Kit and Ariel work on her saber moves and study the Atlantean language. She wanted to be able to at least great them in their native tongue.
At last the time arrived. They were leaving for Atlantia that afternoon.
Kit comes to the pool to see Ariel sitting with her tail drooped into the water. Her looking in with a far off look.
"Are you okay?" Kit joins her.
"Why wouldn't I be? I'm meeting my family and they want to meet me. So why should I feel down?" Ariel has a forced smile.
"So why are you?" Kit looks at her confused.
"I… I'm happy I am. I'd just also really like to find out who my father is." Ariel sighs as she lets the smile fall and look into the water sadly.
"You really want to know him? You don't think of him as a coward?" Kit asks softly.
"I just want to know him." Ariel shakes her head a bit. "I want to know how he and mom got together. Why he didn't come forward. If… if he wanted me." she rubs her arms with misty eyes.
'Ariel…' Kit looks at her sadly.
"Meet me here when you get back." Kit whispers as he hugs her lightly.
"D-do you know my…" Ariel starts looking at him wide eyed.
"When you get back." Kit stands looking at her softly.
Ariel makes her legs appear and hugs him from behind at this possibility. Kit placing his hands on top of hers with a small smile.
"See you in two weeks." Ariel heads for the changing room with an endless smile on her face.
'Hopefully you'll still smile like that when I tell you.' Kit watches her go. 'If not… I got a month with her.' He looks at his hand with a fond smile.
As Ariel heads to meet the others at the ship she finds herself pulled into a corner. Her lips meeting that of a familiar pair.
"Fives… what if someone sees?" Ariel whispers looking around a bit.
"This is a blind spot." Fives pecks her lips again.
Ariel kisses him back taking the stolen moment while they can.
Meanwhile…
Nora was carrying the pups while Echo helped carried they're things to Padme's apartment.
"Thanks for helping Echo. You sure you have it?" Nora looks over worried.
"I'm fine you just make sure they don't escape." Echo chuckles.
Nora nods as they came to ring the door and Padme opens "Oh hello, I'm so glad to see you two." Padme pets the pups as they yip.
Nora puts them down in the play area Padme had made for them while Echo put the stuff down.
"Are you sure this is okay. We'll be gone for a bit and they might get fussy for that." Nora looks worried.
"Don't worry I have recordings of you girl for them to watch so they can sleep at night and I've always wanted to see how it was like to have a pet." Padme smiles.
"And I will be helping the mistress the entire time. Do not worry your lothdogs will be perfectly safe and healthy with us." 3P0 comes in with some dog bones for the pup. They bounce at that as he then puts them down for them.
"Thanks again for this. I do feel better with someone watching them. Remember they have a grooming appointment tomorrow. Hair, teeth, and claws. And a vaccine appointment next week. Oh and don't forget no chocolate…" Nora goes off on a list when.
"Nora, Nora, I have the list right here. Please calm down and enjoy your trip. And I have your contact number if I need help and everything. Go relax on this trip. Ariel will need you calm." Padme pats her back.
"Sigh you're right. Sorry about that." Nora calms.
Padme chuckles and says "If your like this now with just your pups imagine how you'll be with kids."
Nora and Echo both flushed at that and Nora said "Well I better get going. Bey sweeties." She pets the dogs and rushes out with Echo not far behind.
At that Padme thought 'Did I say something wrong or…' Then she remembered the girls' secret boyfriends and 'Oh I see. Troopers. Well I can't really blame the girls.'
Padme chuckles as she hears the pups whine and smiles "Don't' worry our mommy and daddies will be back before you know it."
The two pups yip at that, tails wagging.
Echo and Nora said nothing as they headed to the shuttled where the others waited. But as they did they couldn't help think 'Kids, together.' Images of what that might be like came up but it just made them more flushed.
With that they head off to Atlantia.
In the girls bunks…
Ariel scanned over the greeting again and again wanting to get it right.
"Come on you need to take a break. You've been on that all day." Nora crosses her arms.
"In a minute. I want to make sure I say this right." Ariel mouths it making sure she's got it right.
Nora sighs a she says "Hard way then." She then comes up taking the tablet away and placing food in front of her. "Now eat." Nora crosses her arms.
"Thanks." Ariel smiles taking a spoon full of the porridge.
Nora smiles "No problem."
"You girls better get dressed. We're landing in a few minutes." Ahsoka calls over the com.
"Right." They call.
"What color do you think is better? The blue or the red?" Ariel places the two shirts by her.
"Blue, it looks nicer with your tail while making your hair stand out." Nora points to the blue.
"Thanks." Ariel smiles softly at that.
"No problem. Now what should I go for, pink or teal." Nora looks at her own cloths.
"Teal. It complements your skin tone better." Ariel starts changing.
"Thanks." Nora smiles as she puts her outfit together.
(Ariel's outfit: powder blue belly shirt with a cut low back/ white short sleeved jacket with light sea blue trim/ low waist dark blue skirt that falls to her ankles/ black ankle sandals/ her hair a bit like Jasmin's but with small bangs swept to the right/ a water lily clip on her left side/ the white crystal necklace on a black string wrapped around it and a clip in the back/ light makeup; no eye shadow but light pink lip gloss on)
Nora wore teal Arabian puffy pants. Open belly shirt with dark teal lining. A dark teal cape. Black straps, and a silver bracelet. Along with her white and teal kyber crystal necklaces.
