Against The Tides

by TheForgottenName

When her father announced her wedding, Ariel ran away from home. She expected to find nothing but loneliness. She didn't expect to fall in love. She wasn't expecting to partake in a long journey, nor expect to meet girls who were also searching for their happily ever after. And she definitely, didn't expect to uncover the dark and ugly secrets corrupting both the worlds she loved.

5. Indisputably In Love

Next Chapter,

I'll probably edit this chapter some later, but for now...

Enjoy!

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Ariel

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He truly was handsome. So handsome. More handsome than any human or merman she had ever seen. But besides his looks. He was nice. And he was funny. And so easy to talk to. She'd told him something she'd never even told her sisters. Something she'd never told Flounder. And he listened, and in the end made her feel better. She'd never had a friend that had done that before. And never so fast and easy.

There was so many things to love about him, and she knew she hadn't even scratched the surface of who he really was.

She thought once again, though. How could she possibly fall in love with someone so fast? Could she be mistaking this for a crush? Pure attraction? Maybe she'd been too much on her own? Was she simply lonely, and subconsciously searching for a new friend? No. She knew this was love. She knew it like she knew her name.

The feeling was so strange. So certain. It was the oddest sensation. Being so sure, and yet, so unsure. She knew what she felt, but how could she possibly know how he felt? It would be too strange to ask him, especially since this was only their second meeting. She needed to see him more. Talk to him more. Show him what she was like. She was sure that he could love her. She was sure. They bonded so easily, there had to be at least a chance.

"Jordan!" called a voice, and Ariel and Eric snapped from their dazed staring.

It was then that she realized he'd been staring back at her. She'd become a temporary weirdo, staring into his eyes like they were together and both in love. But he'd been staring back at hers. And not in a weird what-is-she-doing, kind of way. But almost in a, I'm-lost-too, kind of way.

Ariel attempted to stand up on her own, but her body failed her again, and she simply fell back into Eric's arms and onto his chest. Determined, and sure she didn't hurt him, she gripped his shoulders and made to try again, and it may have been her, but she was sure Eric's grip tightened a little, preventing her from another try. Why not, she figured, she felt like she was going to pass out anyway. She mine as well do it in his arms.

"Jordan!" snapped a voice, and Ariel cringed.

"Yes, Surabi?" Ariel asked, looking towards the woman who was barreling into the room and towards her.

Ariel tried to look as composed as she could, but you could do little leaning on a guys chest, his arms wrapped around your waist. It wasn't her plan, she had even tried to change it, but Ariel felt as if she had no energy left. She wouldn't mind laying right on the floor, sure she'd be out until the morning time, at least.

"That's ma'am," Surabi spat, hardly any regard to prince Eric, "And get out of here and back to your chores. Jasmine is ready for her hair to be brushed."

"She's hurt."

The voice was Eric's. Ariel could hear the sound in his chest, a deep, sweet sound that nearly rocked her to sleep. He was talking for her, and she didn't mind. He could talk for her all night and she'd be fine with that. Just fine. The thought of him speaking for her, taking care of her. It made her feel a warmth she never knew.

"You highness," Surabi said, curtsying, "forgive me, but this maid is under my order. She has duties."

Surabi's words weren't mean, but the way she said them suggested that she was putting things sarcastically sweet because he was royalty and a guess. What she really meant was: I want this little imbecile back in Jasmine's room in 2 minutes or I'll kill you both with my animal eyes.

"Yes, ma'am." Ariel nodded, and deep down, she found a hidden reserve of strength.

She used it to gather herself from Eric and stand on her own two feet. The absence of warmth he'd been giving her made her want to cry. He was right next to her, but she felt cold and lonely. She wobbled a bit, and the next thing she knew, Eric had her back in his arms. She knew she hadn't been about to fall, but she played along. Perhaps to him it had looked that way.

Surabi's left eye twitched and Ariel actually felt a shiver run down her spine.

"I should go." Ariel said, for the second time, gathering herself from Eric's arms.

With as much dignity as she could, she walked half the length of the room, before Eric caught up with her and stopped her.

He'd grabbed her arm softly, and she turned around slowly to him, already dizzy and not wanting to aid it in any way. Her arm was tingling where his hand was.

"You don't have to go." he told her, his eyes sad, and honestly, she wanted to simply pass out, knowing he'd catch her, and allow him to take care of her.

How badly she wanted that, but she also knew her journey wasn't over. What horrible thing might happen if she took a short cut? And who was to say he wasn't simply going to take her to some hospital and leave her. She'd be left to the mercy of Surabi. No, she better go back and do things the way the evil dots wanted her to. And Surabi.

"I should go," she told him, again, forlorn.

For a second, she thought she saw a flash of hurt in his eyes, but it was gone in an instant. He gave a curt nod, released her arm, and stepped back. He'd tapped into his royalty training. She'd seen it. She often did it herself. The lessons she was taught was good for mostly nothing, but sometimes they were helpful. She wondered which lesson from his past he'd tapped into.

She somehow managed to make eye contact with him again, and for a moment, she thought they'd both be lost in each other again, but she was snapped out of that when Surabi roughly grabbed her arm. It was everything Eric's gentle hold hadn't been, and she already counted it as probably her 5th bruise of the week.

"Go on." Surabi instructed, and pushed Ariel roughly forwards.

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Eric

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Eric was, simply put, ready to toss Surabi into the fireplace.

He felt a rage he'd never known, which was odd. He was angered so often that he'd believed he knew far too much about it. But watching Surabi's hard grip and the hard shove she'd done, Eric simply wanted to lose his mind for a moment. If Surabi had been a man, he surely would have done something, but Jordan (and only now did he realize he hadn't even asked her name properly) took it in stride, and she kept her footing.

She was a distance away that he might not have caught her very gracefully, but rest assured he'd of caught her. And he certainly wouldn't let her out of his sight. He'd tell Surabi to stuff it when she would inevitably open her mouth to object. He'd let her know that if she had any more objections, that she could take it up with his 'older sister' Jasmine. Or the sultan, a man who for some reason admired him greatly.

He had to take several deep breaths to calm himself. His blood boiling would do what? Nothing helpful. She was alright, he reminded himself. She was strong enough to keep her footing after a shove, so she wasn't as sick as he'd thought. But that really didn't calm him down much. He knew, later, he'd definitely have a talk with Jasmine about Surabi. What went on in Agrabah's palace really wasn't any of his business, but Surabi was unacceptable. The other maids must be miserable working under her.

This was something Jasmine would want to hear about. Eric was sure she didn't know about the wicked woman. Never had he been shown such disrespect. And that from a human point of view, his status had nothing to do with things.

Surabi curtsied once but didn't leave the room, finishing what Jordan had been doing. He was almost upset with Jordan for leaving him alone with her, but what choice had she really had? If he put himself in her shoes, he might have done the same.

Eric had a right mind to change for bed, but he looked back towards the fire. Jordan had been there with him, just a few moments ago. He desperately wanted to go back in time and relive those moments over and over and over again. She'd just left him, and already, he missed her presence. He felt a strange emptiness inside of him. He was used to being alone, but for some reason, at that moment, the feeling was unbearable. And he knew only one person could make the horrid feeling go away.

Without thinking too much about it, he went after her.

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Ariel

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By miracle or chance, Ariel managed to keep her footing. She massaged her arm and left the room without so much as a last glance back at Eric. She sighed. Just like her world, the human world had good people, and it had bad people. You were likely to run into both types multiple times within a single day. How uncanny, and yet, appropriate.

The sound of rushed feet caught her ears. She paid it no mind, thinking someone had seen Surabi. She knew if she was feeling well, she'd certainly hurry in the opposite direction, too. But the hurried feet got closer to her and finally, stopped at her side.

Her eyes narrowing in confusion, she looked to the hurried walker and nearly tripped over her own feet.

It was Eric. He'd left his room, probably leaving Surabi back inside, and came to... join her?

"I... I just wanted to make sure you got to Jasmine's room alright."

He said, and for some reason, she figured he was only telling a half truth. But what was the other half?

"Oh," she said, "thank you."

"Besides," he whispered, leaning down, "I didn't want to be left with Surabi. She has animal eyes."

Of all things, she laughed. Laughed. Laughed like she wasn't aching on every inch of her body. Laughed like this was totally normal.

Again, how did he do that? Forgetting pain was completely new to her.

"It's like her whole eye is a pupil." Ariel said, and this time, it was his turn to laugh.

She was somewhere in paradise, having gone from angry at leaving Jasmine's room in the first place, to frustrated in Eric's room, to happy when Eric came, to frustrated and a little embarrassed when Surabi showed up, to sad when she left, to happy again right now. She was exhausted just thinking about the emotional roller-coaster she'd just gotten off of.

She didn't know how she found her way back to Jasmine's room, but she was there and Ariel peaked in the room, seeing Jasmine was already attempting to brush her hair herself. Ariel knew it was difficult, they had about the same length of it.

