We're back folks! πππ
And I gotta ask. Did everyone watch Moon Knight? I did and boy I'm hooked. Nuff said. Go watch it if you haven't! Aeight, now let's get back to this.
For those of you that are wondering. Yes I will get back to Orion's story. Just as soon as I complete a good amount of Aiden's story.
"And a crap ton of mine." Connor quipped.
Too a point. But I have a plan after being inspired by Spider-Man No Way Home's three Spider-Men second act. I'd like to do something cool with that idea.
"Isn't that kinda ripping off original art?" Connor inquired.
If the Flash can do it, I can too.
"Good point." Connor shrugged.
RustyPete12: Thank you! Oh yeah, I knew bringing in Venom and Omega, especially Dug tickles our inner fanboy and child. Believe me it won't stop there. π. Also as for that Unicron idea. Well...I did come up with something that's sort of similar, but a little more original. Trust me, it's all part of the plan. π
SPYRO 101: Thank you! Trust me. Triton will be okay. And Lunafreya's role will play an important part of this story. Also thank you for helping me write this chapter. ππ
olehbilenko93: Thank you! I appreciate your support. π
3bodyjaa: I know right?! π
Alright. Now that we're all here.
LET'S GET DANGEROUS! π
Return To The Sea.
Dreaming in the Station of Awakeningβ¦.
Before Melody awoke and met Dug. The Little Princess found herself silenced and standing in a world, pitch black dark and standing on top of a pillar with a stained glass image of herself in her Shift form. She looked around, confused and was wondering why she was here.
"Where am I?" Melody whispered.
Then she heard a voice.
"You have seen and heard much. But there is more to be seen and done."
Melody was wondering who the voice was.
"You will soon make a difference."
"Take your time. Don't be afraid."
Just then, three pedestals rose around Melody. One with a sword, one with a shield and the other with a magic staff.
"Power sleeps within you. If you give it form⦠it will give you strength. Choose well."
Understanding the test. Melody walks up to the Shield. And took it in her hand. And observed its well crafted pattern.
The power of the guardian. Kindness to aid friends. A shield to repel all. Is this the power you seek?
"Yes." Melody chose. Then the weapon vanished.
"Your path is set. Now, what will you give up in exchange for it?"
Melody was thinking for a moment, then she walked over to the staff and picked it up to see what it was for.
"The power of the mystic. Inner strength. A staff of wonder and ruin. Do you give up this power?"
Melody had seen first hand how important magic really is. So her answer was. "No."
Then Melody left the weapon on it's pedestal And went over to check out the soed.
"The power of the warrior. Invincible courage. A sword of terrible destruction. Do you give up this power?"
Melody was a kind and pure hearted Princess. She desired the means for her friends and loved ones to be safe. She has no intention of bringing destruction to even her worst enemies. If she had to. Melody would only want the means to protect everyone from it.
Not becoming destruction itself.
"Yes." Melody answered as the weapon vanished. Then she stood back in the center of the pillar.
"You've chosen the power of the guardian. You've given up the power of the warrior. Is this the form you choose?"
"Yes." Melody answered.
Then the whole area immediately shifted into the island where she first met Connor. Melody looked around and saw Ariel standing by the shore. Eric standing by a palm tree. And Connor standing in his shack.
She approaches Connor first and he looks at her.
"What do you want out of life?" Connor asked and mimicked 'The last Crusade'. "You must choose. But choose wisely."
Melody thought for a moment and answered. "I want to be a part of the Sea. As well as my home on land. I want both sides to be together, never having to be separated again."
"You have chosenβ¦.wisely." Connor mimicked humorously then disappeared.
Then Melody walked over to Ariel. Her mother smiled warmly at her.
"Hello my Darling. What is most important to you?" Ariel asked her in an optimistic voice.
All her life, Melody lived with limitations and isolation despite her being a Princess, and separated from her mermaid heritage. And not being accepted for who she was by the other children around her. And then Connor crossed paths with her. He protected for Melody and accepted her. It's like her life is finally beginning with him. No one was ever acted friendly, charming, warm and encouraging to her like Conmor.
The answer was simple for her.
"Connor. He is the most important thing to me now. And I hope he will accept me one day." Melody stated truly and without missing a beat.
Ariel smiled and nodded before disappearing.
Then Melody walked over to Eric who turned and smiled at her.
"Hello Sweetheart. What are you afraid of the most?" Eric asked her.
Melody wasn't sure how to give a straight answer for that one.
"I guessβ¦.what I'm afraid of the most is...Becoming unacceptable." Melody answered, while leaning her forearm on the tree.
"What do you mean?" Eric asked her.
"I've always been afraid to experience the feeling of not knowing what happens next." Melody sighed, feeling dejected as she looked down. "I've always been afraid of uncertainty. Feeling like I'm not good enough and it would cost everything around me. Not just what I have. But what I could gain in the future."
Then Melody looked back up and saw that her father had already vanished.
"You want to become one with the Land and Sea. The Maverick is the one you love. He is who most important to you. And you're afraid of not being good enough, causing you to lose everyone and your bright future."
"The Maverick will need your light to fulfill his destiny. And your destiny will become one with his. When the darkness is vanquished. All that you desire will come to pass."
"Be ready. And may your heart be your guiding key."
And just like that. The dream was over.
Later at the Meridian Palace...
The palace had a good view of the shining city of Meridia. As the rooms were luxurious and fit for royalty. Needless to say most of Attuma's enemies would usually be below the dungeon and kept under lock and key. But Attuma had a special prisoner that he needed to be kept in sight at all times.
King Triton.
Triton was looking out the windows made out of an unbreakable aqua phase shift but easier to see through than glass. His room was well decorated. Fit for a king with aquatic blue painted walls. Fancy matching furniture like a dresser. A couch, chair, desk and lamp near a water themed fireplace with water waves made out of pearl. Complete with a large bed with an ocean canopy. That and everything was underwater but had a nice gravit-related effect of making sure none of the furniture would float around.
Inspite of his living conditions. Triton was not glad to be there at all. But there was nothing he could do. With the security collar on that makes him weak each time he tries to resist physically or attack. It makes him submit and fall to the ground, feeling weak.
So all Triton can do now is sit. Wait. And hope for a miracle. He cursed himself for going to that outpost while underestimating Attuma.
Speaking of which.
"I trust that you're comfortable here at your stay in my Palace?" Attuma floated in with his hands behind his back. Acting hospitable.
"I would feel a lot more comfortable if the roles were reversed" Triton gritted out. "Keeping me locked up will not help you accomplish anything."
"Of course not. You won't be in the way of my plans. And it is the effect of an old human saying. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." Attuma declared as he was in the room with Triton. Along with two palace guards standing by the door ready to defend. "However. We don't have to be enemies."
Attuma always was a calm, calculative and determined leader. For a tyrant.
King Triton narrowed his eyes at the Tyrant, having an idea about what he was suggesting.
"And what exactly did you have in mind then?" Triton still asked, just to be sure.
"Look out the window. Tell me, what do you see?" Attuma gestured as he stood out the window.
Attuma stood by the window and watched everyone in Meridia go about their business and children of aquatic races and shapes and some resembling humans, playing near the palace gates in the street.
Attuma may see a city thriving under his rule. But that's not what Triton sees.
"I see a Kingdom, full of people, who are being oppressed by a tyrant, and deceived into believing that he is their salvation." Triton grounded out.
Attuma chuckled slightly. "I suppose it is harsh that the children are allowed to even play near the palace entrance. My guards always have to clean their uniforms when they're shift ends." He remarked before he sat down on one of the lounging chairs, and spoke. "Before my rule here. These waters used to be barren. This palace was empty. Because the surface dwellers who loved here use to leach and feed off of the wild life and zap the resources of the oceans. Polluting the waters in hopes that their advanced race would thrive."
"So what actions did you take?" Triton inquired.
"Simple. I raised an army. And slew every pure blooded human in this world. Rose the waters high enough to touch the sky. And burned all contamination and waste left behind by the surface world. Now this world belongs to the ocean. Because I am in control." Attuma declared as he reflected on his accomplishments. "The children of Meridia used to run from ships and harpoons. And they used to scavenge for scraps before they would go to bed hungry, sleeping on rocks. This city was on the brink of collapse because of humans. Ever since I wiped out those savages. The children of those children. The ones who see outside. They have known nothing of soft beds. Clear skies and full bellies."
"So, you thought the only solution was to wipe out every last human?" Triton spat out in disgust.
"You speak as if the idea never crossed your mind. What about what those beasts did to your beloved? I'm sure the thought of wiping them all out sounded quite tempting to you back then." Attuma said smoothly, making Triton bristle.
"I will not deny I despised mankind for quite some time for what became of my wife. But I learned that holding on to that hatred will only drag me down to hell." Triton stated. "Just like you'll be with your solution of genocide."
"It's not genocide. It's purification. Blood demands blood. And it's the only thing the surface world ever understood. Take your world for example. While you were making peace with those humans. Others around your world, your kingdom. They continued to hunt fish for food. Crabs for currency and killing whales for sport." Attuma stated. "Do you honestly believe humanity is worth redeeming?"
"For a time, no. I lost my hope for humanity for quite some time. But that changed with one human, The one my daughter fell in love with. The one who." Triton stated confidence in his voice, he was speaking of Eric. "He risked his life to save me and my daughter from Ursula. He restored my faith in humanity. I believe they can reach redemption. And I shall not give it up now. Not again."
