A Deal with The Devil
"Ariel, dear!" Ariel's elder sister, Andrina, called for her. "Time to come out! You've been in there all morning!"
Ariel emerged from the girls' shared bedroom, brushing her red hair back, a dazed grin on her face as she hummed a familiar tune to herself. As she passed by each of her sisters, they all looked at her with the same gaped mouth, wide-eyed expression. But Ariel didn't care. As she sat down at her mirror, looking at her reflection, she couldn't stop thinking about yesterday's events and today's possible ones.
As she picked a flower, sniffing the sweet fragrance she thought about what she should bring to her new human friend to talk about. What if she brought Eric with her? How would he react to her being a mermaid? Belle wasn't so bad, and since the two were friends, maybe he wouldn't mind either. She smiled at the thought of seeing his bright blue eyes looking at her.
Her thoughts were interrupted as she bumped into something large. She looked up to see a familiar white beard and crown looking down at her. Instead of reacting in her usual manner, she simply smiled and tucked the flower in his hair.
"Morning, daddy!" She exclaimed as she went on her way, dancing and twirling through the halls of the palace. She couldn't wait to see Belle again!
Ariel laid on top of a rock, picking the petals off of a flower like she saw her sisters do with their crushes. She wondered what she should say to Eric if she sees him. What should she do? What should she wear? Should she change her seashells? She's gotten kind of tired of the same purple ones. Would Eric care? Did Belle tell him about her? And if she did, does he want to meet her? She sighed as she plucked another petal.
"He loves me," She spoke, before plucking another. "He loves me not."
Her eyes widened, a grin breaking onto her face when she realized there was only one petal left. "He loves me!" Ariel exclaimed, hugging the petal close to her chest as if it was his heart. A part of her knew that she couldn't judge his feelings based off of a flower, but she didn't care.
"Ariel, stop talking crazy!" Sebastian suddenly appeared on top of the rock. Ariel sat up as realization hit her.
"I need to get to the grotto!" Ariel stated. "What time is it? What if she's already at the beach?"
Ariel worried if Belle was already at the beach waiting for her. Ariel couldn't be late! She didn't want to disappoint her new friend. She wanted to see her again. Just as bad as she wanted to see Eric. At least Belle could talk to her and tell her about the human world. And Ariel could tell her about the underwater world. Yes!
Ariel pulled back from swimming off as Sebastian came up in front of her, his red pinchers in her face.
"Ariel, listen to me." Ariel smirked as he spoke. "The human world, it's a mess. Life under the sea is better than anything they got up there."
No it isn't, Ariel thought to herself but chose not to say. She wasn't in the mood to hear any of his lectures. As each minute passed, it got closer to her seeing Belle and possibly Eric again. And she refused to miss it. She brushed her own hand, remembering how it felt when Belle touched her. Remembering how it felt when Belle looked at her. Ariel sighed, missing her.
Suddenly, a familiar yellow and blue fish appeared next to her, startling her. Flounder, she smiled as she realized.
"Come on, I got a surprise for you in the grotto." Flounder whispered to her, sparking Ariel's interest. Instantly, she followed Flounder away from whatever Sebastian was doing.
"Flounder! Why can't you just tell me what this is all about?" Ariel asked him, her patience running thin as they moved deeper into her grotto.
"You'll see, it's a surprise." Her best friend told her as she swam through the opening, her eyes landing on a new human treasure. A statue. A statue of Eric! Happiness swarming through her, she hugged her best friend as she swam towards the statue, examining it. She could still see the blue in his eyes as she looked at the stone statue, could still make out the details in his ebony hair, and his cheekbones that she had touched with her hand.
"Oh Eric, run away with you?" Ariel spoke as if it was actually him. "This is all so...so sudden." Ariel giggled, hugging herself as she spun around her grotto. She opened her eyes, gasping as she saw a familiar white beard and crown. Oh no! Oh no!
"Daddy!?" Ariel exclaimed, her stomach twisting at the expression on his face. No, no, no! This had to be a nightmare! It had to be!
"I consider myself a reasonable merman," Ariel's heart pounded against her chest and the tone in his voice. "I set certain rules and I expect those rules to be obeyed."
"Dad, I-" Ariel attempted to speak, but her father cut her off. She bit her lip, feeling as if she couldn't breathe underwater anymore.
"Is it true that you saved a human from drowning?" Her father asked her and Ariel knew she had no choice but to tell the truth.
