FA+
Shop
529
Views
Views
3
Favorites
Favorites
Category
Story / All
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 1250 x 1250
File Size 632.4 kB
Report this content
More from BlimpMermaid91
Listed in Folders
Aqua: Mermaid Princess of Atlantis
Chapter 3 - Skar
Written By: StarMermaid91
Based on the characters “One Piece” created and owned by:
Eiichiro Oda
♫The Lion King (1994) - Scar's Dinner [Film Alternate] (0:00 to 1:00)♫
Much later back at Atlantis…
Somewhere in the Atlantis Palace, there’s a room where King Ryujin’s envious, younger brother named Skar, a great white shark merman, sat on his chair while lamenting his loss of the throne since Aqua’s birth.
As he does, a lonely sergeant major or píntano swam slowly through the window, while Skar’s looking at it.
“Life's not fair, is it, my little friend?” Skar said as the fish swam off in the distance from him. “While some are born to feast, others spend their lives in the dark, begging for scraps.”
The fish is trying to cower under his chair, but Skar lifts the chair which scares the sergeant major, and it swims off while Skar said and then he exhales lightly. “The way I see it, you and I are exactly the same. You see, I... Well, I shall never be king.”
The fish cowers beneath a box. Skar lunges for it, trapping it in his hands.
“And you... shall never see the light of another day.” He said as the fish struggles to squish out of his palms with head first.
Then Raki opened the door and interrupted Skar. “Didn't your mother ever tell you not to play with your food?”
Skar sighs lightly. “What do you want?”
“I'm here to announce that King Ryujin has returned.” Raki said as he bows, then giving Skar a bitter glare. “So you'd better have a good excuse for refusing to give your signature for Queen Otohime’s petitions to make her folk immigrate to the surface.”
“I’ll excuse no one. Plus, giving my signature to the Fish-Man Island’s queen’s petitions to form a coexistence with those barbarians? Those humans? Such foolishness.” Skar sighed irritated as the fish came out of his palm and swam off the window.
“Oh, look, Raki. You've made me lose my lunch.” Skar said bitterly.
“Hah! You'll lose more than that when the king gets through with you. He's as mad as a killer whale with a flopped fin.”
“Oooh... I quiver with FEAR.” Skar growled as he crouches down and is baring his teeth at Raki who’s now nervous.
And then, two large sharks which are big as a great white shark, a female mako shark and a male bull shark - Maki and Bully slowly swims through the window and circles Raki threateningly and let their low growl.
“Oh, no. No, no! Not your sharks! Anything but them!” Raki said nervously.
“Maki, Bully. Our penguin friend here is hungry. Perhaps you three could have a bite together.” Skar said.
♫The Lion King (2019) - Stampede (Start at 7:05)♫
Maki and Bully nodded, and then lunged at Raki who was already fleeing and swam out of the window.
Skar grins and follows them for fun.
Raki kept swimming outside of Atlantis while Maki and Bully, and screamed. “No!”
He kept swimming through the rock holes, and some tunnels, and then heading out in the open water, but crashed into a rock as Maki and Bully kept stalking him “You can't eat me! It is forbidden to eat a member of the king's advisor! No, please!!” Raki shouts desperately.
As Maki opened her mouth, Aqua swam towards her and stopped in front of the mako shark and shouted. “HEY! Leave Raki alone! Do not eat my father’s advisor or my father turned you into shark fin soup!”
But Maki is not threatened, and snaps at Aqua who closes her eyes and grunts.
“Sharks!...” Ryujin shouted angrily as Maki and Bully turned their heads at the sea king who angrily glaring at two sharks.
Athena, Coral, and the Royal Guards are behind Ryujin.
“Leave them.” Ryujin commands as the sharks slowly swims away and returns to Skar who is sarcastically overjoyed.
♫The Lion King - Legacy Collection - CD1 - Hyenas in the Pride Land (0:20 to 2:05)♫
“Why, if it isn't my big brother returned from Fish-Man Island to mingle with the commoners.” Skar said while he rubs Maki’s head gently, and Ryujin paced in front of him.
While Skar greets, Aqua and Raki swam to Ryujin and stopped beside him.
“Athena and I haven't seen you since we left a few days ago.” Ryujin said as he crossed his arms while looking angrily at him.
“You left without me five days ago? And what I’ve missed?” Skar asked as Aqua rushed out to confront Skar angrily.
“You’ve missed out on something wonderful! The citizens of Fish-Man Island started giving their signatures on Queen Otohime’s ideals! And now, her dream has come true, and you have no idea how happy she is!” Aqua shouted as Ryujin put his hand on her shoulder to calm his daughter down.
“And you should have given your signature to her too, my brother.” Ryujin said.
“Wait, I haven’t?” Skar gasped while acting his faking astonishment and smacks his head. “Oh, I feel simply awful.”
Aqua didn't buy any of that while pouting and turned her head away from Skar. Ryujin feels the same thing from her daughter; Skar tries to act like he’s innocent, but he’s bluffing.
“Must've slipped my mind. Of course, I meant no disrespect towards His Majesty or Athena. As you know, I have tremendous respect for the queen.” Skar said as he’s looking at Athena who’s giving her disapproving look at him.
“Yes, well, as slippery as your mind is, as the king's brother, you should have been first in line!” Raki said as he confronts Skar.
Skar clicks his teeth at Raki, who has swum near his face. Frightened, Raki takes cover behind Aqua's tail. Skar bends down to speak to him. “Well, I was first in line. Or don't you remember? That is, until the little mermaid was born.”
Ryujin grabbed Skar’s shoulder and lifted him gently to make him look at his face, and said. “That “little mermaid” is my daughter… And your future queen.”
“Ohh, I shall practice my curtsy.” Skar said as he bows sarcastically, then turns away and starts to swim away.
“Don't turn your back on me, Skar!” Ryujin warned angrily.
“Oh no, Ryujin. Perhaps you shouldn't turn your back on me. Especially when you stood up for those humans.” Skar said while swimming away.
Infuriated, Ryujin’s trident glows lightning while the sea king swam around and stopped in front of Skar, and pointed his trident in front of his face.
“Is that a challenge?!” Ryujin snarled angrily.
“Temper, temper.” Skar said calmly as he gently shoves his brother’s trident away. “I wouldn't dream of challenging you… again.”
“Tch, how pitiful.” Raki scoffed as Aqua nodded and swam to his father and floated in front of her uncle.
“Well, that’s a good choice, Skar. You’re no match against my father. He’s the strongest merman of Atlantis.” Aqua said as Skar bends down, and she backs off a little.
“Well, as far as brains go, I got the merman's share. But, when it comes to brute strength…” Skar said as he looked up bitterly at Ryujin.
“...I'm afraid I'm at the shallow end of the gene pool.” Skar finished, and then he swam off while Maki and Bully swam beside him.
♫The Little Mermaid (1989) - Triton Reprimands (1:05)♫
A bit later at the throne room, Ryujin sat on his throne chair and rested his head in his hand.
“Oh, my love… There's one in every family. Two in mine, actually. And they never understand the coexistence of our Atlantean species.” Athena said.
“What am I going to do with him?” Ryujin sighed as Coral floats beside Aqua who’s in front of her father.
“You know, Your Majesty, he should've been banished from Atlantis long ago.” Coral said
“Coral, no. Skar’s my uncle, and he doesn’t like me, I know. But I’m very disappointed that he didn’t come with us to give his signature to Queen Otohime.” Aqua said.
“We all do, Aqua. But even if he's jealous of you and his brother, that doesn’t mean that he’s a bad person. Until then, we shall not banish him.” Athena said.
“Mother’s right, my dear. He's my brother. This is his home. As long as I am king, it will never change. And as long as he lives in my kingdom, he'll obey my rules.” Ryujin said as Aqua nodded.
“Understood, father.” Aqua said as she bows, and she floats off to her room while Coral’s catching up with her.
“Hmph. Little brothers… They think they know everything. You give them an inch; they swim all over you.” Raki scoffed.
“Yeah, that might be true.” Ryujin said. “But I really hope somehow that he shall change his heart and maybe respect our human friends.”
“That’s true, even Otohime told you that Skar is your brother, but he will never change.” Athena said.
“Yes, that’s very unfortunate.” Ryujin sighs. “But… There’s nothing more I’m proud of than my daughter.”
“Oh? And what did young Princess Aqua do?” Raki asked.
“She explained to the residents of Fish-Man Island that although our kingdoms were far apart, Ryugu Kingdom would become a part of Atlantis' world in the same way that Atlantis Kingdom is a part of Fish-Man Island.” Ryujin said.
♫One Piece: Music & Song Collection 1 - The Best Oden Shop in the World! (1:10)♫
“Timeout, timeout!” Raki shouted as he made the sports gesture for timeout. “Let me get this straight; you’re saying that Aqua was trying to say that both kingdoms are connected, and they’ve become one?”
“That’s right. That is why we supported Otohime’s ideals to continue the donation to migrate her people to the surface to become together with humans.” Ryujin said as Raki crossed his wings and nodded.
“Oh, very noble indeed. She has great wisdom just like her mother.” Raki said.
“Yes, she sure has.” Athena said.
“And I’m so happy for Aqua because she’s become friends with Neptune's youngest daughter, Princess Shirahoshi.” Ryujin said.
“Shirahoshi? You mean, the “White Star”? Raki asked.
“Well, that’s Shirahoshi. Otohime gave her the name.” Athena said.
“My, that name sounds very divine, some kind of Goddess if you don’t mind.” Raki said.
“Well, that suits the name for Neptune’s daughter.” Ryujin said.
“Right, right. So, is she friends with Aqua?” Raki asked.
“Yes… And Otohime said if they can be more than friends, maybe their true love can guide them not just to control Shirahoshi’s powers to summon the Sea Kings, but maybe can soar through the skies and maybe discover the uncharted places above the surface.” Ryujin replied.
“Oh, yeah, right. How can they fly in the skies if they don’t have bird wings-” Raki retorted sarcastically before gasping in shock. “Did you say… Sea Kings?!”
“Yes, although Shirahoshi is unaware about her powers. But when she gets older, she’ll understand she could summon for the good, not the evil.” Ryujin replied.
Raki drops his jaw on the floor in disbelief but comical, then closes it again and shouted. “Wow, if she summons them, the Sea Kings will bring the ruins to Fish-Man Island!”
“I know, but we leave this to Otohime; she’s aware of that legend.” Ryujin said.
“Right, let’s cut to the chase, shall we?” Raki said before clears his throat. “Well, about Aqua and Shirahoshi together? Don’t you think there’s a rule about the love between two persons of the same genders is illegal? I mean, homosexuality refers to attraction between people who are the same sex.”
“I know, but it’s not forbidden.” Ryujin said as he shook his head gently.
“What?!” Raki gasped.
“You see, the homosexuality was pretty common in Atlantis, and it was welcomed with open arms. And I know you think that I’m Aqua’s father, and I'll do what I think is best.” Ryujin said as she slowly rose off the chair and paced forward but slowly.
“But Athena and I already understand her feelings clearly when Otohime understands Shirahoshi's feelings.” Ryujin said.
“Huh, you’re really an understandable king. I’ll give ya that.” Raki said, amazed.
“Yes, and Otohime said that her brothers and husband know that part too. And we’re all so happy that Shirahoshi likes Aqua, while she likes her back.” Athena said happily, as she turned her head in the direction where Aqua’s room is. “Oh, Aqua… Daddy and I are so happy for you.”
♫The Lion King (1994) - Under the Stars♫
A bit later in Aqua’s room, Aqua lay down on the bed on her back and looked at the roof, and she couldn't stop thinking about Shirahoshi.
She may be big, but she’s sweet, innocent… and cute.
While thinking about Shirahoshi, Aqua’s blushing a little, then she muttered. “I feel so… strange. Why am I blushing?”
“Gee, I don’t know, Aqua. Maybe you’re thinking about Shirahoshi. Is she something special for you?” Coral asked.
“I would ask myself the same thing, Coral. I know she’s very big, but… she’s sweet, innocent and… very, very cute.” Aqua sighed.
“Oh, now I get it. Maybe… You’re falling in love with her, right?” Coral teased as Aqua gasped, and her face became red of embarrassment.
The young mermaid is blushing even more, then sits up quickly and shouted embarrassed while flailing her arms and shaking her head rapidly as “no”. “N-NO!! ABSOLUTELY NOT!”
“Oh, really, really real?” Coral teased.
“FOR REALLY, REALLY REAL!” Aqua cries.
“Oh… I see.” Coral teased as Aqua grabs her cheeks and stretches them comically.
“We’re just friends, that’s all! Of course I am just blushing because Shirahoshi’s really cute, but that doesn’t mean I am in love with her!” Aqua scolded.
“Okay, okay, I get it. I just wanna tease you. I’m sorry. Can you please let go of me?” Coral said as Aqua let go of her and sighed.
“Fine, I accepted your apology, but please don’t tease me again, okay?” Aqua asked.
“Oh, I wouldn't, Aqua. I promise.” Coral said as she giggled sheepishly.
Aqua sighed, then she looked at the window while laying on her belly on the bed. “I just wonder if we can come back to Ryugu Kingdom again… If we can… Do you think I will see Shirahoshi again, Coral?”
“I don’t know. But maybe someday you will. Someday…” Coral said as she lay down on her belly on the bed beside Aqua and nuzzled her cheek.
