Some 13 years later, at the coast of the further northern continents, a kingdom stood with a castle at the shoreline. And inside the castle, servants and other people were hurrying through the halls as they were getting ready for an arrival. And one maid hurries through the hall carrying a load of folded clothing as a man was fixing some flowers.
"Melody?" A voice called out.
Servants in the ballroom quickly got ready as the maid went up to the queen.
"Melody?" She called out and turns to the maid. "Oh, Carlotta. Have you seen Melody?"
"Last time I saw her she was in her room, Your Majesty." Carlotta said.
"Thanks." Ariel said heads off.
In her room, Melody in her camisole and pantalettes was busy nearly strip-mining her closet trying to find a dress to wear but was struggling to find the right one.
"Ooh! Come on." Melody groaned. "There has to be something!" She then went through her dresses again. "Uh..." She then brought out a sun yellow dress. "No." she digs through her closet more and brought out an indigo dress. "Uh... No." She gone through her dresses again and brought out a blue bell dress. "No." She then brought out a forest green dress. "No." A cerulean dress. "No." A pink dress. "Too girly." A maroon dress. "No." A red dress. "No." An orange dress. "No." A white dress which made her had a bewildered look. "Too wedding-like." A shamrock dress. "Too Christmas-like." She then angrily growled.
She then noticed her light blue dress.
"Aha!" Melody beamed.
She grabs the dress and quickly changes behind a dressing screen.
"Melody?" Ariel called.
Melody gasped hearing mother's voice and panics a little.
"Uh, uh, I'm-I'm getting ready!" Melody called out to her. "Ohh!"
"Are you okay in there, dear?" Ariel asked.
"Y-Yes!" Melody said quickly slipping some shoes on. "I'm just, uh... finishing getting dress."
She soon stepped out from the dressing screen fixing her dress and placed her locket on as the door opens as Ariel stepped in. But she saw her daughter's hair a bit messed up and she cleared her throat gesturing to her hair.
Melody glanced up at her hair and sighed in defeat.
"I was... having a little trouble deciding what to wear." Melody admitted and blows a bit of hair from her face.
Ariel couldn't help but chuckle.
"Here. Let me help." Ariel said as they got to her desk and mirror.
Melody had recently decorated it with a several well-drawn images, her and Ariel as mermaids swimming in the ocean, Melody with her aunt Attina, another of her and Triton, her hanging with Tip and Dash, and one of her swimming with a Blue Whale.
Ariel grabs a hairbrush as the door opens and they saw Eric.
"So, we're having a bad hair day." Eric teased.
"If we were, you wouldn't be helping, would you?" Ariel said with a teasing look.
"Well I'm just here to let you know that they're all finish downstairs and..." Eric said.
"Oh, we'll be right down." Ariel said. "Give us 2 minutes."
"Right, 2..." Eric chuckled and closed the door. "Now where have I heard that before?" He asked himself.
Meanwhile, Ariel was still brushing her daughter's hair.
"Thanks for the help, Mom." Melody said. "But what are we doing again?"
"Quite an amazing event, actually." Ariel said.
"And, that is?" Melody asked as her mother placed her scrunchie on.
"Well, in about 5 days, it will be me and your dad's wedding anniversary." Ariel said.
"Yeah." Melody said. "It will be your... uh, 15th, right?"
"Yes." Ariel said. "And this year we invented a Royal family that we know."
"Oh. Carry on then." Melody said.
"We've actually known for them for a long time." Ariel explained. "King Malik and Queen Sarabi."
"Uh, I don't think I remember them." Melody frowned.
"I wouldn't be surprise if you didn't." Ariel said. "You were just a year old when we last saw them. And they'll be arriving today with their son, Leo." She then showed her and old photo of them when Leo was just a newborn.
"Is that them?" Melody asked.
"Hmm-mmm." Ariel nodded. "That's King Malik, Queen Sarabi, and there is their son, Leo."
"Huh." Melody stared. "You've actually met them?"
"Yes." Ariel confirmed. "Me and Eric been to their kingdom shortly after we were married. And you wouldn't believe how amazing their home castle is. Oh! And here's something you might like." She then showed a photo of her Eric with Malik and Sarabi with an African Elephant.
"Is that an elephant?" Melody wondered.
