We're back folks!๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽ‰

(Forgive me for taking so long. I can't promise that this will be the last delay. And I'm sorry if you find any literary mistakes in this chapter. I've had a busy week the week before. But hopefully this chapter will impress and make everyone happy to see me continuing these stories.)

Okay! I must say it. I saw one thing and played another thing. I saw the Batman last night. It's q damn good movie. I give it 10 out ot 10. And I played Horizon Forbidden West. It's a damn good video game. I give it a 10 out of 10. If you have a theater. Go see it. If you have a PS4 or PS5. Go play it.

"Well that's one way to clear exposition." Maverick mused.

Don't get used to it. There's a lot later in this chapter.

"Ah damn." Maverick muttered.

Before anyone climbs up my butt and complains about the long explanations that happen later. I got this concept from playing Horizon Forbidden West. When Aloy was asking GIA a lot of questions and got all of her answers. If Kingdom Hearts is a role playing game and so is Horizon. Then I need to match the style by adding in conversations to shake away the need to quench confusion later.

"Makes senseโ€ฆ.Sorta." Maverick shrugged.

Also the marvel heroes of this series will be based on Marvel Ultimate Alliance.

"I thought that was Orion's series." Maverick looked confused.

No. If I've said that before or made those implications in thr past. Please forgive me. So let's clear these up once and for all.

*Clear throat. Take a deep breath.*

The Avenger's Aiden's series are the Avengers from the video game made by square Enix and Spider-Man is based on the PlayStation game.

The Avengers of Orion's series are the one's from the tv show Avengers Earth's Mightiest Heroes and Spider-Man is from the tv show Spectacular Spider-Man.

The Avengers of Connor's series are from Marvel Ultimate Alliance and so is Spider-Man with a few minor alterations on certain heroes here or there. If you point anything out that's different about heroes like Thor, Tony Stark or Doctor Strange. Those minor changes are intentional as I'm inspired by the MCU to include certain similarities in every Maverick Series I write.

*Wipe the sweat off my forehead.* Whew!

Alright. Now let's answer some comments from the readers.

superkoola: Thanks! I'm glad to hear you approve of my ideas. Though this will be a lot different from the movie. I will make those differences worth it.๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ˜

SPYRO 101: Thank you! Especially for helping me write that chapter and this one. I hope you don't mind some of the minor changes I've made. And don't worry about Sebastian. He'll be fine. Considering his sanity being stretched into jump rope trying to protect a teenage girl. Luckily his shift will end soon once Connor takes his place to protect her.๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ˜‰

RustyPete12: Thank you! Well Lunafreya isn't exactly a rival. She's more like a consultant that Attuma barely listens to. And Tiger Shark will be considered the TFP Season 3 Starscream of this series. As for how the undersea kingdoms come together. Everything will come together and make sense soon ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ˜‰

Alright! Now that we're all here.

LET'S GET DANGEROUS! ๐Ÿ˜Ž


Party Crashers.

Down at the Marvel World...

In spite of Attuma's order to await his command for retrieving the pearl. Tiger Shark never had it in him to respect Attuma and his orders. Knowing that it may as well be a shard of the Pearl of Asarius. The second in command of Attuma could not afford to lose his chance.

Or at least didn't want to.

Tiger shark was sitting under the docks of Ellis Island way below the waters as he reached out to two of his contacts of this world to come in and report. As they displayed right in front of Tiger Shark in holographic forms.

"My friends. Attuma sits on the chance of opportunity but fails to act immediately. So we shall act for him." Tiger Shark stated to his contacts with a smirk. "Down in the world of Atlanta lies a castle in the mainland of Denmark. And there you will find a girl. We must do everything in our power to take her and the castle."

"What is so important about this girl?" One of the contacts asked in a monstrous hiss.

"Because she has a shard of the Pearl itself. And we can not risk the Maverick having it first." Tiger Shark narrowed his eyes.


Later that evening in Atlantica...

As King Triton was overseeing the production of a large round portal made of stone in the palace. Tall about fifty feet. Round with a large hole in the middle. Like a Stargate portal but bigger for a nation to cross. It was being constructed by several lobsters and an octopus who all served to help build the palace and redecorate it when needed. He was assured that this would allow Namor and Connor's kind to merge and travel from Atlantis to Atlantica.

For the first time in twelve years. King Triton now has hope. Hope that this war will finally end. And he can return to his daughter and meet his granddaughter. But something tells him it probably still won't be that easy.

Just then Harold the SeaHorse swam up to King Triton looking anxious.

"Sire. Our scouts have returned from the northern outpost we've captured. They found several Meridian soldiers who have willingly turned themselves in." Harold the SeaHorse reported.

"They surrendered without resistance?" King Triton asked, looking skeptical as he pondered. "Something is wrong."

"What shall we do?" Harold asked.

King Triton didn't like this. He knew the kingdom of Meridia was too powerful and advanced. There's no way in any world that they would surrender to a Kingdom that is at odds with them and their status. But whatever their intentions are. King Triton couldn't leave those who are loyal to him to handle something that may as well be a trap.

He had to get involved.

"Wait here and proceed with the restoration of this portal. I and a group of my Mere Troops will investigate this 'surrender'. I will return soon." King Triton stated looking determined.

"B-B-But Sire. What if it's a trap?" Harold looked worried for the King.

"If it is. Then they will regret testing my resolve. And my Kingdom for a second time." King Triton scowled looking forward thinking about Attuma and all they cost him.

One way or another. Justice will be done.


Back over at the Denmark Castle...

After recovering from the rush of wind and looking around the island frantically for Melody. Sebastian swam all the way back to the castle, passing under the wall and panting as he did so. His claws and limbs felt like jelly lit on fire, and he was just drained.

"What am I gonna do? Dat girl could be anywhere. Maybe captured by invaders, caught in a net, eating by SHARK!" Sebastian panicked as he crawled up a rock.

Then Sebastian heard humming coming from up stars as he looks up and sees Melody looking out at her Balcony, brushing her damp hair after having a wash up, and humming the tune to 'My Time' slowly as she was thinking about the Maverick and the wonderful time she had spent with him. Then she went back in and spun gracefully as she continued to get ready.

Melody had fallen in love. Just as her mother did all those years ago.

"Or is up in de room preparing herself." Sebastian sighed in relief. "In dat case..."

Then Sebastian fell backwards and passed out as he was exhausted and worn out. Thinking to himself 'If only dat girl had someone better in her life to do de job for me'.

If Sebastian only knew.

Sometime later. On the other end of the beach. Ariel came out with their dog Max to get some fresh air before the party starts.

Max ran into the water that came through the grates of the wall, jumping around and enjoying the water. He raised an eye at Ariel with a smirk, which Ariel returned.

Ariel looked up towards the sky, the sun shining from the other side of the tower, seagulls flying overhead, a nostalgic look on her face.

"I miss you Daddy. I wish you could be here with us." Ariel whispered, looking down sadly.

Ariel suddenly looked around, making sure no one else was near, before she stepped out of her shoes and stepped into the water with her bare feet.

"Hmmm" Ariel hummed at the feel of the ocean on her feet. She looked up with her eyes closed and a satisfied smile on her face, her dress twirling slightly in the breeze. Ariel sighed and lowered her head with a content sigh. Nothing could break her out of her happy daydreaming.

Ariel may have been human for the past thirteen years. But she was a mermaid at heart. Just feeling the water made her remember her home. Her friends. Family. Her father and sistersโ€ฆ..Attina. All of her best memories of her childhood are of the ocean. And Ariel wished there weren't any risks out there. For she wished to share her home with her daughter one day.

Speaking od whichโ€ฆ.

"Mommy?"

Ariel gasped silently, her eyes snapping open as her daydreaming ended. She looked up at where the voice came from and saw her daughter standing on her balcony with her dress for the party on, looking down at her.

"What are you doing?" Melody asked, tilting her head in confusion.

"Uh, nothing!" Ariel called back with the kind of smile a kid would have after being caught with their hand in the cookie jar.

Melody just smiled and walked back into her room, leaning on one of the walls with a sigh of relief. Her mother was not suspicious of her recent disappearance.

"I'll be right up!" Ariel called up, catching Melody off guard. She rushed off to finish getting ready before her mother showed up.

Melody grabbed a pair of matching shoes from the cabinet as she was wearing a salmon colored dress with a white upper vest. Her hair was wrapped up with a towel to dry off as she rushed over to her dresser to add the finishing touches, struggling a bit to put on her shoes and grabbing the back bow of her dress and tying it around her waist.

"Melody?" She heard from outside the door with a few steps as her mother was getting closer.

Melody quickly fixed her hair up and placed her Princess crown on her head and stood up with her hands behind her back acting like a proper Princess.

Not that her parents ever cared that much about being formal.

Then Ariel came in from the bedroom door to see how Melody was already prepared for the party. But she could see how rushed her preparations looked by how loose her daughter's hair was.

I'm ready." Melody gestured herself before the front of her hair fell over her eyes.

Ariel amusingly scoffed with a warm look.

"Here. Let me help." Ariel said as she stepped over.

Melody sat down and relaxed in front of her dresser and allowed her mother to take the hair brush and brush Melody's hair more needly.

As Ariel was brushing her daughter's hair. A knock came from the side of the door as Eric was standing there, wearing his royal white attire. Being the King of Denmark, he now has a few more metals on his vest than before.

"Let me guess. Another bad hair day?" Eric inquired with a grin. "At least it doesn't look lit on fire this time."

He jested about Ariel's red hair.

"Do you plan on helping at all my King?" Ariel smirked at her husband.

"Nope. That's your region." Eric smirked back.

"Then get out. We'll be out in a few minutes." Ariel playfully said back and assured.

"Where have I heard that before?" Eric snorted before he left.

He was referring to how many women say they'll be out soon when they really mean after eternity as they take longer to prepare.

Melody ignored them as she was daydreaming while her Mother was brushing her hair. She thought back on how she was accepted by the Maverick for who she was and not being criticized for acting out of her royal protocol. At first Melody didn't want to go down to her own party and not have to stand face to face in front of a lot of pompous stuck up children her age who already think she's weird.

But now that she's met someone special who sees her special. Melody doesn't care anymore. Though she will admit, she is still a little nervous.

"I know that look." Ariel sang playfully.

"Huh?" Melody came out of her thoughts as she seemed a little startled and tried to wave it off with a nervous smile. "What look?"

"The same one you had last year." Ariel grinned at her daughter as she tied her hair in a bow and gave her a soft look. "You're nervous about the party aren't you?"

A mother is always concerned for how their daughter feels.

"Um... I was. Am actually. But I'm trying not to care. Even if everyone down there already thinks I'm weird." Melody shrugged and sighed looking at the mirror.

"Oh Honey. Everyone has trouble fitting in at your age. I know I did." Ariel softly stated as she leaned down and touched her shoulders looking in the mirror. Then thought back and muttered awkwardly. "I was a regular fish out of water."

"I doubt that." Melody scoffed as her mother finished up with her hair.

"Oh, trust me. You have no idea how much of an idiot I made myself look when I first met your father." Ariel commented, cringing slightly at the memory of the first time they had dinner together. "Even now, I blush with embarrassment thinking back to those days."

Melody giggled a little bit as she thought back on how she made a fool of herself in front of Maverick for hiding in the bushes.

"But did you say anything that made his knees shake? I mean when he first saw you." Melody asked curiously as she wanted to try a few things with Maverick.

"Hmmm, well, not really what I said, but what I sang." Ariel said with a smirk. "When he first heard me sing, I had him wrapped around my finger."

"So you were a singer? Like a performer on stage?" Melody asked looking curiously at her mother, she never heard those details before.

"Yes. I performed on stage lots of times." Ariel said, nostalgia in her voice. "Me and my sisters were quite the team. Daddy was so proud of us."

"Really? I never heard much about my grandfather. What was he like? And my Aunts? Are they still around?" Melody asked, looking intrigued.

Melody never got to meet any of them. Or heard many of them.

Ariel hesitated for a moment before coming up with an answer.

"They are. But... They're always busy. And they live on the other side of the world." Ariel decided to say. "But they are amazing. Although Daddy was a little bit over protective, if I'm being honest."

"Now I know where she gets it from." Melody muttered to herself about the wall.

"What was that Sweetie?" Ariel asked as she didn't hear that.

"N-Nothing. I would like to meet them someday. If that's possible." Melody optimistically stated.

"Well-" Ariel started, only for a knock on the door to silence her as Eric entered the room.

"You girls ready yet?" Eric asked as he came into the room.

"Uh...yes! In fact I was just about done with Melody's hair." Ariel answered with a reliving smile.

"How do I look, Daddy?" Melody asked as she stood up and gestured herself.

"Wow." Eric said with a smile on his face as he walked up to them. "You look amazing. Just like your mother."

"Awe, thanks Dad" Melody responded with a smile of her own.

"Always a charmer huh?" Ariel joked putting a hand on Melody's shoulder. "Well, it's time to head down and join the party."

