Morning guys!

Well, I'm up earlier than I thought I'd be. Prom was last night and it was awesome! Went with a friend of mine and we have quite a bit in common. No awkwardness whatsoever! Saw my crush a few times... No details.

But here's Chapter 29 which I finished before Prom. This time we're in Lerdois with Ariel and we meet a new character. But this will show Ariel's skills from the series (that I remember anyway). Enjoy!


Chapter 29

Ariel knew the situation was bad before she even read the letter. The first thing she noticed was urgent nearly burnt onto the envelope. She also knew her father had written it.

Thor and Tsunami were now at the front line, leading the troops against the Octapins. With both princes out in the field, the princess had to send word to them. But she had to know what to send. Opening the letter, she found more than one writing style.

Ariel,

I wish I didn't have to tell you this, but Urchin was captured during a spy mission that we tried. We know he is alive, but Emperor Sharga is holding the Great Lump over our heads to make sure we don't send anyone else. I don't want you to worry anymore than you need to. I need to get back to my troops. I am sorry my daughter.

Father

There is no easy way to say I'm sorry, but I have good news: Spot and everyone are helping us out a lot. Even Simon! They are doing great under Pearl's command. Little Evil is doing a great job as second captain and Flounder is his lieutenant. Princess Korrako is doing just as well. So you can tell Tsunami not to worry.

Everyone misses you and hopes this ends soon so you can be home again. Urchin said the same before he was…captured. But the city is being evacuated for safety, Archimedes among them. I know you'd be happy to hear about that.

I need to go and help the other teens now, but I do hope you're alright over there.

Arista

The red head was clutching the letter tightly, her eyes burning with tears that want to fall. She had just heard from her father and sister that her love had been captured and the Great Lump was the new threat. Ariel was more concerned about Urchin. If anyone sent another being across the enemy line, the Great Lump would be broken and Urchin would most likely be killed. She knew that. It made her gut wrench in fear and her heart ache. She wasn't going to lose her love anytime soon.

Dropping the parchment, Ariel swam out of her room and out of the palace to the battlefield. Thor was near the main outpost when she arrived, looking shocked to see her.

"Ariel?" he said in shock. "You're sup—"

"We need a spy!" she exclaimed quickly.

Thor shook his head uncertainly. "What?"

"A spy," the princess repeated. "To send to the threat in surrender. Daddy just tried to send Urchin with little luck because he was captured." Thor could tell that Ariel was tried hard to stay focused. "It's the only way to get inside and stop them."

The young prince thought for a moment and sighed. "You're right. F we can't stop them like this, we need someone on the inside. I guess we could send—"

"Me."

"No."

"Why not?" Ariel was getting desperate without realizing it.

"Because you're a main target and they won't let you know anything."

"But they'll take me to their leader as a sign of surrender," Ariel explained. "Daddy is one of the only two kings around here. They're after both of them. If I go, Daddy will have to do something and there will be a faster end."

"I know that."

Ariel was confused now. "Then why did you say no?"

Thor gave a soft grin. "Because I'm going with you. You're not going in alone on my watch." Ariel smile. "Plus, both of our fathers are the target. We're doing this together."

"That's more like it," Ariel commented with a wide grin.

"What's more like it?"

Both younger royals turned to find a tired Tsunami floating nearby.

"Uh…" was all Thor could utter.

Tsunami's fatigue changed to a scowl in less than a moment. "No."

"What?!" Ariel and Thor shouted quickly.

"Because I'm in charge," the older prince answered calmly.

Ariel scowled at the nineteen year old. "If you don't, you'll be held responsible for a longer war. This needs to end now if we want our old lives back."

Tsunami sighed in defeat. "If you're both going to do this, your fathers will kill me for letting you."

Ariel smiled again, hugging Tsunami tightly. Thor nodded his thanks and the two younger merteens headed off for their 'surrender' and the hopeful end of this war. Two weeks is too long for everyone already. Ariel wanted to go home and see her sisters, friends, and especially Urchin. Thor was the same, minus a mergirl to love. But that didn't stop him.


It didn't take long to find the head Octapin since she was at the front of the battle herself, fighting off the toughest troops of Lerdois. Ariel watched with a gulp of fear as she neared the terrifying leader of their enemy.

"E-excuse me?" she stuttered hesitantly.

The leader turned around quickly, pure hatred in her eyes aimed at the mermaid. "What?" she hissed. Her green octopus skin was flawless, but her face couldn't have the same justice.

It took all of Ariel's willpower not to gasp in shock. "I am Princess Ariel of Atlantica."

"And I am Prince Thor of Olympia," the prince said as boldly as he could. "We are here to surrender."

The Octapin narrowed her eyes at the two. "Where is the third?" she hissed.

Ariel knew she had to lay on the charm now. "We tried our hardest to convince him of surrender. It is our only option as we are outmatched. You are all so much more powerful than us. Please, take us as your prisoners."

Both Thor and Ariel held out their wrists in surrender as the Octapin grinned, her sickly sharp teeth showing. She called two of her guards toward her and ordered them to take the merteens to the camp. Ariel let out a silent breath she didn't know she was holding. Thor willed himself to stay with Ariel, reminding himself it was a lie.

"Take them to Ursula," the head leader commanded. "She'll be happy to see the mergirl in our grasp."

The princess looked to Thor in terror. Neither of them thought she was really there. Now it was too late to turn back. They really were trapped this time. The Octapin leader turned to face them.

"The princess of Atlantica and prince of Olympia," she stated, venom behind every word. "I am Trilos, your new friend."

She waved a guard off and faced the merteens again. Ariel and Thor thought for sure they would never see their families, friends or homes again. Thor thought he would never see his father again or become king of Olympia. Ariel kept thinking about her friends and family, all the adventures she wanted to have still, and even Urchin. They both believed this was the end for them.

But Trilos took them by surprise: she removed her face which was really a mask. Behind it was actually a very pretty Octapin with purely flawless skin and a perfect green face. Her dark blue hair even fell to her waist. Her eyes were a beautiful shade of amethyst.

"I blame Ursula for making me wear that," Trilos chuckled.

The two merteens were speechless.


Told ya. What's ya think of Ariel this time? How about Trilos? Is she good? unexpected? Let me know!