A Big Mermaid #Wattys2014

Chapter 4 Meet the look a like

Heart breaking, she half-floated/half-swam her way through the castle gates. Her shoulders sagged like withered sea plants and her eyes drooped with unshed tears. Limply, she made her way through the bright, vivid colours of the royal coral garden towards her room.

Suddenly, "ARIEL!" Her familiar blonde sister with an eye-popping pink tail swam towards her.

Groaning, "Andrina! Can you leave me alone?"

Her sister rose a curved, ash blonde eyebrow, folding her arms across her chest. "You are like, in soooo much trouble."

"And why's that?"

Andrina rolled her eyes. "Because you TOTALLY showed up to the gala. TOTALLY never ruined the performance. TOTALLY never got Sebastion and what was it? flounder in trouble."

Ariel's cringed, eyes widening at the last sentence. "Got them in trouble?"

Andrina nodded, a look of sympathy mixed with anger twisting her features. "Yep, you rocked it sister! All the attention was definitely on you."

NIGHT OF THE GALA...

"An old crab like me needs a rest! They expectin' too much-"

"SEBASTION!" Flounder huffed, blocking out his negative vibe. "We need to help Ariel!"

"How many times do we 'av too risk ourselves fo' that lady?" The crab whailed childishly, waving his ancient, rusty claws around like a windmill.

"Well it's not her fault, her minder decided to let her go away, rather than to the gala. I wonder how angry the king will be at that," Flounder pushed his chubby face into Sebastian's, glaring at him challengingly. "AHEM! Sebastion!"

"Wo' Wo' Wo'! Ok, Ok I'm in!"

Flounder peevishly rolled his eyes. "We need to find a replacement for her."

"Well, don' look at me. I'm too gorgeous too replace anyone."

"Obviously not you Sebastion! You're way too small!"

Offended, the crab arrogantly puffed his chest, adding a mm to his height. "Well what do you have in mind then?"

"We need to find a mermaid that will volunteer." The words faltered at his lips, the impossibility of the task dawning. Find someone to lie to the king? No wonder Sebastian was snorting at him mockingly!

The crab gave a croaky laugh. "Good luck in that!"

Flounder sighed, already making his way towards the centre of the packed kingdom.

1ST PLACE: MC'CORALS!

"Let's split up, it's easier that way." Flounder hissed quietly to Sebastion, before making his way to the aqua tiled counter. The shop blasted with upbeat, electric pop music which was almost drowned out by the cheering of customers. The only thing spurring him on was determination to help his sister-like friend.

"What would you like little un'? Jellyfish delight? Shrimp roasted in seaweed sauce? Lobster- only prisoners, we don't cook citizens- burger with coral?" He was bombarded with suggestions by a bored looking waitress behind the counter. Her face was set concrete with boredom as she arched a shimmery scouts brow. She had a mess of white blonde hair ironically plaited in a fish braid. Her accent was thick, a strong Australian. Her speech sounded so rehearsed.

"Ah..." The fish stumbled, stuttering, "Lobster?"

Drumming her fingers against the wooden counter, the waitress gave a roll of her simmering, silver eyes. "Roasted, toasted, fried, poached, boiled?" She drawled with impatience.