"We've landed girls." Lock knocks on their door.
"We're ready!" Nora calls as they come out.
"My look at you two." Lock looks at them surprised yet warm.
"I-is it too much? I can-" Ariel starts to move to go back in to change.
"No. No. You're beautiful." Lock stops her from running back in.
"Are you sure this is okay?" Ariel plays with her hands a bit.
"You look great, what's wrong Ariel? I know it's not just the outfit bugging you." Nora holds her friend hands.
"I'm just… I'm really nervous. What if I'm not what their expecting?" Ariel could feel her heart in her throat as they walk to the front door.
"Hey family loves you no matter what. And they wanted to meet you before they knew what you were like. I think that's a pretty good sign." Nora smiles.
"You will be fine." Lock pats her back lightly.
"Wow. Look at you. You look amazing." The guys call seeing the girls.
'Wow.' Fives just stares with his heart in his throat.
'Nora she looks, like a princess herself.' Echo flushes as he stares on, heart beating fast.
"You ready?" Mal looks at her foundling with a soft smile.
"No. But I don't think I'll ever really be ready." Ariel holds her friend's hand tightly.
"Hey we're all here for you." Nora smiles, holding back.
"Always." Tammy nods stroking Ariel's cheek softly with her thumb.
With that the door opens and they find what looks like all of the planet there to greet them. A banner being held by others on the shore and one in the water, both in the langue of the planet.
"It reads welcome back princess." Kenobi whispers to her.
Ariel looks at all of this a bit red as she timidly walks down the stairs. This was a lot to take in.
Nora's eyes widen at this 'That's got to be the whole kingdom!' She keeps looking on shock as she fallows her friend.
"Welcome home." Kida, dressed in an Arabian light pink dress with pearls around her neck and wrists, hugs Ariel close.
"Look at you. You look so much like your mother." Ceil looks at her with a teary smile rubbing Ariel's cheeks with his fingers.
"I… I thought I was just meeting all of you." Ariel looks at all the people really nervous.
"Oh my. Did we overdo it?" Kida sees how uncomfortable Ariel seems.
"J-just a bit." Ariel nods not wanting to offend anyone.
"We're sorry guppy. We were all just so excited to hear the news of your life. We couldn't stop the spread or the others excitement." Ceil, dressed fancily, strokes her face lightly with one hand.
"That is understandable. But please let her adapt and meet everyone slowly." Kenobi suggests softly.
The royal family nods at that. Milo talking to the others in their language. Slowly the people leave giving a small bow before heading back to their work.
Ariel breaths with relief at that. Feeling a bit better.
"We're really sorry guppy. We didn't mean to overwhelm you." Link comes over patting her shoulder.
"What does guppy mean?" Ariel looks confused.
"It's a term of fondness for a young member of a family. A bit like… how is that again? Oh, little one." Link explains.
Ariel smiles softly at that.
'Guppy, chuckle, cut name.' Nora can't hold her chuckle at that. It really was cute.
"Please, follow us. We have lunch waiting." Link motions for them to follow them.
"Thank you for having us. We are pretty hungry." Nora tries to be polite, not exactly sure how to act around these people. 'They're your friend's family, they're royalty, but still…' Nora was a bit nervous about this all as well.
"Oh I hope you don't mind, we asked the royal family of Moncala to join us. It's simply the king, Yos Kolina, and his son, Prince Lee-Char. He's actually around your age." Kida explains as they walk to the palace.
"I think that would be alright." Ariel nods to her grandma.
"You have returned already? I thought there was to be a precession." An older fish looking man smiles as he stands from the main area couch, a young yellow looking young man with him.
"Pr- Ariel wasn't comfortable with that my old friend." Ceil corrects himself.
"Really?" The man strokes his tentacle beard.
"Sorry, I wasn't expecting all that attention." Ariel nods a bit red.
'Oh right.' Ariel recalls.
"Eahdskdk." Ariel bows talking in their tongue.
All look a bit shocked and confused. Ariel reddens more at that.
"I take it you meant to say you were happy to 'meet' us and not 'eat' us right?" The prince steps forward with a small chuckle.
"I said that?" Ariel reddens more hiding her face behind her hands.
"Please don't worry. For your first time speaking Bubble you did very well." Lee-Char smiles at her softly. "May I escort you to the dining room?" he gives a small bow then offers his hand.
"I'd like that." Ariel nods taking his hand.
Fives looks a bit annoyed at this.
Echo grabs his shoulder and whispers "She's being polite remember."
"I know. I know." Fives whispers as he exhales.
As they sat Nora wasn't too sure what to do, she wanted to sit next to Ariel but it seemed all her family wanted to sit next to her.
Kenobi came up and said "Come you can sit next to me."
Nora nodded at that and went to go sit with him.
"We're so glad to finally meet you guppy. It's been so long since since…" Kida seemed to have tears and said "I'm sorry I just, I never thought I'd see those eyes again. You look just like her."
"She's a picture image of her mother. And a beauty at that." Ceil raises a glass.
"Am I really?" Ariel flushes a bit at that.
"Down to her button nose." Link chuckles.
Ariel giggles a bit at that feeling like a kid with all this attention.
"So guppy like I said in that video…" Milo comes up to give her a big hug and spins her.
"Put me down!" Ariel laughs at that holding on so she doesn't fall.
"Oh Milo decorum." Kida warns.
