*Date: July 8th, 1855 - Melody's 1st birthday*
*Location: Vellona*
"Under the waves, where dreams are made, in a world of wonders, colors cascade. My sweet Melody, my precious one, in your eyes, I see the sun." Ariel's voice is soft as she gazes at her daughter, the boat gently swaying with the caress of the waves, setting the stage for Princess Melody's 1st birthday celebration. In the ship's highest room, Ariel tends to Melody's hair with love and warmth in her heart, cradling her daughter as the lullaby drifts over the sea, the sun casting a golden light over the tranquil scene as it sinks below the horizon.
As the last rays of sunlight dance on the water, Ariel's pride and love for Melody shine in her eyes. Melody's laughter mingles with the soothing sounds of the waves, carried by the sea breeze scented with salt and promise. Grateful for this moment of peace, Ariel silently vows to protect and nurture Melody as she grows. The sun's final glimmers signal the end of the day, and Ariel presses her cheek against Melody's, reaffirming their unbreakable bond like the eternal ebb and flow of the tide. Interrupted by Prince Eric's sudden entrance, Ariel is pulled from the tender moment. His eyes widen at the scene before him, but his expression softens as he approaches his wife and daughter, a warmth filling his heart. With a gentle hand on Ariel's shoulder, he silently joins them, cherishing the precious family moment on Melody's special day. "Look at you two," Prince Eric smiles, his voice radiating warmth and adoration. "You both light up my world with your love and beauty, but I have come here to tell you it's time. The guests are waiting outside." Ariel thought she could hear lively music and a chorus of voices, young and old, singing in anticipation of welcoming Melody. Prince Eric's announcement filled the room, stirring a mix of emotions in Ariel - pride, joy, and a touch of melancholy at how quickly her daughter was growing.
Gazing down at Melody, Ariel was met with a delightful giggle, instantly reciprocating her daughter's smile. "It's time, Melody," Ariel whispered, her voice a blend of eagerness and nostalgia. "The world is waiting to celebrate you, my dear." As Ariel spoke these words to Melody, a wave of excitement seemed to ripple through the crowd outside, mirroring the anticipation in the air. Melody's innocent eyes sparkled with wonder, her cheeks flushed with joy, unaware of the significance of the celebration unfolding before her. Feeling Ariel's gentle touch, Melody cooed softly, her smile beaming as she gazed adoringly at her mother. Beside them, Prince Eric stood proudly, his heart overflowing with love for his little princess. Hand in hand, Ariel and Prince Eric emerged from the room, the crowd falling silent at the sight of the newest addition to the royal family. Gasps and whispers spread among the guests as they beheld baby Melody, a vision of purity and innocence. Joy and wonder filled the deck as guests gathered around, their faces lit up with smiles and admiration for the newborn princess. They marveled at her tiny features, delicate fingers, and the oceanic curiosity in her eyes, reminiscent of her mother's spirit.
"Ariel! Hey?" Ariel's eyes lit up as she made out the features of her oldest sister, Attina, coming towards her. The sight of her sister brought a rush of memories flooding back - of their childhood adventures under the sea, of late-night conversations about dreams and aspirations, of the unbreakable bond that tied them together as sisters. Attina's presence was like a beacon of familiarity and comfort in the midst of the bustling celebration. As she drew closer, Ariel felt a sense of warmth and joy wash over her, grateful for the chance to reconnect with her sister in this moment of happiness and celebration. "Attina!" Ariel exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement and affection. "I can't believe you're here! It's been too long since we've seen each other!" she yelled as she slowly approached her sister, Melody's small face lighting up as if she recognized one of her aunts. Attina's eyes sparkled with love and nostalgia as she embraced Ariel, the bond between them strong and unbreakable. "I've missed you, little sister," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion.
