p data-p-id="1f6128338ba2b7cbdc902645a4b54317"strongRiku's POV (Third Person)/strong/p
p data-p-id="d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e" /p
p data-p-id="b171ccc92d3f0cbcf99fcd773162be4d"Early the next morning, a ship and crew were prepared, ready to head out in the search of the princess. Riku stood at the king and queen's side, ready to help in any way he can as well as fight any Heartless they may come across./p
p data-p-id="3634bcc13ed6ad38872f3589387a44b4"Hikari had not returned the previous night, confirming Riku's hunch that she was with Melody. He had explained this to Ariel and Eric and while they were relieved to know their daughter was not out in the ocean alone, they still worried about her /br /p
p data-p-id="5c2333f52c5f34ce38b328cc4ae18ec8"The ship was ready to set sail and Ariel was speaking with her father, King Triton, who Sebastian had brought with news of his granddaughter's /br /p
p data-p-id="b312c73e7cbbc3537939568898364a6d""Oh, Daddy, I'm so worried," Ariel stated, Eric's arm wrapped comfortingly around her /br /p
p data-p-id="fe6855e5e6a937ab8a82c23ba61ea71e""Everything's going to be all right, Ariel," King Triton explained. "We have search parties scouring the ocean. I'm going to join them now myself."br /br /p
p data-p-id="b6b34154197e34bdf00e84ad5a90d716""Ariel." Eric turned his wife to face him. "Maybe you should go with him."br /br /p
p data-p-id="593dded27582bd748c920213495c1c0e"Ariel seemed surprised with his suggestion. "But Eric-"br /br /p
p data-p-id="7bfb574abad2755087a9b38c594b5e52""I need to stay here and lead the search above," he pressed. "But you know these waters... and you know our daughter. You have to go."br /br /p
p data-p-id="7c73977f8572f614c85b15fa83a3e69d""It may be dangerous," King Triton /br /p
p data-p-id="32fef073fde393452f1803f6641f4f33"Riku stepped forward at this. "Then I'll go with her."br /br /p
p data-p-id="cdf50eb34c7dfd6dfc4e004db5c62473"The queen turned to him. "Are you sure, Riku?"br /br /p
p data-p-id="c5b3511d253e7df2954465831b228425"The silver-haired teen nodded. "I'm of more use to you in the sea and can protect you from any Heartless that may be down there."br /br /p
p data-p-id="827a9c061ee46d4fbff80b560562cb31"Ariel bowed her head in thanks, taking her hands into her husband's briefly, before turning back to her father. "Eric's right, Daddy. I should have known I couldn't keep Melody from the sea. It's a part of her... and a part of me. I have to go."br /br /p
p data-p-id="7d6f53d12bf2865379a9ccd2e7b16e4b"Seeing as his daughter wasn't going to change her mind, King Triton lightly nodded before activating the power of his trident, causing the magical object to glow a brilliant /br /p
p data-p-id="454def190af39bc1a65dac69aa966447"As Riku waited for Ariel and Eric to say goodbye to one another, the clearing of the older king's throat caught his /br /p
p data-p-id="5344314709d78a8c24a017e6f25bdad2""I thank you for your assistance, young man," the bearded merman stated. "Sebastian told me you are a friend of Sora's. Any ally of his is welcome in my ocean."br /br /p
p data-p-id="a10376b2f5dc4e7104d124824a6bbf67"Riku bowed his head gratefully. "Thank you, Your Majesty."br /br /p
p data-p-id="d19db5bae971b586ed66e26d96be4a85"With farewells done, Riku stepped up onto the edge of the ship, helping Ariel get up as well, before looking to Triton, letting him know they were ready. While a golden beam of light shot from the trident and surrounded Ariel, Riku summoned his Keyblade and cast the spell Mickey had taught him, transforming his /br /p
p data-p-id="d12be06086f4c7fdc48ac19b4e9746b6"A light similar to the one cast by the merman encircled Riku, causing his shirt to vanish and legs replaced with a merfolk's lower body. It was rougher looking than Sora's had been, being a slightly grey color and resembling that of a shark, though thankfully he hadn't acquired the sharp teeth to /br /p
p data-p-id="18d741336a3827e6a17fb682301540e7"His change complete, Riku dove into the ocean, Ariel close behind, before they headed out with King Triton./p
p data-p-id="436d5ff69556818fc9e25c9671112071"br /emI just hope you and the princess are alright, Hikari,/em Riku silently prayed as they began their search./p
p data-p-id="26478db11a74b3c8675f463fee30cba7" /p
p data-p-id="ba1150bcd25bc5a560804838c904cf89"strongHikari's POV/strong/p
p data-p-id="cfe201de5943405c840233fec4378a45" /p
p data-p-id="c25423325624590fb0d509844639c078"I must have dozed off at one point, because the next thing I knew, it was slightly brighter out, though it was hard to tell where we were exactly due to the heavy fog surrounding us. The air was chilly, making me wrap my arms around myself in an attempt to keep warm. I could partially make out what looked like glaciers, which were confirmed when the fog began to lessen the further into the icy patch we /br /p
p data-p-id="d81ce438f858c96f2604c65bf2d8e35d"Melody had by this point woken up, wrapping the blanket closer to herself as she gazed at the scenery with /br /p
p data-p-id="ecd77b5845edd2bc174420c2836fdce1"We then began to head into a sort of cavern created inside a giant glacier, the temperature continuing to drop. The walls had an almost crystal-like appearance, no doubt carved and polished from the slight /br /p
p data-p-id="7f9f5a0312fa025a7a318d4f1f022ef3""Angel-face, meet the one-and-only: Morgana." The shark, who had introduced himself last night as Undertow, directed our attention to the back of the /br /p
p data-p-id="d2bb0454509ba802af722b9e6e63b013"A sickly-pale, almost green-skinned woman with black squid-like tentacles for a lower body was sitting on a giant orange clam, as if she had been waiting for us. She had spiked up white hair with faded purple streaks running through it and liver spots speckled over her thin long arms and boney chest. I wasn't sure if it was clothes or part of her skin, but a strip of black was covering her upper body, giving it the illusion she was wearing a strapless gown of sorts that merged down to her /br /p
p data-p-id="3a2394dfba20d0b4427d475fb392680e"The stingrays pulled the boat up to the platform and I quickly got out, relieved to be on at least somewhat solid ground. As I did this, Morganna approached us, greeting us with open arms and a warm smile, helping Melody out of the boat and leading her back to the "clam seat." While I still wasn't sure about the whole situation, the older woman seemed nice enough, so I was willing to give the benefit of the doubt, though kept my guard up just in case the squid tried anything funny. While Morganna got Melody comfortable, I leaned against a pillar of ice, watching the two /br /p
p data-p-id="36326affc22c676814c695518da14523""I was hoping you could tell me about this pendant and why it has my name on it," Melody began, pulling said object over her head and looking down at it. I could see the hurt in her eyes as she added: "My... mother wouldn't tell me. She just doesn't understand."br /br /p
p data-p-id="edc1151c367bca148186d92750ed39dd"Morganna looked at the girl sympathetically, bringing a tentacle around the preteen and lightly petting her hair comfortingly. "Oh, you're not the only one with a mother who doesn't understand you. emBelieve/em me; I know just how you feel." She added this last part with a roll of her /embr /em/p
