DISCLAIMER: I don't own Tales of the abyss or Pirates of the Caribbean.

Natalia sighed and sat up.

So it was all a dream. Not a dream really. A memory. Natalia remembered the day she saw the ship and stole the medallion. ND2011, the sixth day of the month of Rem. Exactly seven years ago.

After lighting a lantern, Natalia put on her robe and pulled open a drawer containing her notebooks and writing quills. She lifted her diary to find the medallion. It was gray with dust, almost blending perfectly in with the background of the drawer. But the grinning skull still shone with a wicked gleam.

"You're the one giving me nightmares, aren't you?" she asked it. It didn't respond, obviously. She wiped away the dust with her thumb. Now it was as gold as the sun. She unhooked the clasp and re-clasped it behind her neck. She checked how she looked in her mirror.

"Huh. You're kind of heavy." She hefted the medallion in her hand. For a second she thought she was going insane like people in the asylum. Talking to medallions, pirate medallions, was not something princesses are supposed to do. Nor were they to steal the medallion itself. But if people found out Guy was a pirate, the outcome would be horrible.

She jumped when she heard a knock on her bedroom door.

"Natalia? Are you awake?" King Ingobert's voice was heard.

"Y-yes!" she called after quickly after hiding the medallion behind her nightgown.

Her father entered the room with two maids carrying a package. He smiled when he saw Natalia.

"Still in bed at this hour?" he teased, "It's a beautiful day."

"Yes...." Natalia squinted when one of the maid thrust open the curtains, letting the sunlight pour inside. Natalia turned off her lantern to save the oil.

"I have a gift for you."

King Ingobert lifted the lid of the package. Natalia gasped and raised a dress.

"It's beautiful!" she exclaimed.

"Isn't it?" said the king proudly.

It was one of the most elegant, gorgeous, beautiful dresses that could ever be seen. It was made of emerald green silk, the finest cloth of all. It swished beautifully with each twirl. Not only that, but it was executed perfectly. Gold ribbons rested on the corset. At this she almost frowned at the gift. How she dreaded corsets. Wait.... why give a gift now when her birthday is only two weeks away?

"May I inquire to the occasion?" she asked suspiciously at her father.

King Ingobert almost looked offended. "Must there be an occasion for a father to give a gift to his own daughter?"

Natalia grinned and disappeared behind the dressing screen. The maids also disappeared to help with the corset.

"Actually, I was wishing for you to wear it to the ceremony today...."

"Ceremony?" questioned Natalia.

"To Lieutenant General Asch fon Fabre Promotion Ceremony."

Natalia poked her head out to look at her father. "I knew it. There's always an occasion."

"He's becoming General. He's a fine man. He fancies you, you know." said King Ingobert thoughtfully.

Natalia let out a choking gasp as one of her maids tightened her corset with a mighty pull.

"Natalia? How's it coming?" asked the concerned king.

"I-It's difficult to say." gasped Natalia, hardly breathing.

"I heard it's the latest fashion in Malkuth."

"Well, women in Malkuth must have learned not to breathe." replied Natalia as the maids tied the corsets' strings in a bow.

There was knock at the door and Farnsworth, the butler, entered.

"M'lord, you have a visitor." he said with a elegant bow.

"I'll go to see him. Natalia, get dressed and come downstairs. The ceremony starts at 9:30." King Ingobert and Farnsworth left.

When Natalia was finally dressed and left the room, she nearly tripped over the steps to see who it was.

It was Count Gailardia Galan Gardios.

~*--*~

Guy was carrying a package from Emperor Peony the Ninth. Becoming General was a serious event. Being General, your only second to the King. You could command troops without permission from higher ranks, because you ARE the highest rank besides king. You were declared one of the highest ranks in the land. Even dukes have to show their respect.

"Ah! Gailardia. Good to see you." The king came down the steps.

"Hello, your majesty. I have the gift." Guy replied. He opened the box to reveal a sword. A magnificent, splendid sword.

The Emperor decided to bestow a gift upon soon-to-be General Asch. He had the finest blacksmiths in Keterburg make it. Even King Ingobert lV had marveled at it's brilliance, and he had seen many wonderful and spectacular swords in his lifetime. The king unsheathed the sword.

"It's made of sliver steel," Guy explained, "And that's pure gold in the handle. It's perfectly balanced. If I may?" Ingobert handed him the sword. To show, Guy threw it in the air. The king stepped back as Guy caught the handle and offered it to him.