"Right, let's go." Melody agreed, and the three of them made their way out of the room, ready to partake in the festivities.


Later at Melody's birthday party...

The party was at a well decorated ballroom filled with joy as an orchestra played near the glass windows. And elegant guests of every kind around the ballroom danced among each other to the music. Even the children were well dressed as they came to celebrate the day their beloved Princess Melody was born.

Ariel and Eric came down as Ariel still had on her purple ball dress and Eric was wearing his white prince attire. Grimsby stood at the stairs on one side while Melody's parents stood at the other.

Once the orchestra concluded and the guests clapped for them. Grimsby made his presentation.

"Allow me to present. Her royal highness. And the guest of honor. Princess Melody." Grimsby presented.

The guests clapped as Melody politely came down the stairs.

Melody was in a beautiful ball gown with a white top with puffy shoulders, and a pink and red skirt with a dark pink trim at the bottom. As she descended down the stairs, she appeared calm. But on the inside, she was feeling a little shy. And a tinge of sadness that the Maverick was not here for her party, but she knew he had something important to do right now. She took a steady breath as she continued down the stairs, steadying her nerves to greet the guests.

Melody went down to greet the other guests. Mostly the children. They were nice to her but it was mostly because of her status as a Princess. For the first time in her life, Melody met someone her age who wasn't uptight and someone who saw her and accepted her for who she truly was. And that exceeds all the gifts that would come at this ball.

Just then there was a loud boom noise outside. The guests looked out to see fireworks exploding. Which made the children cheer at the sight.

"I thought they weren't scheduled until after the cake." Ariel inquired quietly about the fireworks.

"Yeah. So did I." Eric agreed as he looked outside with a skeptical look.

It turned out it was scheduled for later. The fireworks were a perfect cover for a dramatic entrance.

Then suddenly ...

*Boom!*

The windows crashed as several Meridian troops landed inside from the open windows causing them to rub and panic.

The troops looked like metallic fish men with bronze armor on them and clawed scaly hands. Their faces were covered with helmets that covered their whole head except the mouths, and holes for the eyes. And the sides of the helmets look like they have fins. And in their hands were swords that looked like Spears at the end, with little spikes around the blade.

When the royal family saw these soldiers, they each reacted differently.

Eric was shocked seeing these monsters again, but he quickly schooled his nerves and grabbed the hilt of his sword, preparing himself for anything.

Ariel looked on, her face very pale with dread.

"No. This can't be happening. Not again." Ariel whispered, afraid of history repeating itself.

Melody let out a scream of terror and took several steps back, causing her to trip and fall onto the stairs on her back. Fear edged on her face.

"What... What are those things?!" Melody exclaimed, her voice Shaky at the sight of those menacing beasts.

Ariel quickly ran over and helped her daughter up and stood in front protecting her.

"Just stand behind me Melody! It will be okay." Ariel assured her daughter.

Just then Tiger Shark came in from the window and snarled at them showing his teeth. The guests screamed and ran. But then the the exits were suddenly sealed in black webs as Venom descend down on a web line and stood in front of the guesse and roared at them. Making them scream and the children whimpering, crying and clinging to their parents.

"GUARDS! HELP! WE'RE BEING ATTACKED!" Grimsby called out the guards.

Sebastian crawled in and gasped at the sight. "Oh no. I'm not equipped for dis." He whimpered and shook in fear.

Max their dog was outside barking loudly but thankfully no one touched him.

But as for the guards.

Omega Red came in carrying a corpse over his shoulder. And chuckled sinisterly.

"Sorry. they're relieved of duty." Omega Red dropped the corpse in front of Eric and Grimsby showing it was one of the castle guards.

They killed the guards!

Ariel gasped and Melody screamed at the sight, tears falling down her eyes as she clung to her mother for dear life, terrified about what's going to be done to them while a few other guests cried out in shock and fear.

Eric moved to stand in front of his wife and daughter, his sword drawn as he looked towards the intruders.

"What do you want?" Eric demanded, his voice hard, showing his resolve to protect his family.

"Oh I'm so glad you asked. You see, you lot have something that belongs to Attuma." Tiger Shark stated with a growl. "You have one minute to bring it to us, or we start executing the guests."

Venom walked around, looking at the terrified hostages and licking his lips.

"Eyes. Lungs. Pancreas. So many snacks, so little time." Venom said sadistically, staring at the guests like food.

"Or perhaps...we start with her." Omega Red pointed his end of his mechanical whip at Melody who was looking up in fear. But she gave a slight glare mixed in.

"Not a bad idea. Besides, you know what they say about birthdays. Having too many...Can kill you." Tiger Shark chuckled darkly.

"LAAAAAME!" They heard a voice say.

Then Tiger Shark turned but not soon enough to have a glass of punch slammed into his face.

"Ugh! My eyes!" Tiger Shark cried out and stumbled backwards as some punch got into his eyes making him cover them.

Red Omega and Venom, along with the Meridian troops, looked up to see Maverick hanging on the chandelier.

"Your punch line's bland! Add more sugar next time!" Maverick quipped

Melody looked up and her eyes widened at seeing the young Maverick.

"Maverick." Melody whispered so quietly, no one heard her. smiling like no tomorrow as the Princess was overjoyed and relieved to see her new friend showing up to save the day.

"You again?! Grrrh! Kill him!" Tiger Shark exclaimed in anger.

Just then Maverick played a song from the Playlist on his suit.

(Jump Around - House Of Pain)

Then the music started blasting from neon speakers.

Then Maverick began to fight the Meridian troops. Clashing his keyblade split into two keyblades as he was cleaning out all of them. Flipping and twirling like a ninja while teleporting in between fighting moves.

"You want somma dis?!" Maverick kept repeating before he power slammed one troop out the window. "Remember to breathe before you dive!"

Pack it up, pack it in, let me begin

I came to win, battle me that's a sin

I won't ever slack up, punk you better back up

Try and play the role and yo the whole crew'll act up

Get up, stand up (c'mon!) see'mon throw your hands up

If you've got the feeling, jump across the ceiling

Muggs lifts a funk flow, someone's talking junk

Yo I bust him in the eye, and then I'll take the punk's hoe

Feelin', funkin', amps in the trunk and I got more rhymes

Than there's cops at a Dunkin' Donuts shop

Sho' nuff, I got props

From the kids on the hill plus my mom and my pops

I came to get down, I came to get down

So get out your seat and jump around!

Eric seeing that Maverick is an ally, he came down from the stairs to help Maverick fight as his sword clashed with two Meridian troops.

Eric dodged and blocked their attacks with ease since he is good at fighting but a sword won't cut it. One of the troops sliced his sword in half but quickly Maverick twirled in the air and summoned a neon sword in Eric's hand surprising them.

"If yours glows they blow!" Maverick quickly yelled before getting back into the fight.

"Thanks!" Eric smiled before he swung his new sword which did the trick as he helped take down two or three.

Meanwhile, the guests were backed up against the walls near the blocked exit as another ally shows up

A shorter version of Maverick. Mini-Mav steps down to shoot neon lasers at the dark webs blocking the exits and caused them incinerate so the guests could leave.

"Move along patrons! Nothing to see here! Be back in time for cake if you can!" Mini-Mav urged all the guests to run.

The guests took the hint and began running out through the exits to safety.

Melody looked on towards the fight as the Maverick knocked another meridian trooper out through the broken window.

Jump around!

Jump around!

Jump around!

Jump up, jump up and get down!

Jump! Jump! Jump! Jump! (Everybody jump)

Jump! Jump! Jump! Jump!

Jump! Jump! Jump! Jump! (Everybody jump)

Jump! Jump! Jump! Jump!

Jump!

"Oh wow. Look at him go." Melody whispered awestruck by his moves. "He's so amazing."

Ariel, not hearing her own daughter, looked upon the fight with surprise as she looked at the Maverick, specifically his weapons.

"He has... But that can't be." Ariel whispered in shock, having recognized the weapons as keyblades. Her father told her the stories of the wielders, but never thought she would ever see one in her lifetime.

I'll serve your ass like John McEnroe

If your girl steps up, I'm smacking the hoe

Word to your moms, I came to drop bombs

I got more rhymes than the Bible's got Psalms

And just like the Prodigal Son I've returned

Anyone stepping to me you'll get burned

'Cause I got lyrics, but you ain't got none

If you come to battle bring a shotgun!

But if you do you're a fool, 'cause I duel, to the death

Trying to step to me, you'll take your last breath

I got the skills, come get your fill

'Cause when I shoot the gift, I shoot to kill

I came to get down, I came to get down

So get out your seat and jump around!

Maverick kept dodging and teleporting from all of their attacks. Then he teleported up in the air, flipped and dived back on to the ground, performing combo moves. From throwing Slapshots moves to performing Sonic Strikes, taking out so many of the Mongers. Maverick twirled through five of them, slicing them in half, then he spin dodged some of their attacks and used a Thunder spell on six, striking them with lighting and short circuiting them. Then Maverick used a stop spell on several more Troops, freezing them in time like a pause button. He flew around them several times while shooting at them with fire balls from his keyblade. Then Maverick stood in front of them when the stop spell wore off, and they fell to the ground.

Jump around!

Jump around!

Jump around!

Jump up, jump up and get down!

Jump! Jump! Jump! Jump! (Everybody jump)

Jump! Jump! Jump! Jump!

Jump! Jump! Jump! Jump! (Everybody jump)

Jump! Jump! Jump! Jump!

Jump!

With the remaining Troops running up to Maverick. He spins his keyblade, building up a force of neon energy. When they got close, he held his keyblade up and then slammed it back down. Causing an atomic wave of neon to wipe out the remaining Troops, vaporizing them where they stood. Now they are all ashes.

With all the Meridian Troops dealt with. The music kept going as Eric huffed and stood back up now that the Troops were defeated.

"Hey. Whoever you are. Thanks." Eric thanked Maverick genuinely.

Just then Venom and Omega Red stood together as the former growled and the latter snapped his energy cables like whips.

"Let's save the twenty questions for later. Go protect your family." Maverick suggested to Eric.

Eric nodded and stood with Ariel and Melody leaving these villains for Maverick.

Then Omega Red whipped a cable towards Maverick. But Maverick teleported and grabbed the cable to wrap around Venom making him roar in pain.

I'm the cream of the crop, I rise to the top

I never eat a pig, 'cause a pig is a cop

Or better yet a Terminator, like Arnold Schwarzanegger

Try to play me out like, as if my name was Sega

But I ain't going out like no punk bitch

Get used to one style and yo and I might switch

It up up and around, then buck buck you down

Put out your head and then you wake up in the Dawn of the Dead

I'm coming to get ya, I'm coming to get ya

Spitting out lyrics, homie I'll wet ya

I came to get down, I came to get down

So get out your seat and jump around!

"Vennie! Nice to meet you, finally! You look so much better when you're not CG Eddie." Maverick greeted Venom as he dodged the other cable attack from Omega Red.

"Eddie?... Eddie Is our predecessor. Gargan is our host now." Venom growled as he broke out of the cable and claws at Maverick who blocked with his keyblade.

"Wait...Gargan? As in Scorpion?!" Maverick inquired as he dodged and blocked his attacks. "Awe man! Did the Civil War happen already?! That was my favorite comic series!"

Just then Chef Louis was humming with his eyes closed as he wasn't aware of the attack. And he was carting in Melody's Birthday cake.

The cake was very large. Taller than all the guests. It had six layers with each layer getting smaller. The frosting was white and pink with the pink frosting making it look like flowers, and Frosting used to sign 'Happy birthday Melody' on the first and second layers.

But then Louis' eyes opened seeing the fight.

"What in the..." Louis inquired. Then a piece of Red Omega's cable collapsed near him making the chef shriek like a girl. "AH!"

Then he ran and cowarded under a table. Shaking like a leaf.

Jump around!

Jump around!

Jump around!

Jump up, jump up and get down!

Jump! Jump! Jump! Jump! (Everybody jump)

Jump! Jump! Jump! Jump!

Jump! Jump! Jump! Jump! (Everybody jump)

Jump! Jump! Jump! Jump!

Jump! Jump! Jump! Jump! (Everybody jump)

Jump! Jump! Jump! Jump!

Jump! Jump! Jump! Jump! (Everybody jump)

Jump! Jump! Jump! Jump!

Jump!

Meanwhile Sebastian was watching the whole fight as Maverick dodged Venom's long tongue which whip lashed near the window causing Sebastian to get snapped and launched into the air.

"WHHHHHHYYYY MEEEEEEEE!" Sebastian screamed as he was falling near the table Louis was hiding under.

"Is it over?" Louis gulped as he peaked from under the table.

Then Sebastian crashed on a glass of punch, which splashed on Louis' face. Louis sputtered and shook his head to get some off before he gasped in shock and his eyes turned blood red.

"You..." Louis glared at Sebastian recognizing him as the crab from all those years ago.