"Even as their kind continue to hunt and kill yours?" Attuma inquired.
"They don't know of the anguish they cause. But I still long to see the light of a new age. One where we can all exist together in peace and friendship." Triton declared.
"Hmmm... Believe as you wish Your Highness. Soon you will see. That the only solution to peace and freedom. Is to rid ourselves of the contamination." Attuma said in a serious tone as he stood up. "Rest assured no harm will come to you as long as you remain here and cooperate. Enjoy your stay."
Before Attuma could leave, Triton had one more thing to say.
"We both know my safety is not your concern. You only wish to have my trident." King Triton glared.
"If it will grant me the power to spread the glory I've brought to Merida, all over the Multiverse. Than so be it." Attuma said darkly before he walked out with his men.
Leaving Triton alone in his room that he continued to glare at the door before looking down. Fighting hopelessness. Deep down he knew his daughter and grand daughter were in good hands with the Atlanteans. The mere people. And of course, the Maverick.
Attuma walked down the hall towards his throne room. Where Lunafreya the Oracle of Light stood near the throne. As an oracle she has legal rights to stand and come unsummoned before the King. Attuma was kinda of amused to see her while she looked unhappy.
"When you told me you would bring glory to Merida. I assumed you would do so with no more anarchy." Lunafreya frowned as she stood with her scepter.
Her septer was silver with a round disk on top like a looking glass. As if to reflect how she sees the light.
"I have not." Attuma stated as he walked over to sit on the throne.
"Then how do you explain the attack on the the Denmark Palace?" Luna inquired.
"Tiger Shark's insubordination was dealt with." Attuma clarified.
"Tiger Shark?" Luna inquired.
"Yes. He caused the attack. And gave away our existence to their world. But rest assured. He answered for it. And he has come up with a solution to rectify our cause." Attuma stated.
"Enlighten me." Luna responded.
"Tell me Oracle. What do you know about the Maverick?" Attuma asked the Oracle.
Luna paused for a moment as she thought of her answer.
"The Maverick is a keyblade wielder, chosen by Kingdom Hearts itself, and granted with the mantle of independent jurisdiction, passed down from warrior to warrior. In hopes of fighting all corruption to protect all life and to better serve Kingdom Hearts." Luna stated what she knew.
"Which is why we'll let our independent seed do the work for us. As we speak. The Maverick has devised a way to travel the Multiverse on his aquatic vessel. And Tiger Shark just so happens to have placed a tracker on his vessel. We will know when the Maverick finds the next Trident." Attuma stated.
Luna hid the fact that she felt uneasy about Attuma's plan. But she remained straight and poised.
"He will be expecting any offense you send after him." Luna stated.
"Not our best offense." Attuma hinted.
Luna staggered a bit but didn't show it in her face.
"You're sending 'him' in?" Luna inquired.
"All measures must be taken if the oceans of the Multiverse will ever be free of the oppression of the surface." Attuma declared and requested."For now. I would like for you and your servants to keep an eye on our guest, King Triton. It is imperative that we keep him in good health and that he remains alive for the sake of the third trident."
Luna silently seemed concerned for King Triton as she disapproved of him being kept as a captive. But Luna gave a bow to assure Attuma.
"It will be done. My servants and I will take care of King Triton." Luna said as she rose from her bow.
Then Lunafreya hovered off her bare feet and turned to leave, since the palace was under water on the inside, it was easy for her to hover. And as Luna was leaving. She passed by someone in armor. Someone who glanced at her while she looked at him with sympathy. Once Lunafreya was out of the palace. The man in armor came over and kneeled before Attuma on his throne.
"Sea Slayer. My apprentice." Attuma grinned seeing the armored one.
"My Master. What is thy bidding?" Sea Slayer spoke in a deep, low gravel-like voice.
He wore dark silver armor with the knees and visor on his helmet glowed an eerie red, with glowing red lines about his body. The boots were two-toed, like a ninja. On his back were two swords sheathed behind him with a futuristic rifle attached to a back.
"Your next mission is of most importance to our cause. The Maverick himself is on the move. And he will be entering into another world soon on his quest to find the other tridents." Attuma declared and gave a command. "When I give the order. You are to face the Maverick and fight. And when you do fight. Fight to kill."
Sea Slayer bowed to him, with his right arm over his chest.
"By your will, it shall be done, Master." Sea Slayer said to Attuma.
Attuma had everything according to his plans. Tiger Shark was standing at the back of Attuma's throne with his elite guardsmen as he took a sigh of relief. He was glad to have dodged a bullet with the King.
But Attuma is as cunning and unpredictable as he is. The Maverick might be more unpredictable than he can comprehend.
Back over in Atlantica...
The ocean was quiet and still alive in spite of the absence of King Triton's presence in the palace. Luckily Alana the second born daughter of King Triton was left in charge of running the palace and keeping it safe until Ariel arrives.
They chose Ariel to rule Atlantis in their father's absence.
Speaking of which.
The fish and mermaids swimming around inside and out of the palace heard a loud rumbling engine noise coming from the distance.
While playing an instrumental track on the speakers. Suddenly they could see the Maverick's vessel the Stingray coming in from the distance. The mere people and the fish were relieved and happy to see the Maverick return especially in their time of need.
(Berry White - Can't Get Enough of Your Love Baby - Instrumental version)
(Lyrics by Connor Ramsey.)
As the Stringray swayed and flew across the waters swimming like an actual Stingray. It swam in Circles around the palace and flowing around the kingdom of Atlantica as the music played.
"I've heard people say that~ Too much of anything is not good for you, baby~" Maverick spoke in the intercom mimicking Berry White.
"No, oh no~" Mini Mav sang the echo.
"But I don't know about that~ There's many times that we've swam and...We've shared water and made...Whatever comes after water~" Maverick continued to mimic Berry White as the Stingray swam around.
The mere children were watching in awe while all the mermaids waved at the Maverick's vessel.
"Well well well!~" Mini Mav hummed the echo.
"It doesn't seem to me like it's enough~ There's just not enough of it~ There's just not enough~" Maverick mimicked the lyrics.
"Oh, yeah, yeah~" Mini Mav hummed.
Then the music stopped like a record scratch.
"You get the idea. I love the water, y'all love the water, aight? Now I'm gonna need to land my baby somewhere safe where I won't violate anyone's personal space. Also could the current lady of the house meet with us to talk about the biz? Thank you, that's all. Peace!" Maverick spoke normally as he swam the Stingray over somewhere safely.
He was able to find a nice spot to land the String way. It was at the Undersea courtyard. Just a few swims away from the palace and in the middle of the kingdom of Atlantica.
Once the Stingray parked safely onto the ocean surface. Maverick shifted back into Connor and went back down stairs to speak with Melody and Ariel down in the lower deck in the lounging area.
Melody was standing at the large glass shielded windows of the Stingray. Leaning against the glass and watching the ride the entire time.
Melody finally was seeing it as the Stingray swam around it earlier. Atlantica. And the mermaids. She felt such a thrill and a sense of restoration. Feelings that belong to her mother.
Ariel came out as she was wearing a dress in a multi shade of blue, consisting of a powder aqua blue blouse with long sleeves, a midnight blue bodice, and a cobalt blue foot length skirt. And her red hair out of her bun was more loose with only her front bangs fixed like a bun. And she was barefoot like her daughter Melody who was still wearing her underclothes.
Ariel smiled as she saw her daughter looking out at the window in a trance. As if she longed for it. Ariel walked over and Melody was still in awe.
"I can't believe it. We're actually here. Atlantica." Melody breathed joyfully.
"It's even better up close." Ariel said while looking at her true home with a smile, as she put a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "You know. As much as I love living on the surface, I've really missed seeing this."
"I can imagine. And...I'm kinda jealous you got to live and grow up down here." Melody grinned at her mother.
"Well, if we're being honest. I've always been a little jealous that you got to live on the surface for most of your childhood." Ariel admitted, surprising Melody. "When I was your age, I had to fight tooth and nail to live up on land with your father."
Melody understood. Ariel and she had so much in common. The only difference they have is their heart's desires. Melody is of the land desiring the sea while Ariel was of the sea desiring the land.
It's kind of a paradox or something.
"I guess it's...Ironic when you think about it." Melody rubbed the back of her neck.
"I guess so." Ariel did the same thing.
"Still I've swam in secret my entire life and met a lot of fish that could talk. I guess I'm...Not sure...I mean. Now that we're here...Actually here..." Melody was nervously trying to find the right words before she looked up at Ariel. "What is it like inside? What can I expect?"
Ariel smiled and placed a gentle hand on her daughter's cheek.
"You'll meet a lot of amazing and friendly mermaids, and fish, who will love you instantly when they meet you." Ariel said encouragingly.
"And not to mention it's de best place to not meet da fish who can't wait to eat you." Sebastian sighed happily from the floor below them as he held his claws out. "My adoring public. How dey miss me."
Then Dug walked over like a good dog and panted at the window with his mouth hanging open and bits of drew dropping on Sebastian's head.
"Ugh..." Sebastian groaned as he wiped the saliva off himself.
"Water...Water...Lots of water...Too much to drink but shall drink. And sand. Vader doesn't like sand. He thinks it's nasty." Dug spoke randomly from his collar.
