You guys are amazing! I've wanted to write for you, but between an internship and my last year of college, the time for it was difficult to find. Especially, with how much needs to be going on between now and the end of The Little Molly. Thank you all for still reading this and for all the encouraging reviews. You all said things like 'I hope you continue' and 'keep writing!'. I am so happy that you're enjoying it that much and every time I wanted to reassure you 'I will as soon as I have time!' 'I'm working on it!'. Well, that time is here now. I hope to finish in the next few months and I thank you guys from the bottom of my heart for helping me finish an entire multi-chapter fic!

Disclaimer (because I don't think I've done one in a while): I don't own anything here and have created a derivative work based on others' characters and stories.

Molly had never realized how heavy her hair was until she was human and out of the water. She was putting it up in a high ponytail when there was a knock at the door. Still in a nightgown, she tied her robe and answered the door.

There was Sherlock again looking less awkward than the night before. He spoke quickly while stepping into the room. "I caught Mary in the hall. I hope you don't mind." Mary entered in behind him, carrying a bright blue sundress.

Sherlock walked to the window on the opposite side of the room, his back slightly turned. Molly looked questioningly at Mary who rolled her eyes at the prince and lead Molly behind the changing screen. There was no way he would be able to see her here and while slightly uncomfortable, she assumed it wasn't as bad as their first meeting. Could it only have been 2 days ago?

"I was thinking we could go for a walk in the gardens after breakfast," Sherlock spoke over his shoulder after she was hidden behind the black screen.

"The gardens? It sounds lovely, Sherlock, but wouldn't you rather be in town, talking to police you know…" Molly tried to answer while getting undressed. "I really do think I can do this on my own, thank you," she whispered to Mary.

Mary nodded with a smile and slipped out around the partition. She didn't leave however and stood in front of the door, a smug grin on her face as the two couldn't see her face. "All the servants know about the Prince's escapades, Lady Molly. No worries there," she said.

"Oh, well then, Sherlock…"

Sherlock chuckled. "I would still like to take a walk with you in the gardens if you don't mind."

Molly let herself smile without holding back. "Not at all. I'd love to." She tamed her expression before coming out from behind the screen. The blue dress complimented her figure and skin tone.

Sherlock turned, gave a short smile and nodded before facing the door. Mary looked up at him, twisting her face into a straight expression. Sherlock noticed but ignored it and lead them down to breakfast.

Everyone else was already seated when Sherlock and Molly entered the dining room. There was an air of excitement that permeated the room, making both hesitate for a small second before continuing to their chairs.

"Morning you two!" Queen Violet beamed at them. "Mycroft was just saying he had good news to share but wanted to wait for the whole family."

As breakfast was served, Mycroft looked slightly uncomfortable. Molly noticed Princess Anthea put a hand on his arm for a light second. "Yes, well," he started, loosening his tie and trying to put on a serious face. "As you know, the Princess Anthea of Surhaven and I have been spending quite some time together the last few days and… we found that it is in our best interest politically and possibly …romantically," he struggled to say the word, "to be wed. I would like to announce our engagement." He lifted her left hand to show the ring on her finger to the table.

Molly and King Siger gave smiles and awes. The Queen nearly squealed and started spouting off about her darling boy and new beautiful daughter in law. In the midst of her babbling was something about wedding plans and a ball to announce the wedding that night.

Sherlock didn't seem like he understood much at all. Molly glanced at him to see if he was happy for his brother, but he had a sort of buffering face. With all the commotion Queen Violet was making, Molly let herself just watch this beautiful man. He stared at his brother with that blank look for a few more seconds before all at once she saw frustration, disappointment, and resignation on his face.

Then suddenly he piped in, "Congratulations, brother mine," as if he had known this might happen all along.

Mycroft turned to him. "Thank you, Sherlock."

Queen Violet was already giving orders for the servants to prepare for a ball and the attention was turned there. Molly had only known Sherlock for a few days, but she felt like she knew him well enough to tell there was a lot on his mind now. In fact, he had seemed a little preoccupied even before the announcement, but now he seemed almost uncomfortable and disappointed. But what about, she wondered.

That same air of frustration followed Sherlock as he and Molly strolled through the garden. It really was a beautiful place. The red and yellow roses were in bloom and the leaves were bright green. It was secluded in many parts and while Molly knew they had been alone quite a lot while solving the case yesterday and even in the library, it was the only place she felt truly alone with the prince. She just wished he would take down the wall around him. She had a feeling it wasn't something he had planned and that it had almost everything to do with his brother's engagement. She also wondered if like her, he was thinking how beautiful these gardens were and that it might have been the perfect place for the proposal, and if maybe that's what was bothering him now.

