Aquatic Kingdom Hearts

Chapter 13: The Setting Sun; Too Late?

Thatch Residence

As morning finally rose up enough to reach the windows, they had reached into Ariel's room. They lit up the now empty room as the light touched everything, including a still snoozing crab. As soon as the sun's rays hit him, Sebastian groaned and stretched himself to wake up. He groggily looked over to Ariel's bed as he groaned, "Okay, child. Time to wake up now; you have a busy day." He heard no reply, not even a stir from the bed. He then asked again, "Child? Ariel? Ariel!" But when he looked at the bed, his eyes shot wide awake, as he saw that Ariel was nowhere in the bed.

In Eric's room, all was quiet and calm as Eric slept with ease, as did Dax and Max. That is until Sebastian came scuttling into the room, shouting and waving his claws around hysterically, "ARIEL! ARIEL'S NOT HERE!" He jumped on the bed and crawled over to Dax. He then grabbed onto Dax's collar as he shouted hysterically, while shaking the otter awake, "DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT I'M TRYING TO SAY TO YOU PLEOPLE! ARIEL IS GONE!" The whole blast of shouting woke Eric up as he lightly stirred up and about.

Dax, just groaned as he woke up from Sebastian's shaking him, and pushed him off. He groaned as he cracked his back, "Would someone shut this side-walker up? What are you even talking about?"

Sebastian finally calmed down a little as he took a deep breath, and answered, "I'm trying to tell you: Ariel is gone."

"What?", Eric asked as he got up to talk to them, even Max awoke up, hearing the yelling. He then shook his head at the easily-excited crab and replied, "She probably went out for a walk or…", but then felt something in his hand as he looked at it. he saw a note in his hand as he feared something; the thought that Ariel might have left without telling him so. The two critters looked concerned by this as they walked close to Eric as he opened it and read the letter. He didn't like what he read as he read it aloud,

Dear Eric,

I'm sorry if I left so suddenly without saying goodbye, but I felt it was better this way.

It would have been too unbearable if I saw you again.

The reason I leave now is because I don't want to be a burden to you anymore.

And that I think that my father was right about humans and Merpeople. It's not that we can't get along with one another, but we're of two different worlds.

It would be impossible for the two of us to be together, or even try to.

And so, I have to return home.

These past few days with you were the most amazing that I ever had with anyone. Just know that even though we're worlds apart, you will always hold a special place in my heart, and that I love you dearly.

Your friend,

Ariel

Eric crumpled the letter, not in anger but in pain of losing the one girl that he realized he loved. Even though he read it he still couldn't believe it; Ariel was going away and he would never see her again. It just wasn't right on the reasons why she had to leave. She was never a burden on him; in fact, he had enjoyed every moment this week, just by being near her. They both had a great time even last night, and even Ariel had to have a great time as well. He knew that Ariel still cared about him and didn't want to leave him. He even knew that Ariel didn't care whether or not she was a mermaid or a human; he had told her himself he was happy being near her. So why did she have to leave? Eric's face then went from depressed pain, to hard determination as he looked forward.

Sebastian and Dax looked at Eric with deep concern for the young guy. Dax sighed as he walked over to the boy as he tired to comfort him, "Now, kid. I know you feel as though your heart's breaking, but…", but then he shot back a little as Eric got up from bed and walked over to his closet really quickly. The two critters looked confused by this as Eric got dressed in his wet suit, and then his clothing on top, and grabbed his shoes. Dax ran across the bed, as he was joined by Sebastian, and Max jumped off the bed to walk over to his master. Dax then asked dumbly, "Uh, kid? What are you doing?"

After getting his shoes on, Eric simply replied, "I'm going to go after her."

Sebastian's jaw dropped as he replied, "What are you crazy? The child made her choice; there's no reason to go after her."

Eric walked out of his room hastily, and the three critters followed him. He rapidly went down the stairs and straight to a phone. The three sidekicks ran after him as they saw him making a phone call to Frey. He had told his friend everything and heard that he was going to call everyone in town if they had seen her. Eric had a pretty good guess at where she would be; if the spell wouldn't last until the sunset on this day, she would need to be near the ocean. If no one had seen her anywhere else that would be his surest bet she'd be there.

After hanging up, he walked towards his back patio door that led to the beach shore. But before he ran out to find Ariel, Dax's shouting stopped him, "Wait!", Eric's back was still turned towards them as Dax asked, "You read the note, kid. She's leaving and doesn't want to bother you?"

