Disclaimer: I wish with all my heart I owned Sinbad...yet the cruel Fates decided I can't. So with a sad heart I tell you...I own nothing but the plot bunny.

A/N: This is a the new and improved version of the story. Read: less grammar and spelling mistakes and I added some more detail here and there. Hope ya'll like.

On the surface the sea appeared to be tranquil… and yet if one was to swim down far enough they would be able to see the glittering fins and hear the burbling laughter of Merfolk and fish alike. Yet today one certain mermaid stood out from the rest. Her merry whoops of victory could be heard as they echoed off the canyon walls in the ocean valley through which she swam.

"Oh Flounder! Wasn't that exiting?" she asked the small blue and yellow fish that was swimming close to her. Her cerulean blue eyes danced with merriment as she eagerly awaited his answer.

"Oh sure," Flounder replied grumpily "If you like being fish chowder for sharks."

Almost as if she knew he was going to say that the mermaid laughed again. "Oh Flounder," she said "Don't be such a guppy."

Flounder frowned, "I'm not a guppy." To this the mermaid made no reply but instead swam toward a large formation of cliffs and after checking that she hadn't been followed she moved away a particularly large boulder to reveal a secret entrance. Looking back at Flounder she nodded her head towards the cave in a silent signal for him to follow.

Breathlessly Flounder tried to keep up with her but his short fins weren't strong enough. The boulder came to a crashing close just as the small fish was swimming through and effectively trapping his tail. "Ow! Ariel," Flounder cried out. Ariel smiled warmly at the little fish and helped pull him free. After making sure that Flounder was alright Ariel turned to look around her secret grotto.

Shelves chiseled out the sides of the rock lined the cave walls and in almost every nook and cranny there is some sort of human knickknack. Putting down the satchel she had been carrying Ariel opened it up to look at what it was that she had kept from her adventure. Taking out a small, slightly rusted silver she spoon she smiled. "Oh, Flounder, what do you think it?"

Flounder swam towards her to get a better look at the treasure. Screwing his face thoughtfully he said "Well, I'm not sure. But it seems like-"

"It seems like sheer nonsense is what it seems like to me," replied an irritated voice laced with a Jamaican accent

Looking down towards the crab Ariel smiled "Hi, Sebastian. Guess what Flounder and I found?"

Looking at the object on her hand Sebastian sighed. "Oh, no. Not another one."

"Yep," Flounder said excitedly, "And you wouldn't believe what we had to go through to get it. Shipwreck, ship graveyard, sharks."

"Sharks!" exclaimed Sebastian "Now, young lady you listen to me and listen well. There will be no more sharks and danger for human objects. Got that? You should stick close to Atlantica. I mean what would you father think if he found out?" Sebastian kept ranting and lecturing but Ariel paid him no heed. She was used to his lectures and could have stated them in her sleep if necessary. Her mind wandering Ariel thought about all the other things that she could find at the old shipwreck. She was so lost in thought, and Sebastian was so focused on his lecture—to which Flounder was paying rapt attention—that she almost missed the large shadow that was passing over the grotto opening.

The shadow resembled the bottom of a large ship and Ariel was naturally curious about it. She quickly swam out leaving a nodding Flounder and an abruptly interrupted Sebastian at her wake. Ignoring their shouts to get her fins back where they belonged, Ariel swam towards the surface of the ocean.

Sighing dejectedly Sebastian muttered, "Someone should nail that girls fins to the floor," before he waved at Flounder "Come on we better go and make sure she's safe."

Breaking the surface Ariel smiled at the sight of the ship. Next to her Sebastian and Flounder also surfaced with a winded Flounder huffing from the exertion.

"Now, let me tell you, young lady," Sebastian said shaking a claw at Ariel, "Tat this is a bad idea. A very bad idea and—"

"Ahoy there!" Scuttle called down to the mermaid "Look what the catfish dragged in!"

In response Sebastian frowned darkly at the seagull while Ariel broke into a wide grin as she waved to Scuttle. Diving underwater she surfaced near an outcropping of rocks onto which Scuttle has positioned himself.

"Hi, Scuttle! Did you see the ship?" she asked excitedly.

"Oh. That. Yeah," Scuttle said scratching his head in thought. "I think its pirates."

"Pirates?" Ariel exclaimed eagerly. Diving back into the water she headed for the ship leaving Sebastian and Flounder to follow her once again. Feeling his crustacean heart sink at ever curbing Ariel's dangerous curiosity with humans but pulling his shell up determinedly he too jumped into the ocean. "Come on Flounder," he said "We got a mermaid to rescue."