"I think we can throw that out the window for a bit mother. We are celebrating the finding of our sister's daughter." Link smiles.
Milo puts her down and says "Please sit down; tell us everything about you and what you've been through."
"Um well…" Ariel starts to tell them about her life.
She told them about the first time she rode a bike. How much of a tomboy she is. What she loved about school and what she wasn't a fan of. All of them listening intently and make small comments here and there.
As they talk Nora stick to her meal, she enjoyed seeing her friend interact with her family and the happiness filled her but she also felt sad. And she senses it off the caretakers.
'Are they afraid to lose her? I guess I feel somewhat the same.' Nora sighs.
Obi-Wan pats her shoulders and says "She will always be your friend. Never doubt that." Nora cheers up at that and nods. She didn't want to interrupt the family though, so she spent her time talking with Kenobi and the caretakers a bit.
"And this is my best friend, Nora Harper." As they talk Ariel then got up and walked over to Nora hugging her.
"Hello there." Nora nods. Not sure how to interact with them.
"It's nice to meet you dear. So how did you two meat anyway? Where you also a foundling by the caretakers?" Kida asks sensing she was nervous.
Nora looks up and smiles as she say "Um no actually we met in art school…"
The two then explained how they met. What they had done together, and the adventures at the beach.
"You two have certainly bean through a lot together." Ceil smiles.
"Yeah. Really I don't think I would have made it this far without her." Ariel nods smiling at her friend.
"Yeah we've helped each other a lot through all this. It's certainly been crazy." Nora chuckles.
"So you two are both valiant risk takers. Your mother would be proud Ariel. Rushing in to save another." Link smiles kindly at her.
"She would?" Ariel looks at them softly at that.
"She definably is brave. Even before the crash Ariel never let anyone pick on her or anyone else. Once some jerk tried to steal our projects for class and Ariel here back handed him." Nora chuckles.
'Is it wrong I find that hot?' Fives gulps with a small flush.
"Then Nora held him down with a hold until a teacher came to ask what in the world was happening." Ariel laughs a bit.
Echo tries to hold down a blush 'Why am I terrified yet attracted?'
"Chuckle, you two have certainly bean through a lot. Your friend is a real tiger fish. I have to say I'm impressed." Milo grabs her hand and kisses it making her flush.
Echo feels his blood boil at that.
"Deep breathes vod. Take a deep breath." Fives whispers patting his shoulder.
'Oh boy.' Ariel sighs with a small head shake.
Nora takes her hand back and says "I'm sorry but like I told Ariel back on Earth, wouldn't want to put stress between family."
"Sigh. I'm sorry about that Miss Nora my brother can be a bit of a flirt with strong women." Link rolls his eyes.
"I can't help it they're just so stunning." Milo winks at her.
"Makes sense, the ultimate hero would want a challenging lady." Ariel teases remembering the video.
Everyone laughs at that.
Yos then says "You are definably Aqua's daughter, same temperament and all. I once remember how she helped protect my people from some pirates." Yos smiles.
"Mom did that?" Ariel's eyes widen at that.
"That's so cool." Nora looks on amazed.
"Oh I've heard the story many times. Your mother is a legend among my people." Lee smiles.
"Can you tell me the story?" Ariel looks with longing eyes a bit.
Yos nods and begins to tell them about that event.
Bye the time the story was almost done Ariel had tears in her eyes.
"My deer are you alright?" Yos looks at her worried.
"We're sorry. Is this overwhelming again?" Link says as the others look worried.
"No. No. I'm sorry it's just…" Ariel rubs her eyes as she shakes her head a bit. "Most orphans dream of a family waiting for them but hardly any do s-so I… I'm just really happy." She hics a bit.
"We feel the same about you." Kida says softly as she gently wipes away her tears.
"Why not have a tour of the city after lunch? I think it would be nice to go for a walk." Ceil suggests.
"That would be nice." Ariel nods smiling a bit as her tears are stopping. "Are you coming too aunties? Uncle?" she looks over at them softly.
"Actually we're a bit tired. But you go have fun." Mal smiles at her fondly and a bit sad.
"Well I haven't been here in ten years so I'm looking forward to looking around." Anakin sips his citer.
"You've been here before?" Nora looks curious.
"Kenobi came with young Anakin ten years ago." Link nods.
"They came to give the news of Master Jinn's and that monster Maul's fall." Milo grits the last name.
"Maul?" Ariel looks confused not hearing that name before.
"Maul is the Sith that killed your mother Selke." Lock explains keeping an eye on her to make sure this doesn't hurt her all over again.
"He's fallen then?" Tammy looks over at Kenobi.
"Yes." Kenobi nods with a heavy sadness to him. "I just hope both Aqua and Jinn can rest in peace knowing he won't hurt another."
"Now. Now. This isn't meal talk at all, let alone one that should be said during a reunion." Kida calls with a soft expression. "I say we go out in the city and have some Atlantia famous sea water taffy and show the city to you all." She stands holding her hand out for Ariel's.
"That sounds really nice." Ariel nods taking her hand.
"I think we're going to retire for a bit." Tammy stands with the others.
"Have fun Selke." Mal hugs her.
Ariel hugs back but can sense the sadness. It takes a bit of the walk, but she got it. She was so happy to meet her blood family she didn't realize she was hurting the one that raised her.
"Here you are majesties. Young Princess." A waitress brings over some ice cream topped with the taffy, giving a curtsy before leaving the table.
