DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT own any of the characters from Disney’s TLM. They belong to Disney. I do however own Melody Noelle Coralsen. I created her before I had even heard about the sequel. I also own anyone else you don’t recognize.

God loves you

Enjoy!

A/N: Here’s the next chapter! I hope everyone enjoys it!

““The First Visit”

Chapter 2

It was after midnight when Pearl felt her bed move slightly.

She tried to act like she was still sleeping, but she knew it wouldn’t work with this particular person.

“Pearl?” Came her little sister’s voice. “Pearl?”

Pearl tried to ignore her.

“Pearl, are you awake?” She asked.

Sighing heavily, the pre-teen rolled over to face her younger sister.

“I am now. “ She said dryly.

Azara, oblivious to her sister’s desire to sleep, smiled.

“Great! Tell me a story. “She requested.

“You woke me up for that?” Pearl asked incredulously. She gazed out of the window. “Zara, it’s almost time to get up. Can’t you wait a few more hours?”

“If I could, I wouldn’t’ be asking you now. Please, please, please, please?”

“All right.” Pearl consented. “If it’ll help you get back to sleep so I can sleep.” With that, she pulled back the covers and made room for her little sister.

Azara didn’t need any prompting. She climbed into bed and snuggled up to the older girl.

“I know I’m gonna regret this, but what do you wanna hear?”

Azara thought for a moment.

“A mystery.” She finally said. “A mystery about Humans.”

Pearl smiled despite herself.

“You haven’t been around Aunt Ariel for more than twenty-four hours and you’re already asking about Humans?”

“What can I say?” Zara said with a shrug. “I’m curious.”

“I could think of some other adjectives to describe you right now.” Pearl said as she put an arm around the youngster.

“Adventurous, energetic and fun?” Azara asked.

“Those weren’t exactly the words I had in mind.” Pearl admitted. “Come on, let’s get this over with.”

“I thought you liked telling stories?” Azara said. “Mama said you’re gonna be Atlantica’s best author one day.’

“I do like telling stories.” Pearl confirmed. “I just don’t like telling them around four in the morning.”

“I’m sorry.” Azara started. “Tomorrow I’ll wake you up sooner.”

“Don’t you dare.” Pearl said.

“So what’s the story about?” Azara asked. “Does it have to do with that Human detective Sherlock bones?”

“It’s Holmes.” Pearl said with a giggle. “And no. This one comes from deep below the sea. And it’s almost a thousand years old.”

“I thought you said this was about Humans?”

“If you let me start, we’ll get to them.” Pearl said a little testily.

“Sorry.”

“Thank you. Anyway, this story takes place long before King Triton ruled the ocean.”

“Wow! That is a long time.”

Pearl ignored her.

“Two mermen were out looking for food one day, when they discovered something buried deep in a cavern. It took them a while to get it out. When they did, they discovered it was a treasure map. A treasure map they soon found out that once belonged to a Human pirate.”

“Did it lead them to gold?” Azara asked.

“No. They never found the treasure.”

“Why not? Weren’t they smart enough?”

“They never found it because they lost the map a few days into their search. Some say it floated to the outskirts of Atlantica. Others believe it was found by Christopher Columbus and it got him lost on his own voyage.”

“Whose he?” Azara inquired.

“A Human.” Pearl said. “You can ask Aunt Ariel about him tomorrow. Now, good night, I love you, sweet dreams.” With that, Pearl kissed Azara’s cheek before rolling back over.

She waited approximately three minutes for what she knew would happen next.

“Pearl?”

“Yes?”

“Do you think the treasure map really is somewhere in Atlantica?”

“That Christopher Columbus guy probably took it.”

“Then he should give it back. “ Azara said. “It belongs to us.”

“Zara,” Pearl said with a sigh. “Christopher Columbus isn’t around anymore. Besides, it was just a story. The map isn’t real.”

“But what if you’re wrong?” Azara challenged. “What if the map is real? What if we can find the treasure?”

“It was just a story.” Pearl emphasized with annoyance. “Tell you what? After school tomorrow, we’ll go to the library and look it up. Does that make you happy?”

“Do you think we could?”

“If you close your eyes and go to sleep right now, I’ll even give up my tide pool period to do it.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”
“Okay. Night, Pearl. Thanks.”

“No problem.”

