When I first started to write this story, Molly's and Sherlock's stories were two big parts in the beginning. I split them up because it kept feeling like too much time was spent with one character or another. I've realized in doing that, that the timeline was changed a little bit, so here's some clarification. Sherlock has dinner with his family and they talk about his upcoming birthday the first night. The next day, Molly and Meena explore the ship and miss the Bubble Festival, a celebration of Molly's deceased mother on her mother's birthday. This chapter is that same day. Just wanted to explain that inconsistency; thanks for reading anyway. I feel like this chapter is a lot better, so I hope you like it and feel the same. Enjoy!
Sunlight filtered through the waves into the cavern below. Some objects in Molly's grotto caught the rays and sparkled in the afternoon sun. Like every time they entered, the two girls gazed up at the tall rock surrounding them. Every niche carved in the sides had something in it. Molly swam up toward the large hole at top of the formation, looking for space among the many shelves for the small objects. Meena followed. About halfway up, they found it. Molly slowly pulled each item out of her bag and placed it on the shelf, but she couldn't fight the sad look she knew was on her face as she leaned the bubble blower against the side.
As she sunk to the bottom of the cave, Meena asked, "What's wrong, Molly?"
Molly took a deep breath and sat in the sand. "Do you think all humans are as bad as my father makes them out to be?"
Meena hesitated. "Not always. Though sometimes…" She picked up a ball and chain from a lower shelf. "…I wonder. I think the real question is what makes them so different from us?" She put the rusting iron back in the niche. "There are good merpeople… and there are bad merpeople. The Kingdom of Mori comes to mind."
"Oh, don't remind me." Molly fell onto her back as Meena sat beside her. "If Atlantica wasn't as big as it is and alliances hadn't been made with my older siblings' marriages, I have no doubt little Mori would have attacked us by now."
"Maybe Prince James does love you. You were engaged for quite some time before the king ended it and kicked Mori out of the seven kingdoms." Meena's tone was playful, trying to lighten the mood.
"It was three weeks, Meena, and I ended it. They were practicing dark magic; you know that's a breach of our treaty."
"I know." Meena smiled kindly.
Molly furrowed her brow and sat up, bending her yellow tail to her chin. "Maybe I should have just married Jim. I wouldn't have as much to worry about now, the whole kingdom about to rest on my shoulders."
"Molly, don't say things like that. Prince James was a psychopath and you know it. It never would have worked out. Even if he did seem very nice at first."
"It would have been a royal marriage; we would have had to work it out. For the sake of our people. But I'm glad there was another reason not to marry him. I just… I just don't want to disappoint my father. It feels like that's all I do anymore. …But… I don't want this kingdom, the responsibilities. I want…" She looked around at the millions of things in her grotto "…so much more. I mean is it so wrong to want to know about a whole world outside of your own? To be a part of it? Why can't we co-exist peacefully?" Meena was about to respond when a shadow passed over the cave. Molly's attention was redirected. "What do you think…?"
Molly swam quickly to the top of the cavern and through the hole, making her way to the surface. Meena was on her tail, but neither of them noticed the dark hair floating in the seaweed atop the rock.
Prince Sherlock of Glauwery did not like parties, especially his own. As a royal, he had grown up with them every year, and every year he loathed them more and more. The noise, the people, they were all too much. The one thing he could look forward to when Mycroft became king would be the distinct lack of parties. If anyone hated these gatherings more than Sherlock, it was his brother. He had already convinced him to do away with these public affairs and let the people celebrate if they will. As for their own royal society, they could all stay home. No one needed to travel long distances to celebrate someone coming out of a womb years ago.
There was one thing he did enjoy at parties though, and that was the dancing. It was rare at any other time, and that he would miss. But it was a sacrifice he was willing to make.
When he was younger, he had also used these events to practice his observation and deduction skills. There were many times where that had ended in chaos. With all the music and chit chat, it sounded like absolute chaos now. How could anyone enjoy this, he wondered.