''I see daddy gave you legs. I'm so happy you were able to make it.'' With a smile that reached her eyes, Attina replied. ''Yes daddy granted my wish so I could walk on land to come and greet you on this exciting day. It's been a whirlwind of adventures being up here, but nothing compares to this moment with Melody.'' Attina's eyes softened as she took in the sight of her niece, a beautiful blend of her sister's grace and human curiosity. ''She's really a treasure, Ariel,'' A true blessing to our family,'' Attina remarked, her voice filled with warmth and affection. "Oh my gosh, Ariel. Look at that hair; she inherited your bright red hair?" Ariel chuckled, a twinkle in her eyes as she looked down at Melody's tufts of vibrant red hair. "It seems she takes after her mother in more ways than one," Ariel remarked, a sense of pride evident in her voice. "I can't help but see a bit of myself in her every time I look at her."
"She's going to be just as adventurous and spirited as you were, I can already tell," Attina said, her voice tinged with affection. "I can't wait to see the kind of amazing person she grows up to be." Melody cooed happily, as if sensing the love and admiration surrounding her. The room filled with the sound of laughter and chatter, a sense of joy and celebration permeating the air as the family gathered together in unity and love. "Gasp. Is Daddy and the others here yet?" Ariel suddenly said, her eyes widening as she remembered her father was attending the celebration today.
Attina's eyes lit up with excitement at the mention of their father's arrival. "Yes, they're all here," she replied, a smile playing on her lips. Ariel's heart swelled with anticipation at the thought of reuniting with her father and the rest of her family. She felt a rush of emotions - love, gratitude, and a sense of belonging - as she prepared to introduce Melody to her grandfather and the rest of their loved ones. As they made their way through the crowd, Ariel's steps quickened with excitement. The sound of laughter and music filled the air, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration that enveloped them in its warmth. And then, amidst the sea of familiar faces, Ariel caught sight of King Triton, his regal presence commanding attention as he rose himself higher, his body hovering above the edge of the ship, Ariel coming up as far as she could to reach him, with Eric following beside her. ''Hello, Daddy,'' she said, her voice filled with love and reverence.
King Triton's eyes sparkled with pride and affection as he looked down at his daughter and granddaughter. "Ariel, my dear," he greeted, his voice booming yet filled with warmth. ''Are you going to introduce me to this little one?'' he asked, eyes drawn to Melody, as he let out a playful gesture with his tongue towards the little one, his granddaughter. "This is Melody, our precious daughter," she introduced proudly.
''Melody,'' King Triton repeated, which made Melody coo as she heard her own name play out past his lips. ''Your mother would have loved to have seen this.'' Ariel's heart swelled with emotion at her father's words, a bittersweet mix of joy and sadness washing over her. She felt a pang of longing for her mother, Queen Athena, whose absence was keenly felt in moments like these - moments of love, family, and togetherness. "I know she's watching over us from the seas above," Ariel replied softly, her voice filled with love and remembrance. "She would have been overjoyed to meet Melody, to see the beautiful family we've become." King Triton's eyes softened with understanding and compassion as he looked at his daughter. "She lives on in each of us, in the love we share and the memories we hold dear," he said, his voice gentle yet filled with wisdom. "And now, we have Melody to carry on her legacy, to bring joy and light into our lives."
' "May I hold her?" King Triton asked, his eyes filled with warmth and longing as he reached out towards Melody.
''Yeah! I wanna hold her!''
"Yeah, please Ariel, I can't resist running my hands through her bright red hair," exclaimed Alana as she rose up next to her father, with the help of King Triton as she was brought up in a wave of water of her own. She gently touched Melody's soft red locks the moment she was cradled against her grandfather. "I can't get over how much she looks like you when you were just a little baby," said King Triton, which made Ariel's cheeks brighten a lovely shade of pink. Ariel's heart swelled with emotion at the sight of her father holding her precious daughter, a symbol of the generations of love and unity that bound their family together. As she watched King Triton interact with Melody, a sense of peace and contentment washed over her, knowing that their family was united in love and shared memories. "Oh, and don't think I forgot about you," he said just as he brought his eyes up to Eric.