Sebastian stood up and gasped in fear. "You?" He squeaked, recognizing the Chef that tried to kill him.

"SABOTEUR!" Louis exclaimed as he slammed down a kitchen cleaver on the table making Sebastian scream and hop away.

"Wait, where does he keep that cleaver-" Maverick almost inquired where the chef kept that kitchen utensil until Omega Red wrapped a cable around his wrist making him grunt and then wrapped another cable around Maverick's neck. "Ack! Hey watch the merchandise Asshole!"

The static around his suit caused the music to stop suddenly as the neon speakers above the ceiling faded away.

Then Omega Red smirked as he flung the cables backwards sending Maverick hurling across the ballroom and slammed into a table. Then he flung Maverick against some of the orchestral music instruments. And then he flung him against the stairs causing the rails to shatter.

"Ugh!..." Maverick groaned being flung down so many times.

"Maverick!" Melody cried out, seeing her friend hurt like that.

Ariel and Eric looked on in shock and worry before what Melody just said registered, and they looked at Melody in surprise.

"What did you just say?" Ariel asked surprised at Melody somehow knowing who he is.

"Grrrrh..." Maverick groaned as he was being electrocuted by Omega Red's cables. But then he stood up and glared up at the mutant enemy. Then he stood up slowly and wrapped Omega's Reds cables around his body while making each step closer. As painful as it was.

Venom was about to Intervene as he growled and formed a sharp symbiote blade in his hand when suddenly A sonic blaster was beaming at his face. Making Venom growl.

"RAAAAGH!" Venom roared in pain as it was Mini-Mav who was blasting the noise.

"Sing Tom Hardy's better! SING!" Mini-Mav quipped as he had Venom pinned down.

Then Maverick came close to Omega Red as he punched Omega Red five times in the face before he grabbed his arms and Maverick tossed Omega Red out the window causing his cables to unwrap around Maverick.

Just then Tiger Shark who just recovered from the punch in his eyes. Snarled as he came in leaping in the air and Maverick held his fore arm up as he reared back and gave a hard neon punch to Tiger Shark's face. Causing him to fall out the window.

Only one more to go.

Meanwhile Chef Louis was still chopping his cleaver after Sebastian who kept leaping from table to table.

"You're going in the bouillabaisse!" Louis hissed as he kept chopping after the crab. Who was on the chef's back for a few seconds before the crab fell off and ran.

"No no no! You don't want to do dis Mon! I'm old! I'm not tender anymore!" Sebastian screamed as he hopped on a salad plate that caused the veggies to flung into the chef's face.

Just then Venom growled in anger as he shot some black webs at Mini-Mav's cannon arm.

"Whoops. Not good. Gotta clean later." Mini-Mav responded.

Then Venom shot web daggers at Mini-Mav who dodged doing back flips only for several daggers to fly towards the cake.

"Oh hell no!" Maverick exclaimed as he teleported in front of the cake and took all five shots of the web daggers which stabbed his torso and abdomen.

Making Ariel. Melody and Eric gasp and wince at the side.

Even Grimsby who was hiding behind a table winced at the sight.

Then Maverick huffed and pulled the daggers out and glared at Venom. Thankfully the daggers only pierced a few inches in. Nothing that a healing spell won't fix. Which Maverick casted on himself instantly.

"Alright Sony's second gold mine. You can try to kill me. Kill the webhead. And bust up a party! BUT YOU DO NOT!" Maverick exclaimed in anger. "***k with the cake."

Then Maverick connected his keyblades back together and extended it into a trident as he unleashed his hydrokinetic abilities as he spun the trident blade. Standing in defense of the cake.

"IT'S GO TIME BITCH!" Maverick yelled as he charged at Venom.

The three members of the royal family gave weirded out expressions at this, trying to process how someone who seems so powerful can react so crazily over a cake.

But after getting over the shock, Melody just giggled before calling out.

"Go get him Mav! Teach him not to mess with desserts!" Melody called out, with a serious but giggly boy while the parents just sweat dropped even further, while still trying to figure out how and why their daughter somehow knows of him.

"He has a trident?" Eric inquired as he found his reaction both epic and weird. The fact that his daughter knows this guy is even more weird.

Then Maverick laid the smack down on Venom as he spun his keyblade/trident into his chest and face. Delivering a multi layer combo move of attacks as Venom kept recoiling many times. Only for Maverick to flip back and conjure up a wave of water and send it into Venom. Knocking him out the window. Sebastian sae his chance and hopped into the water waves to escape from the crazy chef.

Maverick then teleported to the edge of the window. And saw Tiger Shark, Omega Red and Venom recover and run through the large hole in the wall.

"Hurry! Attuma has the king!" Tiger Shark urged them to leave as they went through a dark portal.

"The king?" Maverick inquired. Then he realized as his eyes widened. "Oh shit."

Then Maverick dove out of the window and left.

"Maverick, Wait!" Melody called out to him. But it was too late. Maverick was already gone, making her slump and sigh.

With the fight over, the guards rushed into the room to check on the family. Even Grimsby ran from his hiding spot to check on them.

"Eric? Are you and your family alright? Those beasts didn't lay a hand on you, did they?' Grimsby asked looking them over to make sure they were alright

"We're fine Grimsby." Eric assured his old friend before looking sadly. "But the guards..."

"You're Majesty!" They heard more guards running in. "They got away."

"We know." Ariel told them as she came over and held her daughter.

"How many casualties?" Eric asked.

"The guests are fine. We lost five guard members though." The captain of the guards sadly stated. And added some good news. "But the rest of us got wounded. We almost died, but then someone in a strange magic armor and a sword looking like a key came and saved us. Heal our wounds somehow."

Before anyone can say anything else they hear a war cry from Chef Louis, whose reds were still red and he his meat cleaver like a weapon.

"DEATH TO SI CRAP!" Chef Louis Roared, raising his meat cleaver in the air. Next thing anyone knew Charlotta splashed a bucket of water on him to cool the crazed chef off.

"Louis!" Charlotta scolded the chef, making him look sheepish.

Everyone just looked at the chef strangely, before Eric cleared his throat getting everyone's attention.

"Apparently, the guards who survived were healed by the same armored warrior who saved us from the intruders." Eric explained.

"Speaking of which." Ariel said before turning to look at Melody sternly, making the young girl nervous. "Melody? Is there something you'd like to tell us?"

Ariel was referring to how she somehow knew the armored stranger.

"Um...Well... I..." Melody stuttered before she tried to bend the truth. "We met outside earlier. He said he was here to help."

Ariel could tell there was something more to that. Considering that Maverick was holding a trident earlier. Which made it easier to figure out.

"You went over the wall, didn't you?" Ariel asked sternly.

"What?! No! I...Actually went under it." Melody meekly admitted.

Melody mentally cursed that 'stupid wall' in her mind.

"Melody, how could you be so reckless?" Eric said with a firm tone, disappointed in his daughter's action, especially with the recent attack just a few moments ago. "We told you time and time again not to leave the castle walls. You could have been seriously hurt."

"But nothing ever happened until now!" Melody argued. "And this didn't even happen out at sea."

"Those men came from the sea!" Ariel scowled back."You deliberately disobeyed us and put yourself in their cross over multiple times!"

"Wait. You know about them?" Melody inquired, looking skeptical at her parents making them falter.

Ariel and Eric were hiding all of this from Melody and she was now starting to suspect. But protective parent mode kicked in as Eric was the first to speak.

"Go upstairs. We'll talk about this later." Eric ordered with authority in his voice.

"But Daddy-" Melody tried to speak.

"Don't argue with me, Young Lady! And I don't want you going back out there again. Is that clear?" Eric cut her off and glared at his daughter giving her a warning.

Melody couldn't find her words, tears falling from her eyes. She said nothing and just turned and ran back up the stairs to her room, sobbing as she went.

Ariel wanted to go after but figured she needed some time to herself.

But she was also reflecting on the whole conversation. At first her maternal side wanted to be mad at Melody for disobeying their rules and putting herself in danger. But is Ariel wondered if she was any better.

But Daddy-

ARIEL! Not another word! And I am never, NEVER to hear of you going to the surface again. IS THAT CLEAR!?

Ariel noticed how history was starting to repeat itself with Melody.

Besides, Ariel isn't really one to judge. Sure she's her mother. But she also was just as rebellious as Melody. And she was sixteen. And Ariel's rebellion is the reason she ended up with Eric and how she gave birth to Melody.

So can Ariel really blame her? Considering that Melody takes up after her?

Sebastian managed to crawl up to the table and gave Ariel a knowing bragging look.

"Remind you of someone special?" Sebastian mused.

"Do you have to rub it in Sebastian?" Ariel gave Sebastian an annoyed look. An old teenage annoyed look.

"Maybe. A little bit." Sebastian smirked.

He also had a point.

Eric sat down and sighed while pinching the bridge of his nose.

"I should've known this would happen sooner or later." Eric sighed looking down. Feeling a little bad for snapping at her.

"No Eric. We should've known." Ariel placed her hand on Eric's shoulder. "We can't hide the truth anymore. Now that this has happened."

"Are you sure about this?" Eric asked out of concern.

"I'm sure. Melody needs to know." Ariel affirmed and looked up the stairs. "I can't let history repeat itself again."

Ariel doesn't want to repeat her father's mistakes. And she knows she's already on that road. And she doesn't want Melody to end up repeating her mistakes.

It's time they trusted their daughter with the truth.

"You want me to be there when you tell her the truth?" Eric asked, wanting to help make things easier.

"Thanks, but I think I should do this on my own." Ariel said, a determined look on her face. "For now, we have this mess to deal with."

"Yeah. But something tells me this mess might be bigger than we think." Eric stated before looking out of the broken window.


Meanwhile down in the ocean...

Maverick swam as fast as he could underwater as he was swimming after Tiger Shark. Venom and Omega Red couldn't swim so they retreated through a portal back to their rendezvous point while Tiger Shark swam as fast as you could away from the Maverick. Having the speed to swim of a hundred sharks. He could almost out swim the Maverick. Almost.

Maverick formed a neon lasso and tossed it when he got close. And the neon rope tied around Tiger Shark's neck. Then Maverick yanked hard as he came to a halt.

"ACK!" Tiger Shark grunted and choked as he was pulled by the neck and slammed hard into the ground. Then Maverick teleported and slammed his metal boot inside of his face. Keeping it in the sea dirt.

"Don't make me ask twice. Where's King Triton?" Maverick interrogated.

"What difference will it make, you little whelp? Even if I told you, there's no way you can stop what's been put in motion!" Tiger Shark growled, trying to break free.

Then Maverick pulled at his left arm making Tiger Shark growl in pain as he was this close to breaking his arm.

"You made me ask twice, Fishstick. Now answer my damn question before I discover which organ tastes better with cocktail sauce!" Maverick demanded.

"Grr, he's at the Northern Outpost!" Tiger Shark growled before giving a feral grin. "But he won't be for long. Attuma is already winning."

"For now." Maverick snorted, then he punched Tiger Shark in the face and knocked him out cold.

Then Maverick bound Tiger in neon ropes and tied him to a column. Leaving him to be picked up later as he swam as fast as he could towards the outpost. Maverick used all of his speed as if he was flying like a fight jet towards the outpost.

Maverick felt like he should've known Attuma would plan out an attempt to take the King. He wants the Trident and every other one a part of the five kingdoms.

When he got there. The entire outpost was in ruins with bursts of black of Atlantica all fell on the ground. And he saw Attuma himself walking into a portal. With Kingdom Triton unconscious and being dragged in by two Meridian troops. King Triton didn't seem injured pretty badly. Just a few cuts and bruises. Which showed that the fight wasn't easy on him. But it looked easy on Attuma as he seemed to look like he didn't even have a fight.

"Damn it." Maverick hissed as he summoned his Key Trident and dashed towards Attuma.

But Attuma turned and swatted his back hand into Maverick's face. Knocking him into the sea pavement. Then Maverick got back up quickly and clashed his Trident several times against Attuma's Trident.

"Stand down A-tities! Let's not make this turn more ulgy." Maverick threatened Attuma as they were pushing against their weapons.

"Ah, the Fabled Maverick. At last we met." Attuma said with a smirk. "I must say, I was expecting someone with more experience. Not some ametur warrior."

"Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black." Maverick smirked back before he pushed Attuma back and spun his Trident and slashed at Attuma's face.

"Gah!" Attuma yelled as the three points in the middle of Maverick's Trident slashed his face. Causing dark blue blood to seep out.

Attuma glared and growled as he dashed and Maverick shot an ice spell at Attuma, only for Attuma to dodge and thrusted the spear end of his Trident into Maverick's right shoulder.

"Oof! Come on! Fighting dirty spreads the smell underwater!" Maverick quipped and grunted as he was stuck to the wall by Attuma's spear.

Then Attuma pulled the Trident out and kicked Maverick to the ground.