"Yeah." Ariel said. "His name is Sudan. And he was really friendly, and showed a real interest in me. It's almost like he thought I was different among everyone."
"Maybe because that you were a mermaid?" Melody inquired.
"I sorta had that thought." Ariel said. "And don't worry, Sudan is quite gentle. As well as Malik and Sarabi."
"Nice to know." Melody said. "But, um... it-it-it's just,... Um."
"What?" Ariel asked sensing her daughter unsettled.
"It's just... I'm guessing a ball and dancing, right?" Melody said.
Ariel soon realized what she meant and remembered what happened last year at her birthday.
"Oh, Melody, sweetie." Ariel gently said. "I know it was a tough night last year, but I know Leo is a good kid."
"It's not that." Melody said. "I'm just... afraid of making a fool of myself especially in front of a king if something happens. And the last guy I danced with, it ended up a disaster."
"Hmm." Ariel pondered for a moment.
She then had an idea.
"Tell you what." Ariel suggested. "Why don't you show Leo around the kingdom tomorrow? That way the of 2 you can get to know each other better."
"Really?" Melody said.
"Sure." Ariel said. "I'm sure Malik and Sarabi will agree as well."
Melody stared at the photo of the Royal family once more, and then noticed something on the right side of the photo.
"Hey, Mom." Melody said. "Who's that right there?"
"Hmm?" Ariel frowned and turns to the photo. "Oh. That's Prince Nyoka. Malik's younger brother. He seems okay, but..."
"What?" Melody asked.
"I-I don't know." Ariel said unsure. "But there was something about him that I didn't feel settle with him."
Melody stared at Nyoka's image and slightly felt a little uneasy by his appearance.
"Now then, we should probably head down now." Ariel said. "Now, can you handle it?"
"Yeah." Melody answered.
"You sure?" Ariel arched a brow.
"Absolutely." Melody said in an accent.
"You making fun of me?" Ariel questioned.
"No." Melody said.
"Then you totally got this." Ariel assured. "Now then."
She grabbed Melody's tiara, and gently placed on her daughter's head.
"Ready?" Ariel asked.
"Ready." Melody said with a smile.
"That's my brave girl." Ariel said.
The door then opened.
"Ah, I was wondering what was taking you 2 ladies so long." Eric said. "We're almost ready. And you 2 certainly look wonderful."
"Okay, let's head on down." Ariel said.
They soon headed off.
A few minutes later, they were all outside as they waited at the castle's seaside dock and the Royal Family waited.
"Nervous?" Ariel asked Melody.
"A little." Melody admitted.
"Don't worry, everything will be all right." Ariel assured.
She then noticed the sash Eric was wearing was a little crooked, and she then fixed it.
"Oh, thanks." Eric said. "Guess I was a little nervous myself when getting ready. It's been so long since we seen them."
"Relax, everything will be fine." Ariel assured. "I look fine myself, right?"
They then lightly laughed.
Soon, a ship appeared in view and they watched as it sails into the harbor, and it's sail sports an insignia of a lion. Once it was in place and secured, a gangplank was brought out. And soon, a Royal family stepped out of the ship as Melody recognized the king from the picture her mother showed her earlier. And she knew he was Malik, and the queen, light olive skin-toned, blue eyes, dark brown hair, as she recognized was Sarabi. And lastly, their son, looks to be her age, and seems to resemble his father in many ways.
Another man was with them as Melody assumed it was Jaffe after her mother told her he was a member of Malik's council.
Jaffe then cleared his throat. "Presenting, Namibian King Malik and Queen Sarabi and Prince Leo."
"Eric." Malik greeted.
"King Malik." Eric said as they shook hands. "So glad you could make it."
"My pleasure." Malik said. "It's been a long time, old friend. And real pleasure of seeing you again, Ariel."
"Thank you, Malik." Ariel said bowing her head. "You as well, Sarabi."
"Thank you, Ariel." Sarabi said. "It's so good to see you after all this time." She then noticed Melody beside her mother. "Well, now. Princess Melody I presume."
"Yes, Your Highness." Melody said.
"My goodness, you've grown." Sarabi said. "You were just a little blossom when we last saw you."
"It's been a long time." Malik said and studied her a bit. "Hmm. You've always did had your mothers' eyes. Definitely growing up to be your mother's spitting image."
"Thank you." Melody said flushing a bit.
