Of Dances and Dinglehoppers( A TLM AU fic )

[fathomsbelow]

Yep, it's me again, here with another butchery of Eric's character XD. And Ariel as well lol. This idea just sort of came to me when I was watching the movie. And part of it came from one of the character threads( not going to name which character, since it'd be a spoiler XD ) I hope you enjoy it. It's extremely AU, as there's a key and important twist on one of the major characters in a later chapter.
Of Dances and Dinglehoppers

What if Eric had woke up during Ariel’s song the morning after the storm? What would he think? Can Ariel still get her happy ending? Will King Triton find out? And where exactly does Ursula fit into all this? Find out in Of Dances and Dinglehoppers!

Chapter 1–A Siren, a Storm and a Song

The colorful fireworks exploded in the sky above the Royal Galleon, the Sea Angel. Aboard the ship, sailors were dancing and playing instruments to celebrate Prince Eric’s eighteenth birthday. The guest of honor himself was playing a fife and dancing with his sheepdog, Max. And watching all of this from a safe distance was the youngest daughter of Triton.

The redheaded mermaid watched the fireworks in awe, not really knowing what they were, but amazed nonetheless. She was aware of Sebastian, the royal court composer and now her guardian, gasping.

“Jumping jellyfish!” he exclaimed. But Ariel wasn’t listening. She swam toward the ship excitedly. “Ariel!” the crab called.

Ariel started climbing the broadside of the ship and hid there so she could see what was going on. She saw the sailors dressed in striped uniforms performing some kind of a jig. She heard music coming from a strange stretchable instrument. She examined all the humans on the deck interestedly. She spotted a short, furry, human sniffing the deck and approaching her. Ariel drew back, frightened. After a minute or so she turned back toward the deck to be met by the furry human’s relentless tongue. A high whistle interrupted the human, who ran towards the sound. A masculine voice called the other human, and Ariel looked through the hole in the deck. And that’s when time froze. As the smaller human scampered around the taller human, Ariel looked at his face. The taller human looked a few years older than her, and he had thick and wavy raven hair. His eyes were a greenish-blue. Ariel was sure that she had never set eyes on anyone or anything more beautiful than him.

“Hey there, sweetie! Quite a show, eh?” Scuttle, a seagull and friend of Ariel’s, shouted.

Ariel motioned for him to keep his voice down low. “They’ll hear you!” she warned before looking at the handsome human once more.

“Oh I gotcha, I gotcha, we’re being intrepidacious–we’re out to discover!” The mermaid cut Scuttle off by grabbing his beak.

“I’ve never seen a human this close before.” stated Ariel as she gazed at the man playing the snarfblatt. “Oh..he’s very handsome, isn’t he?”

Scuttle looked at the smaller human in confusion. “I dunno..he looks kinda hairy and slobbery to me.”

Ariel giggled. “Not that one. The one playing the snarfblatt.” She sighed dreamily.

**************************************

“Silence, silence.” Grimsby’s voice ordered over the music. “It is now my great honor, and privilege, to present our esteemed Prince Eric with a very special, very expensive, very large birthday present.”

Eric smiled at his caretaker. “Aw, Grimsby, you old beanpole, you shouldn’t have!”

“I know.” Grimsby replied sincerely. “Happy birthday, Eric!” he said as the sailors unveiled his gift.

Eric raised an eyebrow. A giant statue of him? He was grateful, but it just wasn’t his thing. He didn’t really think much of himself, but the pose suggested otherwise. But he decided
to be polite about it.

“Uh, gee Grim.” he chuckled. “It’s uh, it’s really somethin’.” he commented, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Yes, I commissioned it myself. Of course I hadhoped that it would be a wedding present.” Grimsby said suggestively.

I knew it! Eric thought before laughing. “Come on, Grim, don’t start.” he replied as he took the spyglass Grimsby was holding. “You’re not still sore because I didn’t fall for the princess of Glowerhaven are you?” He asked, tossing the spyglass back to Grimsby.

“Oh my!” Grimsby cried as he caught the spyglass. “Oh, Eric, it isn’t me alone–the entire kingdom wants to see you happily settled down with the right girl.”

Eric sat on the railing of the ship. “She’s out there somewhere.” He said, looking out at the sea. “I just..I just haven’t found her yet.”

“Perhaps you haven’t been looking hard enough.”

“Believe me, Grim, when I find her I’ll know.” Eric told the older man, sitting up.
“Without a doubt, it’ll just bam hit me–like lightning!”

As if the heavens were listening, they thundered loudly. Lightning tore across the sky.

“Hurricane a’comin! Stand fast! Secure the rigging!”yelled the lookout from the crow’s nest.

Eric jumped back onto the deck and followed the lookout’s orders, pulling on the ropes of the mast with the other sailors. He looked up to see the helmsman get blown away from the wheel. The Italian prince sprinted to the helm and took the wheel, yanking at it with all his might. However, he lost control when lightning struck the mast.

“Look out!” He shouted over the howling wind, pointing at the rocks looming in front of them. He lost control of the wheel and was thrown overboard with Grimsby and everyone else as they struck the rocks. Luckily, someone had been thinking and had released the lifeboats. Eric hauled himself up into one and helped Grimsby get in. He counted heads quickly. Everyone was here except–“Max!” Eric dove into the raging waters and climbed back onto the burning ship, and dove out of the way when the fiery mast broke and fell onto the deck, setting it alight.

“Jump Max!” Eric called as he held out his hands. “Come on, boy! You can do it, Max!” Thank God I taught him this trick. He caught the sheepdog and ran for the railing, but tripped under Max’s weight. The dog was thrown overboard. Eric tried to follow, but his boot broke through one of the wooden planks on the deck. That is to say, he was attached to the ship. Eric tugged at his boot, but after a couple of seconds, he removed his foot from it and ran to the railing barefooted.

