Ariel was enjoying herself as she and Stormy raced across the landscape. They shot past coral reefs, ancient ruins, and even schools and flocks of different sea creatures. Stormy even leaped out of the water like a dolphin as he shot through an incoming wave and back into the water.

Then, Ariel noticed Stormy was going faster and faster. She also realized that they weren't Altantica's region anymore, now in an area with various jagged rocks and formations, strange coral reefs, and large and tall mountains.

"The wilderness! We better turn back, Stormy!"

But the wild seahorse refused to obey as he continued to rocket forward. Ariel tried pulling his reigns to get him to stop, but it didn't work.

"Stop! Stormy, stop! You're going too fast!"

But no matter how much Ariel pleaded, Stormy sped on, going deeper and deeper into the wilderness.

In another part of the wilderness, two octopuses were resting on top of a small plateau, comfortably snuggled in their kelp pillows and seaweed blankets while their giant seahorses stood tied next to them. These two were seahorse wranglers.

The first octopus was colored pink and young, and the other was purple and a bit old.

"Hey, pops. Do you think we'll see any wild giant seahorses tomorrow?" asked the pink octopus.

"I don't know, kid," replied the purple octopus. "Used to be you couldn't take a walk into the wilderness without a giant seahorse stepping on two or three of your tentacles. But these days, you'll be lucky to get a glimpse of even one."

Then suddenly, something came shooting straight past them, blowing both of the octopuses off of their rock and startling their seahorses. That something was Ariel and Stormy.

The two octopuses were bewildered as they watched Ariel and Stormy until they were out of sight.

Ariel tried her best to get Stormy under control, but no matter what she did, Stormy wouldn't stop or slow down.

Then, after reaching a bed of sea flowers, Stormy rolled, inadvertently throwing Ariel off his back. Luckily, Ariel wasn't hurt, although a bit frazzled. And noticing that she came off his back, Stormy quickly rushed back to her, ensuring she was all right.

"Whew! That was some ride!" Ariel spoke a bit breathlessly.

Stormy responded by giving her affectionate nuzzle with his snout as an apology.

"We better rest before we go back," Ariel told the giant seahorse. "I need a break."

Stormy gave the mermaid a nod in agreement, and after letting out a small yawn while resting comfortably on the flowers, Ariel quickly fell asleep while Stormy kept vigil over her.

But as Stormy was about to fall asleep, he heard something.

"Ariel! Ariel!"

The giant seahorse quickly got up and went over to investigate, peering over the side of the sea flower bed, wondering what it was.

Sure enough, it was King Triton and his search party.

"Oy, dis is tiring," complained Sebastian. "I haven't spent a night like dis since I was washed ashore in Trinidad during de typhoon of forty-three."

"Quiet!" shushed King Triton. "Ariel might be hurt and calling for help!"

Sebastian immediately apologized. "Sorry, your majesty. I was momentarily delirious."

"Garret, how are you two holding up?" asked Marley.

Garret looked at the color-changing seahorse, and while it appeared to be calm, her color was now a slight tinge of yellow. "I'm all right, and she appears to be calm," he replied. "But I'm worried her fear's starting to get to her."

"Just make sure that she's calm," said Marley. "And stay close to the group."

They all then started calling out for Ariel.

"Ariel! Where are you?!"

"Ariel!"

"Ariel! Where are you, girl?"

"Ariel, say something! Anything!"

Stormy then watched as the party eventually disappeared from view.

Knowing that they were looking for the little mermaid, Stormy went back to check on her and saw that she was still sleeping peacefully. While the seahorse knew that King Triton and the others were looking for her, he knew he had to protect her. After all, aside from Marley, she was the only one thus far that had tried to befriend her.

So, Stormy swam over to a cliff, looking for any threat.

But little did he know, the sea horse wranglers were watching him from on top of a pillar, who had followed him and were ready to capture him.

"Well, kid, there's your first wild seahorse," the purple octopus pointed. "Let's get him!"

And with a tug of their sea horses' reigns, the two wranglers charged with lassos whirling.

Sensing that they were coming, Stormy looked up and saw them, but he wasn't about to let himself be captured or put Ariel in danger, so with a challenging neigh, he also charged, shooting past them at breakneck speed and deeper into the wilderness.

Hearing the commotion, Ariel finally woke up, and when she noticed that Stormy was gone, she grew worried and looked around for the seahorse.

Then, she saw Stormy along with the wranglers in the distance and chased after them as fast as her fins could pump.

Back with King Triton and his party, they were still searching, looking around every corner or crack they could find. However, they didn't see any sign of her anywhere.

But as they searched, the color-changing seahorse was still acting tense as Garret rode her.