He looked over at John smiling contentedly with a drink in his hand. "How are you even still upright?" he asked, walking over to his doctor.
"I've been on quite a few navy vessels, Sherlock-" John glanced sideways, "-I mean, your highness-when I was in the army."
"You were a doctor."
"An army doctor, yes."
They looked around the deck of the ship. People were extensively visiting, even Mycroft was conversing with the Princess Anthea of Surhaven who had arrived earlier that afternoon. It appeared to be a little awkward, but they did seem to be getting on. No decision seemed to have been made about whether or not she would be staying longer. Although her luggage indicated that she may have enough provisions for a week.
In the middle of it all was that awful statue. Sherlock had done just as his parents had asked, giving an excellent performance of surprise and gratitude for the gift. The artist had been invited, of course, and appeared on the verge of tears as everyone ooh'ed and aw'ed over his work. That, at least, could give Sherlock some satisfaction about the whole affair.
"I think I will go join Mary, if you don't mind," John finally said, and Sherlock gave him a nod of dismissal.
The prince truly hoped the music for a formal dance would play soon. It was the only relief in this monotony. He turned away and faced the empty ocean. It was calm except for the gentle breeze, which felt like it might pick up soon. Hopefully the wind wouldn't be too strong. He leaned against the side of the boat.
"Sherlock." He turned his head to the left to see his father, the king. "I know you have never enjoyed these things…" He copied his son's stance. "…but know that we appreciate your efforts. All of them. These things have never been easy. For either of you." He glanced in Mycroft's direction. "And the statue…" They both looked over their shoulders at the gaudy thing. "…well, I'm just trying to say thank you, Sherlock. And I'm sorry. Being royal is a bit inconvenient and your mother can be-"
"Overbearing?" Sherlock looked as if he was ready for this conversation to be over.
"For lack of a better word," King Siger chuckled. "But she means well, you know that. We just want you to be happy. Like we are."
"I am. For the most part."
"You should let your face know then. It worries your mother," his father chuckled.
Sherlock gave a real smile. "I will."
The king smiled back at him. "Thank you. Happy Birthday. I love you, my boy." He gave his son a one-armed hug that was mostly a pat on the back and rejoined the party. Sherlock looked back out into the sea, noticing the darker clouds reflected in the water.
Princess Molly of Atlantica sat hidden on the side of the royal boat of Glauwery. Meena stayed in the water, holding on to the bottom edge.
"I've never seen a human this close before," she whispered as the prince, apparent by his decadent clothing, spoke with his father. When the older man left, she said, "He's kind of handsome, isn't he?"
Meena came out a bit farther from under the ship. Sherlock had just moved back to pet Redbeard as he came bounding over. Through the space in the deck, she could only see the dog. "He seems kind of hairy…"
Molly covered her mouth as she giggled. "Not that one!" She slipped into the water beside her friend. The man with the dark blonde hair and a girl returned and approached the prince, holding an item that looked like something in her grotto. She and Meena had called it a thud whopper after the sounds it always seemed to make in its narrow hollow openings. It looked like it had been made of wood with a long handle. They had never figured out what it did; the salt water seemed to have caused some damage. She could see that now, especially compared to the one in the prince's hands. "The one with the thud whopper."
Sherlock started to play a beautiful melody on the object. It was for music! It was…it was so beautiful… Molly felt tears start to pool in her eyes. Somehow the song reminded her of her mother. Though, it didn't make her sad, not in the least bit. Somehow it made her happy and so appropriate for this day.
"Oh look at the people dancing!" Meena whispered beside her, making Molly blink out of the trance. She was almost put in another one as she turned her attention to the dancing feet. Each human moved across the busy ship-deck-made-dance-floor with a sudden ease. It was as if they didn't have to communicate to know what the others were doing; it was a magnificent sight.
