Post by fridamoonbeam on Apr 7, 2009 9:00:07 GMT -5
((Hey guys! Just wanted to thank each and everyone of you for your kind words and support. This one took me a little time to get together, but real life tends to get crazy.
Sorry to those that love him like I do, but Eric won't be in this chapter. If I were to include him and what I had planned it would have made the chapter too long and hard to follow and as a reader- personally I really dislike that. But the next chapter he will get more than enough coverage in "Escape from Tortuga". Go ahead and take a guess on what that's about. LOL. Thank you again. And I promise; come what may, I'll keep writting this story )))
The word had now spread throughout Atlantica that Ariel and Sebastian were missing and that ALL in the kingdom were to keep an eye out for them. So, many did as their patriotic duty called for and sought to find the princess. Discussions formed as to where she might have gone. Many theories emerged, some close to the real reason Ariel left, but no actual questions could be answered, yet anyhow. All that they possessed were theories...
And in accordance with the original plan the royal sisters were to search the market place for their baby sibling.
The young girls headed out. Arista tried to block out the noise as she searched around for Ariel her usual little spots. ‘Granted Ariel could be ANYWHERE, but maybe she figured that no one would look for her in such an obvious spot.' Arista mused. During the time seeking her sister, the blonde beauty found herself coming up short. Every time Arista saw a flash of red hair her heart would quicken, before she realized it wasn't Ariel. The red-finned princess sighed softly as she past by the very cart she had rounded an hour ago. Was she just going in a whirlpool over and over again?
"Well, Ariel's always been a little weird. I even heard she had a huge cavern full of human things."-escaped from a young mermaid's mouth. The popular sea maiden was speaking as freely and shamelessly as a politician. The young woman was lovely and very well aware of it. She was slim, with perfect delicate features; which lead one to believe she was more innocent than she actually was. Her blonde hair styled up and away in a purple conch, the perfect look to draw attention to her face.
"No way! Did she really?" asked a young brunette with a lavender fin.
"Yeah, from the floor to the ceiling, just stacked with human junk." the blonde told the small crowd, as they hung on every word she said.
Arista's dainty ears perked at the exchange. Peeking her blonde head around the corner of the fin-warmer cart, she rolled her eyes. Who else was she expecting to talk algae about her sister? Pearl. Well, she was not about to let that bubble-head go on. Arista swam up behind her silently. She cleared her throat, folding her arms against her red shells, glaring at Pearl.
Pearl turned, eyes widening a little, but as always, she maintained her cool demeanor, "Hey Arista. How's the search going for baby sister? Any luck?"
"Knock it off, Pearl. Don't think I didn't hear what you just said. You better watch what you say from now on. We're all scared and the only thing you can manage to do is gossip; not my idea of being productive." Arista said coldly.
Pearl turned to Arista, trying to suppress a smug smirk playing on her lips with a faux mask of sincerity that may have seemed genuine to most, but Arista could see through it like shallow water. "Oh, c'mon. Don't get your fin in a bunch. We were just talking about where Ariel might have gone. Have you tried the cavern?"
Arista shook her head and shrugged before admitting, "Alana and Adella looked there a half hour ago. But don't change the subject. I don't want you to talk about my sister like she's growing two tails." she quickly snapped back.
Pearl shrugged glancing down to her fingernails. "Well, I'm sorry but you have to admit Ariel's well.... different." she finished lifting her gaze to meet Arista's.
"‘Different' as in not a spoiled image obsessed drip?" Arista snapped
Pearl was actually getting a flip from how irritated Arista seemed. "Aw, don't get so mad. You really should be using that energy to find Ariel... Who knows what she might be getting herself into now?"
That was it.
Pearl's last comment was all Arista could take. Granted she and Ariel had their problems, but never once did she stop loving her sister. Pearl was malicious and mean-spirited. Arista didn't think about the scene she'd be making, how out of control she'd look, or that her social status in Atlantica would be damaged. She lunged forth tackling, pinning Pearl to the ocean floor. "Take it back!" she demanded from the other blonde.
One of the local merboys happened to see Arista knock the wave out of Pearl. "Catfish fight!" he alerted the crowd.
"Get off me you hammerhead!" Pearl screeched at Arista.
"Not until you take it back!" Arista hissed.
"Fine! I take it back! Happy?" Pearl finally said.
