The Courageous Mermaid

Chapter 4

     After so much contemplation, King Tritan made a decision. He went to his daughter's room and talked to her.

     "Ariel, I know your awake but you just don't to face me. I just want to talk to you but don't have to reply, so  just listen to me." King Tritan said affectionately.

     "I know how much you wanted to become human, but I also know how destructive they are. They kill sharks, dolphins and fishes. They throw garbage in the ocean. They destroyed our corals.I don't want you to be a part of that world; a cruel and cold world."

     "But dad, I want to explore. I don't feel like I belong here. I promise I will influence them to do good and have compassion towards other creatures." Ariel said while sobbing.

     "I know, and that is why I wanted to support you." King Tristan said with a smile.

     "What? Really dad?" Ariel said stopping her tears. She cannot believe what she heard.

     "Yes, Ariel. I am a king but I am also a father so I have to sacrifice for my kingdom  ans for my daughter." King Tritan said in a soft voice.

     "Dad, what if I fail? What if I can't change then?" Ariel asked.

     "So be it. You're still my daughter and I will always be proud of you, so have courage." King Tritan replied.

     The next morning, King Tritan, Ariel, Flounder, Sebastian and Ariel’s sisters went near the surface. With a wave of the trident a light flowed from it to Ariel’s tail and turned it into legs. Ariel was so glad and grateful that she hugged and kissed her father. The king said his farewell but he asked Sebastian to guard Ariel. She doesn’t mind the crab’s companion. After the goodbyes and kisses, Ariel went to the surface and swam to the shore with the help of Flounder.

     A seagull named Marlon, Ariel’s friend, saw her and was glad to see her with legs. He helped Ariel find a piece of cloth to dress her. Ariel went to the sand with the cloth around her body. And as if serendipity, she saw Eric.