Chapter. 1: Celebration

The morning was perfect. The sky, light and clear as a perfect summer day. The sea, clean and crystal, shimmering the light reflection of the sun. Today is going to be a good day.

The guests have gathered onto the deck, the sailors preparing to set sail to the open ocean. Everyone was excited, for today is the day to show both worlds of land and sea that we are now and forever truly one. For Ariel and I, have been blessed with a beautiful baby girl, name Melody. And today is her "Right of Passage Ceremony".

The Royal Galion was covered with garlands and bouquets of flowers. Including a green and gold plaque that had Melody's initial, with a small pink bow on the bottom. The entire ship was engulfed by the aroma of sweet yellow daisies and white calla lilies. When it came to the arrangements, Ariel asked Melody which flower and color she liked best. Ariel wanted to use white calla lilies with purple ribbon, I had the idea of using yellow roses with pink ribbons. Melody was just about three weeks, but when we presented our ideas to her she just crawled on the bed and fell over to her back and her hands just happened to grab on to my ribbon and Ariel's flower. All Melody did was just play with them, as they were new toys. But they gave us the idea that the pink ribbon and the white calla lily went great together (just like us). Talk about best of both worlds, even though they were picked by a baby.

It's hard to believe that almost two years ago, the world of the merpeople was said to be myths and legends. But now here we are together as, well, practically next door neighbors. Me, the newest king to my kingdom of Meridia, Who's a husband to a beautiful wife, who is also both a mermaid, and my queen. And we are now proud new parents to a wonderful baby girl of both human and mermaid worlds.

Everyone keeps telling me I'm the luckiest man alive. To escape crucial storms that would've killed me, twice. To survive the wrath of a sea witch when she went insane with power, after turning herself into a titan. Most of all, being glad that my wife didn't drown me to try to kill me herself. At least I thought that's what she would've done after that fiasco with Ursula's human disguise Vanessa. In some ways personally, they're right.

The fact that Ariel was the one who saved me from that storm that caused the ship wreck. It was her that sang to me the morning after. The one who saved me again from my fake wedding to that black and purple witch. And the girl who was nearly killed by that monster if it weren't for me.

Everyone has their own opinion on how I'm still alive after everything that happened. Here on land, they believe it was God lending his strength to those who were doing righteous in his presents. To the merpeople, they thought it was just pure luck to those who escaped the wrath Poseidon's power. In my opinion, it probably the sum of both.

No matter, one thing for certain that without each other. Neither me nor Ariel, would've made it out alive and be here celebrating our daughter's arrival.

As for the adventures we've had and shared, we've put them away and are saving them as bedtime stories for us to tell Melody. Aside from them we're saving our energy for when she starts going off on her own adventures that'll might get her into mischiefs. Something tells me, that my little Melody will someday become more like her mother when it will come to stuff like that. I mean she has my hair color and eye's, but I want to be prepared for when she starts walking and swimming, then we'll be in hot water. But no matter what Melody decides what she turns out to be, we will love her and always be proud of her.

I greeted the guests one by one as they came aboard the Galion. Most were close friend, and members of the royal court. Including Grimsby, and Carlotta as the closest people to parents I have, since mine passed away when I was just a little kid. To Ariel, they're both in-laws, teachers, and the closest human friends she has here in Meridia. And in a way, they're more than happy to be somewhat grandparents to Melody on my side of the family.