"I should go in there and help," Ariel said in a low tone, "It is my job."

Eric nodded, "Perhaps... maybe... hopefully, I'll see you before I leave tomorrow. You know, so I know you made it through the night."

He said the last part jokingly, quickly, and quietly. Ariel wondered if he'd just thrown that part in at the last second. She hoped he had, because that would mean he actually liked her company. It would mean they had at least made it to a friendship level. It would mean they were that much closer to getting to know each other.

In the dim light, she noticed something strange. Every time she'd seen him, he'd been rather pale. She figured he must just be pale in general. But at that moment, he wasn't quite so pale. Her heart skipped a beat.

He was blushing. Seriously. She wanted to swoon again, the thought just too girlish for her to ignore. But he grew a little uncomfortable and fidgeted a bit. She didn't want to put him on the spot, so joked back with him.

"If Surabi is anywhere near, I seriously deduct my survival chances."

He gave her a smile, but she could tell it wasn't because he thought she was funny. It seemed more appreciative.

It was strange, the way she read him. It was like she was in him mind. Knew his every thought. She was making these assumptions about what he was thinking, why he did what he did, but she reminded herself that she'd only met him twice. Seen him three times. No matter what she thought, she didn't really know him. How could she possibly get inside his head like she was?

"I guess I better say goodnight, then." he said, backing away slowly.

Ariel waved a bit awkwardly, "Night."

She turned and hurried into Jasmine's room.

"I'm sorry," Ariel said, going and sitting behind Jasmine and grabbing the brush. "This wont happen again."

Jasmine waved her off, "It's alright. I should probably know how to do this on my own anyway."

"A little help never hurts."

Back at home, Ariel hardly ever did her own hair. She had too many sisters for that.

"You'll have to excuse Eric," Jasmine told her, "I've known him since forever. He makes himself at home sometimes. Well, all the time. He's like that pesky little brother that always sneaks in your room."

"That's alright." Ariel laughed, and she really meant it.

Clearly there was friendship between the two, even a sibling relationship, but nothing more. Certainly no chemistry. If Ariel had a brother, she imagined they'd behave much like Jasmine and Eric did.

Oh, Eric. It was like every time she saw him, she just fell a little harder. Before she saw him, she'd wished for love. She had wanted to know what it felt like. She wanted to experience what her sisters experienced. And finally, she thought, she knew what it was like. It was heavenly. Uplifting. Crazy and confusing. But so wonderful at the same time. It was like walking on painted roses. So beautiful you don't want to touch them. Don't want to ruin them. And yet knowing the feeling would set you free. Lift you up and make you feel like you were flying.

And oh, was she flying.

"You never told me," Jasmine said slowly, seeming to catch onto her happy mood, "Where is this dream guy of yours?"

"Oh," Ariel giggled, "I'm kind of chasing him. He lives kind of far, I'm just making my way there."

"That's so romantic," Jasmine sighed, "I really wish I could find someone id chase around the world."

"You will," Ariel promised, "I made that same wish just a short time before I fell in love. Believe me, you'll find it."

Of course Ariel couldn't really promise this to Jasmine, but Jasmine looked uplifted by her words. She looked determined. Focused.

Ariel supposed that was a good thing.

"Well," Jasmine said clapping, "I better get to sleep. So many men to see tomorrow."

"Who knows," Ariel agreed, heading to her little corner, "One of them might just be the love of your life."

Jasmine smiled, and flicked out the lights.

Ariel laid on her little bed and found that it was actually very comfortable. There were pillowed down instead of a mattress, but they were big and plush. And the blanket next to her smelled like some kind of sweet smelling herb.

Ariel went to scratch her nose, but found she still had that scarf wrapped around her face. She hadn't noticed, her hair had been out completely and she had forgotten. Ariel pulled the scarf off and dropped it next to her. And to think, that whole time Eric hadn't even seen her whole face. She supposed that was good though, the whole identity thing and all. Though she wasn't sure why she was hiding anything from him.

The thought was cast aside as exhaustion and aching took over. Within seconds, it seemed, she'd fallen into a deep, and vast sleep.

Ariel woke to the sound of a monster. She was sure it was a monster. She heard it growling from somewhere far. Adrenaline woke her up fully, and Ariel sat straight up.

She wondered briefly, how fast Jasmine's guards were.

Ariel tried to calm herself, and took a deep breath. But she got a nose full of sand in the air. It must be windy, she thought. Thinking quick, she grabbed her face-scarf-thingy, and put it on. She figured out how to use it this time, and was able to wrap her hair in it correctly.

The growling noise sounded again and she rushed to Jasmine's bed, determined to somehow save them both, but she shook a bed full of covers awake. Ariel lifted the covers and pillows and found they were just arranged in a human shape. Jasmine was gone.

Ariel slowly made her way to the window, and in a second, she caught a flash of blue and black barreling over the wall that the palace was surrounded in. Ariel rubbed her eyes. She had to have imagined that. She was actually still asleep.

She was actually about to go back to sleep when she happened to look down and see a green dot. It was glowing and the light hurt her eyes in the dark room. The dot led to another and Ariel followed them with her eyes. They led out the window.

"Lovely," she said to herself, looking at how they crossed and weaved down a vine on the wall below her.

Yes, she was supposed to leap out the window and follow them down. She sighed. Eric, she thought to herself, just think of him. Every step she took now, was just a step closer to being with him. And after their latest conversation, she was getting the feeling that he may just have felt a little spark for her too. Regular people, after all, didn't just stare into each others eyes. True love might just exist after all.

Ariel was slow and deliberate as she swung her leg out the window. The last thing she needed was to slip and fall. She already had bad balance. But then, maybe Eric would come and rescue her. Or maybe she'd fall on her neck. No, she'd come too far to die.

She carefully, gripped the vines in her hands and slowly made her way down. She'd seen the way Jasmine has left and her goal was to do the same. And yet, Ariel had forgotten about the growling monster. Upon reaching the bottom, she was met with something clearly poisonous.

Underwater, anything with colors like he had either shot out acid, or had a death bite. The creature stood tall on four legs, taller than her waist and she saw clear muscles in its arms and legs. It was very hairy, its hair being orange and black. And it was striped, like a zebra fish. It barred its teeth and she knew for sure it would lunge at her.

"Please don't kill me." she said uselessly, folding in on herself and freezing against the wall of the palace.

A few seconds went by and it still didn't react. Inching her way on the side of the palace wall, Ariel tried not to make any sudden moves.

"I'm just trying to follow Jasmine... so that I can bring her home, nice and safe."

They seemed like magic words. She'd been talking out of nervousness. Just babbling. But it was almost like the creature understood, and with her words, his entire position changed. He seemed to perk up a bit and in that instant, he seemed almost friendly. He turned on his hide and pranced away, like he actually wanted her to bring Jasmine back.

Strange.

She didn't chance herself though, and she hurried to the tree Jasmine must have climbed to get over the wall.
"I can't believe I'm climbing again," she said to herself, "And this early in the morning."

The sun was making an appearance, and Ariel knew she had to get herself and Jasmine back before anyone realized they were gone. It was mandatory. When they saw that she wasn't in her room, she'd probably be charged with kidnapping. And then where would she be? What would Eric think of her then?

Ariel reached to top of the wall and looked down at the long jump that followed. If she had to climb a tree to get to the top, then she'd of preferred something to climb down also, to get to the bottom. She was debating this issue when her body reminded her of her lack of balance. One moment, she was sitting on top of the wall, the next, she was falling down.

Humpty Dumpty.

She landed on her feet, but that was the problem. Her ankles burned like they were broken. She grit her teeth, determined not to scream, but her ankles ached a great deal. As if she didn't already have trouble walking, now she'd be limping on both feet.

She used the wall to stand up, and found that the pain was actually subsiding slowly. She breathed out a breath of relief and wiped at her eyes, the pressure of holding in her scream had brought up quite a few tears.

Thankfully it was early and hardly anyone was out. Just shopkeepers, like there had been in Paris. Ariel walked along the stone road, trying to keep her eyes from wondering from her task of finding Jasmine. But there was so much new stuff around her. So many different, dinglehoppers and thingamagiggers. She couldn't help but stop and look at a few.

She hadn't wondered far though, before she saw a young girl staring longingly at an apple stand. She was too short to reach and Ariel felt for the young girl. She was so young and she looked so hungry. Ariel thoughtlessly grabbed the apple and handed it to the young girl, watching her face light up as she ran away.

Ariel stared after her for a moment, glad she'd made someone happy that morning, but was snapped out of her daze by a large man grabbing her arm roughly. He sneered at her, showing large, yellow teeth that were rotten beyond fixing.

"I hope," he leered, "You are prepared to pay for that."