"Sherlock? Are you okay? I know you're not, but do you… want to talk about it?" she asked tentatively.

Finally, the prince stopped brooding and looked at the lovely girl beside him. "Yes, I- Mycroft surprised me. I didn't think this would all happen so soon. My brother is ruled by logic and I thought logically he would take his time with a relationship. I apologize for ruining our walk."

"You haven't ruined it. I haven't even seen the butterfly house you mentioned. I'm looking forward to seeing the creature. But as far as your brother's upcoming wedding goes, sometimes people do silly things. Not that getting married is silly, but sometimes love is fast. Slow at first, then all at once; I think I read that somewhere." She smiled at him trying to let him know he could rely on her. She knew she only had until sunset this evening, but even if things didn't turn out how she would have liked them to, she wanted to at least have made the Prince's life better in some way.

He stopped walking and looked at her. She kept her smile for a moment as he scrutinized her. "What is it, Sherlock?" she finally asked after it started to feel awkward and she could feel her face turning red.

"You…are very different Lady Molly." They started to walk again, but Molly was too nervous to ask if different was even good in this case.

While King James made preparations to go to Poseidon Fields and meet Molly's brother, Prince Jason, he did not stop the beginning of his reign over the merpeople of Atlantica. He had already set in motion laws for the kingdom of Mori to stay as part of the Seven Seas and abolished the ban on dark magic. Some Atlanteans were already protesting his rule, but they were easily taken care of by Moran and his other loyal knights.

The knights of Atlantica seemed hesitant to follow him and in efforts to keep some peace, James gave them less reinforcing jobs. Things like protecting borders that were far away and making sure training was kept up. Things that would cause them to neither hate him and rebel or fake complete loyalty. He could deal with them more when he returned from Poseidon's Fields, having killed all five of King Triton's children. That would only leave one to take care of, and she was hopelessly trying to get a prince to fall in love with her before sunset. Everything was set in place and King James couldn't have been more pleased.

The sun was reaching high into noon day when Sherlock and Molly returned to the castle. The cook, Mrs. Hudson had already prepared finger sandwiches for lunch, and they were beautifully displayed in the dining room. Though no one seemed to stay long, the two sat and quietly ate.

Preparations were already on their way for the ball that evening. Servants were in one door and out another, barely taking the time to dip their head at the prince. At one point, Mary came walking through with what seemed to be Anthea's dress.

Queen Violet dithered behind her. "Don't let it touch the floor now."

"Please, Violet, you need to eat something to keep your strength up with all this planning," King Siger tried to remind her as they walked through, picking a sandwich off the plate and taking it with them out the door.

Molly giggled. "Your parents are quite wonderful."

"They are a burden at times," Prince Sherlock commented, putting down a cup of tea.

"Hmm, all people can be, I suppose." Molly took a small bite of her sandwich, remembering her father's sudden temper at her grotto only a few days ago. She still didn't believe he was right, but she hoped she could prove her point. With the little knowledge she had gained, she felt she could. Humans were not all evil.

"I am sorry. I forgot. About your mother."

"Oh," she was surprised. "Yes, I- yes."

"Have you remembered anything else?"

Molly hesitated. "No, nothing more."

"That's quite alright." He took her hand uncharacteristically. "We can't really change the past so there's no use in worrying about it. We can look to the future though. I do hope you will consider going to a school here and studying pathology. I do think you would be great at it."

"You do?" Her heart pounded, and she hoped he didn't notice the slight tremor in her voice all of the sudden.

The door swung open and his hand slid away from hers. John Watson stood there out of breath.

"I'm sorry, Sherlock. Lestrade just called. He has an eight."

Sherlock stood. "I'll get my coat." He looked down at Molly. "I'm sorry, Molly, but could you stay here? I have a feeling the Princess of Surhaven and my mother will need you."

Molly nodded. No matter how much she would enjoy going out with Sherlock again, she could tell this was more urgent and it would be better if she stayed where she would be needed.

"Thank you." He bent and kissed her cheek, making her face go red. "Meet me in the library at seven?"

She nodded again and Sherlock left with John.

Poseidon's Fields was far away from all seven kingdoms. They had often been used for war as no life could be found there. Patches of seaweed were the only color over the miles of flat, gray rock. Cliff faces edged some of the fields, while dark drop-offs outlined the rest.

