Work Text:
Mattel stifled a sob.
She and Prince Coral were meant to get married. But all of that changed the second the Mon Amor stone was stolen. The Amiy Kingdom was thrown into chaos, villains causing damage and everyone suffering.
She was the only one who got away.
She didn't like that she left her home behind, but she had to find help. But…that was a struggle. It wasn't like anyone was just gonna walk up and say they'll help, right?
And so she pushed on, wandering the seas in hopes of finding someone to help her. Surely…someone would come?
Ultimately, she felt a little bit of despair coming. Would help come? After all, she was just a maid…they may not listen to her woes.
Her thoughts were interrupted when her stomach growled, causing her to shift thoughts. She needed food.
She slowly approached a nearby Cafe. Entering it, she glanced around, seeing the folks casually chatting. It was nice to see a good atmosphere, at least.
Although, she had some grief at seeing a pair of blue and pink fish openly flirting with one another. Not because she didn't like such public displays of affection (she loves romance), but because she got reminded of her and Coral.
…She only hoped he was okay.
Heading to the counter, she gave her order. “I would like a Strawberry Cake and coffee, please.” With the order placed, she sat down at a table and went into thought.
Everyone she asked so far were of no help. Not that she was upset at them, it was just sad to see she never got any further with aid.
As her order came, she began to eat, but still was deep in thought…then heard a conversation from a table next to her.
“Come on, Dad! We can go to Hotcha Springs! If anything bad happens, how much you wanna bet Starfy's gonna beat up whatever's causing trouble?”
“Kit, sweetie, I get you want to go there, but we really should consider our funds…” Pausing a bit, Mattel took a listen.
“But come on, I heard there's Sumo Trainijg there now! Didn't ya wanna get into that, Dad?!” The orange fish whined, the larger, fatter fish sighing.
“I know, but the Hot Spring Snapper–”
“Starfy would handle it! He somehow just appears when we need help, after all!”
Starfy? Someone who appears when one needs help? While it could just be a possible the child was overexaggerating, Mattel was, well, desperate.
“Um, excuse me?” Mattel asked, getting the two's attention. “Who is this…Starfy?”
“Oh, he's a friend of ours, miss. He has a weird habit of showing up when we're in a bind, though. Not that we mind, of course.” The father explained.
“Yeah, like one time we got trapped under boulders, and he broke ‘em up so we could get free!” The child said. “Although being trapped under was honestly cozy.”
Ignoring that last comment, Mattel felt a tingle of hope come. “If it's okay to ask…where could I find this Starfy?”
The child shrugged. “Eh, dunno. He's always somewhere.”
The father however, held a fin to his chin. “I do recall he's the Prince of Pufftop…so likely, he's at his kingdom.”
A heroic prince…just like the ones in the stories she heard of. If this was anything like them, then…
“Where is Pufftop, to be exact?”
“Oh, according to Moe…in the clouds?”
Mattel froze.
—
After finishing off the cake and coffee and bidding the family farewell (the kid convinced her dad to go to a Hot Spring), Mattel had good news and bad news to herself.
Good news, she found out about a potential savior for the Amiy Kingdom!
Bad news…he apparently lives in a kingdom in the clouds.
Worry filled her mind, but she shook off the feeling. “You…just need to find a way, Mattel. Surely someone knows a way to Pufftop?”
Moving along, Mattel swam up to shore and looked up at the fluffy clouds in the sky. Somewhere, up there, was her home's chance to be saved.
“I just hope Prince Starfy is as nice as those two said…”
“Oh, you're looking for Starfy?”
Yelping a bit, Mattel turned around to see a Dolphin. “Er…yes, is there a problem?”
“Nah, not really. He helped me out long ago, when I needed to save my siblings from becoming octopus food.” The dolphin explained.
Another heroic deed this Prince did…hope seemed to shine brighter. “I see…um, is there a way to his kingdom? I will admit I require his aid…”
The dolphin put a fin on her chin. “Well, if I recall, the best way at getting there would be to get to the Undersea Ruins…but between that place and here, there's a Volcano…”
A small “Eep” was emitted from the maid.
“If you really gotta go there, you'll need to follow me. I know a shortcut. It's by some sunken ships.”
“Oh, thank you!” Mattel said, happy to get some aid to her destination.
“Right. My friend Torito probably could help you with getting around the volcano as well…”
—
It took about an hour to get around the sunken ships…but Mattel, with the aid Dolfy, as she was called, got through to near where the volcano was. Bidding the Dolphin farewell, the maid looked on the onwards path…
Just to see numerous magma rocks were falling down the path, threatening to burn or crush anyone unlucky enough to get too close. Sweating, Mattel backed up, before retreating into a nearby cave.
“How am I going to get around those…?” She wondered aloud. It was unlikely anyone would be so close to a Crackling Volcano. Was this where her journey ends?
As she wandered the cave, she made a turn, and found that it was…oddly grassy. Perplexed, but a little happy as this may mean someone was near, Mattel made her way down.
And someone near there was; a platypus in a cowboy hat, tending to what seemed to be two horses. “Oh, um, may I ask a question, sir?”
