Tales of the Disneyverse

Making New Friends

            The lengthy swim that Nemo and Marlin took to the sparkling golden light had led them straight into the underwater kingdom of Atlantica (and – by Marlin's standards – straight into trouble). Atlantica was filled with a mix of "regular fish" like Marlin and Nemo and more of the "mutant fish" ("merpeople") that they encountered earlier. The merpeople were a fascination to Nemo, who was always open to new discoveries, especially "half fish/half human" creatures. Marlin, on the other hand, was appalled, terrified, and even disgusted just from the sight of the creatures.

            "They've got to be some type of freaks!" Marlin cautiously whispered as he and his son passed by a number of merpeople, swimming through Atlantica.  

            "They are a little freaky," Nemo admitted, "but I can't stop looking at them."  

            "Of course you can't." Marlin reacted. "It's common for someone to resist temptation to look at something so ugly and disfigured! Take the one we saw earlier – the one with all that red on her head!"  

            "I don't think that one was ugly or disfigured, Dad." Nemo said. "I thought she was beautiful. I hope I see her again."  

            Marlin was shocked by his son's words. "Please tell me you're joking. You're joking. Right? Right! You've gone delusional, Nemo! This place has made you delusional! We need to get you back home while we still can!" Unbeknownst to Marlin, he was creating quite a scene, attracting the attention of nearly two dozen Atlantica residents.  

            As usual, Nemo did not listen to any of his father's panicked ranting and kept his focus on the wonders and sights of the underwater kingdom. One particular sight that attracted his attention the most was the majestic palace that stood tall and proud in the middle of the kingdom. The small clownfish swam directly to it, and his father followed, still begging him into going back. While the two clownfish headed for the palace, one mermaid with long, flowing blond hair, blue eyes, a gold seashell bra, and a glittering light blue tail had taken notice of them from nearby and followed them into the palace.  

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            King Triton paced/floated back and forth around his throne; he worried greatly about Ariel, who had gone missing for days, along with Sebastian and Flounder. He could not stop thinking about the way he and Ariel fought before her disappearance, blaming it all on himself. He hoped for news to come soon on her whereabouts, and it appeared that it did with the arrival of his seahorse herald. "Any sign of them?" He questioned.  

            "No, Your Majesty." His herald sadly informed. "We searched everywhere. We've found no trace of your daughter or Sebastian."  

            The update made Triton's heart even heavier – he could no longer bear the fearful thought that something horrible happened to his daughter. "Keep looking. Leave no shell unturned, no coral unexplored. Let no one in this kingdom sleep until she's safe at home."  

            Knowing full-well how hopeless the situation was turning, the herald accepted his orders. "Yes, sire," he despairingly said before swimming out of the throne room and carry out the king's wishes.  

            Alone, a quailed Triton sat upon his throne, his head in his hand. "Oh, what have I done? What have I done?"  

            It was then Triton began hearing voices – ones that were coming into the throne room, echoing between the mighty walls. He had wished to be left alone in his misery, which he snapped out of to search for the unexpected visitors. Finally, he caught sight of the unannounced guests – two small, strange-looking fish (one smaller and younger than the other that was slightly bigger and older). The older fish made an attempt to get the younger one to turn back.