"Ugh!" Maverick fell on the ground and pointed at Attuma. "Wanna go two out of three Gorgeous?"

"As much as I would love to crush the life out of you, I have bigger fish to fry." Attuma said, grabbing The unconscious Triton and his trident. A dark corridor opened in front of him. But before he stepped through, he turned to Maverick with a smirk. "Consider yourself fortunate that you survive this day. The next time we meet, you will not be so lucky."

With that said, he stepped through the dark corridor, the portal closing behind him, leaving Atlantica, King Triton in enemy hands.

"Ha! You wouldn't know 'luck' if you lost your virginity with it!" Maverick exclaimed humorously as he was alone. "Andโ€ฆ..Bozo the Clownfish left."

Maverick got back up slowly as he looked around and saw that all of the troops that accompanied King Triton were dead on the ground. Attuma doesn't show any mercy.

And now Attuma has King Triton. But not the Trident with him.

As Maverick held up Triton's real Trident in his arm.

"They should really read the labels before buying. I always use non-stick when ass whoopin." Maverick quipped and groaned as he clenched his shoulder. "Felicity what's my MP meter say?"

'Your MP is drained after having direct contact with a pure source of Darkness. It will take a short while before it will regenerate.' Felicity responded.

Just then, Atraus had just arrived with several Mere Soldiers and Alana. King Triton's second daughter. Needless to say. They were all horrified to see all of the groups guarding the Outpost dead. With the outpost crumbled into rubles of stone.

"By Neptune's beard!" Atreaus exclaimed at the sight.

"What happened?! Are you alright?!" Alana swam over to check on Maverick.

"I'm fine. But Attuma has the King." Maverick breathed as he stood straight while holding his bleeding shoulder.

"No. Daddy..." Alana gasped with her hands to her mouth.

Which surprised Maverick mildly to hear, considering he already knew King Triton had daughters. He just didn't expect to see one of them yet since all of them stay at the castle. He figured this was Triton's second born daughter.

"Does he have the Trident?" Atreus swam over and asked.

"He wished." Maverick snorted as he handed King Triton's Trident to Atraus. "Without this. Attuma will want to keep the King alive, not wanting to risk the power from fading away."

"Thank the Ocean." General Atreus sighed, holding the Trident, which was Atlantica's only defense against the darkness. "At least with this, we have a chance to rescue him, and have a means of protecting our world."

"Is the portal ready?" Maverick asked.

"The assembly is almost completed. It will require your keyblade once it's done." Atreus answered.

"We should warn Ariel. She has to know." Alana protested looking anxious as the feeling of her father in danger was setting in.

"I'm way ahead of you." Maverick began to hover.

"W-wait! But your shoulder." Alana tried to say out of concern.

"I'll be fine. Your old man placed me in charge of taking care of someone important." Maverick stated. "And my shift ain't over yet."

Then on that note. Maverick swam off while Alana gave a small smile looking out. Knowing he's about to bring Ariel home. To not only be reunited with her and the rest of their sisters. But they can finally meet Melody.

Unfortunately when Maverick arrived to pick up Tiger Shark. The water stooge of Attuma. He was already gone from where he left him. He must've escaped while Maverick was trying to save the King.

"Well crap. I guess." Maverick sighed.


That night In Melody's bedroom...

Melody was back in her room, now back in her grey underclothes again. She was lying on her bed, crying into her arms. She was sad that she upset her parents, she most likely would not be allowed to go back out into the ocean ever again, and possibly never see her new friend again.

She tried to wipe the tears from her eyes, but it was a losing battle. She looked down towards her bag and saw the seashell necklace she found in the water at the top of it, covered in sand and dirt.

She picked it up from the bag as she tried to control her tears. But looking at it just made her break down further, thinking about what she'll never have now. She leaned into the pillows and cried harder, clutching the necklace in her hands, the tears refusing to stop.

Just then Melody heard a soft knock on the door. But didn't acknowledge it as she was still crying. Then the door opened as Ariel came in and it was heartbreaking to see her daughter in the state she's in.

She has been there before. When Ariel's father lashed out and blasted the statue of Eric. Ariel knows what Melody is going through. And she doesn't plan to leave her daughter to suffer this on her own.

Ariel walked over and sat on the bed and gently touched Melody's cheek.

"Oh sweetheart." Ariel soothed.

Ariel expected Melody to turn away and tell her mother to leave. But she was a little surprised when Melody flung into her mother's arms and hugged. Seeking comfort as she sobbed in Ariel's chest. And Ariel hugged back.

"I'm sorry...I didn't mean to..." Melody Melody muffled in Ariel's dress. "I couldn't stay away. I just couldn't."

"I know, Darling. I know." Ariel said softly, rubbing Melody's back as she pulled her closer to comfort her. "I'm so sorry for hurting you. I was afraid of losing you, especially after the attack tonight."

Melody nodded in her grip as she nodded in her chest. "I understand but..." She sniffed and looked up at her mother with her eyes full of tears. "At the same time...I'm just so confused."

Ariel wiped her daughter's tears softly as she noticed the necklace on the bed. Ariel was surprised but quickly knew Melody must've found it out at the sea.

Earlier Ariel would've reprimanded Melody for this. But after what happened earlier. When she really thinks about it. Now is a perfect time to have this.

"Maybe this can help." Ariel smiled softly as she cleared the dirt off the golden shell necklace. Revealing Melody's name written on it.

And it got Melody's attention as the young princess sat up on the bed to look at it.

"Wait It has my name on it?" Melody whispered, surprised at this. "But how? And how do you know what that necklace is?"

Ariel smiled down at her daughter.

"Because it was to be a gift for you from your Grandfather." Ariel said, surprising Melody greatly. "It was to show you your heritage, from under the sea."

Ariel opened the necklace, revealing the mystical moving image of Atlantica.

"Whoa." Melody looked captivated by the marvel before her. "What is this?"

"This is an image of the undersea Kingdom of Atlantica, where I came from." Ariel said, catching her daughter's attention. She smiled knowing next words will really get her attention. "Melody, when I was your age, I was a mermaid."

Melody's eyes lit up when Ariel mentioned her being a mermaid. "A mermaid? Wait...Then doesn't that mean...I'm a mermaid too?" She asked, looking amazed.

Ariel touched Melody's face.

"By heart you always were a mermaid. But you are human as well." Ariel answered and explained. "You see. a short while before you were born. I dreamed of having a life on land. Wondering and wishing I could be a part of the human world and the many amazing things that could be up there. And then... I met this human prince who was...Handsome...Dreamy...Dashing...Perfect in every way. And I had to go through a lot. And made some mistakes, but in the end. I won over the heart of your father. And I became human so I could be with him."

Ariel spoke passionately and chuckled a little bit mentioning Eric. And showed looks of regret about her disobeying her father and making a deal with Ursula.

But it all turned out well in the end. So Ariel gave Melody the short and to the point version. To save the real story later.

"Soon after you were born. I presented you to my father. Your grandfather. King Triton. The ruler of Atlantica." Ariel gestured to the city image in the shell.

But then Ariel faltered a little remembering what happened next.

"What happened?" Melody asked, looking concerned.

"Those men who attacked earlier. They came from a wicked underwater kingdom known as Meridia. And their king. Attuma, attacked us. Your grandfather fought back. But we lost a lot of good people to drive them out. And I even lost my oldest sister. Your Aunt Attina." Ariel explained as a lone tear fell down Ariel's face remembering the grief.

Melody silent gasped as she covered her mouth in horror. Hearing that her mother lost her sister. The Aunt that Melody would never meet. No wonder Ariel was this paranoid about the ocean!

"And it was my fault. I shouldn't have tried to fight back. Attina warned me and Eric to run. But I couldn't. And I got her killed." Ariel stifled a sob.

"No Mom. It was never your fault. You didn't attack. I may not have known my Aunt. But she made your choice to protect us..." Melody assured...But then one thing came to mind as she started crying again. "But why didn't you tell me this sooner?" She choked.

"I really wanted to. But I was afraid. I was so desperate to protect you from them. It's why we had the wall built." Ariel said, tears falling from her eyes. "Attina was not just my sister. She was the closest thing I had to a mother. And when I lost her..."

Ariel sobbed, trying to compose herself. Melody grabbed her hand, trying to comfort her.

"I was so broken when she died. We all were. You and your father were the only ones keeping me going. I didn't not want to lose you too. It would kill me." Ariel said, a little more composed, but tears still fell from her eyes. She touched Melody's cheek, trying to wipe away the young girl's tears. "I'm so sorry for keeping you away from the ocean. It's as much your home as it was mine. And I should've never kept it a secret."

Melody nodded tearfully before leaping into her mother's arms again, crying into her chest again.

"I'm sorry Mommy. I'm so sorry." Melody cried as Ariel held her close with her own tears.

"I'm sorry too Sweetie. I love you so much." Ariel said, rubbing Melody's back.

"I love you too." Melody said back, hugging her mother tighter.

Just as they were hugging each other. Eric came in and had a sad look on his face as he came over and knelt down to Melody's height. And stroke a few strands of her hair away as she looked up at her father.

"I'm sorry Melody. I really am." Eric spoke genuinely.

Melody sniffed and wrapped her arms around her father's neck. And showing that she wasn't mad. And that she understood that her parents were in the right all along.

"Me too...I love you Daddy." Melody whimpered.

"I love you too Sweetheart. Never forget that." Eric softly replied as he hugged his daughter and Ariel hugged them both.

As the group hug last for a while. Maverick came in just in time leaning at the entrance of the balcony while holding his bleeding shoulder.

"This is awesome." Maverick spoke which ended their group hug and they all looked surprised to see him standing there.

Even Sebastian was standing there at the floor of the balcony giving Maverick an exasperated look.

"It's awesome, you know? You folks are breaking down walls, you're healing. It's important." Maverick complimented them.

But everyone just stared at him in silence. Melody was the only one smiling. Because she was very glad to see him again. And then Maverick took a deep breath realizing.

"I ruined the moment didn't I?" Maverick asked.

"Yes Mon. You did." Sebastian deadpanned looking appalled.

"Right. Sorry I just saw the door open so-UGH!" Maverick grimaced as he clenched his shoulder. And collapsed standing on one knee.

That short fight with Attuma took a lot out of them. It temporarily drained his healing factor. So the stab to the shoulder was still there.

"Maverick!" Melody cried out and rushed to him, Ariel and Eric following closer behind. "Oh my goodness, what happened?! Are you okay?"

"I'm good, SeaHorse, it's gonna take alot more than a glorified paper cut to bring me down." Maverick quipped, giving Melody a new nickname. He was still clutching his shoulder.

"Okay easy now. Let us help you." Ariel eased Maverick as she and Eric helped him stand and walked him over to a nearby lounge chair.

Eric checked the wound and saw that it was a major stab wound. Deep through the shoulder. But he couldn't see anything else with the suit on.

"I'm sorry if this sounds like a privacy violation. But we have to take the armor off if we're going to help your shoulder." Eric advised Maverick.

"Ah that's fine. I hired a private investigator one time to find out what I do all day." Maverick quipped and winced a bit as he reached his ring.

"Easy." Ariel urged Maverick, feeling concerned about the hero that saved them.

"Allow me." Maverick insisted and then he shifted out of the armor and back to Connor Ramsey. Wearing his keyblader outfit. "Much better."

But his face had a few tiny cuts and some bruises that were from obvious punches. And a left black eye. He clearly has been in a fight. And his wounded shoulder was easier to see as it was still bleeding.

Eric and Ariel were greatly shocked. Not by the magical armor. But by the man under armor, or rather, boy. He was only fourteen years old, only two years older than their own daughter. Even Sebastian had his jaw to the floor at this development.

While they were trying to process this, they were knocked out of their stupors by Melody when she let out a strangled cry and ran up to him, looking him over in worry.

"Oh my, Mav. What did they do to you?" Melody strangled with worry in her eyes.

"I'm fine Mel. Really. And to answer all other two thousand questions on who and what. You folks can thank Attuma for the souvenirs." Connor gestured to the bruises and shoulder as he chuckled a bit which made him wince because it hurts to laugh. "Damn...That's smarts..." He hissed a bit.

"Okay. Hang on. I'll be right back with help." Eric stated before he ran out of the room to get the castle physicians and a medical kit.

Once Eric was out of the room. Connor wanted to get one thing off his shoulder before they asked anymore questions. And not getting something off his wounded shoulder.

"You're Ariel right?" Connor asked Melody's mother.

"Yes?" Ariel looked a little surprised.

"Your father sent me to protect you and SeaHorse here." Connor stated holding up a stone seal with Atlantica's symbol on it. Only her father could've given Connor this.

Ariel gasped in surprise, recognizing the seal. Melody was surprised too, not at all expecting her new friend to have been sent to protect them by her grandfather.

"My father sent you?" Ariel asked about processing this news. "Is he okay?"

Connor paused, trying to figure how best to give the bad news. He just sighed before looking her in the eye.

