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Chapter 5 A Year Later
….
SURFACE
It was night. Ron was walking through the corridors of the castle, sullen. He stopped and touched a pouch hanging from his pants belt. The top opened and a fully mature naked mole rat poked his head out.
"Hey buddy," Ron said, stroking Rufus' head. "You're the only one I can depend on."
"Ron."
Ron turned and saw his mother coming up to him. "Mom?"
"Son, it's time for bed." The Queen said simply. "You have a big day tomorrow."
"Yeah," Ron grumbled irritably.
Queen Stoppable eyed her son. "Ron, you have a duty to learn how to be a ruler."
"Yeah," Ron grumbled again. "You know, some people think being king means you can do whatever they want, but I'm proof that that's just bogus."
"True," Queen Stoppable agreed and then noticed Rufus, before looking back at her son. "Look on the bright side, your friend will be with you."
Ron brightened and Rufus smiled, pleased with the compliment. "OK mom."
"Better get some sleep," The Queen said again. "You'll need it."
"Alright mom." Ron said half heartedly.
The Queen smiled and hugged her son. "Good night."
"Good night." Ron said as he withdrew from his mother and headed to his chambers.
Reaching his chambers he first removed the belt with the pouch and put it on his nightstand. Rufus came out and eyed his master who began to undress.
"Well tomorrow is going to be a big day, buddy." Ron grumbled as he got on his nightgown. "Hopefully it won't rock my inner Ronness or you're Rufusness."
"Hmm, hmmp." Rufus concurred.
Ron sighed. "Well goodnight." He said as he got into bed.
Rufus went into his own bed and closed his eyes.
UNDER THE SEA
In a Cave, DNAmy had fixed herself a potion, and drank it. She then turned serious. "Well now is the time to plan big." She smirked. "Let's to see if that contract those three little urchins signed a few years ago is still valid.
She conjured up a spell.
…
In a prison cell, Dr. Drakken sulked. He had been in and out of jail for most of his life. Usually petty crime. He had plans for greatness, but never got beyond being small time urchin. The door opened and a guard came in with a plate of food.
"Dinner is served." The guard announced
Drakken grunted. Suddenly, he cried out.
"What's wrong with you?" The guard asked.
"AH! My head! Make it stop!" He shouted as he clutched his head. Suddenly he glowed brightly, and charged at the wall and then smashed through it like it was brittle.
The guard froze in stun disbelief.
…..
Drakken swam faster than any fish. The magic light surrounding his body destroyed anything that got in his way. He barely noticed another glowing figure swimming very fast up ahead. Before long, another figure appeared not far behind Drakken.
Before long, they began to slow down. Their glow stopped. Drakken rubbed his head, perplexed. "Hmm, what happened?"
"Drakken? Monty?" A familiar voice said.
Drakken looked at the one behind him who had spoken. "Shego? What's going on?"
"That's what I'd like to know." Shego grumbled as she looked at Monty. "Do you know what happened?"
"No." Monty grumbled. "I was eating at a diner when suddenly I was in terrible pain. My body glowed and I was compelled to swim here."
"And me." Drakken concurred.
Shego fumed. "When I find who did this, I'll-"
"Now calm down my sweet things." A familiar voice said.
Drakken, Shego and Monty turned and cringed with dread. Floating towards them was their former Boss, DNAmy.
"Oh great." Shego groaned, rubbing her forehead.
"DNAmy?" Monty said in dread.
"Mommy." Drakken muttered.
"DNAmy smiled sweetly. "It's nice to see you three again."
"Did you have something to do with us coming here?" Shego demanded, clenching her fists.
"Of course, my little cutie." DNAmy smiled.
Shego bared her teeth and charged at DNAmy but suddenly stopped mid swim and floated to the ground. "What's going on?" She demanded.
DNAmy scowled. "I won't tolerate such savage behavior, my little coral."
Drakken and Monty sensed they were in trouble. They turned and tried to swim away, but DNAmy glared and suddenly both mermen froze in mid-swim and floated to the ground.
"Bad boys." DNAmy snapped. "How can you go back on your deal?"
"Deal?" Drakken said uneasily.
"What are you talking about?" Monty demanded.