Attina swam closer and closer as she heard a sea of commotion. As the future queen it was only fitting that she should instill peace in the kingdom. The only problem being that she had found her sister causing the trouble. "Arista! What are you doing?" she scolded before looking to the other blonde, who looked like she had seen better days. "Pearl, I am sorry about that"
Pearl got up from the sandy ground using the cart to steady herself up, while her free hand instinctively touched her hair to feel how badly Arista mussed it up. Her blue eyes darkened as she pointed to Arista while her normally relaxed exterior vanished, "She's crazy! Just like Ariel." she hissed.
Attina's narrowed her eyes. "Pearl... I think it would be best if you went home right now. "Attina said in what only could be described as the nicest possible tone to threaten someone with.
Pearl just stared, her eyes shifting between the sisters in disbelief. "Fine!" she said finally before swimming from the market place, not even waiting for her brothers to carry her away.
Arista just watched, scowling at the other blonde swimming away. She swallowed, and sighing softly, turned to her older sister. "I'm sorry Attina. I know I went too far, but you should have heard the things she was saying."
Attina nodded, "Yes, you DID go too far.... but, I also know you must have been provoked, so I won't mention this to Dad. I can't say the same for Pearl's parents, but I'll explain to him what happened. Just keep in mind we're probably going to be hearing a lot of gossip until Ariel is found, but you just can't let it get to you so easily."
Why did it get to her so easily? It wasn’t like Arista was a delicate thing. She rested a hand on her nearest hip, her brows heavy as her platinum fringe threatened to fall over her eye. Pearl wasn't evil, just stupid! But in truth Arista's attitude towards Ariel in the past few months hadn't been that much different. She knew that. She may have been blonde but she wasn't a complete moron. As she snapped out of her own guilt, and defensiveness, she asked meekly, "Well, I'm scared.... and I dunno, but do you think she left because of me?"
"Hey... we'll find her. Don't let yourself get too worried yet. It's not your fault. I think Ariel's been wanting to go for a while, I just didn't figure she'd really run away again." Attina mused.
"So don't beat yourself up about this.... or anyone else for that matter." she added teasingly. "Now let's go see what the others might have found?" Attina said putting a comforting arm around her younger sister.
Arista rolled her eyes, with a small groan. How was Attina able to do that? Must have been a trait that came from being the oldest....
*********
Triton wasted no time rushing from the palace to his chariot. The four fastest dolphins were fastened. With each flick of his wrists, another demand was sent to the dolphins to move faster. Rushing through the waves, his mind was lost in his own wonderment of what the witch may have done, or had planned. But why Ariel? Was it that obvious that she was his sore spot? Was it really necessary to ask that question?
Finally he arrived at the hollowed sea monster, just as he remembered it. The echoes from the poor retches trapped in Ursula's "garden" were faint, but hard to ignore. However, the king was very focused as he busted into the opening of Ursula's lair, gripping the trident, his cold gaze rested on rotund sister. "Tell me what you've done with Ariel?!"
Turning her head to look over her lavender shoulder at the man, it was hard for her to not laugh. "Oh, brother darling; not so much as a 'Hello dear sister' or 'How have you been?’ Not very polite of you." Ursula said, pretending to offended by his sudden intrusion. She floated over to him in a way that suggested she was lighter than she appeared.
"Don't play games with me." he spat out. The merman's knuckles were becoming a similar color to his beard as he gripped trident tighter. "I know you're up to something with my daughter. And if you think I'll let you harm her, then you're in for a rude awakening."
Ursula suppressed a smirk, her expression remaining stoic, yet thoughtful. "Look, I don't know where Ariel is, and I have no intention of hurting her." Of course she couldn't let anything happen to the sea strumpet, or all her plans would be ruined!
"I don't believe you." He said now circling her, looking for any sign, any clue of what she may have been hiding
"Believe what you want, but I had nothing to do with it." Ursula stated matter-of-factly.
"Then why did you want her voice? What was in it for you if she became human? Answer me that!" he demanded.
Ursula shrugged as she tossed back a lock of her white hair back into place. Putting on her best "you got me expression" she turned to him, hoping the fool would buy it, "Okay, I'll admit; what I had planned with the little girl was only to spite you.... but that's about it. It's not like I could have made her do what she wasn't willing to do. And hey if I could get something as priceless as that voice of her's, then why not? "It was killing her. She could feel it in her bones, how badly she wanted to inform the king that Ariel's little vacation had lead to the human making a grandfather out of him. .Which would have been followed by the inevitable event of the merman's head exploding. Oh, well. It would be worth it in the long run to keep her mouth shut.