p data-p-id="75f5075d62b3009cd295a134fcdaf64d"emI can't imagine what that must be like,/em I thought to myself. My grandmother was a saint and Mrs. Kurai had treated me as if I were her own daughter from the get-go, even before I was adopted by her and her /br /p
p data-p-id="96ac767791f6d58389c21df18f423eac""Dear child, did you ever consider that it has your name on it because it has your emdestiny/em in it?" Morganna had the pendant in her hands as she said this, before popping open the shell, a warm light emitting from it as a song began to play, similar to a music box. It could only be described as magical as a projection of a castle in the sea appeared, merfolk swimming around the castle as if in tune with the /br /p
p data-p-id="f66dac5d76d3013ab8756d1dc04e61cb""Deep down, you know you weren't meant to be a human," the woman continued. "What you are is something far more enchanting."br /br /p
p data-p-id="6735a03091ee9fa20c197d7dcd52f34c""A mermaid?" Melody guessed, her eyes widening with excitement at the idea. However, after a moment's thought, that happiness vanished as she turned away from the light. "But it's not possible."br /br /p
p data-p-id="fe4f9af2f68725862b0a1ecf06635aba"Morganna laughed. "Darling, emanything's/em possible!"br /br /p
p data-p-id="614e717400485189d4e93dc7b583c178"Melody leaned closer. "You can turn me into a emmermaid/em?"br /br /p
p data-p-id="88f9fe38dcc833dc98649f26d75b2c41"Morganna snapped the pendent closed, cutting off the music. "Piece of fishcake, honey," she chided with a sassy tone. She got up and shuffled over to a nearby shelf, seeming to rifle through the many objects crammed on /br /p
p data-p-id="01def11956115839f5b724a95720311f"As she did this, an idea started to form in my head. emIf she can turn Melody into a mermaid, could she possibly help me find my family and Sora?/embr /br /p
p data-p-id="83837f38009bdba858e1be28409787e6"I had been lost in my thoughts longer than I realized, because the next thing I knew, Morganna had returned to the seat next to Melody, a purple bottle in her hand. br /br /p
p data-p-id="ead62bbf7344f0a9d2602d50b1c79d12""One drop of this and bada-bing bada-boom, you're in Fin City!" Morganna stated /br /p
p data-p-id="61478750bc75ec98995a92cbd7150d94""Really!?" The preteen looked about ready to jump out of her seat in /br /p
p data-p-id="bd728a1015e3c90f0275e177c2f9497a"The woman nodded, asking Melody for her leg as she popped the cork of the bottle, allowing a single drop of purple liquid to land on the leg. There was a slight pause, as if the magic took a second to react. When it did, however, a swirl of green light began to surround the princess, lifting her into the air as the twister began to go faster and faster until finally, a light-red tail appeared in place of Melody's legs. br /br /p
p data-p-id="9d93ab1bfb9c85a696a8fd3890d8f22e"She was slowly set back down, where the girl stared in awe, playing with her tail as if to confirm it was real. "I don't believe it. I'm a mermaid." Seeing the opportunity, she jumped into the water, circling Undertow as she giggled, diving down and breaching the surface multiple times, repeating "I'm a mermaid!" over and over /br /p
p data-p-id="eb17f883c34fa51a24e299acec66c296"Before I realized what was going on, Melody had taken off into the ocean, leaving me behind. I tried to call out for her to come back, but it was too late; she was out of my sights and leaving me unable to protect her. I clenched my fist and let out a gruff of frustration. What was I going to do emnow!?/em/p
p data-p-id="9a26c54ee0f9ca158d42be61580fd924""So, young lady; what can I help emyou/em with?"/p
p data-p-id="517a4cea8d4846427990885c254e89ed"My head snapped up at the voice and I turned to see that Morganna was looking at me curiously, her warm smile still present./p
p data-p-id="94dd4d336c106108d5edfc2fe0b94c0c"br /"Surely there must be emsomething/em you wish to know," she stated. "Or something you wish to possess perhaps?"br /br /p
p data-p-id="7ada1db438ef697bce03a4cfe2c20d78"I didn't answer right away, my eyes drifting back to where Melody had vanished. I wanted to go after her, but.../p
p data-p-id="667ff7abb297b73b1669bb0de6c6d654""I don't think you can help me," I finally replied. "At least, not the way you helped Melody."/p
p data-p-id="1bf1fc3ad208e1c1a1c944875865aeda""Well how will you know for certain if you don't ask?" Morganna inquired. There was a pause before she added: "I can see that you wish to go after the dear, but what's holding you back?"/p
p data-p-id="0c887c4b060bdfdea092a70bd98f57e0"I hesitated. This woman had been able to turn Melody into a emmermaid/em, so who's to say she couln't perform another miracle? br /br /p
p data-p-id="5bb3ff715ff15b1963522fab5cab45ca""Are you afraid of the ocean?" She had an almost confused expression on her /br /p
p data-p-id="d6efb43788d56f41cc3c3d239649f022""No, that's not it," I hastily explained. "In fact, I love the ocean and swimming in general. It's just... I've had this... emfear/em... for as long as I can remember. Any time I'm near a large body of water, the thought of not being able to see the bottom gives me a terrifying sense as though I'm going to drown. I don't know the reason or cause behind this and it's taken all of my strength to stay with Melody up to this point." I had my head bowed by this point, feeling /br /p
p data-p-id="2fa6e6bde7681e0bfe588dcd83122f5b""Well then, why don't we fix that?" Morganna /br /p
p data-p-id="393d3f8633ba375558a344e3ee016e4e"My head shot up, eyes wide. "Wait, what?"br /br /p
p data-p-id="e86a0b513e31fc860d54b1c37ea04181"She had a smirk on her face and leaning to the side, a hand on her hip. "Honey, if I can turn a kid into a mermaid, suppressing a memory or fear is a sea-breeze." Before I could say another word, she went back over to the shelf she was shuffling through earlier. She seemed to pull a few bottles and vials, mixing them together in a bowl-shaped shell, before coming back over to where I was watching. She handed me the bowl and I couldn't help but cringe at the sickly green liquid, chunks of what looked like herbs floating up to the /br /p
p data-p-id="973916f3b351bd584ab7f685589673dd"I looked up at the sorceress, feeling doubtful. "You sure this will help me forget my phobia? I mean, what if it messes with any important memories, like my family or friends."br /br /p
p data-p-id="c2d1649942c45359a12b44f25a206cb4"Morganna smiled once more. "Don't worry, dear; this potion doesn't erase the memory itself, but rather any fear associated with it. It's completely safe, though I can't guarantee the taste." She said this last part with a shiver and sticking her tongue out in /br /p
p data-p-id="a9b9651f5c009c705b887981e469ac07"My eyes fell back down to the bowl in my hands and I gulped nervously. "Well... bottoms up." I put the potion to my lips, the horrid flavor immediate upon contact. I decided to make it quick and chucked it down, not leaving a single drop. When there was nothing left, I pulled the bowl away, wanting to gag at the aftertaste left in my /br /p
p data-p-id="91e97404f6813b8a9ffb293b01c919f4"At first, I didn't feel any different, other than sick to my stomach. However, about a minute after finishing it, I felt a sort of invisible weight leave my body, making me feel lighter somehow. I looked to the water not too far away, and instead of the usual uncertainty I had always had, my mind was blank. At that moment, it looked like nothing more than just a body of water, holding nothing that I had to fear. I knew that at one point, the thought of drowning once had a hold on me, but not /br /p