DNAmy frowned. "Well I guess I can't expect you three to remember after all this time. Do you remember when you became my lab assistants when I stilled lived in the palace?"
"Uh…"Drakken droned, not finishing the sentence.
"Yes I remember, what's your point?" Monty huffed.
"Before I got exiled by that meanie, King Possible, I worked on an experimental magic." She held out her hand and a golden contract appeared. "You remember this?"
"Yeah, you were working on magic contracts." Shego grumbled. "What does that got to do with…" She trailed off, her eyes wide with horror.
"That's right my sweet things." DNAmy smiled. "You signed it, thereby agreeing to help me."
"But what does that have to do with now?!" Monty demanded, wishing he could swim away.
"Why, if you read the language, you would see that you agreed to serve me forever." DNAmy said.
"What?!" Drakken exclaimed in horror.
"NOOO!" Monty moaned, trying futilely to move but petrified by DNAmy's magic.
Shego became indignant. "Look I don't care about some contract, I'm not…" Her body froze again. She couldn't speak this time.
"Watch your language young lady." DNAmy warned. "I won't have underlings being mean to me."
"Please, don't do this." Monty pleaded.
"Have mercy." Drakken begged.
"Oh don't worry sweet things. Once I fix you up, we'll be a great team."
"Fixed up?" Drakken asked uneasily.
Shego tried to shout, but her mouth wouldn't obey her.
"You can't do this to me!" Monty shouted desperately.
"It's clear you all need some lessons in manners," DNAmy said. "For the next few hours, you will wait here. You cannot move or speak."
Drakken and Monty and Shego stared in horror, unable to move or speak as the Sea Witch had decreed.
"Now, to assure no nasty beastie gets any ideas," DNAmy waved a wand and a magic bubble appeared around them. "There. Snug as a fish in a coral. See you later, sweeties."
The three merpeople laid their motionless, frustrated with their plight.
…
SURFACE
At the docks, a ship was getting ready to leave. Regent Barkin and Prince Ronald Stoppable approached the ship. Barkin was his usually grim professional self while Ron was just sullen.
"Be professional your highness." Barkin reminded his charge.
"Well it's hard to be professional when my good days are over." The young prince grumbled.
Rufus poked his head out of his royal owner's pouch. "Yeah." He grumbled.
"Fair point." Barkin conceded.
"Ah, you have arrived laddies!" A Scottish voice said from the ship.
Ron and Barkin looked in the direction of the speaker. It was a Scottish Seaman with a kilt, shirt and cap. Frowning, the duo went up the ramp, both eying the strangely attired sailor.
"You the captain?" Barkin asked, doubting it.
"Aye, Laddie. The name is Duff Killigan."
Barkin frowned. He thought the man's attire didn't suit a captain. Particularly the garment that resembled a skirt. "Why are you wearing a skirt?"
Duff became indignant. "It's not a skirt, it's a kilt. There's a big difference."
"Right." Barkin said dryly. "So why aren't you dressed like a captain?"
"Who are you to tell me how a captain should dress?" The captain snarled.
"I'm Regent of the king." Barkin stated.
The Scottish Captain scowled. "Well, I'm Captain, and I decide how things work around here."
Barkin fumed. "Well, I'll have you-"
"Hey cool it, Regent B." Ron said. "I'm sure we'll get along just fine."
"Now that's the spirit, your highness," Duff said approvingly. He then noticed the creature sticking out of the young prince's belt pouch. "What in the name of sea dragons is that?"
Rufus narrowed his eyes. "Hey."
"It's my pal, Rufus." Ron said coldly. "Don't diss him."
"My apologies your highness." The Scottish Captain said. "And my apologies to your friend."
Rufus beamed, pleased with the apology.
"Thanks sir." Ron told the Scottish seaman.
"Oh boy." Barkin said, rubbing his forehead. "Look, can we be shown our quarters, please?"
"Aye. Your cabin be on the far back. Go settle. We'll leave shortly." The Scottish captain ordered.
Ron and Barkin complied. Barkin stood on the deck, eying the activities. "Go, Prince Stoppable, I'll join you shortly."
"Sure," Ron said as he headed to his cabin. He sat on his bed and sulked. Rufus jumped out of the pouch and ran up to his owner's head, chittering.