Triton's eyes remained dangerously focused on the witch, as did as his trident, glimmering in the darkness of the lair. "But after three days she would have been your slave."
Ursula snorted waving her hand down casually with a smirk. "As with anyone who comes to me for help. Can't just give away my services.... not in this economy anyway." she added dryly. "The little girl's not here. Don't believe? Just check around." she invited glancing around her fortress.
Triton bit down. As much as he didn't want to admit it, she had been sincere when she had told him that she didn't want to harm Ariel. But why? Something wasn't making sense. However, there were others Ariel had encountered before the sea witch. Evil Manta, the Sorceress, the Sharkanians. The list was very long. "We'll see about that...."
He searched Ursula's lair up and down. Much to his disappointment, there was nothing to trace him to Ariel. He abruptly left Ursula's ocean home, emotionally a mess from his impatience while fighting the guilt building in his heart.
******
It had been more than two months since Ariel and Sebastian had left Atlantica. Careful was not a word that had naturally came to Ariel in terms of how she handled herself. Physically and emotionally she had been pushed past her known limits a little more day by day. Hiding from the rest of the world, she mostly let Sebastian do the talking; well it wasn’t like she could do otherwise. That fact left her with great frustration, and sadly was something she was getting used to more and more.
However, they had found information they had been looking for. There was indeed someone who was very private in their magic use, and only through others could you find her. However, she was never in the same place twice. The sorceress was referred to as Eurybia. The magical mermaid was fair, just, and merciful but only lent her talents to those most in need, and even then it was them who had to seek her to prove their worth. She sounded fascinating to Ariel. She hadn't met anyone good capable of magic besides her father. The woman might just be the one who could help her. Hopefully, she wouldn't be put off by Ariel's unplanned pregnancy. And she might have enough compassion for Ariel, seeing as that what she was asking for had the baby's best interest at heart. Tough, also, selfishly, she so badly wanted to get back to Eric. She thought of him again as she glanced down to her waist, which had notably grown in the last two months. She wondered if he had any clue of what was really going on. Her brows were drawn in thought before she brought her gaze up to the opening she had Sebastian had been looking for.
Sebastian knew of several underground passages that surrounded Atlantica and the outlying areas. When the Catfish Club was a happening place, there had to be more than one escape route. It was still uncommon knowledge amazingly enough. It was also as good of path as any to use, being that it was a no-brainer that the king would not rest until Ariel was found. Sebastian's guilt started to pang at him, as he thought of how hard this would be on the king. But he had promised Ariel his silence and his help, and that was what he'd give. Strangely enough, when he had first come to be an advisor, Athena had been several months along with Ariel, much like Ariel was this baby now. That, of course, made him feel like a very old crustacean, indeed.
"Okay Ari-elle a little further dis way." Sebastian said as he swam through the darkened pathway, little claws in front of him, a small trail of bubbles followed from his momentum. The area had a familiarity and yet, it was hard to recall many things about it. He was a little surprised that Ariel was actually following him rather than getting distracted by some ominous looking aperture.
Ariel swam hovering just over Sebastian. Her crimson waves in their usual manner floated along with her. True to Ariel's personality, and as Sebastian guessed, the petite princess was tempted to explore. It wasn't everyday that someone found a secret passage! Plus, she had been so bored in the past few months she had done very little exploring. There could have been so many things. Automatically following that thought was her inner mother-to-be refocusing. This was hard. She didn't usually put this much thought into how dangerous something might be, that would just take the fun out of it.
Memories occurred to her, not of specific instances, but more of echoing words from the arguments with her father and sisters. The words that described her in the quarrels like; 'flighty', 'reckless', 'careless' - not only hurting her feelings at those moments, but also creeping up on her unexpectedly, like a shark would its prey. Although, it brought another question to mind; just how thoughtless had she been about her well being? Could she really take care of a baby when she had proven to be irresponsible time and time again? Yes, she had in mind that she would try to mature, but she still felt more like a child than she'd ever be willing to admit.
She then shoved the thoughts away. This wasn't the ideal situation, no. But it was one she had to make the best of right now. It had never been hard for her to be positive in the past; it was a little more difficult now, but she was going to focus on the better things.