"Thank you." Ariel flushes a bit at that title. "Oh, when we get ready to go could you have gallon of chocolate ice cream and taffy ready for a to go bag?" she looks at the waitress.
"Of course princess." The waiters curtsies again then heads off.
"You haven't tried it yet and you're already planning on seconds?" Lee chuckles a bit, his father nudging him to remember manners.
"Not for me." Ariel shakes her head a bit. "It's for aunties and uncle. I don't want them to feel forgotten." She looks a bit sad playing with her ice cream.
"That's very thoughtful of you." Lee smiles at her softly at that.
"Indeed." Yos nods himself.
"I'm sure they'll appreciate the thought." Kenobi smiles at the young girl.
"I'm just sorry I didn't realize it sooner. I've been so nervous about meeting everyone I didn't realize I was hurting them." Ariel sighs a bit heavily at that.
"Hey they know it's a big step for you they won't be mad. And who can say no to ice-cream." Nora smile trying to comfort her with a hug. 'I mean this stuff taste awesome.'
"Thanks." Ariel smiles at that then takes a bite of her cool treat.
'She's very different from others. It's refreshing.' Lee smiles taking a bite of his similar treat.
'Maybe this will be good for all.' The two royal old men ponder seeing the prince and princess together.
After the snack they head back taking a small walk as to point out things to all of them.
Nora finding the land beautiful and the city structure amazing to gaze at.
As they walked Ariel saw a baby girl drop her toy as her father holds her, most likely heading home. Picking it up she runs over to give it back. The baby hugging it and the man giving a thankful bow to his princess. She just smiles waving them off.
"She really is just like her." Milo smiles softly at that.
"Yeah." Link nods with a softness to him as he watches this.
When they get back Ariel brings the snack to her caretakers. Hugging them all close wanting them to remember they're her family too. Even more so as they raised her. Them hugging back crying happy tears at hearing that.
With the girls later on that night…
"I don't know if I'll be able to sleep tonight." Ariel looks around at the large room as she brushes her hair.
"What's wrong, over excited form the big day?" Nora comes over to check on her.
"I know it's silly. But a part of me is still waiting to wake up in my bed at school or at Nova Hill and all of this being a dream." Ariel feels the new silky PJs she's wearing a bit sad at that thought.
"It's not silly at all. I mean how many girls find out they're princess. Of course you think this is a dream, but trust me it's not. Even if I'm still having trouble taking it all in." Nora looks around the crazy large room as well.
"Will you stay in here with me? This room is so big and I think I'd be able to calm down with a friend here." Ariel looks at her pleadingly.
"Sure, just let me grab my own pjs and we'll have a sleep over." Nora smiles.
With that they laid down for the night like little schoolgirls having a sleep over. The two giggling and chatting until they fall asleep.
With the guys…
Fives looks out at the water from the balcony, in deep thought. It was one thing to encourage her to meet her family, but now that they were here…
'What does a clone have to offer a princess?' Fives sighs heavily at that thought leaning against the marble railing.
"Fives, Fives, Echo to Fives do you hear me?" Echo waves a hand in front of his spaced out brother.
"Sorry I just… I guess I'm feeling a bit down. I mean look at all of this. How could I compete with a kingdom?" Fives looks out at the sparkling lights or the underwater city reflecting on the sleeping land one.
"Oh Fives, the kingdom may be her home but it's not someone to love her. Yes she has her family, but she loves you in a different way. And she probably needs your support right now with all these changes." Echo pats his back.
"I just… I wonder if I'm good enough." Fives lightly twirls the necklace still looking out at the water.
"I thought the same thing when I figured out about Nora's powers. I couldn't believe someone who could possibly be the next general Windu loved me and didn't care about rank. I still feel that at times like I'm not good enough, but I look back at the time she lost control and how we worked together to help each other to stop Dooku. You and Ariel went through something similar. I don't think she'd ever abandon you just because she's a princess." Echo looks at his brother with a smile.
"Thanks." Fives turns to him with a small smile
"Anytime Fives. Now let's get some rest it's a big day tomorrow." Echo smiles as he heads to bed.
"Right." Fives nods heading off with him.
The next day…
Nora woke up to find Ariel still asleep. 'I can't blame her, yesterday was a lot to take in.'
She decided to get ready and then go out to explore for a bit. As she walked the halls, she sensed something and smiles. She headed over to the other hall and found Echo on guard duty. She smiled as she looked around and then rushed over.
"Nora?" Echo looks confused when she grabbed his hand and pulled him into a corner to kiss him.
"I've missed you." Nora snuggles him.
"I've been here the whole time." Echo is confused but happy to hold her.
"But we didn't get to be together. I hope what Milo did didn't upset you. Trust me you're the only guy for me." Nora pecks his lips.
Echo smiles at that as he kisses back and thinks 'Who knew that breaking the rules would ever make me so happy.' Then as he pulled back he said "It did bother me what he did, but with a girl like you how can I blame him."
Nora giggles at that flushed and then says "I better go see if Ariel is awake now. And you need to get back to work."
"Sigh, alright but promise we'll find time together." Echo begs with big eyes.
"Chuckle, they have a garden, we'll sneak out tonight if I'm not exhausted." Nora pecks him once more before leaving.
Echo sighs as she goes and then goes back to guard duty thinking 'Maybe I should draw her something. We haven't had a proper date in a while.'
