An Earl in Night Raven College (Book three)

The Merchant of the Deep Sea: Part 26

*Ciel's POV*

I was fast asleep in Leona's room after me and Grim had finished cleaning, without breaking anything in the process. Ruggie left after checking a few hours ago, allowing all three of us to sleep. However, as I hear the sounds of water once more, I open my eyes to see that I was in a lake during night time. I was a mermaid again like usual so there was no point in checking as I looked around. There were a few willow trees around with flowers, the waters were calm, and there were a few fireflies flying around, giving a romantic feeling.

"A romantic evening?" I asked myself as I looked around.

Then I see a brown row boat coming into view with two individuals sitting inside with one of them with the oars. Once they stopped in the middle of the lake, I was able to identify who the two were. The one with the oars, was the prince that was saved by the red haired mermaid, he was wearing a white dress shirt and pants. While the other person was none other that the red haired mermaid, except she's wearing a blue and black dress with white sleeves and bow. From what I can see she didn't have a tail, which reminded me of the last dream, then I hear talking.

"You know, I feel really bad not knowing your name." The Prince states as a small group of animals appears.

"Ariel. Her name is Ariel." The crab shouts to the prince.

"Well, that's kinda pretty. Okay, Ariel."

I watch as the two get closer to one another as the small group of animals were cheering the two on. But before they could kiss, the boat was suddenly turned over, causing the two to fall into the water. The small group of animals scattered as I watch two eels swimming away from the boat with smirks. That's when I realized that they were the ones to turned the boat over as they dive back into the water. Before I could chase after them, my vision grows dark as I hear a familiar voice from before.

"Oh, she's better than I thought. Well, it's time Ursula took matters into her own tentacles!"

Then my vision cleared up as I saw the octopus lady with her two eels restraining Ariel, who was struggling to free herself. I saw that the octopus lady was smirking at someone, it wasn't Ariel or the eels but someone in front of her. I saw that it was a buff mermen with white hair and beard along with a golden crown. In his hands was a big golden trident, which was glowing, that was being pointed towards the octopus lady. I was able to tell that he was not only the king of the merfolk but also Ariel's father, I proceed to watch.

"Ursula, stop! Let her go." The mermaid king pleads

"Not a chance, Triton! She's mine now. But I might be willing to make an exchange...for someone even better. Now, King Triton, do we have a deal?" Ursula asks while showing Triton the contract.

"She wanted to steal everything from the start. Talk about unscrupulous business practices..." I said as I glare at Ursula.

I watch as the dreams proceeds to fade away as the sound of water also fades away, leaving me in darkness. After a couple of minutes, I begin to feel light shining onto my eyes as I hear chirping nearby. I open my eyes to see that it was now morning as I groan before sitting up after my eyes adjusted to the light. I began to stretch and lets out a yawn in the process to fully wake up or at least enough to avoid stumbling around. Once I was done, I thought back to the dream as I was confused about them compared to my memory dreams.

"Is it just me, or are these dreams kind of linked to reality? That seemed awfully realistic. Almost like it wasn't a dream at all..." I asked myself before sighing.

I proceeded to get up from my makeshift bed and got ready as today was the final day, which means I can't waste any time. After I finished, I proceed to pack my things into my bag while also putting the blankets into a pile. I noticed that Leona was slowly getting up as Grim, who I had to move, was still asleep.

"*yawn* Rrrr... Mnnngh..." Leona groans as he stretched with his eyes closed.

"Good morning. Today's the big day." I said with a smile on my face.

"Huh...? What, you're up already? You sure are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Meanwhile, because of you, I'm sleep-deprived... Tch. I guess today IS the third day of the agreement. Just remember that come sundown, I'm kicking you guys out, no matter how this goes down. Have your things packed and ready to go." Leona informs me, which made my eye roll.

"I know, I know. Don't remind me." 

I leave the room so Leona can get dressed in peace before Ruggie decides to barge into the room like two days ago. After a couple of minutes, Leona leaves the room as we walked down the hallway to talk with the others. So that way they can know what the plan was and act accordingly since we need their help. After a while of talking with the rest of Savanaclaw and going to classes, me, Jack, and Grim met up with Ace and Deuce. I then inform the group that I have a new plan but one we have to act now.

"......"

"......"

"Wow, this is the first time I've seen you two be silent." I stated with a sweatdrop as I noticed Ace and Deuce were quiet.

"Are you serious right now?" Jack asked me to which I nod.

"Off to the Coral Sea we go! We're paying the Atlantica Memorial Museum a visit today."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa... I thought we agreed that nabbing the photo under the sea was a no-go because the Leech brothers would stop us!" Ace exclaims

"This plan seems reckless, even by my standards..." Deuce said, unsure.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Okay, kiddos, listen up and I'll go over the plan... *Cough* *Hack*" Grim coughs

"Grim, you okay?" I asked as I remember what we were doing last night.

"You okay there? Got a furball or somethin'?" Ace asked as Grim shakes his head.

"No! I'm still gettin' over all the yowling I did yesterday. Mm, anyway, back on topic. Here's how this is gonna go..."

Grim explains the plan that I came up with a while ago that had some changes made to it to insure that it will work. Though there were a few times I had to jump in and clarify a few things since Grim isn't one to be clear with something. Which is something I have to teach him so he doesn't make someone misunderstand. After Grim, with my occasional input, finishes the explanation, the three stood there as they processed the information. Once they were done, their eyes widen in shock.

"WHAAAAAT?!"

"Knew you guys would react like this." I said with a smirk as the three looks at me.

"Dude, are you serious?! This is crazy bold!" Ace exclaims in surprise

"Wow, Ciel. I always knew you were gutsy, but this is fresh reminder." Deuce smirks, a bit of his delinquent side showing.

"Will this really go the way you hope, though?" Jack questions

"Does it look like we have any other option?" I counter as the others nods in agreement.

"We've exhausted our leads and we have one day to go. Ciel's idea is all we've got. Not even a whole day, either. We've only got until sunset." Deuce explains

"I guess anything beats sitting on our thumbs waiting around for sundown." Ace states.

"All right. Fine. Stressin' over what-ifs won't get us anywhere. I gotta say, Ciel—nothing stops you once you put your mind to something." Jack says with a smirk as Deuce did the same.

"Sometimes our bud here's a tad TOO daring, but what's life without a little spice? Okay, guys! Let's roll!" Ace shouts with a determined look.

"Time to get ourselves a photo from the Atlantica Memorial Museum!" Grim announces with a smirk, which I did the same.

'It's time, I hope you're ready, Azul, because this is game over for you.'