Grim, he may not seem like it much, but he's really like a second father to me. He didn't teach me how to sail, or steer a ship, but he did everything he could to teach me what I know about being royalty, and its duties. It wasn't easy for either of us, especially for him when it came to his lessons. Because half the time I would sneak out during his sessions and spend the remainder of the day on the beach. Or get lost in a daze in my imaginations about sailing the seas, or the stories about mermaids. However, before my father died Grim swore to him that he'd look after me and teach me what I needed to know about being a prince, and how to be a king. Like I said it wasn't easy but he kept his word and through the years we had together, Grim fulfilled his promise with flying colors. Especially when there were times I felt I could never measure up to his or my father's expectations. Times I felt so panicked, stressed, or confused of who I'm supposed to be, or want to be. Grim was able to help me by letting me observe and work with the sailors, showing me how to navigate, steering the ship, and how to set the sails. Letting me do things like horseback riding to village, or walk on the beach unescorted, things to help me relax so I could clear my head. And occasionally giving some advice help me make certain decisions, pretty much what Grim did when I couldn't get my mind off about the girl who saved me. It wasn't easy, but I was going to let the mystery girl go, and choose Ariel to get to know her more. Of course, I didn't know at the time that Ariel was the mystery girl the whole time, but hey better late than never, right? And when we told Grim we were pregnant, he was thrilled with excitement that he's been given a second opportunity to teach again. For his sake, I hope Melody won't be too much of a handful.

Ariel, she was a princess, she was born and raised in a life of royalty just like me. So in some ways she knows how to behave, and how to act like a princess (even it meant being bored to death at half the things in the life of a royal). And what I found most intriguing about her, is her independence, curiosity, love for music, and wanting to be and adventurer. A great match that both myself and Grim definitely approve of. Then again, a royal life under the sea is a little different as to living on land. Especially when to know the difference between utensils to eat with, and the ones you comb your hair with.

To Grim, even though she was a mermaid princess who was transformed in to a human. She was no different from any other individual who needed to know the basic niceties of the royal human culture. When it came to knowing certain objects, like telling which was a musical pipe, and a smoking pipe (which by the way still makes me laugh). From learning how to dance, to what kind of cake you want. She faced these kinds of dilemmas when planning our wedding and felt very overwhelmed, especially feeling worried that her family wasn't going to be part of the wedding. But luckily with the help of Grim and Sabastian coordinating together, we were able to create a wedding that everyone is still talks about to this day.

For Carlotta, aside from being the head housekeeper of the palace staff. She's also a second mother to me and Ariel since we lost ours when we were both just little kids. I can remember when I was about maybe six or seven years old, I use to have nightmares so bad. I'd wake up screaming, gasping, or crying and Carlotta would come in to try to calm me down by trying to tell me things like, "It was just a bad dream. You're safe now'. How'd she held me close as she was hugging me, she also hummed a song to me, something her mother sang to her but couldn't remember the words. But she remembered the melody of the song by the heart. It was like something my mother did when she was still alive. I could tell that Carlotta really does care, and she was the one woman I can come and talk to about certain things.

For Ariel, her mother Queen Athena was killed when she was only about three or four years old so she doesn't remember much about her. So anything that involves a mother daughter bonding wasn't something she wasn't too familiar with, but it is something she shares with Carlotta. Like any mother figure to someone like me, she wants me to be happy as long as she approves of who I choose. And I think Carlotta approved of Ariel ever since after that fight with Ursula, especially finding out that she was a mermaid princess. When the word got out about our wedding, it was both her and Ariel made that beautiful wedding dress together which brought tears to Carlotta. She said she felt really honored and happy to share that moment, and is proud to be a somewhat a mother-in-law to her. It was at that moment that Ariel told me that she really feels that she has a mother at her side. And what mother wouldn't be glad to hear that she's going to be a grandmother? Now that bit of news really got Carlotta excited about having a baby in the castle again, to be able to have that mother, daughter, and grandmother bonding type experience.

It really is good to know that Ariel not only gained in-law-parents to love and share a life together. It also a great thing to understand that Melody will have both grandparents on both land and sea, to know that no matter where she ends up in life. There will be those above and below the waves that she'll know they will care and love her. Like I said, Both Grimsby and Carlotta are more than happy to be part of Melody's life, I know I am.

"Congratulations your Majesty, you and Queen Ariel must be very proud". Said an elderly woman wearing a rose/white colored dress, as she bowed her head and rose back up with a small smile.