"I'm sorry, but your father was taken by Attuma. I tried to stop him but..." Connor stated, gesturing to his wounds. "That bastard does not pull any of his punches."

Ariel's face turned back as she staggered a it clenching her chest. Feeling dread for her father's life.

"Daddy..." Ariel breathed in fear.

Even Sebastian gasped and was horrified to hear the news. "Oh no..." He whispered in fear for his king.

At that moment. Connor felt a sudden surge of energy. Enough to use a special spell.

"Hey." Connor tried to ease her. So he summoned his keyblade and spoke a spell. "Curaga."

Then a flash of green gleam over him with a flair of a pink flower as his wounds healed instantly. Even his shoulder closed up and healed like it never happened.

Surprising Melody and Sebastian.

"Listen to me, Your Highness. We're going to get him back. Attuma won't kill him. Your father's life is too valuable and they know it." Connor reminded Ariel of one detail she knew.

Ariel knew that if her father dies. the power that surges in the trident will fade as well. And she knew Attuma wanted the trident and it's power.

"But right now. We need you back in Atlantica. Your sisters chose you to rule in King Triton's absence." Connor explained.

Ariel was surprised by this, not expecting this at all. But if her sisters chose her for the job, she knew she had to do it. So after closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she reopened her eyes and showed her determination.

"Alright. Looks like I'm going back to Atlantica." Ariel stated. "I'll return to look after the throne, until he is brought back home."

Then Eric came back with two castle physician as they were surprised to see Connor standing back up looking well and completely healed.

"Did I miss something?" Eric inquired.

"Plenty. We need to talk." Ariel stated firmly as she walked toward the exit with Eric and Sebastian following.

"Oh why attack Atlantica of all places? Why not El Dorado instead?" Sebastian whimpered as he plunged himself while crawling out with the others.

Once the door closed. Connor was alone with Melody as the Princess sat on the edge of the bed sighing as she stared down at her bare feet.

"I know it's brain dead for me to ask at this point, but. Are you okay?" Connor asked out of concern.

"Honestly, I'm a little overwhelmed. So many new things I've learned and everything that's just happened today, especially the attack." Melody said with a slight smile.

"And you just turned twelve. This kind of crap usually happens when you hit sixteen." Connor mused before smiling kindly. "I'm just glad I busted their tails before they could lay a finger nail on you."

Melody smiled at that remembering how he basically showed up and protected her and her family. She walked over to him on her bare feet and wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him.

Which surprised Connor but he didn't resist. Melody has the same affection towards a handsome boy like her mother did.

"So am I." Melody said as she finished the hug, and looked up at Connor with a beautiful smile before kissing him on the cheek, making them both blush. "Thank you for being my knight in shining armor Maverick."

Connor gave a warm look. He already liked Melody even if he was keeping it cool. But now that everyone is being honest with her. It's his turn to be honest with her as well.

"Connor." He spoke his real name.

"Huh?" Melody tilted her head looking confused and cute in his eyes.

"I'm only called 'Maverick' when I'm wearing the suit. My real less-epic name is Connor Ramsey." He revealed swaying his hand with that comment.

Melody was surprised at first, but then she have Connor a beautiful smile as she replayed the name in her head.

"Connor Ramsey..." Melody whispered before she smiled and took his hand in hers. "Well I think it's the most epic name I've ever heard. Nice to meet you properly, Connor."

"Likewise Mel." Connor grinned back as he held her hand. "And I'm guessing it's not a secret anymore that protecting you was my super secret mission...On a scale of one to ten. How did I do?"

Melody pretended to think it over as she took a few steps back, cutely tapping her bottom lip in thought.

"Oh I would say... A seven." Melody stated stunning Connor.

"S-seven?!" Connor sputtered out making Melody giggle and take a few more steps away.

"I took off three points for not giving me a chance to thank you back at the party. Like maybe inviting you to a dance." Melody said, spinning in a circle on her bare feet before facing Connor again with a cute pout. "It was mean of you to make me wait."

Connor looked at her and found her to be even cuter than before, which should have been impossible.

"I was going to come. But my suit was still being cleaned and your doorman hated corporate casual." Connor defended himself.

"We don't have a doorman." Melody looked confused.

Since there were only guards watching the entrance.

"Wait. That was a woman?" Connor inquired about the door man. "Good God. No wonder he was wearing eyeliner, and his five o clock shadow smelled like chanel."

Melody looked at him for a moment before she broke out into giggles.

"Hehehehehe! Are you naturally funny or did you have to rehearse?!" Melody said through the laughter.

"Nope. It's just every time I open my mouth. Some idiot starts talking. That's all." Connor shrugged.

Melody just giggled at his jokes.

"You are so crazy." Melody said before stepping up to him. "My crazy knight in glowing armor."

On that note Connor shifted into Maverick before he picked Melody up and held her bridal style and gave her a cartoony smolder on the mask eyes.

"You called?" Maverick inquired with a flirt in his tone.

Melody giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"I most certainly did. And you came right on time." Melody said, giving Maverick a kiss on the cheek. "Keep it up, and you just might raise your score from a seven to an eight."

"Girl. I'm going for a hard twenty with a size ten. But first I gotta ask." Maverick smirked and inquired. "You're single right? Cause I don't want some prima donna dude walking in thinking I'm a 'Class A Prevert' stealing his goods."

Melody blushed at his joke.

"No, I'm single. None of the guys I've met in the past interested me." Melody said timidly, looking down. "And even if I did, all of them just thought of me as just a weirdo."

Maverick felt a little heated to hear that Melody was treated like crap among most children that came into her life for not being a normal Princess.

"Well screw em. If they think your weird. They're just lame and they live in that one dimensional dog house they call proper society." Maverick quipped an assurance as he sat her back on her bare feet. "Take it from me. Wierd is the new normal."

"Take me for example!" A noise announced from the balcony entrance as Mini-Mav gave in and got their attention. "Behold!" He held his finger up.

And Maverick facepalmed himself for his little sidekick's timing.

"Why didn't I hire a monkey instead?" Maverick muttered very quietly to himself.

Mini Mav looked like a midget version of Maverick. Same metal. Same face and same color scheme and neon style. His humor and wit is twice over and sometimes he gives Maverick a headache. Bit deep down Maverick loves Mini-Mav like a sonโ€ฆ.ish type. Even if he can be such an obnoxious nutcase sometimes.

"Oh my goodness, he's so cute!" Melody gushed at the sight, always loving cute and adorable things. "Is he your sidekick?"

"Sidekick was my slave name! I prefer hero support! Entourage and unpaid intern!" Mini-Mav declared and then teleported up on the bed posing like a male model. And mimicked a New York accent. "The name's Mini-Mav. How you doin?"

"I built him in a lab." Maverick mused.

"I was created in six hours and on the seventh, Maverick rested." Mini-Mav quipped.

"Blasphemy." Maverick quipped.

"I love you too Padre!" Mini-Mav declared.

Melody just beamed as she grabbed the little robot and hugged him for all he was worth.

"Oh you're just an adorable little comedian aren't you?" Melody said sweetly, still hugging Mini-Mav.

"Padre, I swear, if you don't marry this girl, I will!" Mini-Mav stated proudly.

Then Mini-Mav added in a whisper. "My feelings. Humor and wit are base on his brain as well."

Meaning Connor's feelings toward Melody are displayed through Mini-Mav's words and actions.

"Oh really?" Melody mused with a smirk.

Maverick cleared his throat and changed the subject. "Mini-Me. Let's save it on the road." He insisted camly as he shifted back into Connor.

"Can do Boss!" Mini-Mav saluted Connor and hugged Melody while purring against her flirtatious like. Then he spoke in a cop's voice. "Sit back and enjoy the ride, Pretty Thing. You have the right to remain beautiful. Anything you say can and will make me hold you against me." He winked at her while flirting.

Making Melody giggle and hold Mini-Mav close while Connor snickered and rolled his eyes.

"Anyway... Do you need to pack anything before we leave? My ride is down stairs." Connor asked Melody.

This surprised Melody to hear as she placed Mini-Mav on the bed.

"Wait. You mean, I can come with you?" Melody asked with surprise, joy shining in her eyes in hope for the wonders of the world. And the Sea.

"Yeah for real. My Uncle. The boss told me to get on the King of Atlantica, your granddaddy's good side. And he asked me to look after you. I can't do that if you're here while I'm down there doing business in Poseidon's front yard." Connor stated while he placed a hand on her shoulder. Then he pointed out. "And I can also hear your parents' conversation down stairs from up here. Your Mom already agrees to take you with me."

"So. I'm about to go to Atlantica. To see my Mother's real home. And meet everyone...My Aunts?" Melody was realizing as it was sinking in." Melody was saying softly to herself as she sat on the bed. If this is true. Then she will no longer have a reason for that wall outside to be there. All her hopes, and dreams of being part of an aquatic fantasy are about to happen.

"And you'll also get to meet my Fam as well. As soon as they arrive." Connor stated and smirked as he held his hand out. "So tell me, Princess-Of-The-Main-Ingrediant-For-An-Orcestra. Will you join me on this cruise to Sea World?"

Melody stared at his hand before smiling and taking his hand in hers, accepting his invitation. She then pulled Connor into a hug with her arms wrapped around his neck.

"Absolutely. Thank you so much for everything today." Melody said before surprising him by kissing him on the lips. Connor was surprised by this for a moment before kissing back and putting his hands on her waist.

"Whoa boy!" Mini-Mav's eyes widened into hearts as he played back the cheering noises of a sitcom crowd.

Their kiss felt genuine. And magical as it lasted. As if they were starting to connect. Their first meeting was more heartfelt than what most couples have to go through. Because both of them are a human manifestation of what they always wanted in life. Connor always wanted someone who can listen and understand everything he says. and laugh at his jokes. While Melody always wanted to be free, accepted for who she was. And finally join the wonders of the Sea.

In Melody's eyes. Connor is everything she dreamed up in the form of a boy. And it's vice versa for Connor's view on Melody.

Just then the door opened as Ariel and Eric came back in.

"Melody? Darling are you oka-" Ariel's words halted as both her and Eric's eyes widened in shock and their jaws dropped.

Melody halted their kissing attack as she looked over and gasped a little. And she blushed as Connor was standing and looking back and forth, while Melody stood and rubbed her arm looking nervous.

"Awkward..." Mini-Mav sang quietly with his arms behind his back.

Usually most parents in modern times would either bring out a shotgun to kill the boy for touching their little girl, even though he didn't. Or give their daughter a life sentence of being grounded. Sometimes both.

But Melody is the daughter of Ariel. Someone who used to be a rebellious teen to end up with the man of her dreams. Eric who used to be in Connor's position of having a girl of the sea pursue him. Knows that this is something meant to be.

And Ariel was the first to smirk before Eric. And pretend to ponder.

"Hmmmm...Are we interrupting anything?" Ariel smirked with a teasing tone.

Knowing her daughter has a crush on Connor.

Melody blushed a deep red and quickly responded.

"Oh... Um... Nothing at all..." Melody stuttered out, fiddling with her hands. "Connor was just telling me that I would be coming along to Atlantica."

"I assumed that was her way of saying yes. So I couldn't resist." Connor teased that Melody kissed him first

Melody blushed even harder and tried stomping on his foot.

"Shut up!" Melody whispered loudly as she pressed her bare foot on top of his metal boot. Although he didn't feel anything from it, not even the pressure. And all he did was smirk.

"You're mom made the same reaction during our honeymoon." Eric smirked and amused about a fund memory.

"And you still deserve it for calling me the besr catch of red herring." Ariel smacked her husbands arm.

"Well you have red hair." Eric scoffed.

"Don't make me hit you in front of the kids." Ariel deadpanned, making Eric roll his eyes before he bent down to talk to Melody.

"You be careful out there Melody." Eric softly said to his daughter.

"You're not coming?" Melody asked, looking a little sad that her father wasn't coming.

"I would love to. But the castle needs it's king after the attack we had." Eric smiled and touched her cheek before bringing up another fact. "That and someone needs to keep a close eye on Oliver."

"Oh! Of course, I could never forget Ollie." Melody timidly beamed while mentally hitting herself for forgetting their newest member of the family.

"Who's Ollie?" Mini-Mav asked looking confused at Connor who shrugged in response since he doesn't know either.

"He's my baby brother. He's two months old." Melody said before grabbing his hand. "And he's sleeping in the nursery. Come on, let's go see him."

"Wait a sec I'm not good with- Woah!" Connor was pulled and dragged out of the room by Melody while Mini-Mav ran over them.

"Finally! I'll meet another live action Rugrat!" Mini-Mav toddled after them.

Ariel and Eric were both surprised by Mini-Mav never seeing anything like him before.

"Eric, any idea what that was that just walked past us?" Ariel asked, still surprised.

"I have no idea. You?" Eric replied.

"None." Ariel replied back and it became silent again.

