Sebastian sighed, "True, that's true, but Ursula is dangerous. You haven't hatched yet when she was banished by the king.", and Flounder frowned, "But isn't it her dark magic that got her banished?".
"Oh, believe me, that is only part of the truth, boy.", Sebastian replied, and Flounder blinked in confusion, "What do you mean, Sebastian?". Sebastian sighed deeply, "There was a reason why Ariel and her sisters hadn't been told the full truth. You see, Ursula used dark magic to disguise herself, and went up to the surface, and she did the worst thing ever...She betrayed Atlantica by telling those pirates the location of the gathering cove of merpeople...".
Flounder's eyes widened so fast upon hearing that. "You mean...?", his mouth falling open in shock and horror. "She's the reason Queen Athena was killed.", Sebastian sighed. "And that's why I'm still afraid for Ariel... Ursula can still go onto the surface...".
"Why didn't the king-", Flounder started to ask before Sebastian spoke wearily, "The witch is insanely powerful and knows how to hide herself. Trust me, lad, the king was wanting her head for many months after the queen's death.".
Flounder exhaled deeply, "Should we tell Ariel the truth?", and Sebastian sighed, "Oh, lad, have you seen her so happy before? I...I want to tell her, but she deserves to be in bliss with that boy of hers...Can you imagine her living in fear every day?".
Flounder shook his head, "No... no... I don't think I could bring myself to telling her that. You're right, she deserves to be happy, not worried every minute of Ursula."
The two of them looked back up towards the palace before hearing some strong waves behind them... delivered by one of the royal seahorses. "Sebastian.", the seahorse greeted. "The king wishes to speak with you.".
Sebastian sighed deeply, "Understood. Flounder?", and Flounder replied, "I'm staying. I am her best friend, and even if I can't help up there, I can still do something by watching out for...the sea witch.".
"You're a loyal friend, Flounder.", Sebastian smiled approvingly, and Flounder nodded with a fin waving on as Sebastian hitched a ride, heading under the sea to Atlantica.
"I just hope Triton's not gonna fry him...", Flounder whispered to himself before turning his attention right back towards the castle.
A short time later, Sebastian was slowly walking his way towards the throne room in the palace, dreading this upcoming meeting with Triton as he was sure now that Triton had an idea what had happened to Ariel. Sebastian walked in to find Triton on his throne, not looking angry as he saw the crab, but concerned and exhausted like he hadn't slept for the past day or so.
"Your majesty...", Sebastian sighed as he bowed. "Sebastian...", Triton's tone was like his look: tired. "I think you know why I've summoned you.".
Sebastian exhaled, "Yes, sir...You want to know where Ariel is...", and Triton nodded, "I indeed do...Is she up on the surface, hiding on one of the beaches?".
"She's up on the surface, but... she is not on one of the beaches...She is in her prince's palace...", Sebastian gulped and spoke firmly yet anxiously.
Triton looked at Sebastian with a confused but exhausted look, "How so? Did that prince take her into a pool or something in that castle?". Sebastian shook his head. "No... she...", Sebastian took a deep breath. "She has legs now, sire... she's human.".
Triton widened his eyes in shock, trying to comprehend what Sebastian said before exhaling deeply with a little snarl, "She went to Ursula, didn't she?", spitting the name of Ursula like it's filthy.
Sebastian nodded somberly, "Yes, your majesty...She was desperate to be with her Eric, and she hoped that she would be free, so she...went to Ursula...", and Triton sighs heavily, "My daughter felt like a prisoner thanks to me...".
"I won't say anything about that, your majesty, that's up to you to decide if you feel like you've been a bad father to the girl.", Sebastian said but then started to chuckle. "But... maybe it'll at least put a small smile on your face to know that girl actually bested that witch at her own game.". Triton looked at him funny.
"How? What did she do?", Triton asked in confusion. "Had to trade her voice to Ursula for legs... and have that prince give her a kiss of true love in three days.", Sebastian chuckled. "I think it only took an hour for that to happen.".
Triton widened his eyes in amazement, "Truly?", and Sebastian nodded with a smile, "I heard her sing in the courtyard, the place above the shoreline, talking with that prince of hers, after Ariel's bird friend informed us of the news.".
A small smile came to Triton's face, "Ariel always has been stubborn and determined...This Eric fellow truly loves her, then...", and Sebastian chuckled, "Yes, sire, but there's still a problem to be concerned about...".
"I know.", Triton once more sounded dark and depressed. "Ursula, she's not going to take losing well.", with a frown. "Exactly. I fear for what she has planned.", Sebastian said.
"All to get to me... to the throne... my power...", Triton looked to his trident. "Ariel's still in danger.", with a worried look. "Even if she probably can't return home.", Triton looked at Sebastian upon hearing that. "I think she's now permanently a human now.".
Triton blinked in thought before speaking, "Because of true love's kiss?", and Sebastian nodded, "I think so, along with the fact that the contract of the deal is sealed completely as Ariel did it by the conditions posted on the contract.".