"I'll be alright, Rufus." Ron assured his friend. "I'm just not looking forward to this trip."
The cabin suddenly shook; indicating that the ship had began sailing. Just then, a sailor of Japanese descent entered and bowed. "Hello, your highness."
"Oh, hey… uh…?" Ron stammered, looking up at the sailor.
Rufus was equally perplexed.
"Who are you?" Ron asked, finally finding his voice.
"My name is Hirotaka. We have just taken off."
"Great." Ron murmured.
Hirotaka noticed the unhappiness in the young prince. "What is wrong?"
"I think this voyage is going to be the pits." Ron said bitterly.
"How so?"
"Because the only reason I'm traveling is to better understand international politics." Ron answered, crossing his arms across his chest.
The sailor considered that."You don't like responsibility, do you?"
Ron eyed the young sailor. "Nope."
"I understand." Hirotaka said kindly. "Is there anything I can do?"
Ron sighed. "Well, what do you do for fun?"
Hirotaka smiled. "My job."
Ron scowled. "If that's a joke, it's in poor taste."
"Hmmph." Rufus grunted, crossing his front paws, and glaring up at the sailor.
"Not a joke," Hirotaka assured him. "I used to be like you, didn't like my job. But I found a way to enjoy it. "Come, let me show you."
"Sure." Ron shrugged.
Hirotaka then noticed Rufus. "What kind of specimen is this?"
"Oh that's Rufus. He's a naked mole rat." Ron answered.
"Unusual pet." Hirotaka said.
"Rufus is more than a pet." Ron corrected him. "He's my best friend."
"Sorry." The sailor apologized.
Suddenly a woman entered. She was thin and very attractive, with blond hair tied in a ponytail. Her clothing consisted of a red shirt, blue pants and boots.
"Well hello your highness." She said, grinning. "You are just freaky!"
Ron scowled. "Excuse me; you think I'm a freak?"
"Don't mind Adrena Lynn." Hirotaka cut in. "She always talks like that, and it's usually a compliment."
Adrena Lynn gave Ron a sly smile. "Of course I do. Why would I insult someone as adorably as freaky as you?"
Ron hesitated. "OK, you're freaking me out."
"Good." Adrena Lynn said, grinning.
Hirotaka frowned. "Knock it off Adrena, you're disturbing our guest."
Adrena pouted. "Well you're not so freaky." She gave Ron a sly smile and then noticed Rufus. "Now what is that thing?
Rufus glared up at the young woman.
"That's Rufus and he is my friend." Ron retorted.
"Well he isn't freaky." Adrena said distastefully.
Ron frowned, perplexed by Adrena's words and the intent behind the words.
"Hey!" Barkin barked as he entered the cabin. "What is going on here?"
"I'm freaked out, but not in a good way!" Ron stated simply.
"Oh don't be like that, your highness." The blond girl said kindly.
"Alright enough!" Barkin snapped. "You're disturbing my lord and I think you should leave."
"Eeep." Adrena Lynn squeaked fearfully. "Understood. I got to squab the deck. Bye!" She then took off.
Barkin scowled. "How did a fruitcake like that become a sailor?"
Hirotaka looked very solemn. "Don't judge her. She is a bit off, but she's a good sailor and ally."
Barkin grunts in disbelief.
"Yeah." Ron grumbled.
Rufus grumbled too.
UNDER THE SEA
Drakken, Shego and Monty laid on the sea floor, unmoving, for hours. It had been unbearable. Twice a predator came to the area, but was unable to get past the force field that protected the trio, and eventually left.
Just then, DNAmy returned, carrying a vial. "Well, I hope you three have learned manners by now."
Suddenly, the force field vanished and trio could move again. They gasped in shock and relief, and then in dread.
"Please let us go." Monty pleaded.
"Yeah, what he said." Shego said uneasily.
DNAmy frowned. "Do you need another lesson?'
"No, no!" They exclaimed.
DNAmy smiled. "Good. Now let's get started."
The three criminals winced in fear as DNAmy conjured a spell. The trio then glowed and morphed. DNAmy smiled. Instead of three mer-people, there were three Moray Eels.