Closing her eyes, Azara chanted softly, “We’re gonna find the treasure. We’re gonna find the treasure!” With that, she fell asleep for the rest of the night…

The next morning, Pearl could hardly keep her eyes open. She was still really tired from the night before.

It wasn’t that she minded helping Azara get back to sleep. She just wished it hadn’t taken so long.

In her half asleep state, she ended up handing Sebastian the pepper instead of the salt.

When she heard him scream, she blushed while Azara doubled over with laughter.

In the middle of small talk about the day’s plans, Azara blurted, “Aunt Ariel, whose Christopher Columbus?”

Ariel shot her father a weary look.

“Zara, where did you hear that name?” She asked.

“Pearl told me about him last night.” Azara replied.

“And what exactly did your big sister tell you?” Ariel asked with amusement in her voice.

“She told me he stole a treasure map from Atlantica and tried to use it to find a treasure.”

Ariel couldn’t help it, she burst out laughing.

“Zara, honey, I think you got your facts a little mixed up. How about after breakfast, I’ll tell you all about him.”

“You know who he is?” Zara asked in amazement.

Melody piped up just then.

“Mommy knows everything. She even met the President.”

“You did?” Azara asked. Her blue eyes wide with wonder.

“Twice.” Ariel confirmed. “So did your Grandfather.”

Azara’s eyes grew twice their normal size as she gazed at her grandfather.

“Grandpa, you met the president and he’s still alive?”

Triton chuckled at his granddaughter’s words.

Meanwhile, Ariel was trying hard not to choke on her tea.

“Yes I did. “ Triton confirmed. “We had a really nice chat.”

“So what about the treasure map?” Azara asked, turning back to her aunt. “Did Christopher Columbus really take it?”

“He used a map to discover the world.” Ariel corrected her. “But I don’t think it was a treasure map.”

“But Pearl said that some mermen found a map that belonged to Humans and it showed them where to find a treasure. But they never found it.”

“Dat’s right dey never found it.” Sebastian piped up for the first time since the conversation had started. “And I don’t tink dey ever will.”

“So it’s real?” Azara said in amazement.

“As real as you or me.” Sebastian replied. He then saw the look in Azara’s blue eyes. “Aw, no, no, no, no. Don’t even tink about it, child. You are not gonna try and find dat ting.” He then glared at Ariel.

“What? I didn’t’ say anything.”

Sebastian sighed before turning his attention back to Azara. “You will do no such ting, girl.”

“At least not alone.” Andrina said.

“Okay.” Azara complied. Then under her breath she added, “I’ll just find someone to go with me.”

Later that afternoon, Azara found Ariel in the library. She was reading a book to Melody.

“Hey honey.” Ariel said when she saw her. “Wanna join us?”
“Aunt Ariel, will you tell me about Christopher Columbus now? Please?”

“Sure. Come here.” With that, she settled the child on her lap and started her tale.

By the time she was done, Azara looked disappointed.

“Pearl’s story was more exciting.” She admitted. “But thanks for telling me.”

“You’re welcome. And just between you and me, Pearls’ story does have some truth to it.”

“I knew it!” Azara exclaimed. She then got a hopeful look in her eye. “Will you come with me to find the treasure map, please?”

“I wish I could.” Ariel said sincerely. “But I can’t leave Melody. Besides, I’m only here for a week. But I promise, the next time I come we’ll go on an adventure together”

“Okay.” With that, Azara kissed Ariel on the cheek, gave her a hug and left. She had to find Pearl.

Azara wasted no time in spotting her older sister when she came home from school.

She swam up to her, her blue eyes full of excitement.

“Pearl, you’re home!” She greeted her. “Come on!”

“Wait!” Pearl said pulling back a little. “Where are you going?”

“Now that you’re home, we can go find the treasure.”

“Azara, I told you, it’s just a story.”

“That’s not what Uncle Sebastian said.” She countered. “Aunt Ariel says it’s real too. And Aunt Ariel doesn’t lie. Come on! Besides, Mama said I couldn’t go alone.”

Pearl sighed heavily.

“You’re not gonna let this go ,are you?” She asked.

“Nope.” Azara replied. “Come on! We haven’t done anything fun together in ages.”

“Yes we have.” Pearl argued.

“Okay. We haven’t done anything exciting then.”