“Sure, go on ahead. Name's Torito, by the way.” The platypus replied.
“I want to get across the field, but there are too many magma rocks falling. Is there a way for me to get across?” The maid asked, hoping she'd get a positive answer.
“If you're looking for a way through, best way is to ride a Paraka. They're fast and capable of making large leaps.” Torito responded, pointing at the horses nearby.
“Oh, thank you–”
“But, you're gonna need practice first. Riding these things aren't so simple. The only ones who got it first try was the Prince of Pufftop, and his sister…”
So not only was this Prince a fast learner, but had a sister that potentially fought alongside him…shaking her thoughts off, Mattel spoke again. “I'm willing to learn if it gets me through!”
“Alright, just step into the pen. And try not to startle them.” Getting into the pen, the maid slowly approached.
“Steady, please steady…” Mattel muttered as she got close. And once she did…
The Paraka, nervous about her, ran off.
“This….may take awhile.”
Second attempt, Mattel tried approaching again, but it ran again.
Third attempt, she managed to get on, but the Paraka bucked her off.
Fourth attempt? Yeah, that was the worst; as the Paraka outright kicked her in the stomach, sending her into the pen walls.
Torito flinched. “You alright Ma'am?”
The noise Mattel made to respond was the equivalent of a scream, a wheeze, a gasp, and a sob mixed in one.
After several more tries, Mattel laid against the wall, panting heavily. Torito had left to check on something else, so it was just her now. Pulling out a bottle of water to drink, she about to drink up…before looking over to the Paraka.
It seemed thirsty as well, panting. Perhaps from all the movement it did? Regardless, Mattel looked at it, and despite the struggle (and agony) it gave her, she approached.
“Are you thirsty?” Mattel asked, the Paraka eyeing her quietly. Slowly approaching, Mattel went to the water dish, and filled it up with her own.
The Paraka immediately began drinking. Mattel smiled. “I figured you needed it more than me.”
After that act, the Paraka looked at her, and after a little, nuzzled up to her, making her giggle a bit.
“Hey, I'm back. Any progress?” The voice of Torito rung, as he came back into the area.
“It's becoming comfortable with me, I believe. I think I could actually ride it!” Mattel said with hopefulness in her tone.
And yes, it let her ride it!
The issue was her feet, or lack of feet. She had trouble staying on the saddle, and ultimately fell off the horse several times.
“Maybe you're not cut out for this…” Torito muttered, noticing her handicap. Thinking it over, Mattel took a deep breath.
“N…No. I have to gain its aid. I have to get to Pufftop.” Mattel said, not sternly, but resolutely.
“...Alright then. Just be careful, will you?” Torito asked, Mattel nodding as the Paraka followed her back to field with the falling magma rocks.
Getting on the Paraka, and taking a deep breath, Mattel gave it the cue to move. The horse took off, running as fast it could as she clinged on, hoping she wouldn't fall off and become a pancake.
The Paraka made quick work of running around all the falling rocks, outrunning their falling speed to get the maid across. But the biggest issue was what was up ahead: a giant chasm that, if fallen into…would lead to a lava bath.
Whimpering in fear, Mattel clung onto the Paraka as it ramped up the speed it ran at…and jumped.
Mattel screamed as the Paraka went airborne…and luckily for her, the Paraka was able to cross the gap.
Slowing down, the Paraka stopped for Mattel to finally open her eyes, seeing she was okay. “I…I'm alive?” Slowly sliding off the horse, she sighed in relief.
Quickly petting the Paraka who nuzzled her, Mattel bid it farewell. “Return back safely, okay?”
–
After leaving the volcano area, the maid found herself at the Undersea Ruins. Seeing the tall structure that seemingly pierced the skies, Mattel stared in awe.
“What a beautiful sight…” she murmured, before quickly focusing back on her mission. Jumping into the waters, Mattel swam around the ruins…
And nearly got crushed by a few spiked balls, fearfully squeaking each time. Quickly scampering (or whatever the water variation of scampering is) to a higher spot, Mattel took a few breaths before getting to move.
After a bit of climbing and exploring (she was feeling a tad sore) she got to the top, and smiled when she saw Pufftop!
….Then stopped smiling when she saw it was really far, with no pathway there. “Did…did I come all this way just to fail…?”
“What are you talking about, miss?” The sudden voice behind her made Mattel yelp, and nearly fall off the clouds. Turning around, Mattel saw a…jellyfish like creature.
“Er…who are you, sir?” Mattel asked, the creature blinking. “Name's Jewelly. I help people of Pufftop make trips there.”
Eyes lighting up, Mattel approached. “May you take me there? I need to see the Prince…I need his aid!”
“Well…you do need to call for a meeting with them ahead of time…” Jewelly answered, but Mattel shook her head.
“This is urgent, I'm afraid! My kingdom, my home…it's being attacked! The Prince of Pufftop…I heard of what he can do, please…” She pleaded, making Jewelly look at her for a bit before sighing.
“If it's really that important…then alright. Hop on me. Hang on tight, though, it's a long drop.”