Drakken was blue with black fins. His head had black spiky hair, some of which was pulled back in a short ponytail, and a scar underneath his left eye.
Monty was tanned, with black fins and had short black hair with sideburns.
Shego was green with dark fins, bright green eyes and a mane of flowing black hair.
"UUH!" Drakken moaned.
"AAAH!" Monty screamed.
"You got to be kidding me." Shego said miserably, examining her body in frustration.
"Now cheer up my little coral." DNAmy said sweetly. "We'll make a great team."
"Team for what?" Shego asked in distaste.
"Why, taking over Middleton." DNAmy said gleefully.
"What?" Drakken exclaimed in shock.
"Are you kidding me?" Shego said irritably.
"How are you planning on taking over Middleton?" Monty asked, not understanding this crazy woman.
"All in good time," DNAmy said with a smirk. "Now, let's go home. I got some snacks."
"Oh. I'm so lucky." Shego said sarcastically.
The three transformed criminals followed the mad witch, convinced that their lives were over.
SURFACE
It was a foggy day out on the Atlantic Ocean. Through the fog, one could almost see several flying seagulls and a few porpoises and dolphins swimming in and out of the deep sea merrily without care. The next thing emerging from the mist is a large ship. On this ship, the sailor crew were singing as they work.
Leaning against the ship's railing was Prince Ronald Stoppable. Rufus was in his pouch attached to Ron's belt.
"Boo-yah! Isn't this awesome?! The salty sea air, the wind blowing in your face… a badical day for sailing!" Ron said happily.
"Hmm, hmmp." Rufus nodded his head.
Ron turned to Regent Steve Barkin. Unfortunately, the official was green-faced due to seasickness and currently losing his lunch over the ship's railing. When he momentarily stopped, he faced the prince. "Oh yes, Stoppable… just peachy!" He growled in a sarcastic tone and then attempted to resume his professional pose.
The Japanese sailor, Hirotaka, was at work at a sail. "The wind is strong and the sea is calm. King Possible must be in a relaxed mood today."
Upon hearing the name 'King Possible,' a confused Ron looked at Hirotaka. "Uh… who's King Possible? I've never heard of him."
Nearby, Captain Duff Killigan overheard Ron's question as he helped unload a net of fish. "Ack, lad, he's the ruler of the merpeople an' all the oceans. Everyone who sails the seas knows about him."
Ron began to imagine merpeople and how cool it would be to meet one.
"Oh give me a break!" Regent Barkin snapped. "Merpeople?! Stoppable, don't pay attention to this nonsense. This guy wears a skirt, for crying out loud!"
The Scottish sailor became indignant upon hearing that. Grabbing a fish from the net, he marched up the larger man. "For the last time, it's not a skirt, it's a kilt!" He shouted, swinging the fish in Barkin's face. "Also, merpeople are real."
Suddenly, the fish slipped out of Killigan's hand; tail-slapped a startled Barkin's face a few times then jumped back in the water. Feeling relieved to be back in its element, the fish swam away.
Meanwhile, Ron looked out at the ocean, still thinking about the idea of merpeople. "It would be so badical if they were real."
Rufus shrugged, having no opinion of mer-people. Meanwhile, high on the crow's nest, Adrena Lynn a noticed something. "Land ho! And it's freaky!"
Ron frowned. "Great. Now the best part of this trip is over."
Rufus scowled, sharing his owner's sentiment.
UNDER THE SEA
DNAmy was floating before a large stone vase, working on a new potion. Drakken and Monty were sulking on a ledge. Shego laid on a separate ledge, sullen.
"Hmmm," DNAmy said gleefully as raised her hand, conjuring a bubble with images.
"So, what is that?" Drakken asked with a scowl.
"My orb of all-seeing." The Witch said. "With it, I can find poor unfortunate souls that I can help?"
"Help?" Shego asked, doubting what she heard.
Monty rose off the ledge and drifted closer. "What do you mean 'help'?"
"Well," The Seas Witch floated up, swirling around dramatically. "I admit in the past, I've been nasty." She then grinned, her gap-toothed grin. "But I've changed my ways. Repented and seen the light."
The three transformed criminals eyed their boss in disbelief.
"Oh sweeties, please don't laugh, I have a little magic that I will use on behalf of those in pain and need." DNAmy claimed.
