Full summary: After her mother's death, Ariel has drifted a million miles away from the person that she used to be. She's withdrawn from everything and everyone around her, not exactly sure how to pick up the pieces and move on after her beloved companion's passing on. Then, in the blink of an eye, things begin to change: her sisters are moving on, her father is moving on, and the entire kingdom seems to have already moved on, leaving a sullen and resentful Ariel the only one left grieving her mother's death. However, when someone new suddenly comes into the picture, completely by accident, can Ariel ever find it in her heart to trust another when she has been left devastated by this very same act once before in the past? Is there really someone out there in the deep blue sea who cares enough to possibly try to rekindle the flame of Ariel's past and remind her of who she once used to be?

LOVE SNEAKS IN

Prologue:

Hate Sprung From Ignorance

In the tender stages of childhood, it hadn't quite made sense to Ariel why mer-people became so worked up when the controversial subject of humans was discussed. She had always been told by her elders that the people who lived beyond the surface were disgusting barbarians that didn't pay second mind to the people of the sea. Legend had it, if they discovered you anywhere near their ships or near the shore, they'd show you no mercy and kill you ruthlessly. Therefore, if any soul were to brave enough to bring up this sensitive topic at the dinner table or at public speeches (or the like), he would most likely earn himself more enemies than friends.

However, none of this seemed to click in Ariel's young mind. Maybe this was because she had heard many wonderful stories of humans from her various tutors throughout the years, who would probably be fired in an instant if they were discovered sharing such things with their students. She had also studied mankind extensively (and surreptitiously) through a variety of books lent to her by those very same tutors. One could say it was her obsession, even if only a secret from the rest of the world around her. She lived to learn everything she could about those humans. To her, it was a dire thirst she couldn't quite quench. This same monomania probably explained why she never really had any friends growing up, either. Well, aside from being a daughter of the mighty King Triton and gentle Queen Andromeda, she was always to preoccupied with her "studies" to have time to play or do anything else, for that matter. She was always too busy drinking in the wonders of the human world and the people who inhabited it.

Ariel's mother, much like her youngest daughter, had had a secret human fetish, too. Her father would most definitely have a heart-attack if he ever found out about the passion her mother had for that world above, of which she shared with her little Ariel. Once, the youngest inquired as to why none of her other sisters didn't know as much about humans as she did. Of course, she knew that her sisters had different tutors than her own, but she had always imagined they were learning the same things she was. The older woman had shaken her head and tenderly explained to the little one: I will begin teach them when they are willing to learn. The redhead had even gone further as to voice her own thoughts and opinions as to everyone's ignorance when it came to the subject matter of humans. Her mother merely smiled that beautiful smile of hers, Indeed, the greatest ignorance, my child, is to reject something you know nothing about.

Possibly the most exciting thing about her mother, however, was her human shrine. In her lifetime, she had only told one, and only one, person about this special place, and it was to stay that way forevermore. Nonetheless, it was beautiful abandoned trove full of fascinating human artifacts she had acquired over the years. Truth be told, Ariel could visit the place a thousand times over again and still spot something new and exciting each time.

But, then, one day, the current shifted, altering everything and everyone in its wake. Ariel, personally, had gone from a bright, radiant girl who loved humans with all her being, to a subdued teenager who made a vow never to go near anything associated with humans again. She wasn't going to think of those horrible people and she most definitely wasn't going to collect any more of their stuff again. Never, ever again.

She had, for nearly fifteen years of her life, grown up with the false idea that all humans were kind and gentle and caring. But she had been young and naïve back then. Now, she saw who they truly were: merciless murderers. That's all they were and all they ever were going to be. Clearly, there were two sides to every sand dollar; a concept that she was too childish to realize or even anticipate at first. After all, all she had ever known and loved had backfired on her in an instant, leaving her heartbroken and more or less resentful. I mean, who wouldn't hold a little bit of a grudge after that?

In an instant, everything had changed. Everything. Her only best friend and beloved mother had been mutilated and choked to death by a fish-eater's hook. It was the very same one she had come to admire and gaze in awe at over the years. Now, if her death had been intentional or unintentional, she did not know, nor did she care, for it was still no excuse for what those humans had done. They had ruined her life! Destroyed it in a second.

In this act, she had lost a mentor and a mother. A teacher and a friend. A true companion, who was never to return and all because of the people she had been so fond of.

Once upon a time, her dreams had sparkled and showed great hope, like the mid-morning sun glimmering off the sea. Now, she was isolated from everyone and everything around her, always hopelessly absorbed in her own thoughts. Silent and dejected, her old bright and chipper self was slowly slipping down into the darkest crevices of the sea.

But perhaps things would change for the better someday. Or maybe not. But, for sure, it would take one heck of a person to change her mind after all she had been through.

This is a new take on our favorite little mermaid, isn't it? I know we're all probably used to the whole stereotypical, peppy Ariel image, but I had an itch to explore a slightly different side to her; an (obviously) darker one, especially before and after her mother's death, so that is going to definitely come off OOC. Rest assured, I have a feeling the depressed/dark mood will not linger for too long, though. Nonetheless, I can't wait to see where this little idea takes me!

-Dreaming Wide Awake

P.S. Reviews are always appreciated! :)