The boy noticed this and tried petting the sea horse for comfort. "It's OK," he told her gently. "Just hang in there a little bit longer."

It worked for a little while, but it didn't help. Every corner and every sound seemed scary, making her all the more nervous.

Then, at that moment, there was the sound of a long howl that echoed throughout the area. Immediately, the color-changing seahorse began turning bright yellow as she looked around, trembling.

"Easy, girl!" warned Garret. "You're OK! Calm down!"

"Hold her steady, Garret!" said Marley. "Calm down, girl!"

The howl came again, which was too much for the sea horse to take. The frightened creature let out a whinny while rearing and bucking, throwing Garret off the saddle, and before anyone could stop her, the sea horse swam away as fast as she could.

"No! The seahorse!" cried Garret as he hastily righted himself. "I've got to go after her!"

"Garret, wait! It's too dangerous out here!" yelled King Triton. "You could get lost!"

"But I can't just leave her!" Garret called back. "You guys keep searching for Ariel! I'll catch up with you later!"

And Garret raced off.

"Oh, great! First, Ariel, and now Garret!" groaned Sebastian. "What's de matter with teenagers dese days?! Causing all of dis trouble for seahorses!"

"The only thing we can do for now is trust the boy," said Marley. "But this does make things more complicated for us. Hopefully, those kids will find their way back and be all right."

Meanwhile, Stormy did everything he could to try and shake the wranglers, but they persisted and stayed on his tail.

Then, they came to a strange coral entanglement with numerous holes and tendrils. Stormy quickly shot inside, zigging and zagging around, but the wranglers didn't give up and continued to pursue him.

The three exited the formation and came to a coral reef with a wall splitting the path in two directions. The pink octopus took one way, and Stormy and the purple octopus took their other.

Stormy looked back, seeing that the purple octopus was gaining on him. Then, as he turned back in front, the pink octopus on his seahorse sprang up from around the corner, surprising him and forcing him to go in the other direction.

That was the opening that the purple octopus was waiting for.

The old geezer sprang from his seahorse, landed on Stormy's back, and tied the lasso around his neck. After that, he quickly got off and tied his rope tightly around a stalagmite.

"We got him! We got him!" cheered the pink octopus as he pulled up alongside. "What a chase! What a rush!"

"Nice going, kid! We got ourselves a real prize!" the purple octopus smiled proudly. "Now, let's make camp, eat some sea beans, and gloat."

As the two wranglers laughed, Stormy struggled and tried to break free, but he was stuck.

"Giant Seahorse! Where are you?! Please come out!"

Garret searched around the area, checking where the color-changing seahorse could have gone, but he couldn't see it anywhere.

"She's got to be around here somewhere," Garret muttered. "I have to think. If I was a frightened seahorse, where would I hide?"

He looked around carefully while thinking hard for a long pause. Then, he noticed something.

A few feet away from him was a small cave hidden under a reef. He swam over to inspect, and he heard a small nicker coming from inside of it.

Immediately, Garret peered inside and saw the seahorse all alone, trembling while huddled in a ball and as yellow as a lemon.

"There you are," he said as he entered. "I was getting worried about you."

The seahorse looked up, now looking apologetic.

But Garret kindly petted her head. "It's OK. There's nothing wrong with being scared," he said gently.

As he gently sat down next to her, the seahorse's color grew a bit less yellow.

"You know, I guess King Triton was right. You and I are similar," he said to no one in particular. "We're both uniquely different from everyone else, and we've also experienced trauma that's made us afraid. Although, I've experienced much more scary stuff now that I think about it."

The seahorse looked up at Garret as he gave her a tiny smile.

"Say, I'm not sure if you can understand me, but I'm going to let you in on a little secret," he went on. "I get scared of doing things too. So much so that the fear - overtakes me. My heart feels like stopping, and I feel like my body's going to freeze. But my parents taught me some tricks to deal with it."

The seahorse gave an inquisitive snort.

"First, they told me it's OK to be afraid, but it's also important to never let that fear take hold of you. Sure, there are times when running away is right, but there are times when you should take a stand to face it. And when you're facing that fear while still terrified, this is what you should do."

He then took a slow, deep breath for four seconds before letting it out.

"To be honest, I've been neglecting their advice. I still feel afraid even after everything that's happened." Garret continued as he gazed at her with determination. "But the one thing that scares me more is losing someone I care about again. So, I know you're scared, but there's someone who I've come to care about, and she might be in danger. I don't want to see her get hurt, so, please. I need your help."

The seahorse stared at Garret for a pause. Then, the yellow on her body slowly faded, returning to its original color, and she let out a brave whinny.