Just then Connor came down from the upper deck steps and teleported over to Ariel and Melody.
"Just got the word from S.H.R. up ahead." Connor stated.
"S.H.R.?" Melody inquired.
"Sub-Human Resource. And by that I mean the folks straight ahead contacted me. The portal is ready and we're awaiting the arrival of the Submariner and his squad. AKA my fam." Connor clarified.
"You mean we get to meet your family?" Melody said with excitement in her voice.
"That's wonderful Connor. it'll be nice to meet the people who we'll be allied with." Ariel said before adding, "not to mention the ones to raise such a compelling charmer like yourself."
That last part was probably more of a tease at her daughter. Knowing Melody is in love with Connor. Which made Melody blush to hear. But Connor took it as a complement.
"Actually I was born in PetsMart and then in Master's bedroom closet and then his bedroom after he confessed that he bought me." Dug said while panting.
"Ignore him." Connor muttered quietly before he handed Ariel another air bubble. Like the one he made for Melody when they met. "Put this on. Until you somehow get your gills back, you'll need this to breathe once we step out."
"Thank you." Ariel said as she placed the air bubble over her head.
"It's just like the one he gave me earlier." Melody commented as she held up her own air bubble.
"Every bubble ain't a snowflake Ma'am." Mini Mav quipped mildly
"Right...Anyway." Connor gestures to Ariel and Melody towards the exit.
They both followed Connor to the exit of the Stringway. They stood at the lock hatch as Connor pressed a button panel on the side which sealed the interior of the Stingray behind them like a glass shield. Then the water began to fill the exit hatch. Melody and Ariel had their helmets on while Connor didn't need one, due to his Atlantean blood. And Sebastian because he's a crab.
"M&M? You're in charge until I get back." Connor called over to Mini Mav who was jumping on the couch in the lower deck. "And no playing with the artillery again."
"Can I fire just one bullet?!" Mini Mav called over.
"No." Connor stated firmly. "Unless you see a fish version of Tracy Morgan."
"TRACEY MORGAN?! WHERE?!" Mini-Mav yelled and looked around with his own weapons ready to fire.
Then the exit door opened up which invited Melody and Ariel to swim out together as they looked around the ocean and took in the salty smell of home and the warm water on their skin. And they both were expert swimmers for obvious reasons.
Connor was Atlantean and was trained by his mother and uncle to swim like a natural born Atlantean. As they swam around the Undersea Courtyard of Atlantica, Connor scanned the area and saw a Mermaid coming over from the palace with three Guards as escorts.
It was Alana. King Triton's second born daughter. And Ariel's now oldest Sister. Alana was swimming towards them.
Ariel looked over and gasped seeing her sister swim over to her. As Alana stopped dead in her tracks and hovered in front of Ariel. They both looked at each other. For the first time after all these years and couldn't believe it.
Ariel was back.
"Ariel?" Alana asked as she was fighting back tears.
"Alana." Ariel choked back and swam up to her sister and the two hugged, tears falling from their eyes.
"Oh I missed you so much, little sister." Alana whispered, hugging her tightly.
"I missed you too." Ariel whispered back.
Melody smiled at the sight while timidly floating behind Ariel. Then after they concluded the hug. They stared at each other.
"Look at you. A full grown woman." Alana breathed.
"And you haven't changed a bit." Ariel smiled back remarking that Alana is older but the same.
Which is a safe way of saying 'she's old'. Which made them giggle. Then Alana looked back at Melody and looked surprised and in awe as she put her hand to her mouth. Seeing her niece for the first time.
"We already met so you're on your own." Connor quipped as he swam away leaving Melody alone to meet her aunt. Melody was bemused but found it kinda funny.
"You must be Melody. My niece." Alana beamed as she swam over.
"Um...Yeah...Uh...Hi." Melody smiled, feeling nervous as her timid side showed in her face.
"I'm Your Aunt Alana. Welcome to Atlantica Melody." Alana swam over and pulled Melody into a hug which Melody returned.
"Thank you." Melody sweetly replied as she hugged back.
Which made Ariel, Connor and Sebastian smile to see Melody not only meeting a mermaid for the first time. But her aunt. Even the guards smiled.
"One down. five more to..." Sebastian almosted remarked until he remembered Atina died which made him look down sadly for a moment. "I mean... four more to go."
Once they finished hugging. Alana placed her hand on Melody's shoulder giving her a smile.
"Come along Sweetie. You're other aunts can't wait to meet you." Alana said as she gestured to Melody and the others to swim and follow her.
Connor first pressed a holographic button on his ring which caused his Gummi-Sub to beep like he was setting a car alarm. Then it went into stealth mode. Then he swam over to catch up with the others.
As they made it into the palace grounds. Ariel's four other sisters were waiting and swimming around in circles for Ariel to show up. The entrance hall of the palace was well built and aquatic as the rest of the place. Only their were no need for stairs on account of the swimming.
The four other sisters were Adella. The one born after Alana. She had brown hair in a upper ponytail and a green shell top. She is considered to be the one that's into boys and romances.
After her is Aquata. The athlete. She has a bit of a redden type tan and has her brown hair in a ponytail that's slightly different from Adella's hair. Hers is still kept in a pearl tie. And she wears a baby blue colored shell top. Aquata is the most competitive girl who keeps herself in top physical shape and she's also the tough one.
After her is Arista. The blonde sister in a ponytail with a red pearl tie. Her shell top is red and she's considered to be the music lover and second to Ariel in terms of being adventurous.
After her is the one before Ariel. Adrina. The short haired blonde one with a pink coral tie behind her hair. She has a violet colored top and she's considered to be the funny one.
All in all. All of Ariel's sisters are easy to get along with.
When they saw Alana coming back in from the palace gates they held their breaths expecting Ariel to show up. Which she did. Despite being in her human form and swimming in bare feet instead of fins. They were overjoyed to finally see her.
"Ariel!" Adella exclaimed, swimming over and tackling Ariel into a hug, which she returned.
"You're here!" Aquata said, joining the hug.
"We missed you so much!" Arista exclaimed as she joined in the hug.
"Welcome home!" Adrina exclaimed, as she was the last to join the hug.
"Thanks, girls, it's so good to see you all again." Ariel said to her sisters.
"Ooh It's been so quiet without you." Adella breathed.
"None of the music I play can match the feeling of your voice." Arista
"You're the only thing that keeps this place from getting dry. Hehe...No offense sisters." Adrina joked and meekly laughed.
Melody was floating behind Ariel and staring at the sight of seeing all five of her aunts for the first time.
"Hope you got something way above an abbreviated spinal disc." Connor whispered to Melody with a smirk as he backed away and called over to them. "Hey ladies! Look what little sis brought home! It's twelve years old but still fresh out of the ninja toaster oven!"
"Connor!" Melody whined at Connor's mischievousness
The four sisters stared at her for a moment before they squealed in joy and tackled the poor twelve year old into a tight group hug.
"Oh, my God. It's baby Melody!" Adella exclaimed.
"You're all grown up!" Aquata exclaimed happily.
"You're so cute!" Arista exclaimed, brushing Melody's hair with her hand.
"Just like your mother was at your age!" Adrina exclaimed.
Meanwhile, Melody was both happy at the affection, but started feeling light-headed from lack of oxygen. The sisters were all strong.
"Alright girls. You don't want to kill yer niece, she just got here." Sebastian crawled over and eased Ariel's sister and muttered quietly to himself. " Even if it will give de early retirement from babysitting."
He really didn't mean that last part. Sebastian loved Melody but he desires life outside of looking after hormonal young girls with big dreams.
"Sorry about that." Adella said sheepishly as she and the other sisters
"We're just so happy to see you again." Aquata said with a smile.
"The last time we saw you, you were only just a baby." Arista stated.
"You've really grown into a beautiful young woman." Adrina complimented.
Melody steadied herself after that big hug and she smiled at her aunts and giggled slightly.
"Thank you. It's okay, I'm just thrilled to finally be here. I didn't even know mermaids existed until yesterday. I mean...Wow." Melody said as she looked and sounded blown away.
"If you were impressed by this, just wait until you see the rest of the kingdom." Adella stated.
"Then your mind will really be blown." Aquata added.
"You have the same in your eyes looking around here as Ariel did with the world above." Arista commented.
"I think you're going to fit right in here." Adrina smirked.
"Well I've kinda gotten used to the ocean already." Melody rubbed her arm and remarked.
"Don't I know it." Sebastian deadpanned.
"First things first. Atlantica will need someone of a pure heart to wield the Triton and rule over Atlantica until our father is brought back safely." Alana stated as she looked at Ariel.
Then two palace guards swam over and presented Alana with the trident and she held it out with both hands towards Ariel who looked unsure.
Ariel would do anything for her family. But she wasn't certain that she was the right woman for this position of high honor, let alone worthy.
"Alana. Are you sure?" Ariel asked, looking humbled and slightly saddened. "I would do anything for all of you. And Daddy. But...I'm the youngest."
"You may be the youngest. But you're the one all of us hold in the highest regard." Alana explained.
"Even Daddy said if anything should happen, you would be placed in charge of ruling over Atlantica." Adella added, surprising Ariel.
"Ever since you married Eric, you helped restore all our hope in humanity." Aquata said smiling.