Meanwhile, at Shirahoshi’s room in Ryugu Kingdom, Shirahoshi sat on her bed and told Otohime that she likes Aqua a lot.
“I see… You do like Aqua a lot, do you?” Otohime asked.
“Yes… She has the most beautiful voice. She sings so very enchanted. Aqua is so nice, and very cute. And she becomes big like me when she uses her magical hairpin.” Shirahoshi replied.
Otohime smiles when she hears about her daughter’s opinion about Aqua. “I see. Maybe someday when you’re getting older, you will understand the real relationship between you and Aqua.”
Shirahoshi nodded, and then she let out a sad sigh and looked at her mother. “Mother… Do you think we’ll see her someday?”
“I am sure we will someday, my sweet child.” Otohime said. “Just like Aqua said, our kingdom is part of Atlantis’ world while Atlantis is part of our world…”
She caresses Shirahoshi’s cheek while talking to her. “We are all connected… to the great Circle of Life after all.”
Shirahoshi smiled and nodded. “Yeah…”
♫One Piece Movie 4 OST - Gasparde♫
Much later at the part of Ryugu Kingdom that was notorious for being one of the tougher parts of Fish-Man Island - Fish-Man District. Inside one of the abandoned warehouses, there are five Fish-Men.
The first is Dosun, a Hammerhead Shark Fishman. The second is Zeo, a Wobbegong Shark Fishman. The third is Daruma, a Cookie Cutter Shark Fishman. The fourth is Ikaros Much, a Giant Squid Fishman. And the fifth is Hody Jones, a Great White Shark Fishman.
“My friends.” Hody said to his comrades. “The Royal Family’s madness has infected the entire country. They want to forgive the humans.”
“KYA-KYA!!” Daruma laughs. “It’s all Queen Otohime’s fault! She was so generous toward the humans, and her donations have been signed by the people. This is unacceptable!”
“Even worse than that, King Ryujin and Queen Athena share their foolishness to the country’s people -hi.” Ikaros Much said.
“The Arlong Pirates are the only ones maintaining the dignity of our race.” Dosun said.
“If this keeps up, we're gonna have to resort to drastic measures, and as soon as possible.” Zeo said.
“Yes… Even the other Fish-Men will understand this madness, we can’t just sit here and talk. This country needs the true ruler of Fish-Man Island and restore the proper balance between us and humans, just like Arlong did!” Hody said.
“Indeed, Hody Jones…” A voice came from the entrance. “This is why I've come up with a clever idea.”
It’s Skar, with Maki and Bully, with lots of Fish-Men and Mermen outlaws.
“Skar. So what do you have in mind this time?” Hody asked, curiously.
“What do you say that we shall talk about somewhere, I don’t know… In the volcanic caves, so no one from Ryugu Kingdom will hear my suggestion?” Skar said.
“Very well. Lead the way.” Hody Jones said.
Later in the geyser-ridden section of the volcanic caves with tall rocky walls, Skar stood on the perch while Hody and his gang watched him.
“My fellow Fish-men of Fish-man District. I’ve gathered you to tell you about my idea. If you hate Queen Otohime and her irritating ideals and wish to make you all the supreme race and aim to sink the humans into the ocean, then there’s the only way to drive the Fish-men’s eternal hatred even further.” Skar suggested.
“What shall we do? Taking down the king?” Zeo asked.
“No… All you have to do… is to assassinate the queen.” Skar revealed.
♫One Piece Film Z OST - Z Appears!♫
Hody grins that Skar’s plan is about to kill the queen.
“You know what, Skar? I’ve been just waiting to hear that. She’s the one who chose the wrong way; to sympathize with humans, forced her shameful people to donate to form the coexistence between three species. I blame all this on her.” Hody said.
“She’s not the only one I blame for.” Skar said. “As the younger brother of Ryujin and second-born Prince of Atlantis, I was next in line to assume the throne as king. However, my line of succession was replaced upon the birth of my nephew, Aqua.”
“I see… And if you want to take your throne, then how about you shall release the titans? I’ve heard that they are the giant creatures who crush humans with their feet. Until that disgraceful brother of yours banished them to the Tartarus Pit.” Hody Jones said.
“Me? Release the titans?” Skar asked, then grinned wickedly. “Now that’s what I want to hear, Hody. If I want to release the titans, I'm going to steal the Titan Key, and let them destroy Atlantis, and crush Ryujin, Athena and Aqua to the death.”
♫The Lion King - Legacy Collection - CD1 - Be Prepared♫
“That’s right. Hehehehe…. Ryujin has always shown too much restraint when it comes to reign. When you’re the king, the mighty will be free to take whatever they want. Because our grudge against humans will never end.” Hody said.
“Yes… That’s why I’ve assembled my own pirate crew… The Atlantean Fish-Men Pirates! With them on my side, I’m the captain of my army. And with them, I can reign supreme over the New Atlantis. And with my titans, I will crush the humans at Odyssey Kingdom, and then conquer the whole world, and then destroy the World Government!” Skar said as his Atlantean Fish-Men Pirates roared.
“Jahahahaha…” Hody Jones chuckles. ”Sounds good… Looks like we’re all… be prepared.”
And then, Skar swims downward to the floor, towards Hody and his gang, and then swims calmly through sheets of flame and gas into the camera over the opening bit of the song.
Skar:
♫I know that your powers of retention
Are as wet as a dugong’s backside♫
He paces slowly around Hody, who looks at him.
Skar:
♫But thick as you are, pay attention!
My words are a matter of pride
It's clear from your vacant expressions
The lights are not all on upstairs♫
On 'Pay attention', after Skar snapped at the gang, they were first surprised, then they watched him pace slowly around them. Maki nuzzles affectionately Hody’s cheek which makes the Great White Shark fish-man chuckles and pats her head.
Skar:
♫But we're talking kings and successions
Even YOU can't be caught unawares!♫
Two mermen outlaws are laughing on a ledge behind him; on “you,” Skar turns and leaps at them, throwing them backward onto a pair of geysers, which then erupt, throwing the two mermen into the air.
In the next verse, Skar is swimming theatrically along a ledge which runs around back to the floor.
Skar:
♫So, prepare for the chance of a lifetime
Be prepared for sensational news
A shining, new era
Is tiptoeing nearer♫
Daruma:
And where do we feature?
Skar:
{Grabbing Darumai's cheek} ♫Just listen to teacher♫
Daruma rubs his cheek, which is now bruised red.
Skar:
♫I know it sounds sordid
But you'll be rewarded
When at last, I am given my dues
And injustice deliciously squared♫
Skar/Atlantean Fish-Man Pirates:
♫Be prepared!♫
“JAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!” Hody laughed. “And now… it’s my turn.”
Then he started to sing the part.
Hody:
♫Ryujin is yesterday's message
A clapped out, distracted regime
Whose failings undoubtedly presage
The need for a different dream
Yes, Atlantean times are a-changing
Which means the titans must, too
Your vision is clear and wide-ranging
And even encompasses you♫ (JAAAAHAHAHAHAAA!)
Next, Skar's crew of Atlantean Fish-Man Pirates is goose-stepping across the floor of the cave, now stylized into a Nazi-esque quadrangle.
Atlantean Fish-Man Pirates:
♫It's great that we'll soon be connected
With a king who'll be all time adored♫
Skar:
♫Of course, quid pro quo, you're expected
To take certain duties on board♫
Ikaros motions a slice across the neck, and laughs rhythmically. “Muhihihihi!”
Skar:
♫The future is littered with prizes
And though I'm the main addressee
The point that I must emphasize is
YOU WON'T GET A SNIFF WITHOUT ME!!!♫
Skar swims off his rock throne to single out one hapless Fish-Man, and then Maki swam towards the poor Fish-Man and killed/ate him alive before disappearing in the horizon.
Throughout the next verse, the entire crew of Atlantean Fish-Man Pirates, Hody & Co., joins in dancing boisterously, leaping along the tops of rock pillars, shaking human skeletons in the light, one playing a rib cage/xylophone.
The parenthetical parts are the Fish-Men and Mermen outlaws’ counterpoint singing.
Hody and Skar:
♫So prepare for the coup of the century
Be prepared for the murkiest scam
(Atlantean Fish-Man Pirates: Oooh... yeah, yeah, yeah!)
Meticulous planning
(Atlantean Fish-Man Pirates: Your destiny!)
Tenacity spanning
(Atlantean Fish-Man Pirates: Our legacy!)
Decades of denial
(Atlantean Fish-Man Pirates: Skar’s the thing!)
Is simply why I'll
(Atlantean Fish-Man Pirates: He’s our king!)
Be KING undisputed
(Aaaaaaah...)
Respected, saluted
(...aaaaaaah...)
And seen for the wonder I am
(...aaaaaaah!)
Yes, my teeth and ambitions are bared
(Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo)♫
Skar/Hody/Atlantean Fish-Man Pirates:
♫Be prepared!♫
Dosun/Zeo/Ikaros Much/Daruma/Atlantean Fish-Man Pirates:
♫Yes, our teeth and ambitions are bared♫
Skar and Hody stand at the top of a large rock formation, while Maki and Bully slowly pace around them. The Hody’s gang and pirates are gathered on the ledges below him.
Skar/Hody/Dosun/Zeo/Ikaros Much/Daruma/Atlantean Fish-Man Pirates:
♫Be prepared!♫
Skar, Hody Jones, and the rest of the Atlantean Fish-Man Pirates are laughing menacingly, while the red light of the geysers dies out.
May 24th, 1524
Few days later… On that fateful day at Conchorde Plaza, a tragedy occurs with a…
BANG!
A gunshot is heard, and Queen Otohime gets shot, and she falls to the ground.
“Mother! MOTHER!!!” Fukaboshi cried while holding his mother in his arms.
♫Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods OST - Beerus's Wrath♫
While the citizens, Otohime’s kids, Neptune Soldiers watched the queen being shot in devastation and confusion, they didn't even notice it was Hody Jones, in his soldier outfit disguise, who shot her down.
Hody grins that Skar’s plan worked.
As he chuckles silently, he doesn't even notice Megalo who hides behind the coral structure and witnesses Hody Jones kill the queen.
Few hours later, back at Atlantis’ throne room…
Everyone, including Aqua, gaped in absolute horror after Skar told the news to King Ryujin and Queen Athena about Otohime’s death.
“What…? Queen Otohime’s life was taken… by a human pirate?!” Ryujin asked, horrified.
“Yes. Thanks to Hody who discovered about the human who killed the queen. As you can see… That’s the human’s true dark nature side.” Skar replied as Queen Athena stood up and looked horrified at him.
“It's not true. Tell me it's not true.” Athena said, brokenhearted.
“It’s true.” Skar said, regretfully.
♫Dragon Ball Super OST Vol 1 CD 2 - Regret♫
Aqua stared at Skar horrified, not being able to comprehend what was happening at the moment… but now she knows. Although, she closes her eyes and shakes her head to not accept the horrible reality.
“Aqua, please calm down…” Coral assured, but Aqua swam to Skar and confronted him.
“That’s a lie! You’re a liar! Humans didn’t do such horrible things to Queen Otohime!” Aqua shouted.
“Aw, Aqua. My dear little naive nephew. When will you ever learn? Some creatures above the surface are dangerous, and those humans are one of the most dangerous. They are all the same; spineless, savage, harpooning, fish-eating barbarians.” Skar said.
“Skar!” Ryujin shouted, harshly. “They are not-”
“Your daughter needs to know the truth about humans, my brother. Someday you and your pitiful family shouldn’t trust humans in the first place.” Skar said.
“Not my human friends in the Odyssey Kingdom! King Draco is different from other humankind! They are Atlanteans just like us!” Ryujin argued.
“Like hell I’d care.” Skar scoffed.
“Why didn’t you stop the killer, Skar? You could have stopped him from killing the queen!” Aqua shouted.
“I… I could have… But he has a shotgun to threaten and tell me “Back off, or you’re a dead fish!”, so… I decided to stay out of this.” Skar stammered while showing his mock regret.
“But… Didn’t you warn Otohime?” Aqua asked, while bordering on crying, voice cracks.
“Oh, I didn’t make it in time… When I arrived at Conchorde Plaza, I already heard a gunshot. Queen Otohime was shot down. In the midst of chaos, the three princes immediately go to their mother's side, as Otohime lays there dying. And then… Poor Shirahoshi let her cry of fear and despair after witnessing her mother die.” Skar said, looking down.
♫Pokémon Anime BGM - Prayer (1997-1998-M05)♫
After hearing about poor Shirahoshi was emotionally devastated and crying, Aqua is crushed, and now the tears swelled up in her tears.
“No… Shirahoshi…! Skar… H-How could you…?! Why didn’t you-?” Aqua whined as she swam off a bit, obviously very scared.
“There’s nothing I can do… I’m sorry, Aqua.” Skar said as he turned around from her.
Before long, Aqua let her uncontrollable sob, turning around and swimming away from the throne room, obviously broken.
“Aqua…! Aqua, please don’t…” Ryujin called, but Aqua already left, then he sighed. “...go.”
“Poor kid…” Raki whispered, sadly.
“Aqua…” Coral whispered, while sniffing.
“Oh, my big brother. Otohime's death was a terrible tragedy… For us, it is a deep personal loss.” Skar started while showing his mock sorrowful expression.
“But there’s no proof the human pirate could have killed the queen. What about the signatures-” Ryujin said.