Back in the girls' room…
'Nora?' Ariel rubs her eyes seeing her gone.
Yawning she goes over to the large window looking out at the amazing beach view. She opens it listening to the peaceful sounds of the city mixed with the waves on the shore.
At this point Nora comes in.
"Hey, finally awake." Nora smiles.
"Hey. Where did you go?" Ariel yawns as she's still waking up.
"Didn't want to wake you so went to explore. Ended up finding Echo though." Nora smirks and winks.
"Snuck in a few kisses huh?" Ariel giggles at that.
"It was a good thing, he was a little jealous with your uncle hitting on me." Nora chuckles.
"I should find time for Fives also. I don't want him to think all of this or Lee will sway me." Ariel looks a little sad at that.
"Maybe you can try what Echo and I are doing tonight. We're sneaking out to the garden for some alone time." Nora sighs happily.
"That's a good idea." Ariel smiles at that.
"So what do you think they have planned for us?" Nora smiles.
"Not sure. They seem really eccentric." Ariel giggles a bit at that.
"You think we'll be seeing the underwater world this time? We do have wet suites." Nora gets excited.
"That would be nice. I really want to see under there." Ariel smiles at that idea.
With that they finished getting ready and headed off. They reached the dining room to find most of the group waiting for them. Yos and Ceil talking in whispers.
"Boys we have guests." Kida reminds them.
They look back to see the girls and nod.
"Morning." Ariel nods to them. "What were you talking about?" She looks a bit curious.
"Just some business guppy." Ceil looks at her kindly.
"Which shouldn't be done at the table." Kida glares.
Ceil flushes at that and coughs saying "Also we decided that we'd take you all on an underwater tour of the kingdom today. Let you see our ranch."
"Gasp sea horses." Nora looks on excitedly.
"Oh that'll be amazing!" Ariel cheers happily.
Kida chuckles and says "I'm glad you two are excited. We saw you all brought wet suites, but we've recently found a way to help surface dwellers get a chance to experience life like a real Atlantean."
"Gasp, I can be a mermaid for a day? Best day ever!" Nora can't help but jump slightly.
"Best day for sure." Ariel gets more excited.
Kida laughs at their enthusiasm and says "Here let me show you girls." Kida gets up and takes them to another room the girls running after her excitedly.
The two elder men smirk and shake they're heads.
As they reach the other room the girls looked on wide eyed at the table with the realistic looking tails.
"Wough." Nora said shocked.
"They look amazing." Ariel looks at them amazed.
"I know they look so real don't they. Basically, you just slip it on. It adjusts to your body form, then a special cover goes over your body that allows you to breathe and eat under water." Kida explains.
"This is going to be so awesome; we can both explore your home without any issues. Thanks Miss Kida." Nora smiles.
"Thank you Kida." Ariel nods grinning ear to ear.
"Oh you called me Kida dear and Ariel, I hope you can someday call me Gran. It's how we usually call our elders." Kida flushes.
"I'll try K- gran." Ariel flushes a bit at that.
The girls all hug and then the two youngers rush out to tell the others. But as they do Nora stops.
"What's up?" Ariel turns to her friend worried.
"I just realized something, we're going to see Echo and Fives as mermen. Shirtless mermen." Nora flushes.
"Oh I'm so bringing my camera." Ariel giggles red at that.
The two have to hold in squeals at that and then head off at that, not able to wait to see their guys as mermen. But then again, they couldn't wait to show off being mergirls to them. The two couldn't help laughing the rest of the way.
Down by the beach…
"So we just slip these on and we'll be able to breath underwater?" Fives looks at the blue tail with white fins.
"That's right." Milo nods.
"That's amazing." Echo looks on wide eyed at his purple tail with silver fins.
'I wonder what Ariel will think about this.' Fives reddens a bit as he slips it on over his swim trunks.
'I hope I can handle swimming in this. What will Nora think, what will she look in hers?' Echo has to hold down a flush at that.
With the girls a bit earlier…
"Woooh! This is awesome!" Nora shouts as she swims about in her tail trying it get used to is. It's a dark teal with yellow fins. And she was wearing a yellow swim top.
"You look amazing." Ariel smiles at her friend in her tail and swim top.
"I love this it's so much fun!" Nora laughs none stop.
"Princess please come with us for your change of swim clothes." A few maids with different colored tails swim up and bow to her.
"Ariel is fine really. And what do you mean change?" Ariel looks at them confused.
"This is your first time being introduced to everyone. I had some outfits picked out for you and your friend." Kida smiles over at them.
The girls looking at each other at that. Having mixed feelings. On one hand dress up. On the other do they really want to dress up?
'I guess I should compromise a bit.' Ariel thinks.
'I guess it be interesting to see the outfits for underwater. I just hope they don't poke and prod.' Nora was always sensitive, so she never liked others giving her makeovers. "I guess it will be okay, but I can do my make up." Nora nods.
"Okay. But please no crown, I don't think I'd feel comfortable with that." Ariel looks at her grandma a bit pleadingly.
"Understood." Kida nods motioning for them to follow her.
They're brought to a room decorated with coral and shell lights. Then there are hangers and mirrors lining the wall.
The girls did play a bit of dress up with all the stuff. Figuring out how it fits them.
"You look wonderful." Kida helps Ariel with her hair.
"Thanks K- gran." Ariel catches herself as she sits on a sponge chair looking at what she's doing.