The fish climbed onto the jellyfish, and he started to fly towards Pufftop. A smile began to appear on Mattel's face, one of joy. She was about to make it! She was gonna get to Pufftop, get the aid of the Prince, and help save her home!
…At least, her smile lasted until something crashed into her ride, nearly making her fall off if she didn’t cling on. “Wha…What happened?!” She cried, before Jewelly looked to the side.
“Oh, no….not them!” Glancing over, Mattel saw a small mouse riding an angry looking cloud, who charged at them and tried to ram them over.
“WAH!” Mattel yelled, barely clinging on. “W-Why is it attacking us?!”
“I helped Prince Starfy stop it when it was causing havoc by bringing him to it…it's probably bitter with me!” Jewelly admitted. Looking forward, he saw that Pufftop was getting close. “Hang on, Miss! We're nearly there!”
But just as he said that, Flychu, the one attacking, rammed into them harder than ever…and threw out a projectile at Jewelly. The sheer impact made Mattel fly off Jewelly, the jellyfish falling as Flychu chased him…
Leaving Mattel screaming in terror before she unfortunately slammed into a wall HARD. A pained gasp was heard, before Mattel landed on a cloud with a thud.
Letting out a strained cough, Mattel tried to get up, but her body practically felt as if it was on fire. She looked around, trying to see where she was…
…Those were gates. Those were Pufftop's Gates! Trying to move despite the agony she was in, Mattel crawled over as quickly as she could.
But as she kept getting closer, she got slower…and weaker…
“N-No….not now…! I…need Starfy's help….”
Despite her attempt to get in, her body soon collapsed, just a little bit from the gates. She couldn't speak, she could barely keep her eyes open as tears leaked from them.
“I was so close….I…I'm sorry, Prince Coral….I failed the Amiy Kingdom….”
With those thoughts, her vision went blank.
–
“Hey, Pufftop! The Great and Powerful Moe has returned!”
Moe, Starfy’s best friend, had finally made it to the Kingdom. After a good while of no adventures, Moe was enjoying not having to risk his non-existent neck for once.
And now Starfy invited him to play at the Palace. Though knowing him he was asleep….still, best he shows up.
“Huh, Pufftop didn't really change from the last time I saw it.” The clam muttered. “Same old gate, same old walls, same old palace, some girl is unconscious next to the castle gates and looks really hurt…”
Moe paused.
“Wait, WHAT?!” Quickly rushing over, Moe saw the girl had a massive bruise across her body, as if her back took a full slam. She also looked rather delicate too…
…And she was barely breathing. “Oh shoot….I gotta get this gal help!” Rushing into the palace, Moe went into the Throne Room in record time, and bellowed out…
“WAAAAAH!!! This is bad! This is REALLY bad!”
–
Eyes slowly stirring awaken, Mattel groaned as she looked around her surroundings.
It was quaint room, with a few star-shaped creatures running about. Blinking, she tried to stand, but flinched due to her injuries.
“Owowowow….” She mumbled, before noticing one in a doctor's outfit coming close.
“Oh, you're awake! We were worried you weren't gonna make it.” The Doctor said. Mattel was quiet, before easily putting together this man likely saved her.
“T-Thank you, Sir…but…is this Pufftop?” Mattel asked.
“Indeed it is! You're in the palace's clinic.” The doctor explained. “You're lucky the Prince's friend saw you by the gates, or you probably wouldn't have made it.”
“Thank goodness…” Mattel mumbled. “Um….if it isn't too much trouble, could I…meet the Prince? I came all this way to ask him of something…”
“Guess you're in luck then. The King wants you summoned to the Throne Room to ask why you were there.” The medical expert answered. “If you have something to say to the Prince, you could do it then. But try to get some rest to heal up, alright?”
“I understand. Thank you.” Mattel responded. As the doctor left, Mattel laid, more relaxed…and happy.
She didn't fail.
She got to her destination.
–
Upon finally healing up and being able to move without it hurting, mainly due to Pufftop having some decent healing tools, Mattel was up in just a few hours.
And so, it was now time to meet the Prince. It would be a lie to say Mattel wasn't feeling nervous. After all, what if he was dealing with something else at the moment? What if he was unavailable? Many worried thoughts filled her head.
“No, no, keep it together, Mattel…just stay calm.” Mattel mumbled, before she entered the Throne Room. From there she could see each one.
She could see the King and Queen staring at her, not judgemental, but concerned. There were guards surrounding them as well, as to be expected, but what caught her eye were the three other figures.
There was a clam that seemed to have a rough exterior, but she could tell deep down he was a good person. After all, he was in the Throne.
There was a young pink star, staring at her with a curious expression. Really young, but oddly, she could feel a weird sense of determination from her.
And lastly…the star on the left. A young child as well…could that be the Prince? It…surprised her to think it could be a child that have done all those feats…but she knew those people have said nothing but truth.
As weird as it sounded, she knew she could trust the kid to save her home.
“Are you alright, young lady? You don't look like you're from these waters…” The king spoke, as Mattel quickly gave her reply.
“Thank you very much for helping me. My name is Mattel. I came from the Amiy Kingdom.”
After those words, a conversation would begin…and Mattel would find herself on another journey…with a hero.