The silence was broken when Ariel let out a snort of Amusement which turned into full-blown laughter from the two from their daughter's reaction a few minutes ago.


Down at the castle nursery...

Melody came in and opened the door before she placed a finger against her lips gesturing to Connor and Mini-Mav to keep quiet.

"He's in here." Melody whispered as she brought Connor and Mini-Mav inside.

Connor was brought into a well decorated Nursery with aqua marine walls with a hint of pink. Baby toys placed on shelves with clean spare diapers and other items needed to take care of a baby.

And in the center against the window is a crib with a Baby half away. Cooing and gurgling as he was wiggling a bit in his purple pajamas.

The baby had the same facial features as both Eric and Melody. And he had a little bit of Ariel's red hair.

This was baby Olivier. Melody's little brother.

Connor sighed looking relieved. "Thank God he's not two years old yet." He whispered to himself.

Oliver turned a bit in his bed and raised his head up.

"Aaai." Oliver squealed with a big smile seeing his big sister coming into the room.

" Hi there Sweetie. How's my baby brother?" Melody cooed, picking him up and began rocking him in her arms. "Who's the cutest baby brother in the world? You are. Yes you are."

Oliver giggled like a baby with his mouth open which made Mini-Mav show eye signs of hearts with a pacifier in the middle of them.

Then Melody tapped the baby's nose. and Oliver grabbed Melody's finger with his tiny baby hands and put it in his mouth and nawed on her finger with his gums.

"Oh, you like how my finger tastes little Ollie?" Melody cooed, making faces at him, making him laugh and giggled.

Mini-Mav then tugged at Connor's jacket getting his attention from the extremely cute scene.

"I hate to end a tender moment without a finale. But I found an item with strange readings in the Princess' shopping bag." Mini-Mav whispered, holding up a strange beige marble like fragment.

By shopping bag he meant Melody's bag of seashells. She found that item in the ocean earlier.

Connor looked curious as he picked it up ans scanned it with his ring. When he got the readings in front of him. His eyes widened for a moment as he finally understood why Attuma's men attacked the castle. Besides keeping him distracted.

"Psst Mel." Connor whispered, getting Melody's attention. "Where did you get this?"

"Oh that? I was swimming in the ocean earlier and found it by a few oysters. None of them had a problem with me taking it." Melody said, still rocking her arms for Oliver.

Oliver was slowly starting to get sleepy and his eyes were drooping from being in the loving warm arms of his big sister.

Connor looked at the item again as he was slowly starting to realize.

"Holy crap fries." Connor muttered as it was sinking in.

"What? What is it?" Melody asked quietly as she set the now sleeping Oliver back in his crib and walked towards Connor. "Is something wrong?"

"If those fish sticks ended up getting their hands on thisโ€ฆ.." Connor stated in thought before he held the fragment in front of Melody. "They attacked your party for two reasons. One, to keep me distracted and two. Because they wanted this."

"Why?" Melody looked concerned

"This is a fragment of the Pearl of Asarius. This artifact hasn't been seen for over ten million years." Connor said seriously gesturing to the artifact fragment.

"But what is the Pearl of Asarius?" Melody asked, looking curious before she placed her baby brother back in the crib to sleep.

"It's best if I explain once we get to Atlantica. I have a few other things to discuss on the ride over." Connor suggested that they leave before he gently shook Oliver's tiny baby hand. "Nice to meet ya buddy."

Oliver was already fast asleep as Melody smiled down and kissed his forehead. "I love you Ollie. I'll be back soon." She whispered to her little brother.

Then as Connor went out the door, Mini-Mav looked up at Melody.

"My legs are suddenly low on gas." Mini-Mav held his hands up asking to be carried.

Melody giggled and picked him up from the ground.

"Come on little guy. Up we go." Melody said and held Mini-Mav in her arms. "Such a cute little, whatever you are."

"I think. Therefore I do crap." Mini-Mav beamed in Melody's arms as she walked out holding him.

Good thing he said that quietly.

"Wow, your sense of humor is just as bad as Connor's." Melody stated with a giggle.


Down at the beach yard of the castle...

Ariel and Melody were following Connor across the beach as he stood near the shore. Mini-Mav was still in Melody's arms and Sebastian was following them as well.

"Where's your ride?" Melody asked curiously.

"Coming right up..." Connor stated as he pressed a button on his ring.

Then a jet engine roar was heard under water causing the water underneath to bubble and Ariel and Melody flinched a bit from the loud noise.

Then the Stingray came up from the water and hovered near the beach. Advanced and larger than any ship Anyone on this world has ever seen.

It was five hundred and sixty feet long and had a black body with black fins, a blue shield and green shell. On the right side of the vessel was the M logo for Maverick. It's metal was clear and shiny as the lights around the colors gleamed and shined around the submarine and the engines were attached to a long metal tail at the back. Which resembles the appearance of a stingray. Hence its name.

Everyone was awestruck by the modern looking Atlantean vessel. Even Max was outside barking and panting at it in fascination.

"Oh my... I've never seen anything like this before." Ariel commented in awe at the spectacle. "It's just...Wow."

"We're gonna be traveling in that!?" Melody exclaimed in excitement. "This is amazing!"

Connor then pressed another button causing the door hatch to open at the bottom of the sub.

"Make yourselves at home. We'll arrive at the city of angel fishes in the morning." Connor stated as he gestured them to come in.

Connor invited Melody in first as he took her hand and helped her onboard. The pre-teen Princess smiled and giggled as she stepped up onto the sub in her bare feet making padding noises as she went and looked around and squealed in amazement.

Ariel just smiled at her daughter's antics while having made a new 'friend' as she followed.

"Well, here we go. Returning to the sea." Ariel said to herself as she boarded the Stingray.

"Oh broder." Sebastian groaned as he followed behind her. "Why do I have de feeling I would be safer with dat crazy chef?"

Max ran over and barked loudly like an excited dog as he was hunching down like a dog asking to play. Which made Sebastian jump and fright with a high pitch yelp.

"EAK! I changed my mind. De ocean's better!" Sebastian quickly crawled in to not have to deal with the dog that keeps licking him and covering him in drool.

Max was panting and giving a cute whine towards Ariel as he noticed she was leaving.

"Max, come here boy." Ariel called out and Max ran up to her as she knelt down to his level to pet his head. "Melody and I are going away for a while. But we'll be back. But while we're gone, I need you to look after Eric and Oliver until we come home can you do that for me?"

Max barked in affirmation and licked her face.

"Good boy, now go on." Ariel said and Max nodded and barked once more before running back to the castle. Ariel stood back up with a nostalgic smile. "Bye everyone. See you again soon."

On that note. Ariel walked into the Submarine. Knowing that in the morning. She will be back to her true home. Her origins. Her place or birth. The sea.

More specifically. Atlantica.


Later on the Stingrayโ€ฆ...

Melody and Ariel were seated together on the sofa of the lower deck. The entire area was designed like the living room of a spaceship. Metallic. Luxurious. Two sofas with a flat screen TV. Blue neon lights underneath and tint windows with a view of the ocean.

Melody was sitting on her knees at one point looking out at the ocean in wonder.

"You're gonna want to sit for this one Seahorse." Connor said as he came over and sat at the table in front of them. Then he called on his personal A.I. "Felicity?"

'Welcome back Maverick.' Felicity greeted as she displayed in the form of a holographic orb floating above the table.

"Oooh, what's this?" Melody asked, fixated on the hologram.

"And who said that?" Ariel asked, just as curious.

'Greetings. Queen Ariel and Princess Melody. I am Felicity. The Maverick's personal Artificial Intelligence or A.I. for short. I am considered his assistant in battle and information.' Felicity answered.

"Oh, well hello Felicity." Ariel smiled and bowed her head in greeting. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Absolutely" Melody smiled as she was holding in her thrill of talking to someone and something new.

"If you both have any questions. Feel free to ask her and choose wisely." Connor stated with a wink before he made his way to the research room. "I'll be back. I need to check on a few side notes I've been working on."

'Do you have any questions? I will be happy to answer them for you.' Felicity stated in a friendly robotic tone.

"I have a question." Melody stated with curious interest. "Where does Connor come from?"

'Connor Ramsey, AKA the Maverick, was born on another Earth across the Multiverse. More specifically the town of Destiny Islands.' Felicity answered.

"And Destiny Islands. What is it like?" Melody asked.

'The Destiny Islands are a tropical suburban town located on the west coast of Miami in the blue sector of Earth 5. It serves as a town for tourists, split into three islands. With the main one being the residential areas. You could say that it is considered to be an alternative version of Hawaii.' Felicity stated while displaying many wonderful pictures of the Destiny Islands.

"Wowโ€ฆ. It looks so luxurious, and tropical. I'd love to visit there someday." Melody said smiling.

"I have a question myself if it's alright." Ariel said with curiosity edged on her face. "In your first answer, you referred to Connor as the Maverick. I've heard that term quite a bit these past few hours. What exactly is a Maverick?"

'I would love to answer You're Majesty. But I think it would make more sense if I explained the basic roles of his kind. And his purpose. Such as Kingdom Hearts. The Multiverse. And the welders of the Keyblade. Shall I explain for you?' Felicity answered logically.

"If you would please." Ariel asked politely. Ariel already knew about the Keyblades and several other factors about Kingdom Hearts. But she chose for Felicity to explain so Melody would understand.

"Yeah. I'm curious about myself." Melody said.

Then Felicity displayed a giant globe of a world that seemed massive.

'At the dawn of time. Before creation itself. There was one universe. Born of light. All in the world bathed and prospered into the light. The light is known as the source of all magic and wonder. And the hearts of all mankind flourished. The heart isn't related to the organ in a human chest. But a heart is different from a soul. For a soul is life. But a heart is what makes a person feel. What makes you.' Felicity explained. 'For a long time. All was well. Until one day. Others wanted the light for themselves. To keep it and hoard it. To control it. And on that day. Darkness was born.'

Felicity then displayed a form of holographic dark energy. As an example of the devastation that will come into the tale.

Ariel gasped in realization of what was being discussed.

"You're talking about the keyblade war." Ariel breathed.

"Keyblade War? What's that?" Melody asked curiously, but with a tinge of caution about the answer.

'It is what took place. When all in life began to fight for the light. Some wanted to defend the light for good. Others wanted to take the light for evil. And so began the war. And at the center of the war was considered the ultimate catalyst. Kingdom Hearts.' Felicity stated.

"Kingdom Hearts?" Melody tilted her head.

Then a large moon shaped heart displayed in the holograms.

'Kingdom Hearts is the heart of all worlds. The source of a light greater than all. And ultimate wisdom. The only way for such a warrior to access the power of Kingdom Hearts. Is with the X-Blade.' Felicity stated as she displayed the original Keyblade.

The X-Blade.

"The X-Blade? Is it different from the weapon Connor uses?" Melody asked.

'The X-Blade starts with the ancient Greek letter (X). Which stands for beginnings and conclusions.' Felicity stated as she spun the image of the X-Blade slowly. 'To put it plainly. This weapon inspired many to build their own keyblades.'

"like the one Connor uses." Ariel deduced.

'Soon the war for the light raged on. And it became chaos. And that chaos and abuse of light and darkness. Caused the world to shatter. The X-Blade was split in between pieces of light and darkness. And Kingdom Hearts vanished.' Felicity stated the grim details while showing visuals of those things.

"Oh my." Melody stated in horror at the tragic events.

'However In the midst of the oblivion. Fragments and small glimmers of the light began to spark and ignite. Thanks to the hearts of children. And that light repaired the damage. Turning the world that was once one large Universe. Into a collection of different universes. Different worlds and different realms. What we know as the Multiverse. Each created by different choices. Different events. And different origins. Whatever choices. People and species that are made different from yours. Is another reality. A reality that is one of many.' Felicity displayed the birth of the Multiverse and the spark of light within the hearts of children that brought back life into many worlds.

"Woah." Melody is astonished. "How many worlds are out there?"

'The exact number is not yet known. For just as a universe has infinite stars. The Multiverse itself is infinite. And so are the worlds.' Felicity stated that they're are too many worlds to count.

"What about the Keyblade wielders?" Ariel asked curious herself about how many are still out there.

'The very few that know of the Multiverse are tasked to keep the cosmic peace and balance known as 'The World Order'. The Guardians that protect The Order are the ones known as the wielders of the Keyblade.' Felicity projected warriors of every race and species that have keyblades and armors. 'Protectors that stand between light and darkness. They live by the rules and protect these worlds from darkness within the structures. And they must keep all knowledge outside of Multiverse from all. If any

world were to discover what's beyond the borders. If they're Destinies are interfered by any unjustified means. It will be a violation of the World Order. For any that threatens this Order could spark a new Keyblade War. Because of this. Even as we speak. The people of these worlds are living their lives, unaware of how much life is bigger than what they know.'