"Thank you Lady Matilda, we are most very proud. And thank you for honoring my daughter with your presents. You look more lovely every time I see you". She then let out a small giggle and blush. She always felt, even the most smallest of complements made her feel a little embarrassed.

"Excuse me King Eric, but where is the little princess and the Queen? We are all very anxious to meet your new borne child". Asked and elderly man. He was short, at least the top of his head was at my shoulder. And he was round, just like captain Jones, but seemed to be in good health.

"They must be still in the ships cabin getting ready. Sometimes waiting for two minutes can feel like two hours when women take their time". At least I hope so.

The last time Ariel missed the ship, she hitched a ride on the back of her killer whale friend Spot. Hoping to ketchup and climb on board before anyone notice, but they did and that made her list of grand entrances. I wasn't mad or embarrassed, (maybe a little) maybe a little nervous, and worried. But seeing a whale like Spot up close carrying my wife like that. All she could do was just smile and wave, luckily my fears all washed away the moment I saw Ariel stepped on to the ship.

"Eric, Captain Jones wanted me to let you know that we're about to cross the border line between our shores and Atlantica's waters. I think it's time for you and the Queen to bring Princess Melody outside to the deck to meet everyone". Said Grim with a serious tone.

"Okay Grim, just be sure to have the band ready when we walk down the stairs". Hopefully there won't be any need to pick up swimming hitch hikers. Thankfully the sound of a certain baby crying, and a familiar singing voice proved that both my wife and daughter were on the ship.

"Oh thank God". I whispered in relief.

Sometimes I forget that Ariel is a natural borne adventuring type of woman. But after the baby was borne, I think she's finally settling down and saving her energy for the years to come with Melody. Cause if there is anything that she inherited from us, it'll be our love of dreaming and exploring. Considering what my father-in-law went through with Ariel, I pray to God to give me the strength to keep up with Melody and keep her in line without being too hard on her. I swear, nothing about being a leader or a parent is going to be easy, but I wouldn't trade it for anything else.

Everything was really well prepared to introduce Melody to everyone. To both the members of the Meridian royal court, and to the ocean citizens of Atlantica Including Ariel's family and friends.

I accented the stairs to the ship's cabin then started listening to Ariel's singing. I can tell by a certain tone that she's singing Melody's lullaby. I can never get enough of her music, I laid my ear against the door to listen in on the song. As soon as Ariel started singing, I lipped sing with the lyrics. Just to get the feeling that I'm in there with them without interrupting.

"You are my world my dar-ling.

What a wonderful world I see.

You are the song I'm sing-ing.

You're my beautiful Mel-o-dy".

As much as I love my wife's singing voice, I'm afraid it was time to cut the lullaby short. Half the time I hate to admit it, but as King and Queen we have duties as both diplomats and as parents. So, we have to present our daughter to our neighbors to both above and below the sea. So the ceremony has to go on without delay.

"Ariel, darling we better be going". I said to her as I opened the door to the cabin.

"Oh Eric, look at her. Isn't she glowing?"

"Yes. She looks divine and you look exquisite. But look at the time".

As much as I would love to keep looking, and admiring the two most beautiful women in the whole world. We really couldn't keep everyone waiting.

"It couldn't be is it?"

"Your majesties, the crew is awaiting your orders". Grimsby bowing, as he welcomed us as we walked toward the stairs down to the deck.

"We're sailing away from our borders your highnesses".

"Thank you Captain Jones".

"Steady boys, steady". The first mate, Thomas commanded.

"Ahoy, their coming". The lookout announces

"Grim, the band". I whispered.

"Yes sir. Trumpeter's ready, drummers are drumming".

We descended down the stairs to the deck of the ship, greeting Melody to the guests one by one. She was being the happiest baby in the world, cooing, smiling, and laughing at anything and anyone she saw. All except Max, who was too busy hanging his head over the portside. Probably wanting to be the first to greet the merpeople. Hopefully they won't be scared when he stars barking.

