4 Chapter A MONTH LATER
…
Kim sat on her bed, reading a waterproof magazine from the Red Waves media. As she read, an article caught her eye. "Hmm." She looked thoughtful. She read it with great interest. She then looked at the name at the bottom. "Master Sensei.
SURFACE
Young Ron walked into one of his favorite parts of the castle: the kitchen. Several young cooks were at work, cleaning up the mess from lunch.
"Prince Stoppable." A girl exclaimed. "What may I do for you?"
"Nothing right now, thanks." The young prince said. "Just thought I'd check on things."
One servant, a young man with glasses, came forward. "Your highness, I doubt you can snack on the leftovers."
"Oh don't worry about it, Ned," Ron assured the young servant. "And please, call me Ron."
"Sorry Ron," Ned apologized. "It's just…using your name feels wrong."
"Hey, I gave you permission." Ron said confidently. "Nothing wrong with that."
Ned sighed. "Fine, your high- uh I mean Ron. I guess it's okay for you to snack on the scraps."
"Booyah!" Ron exclaimed, happily going for the scraps.
The servants hesitated, and then resumed cleaning up.
UNDER THE SEA
In a shop, a man was arranging items on a shelf. He was short and thin with a wrinkled face and a long white beard, and his tail was golden. He wore a yellow robe with long sleeves and a necklace.
The door opened, and a red-haired girl swam in.
Princess Kim," The old man said. "Sorry, the shop is closed."
"Please." Kim said. "I wish to talk to you."
The old man sighed. "How may I be of service to you, your highness?"
Your name is Sensei, yes?"
"Yes your highness." The elderly man answered.
"Just call me Kim." Kim replied. "The whole highness thing is no big."
"OK…Kim." Sensei said, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "So what can I do for you?"
"You research humans, right?" Kim asked.
Sensei became thoughtful. "True. But it's not a popular topic in the kingdom. It's more of a hobby then a profession for me."
"I saw an article you wrote. I want you to tell me what you know about humans." Kim declared.
Sensei stared at Kim in surprise. "What sparked this interest you have in humans?"
"Well I've heard of them in passing. Only recently I've wondered about their world above the ocean." Kim answered.
"Yes, the surface is very out of this ocean." Sensei agreed. "But it's unsafe for mer-folk, and the dry lands are uninhabitable."
"Still it's so the drama," Kim said happily. "What can you tell me about the human world?"
"I know a few things." Sensei said grimly. "Let's go to my office."
"Sure," Kim said, following the older merman.
Closing the office door, Sensei looked at the young Princess. "So what do you want me to tell you about humans?"
Kim considered that. "What kind of food do they eat?"
"Hard to say." Sensei said. "Like mer-folk, they eat vegetables and the flesh of living creatures. But while we can only eat things of the sea, they can eat things of both sea and land."
"How can they eat things of the sea?" Kim frowned.
"Well they ride in contraptions called boats or ships." Sensei explained. "Some cast nets in the sea to capture fish that get too close to them."
Kim's eyes were full of amazement. "How do you know that?"
"I've observed ships and land from a distant." Sensei said. "As for eating, I have seen humans eating on beaches, shores and their ships. Some of the food is clearly of the sea, while others are clearly not."
"But isn't that dangerous? Getting so close to humans?" Kim worried.
"And so is studying sharks, undertows, and magical elements," Sensei said. "Ever since I was a boy, I always found the Surface World interesting."
"OK. What kind of attire do they wear?" Kim asked.
For a long moment, Sensei didn't reply.
"Sensei, are you alright?" Kim asked.
"Yes, it's just that this conversation is taking a while and I don't have the time." Sensei answered.
"Oh sorry." Kim apologized. "Maybe we can schedule another talk?"
"Maybe this will help." The old merman went to a shelf and took out a shell. "It's my magic shell. It contains copies of all of my research. Would you like to buy it?"
"Sure." Kim said excitedly. "How much?"
"40 gorbas." Sensei replied.
