chapter 1 Ariel and Melody's Unorthodox Bonding
It had been six months since Morgana's defeat. In that time, Melody had gotten to know her grandfather Triton and her aunts better, along with Flounder. Melody especially loved hearing stories about her mother's childhood from Flounder, it amazed her how alike she and her mother were as children. Most importantly, Melody had grown closer than ever to her mother. Ariel still felt terrible at times about keeping her in the dark, but Melody reassured her that she understood better where her mother was coming from and they should move forward together. Ariel wondered what she'd done to be blessed with such a forgiving daughter. The two of them were now like best friends.
Melody was currently laughing at her mother's tale of her experiencing culture shock as a human. "I can't believe you used a fork as a comb and a pipe as a flute" she said, laughing so hard tears came out of her eyes. Ariel laughed too. "Grimsby's and your father's faces were priceless for sure", laughed Ariel. "I'll bet" said Melody "Especially after you covered Grimby's face with soot". They continued laughing. Ariel especially appreciated the humor of the tale since Ursula was long gone and that made it easier to remember the funny parts (and Melody was glad she never had to meet THAT sea witch. Morgana had been bad enough). Ariel then drew their attention to the setting sun. The surface of the ocean that was above Atlantica always looked beautiful at sunset. Melody loved spending evenings with her mother watching them. This had been a shared habit of theirs theses past months. Melody loved spending time with her mother in the evenings best, it was hard to believe they ever had issues between them, so close had they was yet another beautiful evening of watching the sunset. Ariel had a surprise this evening, though.
Melody followed her mother to a little rock and saw there was a bag there. "Ah, just as Sebastian promised" said Ariel. Melody watched in curiosity as she withdrew two bottles and beamed when she saw it was sea-soda. She'd wanted to try some ever since Sebastian had told them about it on his last visit. "Alright, these will be great" she said in excitement. Ariel nodded "Sebastian said the official name for this drink was something else but I can't remember. It's too long and complicated anyway, I heard even the inventor prefers calling it sea-soda". Ariel then got a contemplative look on her face. "Sebastian also warned me about something when drinking it but I can't remember that either". Melody shrugged "It's probably nothing serious if he still thinks they're safe to drink". Ariel nodded "Exactly". They gently clinked their glasses together in excitement and drank. Ariel savored hers gradually, enjoying its taste while Melody was so delighted she took a big chug. Ariel then remembered what Sebastian's warning was and tried to tell Melody but it was too late.
BURP Melody squealed in embarrassment and slapped a hand over her mouth in shock, her eyes widening. What in the world? She'd never done that, ever! She couldn't believe she just did something so unladylike, and in front of her mother of all people! Melody didn't need a mirror to know her face was redder than her mother's hair. "Excuse me" she said as she sheepishly looked at Ariel. Melody thought she'd be disgusted or mad but it was even worse: Ariel had her hand over her mouth and looked like she was trying not to laugh! Melody groaned, wishing the ground would swallow her up. Ariel couldn't help it and burst out laughing. Melody looked at her, face still red. "You're never going to let me forget this are you mom?" she asked. Ariel shook her head and finally calmed down. "It's not just your embarrassment I'm laughing at sweetie. Even if the look on your face is priceless". "Huh?" Melody was still embarrassed but now she was puzzled as well. "You see, my sisters and I had burping contests when we were kids and yours sounded as impressive as mine". Melody's jaw fell in shock. Sure, she knew all about her mother's rebellious adventures as a teenager (how her grandfather hadn't had a heart attack she'd never know) but the idea of her mother, a sea kingdom princess and her sisters (princesses all!) behaving like that? Ariel chuckled and said to her "Don't let in flies" amused more than ever at her daughter's face. Melody regained her composure and chuckled, it seemed she really did act like a teen version of her mom without even trying. Ariel wasn't finished however. "How'd you like to go for it sweetie?". Melody's eyes widened again. A burping contest, her? And against her own mom? Melody thought about it and shrugged "Sure why not? How did you fare against your sisters?". Ariel smiled "I surpassed them!". Melody was now in awe. Coolest mom ever! "Well, I don't know if I can beat you but I won't make a win come easy!" she said with determination. Ariel nodded "I'd expect nothing less from my daughter".