Garret's face brightened. "Thank you," he said gratefully. "Now, let's get out of this cave and find Ariel and Stormy."

The two exited the cave and were about to resume their search when they heard a familiar voice that carried along the currents and echoed throughout the landscape.

"Stormy!"

Garret knew that voice anywhere. "That was Ariel!" he cried. "She must be somewhere close by!" He quickly mounted his steed and tugged at the reigns. "Away!"

The color-changing seahorse let out a brave whinny as the two of them set off.

Ariel had lost track of Stormy and the wranglers and was now searching and calling for Stormy.

She looked all over for him until, eventually, she spotted him.

He was still tied to his rock, looking sad and forlorn while the sea wranglers were eating sea beans celebrating their victory.

Knowing she had to help him, Ariel snuck over to the giant seahorse being as quiet as she could.

When Stormy saw her, he was so happy that he couldn't help but snort with joy. Ariel shushed the seahorse, not wanting to be seen, and Stormy quickly went quiet, pretending to be sad.

The wranglers looked over at Stormy, hearing him, but then went back to eating their beans, suspecting nothing.

Ariel went to the rock and set to work untying Stormy's ropes. It was a bit difficult, but Ariel managed to undo them. After that, the little mermaid mounted Stormy, and he sped off.

However, the wranglers caught wind of them, and not wanting to let Stormy escape, they mounted their seahorses and gave chase. All three of them soon came inside a steep chasm.

"We got them now!" yelled out the pink octopus. "Let's head 'em off at the pass!"

But then came trouble. As the three entered the chasm and sped along, Ariel saw a hanging sea nut branch with a large nut dangling low.

Before she could react, the sea nut bopped her right on the head, knocking her out cold, causing her to fall off Stormy towards the abyss of the chasm below.

Stormy looked back, saw his rider falling, and quickly raced back as fast as he could, shooting straight past the wranglers startling their sea horses, and caught the unconscious Ariel with his saddle.

The two octopi tried to get their seahorses under control, but they were thrown off their stallions and landed in a kelp bush. As the two managed to pull themselves out, Stormy was already out of sight.

"That does it," the purple octopus sighed, conceding while dizzy. "We're going to start rustlin' sea slugs instead. At least they leave a trail."

"And they're a lot slower, too," agreed the pink octopus.

Stormy was happy that the wranglers gave up, but now he had a bigger problem. Ariel was practically draping over his saddle, still unconscious and dangerously slipping. If he didn't do something quick, she would soon fall off.

Then, he heard a familiar voice.

"Ariel! Where are you?!"

Stormy perked up, and in the distance, he saw King Triton and his party still searching. While he knew the king disliked him, he was the only one who could help. He then rushed over to the king, hoping to get there before Ariel fell off, letting out a neigh for help.

King Triton and his party heard Stormy and saw him.

"Ariel!" gasped Sebastian. "Dere she is!"

"Oh, no!" gasped Marley. "She's passed out! And she's slipping!"

King Triton and his seahorse quickly rushed over, but even with his steed going as fast as it could, it wouldn't make it in time.

At that moment, a familiar voice yelled out.

"Hold on, Ariel!"

Not long after, a boy and his red sea horse with brown patches came to the rescue.

"It's Garret!" called Flounder.

The color-changing sea horse raced through the currents, and as Ariel fell off, Garret caught her in his arms just in time.

After that, Ariel was rushed to the doctor back at the palace. Everyone waited impatiently while the squid looked her over.

"So, how is she, Doc?" asked Garret. "Is Ariel OK?"

"She suffered a mild concussion, but she's going to be all right," the squid spoke with a smile. "You can talk to her for a while."

King Triton and everyone else sighed in relief as the squid left the room. The king went to Ariel's bedside, just about to talk to her when Sebastian intervened.

"Oh, your majesty, please don't yell at her now," the red crab pleaded. "At least wait until she's better."

"Or punish her," concurred Garret. "I think she's already had her fair share of a punishment after getting clonked in the head like that."

"I am not going to yell at or punish her," reassured the king gently as he spoke to his daughter. "Ariel? Can you hear me, dear?"

The little mermaid's eyes fluttered open. "Father? Flounder? Sebastian, and Garret, too." Then, she suddenly remembered. "Wait, where's Stormy?"

An angry look crossed the king's face, but he quickly caught himself and calmed down. "That magnificent seahorse is just too wild for you," he replied.

Ariel smiled. "Yes. You're right, Father," she said quietly.

"Now, I'll hear none of it," King Triton insisted. "I-!" Then he realized. "I'm right? I'm right?" He looked at Garret, Flounder, and Sebastian, laughing in surprise. "Did you hear that? I'm right!"