Pay? She'd forgotten all about money. Back at home, while she had money, people usually just put what she wanted on her fathers tab. They let her go in the stores and leave with whatever she wanted. There was usually no mention of money whatsoever. But clearly, she wasn't in Atlantica, and clearly, humans didn't treat her the same way.

"You know the punishment!" he bellowed.

Ariel actually didn't know the punishment. But the man grabbed something shiny, large, and sharp and slammed her arm on the table. He held the tool he had in the air, like he was about to bring it down. Ariel looked between the tool and her arm, which was spread across the table and she screamed.

"Whoa," came a voice, "whoa, whoa, whoa, sir."

Ariel whipped her head around to see that a boy, clad in strange clothing rushed to her side.

"There you are." he scolded, looking right at her, "I've been looking everywhere for you."

Obviously, he was confused. Because she had never seen this boy in her life.

"You know this girl?" the man asked.

"Sadly, yes." the boy responded, "She's... my sister."

The large man looked between them skeptically. Ariel, with her bright red hair and blue eyes, was certainly not related to this boy, who had black hair and dark brown eyes.

"By marriage." the boy added, and the big man seemed to think about this.

"She's stolen from me." he said, but the boy didn't miss a beat.

"Forgive her sir, she was only trying to feed our younger siblings. You see, we've got 10."

Ariel was watching as this boy spun a tale from pure air. And for the most part, he even had her nearly believing the lie.

"She's a dancer," the boy continued, "But with her hurt leg, she isn't bringing home any money anymore. With her out of the job, we're all but starving."

Ariel was as far from a dancer as it got. She could hardly walk, probably couldn't run, dancing was so far out of the question. But the man looked her up and down.

"She's got a dancer's body." he observed, and she looked around herself uncomfortably. "But none of that matters. She has taken a fruit from me that I have grown. I can not get it back now. She must pay."

"What if..." the boy thought, "She paid for it in dance! Of course, when her legs all healed up. Exclusive, just for you."

Even if Ariel could dance, she certainly wouldn't dance for this man. But she supposed she'd be well on her way before the topic came up again, and she simply nodded her confirmation.

The big man looked her up and down again, and slowly but surely, he nodded his agreement. No sooner had it happened, was she whisked away by the boy and she suddenly found herself in the middle of a crowd of people, moving quickly away from the man.

"Thank you." she told him, once they were far away from the man. "I don't know what I would have done without you."

"No problem," the boy said, blowing on his knuckles and rubbing them on his shirt. "Its my job."

She couldn't stop herself, but she let out a small laugh. "Are you like the town superhero?"
"Nah," he waved off, "I'm just a guy in an unjust world helping out the little people."

"Well," she said, "Mr. Guy in an Unjust world, you wouldn't happen to have seen a girl with long black hair anywhere? I'm looking for her."

"Cant say that I have," he said, "But I know Agrabah like the back of my hand. I'm sure I can find her."

So that was what that place was called. She could hardly believe that all that time she didn't even know. Not to mention the fact that Agrabah was a strange name, but she went with it.

Looking around, by chance, she spotted just the girl she was looking for. Jasmine was at a stand that held lots of jewelery. Ariel fought though the crowds of people, the boy calling after her just behind, and flew to Jasmine's side.

"Jasmine." Ariel said, reaching the girl, "What are you doing?"

Jasmine looked surprised for a moment, but her look faded into being sheepish and embarrassed.

"Guess I didn't get very far."

"Jasmine." Ariel whined.

"Oh, fine." she said, "I'm running away. I woke up early, thought about a day full of old men, and I just... ran away. Maybe I'll find love like you did."

"Jasmine that wasn't what I meant when I talked about running away. No one will miss me. I've got a handful of sisters to take my spot. Your the only heiress."

Jasmine looked at her oddly, and Ariel hopped she hadn't given herself away.

"I can't." she settled on, "There's nothing here for me."

"There you are." came a voice and Ariel turned to see Mr. Guy in an Unjust World catch up to her. "I was looking for-"

He froze stiff and Ariel tilted her head at him. She turned to Jasmine, hoping maybe she could explain his oddness, but found that Jasmine was actually in a similar state. The hood she'd had on to conceal her identity had somehow come off and she and Mr. Unjust were staring hard at each other.

"Uh," Ariel started. "Jasmine? Are you alright?"

A slow smile spread across the girls face.

"Yeah," she said, "I'm fine."

The slow smile. Gleaming eyes. Tilted heads. Ariel looked between the boy and Jasmine and she stepped back, out of the way of their gazing. She'd seen 'the look' on her sisters faces before. That love at first sight, kind of look. Ariel had experienced a one-sided version. She knew how frozen and unaware you became.

"Listen, Jasmine." Ariel said, approaching the girl, "I'm going back to the palace. I wont tell anyone where you are if, you promise you'll be back for lunch."

Jasmine's eyes snapped to her and she nodded happily.

"Back by lunch, got it."

"I'm leaving then," Ariel said, and stopped right by Mr. Unjust. "She's new around here. If you could show her some of you vast knowledge of Agrabah, I'm sure she'd appreciate it."

He nodded mutely, and Ariel made her way back towards the palace, not bothering to look back.

Maybe, running away did actually have love involved in it. After all, she'd run away and fell for Eric. Cinderella ran away for a night and got Charming. Jasmine ran away and found that guy. Maybe, running away was like a love-drug. It drew special people to you.

She was happy for Jasmine, of course, but she couldn't help but envy her too. Immediately, she had found someone she liked. And that same boy showed the same amount of interest. Oh, what it must feel like to be certain that that special someone really does have feelings for you. Jasmine must feel blissful.

Ariel knew no such feeling. She wrapped her arms around herself, and suddenly, she felt lonely. Painfully so. Here she was, in this strange world surrounded by mean and strange people. No one knew her, and automatically, she was always cast as the lowest of lifeforms. Not only did she get the lowly jobs, but she stunk at them as well. Up on land, she was practically an idiot. She knew next to nothing about everything.

And Eric. Oh, did she love him. But was she cheating herself? He was a prince. And while she was a princess, that didn't matter up here. Her world didn't exist with the humans. Eric probably had real princesses, human born princesses, lined up at his feet. All of them begging for his hand in marriage. And they were probably all beautiful. Smart. Funny. Sophisticated. And powerful and rich.

Ariel was everything but. Her looks were average. She'd just mentioned being an idiot. She could be funny sometimes, but it usually was out of awkwardness. And sophisticated? No, she, as her father said, was wild and out of control. She had no class. She had no special talents. How could Ariel hope to win Eric's heart with personality and looks like that?

She found the entrance she'd taken the day before and entered the palace grounds that way. The wind blew and a strand of her hair flew out her scarf and into her nose. She sniffed deeply. Her hair didn't even smell good. One more thing added to the list. And to think, Eric had been close to her... and her hair had stunk. In fact, when was the last time she bathed?

Ariel dropped to her knees by a place full of horses. They stunk. But then, she probably did too, she belonged there!

She cried hard, right there on the ground. She let her head drop, and a few more strands of hair fell out her scarf. She was such a nobody. She had no skills. No beauty. No class. No sophistication. And now, she stunk. She was no better than an animal. What, exactly, was she good for again?

"Jordan." snapped a harsh voice, and suddenly, she was lifted off the ground and dragged into the palace. "You are by far the worst, trouble making, and disgraceful maid I have ever dealt with."

Surabi's harsh words did nothing to ease Ariel's tears. She simply cried harder. She couldn't even do the lowliest of jobs right.

Ariel was led up a flight of stairs and pushed into an empty room, full of machines and stacked dirty clothes.
"Now you stay up here and work," Surabi grit out, "Until every shirt and sock is washed, dried, and folded."

Surabi slammed the door behind her and Ariel was left alone with just her thoughts. She allowed herself a few more minutes of self pity, but then wiped at her eyes. It was amazing how confident and sure she was when she was near Eric. When she was with him, she was sure they were in love. She was sure he felt something for her. And she was so sure of herself. But the moment they parted, she doubted herself. Doubted him. Doubted her love. She hated herself and the way that she was. Hated her looks and even her personality.

Ariel looked around the room, her tears now not distorting the view. The room was circular, but not very big. Though it held a lot of piled clothes and two machines, it seemed kind of spacious. There was a single window in front of her and she went to it, hoping some fresh air would help calm her. But the air was hot. And no wind blew.

"-I told her." came a voice, and Ariel looked down, to see a few maids were talking amongst themselves.

"Well," came another voice, "she seems pretty happy with her new night maid, though Surabi's on the verge of killing her."

"You'd think that woman would be happy. What set her off this time?"

"The maid didn't fetch prince Eric fresh fruit this morning. I heard Surabi went off."

"He's quite a fellow to look at, huh?"

"Absolutely, but he seems rather empty headed. He was walking all through the halls this morning. Confused like."

"Maybe he was looking for Jasmine."

"No, he was about to ask me, but he stopped himself. I don't think he'd stop himself if he were looking for Jasmine."