Eric's gaze met King Triton's, a mix of respect and admiration in his eyes as he stood beside Ariel, feeling the weight of the king's attention on him. "Your Majesty, it's an honor to be a part of this family and to stand by Ariel and Melody," Eric replied, his voice filled with sincerity, as he bowed in respect towards the sea king. King Triton's expression softened with appreciation at Eric's gesture of respect. "You have earned your place in our family through your love and devotion to my daughter, and now to my granddaughter. I am grateful knowing that they have you by their side, that Melody has a great father figure to look up to. A true companion, protector, and brave son-in-law." Just as King Triton finished his sentence, a sudden shift in the atmosphere caught everyone's attention. Once a beautiful dawn, was replaced by dark clouds, gathering ominously in the sky, the air growing from peaceful to heavy with the promise of an approaching storm. Whipping through the air, a few of the merfolk felt themselves shift a little as the waves grew from peaceful and still, in response to the dark clouds.
The merfolk exchanged worried glances as the sea began to respond to the impending storm, the waves growing restless and agitated beneath them. King Triton's expression turned grave as he sensed the growing unease among his people, his authoritative presence a beacon of reassurance in the face of the gathering tempest. Below him, Melody let out a small cry of fear as she as well as the others, began reacting to the crazy weather. Ariel's heart clenched at the sound of Melody's cry, the instinct to protect her daughter kicking in with fierce intensity.
Quickly, Ariel gathered her daughter from her father's arms, her maternal instincts kicking in with fierce determination. In an instant, King Triton had his trident in his hands, poised and ready to react to whatever might occur next. Despite Ariel's efforts to soothe and comfort her daughter, she felt a shiver of dread run through her as the atmosphere grew perilous. As she held Melody close, trying to shield her from the impending danger, Ariel's heart raced with fear and uncertainty. The once calm sea now roiled with tumult, the dark waters churning ominously around them. King Triton's stance hardened, his gaze steely as he prepared to defend his family against any threat. But before they could react, a long, thick tentacle emerged from the depths of the dark, black waters, snaking its way towards Melody. Ariel's breath caught in her throat as she watched in horror, her body frozen in shock and disbelief at the sudden turn of events.
"Melody!" Ariel cried out, her voice laced with fear and desperation as she reached out towards her daughter. King Triton's grip tightened on his trident, his eyes flashing with determination as he prepared to confront the looming threat. In a swift and decisive motion, King Triton unleashed the power of his trident, sending a burst of energy towards the tentacle. The sea erupted with a blinding light as the trident's magic clashed with the dark force, a fierce battle of wills playing out beneath the stormy sky. As a few tense seconds passed, the bright blast of light that had been shot into the waters was quickly reflected back, the once white light transforming into a sickly green color. A sense of foreboding gripped the onlookers as they watched in horror, the eerie glow casting a ghastly hue over the turbulent sea.
''A party! [cackling] I didn't miss the cake and ice cream, did I?'' The sinister tone of the voice sent chills through the air, the merfolk tensing at the ominous presence that had invaded their midst. Ariel's heart clenched with fear and protectiveness as she beheld the malevolent being before her, her instincts as a mother urging her to shield her daughter from harm. King Triton's expression hardened with determination, his grip on the trident tightening as he prepared to confront the dark entity that threatened his family. Eric stood by Ariel's side, a steadfast presence of support and strength as they faced this new threat together. With a steely gaze, King Triton addressed the dark figure, his voice ringing with authority and power. "Release the child and leave this place," he commanded, his words carrying the weight of his royal lineage and unwavering resolve.
"Oh, come now, Triton. Don't tell me you don't remember me?!" taunted the female voice, a sinister smile playing on her lips. "Sire, it's Morgana, Ursula's crazy sister!" shouted Sebastian, his usually jovial demeanor replaced with a grave expression as he identified the malevolent figure before them. Ariel's heart clenched with dread at the mention of Morgana, a name that sent shivers down the spines of all who knew of her dark reputation. The sister of Ursula, the sea witch who had once sought to overthrow King Triton and wreak havoc upon the ocean, but was put to an end by her and Eric; oh, how that time seemed so long ago.