"Which is why you've been chosen to rule in father's stead." Arista said.
"You're the temporary head honcho now." Adrina added with a big grin.
Ariel who was inspired by the words and confidence of her sisters. Took a deep breath and a look of self assurance as she reached her hand out and took hold of her father's trident.
Then suddenly. Ariel's body began to glow as she held the trident up with both hands. And the sisters beamed and smiled as they stood back.
Sebastian smiled on the sea floor below while Melody and Connor's eyes widened.
"Kay?...What's with all the LSD looking sparkles?" Connor backed up while seeing this.
(Insert Little Mermaid majestic orchestral transformation theme here)
Then suddenly Ariel spun around slowly as her entire body lit up and was shining around the entrance hall as she was changing. Then as the lights became too bright. Melody shielded her eyes and waited for the lights to dim before she opened her eyes and gasped.
Ariel was holding the trident. As a mermaid. Her red hair was loose and waving in the water. Her legs were transformed back into her green mermaid tail and her purple seashell top was restored.
Connor leaned down to Sebastian and whispered. "Was she wearing that top under her dress?"
"I never asked how it works." Sebastian deadpanned and shrugged.
Then Ariel smiled and spun around in her mermaid form. Her air bubble fell off as she and her sisters smiled and laughed as they all were thrilled just as Ariel was. To be restored to the form of her birth after all these years.
And then Ariel turned and smiled at Melody as she pointed the trident at her and caused it to glow as Melody's bare feet started glowing.
Melody's face lit up as her feet started glowing just as Ariel was earlier. And her body started glowing as well and the water swirled around her.
The same was also being done to Connor as the trident was being pointed at him. "Uh uh. Wait a minute now!" Connor panicked as he was being spun around and was glowing.
And then when the lights dimmed. It was done. Melody and Connor were both shifted into mere...Well Melody is a Mermaid while Connor is a Merman...Merboy? Whatever. You get it. They're both merpeople now.
Melody's hair was still in a ponytail. But with a pearl hair tie. And her mermaid tail was salmon-pink colored. And she was now wearing a green she-shell bikini top which looked like all the other tops the mermaids were wearing. And she was still wearing her golden shell locket around her neck. The gift her grandfather left her.
While Connor was now shirtless and his merman tail was neon colored. Changing every second from blue and green. As Connor's well built chest was exposed. Making him squeal like a scared girl and covered himself down below. "Where's my ramrod?! Stop looking pervs!" He exclaimed humorously.
Making Ariel's sisters giggle at his reaction.
While Melody was blown away and thrilled to be a mermaid. Finally!
"I don't believe it!" Melody gasped and grabbed her tail in wonder. "I'm a mermaid."
"Yes you are my Darling. Yes you are." Ariel said with a smile.
Melody started swimming around, giving her new tail a try as she swam, doing somersaults in the water, giggling and laughing.
"I'M A MERMAID!" Melody exclaimed as she laughed with joy.
"And I'm naked. Glad one of us is thrilled." Connor quipped in response.
As both of Melody and Ariel's neon air bubbles fell to the sea floor. Connor used his neon power to grab them and placed them in his ring's magic dimensional pocket storage.
"Question. How do you go to the bathroom like this?" Connor asked the other mermaids.
Later at the palace portal grounds...
After Melody and Connor adjusted to their new forms. With the former getting over her thrill. They both swam and followed Ariel over to the underwater mystical portal that is kept at the outer west court of the palace. As many different fishes and a giant squid were placing the arches and stone pieces together. It was nearly completed.
Sebastian was over on the other end of the court, shaking claws and fins with his former musicians and band members.
"Oh it's so good to finally be back! Now dat most half of de family is togeter, I'm off duty from babysitting!" Sebastian beamed as he shook their fins.
"If you're off duty does this mean you're not leading a band either?" A bass asked.
"From your mouth to de crab ears. No." Sebastian deadpanned. "Der's only one room for-"
"But you don't have any ears." A cod answered.
"Ders only one room for a lead composer! Alright?!" Sebastian exclaimed, making them flinch and nod.
Back over at Connor and Melody. They were watching the construction of the portal as it was merely minutes away from completion.
Melody kept looking over at Connor as they were floating in place, next to each other. And Melody kept glancing and blushing at Connor and his eight pack abs. His muscular shirtless torso was making the butterflies in her stomach run wild.
Connor glanced over at Melody and acted confused.
"What? Is it the axe smell?" Connor inquired.
Melody blushed a deep red.
"Oh. Um... Nothing. Just... Looking around." Melody stammered before composing herself and striking a pose. "So, how do I look?"
Connor blushed hard as well before he cleared his throat.
"You look like a striking Maxim model...Being swallowed by a Charlotte County mascot." Connor complemented and quipped a tease, with a smirk at the end.
Melody blushed and giggled at his joke.
"Thanks, and you look like a bronze statue half eaten by a giant glow fish." Melody quipped back with her own smirk.
Even though Melody doesn't know anything about the Redfish team of Charlotte County or what a mascot is. She knows a playful challenge when she sees one.
"And you look like yo daddy got busy with yo mama and yo goldfish. And they both took turns trying to hatch you, but both stopped half way." Connor jested back, sounding humorously ethic and competitive.
"And so do you." Melody crossed her arms and smirked smugly.
Connor looked down and realized the irony of his own insult. Works both ways with him being a merman.
"Goddamn it." Connor moped.
Melody giggled and leaned in close.
"Check, and Mate." Melody teased, giving him a quick peck on the cheek.
As Ariel was watching and overseeing the construction of the portal. Standing there at the balcony above with her father's trident in her hand. One of Ariel's sisters Adella swam over to check on her. Adella was the third one to ask how she was doing.
Before she could however. Adella looked down and saw when Melody giggled and kissed Connor's cheek down below after he made a joke. Which made Adella beam as she was the one into boys and romances.
Adella swam over to Ariel and draped an arm around her.
"I didn't know Melody already had a boyfriend." Adella mused.
Ariel looked down at her daughter talking with Connor and stifled a small laugh.
"Oh they're not a couple...Yet." Ariel smirked back at Adella.
"Awe. It's blooming with young love." Adella cooed, holding her hands together. "Those two look so cute together! I can't wait till it becomes official."
"Me too. Eric and I taught Melody about boundaries, that's for sure. But I taught her how to be confident when her heart tells her who the right man is." Ariel smiled looking at her sister and looked down at Melody who was laughing at something Connor said. Which made her breathe as she was proud of her. "I also want it to be easier for her than it was for me."
Ariel had to struggle with her father and make a deal with the she-devil Ursula in order to start and have a decent relationship with Eric. Ariel didn't want Melody to have to go through all of that.
Because Connor is noble and risked his life for everyone, including Melody. She has no problem seeing him and her daughter together. They deserve each other.
"yeah. You definitely had it rough in the beginning." Adella said with a sympathetic smile.
"Tell me about it." Ariel rolled her eyes and sighed. "I definitely have my regrets for how I handled it. But in the end. It was worth it seeing how everything turned..."
Ariel halted herself as she faintly saw a small yellow angelfish child swim by from behind. Which made her smile brightly thinking it was her best friend from childhood.
"Flounder!" Ariel gasped with a smile on her face and swam towards the unsuspected fish and pulled him into a hug, catching him by surprise, making him wiggle out of the hug and behind some rocks, making Ariel realize that it wasn't Flounder.
"Daddy!" The angelfish cried out as he swam behind the rocks.
"Now what?" A voice said in exasperation and out came an older angelfish, looking about for what scared his son.
"Oh, uh... I'm sorry." Ariel said with an embarrassed chuckle, getting the older angelfish's attention, making him gasp.
"
"Wait...Ariel? Is that you?" Flounder said with eyes full of surprised joy, making Ariel's eyes widen as she realized who he was.
"Flounder?" Ariel gasped, smiling with joy as Flounder swam towards her.
"Ariel! I can't believe it!" Flounder exclaimed as he tackled Ariel into a hug which she returned as they spun in place.
"Oh, I missed you!" Ariel exclaimed as her undersea family and others looked on with fond smiles with others, for those new to the scene, looked on with curiosity.
"Boy, you're sure not a guppy anymore." Ariel giggled while she played with Flounder's tailfin.
"You can say that again." Flounder chuckled. "Playing the Dad has added a few pounds."
Suddenly, five angelfish, all of them Flounder's kids, swam by and started batting a clam back and forth to one another until it bounced off one of the kids.
Flounder swam up to them with a stern look on his face, which was surprising to see for those who knew of his timid nature all those years ago.
"Children? What did I say about kicking the clam on the reef?" Flounder sternfully scolded his children.
"Sorry, Dad." they all said at the same time.
"Kids, am I right? They steal your heart and youth." Flounder said with a chuckle, to Ariel, earning a giggle from her, who fully understands.
"I know the feeling. Well mostly Eric does." Ariel remarked about being a mother.
Then Connor teleported over with Melody holding his hand as they popped next to Ariel.
"Just to give you a heads up. I Just got a message that my Uncle and Mom will be meeting through that thing, including Uncle Namor's team of top secret political strings with super powers. Or the Illuminati for short." Connor stated and looked back and forth between Ariel and Flounder. "Did I just interrupt a fish bowl patch? That's 'meta talk' for reunion."