Eric shook his head but still kept his back turned as he replied, "I was never bothered by her. I enjoyed having her around me."

Sebastian then chipped in as he explained, "She said she didn't want you to come after her, boy. Why go after her now?"

"I have to, Sebastian.", Eric simply replied.

Sebastian then asked, "Well, yes, but…why?"

Eric sighed, and then turned to face the two. His face held a gentle sadness and with it a small smile as he finally answered, "Because…I love her." And with that he was about to run in search of Ariel.

But then Dax shouted, "Alright, alright, Eric. Hold up for a second." After Eric turned around, he saw Dax and Sebastian smiling in determination as the otter replied, "If ya finally realize how much she means to ya, then we'll help broaden the search party." Eric smiled at this, knowing he had friends helping out in more places. After that was said, they ran out, in search of the little mermaid, Ariel.

Port Royal Cove

The beach was deserted, seeing that everyone was out to school at this hour. The waves beat at the shore line as only the waves and the sea gulls were all heard as the only audible sounds. But there was one audible sound, as they were the sound of bare footsteps walking along the beach sands. Ariel was walking towards where Ursula had said the Flying Dutchman would appear, but rather slowly. As she walked along the beach, Ariel looked around, remembering a few of the best times that she had here with Eric.

She remembered when he had tried to teach her on how to surf. She saw the spot they had sat and trained at with the kiwi slices, the makeshift board, and all the other goofy tests he had her take. She laughed at that as she stopped for a moment, 'Those tests were pretty ridiculous, but we had a great time.' But then she continued to walk, but stopped as she saw a few waves forming and crashing. She then remembered when Eric had taken her on her first surf into a tubing wave. The way he held her close to him, when they both touched the wave when they were inside it. She blushed at the memory of this, 'That was the most amazing experience I ever had. And I was able to share it with him….'

She even remembered the dance from last night that they had together. The slow dancing, Eric quietly and softly singing to her, and even when they walked along the beach. Those, and along all the other memories, including that fateful night when they met when they were ten, when they met again now that they were sixteen…and even though it was accidental, their first kiss under the moonlit sea. Ariel smiled as she held herself, and then softly started to shed a few tears. She smiled sadly as she remembered all those treasured moments she had with him, 'Those were such fun times…', she then looked sadly back in the direction that Eric's home was at, and then her tears were still forming as she thought, '…I really wanted to stay with you, Eric.'

Not too far from her, a familiar seagull was flying through the air, humming happily. Scuttle was on his way over to that Thatch's home to check up on Ariel on how the kiss was doing. It was only until he looked down below, he saw Ariel. He smiled happily as he swooped down to greet her as he cheerfully shouted, "Ariel! How you doin'…" but then stopped as something erupted from the water, shooting out like a giant killer whale overtaking its prey. Scuttle stopped in midair as he saw the Flying Dutchman bobbing out of the water near Ariel. In a panicked state in just seeing the cursed ship of the dead, Scuttle was even worried more as he saw Ariel walk towards it. He swooped down in order to warn her of the danger she was getting herself into, "Ariel! Don't get on that…!"

But then he stopped as he saw something totally bizarre, the creatures aboard the ship were coming out. And then they opened the boarding plank, as Hadras and the Twins stepped at the sides and did nothing. And what was even bizarre by Scuttle's sight and surprise, was that Ariel walked up the boarding plank, and the two escorted her aboard. Scuttle couldn't believe what he was seeing at this point as he wondered, "What's goin' on around here?"

It was then that he heard a familiar voice as it chuckled from the captain's cabin. "Mhahahahahaha, she's on board then, eh?" Scuttle landed on the cabin's window as he saw who was speaking up. It was a sixteen year old brunette girl talking to the captain of the ship, Davy Jones. She cackled as she looked at a mirror with an octopus design on the frame, "Excellent. Everything's going according to the ultimate design I've laid out."

Then Scuttle figured it out as he realized it was Ariel's voice coming from that girl. But he didn't do anything as he heard Jones speak up next, as he walked next to the girl and asked, "So we have the Princess aboard the Dutchman. What of the boy's fate?"

The girl smirked as she threw a needle at the mirror's frame head, sticking it there like a dart. Scuttle gulped as he overheard the scheme, "Knowing the boy, he'll come to the rescue, and we'll be at the ready for him." She then walked up to the mirror as she cackled as she adjusted it to show herself…only to show the reflection of none other than Ursula, the Sea Witch, herself.