Placing a hand on her stomach as she swam, she wondered: Was she having a boy or a girl? Would they look more like her or Eric? Whose personality would he or she take after? She supposed it would be a little of both. And... why hadn't she felt them move yet? Shouldn't she have felt something by now?
"O'tay Ari-elle I 'tink it's just around da corner- Yeeeep!" Sebastian finished with a yelp as he jumped into Ariel's arms, shaking slightly in his shell.
Ariel blinked looking down at the frightened crab, and then lifted her gaze to blow fish that caught Sebastian off guard. She giggled inwardly
"Oh, hey there. Are you the 'catfish'?" the blowfish asked with a wink hoping he had met his contact.
"Dat would be me." Sebastian answered feeling a little stupid for jumping the way he did. "Now are you da one dat will let us know where we can find Eurybia?" Sebastian hoped this was their last stop and they could finally get a move on instead of constantly going from fish to fish hoping for new information.
"Not me, man. Sorry. But what I can tell is that Tiburon Canyon is where you can find Queequeg the sword fish, then he'll let you know where else to go."
Sebastian shivered. "Tiburon Canyon? There!? Oh, how many more stops are we going to find before we find 'dis 'Eurybia'?"
"Beats me. Didn't anyone tell you how hard she was going to be to find?"
"Yes.... but it's been over two months. I feel like we've been sent on a wild eel chase, mon."
"Well, if you want it badly enough, then you'll keep going is all I know."
Ariel frowned at Sebastian, before she had an idea. She grabbed a stick then began to trace in the wet sand, writing out in Atlantican "If you want go back you can. I won't be upset. This is my problem, not your's. I'll find a way."
Sebastian read Ariel's little note, his crustacean features sinking before furrowing his brow. "Absolutely not young lady!" He then pointed to himself with his right claw while resting the other on his hip. "I'm staying by your side until dis woman is found.... even if it means going to Tiburon Canyon." he gulped at the end though he tried to be brave.
Ariel gave the crab a small smile before her eyes went wide in astonishment. There it was! The red head could finally feel it move. It was magical really, and so strangely wonderful. She playfully pulled the crab's claw to her stomach as felt her babe wiggle from within her.
Sebastian for the first time in a long time smiled. He actually remembered when Athena invited him to feel Ariel. Then he wondered if this one would have the same impact on him as its grandmother and mother. Only time would tell.
Sorry to those that love him like I do, but Eric won't be in this chapter. If I were to include him and what I had planned it would have made the chapter too long and hard to follow and as a reader- personally I really dislike that. But the next chapter he will get more than enough coverage in "Escape from Tortuga". Go ahead and take a guess on what that's about. LOL. Thank you again. And I promise; come what may, I'll keep writting this story )))
The word had now spread throughout Atlantica that Ariel and Sebastian were missing and that ALL in the kingdom were to keep an eye out for them. So, many did as their patriotic duty called for and sought to find the princess. Discussions formed as to where she might have gone. Many theories emerged, some close to the real reason Ariel left, but no actual questions could be answered, yet anyhow. All that they possessed were theories...
And in accordance with the original plan the royal sisters were to search the market place for their baby sibling.
The young girls headed out. Arista tried to block out the noise as she searched around for Ariel her usual little spots. ‘Granted Ariel could be ANYWHERE, but maybe she figured that no one would look for her in such an obvious spot.' Arista mused. During the time seeking her sister, the blonde beauty found herself coming up short. Every time Arista saw a flash of red hair her heart would quicken, before she realized it wasn't Ariel. The red-finned princess sighed softly as she past by the very cart she had rounded an hour ago. Was she just going in a whirlpool over and over again?
"Well, Ariel's always been a little weird. I even heard she had a huge cavern full of human things."-escaped from a young mermaid's mouth. The popular sea maiden was speaking as freely and shamelessly as a politician. The young woman was lovely and very well aware of it. She was slim, with perfect delicate features; which lead one to believe she was more innocent than she actually was. Her blonde hair styled up and away in a purple conch, the perfect look to draw attention to her face.
"No way! Did she really?" asked a young brunette with a lavender fin.
"Yeah, from the floor to the ceiling, just stacked with human junk." the blonde told the small crowd, as they hung on every word she said.
Arista's dainty ears perked at the exchange. Peeking her blonde head around the corner of the fin-warmer cart, she rolled her eyes. Who else was she expecting to talk algae about her sister? Pearl. Well, she was not about to let that bubble-head go on. Arista swam up behind her silently. She cleared her throat, folding her arms against her red shells, glaring at Pearl.