p data-p-id="7ce1d56e51076f27af822ad8afecddcc"Realizing that I was finally free of my phobia, I turned to Morganna, my face probably looking like a lit-up Christmas tree. She just nodded in approval before taking the bowl, setting it on a dresser, then slipping into the water, though she looked back at me to see if I was going to /br /p
p data-p-id="115e7822b9a616ab887d8e79c1da4e4d"I thought for a moment, before an idea struck me and I summoned my Keyblade. emIf I can ask for wings, then perhaps.../em I focused on the magic buried deep within, picturing a merfolk's body in my head. A beautiful golden light manifested from the tip of my weapon and swirled around me, lifting me up into the air much like Melody had been. I felt my legs fuse, but also my outfit changing as well. br /br /p
p data-p-id="943ad35396abc511d1fde90a1a1bd01f"It was a quick process and when the spell was finished, I took a moment to look over my new appearance. My tail appeared very similar to Melody's, but instead of orangish-red, but a deep blue similar to the color of my True Form's dress and the fins were a transparent white. My top had also changed to a short, silk-like blouse the same color as my tail that stopped just shy of my belly button./p
p data-p-id="0c98ea3dbf886ef665ebc7c06548485f"emCould be worse,/em I silently commented. emI could have a shell bra and never hear the end of it from Riku./em I blushed at that second thought. Why was I getting so flustered lately whenever I thought of him?br /br /p
p data-p-id="d843b1e5b95d75901089a37705559f9f"I shook my head, trying to distract myself by looking at the water. It had been so long since I had gone swimming, though this experience would certainly be a first. I couldn't wait to tell Chise when I saw her next. Taking in a nervous deep breath, I scooted myself into the water, surprised that the chilly water didn't bother me. I carefully placed my head underwater, testing to make sure that the magic had completely done its job. Once I confirmed that I could indeed breathe underwater, a sense of giddiness overcame me as I leapt straight out of the water before diving back in, my new found freedom making my heart jump for /br /p
p data-p-id="a11a8453f4e1990bdfcf80501414e80e"As I swam deeper, I noticed Melody was heading in the direction of the exit, clutching what looked to be a slab of white stone against her chest. br /br /p
p data-p-id="59cd4625cb325515fc34d7611eca1361""Melody, hold on a second," I called out to the /br /p
p data-p-id="47869675f60ad8d143d7d94eb48820a3"She stopped and looked up to me, her eyes growing wide once more. "H-How are you-? When did you-?"br /br /p
p data-p-id="9ba7df88bc9783bd09e7b164631485c7""My Keyblade helps me adapt to any environment I need," I explained. "The only reason I couldn't do the same for you is because I don't have the magical capabilities. That's only something a Master or sorcerer could accomplish, but anyway; where are you off to in such a hurry and what are you holding?"br /br /p
p data-p-id="ac033bd091c5a6045b94d977252aef80"Her eyes were downcast as she glanced down at the stone, which upon closer inspection, was a map of some sorts, though a poorly drawn up one at that. "Morganna said that the potion she gave me wasn't powerful enough to keep me a mermaid for long. She explained that the only way she can keep it from fading is by recovering a trident of hers that was stolen a long time ago. It's in Atlantica, can you believe it? I always thought that place was just a story. I told Morganna that I'll get her trident back, no matter what." She glanced at me briefly before adding: "Will... will you come with me?"/p
p data-p-id="e28540cb0a2e516d5975e1dc740b80c6"I smiled and ruffled the top of her hair playfully. "Do you even need to ask? Of course I will; I told you I'd stick by your side and I intend on keeping that promise. Now then, shall we go?"/p
p data-p-id="a2f3bb4a2f9a2291fef583785f15af1c"I was surprised when she wrapped her arms around my torso lovingly, making me chuckle a little and messing with her hair once more./p
p data-p-id="b7d02b64f9e47354bf0b62bf4c2cd954" /p
p data-p-id="b41f1842d3db7b1010d13ba2d11db7e2"We decided to hitch a ride on the back of a whale that was swimming partially below the water, allowing its backend to remain above, allowing us to more clearly study the "map" Melody had. It looked like a cheesy treasure map with no real coordinates and just a bunch of squiggles with a large X marking our /br /p
p data-p-id="0de091530c2e4b4d5044cb8fac156cda"As we tried to make sense of it, the whale seemed to shudder, before suddenly hunching forward, somehow sneezing and sending Melody and I flowing by the force of water released from its blow hole. I managed to land back in the water, but Melody flew further away given how much lighter she was than me. When I resurfaced, I saw that the young girl was on a large chunk of ice clutching what was once our map, now in several /br /p
p data-p-id="033edc70280b0f203a55106c66ac70ef""It's ruined. Now how are we gonna find our way to Atlantica?" She looked heartbroken. Even if that stone had been mostly useless, it was the only lead we had. Now, we were /br /p
p data-p-id="27b5171beceb0c920c4d7c5d1c0608cd"Before I could utter any words of comfort, a cry for help could be heard in the distance. We both looked to see what looked like a penguin leaning over a cliff made of ice, calling for /br /p
p data-p-id="d1867e5cbfaa4ed20590bbb8ed12495b"Curious, we scurried up a slope, watching what was going /embr /em/p
p data-p-id="f9b756fb13969a39e0053e2f5a81dd2b"emHeartless?/em I /br /p
p data-p-id="c62edaaa396a876aba78ab5d41f04a17"It was revealed that a young penguin had somehow fallen and gotten stranded on a small patch of ice. Several penguins had formed a sort of chain in an attempt to reach her, reminding me of the barrel of monkeys game, but were coming up short. A sharp dorsal fin was circling the ice where the little penguin was, indicating that a shark was just waiting for the little thing to fall into the /br /p
p data-p-id="ff65210f337e79a3b04fba0ae1e9c996"I was about to transform back into a human so that I could use my wings and help, when all of the sudden, two new voices could be heard. I turned to see a walrus and another penguin jumping from ice clump to ice clump, heading towards the distressed group. From the way they were talking, it seemed as though they were some kind of adventurers that went by the names Tip (the penguin) and Dash (the walrus). While I was skeptical about their bold claims, I decided to let it be and allowed the two "heroes" to take control of the /br /p
p data-p-id="a720ecddd2929c51e96663cf12c3de57"I would regret this, unfortunately, but was unable to do anything as the events that followed went in quick succession. The duo climbed down the chain of penguins and began to reach down for the little penguin, only to freak out when they noticed the shark and attempt to scramble back up. This only caused the penguins to lose their grip, making them all fall back down on the patch of ice the young one, the force sending the latter bird flying into the air and into the flippers of her mother. The shark leapt out of the water and onto the ice in an attempt to get at least one meal, but only managed to send the penguins and walrus flying as well, imbedding themselves in the snow underneath the icy cliff. The force had somehow broken through the cliff, for it caused the entire glacier to crumble, sending everyone down below, but not before trapping the shark below several hundred pounds of ice and /br /p
