A/N:

I have to give a huge shout out to my proofreader Maryanne Jarvey, she has helped me so much in the last six months and transformed what was a word jumble into what you see here. :D She is also the author of "A Change Of Pace", a read I would definitely recommend if you're a fan of the little mermaid.

Chapter 1

Melody... She heard the distant voice calling her name, but ignored it.

She was strolling along the beach, where a marvelous wall once stood. In its absence the water flowed inland a good ten feet further; and it was this area where Melody was pacing back and forth.

It was her victory dance over it, her silent declaration of a triumph. She had won back her heritage, and she showed it not with a word, but an action. The bare shore was a symbol of the union between land and sea.

Every few seconds the water would brush over her feet and then recede, in a rhythm. To her it represented seasonal visits to Atlantica, but in a way she felt as though she lost part of the sea each time it left.

Almost like she had lost her grandfather.

Melody... It was the same voice from earlier. Melody stopped for a moment, bewildered by the strange voice.

"Melody, wake up!" The young mermaid was jolted from a dream. "It's time to get up sleepyhead." Ariel told her daughter as Melody rubbed her eyes.

"Mom it's too early..." Melody yawned. "Plus it's the weekend."

"I know but if we don't go early we won't be able to because of everything going on today and all. And if you want to get back by sunrise." After a few more groggy moments Melody finally gave an affirmative.

"I'll get dressed."

"Great." Ariel's face lit up. "I'll meet you outside."

After her mom left Melody went to the incredibly simple task. Under the sea all mermaids had to wear was the obligatory seashell pair (mermen in fact had no obligations), versus the requirements of society above. Getting dressed was mostly a matter of fixing your hair and makeup, if any.

Going exploring for treasures. Melody thought to herself. What a way to spend the day.

She had never actually gone exploring with her mother due to her protective nature, and only recently did Ariel change her mind. Nonetheless Melody figured it wouldn't be all that exciting anyways. An undersea graveyard probably only held so much interest for an individual profound in human knowledge.

Well it makes mom happy, so why can't I just do it for her? After finding a clean red pair of red seashells she began working on her hair.

Nothing too fancy. Not seeing any boys today anyways.

After fiddling with her brush and a clip, she wondered why she was doing so much for something that would likely undo her work.

You know what, I think I'll wear my hair down today. She had already familiarized herself with the style since she was 13 anyways. A lot of folks she knew said it was prettier as well.

"Are you ready yet dear?" Ariel called.

No, but I am as much as I'll ever be. With one more glance at the mirror she grabbed her small bag, and swam outside the room.

"Let's go mom."

"I wonder where we'll go today?" Her mother asked her a minute later, although Melody knew full well she had the trip planned thoroughly, or at least for the most part.

"Think we'll see any sharks?" Melody asked to her mother's surprise.

"Oh no of course not Melody, the area we're going to is free of those types of things."

Of course it is. It always is. Melody thought to herself. As she let her mind wander she gazed upon the ceramic pillars that made up the halls; interestingly there was gaps in between them, meaning one could in a sense see around the structure, albeit to a limited extent.

The pair continued through the vast yet surprisingly uncomplex assortment of corridors. About a minute later they reached the end of the maze, and they were in the main lobby.

"Shh. Let's not disturb anyone," Ariel whispered. She still had the slightest sense of rebelliousness in her.

Just before they could swim beyond the first doors a familiar voice stopped them.

"Ariel." It was Attina, her eldest sister. In her right hand she wielded the instrument of a ruler.

"I know what I'm doing Attina, I've been exploring for years." The queen responded with a frown.

"Not since you were sixteen," She nitpicked. Ariel nonetheless won the argument.

"There are some things you never forget Attina." Ariel insisted. "And besides, I think Melody is old enough now." The queen hesitated for a moment and then sighed.

"Still...be careful." And with a lingering gaze she left. Ariel continued in the lead and her and her daughter progressed beyond the palace gates, all the way through the city. At last they left Atlantica's borders, to explore what laid beyond.

A/N (moved down here so you don't have to read it all up there!):

Canon-wise, this story follows TLM 1 & 2, the TV series, and Ariel's Melody (IMHO a great script). I highly stress that you actually read this fanfic as I've learned from my dear proofreader Ms. Jarvey that parts of the story are confusing if you are unfamiliar with Ariel's Melody. For those unable to though here's a brief summary: just weeks before TLM II melody is born, just as a villainous circus leader (aka Mephisto) reaches the kingdom, and proceeds to turn Ariel and Eric against each other. His crew then kidnaps Ariel, and I'll leave the rest. Needless to say that should be enough for you guys to make sense of the references.

Inspired by: all 3 films, the TV series, Ariel's Melody (By Furor Scribendi), A Change of Pace (by Maryanne Jarvey), BTTF, You'll be in my heart (from the Tarzan soundtrack), the cover from TLM II video game, the 2009 film star trek, the mediocrity of TLM II, Ariel's words "If there was one thing in my life I could do over I...", the TV series episode "T'ank you for dat, Ariel", the CD "Songs from the Sea", and the artwork of Melody as a teenager by stargate4ever23.

Also this whole story is already complete so no worries on the updates guys (Once a week from here on)!

-Jerry533482