"Morgana...surrender the child or I'll-"
"Uh-ah, I don't think you'll do anything so long as I have this little dear in my grasp. Cute little dress you dressed her in, Mama," Morgana said, her voice dripping with malice as she addressed Ariel. King Triton's gaze hardened as he faced Morgana, his grip on the trident unwavering as he prepared to take action. The threat to his family fueled a fire within him, his resolve unyielding in the face of evil.
"You will release the child, Morgana. This is your final warning," King Triton's voice resonated with authority, his eyes locked on the dark figure before him. Morgana let out a mocking laugh, her twisted smile revealing her delight in causing turmoil and distress. "Oh, dear Triton, always so predictable. But I'm afraid the little princess stays with me for now. Unless, of course, you're willing to make a deal," she taunted, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
Ariel's grip tightened on Eric's hand, a silent communication passing between them as they prepared to stand together against this new threat. The safety of their family hung in the balance, their determination unwavering as they faced the challenge before them."No! No deals, Morgana. Let Melody go, or I won't hesitate to do to you what I did to your sister, Ursula!" growled King Triton as he clenched the trident so tightly, his knuckles a bright shade of tomato red. "So, you were the one who killed my sister," suddenly Morgana's voice turned dark and scary, her eyes reflecting extreme rage. Melody seemed to pick up on the tension in the air, for she immediately began crying. A chill ran down Ariel's spine at Morgana's accusation, the weight of the sea witch's words sinking heavily upon her. The memory of Ursula's demise at her hands haunted her, as she tried to approach Morgana, as if she could make a difference if Morgana knew the truth, that it was she who killed her sister, not her father.
''Yes, how dear Ursula simply would have loved to come, but something came up. Now what was it? Oh yes, you all shishcabbobed her! One minute you're on top, the next you're sushi!''
"I did what I had to do to protect my family and my kingdom," Ariel's voice rang with a mixture of sorrow and determination, her gaze locking with Morgana's fiery eyes. ''You hear that, Morgana! I'm responsible for what happened to your sister, not my father!'' The weight of Ariel's confession hung heavy in the air, the truth of her actions laid bare before Morgana's wrathful gaze. The sea witch's eyes blazed with fury and resentment as she processed Ariel's words, her anger simmering beneath the surface as she grappled with the revelation. ''Ariel, you don't owe this sea witch a confession!'' shouted Flounder from below.
"Ah, the brave little princess finally admits her role in Ursula's demise," she sneered, her voice laced with malice, as she seemed to ignore everyone around her, eyes permanently glued on Ariel. Noticing his wife being threatened, Eric pushed himself to the front of her, in a protective stance, with one hand hovering above where he kept his sword. ''Ah, I take it you made a deal with my sister, in order to win this human? Is that right? And I've stumbled across a birthday party for this little one,'' purred Morgana as she brought her face close to Melody's, causing the baby's arms to flare in distress, longing for her parents. A sense of dread settled over Ariel as Morgana taunted her with the reminder of the past deal she had made with Ursula. The memory of the sacrifices and challenges she had faced to be with Eric weighed heavily on her heart, a reminder of the choices she had made for love and family. "I will not let you harm my daughter or my family," Ariel's voice rang with defiance, her eyes locking with Morgana's as she stood her ground. Morgana's laughter echoed through the tumultuous sea, her eyes gleaming with malice as she reveled in the chaos she had caused. The air crackled with tension as the sea witch's dark magic swirled around them, a palpable sense of danger hanging in the air.
''You can have anything you want; just don't harm little Melody.''
'' Well, I get the trident, avenge poor unfortunate Ursula, and gain all the powers of the ocean! And it's not even 10:00, not a bad morning,''' But I'm afraid there's one more special guest who has yet to be an appearance. The sorcerer Morgan...soon to be king Morgan, and my father.''