"You know I used to do this with your mother. It was a nice time to just be mother and daughter." Kida smiles softly finishing up.
"I wish I could have these times with here." Ariel looks a bit sad at that.
"Well we can have them." Kida hugs her lightly, her work done.
"I'd like that." Ariel leans into her hug.
Nora smiles at this and thinks 'That's so sweet.'
"Are you almost finished? We've been…" Ceil knocks then swims in to see them.
"W-what do you think g-grandpa?" Ariel tries it out as she stands a bit red.
(Ariel's outfit: a silky powder blue tube top with off the shoulder sleeves with a sweetheart neckline/ pearl and silver trim at the bottom with a bit of powder blue shear lace that falls to the start of her scales/ sparkling shear sash around her waist/ pearl choker around her neck (belonged to her mom) along with her crystal necklace/ pearls in her hair for two sections/ and light plum colored lipstick)
"I hope we look okay." Nora looks uncertain at her outfit never wearing anything like this.
(Nora's outfit: Her waist had a silver band that pointed and attached to the back like a half skirt see through fabric that was yellow and the edges of it where a light teal with sparkles/ Her top was yellow and then it opened up like a triangle down to just above mid back. The edges where flurry and see through. On her heart shape chest was another silver band that was pointed/ From her chest to around her neck and shoulders was a yellow neckless with several hoops and tiny balls/ Finally she had a dark teal shell on each side of her head pointing down. And a light bit of brown lipstick.)
"You two are both visions." Ceil smiles at the two girls but his eyes locked on Ariel.
"Thanks." They smile.
'I wonder what Fives will think.' Ariel flushes at that thought.
'I hope I didn't overdo it. Poor Echo.' Nora flushes and smirks all at the same time at those thoughts.
"Come on. Let's go meet the others." Kida smiles swimming over her husband.
"Right." The girls nod swimming off as well.
With the others…
'I wonder why they're taking so long.' Fives ponders as he swishes the tail to get used to it.
"I hope we get used to these soon." Echo tries swimming in circles hoping to get used to his tail as he waits.
"Sorry to keep you waiting." Kida calls.
"A vision as always Kida." Yos smiles at her dressed nice.
"Oh Yos." Kida giggles at that.
"What do you think of them?" Ceil motions to the girls swimming over.
'She's an angle of the sea.' Fives and Lee think seeing Ariel as the bits of sun light hit her as she comes over.
'It's like she's a flower of the sea that has never bloomed for others till now.' Echo feels himself get dizzy as he tries to hold down his flush.
'He looks amazing.' Ariel flushes a bit seeing Fives.
'He's so hot, and cute! And is he blushing. Oh I did overdue it.' Nora tries to hide her smirk as she flushed.
"How do we look?" Ariel flushes a bit as she joins the group.
"I have never understood beauty until this moment." Lee thinks out load. "I- I mean both of you of course. You're both very lovely." he flushes a bit clearing his throat.
"Nice save." Anakin and Milo mutter near one another then laugh.
Milo then comes up and kisses Nora's hand "A vision of the sea."
Nora pulls back at that and says "Milo, I said I didn't feel comfortable with this." Nora Flushes.
Echo glaring holes in the back of Milo's head.
"Keep it together vod. Please, for Ariel." Fives whispers placing his hand on his shoulder.
"Please stop that. Nora doesn't like it and neither do I." Ariel crosses her arms not happy with this after being warned before.
"Oh but Ariel, if your friend marries Milo she'd be part of the family and that means I can have more grandkids." Kida gushes.
Milo smirks at her raising a brow at that.
"Hide me!" Nora hides behind Ariel.
'They can't mean that, do they?' Ariel looks on wide eyed hiding her friend.
"Perhaps we should continue with the tour." Kenobi coughs trying to keep tensions down.
"That is probably for the best. Here let us start with a tour of the city." Ceil says as they go on.
As they did Echo swam close to the girls a bit.
'Why does it upset me so much? Yeah he's bigger, stronger, and has a higher position…' Echo just felt sicker in his stomach at this. 'Am I seasick?'
'Just hold on Echo. Hold on.' Fives pats his shoulder.
Echo nods but still doesn't feel all that better.
Nora looks back sadly at him and thinks 'Poor Echo, I'll make it up to him tonight.'
'I'm sorry guys. Just hold on.' Ariel looks over at the poor brothers.
They swam about the city awing at the wonderful architecture and fish that swam about. They saw a coral park where children played. And saw even some young men playing some sort of ball game. Fives looks like he wanted to join but they still had more to see.
They looked about at a street market with wonderful things. Many jewelry made of ocean glass, pearls, corals, scales, and even shells. It was amazing to see.
Everywhere they went people stopped and stared, many coming up to bow to Ariel and great the return of they're princess.
'This is so weird.' Ariel flushes as they swim, nodding to the people and giving a small wave to the kids.
Nora thought it was strange as well, 'Wow royalty can't even have a privet walk. Well they are celebrities as well so it makes sense.'
What Nora didn't expect was for people, mostly young men, to come up to stop her and ask for who she was. A few flirted with her but Kenobi helped scare them off noticing her discomfort at this.
"Are you okay Nora?" Kenobi looked worried at her.
"I'm just not used to this attention. I never dress up and even when I do I barely get noticed. I guess I overdid it." Nora flushes.
"No you're just new here and are catching everyone's eyes and I suppose being an escort of the royal family helps." Kenobi smiles.