A heartbroken look came over Triton's face, "Oh, Poseidon...Do you think I should see her soon...to apologize for everything?", and Sebastian sighed, "Maybe give her a few days to get the anger out...She will eventually miss you and her sisters, but since Atlantica is only a couple miles off from the palace, it's possible to visit her occasionally...".
Triton took a deep breath, "It's all my fault... I... I let my rage and anger of humans drive my daughter away. Even with the others still here... without Ariel; there's just this emptiness I feel... like with Athena.". Triton put his hands to his face as he looked like he was about to cry.
Sebastian swam up to the side of the throne, frowning softly with a concerned look. He may be the court composer, and the adviser of Triton, but he's also his eldest friend. "Triton, I believe that Athena is smiling down upon Ariel and her prince as she is happy that her youngest daughter has found her soulmate...What would Athena say if she was here?".
Triton exhaled shakily, "She would say that we have given the world to them, to grow, to find themselves, and to be happy like us...", and Sebastian patted his shoulder with a claw, "Exactly...And about this emptiness, things can change without your control, but it's natural for change to happen. You saw the changes within your life when the girls came, and you happily lived for them. So, let Ariel live happily with changes in her life now and then.", with a comforting, reassuring smile.
Triton glanced away again as he obviously still was conflicted in his mind. "Ariel has made her choices, sir, and she's happy about them, she's followed her heart and so far, it hasn't led her astray. I can't speak much for that Eric, but he's done nothing to prove he's any different than exactly how Ariel described him.", Sebastian spoke wisely.
"I...", Triton took a deep breath. "I need some time to think on this, Sebastian... but... I do at least want to see her again... at least to try to apologize. I don't truly like it, I'll be honest, but... perhaps he truly is the one for her.".
Sebastian nodded, "But of course, sir. If you have need of me, I'll be at the shore, on the mainland for the next couple of days as I have no court composing duties at the moment. Flounder and I have vowed to keep an eye out for Ursula in case if she comes up to the surface in the vicinity.".
Triton smiled gratefully, "Thank you, Sebastian, for everything.", and Sebastian bowed his head, "Naturally.", before leaving the throne room, leaving Triton to sigh and think, lost in his own thoughts.
But Ursula hasn't gone for the surface yet for she is now traveling with a bag of her most beloved potions and ingredients, with the eel brothers going with her. She is going to a most dreaded place, the resting place of the hanged pirates who has been thrown into rough, simple coffins, into the sea, with stones weighing them down.
Ursula was very quick to think of a new plan, it might take some time to properly be executed but she was much more confident that this would work and put Triton in a most compromised position. She wouldn't dare take Triton head on but if she could easily stack the scales in her favor...
"What a dreadful lot these turned out to be.", Ursula said as she found their resting place. "Certainly will prove just as useful as before though.", she gave a sinister chuckle. The eel brothers hissed unpleasantly, "The pirates, mistress? Are you going to bring them back as undead?".
"You two catch on fairly quick.", Ursula chuckled. "They will serve a good purpose once more after their previous accomplishments.".
The eel brothers shivered in excitement and anticipation as Ursula proceeded to work with a very difficult yet uncomplicated spell of dark magic and some powerful potions which would take her two days, but it would be worth it.
"Ariel...?", Eric said as he walked into his and by extension now, her room, where he found Ariel sitting near the balcony looking out towards the night sky. "Enjoying the view?", he asked as she nodded.
"Yeah. It's always strange... I rarely looked up at the night sky before. Usually, I always saw it from under the water...", Ariel replied.
Eric smiled softly as he sat down, kissing her on the temple as he gathered her in his arms, "The stars change by season, but they always return. And there's also shooting stars which bring souls to the heavens.".
"Mother is up there?", Ariel asked quietly, and Eric hummed, "The heavens welcome every good person of every place, in the world, so, yes, I believe it.".
"Daddy always did say she was watching from above. At first, I always thought that he just meant the surface...", Ariel blushed.
"I could see how you'd think that.", Eric chuckled. "I was only a guppy. No older than four or five.", Ariel tried to clarify as she smiled.
Eric laughed warmly, "I don't blame you there, Ariel. I thought similarly as well when I was 10. And think about it, they are friends, probably by now, helping each other to watch over us when we miss them.".
Ariel smiled happily, "I wouldn't want Mother to feel alone. She would've been definitely open to having friends in your parents. I only wish I could tell her that I love her, see her just for one more time without being so young to barely remember her...", sighing bittersweetly.
"I know the feeling. I wish my parents were still here too. Feels like I still didn't have enough time with them, even though they only died a few years ago.", Eric sighed as he rubbed Ariel's shoulders. "And I certainly wish I could've had the chance to meet your mother... especially considering how much you said you're apparently like her.".
