friends or even recover from what I’ve had in my life. But thanks to you, you changed my life around. You gave me a spark. When I was with Savaa and Skully, I was remembering everything you had said to me. Each of you. And I wanted to talk to you about everything even though Izzy already knew. Then of course, all of that chaotic misunderstanding happened and here we are.” Merilee explained.
Jake listened before nodding. “Me and my crew have a knack for doing that. Changing lives, I mean.” He replied as Merilee smiled a little bit and looked back out at the horizon, “You know, I talked with my crew about it and we all agreed to make an alliance with you.” Jake said as Merilee looked over and then past his shoulder, spotting his friends climbing up the stairs and then standing nearby the pair as Merilee smiled. “I’m glad that you brought that up.” She said, walking over to the wheel and grabbing Captain Tess’s journal and the Ruby Scepter before walking back over to Jake.
“This is the Ruby Scepter of Captain Tess. Even though it holds no power, it still contains a special connection with those who have it.” She began before opening the journal and turning a few pages, “This is my final journal entry. I still bear the Ruby Scepter that was given to me to signify my alliance with Captain Colossus. Alas, my friend has been gone for years now and my time draws near. I hide my Scepter and I leave behind this map to lead the way so that whoever finds this map shall find my Ruby Scepter and carry it so they may carry on its legacy of creating and binding alliances between Pirate Captains on the Neversea. Sincerely, Captain Tess.” She read aloud before closing the journal.
The crew looked at each other in complete shock as Jake looked at Merilee. “Captain Tess knew Captain Colossus?!” He asked. “Apparently. And they used this Scepter to symbolize their alliance. I believe that this Scepter was meant to be found by me. Because fate knew that my life would change. And upon this discovery, I decided to let this day be a witness that the Ruby Scepter be carried on and allow a new alliance to be made. And I, Captain Merilee, choose to make an alliance with Captain Jake.” She said, placing the book aside and then using both hands to hold out the Scepter.
Jake took a step forward and placed his hands on the Scepter with her, nodding. “I, Captain Jake, agree to create and make an alliance with Captain Merilee.” He said as the Scepter’s rubies glowed before dimming away after a moment as both captains used opposite hands to hold up the Ruby Scepter, earning a cheer from Izzy, Cubby, and Skully while Savaa roared and Oakley screeched altogether. Merilee let go of the Scepter and allowed Jake to take hold of it as the cheering was cut off at Bucky’s bell going off, alerting the whole group.
“Land ho!” Cubby yelled when looking over the railing. “Yep! Pirate Island, dead ahead.” Skully said when he went above the sails before flying back down. “Guess that means you’re home.” Merilee told them. “Well with the Ruby Scepter and officially having an alliance, I think we’ll be seeing you again in the future.” Jake said. “And I thank you once again for showing me that not all pirate crews are evil and traitors,” Merilee replied.
“Hey Merilee?” Izzy spoke up, walking over. “Yes, Izzy?” She said, “Think you can try and come around in the future? It feels nice having another friend who’s a girl.” Izzy asked as Merilee nodded. “I will.” She replied. “And maybe you can try and make some friends while you’re still out at sea?” Cubby requested while stepping forward. “I’ll try.” Merilee answered. “Promise?” The small boy asked as Merilee crossed her heart with a finger. “Pirate’s Honor.” She confirmed, raising an arm. “Take care of yourself, Oakster.” Skully said to the eagle as Oakley happily chirped in response while Merilee steered her ship carefully to the shore.
“Drop anchor!” She called as Savaa ran to a lever and helped pull it, dropping the anchor for Merilee as she and Izzy both grabbed the gangplank and placed it down on the shore of Pirate Island. “Bye Merilee! Take care of yourself!” The crew waved goodbye while disembarking the ship with Savaa making sure Jake was helped just in case despite his protesting. “Goodbye, everyone! I hope to see you again soon!” Merilee waved goodbye to her friends as Oakley helped pull the anchor back up along with the gangplank. Merilee walked over to the helm and grabbed the wheel before sailing off, hoping to one day return and see her new found friends again one day.
Jake looked at the Scepter and smiled before looking at his crew. “Come on. Let’s head into the hideout. I bet everyone is starving for dinner,” He said. “I’ll break out the cookbook!” Cubby replied, earning a laugh from the others as they headed inside the hidden hideout together.