Kim considered that. "Can I pay you back? I don't have it on me."
"Sure your highness." Sensei nodded.
"Please, just Kim." Kim reminded.
"Oh right. Sorry your hi- I mean Kim." Sensei said sheepishly.
"No big," Kim said kindly. "I'll get you your money some time tomorrow. Thanks again."
"Farewell Kim."
"Bye." The Little mermaid said as she turned and left.
SURFACE
Ron was having fun in the garden, enjoying the day. Then Regent Barkin entered. He looked grim.
"Prince Stoppable."
"Huh?" Ron looked over. "Oh, hey, Regent B. What's the news?"
"Your father wants to see you."
"Alright, Regent B I'm on my way" Ron said carefully..
"Let's go." The big man barked.
Ron followed his father's top official. Moving into the castle, Barkin led the young prince to a room.
"Ah Ron," King Stoppable said. "Good, your here." He looked up at Regent Barkin. "Leave us."
"As you wish sire." Barkin said, turning to leave.
"We need to talk, son," King Stoppable said, looking solemn.
"Sure Dad," Ron said, sensing he was in trouble. "What's up?"
"Son, I've recently noticed that you've been very negligent in your duties."
"Negla-what?" Ron asked, not sure what his father meant.
"You haven't been working on your schooling as much as you should." His father clarified.
Ron knew arguing with his father probably wouldn't work, but he didn't like where this was going. "Well you see school just doesn't fit the Ronster, Dad."
"Nevertheless you will improve your work-ethic or there will be consequences."
"Consa-what?" Ron asked.
"Consequences." Stoppable repeated. "It means you will loss things you enjoy."
"Oh come on, dad."
"No," Stoppable said, his soft voice gaining an edge to it. "You will improve, starting now. Until you show signs of improving yourself, no wandering about, no hanging out with servant girls, and no Nacos."
"Hey!" Ron protested.
"I'm serious, son," King Stoppable stated with finality. "You will take your responsibilities as aprince seriously. End of discussion."
"Oh man." Ron grumbled.
King Stoppable relaxed a bit. "You may go."
Ron left, sullenly, hating his father's command.
UNDER THE SEA
Kim was in her room, holding the shell that magically produced a screen with writing and occasionally pictures.
The door opened and Queen Anne swam into the room. "Hey Kimmie Guppy. What are you reading?"
"The research of Sensei."
Queen Frowned. "Sensei as in 'Master Sensei'?"
"Yeah."
Queen Anne's frowned deepened. "Kimberly Possible, why are you reading the works of that madman?"
"What?" Kim exclaimed. "Why not? It's not because he runs a pawnshop, right?"
"It's because of his…interests." Queen Ann said carefully. "You shouldn't be into them."
"But it's so not the drama." Kim countered. "Seriously, what's wrong with his discoveries? He probably knows more about humans than anyone else."
Anne sighed. "OK. But don't get too deep into this human stuff. You know that our world and the human world must stay separate."
"No big, mom," Kim assured her mother.
…..
Kim swam into a corridor, looking tense. She made a few turns and then came into a room where her father the King was.
"Dad."
"Hello Kimmie guppy." King Possible said with a smile. "How are you?"
"Dad, can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
Kim felt uneasy but swallowed her fear. "You know how we are supposed to have nothing to do with the human world?"
"Yes?" King Possible answered, scowling.
"Why is it forbidden?"
King Possible sighed. "Kim, the human world isn't safe. Besides not having oceans, humans are spineless, savage, harpooning killers incapable of any feeling for others."
Kim frowned. "Dad, don't you think that is too much the drama?"
"No it isn't." King Possible stated. "Why are you asking me these questions?"
"Well, their world is amazing."
"No it isn't." James snapped with an anger he seldom used. "Mer-folk shouldn't be interested in it and they definitely shouldn't go to the surface."
"Dad, I can't help but be interested in it." Kim argued "You can't just say I can't."
King Possible didn't like the way his daughter was speaking to him. "Look Kim, I don't want you discussing this anymore."
