A/N: Hey, there everybody! It's me, MBAV fan66! And I'm ready to bring you the next part of this fairytale that's from down under! :D Down under the sea, that is. *giggle* ;D

This chapter is going to be a bit short, I'm afraid. No reason in particular. It's just how it wound up as, while writing it out. But that's ok! Short chapters are still chapters, nonetheless! :D I mean, it sure is better than NO chapters, am I right? *giggles* ;P

So, um...yeah! There's not really much to say here about what to expect in the chapter without giving too much away. So, I'll just keep it short and hope that you all enjoy reading it, then! :D

Shout outs to these lovely people!:

2002- I don't know if you've been reading this story or not, but I just wanted to say thank you for the favorite and follow as an author! Also, thank you for adding my story, The Timid Wolf And The Spellmaster to your favorite and follow lists! I greatly appreciate it! :D

Stretch Snodgrass- Yeah, whenever I write Erica in an alternate universe type story, I like to make her more...tamed and friendlier than she is in the actual movie and show. Or in other words...I like to make her be the "old Erica" in a sense. Lol! But I do sometimes try to keep the bit of confidence and stubbornness that "vampire Erica" has, though, in them. It's like a bit of both Ericas combined into one. Just...without the vampire thing, that is. Lol! But in this one, I guess she tends to show more of the "old Erica" than she does the "vampire Erica", though. I suppose Benny is a noble in some way, huh? I didn't really think about that when I decided to put Benny in the story as (of course) his best friend! Lol! I guess, you can tell I made him a bit of a ladies' man in this story, huh?! Lol! But I suppose being rich and being best friends with the prince probably helps out a lot for him when it comes to impressing the ladies, eh?! Lol! That storm did Ethan a big favor in getting rid of that statue for him by sinking the ship and causing it to sink to the bottom of the ocean to never be seen, again. You know Prince Ethan is feeling bad about the loss of the statue! That's for sure! Lol! Yeah, I'm trying to keep a bit of Ursula in her since that's the role Stephanie is playing in this story. So, a lot of what she says or does is from The Little Mermaid movie but some of it also all me, as well. Not that I'm an evil villain or anything! Lol! But I mean, that some of what Stephanie does or says in this is also of my own creation and wasn't in the movie. Anyway, I hope you the latest chapter to this fairytale story of mine! :)

TiredOfBeingNice- Thanks! I'm glad you liked the chapter so much and the relationship between Ethan and Benny, too! I just wanted to keep their friendship together like it was in the show. You know, with plenty of goofing and joking around with each other most of the time and yet can still be serious with each other when it counts. :) Uh...do you really want to try and take on an evil sea witch here, fanfic buddy? I mean...she can spell you into oblivion if she wanted to! Lol! ;P But I'm sure you can handle your own against her just fine, I'm sure. *giggles* ;D Awesome! Because here it is now! :D Lol!

Bennyweirlover17- Aw, thanks! I'm glad you're loving it so much! And here's some more of this surf and turf romance story, for ya now! :D

Story: The Little Mermaid Part 4

Chapter 29: A Lovesick Erica

Main Pairing: Ethan/Erica

The next morning, Erica was as happy as a clam when she woke up. She couldn't help the merry little tune that she kept humming to herself as she went about with her morning routine. Erica's sudden cheery and happy mood all morning didn't go unnoticed by her sisters, though.

"What is with her lately?" asked Emily curiously to her sisters, as she watched Erica swim by humming to herself without a care in the world. Only for the young happy mermaid to have a seat at one of the vanity mirrors in the girls' power room.

Some of the girls appeared behind her all looking at her with curious and concerned looks on their faces, as they watched her ignore their presence in the room while off in her own little world somewhere, being as happy as can be. All of them were curious as to what could've put their little sister in such a good mood. Well, all except for one sister, that is.

Ellie already knew the reason for Erica's good mood this morning, making her feel a bit uncomfortable about it should their father ever learn the reason. Ellie sat there at one of the mirrors, too. At first, she tried to ignore what was going on but couldn't. When she put down the brush she was using to brush her hair and turned to look at her youngest sister, Ellie frowned from worry. Out of all the guys in the world, her little sister just HAD to fall for a human one.

Erica then picked up a sea flower and gave it a sniff before then swimming off with all eyes on her, only to then accidentally bump into their father. "Oh! Morning Daddy!" she greeted cheerfully to him. Then she placed the sea flower behind King Triton's ear while continuing to sing her little tune to herself and then swimming off behind him feeling all giddy and happy inside.