"Oh, I guess I should have figured it was that." Nora sighs.
"Don't feel that way. Most escorts are never even given a glance." Kenobi pats her shoulder as he swims off.
'I guess that is something, either way I just wish I could find time with Echo. He's starting to look really down.' Nora looks over sadly at the almost depressed looking guy as Fives tries to comfort him.
'So pretty.' Ariel looks at some sort of rings.
They were silver and gold bands with charms over them. Some beads and sea glass.
"Would you like a tail ring?" Lee swims next to her.
"Tail ring?" Ariel looks a bit confused.
"Yes. See they clip around your tail and when you turn back it's an anklet. They're very popular on water planets." Lee explains how it works. "Would you like one?"
"That's nice of you but no thank you." Ariel shakes her head slightly swimming off.
"Might I ask why?" Lee swims alongside her.
"Well where I'm from guys don't give a gift to someone they just met." Ariel explains politely.
"I understand, I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable princess." Lee nods to her.
"I won't except a gift, but I wouldn't mind excepting a friendship. So please call me Ariel." Ariel smiles at him softly.
"Only if you'll call me Lee." Lee smiles at her as well.
"Deal." Ariel nods.
Nora looked about and found a bracelet she thought looked nice as well. It was made of several beads of sea glass with Atlantean words on it and a small sea flower in the middle.
"If you like I can buy it for you." Milo comes up smiling.
Nora flushes and says "No thank you, I don't really wear jewelry." Nora decides to swim off.
Milo decides to swim after her and asks "I'm sorry if my pursuits have made you uncomfortable but I do truly find you fascinating. Is there a reason you keep turning away?"
Nora could see Milo was being sincere and replies "As I said I would not feel comfortable with us being together, especially for Ariel's sake. If we were to not get along or something it would upset her. And I don't want that. She's got enough to deal with as it is."
Milo sighs and says "You are right. It would not be fair to her. Thank you for looking out for my niece miss Nora." He gives a small bow and swims off.
Nora sighs sorry for him but she really did mean what she said. She didn't want to put her friend in that situation, plus she loved another.
And right now she had an idea of how to show him she cared for only him. With that she decided to go back to the little stand.
After exploring a bit they reach the farm. It was large with pink sand glittering like gems with the Giant Seahorses clopping about.
"So pretty." Ariel stares starry eyed.
"SO CUTE!" Nora squeals as she tries to see all of the seahorses.
"Race you two to them!" Ariel cheers as she swims off with a tail swipe.
"You're on!" Nora revs up and after her.
"Wait up!" Lee races after them.
"I win!" The girls call at the same time.
"I… I haven't swam like that since I was a guppy." Lee laughs with a small pant.
"Why don't you eight take them for a ride to the steam caverns?" Yos suggests.
"You're not coming father?" Lee looks confused.
"Us old foke need a rest with some seaweed tea." Yos taps his back lightly, it being a bit sour.
"I think Ginger hear will suit you guppy." Ceil points to an orange one with a white main.
"So pretty." Ariel smiles at the mare.
"And Pepper will suit you." Kida points to a speckled male with a gray main.
"So cool." Nora looks on wide eyed.
"And then there's…" They point out a few others for the others of the group.
Then the horses are saddled with light bridals. Lee helped Ariel on to hers showing her how to sit with her tail.
'Calm Fives. Calm.' Fives takes slow breaths.
Nora tries to figure it out till Milo showed her how, he doesn't try to flirt or anything, so she accepts the help. But is more interested in the horse then anything.
Echo isn't happy with Milo helping but can't help but smile and chuckle as he thinks 'Of course she's more interested in the seahorse.' He remembered how she had talked nonstop about them when she first learned of them.
"Is there a certain way we should go?" Anakin looks over at them.
"Follow the white shell path. It will lead you to the sponge bed and coral fields. Just a bit after is the steam geysers. It will be quite a sight." Ceil points out.
"Oh if you don't mind practice riding for a bit, I could have a lunch made and you could picnic out there." Kida smiles at all of them.
"That would be really nice gran." Ariel says without messing up this time.
"I'll have them ready in a bit." Kida smiles with misty eyes as she heads to her little home.
"Let me show you how to lead her." Lee shows them how to start leading the horses.
They learn a few commands and how to use the reins and such, Nora was a bit wobbly at first but got the hang of it once she got comfortably seated.
Ariel took to it like she did swimming. It was as if she's ridden a hundred times before. Though she kept it steady for the time being.
Echo was a bit unstable on the seahorse as well but the kind yellow mare with white main always stopped when she felt him wobble. "Sigh, thanks girl." Echo patted her head making her whinny.
"Aw how cute she likes you." Nora smiles, making Echo flush.
"This isn't so hard." Fives swims about with his gray stallion.
"You're doing really well." Lee looks over at Ariel softly.
"I guess I'm just a fish in and out of water." Ariel sticks her tongue out playfully.
They all laugh at that and then Milo races off and around them saying "Now that's how we do it in the military." He pulls back on the big black seahorse.
"Wough your uncle doesn't kid around." Nora whispers to Ariel.
"I guess not." Ariel looks amazed at how he handled himself and the horse.
"Captain Milo is an expert seahorse man. He could ride a horse at top speed at the age of nine and caught and trained that mustang himself." Lee whispers as Milo swims about with is horse again.