p data-p-id="820e2e01c3f009a249cf858a48cd5b1e"Miraculously, everyone -save the shark- came out unscathed. However, while the would-be heroes claimed that the plan was "perfectly executed", the other penguins seemed furious, saying how they could have all died and that they were no heroes, laughing at the expense of those who had only tried to do their /br /p
p data-p-id="111d7b095f4d8a05d36221b81bd725a1""That seems pretty familiar, huh Melody." I turned to said girl, only to realize she wasn't there anymore. "Melody?" My eyes darted around, frantically searching for the princess. br /br /p
p data-p-id="d2ab4eb6196477151fd7dfa9af09415c"By this time, Tip and Dash had scurried off, trying to get away from the hurtful words, though I thought I could hear their arguing and Melody's voice trying to interject not too far away. Hoping that I would find my companion, I jumped back into the water and after just a few short moments, finally managed to find Melody with the duo. br /br /p
p data-p-id="64f1c5049d2082d5ea17553178901ada""Melody!" I called out, quickly rejoining her /br /p
p data-p-id="f44a3daa39ee3145665d84ca622a2a66"The ravenette looked in my direction, smiled briefly, then turned back to Tip and Dash, who seemed to be having some sort of argument. "Do either of you know how to get to Atlantica? We don't have much time," she /br /p
p data-p-id="b79dbd2b1db68ffd0d99d07d01aa505f""Why do you want to go to Atlantica?" The walrus gently /br /p
p data-p-id="5eafa4b0eee8263b546b607c9df7b4ad"Melody pushed away from the glacier as she explained: "I have to get something that was stolen from a friend. If I don't, I'll turn back into..." Her voice drifted as she leaned back in the water, revealing her /br /p
p data-p-id="140d772cdd7889b4e16af1b93ee0beab"Dash hobbled closer, tilting his head to the side. "A what? Turn back into a what?"br /br /p
p data-p-id="e6d6f42389968bb59fb6edfed3cba236""A human," I answered, seeing how sad this conversation was making /br /p
p data-p-id="7ea0c4edf11a4014d52d8d783a072c17"Tip let out an obnoxious gasp, seeming horrified by the information. "I emknew /emthere was something emun/emfishy about you." He turned his glare towards me and added: "I bet you're one too, huh. Well tough break, sisters." He began to waddle away, Melody's face growing more and more /br /p
p data-p-id="cd02c585869e4c4a4381e1da32ee9fc6"The larger of the two, however, took his flipper and placed it atop the penguin's head, spinning him around so he was facing us once more. "We'll take you," Dash /br /p
p data-p-id="d4def717195715aa268503d2c97a0204"Melody clasped her hands excitedly. "You will!?"br /br /p
p data-p-id="b13efeac7ccb199770c355e5d9a1659d""We will?" Tip repeated. The adventurers seemed to quietly talk to each other briefly, before the former looked at Melody, who was biting her bottom lip in anticipation. The penguin's eyes softened before he let out a big sigh and began to step forward. "Oh boy. I can't believe I'm doing this, somebody stop me... Alright, we're in. On to Atlantica!" He and his companion jumped into the water, taking the lead as we finally resumed our journey./p
p data-p-id="714e797025a55e6b0e4a0fb86b5af67a" /p
p data-p-id="d4d716c5236ab6046fb8054cd407fd7c"strongRiku's POV (Third Person)/strong/p
p data-p-id="f38f085c1b938f2edbdd66de2f73e709" /p
p data-p-id="6842caf55a11a5eae06307e0ce60cffd"They had been scouring the sea for hours. Riku had accompanied Ariel as she checked all her favorite spots as a teenager, often times asking herself why she hadn't told Melody the truth and shared her love of the sea with her /br /p
p data-p-id="fbae903dd2fc9921a1becb37a9017f3a"Riku, meanwhile, was constantly thinking of Hikari and where she could be. She had just suddenly vanished with Melody and left him with no way of keeping in touch. He could only hope that when they found the princess, the Keyblade wielder would still be with /br /p
p data-p-id="8145c6efd57ebb952b12da4c91022dfb"Ariel had decided to regroup with her father just outside Atlantica. The Keyblade Master could tell that the longer they kept searching, the more anxious the red-head /br /p
p data-p-id="703fe889f9024e7a5bc707a2a5b7dcc6"They met up with King Triton and Sebastian, having run into Flounder, who was apparently a childhood friend of Ariel's, and were swimming through the halls of the castle. They were headed towards the throne room, the king trying to reassure his /br /p
p data-p-id="affc48ed18556b054400584c6ce79f74""I'm sure she'll turn up soon," the old merman /br /p
p data-p-id="d28ffa7de50fa3d9316d5006c777370d""We can't lose faith," Riku added. "We can't forget; Hikari is more than likely with her, so she's in safe hands."br /br /p
p data-p-id="e6f28856ffcb7a6aa9b781b06ae866d9"Ariel still seemed doubtful, so Flounder took a shot at trying to cheer her /br /p
p data-p-id="3d0e3f00e36a990f3d14f90744395c63""Ah, don't worry, Ariel. We'll find her." The guppy was doing his best to try and keep up his long-time friend's /br /p
p data-p-id="c2562bd269cd8a04c7a33ed64b3c85a5"Before the red-head could answer, the sound of metal clashing metal directed everyone's attention to the throne room. They all quickly swam in the direction of the noise and discovered several Screwdivers and Aquatanks swarming the large area. Before Riku could even summon Way to the Dawn, however, a flash of blue was sent crashing into a pillar to their left, sending several pieces of stone and dust flying./p
p data-p-id="c2562bd269cd8a04c7a33ed64b3c85a5" /p
p data-p-id="cf2ae3ca5d8e9eb253cc726489b6d5f0""Crap, that hurt," a female voice complained from within the cloud of /br /p
p data-p-id="e9142a40c1d90fabb6b6ba2d783aee7b"Riku's eyes lit up, immediately recognizing the voice. "Hikari!?"br /br /p
p data-p-id="a62a681e7f5579713d30250143a54668"When the dust settled after a moment, said girl was revealed, transformed into a mermaid and covered scrapes and bruises from the fight. The Angel's Keyblade was clutched tightly in her right hand. She looked up at the silverette, her eyes growing wide as well. "Riku?" She seemed to start to ask a question, but was interrupted by the Heartless, who were continuing to attack /br /p
p data-p-id="30635489b0d48669949337dee969339b"Riku finally summoned his Keyblade and sent a wave of energy at the dark creatures, pushing them back some. "We'll talk later. First, we need to clear these guys out."br /br /p
p data-p-id="a44116c06c45817063c20cd3a30e9d8c"Hikari only nodded in agreement before pulling herself away from the destroyed pillar and joining Riku's side to fight.u/uspan style="text-decoration: line-through;"/span/p
p data-p-id="a44116c06c45817063c20cd3a30e9d8c" /p
p data-p-id="a44116c06c45817063c20cd3a30e9d8c"strongEnd Note: Got this up sooner than I had expected. One more chapter left for Atlantica, which will be perhaps one of the longest chapters I've ever done, but that remains to be seen. Anyway, thanks for the continued support and don't forget to favorite/follow this story so you stay updated with the latest chapters./strong/p
p data-p-id="a44116c06c45817063c20cd3a30e9d8c"strongAlso, I used a doll maker to do a rough idea of what Hikari looks like as a mermaid, which can be found a href=" /0zp2s4zkki0" target="_blank" rel="noopener"here /a/strong/p