Pearl turned, eyes widening a little, but as always, she maintained her cool demeanor, "Hey Arista. How's the search going for baby sister? Any luck?"
"Knock it off, Pearl. Don't think I didn't hear what you just said. You better watch what you say from now on. We're all scared and the only thing you can manage to do is gossip; not my idea of being productive." Arista said coldly.
Pearl turned to Arista, trying to suppress a smug smirk playing on her lips with a faux mask of sincerity that may have seemed genuine to most, but Arista could see through it like shallow water. "Oh, c'mon. Don't get your fin in a bunch. We were just talking about where Ariel might have gone. Have you tried the cavern?"
Arista shook her head and shrugged before admitting, "Alana and Adella looked there a half hour ago. But don't change the subject. I don't want you to talk about my sister like she's growing two tails." she quickly snapped back.
Pearl shrugged glancing down to her fingernails. "Well, I'm sorry but you have to admit Ariel's well.... different." she finished lifting her gaze to meet Arista's.
"‘Different' as in not a spoiled image obsessed drip?" Arista snapped
Pearl was actually getting a flip from how irritated Arista seemed. "Aw, don't get so mad. You really should be using that energy to find Ariel... Who knows what she might be getting herself into now?"
That was it.
Pearl's last comment was all Arista could take. Granted she and Ariel had their problems, but never once did she stop loving her sister. Pearl was malicious and mean-spirited. Arista didn't think about the scene she'd be making, how out of control she'd look, or that her social status in Atlantica would be damaged. She lunged forth tackling, pinning Pearl to the ocean floor. "Take it back!" she demanded from the other blonde.
One of the local merboys happened to see Arista knock the wave out of Pearl. "Catfish fight!" he alerted the crowd.
"Get off me you hammerhead!" Pearl screeched at Arista.
"Not until you take it back!" Arista hissed.
"Fine! I take it back! Happy?" Pearl finally said.
Attina swam closer and closer as she heard a sea of commotion. As the future queen it was only fitting that she should instill peace in the kingdom. The only problem being that she had found her sister causing the trouble. "Arista! What are you doing?" she scolded before looking to the other blonde, who looked like she had seen better days. "Pearl, I am sorry about that"
Pearl got up from the sandy ground using the cart to steady herself up, while her free hand instinctively touched her hair to feel how badly Arista mussed it up. Her blue eyes darkened as she pointed to Arista while her normally relaxed exterior vanished, "She's crazy! Just like Ariel." she hissed.
Attina's narrowed her eyes. "Pearl... I think it would be best if you went home right now. "Attina said in what only could be described as the nicest possible tone to threaten someone with.
Pearl just stared, her eyes shifting between the sisters in disbelief. "Fine!" she said finally before swimming from the market place, not even waiting for her brothers to carry her away.
Arista just watched, scowling at the other blonde swimming away. She swallowed, and sighing softly, turned to her older sister. "I'm sorry Attina. I know I went too far, but you should have heard the things she was saying."
Attina nodded, "Yes, you DID go too far.... but, I also know you must have been provoked, so I won't mention this to Dad. I can't say the same for Pearl's parents, but I'll explain to him what happened. Just keep in mind we're probably going to be hearing a lot of gossip until Ariel is found, but you just can't let it get to you so easily."
Why did it get to her so easily? It wasn’t like Arista was a delicate thing. She rested a hand on her nearest hip, her brows heavy as her platinum fringe threatened to fall over her eye. Pearl wasn't evil, just stupid! But in truth Arista's attitude towards Ariel in the past few months hadn't been that much different. She knew that. She may have been blonde but she wasn't a complete moron. As she snapped out of her own guilt, and defensiveness, she asked meekly, "Well, I'm scared.... and I dunno, but do you think she left because of me?"
"Hey... we'll find her. Don't let yourself get too worried yet. It's not your fault. I think Ariel's been wanting to go for a while, I just didn't figure she'd really run away again." Attina mused.
"So don't beat yourself up about this.... or anyone else for that matter." she added teasingly. "Now let's go see what the others might have found?" Attina said putting a comforting arm around her younger sister.
Arista rolled her eyes, with a small groan. How was Attina able to do that? Must have been a trait that came from being the oldest....