King Triton wasn't sure what to make of his daughter's strange behavior at first, but regardless, it still brought a smile to his face, though, to see her so happy. He watched as she swam off down the hallway while the other girls came up behind him to watch her swim off in the distance, too. All of them with confused/stunned looks on their faces at what was going on with her.

"Oh, she's got it bad." commented Emery, who's pretty sure as to why their sister is acting the way she is.

"What? What does she got?" asked King Triton curiously, but also a bit concernedly, as well.

"Isn't it obvious, Daddy? Erica's in love." answered Emery fondly/swooned to her father, as she placed both her hands together and brought them up to her cheek with a dreamy look on her face. Of course, Emery would know a thing or two about love because out of all of her sisters she was the biggest romantic out of them all.

King Triton couldn't believe it. His darling little girl has fallen in love with someone? "Erica? In love?" he said incredulously in astonishment, as she removed the sea flower from his ear to look at it. Then he smiled at the thought of his baby girl being in love.

Erica was outside the palace somewhere, resting on a rock that had some yellow sea flowers growing on it. She had this adoring/happy expression on her face, as she casually plucked the petals off the flower one by one. "He loves me." she said happily with a smile on her face, as she plucks the first petal and then tosses it aside. "He loves me not." she then said with a dissatisfied look on her face, as she plucks the second petal off. "He loves me! I knew it!" she then says excitedly to herself, as she plucked the final petal. Making her all happy inside as she rolled over with the petal still in her hand, giggling and snuggling it with love and affection at the final result of her little game.

Erica wasn't just smitten with Prince Ethan, she was head-over-heels for the guy. As she laid there imagining a future with him. All she could think about was Prince Ethan and how she feels about him.

Suddenly, Ellie approached her with a very concerned look on her face. "Erica, can we...talk?" asked Ellie hesitantly.

Erica then stopped with what she was doing for a second and turned to face her sister. "Sure, Ell's." she replied with a curious and worried look on her face. "About what, exactly?" she then asked her big sister.

Ellie sighed, not wanting to have this discussion with her but she had to. She worried about what might happen to Erica should she continue being infatuated with a human. Ellie didn't believe that things would work out between the two should they ever actually meet, once he finds out that she's really a mermaid. Ellie was afraid that her darling little sister's heart would be broken if this human reacted differently toward her not being human herself and would reject her because of it. She knew that if that was to happen then Erica would be devastated if things didn't work out liked she had hoped. After all, this was her first-ever major crush on anybody.

"About...you and this...crush that you have on this human guy, Erica." answered Ellie reluctantly in a kind and gentle tone. She didn't want to upset her little sister, but Ellie had a feeling that might be easier said than done, knowing how headstrong Erica can be at times. But it was still worth a shot, though. "It's not right." she added meekly with worry.

Erica's smiling face then fell at her sister's words. Along with the good mood that she was in, fading along with it. "Why? Because I'm a mermaid and he's not?" sassed Erica in annoyance. She didn't see why it was such a big deal. True love doesn't discriminate, so why should we?! Just because they're two different species that come from two different worlds doesn't mean they don't share any similarities, as well!

"Yes, Erica. That's exactly why." confirmed Ellie sympathetically. "I mean...you two are just too different! He lives on land while you live in the sea! I don't possibly see how you two could even make it work?!" declared Ellie earnestly in a serious but caring tone.

Erica's jaw dropped in astonishment at her sister's words. She couldn't believe that her own sister didn't even support her in this! Then again...Erica kinda guessed she wasn't all surprised by it, though. Ellie was the perfect daughter out of the seven of them when it came to King Triton's daughters. Always doing whatever their father says without complaint because she doesn't want to disappoint him. So, of course, Ellie had her reservations about her crushing on a human prince. It was because she was too afraid of what their father would think, should he ever found out about it. He'd be furious and even more furious at her for allowing her baby sister to fall for such a creature, too!

Well, Erica didn't care! If her sister wouldn't support her and was too scared to ever confront their father on something that she disagrees with, then...too bad! Because this mermaid isn't backing down from something that feels so...right and true in her heart! She just knows that she and the human prince are meant to be! She just knows it! And she wasn't about to let a few naysayers change her mind so easily, either! She'd find a way to be able to be with Prince Ethan, no matter! Regardless, of the kind of terrain, they may live on or in!

"I don't care, Ellie! I'll find a way! No matter what it takes! We will be together!" exclaimed Erica heatedly and passionately at her big sister.

Ellie tried to keep her cool at her sister's outburst, but she was really struggling at it, though. "And how is that, huh?" challenged Ellie rudely with her arms crossed.