"Impressive, very impressive. Asch is sure to be pleased with this."

There was steps, and Guy unknowingly held his breath. Natalia was absolutely gorgeous! Her dress did it's part, swishing and shining in the light. Her innocent smile and gentle eyes seemed to complete the outfit. Guy personally thought that Natalia looked lovely in any outfit, but this time she's sure to charm even Asch himself!

"Guy!" she exclaimed. She hurried down the steps. "It's so good to see you!"

Guy had this bewildered/lovesick look on his face, or a mix in between. He could only see Natalia. Not the king, not the fine pictures on the wall, only Natalia. The King turned away and stifled a laugh.

Slightly suprised that Guy didn't greet her, Natalia continued, "I had a dream about you last night."

"A-About me?" he asked, completely flattered and curious.

"That's not entirely proper Natalia...." the king began but Natalia interrupted.

"Yes, about the mystery flower. Don't you remember?"

"How could I forget, your highness?" asked Guy. When they were younger, Natalia had found a single white rose by her quiver. She had tried to find who left it, but eventually she accepted the suggestion that Luke left it.

Natalia smiled even bigger. "Guy, how many times must I ask you to call me Natalia?"

"At least once more. As always, Princess." Guy replied. In reality, he did it just so he could relish her saying his name. Under all that sweet-talking and phobia scar, there was a mischievous Guy.

"There. You see? At least he has a sense of proper manners. Now come Natalia, we really must be going." King Ingobert left as a servant picked up the package.

"Good day, Count Gailardia." Natalia said with a curtsy.

"Good day!" Guy called as Natalia left.

"Natalia." He whispered. He had this feeling that Natalia could hear.

~*--*~

Two miles off the port of Baticul, Capital of Light, there was a ship carrying a female pirate on it's top mast.

She looked like a pirate, no doubt. She had brown leather boots and black trousers tailored perfectly for running. She wore a faded blue sash around her waist, carrying a sword and a compass. She had a white cotton shirt and a black coat. On top of her head was a tight purple bandanna, and a worn, aged three-cornered hat.

The pirate hoped of the mast. Her boots were instantly soaked, there was five holes in the bottom of a ship. She grabbed a bucket and started to throw water out of the boat. Then the pirate's bucket slipped through her hands.

A little ways off, there were three corpses, each being hanged. The skeletons had torn, tattered clothes and a sign in between. The pirate squinted to see the words.

Pirates, ye be warned.

The pirate took off her hat and placed it over her heart. She then saluted to the bodies.

"Rest in peace, my dear brothers. The pirate name has yet to be cleared."

Noticing that heaving the water out of the boat was useless, the pirate hoisted herself up to the top mast. The ship started to sink, but the dock was not that far.

~*--*~

"Oy! Hand me that rappig!"

"That's outrageous! I will not pay!"

"We need to hurry! The Sixth Fonon is about to leave!"

"That's about 350 gald sir."

The port was busy at this time of day. Everyone was in a hurry to get on the ship, to get off, to pay the fine, to load the cargo.

"Hey! Where's that box of Apple gels? I thought it was over there!"

"I want this ship ready to leave at 9:45, Mr. Davis."

"Get that one-"
There was silence. No one expected to see the next sight they laid eyes on was going to be a sailor on a halfway-sunk ship. The sailor, a lady, by the looks of it, was perfectly at ease, like she's been in a thousand sinking boats. She stepped off the mast and onto the dock just as the sails disappeared in the water.

The port master calmly approached the pirate lady, and was completely surprised she walked past him.

"What the.... HEY! YOU THERE!" The port master shrieked.

The pirate turned around.

"It's 10 gald to tie up your boat in the dock."

At this line, both of them glanced at the sinking ship, now the top mast almost gone in the depths.

"And I shall need to know you're name." The port master lifted his writing quill.

The pirate fished for something in her pockets. She brought out a small money bag.

"What do you say to 30 gald, and we forget the name?" she asked slyly.

The port master seized the money bag and said, "Welcome to Baticul, Miss Vanderzee.**"

She smiled. As she passed by the port master's desk, she slipped a heavier money bag into her pocket before walking away into the town.

~*--*~

At the ceremony, Natalia felt like she could faint. It was so warm, and the corset certainly wasn't helping.

Did it have to be at the fort? she asked herself. Of course it has to be here. All military awards were presented here.

"Hey Natalia."

Luke had appeared at her side. Natalia smiled and said, "You came?"

"I didn't have a choice. Mother forced me to."