“Eric!” Grimsby glanced up at the ship frantically, holding Max. Eric looked at Grimsby and then turned around to see the flames engulf the barrels of gunpowder on the ship’s deck. The galleon exploded, knocking Eric unconscious and tossing him into the sea.

*************************************
Ariel watched as Eric’s ship was set on fire in horror. She had been blown off the ship bythe wind and was now a safe distance away. It was ironic, how not that long ago she would have given anything to see a real fire. The Fates had granted her wish in a terrible, sadistic way. When she saw Eric’s body fall into the sea, she was shaken out of her stupor. She dove beneath the waves and surfaced frantically, searching for him. She wouldn’t let him die. She couldn’t. The thought of him dying was..unbearable. There! She finally spotted the prince floating on a piece of driftwood and swam over to him. He slipped beneath the waves, and Ariel hurried after him. She grabbed him by the armpits and pulled him above the surface so he could breathe. “It’s alright, I’ve go you.” she whispered as she pulled him to shore.

************************************
“Is he..dead?” Ariel asked Scuttle worriedly. He knew everything about humans. He
mut know if Eric had survived the storm or not. Eric was lying on the beach unconscious, with Ariel hovering over him.

“It’s hard to say...” Scuttle picked up the human’s foot and pressed it to his ear. “Oh..I-I can’t make out a heartbeat.” He announced solemnly.

“No, look! He’s breathing.” Ariel removed a stray hair from his face. “Oh, Scuttle, just look at him. He’s so beautiful.

“What would I give to live where you are?
What would I pay to stay here beside you?
What would I do to see you smiling at me?

Where would we walk, where would we run
If we could stay all day in the sun?
Just you and me
And I could be
Part of your world”

Ariel sang softly to him, caressing his cheek whenever he stirred, and brushing his hand against her cheek lightly. She marveled at his handsome form as she sang, not once taking her blue eyes away from him.

************************************
The first thing Eric noticed was that he had a headache. But not for long. Something brushed his face lightly, and he instinctively touched it. A hand. His other hand was touching the other person’s face. He would have pulled away, but two things stopped him. Number One: Her skin was so soft. Like the glimmer of the sunlight on the sea. Number Two: Her voice. To say it was beautiful would be an understatement. He opened his eyes to see his savior, looking radiant, her face highlighted by the sun’s rays. She was beautiful. Apparently, she had noticed that he was awake and turned to go, but Eric stopped her, taking her hand again. “Wait! Please..” He pleaded.

***********************************
Ariel gasped when the prince awoke. But just as she was leaving, he reached out and grabbed her hand. She said nothing, and instead looked into his eyes, her own eyes betraying her fear. But his voice was so comforting, and his eyes..

To reassure her that he indeed would not harm her, he brushed her hand against his face
as she had done a moment ago. “Please..don’t go.” When he saw that she wasn’t leaving, Eric continued. “Was it you who saved me?” The girl nodded. The Italian smiled, showing his lovely dimples. “Thank you. Don’t be scared, I’m not gonna hurt you.”

Ariel smiled back, and after a moment’s hesitation, decided to speak. “You’re welcome. But I really do have to go.”

“Oh..but before you do..please, tell me your name.”
Ariel paused and then answered, “Ariel.”

“Ariel? That’s kind of pretty.” Eric felt like an idiot. It was a beautiful name! “I’m Eric.”

“It was nice meeting you, Eric.” Ariel replied before preparing to dive into the water. But then she realized that Eric would see her tail.

“Eric!”

“Grimsby?” Eric turned and when he did, Ariel jumped back into the sea. Eric turned back to her. “When will I see you again?” He asked.

“Tonight. Here again?”

“That’s fine.”

Ariel smiled at Eric again, and started swimming away, wishing that she could stay with him.

Eric watched Ariel go, but was ambushed by Max and his merciless tongue. “Haha! I’ve missed you, too.” He chuckled. “Come on, Max!”

“Eric!” Grimsby hurried over to the young man and pulled him to his feet. “You really delight in these sadistic strains on my blood pressure, don’t you?”

“A girl..rescued me. Her name was Ariel. She was..singing. She had the most beautiful voice!” Eric stumbled, and Grimsby caught him.

“Ah..Eric. I think you’ve swallowed a bit too much seawater. Off we go! Come along,
Max.”
Eric, in his groggy state, didn’t consider the fact that the girl had been swimming in the opposite direction of the shore, which meant that there was nowhere for her to go except for the sea. Nor did he hear her voice, clear and strong, proclaiming her love for him as she sang:

“I don't know when I don't know how
But I know something's starting right now
Watch and you'll see
Someday I'll be
Part of your world!”

This turned out to be a stroke of luck for Ariel, who, after expressing this, swam back
down to Atlantica. She felt rather giddy and excited. She’d actually met a real human–a prince, no less! And he was so beautiful. He was even more handsome close up, what with his strong jaw, and dreamy blue-

“Ariel!”

The mermaid looked over her shoulder to see Sebastian and her best friend, Flounder, behind her.

“Are you crazy, child? He’s a human! You know your fadder-“ Sebastian was cut off
quickly by Ariel.

“Daddy won’t have to know. Besides, Sebastian, I love him.”

*************************************

“For the last time, Grim, she was real. I spoke with her and as I said, her name is Ariel.
She said she’d come back tonight.”

“Eric, I would have seen the young lady. The only way she could have left is by way of
the beach.” Grimsby replied, exasperatedly. The two were lounging in the palace’s sitting room, debating the existence of Eric’s “dream girl.”

“No..she dove back into the sea.” Eric replied, suddenly confused. “But where could she
be going?”

“That’s exactly my point. It must have been a dream.” Grimsby responded serenely.