p data-p-id="d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e" /p
p data-p-id="b171ccc92d3f0cbcf99fcd773162be4d"Early the next morning, a ship and crew were prepared, ready to head out in the search of the princess. Riku stood at the king and queen's side, ready to help in any way he can as well as fight any Heartless they may come across./p
p data-p-id="3634bcc13ed6ad38872f3589387a44b4"Hikari had not returned the previous night, confirming Riku's hunch that she was with Melody. He had explained this to Ariel and Eric and while they were relieved to know their daughter was not out in the ocean alone, they still worried about her /br /p
p data-p-id="5c2333f52c5f34ce38b328cc4ae18ec8"The ship was ready to set sail and Ariel was speaking with her father, King Triton, who Sebastian had brought with news of his granddaughter's /br /p
p data-p-id="b312c73e7cbbc3537939568898364a6d""Oh, Daddy, I'm so worried," Ariel stated, Eric's arm wrapped comfortingly around her /br /p
p data-p-id="fe6855e5e6a937ab8a82c23ba61ea71e""Everything's going to be all right, Ariel," King Triton explained. "We have search parties scouring the ocean. I'm going to join them now myself."br /br /p
p data-p-id="b6b34154197e34bdf00e84ad5a90d716""Ariel." Eric turned his wife to face him. "Maybe you should go with him."br /br /p
p data-p-id="593dded27582bd748c920213495c1c0e"Ariel seemed surprised with his suggestion. "But Eric-"br /br /p
p data-p-id="7bfb574abad2755087a9b38c594b5e52""I need to stay here and lead the search above," he pressed. "But you know these waters... and you know our daughter. You have to go."br /br /p
p data-p-id="7c73977f8572f614c85b15fa83a3e69d""It may be dangerous," King Triton /br /p
p data-p-id="32fef073fde393452f1803f6641f4f33"Riku stepped forward at this. "Then I'll go with her."br /br /p
p data-p-id="cdf50eb34c7dfd6dfc4e004db5c62473"The queen turned to him. "Are you sure, Riku?"br /br /p
p data-p-id="c5b3511d253e7df2954465831b228425"The silver-haired teen nodded. "I'm of more use to you in the sea and can protect you from any Heartless that may be down there."br /br /p
p data-p-id="827a9c061ee46d4fbff80b560562cb31"Ariel bowed her head in thanks, taking her hands into her husband's briefly, before turning back to her father. "Eric's right, Daddy. I should have known I couldn't keep Melody from the sea. It's a part of her... and a part of me. I have to go."br /br /p
p data-p-id="7d6f53d12bf2865379a9ccd2e7b16e4b"Seeing as his daughter wasn't going to change her mind, King Triton lightly nodded before activating the power of his trident, causing the magical object to glow a brilliant /br /p
p data-p-id="454def190af39bc1a65dac69aa966447"As Riku waited for Ariel and Eric to say goodbye to one another, the clearing of the older king's throat caught his /br /p
p data-p-id="5344314709d78a8c24a017e6f25bdad2""I thank you for your assistance, young man," the bearded merman stated. "Sebastian told me you are a friend of Sora's. Any ally of his is welcome in my ocean."br /br /p
p data-p-id="a10376b2f5dc4e7104d124824a6bbf67"Riku bowed his head gratefully. "Thank you, Your Majesty."br /br /p
p data-p-id="d19db5bae971b586ed66e26d96be4a85"With farewells done, Riku stepped up onto the edge of the ship, helping Ariel get up as well, before looking to Triton, letting him know they were ready. While a golden beam of light shot from the trident and surrounded Ariel, Riku summoned his Keyblade and cast the spell Mickey had taught him, transforming his /br /p
p data-p-id="d12be06086f4c7fdc48ac19b4e9746b6"A light similar to the one cast by the merman encircled Riku, causing his shirt to vanish and legs replaced with a merfolk's lower body. It was rougher looking than Sora's had been, being a slightly grey color and resembling that of a shark, though thankfully he hadn't acquired the sharp teeth to /br /p
p data-p-id="18d741336a3827e6a17fb682301540e7"His change complete, Riku dove into the ocean, Ariel close behind, before they headed out with King Triton./p
p data-p-id="436d5ff69556818fc9e25c9671112071"br /emI just hope you and the princess are alright, Hikari,/em Riku silently prayed as they began their search./p
p data-p-id="26478db11a74b3c8675f463fee30cba7" /p
p data-p-id="ba1150bcd25bc5a560804838c904cf89"strongHikari's POV/strong/p
p data-p-id="cfe201de5943405c840233fec4378a45" /p
p data-p-id="c25423325624590fb0d509844639c078"I must have dozed off at one point, because the next thing I knew, it was slightly brighter out, though it was hard to tell where we were exactly due to the heavy fog surrounding us. The air was chilly, making me wrap my arms around myself in an attempt to keep warm. I could partially make out what looked like glaciers, which were confirmed when the fog began to lessen the further into the icy patch we /br /p
p data-p-id="d81ce438f858c96f2604c65bf2d8e35d"Melody had by this point woken up, wrapping the blanket closer to herself as she gazed at the scenery with /br /p
p data-p-id="ecd77b5845edd2bc174420c2836fdce1"We then began to head into a sort of cavern created inside a giant glacier, the temperature continuing to drop. The walls had an almost crystal-like appearance, no doubt carved and polished from the slight /br /p
p data-p-id="7f9f5a0312fa025a7a318d4f1f022ef3""Angel-face, meet the one-and-only: Morgana." The shark, who had introduced himself last night as Undertow, directed our attention to the back of the /br /p
p data-p-id="d2bb0454509ba802af722b9e6e63b013"A sickly-pale, almost green-skinned woman with black squid-like tentacles for a lower body was sitting on a giant orange clam, as if she had been waiting for us. She had spiked up white hair with faded purple streaks running through it and liver spots speckled over her thin long arms and boney chest. I wasn't sure if it was clothes or part of her skin, but a strip of black was covering her upper body, giving it the illusion she was wearing a strapless gown of sorts that merged down to her /br /p
p data-p-id="3a2394dfba20d0b4427d475fb392680e"The stingrays pulled the boat up to the platform and I quickly got out, relieved to be on at least somewhat solid ground. As I did this, Morganna approached us, greeting us with open arms and a warm smile, helping Melody out of the boat and leading her back to the "clam seat." While I still wasn't sure about the whole situation, the older woman seemed nice enough, so I was willing to give the benefit of the doubt, though kept my guard up just in case the squid tried anything funny. While Morganna got Melody comfortable, I leaned against a pillar of ice, watching the two /br /p
p data-p-id="36326affc22c676814c695518da14523""I was hoping you could tell me about this pendant and why it has my name on it," Melody began, pulling said object over her head and looking down at it. I could see the hurt in her eyes as she added: "My... mother wouldn't tell me. She just doesn't understand."br /br /p
p data-p-id="edc1151c367bca148186d92750ed39dd"Morganna looked at the girl sympathetically, bringing a tentacle around the preteen and lightly petting her hair comfortingly. "Oh, you're not the only one with a mother who doesn't understand you. emBelieve/em me; I know just how you feel." She added this last part with a roll of her /embr /em/p
p data-p-id="75f5075d62b3009cd295a134fcdaf64d"emI can't imagine what that must be like,/em I thought to myself. My grandmother was a saint and Mrs. Kurai had treated me as if I were her own daughter from the get-go, even before I was adopted by her and her /br /p