The guys had heard this and Echo felt like he'd fall off but the yellow mare, Star, caught him once more. "Sigh, thanks girl." Echo patted her once more as she neighed and nuzzled him.
Nora chuckles at that and says "Still so cute."
Echo flushed at that.
"Going for cute rider there?" Fives whispers to his brother with a chuckle.
"Yeah I guess." Echo flushes rubbing the back of his head.
"Watch this." Fives rides off around the ring.
"Go Fives!" Ariel cheers.
"Ride em cowboy!" Nora cheers.
"Cowboy?" Lee looks confused.
"It's something from Earth. See…" Ariel explains.
The others then race after him Link chuckling "He's a daring one isn't he sister?"
'Sister?' Ariel looks a bit confused at that.
"Apologies sir, my brother can be a bit wild." Echo nods.
"No need I'd actually like to see someone knock Milo down a few pegs." Link chuckles.
"Not very royal like." Nora chuckles.
"It really isn't." Ariel giggles.
"I'm his older brother I'm allowed to be like that." Link smirks.
The girls laugh glad to get a chance to see this side of the mostly stoic man.
They all road off having fun watching the two competitive men race off. Fives had caught up easily and was running for the lead, Milo saw this and smirked glad to have a challenger.
Everyone was riding up to see who would win to the top of the hill but as they did Nora pulled back and grabbed Echo's arm. As everyone else rushed off Nora smirked and said "Finally."
"Nora what…" Echo tried to talk but was silenced when Nora brought out a bracelet with a purple stone and silver writing. Echo's eyes widened at that and said "Nora no I can't…"
"Yes you can." Nora rode up and kisses him as she put the bracelet on him and said "The merchant says that the writing means 'gentle heart.' And I never want you any other way." She smiles holding his hand.
Echo smiles back as he leans in and says "I'm sorry, I guess you noticed how I felt."
"Don't worry, I'd feel the same if it was you." Nora chuckles.
"Not likely." Echo shakes his head.
"Don't doubt yourself, you are a catch." Nora smiles with flirty eyes.
Echo smiles and leans in to kiss her but…
"Winner!" Link called. And they looked over to see everyone at the ledge now.
"Sigh, better get going." Nora starts to ride off.
Echo sighs but sees the bracelet and smiles as he fallows.
A little before…
The two went from neck and neck to one falling a bit behind. All the way up the hill. And then… Milo wins by a fin.
The two soon came up to find the two racers shaking hands.
"What'd we miss?" Nora asked.
"Milo won." Ariel smiles over at her friend.
"Well congratulations." Nora smiles.
Milo's chest puffs up and says "Thank you. But what happened to you? Did you get lost?" Milo raises a brow.
Everyone looks over at the two to see what happened.
'Are we caught?' The two ponder.
"I didn't want to race and just enjoy the ride. I asked Echo to stay back with me since I'm not used to riding yet." Nora comes up with a quick fix.
"Well not everyone enjoys a good race." Link smiles.
"Thank you for staying back with lady Nora trooper. I always admired the honor and loyalty your men show for your comrades and leaders. And the valor I just saw with your brother I'm sure you all must be quite good men." Milo smiles.
"It's our job sir, we don't need any praise." Echo flushes slightly at the attention not used to anyone talking about them like that.
"Not like we did anything amazing." Fives rubs the back of his head a bit red.
"You two shouldn't put yourselves down like that. A loyal comrade is hard to find in these days of turmoil." Lee sighs.
"You two need to have more confidence." Ariel smiles at them softly.
"You guys shouldn't sell yourselves short. You've helped us so much. I just wish you and your brothers would get the respect you all deserve." Nora sighs.
Link raises a brow "What do you mean by that lady Nora?"
At that the girls look at each other and decided to explain what they know. Let's just say it was a good thing Anakin and Kenobi had decided to head back earlier or the three seamen there would have had much to say to them.
With that they all ended up riding back to the house. Link having much to say to the jedi when he did.
The girls cool down the horses as they hear wild yelling in the house. They couldn't make all of it out. But there were a few choice words directed at the Jedi.
"Where did Ariel go?" Anakin looks around the farm to find her gone.
That's strange she was here a minute ago." Nora looks around confused.
"I think I know where to find her." Fives swims off having a good idea about where she'd go.
Ariel was laying on a sponge bed taking in a bit of the sun rays that came down. She felt so relaxed and at home here. She enjoyed the bits of quite mixed with small sounds of the nays of the seahorses.
'This is so nice.' Ariel yawns a bit as she feels the slight rock of the water.
"Is the princess feeling tired?" Fives calls swimming next to her.
"Please don't call me that." Ariel looks over at him with a bit of a look.
"I wanted to try just once." Fives leans forward pecking her lips. "We should head to the others. Your family is ready to send a search party for you." He moves to go.
"Not yet." Ariel tugs on his arm taking his lips herself.
Fives leans into it, taking in the moment while they can. Him holding her close as Ariel wraps her hands around his neck.
Returning they held hands until close to the farm. Neither very happy about letting the other go.
"There you are." Link smiles at his niece. "Lunch is ready."
"Can't wait." Ariel swims for the house.
The rest of the underwater trip was simply family getting to know one another and a few fun stories. It was nice.
Ariel loved getting to know all of them. It was nice to just spend time with one another.
On the way back Fives stopped at one of the stands. Lee did as well. Both smiling at a little gift they had gotten for Ariel.