Scuttle paled as he saw the truth as he whispered, "The Sea Witch…" he then jumped back as he stammered, "Oh, no…he's a…she's a…I gotta…!", and then accidentally ran into the window, but wasn't spotted. He then frantically flew up into the air, to find Eric and warned him of the danger that awaited him and Ariel.

Later On

Near Port Royal Cove

Nearing Sunset

The sunny sky was now a glint of orange as the sun was that of a fuzzy peach readying its decent into the horizon. Even across the beach, the orange light glittered on the water as a few shadows were cast on the beach side. Eric stood there, looking out at the ocean, near exhaustion from looking all over town. He had been searching all over for Ariel, but as luck would have it, no signs, not even a trace of her at all. He finally collapsed on his knees, next to an equally depressed Sebastian. Dax was also with them, sitting on his butt, completely depressed by this turn of events. Even Flounder, who was bobbing from the water, had a tear shed from this hopeless search for shi friend.

Frey had appeared and shouted, "NO such luck, guys." Eric turned around to see his friend run up to them and stopped as he gave them the bad news. He shrugged as he reported, "I've called just about everyone on the island. I even asked Seifer of all people."

Eric then slumped his shoulders as he asked, "And nothing?"

Frey shook his head, "It's the same as always: they haven't seen any trace of Ariel that she was in town." Frey could only frown at seeing his friend in such a distraught state. He had seen his friend completely happy when Ariel was with him. And when he had found out his friend was in love with his mermaid friend, that only made him even happier to see him like that. But now, Eric was completely depressed now, seeing that the one person he wanted to share his heart with was gone from him.

Eric looked back at the ocean; his heart aching to have Ariel back with him. He sighed as he prayed silently, 'Please, give me a sign. I…I want to see her again.' But just then, his prayer was answered as someone frantically shouted out for them.

"GUYS! GUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUYS!"

They all turned upward and saw it was none other than the seagull, Scuttle. He was crazily flying straight towards them, screaming about something important. However, he was flying too fast to stop as he came in pretty quickly, and with no control on his speed. Dax paled at this as suddenly, he crashed right into him, plowing him into the ground. Then Dax kicked him off as he was back to his frantic and grouchy self, "Get off me, you walkin' feather duster! What's wrong with you?"

Eric got between the two and calmed the situation down, "Whoa, wait a minute. Everybody just calm down." He then turned towards the bird and asked, "Now, Scuttle… calm down and tell us why are you in such a hurry and yelling about."

After Scuttle had taken a breather, he talked to all of them, but still slightly scatter brained at the moment, "Okay, so there I was…I was flying…", he shrugged as he smirked, "I mean, what am I saying? Of course I was flying."

Sebastian folded his claws and tapped his crab legs like they were fingers impatiently. Dax just crossed his arms and tapped his foot in annoyance at the seagull's scattered brains as he raised an eyebrow at the bird. Then Scuttle continued as he frantically tried to piece together what he was trying to say. He then shouted or mumbled out, "And, uh…there was the Crocodile ship…and on board it…", he then made eyeglasses from his fingers, "…I saw…the watch…the witch, was watchin' the mirror…", and then he frantically pointed to his throat as he looked to Eric, "And she was talkin' with Ariel's stolen set of pipes!"

Sebastian just groaned as he asked, "Just what are you talking about, you bumbling idiot?"

Scuttle grabbed both Sebastian and Dax as he was now face to face to them. And with a gritted beak as he nearly yelled out, this time clearly, "Are you all hearing what I'm trying to tell you?" He then slammed the two together, bonking each other on the heads as he finally answered, "Ariel…is being held prisoner…by the Sea Witch…and the Flying Dutchman….at Port Royal Cove!", and then dropped the two as they finally dropped on to the ground.

Eric, Frey, nor anyone else could have believed this as they heard the entire thing. It suddenly came to realize that Ariel left because she was forced to. In his gut, he never felt angrier at the one who did this to them, or to himself for not seeing this from the beginning. Now he felt worse than ever; more than when he realized Ariel was leaving.

Dax finally got up and groaned at this as he got up and cracked his back. Sebastian did the same as he looked to Scuttle, while rubbing the back of his head, and asked, "Are you sure about this?"