Though Prince Jason and King James had come to meet peacefully and discuss the new "heir", both had brought a small group of knights onto the field. They also had hidden larger armies behind cliffs waiting for signals from their leaders. Prince Jason had the advantage of having his four other siblings and their armies in the wings.

The two mermen met in a large tent set up in the middle of the fields. While four knights followed their leaders into the shelter, the rest stood without, protecting them from outside threats.

Two of those knights would report that King James had laid out a logical argument, showing Prince Jason the documents with his father's signature. They would claim that in anger Prince Jason had attacked their king. The knights in Atlantica and under the prince would have a hard time believing it, but no one from their side would live through that afternoon to speak otherwise.

The case had indeed been an eight, but it was the quickest eight Sherlock and John had ever solved. John noted how focused Sherlock had become on the case. The prince was always focused and determined, but John noticed how his behavior was more like that of someone wanting to avoid something else entirely, pouring all their attention and efforts into some other action.

"Your highness," started John as they walked back to the castle, "I never asked, how was your morning?"

Sherlock looked at him from the corner of his eye as if he knew what the doctor wanted. "Could have been better if Mycroft hadn't gotten engaged," he said offhandedly while retying his scarf.

"Come now, Sherlock!"

"Do not mistake my meaning," he corrected. "I am happy for him. …It only made my plans with Molly more difficult."

"Plans?" John knew the Prince's tone. He wanted to share something more personal, but was hesitant. From years of friendship, the doctor knew it was best to ask for more information, take advantage of Sherlock letting himself be vulnerable.

"Yes," Sherlock sighed. "I took her for a stroll in the gardens. If not for my brother's well-timed announcement, I… planned to propose."

The prince continued to look forward, not making eye contact and his ears turning slightly red. Dr. Watson stopped in his tracks. "My god, Sherlock are you serious?"

The prince was still walking as he answered, making the doctor jog to catch up with him. "John, you may have noticed that there are not many women in my life, and I have found that I quite enjoy being with her. She is different."

"Well sure, even I could tell that. Marriage is a big decision." He paused, thinking about this situation he never thought he would be in, a conversation about Prince Sherlock of Glauwery getting married. Molly was different, but it wasn't bad. So was Sherlock. The prince had made little mentions of her all afternoon, now that he thought about it. Remind me to tell Molly about this, about that. Molly would be interested in this fact. John smiled. "But I think you've made a good choice, surprisingly enough. Congratulations my friend."

"Do not congratulate me yet, John. I need to talk to her about it."

Molly had helped with a few preparations for the ball during the afternoon. Mostly she had spent time with Princess Anthea, who was a wonderful woman. Much like Molly, she was quiet, but when you brought up topics she felt passionately about, her eyes would light up and she would have a lot more to say. They found they agreed on many things and had similar interests. Though the thought made Molly sad, she wondered how they would get on as sisters-in-law had things worked out between her and Sherlock. She could see Anthea being a good friend and ally.

The princess of Atlantica had seen her prince when he returned with Dr. Watson, but Mary had been hurrying her back to her room to change for the ball so the moment hadn't lasted long. She still blushed thinking of it however. A genuine smile had spread upon Sherlock's face when he saw her and he had asked if she would still meet him in the library. She wondered what the quick glance at John had meant after he asked, but she would soon find out she supposed.

In a shiny, red dress, Molly walked into the grand ballroom to see many guests already had arrived and were mingling. Prince Mycroft and Princess Anthea stood together on one end of the room, fellow royals congratulating them and the King and Queen on their recent engagement. An orchestra played on one side of the room and a long table with food was on the other. She smiled to see that everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.

While Molly waited a bit longer to meet Sherlock in the library, an uninvited guest slipped through the crowd. Her dark hair usually hanging down to cover her naked body was up in a tight swirl on her head. Her bright teal tail had been replaced with long slender legs, and she wore a fitted white dress. Irene moved through the room with an ease not at all like Molly's clumsy walk when she first became a human. Cracking another door open the mermaid from Mori left the room down a corridor that would lead to the library.

"John, I've told you I have it handled," Prince Sherlock said even though he was pacing nervously. "Go enjoy the party. I'm sure Mary will be happy to see you."

Dr. Watson pursed his lips. "Very well, your highness. I hope to hear happy news when I see you again." He nodded and left the room.

Sherlock stared into the fireplace. It wasn't the sunlit butterfly house like he had planned, but maybe in a way the library was more their style. He smiled remembering their evening of reading and discussing science. It was a large part in this decision. Not many people would enjoy spending this much time with him, let alone having actual discussions with him. Even John would leave when the prince was overbearing. He hoped she would arrive soon, before he backed out of the decision.