“They were burned out, dissolves into ashes, unfortunately.” Skar said.
“Yet, we can’t abandon her dream!” Ryujin said as he rises up from his throne chair.
“But it was also shattered down by a-” Skar said.
“NOT ANOTHER WORD!!” Ryujin shouted. “Like it or not, we will realize Otohime’s dream, even if it takes the rest of our lives.”
Skar scoffed in disgust, and left the throne room.
“My people of Atlantis… My queen. I know that some of us adults and children may have had a change of heart because of this tragedy.” Ryujin started as he talked to his people.
“But don’t worry! We'll start anew for the sake of Fish-Man Island’s people! One day…when the wounds on your, no, our hearts have healed…” Ryujin continues.
The Atlantean Fish-Men and Merfolk nodded.
“…let them dream of the sun…once more.” Ryujin finished as the people cheered.
“Support Queen Otohime’s dream!”
“For the Fish-Man Island’s future!”
“And their children!”
Athena smiles briefly at her husband’s decision, but then turns her head in the direction where Aqua’s room is while her smile fades and whispers sadly. “Aqua…”
♫Mufasa: The Lion King - All That Was Lost ♫
In Aqua’s bedroom, Aqua has already collapsed on her bed, and keeps crying.
Ryujin slowly opened the door and slowly approached her crying daughter while Athena, Raki and Coral waited outside.
“Aqua, I…” Ryujin started.
“Please, leave me alone…” Aqua sobbed.
The sea king gasped silently in surprise, then he bent his head in extreme pain, and whispered. “Yes… As you wish…”
Then he slowly floats off while shedding his tears, and after leaving Aqua’s room, Ryujin sighed as he covered his face with his hand, then commanded. “Close the door… It's okay for her to be alone for a while.”
The Ryujin Soldiers nodded, then closed the door, while they could still hear her poor little princess crying, muffled.
Raki pouts and turns to leave. Coral follows behind.
Athena looked at Aqua’s door, while shedding her tears and bending her down in sadness. She could only sigh…even though deep down, it saddened her to hear her daughter cry.
“Oh, poor my little mermaid…” Athena sighed tearfully, before following her guards and husband behind.
Back in her room, Aqua still sobbed, then she whispered. “Shirahoshi…”
May 25th, 1524
Few days later, Shirahoshi was moved into Hard-Shell Tower as her new room, to keep her safe and locked from Vander Decken IX, who wants to force marrying her since he witnesses her powers to summon the Sea King.
But right now, Megalo telling Shirahoshi about the truth about Hody killed Otohime.
“Is it true? Did Sir Hody kill my mother, Megalo?” Shirahoshi asked.
“(Y… Yes…)” Megalo replied while nodding sadly.
“I see… What about Princess Aqua?” Shirahoshi asked.
“(She was crying… after Skar told her about you and Otohime… She was… emotionally depressed for few days…”) Megalo replied.
“Oh no… Aqua…” Shirahoshi sniffed, then covered her face with her hands, then she started to cry on her bed.
Not just because her mom was killed by Hody, but her friend Aqua was very sad and sinks herself into being emotionally depressed.
And now there’s nothing Shirahoshi can do, but staying in Hard-Shell Tower for her own safety, and hoped Aqua will be okay.
♫One Piece Film Z OST - The Pirates' Sorrow♫
May 27th, 1524
Two days later…
Atlantis has recovered from the tragedy of Otohime’s death. But Aqua is still depressed, and lays down in her room, and hasn't come out yet.
She couldn’t sleep, eat or think since she heard her uncle’s dreadful story about what happened to Otohime and Shirahoshi.
At the throne room, King Ryujin sat on his throne chair and was worried about her daughter. To him, the whole kingdom is still gloomy when his daughter is still sad.
Raki and Coral stood on the floor, doing nothing, but waiting until Aqua came out.
And now, Athena has entered the throne room and approaches her husband.
“Any news from Aqua yet?” Ryujin asked.
“Still not coming out… One of the chefs went to bring her dinner, but she did not eat a single food on her plate. I believe… Her depression made her lose her appetite.” Athena replied.
“Oh dear… I’ve heard depression makes her body lose its appetite when she’s that sad. Depression can cause people to feel sad, worthless, or hopeless.” Raki said.
“Your Majesty.” Coral sobbed. “I’m missing my best friend.”
“We all do, Coral.” Raki said as he put his wing on her shoulder.
“This whole kingdom may have recovered from the tragedy, but… Our daughter is still so miserable… If this keeps up… Atlantis will never be the same again. I don’t want to let my kingdom be overcome by her sadness… Someway, somehow, we’ll find a way to cheer her up.” Ryujin said as he rested his head in his hand.
In the corridors behind Ryujin’s chair, Skar eavesdrops and smiles evilly.
“That’s right, Ryujin. Soon as you all fools consume with grief, I’ll finally take the throne chair, and deserve the true title as the king of Atlantis. Perhaps I don’t need to release the titans after all.” Skar thought.
But then the giant door opened, and the Ryujin Soldier approached while swimming.
“Your Highness! Your Highness!” Ryujin Soldier shouted as he stopped swimming and bows in front of him.
“What is it, soldier?” King Ryujin asked.
“We got a visitor! And it’s from-” Ryujin Soldier said before Megalo enters the throne room. “-Fish-Man Island.”
“Shaa! Shaa!” Megalo barked as he saluted.
“It’s Megalo!” Coral said.
“Hey there, big guy. What are you doing here?” Athena asked as she patted Megalo’s head.
“Shaa! Shaa!” Megalo barked as he carried a bag with a letter.
“Hmm, a letter in the bag, huh?” Raki asked as he swam to the bag and opened it, and picked up the letter. “Let’s see, what have we got here?”
Raki muttered silently as he read the letter for a few seconds, and then gasped. “By the Gods…!”
“What’s wrong, Raki?” Ryujin asked as Raki ran towards the sea king and reached his hand to show the letter.
“This letter is from Princess Shirahoshi! She knows the truth!” Raki exclaimed as King Ryujin picked up the letter and started to read.
♫One Piece Film Z OST - Aokiji Tells All (0:00 to 1:32, then 2:02 to 2:28)♫
“Hmm… “Dear King Ryujin of Atlantis. A few days after the incident, Megalo came to me in my room and told me the truth. He used to be the Neptune Army’s mascot. He saw everything that happened that day. He saw Sir Hody Jones kill my mother.” What…?” King Ryujin read, then asked in surprise.
“Hody Jones killed her? No…!” Athena asked, horrified.
“Unforgivable…! When I get my hands on that killer, I’ll make him pay!” Coral growled.
“Don’t bother, Coral!” Ryujin scolded as Coral stopped growling and looked up at him. “Here’s the reason we shall not engage Hody.”
“If you tell everyone, anybody would hold a grudge against Sir Hody.” Ryujin read as everyone gasped.
“We would?” Coral asked, confused.
“And that’s not what Mother wanted.” Ryujin continues.
“You mean, Otohime will be sad if we hold a grudge against him?” Athena asked.
“Yes, my love.” Ryujin replied, before continuing reading Shirahoshi’s letter. “That was the final promise I made with my mother before she died. No matter who killed her, we should not get angry or hate anybody! I begged you as King Neptune’s daughter.”
Everyone stared at Ryujin in shock and gasped.
“Mechokku!” Coral cried, shocked.
“You mean after all the time… Shirahoshi has been faithful to Otohime’s last wish this whole time? She knew this, all along, and yet she held it inside her, all alone in the Shell Tower a few days ago?” Athena asked.
“Yes… I believe she did…” King Ryujin said.
“Oh… Shirahoshi…” Queen Athena whispered, tearfully. “She’s such a brave soul…!”
In the corridors, Skar glares viciously at Ryujin who holds the letter.
“Unbelievable… That shark spied on Hody…!” Skar growled.
“Look, there’s more in the letter. She wrote about Aqua!” Coral said as she looked at more texts.
“Hmm… It says, “Please let Aqua know I’m okay, and maybe someday, I will see her after Sir Decken is arrested.” Oh… Shirahoshi…” Ryujin read, and then sighed tearfully.
“Shirahoshi… She really has a heart of gold, sir.” Raki said.
“She’s the daughter of Otohime, after all.” Coral said.
Otohime reminded King Ryujin back to the moment before his father died, he said the same thing that I shall not get angry or hate someone who’s responsible for releasing the titans by accident. She and Fisher Tiger are the same persons who almost taught them to not hate somebody who causes accidents and hating humans.
At times like this, Aqua needs to know the truth too, and this time King Ryujin will tell her about her grandfather who was Ryujin’s father.
“Are you okay, sir?” Raki asked.
“Athena, bring my daughter to me.” Ryujin said.
“Yes. What is your intention with her?” Athena asked.
“She needs to know the truth. And I will tell her story about my father. Her grandfather, Raijin.” Ryujin said as Athena nodded.
“Sure thing, my love.” Athena said as she swam away while heading to Aqua’s bedroom.
“Megalo. Tell Shirahoshi that my daughter is going to be okay. I don’t know how long it will take, but I am sure she will see her again.” Ryujin said.
Megalo nodded as he flew off the throne room.
As for Skar, he’s now more infuriated about Megalo and Shirahoshi telling King Ryujin about the truth of Otohime’s death.
“Damn it… My plan is ruined… This isn’t fair… I’d better stay out of Atlantis, and stay low until the right moment to strike.” Skar thought angrily, and swam off, and lucky for him, nobody noticed him since he wears a black hood.
Later at the sunset, Ryujin emerges, and swims to the nearby beach of the island, and crawls to the sandy beach and looks at the sky.
Behind him, Aqua, who is unresponsive and still a little depressed, Coral, Raki and Athena came out of the surface too.
“Now then, Aqua. Go ahead and sit with your daddy.” Raki said.
“W…Well, I guess…” Aqua stammered, crestfallen.
“Come on, Aqua. You’ve been in your room for a week, and you didn’t eat or hang out with me, or mother and father. You can’t be there forever.” Coral said.
“I… I am not in the mood to talk.” Aqua stammered as Athena caressed her daughter’s chin.
“It’s okay, my dear. My father wants to talk to you, and it’s very important. Remember when I was telling you when I felt so sad when I lost my grandmother when I was 16 years old? She died of old age when she was 90 years old.” Athena said.
“Yeah…” Aqua sighed sadly.
“It’s going to be okay, Aqua. I’m sure you’re going to be a happy mermaid again.” Athena said.
“Yeah… Maybe…” Aqua said, downhearted.
“Come, Your Highness.” Raki said as Athena nodded, diving underwater, and then putting his wings on Aqua’s shoulders. “Aqua? {gives a soft sigh, and then a reassuring pat} You’re going to be okay. I promise.”
Then Raki dives underwater to catch up to the queen, and Coral hugs Aqua before they exchange glances. After a moment, Coral diving underwater.
♫The Lion King (1994) - Mufasa Dies (Start at 0:00 to 1:09)♫
“Aqua? Come over here and sit!” Ryujin called.
Aqua bends her head down sadly, but nodded and starts swimming dejectedly towards the beach where her father sits.
As she crawls on the beach, Aqua sits up next to Ryujin. Then she looked up sadly at her father.
King Ryujin thinks silently for a few moments, not looking at his daughter. Then, finally, he turns to her.
“Aqua, I’m glad that you come out of your room. I’m so happy that you’re feeling a bit better.” Ryujin said.
“Well, I’m still sad…” Aqua said sadly.
“A few hours ago, Megalo came with a letter from Shirahoshi. It reveals the true killer is Hody Jones who killed Otohime.” Ryujin said.
“Hody?” Aqua asks in shock as she breathes heavily, “I- If he kills Otohime, then why don’t you arrest him?”
“Oh, I would, but the letter says more if we’re holding a grudge against Hody, then we’ll make Otohime very sad. And this is not what we want to do.” Ryujin said.
“Queen Otohime don’t want to let us… to get mad at him?” Aqua asked, very upset. “But why?”
“No matter whoever the culprit is, we shall not get angry or let the hatred consume us for her sake.” Ryujin said.
“Not getting angry… and let our hatred consume us? I haven't thought of that.” Aqua gasped.
“The way Otohime spoke reminds me of the moment before my father died.” Ryujin said.
“Your father? You mean, my grandfather?” Aqua asked.
“Yes. His name is King Raijin, the former king of the seven seas.” Ryujin said.
FLASHBACK BEGINS…
“When the titans were released by the Fish-Men’s soccer ball by accident, they were heading to Atlantis Island.” Ryujin explained.
♫One Piece Film Gold - Tesoro’s Madness♫
The sport-loving Fish-Men accidentally kicks the soccer ball at the giant padlock, and breaks it into a thousand pieces.
Then the pillar of black beam with purple lightning shoots from the seafloor, and the four gigantic creatures came out of the huge pit.
One of them looks like a huge hybrid marine reptile; it has the head of a crocodile, the body of a Mosasaurus, and the dorsal spines - LEVIATHAN.
The second is a large sea serpent, but it has four fin legs with a long neck - JORMUNGAND.
The third is a large, purple, canine-like quadrupedal marine creature with two bull-like horns and flowing manes - BEHEMOTH.
And the fourth is a gigantic dragon-like quadrupedal three-headed dragon - HYDRA.
“Those four titans Leviathan, Jormungand, Behemoth and Hydra, the mythical giants who terrorized Atlantis. They were the rulers of the world when it was first new, and they caused mayhem and destruction wherever they went.” Ryujin continued.