"Now, before we continue." Malik said. "Allow us to introduce to our son, Prince Leo."
"Real pleasure to meet you, Your Majesties." Leo said and respectfully bowed.
"And it's a real pleasure to meet you, too, Leo." Ariel said.
"Now, then." Eric said. "How about a tour of the castle?"
"Thank you." Malik said.
After showing them to their rooms where they will be staying, they were given a tour of the castle and Grimsby was with them.
"So, Grimsby, how does my dad know King Malik?" Melody said.
"Quite an interesting story, dear." Grimsby said. "Eric's father knew Malik's kingdom at the time his father was ruling. They're actually well aware of merpeople after meeting your mother."
"Really?" Melody said astonished.
"Oh, yes." Grimsby said. "Their castle home is quite a sight. Despite the, um, blazing desert sun."
"My dad told me he got a bad sunburn the time your parents were there." Leo chimed after hearing them.
"What?" Melody said stifled a laughed.
"Yes, yes." Grimsby said and cleared his throat. "But let's leave it at that, thank you."
"I'll fill you in more later." Leo whispered.
"Thanks." Melody said.
Later, Melody was showing Leo more of the castle while their parents were doing some catching up.
"You certainly have a lovely home, Princess." Leo said.
"Thank you." Melody said. "And... Melody's fine."
"My apologizes." Leo said. "So, tell me, Melody. You've always liked an ocean view?"
"I've always loved the sea." Melody said. "It's always been a part of me."
"Interesting." Leo said. "What is it that you love about the ocean?"
"Gee, I don't know where to start." Melody said. "Hmm. Well, I love how it's so full of life, more ways than you could imagine. And... it's like exploring another world."
"Fascinating." Leo said.
"Yeah it really is a special place." Melody said.
Then Scuttle suddenly poked his head from a window. "Hi there." He greeted.
"Aah!" Leo suddenly whacked him in the face with a book after being started as Melody cringed from that.
"Um, that was a friend of mine." Melody said as stars spun around Scuttle as he dropped to the ground.
"Whoops." Leo said looking out the window. "Sorry about that."
"I'm fine." Scuttle said all dazed.
After making sure Scuttle was okay when he woke up and recovered, Melody was showing Leo the shoreline near the castle.
"My home kingdom happens to be by the shoreline as well." Leo said.
"Really?" Melody said.
"Yes." Leo said. "Not as close as your castle is, but it's a short walk from the coast."
"What is it like there in Namibia?" Melody asked.
"Let me think." Leo said. "Well, it's mostly desert there, but we're lucky to be home at an oasis."
"Wow, that sounds a little extreme." Melody said.
"Yeah, but it's still home." Leo said.
"Yeah, and- Hey, what's that?" Melody wondered seeing something.
"What?" Leo asked.
"Come on." Melody said heading off.
Leo then followed her as they got to a shallow depression in the sand with a number tracks leading to the water.
"Whoa, a sea turtle nest." Melody said amazed.
"Seems like this nest already had hatchlings." Leo said.
"Yeah, must've been last night." Melody said. "Maybe we can find some eggshells."
They soon started digging some sand and brought out some old eggshells, and after a few minutes it looks like every hatchling has made it out.
"Guess they're all gone." Leo said.
But then a bit of sand stirred.
"Wait, you see that?" Melody asked.
"What?" Leo asked.
"Look." Melody said.
The sand stirred more as then a tiny black head poked out as a flipper followed as a baby Leatherback Sea Turtle crawls out of the sand.
"Aw." Melody said adored.
"Hello, there." Leo greeted.
He then gently scoops the hatchling in his hand.
"Someone's a little late." Melody said.
"Yeah." Leo said. "Better give this little fella a little help."
They soon head over to the water.
"Good luck, little Leatherback." Leo said.
He then gently placed the hatchling down, and the turtle crawls off towards the water. And soon, a small wave washed over it and it vanished into the water.
And the hatchling will face more than a thousand hazards in the ocean as it grows up, and if lucky enough, will return to this beach 1 day.
"We actually have these sea turtles that come to my kingdom's shore to nest." Leo said.
"Really?" Melody said.
"Yeah." Leo said. "Come on, I wanna show you something."
They then head back to the castle.
They were back in the castle as they were in one of the guestrooms where Leo is staying. And he was looking for something.