"Daddy, I had to-" Ariel started again, just to be cut off.
"Contact between the merworld and the human world is simply forbidden! Ariel, you know this! Everyone knows this!" Ariel suddenly felt a ping of anger shoot through her. Would it have been better to let him die? In their own waters?
"He would have died!" Ariel argued.
"One less human to worry about." Her father waved it off, causing adrenaline to surge through her system. How dare he speak of Eric like that? Eric didn't do anything to harm them, why was he being so difficult?
"You don't even know him." Ariel stated. Her father turned to look at her, but Ariel didn't back down. She couldn't.
"Know him?" He repeated. "I don't have to know him. They're all the same!"
Ariel hid behind the statue as her father ranted about the humans as if they were all evil beings. She knew they weren't. Belle wasn't evil and she could tell Eric wasn't evil! How dare he talk about them like that? She wouldn't let him talk about the man she loved like that.
"Daddy, I love him!" Ariel yelled, gasping at the words coming out of her mouth and dipping behind the statue again. How stupid could she be? That was only going to make things worse.
"No…" She tightened her hold on the statue as she heard his voice. "Have you lost your senses completely? He's a human! You're a mermaid!"
"I don't care." Ariel stated. She knew what he was and what she was. That didn't change her feelings for him. Nothing King Triton could say would change it. She knew she loved him when he opened his eyes, coming back to consciousness. She wasn't going to let him take that away from her. He took music away and she brought it back! If he tries to take Eric away, she'll get him back.
"So help me Ariel! I am going to get through to you." Ariel's eyes widened as the trident in his hands started to glow. She knew what that meant. She knew the power the trident held and in the place where she felt most herself, the color left her face at his last words.
"And if this is the only way, so be it." Ariel gasped, her stomach lurching as the trident blasted at the various treasures she has collected over the years. No, no, no! She felt tears sting her eyes as each treasure was turned to nothing but little pieces, the dark grotto suddenly brighter because of the anger that fueled the King. She had to stop him! She had to before he ruined everything!
She grabbed his arm, attempting to calm him down. However, when she saw his eyes red with fury lock on the statue, she knew he wasn't going to.
"Daddy, no!" Ariel yelled, trying to get through to him. But it was too late. The blast had touched the statue and it exploded all over the grotto. Ariel hid her face at the explosion, as well as an attempt to hide her tears. This had to be dream. Maybe if she opened her eyes, she would be back in her bed. She opened her eyes, to see the spot where the statue once stood. Once stood...no longer.
Ariel's throat suddenly felt tighter and her heart suddenly seemed heavier than usual. She fell onto the empty spot, hiding her face as she let her tears roll down her face. He always did this! Everytime she tries to find a little bit of happiness, he takes it away from her. He took music away from her, but she brought it back. Then she began collecting human treasures and he destroyed every single one. It seemed like she was destined to be unhappy forever. How would she be able to go to Belle without her treasures now? She didn't even know if she had the strength to go see her again. How could he? How could he?
Ariel was so caught up in her tears, she didn't even notice Sebastian and Flounder leave and two eels wiggle into her vacant grotto. She tensed up as she heard unfamiliar voices around her. Looking up, she noticed two eels, each with one white and one yellow eye.
"Who...Who are you?" She asked, suddenly defensive as she wiped her tears away.
"Don't be scared." One spoke, his voice sending chills down her spine.
"We represent someone who can help you." The other spoke. Ariel glanced between the two, her mind telling her that they were dangerous.
"Someone who could make all your dreams come true." They started again. "Just imagine, you and your prince. Together, forever."
How did they know about her feelings for Eric? What were they even proposing?
"I don't understand…" Ariel told them, feeling small.
"Ursula, has great powers." Ariel's eyes widened at the familiar name. The name that is associated with evil and demons. The name that even when uttered could send fear into anyone's hearts.
"The Sea Witch?" Ariel blinked. "Why that's-I couldn't possibly. No! Get out of here, leave me alone!" Ariel turned her back, she wasn't going to fall for their tricks. They thought all because she was broken up over her father's actions, she was going to blindly follow them? Never.
"Suit yourself, it was only a suggestion." Ariel looked up at the sound of something hitting the floor. She saw a piece from the statue, the prince's face. She wanted to see him. She wanted to hold him. Wanted to be near him. What if Ursula could help her? But her father told her to stay away from her. Then again, he also told her humans were evil barbarians.