Drakken suddenly burst out laughing. Shego groaned while Monty cringed in fear.
"Oh, you don't believe me, Drakky-poo?" DNAmy giggled, as if she heard a good joke. She waved her hands and the orb vanished, replaced by two conjured illusions: a scrawny merman and an obese mermaid. They both looked downright depressed.
"Let's say they were real merfolk. This one wants to be thinner," gesturing to the obese figure. "That one wants to be manlier. And I have the power to make their dreams come true."
The illusions then transformed. The merman was muscular while the mermaid was slimmer, and a real eye catcher. They then embraced as if they were a perfect couple.
"Seriously?" Shego asked, baring her pointed teeth. "You're going to go around, granting wishes?"
"In that case, I wish to be my old self again." Drakken shouted, his eel body twitching anxiously.
"I too wish to regain my true form!" Monty bellowed.
Shego hesitated. It couldn't be that easy.
DNAmy scowled. "Oh you don't understand something. I will provide spells to those in need. But there has to be a price."
"Price?" Drakken's jaw dropped.
"What price?" Monty half asked, half demanded.
"I'd like to know that too." Shego said, her green eyes narrowed, her tail twitching.
DNAmy grimaced and looked back at the illusions. "Well it's like this. I will grant their wishes if they are willing to pay. Then I grant it, and if they can't pay my price, then I'm afraid I have to rake them across the coals." She then raised her hand, as if casting a spell, and the illusionary merfolk morphed and became two bits of coral.
"OK, did I miss something?" Shego asked. "Why would anyone agree to this?"
Monty's eyes narrowed. "Unless you're not going to tell them about the price?"
"What a clever thing you are." The Sea Witch cooed as her illusions vanished.
"So you're going trick them, as you did us." Drakken grumbled.
"Oh cheer up. You are such wonderful little minions. And everyone who can't pay will make a fine part of my collection." The Sea Witch giggled with delight while the eels cringed uneasily.
She then frowned at her minions. "Cookies." And then she conjured up a plate of cookies. "Don't worry sweeties, they are free."
Drakken cheered up. "Oh yes." He said as swam over and took a cookie in his pointed jaws, since he had no hands.
"Uh… sure." Monty said hesitantly and did the same.
Shego scowled and complied. "Sweet." She growled, munching a cookie with her sharp teeth, bits of cookie falling from her mouth. She really wished she had hands again.
DNAmy put the plate down and went back to her vase, restoring the orb of all-seeing. Images flashed inside it. Then it settled on a figure.
"Hmmm." DNAmy said. "What poor unfortunate soul is this?"
SURFACE
In another kingdom near the ocean, a ball was taking place in a palace. In a bedroom, Ron was standing before a mirror, examining himself. He wore a dark-red open-collared shirt with navy blue cuffs, black trousers and rolled up boots.
"Well, here it goes." The young prince moaned. He turned to his bed. "What do you think, buddy?"
On the bed, Rufus crossed his forelegs, scowling, and gave a grunt.
"Look, I'm sorry buddy. I want you to come along, but I'm not allowed to take you with me."
Rufus just glared.
"Look on the bright side; you don't have to go to a boring party." Ron countered.
Rufus scowl lessened, but he still hated the idea of not going.
"Look I'll get you a meal when the ball is over, OK?" Ron offered.
"OK." Rufus replied.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. "Stoppable are you ready yet?" Barkin's voice demanded from behind the door.
"Almost." Ron answered and then looked at Rufus. "Got to go, buddy."
"Hmm, bye." Rufus murmured unhappily.
Ron opened his bedroom door and there was Regent Barkin glaring at him. "Hey, Regent B."
"Let's go, your highness." Barkin said coldly.
"Right behind you." Ron followed Barkin.
Making a few turns, they reached the ballroom. There were currently a few people either chatting or helping themselves to the buffet.
"Nice party." Ron grumbled.
"It's a ball." Barkin reminded him. "And don't give me your inner Ronness nonsense."
Ron grumbled and then froze. Up ahead was a girl at the Buffet. She was tall and slender with tan colored skin and flowing brown hair. She wore a blue gown with long sleeves.