“No, she was real!” Eric protested so fiercely that it made Max, who was lying at Eric’s
feet, jump.

“For heaven’s sake, Eric, you’re going to give that poor dog and myself heart attacks.”

“Sorry.” Eric answered sheepishly. “She’ll be here, Grimsby, I know she will.”

[vidia]

zomg love ittt so far! eric & ariel are adorkable XD just your typical teenager couple =3 XD

[Coral]

Another intriguing "what if". I too have always wondered how if could have played out if he'd woken up all the way.

[fathomsbelow]

Thanks

This next chapter is a short one, but I can promise the next one is longer.

Chapter 2–A Secret Meeting
The youngest daughter of Triton broke the surface and stared at the setting sun. It was beautiful, but not as beautiful as him.Not only that, but he’d been so kind and polite. She saw him waiting on the beach and swam closer.

“Hello, Eric.”

*****************************
Eric’s breath caught in his throat as she spoke his name. Of course, it did that whenever she spoke, or sang for that matter. He was very happy and grateful that he knew her name. Her voice was so haunting and beautiful–he’d go mad if he didn’t know whose it was. “You came! It’s nice to see you again, Ariel.” he replied, smiling. When she returned his smile he could feel
his heart melting. “Um, would you like to come in for supper? I’m sure Grim wouldn’t mind if I
brought a friend, especially if she saved my life.” He raised a cautious eyebrow when Ariel’s smile faded. “What’s wrong?”

Ariel dove beneath the water’s surface. Eric gasped and immediately waded in. “Ariel!” he shouted. A few seconds later, he saw the most unbelievably, impossibly, beautiful sight in his entire life–Ariel, the mermaid, gracefully leaping out of the water and twisting in midair. His eyes widened, and he had to stoop to pick up his jaw, which had dropped.

“Eric?”

Her melodic voice snapped him out of his trance. “Wow..you’re really a mermaid? That’s amazing!” he answered exuberantly.

Ariel’s face lit up. “So..you’re not angry?”

Eric shook his head and swam closer to her, grasping her hands. “Why would I be?”

“It’s just that..you’re a human, and I’m a- ’’

“Don’t say another word.” Oh boy. Here it comes, The prince thought. He was being too forward, but he needed to speak his mind. “I like you, a lot. And you having feet or fins will never change that.” To his relief, she smiled one of those radiant smiles again.

“Eric..” But before she could say anything, he captured her lips in a kiss. It was gentle at first, but Eric deepened it. Ariel laced her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. When they broke for air, she cupped his face. “Oh..Eric..”

He kissed her again. Even though she was a mermaid, and he a human, the kiss felt right and normal. Both teenagers found themselves wondering if they were dead. After they both pulled away, he held her close to him. Not a word need be spoken.

Author's Note: Sorry about the sappyness XD. Part of the reason why I wrote this fic was to bleach my brain of the crazy RPG I was in .

[Coral]

You're forgiven! You need some serious brain bleach to get rid of that RPG.

[fathomsbelow]

Thanks. Okay, so this one is probably just as short, but there's a bit of fluff. The next chapter is a nice and long one introducing everyone's favorite Sea Witch

Chapter 3–Dinner and Dinglehoppers[/u]
“So..what do merpeople eat?” Eric asked. After much coaxing, Grimsby allowed the
young man to eat outside, presumably by himself. He exited the castle carrying a basket of bread, pasta, and salads. He assumed correctly that Ariel wouldn’t eat seafood, thinking that it would be like eating her kin.

“Seaweed mainly. But sometimes we have plankton pate. What did you say this was? It’s
very good.”

Eric grinned. “That green, leafy thing is lettuce. Those are tomatoes, and that’s cheese.
All together it makes up a salad.” He didn’t mind answering her questions one bit. In fact, he loved her curiosity. He first realized that she didn’t know much about his world when she began combing her hair with a fork. When he finally decided to ask her about it, she said that it was a dinglehopper.

“A dinglehopper?” Eric asked quizzically.

“Don’t you humans use them to do your hair?” Ariel inquired, her eyes showing her
confusion.

Eric laughed lightly, politely explaining the true name and use of a common fork.

Ariel blushed. A fork? She and Scuttle needed to have a little talk.

The couple rested on the beach in each other’s arms, staring at the stars. Stars?!

“I’m sorry! I have to go–my father is going to kill me!” Ariel sat up quickly. If he
knew she’d been up to the surface, and out this late..

“What? Do you really have to leave?” Eric asked, his blue eyes betraying his
disappointment.

“Yes, I do..” Ariel answered, stroking his face longingly.

“Okay. But before you do..close your eyes.”

“Why?”

“Trust me. Just close them.” He smiled before taking out a gold heart-shaped locket he
had custom-made for her. He gently placed it around her neck. “Okay, now you can open them.”

Ariel gasped and fingered the gift. “Eric..I don’t know what to say..thank you.” she said,
smiling. She traced the words etched on the front and opened the locket to see a miniature painting of him. It was beautiful. Just like him. She kissed Eric, long and lingering, before diving back in the water and resurfacing. “Good night, Eric.”

“Good night.” the prince replied to the maiden, watching as she dove beneath the waves,
and wishing that he could follow. “I love you.” he whispered before returning to the castle.

[Coral]

What a sweet gift! But what is Triton going to do when he sees it?

[fathomsbelow]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Chapter 4–She’s in Love
Ariel swam to her room swiftly, hoping her father was asleep. However, in her hurry, she
bumped into someone. “Daddy, I’m sorry, I just–oh! Aunt Ursula!”

