The Sequel to Disney's Happily Ever After

Chapter One. Parting.

Ariel

The same name repeated over and over in the young prince’s mind. His body slumped forward. Each step he took was heavy

As if he carried a sin, a debt that could never be paid.

The sun lit a warm orange red, but the air was cold black

Ariel

The guards and maids greeted him while he trudged by.

Up the spiral stairs

*Thump*

*Thump*

*Thump*

He passed by a soldier

“Ariel...”

“Princess Ariel is in the guest bedroom, second floor, and third hallway your majesty.” He pointed his white gloved finger left.

Prince Eric continued trudging up the stairs.

“Your majesty, are you alright? You look stressed, almost possessed even!” The soldier chuckled.

“Ariel...”

“The princess is resting; you might not want to wake her considering her grouchiness in the morning.”

The soldier soon left the prince.

He passed a fire alarm and reached for the emergency axe. The axe was built for knocking down doors in cases of fire. The castle axe was known for its sharpness and clean cuts, it could break anything

If wielded with enough strength, it could even break your skull

He soon reached Ariel’s bedroom. The smell of pansies wafted through the door. He used to love the smell of pansies, but now, he felt intoxicated.

He tried the door. Locked.

With little effort, the prince easily smashed the doorknob into two even slices with the axe.

Ariel

“the day has finally come hasn’t it?”

She spoke in a soft voice, yet it continued to echo in the prince’s mind

“father was right.”

The prince trudged slowly towards Ariel, letting the axe slide on the floor

“I predicted a day like this would come-”

“humans are full of betrayal and lies...I knew this but...I fell in love with one myself.” An aqua blue teardrop fell from her eyes.

“...you. lied to me.”

Ariel lifted her head slightly

“Farewell Eric. I hope we meet again.”

Goodbye

He lifted his axe and swung at her ribs.

-

He could hear the crack at her ribs. He stroked her whitening face.

“It’s just as I thought, you look most beautiful in red my dear.”

--

“Sorry we’re late. We had a bit of trouble treading through the back alley”

“S’alright. At least you’re both safe and sound nay?”

“Merah, you’re as chipper as the last time I saw you!”

“Aw, Pocahontas, I sure missed you!”

Mulan paced around the room. She finally stood confronted Jasmine

“I...heard about Aladdin.”

“Right, he should be coming home by now. Don’t worry, it’s just an examination!”

“Wait, no, I meant-”

“M-Mulan! Can you give me a hand here?”

“Oh! I’ll talk to you soon Jasmine!”

Belle dragged Mulan into another room.

“Are you crazy? Just what are you trying to do? Jasmine doesn’t know!”

Mulan gave her a face

“And just why are you hiding it from her? She deserves the right to know these things! Besides, she’ll find out sooner or later! It’s not like you can prevent that!”

“Look, I just want what’s best for all of us-”

“ALL OF US? Come on Belle, I thought at least you’d know better!”

“I know Jasmine way more than you. And I also know that she’s the type of person who’d jump to dangerous conclusions.”

“Lying isn’t good Belle”

“well, we don’t need another depressed female around her.”

“Look, if you’re not going to tell her, I will.” Threatened Mulan

“...tell me what?” Jasmine stood at the door. She held her hands at her chest.

“W-why are you here Jas?”

“I heard all the shouting...Belle are you alright?”

“She’s fine Jasmine. But I think there’s something you should know, and it’s not in my place to say.”

She quietly exited the room and closed the door behind her.

Belle’s body began to shake as she reached into her back pocket.

“Here.”

Jasmine took the crumpled newspaper from her hands.

Teardrops fell.

“But...he promised me. He...never breaks his promises.”

“Jasmine, I’m so-”

“Leave.”

“just leave Belle.”

“Jasmine...”

“I don’t wish to speak to you.”

Her voice cracked

“I don’t wish to live anymore.”