The four Titans emerge from the ocean and come ashore on the Royal Port, and start rampaging the city.
♫One Piece Stampede - Bullet VS Supernovas♫
“My father and his loyal men were the only ones who could battle them. With a help from Draco’s father, Perseus, riding on his loyal partner, the mythical winged lion, and his men are helping them.” Ryujin continued.
Ryujin’s father, Raijin (45 years old), does like his son, but he has black beard and is a blue whale merman. He wore his armor, and wielded his magical trident. He led his army of Royal Soldiers and strongest Fish-Men are fighting the Titans.
Perseus (46 years old), who’s riding on his mythical winged lion, led his soldiers with their winged horses, Pegasus, in the air, while riding on the elephants on the ground.
They’re throwing their spears to pierce their skins, but those weapons are not sharp enough against those giants.
“Me, Draco, his wife Aphrodite, and Athena helped the citizens to evacuate while my father and the army were battling the titans.” Ryujin said.
Ryujin (20 years old), Athena (20 years old) and Draco (19 years old) guide the panicked citizens out of the city from the titans.
“Hurry up, and don’t panic! Keep following the instructions on the soldier’s directions!” Draco said.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, Behemoth breaks through the buildings and attacks Ryujin and Athena. Luckily they manage to dodge its attack, after Ryujin holds Athena around her body.
“Athena! Are you okay?” Ryujin asked, worriedly.
“I’m okay…” Athena whispers, then gasps. “LOOK OUT!”
Behemoth let its loud roar and charged its horn with glowing orange and fired a huge fireball from its mouth at Ryujin.
“Ryujin! Athena! Get out of there!” Draco shouted.
But before it fires at Ryujin and Athena, Raijin suddenly shows up and fires the energy blast from his magical trident and destroys the fireball and damages the Behemoth’s face.
“Father!” Ryujin shouted as he floated towards Raijin.
“Ryu, get back!” Raijin shouted before the Behemoth fired a heat ray from its mouth at the sea king who blocked the attack with his palms.
But the heat ray burned and ruined Raijin’s body; he sacrificed himself to save his son and Athena. Not even the armor or his magical trident could protect him.
♫Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F - The Earth’s Last Moments (1:00)♫
“My father sacrifices himself to save me from a fatal attack by the Behemoth.” Ryujin narrated as Raijin breathed labor before starting to fall.
A mermaid let out a shrill scream as the king fell to the ground on his back. That’s when it dawned on everyone…
“KING RAIJIN!! HE’S DOWN!!!”
Soon, everyone began to run in a panic, even though they kept running from the rampaging titans, while the soldiers hurried to their king’s aid!
“No… Raijin…!” Perseus whispered, horrified, then shouted at his soldiers. “Soldiers! Lure these titans away from the city!”
The soldiers nodded, and lure the titans out of the city while dodging their teeth and claws, especially Behemoth.
“FATHER!!” Ryujin cried as he went to his side.
“King Raijin…!” Athena whispers in horror, as King Perseus landed down on the ground, hopping off his winged lion and ran to Raijin’s side.
“Please, hold on, Raijin!” Perseus said. “Don’t give up!”
“Medic!!” shouted Draco. “Hurry!!”
“Father…” Ryujin whimpered, then looked up and gave his vicious glare at the titans who were now lured out of the city.
“Dammit…!” Ryujin growled, venomously. “Who the hell releases the titans?!”
“We’ve found four Fish-Men who broke the padlock by accident when they’re playing soccer!” Royal Soldier No. 1 informed.
“They’ve caused it because they played a sport?! None of this would happen if they’re playing too close to the Tartarus Prison Pit!” Draco shouted.
“Those bastards…!” Ryujin growled, now in fit of his rage, his fist shaking with fury. “I’LL DESTROY THEM FOR WHAT THEY DID!!!”
♫One Piece Movie 9 OST - Seriously!!!! What a Good Life!!!!♫
A hand suddenly reached up and gently touched Ryujin’s hand. The young Prince looked down at his dying father…who, despite this, smiled warmly at him through his tears.
“F…Father…!” Ryujin whispered.
“…Stay by my side…my son,” Raijin whispered. “Calm yourself.”
“K-King Raijin!” cried Dante. “You shouldn’t be talking right now! Save your strength! You need medical attention!!”
“It’s no use…” Raijin whispered. “I can tell that my life… has come to the end… Because I know that one day, Ryujin… That you’ll be a great king…”
“But… But father… Those Fish-Men break the padlock and release the titans…! What they did is unforgivable…! Why do you smile like that?” Ryujin questioned.
The doctors at the scene attempted to heal Raijin, but he held up his hand, refusing his first aid.
“Listen to me, my son,” Raijin whispered. “Who… whoever the culprits are… please… I implore… do not be angry for my sake. Do not… let hatred consume you…!”
The locals began to burst into tears, as did Draco, Perseus, and Athena.
The young prince Ryujin sobbed quietly while covering his face with his left arm as the tears fell to the ground, and whispered. “Father…”
Then Raijin slowly lifted his magic trident towards his son and whispered loudly. “Here’s my last request, my son… This trident belongs to you… Use it… to banish the titans to the pits of Tartarus.”
“Father…!” Ryujin started as he took his father’s trident. “I’ll promise you… That I shall not get angry or hate anybody who causes this! I’ll protect Atlantis with my very life until the hands of Hades take me to the realm of the dead!”
“Thank you… my son… I’m so proud of you…” Raijin whispered. “Long… live… the king…”
Ryujin pulls his father's hand up to his shoulder. Raijin holds it there for a second, then drops it. His head falls back, and his eyes close, and his hand falls to the ground, limp…and he breathes his last.
The old King of the Ocean, Raijin, died on the streets of Atlantis city… But even in his death, Ryujin hugged him for the last time.
Then after a while Ryujin slowly rises up while holding his trident which glows because it reacts to his feelings and now can be commanded by its new king. Ryujin, the new king of the Seven Seas, opened his eyes and showed his determined expression.
“Time to finish this battle…” Ryujin said.
♫Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods - Struggling Against a God♫
After a while Ryujin flew off with his Bubbly Coral towards the titans who were near the beach and his trident glowed with lightning.
“Titans! Your reign ends now!” Ryujin roared before he aimed at the titans with his trident before the beam shot from the trident’s end, and pushed them to the ocean.
The trident’s powers have become stronger, MUCH stronger, it really pushes them further to the place where they are released. And one more blast from his trident sends them to a huge pit where they belong.
“I banish you to the darkest pits of Tartarus!” Ryujin shouted as he aimed at the pit and fired the lightning bolts that created diamond bars, strong enough to keep titans in the prison.
Leviathan, Jormungand, Behemoth and Hydra, the mythical giants were defeated by King Ryujin who now calms down and looks at the surface, and then the sky.
“Father… I’ve defeated the Four Titans… Now is Atlantis safe…” Ryujin said.
FLASHBACK ENDED…
Back to the present day, Aqua was disbelieved that his grandfather sacrificed his life for both his son and Atlantis.
“So grandfather sacrificed his life for you and Atlantis?” Aqua asked.
“Yes… A noble sacrifice that saved me, and it really changed my life. And even his last words, I have to be brave to protect Atlantis from those titans.” Ryujin said.
“When I fight them, it feels like I'm not scared. The trident is so warm, it gives me enough courage to face the titans alone. I almost feel like… to embrace the bright future to protect the island from any kind of monsters.” Ryujin continued.
“Even my father’s gone… He may be gone, but he is with us in spirit. And so is Queen Otohime.” Ryujin said as he rubs Aqua’s back.
♫The Lion King (1994) - Mufasa Dies (Start at 0:10 to 1:09)♫
“You think… Will Shirahoshi know it too?” Aqua asked.
“Oh, I am sure she’ll know it someday. Right now, she stays in the Hard-Shell Tower for her safety from Vander Decken IX who’s sending her threatening marriage proposals.” Ryujin said.
“Vander… Decken IX?” Aqua asked, worriedly. “Is he… a pirate?”
“Yes, he is… But don’t worry, her big brothers promised their mother to become great warriors, just like their father.” Ryujin continued.
“And they’ll protect Shirahoshi with their very lives. And rest assured, Shirahoshi is going to be okay, but she has to stay locked in her room until they arrest Decken.” Ryujin finished.
After hearing his story about her grandfather, Raijin, and Shirahoshi’s safety in her tower, she was trying to be brave like her father, but she’s already consumed by grief and fear, and heartbroken, and couldn’t hold her tears back.
Then Aqua finally reaches her breaking point and cries while embracing Ryujin. “Daddy! I was just trying to be brave like you, but I turned out to be a coward instead!”
Ryujin looked wistfully at her daughter while holding her.
“I am just worried about Shirahoshi! When her mother died, she’s very sad! I wish I could do something, but I don’t know what to do anymore!” Aqua sobbed.
“I'm only brave when I have to be. Aqua... being brave doesn't mean you don’t have to cry or be scared.” Ryujin said as she rubs Aqua’s back.
Aqua sniffed while stopped sobbed, and looked up at her father while still having tears in her eyes. “But… You’re not scared of anything, are you?”
♫The Lion King (1994) - I Was Just Trying to Be Brave (0:32)♫
“I was today.” Ryujin admitted.
“Y-You were?” Aqua asked, disbelieving while her eyes widened and tears started to dry out.
“Yes.” Ryujin replied as he ducks down to Aqua’s level. “Someday, I thought I might lose you… And your happiness.”
“Eh?” Aqua asked.
“You see… When you were born, Mommy and daddy were so, so happy.” Ryujin explained as he remembered the first days when Aqua was born when she was a newborn baby. “Just your laugh was enough to bring us so much happiness. Even now. Any time you smile, it’s enough to make us, Raki and Coral happy.”
“Dad… I think I understand.” Aqua said as she showed her small smile while looking at her father. “When I’m happy and smile… Everyone in Atlantis and Fish-Man Island is happy.”
“Indeed. If you can face forwards and keep pushing, I believe there’s a bright future waiting for you without showing fear, just like me.” Ryujin said.
“Well… I guess even kings and queens get scared, huh?” Aqua asked while lightening slightly.
“Mm-hmm.” Ryujin nodded.
“But you know what?” Aqua whispering conspiratorially.
“What?” Ryujin whispered back as Aqua looked around to make sure nobody was around them.
“I think those titans were even scareder.” Aqua whispered playfully, and that makes Ryujin chuckles and grins deviously and lefts one hand.
“'Cause nobody messes with your dad.” Ryujin said, then he grabbed Aqua and gave her a noogie playfully, “Come here, you!”
“Oh, no, no!” Aqua cries while struggling against Ryujin, then wriggles free.
Then she pounces on Ryujin, as they both laughed together; after a while they hug each other while Aqua gives her father a kiss on his cheek.
“Daddy… Thank you for making me happy.” Aqua said.
“That’s good to hear. You still miss Otohime, right?” Ryujin asked.
“Yes, I do very much. She’s like a great teacher to me.” Aqua nodded, as they sat up on the sand.
“Aqua… Let me tell you something that my father told me…” Ryujin said as he looked up at the stars. “Look at the stars. The Great Kings and Queens of the Past look down on us from those stars.”
“Really?” Aqua asked in wonder while looking at the stars while Ryujin glanced over one shoulder at her.
“Yes.” King Ryujin said as he and Aqua looked up at the stars again. “So whenever you feel alone, just remember that those kings and queens will always be there to guide you to the brightest future… and so will Raijin and Otohime.”
Aqua was awed while looking up at the sky… And hopefully, maybe her grandfather Raijin and Otohime will guide her… to the brightest future of both Fish-Man Island and Atlantis.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Description:
And here's the third chapter of Aqua Mermaid Princess of Atlantis.
It's about that we finally met Skar, an envious brother of Ryujin and uncle of Aqua, and he is a main villain in this series.
Just like Scar from "The Lion King", as the younger brother of Ryujin and second-born Prince of Atlantis, Skar was next in line to assume the throne as king. However, his line of succession was replaced upon the birth of his nephew, Aqua. This embittered Skar with jealousy and a sense of entitlement.
In this chapter, he helped the future captain of the New Fish-Man Pirates, Hody Jones, to assassinate Queen Otohime since Hody thinks the country is infected by Neptune Family's madness and wants everybody forgive the humans.
And then later, we shall know the past about Ryujin's father in his past, Raijin.
This chapter is connected to One Piece Manga Episode 546 and Chapter 626 about Otohime was shot down by a sniper, which everyone didn't know it was Hody who shots her down until 10 years later.
As for Aqua, she's took it too hard when she heard Otohime was killed and Shirahoshi was devastated and crying, she becomes depressed and heartbroken over a one week.
But thanks to her father, she's comforted by his words and when she's happy, everyone's happy for Aqua.
And this is the last chapter when Aqua is a child, so the next chapter will tell us about her when she's 18 years old.
And there's one song in this chapter:
Be Prepared from The Lion King (1994, with additional lyrics from remake, 2019) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEQmeTalXfM
Again, I'll add music tracks to feels like an old-fashioned and traditional Disney movie, and of course One Piece episodes.
And I hope you like my third chapter of Aqua Mermaid Princess of Atlantis.
CREDITS:
- Oda Eiichiro, Shonen Jump, Funimation, and Toei Animation - for creating the One Piece series.