Scuttle then frantically asked, "Have I ever been wrong?" The two gave him a doubtful look, but then Scuttle shook his head and asked again, "I mean when it's important!"

Flounder, then asked being the most worried, next to Eric, "But if that's true, then she's on the other side of the beach. And we don't have much time." He pointed towards where the sun was, and saw that the sun was beginning to set. They knew right then and there that they were running out of time to help Ariel. Flounder looked to everyone and asked in worry for his friend, "What are we gonna do?"

Everyone turned towards where Eric was looking, which was at the ocean. He heard the entire thing, and was now more than ever to help Ariel now. He took off his shirt to reveal that he had on his wetsuit underneath; causing everyone to look at him and each other in confusion at this. Then Dax walked up to Eric as he asked, "Eric…what do you think you're doing?"

He looked to the little otter, and to everyone else as he answered, "I'm going after her." And was about to head for the water.

But Dax shouted, "NOOO!", and grabbed him by the leg, stopping him. He then said, "You can't go after her now!"

Eric, feeling like this wasn't the right thing to do, replied, "I have to! She would have done the same for me!"

Dax clutched his head as he shouted, "Don't you get it? Ariel's the bait! Ursula wants the both of you on the Flying Dutchman!"

Frey asked, "What? Why?"

Dax sighed as he answered, "To stop the prophecy of Eric and Ariel stopping her from coming true." He then looked to Eric with much dread in his face for the boy as he finished, "To kill you both!"

Everyone stopped and paled at the realization that this was all a trap set up for the boy and girl. But Eric waved it off as he looked even more determined to help Ariel, "And that's why I need to get her off the ship." He sighed as he looked in the direction to where Port Royal Cove was, "Ariel saved my life twice…it's about time I did the same for her."

Dax sighed at this as he mumbled, "Alright, then." But then he somehow pulled out something from behind him. It was the bracelet that Tia Dalma had given to Eric, and held it up to the boy. Eric looked confused as he stated, "You'll never get to that boat in time. This'll help you and Ariel, in both ways to you."

Eric bent down and took the bracelet fro Dax's hands and stood up. He looked at it confused, but then was startled as the wrist part of the bracelet, suddenly sprang open like spider legs. Eric looked at it pretty nervously as he looked to Dax and asked, "So…what exactly does this bracelet do?"

Dax sighed exasperated as he explained, "Didn't you listen to what Tia told you about it?" Eric looked clueless as to the answer. And Dax just sighed as he carefully explained, "That bracelet has the power to allow one who walks on land to venture into the sea. And it can allow one who lives in the sea to venture on land." Everyone just got a confused look at this, until Dax slapped his face, and then yelled out, "Just stick the bracelet on and see what happens!"

Eric shrugged as he placed the bracelet on his wrist, and then it snapped right on him, startling and slightly hurting him a pinch. And then suddenly, a strange wind started to swirl around Eric as everyone shielded their eyes from the blinding sand. And out of the wind, a swirling vortex of yellow and green energy engulfed Eric's lower torso. Eric looked down in confusion and fright, and then suddenly, he lost his balance as he fell to the ground. And the wind and energy disappeared as everyone; including the now recovered Eric had seen what the bracelet had done. Eric tried to get up, but then saw what where should have been his legs, was now in face a blue tail and fin, but also felt behind to where his lower back connected to his spinal tail, was a small dorsal fin. He was still wearing his wetsuit, even though it merged with his tail. It was in that instant, Eric realized that he bracelet had transformed him into a merman…or with the detail of the fin on his back, a Mer-Dolphin to be exact.

Dax jumped in as he explained and smirked, "Voila! Your very own Rent-A-Tail and fin, just designed for humans. Giving you maneuverability in underwater environments, underwater pressure, and enables you to breathe in it as well. Licensing fee is with no costs." But he cleared his throat as he crossed his arms and pointed out, "However…this is one small thing…"

"I knew it!", Sebastian shouted as he scuttled over tot eh otter, "That obeah woman is no different than Ursula…."

Dax placed a hand on Sebastian's head as he pointed to Eric and finished, "The magic is only good as long as you wearing that bracelet. If it's removed….you'll revert back to your old air breathing self."