"Oh look at the little angel, she's so beautiful". Adored by Lady Matilda.

"Yes I can defiantly see her father's smile, as well as her mother's beauty". King August complimented.

He was an old friend of my father before he died. His son Prince Christopher, is back home with his wife Cinderella who is ill with the cold. They send their regard, and we gave our love to her father-in-law. As well as our hopes for her speedy recovery.

"I must say your majesties, King Triton must be very excited to meet his granddaughter. As well as your sisters for their new niece".

"We'll soon find out King August". Ariel said as she smiled.

"King Eric, merpeople approaching on the port side". Said Thomas

The sound of splashing water, and blow holes letting out air. The guests then waved to the folks down below to welcome them to the surface. That was the sign that the celebration is really about to get started. In the crowd we can see Flounder and Sabastian, as well the old gang together with their own little ones.

Prince Thor and Princess Pearl of Olympia. Whom I've heard that she's not much of a party girl anymore, but more mature now. As for her husband, his attitude has improved since last time we met. He's also being crowned King of Olympia after his father steps down, and passes the throne to him next month. And they brought their three mertriplets, two sons and one daughter. Ares, Thor Jr, and Lilly. Ares takes more of his mother's side, with her blonde hair and blue eyes, but his red fin from his grandmother's, Pearl's mom. Jr, spitting image of his father with hair and fin in all. Lastly is Lilly, Thor said in his letters that she reminded him of his mother the queen with the same name, because of her light brown hair and her bluish/green eyes. So he decided to name his daughter after his mother.

Evan (aka Little Evil Manta) and his wife Laura, hold their son James. Who, a lot of people are still surprised that him being a son of a manta man. He turned out to be merboy instead, with the body and tail completions of his mothers. The color of the tail and hair he gained form his father. Luckily looks never mattered to Laura, because she's blind and has her way of seeing things her way. Just as long as James is happy and healthy, nothing else matter.

Last but not least, the one couple that are practically family are Urchin, Gabriella, her interpreter/ best friend Ollie, and their son Alexander (Alex for short). I still can't believe it, Alex looks almost exactly like Urchin, if it weren't for his mother's skin tone. But other than that, he's a good looking kid.

This is defiantly becoming a really great morning so far. And what better day for Melody, than to meet her God parents and brother. As well as helping Melody make some friends, that'll maybe someday be her best friends. And maybe some human friends to, if they don't mind getting themselves wet every once in a while.

Just then, the sound of trumpets playing the welcoming tune, and mersolders creating an aisle in the water. They raised their swords, making way for Triton to come to the ship with Ariel's sisters close behind him. Then paused in front of the guards with their husbands and fiancés. I joined my girls to greet the wise and noble sea king. He used his magic to raise himself to the edge to meet us at eye level with a pillar of water. He saw how happy Melody and Ariel were to see him, and the baby just laughed and cooed as always. Triton reached out his hand to stroke her cheeks and then smiled at him, and then he smiled back. At that moment, the king raised his trident and created a rainbow over the ship, just like he did before on our wedding day.

For that one moment, everything was as it should be. Two different worlds, finally together as one to celebrate the birth of a child of land and sea. If my parents and Ariel's mother Queen Athena could be here, I'm pretty sure that they would be happy, and proud of us all. Seeing not only two kingdoms, but worlds come together, inside one little baby girl.

To think, mermaids were said thought to be of fable myths and legends. And if, at the time it was true, most would believe we couldn't be together. Because most of us humans can't breathe under water, and most mermaids weren't able to walk on land. But thanks to Triton, for understanding me and Ariel's love for each other, and our worlds. We proved we can be part of each other's world. And now here we are, as new parents to the first of the next generation of life that will carry our hopes, and love in her heart and dreams, forever.