p data-p-id="96ac767791f6d58389c21df18f423eac""Dear child, did you ever consider that it has your name on it because it has your emdestiny/em in it?" Morganna had the pendant in her hands as she said this, before popping open the shell, a warm light emitting from it as a song began to play, similar to a music box. It could only be described as magical as a projection of a castle in the sea appeared, merfolk swimming around the castle as if in tune with the /br /p
p data-p-id="f66dac5d76d3013ab8756d1dc04e61cb""Deep down, you know you weren't meant to be a human," the woman continued. "What you are is something far more enchanting."br /br /p
p data-p-id="6735a03091ee9fa20c197d7dcd52f34c""A mermaid?" Melody guessed, her eyes widening with excitement at the idea. However, after a moment's thought, that happiness vanished as she turned away from the light. "But it's not possible."br /br /p
p data-p-id="fe4f9af2f68725862b0a1ecf06635aba"Morganna laughed. "Darling, emanything's/em possible!"br /br /p
p data-p-id="614e717400485189d4e93dc7b583c178"Melody leaned closer. "You can turn me into a emmermaid/em?"br /br /p
p data-p-id="88f9fe38dcc833dc98649f26d75b2c41"Morganna snapped the pendent closed, cutting off the music. "Piece of fishcake, honey," she chided with a sassy tone. She got up and shuffled over to a nearby shelf, seeming to rifle through the many objects crammed on /br /p
p data-p-id="01def11956115839f5b724a95720311f"As she did this, an idea started to form in my head. emIf she can turn Melody into a mermaid, could she possibly help me find my family and Sora?/embr /br /p
p data-p-id="83837f38009bdba858e1be28409787e6"I had been lost in my thoughts longer than I realized, because the next thing I knew, Morganna had returned to the seat next to Melody, a purple bottle in her hand. br /br /p
p data-p-id="ead62bbf7344f0a9d2602d50b1c79d12""One drop of this and bada-bing bada-boom, you're in Fin City!" Morganna stated /br /p
p data-p-id="61478750bc75ec98995a92cbd7150d94""Really!?" The preteen looked about ready to jump out of her seat in /br /p
p data-p-id="bd728a1015e3c90f0275e177c2f9497a"The woman nodded, asking Melody for her leg as she popped the cork of the bottle, allowing a single drop of purple liquid to land on the leg. There was a slight pause, as if the magic took a second to react. When it did, however, a swirl of green light began to surround the princess, lifting her into the air as the twister began to go faster and faster until finally, a light-red tail appeared in place of Melody's legs. br /br /p
p data-p-id="9d93ab1bfb9c85a696a8fd3890d8f22e"She was slowly set back down, where the girl stared in awe, playing with her tail as if to confirm it was real. "I don't believe it. I'm a mermaid." Seeing the opportunity, she jumped into the water, circling Undertow as she giggled, diving down and breaching the surface multiple times, repeating "I'm a mermaid!" over and over /br /p
p data-p-id="eb17f883c34fa51a24e299acec66c296"Before I realized what was going on, Melody had taken off into the ocean, leaving me behind. I tried to call out for her to come back, but it was too late; she was out of my sights and leaving me unable to protect her. I clenched my fist and let out a gruff of frustration. What was I going to do emnow!?/em/p
p data-p-id="9a26c54ee0f9ca158d42be61580fd924""So, young lady; what can I help emyou/em with?"/p
p data-p-id="517a4cea8d4846427990885c254e89ed"My head snapped up at the voice and I turned to see that Morganna was looking at me curiously, her warm smile still present./p
p data-p-id="94dd4d336c106108d5edfc2fe0b94c0c"br /"Surely there must be emsomething/em you wish to know," she stated. "Or something you wish to possess perhaps?"br /br /p
p data-p-id="7ada1db438ef697bce03a4cfe2c20d78"I didn't answer right away, my eyes drifting back to where Melody had vanished. I wanted to go after her, but.../p
p data-p-id="667ff7abb297b73b1669bb0de6c6d654""I don't think you can help me," I finally replied. "At least, not the way you helped Melody."/p
p data-p-id="1bf1fc3ad208e1c1a1c944875865aeda""Well how will you know for certain if you don't ask?" Morganna inquired. There was a pause before she added: "I can see that you wish to go after the dear, but what's holding you back?"/p
p data-p-id="0c887c4b060bdfdea092a70bd98f57e0"I hesitated. This woman had been able to turn Melody into a emmermaid/em, so who's to say she couln't perform another miracle? br /br /p
p data-p-id="5bb3ff715ff15b1963522fab5cab45ca""Are you afraid of the ocean?" She had an almost confused expression on her /br /p
p data-p-id="d6efb43788d56f41cc3c3d239649f022""No, that's not it," I hastily explained. "In fact, I love the ocean and swimming in general. It's just... I've had this... emfear/em... for as long as I can remember. Any time I'm near a large body of water, the thought of not being able to see the bottom gives me a terrifying sense as though I'm going to drown. I don't know the reason or cause behind this and it's taken all of my strength to stay with Melody up to this point." I had my head bowed by this point, feeling /br /p
p data-p-id="2fa6e6bde7681e0bfe588dcd83122f5b""Well then, why don't we fix that?" Morganna /br /p
p data-p-id="393d3f8633ba375558a344e3ee016e4e"My head shot up, eyes wide. "Wait, what?"br /br /p
p data-p-id="e86a0b513e31fc860d54b1c37ea04181"She had a smirk on her face and leaning to the side, a hand on her hip. "Honey, if I can turn a kid into a mermaid, suppressing a memory or fear is a sea-breeze." Before I could say another word, she went back over to the shelf she was shuffling through earlier. She seemed to pull a few bottles and vials, mixing them together in a bowl-shaped shell, before coming back over to where I was watching. She handed me the bowl and I couldn't help but cringe at the sickly green liquid, chunks of what looked like herbs floating up to the /br /p
p data-p-id="973916f3b351bd584ab7f685589673dd"I looked up at the sorceress, feeling doubtful. "You sure this will help me forget my phobia? I mean, what if it messes with any important memories, like my family or friends."br /br /p
p data-p-id="c2d1649942c45359a12b44f25a206cb4"Morganna smiled once more. "Don't worry, dear; this potion doesn't erase the memory itself, but rather any fear associated with it. It's completely safe, though I can't guarantee the taste." She said this last part with a shiver and sticking her tongue out in /br /p
p data-p-id="a9b9651f5c009c705b887981e469ac07"My eyes fell back down to the bowl in my hands and I gulped nervously. "Well... bottoms up." I put the potion to my lips, the horrid flavor immediate upon contact. I decided to make it quick and chucked it down, not leaving a single drop. When there was nothing left, I pulled the bowl away, wanting to gag at the aftertaste left in my /br /p
p data-p-id="91e97404f6813b8a9ffb293b01c919f4"At first, I didn't feel any different, other than sick to my stomach. However, about a minute after finishing it, I felt a sort of invisible weight leave my body, making me feel lighter somehow. I looked to the water not too far away, and instead of the usual uncertainty I had always had, my mind was blank. At that moment, it looked like nothing more than just a body of water, holding nothing that I had to fear. I knew that at one point, the thought of drowning once had a hold on me, but not /br /p