Frey was a little warped by all this as he wondered if he could take any more of this. But he just smirked as he said to Eric, "Well, if that happens, you better make sure that you're on the surface and not ogling any more mermaids beneath the water." But then turned around as he spotted a familiar car driving to the direction to where Eric's home was. Frey paled as he looked to the others and stated, "Eric! Your uncle's comin' home!"

Eric then looked as he nearly paled at this; he turned towards Frey as he asked, "Can you stall him until I can get back?"

Frey smirked at Eric as he stated, "I can give him a few impressions…", and then ran off towards the house as fast as he could.

Sebastian sighed at this, but then turned towards Flounder as he commanded, "Flounder! You go with Eric and make sure that you both get there in time, as fast as your fins can get you!"

Eric jumped into the water and swam up next to Flounder as he nudged the little fish, "You ready?"

Flounder smirked, "Let's go!", and the two splashed into the water and swam at top speed to get to the Dutchman.

Sebastian then thought about it, but knew it was the only way to set things in right now. He then told himself, "I've gotta get to the Sea King. He must know about this; that the Sea Witch and Jones are workin' together."

Wanting to help, Dax asked, "Well, what can me and feather-brain, here do to help?"

Scuttle nodded at that as he asked, "Yeah, what about us?"

Sebastian then quickly shot at the two as he ordered, "You two! Find a way to stall that ship from leaving port!", and then plopped into the ocean to get back to Atlantica in time.

The two looked in confusion as Scuttle asked Dax, "Stall the Flying Dutchman? How can we….", but then he smiled as he and Dax figured it out and shouted in unison, "That's it!" And then Scuttle flew to the sky, and Dax took off into the sea. Scuttle flew over to the shore as he squawked for the attention of all the birds and sea creatures that was nearby. Dax did the same as he swam all over in the waters and called out for all the reinforcements as he could muster. Dolphins, and seals came along with him, and even a few manatees came in for reinforcements.

Scuttle led the way for everyone as he shouted, "Let's go! C'mon, move it! We've got an emergency here!"

Dax shouted, while he hopped on top of a moving Croc, "You heard the bird; we've got a boat to ground!" and with that said, the two varmints and their army of sea creatures swam as fast as they could to do the impossible…ground the Flying Dutchman.

On the Dutchman

Leaning on one of the rails, Ariel looked out towards the sea, a little happy to be near it once more. But when she looked back at the shore, she was more depressed than ever. However, that depression turned to revulsion as soon as Davy Jones stepped near her. She turned away, to hide her saddened face, but also that she really didn't want to see someone like him. Jones lightly chuckled as he sneered and brought up his tentacle index finger to trace her chin, much to her disgust, "Ready to join my crew, lass?"

She then shot him a dirty look, slapped his hand aside, and then pointed out to where the sun was. Davy Jones raised an eyebrow as he saw the sun still out, but slowly making its decent. His evil smirk returned as he cackled and responded in a mocking sympathetic voice, "Oh…you still waitin' for your prince charming to come to the rescue?" Ariel nodded as she stood defiant to Jones, but then he snapped back at her with anger, "Well….don't get your hopes up yet, Princess!" He then grabbed her right wrist with his crab claw, and clamped on it hard. Ariel winced in pain and tried to pull away from him, but Jones' grip was hard and firm as he pulled her in closer until they were face-to-face. He then snarled evilly as he finished, "Because as soon as the boy gets here…if he get here…"

"Jones! Be civil and reasonable towards the girl.", Ursula, in her human form, stated as she walked behind Ariel, "She's already lost the love of her life. She barely needs you snapping off her right hand." Jones just growled and then let go of Ariel's wrist. Ariel held it gently as she rubbed it a little, but then felt a chill go down her spine as she looked to see Ursula put her hand on her shoulder as the humanized Sea Witch smirked in triumph, "It's nothing personal, little princess…it's just good business…for me." Ariel turned away from her, with a sad look on her face, in nothing but heartbroken as she realized she would never see Eric again.

However, that was proven to be wrong, for at that moment, Flounder and Eric were making their way to the boat. Flounder stopped for a moment as he turned towards Eric, wondering if he was having trouble getting used to the tail and all. He asked out of concern, "Eric, you okay?"

Eric stopped, as if he was gliding in the water, instead of on it, and smirked at the yellow fish, "Yeah, I'm good." He then moved his tail around as he waved his flipper finned tail at Flounder, "It was just taking me a little while to get used to this, is all." He still couldn't imagine that he was now breathing underwater, and swimming in it like a dolphin could.