"But Dad, why can't-"
"My decision is finale." King Possible declared. "Do you understand?"
Kim scowled. "Yes Dad."
"Good." James paused for a moment. "Was there anything else?"
"No." Kim answered before turning to leave.
King Possible watched his daughter go. He felt he'd done something wrong, but didn't know what to do.
NEXT DAY
Kim reached Sensei's shop around closing time, with her bag under her arm.
"Ah Kim, nice of you to visit." The old merman smiled.
"Here's the money I owe you," Kim said, taking it out of her bag.
"Thank you, your hi- I mean Kim."
"Sensei, can I ask you something?" Kim asked.
"You may." The old man said.
"Why does my father despise humans so much?"
Sensie looked at the floor, his face expressionless. "Well, he thinks they'll destroy our world."
"But humans can't be all bad, right? I mean an entire people can't be evil, can they?"
"Oh I agree," Sensei nodded. But in the past, some merfolk who have gone to the surface were killed by humans."
"Oh, man." Kim gasped. "Is that why my dad hates humans?"
Sensei grimaced. "Probably. But it hardly matters. Even if your father allowed our two species to mix, humans can't live under the sea anymore then we can live on land."
Kim frowned unhappily.
SURFACE: A FEW WEEKS LATER
Ron was at a table, doing his studies. It had been several weeks since his father gave that order. At first he had tried to sneak around it, but in the end, he had to comply to his father's wishes. It was slow and unbearable, but he was determine to regain the rights and enjoyments of being himself. The door opened and Regent Barkin entered.
"Oh, hey, Regent B." Ron said dully.
"So how's it coming, Stoppable?"
"Boring." Ron grumbled.
Barkin sighed. He picked up the papers and eyed the schoolwork. "I see you're improving, Stoppable."
Ron sighed in relief. "Oh thank goodness. So can I have some Nacos?"
Barkin sighed. "You'll have to talk to your father."
Booyah!" Ron said excitedly.
Barkin grimaced. "My words exactly." He said with sarcasm.
…..…
Kim swam through the Eastern part of the Kingdom. Like most of the ocean, it was wild and uninhabited. She found a wrecked ship up ahead.
"This might have some cool stuff in it." She smiled.
Reaching the ship, she swam through a large hole, finding the interior fascinating though in damaged condition. She saw a skeleton and gasped.
"So the drama." She whispered.
The upper half of the skeleton was like a mer-person, only instead of a bony tail, it had the two strange bony appendages.
"Two tails." The perplexed mermaid said to herself. "I don't ever get used to it."
She moved past the bones and came to a algae-covered table on its side. She examined some fallen items near the table.
….
Sensei was at a table, examining his files, displayed on his data shell. There was a knock at his door. The old merman smiled. Swimming to the door, he opened it and wasn't disappointed to see Princess Possible.
"Hello Sensei." Kim greeted him.
"Hello, Kim." The old merman said. So what do you wish to show me?"
Kim held out her bag. "Some stuff I found."
Sensei became excited. "Let's see what you've got, young lady."
Swimming to the table, Kim took out a few objects she had found. "Any idea what these are?"
Sensei smiled and held out a round object with strange symbols. "I believe this is a watch."
"What do you mean watch? What is it watching?"
Sensei chuckled. "No, the device is called a watch."
Kim's eyes narrowed in disbelief. "Seriously?"
"Oh yes. It helps them keep track of time. At least when it works."
Kim eyed the round object with strange symbols. "How does this tell humans the time?"
"Well the symbols are human numbers. The pointy things move in a certain motion, telling humans the time of day."
"How do you know all this?" Kim asked.
"Well, research. I know of human numbers from different sources. I know about mechanism and clockwork from others. I found a definition for 'watch' in a human dictionary and put the pieces together."
"That's pretty clever." Kim admitted.
"Well, I'm a researcher, and it's my job to look for connections to pieces in any puzzle."
"What if you get it wrong?" Kim asked.