- Disney - for inspiration from The Lion King and The Little Mermaid
- Yours Truly - for making Aqua: Mermaid Princess of Atlantis
Chapter 3 - Skar
Written By: StarMermaid91
Based on the characters “One Piece” created and owned by:
Eiichiro Oda
♫The Lion King (1994) - Scar's Dinner [Film Alternate] (0:00 to 1:00)♫
Much later back at Atlantis…
Somewhere in the Atlantis Palace, there’s a room where King Ryujin’s envious, younger brother named Skar, a great white shark merman, sat on his chair while lamenting his loss of the throne since Aqua’s birth.
As he does, a lonely sergeant major or píntano swam slowly through the window, while Skar’s looking at it.
“Life's not fair, is it, my little friend?” Skar said as the fish swam off in the distance from him. “While some are born to feast, others spend their lives in the dark, begging for scraps.”
The fish is trying to cower under his chair, but Skar lifts the chair which scares the sergeant major, and it swims off while Skar said and then he exhales lightly. “The way I see it, you and I are exactly the same. You see, I... Well, I shall never be king.”
The fish cowers beneath a box. Skar lunges for it, trapping it in his hands.
“And you... shall never see the light of another day.” He said as the fish struggles to squish out of his palms with head first.
Then Raki opened the door and interrupted Skar. “Didn't your mother ever tell you not to play with your food?”
Skar sighs lightly. “What do you want?”
“I'm here to announce that King Ryujin has returned.” Raki said as he bows, then giving Skar a bitter glare. “So you'd better have a good excuse for refusing to give your signature for Queen Otohime’s petitions to make her folk immigrate to the surface.”
“I’ll excuse no one. Plus, giving my signature to the Fish-Man Island’s queen’s petitions to form a coexistence with those barbarians? Those humans? Such foolishness.” Skar sighed irritated as the fish came out of his palm and swam off the window.
“Oh, look, Raki. You've made me lose my lunch.” Skar said bitterly.
“Hah! You'll lose more than that when the king gets through with you. He's as mad as a killer whale with a flopped fin.”
“Oooh... I quiver with FEAR.” Skar growled as he crouches down and is baring his teeth at Raki who’s now nervous.
And then, two large sharks which are big as a great white shark, a female mako shark and a male bull shark - Maki and Bully slowly swims through the window and circles Raki threateningly and let their low growl.
“Oh, no. No, no! Not your sharks! Anything but them!” Raki said nervously.
“Maki, Bully. Our penguin friend here is hungry. Perhaps you three could have a bite together.” Skar said.
♫The Lion King (2019) - Stampede (Start at 7:05)♫
Maki and Bully nodded, and then lunged at Raki who was already fleeing and swam out of the window.
Skar grins and follows them for fun.
Raki kept swimming outside of Atlantis while Maki and Bully, and screamed. “No!”
He kept swimming through the rock holes, and some tunnels, and then heading out in the open water, but crashed into a rock as Maki and Bully kept stalking him “You can't eat me! It is forbidden to eat a member of the king's advisor! No, please!!” Raki shouts desperately.
As Maki opened her mouth, Aqua swam towards her and stopped in front of the mako shark and shouted. “HEY! Leave Raki alone! Do not eat my father’s advisor or my father turned you into shark fin soup!”
But Maki is not threatened, and snaps at Aqua who closes her eyes and grunts.
“Sharks!...” Ryujin shouted angrily as Maki and Bully turned their heads at the sea king who angrily glaring at two sharks.
Athena, Coral, and the Royal Guards are behind Ryujin.
“Leave them.” Ryujin commands as the sharks slowly swims away and returns to Skar who is sarcastically overjoyed.
♫The Lion King - Legacy Collection - CD1 - Hyenas in the Pride Land (0:20 to 2:05)♫
“Why, if it isn't my big brother returned from Fish-Man Island to mingle with the commoners.” Skar said while he rubs Maki’s head gently, and Ryujin paced in front of him.
While Skar greets, Aqua and Raki swam to Ryujin and stopped beside him.
“Athena and I haven't seen you since we left a few days ago.” Ryujin said as he crossed his arms while looking angrily at him.
“You left without me five days ago? And what I’ve missed?” Skar asked as Aqua rushed out to confront Skar angrily.
“You’ve missed out on something wonderful! The citizens of Fish-Man Island started giving their signatures on Queen Otohime’s ideals! And now, her dream has come true, and you have no idea how happy she is!” Aqua shouted as Ryujin put his hand on her shoulder to calm his daughter down.
“And you should have given your signature to her too, my brother.” Ryujin said.
“Wait, I haven’t?” Skar gasped while acting his faking astonishment and smacks his head. “Oh, I feel simply awful.”
Aqua didn't buy any of that while pouting and turned her head away from Skar. Ryujin feels the same thing from her daughter; Skar tries to act like he’s innocent, but he’s bluffing.
“Must've slipped my mind. Of course, I meant no disrespect towards His Majesty or Athena. As you know, I have tremendous respect for the queen.” Skar said as he’s looking at Athena who’s giving her disapproving look at him.
“Yes, well, as slippery as your mind is, as the king's brother, you should have been first in line!” Raki said as he confronts Skar.
Skar clicks his teeth at Raki, who has swum near his face. Frightened, Raki takes cover behind Aqua's tail. Skar bends down to speak to him. “Well, I was first in line. Or don't you remember? That is, until the little mermaid was born.”
Ryujin grabbed Skar’s shoulder and lifted him gently to make him look at his face, and said. “That “little mermaid” is my daughter… And your future queen.”
“Ohh, I shall practice my curtsy.” Skar said as he bows sarcastically, then turns away and starts to swim away.
“Don't turn your back on me, Skar!” Ryujin warned angrily.
“Oh no, Ryujin. Perhaps you shouldn't turn your back on me. Especially when you stood up for those humans.” Skar said while swimming away.
Infuriated, Ryujin’s trident glows lightning while the sea king swam around and stopped in front of Skar, and pointed his trident in front of his face.
“Is that a challenge?!” Ryujin snarled angrily.
“Temper, temper.” Skar said calmly as he gently shoves his brother’s trident away. “I wouldn't dream of challenging you… again.”
“Tch, how pitiful.” Raki scoffed as Aqua nodded and swam to his father and floated in front of her uncle.
“Well, that’s a good choice, Skar. You’re no match against my father. He’s the strongest merman of Atlantis.” Aqua said as Skar bends down, and she backs off a little.
“Well, as far as brains go, I got the merman's share. But, when it comes to brute strength…” Skar said as he looked up bitterly at Ryujin.
“...I'm afraid I'm at the shallow end of the gene pool.” Skar finished, and then he swam off while Maki and Bully swam beside him.
♫The Little Mermaid (1989) - Triton Reprimands (1:05)♫
A bit later at the throne room, Ryujin sat on his throne chair and rested his head in his hand.
“Oh, my love… There's one in every family. Two in mine, actually. And they never understand the coexistence of our Atlantean species.” Athena said.
“What am I going to do with him?” Ryujin sighed as Coral floats beside Aqua who’s in front of her father.
“You know, Your Majesty, he should've been banished from Atlantis long ago.” Coral said
“Coral, no. Skar’s my uncle, and he doesn’t like me, I know. But I’m very disappointed that he didn’t come with us to give his signature to Queen Otohime.” Aqua said.
“We all do, Aqua. But even if he's jealous of you and his brother, that doesn’t mean that he’s a bad person. Until then, we shall not banish him.” Athena said.
“Mother’s right, my dear. He's my brother. This is his home. As long as I am king, it will never change. And as long as he lives in my kingdom, he'll obey my rules.” Ryujin said as Aqua nodded.
“Understood, father.” Aqua said as she bows, and she floats off to her room while Coral’s catching up with her.
“Hmph. Little brothers… They think they know everything. You give them an inch; they swim all over you.” Raki scoffed.
“Yeah, that might be true.” Ryujin said. “But I really hope somehow that he shall change his heart and maybe respect our human friends.”
“That’s true, even Otohime told you that Skar is your brother, but he will never change.” Athena said.
“Yes, that’s very unfortunate.” Ryujin sighs. “But… There’s nothing more I’m proud of than my daughter.”
“Oh? And what did young Princess Aqua do?” Raki asked.
“She explained to the residents of Fish-Man Island that although our kingdoms were far apart, Ryugu Kingdom would become a part of Atlantis' world in the same way that Atlantis Kingdom is a part of Fish-Man Island.” Ryujin said.
♫One Piece: Music & Song Collection 1 - The Best Oden Shop in the World! (1:10)♫
“Timeout, timeout!” Raki shouted as he made the sports gesture for timeout. “Let me get this straight; you’re saying that Aqua was trying to say that both kingdoms are connected, and they’ve become one?”
“That’s right. That is why we supported Otohime’s ideals to continue the donation to migrate her people to the surface to become together with humans.” Ryujin said as Raki crossed his wings and nodded.
“Oh, very noble indeed. She has great wisdom just like her mother.” Raki said.
“Yes, she sure has.” Athena said.
“And I’m so happy for Aqua because she’s become friends with Neptune's youngest daughter, Princess Shirahoshi.” Ryujin said.
“Shirahoshi? You mean, the “White Star”? Raki asked.
“Well, that’s Shirahoshi. Otohime gave her the name.” Athena said.
“My, that name sounds very divine, some kind of Goddess if you don’t mind.” Raki said.
“Well, that suits the name for Neptune’s daughter.” Ryujin said.
“Right, right. So, is she friends with Aqua?” Raki asked.
“Yes… And Otohime said if they can be more than friends, maybe their true love can guide them not just to control Shirahoshi’s powers to summon the Sea Kings, but maybe can soar through the skies and maybe discover the uncharted places above the surface.” Ryujin replied.
“Oh, yeah, right. How can they fly in the skies if they don’t have bird wings-” Raki retorted sarcastically before gasping in shock. “Did you say… Sea Kings?!”
“Yes, although Shirahoshi is unaware about her powers. But when she gets older, she’ll understand she could summon for the good, not the evil.” Ryujin replied.
Raki drops his jaw on the floor in disbelief but comical, then closes it again and shouted. “Wow, if she summons them, the Sea Kings will bring the ruins to Fish-Man Island!”
“I know, but we leave this to Otohime; she’s aware of that legend.” Ryujin said.
“Right, let’s cut to the chase, shall we?” Raki said before clears his throat. “Well, about Aqua and Shirahoshi together? Don’t you think there’s a rule about the love between two persons of the same genders is illegal? I mean, homosexuality refers to attraction between people who are the same sex.”
“I know, but it’s not forbidden.” Ryujin said as he shook his head gently.
“What?!” Raki gasped.
“You see, the homosexuality was pretty common in Atlantis, and it was welcomed with open arms. And I know you think that I’m Aqua’s father, and I'll do what I think is best.” Ryujin said as she slowly rose off the chair and paced forward but slowly.
“But Athena and I already understand her feelings clearly when Otohime understands Shirahoshi's feelings.” Ryujin said.
“Huh, you’re really an understandable king. I’ll give ya that.” Raki said, amazed.
“Yes, and Otohime said that her brothers and husband know that part too. And we’re all so happy that Shirahoshi likes Aqua, while she likes her back.” Athena said happily, as she turned her head in the direction where Aqua’s room is. “Oh, Aqua… Daddy and I are so happy for you.”
♫The Lion King (1994) - Under the Stars♫
A bit later in Aqua’s room, Aqua lay down on the bed on her back and looked at the roof, and she couldn't stop thinking about Shirahoshi.
She may be big, but she’s sweet, innocent… and cute.
While thinking about Shirahoshi, Aqua’s blushing a little, then she muttered. “I feel so… strange. Why am I blushing?”
“Gee, I don’t know, Aqua. Maybe you’re thinking about Shirahoshi. Is she something special for you?” Coral asked.
“I would ask myself the same thing, Coral. I know she’s very big, but… she’s sweet, innocent and… very, very cute.” Aqua sighed.
“Oh, now I get it. Maybe… You’re falling in love with her, right?” Coral teased as Aqua gasped, and her face became red of embarrassment.
The young mermaid is blushing even more, then sits up quickly and shouted embarrassed while flailing her arms and shaking her head rapidly as “no”. “N-NO!! ABSOLUTELY NOT!”
“Oh, really, really real?” Coral teased.
“FOR REALLY, REALLY REAL!” Aqua cries.
“Oh… I see.” Coral teased as Aqua grabs her cheeks and stretches them comically.
“We’re just friends, that’s all! Of course I am just blushing because Shirahoshi’s really cute, but that doesn’t mean I am in love with her!” Aqua scolded.
“Okay, okay, I get it. I just wanna tease you. I’m sorry. Can you please let go of me?” Coral said as Aqua let go of her and sighed.
“Fine, I accepted your apology, but please don’t tease me again, okay?” Aqua asked.
“Oh, I wouldn't, Aqua. I promise.” Coral said as she giggled sheepishly.
Aqua sighed, then she looked at the window while laying on her belly on the bed. “I just wonder if we can come back to Ryugu Kingdom again… If we can… Do you think I will see Shirahoshi again, Coral?”
“I don’t know. But maybe someday you will. Someday…” Coral said as she lay down on her belly on the bed beside Aqua and nuzzled her cheek.
Meanwhile, at Shirahoshi’s room in Ryugu Kingdom, Shirahoshi sat on her bed and told Otohime that she likes Aqua a lot.