"Maybe he was looking for that maid he was caught alone in the room with."

"Oh, a scandal. You have to tell me what happened."

Ariel moved away from the window. She didn't want to hear what the maids thought happened and what their petty thoughts on the situation was. She knew what went on and it was a shame so many people were getting it twisted. That maid would tell that maid, who in turn would tell another, who would tell another. And everyone would have a mixed up story of what didn't happen.

For all Ariel knew, Eric had already left, and the maid had just made that story up.

Ariel shook her head. Being away from home and on her own made her a bit emotionally unstable. But it didn't change her current situation. She may not have been good enough for Eric, but she certainly would try. Even if they couldn't be lovers, she had faith that they could at least be friends. She'd finish her journey no matter how much doubt filled her. But, she couldn't leave until the dots allowed. And she couldn't even leave the room until she finished her job.

There was no instructions anywhere she could see, so she was totally on her own. There was a giant barrel, full of water. A tub of soap right beside it. She was about to grab a handful of clothes and thrown them in when she looked down at herself.

Giant tub of water. Soap. Private room.

She didn't even think twice before pealing the clothes off of her and stepping into the tub. The water was just near freezing temperatures, but she closed her eyes and sat down quickly. She bit her lip.

She was shivering, but managed to use one of the cleaner shirts as a washrag and cleaned herself. She used almost half the bottle of soap on her hair, and trying not to think about it, dunked her head under the freezing water to rinse it.

The water was so cold that she sputtered under it, and choked. She sat up quickly, wiping the water from her face with her hands, and stood up, getting out the tub. She didn't smell anymore, but she was freezing. She found a stretched out scrunchy lying on the floor and put her hair up in a quick bun. She dried off with a large t-shirt and jumped around the room naked, trying to warm up.

She wished she could wash her outfit, but knew she didn't have the time. Quickly dressing in her pants and bra-shirt, she washed the things she used and lost herself in washing another pile of clothes.

It was getting dark, and she was exhausted by time the door opened.

She had expected to see Surabi, free from her days work, but instead, she saw a tall, skinny man with a red feather-y looking creature on his shoulder.

"Hello." he said in a slow, deep voice.

It was strange, but his voice made her shiver.

"Hello." she responded, curtsying.

"Pretty girly. Pretty girly." his feathery thing sang, but Jafar covered its mouth.

"Jordan, correct?" he asked, walking to her and circling. "I presumed you'd be with princess Jasmine. She asked for you."

Ariel hadn't even realized lunch had come and passed. She'd been working so hard.

"Are you to dismiss me Mr..." she trailed off.

"Jafar."

"Mr. Jafar."

"Please," he said, holding up a hand, "Just call me Jafar."

Eh, that man gave her the creeps. All she wanted to do was run away from him. She was starving and she really wanted to find some food and go to sleep. It had been a strenuous, emotional day for her.
"Anyway," he continued, "You've one last task to complete before you turn in."

Ariel was about to object, but she suddenly found herself looking into the eyes of some golden animal. Its eyes swirled in a mesh of colors and Jafar's voice was all she heard.

"You are to follow me without any question or resistance."

She nodded numbly and followed him out the door. She was scarcely aware, though, that she was hardly moving at her own biding. She stopped, testing herself, and found she could easily take control of her body if she wanted to. And she was about to, but she saw green dots lining the floor, going in the same direction Jafar was heading.

Of course.

She stayed her course, following closely.

"Jeez," said a voice, "You'd think this late at night and people would actually go to bed."

Ariel wasn't sure, but she had the strangest idea that the feathered animal had spoken. Spoken, like a person would. Now she was sure she was crazy... unless, of course, that was normal.

"Easy Iago," Jafar said, "Our plan has almost come to fruition."

"And what's with the cute tag-along girl, huh? Whats she got to do with this?"

"All in due time."

"Jafar, come on! When are we gonna rule this place? I think we need a plan b, because the lamp plan isn't quite working."

Ariel tuned them out. Plan? Come to fruition? Why did those words not comfort her? And yeah, the feathered thing was right. What did she have to do with this?

Jafar stopped at a wall and he pulled on a curtain tassel. The wall slid open and he walked inside. Ariel hesitated for a moment. She wanted to turn and walk away, but the door began to slid shut and she hurried in. The green dots lit the way, and she followed Jafar down a long stretch of stairs.

He passed a room and she saw a glowing red ring sitting in what looked like a bubble, hooked up to a bunch of machines. Electricity was sprouting all over ring and Ariel had familiar spike of curiosity. But she ignored it and followed Jafar down the rest of the stairs.

The air grew damp and heavy, until Ariel reached the bottom. The ground was made of some kind of hard concrete, and it was wet. Something small and with a long tail scurried past her. Ariel didn't like this place. It was dark and it smelled badly.

"Here." Jafar said, putting something heavy in her hands.

It looked like a smaller version of that thing the large man at the market had. It was sharp and jagged. Like a knife.

"Go down this hallway," Jafar continued. "When you reach the end, go into the cell and kill the boy inside."

Ariel opened her mouth to deny the task, but her mouth simply sputtered and no words came out. She couldn't think clearly. A part of her said to obey, but she took control of her body and didn't move and inch.

"Whats wrong with 'er?" the red thing asked Jafar, "I thought you said that thing worked on all humans."

"It does." Jafar said, puzzled.

So that was why she was still in control. She wasn't 100% human. At least, not really. Her DNA would probably always contain a trace of her old mermaid self.

"Go." Jafar said, and suddenly, the golden animal was back.

Ariel knew that if she didn't go, the man could hurt her seriously. Ariel was even afraid of the red thing, it had feet like notched coral.

Ariel turned on her heels and slowly walked down the hallway. She'd thought the hallway was empty, but the moment she entered it fully, male voices called out to her. They were locked behind bars, like in a cell. They had to be criminals. She ignored them as best she could, simply listening to the catcalls, but suddenly, she was yanked off her feet by her scarf and pulled to the side.

Her face hit the bars that kept the man in, but he breathed heavily on the side of her face, holding her still by her scarf.

"Come on in, sweetheart." he whispered, his breath reeking and his hands grungy. "I don't bite."

She spun out of her scarf, feeling her scrunchy get snagged and come loose. Her hair fell out, cascading down her back and the noise from the men went up at least 10 notches. She felt truly, genuinely, afraid. Tears sprang to her eyes as she looked around herself, finding only scary faces staring at her and loud, offensive language screamed at her.

She gripped the tool to her chest, and hurried down the hall the way Jafar had instructed. There was a cell like Jafar had said, but she ran inside without even thinking about who was in it. She fell back against the far wall and slid to the nasty ground, still crying.

There were so many great things about the human world. But there was also so many horrible, scary and frightening things. The humans could be so cold and lonesome. So foreboding and evil. She'd met more unfriendly faces than friendly.

"Hey," came an amiable voice, gently, "Don't cry. It'll be alright."

Ariel sniffed and wiped at her eyes. At this rate, she'd cry every tear in her eyes out before she even made it a full week.

"I'm sorry." she apologized.

"Don't worry about it." the voice responded, and it was then that she realized that she knew the voice.

"Mr. Unjust?" she asked to the darkness.

She spotted feet not too far away and made her way over.

"Actually," he said, "It's Aladdin."

She saw him clearly now, and she was sure, he was the one from the market. The one Jasmine had fallen for, but...

"How did you end up here?"

He shrugged, "One thing led to another and the next..."

He motioned down to himself. He was bound in chains, stuck in his current position.

"Jasmines alright, right?" Ariel asked, her eyes narrowed.

"Alright?" he asked, a strange whisper to his voice. "She's so much better than alright. She's... she's... amazing."

Ariel sighed at his tone. He was definitely in love. What that must have felt like. She shook her head free of lonely thoughts. She just needed to see Eric. She always felt better when she was with him.

"But how did you get here?" Aladdin asked, "I doubt you've done anything wrong. Unless you stole more fruit."

"A) I didn't mean to steal. And (B) I'm-"

Ariel stopped herself. She had actually forgotten why she was even there. She was supposed to kill him. She shook her head again. She would never kill someone. And she certainly wasn't about to kill Aladdin. He was so nice and kind. And Jasmine was in love with him.

Her problem remained, though. She hadn't given much thought to how she was going to get around Jafar.

"I'm supposed to kill you." she said, sadly, sitting down on her butt.

"Oh." he said, sadly, a bit dazed.

She wondered if he truly thought she'd do it.

"If you must-" he started but she stopped him.

"I would never kill you." she said, calmly, "I wouldn't kill anyone, but especially not you. Jasmine and I, we're friends."

Aladdin laughed uneasily, but nodded his head.

"So whats the plan?"

What was the plan? That was an excellent question.

"I guess I have to free you first," Ariel said, getting up and looking closer at the chains on his wrists.