p data-p-id="7ce1d56e51076f27af822ad8afecddcc"Realizing that I was finally free of my phobia, I turned to Morganna, my face probably looking like a lit-up Christmas tree. She just nodded in approval before taking the bowl, setting it on a dresser, then slipping into the water, though she looked back at me to see if I was going to /br /p
p data-p-id="115e7822b9a616ab887d8e79c1da4e4d"I thought for a moment, before an idea struck me and I summoned my Keyblade. emIf I can ask for wings, then perhaps.../em I focused on the magic buried deep within, picturing a merfolk's body in my head. A beautiful golden light manifested from the tip of my weapon and swirled around me, lifting me up into the air much like Melody had been. I felt my legs fuse, but also my outfit changing as well. br /br /p
p data-p-id="943ad35396abc511d1fde90a1a1bd01f"It was a quick process and when the spell was finished, I took a moment to look over my new appearance. My tail appeared very similar to Melody's, but instead of orangish-red, but a deep blue similar to the color of my True Form's dress and the fins were a transparent white. My top had also changed to a short, silk-like blouse the same color as my tail that stopped just shy of my belly button./p
p data-p-id="0c98ea3dbf886ef665ebc7c06548485f"emCould be worse,/em I silently commented. emI could have a shell bra and never hear the end of it from Riku./em I blushed at that second thought. Why was I getting so flustered lately whenever I thought of him?br /br /p
p data-p-id="d843b1e5b95d75901089a37705559f9f"I shook my head, trying to distract myself by looking at the water. It had been so long since I had gone swimming, though this experience would certainly be a first. I couldn't wait to tell Chise when I saw her next. Taking in a nervous deep breath, I scooted myself into the water, surprised that the chilly water didn't bother me. I carefully placed my head underwater, testing to make sure that the magic had completely done its job. Once I confirmed that I could indeed breathe underwater, a sense of giddiness overcame me as I leapt straight out of the water before diving back in, my new found freedom making my heart jump for /br /p
p data-p-id="a11a8453f4e1990bdfcf80501414e80e"As I swam deeper, I noticed Melody was heading in the direction of the exit, clutching what looked to be a slab of white stone against her chest. br /br /p
p data-p-id="59cd4625cb325515fc34d7611eca1361""Melody, hold on a second," I called out to the /br /p
p data-p-id="47869675f60ad8d143d7d94eb48820a3"She stopped and looked up to me, her eyes growing wide once more. "H-How are you-? When did you-?"br /br /p
p data-p-id="9ba7df88bc9783bd09e7b164631485c7""My Keyblade helps me adapt to any environment I need," I explained. "The only reason I couldn't do the same for you is because I don't have the magical capabilities. That's only something a Master or sorcerer could accomplish, but anyway; where are you off to in such a hurry and what are you holding?"br /br /p
p data-p-id="ac033bd091c5a6045b94d977252aef80"Her eyes were downcast as she glanced down at the stone, which upon closer inspection, was a map of some sorts, though a poorly drawn up one at that. "Morganna said that the potion she gave me wasn't powerful enough to keep me a mermaid for long. She explained that the only way she can keep it from fading is by recovering a trident of hers that was stolen a long time ago. It's in Atlantica, can you believe it? I always thought that place was just a story. I told Morganna that I'll get her trident back, no matter what." She glanced at me briefly before adding: "Will... will you come with me?"/p
p data-p-id="e28540cb0a2e516d5975e1dc740b80c6"I smiled and ruffled the top of her hair playfully. "Do you even need to ask? Of course I will; I told you I'd stick by your side and I intend on keeping that promise. Now then, shall we go?"/p
p data-p-id="a2f3bb4a2f9a2291fef583785f15af1c"I was surprised when she wrapped her arms around my torso lovingly, making me chuckle a little and messing with her hair once more./p
p data-p-id="b7d02b64f9e47354bf0b62bf4c2cd954" /p
p data-p-id="b41f1842d3db7b1010d13ba2d11db7e2"We decided to hitch a ride on the back of a whale that was swimming partially below the water, allowing its backend to remain above, allowing us to more clearly study the "map" Melody had. It looked like a cheesy treasure map with no real coordinates and just a bunch of squiggles with a large X marking our /br /p
p data-p-id="0de091530c2e4b4d5044cb8fac156cda"As we tried to make sense of it, the whale seemed to shudder, before suddenly hunching forward, somehow sneezing and sending Melody and I flowing by the force of water released from its blow hole. I managed to land back in the water, but Melody flew further away given how much lighter she was than me. When I resurfaced, I saw that the young girl was on a large chunk of ice clutching what was once our map, now in several /br /p
p data-p-id="033edc70280b0f203a55106c66ac70ef""It's ruined. Now how are we gonna find our way to Atlantica?" She looked heartbroken. Even if that stone had been mostly useless, it was the only lead we had. Now, we were /br /p
p data-p-id="27b5171beceb0c920c4d7c5d1c0608cd"Before I could utter any words of comfort, a cry for help could be heard in the distance. We both looked to see what looked like a penguin leaning over a cliff made of ice, calling for /br /p
p data-p-id="d1867e5cbfaa4ed20590bbb8ed12495b"Curious, we scurried up a slope, watching what was going /embr /em/p
p data-p-id="f9b756fb13969a39e0053e2f5a81dd2b"emHeartless?/em I /br /p
p data-p-id="c62edaaa396a876aba78ab5d41f04a17"It was revealed that a young penguin had somehow fallen and gotten stranded on a small patch of ice. Several penguins had formed a sort of chain in an attempt to reach her, reminding me of the barrel of monkeys game, but were coming up short. A sharp dorsal fin was circling the ice where the little penguin was, indicating that a shark was just waiting for the little thing to fall into the /br /p
p data-p-id="ff65210f337e79a3b04fba0ae1e9c996"I was about to transform back into a human so that I could use my wings and help, when all of the sudden, two new voices could be heard. I turned to see a walrus and another penguin jumping from ice clump to ice clump, heading towards the distressed group. From the way they were talking, it seemed as though they were some kind of adventurers that went by the names Tip (the penguin) and Dash (the walrus). While I was skeptical about their bold claims, I decided to let it be and allowed the two "heroes" to take control of the /br /p
p data-p-id="a720ecddd2929c51e96663cf12c3de57"I would regret this, unfortunately, but was unable to do anything as the events that followed went in quick succession. The duo climbed down the chain of penguins and began to reach down for the little penguin, only to freak out when they noticed the shark and attempt to scramble back up. This only caused the penguins to lose their grip, making them all fall back down on the patch of ice the young one, the force sending the latter bird flying into the air and into the flippers of her mother. The shark leapt out of the water and onto the ice in an attempt to get at least one meal, but only managed to send the penguins and walrus flying as well, imbedding themselves in the snow underneath the icy cliff. The force had somehow broken through the cliff, for it caused the entire glacier to crumble, sending everyone down below, but not before trapping the shark below several hundred pounds of ice and /br /p