*********
Triton wasted no time rushing from the palace to his chariot. The four fastest dolphins were fastened. With each flick of his wrists, another demand was sent to the dolphins to move faster. Rushing through the waves, his mind was lost in his own wonderment of what the witch may have done, or had planned. But why Ariel? Was it that obvious that she was his sore spot? Was it really necessary to ask that question?
Finally he arrived at the hollowed sea monster, just as he remembered it. The echoes from the poor retches trapped in Ursula's "garden" were faint, but hard to ignore. However, the king was very focused as he busted into the opening of Ursula's lair, gripping the trident, his cold gaze rested on rotund sister. "Tell me what you've done with Ariel?!"
Turning her head to look over her lavender shoulder at the man, it was hard for her to not laugh. "Oh, brother darling; not so much as a 'Hello dear sister' or 'How have you been?’ Not very polite of you." Ursula said, pretending to offended by his sudden intrusion. She floated over to him in a way that suggested she was lighter than she appeared.
"Don't play games with me." he spat out. The merman's knuckles were becoming a similar color to his beard as he gripped trident tighter. "I know you're up to something with my daughter. And if you think I'll let you harm her, then you're in for a rude awakening."
Ursula suppressed a smirk, her expression remaining stoic, yet thoughtful. "Look, I don't know where Ariel is, and I have no intention of hurting her." Of course she couldn't let anything happen to the sea strumpet, or all her plans would be ruined!
"I don't believe you." He said now circling her, looking for any sign, any clue of what she may have been hiding
"Believe what you want, but I had nothing to do with it." Ursula stated matter-of-factly.
"Then why did you want her voice? What was in it for you if she became human? Answer me that!" he demanded.
Ursula shrugged as she tossed back a lock of her white hair back into place. Putting on her best "you got me expression" she turned to him, hoping the fool would buy it, "Okay, I'll admit; what I had planned with the little girl was only to spite you.... but that's about it. It's not like I could have made her do what she wasn't willing to do. And hey if I could get something as priceless as that voice of her's, then why not? "It was killing her. She could feel it in her bones, how badly she wanted to inform the king that Ariel's little vacation had lead to the human making a grandfather out of him. .Which would have been followed by the inevitable event of the merman's head exploding. Oh, well. It would be worth it in the long run to keep her mouth shut.
Triton's eyes remained dangerously focused on the witch, as did as his trident, glimmering in the darkness of the lair. "But after three days she would have been your slave."
Ursula snorted waving her hand down casually with a smirk. "As with anyone who comes to me for help. Can't just give away my services.... not in this economy anyway." she added dryly. "The little girl's not here. Don't believe? Just check around." she invited glancing around her fortress.
Triton bit down. As much as he didn't want to admit it, she had been sincere when she had told him that she didn't want to harm Ariel. But why? Something wasn't making sense. However, there were others Ariel had encountered before the sea witch. Evil Manta, the Sorceress, the Sharkanians. The list was very long. "We'll see about that...."
He searched Ursula's lair up and down. Much to his disappointment, there was nothing to trace him to Ariel. He abruptly left Ursula's ocean home, emotionally a mess from his impatience while fighting the guilt building in his heart.
******
It had been more than two months since Ariel and Sebastian had left Atlantica. Careful was not a word that had naturally came to Ariel in terms of how she handled herself. Physically and emotionally she had been pushed past her known limits a little more day by day. Hiding from the rest of the world, she mostly let Sebastian do the talking; well it wasn’t like she could do otherwise. That fact left her with great frustration, and sadly was something she was getting used to more and more.
However, they had found information they had been looking for. There was indeed someone who was very private in their magic use, and only through others could you find her. However, she was never in the same place twice. The sorceress was referred to as Eurybia. The magical mermaid was fair, just, and merciful but only lent her talents to those most in need, and even then it was them who had to seek her to prove their worth. She sounded fascinating to Ariel. She hadn't met anyone good capable of magic besides her father. The woman might just be the one who could help her. Hopefully, she wouldn't be put off by Ariel's unplanned pregnancy. And she might have enough compassion for Ariel, seeing as that what she was asking for had the baby's best interest at heart. Tough, also, selfishly, she so badly wanted to get back to Eric. She thought of him again as she glanced down to her waist, which had notably grown in the last two months. She wondered if he had any clue of what was really going on. Her brows were drawn in thought before she brought her gaze up to the opening she had Sebastian had been looking for.