The half-octopus, half-woman had lived at the palace ever since Ariel’s mother’s death twelve years ago. She was King Triton’s sister, and the daughter of Poseidon. When Poseidon was lying–okay, floating on his deathbed, the kingdom of Atlantica was divided into two. Two palaces had been built, and Triton ruled the kingdom with his powerful trident, given to him by his father, with the fair Queen Athena at his side. However, when she died, Ursula moved into Triton’s palace. The King had finally decided that his daughters needed a maternal figure ( and definitely not that madwoman Marina Del Ray ). In truth, he’d asked her to come because of Ariel. The two were close, but they had their squabbles, some big, some small. But the girl was nigh untamable. Not surprisingly, Ariel had bonded with Ursula, who had always been the more wild sibling. Now Triton found himself wondering if he had made a mistake.

“Ah, Ariel. Been out for a midnight swim I see?” the older woman asked in her silky--
smooth voice.

“Y-yes. Out for a swim! Never can get enough exercise.” she replied, smiling nervously.

“Mmm-hmm. And you just happened to come across this?” Ursula questioned, indicating Ariel’s locket.

The princess’s blue eyes widened, but soon she regained her composure. “Yes! Yes, I did. I just found it and it was pretty, so I kept it.”

“Riiight. Now can you explain why it says, ‘I love you, my Ariel.’ on the front?”

Ariel’s face flushed red. “Well, I, you see..that is..”

Ursula shook her head, grinning. “In love, hmm?”

“Guilty.” the mermaid replied with a smile. She had come to trust Ursula, almost as much as her own mother. She had been instrumental in helping Ariel cope with Athena’s death.

“Who is he? Where did you meet him? Now you just tell your dear Auntie Ursula everything.”

Ariel paused, choosing her words carefully. “His name is Eric. He’s from a faraway ocean, just visiting. We met..just past the coral reef.”

Ursula raised an eyebrow. She’d known Ariel since she was a minnow, and she could tell when she was lying. “Is that so?”

“Honest.”

Ursula decided not to pry. “Alright then. You’d better get some sleep.”

“Of course. Good night.” With that, the young mermaid swam to her room, and the daughter of Poseidon retired pensively.

Ariel breathed a sigh of relief as she collapsed on her sea-bed. This was by far the happiest day of her life. Eric had kissed her! She had felt like she was in heaven. The redhead
soon drifted off to sleep, dreaming of her sweet prince.

************************************
Eric closed his eyes as he played Ariel’s song on his fife. Her voice still rung in his head. He couldn’t stop thinking of her. He knew that they had just met that day, but when he woke up
that morning with her beside him, he knew that she was the one–the woman he was destined to marry.

“Eric?”

The prince turned to Grimsby as he entered his room.

“I...wanted to remind you of your duty to marry by age nineteen and take up the throne.”

Eric rolled his eyes before looking out at the sea from his balcony. “I know. And I will.” Hopefully to her.. He knew that they were from different worlds, but he’d find a way to make this work. He vowed it.

“I wish you’d tell me what you’re thinking about.”

“I don’t know, Grimsby. I’m not sure you’d believe me.”

“Ah, the dream girl.” The old man smiled faintly.

“Her name is Ariel.” Eric stated firmly.

“Right. How was that meeting you had earlier?”
“Wonderful.” Eric replied truthfully. He was in paradise. He knew that it had all happened so fast, but him kissing Ariel just felt right. “We talked and ate dinner together.”

Grimsby frowned. Either the boy was crazy or truly in love. To his surprise, he found himself suspecting the latter. “Perhaps you’d like to introduce me to her.”

“You mean..you believe me?”

“...Yes. Yes I do. I can see it in your eyes–you do care for the girl.”

“Thank you, Grim. She’s–” He paused. Grimsby wouldn’t believe Eric if he told him that Ariel was a mermaid. Besides, he didn’t want to betray her trust. “Her father is...overprotective...and he’s very careful about letting her see people.”

“Oh? I see. Very well, Eric. Good night.”

“Good night.” Eric watched him leave and after looking at the sea once more, went back inside and undressed. He slipped beneath the sheets of his bed and closed his eyes, again thinking of Ariel. “Sleep well, my little mermaid.”

Author's Note: Okay, so I know Ursula isn't really like this, but this is another AU twist. I got this idea from talking with a few of you in the Ursula discussion thread, and was really interested in the idea of Ursula as a cool aunt. She may or may not stay this way, but I wanted to explore the idea, since Ursula seems like the kind of person who doesn't turn into an evil psychopath unless she's provoked.

[faya27]

I love your story so much, I've been re-reading it over and over again!! ^^

[fathomsbelow]

Thanks! I did finish writing the story in my absence--I have to type up one more chapter and I'll have the whole thing on my computer so all I'll have to do is copy it here.


Chapter 5–The Same[/u]
The next few weeks went on in the same manner: Ariel taking frequent but secret trips up to the surface to visit Eric, who in turn would wait on the beach for her whenever he had spare time. Weeks turned into months, and they discussed their likes and interests, and tried to learn everything about each other–Eric found that Ariel was infatuated with the human world, and tended to act recklessly. Ariel had discovered Eric’s love of the sea, and love of music, which they both shared. As opposed to her, Eric was prone to think deeply before he acted. She also learned of his low self-worth.

*******************************************
“My mother passed when I was nine, and my father when I was eleven.” Eric explained to Ariel. The two were sitting on a rock, Ariel in Eric’s lap, discussing their families.

“Oh..Eric, I’m so sorry.”

Eric gave her a small smile. “No..it’s okay. I have Grimsby and Carlotta–they’re like
parents to me. It’s just..” he trailed off, staring off into the distance.

Ariel shifted in his arms to look up at him. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing..it’s just..my parents left me with a huge power, but I don’t know how to use it.” At Ariel’s confused look, he went on. “My father always told me: ‘With great power comes great responsibility’. I mean, someday soon, I have to be crowned King of Italy. I should be excited and everything...but I don’t feel ready. The people are expecting someone like my father. I just wish he was here to help me.”

