Kingdom Hearts: The Dalmatian Bodyguard
Chapter 37: Sea Trouble
Sora and the team appeared underwater. Sora and Dolly were turned into mermaids, Donald turned into one but more an octopus style, and Goofy was turned into a sea turtle. Dolly looked and saw she was only wearing a seashell top. Despite being an actual dog, Dolly felt embarrassed at being underdressed.
Sora: (Struggling to move) Whoa, this is surprising.
Goofy: (Floating by) Someone's coming.
A young mermaid with red hair dressed like Dolly swam up into the cave with a fish and a crab. These were Ariel, Flounder, and Sebastian.
Ariel: Are you four okay?
Dolly: (Struggling to move) Yeah, we're just… A little disoriented.
Sebastin: Ariel, we shouldn't be talking to them. They could be working with those monsters.
Ariel: You worry too much.
After a proper introduction, Ariel helped her new friends swim better.
Dolly: (Swimming well) Thanks for the help, Ariel.
Sora: Yeah, we're moving better now.
Ariel: No problem.
Suddenly, Heartless appeared. Some looked like normal jellyfish while others looked like divers armed with tridents. These were Sea Neons and Screwdrivers. Flounder and Sebastian took cover as Sora and his friends readied themselves to fight.
Sora: (Charging) Take them down.
Sora and Dolly struggled to fight with their blades underwater but managed to make it work. Goofy struggled to fight without any limbs but made do with his new shell. Donald had to use his Blizzard spell since Thunder was a bad idea and wasn't sure Fire would do anything underwater. Ariel watched with amazement on their abilities.
Dolly: (Slashing Yubashiri at the last Yubashiri) That's the last one.
Ariel: (Swimming up to them) That was amazing!
Sora: Thanks but right now we need to find shelter. Is there any place where we can find safety?
Sebastian: The palace! That's where we have to go!
Ariel: I can take you all there.
Donald: But it's too dangerous. We handle it ourselves.
Ariel: But I know the area better than you four.
Sora: Okay, lead the way.
Ariel swam ahead and her new friends followed her. Exiting the cave, they saw the whole ocean from a whole different perspective. Dolly saw Ariel stared longing at the surface. She smiled, remembering her sister Da Vinci: Free-spirited and loves painting.
Goofy: (Swimming) Gawrsh, it sure is pretty here.
Donald: (Swimming) Yeah, too bad the Heartless are here.
After what felt like hours of swimming, they soon arrived at huge city that shined like polished gold. The heroes were in awe at the sight.
Sora: It's incredible.
Ariel led her friends through the city.
Dolly: (Seeing how quiet it is) Where is everyone?
Ariel: Hiding. When those… What did you call them?
Sora: Heartless.
Ariel: When the Heartless came, it didn't become safe to stay outside.
Dolly: (Swimming up to Ariel) But you didn't listen?
Ariel: No, I don't like to stay put. Besides, I have a special grotto where I'm safe.
Out of nowhere, Heartless appeared and ready to attack.
Ariel: To the palace!
Everyone swam with Ariel to the palace. One Screwdriver grabbed Ariel. Dolly drew her Laser Lamp and fired. Her weapon was set to Fire. The flame was extinguished but the force was still there and hit the Heartless off Ariel.
Ariel: Thanks.
Everyone swam inside the palace as Ariel led them into the throne room.
Donald: (Panting) I can't swim any further.
Sora: Then we will fight!
As the Heartless entered, something blast them with an energy bolt.
?: That was too close.
Everyone looked and saw a tall and muscular merman with a magic trident sitting on the throne.
?: As long as I have my trident, I will not allow those creatures inside my palace. (Calming down) Are all you kids okay?
Donald huffed in annoyance at being called a child but remained respectful due to the differenced.
Sora: We're fine, sir. Thank you.
Ariel: Daddy.
?: Oh, Ariel. (In a scolding tone) I told you to either stay in your grotto or the palace!
Ariel groaned in the same annoyance Donald had. Sebastian gave a proper introduction.
Sebastian: Behold. You swim before the Ruler of the Seas: His Majesty, King Triton.
Triton: And you four are?
Ariel: They helped us. They fought off those creatures. They called them Heartless.
Triton flinched internally at the name but stayed calm.
Triton: Is that so? They don't look like my soldiers.
Dolly: We're… Uh, visitors.
Sora: Yeah, we're from an ocean very far away. Way out of your jurisdiction.
Triton had an idea what Sora meant but thought he'd wait to see.
Goofy: We came to find the Keyhole.
Triton: (In a slight panic) The what?!
Ariel: What's that?
Goofy was about to explain but Triton cut him off.
Triton: There's no such thing! Certainly not here! Ariel, you are not to leave the palace!
Cross over her father's rules, Ariel openly left with her friends in tow. Seeing his daughter's spirit, Triton questioned his own actions.
Triton: Oh, perhaps I'm being too strict… I'm just concerned about her safety.
Sebastian: Of course, Your Majesty. But I must admit, now I'm quite curious about this Keyhole.
Triton: That need not concern you, Sebastian. Have you anything to report?
Sebastian: (Grimly) Just as you suspected, Your Majesty, they seem to be coming from Ursula's Grotto.
Triton slammed his fist in frustration onto his throne.
Triton: I knew it. That sea witch is up to no good again. I see exile from the palace has taught her nothing.