Flounder smirked, but then the two turned their attention as they reached surface. Then they saw their appointed target as Flounder replied, "We're gonna make it."

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!", Eric shouted as he and Flounder, swam as fast as they could, well Eric going faster, towards the Flying Dutchman.

Meanwhile, Jones walked along the deck and ordered Jimmylegs at the help, "Set course for Sea Serpent Pass! We're going home." The men all laughed maniacally as they all prepared to make sail. Ariel sighed in sadness as Ursula ordered the Twins to take her to the brig. But just before anything could happen, Jones had noticed something peculiar: the ship wasn't moving at all. He looked to Jimmylegs, who seemed to be having trouble at the wheel. He walked up to the helm and snarled, "What exactly…DO YOU THINK YOUR DOIN', MASTER LEGS?"

Jimmylegs, being slightly nervous for the first time in his torture-inflicting life, shrugged, "I don't know, sir. The rudder chain ain't responding!"

"Captain!", Hadras shouted at the back of the ship.

Jones, Jimmylegs, Maccus, and Palifico followed behind and stopped at the conch headed pirate. Jones bellowed, "What is it?"

Hadras pointed down, looking rather nervous and confused at what he had found, "Hoi ya! I think I found the problem." Everyone looked and saw in complete oddness at what had happened. On the rudder, a couple of crocodiles were biting into the rudder, jamming it completely.

Jones looked completely flabbergasted by this absurd sight as he shouted, "WHAT'S GOIN ON HERE?"

Before Ursula was about to escort Ariel to the brig, she stopped as she overheard all the shouting. Ariel stopped too and wondered, 'What's going on? I thought that they were going to make sail.' Ursula groaned as she shouted, "Jones! Why aren't we making…?" But then stopped as she overheard some annoying squawking as it came from above. She looked up and gasped as a bunch of seagulls, led by Scuttle, flew in and dived at her and the Twins. The two ducked and released Ariel as the girls missed them by a mile. Ursula growled at this as she got back up, but then paled as she turned around, and saw the same seagull flying squad heading right for her again. They zoomed under her skirt, leaving her a little disoriented, as they zoomed over to the Twins and pecked at the conjoined pirates, causing them to run around in a panic.

Ariel raised an eyebrow at this bizarre event, and saw that more sea creatures were flopping on deck. They attacked the pirates completely, causing them to scatter and panic as they tried to desperately get these little buggers off of themselves. Ariel was just as confused by all of this, until a familiar seagull landed on her raised arm as he smirked, "Alright, kiddo. Operation: Stall the Dutchman, is going according to plan." Ariel raised a confused eyebrow by this, wondering what Scuttle was talking about.

But then Ursula, who had recovered from the seagull attack, glared angrily at Ariel and the bird. She stomped over, catching their attention to her as the two looked a little frightened. She then growled, "You! You're the one causing all this?" She was about to ring Scuttle's neck, but something stopped her in her tracks as she paled.

Ariel and scuttle turned around to see a couple of angry seals growling at Ursula. And on the leader, stood Dax as he commanded, "Alright, guys….CHARGE!" And the seals charged at Ursula, kicking her in the hair while she screamed out for help. And then as Davy Jones came walking down the stairs, he was bombarded with load after load from what Pelicans threw at him. As he tried to make sense in this, a barrage of Starfish was thrown at his face like a couple of Shurikens, leaving him blinded as they covered his tentacled face. Ariel couldn't help but smirk at this whole bizarre ordeal, and Ursula was thrown into a bunch of crates and barrels, nearly knocking her out.

At the side of the Dutchman, Eric and Flounder had made it just in time. The boy grabbed on to one of the ropes that led upward, and while still holding on to it, he took off the bracelet. His tail and fins disappeared as his legs returned, still wearing his jeans from before. He looked down towards Founder as he said, "Wish me luck.", and then proceeded to climb up the rope.

The chaos was still going on aboard the Dutchman, as the crew was running around like mad chickens. Ariel, with Dax at her side, was the only one not getting attacked by this chaos as Davy Jones was running around, trying to get the starfish that were stuck on his face. even though she was a little surprised by this, she looked down to Dax with a questioned look on her face, but he smirked, saying, "Hey, this wasn't my idea.", he then saw movement behind them at the railing, and pointed, "If you're lookin' for the one who came up with this rescue…look behind you."