They seemed simple enough. If she only had a key. She looked at the tool she still grasped in her hand. Well, it wasn't a key. Maybe she could smash it...

"I am so glad you're the one here." Aladdin said, "Otherwise, I don't know how on earth I would have- Ah!"

He screamed in surprise Ariel reassured herself, and smashed the lock again, this time breaking it. She opened the wood that held his wrist and Aladdin brought his hands down and massaged them.

"There." Ariel said, proud of herself. "That ought to do it."

Aladdin looked at her with a kind of wonder.

"Er, thanks." he said.

"Ok your free." Ariel said, spelling things out for herself. "But now how do I get you out of here? Jafar is probably waiting for me."

Aladdin and her fell silent, both of them thinking. Ariel looked up, but she found no windows in the cell. She looked around and oddly enough, she found that a brick in the wall was actually glowing. It was strange that it caught her eye, and even stranger that it was there.

"Look." she said, motioning to the glowing bricks.

She herself was too afraid to go and look, but Aladdin bravely, and without hesitation went to check it out. He fumbled there for a few minute, when suddenly, he seemed to push it in and move it to the side.

Ariel crawled across the floor to see what had happened.

"Look," Aladdin said, moving over so she could see, "It leads to outside."

"How... convenient." Ariel said, the whole thing seemed sketchy to her.

"Hey, it's a way out, isn't it?" he asked, shrugging. "C'mon."

He crawled out easily, but Ariel stayed where she was.

"I've got to go back and tell Jafar I did it. But you go ahead. Run."

He looked hesitant, "But, Jafar's no good. I feel it."

"Go," Ariel insisted, "I'll be fine. Look, there's a man with a horse. You can catch a ride."

There was an old, crooked man a bit far off. He looked like he needed help anyway. She was sure Aladdin could help and catch a ride.

"Alright." Aladdin consented, "Thanks for everything."

Ariel smiled. And pushed the heavy bricks back into place. How conveniently, they were placed. But she ignored it, ran down the men fill hallway, and looked for Jafar. She found the staircase easily, but Jafar was nowhere to be seen.

She was actually a bit relieved. The man scared her anyway.

Ariel made her way up the stairs. She peaked into the room with the ring again, but continued on her way. She'd had enough excitement for one day. She was ready to crash for the night.

But the moment the door in front of her opened, two big, strong guards grabbed her by both of her arms. The picked her up off the ground and dragged her down the hall. She hardly had a moment to object before she was made to get down onto her knees and bow her head.

"Sultan." said one of the guards. "This is the girl that came out of the wall."

The short, dense man Eric had been talking to walked up to her with a scowl.

"This is her?" he asked to the guard getting a nod. "I don't know how Jafar knew she'd be there, but I'm glad he's on my side. Take this murderer to the tower. I don't want her anywhere near my sight."

"Wait!" Ariel called, putting her feet down, "Sultan, I don't even know what I did."

"You've killed an innocent boy." sultan spat. "Jafar gave us the heads up. And for your crime, you will spend the rest of your days in a tower until you starve."

"Jafar?" Ariel asked in surprise, "He's one who sent me down there. I didn't kill anyone!"

The sultan laughed, "My most trusted adviser? It could never happen. Take her away!"

Ariel was dragged down the hall, screaming and protesting, and up a tall set of stairs. She couldn't believe this was happening. She never killed anyone. And Jafar had been the one who told her too. Why would he set her up? Why did he get her arrested?

Ariel was literally tossed into a room. It wasn't unlike the one she had been thrown in by Surabi. Is was circular and small. There was no furniture. No bed. No pillows or blankets. And certainly no food. The sultan was right, she'd starve.

She heard the door lock and she got up from the floor, and went to the single window. It was far off the ground and she had to jump just to see a bit of sky. The sun was clearly setting and the sky was a purple shaded hue. Another thing about the room, it was hot. The small window provided less than antiquate air flow.

Ariel leaned against the wall and slid down to her butt. Even if the green dots showed up, unless there was a portal, she wouldn't even be able to follow them. She was trapped up there. Slowly dying from lack of food and heat. She was already hungry.

Even in the face of death, she was reminded about how tired she was. She'd worked hard that day and no amount of panic could erase that. She found her eyes drifting shut.

.

.

Eric

.

.

Eric handed Jasmine another tissue.

She was having a breakdown, and wouldn't tell him why. All he could do was sit on her bed beside her, pat her back and hand her tissues.

"Do you want to talk about-" he suggested, for the 5th time.

"No!" she spat, throwing herself face first onto the bed.

She was snappy, but he tried to at least help. He was a guy. Guys didn't much... do this. The only things she said though, was 'no' and 'I want Jordan'. Apparently, Jordan had impacted a lot more people than he had anticipated. And here he thought she was special to only him.

But Jordan was nowhere to be seen. He'd searched for her all morning, and most of the evening. He was supposed to have headed home by now, but he couldn't force himself to leave. At least without seeing Jordan again. He'd dreamt of her all night. He'd woken up with her on his mind. Her voice. Her personality. What was there not to love?

But Jordan had mysteriously disappeared. She hadn't been seen all day, and Eric was waiting for her return to Jasmine's room.

He passed Jasmine another tissue.

He just hoped Surabi hadn't taken any frustration out on her. If anything, everything was all his fault. Jasmine was calming down, and he just rubbed her back. He was sure Jordan, or any other girl really, was better suited for that kind of stuff. All the girly stuff. He was sure Jordan could figure out what was wrong and do a better job comforting Jasmine, but he tried to play the role of a good brother.

Jasmine sat up.

"Sorry." she said, wiping her face.

Eric shrugged. She hadn't hurt his feelings in any way, but he was more concerned about her. She was usually so tough and stubborn. Seeing her emotional was an odd change.

"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked, albeit a bit awkward.

Jasmine laughed at him, "No. But I do want Jordan. She'd understand."

Eric wanted Jordan too, but no one had seen her all day.

"I'm not sure where she is." Eric told her, "She's disappeared, it seems."

Jasmine bit her fingernail.

"She's a traveler. I hope she hasn't left. I really need to talk to her."

A traveler? Eric hoped, prayed, she hadn't left. He needed to see her. Talk to her. Not just because he needed to know that she had recovered all right, but he needed her period. The thought of never seeing her again... it honestly scared him.

"I'm going to find her." he said, determined, and got up from the bed.

"Thanks." Jasmine called after him, but Eric honestly wasn't doing it for her.

He was doing this for him.

He felt like he'd searched the whole palace, but he'd search it again if he had to. Every second he spent with her, just seemed to take away all his problems. Every word they exchanged sent him floating higher and higher. He wasn't about to lose that relationship. He wouldn't. He needed her.

Eric passed the throne room, and just happened to catch the sultan scurrying by.

"Sultan!" Eric called, stopping the little man in his tracks.

"Oh," the sultan laughed, "Hello, dear boy."

"Sultan, I'm looking for someone." Eric said, cutting right to the chase. Jordan's absence was making him nervous. "Her name is Jordan."

"Hm," the sultan thought, "I'm not sure I know a Jordan."

Eric groaned, impatient.

"She's got red hair and-"

The sultan snapped his fingers, "I know who you're talking about."

Eric's spirits lifted a bit. The sultan could solve all his problems with a few short sentences. He just needed to know where she was.

"Don't worry, my dear boy." the sultan said, "She's locked away."

Locked... locked... locked away? But...

"Why?" Eric panted, "What did she do? I just... I just... I just talked to her last night!"

He was stuttering. Literally stuttering. He never stuttered. It may have been because he felt like he couldn't breathe, though. His mind was reeling so fast his mouth couldn't keep up. Even his voice was an octave or two higher. Jordan. His Jordan was locked away?

"Are you alright?" the sultan asked him. "You look ill."

No. No he wasn't alright. He was far from alright. And he certainly would be ill if the sultan didn't tell him exactly what was going on.

"What did she do?" Eric asked, and the sultan shook his head.

"It's tragic, Eric. Simply tragic. She's killed a young, innocent boy. Has a secret hideout in a secret room in a wall. Jasmine was so upset."

"Jasmine..." Eric whispered to himself, looking back down the hall towards her room.

"Jafar gave me to heads up," sultan said, proudly, "I've appointed him chief treasurer. He deserves it."

The sultan went on about what happened, explaining in detail. but Eric half tuned him out. He was still in shock.

It just couldn't be. Jordan. She wasn't like that. She couldn't be. He felt such a connection with her. He felt like they truly understood each other. He didn't believe it. He couldn't believe it. The sultan, as he was prone to do, had simply made a mistake. He'd gotten the wrong girl. Jordan was framed. He knew it. He could feel it.

"Where is she?" Eric asked, knowing the only way to be sure was to see her.

Now he was confused, but he knew if he could just see her. If he could just hear her voice, he'd know for sure.

"I've locked in the tower." the sultan said, "Don't worry, my boy. All is well."