Ariel listened to what Eric was saying carefully, and touched his arm gently. “You have
to be you, Eric, and find your own path.” She paused before adding, “I’m sure your parents would be proud of you.”

Eric grinned again before replying, “Thanks, Ariel. What about your family?”

“My mother died when I was four. I remember not understanding at the time. I would always ask, ‘Where’s Mommy?’. Daddy would always answer that she was far away. Then when I asked my sisters, they told me she wasn’t coming back.” At this point, a tear fell and rolled down her cheek. Eric saw and wiped it away.

“I’m sorry...I shouldn’t have brought it up.” he said.

“No, no it’s fine. I’ve come to accept it–it got easier when Aunt Ursula moved in with
us. She’s almost been like a mother, but Daddy doesn’t trust her for whatever reason. I think it’s just sibling rivalry. I have six sisters: Aquata’s the oldest, then there’s Attina, Adella, Arista, Alana, and Andrina. I’m the youngest.”

“Your names..they all start with ‘a’.” Eric realized.

Ariel grinned. “Yes, that’s because our mother’s name is Athena.”

“Ah..the goddess of wisdom?”

Ariel stared at Eric in confusion. “Huh? Oh! Oh, yes..I’ve read about her in one of the books that fell from the surface.”

“Oh..in your grotto?” Eric questioned, remembering what she had told him. “I’d love to see it sometime.”

Ariel frowned and turned away.

“What’s wrong?” Eric asked.

“Nothing...it’s just...I love you, Eric, with all my heart, and nothing will change that. I’m tired of hiding this from Daddy, like some sort of immoral thing! But he hates humans...ever since my mother’s death. He’d never allow me to be with one. Eric...are you sure that you...” She stopped and looked up at Eric.

Eric cupped her face in his hand so that her eyes met his. “Am I sure that I what? Still want you? Of course!” To reassure her, he pressed his lips to hers. “Ariel, you saved me. If I hadn’t met you, I wouldn’t be here.”

“But Eric, you’re a human..I’m a mermaid.”

“Give me your hand.”

Ariel held out her hand, and Eric asked, “Now what do you see?”

“My hand.”

“Okay, now what do you see?” He held out his own hand.

“Your hand.”

“Alright. Now put your hand there.” he instructed, indicating Ariel’s heart. “What do you feel?”
“My heart.”

“Okay, may I?” After her consent, Eric took her hand and placed it on his chest. “What do you feel?”

“Your heart.” she answered.

“See? We’re the same.” he stated with a smile before embracing her.


There were so many movie references in there it isn't even funny. Hope you enjoyed it. I'll be posting the rest of the chapters shortly.

[faya27]

I love this story a lot! The Ariel/Eric moments were the best parts of the story! Please update!

[fathomsbelow]

Thanks! Here's the next chapter.
Chapter 6–A Gift
Despite Eric’s constant reassurances, Ariel loathed her tail. It was that tail that kept her from being with Eric. She knew he loved her, but she’d give anything to be part of his world. She had just gotten back from another visit, and was swimming through the palace gates toward her room when she was intercepted by her father.

“Oh! Daddy?”

King Triton was angry. He’d been fine earlier. He had just been informed by Flounder and Ariel’s sisters that she was in love. He’d summoned Sebastian to the throne room with the
intent of finding out who the lucky merman was. The crab cracked, telling him that he was a human. Triton was more hurt than furious to tell the truth. How could she have disobeyed him again? And then she kept this from him? He thought they were closer than that. “I consider myself a reasonable merman. I set certain rules, and I expect those rules to be obeyed!

Ariel shrank back slightly. Uh-oh, she thought.

“Is it true that you rescued a human from drowning?”

“Daddy, I had to–”

“Contact between the human world and the mer-world is strictly forbidden! Ariel you know that! Everyone knows that!”Don’t you remember what happened to your mother?! His poor, sweet, Athena had been murdered by human pirates. In many ways she lived on through his youngest daughter. If he lost her too he didn’t know how he could go on.

“He could have died!” exclaimed Ariel. She had to make him understand. She couldn’thave just let him die. He meant everything to her.

“One less human to worry about!:

“You don’t even know him!” Ariel protested. Eric was so sweet and sincere..how could her father be so cruel?

“Know him? I don’t have to know him! They’re all the same! Spineless, savage, harpooning fish-eaters–incapable of any feeling–”

“Daddy I love him!” Ariel cringed. Had she really just said that to her father? Judging by his reaction, I’d say yes. But it was true. Truer than anything she had ever said.

“No..have you lost your senses completely? He’s a human, you’re a mermaid!” Why couldn’t she understand? They were barbarians! Did she really want him to watch her get snaredby some fish-eater’s hook?

“I don’t care.” Except she did on her part. She wanted to be human. She wanted to stay with Eric.

“So help me Ariel, I am going to get through to you. And if this is the only way...sobe it!” With that said, the King pointed his trident at Ariel’s necklace, and blasted it clean off, shattering the necklace, as well as her heart, into two. He swam away, somewhat guilty after seeing the look on his daughter’s face.

“No!” Ariel cried, sinking to the floor and holding the pieces of the locket.

“Ariel..”

She didn’t even turn at Sebastian’s voice. “I hate him..” she said, speaking of her father.

“I’m sorry, I–”

“And you–how could you have told him? I trusted you! Some friend you were..” she snapped at Triton’s adviser.

“Ariel, please, let me–”

“He can break my most precious possessions, but he can’t break me. I’m going to see Eric.”

“Ariel listen to me! What about your father?”

“What about him, Sebastian?”

“Well you just might break his heart!”

"So what? I don't care." she answered gruffly, leaving. She was in such a hurry that she bumped into Ursula. “I’m sorry, I was–”

“It’s no trouble at all...I heard about what your father did.”