"Wait." Ariel called, her decision made.
Even though Ariel held her head high as she followed the eels to the Sea Witch, the twisting fear in her stomach didn't go away. A part of her told her to go back home to her sisters and father. At the thought of her father, Ariel shook her head and continued on her way. She had to do this. If Ursula could make it where she had a chance to be with Eric and Belle on the human land, she had to take it. Even if it meant disobeying her father. But hey, this isn't the first time.
As they passed through the hall leading to the entrance, Ariel felt her gut rise to her throat. Underneath her were little creatures calling out with her helpless and scared eyes, their cries a chorus of grief. Ariel felt something cling to her wrist and her eyes widened at seeing one of them on her. She quickly pulled away, scared of what could happen if it had dragged her down. What were these things?
"Come in, come in my child," Ariel turned her head at the sound of someone talking. She swam through the entrance and saw the famous Sea Witch exiting from her chambers, her white hair and purple skin grabbing Ariel's attention immediately.
"We mustn't lurk in doorways." She spoke as she swam to a mirror. "It's rude. One might question your upbringing."
Ariel winced at the chuckle that followed the sentence. Suddenly, the area seemed smaller and like it could trap her here like what it did to those creatures.
"Now then," Ursula continued, not giving Ariel a chance to speak. "You're here because you have a thing for this human. This, er...prince fellow. Not that I blame you, he is quite a catch, isn't he?"
Ariel noticed how Ursula spoke, as if she was just a simple sea creature helping her out with a problem.
"Well, angel fish," Ursula began again, applying lipstick. "The solution to your problem is simple. The only way to get what you want...is to become a human yourself."
Ariel gasped at the last four words. Human? Herself? Sure, she always dreamed of walking and dancing in the sun on the land amongst other humans, but she never thought it could happen.
"Can you do that?" Ariel asked. This could easily be one of Ursula's infamous tricks and she might just be playing with her dreams. Seeing the smirk on the Sea Witch's face told Ariel she was in for a long ride.
"Eric, what are you doing?" Belle asked, as she found her friend on the beach with his dog and playing his flute.
Eric glanced up at her, pulling the flute from his lips. Belle could make out the sadness in his eyes and frowned at it.
"Seeing if I can find her." He told her. Belle didn't even have to ask to know who he was talking about. Ariel. She wondered if she should tell Eric about the little mermaid. How would he react? He would probably think she was just crazy and making it up. Then again, she was set to meet with her that night. Would Ariel mind if she brought Eric with her? But how would he react? She knew they both liked each other, but how would he feel seeing that the girl who saved his life was a mermaid?
"Belle?" Belle blinked, realizing she was spacing out when she noticed Eric waving his hand in front of her face.
"Sorry, spaced out." She explained, brushing a lock of hair out of her face, her cheeks flushing pink.
"You've been doing that a lot since this morning." Eric stated, raising an eyebrow as he studied his childhood friend.
Belle's face turned a darker shade of pink.
"I have?" She asked, placing a hand to her cheek to cool it down. What if he knew something was up? What if he knew that she spoke with Ariel last night? What would he say?
"You have." Eric answered, before smirking. "Have you met anyone?"
Belle playfully shoved Eric, groaning at his question. Eric simply laughed at her reaction before holding up his hands in mock surrender.
"No, I haven't!" Belle exclaimed, although she has. She did meet a beautiful mermaid with a love for the human world and feelings for her best friend. She remembered how her red hair shined in the moonlight and how her blue eyes twinkled the stars in the sky. How cute she looked when she pouted upon realizing a fork wasn't called a dinglehopper. How surprisingly soft her skin felt despite living under water.
"There you go again." Eric said, snapping her out of her thoughts. She groaned and hid her face behind her eyes upon realizing she was spacing out again. She shook her head and took her hands away from her face.
"I'm going back to the palace, good luck finding that mystery girl." Belle told him before walking off, feeling if her face was still hot.
"Now, here's the deal." Ariel's face was jerked to look at Ursula's. "I will make you a potion that will turn you into a human for seven days. Got that? Seven days. Now listen, this is important. Before the sun sets on the seventh day, you've got to get receive a kiss. Not just any kiss, the kiss of true love. If you are kissed before the sun sets on the seventh day, you'll remain human permanently. But if you aren't, you turn back into a mermaid and...you belong to me."
Ariel felt her stomach twist at the grin on Ursula's face.