"Good for you, your majesty!" said Sebastian.

King Triton returned his attention to Ariel. "Now, Ariel, I know sometimes you think I'm - mean, and I don't like saying no to you, but sometimes I have to because... because..."

"Because you love me and want to protect me?" finished Ariel.

King Triton smiled, and he and Ariel shared a loving embrace. At first, Garret, Sebastian, and Flounder were happy and relieved to see this, but Ariel quickly snapped, remembering.

"But you can't sell Stormy to that seahorse trader, Father!"

The three gulped, believing that the king would be cross, but to their surprise, he smiled.

"Of course not," he said kindly. "As soon as you're able, I'll have Marley release Stormy into the wilderness so he can roam free."

Ariel smiled gratefully. "I'd like that," she said. "And so would he."

The two embraced once more, and the three couldn't help but be happy.

"Oh, fathers are sometimes right, eh, boys?" Sebastian spoke to Garret and Flounder.

"Yeah. I hope those two never fight again," said Flounder.

"I agree," concurred Garret. "All's well that ends well."

A couple of days later, Ariel, King Triton, Garret, and Marley were again back in the wilderness, with Stormy being excited.

Ariel then undid Stormy's saddle and reigns, and immediately, Stormy let out a majestic neigh and zoomed away into the distance.

"Goodbye, Stormy," Ariel sadly called as she waved. "I'll never forget you."

"You did the right thing, Ariel," said King Triton. "And I'm proud of you."

"So am I," said Garret. "It takes a lot of stuff to let him go the way you did. Hopefully, he'll be happier than being stuck in a stable."

King Triton then led Ariel over to the brown seahorse. "Now, I know Sea Biscuit isn't Stormy, but he's a more suitable horse for a young lady should ride."

Sea Biscuit looked across to Ariel and gave her a friendly snort as he nuzzled against her making her smile.

"Oh, I quite agree, Father," she giggled as she petted his snout.

"That reminds me," said Marley as he put a hand on Garret's shoulder. "Hey, boy. I heard that you made quite the rescue the other day."

"Well, I had a little help from the seahorse, so I can't take all the credit," replied Garret.

"That may be true, but you were able to help her get by with her fear," said Marley. "And I'd say that's a feat in itself."

"He's right, you know," said King Triton. "I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't shown up, Garret, and for that, you have my thanks."

"Mine, too," Ariel chimed in. "Thank you for saving me, and I'm sorry for being so stubborn."

"Come on, you guys, it's OK," Garret chuckled shyly. "I'm only sorry that I couldn't keep her under control at first."

"Then, you're going to have to spend a bit more time with her, won't you?" smiled Marley.

Garret was puzzled, but then Marley gave a whistle, and the color-changing seahorse came towards him, quick to nuzzle her snout against him.

"It's good to see you again, too," Garret laughed as he petted her snout.

"It seems as though you made a lasting impression on her, boy," said Marley. "And since you two have grown so close, how would you like to keep her as your own?"

Garret stared with wide eyes. "Wait, seriously?!" he gasped. "Are you sure? I mean, is it honestly OK?"

"Of course it is," smiled Marley. "It's been a long time since I've seen that girl so happy, and I think she'll be happier with you."

"That's wonderful, Garret!" Ariel spoke happily. "Now you have a seahorse of your own, too!"

King Triton chuckled. "Well, the more, the merrier, as they say. But if you're going to keep her, Garret, she will need a name."

"You have a point, your majesty," realized Garret. "But what should I even call her?"

The boy took a minute, trying to think of names that would suit the color-changing seahorse. After a few seconds, he then came up with something.

"How about - Mira?"

The seahorse let out a happy whiny and rapidly spun around Garret, making him swirl. King Triton, Ariel, and Marley laughed.

"I think she likes it," said Ariel.

"All right then," Garret spoke while stopping himself. "From now on, your name is Mira."

Ariel, Garret, and King Triton then mounted their seahorses.

"Hey, Garret! I'll race you and Daddy home!" called Ariel as Sea Biscuit zoomed away.

"Oh, it is so on!" Garret replied as he and Mira chased after them.

King Triton grinned. "Away!" he commanded his steed as he followed after.

Marley watched as the three riders shot for home while waving goodbye.

Stormy was happy as he raced along, finally free and in the wilderness. However, there was a sting of sadness inside of his heart, having to leave his new friend Ariel.

The giant seahorse couldn't help but take one last look at Atlantica, watching as Ariel, her father, and Garret raced with their horses disappearing into the distance. Then, he let out one more whinny in goodbye and swam into the wilderness, disappearing into the wild blue yonder.