“He...he doesn’t understand.”

“Oh, but I do! You love him, don’t you?” Ursula asked, referring to Eric.

“More than anything. But...I’ll never be part of his world.”

“Giving up already? Why?”

“He’s a human. I’m a mermaid...”

“Well...I’ll let you in on a little secret, woman to woman. Your grandfather gave me this when he died.” Ursula held up a giant pink shell.

“Your magic shell...the source of all your power.”

“Yes...now...I can turn you into a human, if that’s what you want.”

“You–you’d do that?”

“Of course! You’re like a daughter to me. I only want you to be happy.” Ursula blinked as Ariel suddenly hugged her. She patted her shoulder awkwardly before holding up the shell. “Ready?”

Ariel nodded. At this, Ursula began chanting a spell, and a beam of light shone from the shell, engulfing Ariel. She rose higher in the water, spinning from the magic spell being cast. Finally, her tail was replaced with two legs.

“Swim!” Ursula called. “Swim for your life, human child!” She watched for a few seconds, and then retreated from the scene with a satisfied smirk on her face.

Ariel rose up higher and the light disappeared. She finally broke through the surface, taking her first breath as a human.

[Coral]

Nice to see you back working on this one!

[faya27]

Yaay! I'm so glad you updated! I want to see what happens next!

[WickedElphie]

Oooh. Not sure how I missed this, but really liking the AU bits so far. It's a very interesting what-if.

[tlmfan]

i love this story please keep writing

[fathomsbelow]

Chapter 7–Beyond Her Wildest Dreams
Ariel fought the waters before reaching the shore. She collapsed on the sand in fatigue. A few minutes later, she sat up, and marveled at her new legs. She was human! She stood up, eager to show Eric, but fell over and into the water immediately. She had work to do.

**************************************
Yes, yes, I’m doing it! I’m walking!

Splash!

Ariel sighed before standing up on wobbly legs again. She didn’t know it’d be this difficult.

“Woof!”

Ariel jumped to see the furry creature who had licked her when she first saw Eric. She ran toward a nearby rock and climbed up on top of it. However, she soon fell victim to the creature’s relentless tongue once more. She laughed as he licked her and attempted to get him off.

“Max!”

Ariel froze at Eric’s voice. What would he think? She began fixing her hair anxiously.

“Max! Quiet, Max! What’s gotten into you, fella?” he asked as he scratched the dog behind the ears. He then looked up and saw Ariel. “Ariel?” His eyes widened.

“Eric!”

The Italian hurried right up to the rock. “You..have legs! But..how? Did your father actually..”

“No. It was Aunt Ursula.” Ariel explained.

“Oh..I see.” His eyes lit up. “Well this is great! I can introduce you to Grimsby and show you everything. Come on.”

“That sounds fantastic, Eric.” Ariel stood up and tried to get off the rock, but instead ended up falling into the prince’s arms. “Sorry..I guess I haven’t gotten used to walking.”

“It’s no trouble. Here, let me show you..”

Soon Ariel was standing tall and walking like she’d done it her whole life. Eric led her back to the palace, where she was given a hot bath and a change of clothes. Eric waited with Grimsby in the dining hall.

“Well, Eric..it appears..I was mistaken. This dream girl of yours does in fact exist. And she is lovely.” Grimsby stated as he fiddled with his pipe.

“I’m going to ask her to marry me.” Eric replied.

“Wonderful! When do you want the wedding to be held?” Grimsby asked eagerly.

“Not now.” The young man responded. “I’d like to show her the kingdom and everything first.”

“Oh. Very well, Eric.”

“Come on, honey. Don’t be shy.”

Eric turned around when he heard Carlotta’s voice. His jaw dropped when he saw who she was ushering into the dining room. It was Ariel, who was wearing a lovely pink ballgown.

“Oh, Eric, isn’t she a vision?”

Eric stared at Ariel in awe. He’d always found her beautiful, but when washed up and dressed in clean clothes...she really was a vision.

“Uh..you look wonderful.” Of all the adjectives to use..he had to choose that one. She was beautiful, angelic, marvelous, radiant, divine, exquisite..

To his relief, she simply smiled in gratitude and blushed slightly. Like any good princess would do.

Eric rushed to pull out her chair, his eyes on her the whole time. When they finally were seated, Eric leaned his cheek on his hand and gazed at Ariel adoringly.

“It’s uh, not that often that we have such a lovely dinner guest, eh, Eric?” The older man glanced at the prince, who was simply smitten. The Englishman shook his head in amusement and turned to Carlotta. “Carlotta my dear, what’s for dinner?”

“Ooh, you’re gonna love it! Chef’s been fixing his speciality–stuffed crab!”

Eric snapped back to attention at this. “Uh..just a salad for me again.”

“Eric, you weren’t kidding about swearing off seafood, were you?” Carlotta asked. “Alright, then. Anything special for you, dearie?” she questioned, addressing Ariel.

“I think I’ll have a salad too, if it isn’t too much trouble.”

“Of course.” The head maid hurried off into the kitchen.

Grimsby began to light his pipe. Ariel’s blue eyes widened. “Is that a snarfblatt?” she asked excitedly.

Grimsby stared at the girl in confusion. “Pardon?”

“Uh..Ariel, it’s called a pipe.” Eric interrupted with a polite smile.

“Oh.” Ariel felt rather embarrassed.

“So..exactly where did you say you were from?” Grimsby inquired.

Eric exchanged glances with Ariel, who nodded. “Ariel is a mermaid.”

Grimsby blinked as he put his pipe to his mouth. Then the old man smiled slightly. “Ah, very amusing.”

“Grim, I’m dead serious. She’ll tell you herself. Right, Ariel?”

“He’s right, sir. I’m the daughter of King Triton of Atlantica.” Ariel confirmed.