"Well, that can happen," Sensei conceded. "But that is a risk faced by all researchers."
Kim smiled thoughtfully and then took out another object. "What is this?"
SURFACE
At the dinner table, the Stoppable family was enjoying dinner, especially Prince Ron. After insufferably forced to get his grades up, he could eat his favorite food, Bueno Nacho. Queen Stoppable looked at her son who was stuffing his face.
"Ron, mind your manners."
"Sorry, Mom," Ron said with his mouth full of cheese. "I just haven't had this for over a week."
King Stoppable looked stern. "Nevertheless you must set an example Ron."
Ron swallowed the food in his mouth, becoming nervous. He knew if he lapsed, his return of badical goodness would be gone again. "Yes dad, I mean sire."
The King and Queen threw glances at each other. Their son wasn't very responsible, preferring to live in childhood fantasy. But they hoped their son would become a prince who could rule their kingdom when his time came.
…
Kim swam into her room and opened her drawers. She looked behind her to make sure her room was empty. She then unpacked her bag and put her human possessions in the drawer.
Suddenly a swooshing sound came behind her. Kim slammed her drawer shut and looked around, trying to look casual.
"Hey Kim." Zita said, then frowned. "Did I startle you?"
"No big." Kim said with a smile.
"OK." Zita said, her eyes narrowed. "Are you sure you're alright?"
"Yeah, you just startled me." Kim said in a calmer voice and taking a casual posture.
"OK," Zita said, dropping her suspicions as she swam to her own dresser to look for something.
SURFACE
Ron was busy with his schooling. It had been a week since he was last allowed to taste Bueno Nacho again. He had to stay on top of his studies if he wanted to enjoy the good things life had.
"Finished." He said.
"We'll see." Regent Barkin said as he picked up the paper and examined the results. "Not bad, Prince Stoppable. You're improving for once."
"Well, whatever." Ron shrugged. "I still need to keep my inner Ronness."
"Right." Barkin sighed. "Well it's time for the next part of your training."
"Great." Ron said sarcastically. "So what next?"
"You need to learn diplomacy."
"Wasn't that already part of my education?"
"That was studying. Now you're going to observe others."
"Great." Ron groaned.
"For the next few months you'll accompany me on outings regarding business of state and observe my works."
"Oh man." Ron complained again. "I need to take a walk."
"Knock yourself out, your highness." Barkin said. "But remember; take your studies seriously, or no more nachos and junk."
Ron got up and left without saying a word.
UNDER THE SEA
Yori was sparring with Will Du.
Zita swam into the room. "Hey Sis, hey Will."
Hey, Sis." Yori said as she and Will stopped sparring. "What's up?"
"Is something wrong, your high- I mean Zita?" Will asked, remembering Zita's preference.
"I came to see if Will was available." Zita said, her dark eyes narrowed. "I thought he could play Evercove with me."
Will sighed. "Maybe another time Zita. I'm worn out from all this sparring."
"Maybe Tim and Jim can play." Yori suggested. "They like that game almost as much as you."
Zita scowled. "Just my luck. Well, bye." She turned and swam away.
Will turned back to Yori. "Ready to resume, your highness."
"I appreciate that, Will Du." Yori taking a fighting pose.
"Hey guys."
Yori and Will Du groaned and turned to the speaker. "What do you want, Kim?" Yori asked her sister.
"I was wondering if you could come to our room around an hour after noon." Kim said. "I'd like to show you and the others something."
"OK." Yori said, still annoyed but now curious about what Kim wanted her to see.
"Oh and don't let the Dweebs no. This is just us sisters."
"As you wish, Kim." Yori said.
"Please and thank you." Kim said, swimming away.
"Shall we resume your highness?" Will asked again.
"I would like-"
"Yori!" Bonnie called out as she swam into the room.
Yori frowned, annoyed with her luck.
SURFACE
Prince Ron was walking through the market. While it was nice, he still felt like life was getting unfair. Every time he excelled in something, a new and harder task took its place. He then noticed a pet stand. He went over, eying the pets: a few cats, a dog, some birds, and a snake.