Ariel raised a confused eyebrow but looked behind her. And to her surprise, who would be climbing up on deck as he walked on deck with soggy jeans, and his wetsuit underneath, but none other than Eric. He smirked as he saw Ariel again, and said, "I'm glad I got here in time to save you, Ariel." But then he looked around at the chaos aboard the ship, and saw Dax sheepishly waving at him, "Though it seems I was beaten to the punch." Ariel couldn't believe what she was seeing; Eric had swum all the way to the boat, just to save her. She nearly burst into tears as she tried to hide it, but Eric walked up to her as he cupped her face with both of his hands. He then brought her to look up at him as he smiled, "Hey, come on. No more tears, Ariel; you're too beautiful to have tears on your face." Ariel tearfully smiled at Eric as she placed her hands on his, but then the two stopped having their moment as someone groaned and then growled.

Ursula shot up from the wreckage that she was thrown into as she looked around. She was going to kill the first thing that had ruined her carefully laid plan out, but then her attention was turned back towards one sight. At the railing, she saw Princess Ariel…in the arms of that human boy, Eric Thatch. She menacingly growled and glared daggers at the boy as she snarled, "You! You're the cause of all this!" Frightened for Eric, Ariel stood in front of him, giving Ursula a defiant look that said, 'Don't you hurt him!' Ursula snarled as she stated, "I knew I should have let Jones gut you, when I threatened Ariel to leave…"

Eric then understood the whole thing as he understood now. Ariel wasn't trying to leave him over what she wrote; she was forced to do so. He smiled at Ariel as he said out his understanding, "So you really weren't trying to leave me…", he then looked to Ursula as he snarled, "….you just forced her to."

Ursula snarled as she held the shell and spoke in Ariel's voice, "All too true, but I still have this, boy!" She then threatened, "And unless you want her to remain a mute for the rest of her life…you'd better abandon ship, and abandon girlfriend, Lover Boy!"

Eric looked at the shell, the one that contained Ariel's voice, and knew that was the only choice to get her voice back. But then he looked back to Ariel, and saw how much she had given up being with him. He knew he couldn't just let her do all this by herself anymore. And much to Ariel's surprise, Eric stepped away from her, and ran towards the human-disguised Ursula and grabbed the shell, as he replied, "Not even if you threatened my life!" Eric tried to pull the shell away, but then Ursula did the same as it was a tug of war between them.

Dax saw that the pirates were starting to recover from their attack. The sea critters that had helped in the attack were all but retreating as the pirates were noticing the tug of war. Ariel cringed in fear for Eric as she saw the pirates were about to close in on him, and prayed that something would happen. Dax looked at this whole thing and sighed as he told himself, "I am so not gonna like this…" he then ran from Ariel's side as he ran at Eric and Ursula. He then got in position and innerly groaned, "…I am really…not gonna like this…", he gulped, and then jumped up, and took a big bite out of Ursula's butt.

The Sea Witch in disguise, screamed at the top of her lungs at feeling something taking a huge chunk out of her butt. She pulled away, causing Eric to pull even harder, as the shell necklace broke from her neck. The shell was sent flying through the air, and then it fell forward near Ariel. And then the shell crashed near her feet, shattering into a million pieces. But then out of the shell, the small golden yellow orb that was Ariel's' voice, began to float up to Ariel as it vocalized with the tune that she had sung. Eric got back up from the fall as he looked up towards Ariel. The Dutchman's pirates, who had finally won the battle, watched in awe at this scene. Jones pulled the last of the starfish off and turned to where the singing voice was coming form, and his jaw nearly dropped. Ursula was furious nonetheless as the one trump card she had, was no longer hers. The golden yellow orb floated up towards Ariel's throat as it neared the final tune, and merged back within its rightful owner as Ariel sang out the last tune.

Eric got up and back on to his feet, as he looked at Ariel in hope for his friend. He walked up to her as he asked, "Ariel?"

Ariel looked up to him, to the boy that meant more to her than ever. She silently prayed that she had her voice back…and then said with a smile on her face as she looked at Eric, "Eric." And then the two embraced each other in a warm hug, reunited in a happy moment as Ariel spoke up as she looked at Eric, "I never thought I'd see or speak with you ever again." She then balled for a little as she buried her face into his chest.

Eric just smiled warmingly, knowing that the one who was special to him was given her voice back, but that she was back in his life. He took his right hand and stroked her head as he said to her, "You can't get rid of me that easily."