Ariel giggled and rolled her eyes at Connor. Boy, her daughter has a live one here.
"Melody, Connor, this is Flounder, my best friend since I was a little girl." Ariel said, gesturing to said angelfish.
"Nice to meet you." Melody smiled at Ariel's old friend.
"Man, Melody, it's been a long time since I last saw you. You were only a newborn back then. And look at you now. You look just like your mother" Flounder said smiling, "Minus the pink tail. And the green shell top. And the black hair."
"Thanks." Melody just giggled. "Nice to meet you too Flounder."
Flounder turned to Connor, putting on a stern look and his fins folded.
"And who are you supposed to be? Her boyfriend? In for the money?" Flounder asked firmly, trying to act like an overprotective uncle. But it just made him look cute, making Ariel giggle while Melody blushed while giggling.
"Neeeeeeeh- close. I'm her bodyguard. Got commissioned by the King himself. And I didn't think I needed to make business cards so...The name's Connor Ramsey. The current Maverick." Connor answered while clarifying.
Flounder's jaw dropped at that.
"Are you serious? An actual Maverick?" Flounder asked with awe, to which Ariel nodded in confirmation. "I've heard all the stories. But I never thought I'd get to meet an actual Maverick!"
'I wonder if those fish sticks I use to eat as a toddler knew what a Maverick was. Man that's sick.' Connor thought and shuttered.
"Connor here was sent from the second kingdom, Atlantis, to come and help us." Ariel stated why he was there.
Flounder's excitement died a bit at that, knowing why they needed help.
"Yeah, I heard about that." Flounder said soberly before turning to Ariel. "I'm sorry about what happened to your Dad."
Ariel could only just look down sadly as she was worried about her father.
"It's okay Mommy. Connor said they won't hurt him. He's too important for anything to happen." Melody assured her mother.
"As long as you keep a good tight grip on that cosmic pitchfork, he'll be fine. They'll more than likely just keep the King locked up in a five star swimming pool." Connor stated to Ariel and shrugged. "If anything, the Meridians will roast me before they pelt anyone else."
"Thanks. But let's hope it doesn't come to that." Ariel muttered.
"It better not!" Melody exclaimed, wrapping her arms around his one arm, holding it tightly.
"Like I said, not yet. But it might not be long if this keeps up." Ariel giggled.
Just as the last stone fused together magically on the giant mystical portal. Which depicted a round open stone gateway. Like Stargate but made of stonework of aquatic agriculture.
The giant squid that added the last piece sighed and wiped his forehead before he looked up and saluted Ariel.
"The Portal is ready, Your Majesty." The Giant Squid declared in a deep voice.
"Thank you, Callus." Ariel thanked the squid before turning to Connor. "Looks like your family will be here shortly."
"Actually they're already there. On the other end that is." Connor responded as he then shifted into his Maverick form.
His armored Maverick suit didn't have a merman fin since a Maverick can breathe underwater anyway. That and Maverick didn't want anyone in the Illuminati laughing at his new merman form, especially Stark. So Maverick in his armor can definitely hide the fins.
Maverick then swam down toward the portal with Ariel and Melody following them.
Maverick summoned his keyblade and pointed it at the portal while Ariel pointed her father's trident at the stone work. The portal around the center began to glow bright as Maverick shot out a white the center of the portal. Causing an interdimensional energy to form and bubble up like a wave of liquid as the gateway waved. And then an image of stars surrounded the portal and the image of another world was viable through the portal.
Which it wasn't an image.
Then suddenly. Several figures were seen floating towards their side of the portal.
"Wooooah." Flounder's children widened their eyes in amazement at the sight of the portal activating.
"For those of you that don't know. Which in this case is all of you, because I didn't explain it earlier." Maverick started. "The folks that will come through who aren't Atlantean, are using some nano technology provided by the Shield outpost to allow themselves to breathe and move around the water like air. So no need to give them all fins."
"Good to know." Ariel nodded.
Suddenly they looked over as the portal waved slightly as two figures stepped out first. Which was Namor the Submariner and his clone cousin. Namorita. Connor's mother.
Along with five Atlantean soldiers floating with them.
Namor floated over towards Ariel while Namorita swam over towards the Maverick.
"My son." Namorita embraced Maverick who embraced back. "Are you alright?"
"Never better Mom." Maverick nodded much to her relief.
Namorita smiled at her son before she looked towards Ariel and swam over to greet her. Namor gave the first greeting.
"Ariel, acting Queen of Atlantica. On behalf of Atlantis, and all humanity of my home world. I humbly accept your invitation and your alliance. I am Namor, the Submariner. King of Atlantis." Namor gave a respected bow to Ariel.
"And I am Namorita. Second in command and clone cousin of Namor." Namorita offered a bow as well.
Currently because of Namorita's octopus camouflage abilities. Her skin was blue with white line pattern along her skin. And her blonde hair was silver with the 'blue skinned' look.
"It's nice to meet you two. I look forward to working with you and your people." Ariel said with a slight bow of respect to her new allies before smirking. "I also looked forward to getting to know the family of the nice boy who my daughter is swooning over."
"He won't stop sending messages about your daughter all morning." Namorita grinned back.
"Achem! Can we get the politics moving along and halt on the Bob Eubanks treaty?!" Maverick echoed over.
Namor scoffed at his nephew's antics, finding it amusing as everyone else was.
"Right. Allow me to introduce my secret associates." Namor gestured toward the portal.
"They're not really much of a secret considering my birth world published over a dozen comic books about them." Maverick remarked to Melody about the Illuminati.
"Well, does your world know about the individual members on their own, or as their collective group?" Melody asked with an inquisitive smirk.
"That depends...Can you translate that question? Cause you lost me." Maverick inquired.
"Does your world know that these heroes formed this little group?" Melody asked with a smirk.
"Given that I'm not a member. Yeah, every detail. And by every detail I mean everything that happened before I was around, cause I again. Not a member. Besides, I'm allergic to brass and red tape." Maverick answered with a small quip.
"So, there are secrets involved then?" Melody asked with a cheeky look.
"They're a secret only in the marvel worlds." Maverick answered and inquired. "What are you getting at?"
"So technically, they are a secret group then?" Melody concluded.
"Only in they're world." Maverick clarified.
"But there are alot of people in your world right? A lot of people to keep a secret from?" Melody continued with a smirk.
"Yeah. Cause revealing secret identities and spilling hero related secrets are like one of the seven deadliest sins where I live." Maverick stated as he was looking concerned at Melody's smirk.
"So, even though they're not much of a secret in other worlds, they're a big secret in their own world. So, they are still technically a secret group." Melody concluded.
"Yes. Why do you ask?" Maverick asked, still looking concerned as for why Melody was still digging this up.
"Well you said they weren't. But they are. So you were wrong. And I was right. Guess maybe I'm a bit smarter than the great Maverick, huh?" Melody said with a cheeky smirk and a wink.
Maverick's visor screen eyes shifted into two Xs.
*X X*
symbolizing the term 'dead' as a glass break sound came from his suit. Meaning Melody just blew his mind and killed his pride.
"Remind me to add your name to my trading card's list of weaknesses." Maverick muttered in a deadpanned tone.
Melody giggled.
"I better be at the top of the list." Melody joked.
Just then. The first member of the Illuminati hovered through the portal. It was a bold man in a blue suit and tie and sitting in a golden hover chair. For the sake of him being a cripple.
"Hello Your Majesty. I am Professor Charles Xavier. Mentor and founder of the X-Men." Charles smiled and gave a slight bow to Ariel.
"It's an honor to meet you Professor." Ariel said with her own bow. "Connor mentioned that you own a school for gifted children."
"Indeed. While my classrooms range in Science. Philosophy. History. But I mostly teach my students how to control the power and abilities they're born with. Mutation is considered to be the next step in human evolution." Charles stated. "And the X-Men. A team of mutant students of mine demonstrates that mutants are nothing to fear. Only what we do with our power."
"And yet their first film made more money than the man who invented socks." Maverick whispered to Melody.
"Well whoever that guy was, he certainly didn't get rich from me. That's for sure" Melody said jokingly.
"Well I think those students are lucky to have you as their teacher." Ariel complimented the professor.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Charles nodded respectively.
Then the next member of the Illuminati came through the portal. Which was the Doctor Steven Strange himself. Hovering with the waves of his red cloak of levitation. He landed in front of Ariel while standing next to Charles. Both of them stood there as if they weren't underwater.
"Greetings Your Majesty. I am Doctor Steven Strange. Master of the Mystic arts. Sorcerer Supreme." Doctor Strange gave a bow of respect.
"His comics used to give me the creeps. Mostly his villains." Maverick whispered to Melody.
"With how powerful he looks, I wouldn't want to run into the creeps that would give him a hard time." Melody muttered.
"Well It's nice to meet you Dr. Strange." Ariel said with a slight bow of her own. "I'm glad to have you and your mystic arts on our side."
"It will be a pleasure to work alongside you and your people, your Majesty." Dr. Strange stated.
Then another figure walked through the portal. Which was a man in a dark suit and a poised but tough demeanor. This was one person that was considered silent but deadly.
"Allow me to introduce Black Bolt. Leader of the Inhumans and ruler of the blue moon city of Atilan." Namor stated as Black Bolt gave a bow not returning a statement in words.
He seemed friendly enough for a man without words.