"No, Ariel!" Ariel turned at the sound of Sebastian calling at her. She saw Flounder and Sebastian wrapped by the two eels. Suddenly, it dawned on her that she was basically making a deal with the devil.
"Have we got a deal?" Ariel glanced down as she weighed her pros and cons.
"If I become human, I'll never be with my father or sisters again." Ariel considered. She remembered messing with her sister Adella during a morning walk. She remembered when she and her sisters snuck off to go to an underwater club. She remembered when her father restored music to Atlantica and the two sharing a father-daughter dance. Could she really leave?
"That's right," Ursula agreed. "But you'll have your man. Life's full of tough choices, isn't it?"
The thought of going to the human world started to scare her. Could she really give up her family and friends even for just three days? But it's been her dream to become human, could she really give it up?
"Oh, and there is one more thing," Ariel moved out the way of the Sea Witch, her stomach twisting at the ominous sentence. "We haven't discussed the subject of payment. You can't get something for nothing, you know."
Payment? "But I don't have any…" Ariel was silenced by Ursula's tentacle.
"I'm not asking much," Ursula assured. "Just a token, really a trifle. You'll never even miss it. What I want from you is...your voice."
"My voice?" Ariel must of heard wrong. How could she become a human with no voice? How would she be able to talk with the humans? How would Eric know it was her that saved him if she couldn't speak?
"You'll have your looks," Ursula reassured her. "Your pretty face. And don't underestimate the importance of the body language."
Ariel winced. Give up her voice for legs? Could she do that?
"Belle?" Belle looked up from her book at the sound of her father's voice. "I knew I'd find you here."
"Papa," Belle smiled as he walked over to the couch she was sitting on. She brought her legs down to give him room to sit. She never minded having her father around when she was reading. He always encouraged her to read, even when the people in the village and palace teased her for it. Then again, they've also called her father 'crazy' and he never let it get to him. She was inspired by him.
"How are you?" He asked her and Belle smiled.
"I'm alright, Papa." She said, holding up her book. "I've just been reading."
"Tales of Merpeople." He read the title out loud. "I never knew you were interested in such fairytales."
Belle bit her lip at his response.
"I decided to try something new." She told him, glancing down at the book. "Papa...do you think merpeople exist?"
"I ain't never seen one." He told her, shaking his head. "But that doesn't mean they don't exist. Who knows? I've heard stories a dark hideous beast that lives in a palace all alone where enchanted objects can talk."
Belle laughed at that, before flipping to a new page in her book. There she saw a mermaid with red hair, just like Ariel. She wondered how she was doing. She wondered if she was going to meet her at the beach that night. She wanted to ask her her own questions about merpeople. Most of all, she just wanted to see her fish friend.
Ariel looked at the glowing contract in front of her. She had a choice. Leave and go back home to her father and sisters, never to experience being a human. Or sign it and become a human for seven days but run the risk of becoming Ursula's slave if she doesn't get the kiss of true love. She narrowed her eyes at the contract. She couldn't pass up this opportunity.
She closed her eyes and signed the contract. There, it was done. She couldn't go back.
Suddenly, the room filled with a blue color, surrounding Ariel. Was this the potion? What was going on? Ursula was singing some song, but Ariel didn't know what it was. Was this a mistake?
"Now sing…" Ariel held her head high as she began to sing. This was it. She couldn't look back. Even if she did become Ursula's slave, at least she was given a chance. That's all she ever wanted.
A green hand grabbed at Ariel and on instinct, she pulled away. But it was no use. Next thing she knew, her voice was in the hands of that green hand. She watched as it retreated back to Ursula, the voice she has had her whole life now in her hands. But she couldn't stop it. She couldn't go back.
Suddenly, Ariel was trapped inside a bubble, Ursula's laughter ringing in her ears. A sharp pain shot through her lower body and Ariel attempted to scream, but with no voice nothing came out. She writhed as the pain shot up from her fin to her gills, hurting as if something had just landed on it. Suddenly, she felt her fin split and Ariel gasped as she was now out of the bubble, but she couldn't swim. Was she going to die? No! Please! Not when she's so close.
She saw red and yellow dashing towards her and suddenly, she was being pulled up and out of Ursula's lair. She couldn't breathe. She opened her mouth but it felt like her lungs were filling with water and closing up on her when she did. She closed her mouth and allowed her two friends to pull her to the surface. This was it. She couldn't look back.
Third chapter. Let me know what you think.