"Your highness." The merchant asked.
"Oh, hey." Ron exclaimed. "Yeah, me the prince just browsing your…pets."
"Do you see anything that interests you, your highness?"
"Lots of things," Ron said. "Too bad my father is allergic to fur."
"Oh…" The merchant whimpered, troubled that there was very little he could sell.
Ron then noticed a small basket with a cushion. Inside was a tiny creature. "Oh. What is this freaky thing?"
The creature moaned softly.
"That's a naked mole rat." The merchant said. "It's a baby."
"Man, it's freaky." Ron said in amazement.
The merchant suddenly had an idea. "You say your father the king is allergic to fur, yes?"
"Yeah."
"Well a naked mole rat doesn't grow fur, hence the name."
"Hmmm," Ron murmured. "Yeah, that's great. How much?"
"Thirty coins."
"Booyah." The young prince exclaimed happily.
The baby mole rat yawned again.
UNDER THE SEA
Zita, Monique, Bonnie, Tara and Yori entered the room where their younger sister Kim was waiting.
"So what's up, sis?" Monique asked her hands on her scaly hips.
"I have a secret I want to share with you all," Kim said. "But you can't tell anyone."
"OK, sis." Tara said, as the others agreed.
Kim then took out an coral based box and showed them some strangely shaped objects. The mer-sisters stared in wonder.
"Are those…human things?" Zita asked uneasily.
"Yes," Kim said.
"Kim, are you sure this is allowed," Yori asked frowning.
"Why not?" Kim asked.
"Well the Mer-World and Human world are not supposed to make contact." Yori explained. "And I'm pretty sure our parents don't want us to touch this stuff."
"This isn't making contact with humans," Kim countered. "These are objects I found on the ocean floor."
The royal sisters silently considered that. "Well they are interesting." Monique conceded.
"What do you mean 'on the ocean floor'?" Tara asked.
"Sunken ships." Kim said. "They tend to have human items in them."
"That makes sense." Monique said thoughtfully.
Zita looked thoughtful. "Did you find any dead humans?"
Kim scowled. "Yes. But you can't tell anyone about my collection."
"Why?" Bonnie asked, her eyes narrowed.
"I…I just don't want others to know about them," Kim said uneasily. "But you're my sisters, and I can trust you."
The sea princesses glanced at each other, considering what their sister said.
"OK, little sis," Monique said. "I won't tell."
The other sisters agreed.
SURFACE
The Stoppable family was enjoying a family meal. King Stoppable then noticed Ron taking some food and putting it under the table.
"Ron, what are you doing?"
"Oh, just feeding Rufus." Ron said.
"Rufus?" King Stoppable asked, puzzled.
"Whose Rufus?" Queen Stoppable asked.
"He's my new friend." Ron said, reaching into his pocket and taking out the baby mole rat.
"What is it?" King Stoppable asked, looking uneasy.
"Ron, you know you can't bring pets into the house." Queen Stoppable said sternly.
"Hey, this pet is different." Ron argued. "See? No fur."
Queen and King Stoppable eyed the tiny ugly creature and saw that it did indeed have no fur. "Very well," King Stoppable said slowly. "But you can't bring pets to the table."
"He isn't a pet, he's my best friend." Ron protested.
"Ron, that animal is a pet." Stoppable countered.
"Dad, come on," Ron argued.
King Stoppable sighed. "Very well."
Queen Stoppable suddenly smiled. "It's a good thing Barkin isn't here. He would have had a breakdown."
Ron smirked. "Yeah, too bad he had to do that errand in the east."
King Stoppable then cleared his throat. "I still expect you to be more responsible with your duties."
"Oh man." Ron moaned.
"That's non-negotiable. Do you agree Ron?"
Ron looked at his little friend who moaned. "Okay, dad. For Rufus."
"Good," King Stoppable said approvingly. "I'll hold you to it."
Ron grimaced. "Booyah." He said faint-heartedly.