Grimsby looked at the two teenagers incredulously. Were they joking? It doesn’t appear that way, the Englishman mused. “Alright. Very well, Your Highness. Please excuse my skepticism.”

The rest of dinner went off without a hitch. Grimsby found the girl quite charming, and she was indeed lovely. After dinner, Eric offered to show Ariel to her room. He took this opportunity to give her the grand tour of the castle.

“You should see the princesses Grimsby drags to dinner..so prim and so boring, but you–oh, not you!” he exclaimed exuberantly. “Compared to them you were practically swinging through the chandeliers!” Eric demonstrated by jumping. The two had wandered into the ballroom, a room used only for special occasions. It wasn’t the prince’s favorite room. All the dances that had taken place involving him had been meaningless. They were dances with princesses that he’d felt nothing for.

Ariel giggled. “Well, human dinners are rather exciting. This whole place is amazing..so many different thingamajiggers and whatcha-ma-call-its, and so many places to explore! What is this room used for?” she asked curiously.

“It’s a ballroom. We usually only use it for balls and dances. As a matter of fact..I think there’s a ball being held right now.” Eric said with a playful smile.

“But there isn’t any music.”

“Well, we can’t have that, can we? I guess I’ll have to make my own.”

Ariel grinned, but her grin faded slightly. “I don’t exactly know how to dance..on legs, that is.”

“It’s easy! Dancing is just the way your feet smile, or laugh. It lets you say so many things. Dancing is a language that is felt instead of heard..” Eric demonstrated by stepping twice and spinning.

“You can whisper, sing, or shout without so much as a word.. Try it, go on, like so..” he sang as he showed her the move again. Ariel attempted the step, but didn’t quite get it. Eric simply smiled gently and instructed, “Just let your emotions tell your body what to do.” He nodded when she performed the step perfectly.

“See how much a single gesture can reveal! And every little step..” He paused as he held out his arm and guided her dainty hand so that it was clasping his strong one. “Every single step, is one step closer to saying what you feel.

“Once the music hits you inhibitions fall away. And you find that you’re expressing things your voice daren’t say.” He took her hands as he taught her how to spin. “Don’t be afraid–let go!

“Soon as you surrender, what’s inside will sweep on through as the boundaries between us disappear! And every little step, every singly step, is one step closer to talking loud and clear.”

The prince grinned before leading Ariel in a waltz. “A dance is like a conversation, except you never need to make a sound. And once you’ve begun, you speak as one, give and take, back and forth, round and round..”

Now he began a more complicated series of moves, and Ariel kept up perfectly. Eric grinned devilishly before bumping into her on purpose, but backed away when he saw the angry look in her eyes. “Oh..sorry..” he said, not completely sincere.

The pair glided across the floor in synch, each lost in the other’s eyes. Eric lifted Ariel up high and spun her around. He put her down and watched her spin away gracefully as he sang,

“A dance is like a conversation
Except your lips don’t ever need to part
And once you’ve begun
You speak as one
Cheek to cheek
Toe to toe
Heart to heart..”

He chuckled slightly when he saw that she had taken his hand again, and put the other around his waist.

“Dancing is a language that is felt instead of heard
But it says much more than language ever could
And every little step
Every single step
Is one step closer
One step closer
One step closer..”

He twirled her closer to him, so that now her back was to him, and their lips inches apart.

“To being understood.”

He smiled and spun her back around and started to bow, only to see that she was bowing herself. The Italian straightened and began clapping. “Brava, you’re a natural.”

To his surprise and alarm, Ariel was crying. “What’s the matter?”

“Nothing..it’s just..this is exactly how I pictured it. Just you and me..dancing together. Never in my wildest dreams had I expected to be here. But now I am. I’ve never been happier in my entire life.”

Eric pressed his lips to the back of her hand and drew her into an embrace. Mermaid and man parted upon reaching Ariel’s room, both the happiest they had been in their entire lives. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for Ariel’s family.

Chapter 8–A Rivalry Revisited[/u]
King Triton was worried. Ariel hadn’t been seen at dinner, which he supposed was a result of his actions. But what bothered him was that her sisters didn’t recall seeing her retreat to her room. Sure enough, the room was empty. And Ariel wasn’t at the palace. He questioned Flounder about he whereabouts, but the guppy knew no more than he did.

Had she run away? If she had, this was all his fault. He had been too hard on her. But he was afraid, afraid of losing her as he’d lost Athena. And besides, he didn’t know this human boy. And by the looks of the statue, he seemed like a rather pompous fellow. Then again, Ariel hadn’t fallen for Thor, one of the handsomest mer-princes in the sea, and arrogant to boot. The King shook these thoughts from his head. Right now, he needed to find his daughter.

The next person he’d interrogate would be his sister Ursula. He was the oldest, and had inherited the better part of Poseidon’s kingdom. He’d also received their father’s legendary trident. He’d always sensed some resentment on Ursula’s part, but she hid it well.

The Sea King knocked on the door of Ursula’s room. A few seconds later, she opened it. “Ah..brother darling. How are you?” she asked in a syrupy-sweet voice, her eyes darting to his trident for a split second.

“Have you seen Ariel?”

“I might have.”

Triton clenched his fists. She had always enjoyed doing this–toying with his patience. “Where is she?”

“You really hurt her, you know.” she stated nonchalantly, ignoring his demand. “You say you love her and yet here you are, pushing her away. Oh, how sad...Athena wouldn’t stand for this at all.”

“Don’t test me, Ursula! Where is Ariel?” he demanded furiously.

“Fine. Right about now...I’d say she’s with her Prince.”

“WHAT?”