Just as he thought this, the large door creaked. The prince turned to face his guest, a small smile on his face expecting to see his Molly. Instead an unfamiliar woman entered the library. Sherlock supposed she was an attractive woman, but he wondered why she was here.

"Who are you?" he questioned as she approached. Her smile reminded him of a wild cat eyeing its prey.

"I'm Irene," she purred. She reached her hand up as if to touch his face but held her hand in the air. "I could cut myself slapping that face," she commented.

The prince gently wrapped his hand around her wrist and brought it down beside her. "I'm sorry Miss, but as I don't know who you are, I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

The comment only made the stranger smirk. "That's fine, I don't need to be here for much longer."

Before Sherlock could deduce what she meant by the statement, the door creaked again and he felt himself being pulled down. Suddenly his lips met the unknown woman's and she had placed his hands on her waist. He heard a soft gasp from the doorway. Trying to push Irene away, he barely caught sight of Molly running out of the room.

"Molly!" He turned to the smirking woman as he jogged to the door. "I don't know what you want, Miss Irene, money, publicity, but you will have to leave without it. Guards!" He waved some men from down the hall. "Please escort this woman off the property."

Irene rolled her eyes and folded her arms. Walking out with guards was an inconvenience, but she had done her job.

Prince Sherlock ran to look for Molly.

Princess Molly of Atlantica wiped tears from her eyes and reprimanded herself for thinking she could get Prince Sherlock to fall in love with her within three days, and then again for being so upset. It wasn't as if he had given her any indication that he returned any feelings toward her anyway.

After seeing Sherlock with another woman, she had ran through the garden, past the wall, and to the beach behind the castle. If she was going to turn back into a mermaid, it had better be here. Looking up at the descending sun, a fresh set of tears slid down her cheeks.

"Molly!" The princess looked up to see Meena in the evening tide. She gasped for breath, but her eyes showed concern when she saw her friend had been crying. "Molly, what is it?"

Molly sniffed. "It's – It's Sherlock. He was- He doesn't like me like we thought. I'll be a mermaid again soon. I'll return to Atlantica."

"I'm so sorry, Molly." Meena put a hand on the princess's knee. "That's actually what I came to talk to you about… Your father… the King passed away in the night." Molly sucked in a breath. "There are… rumors that Prince James poisoned him. And… I think there is good reason behind them. King Triton set the prince as the heir if you didn't return, and on the same night your father passed so did the Queen of Mori. Prince James is the King of all Seven Seas. Your brother, Prince Jason has challenged him, and they are meeting in Poseidon Fields. I fear for Atlantica, Molly."

The princess had taken hold of Meena's hand, squeezing tightly at the news. "Oh no, Meena! My kingdom is in trouble." In her grief, she tried to focus. She looked at the sun; she only had a few more minutes. "Soon I will be a mermaid again and we will return to Atlantica. But Meena… I have no idea how to save my people."

The mermaids lamented in silence for a moment before a voice came from behind Molly. "I'm not sure, but I may be able to help with that."

Molly whirled around, standing in the process. Meena gasped and started to slide back into the sea. Sherlock stepped forward from the shadows of the castle walls. "No, you don't have to leave," he gestured to Meena before focusing on Molly and taking her hands. "I heard nearly everything. I can deduce the rest. You're the woman who saved me, and now you need to save your people. Let me help… your highness." He bowed his head with a small smile.

"Oh Sherlock," Molly started. "You don't need to do this. I'll leave you. You can return to your life… to the woman you were with-"

"Molly, no, that woman means nothing to me. I have no idea who she was. She forced herself on me. …You're the only woman who has ever made me feel anything akin to romance or attraction. No one else has even come close." He wiped a stray tear on her cheek. "Molly, you're so different… in an almost perfect way, and now I know why. And I think… I might even-"

Suddenly Molly cried out and there was a flash of light. She was lying in the sand, her dark green tail in contrast to the black beach.

"I'm sorry, Sherlock. I have to go." She could barely look up at him afraid of his reaction. He was ruled by logic, but the magic and mystical in her life had to be too much for him.

"No." He knelt beside her and took her hand. "I'm going to help you. I'm not letting you get away again."

I've been trying to write so much more, but a lot is going to happen and I wanted to give you guys something since it's been almost a year! It was definitely not my intention to make you wait so long! Despite my absence, some of you reviewed every chapter and/or asked me questions to really get me thinking about my own work. I love you guys! I appreciate all of you giving this a chance and I hope you enjoyed having another chapter. I love hearing from you!