Ariel glanced at him with a smile, "She would absolutely love you, especially when she probably knows that we're soulmates.", and Eric smiled, "I hope so. I would always love you no matter what. You may be human, but you'll always be my little mermaid.", before kissing her neck as he rubbed a bit harder on her shoulders.
"Eric...", Ariel gave a light moan at the feeling of his hands as well as the kiss. "That feels so nice...". Eric smirked, "Got to thank Grimsby for that one, he told me that most women like that.".
Ariel chuckled, "He is a wise man.", before moaning lightly as she leaned back, squirming as she replied, "Right there...oh, lower...to the left...yes...a tad harder, a little to the right.. ", before hearing a groan, "Eric?", seconds before she realized that he's getting turned on.
"Sorry.", Eric quickly apologized. "Just... it's just...". Ariel chuckled, "It's alright, Eric. I don't mind... we've made love in our dreams after all.".
"Only as merpeople...", Eric sighed softly, wishing that he is already married to her, so he can give Ariel the best time of her life as a human woman, as after all, reality seems to be far better than their dreams, not that making love in their dreams is bad or anything of the sort.
"Is it that much different?", Ariel gave a sly grin as Eric nodded, "Well, I suppose not, but... I think we'd be rushing too fast if we got that far. Not really courting behavior, you know?".
Ariel smiled, and rested her head back on his shoulder, "Yeah, you're a prince after all...but in our dreams, you aren't, but I won't push you if you don't want to give me a sneak peek in our dreams...Nobody has to know...".
Eric gave a small laugh. "Part of me wants to take you up on that... but... I don't know, I would really want our time now with you as a human to be extra special."
Ariel looked at him with an understanding smile, "You know what? You're absolutely right...I really want to do it extra special with you, Eric, but I hope you don't intend to make me wait too long.", with a smirk.
Eric smiled, "Oh, don't worry, Ariel, I can promise you on that.", with a chuckle as he then kissed Ariel tenderly and lovingly, and Ariel sighed happily as she returned the kiss with just as much love.
After a few moments of tender kissing, Ariel pulled back, whispering softly, "I love you, Eric.", and Eric smiled, "I love you too, Ariel.", and so, the couple went to their bedrooms with an interconnected bathroom for some sleep, and some adventures in their dreams.
The next few days for the two were fairly quiet, mostly enjoying each other's company, Eric having to quickly straighten Ariel out and make it seem to the rest of the castle and its residents that Ariel actually was human and not a mermaid previously, like when she was trying to use a fork as a hair comb.
Luckily, Ariel learned fast, and she loved exploring the village with Eric, finally dancing at last, finding that she's a natural at it, and Eric showed her so much love, showing her places including the lagoon, where Ariel introduced Sebastian and Flounder.
Obviously, he couldn't understand them like Ariel could since despite being human now, she still had the heart and soul of a mermaid. The two of them were very happy to see that Ariel was getting along with her new self quite swimmingly and certainly liked Eric upon actually meeting him, even if conversations were one sided.
Eric was surprised still as Flounder and Sebastian could understand him since he's Ariel's soulmate, but he happily accepted it, and he was pleasantly surprised when the lagoon animals created music with Sebastian's help.
The couple happily danced under the weeping willow tree island to the music, and when they kissed passionately towards the end of the dance, Eric realized that all the animal noises were their sign of congratulations when Ariel told him that they were cheering for the couple.
"I told you that they would like me.", Eric joked as Ariel rolled her eyes. "Only because I was supporting you. If I didn't tell them all about you, they'd probably not be so friendly so quickly.", she chuckled.
Eric smiled, "Probably true. I'm so glad you're with me, Ariel...", and Ariel smiled, "Me too, Eric...", before sighing deeply, "If only Daddy and my sisters would see this...My sisters would be probably swooning or cheering while Daddy watches.", as her anger at Triton has waned away...
"Hey, he will forgive you, Ariel...After all, fathers love their daughters no matter what. And if I have to convince him that you're truly happy, having found where you belong, with me, so be it.", Eric nodded firmly.
"If that even happens... I'm honestly surprised Daddy hasn't tried to at least show up. Can't really drag me back since I'll... well, not make it underwater.", Ariel said.
"Look, if he does show up, I'll stay in front of you just in case... I at least want to try and prove my case, but that all depends on him willing to accept it.", Eric told her. "But I won't ever let him take you away unless it's what you want.".
Ariel smiled at him, "You're going to be a great king just like your father, Eric, and I swear I'll be there at your side every day. I will try to be a good queen for you.", and Eric caressed her cheek, "You already are my queen, Ariel, no matter what, and the palace staff already love you...I love you, my little mermaid.".
"I love you, my sailor prince.", Ariel spoke with a radiant smile, and fluttered her eyes to lean up to kiss him, starting to wrap her arms around her neck, and Eric leaned in to meet her earnestly as he started to envelop her in his arms when an explosion hit the dirt, shaking the island and pushing the couple apart as the animals shrieked and fled in panic.