"Though I would caution you not to form a conversation with Black Bolt. His vocal power is so immense that he could destroy half a city with a whisper." Namorita advised Ariel and the others. "I will speak on his behalf should he have anything to say."
Namorita was fluent in sign language. Translating Black Bolt Shouldn't be a problem.
"Oh. I understand. And thanks for the heads-up." Ariel said to Namorita before turning to Black Bolt. "I thank you for coming to our aid. I hope we can get along nicely."
Black Bolt made sign language based hand gestures in response.
"He says he will do everything in his ability to provide assistance." Namorita translated.
And finally. The last member of the Illuminati came through. The one with polymorphic abilities and the leader of the Fantastic Four. But now is called by a different name based on the white futuristic suit he now wears.
"Queen Ariel. On behalf of Illuminati and everyone on our Earth. Thank you for meeting with us. My name is Doctor Reed Richard, Also known as Mr Fantastic. Astrophysicist. And leader of the Future Foundation." Reed Richard introduced himself with a respectful bow.
"It used to be called the Fantastic Four. But a lot of drama and house expansions prompt them to change the name. For a family of cosmic explorers they aren't exactly a four member household anymore." Maverick whispered to Melody.
"I think I like 'Fantastic Four' more. But I understand why they'd have to change it." Melody muttered.
"I welcome you to Atlantica Doctor Richards. Your help will truly be invaluable." Ariel said to him with a slight bow.
Then Maverick noticed there was one more member missing. This was one member who took danger seriously. Based on his own definition, sure, but still seriously.
"Hang on, where's Stark?"
Then suddenly a red and yellow armored figure came flying out of the portal using nitro fueled jetboots to flying marvously like a jet that's high...In terms of awesome.
Ariel and Melody recognized this one as the Invincible Iron Man.
Iron Man performs his signature one knee land.
"It's Practical. We all do it." Maverick shrugged about the signature superhero landing.
Then Iron Man stood up shining proud and tall.
"You all rang?" Iron Man spoke in his metallic voice.
"Nope." Doctor Strange deadpanned.
"Tony Stark. Billionaire. Philanthropist. Avenger. Blah blah blah. The pleasure is all mine, Your Majesty." Iron Man offered a handshake to Ariel.
Ariel smiled and took his hand to shake.
"It's an honor to meet you Mr. Stark. Connor told Melody and I a lot about you." Ariel said to the armored hero.
"Yeah, you're one of our favorite heroes!" Melody called out.
"Sure, stroke his ego." Dr. Strange muttered quietly.
"I wouldn't be rich if I was everyone's second favorite." Iron Man remarked.
"Anyway. Do you have a place for a meeting? We have a lot to talk about." Reed Richards stated.
"Right this way." Ariel gestured to the Illuminati and everyone else to follow her.
Mr Fantastic wasn't bluffing. Given everything that was happening. The war against Meridia was now starting to escalate for the first time in years. And they have a lot of ground to cover.
Later at the Atlantica palace meeting room...
Melody was seated next to Ariel who was the acting Queen of Atlantica, seated in front of a large sea shell table with several of Atlantica's guards standing around the room. The sea horse Harold Included. Sebastian. And General Atreus was seated at the war table in front.
Maverick sat next to Namorita and Namor who were seated in front of Ariel. Along with the other members of the Illuminati. They were ready to start the meeting.
"I wish we all had met under better circumstances. But these are truly dark times for all who live under the surface." Namor stated to everyone.
"And no doubt this Attuma won't stop until all mer kingdoms bend to his will." Professor X added.
"But rest assured. We have a plan to tip the scales in your favor." Doctor Strange an assurance.
"And hopefully to bring an end to this war for good." Reed said.
"So. If everyone has any questions. There's no better time than now. Where would you like to start?" Iron Man asked.
"I have a question. And it's been bugging me for a while" Ariel started. "Twelve years ago, Attuma and his forces attacked our home. But it was only now that he returned with whatever plans he had. Why wait twelve years to strike back? Why now?"
"We have wondered the same thing, Your Majesty. Attuma may be a Barbarian. But he is a determined and calculative warlord. He never attacks unless he has the means to either succeed or escape." Professor X stated. "I've never been able to sense where he is given we are worlds apart from him."
"However. Since you have something that belongs to your father. Charles and use that to sense his presents." Doctor Strange suggested an idea.
"And determined the status of Attuma through King Triton." Reed realized his idea.
"My thoughts exactly." Charles stated and held his hands out. "The trident, if I may?" He requested from Ariel.
Ariel looked at Namorita wondering what that will do.
"Charles is a telepath. He can sense how your father is doing through the trident." Namor explained.
"It's okay. You can trust Charles." Namorita ensured Ariel that it's okay to hand him the trident.
Maverick nodded in agreement.
"Alright." Ariel said, handing the Trident to Charles. "Please be careful."
"Or course." Charles nodded as Ariel placed the trident in his hands. Then Charles closed his eyes and used his psychic powers to tape into the Astral Plane to sense King Triton's current position
Doctor Strange was doing the same thing as he sat in his chair and meditated along with Charles.
Then with the interdimensional energy from Doctor Strange's powers. They were both able to sense where Triton is.
"Your father, he's...Being kept in one of the rooms of the Meridian palace." Charles said as his eyes remained closed. "He's unharmed...But aggravated. And worried."
Worried for Ariel and his family.
"Thank goodness he's alright." Ariel muttered as she sighed in relief.
"He's been in contact with Attuma recently. I feel...Something...Dark...Something ancient." Charles tried to get a read.
"I feel it too...Hang on...I recognize it." Doctor Strange stated as he meditated with his eyes closed.
"What? What is it?" Ariel asked with concern.
"It'sβ¦.The Shadow King." Charles realized as his eyes opened.
"Woah boy." Maverick stated in horror.
"Son of a Bitch." Iron Man grit his teeth.
"I'm just glad it wasn't Mephisto again. But still." Doctor Strange sighed as he got out of his meditation.
"I feel like I'm going to regret asking this, but who's the Shadow King?" Ariel asked, now more concerned.
"He's allegedly a multiversal manifestation of the dark side of the human consciousness, spawned by the first nightmare." Doctor Strange explained the first part.
"When a certain mutant named Amahl Farouk's mind switching power developed, Farouk psychically controlled those around him, feeding on the shadows in their souls and secretly merging with the Shadow King, who had been transferring from host to host since the dawn of humanity. For a time Amahl served as a physical host for the Shadow King and brought nothing but trouble for the X-Men and humanity until Amahl was consumed by darkness when he outlived his usefulness to them." Charles explained.
"And now you're saying he's back, and working with Attuma." Ariel stated grimly.
"More like, Attuma is probably working for him without knowing it. The Shadow King always wants to be the one who comes out on top." Reed Richard theorized.
"The last time he was seen. My mind was trapped in the Astral Plane where he dwelled. But I vanquished him and was set free." Charles stated. "Apparently he survived. How is the question."
"The dark realm." Maverick spoke up.
"Pardon?" Iron Man inquired as the others looked at him.
"Yesterday I had a run in with one of A Tuna's stooges. Tiger Shark. He used a dark portal to let his co-workers escape. Only one realm can use energy of pure darkness without a need of protective gear and deodorant." Maverick stated as he played back a holographic image of Venom, Omega Red and Tiger Shark coming through a dark portal.
Black Bolt made a theory using sign language to communicate.
"Holy shizz dip, that's a good point." Maverick's eyes widened as he understood what Black Bolt said.
"What did he say?" General Atreus asked.
"If the Shadow King now dwells in the Dark Realm. Then maybe it's not his true form we're fighting. But rather, his Heartless." Namorita translated.
There were several gasps and hitched breaths at that thought.
"That's bad news, isn't it?" Melody muttered out, pale with fear, having heard of the heartless and what they're capable of.
"No. Bad is when you get the Mayor of New Orleans' order wrong at a four star diner. This is hell with a mushroom cloud." Iron Man stated with a little of his wit. "But nothing we can't handle."
"Unless he's able to travel to other worlds it would be a much bigger problem." Reed stated.
"He can't do that without a host. So if Attuma is working with him. It could be that the Shadow King is lending him power with an artificial promise in the hopes of making Attuma his new vessel." Doctor Strange theorized.
"And this would've been done recently. which would explain why Attuma picked now to attack. If he had allied with the Shadow King twelve years ago. We'd all be living in the Walking Dead by now." Iron Man stated.
'I think I understand the repercussions of something like that.' Ariel thought to herself.
"Oh, why didn't I retire to de other side of de ocean. Why can't we have a few decades without worrying about de end of de world?" Sebastian spoke in his usual panic demeanor.
"Woah. Uhh...Honestly until this exact second, I thought you were a desk ornament." Iron Man said, looking surprised to see Sebastian talking.
"Do I look like I belong in de gift shop, Mon?" Sebastian scowled with his claws crossed.
"You don't want me to answer that." Iron Man and Maverick stated at the same time.
"I assume you all have a plan to stop Attuma and the Shadow King?" General Atreus inquired, getting back on the subject.
"I'm afraid it's not that simple. Attuma has the trident of Meridian." Namor stated.
"As long as he has it. He's practically invincible. And his link to the negative zone grants him the ability to feed off of everyone's resistance." Reed stated.
Ariel feels like all hope is lost, and she might never see her father again.