All was well his arse.

He spun on his heels, making his way down the hall. He knew exactly where she was.

.

.

Ariel

.

.

She never dreamed, so she must have been in a light sleep. A sleep light enough to hear what happened in the world around her.

So when the light rapping came to the door, she heard it and got up. She'd somehow tilted and laid on the ground. She sat up, stretched and massaged her neck. She was sure she heard knocking.

The room was nearly pitch black. Thankfully, though, the moon was in a good position, being right in line with the small window in the room. Walking to the door slowly, she nearly laughed when she remembered she couldn't open it. Ariel sat by the door, and pulled her knees up to her chest. Maybe she had been asleep and there really was no knocking. It would actually be the most logical answer.

She about to try to sleep again when the knocking came again.

She jumped, startled. So it hadn't been a dream.

"Hello?" came a voice through the door crack and Ariel shook her head.

No, this was definitely a dream.

Because she was sure that was Eric's voice. But Eric had left already. And he definitely wouldn't be up there talking to her. She was a convicted convict, though falsely. Perhaps being food deprived caused hallucinations. It made sense.

"Is someone in here? Hello?"

Even in her dreams, his voice was beautiful. She didn't even need to see him to be effected by his atmospheric phenomenon of a voice. It was so deep and rich. Like a melody-less song played in slow motion. Every sound he made was pure poetry.

She sighed. Even she knew she was hopeless.

"Please." he begged, "I know you're in here. Its me, Eric."

Like she didn't already know.

And then it hit her. He was there. He was real. He was talking to her. What if he walked away!?

"E-Eric?" she called frantically through the door, hoping he was still there.

"I'm here." he said, his voice closer, like he was talking through the crack now.

She half laughed in disbelief, "I thought you went home."

"Thought I'd stay an extra day," he mumbled, and she put her ear to the door. "Or two."

"How did you know I was here?" she asked, still near laughing in disbelief, "What are you even doing up here?"

"Well, I asked the sultan." he said, "And, I don't know, it's just... when we talked last night... and even back in Paris..."

…yes... and... and even back in Paris, what? What was he going to say?!

"-I just don't believe you'd kill someone." he finished off, strongly, and she knew that wasn't even close to what he actually wanted to say, "Don't ask me how I know, because I don't understand it myself."

"Well you've gained my trust of your instincts," she told him, a bit downcast that she didn't know what he truly wanted her to know, "Because your right. I'd never kill anyone. Especially Aladdin. I know he likes Jasmine, and she likes him too. I wouldn't do anything to hurt her."

"You know his name?" Eric asked, "No one can get back into the wall, so we haven't seen the body."

"There is no body! I set him free, I didn't kill him."

She lowered her voice, remembering she was a prisoner. Besides, Eric might get in trouble if he were found talking to her.

"I believe you," he told her innocently, "But Jafar is telling a completely different story. He says he saw you sneak in with a knife. Said you'd been murmuring about killing him all week."

"I haven't even been here for a week." Ariel said, exasperated. "And Jafar is the one who sent me down there in the first place."

She left out the part about the weird golden stick that tried to control her. She had Eric on her side. She didn't want him to think she was crazy.

"He sent you down there? Just this morning, he's been promoted to chief of the treasury for his 'good deed'."

Treasury? Immediately, she thought about that ruby diamond she'd passed in the staircase. What if they had something to do with each other.

"Why would Jafar set you up?" Eric asked himself out loud, "You haven't been here much longer than me. Do you think he has something against you?"

"I've never seen him before," Ariel told him, "And I know he doesn't know my family. I honestly doubt its me he was after, anyway."

"Do you think he just wanted the promotion? Chief of the treasury is the second biggest job there is, just under sultan."

Ariel was really thinking hard. Why would Jafar be after her? Why did he set her up? Was it really the job he was after? Or maybe something more. She couldn't imagine that he'd be looking for another promotion.

"If he's chief of the treasury," she wondered, "He couldn't get any higher position?"

"Except sultan." Eric said, casually.

Jafar, the sultan? That loudmouthed red thing came to Ariel's mind. He'd asked Jafar when they were going to rule. And then he's said something about some kind of lamp.

"Eric," Ariel said, thinking, "What if... what if Jafar was actually planning to become the sultan?"

Eric was quiet for a minute.

"Jasmine's future husband would have that job. Unless both Jasmine and the sultan somehow died, that's a position he'll never see."

"But what if he had some kind of plan. Some way to somehow, take the position without killing them?"

"But that's not possible. Even if Jafar locked them away, the people would never accept him. No one likes him anyway."

Ariel bit her lip. She had a gut feeling. A gut feeling that she was right.

"I don't know." she told Eric, leaning against the door.

"I don't know, either." Eric confessed, "But its late, and maids always check in on me. I better head back. But I'll come back tomorrow. I might even be able to convince the sultan to let you go. I can be your witness, we were both in Paris a few days ago. There was no way Jafar could have known you a week ago."

Ariel smiled, playing with hair. It was stupid, but she was getting all warm and fuzzy inside. He was, again, trying to help her. He believed her. He had snuck up there to talk to her. He was going to talk to the sultan for her, and she knew that if anyone could get her out, it would be him. The sultan liked Eric, after all.

"Goodnight, Eric." she said through the crack in the door, "And thanks. For everything."

"No problem." he told her, and she could hear a grin in his voice.

Could he hear hers?

She heard him tipping down the stairs and she went back to the high window. For a moment, she entertained the thought that he might actually feel something for her. He might actually like her. They didn't know each other that well, but Cinderella didn't know Charming well, and Jasmine didn't know Aladdin well. Why did love have to be based off of prolonged exposure? Wasn't a simple feeling enough?

And that simple feeling, might he feel it for her? She knew she felt it for him. She fell in love the moment she saw him. He'd never really seen her, but he'd believed she was innocent before they even talked. He came up to talk to her. She wanted to believe that in general, he wasn't that nice. She was just special. But she doubted it. Everything about him said nice guy. And she was fine with that, like it about him. As long, of course, as he was 'her' nice guy.

Ariel backed up against the other side of the room and was able to see a majority of the moon. Its light on her made her feel even lighter than she had been. She wasn't worried anymore. Eric would save her, she was sure.

Something flew right in front of the window, and she blinked rapidly.

It... it... it looked like a rug. With Jasmine and Aladdin on it.

She laughed at herself and sat of the floor. Clearly, she was tired and food deprived. She leaned back against the wall and laughed again to herself. A flying rug. Wow.

.

.

Eric

.

.

Eric tipped down the hallway and went straight to his room. He changed and climbed into bed. He supposed he had ought to be happy that Jordan was alright. She wasn't hurt and he knew he could convince the sultan to set her free in the morning. But he couldn't relax knowing he was going to sleep on a comfortable bed and she was sleeping in a makeshift prison.

Eric climbed out of bed and laid back on the floor. It wasn't comfortable, but he knew Jordan had to do it. It was dumb, for him to sleep on the floor just because she was, but he actually felt better.

Minutes went by, but Eric felt like every second was moving a minute behind schedule. He wasn't tired and he knew he'd wake up with a crick in his neck. He was about to grab a pillow off of his bed when a ring filled the air. He recognized the familiar jingle of the palace hotline.

Getting up, Eric went by the fire, where a phone was hanging on a hook and picked it up.

"Hello?" he asked, but was met with the sound of creepy, heavy breathing. "Charming, stop being weird and talk."

"You know that used to really creep you out." Charming responded, on the other line.

"Still does. Any reason your calling so late?"

"Well in Paris, its only 5."

"In Agrabah its about 1."

"Right. Anyway, you said you'd call when you got to Agrabah. I figured you'd died. Already picked out some roses."

"Gee thanks. Anyway, I just forgot."

"Well I didn't."

Eric noticed Charming had a certain... pep in his talk. He breathed in between every word, and Eric knew he was excited about something.

"Any news?" Eric asked, waiting for the big news he already suspected.

"I found her!"

Eric had to hold the phone away from his ear, Charming was screaming so loud.

"Stop being a girl," Eric said, when Charming finally calmed down, "Your starting to squeal."

"I can't help it. I've run six miles today alone, just trying to calm down, but it's not working."

"Run faster."

"I'm serious. I can't relax. Ever since she's come to stay here everything is just... better."

"I told you you'd find her."

"I'm just shocked it was so easy! I thought I'd have to line the girls up or something and make a pro's and con's list."

"That is so sad."

"I know, but it seriously crossed my mind. And then, she just, walked in and I was smitten."

Eric rolled his eyes. He'd known all along Charming would be fine.

"So whats her name?" Eric asked, "With all your fangirl-ing, you forgot to mention it."

"Its Cinderella." Charming told him, ignoring the insult, "And she's amazing. I promise, you'll love her."

"I doubt it'll even come close to as much as you love her," Eric joked, "I mean, with all your screaming and I know your probably jumping around."