“You got me there. All right. Let’s go.” With that, she led the way out of the palace.

Just as they cleared the main gate, they heard a voice from behind them.

“Hey! Wait for me!”

They were soon joined by Cadence. The little girl’s shoulder length brown hair swayed back and forth with her movements. “You’re not leaving without me. Where are you going, anyway?”

Pearl sighed. She relayed the story to her cousin and prayed she would find it too boring for her taste.

She was proven wrong when Cadence’s brown eyes lit up.

“Count me in.” She said. “Come on!”

Pearl shook her head.

“I’m not going to be responsible if something happens to you.” She told her younger cousin.

Cadence gave her a look before pointing to Azara.

“She’s going.” She retorted.

“Zara’s my sister.” Pearl pointed out. “Besides, she can’t go alone.”

“I’m your cousin.” Cadence reminded her as though that fact would get Pearl to change her mind.

“Exactly.” Pearl said. “I don’t have to watch out for you.”

Cadence glared at her.

“You can’t tell me what to do.” She declared. “I’m going with you guys.”

“Fine.” Pearl said as she swam forward. “Be my guest. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“I’m not scared of anything.” Cadence declared bravely.

“We’ll see about that.” Pearl whispered to Azara, who giggled. “We’ll just see about that.”

Pearl reluctantly led the way into the outer waters. She just preyed they weren’t making a huge mistake.

“Ah, finally!” A voice spoke before a figure appeared. “I thought they’d never leave.”

“What do you have in mind, my Lord?” A second voice asked.

“I’m not sure yet.” The first replied. “And don’t call me that!”

“Sorry, your evilness.”

“Did you plant the fake map like I told you to?”

“Yes.” The second voice replied. “With any luck, those brats will find it within the hour. And once their parents discover they’re missing, Triton’s kingdom will be mine.”

“You mean ours, don’t you?” The second in command asked.

“Did I stutter?” The first voice asked.

“No.”

“I didn’t think so. Now, get back to work!”

“But I’ve already planted the fake map. What else is there to do?”

“Watch them, you idiot. Make sure they find it. And while you’re at it, make me a plankton sandwich.”

“Yes, you’re evilness.”

“That’s what I like to hear.” With that, the first figure continued to watch the mer-childrens’’ progress.

Meanwhile, back at the palace, everyone was hanging out with one another and doing their own thing. They were just relaxing after a day of work and school in Attina’s case.

Attina taught at the local school of music Andrina had founded a few years earlier.

They had no idea that three of the young children were missing yet.

Ariel was talking to Urchin and Alana, while her other sisters went about their regular routines.

Melody was playing with some of Azara’s dolls that the child had lent her while listening to the adults talk.

“Alana, why don’t you give him a chance?” Ariel asked. “You never know.”

“It’s not that I don’t’ love Urchin,” Alana said.

“It’s just you don’t trust me to find someone good for you.” He finished.

“It’s not that.” She said. “It’s just, your taste in friends….”
“What?” He demanded. “There’s nothing wrong with my friends.”

“I didn’t’ say that.”

“But that’s what you were thinking.”

“No I wasn’t.” Alana defended. “All I meant was that..”

“Mommy?” Melody asked from her spot on the floor.

“Yeah, Mel?”

“Are you gonna sing “In Harmony”?”
“”Maybe if they don’t stop. “ Ariel conceded with a small grin. She knew how much her daughter loved that song.

“Come on, you guys.” Ariel broke in before things could go any further. “Alana, Urchin’s just trying to do a nice thing. Maybe you should give this guy a chance.”

Alana scowled at Urchin before swimming off.

“Give her time. “ Ariel told him. “She’s never been that keen on blind dates.”

“Why not?” Urchin asked.

“Ask Adella.” Ariel told him. “I don’t really know the full story.”

Urchin nodded.

“I think I’ll do that.” He said as he left the room.

Just then, Andrina swam in. She looked a little worried.

“El, have you seen Pearl or Azara?” She asked. “They’re usually home from school way before this.”

“No.” Ariel replied. “I’ll help you look for them though.”

“Can I help too?” Melody asked eagerly. “I’m good at finding things.”

“Sure.” Ariel said. “Come on.”

As they searched the palace, they ran into Aquata.

“Have you seen Cadence?” She asked the minute she saw them.