"Do we have to?" Flounder asked the crab even as he followed Sebastian.

"Yes," Sebastian replied "Now come on, can't you swim faster?" Grunting and groaning Flounder swam until he reached Ariel who now clinging to the outboard of the fast moving ship.
"Ariel!" Sebastian shouted, "Ariel!"

"Ssshh!" Ariel motioned to Sebastian before turning her heard back towards the ship as she ignored the frantic crab's pleas and instead listened to what the ship's captain was saying.

On board of the ship Sinbad tried to convince Kale to give up their pirating and instead retire to Fiji. "Fiji?" Kale asked doubtfully.

"Think of the beaches!" Sinbad exclaimed throwing his arms open almost as if to indicate the vastness of those white beaches.

Kale chuckled, "Beautiful –if you like mosquitoes."

"Think of the sun!" Sinbad replied, feeling better simply thinking of it.

"It's monsoon season!" Kale countered.
"The women, then!" Sinbad said in exasperation at trying to convince Kale to go to Fiji.

"They're cannibals there," Kale replied with a smile at Sinbad's effort.

Grinning from ear to ear Sinbad replied, "Exactly!"

Giggling quietly to herself, Ariel wondered why a man would wante a cannibalistic woman—whatever that was. "Ariel," Sebastian hissed "Get your tail down here or else I'll have Scuttle sing!"

Turning to face the irate crab Ariel sighed. "Alright," she conceded, diving back into the ocean.

"Did you hear that?" Kale asked hearing a splash at the side of the ship.

Not bothering to look up from the knife he was inspecting Sinbad only grunted, "Probably some fish."

"A fish?" Kale repeated unconvinced. Sinbad shrugged in answer and the first mate wisely dropped the topic and want back to the job of sailing the ship.

Swimming back towards Altantica with Sebastian and Flounder Ariel was so excited she could barely stand it. "Oh, did you see him? Did you?" Delirious from her excitement Ariel spun in a circle, her red hair floating around her.

Sebastian scowled, "Yes, and did you also see the harpoons? Ariel? Ariel!?"

Not paying Sebastian any mind Ariel kept swimming towards Atlantica in an exited daze. Trying to keep up with her Flounder huffed, "You know she's not going to listen to you right?"

Sebastian heaved a sign of despair. "Yes. That's what I was afraid off."

For the next several days the ship was all Ariel could or would talk off. All her thoughts were on the handsome captain or how dark the big man's skin was. "Oh and the rather two—"

"And," Sebastian said "Would you kindly shut up and practice your scales?"

Ariel frowned. She hated it when Sebastian got all court-composer on her and decided to tell him so. Listening to the two of them argue Flounder sighed.

"Ariel you want to see Scuttle today?" he asked, breaking up the fight. Hearing Flounder's question Sebastian looked apoplectic while Ariel's face broke into the most dazzling smile.

"Why Flounder that's an awesome idea," she grinned.

Flounder nodded smugly, "Why yes it is."

Still smiling Ariel said, "Let's go."

His smile floundering Flounder asked, "Wait—right now?"

"Yes!" grinned Ariel, "After all, there's no time like the present right?" Grabbing Flounder by the fin Ariel half swam half-dragged the little fish with Sebastian grouchily following as chaperone.

Seeing the surface of the water Ariel broke her steady rhythm as she gained speed. Faster and faster she swam until she nearly flew. Smiling widely she broke surface and did a flip before diving back underwater. Watching her Sebastian whispered, "Who knew she could be so, so, well, what do you think she is, Flounder?"

"Me?" Flounder asked alarmed, "You're the babysitter. How should I know?"

What that statement Flounder left a sputtering Sebastian behind as he swam to catch up to the silver-quick mermaid.

Swimming along the warm surface the water Ariel saw the ship in the distance. Looking back towards Flounder she called with a wave, "Come on. We're almost there."

Frowning at this thought Flounder nevertheless sped up until he could almost pace Ariel stroke for stroke as they swam towards the ship. It wasn't until they were almost upon it that they noticed that now there wasn't just one ship but two. While still curious, Ariel nonetheless swam cautiously towards the ship that she recognized as the pirate's. Looking up at the ship she scanned for something to grab hold of so that she could see what was going on. Seeing nothing she resided herself to having to listen in the sea, next to Flounder and a finally caught up Sebastian.

