Chapter Two

Ariel kept her arms secured around the old human's waist as they rode along on the clunky four-legged creature. This city was so huge. Bright. Alive. Beautiful. The very fact that she was finally out of the water was exciting enough. But to have washed up in such a wonderful city was beyond her wildest dreams!

This human had no idea how much she wanted to thank him. If only she had her voice. It was a worthwhile sacrifice, though. Especially when it meant she would be forever reunited with Prince Eric. Once he gave her the kiss of true love, she would be free to visit the rest of this vast human world. No more being stuck under her father's thumb. Her life was hers now, and she would embrace every moment of it!

The animal came to a stop in front of a large two story building with giant double doors that were protected on either side by two guards. They bowed to Ariel's rescuer as he helped her slide down onto her feet once more. She still couldn't believe she had actual legs. Real human legs!

"This young woman is a homeless mute," said the man to the guards. "She will be in my care until she finds her own housing."

The guards nodded compliantly. "Understood, Minister Frollo."

Huh. Frollo... What an unusual name. He must be a nice man, though. The fact that he was helping her only proved that humans weren't all bad. Especially if they stopped to help other people in need. She wondered if all the people in this city were as kind and generous as Frollo.

The doors slammed shut behind them, and Ariel gasped.

Frollo looked down at her. "Worry not. There is nothing to fear in my house."

Sweet Poseidon, this was his house!?

As Frollo helped her up the stairs, Ariel tried her best to move her feet in sync with his. He moved slowly and patiently, and with each step, Ariel was slowly getting the hang of this walking thing.

Once upstairs, Frollo led her into the first guest bedroom in the hall. It was complete with a bed, a small round table, and vanity next to the window. Frollo took the wooden table seat and Ariel plopped onto the bed.

"No one seemed to recognize you as we rode here," Frollo pointed out. "Is this your first time in Paris?"

Paris! What a beautiful name!

Ariel nodded.

"Do you have family here?'

She shook her head.

"No? Interesting... I would ask what brings you here, but I'm sure the effort would be feutil due to your lack of speech."

Suddenly, Frollo's eyes widened. How did he not realize this before?

"Of course!" he declared. "A voiceless cripple, cast out by her friends and family without any means of fending for herself. You must have traveleved here in search of Divine healing."

Ariel wasn't sure what Divine healing was, but if it was a human thing, maybe it would bring her closer to Eric! Smiling brightly, she nodded in agreement.

Frollo balled his fist and lifted his chin. "Then it's settled. I shall have the Holy Father baptize you at the cathedral firs thing tomorrow."

*

"Any sign of them?" King Triton asked anxiously.

"No, Your Majesty. We've searched everywhere. We've found no trace of your daughter or Sebastian," replied the hopeless seahorse.

"Well, keep looking. Leave no stone unturned, no corral unexplored. Let no one in this kingdom sleep until she's safe at home!"

"Yes, sire." With that, the little seahorse dissapeared through the window.

King Triton fell into his throne, burried his face in his hands, and cried. "Oh... What have I done? What have I done?"

*

Vanessa sat alone in her chamber on Prince Eric's ship, running her finger along the rim of her wine glass. She'd calmed down some, but anger still seethed within her. "All I wanted was a happy life," she muttered. " while he and the rest of Paris celebrated. Well, I'll have something to celebrate soon enough."

With a wave of her hand over the goblet, Judge Claude Frollo's reflection appeared in the wine. He was exactly as she remembered him. She would never forget that face.

"Now, sinner," Venessa whispered. " prepare to feel the wrath of your own undoing."