"I know it's here somewhere." Leo said digging through his things. "Aha! Here it is." He brought out a photo and hands it to her.
Melody looks at the photo and saw Malik by a Leatherback on the beach by his home kingdom.
"Is that... your dad?" Melody asked.
"Uh-huh." Leo said. "There's a very interesting story behind that photo. It's quite a long one."
"Well, I got time." Melody said.
"Okay, get comfortable then." Leo said handing her a pillow.
He then began his story when Malik was just around his age. As every year on the shore of his home kingdom, a remarkable event takes place as the sun sets, giant reptiles begin to emerge. Leatherback Sea Turtles come to the beach to lay their eggs, but their numbers in that part of the ocean have fallen catastrophically. But they were given hope. Out of water, these huge creatures were easy targets for hunters. And Malik has experienced it, firsthand.
When he was young growing up, the presence of turtle meat was vey common and normal. Storage rooms were always fill of it, including from his parents. It was when Malik noticed that fewer Leatherbacks have been arriving to the beach, and nobody cared, it got his attention.
Malik took the Leatherback's future into his own hands.
He started patrolling the beach at night to protect the turtles, a brave thing to do. And not an easy task, as Malik had hunters insulted him, other things, and one time a hunter threatened him with a sword, but was luckily saved by the guards after his parents learned of what he was doing.
If Malik was going to save these turtles, he needed to win over the whole kingdom.
He wanted to get the villagers to benefit from the presence of these animals.
By the next nesting season, he started to encourage people to visit the beach. And to help secure the turtle's future, Malik took the message to the next generation. And soon, Malik's hard work has paid off, and attitudes have changed. And poaching the turtles was brought to an end.
And as well as protecting the adult turtles, people collected any eggs from nests that were laid too close to the water and placed further up the beach. As they were relocated and buried again. Thanks to the efforts of the kingdom, the turtles have had an extraordinary change in fortune.
Where once 30 or 40 Leatherbacks come to nest, now more than 500 turtles nest on the shoreline by the kingdom.
Precious new hatchlings were also given a chance and helping hand as well. Any that emerge during the day are collected and to be released safely back to the sea away from hungry animals.
Since then, the Leatherbacks of the Namibian coast have had a remarkable comeback.
"Wow." Melody said amazed.
"Yep." Leo said. "It was an extraordinary thing my dad did."
"But I can't help but wonder why, though?" Melody asked.
"Well, my dad once told me while others search what they can take, a true king searches what he can give." Leo said.
"It truly was a noble thing he did." Melody said.
"Thank you." Leo said.
That evening, after dinner, Melody was outside watching the setting sun and saw in the distance in the ocean was a jet of mist from a Humpback Whale resting at the surface.
"Peaceful evening, isn't it?" Sarabi's voice said.
Melody then turn to her.
"It is." Melody said.
"Indeed." Sarabi said joining next to her. "It always seems that sunrises and sunsets are more breathtaking by the sea."
"Yeah, one of the many things I love about the ocean." Melody said. "And... I just glad Morgana isn't around to threaten it."
"Ah. I've heard of the darken sea witch." Sarabi said. "I'm glad that she's no longer around."
"Yeah, but..." Melody got uneasy.
"What is it, dear?" Sarabi asked.
"I just wished I knew something didn't seem right." Melody said feeling guilty. "I mean, I could've gotten someone seriously hurt or..."
"Hey, hey." Sarabi said gently. "It was not your fault. You didn't know."
"I wish I did." Melody said and sniffled a bit. "Why do bad things have to happen?"
"I wish I can answer that one." Sarabi said.
Melody then sighed.
"But I do know something." Sarabi said. "It's something my grandmother told my mother she was your age, and that my mother told me. Some things start out big, and some things start out small, very small. But sometimes the smallest thing... can make the biggest changes of all."
Melody was touched by that and lightly smiled.
"Remember that." Sarabi said.
"I will." Melody said.
They begin to head back inside, but unaware nearby from the castle a hooded figure watches them through a telescope. And it soon lowered the telescope as a pair of brown eyes stared with a narrow gaze.
Author's Note:
My apologizes it took so long, been busy with personal life, other stories, stuff like that. As well as working out how the introduction would go.
And happy recent 22nd for The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea.