"That's... That's incredible." Melody said, drawn to the part about the protectors of the worlds. "And Connor is one of those guardians that protects the world order?"

'That is correct. However his jurisdiction is made for a different purpose than a common Keyblade Wielder. For there is only one who is chosen. A warrior with a mantle that is passed down from century to century. An independent keyblade wielder who fights the battles of light and darkness, one who makes his own rules to better serve the better Multiverse. And that warrior is and always has been, The Maverick.' Felicity displayed the Maverick. 'Connor Ramsey is the seventh Maverick to have ever existed.'

"That's quite the responsibility he has." Melody stated, finding Connor to be even more amazing.

"Definitely. But there is one thing I don't understand." Ariel commented. "You said he was chosen. Who or what chose him?"

Ariel wanted to also ask why. But she didn't want to sound cynical.

'The Maverick. Like all wielders of the keyblades. Are chosen by Kingdom Hearts. Even though Kingdom Hearts is nowhere to be found. It still lives. And it knows all. It knows the hearts of all. And it choses it's warriors. And the Maverick. For Kingdom Hearts is never mistaken. It chose Connor because Connor had the heart that is trusted and worthy of such an honor.' Felicity stated respectively.

"Yes. I can definitely see what you're saying. He does appear to be quite the trustworthy soul." Ariel said with a small smile.

"Just when I thought he couldn't get cooler, I'm proven wrong." Melody whispered loudly, stars in her eyes, making Ariel chuckled seeing her daughter's obvious crush on Connor.

"What?" Melody inquired.

"Oh nothing." Ariel smirked

'It is one thing to note that Connor Ramsey's abilities besides owning a keyblade that can morph into any weapon. And cast any spell. He also has the ability to bend an organic substance of blue and green lights into any shape and form. Or as he calls this ability neon.' Felicity stated as she displayed the strings of neon like a light show. *'Would you like to here more about his powers?'

"yes. I'd love to." Melody said with much enthusiasm, making Ariel stiff another chuckle.

"Like mother, like daughter." Ariel whispered to herself, referencing her daughter's crush on Connor to be not unlike her own crush on Eric all those years ago.

Melody blushed meekly at her mother's comment. Melody could lie to herself. She has a crush on Connor. She was glad that her mother approved. But her inner little girl was too shy to admit it to Ariel.

'Aside from Neon. Connor Ramsey also has Hydrokinesis. That is the ability to control and bend water. He can even produce water from the hydrogen within the air. Connor Ramsey was taught this magic during his training in Atlantis.' Felicity stated as she displayed the two elements of Connor's powers.

"Now that is amazing. I'm almost kinda jealous." Melody said with a smile. "I'd love to be able to do half of what I've seen Connor is capable of."

"Yeah I bet you would." Ariel teased before looking back at the hologram confused. "You said Connor trained in Atlantis. Don't you mean Atlantica?"

'Negative. I am referring to Atlantis. The advanced city under the ocean of the Marvel World. Connor's current home world. Atlantis is considered to be the second aquatic Kingdom. While your home Atlantica is considered the third Kingdom.' Felicity stated in response while displaying Connor's home. Atlantis.

"Third? How many underwater kingdoms are there?" Melody asked the question Ariel was about to.

'Currently. There are four different Kingdoms of Atlantis across the Multiverse. While the first Kingdom fell during the Keyblade War. The original Atlantis split during the fall of the Original World. And the fragments of Atlantis rose back up across the Multiverse. Each civilization apart of each Kingdom evolved to their Corresponding world. For example, the mere people as you call yourselves. Your ancestors...Your people's ancestors came from the original Atlantis. Connor's people included.' Felicity testified showing the same details Doctor Strange showed Connor earlier.

"Woah." Melody stated.

"Does my father know of these other kingdoms?" Ariel asked, looking contemplative.

'If he is the King of Atlantica. It is possible. King Triton's father joined forces with Connor's grandfather the King Of Atlantis during the war against the Skarka. Attuma's original race of aquatic alien species. They won that war together. And it would seem that Attuma wishes to resume where his father left off.' Felicity answered.

"Wait, if Connor's grandfather was the king of Atlantis..." Melody started in thought before realization shined in her eyes. "That means Connor is the Prince of Atlantis."

'That is correct. Connor Ramsey is the son of a human named Joe Ramsey. And an Atlantean named Namorita, who is second in command. And the clone cousin of Namor, The Submariner. King of Atlantis' Felicity answered while displaying the holographic images of Namorita and Namor the Submariner.

Melody's eyes were wide with surprise.

"Wow. He's just like me. A human father and a mother who is a mermaid." Melody whispered in revelation.

'More like Homo mermanus. The technical term for Atlantians. Your kind is considered Promo mermanus, also known as Mere people. Both are born from the same genetic bloodline of the Original Atlantians.' Felicity stated. 'Attuma is known as Karkis Mermanus. Or a Skarka. He currently reigns as the dominant ruler over the fifth Kingdom, known as Merida.'

"Fifth Kingdom? I thought you said there were four kingdoms." Ariel stated confused.

'There are, currently. The first Kingdom is called the Kingdom of Exile, the ruins of the Original Atlantis. Now lost and barren within the border of the Dark Realm. Where the Heartless dwell.' Felicity stated showing hieroglyphic images of the Kingdom of Exile. And the holographic images of a simple Shadow Heartless.

"Heartless? What are they? And what is this dark realm?" Melody asked, but a bit weary, as if part of her already knows the answer will not be good.

'The heartless are darkness made real. Hearts without form, and fed from the darkness within all Hearts. They are considered a common threat for the chosen warriors of the keyblade. And a threat to all worlds. But rest assured. Their main threat is light. And King Triton's trident is the Cornerstone of Light for this world. They dare not enter this world for risk facing the full power of light. You have King Triton to thank for this gift. For it was he, who casted this spell on the trident the.' Felicityrevealed.

Melody smiled a little and nodded, as she was glad to hear that her Grandfather secured her world.

'As for the Realm of Darkness. It is the source of all darkness. Born from the hearts of all. It is parallel to the Realm of Light also known as the Multiverse. The Dark Realm is void of light. It is oblivion and void made real. Without time and without hope. Anything or anyone caught in that realm can only be delivered out by a true Keyblade Master. One who has the Power Of Waking.' Felicity stated showing images of the Dark Realm. And the many forms of Heartless who dwell there. 'The main inhabitants of Dark Realm are the Heartless in every shape and form.'

"But I don't understand. Is darkness really that bad? I mean you said darkness existed in all hearts. So can something that's a part of us be evil? And are there people out there who actually have no darkness in them?" Melody asked, showing just how smart she was for someone her age.

'That is a good question. Darkness is half of everything. A heart is made up of light as well as darkness. You can't have one without the other. Light is everything and Darkness is nothing. And like the atoms within every object, without nothing, you can't have something.' Felicity stated the wisdom taught by the masters of old.

"So, there's no such thing as a heart with no darkness then because without darkness, there is no light and vise-versa." Melody concluded.

Just then Connor came walking in as he sat on the couch in front of them.

"Darkness always existed. The feeling we feel to do wrong. To rebel. To steal, kill and destroy. Everyone feels this but doesn't give in. Having Darkness. Having these feelings isn't what makes us evil. It's only what makes us human." Connor reflected on the morality of Light and Darkness. "It's only wrong to act on those feelings. Our ancestors who tried to hoard light for themselves. Gave into the Darkness. And it cost them everything in the War."

"So, there is darkness in everyone? Even me?" Melody asked with a hand to her chest, a sad look on her face.

Can gently took her hand and stated. "Mel. All negative feelings are based on Darkness. That feeling you feel when you're angry. Afraid. Heart broken. Disgusted. Mischievous, insane. Those last parts are actually me." Connor made a short quip, making Melody stiff a giggle before continuing. "Nobody is without these feelings. What makes a person's light stronger. What makes your light stronger is when you never give into all those feelings at once. Like Attuma. But he's far from your definition."

"Because he gave in to darkness." Melody concluded.

"Because he has a blackhole full of rusty nails and lima beans where his conscience should be. And yeah also because he gave into Darkness." Connor remarked and nodded.

This remark caused Melody to snort and break down into laughter. Ariel also chuckled at his quip.

"Still this is reality. These are all realities. And this is where I am. Standing between light and Darkness. Order and chaos. While I serve the light." Connor propped his legs up on the table and leaned back. Mostly to stop threats like this war that has been going on way past its expiration date."

He was referring to the war against Attuma.

"But how do we stop him then?" Melody asked, concern laced in her voice.

"To be honest. I haven't the faintest frickin idea. But folks like my Uncle and the Avengers are on the border of figuring that out." Connor stated honestly with a shrug.

"the Avengers?" Ariel and Melody asked at the same time, having no clue who they were.

Connor grinned and pulled up an image of the Avengers themselves. Including the current members that are on standby.

"In addition to Atlantis. I also come from a world filled with different super powered beings. People who are either born or gifted with powers. Often by accident like this guy." Connor gestured towards Spider-Man in the last comment. Then he quoted a very famous quote to describe the team. "And there came a day unlike any other, when Earth's mightiest heroes found themselves united against a common threat. On that day, they became The Avengers."

Then he played scenes of the Avengers in action. Fighting against villains like Ultron. Loki, and Thanos.

"Wow. They all look so cool." Melody beamed, and noticed Iron Man in the footage and pointed at him. "That hero right there. He sorta looks like you."

She was referencing his armor.

"Oh that's Tony Stark. Billionaire playboy and owner of a billion dollar company called Stark Industries. He was the victim of a tourist attack that nearly cost him his life and gave him an epiphany. When he found out they were using the weapons that he created for a profit. To as a means to correct this mistake. He went back home. Stopped selling weapons, built himself a suit of armor and went by the name Iron Man. Similar to mine except his is made entirely of modern technology that's even more advanced than my current century." Connor described Iron Man. "He is also one of the second leader of the Avengers."

"Who's the first leader of the avengers?" Melody asked.

Connor pointed at the First Avenger with the vibranium shield.

"That guy. Steve Rogers. AKA Captain America. A volunteer for a science experiment that took place more than seventy years ago. In World War II, don't ask, it hasn't happened in this worldโ€ฆ.yet. But he'll tell you when you meet him. Anyway, Steve was given a super soldier serum that made him faster, stronger. More durable and agile. And for a time he became a huge inspiration for those U.S. soldiers that fought and gave their lives in battle. Until he ended up crashing into the arctic and ended up frozen for seventy years." He stated.

"Frozen? How is he alive right now?" Ariel asked curiously and Melody nodded, wanting to know too.

"The Super Soldier serum that gave him his biceps and triceps, also gave him a stronger immunity to almost anything that's lethal. And most fatal wounds can heal over time if they don't land a lucky shot." Connor remarked.

"Well, that's good know." Ariel commented.

"Well it did. Eventually. Even though they found him and got him out of the ice. It took him a while to handle knowing that all his friends and everyone he knew was either dead or living in a retirement home. But the Avengers gave him a purpose, to fight for the new America using the inspiration and wisdom of the old. He had his struggles and serious debates with the America of my time. But in the end, everyone sees him as God's most righteous hero." Connor stated out of respect for Captain America. "If there's any Avenger you can trust with your life. It's him."

"I'm glad to hear that." Ariel said with a smile.

"I have a question. Who would you say is the strongest Avenger?" Melody asked with excitement.

Connor exhaled and hunched his head back thinking about the times Thor and Hulk fought, struggled and wrestled each other over a competitive rivalry they had over the years.

"Seahorse. You better be glad you've only asked me and not them. Cause you would've caused another action thriller war between these two if they heard you whisper those words in your sleep." Connor chuckled, gesturing to Thor and the Hulk. "These two are the strongest Avengers. Which one do you wanna know first?"

"The Green one." Melody said after giving it some thought.

"That jolly green giant is Doctor Bruce Banner. A result of an exposure to Gamma Radiation turned him into this bad boy. Every time he gets angry or raises his stress level. He turns into the Hulk. And the more angry he gets, the stronger he becomes." Connor stated seriously.

"Woah. Sounds kinda terrifying." Melody commented before pointing at the Norse God. "What about him?"

"Oh. History books and legends failed to describe this guy. That's Thor. You know him as the Norse God of Thunder. But he's the prince of an alien race of super beings from the realm of Asgard. For over fifteen hundred years he defended so many realms across space and time from threats that would've brought their extinction. And now he flies around with his magic hammer Mjolnir, his lightning, and god-like strength to fight alongside the Avengers." Connor stated giving his props to Thor.

This bit of information stunned both Ariel and Melody.

"You guys are teamed up with an actual god?" Ariel asked, astonished.

"Well...Thor's not exactly god. Or immortal for that matter. His family didn't create the universe. So he's more of a smaller 'g' I would say. Asgardians are born, they love and they die just like normal people...Give or take a thousand years, but I digress. They're just more physically advanced than humans." Connor explained the technicalities of Thor's people. "So calling him the God of Thunder is more of a slogan than an accurate depiction."