"Why don't you ask her out?" Barkin asked.
"Huh, what?" Ron exclaimed, snapping out of his daze.
Barkin smiled. "Talk to her."
"Oh right." Ron exclaimed, taking his mentor's advice.
He approached the young girl. "Hi, I'm Prince Stoppable from the Lotus Kingdom."
The girl eyed Ron coldly. "Yeah, I know about you."
"And you are? Ron asked.
"You're kidding?" The girl said with a scowl. "I'm Princess Amelia. Only a fool wouldn't recognize me."
Ron cringed. "Sorry."
"Sure." Amelia said scornfully. "If you'll excuse me, I need better company." And turned and left.
Ron grimaced and turned to leave.
"Stoppable?" Barkin said, surprised. "Where are you going?"
"I'm out of here." Ron stated with finality.
"But you can't just leave."
Ron glared at the larger man. "Even when I've been insulted by a girl?"
Barkin grimaced. "What did she do?"
"She treated I was a fool because I didn't know her." Ron said. "That girl doesn't get the Ronster."
Barkin rubbed his eyes. "You're right, your highness."
Ron stared up at Barkin in disbelief. "I am?"
"She shouldn't have spoken to you like that." Barkin said. "But that doesn't mean you can just walk off in a huff."
"Oh, I see." Ron grumbled, glaring at the Regent.
"Tell you what; I'll give the princess a piece of my mind." Barkin offered.
Ron sighed but complied.
Regent Barkin went over to Princess Amelia. "Princess Amelia."
Amelia looked at the larger man with boredom. "Hello." She then scowled at Ron before looking back at Barkin. "Who might you be?"
"I am Regent Barkin of the Lotus Kingdom. I'm an escort for Prince Stoppable."
Amelia glared at Ron who glared back.
"I understand you have a problem with my future ruler." Barkin said.
Amelia took a snooty pose. "He has no elegance."
Barkin glowered at the girl. "And you're a model of refinement, your highness?"
Amelia became indignant. "How dare you?"
"My duty is to protect my prince's honor," Barkin said. "And I assumed a princess of your background would set a fine example for my prince."
Amelia hesitated. She was looking bad and she knew it. "I must get some air." She said with a snooty air about herself.
Barkin looked at Ron. "Did you see that?"
"You don't have a way with girls?"
"NO!" Barkin exclaimed, rubbing his head. "You need to know how to act like royalty when dealing with those who lack respect."
"Oh." Ron said, having nothing better to say.
UNDER THE SEA
Monty Fisk swam through the Middleton streets. Up ahead was a home. "Well this is the place DNAmy said to go."
He swam around, looking for a window or something. He then found one. Looking inside, he saw a mermaid. She had an attractive figure and long blond hair. She looked so depressed.
"Hello?"
"Huh?" The mergirl exclaimed, looking at the window and gasped. "What are you?"
The eel scowled. "My name is Monty. Are you the one called Britina?"
The mermaid's eyes widened. "How do you know name?"
"My… mistress knows you."
"Mistress?"
"Yes. She can make all your dreams come true."
Britina frowned. "What does she know of my dream?"
"You want to be a great singer, yes?"
Britina stared in shock. "How do you know that?"
"I told you, my mistress knows you." Monty snapped, baring his teeth. "Why do I have to say it again?"
Britina cringed, unnerved by this unnatural creature.
"Now, if you want your dreams to come true, you will come with me and I will lead you to her."
Britina hesitated. "I don't understand."
Monty groaned. "Do you want to have your dreams come true or not?"
"Oh, yes, yes." Britina said. "So… I'll come with you."
Monty scowled. "Come, then." He turned with a swish of his tail. Britina hesitated and followed.
…
To Be Continued
…
Author Note/Behind the Scenes.
This chapter (and the one took a lot of work. Writing the main plot and subplots and interconnecting them was complicated and took a lot of trial and error and rewriting. There was nothing straight forward about the process.
I mentioned before I didn't want to have sentient fish because it raises complicated questions.
But it still felt right for the Sea Witch's Minions to be eels and DNAmy's style made it feasible.
The appearance of Britina is somewhat based off a deleted scene from Disney The Little Mermaid, featuring a minor character who made a deal with the Sea Witch.