Ignoring to what they should have been doing, the pirates, minus Davy Jones, all sighed and were in Awww at the touching scene. Even Jimmylegs, the cruelest of the pirates, was in tears as he blew on Koleniko's cloak as a tissue. The conch-headed pirate, Hadras, wiped a tear from his lone eye as he stated, "You just have to love moments like these."

The inhuman one, Ogilvey, nodded at that as he padded his shipmate's shoulder as he hollowed, "You've got to treasure moments like this in your life."

Ursula, who was using her original voice once more, groaned, "Oh, don't make me puke." But then something caught her eye that made her chuckle evilly as she saw what was happening behind the two teens.

Dax was spitting up a storm as he grumbled, "That was vile.", he still wasn't too thrilled for biting Ursula's butt as he tired his best to get the taste out of his mouth. He then looked at the teens as he shouted, "You two owe me…" but then paled as he saw the sun…and it was setting.

And as the sun disappeared, the two teens happy moment, was over. Ariel gasped in pain at something, with Eric looking surprised and concerned for her. She couldn't regain her stance as she fell softly to the floor. Eric held on to her and the two saw what the problem was. Her legs had reverted back to her tail and fins; the teens realized in fear that they were too late.

Ursula cackled a little as she looked at the distraught teens, "Well, Mister Thatch…it seems that even though you've won the battle…", and then a few bolts of electricity shot at her, and with a disgusting tear and bloat scene, Ursula was back to her old tentacle-limbed self again as she cackled loudly, "…YOU'VE LOST THE WAR! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA"

Davy Jones then stepped up towards the teens as he towered over them. He then viciously and evilly smiled at Ariel, who cringed at what was coming next, as he chuckled evilly, "Welcome to the crew, lass." He then looked over to his men as he ordered, "Maccus! Greenbeard! Escort our newest member to the brig before she receives the mark!"

The two pirates strode forward to the teens, obeying their captain's orders. Ariel looked to Eric as she pleaded, "Eric, you've got to get out of here."

He shook his head as he replied, "I'm not leaving you, Ariel!" Knowing she wouldn't win this argument, she pushed him off the ship's deck. Surprised by this, he shouted back to her as he crashed into the water. Dax, feeling equally worried, jumped in after him. Eric shot out of the water as he coughed a little, and could only look helplessly as the two pirates grabbed on to the struggling mermaid.

Jones then looked down at the boy as he ordered, "Men! Go after him and drag him back to the ship! Now!"

"No, wait!", Ursula ordered as she strode over to the rail and looked down. She then smirked evilly as she signaled Maccus and Greenbeard over to her, while still holding on to Ariel. She then asked, "You there! You want her back?" She then cupped Ariel's chin as she proclaimed, "Meet us at Sea Serpent Pass in one hour, boy. Your fishy friends'll know the way." She then looked over to Ariel and then back to the boy as she stated, "And if you don't…Princess Ariel, doesn't have a prayer.", and then cackled evilly as Jones gave the order to dive.

The Flying Dutchman began to descend into the ocean water, taking Ariel with it as she shouted, "Eric! Nooooo!" And then sank into the water with the stealth and poise of a combination of a Great White Shark and a Humpback Whale. As the water dialed back down, Eric could only float there, realizing that he had lost her again. He shook himself as he knew that wasn't true. He pulled out the bracelet and slapped it back on his wrist. His legs transformed back into a Mer-Dolphin's, and swam forward back to the water.

Dax, who was joined up by Flounder, acted as the voice of reason as he asked, "Uh, what are you doing?"

Eric stopped as he looked back to his guardian and replied, "I have to do something."

Dax then stated in a worried tone, "You saw the look on that Sea cow Witch's face. The whole thing's a trap!"

Eric nodded at that, but then looked to Dax as he asked, "Are we in this together for Ariel…or not?"

Dax looked at him, slightly defeated at that question. But then Flounder swam up to him as he nodded, "I'm in to help Ariel.", he then turned towards Dax as he asked, "How about you?"

Dax just smiled at the two, knowing full well that they made up their minds. He then smirked as he swam forward, "Well, then let's go save the Damsel in Distress!" And with that said, the three dived into the water, with Flounder leading the way. They were on their way to save Ariel, and unknowingly, the First Heart of the Sea.

Next Chapter: Into the Sea; To the Rescue