“I see… You do like Aqua a lot, do you?” Otohime asked.
“Yes… She has the most beautiful voice. She sings so very enchanted. Aqua is so nice, and very cute. And she becomes big like me when she uses her magical hairpin.” Shirahoshi replied.
Otohime smiles when she hears about her daughter’s opinion about Aqua. “I see. Maybe someday when you’re getting older, you will understand the real relationship between you and Aqua.”
Shirahoshi nodded, and then she let out a sad sigh and looked at her mother. “Mother… Do you think we’ll see her someday?”
“I am sure we will someday, my sweet child.” Otohime said. “Just like Aqua said, our kingdom is part of Atlantis’ world while Atlantis is part of our world…”
She caresses Shirahoshi’s cheek while talking to her. “We are all connected… to the great Circle of Life after all.”
Shirahoshi smiled and nodded. “Yeah…”
♫One Piece Movie 4 OST - Gasparde♫
Much later at the part of Ryugu Kingdom that was notorious for being one of the tougher parts of Fish-Man Island - Fish-Man District. Inside one of the abandoned warehouses, there are five Fish-Men.
The first is Dosun, a Hammerhead Shark Fishman. The second is Zeo, a Wobbegong Shark Fishman. The third is Daruma, a Cookie Cutter Shark Fishman. The fourth is Ikaros Much, a Giant Squid Fishman. And the fifth is Hody Jones, a Great White Shark Fishman.
“My friends.” Hody said to his comrades. “The Royal Family’s madness has infected the entire country. They want to forgive the humans.”
“KYA-KYA!!” Daruma laughs. “It’s all Queen Otohime’s fault! She was so generous toward the humans, and her donations have been signed by the people. This is unacceptable!”
“Even worse than that, King Ryujin and Queen Athena share their foolishness to the country’s people -hi.” Ikaros Much said.
“The Arlong Pirates are the only ones maintaining the dignity of our race.” Dosun said.
“If this keeps up, we're gonna have to resort to drastic measures, and as soon as possible.” Zeo said.
“Yes… Even the other Fish-Men will understand this madness, we can’t just sit here and talk. This country needs the true ruler of Fish-Man Island and restore the proper balance between us and humans, just like Arlong did!” Hody said.
“Indeed, Hody Jones…” A voice came from the entrance. “This is why I've come up with a clever idea.”
It’s Skar, with Maki and Bully, with lots of Fish-Men and Mermen outlaws.
“Skar. So what do you have in mind this time?” Hody asked, curiously.
“What do you say that we shall talk about somewhere, I don’t know… In the volcanic caves, so no one from Ryugu Kingdom will hear my suggestion?” Skar said.
“Very well. Lead the way.” Hody Jones said.
Later in the geyser-ridden section of the volcanic caves with tall rocky walls, Skar stood on the perch while Hody and his gang watched him.
“My fellow Fish-men of Fish-man District. I’ve gathered you to tell you about my idea. If you hate Queen Otohime and her irritating ideals and wish to make you all the supreme race and aim to sink the humans into the ocean, then there’s the only way to drive the Fish-men’s eternal hatred even further.” Skar suggested.
“What shall we do? Taking down the king?” Zeo asked.
“No… All you have to do… is to assassinate the queen.” Skar revealed.
♫One Piece Film Z OST - Z Appears!♫
Hody grins that Skar’s plan is about to kill the queen.
“You know what, Skar? I’ve been just waiting to hear that. She’s the one who chose the wrong way; to sympathize with humans, forced her shameful people to donate to form the coexistence between three species. I blame all this on her.” Hody said.
“She’s not the only one I blame for.” Skar said. “As the younger brother of Ryujin and second-born Prince of Atlantis, I was next in line to assume the throne as king. However, my line of succession was replaced upon the birth of my nephew, Aqua.”
“I see… And if you want to take your throne, then how about you shall release the titans? I’ve heard that they are the giant creatures who crush humans with their feet. Until that disgraceful brother of yours banished them to the Tartarus Pit.” Hody Jones said.
“Me? Release the titans?” Skar asked, then grinned wickedly. “Now that’s what I want to hear, Hody. If I want to release the titans, I'm going to steal the Titan Key, and let them destroy Atlantis, and crush Ryujin, Athena and Aqua to the death.”
♫The Lion King - Legacy Collection - CD1 - Be Prepared♫
“That’s right. Hehehehe…. Ryujin has always shown too much restraint when it comes to reign. When you’re the king, the mighty will be free to take whatever they want. Because our grudge against humans will never end.” Hody said.
“Yes… That’s why I’ve assembled my own pirate crew… The Atlantean Fish-Men Pirates! With them on my side, I’m the captain of my army. And with them, I can reign supreme over the New Atlantis. And with my titans, I will crush the humans at Odyssey Kingdom, and then conquer the whole world, and then destroy the World Government!” Skar said as his Atlantean Fish-Men Pirates roared.
“Jahahahaha…” Hody Jones chuckles. ”Sounds good… Looks like we’re all… be prepared.”
And then, Skar swims downward to the floor, towards Hody and his gang, and then swims calmly through sheets of flame and gas into the camera over the opening bit of the song.
Skar:
♫I know that your powers of retention
Are as wet as a dugong’s backside♫
He paces slowly around Hody, who looks at him.
Skar:
♫But thick as you are, pay attention!
My words are a matter of pride
It's clear from your vacant expressions
The lights are not all on upstairs♫
On 'Pay attention', after Skar snapped at the gang, they were first surprised, then they watched him pace slowly around them. Maki nuzzles affectionately Hody’s cheek which makes the Great White Shark fish-man chuckles and pats her head.
Skar:
♫But we're talking kings and successions
Even YOU can't be caught unawares!♫
Two mermen outlaws are laughing on a ledge behind him; on “you,” Skar turns and leaps at them, throwing them backward onto a pair of geysers, which then erupt, throwing the two mermen into the air.
In the next verse, Skar is swimming theatrically along a ledge which runs around back to the floor.
Skar:
♫So, prepare for the chance of a lifetime
Be prepared for sensational news
A shining, new era
Is tiptoeing nearer♫
Daruma:
And where do we feature?
Skar:
{Grabbing Darumai's cheek} ♫Just listen to teacher♫
Daruma rubs his cheek, which is now bruised red.
Skar:
♫I know it sounds sordid
But you'll be rewarded
When at last, I am given my dues
And injustice deliciously squared♫
Skar/Atlantean Fish-Man Pirates:
♫Be prepared!♫
“JAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!” Hody laughed. “And now… it’s my turn.”
Then he started to sing the part.
Hody:
♫Ryujin is yesterday's message
A clapped out, distracted regime
Whose failings undoubtedly presage
The need for a different dream
Yes, Atlantean times are a-changing
Which means the titans must, too
Your vision is clear and wide-ranging
And even encompasses you♫ (JAAAAHAHAHAHAAA!)
Next, Skar's crew of Atlantean Fish-Man Pirates is goose-stepping across the floor of the cave, now stylized into a Nazi-esque quadrangle.
Atlantean Fish-Man Pirates:
♫It's great that we'll soon be connected
With a king who'll be all time adored♫
Skar:
♫Of course, quid pro quo, you're expected
To take certain duties on board♫
Ikaros motions a slice across the neck, and laughs rhythmically. “Muhihihihi!”
Skar:
♫The future is littered with prizes
And though I'm the main addressee
The point that I must emphasize is
YOU WON'T GET A SNIFF WITHOUT ME!!!♫
Skar swims off his rock throne to single out one hapless Fish-Man, and then Maki swam towards the poor Fish-Man and killed/ate him alive before disappearing in the horizon.
Throughout the next verse, the entire crew of Atlantean Fish-Man Pirates, Hody & Co., joins in dancing boisterously, leaping along the tops of rock pillars, shaking human skeletons in the light, one playing a rib cage/xylophone.
The parenthetical parts are the Fish-Men and Mermen outlaws’ counterpoint singing.
Hody and Skar:
♫So prepare for the coup of the century
Be prepared for the murkiest scam
(Atlantean Fish-Man Pirates: Oooh... yeah, yeah, yeah!)
Meticulous planning
(Atlantean Fish-Man Pirates: Your destiny!)
Tenacity spanning
(Atlantean Fish-Man Pirates: Our legacy!)
Decades of denial
(Atlantean Fish-Man Pirates: Skar’s the thing!)
Is simply why I'll
(Atlantean Fish-Man Pirates: He’s our king!)
Be KING undisputed
(Aaaaaaah...)
Respected, saluted
(...aaaaaaah...)
And seen for the wonder I am
(...aaaaaaah!)
Yes, my teeth and ambitions are bared
(Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo)♫
Skar/Hody/Atlantean Fish-Man Pirates:
♫Be prepared!♫
Dosun/Zeo/Ikaros Much/Daruma/Atlantean Fish-Man Pirates:
♫Yes, our teeth and ambitions are bared♫
Skar and Hody stand at the top of a large rock formation, while Maki and Bully slowly pace around them. The Hody’s gang and pirates are gathered on the ledges below him.
Skar/Hody/Dosun/Zeo/Ikaros Much/Daruma/Atlantean Fish-Man Pirates:
♫Be prepared!♫
Skar, Hody Jones, and the rest of the Atlantean Fish-Man Pirates are laughing menacingly, while the red light of the geysers dies out.
May 24th, 1524
Few days later… On that fateful day at Conchorde Plaza, a tragedy occurs with a…
BANG!
A gunshot is heard, and Queen Otohime gets shot, and she falls to the ground.
“Mother! MOTHER!!!” Fukaboshi cried while holding his mother in his arms.
♫Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods OST - Beerus's Wrath♫
While the citizens, Otohime’s kids, Neptune Soldiers watched the queen being shot in devastation and confusion, they didn't even notice it was Hody Jones, in his soldier outfit disguise, who shot her down.
Hody grins that Skar’s plan worked.
As he chuckles silently, he doesn't even notice Megalo who hides behind the coral structure and witnesses Hody Jones kill the queen.
Few hours later, back at Atlantis’ throne room…
Everyone, including Aqua, gaped in absolute horror after Skar told the news to King Ryujin and Queen Athena about Otohime’s death.
“What…? Queen Otohime’s life was taken… by a human pirate?!” Ryujin asked, horrified.
“Yes. Thanks to Hody who discovered about the human who killed the queen. As you can see… That’s the human’s true dark nature side.” Skar replied as Queen Athena stood up and looked horrified at him.
“It's not true. Tell me it's not true.” Athena said, brokenhearted.
“It’s true.” Skar said, regretfully.
♫Dragon Ball Super OST Vol 1 CD 2 - Regret♫
Aqua stared at Skar horrified, not being able to comprehend what was happening at the moment… but now she knows. Although, she closes her eyes and shakes her head to not accept the horrible reality.
“Aqua, please calm down…” Coral assured, but Aqua swam to Skar and confronted him.
“That’s a lie! You’re a liar! Humans didn’t do such horrible things to Queen Otohime!” Aqua shouted.
“Aw, Aqua. My dear little naive nephew. When will you ever learn? Some creatures above the surface are dangerous, and those humans are one of the most dangerous. They are all the same; spineless, savage, harpooning, fish-eating barbarians.” Skar said.
“Skar!” Ryujin shouted, harshly. “They are not-”
“Your daughter needs to know the truth about humans, my brother. Someday you and your pitiful family shouldn’t trust humans in the first place.” Skar said.
“Not my human friends in the Odyssey Kingdom! King Draco is different from other humankind! They are Atlanteans just like us!” Ryujin argued.
“Like hell I’d care.” Skar scoffed.
“Why didn’t you stop the killer, Skar? You could have stopped him from killing the queen!” Aqua shouted.
“I… I could have… But he has a shotgun to threaten and tell me “Back off, or you’re a dead fish!”, so… I decided to stay out of this.” Skar stammered while showing his mock regret.
“But… Didn’t you warn Otohime?” Aqua asked, while bordering on crying, voice cracks.
“Oh, I didn’t make it in time… When I arrived at Conchorde Plaza, I already heard a gunshot. Queen Otohime was shot down. In the midst of chaos, the three princes immediately go to their mother's side, as Otohime lays there dying. And then… Poor Shirahoshi let her cry of fear and despair after witnessing her mother die.” Skar said, looking down.
♫Pokémon Anime BGM - Prayer (1997-1998-M05)♫
After hearing about poor Shirahoshi was emotionally devastated and crying, Aqua is crushed, and now the tears swelled up in her tears.
“No… Shirahoshi…! Skar… H-How could you…?! Why didn’t you-?” Aqua whined as she swam off a bit, obviously very scared.
“There’s nothing I can do… I’m sorry, Aqua.” Skar said as he turned around from her.
Before long, Aqua let her uncontrollable sob, turning around and swimming away from the throne room, obviously broken.
“Aqua…! Aqua, please don’t…” Ryujin called, but Aqua already left, then he sighed. “...go.”
“Poor kid…” Raki whispered, sadly.
“Aqua…” Coral whispered, while sniffing.
“Oh, my big brother. Otohime's death was a terrible tragedy… For us, it is a deep personal loss.” Skar started while showing his mock sorrowful expression.
“But there’s no proof the human pirate could have killed the queen. What about the signatures-” Ryujin said.
“They were burned out, dissolves into ashes, unfortunately.” Skar said.
“Yet, we can’t abandon her dream!” Ryujin said as he rises up from his throne chair.
“But it was also shattered down by a-” Skar said.