"Still, it seems pretty cool." Melody said, bringing her bare feet up to sit criss cross on the couch. "Will we be meeting any of them?"

"Heck yeah. When we get to Atlantica, we'll be meeting with a certain division of Avengers called the Illuminati. They're a group of brainiac superheroes that help my world's politics from making mistakes like India's phone calls. Don't ask. Anyway...One of the main six in the poster here is a founding member. My Uncle included." Connor remarked.

"Really?" Melody asked to which Connor nodded. "Well, now I'm even more excited to get there."

"Wow, I didn't think that was possible." Ariel joked with a smirk.

Melody blushed at this.

"Like I said. We'll meet them at Atlantica. In the morning. Feel free to use the two guest rooms down the hall. But not the one at the far end. I don't wanna wake the dog. He'll think it's Christmas or the rapture." Connor gestured to the two rooms at the front left inside the Stingray.

"You have a dog on board?" Melody asked excitedly.

"Oh you shouldn't have said that. Melody's quite the animal lover." Ariel said with fond exasperation.

"So am I! That's why we have Maverick as our leader!" Mini-Mav echoed from the top deck.

"Bite me Short Circuit!" Connor responded up at him.

Melody just giggled at their antics while Ariel just smirked with a shake of her head.

"So, you really have a dog? I would love to meet him." Melody said, gushing with positivity.

"Hey I could be wrong. Maybe Dug's my middle name." Connor shrugged humorously while pointing at the doggy dish. "But seriously he's a chatterbox at night. Don't worry you'll meet him around breakfast." He assured, before opening the door to his bedroom.

Melody pouted, which only made her more cute.

"Okay. I'll wait till morning to meet him" Melody sighed in acceptance.

"Besides, it's been a long day. And you look like you're down to three quarters of hot water." Connor remarked seeing how sleepy she was.

"I'm not sleepy." Melody tried to deny, but was dashed when she let out a loud yawn and her eyes became droopy.

"Melody? Darling? If you sleep now. You might wake up with fins tomorrow." Ariel smiled playfully and hinted in a sweet voice that she'll be a mermaid tomorrow.

"I might do it by accident." Connor hinted humorously.

That got Melody's attention.

"Are you serious?" Melody asked, to which Ariel gave a nod. Melody squealed in excitement and jumped up from the couch and ran for her door.

She stopped herself before entering her room and turned around and ran to her mom to hug her goodnight, making Ariel giggle as she hugged back.

"Goodnight Mom." Melody said looking up to her.

"Goodnight Melody." Ariel said, giving her daughter a kiss on the forehead. "Sleep well."

Melody nodded before walking back to her door. Before entering, she turned to Connor.

"Goodnight Connor, and thanks for everything today." Melody said shyly while twirling her hair with her finger.

Connor grinned and responded. "Goodnight Seahorse. It's what I do. It's in the trading cards." He gestured to the Maverick trading cards on the desk. Along with the Avengers and X-Men ones. "See you both tomorrow."

Then he went into the room and closed the sliding door with the blue button that says door on the panel. Letting Melody and Ariel know how to close their doors.

Once everyone went inside. Ariel sighed thinking about her father. And the danger he might be in.

"I'm sorry Daddy."Ariel whispered with a tear and a look of determination. "We'll save you. Whatever it takes."


Meanwhile up on the top deck...

Mini-Mav was sitting at the captain's chair watching the sub drive on autopilot while Sebastian was watching from the top of the co-captain's chair. The ocean and sub were quiet. Unfortunately for Sebastian...

Mini-Mav was not.

"Okay here's another one! What does a hermit crab call its home?" Mini-Mav stiffed a laugh.

"Am I in crustacean hell?" Sebastian asked with his eye twitching in frustration and pure annoyance as he eyes were bloodshot and he was shaking like a rest broken leaf.

"Close. It was...Michelle!" Mini-Mav stated and fell back laughing. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA!"

Sebastian said, trying to calm himself. "I swear if dis man tells one more joke, I'm gonna boil over." Sebastian's face palmed himself with both of his claws.

Then Sebastian double looked and saw a note on the wall. Which reads 'In case of an emergency of sanity. Press the M Emblem above Mini-Mav's butt'.

Sebastian saw Mini-Mav stand up on his chair to declare another joke. And the crab saw the M symbol above his back side. Which looked more like a button. Being curious and anxious to end this conversation. Sebastian reached to push the button with his claw.

"So then she asked me! Where do the crabs sleep?! And then I told her they sleep on the sea be-" Mini-Mav stopped mid second to shut down and go into status. He slouched on the chair and began to recharge and snore.

Mini-Mav's face screen showed signs of sleep. Like 'ZZZZzzzzzz'

And now all was quiet. Finally.

"oh finally, silenceโ€ฆ." Sebastian sighed in relief and slouched in his chair. "Why couldn't dat boy have told about dat button before de little man nearly drove me over de edge, man?"

Then as Sebastian looked over to see a poster of a crab doodle and a logo that read 'Because a boiled crab is the best kind.' As if it was ironically answering his questions.

Sebastian rolled his eyes and groaned before he yawned and fell asleep. "At least de girl is smiling again...Without making me sweat...Dat girl...Just like her mother." He sighed with a smile before falling asleep.

Sebastian cares about Melody. It's why he is always a nervous wreck. She's a girl worth protecting. And Connor is realizing that as well.


Back over in Meridia...

Attuma had just gotten back to the palace in Merida as King Triton was taken into custody in the dungeon. Where he was put under strict guard.

But when Attuma discovered that the Trident in King Triton's hand wasn't working. And the fact that it had a label that read 'Made in China'.

Attuma was furious. As he figured that the Maverick switched the real one with this fake one while they were fighting. Showing that he underestimated his foe. And while Attuma was in this heat of anger, he wasn't happy to find out that Tiger Shark opened an attack on the Castle in Denmark which got the Maverick's attention. And the fact that Tiger Shark told Maverick where Attuma was when they took King Triton. If Tiger Shark never attacked, Maverick would've never found out, and Attuma would have the second Trident by now.

So when Attuma found this out. He summoned Tiger Shark to the warden's office of the palace dungeon. And immediately didn't hold back his anger.

And Tiger Shark wished he had never escaped out of Maverick's bindings earlier

"Please Lord Attuma! I meant no- ACK!" Tiger Shark's plea was cut out with a punch that staggered him back a bit.

"I ordered you to await my command!" Attuma growled as he balled his fist and knocked Tiger Shark a few feet across the floor with his back hand.

"Ugh!" Tiger Shark stumbled on the ground and fell on his butt.

"Instead, your mindless agenda resulted in me losing the second Trident. And the delay of my plans!" Attuma snapped glaring down at his second in command.

"My intentions were pure Master. I only wanted to help you find the Pearl and be rid of the Maverick." Tiger Shark tried to explain as he crawled backwards on the ground.

Attuma responded by stomping his boot onto Tiger Shark's face, making him scream in pain.

"No one rids me of the Maverick but Me! Do you understand?!" Attuma roared, his anger being known as he put more pressure on his stepping on Tiger Shark. "DO YOU?!"

"Agh...My King...I will make things right...I swear!" Tiger Shark choked under his boot as it pressed against his face. "I know how to set your plans back on course!"

Attuma removed his boot from Tiger Shark and lifted him up by the neck.

"Explain, Tiger Shark. Quickly." Attuma commanded, putting a bit more pressure on his hold, emphasizing that Tiger Shark better start talking.


Later in the morning...

Melody woke up in her guest room. Loving how comfortable the bed and sheets are. And enjoying the soothing sounds of the ocean from the window with a view. Her eyes opened looking out and smiling at the view.

Before she heard panting. Melody curiously turned her head and yelped "Ah!"

Melody was startled at first. But then she backed down to see a dog standing near her bed. Panting happily at her. It was a cute golden retriever. And his collar read 'Dug'

As in Connor's dog.

"Awe, you must be Connor's dog." Melody gushed and got out of bed and kneeled before the dog and started petting him. "You're such a beautiful dog."

Dug started licking Melody's face, making her laugh as she kept petting him.

"Good boy, oh you're such a good boy." Melody said between laughs.

Just then, Ariel walked into the room to check on Melody and found her kneeling on the ground petting a beautiful golden retriever. This just made her chuckle.

"I should've known you'd already be playing with Connor's dog." Ariel said with fond exasperation, catching Melody's attention as Dug stopped Licking her. "You always were an animal lover."

"Well can you blame me? He's such a cutie." Melody beamed before turning her attention back to Dug who was still panting in happiness. "Sit boy."

And Dug sat.

"Wow. He even does tricks." Melody beamed before holding out her right hand palm side up. "Shake."

Dug put his right palm in her hand and the two shook hands/paws. Melody giggled in joy.

"Well, he certainly seems to be well trained." Ariel chuckled, watching the two.

"I know, right?" Melody said after letting Dug's paw go. "Speak."

"Hi there."

Ariel and Melody paused and looked shocked, for it sounded like that 'Hi there' came from Dug.

"Did that dog just say "Hi there"?" Ariel asked, stunned.

"Oh, yes!" Dug responded from his collar with a small bulb lighting red each time he speaks.

Ariel's eyes widened as the dog kept staring at Melody and spoke without moving his mouth, "My name is Dug. I just met you and I love you." He beamed.

Melody was still in surprising awe just like her mother as Dug sat up and leaned on Melody's laps panting up at her like a happy dog,

"My Master made me this collar. He is a smart Master and he made me this collar so that I may talk." Just then, the dog was on alert, "SQUIRREL!"

A few minutes of awkward silence he turned back to Melody panting happily, "Hi there! My Master is good and smart."

Melody was stunned for a few more moments before she let out a squeal of excitement and wrapped her arms around Dog, hugging him.

"This is amazing!" Melody gushed as she continued to pet Dug while hugging him.

"Oh I love you too. And your hugs are so nice and warm" Dug said, still panting, enjoying the attention. "You are very kind, just like my Master."

"Awe... If cute was lethal. We'd all be in an epidemic." Mini-Mav gushed at the side as he walked by. Having just awoken from stasis to join Connor in the research room. And seeing the sight next to Ariel who was smiling also.

"Good morning Mini-Mav." Ariel said down to the little robot.

"Yeah. Good morning, how'd you sleep last night?" Melody asked while still giving Dug lots of attention.

"I slept?" Mini-Mav asked, looking confused. Not remembering to have been shut down for the night and yet he feels recharged.

'Good evening passengers. We will be arriving in Atlantica within the hour. Feel free to grab breakfast at the table in the lounging area.' Felicity announced as fruit. Bagels and granola bars appeared at the table.

"If anyone needs me and the boss. We will be working on a super secret project." Mini-Mav stated as he was about to walk away.

You mean the transmodifier?!" Dug asked while panting at Mini-Mav blowing the secret.

"We will be working on a project." Mini-Mav repeated leaving out the word 'super secret' this time as he walked into the research room and closed the door.

"Oh boy! Breakfast! I'm so hungry I could eat a sub! Not this sub, it's too expensive to replace!" Dug beamed and barked as he ran out of Melody's guest room and into the lounge room to eat his breakfast flavored dog food in his feeding bowl and he started munching. While saying he was munching. "Munch...Munch munch munch...Munch munch munch."

"I think Dug has the right idea." Melody said, standing up on her bare feet. "Come on Mom, let's go get some breakfast."

"Yes, let's." Ariel chuckled as Melody ran out of her room with Ariel following close behind.

The only secret Dug didn't blow is what the transmodifier does. And the reason Connor was wrapping up predictions on it sooner than intended. It was really for one reason.

Connor was now building it for Melody. As her next birthday surprise.


THAT'S ALL FOR NOW FOLKS! ๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽ‰

I bet you all were shocked to see Melody with a baby brother..I mean twelve years living with a hot mermaid as a wife. How would Eric not get Ariel pregnant again? ๐Ÿ˜ฌ

You're right that sounds awkward, but you get my point.

Also don't worry about King Triton. He'll be fine. This will all build up to a journey across the stars that will begin in the next chapter. Connor and Melody's first world will be the chapter after that.

As for that Tiger Shark's got planned for Attuma to gain the upperhand and get things kick-started for a new war to take placeโ€ฆ.. And whatever Connor is building for Melody.

Find out soon when we continue this story in the next chapter!

"Even I'm not sure what they got planned. So don't go looking it up on Wikipedia, alright?" Maverick responded to the readers.

Thank you all so much for reading! Don't forget to leave comments and let me know your thoughts! and smash those Fave and Follow buttons if you like what you see!

And as always Disney/Square Enix fans!

FISTBUMP! ๐Ÿ‘Š๐Ÿ‘Š๐Ÿ‘Š๐Ÿ‘Š๐Ÿ‘Š๐Ÿ‘Š๐Ÿ‘Š๐Ÿ‘Š๐Ÿ‘Š๐Ÿ‘Š