"I don't know?! But we will! You'll see!" argued back Erica, as she threw her hands up in frustration.

"Erica, you don't even know if this guy shares the same feelings as you do." pointed out Ellie argumentatively, but calmly, as well. As she tried to be reasonable with her little sister.

"He does!" exclaimed Erica loudly.

"And how do you know that? You two haven't even properly met, yet!" boldly stated Ellie.

"Because it's love at first sight! That's how I know, Ellie!" snapped Erica back at her with attitude.

"At first sight?! Erica! The guy was barely conscious when he first saw you after almost drowning to death! How is that love at first sight?!" challenged/snapped Ellie back, heatedly.

"I don't know?! Ok?!" shouted Erica angrily and agitatedly. Erica's fiery passion on the subject then deflated as she let out a small sigh to calm herself. Knowing that this conversation was starting to get out of hand. She sat there quietly with a sullen look on her face then, as she looked down at her hands that rested on her lap.

Ellie saw the shift in her sister's mood and frowned remorsefully at her, as she let her anger on the subject fade away from her, too. She didn't want to argue with her sister. Far from it. All she wanted to do was make sure that Erica knew what she was getting herself into. Falling in love and wanting to put your heart on the line because of it, is a big deal in one's life. Especially, when you have no idea how the other may feel about you and when you both come from completely different worlds, as well. She was just looking out for her, is all.

"I may not know if he feels the same about me, Ellie. But...I can't help this strong feeling that I have deep within my heart about him. It's telling me that he's the one who I'm meant to be with. And even though, he might've been barely conscious after I had saved him...I just know that he felt the same connection to me as I do to him. He might not have gotten a very good look at my face, but I know he heard me singing to him from the way he reacted to it. And I can tell that the instant he heard my voice he felt it. The connection that we share together in our hearts. Even if he's only in love with my singing voice and that's it. I don't care because...I'd gladly sing for him any day because I love him." expressed Erica wholeheartedly to her, as spoke softly and fondly about the feeling in her heart for Prince Ethan.

"But Erica-" began Ellie before being cut off by her little sister.

"I know! I know! We come from two completely different worlds, Ellie!" interrupted Erica suddenly in slight annoyance, knowing just what Ellie was about to say next to her. Then her mild demeanor of annoyance quickly softened back down to a calm one, again. "But...love is love and it doesn't care about any of that, Ell's. I'm sure...that if it does happen that he feels the same about me then...we'll find a way to make it work. I have to believe in that because love always finds a way. No matter the obstacle, sis." spoke Erica confidently with such fondness and admiration in her voice, believing that there is a way somehow for her and Prince Ethan to be together. Despite the difference in species.

"You always were such a big romantic, huh? Even when you don't like to admit it. Just like Mom was." lightly joked Ellie with a fond and kind smile, which only made Erica smile and blush at the compliment. But then Ellie's smile fell as she realized something. "But...what are you going to do when Daddy finds out, though, Erica? You know he's gonna lose it when he learns that you're crushing on a human." she asked sincerely with a concerned and caring look on her face.

"If he finds out, that is." stated Erica confidently with a smile.

This caused Ellie to look at her in surprise. "You can't be serious, Erica?! You know you can't keep this from Daddy! I mean, he's bound to find out about this, eventually! Especially, after when no one has either seen or heard from you in a few days!" pointed out Ellie incredulously.

Erica rolls her eyes. "Maybe if he sees how happy I am with Prince Ethan then he'll stop hating on the humans and lift this ridiculous ban on going to the surface, then?" snarked Erica sarcastically. "Besides, Daddy needs to learn how to lighten up some. And so do you, Ell's." she then added a bit snidely at first, but then soften her tone and facial gesture to a sincere/concern one instead, at the last part of her comment about Ellie.

Ellie sorta took offense to Erica's comment about her and scoffed. "Me? Learn to lighten up some? Pish! Puh-lease! I don't know what you mean, little sister." she said dismissively with sarcasm in her tone, as she quickly blew off Erica's claim. "I'm as lighten up as they come. In fact, nobody is as lighten up as I am!" she then bragged defensively.

But Erica just gave her this 'really?' look instead, before speaking. "Seriously, Ellie? Besides Daddy, you're the most stiffest and uptight merperson that I know when it comes to the rules. You're always too worried about being the perfect daughter to Daddy, that you're afraid to ever get on his bad side for a change? Like, me and our other sisters tend to do, at times." pointed out Erica blatantly with an unamused look on her face. Then she sighed and stopped glaring at her as if accusing her of something. "I know how much you look up to Daddy, but...it's ok to disappoint him and let him down every once in a while. You know? You don't have to be perfect in his eyes or in ours because we already know how great of a mermaid you already are, Ellie." stated Erica wholeheartedly with a warm and loving smile at her sister.