"Course don't think I call them just to not tell you the good news." Maverick reassured Ariel.
"Dere's good news?" Sebastian asked hopefully.
"destroy Attuma's trident. And he has no power." Doctor Strange stated.
"Impossible! No trident can destroy another! You have to kill de host for dat! Which is impossible already!" Sebastian exclaimed.
"Sebastian is right. No weapon can destroy another trident." Harold the seahorse agreed solemnly.
Then General Atreus stood up. "The trident of Aquarius could." He stated
"Aquarius?" Melody whispered to Maverick.
"The last King of the Original Atlantis. The first kingdom." Maverick whispered back as Melody understood.
They all knew Aquarius.
"But he died in exile." Harold the seahorse stated.
"True. But the trident hasn't. All other tridents originated from that one." General Atreus stated. "The Trident of Aquarius is eternal."
"Except it dwells in de realm of the exile kingdom. No one has de power to get der." Sebastian stated hopelessly.
"They really have just heard of us." Doctor Strange snorted.
"We do actually. And that's where the share that Connor found comes in." Reed stated as Maverick placed a special shard on the table. The one Melody found when she was collecting sea shells.
"I've actually been wondering what that is all night. They attacked my birthday party trying to get that for some reason." Melody said looking curious.
"Thank God I saved the cake. Tell your chef to never leave that axe he sleeps with." Maverick quipped.
"So this shard will lead us to where Aquarius trident is?" Atreus asked.
"That shard is a peace of one of the most powerful navigators you could ever hope to get your hands on. The Pearl of Asarius." Doctor Strange stated what that shard is a piece of.
"Asarius?" Ariel asked.
"He was Aquarius's advisor and a major astronomer. He was like an underwater Aristotle if he was Reed and Strange combined." Maverick explained.
"That's a rough image. But not inaccurate." Reed responded.
"Being a genius and a sorcerer rolled into one. Asarius was the inventor of many of Atlantis's modern achievements. He even helped design the original trident." Doctor Strange stated.
"So what happened to him?" Melody asked.
"Asarius disappeared when Atlantis sank during the keyblade war." Professor X stated.
"With that said. Given that Asarius was known for providing dimensional travel for the Foretellers of ancient times. The Pearl grants the welder access to every world across the cosmos." Reed stated.
"Until it was shattered and sent across the stars." Namor declared.
"How many shards do we have to find?" Ariel asked.
"Allow me to explain." Reed stood up as he looked at Maverick. "Connor?"
Maverick nodded and constructed a neon based chalkboard on the wall.
"Thank you." Reed took some white chalk and drew on it with images of worlds and a system axis. Along with numbers and calculation.
"Pay attention, this is gonna be on the test." Maverick whispered to Melody who was watching.
"The Multiverse as we know it. Rotates on a cosmic universal multi layered axis the same way every earth's solar system does so with its axis. And in this case. As a certain number of universes or worlds named by the former keybladers of old, travel around each other in a certain branch within the Multiverse like a tree if it were a fan. So according to Doctor Strange's charts and my calculations. There are exactly ten worlds surrounding this one. Give or take. And within those worlds is not only the fifth Kingdom of Atlantis, but also the other shards of the Pearl. Given that both Atlantis and the Pearl shattered within this axis." Reed gave his equation as he drew and wrote on the chart. While stretching his arm out several times using hia stretching ability to add more numbers and details.
"To put it plainly. the Pearl shattered into eleven shards. One down." Iron Man gestured to the shard on the table." Ten more to go. Ten worlds. One for each shard. Am I going too fast?"
"This could also help us find the fifth kingdom within those ten. They will have a trident which could make it easier for us, if Attuma never got his hands on it that is." Namor stated.
"But finding all the Pearl shards should be our main priority. The Trident of Aquarius and its limitless power will no doubt tip the scales in our favor." Namorita explained more to Ariel. "And it will help save your father."
"So where do we start?" General Atreus asked.
"Not us. Him." Charles clarified as he gestured to Maverick.
"What? With all due respect I understand how serious this threat is. But you are all going to send just a child to take on two of the biggest threats known across the Multiverse?" General Atreus looked appalled.
"General. We have no place to meddle in the affairs of other worlds. Only my Connor has the jurisdiction and the right to travel and fight outside the world order." Namor stated firmly.
"He's right. In spite of what we all know. The Multiverse is a concept of which we know frighteningly little. The World Order that holds everything together must be kept." Doctor Strange stated.
"It's only because these different kingdom aquarium were once one big giant fish bowl, that we're all able to meet here without anything dramatically messy from happening." Iron Man stated that all five Kingdoms of Atlantis were once one. Which gives them permission to meet here.
General Atreus was still wary about being left out of being a part of this inner multiversal travel. But he understood the delicate balance is for the Multiverse.
"Very well. We will do our part. While the Maverick does his." Atreus agreed finally.
"And where do I start?" Maverick asked.
"Alright. Listen carefully. There is a gate way. Just 20 miles away from here that is connected between the borders of here and another world's ocean. And it will open with two items. A Keyblade. And a Princess of Pure Heart." Doctor Strange stated.
"Keyblade. Check." Maverick summoned his keyblade."But as for the gem feminine organic heart?"
"That's the hard part..." Iron Man stated nervously as he and other members of the Illuminati glanced at Melody who looked surprised.
Ariel's eyes widened and so did Sebastian's eyes. Ariel suddenly realized. The pure hearted Princess. Is Melody. Meaning she will have to travel with Maverick across the Multiverse. Across the unknown and who knows what.
"No. Absolutely not! I will not allow it!" Ariel said, rising from her seat. "I am not sending my daughter to face certain death!"
"Your Majesty-" Reed tried to say.
"No! Melody is my first born. My flesh and blood!" Ariel seethed out in anger. "I am not sending her out there to fight the monsters I spent the last twelve years protecting her from!"
"Mother I-" Melody tried to say.
"Quiet! You have no say in this." Ariel snapped, zipping Melody's lip as she looked afraid of facing her mother's wrath right now.
"I'm a father to Ariel. I understand your concern. But I've run through the numbers. If I were in your situation and knew that my kids stand a better chance of having a happy ending if I sent them out. As hard as it is, I'd do it." Reed stated seriously.
"Ariel. I've peered through time and have seen every possibility. Our victory and Attuma's victory hinges on the choice you make right now." Doctor Strange stared firmly.
"If we don't do this. All is lost." Charles stated as he placed a hand on Ariel's hand.
"Either we send her out with the Maverick on a cosmic summer road trip. Or Attuma will turn every universe into his aquarium or The Shadow King's bowl of soup." Iron Man added leaning back.
Ariel's glare lessoned as she sat back and looked down. She was starting to understand her father's position when he forbade her from seeing Eric and being at the surface. And for a long time Ariel swore to herself she would never make her father's mistakes. But now she realizes. It's much harder to keep that promise than she thought.
Because Ariel knew they were right. Every life across the Multiverse depends on this.
"We'll give you some privacy." Namorita suggested. Being a mother she understood Ariel's position.
Everyone agreed and walked out of the meeting room. Including Maverick who shot a sympathetic look at Ariel before he swam out.
Leaving Ariel with just Melody.
Ariel looked at Melody as they both stood and hovered on their fins as Ariel looked afraid and uncertain.
"Melody. I..." Ariel tried to say.
"It's okay, Mommy. I know you're afraid of losing me. But if we don't do this, we will lose everything." Melody said, putting her hands on Ariel's shoulders, which was a little awkward because of the height difference. "I'll be alright. Connor will be there to look out for me. And I'll be back before you know it. I promise."
Ariel breathed steadily as her own daughter's words of comfort were giving her enough strength to speak despite the pain of letting her go. But she must go through it.
Ariel owes her daughter that much. She deserves to have the same faith she needed from her own father.
"Never forget Sweetie. I have faith in you. You belong to the sea as much as you belong to be. No matter where you go. Or what fate puts before us next." Ariel said as her voice broke, and a tear fell from her eye only to join the water unseen. "You will always be my Darling."
Then Ariel touched her necklace.
"And you will carry me wherever you go." Ariel added.
"Melody gave a teary smile, knowing she was given permission to go with Connor. Melody hugged Ariel and Ariel returned it.
"I love you, Mommy." Melody whispered, snuggling into her mother's arms.
"I love you too, my Darling. Always." Ariel said, holding her daughter tightly.
Just then. As they're warm hug lasted. In a flash of light.
And hearing the words. 'You're destiny intertwine with his'
Melody and Ariel backed out of their hug to see something appear in Melody's hand in a flash of light. Making them both gasp in awe and shock. It was something new that belongs only to Melody because of her pure strong heart.
A keyblade. Melody has been chosen to wield a keyblade!
The handle of the Keyblade looked like it was made of different seashells and the blade looked like a whirlpool at the end for the teeth of the key. And the keychain looked like her golden shell locket.
"I have... A keyblade?" Melody whispered in shock and awe.
"Oh my gosh." Ariel muttered in shock.
At that moment. Sebastian came crawling it. Needing to have a word with convince her to let Melody go. Since he understood how important this mission to save the Multiverse was.
He didn't have to actually.
"Ariel. I know you don't want to hear dis yet but- Aaah!" Sebastian squeaked in shock as he came to see Melody's keyblade. And fainted as the crab fell backwards.