As the song picked up speed so did the wind. No one seemed to notice, the lively party in full swing. Reaching the climax of the wonderful melody, Sherlock stopped playing as a loud clap of thunder was heard just above them. It was then that chaos ensued. Sailors ran toward their stations, the party goers quickly assessing their situation. The festive mood had collapsed. There was a storm coming. And they were in the middle of the wind tossed ocean.
King Siger ran to the helm to speak to the naval officer in charge as the rest of the party started to run around looking for safety. The wind was starting to become a roar and rain fell, soaking the passengers. He shouted urgently over the noise, "CAN YOU GET US SAFELY TO SHORE, CAPTAIN?"
"I'M AFRAID, YOUR MAJESTY, NOT IF IT GETS MUCH WORSE."
The Captain maneuvered the ship around, facing the direction of the harbor many miles away. As the boat started to turn, Meena looked at her friend, fear displayed in her eyes, before diving into the water. Molly gave a last brief glance at the ship before following after her.
As with everyone on the boat, the king had a very concerned and worried expression on his face. Suddenly a shout came from the look out. "IT'S A HURRICANE, SIR, HEADIN' STRAIGHT FOR US!"
Lightning flashed in the sky. "YOUR BEST OPTION IS THE LIFE BOATS, YOUR MAJESTY," the captain shouted. "THAT LIGHTNING WILL-" Zigzagging light struck the ship before anyone could blink. The mast was on fire, falling onto the rest of the wooden boat. The man in the lookout leapt out and the people on deck scattered.
King Siger looked over the deck from his higher perch near the wheel. His guests and family looked utterly frightened, and it was his job to remain calm and take control like a level headed leader. "TO THE LIFE BOATS!" he commanded.
The sky was full of dark clouds now, lightning flashing above them. Large waves hit the side of the boat, causing it to rock back and forth. Meena hurried for the safety of the cavern, deep below the surface, but Molly went back up to see what was happening, concerned for the humans. Just as she resurfaced, she saw the lightning strike the ship. Immediately the bright flames of fire spread aboard, the rain doing nothing to keep it at bay. She saw smaller boats start to fall from the larger one. There was a great deal of commotion on deck.
People ran toward the life boats, the crew helping to keep things in order as they sent women and children first. King Siger insisted on staying until his guests and most of the crew had gone, his family with him. As they were finally able to board a small boat, the barking of a dog stopped Sherlock, only one foot in the boat.
"Redbeard! I have to go back!"
"SHERLOCK! NO!" his mother yelled over the roar of the fire and thunder.
He was already back on the burning ship. "I'LL GET ON THE LAST ONE! Don't worry!" he shouted.
"I won't leave until he does, your majesties!" the captain interjected, trying to protect his leaders and get them to leave. "The captain will always be the last to leave or go down with his ship if necessary!"
"Thank you," King Siger said, though quieter so it seemed like a whisper in all the noise. A deep understanding passed between the king and the naval officer as they looked at each other, the captain nodding. He would save their son, at whatever costs.
"It's been an honor to serve you, sir." He saluted, then helped release the boat.
Sherlock had already turned back to the fire. Running in, he quickly spotted his barking dog. His red fur, darkened by the rain, stood out among all the orange and red flames, probably singeing it but keeping him alive for now. He stood on a ledge near the helm with fire beneath him.
"Redbeard!" Sherlock shouted. "Come on, boy! Jump!" The Irish Setter obeyed his master; he probably wouldn't have with anyone else. Sherlock stumbled when the large dog fell into his arms, but started to run toward the last safety boat. The captain and a couple of the crew members were surely waiting for him with great anxiety.
Suddenly he caught site of the fire quickly spreading to the barrels of gun powder, somehow untouched but surrounded by flames. He didn't have time. He wouldn't be able to get to the lifeboat. He jumped overboard, Redbeard howling in his ear and the ship exploding behind him. He thought he felt something hit the back of his head before it went dark. Molly rushed forward without thinking.