"I would have more respect for you if you'd come of your own free will."

He sighed. "Two more years. Two more years."

"Luke! Natalia! Get in place! The ceremony's about to begin!" The king called them over.

Natalia didn't feel good. But she had to be part of the ceremony. She sighed as she stood by her father.

"Two paces march!"

Sixteen soldiers marched into the fort in two straight, even lines. They separated, leaving space for someone to walk through.

Asch now entered, waiting patiently at the end of the line.

"Present arms!"

The soldiers laid their spears in a orderly fashion. Asch walked forward, in between the soldiers.

King Ingobert handed him the sword, which Asch studied with interest. He then pointed it at the sun, and all the soldiers cheered.

~*--*~

The mysterious pirate was walking down a dock by the castle, almost hidden. As she approached the dock, a ship came into view, and it was love at first sight. It was a brilliant ship. She eagerly tried to get aboard.

"This deck is off-limits to civilians, ma'am." Two soldiers now blocked her path.

"I had no idea. If I see one, I shall inform you immediately." Once more, she tired to aboard. The soldiers, once more, blocked her path.

Suppressing a sigh, she said, "Apparently, there's some fancy meeting up at the fort. How come two upstanding soldiers like yourselves didn't merit a invitation?"

"Someone has to make sure this dock stays off-limits to civilians." One of the soldiers responded.

"It's seems like a fine goal, but a ship like that," she pointed at another ship at the main port, "makes this one a bit less superior, eh?"

"The Princess Natalia has some power in these waters, but nothing can match the Rapidement for speed."

The pirate place a finger on her chin in thought. "I've heard of one. Supposed to be very fast, nigh-uncatchable. The Tartarus."

One of the pirates, the one who had not spoken, laughed out loud. "Ha! Is there a real ship that can match the Rapidement for speed?"

"The Tartarus is a real ship." said his partner.

"No it isn't."

"Yes, it is! I've seen it!"

"Oh, you've seen it?" The pirate rolled her eyes.

"Yes."

"You've seen a ship that's crewed by the damned, and Captained by a man so evil, that Hell itself spat him back out?"

"No."

"See, there's no real ship that can match the-"

The pirate wasn't there. She was at the wheel of the Rapidement.

"Hey!" The two soldiers scrambled over the edge of the ship.

"You don't have permission to be on board!" The soldiers pointed their weapons at her.

"I'm so sorry, it's just a pretty boat. Ship." the pirate said.

"What's you're name?" they asked.

"Missy Vanderzee."

"And what's your business in Baticul, Missy Vanderzee?"

"Yeah, and no lies!"

The girl stepped away from the wheel. "Alright then. I confess. It is my plan to commandeer one of these ships, pick up a crew, and go raid, pillage and plunder to my little black hearts' content."

"I said no lies!"

The other soldier whispered, "I think she's telling the truth."

"She wouldn't have told us the truth."

"Or I knew you wouldn't believe the truth." the pirate said.

The soldiers stared at her.

~*--*~

"AH! When is this going to be over? I can't stand it much longer!"

"Luke!" sighed Natalia. They were at the after-party. It was quite lovely, music, some dancing, and very nice food. But she had to agree. She swore she was going to faint.

"May I have a moment?"

Both Luke and Natalia glanced up. Standing there was General Asch, in all his glory. Natalia nodded, rather stiffly, due to the corset.

Asch lead Natalia to the cannon firing sight, away from the party. The stood at the edge, slightly dangerous, but had a beautiful view.

"You look lovely, Natalia." Asch said.

Natalia could only smile and nod while grasping the stone pillar for support. Exactly how tight did her maids make the corset?!

"I-I, er, apologize if I seem forward, but I must speak my mind.

"This promotion rose into sharp relief of which I had not obtained. A marriage to a fine woman."

Asch looked at Natalia with a sincere look. "You have become and was always a fine woman, Natalia."

Natalia gasped. "I-I can't breathe...."

Asch chuckled a small bit. "Yes, I'm a bit nervous myself."

When he turned around, Natalia wasn't there.

"Natalia?"

He glanced down. And there was Natalia, falling, falling into the the liquid abyss.

~*--*~

Author's Note:
Ooh! Cliffhanger! NOW what are you going to do?!! Eh. You're going to watch the movie, aren't you?

Anyway Next Chapter:

Natalia's life hangs in balance........

The pirate is revealed, and is arrested but escapes........

How does the pirate escape? Will Natalia survive?

Tune in next time!