"Yeah, maybe you are right." sighed Ellie in defeat, after realizing Erica had a point. "I could learn to lighten up a bit more, huh?"

Ellie then looked up at her little sister to see her smiling back at her while giving a little nod to say, 'yup'. Ellie gave a weak smile back in response.

"I just wanna be someone you all can be proud of, is all." stated Ellie a bit downheartedly.

"And we are, Ell's!" stated Erica reassuringly, as she took her sister's hand in hers while smiling up at her with a warm and kind smile. This made Ellie feel better about herself, knowing that her little sister and the rest of her family are already proud of her. There was a moment of silence between the two for a minute until Erica decided to break it and ruin their heartwarming and sisterly moment together.

"But you still can't tell Daddy about this, though." said Erica in a dead-serious tone with the look to match as she glared at her sternly.

This caused Ellie to then pull her hand out of Erica's as she let out a frustrated groan with her head tilted back. "Ugh! You've got to be kidding me, Erica?! Like...for real, why am I the only one that has to always keep your dirty little secrets from Daddy?!" complained Ellie then, with sarcasm thickly laced within her tone, though.

Erica then put on the bashful/innocent act. "Because you're my big sis, who I can trust and confide my most deepest and inner secrets safely with. And because you also love me very very much, too." replied Erica innocently with a small pout, as she clasped her hands together out in front of her slightly while doing a little swaying motion with her body trying to act cute and innocent with her.

But her act wasn't on Ellie, though. As Ellie just gave this unamused look on her face.

"Oh, come on, Ell! Pleeease?!" begged Erica desperately.

Ellie just glared at her sister for a minute before sighing in defeat. "I hate it when you put me in these types of situations, Erica. You know that?" stated Ellie depressingly, as she gave in to her little sister's plea.

Erica instantly knew that her big sister's sarcastic response was a 'yes'. Even if it didn't quite sound like one. But Erica knew her sister well and was happy to hear that she wouldn't say a thing about her crush on a human to their father. Erica hugged her big sister then. "Thanks, Ell's! I knew I could count on you!" said Erica gratefully with joy, as she hugged her. But Ellie was feeling anything BUT joy at the moment, as she hated having to keep this secret from their father.

When Erica released Ellie from her hug, Erica's face then lit up with an idea. "Oh, you know what?! I think I'll sneak out tonight and go see him! Yes! That's a wonderful idea!" stated Erica excitedly, as she loved her little idea to see the prince, again. She practically squealed with delight, as a matter of fact.

"Wait. What?!" replied Ellie in surprise, as she looked at her with worried eyes.

"I'm sure he'll be happy to see me!" declared Erica ecstatically, as she couldn't wait to see him again.

"Erica, you can't be serious?! You're going to sneak out of the palace just to go see him, again?! Why so soon?!" questioned Ellie worriedly.

"Because, Ellie! I just have to see him, again! answered Erica dreamily at the thought of seeing Prince Ethan's handsome face and actually getting the chance to interact with him more properly this time. "Plus, I want to make sure he's alright after what happened yesterday, too." she then added sensibly.

"And let me guess...you want me to also keep quiet about this, too? Am I correct?" asked/guessed Ellie sarcastically in an unhappy mood with a scowl on her face.

"Bingo, sis!" exclaimed Erica energetically, as she booped her on the nose with her finger and smiled brightly at her.

But before Ellie could get a word out to protest, Erica then hurriedly kissed her on the cheek. "Thanks, Ell's! I knew you'd understand! Ok, love you! Bye!" rushed out Erica in one breath with a big cheery smile on her face before quickly swimming off. Leaving an astonished and not too happy Ellie behind in her wake.

"I can't believe she just did that!" said/exclaimed Ellie astonishingly to herself. Then she sighed sullenly before swimming off somewhere herself. Hating the difficult position her little sister just put her in.

A/N: That's it for this part of The Little Mermaid! :D

Sorry, if it was a bit boring or lackluster. If anything, I guess you can call it a filler chapter for now. I just thought that this would make a good stopping point for the chapter, for now, is all. But once the next one comes, you can bet there will be a little bit of drama going on, though! ;D

Anyway, let me know what you thought of the chapter. If you want, that is. *giggles* ;P

Until then, I'll be seeing you all around! Bye! :D