"Actually I'm on the treadmill, but close."

"Charming I'm happy for you, really, you know I am. But couldn't you have called me when I wasn't supposed to be asleep?"

"I was going to wait, but Ella pressed. See, we've issued a countrywide search. I figured you could let Jasmine know and do the same in Germany."

"What are you looking for?"

"That's a who, and its a friend of Ella's. A friend of mine, too. Without her, I would never have met Ella. She means a lot to us."

Eric put the phone between his cheek and shoulder and grabbed a notebook and pen from a nearby table. He really would have preferred to wait until morning, but, Charming was his best friend.

"Whats her name?" Eric asked.

"Her names Ari. A-R-I. She's got fire-red hair. Blue eyes. Fair skin. She was here just a few days ago."

Eric had been in the midst of writing 'blue eyes' when the description began to remind him of someone.

"Ella says she's the happy-go-lucky type." Charming continued, "Very friendly, but a bit determined. Curious. I don't really know, this is coming from Ella. I've only met her once."

Eric went to finish writing but found he'd dropped his pen and notebook at one point. If he didn't know any better, he'd think they were talking about Jordan. But Jordan's name was, well, Jordan. He had no idea who Ari was.

"Ok." Eric said, snapping out of his trance, "I'll let Jas know and send the description to Germany."

"Thanks." Charming said. "Now, I better go. The gym is starting to smell."

"Didn't need to know that." Eric said, his face twisting as he hung up the phone.

He picked his notebook up and finished the description. This Ari girl, she sounded so much like Jordan. He didn't know he felt hurt about the bit of information. After all, he'd never asked her name, so it wasn't like she lied to him. Maybe Jordan was her last or middle name. Maybe it was just a nickname.

He didn't know, so there was no need to jump to conclusions.

Knowing he wasn't tired, he supposed he might as well take the description to Jasmine right then and there. She would probably still be up anyway.

Leaving his room, he walked the empty halls towards Jasmine's room. He wasn't used to seeing no maids. He wondered if something was up.

He was turning a corner when their was the sound of a loud laugh. He recognized Jafar's voice and tried not to wince. The man had always given a bit of the creeps, and now, after what he'd done to Jordan, he wasn't sure how he'd react when he saw the man.

"Genie!" he heard Jafar bellow, "Grant me my first wish!"

Eric's eyebrows furrowed and he tip-toed down the hall. Apparently, Jafar was in the throne room. Eric peaked into the room and what he saw made his heart drop.

Jasmine was in a giant hourglass, and the sultan was in his underwear, being fed crackers by Jafar's creepy bird. A boy, probably a little older than Eric himself jumped from a corner. He grabbed a stick while he was running and hit the hourglass Jasmine was trapped in.

Eric made a fist of victory, but Jafar laughed and suddenly, things didn't seem so good.

"Genie!" Jafar bellowed again, "I want unbridled power!"

The was a blue thing, Eric supposed was the 'genie' and it pointed its fingers at Jafar. And in a second, Jafar grew at least 3 times when he had been and his pale skin tinted to an odd shade of red. Jafar laughed.

With a flick of his wrist, Jasmine, the boy, and the sultan were all sitting next to each other, chained with their hands behind them. Everything in Eric told him to run into the room and do something, but Jafar had taken them out without so much as a sweat breaking loose. Eric knew Jafar could take him out, and even kill him, without much thought or effort.

No, Eric needed a plan.

He backed away from the doorway of the throne room. He was sure Jafar wouldn't hurt them, as long as they sat quietly. Spinning on his heels, he ran to the nearest staircase. He had work to do and a plan to come up with, but he couldn't leave Jordan on her own. He'd rescue her first.

.

.

Ariel

.

.

Eric was shaking her awake. He'd somehow convinced the sultan to let her go and had come to get her. She swatted at him playfully, still half asleep.

"I'm tired." she murmured, laughing a bit. "Leave me alone."

But Eric simply shook her harder. And then harder, until it felt urgent.

She jumped up, fully awake, but found she was in an empty room. The one she'd fallen asleep in, but Eric was nowhere to be found. The floor beneath her lurched and she pulled her legs to her chest. The entire palace was shaking.

The room seemed dark, but through the high window, Ariel saw nothing but the color red. Ariel used the wall to get to her feet, but the shaking ground made it hard to move at all. The air was suddenly filled with a deafening rumble.

The marble floor under Ariel's feet began rising in the back, at an angle, and Ariel struggled not to slide down to the other side of the room. The wall in front of her cracked in loud, creaking, growls and in a second, the entire wall in front of her collapsed and she was suddenly staring outside.

It was all red. The sky, the ground, the air. Everything, just tinted red. And it scared her beyond belief.

She had but a few feet of floor between her and the drop-off that was just created. She spread her arms out at her sides, trying to find something, anything, on the wall to grip on to. The floor was still rising at an odd angle, and she knew she'd be 'dumped' out in a moment.

She, for some reason, still had her shoes on, and the grip on them was horrible. She felt them sliding little by little forwards. She held down her panic, and foot by foot, and slowly, she stepped out of her shoes and allowed them to flip and tumble over the edge of the room.

But her panic and adrenaline, mixed with the tight, hot shoes, made her feet sweaty. She had had a better grip when she had her shoes on. She slid forwards, away from the comfort of the wall, and just stopped herself before going over the edge into the red world. Her hands were dry and she used the friction of them to try to ease herself towards the door.

She hadn't noticed before, but now she saw that the shaking and crumbling building had all but destroyed the door. It was hardly hanging on by a hinge. She grabbed the door knob with all her strength and used it to pull her weight.

The building lurched again, seeming to pick up the pace in crumbling and in a second, she found the building had turned 90 degrees, no completely horizontal. It went completely dark, and outside was blocked off. Ariel's body lifted off the ground, and she hung on nothing but the unstable doorknob. She screamed, automatically.

She knew she couldn't hang there all day, even then, her arms were beginning to ache. She made an attempt to pull herself up and into the crooked hallway, but her arms gave out and she dropped, the pressure nearly yanking her off the doorknob handle.

She dangled a little longer, afraid to try again, but the building gave several loud groans and it gave her enough of an adrenaline rush to try again. This time, she managed to get an elbow up on the wall of the hallway, which was now the floor, on the angle the building was tipping.

Ariel used that purchase to heave herself up and finally, she wasn't dangling over blackness. The hallway, though, was dark as well. A few lights were still on, which baffled her, but most were flickering.

The building was so anfractuous that the right wall, was now the floor she walked on. The ceiling and floor she walked on previously were now the walls. Everything was so twisted that it made her head hurt.

She finally reached the stairs, but they too were crooked. They were on the wall beside her, leading in the opposite direction. Ariel, though, was able to simply walk on the wall she was on and made it to the lower level without a problem.

Her original plan was to simply get out of the palace. It was crumbling and falling apart. The last thing she needed was to be crushed by something.

Her heart was aching dearly for Eric. She was silently praying, hoping he was alright. Hoping he'd gotten out okay and in time. And she definitely hoped he didn't come looking for her. He'd come that night, even though she knew it was against the rules. She hoped he didn't come to rescue her. Though it would have been nice, now, he'd be going to an empty room. Putting himself in unnecessary danger.

Ariel heard a crackle, come from somewhere down the hall. A crackle. It didn't sound hysterical, but it did sound maniac. Who would be laughing in this kind of situation?

Against her better judgment, she followed the sound and found a room with no door. The first thing she saw was Jasmine. The girl was in shackles, her hands bound behind her as she sat on the floor. For what was going on, the room was in surprisingly good shape. Nothing seemed broken and the floor was where it should have been, which was odd, considering Ariel was standing on a previous wall. Ariel then spotted Jafar, his feathered thing, and the sultan. The feathered thing was stuffing crackers in the sultans mouth. It made Ariel gag. Jafar laughed at the sultans pained expression.

And then Ariel saw Aladdin. He was there too. He was bound behind Jasmine, a handkerchief tied over his eyes and tape on his mouth. His hands were tied back at an uncomfortable angle and his feet where bond as well. His shirt was torn quite a bit but other than that, at least he was still alive.

Jasmine looked at him with sad eyes, but she couldn't move towards him.

"Genie!" Jafar yelled, "I want to make another wish!"

Ariel watched as a blue smoke materialized from a lamp and spoke.

"Yes, Jafar." it said sadly.

"The lamp-" Ariel began to say, remembering the red thing talking about it the other day, but she was cut off by a hand.

Ariel protested, fighting whoever had come up behind her for a second, before the familiar smell of the ocean caught her nose. The ocean.

She calmed down, and turned slowly, hardly able to even make out Eric's face. The hallways lights were clearly flickering out to the point of not working. And yet, the room Jafar was in was lit like nothing was wrong.

"Stay quiet." Eric whispered to her. "Jafar's bird, Iago, has really good hearing."