Voices loud and yet undistinguished between shouts Ariel strained to hear what was being said until someone fell. Eyes wide with shock Ariel watched as the person she had distinguished to be the pirate captain flew into the ocean. Instinctively she dived in after him. Tail flipping fast she reached him and dragged him up to the surface of the salty water. They broke it surface with loud gasps. Turning his head Sinbad tried to see who it was that had saved him. His eyes widened in shock as he saw the face of a beautiful maiden with eyes as blue as the sky and hair as red as an unlucky sunset. Yet just as he was going to thank her she smiled slightly and dived back into the ocean, her green scales flashing in the sun. Not comprehending Sinbad almost put two and two together as his ship sailed by and a rough pair of hands grabbed out of the water.

Dropping Sinbad on the deck of the ship Kale looked at his captain sternly. "What happened to you?"

Gasping for breath Sinbad said, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you." Frowning slightly Kale planted his hands on his hips, "Try me." Weakly staring up at him Sinbad looked at his first mate blearily. Accepting the towel dropped at him by Rat he said, "Okay here goes. So I get thrown into the sea by a sailor right? And I'm drowning fast when someone drags me up and I look over and it's a mermaid."

Kale gave Sinbad a long look of pure disbelief. "Your right," he said at last "I don't believe you."

Shocked at his blatant dismissal Sinbad looked towards the rest of the crew. "You believe me right?" All of them smiled fondly at him and went back to their duties. Looking towards the only person who still stood by him he asked, "Rat?"

Rat shrugged. "I don't know, Captain. Anything's possible." With that statement he swung back towards his mast.

Turing back towards the ships side Sinbad looked out to the sea. "But she was there," he said to himself, "She saved my life. She was there." A soft sound like a gasp alerted him, but when he looked down towards where it came from only the sound of waves crashing against the ship's hull met him. Frowning confusedly he paused as if waiting for something before turning back towards the running of his ship.

Hearing Sinbad say that she saved him Ariel gasped slightly. Instantaneously his gaze went towards the sound and Ariel ducked under just in time. Once she felt it was safe Ariel lifted her head just in time to see Sinbad's back as he walked back towards his crew. Watching him for a moment Ariel smiled before she dived back under.

Meeting Sebastian's angry glare as well as Flounder's worshipping stare was harder to do then to save Sinbad. "What?" she asked Sebastian, hoping that her feigned innocence would stop his glaring at her. It didn't.

Sighing Ariel looked at him abashed, "I'm sorry Sebastian but he was in danger. He would have died." Swimming way from her Sebastian simply looked back before saying, "Ariel I know. But he still saw you and that was inexcusable."

Watching him as he swam away Ariel nodded. "I'm sorry Sebastian," she said again to his retreating shell. Sebastian simply pretended not to hear her as he made his way back to Atlantica. Sighing Ariel wondered if he'd ever forgive her.

When Flounder swam to her he smiled gently. "Don't worry," the young fish reassured her "He'll come around."

Sighing again Ariel looked at her friend, "I hope so, Flounder. I hope so."

True to Flounders word Sebastian did forgive Ariel but not before he made her work for it. One day after a particularly grueling practice Sebastian scuttled towards Ariel. Gazing at the mermaid's unhappy face Sebastian said, "Ariel I'm sorry." Surprised at the crabs words Ariel startled.

"You?" she asked. Sebastian nodded. "Yes. I was too harsh on you and for that I apologize."

His meaning finally sinking in Ariel nodded. "I accept you apology Sebastian," she said," And I'm sorry too. I over-swam."

The crab nodded his acceptance. Seeing him soften Ariel smiled sweetly. "So can we go back up to see Scuttle?" she asked. Appalled that she would even ask such a thing Sebastian shook his head. "Ariel," he said kindly, so as if to soften the blow "You know that is not allowed. It's against you father's rules."

Ariel frowned. "All I ever hear is rules, rules, rules!" she exclaimed throwing her hands up. "Don't do this and don't do that!"

Sebastian frowned confused. "Ariel, please, try to understand, it's for your own good."

Ariel sighed. "Yes, you're right." Suddenly a wild idea came to her. "But, can we please go up just this one time?"

"Why?" asked Sebastian.

"Well," Ariel shrugged, "because if I'm never going to go back up to the surface I want to say goodbye to Scuttle. Please?"

Sebastian thought about it. He almost answered in the negative until he saw Ariel sad puppy fish look. Her eyes dropping Ariel was the face of honesty and integrity.

