A Big Mermaid #Wattys2014

Chapter 11- Walking on land

Flounder & Sebastian P.O.V:

"Why would she go in there?" Flounder muttered, peeking from his so-called "hide-out," consisting of a measly rock and an eyebrow-raising attempt at camouflage using a few shreds of neon coral weed.

"Because," Sebastian angrily hissed, clenching his claws together at the sheer stupidity of this girl. "She's Ariel, need I reason mo'?"

Rolling his eyes at his friend's uncooperative attitude- As usual- Flounder leaned in further, concern for his friend overpowering his strong fear.

"Do you 'av be so nonchalant abat 'dis?" Sebastian grumbled, scuttling further behind the rock. "I mean, we are standing riiiight outside the SEA WITCH'S CAVERN!!" He waved his claws and made a slicing motion at his wrinkly neck to emphasise his point.

"I knew that!" Flounder huffed, observing the entrance to doom carefully. A flicker caught his eye, a speck that became... A SPECK THAT BECAME ARIEL!!

ARIEL WITH LEGS!!

"Oh god, please don't tell me," He nervously whispered, scooting out of his hiding spot and racing towards an unconscious Ariel. "Well don't just stand there! (screeching) Sebastian!"

The moody grab immediately shifted Ariel's arm around his small frame, thoughts scrambled at the ghastly sight of her lower limbs. "We need to get 'er to da surface!" He whispered quietly, eyeing the cavern worriedly.

The two grabbed Ariel and fought the strain of her weight.

"Hurry-" Flounder puffed, groaning as his muscles ripped apart. "-She- needs- air!"

Panicked and concerned, they pulled and swam with all their effort, battling the weight weighing them down. With each stroke, they became closer to the world beyond the surface. With each toss, each gasp, each flick, each kick...

When eventually, the warm, summer breeze caressed their exhausted faces, relief washed over them as together, they propped her upright.

"The trouble she causes us!" Sebastian wheezed sharply, each breath battling his old lungs.

Flounder scanned his eyes against the horizon, squinting them from the blinding sun directly above them casting rays across the azure blue of the sky. It was understandable why Ariel was so addicted to the surface. Each ray perfectly defined their surroundings as inviting, fluffy clouds stretched and danced between each stroke of buttery sunlight.

To their luck, they were close to a shore.

"Finally!" Sebastian groaned as he more than gladly shoved Ariel onto the smooth, tickling sand. Being fish, they stayed amongst the chilling arms of the sea, but watched over her.

Her beauty was undeniable. The sun emphasised her fiery, scarlet flames of hair tumbling down to her slim waist. Her lips shone a lush, cherry red and her smooth skin radiated youth.

It's only then however, that the two friends allowed themselves to take in what had happened. Ariel was a human. Ariel was no longer a mermaid. The enormity of the situation sunk in, weighing down any positive thoughts.

Silence hung heavily on their aching bodies as they eyed each other dumbstruck.

"I- well..." Sebastian stammered, unsure of what to do. He slumped his shoulders in defeat, "I'm going to inform the king..."

Flounder bit his lips as he heaved out a sigh from his chubby, baby cheeks. For once, he wanted the nagging of his friend to tell him what to do. He watched as Sebastian slid himself deeper into the cool layers of home and disappeared from sight.