“NOT ANOTHER WORD!!” Ryujin shouted. “Like it or not, we will realize Otohime’s dream, even if it takes the rest of our lives.”
Skar scoffed in disgust, and left the throne room.
“My people of Atlantis… My queen. I know that some of us adults and children may have had a change of heart because of this tragedy.” Ryujin started as he talked to his people.
“But don’t worry! We'll start anew for the sake of Fish-Man Island’s people! One day…when the wounds on your, no, our hearts have healed…” Ryujin continues.
The Atlantean Fish-Men and Merfolk nodded.
“…let them dream of the sun…once more.” Ryujin finished as the people cheered.
“Support Queen Otohime’s dream!”
“For the Fish-Man Island’s future!”
“And their children!”
Athena smiles briefly at her husband’s decision, but then turns her head in the direction where Aqua’s room is while her smile fades and whispers sadly. “Aqua…”
♫Mufasa: The Lion King - All That Was Lost ♫
In Aqua’s bedroom, Aqua has already collapsed on her bed, and keeps crying.
Ryujin slowly opened the door and slowly approached her crying daughter while Athena, Raki and Coral waited outside.
“Aqua, I…” Ryujin started.
“Please, leave me alone…” Aqua sobbed.
The sea king gasped silently in surprise, then he bent his head in extreme pain, and whispered. “Yes… As you wish…”
Then he slowly floats off while shedding his tears, and after leaving Aqua’s room, Ryujin sighed as he covered his face with his hand, then commanded. “Close the door… It's okay for her to be alone for a while.”
The Ryujin Soldiers nodded, then closed the door, while they could still hear her poor little princess crying, muffled.
Raki pouts and turns to leave. Coral follows behind.
Athena looked at Aqua’s door, while shedding her tears and bending her down in sadness. She could only sigh…even though deep down, it saddened her to hear her daughter cry.
“Oh, poor my little mermaid…” Athena sighed tearfully, before following her guards and husband behind.
Back in her room, Aqua still sobbed, then she whispered. “Shirahoshi…”
May 25th, 1524
Few days later, Shirahoshi was moved into Hard-Shell Tower as her new room, to keep her safe and locked from Vander Decken IX, who wants to force marrying her since he witnesses her powers to summon the Sea King.
But right now, Megalo telling Shirahoshi about the truth about Hody killed Otohime.
“Is it true? Did Sir Hody kill my mother, Megalo?” Shirahoshi asked.
“(Y… Yes…)” Megalo replied while nodding sadly.
“I see… What about Princess Aqua?” Shirahoshi asked.
“(She was crying… after Skar told her about you and Otohime… She was… emotionally depressed for few days…”) Megalo replied.
“Oh no… Aqua…” Shirahoshi sniffed, then covered her face with her hands, then she started to cry on her bed.
Not just because her mom was killed by Hody, but her friend Aqua was very sad and sinks herself into being emotionally depressed.
And now there’s nothing Shirahoshi can do, but staying in Hard-Shell Tower for her own safety, and hoped Aqua will be okay.
♫One Piece Film Z OST - The Pirates' Sorrow♫
May 27th, 1524
Two days later…
Atlantis has recovered from the tragedy of Otohime’s death. But Aqua is still depressed, and lays down in her room, and hasn't come out yet.
She couldn’t sleep, eat or think since she heard her uncle’s dreadful story about what happened to Otohime and Shirahoshi.
At the throne room, King Ryujin sat on his throne chair and was worried about her daughter. To him, the whole kingdom is still gloomy when his daughter is still sad.
Raki and Coral stood on the floor, doing nothing, but waiting until Aqua came out.
And now, Athena has entered the throne room and approaches her husband.
“Any news from Aqua yet?” Ryujin asked.
“Still not coming out… One of the chefs went to bring her dinner, but she did not eat a single food on her plate. I believe… Her depression made her lose her appetite.” Athena replied.
“Oh dear… I’ve heard depression makes her body lose its appetite when she’s that sad. Depression can cause people to feel sad, worthless, or hopeless.” Raki said.
“Your Majesty.” Coral sobbed. “I’m missing my best friend.”
“We all do, Coral.” Raki said as he put his wing on her shoulder.
“This whole kingdom may have recovered from the tragedy, but… Our daughter is still so miserable… If this keeps up… Atlantis will never be the same again. I don’t want to let my kingdom be overcome by her sadness… Someway, somehow, we’ll find a way to cheer her up.” Ryujin said as he rested his head in his hand.
In the corridors behind Ryujin’s chair, Skar eavesdrops and smiles evilly.
“That’s right, Ryujin. Soon as you all fools consume with grief, I’ll finally take the throne chair, and deserve the true title as the king of Atlantis. Perhaps I don’t need to release the titans after all.” Skar thought.
But then the giant door opened, and the Ryujin Soldier approached while swimming.
“Your Highness! Your Highness!” Ryujin Soldier shouted as he stopped swimming and bows in front of him.
“What is it, soldier?” King Ryujin asked.
“We got a visitor! And it’s from-” Ryujin Soldier said before Megalo enters the throne room. “-Fish-Man Island.”
“Shaa! Shaa!” Megalo barked as he saluted.
“It’s Megalo!” Coral said.
“Hey there, big guy. What are you doing here?” Athena asked as she patted Megalo’s head.
“Shaa! Shaa!” Megalo barked as he carried a bag with a letter.
“Hmm, a letter in the bag, huh?” Raki asked as he swam to the bag and opened it, and picked up the letter. “Let’s see, what have we got here?”
Raki muttered silently as he read the letter for a few seconds, and then gasped. “By the Gods…!”
“What’s wrong, Raki?” Ryujin asked as Raki ran towards the sea king and reached his hand to show the letter.
“This letter is from Princess Shirahoshi! She knows the truth!” Raki exclaimed as King Ryujin picked up the letter and started to read.
♫One Piece Film Z OST - Aokiji Tells All (0:00 to 1:32, then 2:02 to 2:28)♫
“Hmm… “Dear King Ryujin of Atlantis. A few days after the incident, Megalo came to me in my room and told me the truth. He used to be the Neptune Army’s mascot. He saw everything that happened that day. He saw Sir Hody Jones kill my mother.” What…?” King Ryujin read, then asked in surprise.
“Hody Jones killed her? No…!” Athena asked, horrified.
“Unforgivable…! When I get my hands on that killer, I’ll make him pay!” Coral growled.
“Don’t bother, Coral!” Ryujin scolded as Coral stopped growling and looked up at him. “Here’s the reason we shall not engage Hody.”
“If you tell everyone, anybody would hold a grudge against Sir Hody.” Ryujin read as everyone gasped.
“We would?” Coral asked, confused.
“And that’s not what Mother wanted.” Ryujin continues.
“You mean, Otohime will be sad if we hold a grudge against him?” Athena asked.
“Yes, my love.” Ryujin replied, before continuing reading Shirahoshi’s letter. “That was the final promise I made with my mother before she died. No matter who killed her, we should not get angry or hate anybody! I begged you as King Neptune’s daughter.”
Everyone stared at Ryujin in shock and gasped.
“Mechokku!” Coral cried, shocked.
“You mean after all the time… Shirahoshi has been faithful to Otohime’s last wish this whole time? She knew this, all along, and yet she held it inside her, all alone in the Shell Tower a few days ago?” Athena asked.
“Yes… I believe she did…” King Ryujin said.
“Oh… Shirahoshi…” Queen Athena whispered, tearfully. “She’s such a brave soul…!”
In the corridors, Skar glares viciously at Ryujin who holds the letter.
“Unbelievable… That shark spied on Hody…!” Skar growled.
“Look, there’s more in the letter. She wrote about Aqua!” Coral said as she looked at more texts.
“Hmm… It says, “Please let Aqua know I’m okay, and maybe someday, I will see her after Sir Decken is arrested.” Oh… Shirahoshi…” Ryujin read, and then sighed tearfully.
“Shirahoshi… She really has a heart of gold, sir.” Raki said.
“She’s the daughter of Otohime, after all.” Coral said.
Otohime reminded King Ryujin back to the moment before his father died, he said the same thing that I shall not get angry or hate someone who’s responsible for releasing the titans by accident. She and Fisher Tiger are the same persons who almost taught them to not hate somebody who causes accidents and hating humans.
At times like this, Aqua needs to know the truth too, and this time King Ryujin will tell her about her grandfather who was Ryujin’s father.
“Are you okay, sir?” Raki asked.
“Athena, bring my daughter to me.” Ryujin said.
“Yes. What is your intention with her?” Athena asked.
“She needs to know the truth. And I will tell her story about my father. Her grandfather, Raijin.” Ryujin said as Athena nodded.
“Sure thing, my love.” Athena said as she swam away while heading to Aqua’s bedroom.
“Megalo. Tell Shirahoshi that my daughter is going to be okay. I don’t know how long it will take, but I am sure she will see her again.” Ryujin said.
Megalo nodded as he flew off the throne room.
As for Skar, he’s now more infuriated about Megalo and Shirahoshi telling King Ryujin about the truth of Otohime’s death.
“Damn it… My plan is ruined… This isn’t fair… I’d better stay out of Atlantis, and stay low until the right moment to strike.” Skar thought angrily, and swam off, and lucky for him, nobody noticed him since he wears a black hood.
Later at the sunset, Ryujin emerges, and swims to the nearby beach of the island, and crawls to the sandy beach and looks at the sky.
Behind him, Aqua, who is unresponsive and still a little depressed, Coral, Raki and Athena came out of the surface too.
“Now then, Aqua. Go ahead and sit with your daddy.” Raki said.
“W…Well, I guess…” Aqua stammered, crestfallen.
“Come on, Aqua. You’ve been in your room for a week, and you didn’t eat or hang out with me, or mother and father. You can’t be there forever.” Coral said.
“I… I am not in the mood to talk.” Aqua stammered as Athena caressed her daughter’s chin.
“It’s okay, my dear. My father wants to talk to you, and it’s very important. Remember when I was telling you when I felt so sad when I lost my grandmother when I was 16 years old? She died of old age when she was 90 years old.” Athena said.
“Yeah…” Aqua sighed sadly.
“It’s going to be okay, Aqua. I’m sure you’re going to be a happy mermaid again.” Athena said.
“Yeah… Maybe…” Aqua said, downhearted.
“Come, Your Highness.” Raki said as Athena nodded, diving underwater, and then putting his wings on Aqua’s shoulders. “Aqua? {gives a soft sigh, and then a reassuring pat} You’re going to be okay. I promise.”
Then Raki dives underwater to catch up to the queen, and Coral hugs Aqua before they exchange glances. After a moment, Coral diving underwater.
♫The Lion King (1994) - Mufasa Dies (Start at 0:00 to 1:09)♫
“Aqua? Come over here and sit!” Ryujin called.
Aqua bends her head down sadly, but nodded and starts swimming dejectedly towards the beach where her father sits.
As she crawls on the beach, Aqua sits up next to Ryujin. Then she looked up sadly at her father.
King Ryujin thinks silently for a few moments, not looking at his daughter. Then, finally, he turns to her.
“Aqua, I’m glad that you come out of your room. I’m so happy that you’re feeling a bit better.” Ryujin said.
“Well, I’m still sad…” Aqua said sadly.
“A few hours ago, Megalo came with a letter from Shirahoshi. It reveals the true killer is Hody Jones who killed Otohime.” Ryujin said.
“Hody?” Aqua asks in shock as she breathes heavily, “I- If he kills Otohime, then why don’t you arrest him?”
“Oh, I would, but the letter says more if we’re holding a grudge against Hody, then we’ll make Otohime very sad. And this is not what we want to do.” Ryujin said.
“Queen Otohime don’t want to let us… to get mad at him?” Aqua asked, very upset. “But why?”
“No matter whoever the culprit is, we shall not get angry or let the hatred consume us for her sake.” Ryujin said.
“Not getting angry… and let our hatred consume us? I haven't thought of that.” Aqua gasped.
“The way Otohime spoke reminds me of the moment before my father died.” Ryujin said.
“Your father? You mean, my grandfather?” Aqua asked.
“Yes. His name is King Raijin, the former king of the seven seas.” Ryujin said.
FLASHBACK BEGINS…
“When the titans were released by the Fish-Men’s soccer ball by accident, they were heading to Atlantis Island.” Ryujin explained.
♫One Piece Film Gold - Tesoro’s Madness♫
The sport-loving Fish-Men accidentally kicks the soccer ball at the giant padlock, and breaks it into a thousand pieces.
Then the pillar of black beam with purple lightning shoots from the seafloor, and the four gigantic creatures came out of the huge pit.
One of them looks like a huge hybrid marine reptile; it has the head of a crocodile, the body of a Mosasaurus, and the dorsal spines - LEVIATHAN.
The second is a large sea serpent, but it has four fin legs with a long neck - JORMUNGAND.
The third is a large, purple, canine-like quadrupedal marine creature with two bull-like horns and flowing manes - BEHEMOTH.
And the fourth is a gigantic dragon-like quadrupedal three-headed dragon - HYDRA.
“Those four titans Leviathan, Jormungand, Behemoth and Hydra, the mythical giants who terrorized Atlantis. They were the rulers of the world when it was first new, and they caused mayhem and destruction wherever they went.” Ryujin continued.
The four Titans emerge from the ocean and come ashore on the Royal Port, and start rampaging the city.
