I got the idea for the story bellow, after rewatch my favorite mystery TV show Murdoch Mysteries, so i decided to create a sory mirrowing the way the characters from the show solve crimes, but translating it the our favourite DSisney characters.
As for the story itself, its takes place after the events of my last one on this fandom, so, i´m following the storyline.
Hope you enjoy.
Have a nice reading.
PART 1
Since the seizures had been relatively mild that week, the prince opted to stroll down to the docks. His intention was to oversee the preparation of the ships that were soon embarking on new adventures. Although Eric's heart was tinged with bitterness due to his current state of health, he yearned for the days of sailing uncharted waters—a venture now fraught with peril. Despite this, the call of the sea still echoed within him, compelling him to frequent the docks whenever possible. This offered a semblance of the freedom he so deeply missed.
"Is everything in order here? Sufficient supplies for the upcoming voyage? Have the weapons been properly secured? Remember, we are expected for a conference with the King of Portugal. Our conduct must be beyond reproach," Eric inquired. His gaze then fell upon a sailor who was polishing a harpoon with a contented smile.
"What do you think you're doing? Discard that immediately. This weapon will find no use here. Understand this: the sea provides us the sustenance we need, rendering violence unnecessary," the prince admonished sternly. With decisive action, he relieved the sailor of the harpoon and cast it into the waters.
"Your Highness, it's imperative that you rest. Your health is delicate and—"
"Utter another word, and I shall have you scrubbing the deck with your tongue," Eric retorted sharply, his cane pointing towards the sailor. "The rest of you, back to work!" he commanded before disembarking from the ship.
_/_
Meanwhile, Ariel found herself seated in the living room alongside the Queen. After the former mermaid had quenched her initial curiosity about the human world, the Queen deemed it fitting for Ariel to receive instruction in the comportment of a genuine human princess. It was a path she was destined to tread, with her son by her side, destined to be the future king.
Though Selina was aware of Ariel and Eric's shared penchant for adventure, she believed it paramount to impress upon her daughter-in-law the importance of engaging in the castle's domestic pursuits. To her astonishment, Ariel embraced the notion of acquiring new skills, showing a particular fondness for activities such as embroidery—a close second to her passion for the piano.
"That's right, my dear," the Queen patiently instructed, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "Pass the yarn under, then over," she demonstrated.
"It's a bit tricky at first," Ariel admitted with a hint of frustration.
"I felt the same way when my mother taught me, initially," Selina reminisced, her smile warm. "Remember, this is all in good fun. There's no need to rush your learning."
As if on cue, Eric made his entrance, visibly more fatigued than when he had departed that morning, relying on his cane for support.
"Eric, how did everything fare with the ship?" Ariel inquired eagerly.
"Preparations are complete for the voyage. They'll be ready to depart tomorrow," he responded wearily.
"Excellent news," the Queen chimed in. Concern colored her tone as she turned to her son. "Are you feeling alright, my dear?"
"The headache is resurfacing," he admitted.
"Then you should lie down. I'll summon the doctor," the Queen insisted.
"No need, Mother. Resting here, with you and Ariel, is the best remedy," Eric reassured, a faint smile playing on his lips. He then turned to Ariel, his wife, and inquired about her progress in her lessons as the future queen.
_/_
Beneath the depths of the water's expanse, Diego propelled himself with agile grace, carrying the weighty responsibility of transporting human waste. Before long, this refuse would need to be collected and methodically arranged along the pier. A few hours earlier, in a hurried ascent, the merman accidentally capsized a boat laden with crates. As a result, his father, Senor Alejandro, the Prime Minister of the Spanish Ocean, issued a decree that tasked Diego alone with rectifying the situation.
"Diego, may I offer my assistance?" a mermaid inquired, approaching him.
"Thank you, Kassandra," he replied with a light-hearted chuckle.
"You needn't mention it. These humans bring nothing but filth, tainting everything they come in contact with," Kassandra declared, her voice tinged with distaste.
"It's not entirely their fault, Kassandra. This time, the blame rests on me... and besides, I doubt Ariel would tolerate the pollution of the waters that once were her home," Diego commented, oblivious to the stern expression worn by Kassandra.
"She's fortunate, don't you think?" Kassandra asked as she helped him. "I mean, she can now rule over both land and sea as one."
"I suppose," Diego agreed. "But in any case, we should hasten. If my father catches me idling here, he'll reprimand me... and you should leave; I must tackle this on my own."
"Don't fret, Diego. It's my pleasure to aid you. And if Senor Alejandro discovers me, I'll take full responsibility," she assured him. "By the way, what do you think about swimming to the surface later and giving Ariel an unexpected visit?"
"An excellent idea," the merman nodded as they continued their work.
_/_
The following morning, a sailor, nursing a hangover, descended to the shore in a bid to escape the nauseating stench. As he sought refuge from the unpleasant aftermath of his revelry, a sight unfolded before him, causing his very core to quiver with dread. There, sprawled upon the sand, lay the lifeless form of a merman, a harpoon cruelly embedded in its back.