“She’s missing too?” Ariel asked.

“What do you mean missing too?” Aquata inquired.

“Well, I haven’t seen Pearl or Azara since they left for school today.” Andrina explained. She sighed. “Maybe they’re just playing outside. They’re probably just playing hide and seek and lost track of the time.

Ariel gasped as realization hit.

“I don’t think they’re playing hide and seek.” She said. “But I do think they’re searching for something. Come on!” With that, she led the way out of the palace.

They had cleared the entrance before Ariel remembered someone.

“I’ll be right back.” She said. With that, she led Melody back inside.

“Mommy, why can’t I come?” Melody asked.

“Honey, it’s too dangerous.” She explained. “I’ll be back in a little while. I promise. You’ll be safe here with Aunt Arista. Maybe she’ll even tell you that story you wanted to hear.”

“Okay. “ Melody said with a sigh.

After Ariel made sure Melody was going to be okay, she returned to where Andrina and Aquata were.

“All right. Let’s go!” She said as she took the lead.

Her two elder sisters followed her. They figured with her extensive exploring, they didn’t have anything to lose.

“Pearl, are we lost?” Azara asked her sister as she swam through a grove of seaweed.

“No. What makes you say that?” Pearl asked.

“Because we’ve passed that seaweed patch at least eight times.” Azara pointed out.

“Zara’s right. “ Cadence said. “Face it, you don’t know where you’re going.”

“Yes she does!” Zara defended her sister. “Pearl’s been on lots of adventures before.”

Pearl didn’t have the heart to tell her little sister that her so-called adventures were field trips and she hadn’t been alone.

“Then tell me why we can’t find our way back home?” Cadence challenged.

Pearl sighed.

“Will both of you stop fighting long enough so I can think?”
“Sorry.” Azara apologized.

“Well I’m not. “ Cadence said with a huff. “I’m hungry.”

“You’re always hungry. “ Azara quipped.

Cadence glared at her and crossed her arms over her chest.

Before they could continue their argument, Pearl took a chance and turned left.

“Come on!” She called over her shoulder. “This way looks promising.”

“That’s what you said the last time.” Cadence grumbled. She followed her older and younger cousin reluctantly.

As they broke through another grove of seaweed, Pearl spotted something up ahead.

“Look!” She shouted. “It’s a cave!”

Azara gasped when she caught sight of it.

“It looks like the cave from your story!” She exclaimed. “Do you think the map might be in there?”

Pearl shrugged.

“It’s worth a look.” With that, she led the way inside.

“That’s it.” A voice said as a pair of eyes watched the children through a crystal globe. “Just a little farther…”

The minute they were safely through, the figure turned to two large octopus like creatures with heads that looked like sharks. “Make sure they don’t come out.” The figure commanded. “At least not until I get what I want.” With that, the figure let out an evil cackle as he watched the two creatures leave to do his bidding.

Soon he would have what he had wanted for a long time now. He could feel it getting closer and closer…

Meanwhile, the girls had successfully entered the cave. They were now making their way through a narrow passage way.

“Remind me to take two showers when we get back home.” Cadence complained while brushing seaweed out of her hair.

Azara giggled while Pearl gave her a look.

“You get dirtier than this when you challenge Urchin and his friends in blowfish ball.” Azara reminded her.

“So?” Cadence challenged.

“I’m just saying.” Azara said as she followed Pearl into another narrow passage.

It was then that Pearl spotted something laying on the ground.

Upon closer examination, she discovered it was a sharp rock.

She noticed something else as well.

“Look!” She said to the others. “This rock looks like it’s been used to dig up something.”

Azara became excited.

“Maybe whoever it was was trying to find the map too!”

“Maybe they already took it.” Cadence said. “Well, that’s that. I guess we should head back home.”

Pearl shook her head.

“You don’t know that.” She countered. “What if it’s still here?”

“Yeah!” Azara agreed. “We can’t leave now.” With that, she joined her older sister on the cave floor as she started using the rock to dig for the map.

After a few minutes of watching her two cousins, Cadence sighed.

“Where do you want me to dig?” She asked, surprising both of them.

“You actually want to help?” Azara asked.

Cadence shrugged as she tried to save face.

“I can’t let you two have all the fun.” With that, she picked up a rock of her own and joined her cousins in the search…