♫One Piece Stampede - Bullet VS Supernovas♫
“My father and his loyal men were the only ones who could battle them. With a help from Draco’s father, Perseus, riding on his loyal partner, the mythical winged lion, and his men are helping them.” Ryujin continued.
Ryujin’s father, Raijin (45 years old), does like his son, but he has black beard and is a blue whale merman. He wore his armor, and wielded his magical trident. He led his army of Royal Soldiers and strongest Fish-Men are fighting the Titans.
Perseus (46 years old), who’s riding on his mythical winged lion, led his soldiers with their winged horses, Pegasus, in the air, while riding on the elephants on the ground.
They’re throwing their spears to pierce their skins, but those weapons are not sharp enough against those giants.
“Me, Draco, his wife Aphrodite, and Athena helped the citizens to evacuate while my father and the army were battling the titans.” Ryujin said.
Ryujin (20 years old), Athena (20 years old) and Draco (19 years old) guide the panicked citizens out of the city from the titans.
“Hurry up, and don’t panic! Keep following the instructions on the soldier’s directions!” Draco said.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, Behemoth breaks through the buildings and attacks Ryujin and Athena. Luckily they manage to dodge its attack, after Ryujin holds Athena around her body.
“Athena! Are you okay?” Ryujin asked, worriedly.
“I’m okay…” Athena whispers, then gasps. “LOOK OUT!”
Behemoth let its loud roar and charged its horn with glowing orange and fired a huge fireball from its mouth at Ryujin.
“Ryujin! Athena! Get out of there!” Draco shouted.
But before it fires at Ryujin and Athena, Raijin suddenly shows up and fires the energy blast from his magical trident and destroys the fireball and damages the Behemoth’s face.
“Father!” Ryujin shouted as he floated towards Raijin.
“Ryu, get back!” Raijin shouted before the Behemoth fired a heat ray from its mouth at the sea king who blocked the attack with his palms.
But the heat ray burned and ruined Raijin’s body; he sacrificed himself to save his son and Athena. Not even the armor or his magical trident could protect him.
♫Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F - The Earth’s Last Moments (1:00)♫
“My father sacrifices himself to save me from a fatal attack by the Behemoth.” Ryujin narrated as Raijin breathed labor before starting to fall.
A mermaid let out a shrill scream as the king fell to the ground on his back. That’s when it dawned on everyone…
“KING RAIJIN!! HE’S DOWN!!!”
Soon, everyone began to run in a panic, even though they kept running from the rampaging titans, while the soldiers hurried to their king’s aid!
“No… Raijin…!” Perseus whispered, horrified, then shouted at his soldiers. “Soldiers! Lure these titans away from the city!”
The soldiers nodded, and lure the titans out of the city while dodging their teeth and claws, especially Behemoth.
“FATHER!!” Ryujin cried as he went to his side.
“King Raijin…!” Athena whispers in horror, as King Perseus landed down on the ground, hopping off his winged lion and ran to Raijin’s side.
“Please, hold on, Raijin!” Perseus said. “Don’t give up!”
“Medic!!” shouted Draco. “Hurry!!”
“Father…” Ryujin whimpered, then looked up and gave his vicious glare at the titans who were now lured out of the city.
“Dammit…!” Ryujin growled, venomously. “Who the hell releases the titans?!”
“We’ve found four Fish-Men who broke the padlock by accident when they’re playing soccer!” Royal Soldier No. 1 informed.
“They’ve caused it because they played a sport?! None of this would happen if they’re playing too close to the Tartarus Prison Pit!” Draco shouted.
“Those bastards…!” Ryujin growled, now in fit of his rage, his fist shaking with fury. “I’LL DESTROY THEM FOR WHAT THEY DID!!!”
♫One Piece Movie 9 OST - Seriously!!!! What a Good Life!!!!♫
A hand suddenly reached up and gently touched Ryujin’s hand. The young Prince looked down at his dying father…who, despite this, smiled warmly at him through his tears.
“F…Father…!” Ryujin whispered.
“…Stay by my side…my son,” Raijin whispered. “Calm yourself.”
“K-King Raijin!” cried Dante. “You shouldn’t be talking right now! Save your strength! You need medical attention!!”
“It’s no use…” Raijin whispered. “I can tell that my life… has come to the end… Because I know that one day, Ryujin… That you’ll be a great king…”
“But… But father… Those Fish-Men break the padlock and release the titans…! What they did is unforgivable…! Why do you smile like that?” Ryujin questioned.
The doctors at the scene attempted to heal Raijin, but he held up his hand, refusing his first aid.
“Listen to me, my son,” Raijin whispered. “Who… whoever the culprits are… please… I implore… do not be angry for my sake. Do not… let hatred consume you…!”
The locals began to burst into tears, as did Draco, Perseus, and Athena.
The young prince Ryujin sobbed quietly while covering his face with his left arm as the tears fell to the ground, and whispered. “Father…”
Then Raijin slowly lifted his magic trident towards his son and whispered loudly. “Here’s my last request, my son… This trident belongs to you… Use it… to banish the titans to the pits of Tartarus.”
“Father…!” Ryujin started as he took his father’s trident. “I’ll promise you… That I shall not get angry or hate anybody who causes this! I’ll protect Atlantis with my very life until the hands of Hades take me to the realm of the dead!”
“Thank you… my son… I’m so proud of you…” Raijin whispered. “Long… live… the king…”
Ryujin pulls his father's hand up to his shoulder. Raijin holds it there for a second, then drops it. His head falls back, and his eyes close, and his hand falls to the ground, limp…and he breathes his last.
The old King of the Ocean, Raijin, died on the streets of Atlantis city… But even in his death, Ryujin hugged him for the last time.
Then after a while Ryujin slowly rises up while holding his trident which glows because it reacts to his feelings and now can be commanded by its new king. Ryujin, the new king of the Seven Seas, opened his eyes and showed his determined expression.
“Time to finish this battle…” Ryujin said.
♫Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods - Struggling Against a God♫
After a while Ryujin flew off with his Bubbly Coral towards the titans who were near the beach and his trident glowed with lightning.
“Titans! Your reign ends now!” Ryujin roared before he aimed at the titans with his trident before the beam shot from the trident’s end, and pushed them to the ocean.
The trident’s powers have become stronger, MUCH stronger, it really pushes them further to the place where they are released. And one more blast from his trident sends them to a huge pit where they belong.
“I banish you to the darkest pits of Tartarus!” Ryujin shouted as he aimed at the pit and fired the lightning bolts that created diamond bars, strong enough to keep titans in the prison.
Leviathan, Jormungand, Behemoth and Hydra, the mythical giants were defeated by King Ryujin who now calms down and looks at the surface, and then the sky.
“Father… I’ve defeated the Four Titans… Now is Atlantis safe…” Ryujin said.
FLASHBACK ENDED…
Back to the present day, Aqua was disbelieved that his grandfather sacrificed his life for both his son and Atlantis.
“So grandfather sacrificed his life for you and Atlantis?” Aqua asked.
“Yes… A noble sacrifice that saved me, and it really changed my life. And even his last words, I have to be brave to protect Atlantis from those titans.” Ryujin said.
“When I fight them, it feels like I'm not scared. The trident is so warm, it gives me enough courage to face the titans alone. I almost feel like… to embrace the bright future to protect the island from any kind of monsters.” Ryujin continued.
“Even my father’s gone… He may be gone, but he is with us in spirit. And so is Queen Otohime.” Ryujin said as he rubs Aqua’s back.
♫The Lion King (1994) - Mufasa Dies (Start at 0:10 to 1:09)♫
“You think… Will Shirahoshi know it too?” Aqua asked.
“Oh, I am sure she’ll know it someday. Right now, she stays in the Hard-Shell Tower for her safety from Vander Decken IX who’s sending her threatening marriage proposals.” Ryujin said.
“Vander… Decken IX?” Aqua asked, worriedly. “Is he… a pirate?”
“Yes, he is… But don’t worry, her big brothers promised their mother to become great warriors, just like their father.” Ryujin continued.
“And they’ll protect Shirahoshi with their very lives. And rest assured, Shirahoshi is going to be okay, but she has to stay locked in her room until they arrest Decken.” Ryujin finished.
After hearing his story about her grandfather, Raijin, and Shirahoshi’s safety in her tower, she was trying to be brave like her father, but she’s already consumed by grief and fear, and heartbroken, and couldn’t hold her tears back.
Then Aqua finally reaches her breaking point and cries while embracing Ryujin. “Daddy! I was just trying to be brave like you, but I turned out to be a coward instead!”
Ryujin looked wistfully at her daughter while holding her.
“I am just worried about Shirahoshi! When her mother died, she’s very sad! I wish I could do something, but I don’t know what to do anymore!” Aqua sobbed.
“I'm only brave when I have to be. Aqua... being brave doesn't mean you don’t have to cry or be scared.” Ryujin said as she rubs Aqua’s back.
Aqua sniffed while stopped sobbed, and looked up at her father while still having tears in her eyes. “But… You’re not scared of anything, are you?”
♫The Lion King (1994) - I Was Just Trying to Be Brave (0:32)♫
“I was today.” Ryujin admitted.
“Y-You were?” Aqua asked, disbelieving while her eyes widened and tears started to dry out.
“Yes.” Ryujin replied as he ducks down to Aqua’s level. “Someday, I thought I might lose you… And your happiness.”
“Eh?” Aqua asked.
“You see… When you were born, Mommy and daddy were so, so happy.” Ryujin explained as he remembered the first days when Aqua was born when she was a newborn baby. “Just your laugh was enough to bring us so much happiness. Even now. Any time you smile, it’s enough to make us, Raki and Coral happy.”
“Dad… I think I understand.” Aqua said as she showed her small smile while looking at her father. “When I’m happy and smile… Everyone in Atlantis and Fish-Man Island is happy.”
“Indeed. If you can face forwards and keep pushing, I believe there’s a bright future waiting for you without showing fear, just like me.” Ryujin said.
“Well… I guess even kings and queens get scared, huh?” Aqua asked while lightening slightly.
“Mm-hmm.” Ryujin nodded.
“But you know what?” Aqua whispering conspiratorially.
“What?” Ryujin whispered back as Aqua looked around to make sure nobody was around them.
“I think those titans were even scareder.” Aqua whispered playfully, and that makes Ryujin chuckles and grins deviously and lefts one hand.
“'Cause nobody messes with your dad.” Ryujin said, then he grabbed Aqua and gave her a noogie playfully, “Come here, you!”
“Oh, no, no!” Aqua cries while struggling against Ryujin, then wriggles free.
Then she pounces on Ryujin, as they both laughed together; after a while they hug each other while Aqua gives her father a kiss on his cheek.
“Daddy… Thank you for making me happy.” Aqua said.
“That’s good to hear. You still miss Otohime, right?” Ryujin asked.
“Yes, I do very much. She’s like a great teacher to me.” Aqua nodded, as they sat up on the sand.
“Aqua… Let me tell you something that my father told me…” Ryujin said as he looked up at the stars. “Look at the stars. The Great Kings and Queens of the Past look down on us from those stars.”
“Really?” Aqua asked in wonder while looking at the stars while Ryujin glanced over one shoulder at her.
“Yes.” King Ryujin said as he and Aqua looked up at the stars again. “So whenever you feel alone, just remember that those kings and queens will always be there to guide you to the brightest future… and so will Raijin and Otohime.”
Aqua was awed while looking up at the sky… And hopefully, maybe her grandfather Raijin and Otohime will guide her… to the brightest future of both Fish-Man Island and Atlantis.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Description:
And here's the third chapter of Aqua Mermaid Princess of Atlantis.
It's about that we finally met Skar, an envious brother of Ryujin and uncle of Aqua, and he is a main villain in this series.
Just like Scar from "The Lion King", as the younger brother of Ryujin and second-born Prince of Atlantis, Skar was next in line to assume the throne as king. However, his line of succession was replaced upon the birth of his nephew, Aqua. This embittered Skar with jealousy and a sense of entitlement.
In this chapter, he helped the future captain of the New Fish-Man Pirates, Hody Jones, to assassinate Queen Otohime since Hody thinks the country is infected by Neptune Family's madness and wants everybody forgive the humans.
And then later, we shall know the past about Ryujin's father in his past, Raijin.
This chapter is connected to One Piece Manga Episode 546 and Chapter 626 about Otohime was shot down by a sniper, which everyone didn't know it was Hody who shots her down until 10 years later.
As for Aqua, she's took it too hard when she heard Otohime was killed and Shirahoshi was devastated and crying, she becomes depressed and heartbroken over a one week.
But thanks to her father, she's comforted by his words and when she's happy, everyone's happy for Aqua.
And this is the last chapter when Aqua is a child, so the next chapter will tell us about her when she's 18 years old.
And there's one song in this chapter:
Be Prepared from The Lion King (1994, with additional lyrics from remake, 2019) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEQmeTalXfM
Again, I'll add music tracks to feels like an old-fashioned and traditional Disney movie, and of course One Piece episodes.
And I hope you like my third chapter of Aqua Mermaid Princess of Atlantis.
CREDITS:
- Oda Eiichiro, Shonen Jump, Funimation, and Toei Animation - for creating the One Piece series.
- Disney - for inspiration from The Lion King and The Little Mermaid
- Yours Truly - for making Aqua: Mermaid Princess of Atlantis
Category Story / All
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 1250 x 1250px
File Size 632.4 kB
Comments