The small fleet of lifeboats sat away from the ship, the people watching back as it exploded and started to sink. The royal family, though trying to give the appearance of calm, had tears glistening in their eyes. John caught site of their boat, noticing their reactions and the lack of one person.
"Sherlock," he whispered to himself, though Mary could hear him as she sat beside him. "Don't be dead."
When the group arrived back on shore, there was a feeling of safety, but it was somehow tainted as everyone saw that the youngest prince was not with his family. After a while, the last boat rowed up to shore, only carrying the last two members of the crew and Redbeard.
"The captain barely released the boat in time, your majesty. We believe he went down with the ship," they told the king. The old man looked like he had aged even more overnight. "We found the dog swimming as we moved away, but... there was no sign of Prince Sherlock."
The King nodded. "Thank you." He returned to his family and John sat worried and slightly furious at his friend. He had gone back to save the dog, hadn't he?
Back at the castle, the royals took care of their other esteemed guests and let the servants and crew that had been there rest. It wasn't long before they gathered their other servants, naval officers, and soldiers, asking them to start looking for their son. John observed as everything happened, not able to rest. His best friend, though he would never admit it, had disappeared at sea, most likely dead. The best he could do was join their search parties and know for sure.
Sherlock lay unconscious on the same lonely beach he had been on two days ago. Had the wreck really only been last night? Molly laid on her side next to him. Meena was near his feet, her tail still in the early morning tide.
"Do you think he's…dead?" Molly asked her friend, gently moving a black curl from his forehead.
"I'm not sure," she replied, watching her friend. She was concerned about Molly's sudden attachment to the human, but didn't say anything. Molly lifted his eyelid, an unresponsive blue eye stared forward. Meena lifted Sherlock's nearest foot and held it to her ear. "I can't hear a heartbeat," she said sadly.
Molly watched her, a smile at the corners of her lips. She rolled her eyes when she looked away, and put her fingers to his neck where she knew his actual pulse would be. They weren't that different from merpeople. "No, he's breathing!" she said as she felt a steady heartbeat and saw his chest rise and fall slightly. "He's…so beautiful."
Meena inched back into the water. The higher the sun rose, the more concerned she became that a human would find them. Molly continued to gaze at the prince.
A loud bark sounded nearby and a red dog came bounding around the corner. Molly hurried back into the sea. She and Meena moved around a boulder, hiding out of site as the dog went to lick the man's face. The man responded, his eyes opening little by little to the bright sun. The blonde man from the night before jogged around the corner next as if trying to catch up with the dog. When he saw Sherlock, it turned into a sprint across the beach.
"Sherlock! Sherlock!" The prince groaned. "Oh, you gave me a fright when I saw that you hadn't returned with the others!" John stooped to check his pulse and his eyes for signs of a concussion. "Your parents have been worried sick; there are patrols out everywhere looking for you."
"John!" Sherlock coughed, interrupting his spiel. "There-there was a girl." He leaned on John, though difficult with the height difference. "She-she was checking my vitals. She had…the most delicate touch…"
John had never seen such a look on the prince. He seemed far away and little confused, but there were no signs of trauma from John's assessment. "Come on, Sherlock. I think you must have swallowed some sea water. Redbeard!"
After the two men and dog walked away, Meena turned to her friend. "We just have to forget this whole thing ever happened, ok? The king mustn't know. He would never approve."
"I know, Meena. I know," Molly sighed, her eyes still on the place where the prince had disappeared around the corner.
Prince James of Mori giggled in his lair, watching the scene from a glowing orb. "She's falling in love with a human. Oh, daddy will love that!" He spoke to Irene through the object. "This is our chance, Irene. Our time is coming soon."
So this one is a lot more like The Little Mermaid than Sherlock, but we gotta set stuff up. Thank you for follows, favorites, and reviews!