So that red thing was some type of bird. Huh, her friend Scuttle was a bird too, but they looked nothing alike, minus, of course, the feathers. She shook her head, not the point. She was more concerned, happy rather, that Eric was alive.

"Jafar has everyone locked in that room." Ariel said, motioning behind her, "He's got some lamp that's giving him wishes."

Eric eased around her, and together, they both cast a look back in the room.

Whatever Jafar had wished for, was being concentrated out of his staff in the form of what looked like electricity. He laughed, sending the power in random directions. One shot out towards them and they quickly ducking out of the way, leaning on the wall and out of sight.

"What do we do?" she whispered, at a loss for plans, "We're the only ones left. And there's no way we can take on Jafar."

"Jafar's staff." he told her, "He's directing his power to the staff and using it to do his work."

"We can't get the staff from him," Ariel pointed out, "He'd fry us before we even got close."

"Iago!" boomed Jafar's voice and Ariel and Eric peaked back into the room, "Go down to my lair, and make sure our treasures are still working. We can't have them running out of juice, can we?"

"'Course not." Iago replied, "We wouldn't want that stupid staff running out of juice. Heaven forbid, you actually think to do something useful with it."

Ariel and Eric ducked back out the room. Ariel looked Eric's way, and felt him do the same in the dark. They were thinking the same thing.

"We should follow," Eric said, and Ariel nodded, remember he probably couldn't even see her.

Iago flew out of the room, thankfully staying high and went right over their heads. Eric lead the way, keeping them a reasonable distance back. This part of the palace wasn't as akimbo as the rest of the palace. It had a monster tilt to it, but it wasn't nearly as bad as some parts of the building, though it still threw Ariel's direction off balance.

Iago flew tight circles around the layer entrance.

"I could go down and check," he weighed, "Or I can save myself some time and just go back. Eh, it'll be fine. Stupid staff probably deserves to be shut down anyway."

Iago flew back down the hall towards where they had come and Eric and her went to where Iago had just left.

"This is the entrance," Eric said, looking the wall over, "How do we open it?"

"Jafar pulled on some tassel," Ariel said, "He pulled it and a door just appeared."

Ariel and Eric both began pulling on random tassels, hoping one of them would open. Ariel reached for a tassel at the same time Eric did, and their hands brushed. Even in a dangerous environment, where Iago and Jafar could show up at any moment, Ariel felt electricity run through her fingers. It was like he'd shocked her with a million volts of love.

She thought, as she growing accustomed to thinking, that she was the only one who noticed such lovestruck thoughts, but she looked up and realized Eric had jumped back a bit too, like he'd felt it as well. It was too dark to see his facial expression, but she saw him look down at his hand and back at her.

Had he felt that jolt too?

Like magic, the door to the lair opened. They'd both picked the right tassel.

Eric stood up, and Ariel immediately missed the close proximity they'd been at, and without thinking, she reached out and grabbed his hand. She felt it again. Those volts and shocks of love. It ran through her fingers and up her arm and straight to her heart. It wasn't just a coincidence, that jolt, he just shocked her. Made her hair stand on end and her teeth clatter, just because he was him.

Then she realized she was holding his hand.

"Uh, wait" she started, trying to find a reasonable excuse, "There are steep steps right at the entrance. We cant see them in the dark, but I bet there even more steep now."

Reasonable enough, she supposed.

Eric didn't let go of her hand though, as he approached the entrance. The entrance and steps where pitch black, but a few feet down Ariel saw flickering lights. She knew that ring she'd seen before had been in that bubble, surrounded by electricity. That was probably where they wanted to go.

"You ready?" Eric asked her, and Ariel looked towards him, hardly wanting to respond.

She lived under the ocean. She was quite used to the dark. But for some reason, this darkness scared her. She knew she what was under the ocean. She knew any and all the creatures that could possibly be down in any ditch or hole. But here, on land, she wasn't sure at all of what to expect. She didn't know if those men in the dungeons had somehow gotten out or if there was wild animals down there.

"We can do this." Eric said to her, and he shifted his hand, intertwining their fingers.

She was ready to die at that point. She was seriously holding his hand. Holding his hand, like a human. Merfolk's didn't hold hands, but she'd read about it in a book she found on her ship. This was totally affection. Unless, of course, he was just a frightened. But honestly, she somehow doubted that. He was holding her hand, to comfort her. She was sure of it. And for him to want to comfort her meant, he had to feel something for her, right? He wouldn't take just anyone's hand, right?

But with his words of encouragement, she almost wasn't afraid as he took the first step down the step.

"Whoa." he said, "You were right, the stairs are really crooked. Watch your step."

She took the first step beside him, clutching his hand tightly and nearly slipped down the stairs. Each step was lopsidedly at about a 45 degree angle. She was still bare-feet, and she felt the tilt so much more.

Thankfully, Eric took it slow for her. His balance was nearly impeccable and she had no doubt that if she hadn't been there, he'd already be at their destination. She, on the other hands, was another story. Her legs were shaking wildly with each step. In the dark, she was even more disoriented. At times, she'd lean forwards unknowingly and nearly send herself falling down the stairs. Or slip on an especially slanted step and nearly drag them both down. But Eric gently pushed her back to a more balanced stance, or caught her with an ease and grace she never even knew existed, and she avoided catastrophe.

Finally, it seemed like forever when they reached the room. They inched to the side and managed to get in the room without falling head first down the stairs.

The room was much like Ariel remembered seeing it. The ruby was still there, conducting electricity in its little bubble. But there was one thing Ariel saw that was new; the room was full of treasure and gold.

"At least now we know why he wanted the promotion," Eric murmured, walking further in the room, "He wanted to hide hide the gold for himself because he knew he'd end up destroying the palace."

"And he framed me to do it," Ariel sighed, going over to the ruby.

"Looks important." Eric observed.

"If anything is controlling Jafar's staff," Ariel said, "It's this. Glowing. Electricity. A bubble and a ruby. What else could it be for?"

The electricity was running from the bubbly and down a line, Ariel watched as Eric followed the line with his eyes.

"There's a computer," he said, walking around the machine, "It must be sending a signal somehow to Jafar's staff."

…a... computer...?

Ariel followed Eric around the machine, and watched as he typed some things on a keyboard into the 'computer'. Ariel looked at the computer, she had something like that, though merfolk didn't call it computers. She knew it as a 'shell-top'.

He groaned, "Jafar's got it locked. I can't get into the system."

Ariel bounced on her toes, "So what do we do?"

"We can smash it and hope for the best."

Smashing it... Ariel looked at the many spikes of electricity that was running into the computer.

"I don't know how safe that would be..." she countered, "Couldn't it explode or something?"

"Theoretically," he said, "Depending on what we smashed I guess."

He walked around the machine again, Ariel at his heels, and observed the bubble with the ruby in it.

"This seems to be providing the computer with power..." he ascertained.

Ariel looked at the bubble closely, too. But the air around it made her hair stand on end. She felt the hairs on her arm and neck stand up, and she'd hardly been an inch to it. It must be radiating the electricity.

"Smashing this would probably be our best bet," he said, "Once we kill this, we can properly destroy the computer."

"Oh," droned a voice, "I don't know about that."

Ariel and Eric whipped around to see Jafar and Iago was right behind them.

"I'm powerful." Jafar laughed, "More powerful than you both can deal with. Do you honestly think I didn't know you were watching that whole time? And of course, I knew you'd both come down here."

Ariel didn't know if her hands were shaking more than her body, or if her body was shaking more than her hands. She felt faint. Jafar had somehow grown tremendous in size, and he towered over even Eric. His skin looked to be tinted red, and the fact that he kept smiling was beyond scary.

"I win." Jafar said, and he lifted his staff at them.

This was it. He was going to kill them. She was going to die.

Eric gently, though without a doubt undisputedly, pushed her behind him. His stature was definitely big enough to protect her, but she didn't want that. She wanted him to live. No either or. And besides, Jafar would simply kill her next. There was no escape.

Ariel clutched onto the back of Eric's shirt, aware of the awkwardness, but she didn't care. With a shaking hand, she grabbed his hand and clutched at it, reveling in the feeling of him clutching hers back. She was on the verge of a breakdown. She let silent tears escape her eyes, but winced quickly, a small bolt of electricity behind her making her neck hairs stand up.

Ariel's eyes widened and she looked behind her. They were right in front of the ruby bubble.

"Nighty-night." Jafar cackled, and he let the power in his staff fly free at them.

Everything that happened next happened in short milliseconds.

Ariel was aware of when Jafar fired, and with all her strength, she pulled at Eric's shirt and hand and pulled them both to the ground. Jafar screamed something incoherent as his blast spiraled towards the ruby bubble. The bubble first cracked, but then shattered, sending raw power and glass out in every direction.

And then everything went black.

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A/N: And there it is. I'm tired, so Read and Reviewand stay tuned!