The two of them faced off. Ariel said to her "I never lost since I first participated in burping contests and I don't intend to start now! I'm not going easy on you just because you're my daughter!". Melody nodded in understanding, "Mom, I'd be insulted if you went easy on me!" Ariel smiled and nodded. She took a sip and then let out a BURP, a good start and just as impressive as Melody's accidental followed with another BURP, the same strength as her first except this time done on purpose and no embarrassment at all. They went back and forth with BURPS, normal sounding ones a couple times. Ariel smirked on her third turn. "Okay, kid. Now we're getting serious!". Melody smirked back "You're on!" she yelled.
Ariel then took a sip:"BUUUUUURRRRPPP. Ah, I still got it!". Melody was definitely impressed "Awesome! But I'm not giving up!" ("Naturally" Ariel privately thought). Melody took a sip:"BUUUUUURRRRPPP" slightly bigger than Ariel's. Ariel, far from being discouraged, actually felt thrilled to have a serious competitor. Ariel's turn: "BUUUURRRPPP". Melody: "BUUUUURRRRPPP" (bigger than Ariel's again!). Ariel: "BUUUURRRRPPPP". Melody: "BUUUURRRRPPP" (bigger again). Melody was concerned. "Mom, you better not be letting me do better!". Ariel reassured her "I'm not! Just as I was better than my sisters from my first time onward, you seem to be surpassing ME"! Ariel couldn't believe she was losing! She was torn between being flabbergasted at losing so far and proud her daughter was kicking her butt! Melody was reassured: "I believe you. Guess I really did get your talent at this!". Ariel smirked. "One last time each?". Melody smirked back. "You're on!"
Ariel drank the last of her soda and belched a deep belch, louder than any she'd ever done: "BUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRPPPPPPPPPP! Whew, that felt good! That was my masterpiece! Try beating that kid!" Ariel grinned at her. Melody was both impressed and intimidated. "Oh wow, I don't know if I can beat that" she thought. She shrugged. "Oh well, I had fun either way. I can least try to come close". Melody finished her soda and let out her own master belch: "BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP". She let out everything she had, pushing her throat muscles to their limit. Melody's belch echoed for miles, sailors even thought a sea creature was singing. Melody couldn't believe it! "Was that ME?" she thought in disbelief. Sure, she thought she'd try to at least come close to her mom's final belch but she never thought she'd surpass her! For Melody knew she won but was still taking it all in due to disbelief. Ariel was staring at her daughter in shock, her mouth hanging open (and to think she teasingly lectured Melody on letting in flies earlier). Then she beamed. She started walking over to Melody (who was just getting done processing what she'd accomplished) and beamed down at her. "Melody, I wasn't holding back at all! In fact, I honestly think I performed better than in past burping contests where I won! But it obviously wasn't enough. You have surpassed me and I'M SO PROUD!" she said the last three words loudly and pulled her into a hug.
Melody chuckled "Well, what can I say? I am your daughter after all". Ariel nodded, "That's plain to hear". The two of them fist bumped. Melody then got a contemplative look on her face. Ariel grinned, knowing what she was thinking. Sure enough, Melody started burping the alphabet, making sure to drag out the letter Z at the end. "I did that after my first contest too. You really are a chip off the old block" she said as they high-fived, Melody thrilled she and her mom had yet another thing in common. They walked back towards the castle (fortunately, their vulgar contest had been private due to the distance and the wind carrying sounds away from the shore). Ariel smiled at her once more. "So Melody, did you ever think you'd win at something like that?". Melody laughed "I never thought I would ever participate in something like that, much less win. And against my own mother too! You really are the coolest mom ever". Ariel smiled "And you are one awesome daughter". Melody thanked her and let out one last BURP on accident. "Whoah" she said as she patted her stomach. "Good one" Ariel laughed. Melody laughed too. Together, mother and daughter went home.