“Temper, temper, brother darling.” Ursula scolded lightly, waving a violet finger in warning. “I turned her into a human. She loves him, Triton. You haven’t seen the look on her face whenever she speaks of him. The longing, the passion, the determination..you’ve been blinded by your own hatred! Just like those ten years you missed of your daughters’ lives– ’’

“Enough! You’ve betrayed not only me, but Atlantica as well. Sending my youngest daughter up there with those monsters!”

“They’re the monsters? You’d rather see that boy die than Ariel rescue him, and yes, even love him, and he’s the monster?” Ursula retorted.

“Get out. Out of my palace, out of my kingdom! I hereby banish you from Atlantica forever! Take your shell and go!” Triton ordered.

Ursula stared at her brother in shock and her eyes narrowed. “Very well, Triton. But know this. You are no brother of mine. And I have no family.” And with that, she took her leave.

Chapter 9–Warnings and Weddings
The next morning, Eric and Ariel bid Grimsby and Carlotta good-bye as they set off in Eric’s carriage to town. It was a quaint, small, but beautiful island kingdom, and palm trees lined the road. Eric was about to point something out to Ariel, but to his surprise, she was hanging upside-down from the carriage and staring at the hooves of the stallion pulling it along. Eric merely smiled as he watched her, but stayed alert so he could stop her from falling if the need arose.

They had made their way into the center of the village, and Eric helped Ariel down from the carriage. “That’s the baker’s. Would you like to try–’’ Eric began, but before he could finish, Ariel pulled him over to a puppet stand. The Prince grinned as she pulled a puppet from the puppeteer’s hand.

The two strode through the kingdom hand-in-hand, until they both spotted an area decorated with flowers and colorful banners.

“What are they celebrating?” Ariel asked.

“That’s our summer festival. We have it every year to celebrate the harvest. There’s music and dancing.”

As if on cue, the orchestra struck up a tune, and couples began to convene in the square. Ariel led him closer, and he smiled. “I see there’s decent music this time.” he commented as they began a slow waltz.

“Eric, you were amazing!” she insisted sincerely as she leaned against his chest. His voice was beautiful to her.

Eric pulled her closer, stroking her hair. He closed his eyes and chuckled before replying,“Thanks. But really, it isn’t much a of a strong point of mine.” He didn’t sing. Well, he did occasionally join in the shanties sung by the sailors aboard his ship, but nothing elaborate.

The song ended, and the tour continued. The pair spent most of the day exploring the whole kingdom and meeting its people, who were curious about the identity of the Prince’s pretty new beau.

Evening was rapidly approaching, but there was one more thing the Italian wanted to show Ariel. They had arrived at a lake with a small dock big enough for one or two rowboats. One was secured there.

Eric had never taken a girl here. This was his sanctuary, his solitude. Not only that, but it was important to him–for this was where his father proposed to his mother. And he intended on doing the same thing with Ariel. All the preparations had been made. The engagement ring had been Eric’s mother’s. All that was left was the act of proposing. He was nervous. No, he was terrified! But he loved Ariel, and was confident that she was the one.

Eric rowed out into the lake, his eyes on her the entire time. How would he bring it up? Just like that? What if she said no? No, she’ll say yes..but what if she refuses? His mind argued with itself until he couldn’t take it anymore. He let go of the oars, taking Ariel’s warm, soft hands in his. “Ariel..there’s something I need to ask you.”

Ariel’s heart fluttered. “Yes?”

“I well...I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. That’s why, I have to ask...Ariel, will you marry me?” He knelt down in the boat, pulling out his mother’s ring.

“Yes!” Ariel exclaimed, tears in her eyes, as she knelt down and kissed him enthusiastically. “Oh, yes!”

Eric kissed her hands and embraced her, never happier in his whole life. Their blissful moment was interrupted by a voice only familiar to Ariel.
“Ari-elle!”

“Sebastian?” Ariel drew back from Eric’s embrace.

“Sebastian? Didn’t you say he was your guardian?”

“Yes. But I don’t understand why he’s here.”

“Ari-elle!” The crab was sitting on the side of the boat.

“What are you doing here?” Ariel asked. Her face darkened. “Did Daddy send you?”

“No, child. Dat’s why I came! De King’s banished Ursula!”

“Banished! What for?”

“For helping you. For turning you into a human. Now she’s declared war on Atlantica!”

“War? Not Aunt Ursula!” Ariel couldn’t believe it. How could she do such a thing?”

“Yes! She wants da trident! After da King banished her, she renounced him. Now she’s gonna attack da kingdom!”

“No..” Ariel whispered. She could hardly notice Eric wrapping his arms around her.

“When does she intend on attacking?” Eric spoke up.

Sebastian eyed the boy cautiously. He’d heard the proposal, and had seen how happy Ariel had been. Maybe not all humans were bad. But he stayed on his guard, regardless. He had just seen him. “Three days. In three days.”

Eric’s brows knit together as he began to think. “Maybe I can be of help.”

“Eric, no! I can’t get you involved! I’ve got to stop this, before someone gets hurt or worse.” Ariel protested, looking up at him.

Eric brushed his hand against her cheek. “That’s exactly why I have to get involved. If I am to be your husband, I must be capable of protecting you. So if you’re going back, I’m going with you.” he explained.

Ariel looked into his eyes. He was set on coming with her. She nodded. “All right. Sebastian, can you get Daddy?”

“He’s already here.” a new and unmistakable voice stated.

************
It's been waaaaay too long since I've updated this. Sorry guys! It's all finished but I have to get the last three chapters and the epilogue on my computed, so stay tuned! Thanks for reading

[tlmfan]

i love is story and i cant wait to read the next chapter.

[Coral]

I love the inclusion of One Step Closer!

[WickedElphie]

Oooh Drama. I like how we have Ursula breaking away from Triton on Ariel's behalf. It emphasises the ways they are alike.

And Ariel and Eric are just adorable together, and I agree that including One Step Closer was lovely. Props!