Heaving a great sigh of resignation Sebastian conceded. "Alright."

Hearing that word Ariel gave a large whoop of joy. Watching her Sebastian smiled. Ariel was so happy that it almost made the trip to the surface worth it. Almost. "Well," he said to himself, "It looks like I did turn into a soft-shell."

Giddy with happiness Ariel couldn't stand still but instead began making plans for her last trip to the surface. "First, I have tell Flounder," she said ticking off her thoughts on her fingers, "Then I need a gift to take to Scuttle and then-I have to talk to Scuttle," still talking Ariel gave a quick thrust of her tail and began swimming out of the palace music room. Looking back she called to Sebastian, "Come on. We have to tell Flounder!" With a wave she was gone, leaving Sebastian to once again catch up to her.

Finding Flounder was easy as was swimming to the rocks that Scuttle usually met Ariel at. Not bothering to hide Ariel pulled herself unto the small island and laid out the rocks, bathing in the warm sun.

Flying up above the ocean Scuttle saw a familiar glint of green-blue scales and gave a squawk of greeting. Turning to catch another breeze Scuttle swooped down towards his favorite mermaid with a greeting. "Ahoy there!" he shouted.

Seeing him Ariel gave a wave, "Hello!" she yelled back.

Landing on the rocks next to her Scuttle and Ariel began talking of all matter human objects, thoroughly forgetting why Ariel was there. Watching the two of them converse so excitedly Sebastian had to clear his throat. "Ariel—"he began.

"Mermaid off port bow!" yelled a sailor of a ship that had been previously unnoticed but was now perilously close.

Gawping mermaid, fish, seagull and crab turned to look just in time to see a net being thrown at them. Feeling as if she was moving in slow motion Ariel dived for the ocean but as she reached the water the net tangled her up along with Sebastian. Fighting as hard as she could Ariel did not stop until rough hands seized her and held her pinned to the deck of the ship. Her view obscured by her thick hair all she could see was a pair of large boots that stopped when they reached her.

A calloused hand lifted her chin so that she was forced to look up. Cerulean eyes widened as they met the brown eyes of the captain. Tilting her face this way and that Sinbad felt as if he'd met her somewhere but exactly where escaped him. His brows were knotted with confusion as to why until the crab spoke.

"Ariel!" Sebastian yelled in desperation. Scuttling as quickly as his many legs would transport him Sebastian hurried towards the mermaid.

"Ariel, are you alright? No, no of course you're not alright, what am I saying? Did they hurt you? Where are you hurt? Ariel, say something!" Sebastian worriedly spewed the words out.

Watching the crab talk and actually make sense made Sinbad feel uneasy as he looked at the mermaid, who was still being held by Jin and Li with Kale for backup. Sinbad looked at the mermaid, "So you're Ariel huh?"

"That's Princess Ariel to you!" Sebastian shouted indignantly. Sinbad ignored the crab's proclamation, while Ariel glared at her protector.

Lifting her head from where she was silently trying to tell Sebastian to shut it Ariel said boldly, "And you're Sinbad."

Taken aback at her boldness Sinbad's eyebrow's rose. Behind Ariel Kale's stone-set face broke into a bark of laughter at Sinbad's reaction to the mermaid's statement.

Ignoring Kale Sinbad said, "Yeah, how do you know me?"

Pulling her hands out of Jin and Li's loosened grasps Ariel rubbed her wrists. Looking straight at Sinbad Ariel said, "I saved your life."

Sinbad grinned at her statement, before breaking into amused chuckles. "You saved my life huh?" he asked sarcastically.

"You don't believe me?" Ariel's eyes drooped.

Sinbad sat back on his heels. "No, no," he said, "I don't believe you cause you see—you're stuck here and probably would do anything to save yourself."

Ariel felt her heart sink not wanting the Captain to think her disappointed with his disbelief Ariel nonchalantly blew her bangs out of her eyes. "Alright, then why did you say a mermaid saved you?"

Ready with a reply Sinbad opened his mouth to disprove her statement when the meaning of it hit him. "Uh-huh," he said. "Again, I have to ask, you know this how?"

"Because you couldn't stop staring at me," Ariel replied with a wink.

Kale grinned, "Close your mouth Sinbad. You look like a fish out of water." Walking around to where Sinbad was still crouched he clapped a hand on Sinbad's shoulder. "Relax; I'm here to save your ass from embarrassment. Again"

Ignoring Sinbad's fish impression Kale looked down at Ariel. "So, you saved his life?"