p data-p-id="820e2e01c3f009a249cf858a48cd5b1e"Miraculously, everyone -save the shark- came out unscathed. However, while the would-be heroes claimed that the plan was "perfectly executed", the other penguins seemed furious, saying how they could have all died and that they were no heroes, laughing at the expense of those who had only tried to do their /br /p
p data-p-id="111d7b095f4d8a05d36221b81bd725a1""That seems pretty familiar, huh Melody." I turned to said girl, only to realize she wasn't there anymore. "Melody?" My eyes darted around, frantically searching for the princess. br /br /p
p data-p-id="d2ab4eb6196477151fd7dfa9af09415c"By this time, Tip and Dash had scurried off, trying to get away from the hurtful words, though I thought I could hear their arguing and Melody's voice trying to interject not too far away. Hoping that I would find my companion, I jumped back into the water and after just a few short moments, finally managed to find Melody with the duo. br /br /p
p data-p-id="64f1c5049d2082d5ea17553178901ada""Melody!" I called out, quickly rejoining her /br /p
p data-p-id="f44a3daa39ee3145665d84ca622a2a66"The ravenette looked in my direction, smiled briefly, then turned back to Tip and Dash, who seemed to be having some sort of argument. "Do either of you know how to get to Atlantica? We don't have much time," she /br /p
p data-p-id="b79dbd2b1db68ffd0d99d07d01aa505f""Why do you want to go to Atlantica?" The walrus gently /br /p
p data-p-id="5eafa4b0eee8263b546b607c9df7b4ad"Melody pushed away from the glacier as she explained: "I have to get something that was stolen from a friend. If I don't, I'll turn back into..." Her voice drifted as she leaned back in the water, revealing her /br /p
p data-p-id="140d772cdd7889b4e16af1b93ee0beab"Dash hobbled closer, tilting his head to the side. "A what? Turn back into a what?"br /br /p
p data-p-id="e6d6f42389968bb59fb6edfed3cba236""A human," I answered, seeing how sad this conversation was making /br /p
p data-p-id="7ea0c4edf11a4014d52d8d783a072c17"Tip let out an obnoxious gasp, seeming horrified by the information. "I emknew /emthere was something emun/emfishy about you." He turned his glare towards me and added: "I bet you're one too, huh. Well tough break, sisters." He began to waddle away, Melody's face growing more and more /br /p
p data-p-id="cd02c585869e4c4a4381e1da32ee9fc6"The larger of the two, however, took his flipper and placed it atop the penguin's head, spinning him around so he was facing us once more. "We'll take you," Dash /br /p
p data-p-id="d4def717195715aa268503d2c97a0204"Melody clasped her hands excitedly. "You will!?"br /br /p
p data-p-id="b13efeac7ccb199770c355e5d9a1659d""We will?" Tip repeated. The adventurers seemed to quietly talk to each other briefly, before the former looked at Melody, who was biting her bottom lip in anticipation. The penguin's eyes softened before he let out a big sigh and began to step forward. "Oh boy. I can't believe I'm doing this, somebody stop me... Alright, we're in. On to Atlantica!" He and his companion jumped into the water, taking the lead as we finally resumed our journey./p
p data-p-id="714e797025a55e6b0e4a0fb86b5af67a" /p
p data-p-id="d4d716c5236ab6046fb8054cd407fd7c"strongRiku's POV (Third Person)/strong/p
p data-p-id="f38f085c1b938f2edbdd66de2f73e709" /p
p data-p-id="6842caf55a11a5eae06307e0ce60cffd"They had been scouring the sea for hours. Riku had accompanied Ariel as she checked all her favorite spots as a teenager, often times asking herself why she hadn't told Melody the truth and shared her love of the sea with her /br /p
p data-p-id="fbae903dd2fc9921a1becb37a9017f3a"Riku, meanwhile, was constantly thinking of Hikari and where she could be. She had just suddenly vanished with Melody and left him with no way of keeping in touch. He could only hope that when they found the princess, the Keyblade wielder would still be with /br /p
p data-p-id="8145c6efd57ebb952b12da4c91022dfb"Ariel had decided to regroup with her father just outside Atlantica. The Keyblade Master could tell that the longer they kept searching, the more anxious the red-head /br /p
p data-p-id="703fe889f9024e7a5bc707a2a5b7dcc6"They met up with King Triton and Sebastian, having run into Flounder, who was apparently a childhood friend of Ariel's, and were swimming through the halls of the castle. They were headed towards the throne room, the king trying to reassure his /br /p
p data-p-id="affc48ed18556b054400584c6ce79f74""I'm sure she'll turn up soon," the old merman /br /p
p data-p-id="d28ffa7de50fa3d9316d5006c777370d""We can't lose faith," Riku added. "We can't forget; Hikari is more than likely with her, so she's in safe hands."br /br /p
p data-p-id="e6f28856ffcb7a6aa9b781b06ae866d9"Ariel still seemed doubtful, so Flounder took a shot at trying to cheer her /br /p
p data-p-id="3d0e3f00e36a990f3d14f90744395c63""Ah, don't worry, Ariel. We'll find her." The guppy was doing his best to try and keep up his long-time friend's /br /p
p data-p-id="c2562bd269cd8a04c7a33ed64b3c85a5"Before the red-head could answer, the sound of metal clashing metal directed everyone's attention to the throne room. They all quickly swam in the direction of the noise and discovered several Screwdivers and Aquatanks swarming the large area. Before Riku could even summon Way to the Dawn, however, a flash of blue was sent crashing into a pillar to their left, sending several pieces of stone and dust flying./p
p data-p-id="c2562bd269cd8a04c7a33ed64b3c85a5" /p
p data-p-id="cf2ae3ca5d8e9eb253cc726489b6d5f0""Crap, that hurt," a female voice complained from within the cloud of /br /p
p data-p-id="e9142a40c1d90fabb6b6ba2d783aee7b"Riku's eyes lit up, immediately recognizing the voice. "Hikari!?"br /br /p
p data-p-id="a62a681e7f5579713d30250143a54668"When the dust settled after a moment, said girl was revealed, transformed into a mermaid and covered scrapes and bruises from the fight. The Angel's Keyblade was clutched tightly in her right hand. She looked up at the silverette, her eyes growing wide as well. "Riku?" She seemed to start to ask a question, but was interrupted by the Heartless, who were continuing to attack /br /p
p data-p-id="30635489b0d48669949337dee969339b"Riku finally summoned his Keyblade and sent a wave of energy at the dark creatures, pushing them back some. "We'll talk later. First, we need to clear these guys out."br /br /p
p data-p-id="a44116c06c45817063c20cd3a30e9d8c"Hikari only nodded in agreement before pulling herself away from the destroyed pillar and joining Riku's side to fight.u/uspan style="text-decoration: line-through;"/span/p
p data-p-id="a44116c06c45817063c20cd3a30e9d8c" /p
p data-p-id="a44116c06c45817063c20cd3a30e9d8c"strongEnd Note: Got this up sooner than I had expected. One more chapter left for Atlantica, which will be perhaps one of the longest chapters I've ever done, but that remains to be seen. Anyway, thanks for the continued support and don't forget to favorite/follow this story so you stay updated with the latest chapters./strong/p
p data-p-id="a44116c06c45817063c20cd3a30e9d8c"strongAlso, I used a doll maker to do a rough idea of what Hikari looks like as a mermaid, which can be found a href=" /0zp2s4zkki0" target="_blank" rel="noopener"here /a/strong/p