UNDER THE SEA
Kim swam into her parents' chamber. Her mother and father were sitting on a coral based sofa, scowling.
"You wanted to see me?" She asked.
"Kim," King James said his voice icy calmly. "You're young so I'll go easy on you this time."
"Easy?" Kim asked.
"We understand you've been collecting objects from the human world." James said, his voice became stern.
Kim's eyes widen in surprise. "OK?" She said carefully.
James was about to speak, but his wife touched his shoulder. "Fine." He said, allowing her to speak.
"Kimmy guppy," Anne said calmly. "We don't want you bringing human objects into the palace anymore."
Kim became indignant. "But why? And how did you know about this?"
"Bonnie told us." James said.
Kim scowled. "She was supposed to keep it a secret."
"No she wasn't, and neither were your sisters," James said sternly. "They will get a talking too shortly. Kim, why are you so interested in things related to humans?"
Kim thought that was a silly question. "Why wouldn't I be?"
King James fumed, trying to control his temper.
"Kim, contact between the mer-world and human world is strictly forbidden," Anne said softly.
"But why?"
"Because humans are dangerous," James suddenly snapped. "Remember the ship that crashed in our city a few years ago? That was just one small reason to avoid such creatures."
"But what's wrong with human objects that are just resting on the ocean floor?" Kim asked.
James sighed, trying to stay patient. "Anything related to the human world is forbidden. Listen, I can't force any of my people not to get involved with human things that sink to the ocean floor. But I won't allow any of my children to do anything of the sort."
Kim fumed. She couldn't fathom why her father was so hostile to this other world above the ocean.
"Your items will be taken and destroyed," Anne said softly.
"Mom, you can't!" Kim shouted.
"I don't want another human object in this palace," James said, raising his voice. "And I don't want you to go to the surface either. Understand?"
Kim felt an array of emotions, but she knew losing her temper wouldn't do any good. "Yes, dad." She said as calmly as she could.
James sighed. "You're dismissed.
Kim swam out of the chamber. James and Anne looked at each other.
"Now we have to tell our other daughters not to hide stuff like this." Anne said wearily.
Suddenly there was a commotion outside the chamber.
"What the undertow?" James said, swimming out of the chamber, followed by his wife.
In the hall, Kim and arguing with Bonnie.
"Girls, what is the meaning of this?" James demanded.
"She's trying to get me in trouble!" Kim snapped.
Bonnie shrugged. "I was just minding my own business, and she bit my head off."
Kim glowered at Bonnie. "You were not minding your own-"
"Kim, leave." James said sternly. "Bonnie, stay."
Kim glowered at her slightly older sister and turned and swam away. Bonnie looked at her parents and sensed she was in trouble.
"Bonnie, you were eavesdropping on a private conversation," James said coldly.
Bonnie looked tense. "No, I was just swimming to the-"
"Don't lie to us, Bon-Bon!" Anne suddenly snapped. "What you did was very disrespectful."
Bonnie grew tense, knowing she was in trouble.
"Don't do it again." James said coldly.
"Yes, dad." Bonnie said meekly.
James took a deep breath before replying. "You're dismissed."
"Yes Daddy." Bonnie said as she turned and swam off.
Anne shook her head.
….
To Be Continued
…
Author note/Behind the scenes.
1, I wanted Kim's interest in the human world and her defiance towards her parents to have a built up. For now, she got into a magazine, spoke to one who studies humans and started collected human objects.
2, slacking isn't acceptable behavior for royalty, so I had to come up with a believable scenario for Ron to be motivated to be the best he could be.
3, For the longest time I wasn't sure when Rufus should appear. I later backtracked and started to incorporate him in written material that just needed fine-tuning.
4, Sensei's role is based on a character named Archimedes from the Little Mermaid Series. He was a merman who was into human things and was a friend of Ariel. I thought someone like that could be an influence on Kim.
5, I want Kim's sisters and brothers to be secondary characters and intend for them to occasionally be part of the plot.
Well hope you enjoyed it.