Sebastian knew of several underground passages that surrounded Atlantica and the outlying areas. When the Catfish Club was a happening place, there had to be more than one escape route. It was still uncommon knowledge amazingly enough. It was also as good of path as any to use, being that it was a no-brainer that the king would not rest until Ariel was found. Sebastian's guilt started to pang at him, as he thought of how hard this would be on the king. But he had promised Ariel his silence and his help, and that was what he'd give. Strangely enough, when he had first come to be an advisor, Athena had been several months along with Ariel, much like Ariel was this baby now. That, of course, made him feel like a very old crustacean, indeed.
"Okay Ari-elle a little further dis way." Sebastian said as he swam through the darkened pathway, little claws in front of him, a small trail of bubbles followed from his momentum. The area had a familiarity and yet, it was hard to recall many things about it. He was a little surprised that Ariel was actually following him rather than getting distracted by some ominous looking aperture.
Ariel swam hovering just over Sebastian. Her crimson waves in their usual manner floated along with her. True to Ariel's personality, and as Sebastian guessed, the petite princess was tempted to explore. It wasn't everyday that someone found a secret passage! Plus, she had been so bored in the past few months she had done very little exploring. There could have been so many things. Automatically following that thought was her inner mother-to-be refocusing. This was hard. She didn't usually put this much thought into how dangerous something might be, that would just take the fun out of it.
Memories occurred to her, not of specific instances, but more of echoing words from the arguments with her father and sisters. The words that described her in the quarrels like; 'flighty', 'reckless', 'careless' - not only hurting her feelings at those moments, but also creeping up on her unexpectedly, like a shark would its prey. Although, it brought another question to mind; just how thoughtless had she been about her well being? Could she really take care of a baby when she had proven to be irresponsible time and time again? Yes, she had in mind that she would try to mature, but she still felt more like a child than she'd ever be willing to admit.
She then shoved the thoughts away. This wasn't the ideal situation, no. But it was one she had to make the best of right now. It had never been hard for her to be positive in the past; it was a little more difficult now, but she was going to focus on the better things.
Placing a hand on her stomach as she swam, she wondered: Was she having a boy or a girl? Would they look more like her or Eric? Whose personality would he or she take after? She supposed it would be a little of both. And... why hadn't she felt them move yet? Shouldn't she have felt something by now?
"O'tay Ari-elle I 'tink it's just around da corner- Yeeeep!" Sebastian finished with a yelp as he jumped into Ariel's arms, shaking slightly in his shell.
Ariel blinked looking down at the frightened crab, and then lifted her gaze to blow fish that caught Sebastian off guard. She giggled inwardly
"Oh, hey there. Are you the 'catfish'?" the blowfish asked with a wink hoping he had met his contact.
"Dat would be me." Sebastian answered feeling a little stupid for jumping the way he did. "Now are you da one dat will let us know where we can find Eurybia?" Sebastian hoped this was their last stop and they could finally get a move on instead of constantly going from fish to fish hoping for new information.
"Not me, man. Sorry. But what I can tell is that Tiburon Canyon is where you can find Queequeg the sword fish, then he'll let you know where else to go."
Sebastian shivered. "Tiburon Canyon? There!? Oh, how many more stops are we going to find before we find 'dis 'Eurybia'?"
"Beats me. Didn't anyone tell you how hard she was going to be to find?"
"Yes.... but it's been over two months. I feel like we've been sent on a wild eel chase, mon."
"Well, if you want it badly enough, then you'll keep going is all I know."
Ariel frowned at Sebastian, before she had an idea. She grabbed a stick then began to trace in the wet sand, writing out in Atlantican "If you want go back you can. I won't be upset. This is my problem, not your's. I'll find a way."
Sebastian read Ariel's little note, his crustacean features sinking before furrowing his brow. "Absolutely not young lady!" He then pointed to himself with his right claw while resting the other on his hip. "I'm staying by your side until dis woman is found.... even if it means going to Tiburon Canyon." he gulped at the end though he tried to be brave.
Ariel gave the crab a small smile before her eyes went wide in astonishment. There it was! The red head could finally feel it move. It was magical really, and so strangely wonderful. She playfully pulled the crab's claw to her stomach as felt her babe wiggle from within her.
Sebastian for the first time in a long time smiled. He actually remembered when Athena invited him to feel Ariel. Then he wondered if this one would have the same impact on him as its grandmother and mother. Only time would tell.