Then Maverick teleported in. "Is something wooooooooah fishstick on a DICKSHIT!" His mask eyes widened as he covered his mouth. "That better not be a prank or a water mirage. Is that what I think it is?!"
"It is." Melody muttered before getting excited and tackling Maverick into a hug. "I'm a keyblade wielder now!"
Maverick nodded slowly before he slowly hugged back and looked down at Sebastian who moaned as he woke up from the shock.
"Ooooh. Wat happened?" Sebastian held his head like a headache and looked shocked still to see Melody holding a keyblade.
"Look at it this way Cajun butter sauce. The keyblade and I just took your place as her bodyguard and watchdog. Consider yourself benched." Maverick quipped.
Meaning that Sebastian is finally retired from the task of watching Melody. A job he couldn't wait to get out of.
Sebastian gasped and laughed with joy.
"Hallelujah! I don't have to babysit anymore!" Sebastian cried in joy, making Ariel giggle and roll her eyes before turning to Maverick.
"I'm leaving Melody in your care, Connor." Ariel said sternly before softening her expression. "Please look after her."
"I'll do my damndest to keep her safe. You have my word." Maverick nodded as he assured.
"I'm holding you to that." Ariel said with a warm smile and a wink.
"No pressure." Melody chirped, smiling up at Maverick making his eye roll before he shifted back into Connor as a merman.
"Before we head out. Could you do me one small favor?" Connor gestured to the fish tail. Indicating he needed to turn back into a human.
He does need legs to drive the Sub after all. Melody and Ariel knew that.
"Right. Or course." Ariel smiled as she held the trident out and caused Connor's fin to transform back into legs.
And he was back in his keyblader outfit as well.
"Thank God for worm pants and no shame before sweet eighteen." Connor sighed as he was relieved.
"Oh come on. I thought you looked great as a mermaid." Melody said with a sweet smile.
"It won't be my last time you see half bassed. Besides I can't drive the Stringway as a merman. Damn you Darwin!" Connor shook his fist at the sky making them laugh.
Later at the Undersea Courtyard...
Connor was aboard the Stringway getting it ready to set a course for the first gateway to another world. Dug was leaning on the sub windows withhis paws up against the glass. Panting and wagging his tail looking at Flounder's children.
"He's so cute!" One of them squealed.
"Puppy!" Another one beamed.
"Hi there little Cat Foods! You're so golden but not brown. I like it that way and so do cats." Dug spoke from his collar.
Melody was outside hugging every single one of her aunts. She even hugged Sebastian who smiled and hugged back.
Then she hugged Flounder. And finally. Ariel and Melody beamed as they hugged each other.
Connor hugged his mother Namorita as they smiled at each other. Before both Connor and Melody swam for the entrance of the Stingray. Before Connor stopped needing to say something to Melody.
"You know. I once read that Mermaids are as fast as Atlanteans. But since I ran a marathon in eighty seconds around the sub. I wonder. Are they faster than Stringway?" Connor asked with a grin. Challenging Melody with a race for the portal.
Melody understood the challenge and smirked.
"Oh, it's on now. You're going down." Melody said, accepting the challenge.
"Great. So give me a moment to start the sub and- Woah Hey! No cool Mel!" Connor halted as she took off swimming already and she started the race.
*Woosh!*
"WOOOOOHOOOOOO!" Melody cheered as she swam away faster than ever before
Making Connor sigh with a smirk. "I might as well bring the heat."
Then he teleported into the Stingray sub and drove to try and outrun Melody. Only Melody was still pretty fast for him to catch up to her.
Melody couldn't believe that she was out swimming the gummi sub itself!
"You won't beat me Connor!" Melody stated as she decided to swim even faster.
"Then prove it! Show me what you got, Queen of the Ocean!" Connor challenged as he protected rings of neon miles ahead of them in loops and patterns. And a finish line at the very end.
"Your on!" Melody accepts Connor's challenge with a smirk.
"Hey! Wait up!" Conner said as he laughed as he's really enjoying this so much.
Then they swam over twenty miles across the ocean as Melody was the first to go through the hoops. While the Stingray kept coming in second. And as the race was going on. The magic of Fantasia was at work for Melody to start singing.
"There's a line where the sky~ meets the sea and it calls me~ But no one knooookws, how far it gooooes~ All the time wondering where I need to be is behind me~ But I'm not aloooone, to worlds UNOOOOOWN!~" Melody sang as she swam in loops ahead of the sub. Feeling free and alive with her arms spread out. "Every turn I take, every trail I track~ Is a choice I make, now I can't turn back~ From the great unknown where I go alone~ Where I long to be~"
Then Melody swam fast through a shipwreck as the Stingray was following behind her at high speed, causing several sharks to get knocked back by the strong current winds. Then she looped up above the surface and flipped in the air, gleaming in front of the sun before the Little Mermaid dove back into swimming through the neon rings.
"See the light up the night in the sea, It calls meeeeeee!~ And yes I Knooooooooow!, that I can goooooooooo!~" Melody sang as she was getting close to the finish line. There's a moon in the sky and the wind is behind me~ Soon I'll knoooooow, HOW FAR I'LL GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!~
On that last note Melody swam right through a neon shaped ring that was labeled finish line. And she stopped and bumped her fist high.
"YES! I WON!" Melody exclaimed as she felt so thrilled. So free. So happy.
While Connor leaned back on his captain's chair. Sulking and snickering as he figured it was fair. Even if she took a half start.
"Maybe we should've used the red button!" Mini-Mav declared dramatically like a narrator.
"Oh shut it." Connor deadpanned.
"Sorry Connie! No trophies for second place!" Melody teased with a sassy tone with her hands on her hips rocking her tail fin playfully.
"Great. Does this mean you're my slave now?" Connor deadpanned playfully from the sub's speaker.
Melody blushed and giggled at the thought.
"You'd like that, wouldn't you?" Melody said in a teasing tone. "And don't you mean you're my slave?"
"Sorry Madre! Victory isn't free!" Mini Mav declared.
The fact that Mini-Mav called Melody Madre which is Spanish for Mother. It means he recognizes her as Connor's partner.
Melody giggled and decided to play along.
"Very well then." Melody said with an innocent smile. "What would you have me do first, Master?"
Then Connor teleported outside to hover in front of Melody as he was still grinning.
"For starters. Hold out your necklace." Connor said.
"Okay." Melody took off her golden shell locket and handed it to
Then Connor used his ring to transfer a coded spell into her seashell. Making it glow for a few seconds. And then he gestured for Melody to put the necklace back on.
"Now you can turn from human to mermaid at will." Connor stated with a smile. "I figured this would top the air bubbles."
"R-really?" Melody's face lit up.
"Damn straight. Just remember. To go fish-mode. Hold the charm and say 'For the Sea'. And for your normal form. say 'For the Land. It's like a light switch." Connor explained how Melody can turn back from human to mermaid and vice versa whenever she wants.
Melody decided to give it a try and held the pendant.
"For the Land." Melody said. And in a flash of light, Melody turned back into a human, still in her underclothes and barefoot.
Thankfully Connor added a failsafe to make the neon bubble appear over her head whenever she's underwater. Which is why Melody was still able to breathe.
"Honestly. I can't decide which one looks better." Connor smiled as he complemented both her mermaid and human form.
Then he teleported her inside the sub, and Melody's air bubble faded off with the Stingray having air on the inside. And as they were standing inside the sub. They were smiling at each other.
Melody giggled and blushed at his compliment before sauntering over on her bare feet and wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned into him.
"Your words are too kind, my Handsome Knight in Glowing Armor." Melody purred before kissing him on the lips.
Connor kissed her back while his arms were wrapped around her. They were both still soaked from floating in the ocean together. But they didn't care. They enjoyed the warmth. And the love.
Soon they'll see it as true love. But for now. They're not resisting the road to understanding what they have.
Mini-Mav was meanwhile standing next to Dug as they enjoyed the sight.
"Not a bad way to start a final Frontier huh?!" Mini Mav held his fist up for a Dug to bump his fist.
But Dug only panted and looked at it while panting happily.
"I don't have a fist." Dug spoke from the collar while he still panted like a happy dog.
One thing is for sure. Mini-Mav was right. This was the start of what will no doubt be. The biggest adventure of their life.
THAT'S ALL FOR NOW FOLKS! πππ
Yeah. I bet some of you are wondering who Sea Slayer is. Well he is a made up villain that I came up with. Who is he under the mask though? Care to guess? No spoilers. Talking to you my co-writers! π. Let the other readers have fun guessing. No spoilers co-writers. Shhhhh
And also yes. In case anyone asks. Mr Fantastic and his family already went through that seemingly tragic story of the Future Foundation. But don't worry, Johnny Storm the Human Torch came back and was reunited with the team. I let them keep the name Future Foundation for this story, since their house is more than a four member household who all play a part in protecting the world. But rest assured. The Fantastic Four is still a title in Orion and Aiden's stories.
And also MELODY IS A KEYBLADER NOW! WOOOHOOOO!
"SMILE BABY!" Maverick cheered.
As for where this goes next. You'll finf out soon enough π .
Thank you all so much for reading. Don't forget to fav and follow if you like what you see. leave comments and reviews to let me know your thoughts.
And as always Disney/Square Enix fans!
FISTBUMP!ππππππππππ
