I am certain you have heard the stories of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid. This story is similar to all of these traditional fairy tales. The difference? It's all connected. We have six main people - the prince, Cinderella, Beauty, the Beast, the mermaid, and her lover. To understand the story fully, let us go to the past to meet a kind child who is quite unfortunate.

Let us meet our Cinderella.

Lucy Heartfilia had a perfect life. She had loving parents, enough money, and a good education. Her parents - Jude and Layla Heartfilia - were merchants. Her mom would make rugs and embroider some items and her dad sold them. They made a sufficient amount of money - and they were happy. Lucy had a few friends and a puppy dog named Plue. She was happy.

But of course, not all things remain that way.

Lucy was at school one day. She was six and a half years old and was smart for her age. Her teacher loved her and only had good things to tell her. But not that day.

"What happened, Miss? A concerned Lucy asked her teacher.

"Oh, Lucy," Aries bit her lip. "I don't know how to say this to you but..."

By now Lucy had figured out it was something bad. was known for having too much manners but anyone could see how uncomfortable she was in this conversation. Lucy's heart sped up, and her mind began to go through the worst scenarios.

"Your parents... they..." became quiet for a long time. Then she spoke, "There was a fire..." Her voice was almost a whisper but Lucy heard it. She heard it loud and clear. And she knew the rest of the sentence.

"NO!"

"I'm so sorry, Lucy."

Lucy cried and ran back home. She didn't pay attention to the road or streets. She knocked down some flowers from the flower shops. She didn't hear the owner calling after her, telling her to be careful. She didn't hear the warnings of her neighbors as they restrained her from seeing her parents' dead bodies.

She only heard ' voice repeating over and over her head. She only saw the few memories she had of her parents in her mind. She could only smell her mother's cooking and hear her beautiful voice. She could only feel the touch of her mother and father caressing her cheek.

They were all memories now.

And that was all she had.

"You will be staying here until we can contact your living relative," The brown-haired woman smiled at Lucy. "Until then, try and focus on your future."

Lucy nodded and stepped into the orphanage where she would be staying until her aunt accepts. Her mother apparently, had a sister whom she was never told about. Her name was Michelle or something. Lucy didn't care. She thought her life was over with the death of her parents.

"Welcome!"

Lucy looked up. It was a woman with short, black hair that was talking. She had a warm smile, and behind her were some kids.

"Come on in!"

Lucy followed the lady into the house. She was talking all the way through - probably about where everything was situated - but Lucy paid no attention.

"And this," the lady turned around, facing Lucy. "Will be your room."

Lucy peeked past the woman. It was a small room - but quite comfortable. It looked like home. Lucy bit her lip, suppressing her cries. Whenever she thought of home, her heart ached. It ached so hard.

"Oh!" The lady exclaimed while walking out of Lucy's new room. "My apologies, I can't believe I forgot to say my name!" She facepalmed. "My name is Ur. And it's a pleasure to meet you."

With that, she left, leaving Lucy all alone in this unfamiliar place she now called home.

It had been two days since Lucy had joined the orphanage. The other kids tried to befriend her, but she wasn't willing. There was one boy though. One boy who never gave up. His name was Silver or Black or Blue or something. Lucy found him annoying and persistent. He never gave up!

Today, Ur decided that they would have a picnic. She packed some fruits and snacks and they set out to the nearest park. All the children were excited and even though Lucy wouldn't admit it, she was also relieved to be out of that old building. She's always loved nature.

Ur laid down the picnic blanket and gestured for the kids to come and sit down with her. After everyone had settled down, Ur opened the picnic basket and took out all of the things she had made. Ur had a talent for cooking and somewhat resembled Lucy's mother's cooking too. Lucy ate very little though - part of it because she wasn't hungry and part of it because she loved to dance and wanted a fit body.

After eating, Ur allowed the children to go and walk or play around the park. Lucy stood up almost instantly and walked aimlessly throughout the park.

For Lucy, this park brought back a lot of memories. Her family found this park simple but beautiful. They often came here. Layla would cook apple pies - a favorite of both Lucy and Jude. They would have it and talk. They would run around, chasing Lucy or playing tag. When it was close to night, all three of them would sit and watch the ombre sunset.

Remembering all this brought tears to little Lucy's eyes yet again. She wiped it with her small hands and whimpered.

Oh, how she missed her parents!

"WATCH OUT!" A voice behind her shouted at her. Lucy abruptly stopped - and a good thing too - for in front of her was a small lagoon. Lucy gave a sigh of relief and looked behind her to thank whoever yelled the warning to her.

A shy, raven-haired boy peeked from a tree not too far away from Lucy.

It was the boy. The boy who insisted on talking to Lucy.

"Sorry," the boy apologized, "I didn't mean to follow you. I was just curious!"

Lucy giggled. He was funny when he was flustered. She looked up quickly, hoping she didn't offend him. To her surprise, he was grinning at her.

"Hey! You finally laughed!"

"... I did." Lucy smiled at him. For some reason, she felt as if she had a brotherly connection with this boy. It made her feel safe and protected. "I'm sorry but could you please tell me your name again?"

He grinned wider. "Of course! Why are you so formal? Oh yeah, I'm Gray!"

Lucy grinned too, copying him. "Mine's Lucy!"

"Let's be friends, Lucy!"

"Yeah!"

And so, Lucy and Gray became friends. But a few weeks later, Michelle had come to get Lucy and she had to leave her friend.

Or did she?