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Chapter 24: The Little Mermaid

As they resumed their walk, the dense foliage of the previous landscape began to thin, and the refreshing scent of saltwater filled the air. A cool breeze swept across the land, and the distant sound of crashing waves became more prominent.

Mike’s sharp eyes caught sight of a sparkling shoreline in the distance, the turquoise waters glimmering under the sun. Star-shaped seashells scattered along the pristine beach, and the gentle hum of seabirds echoed above.

"Okay," Mike said, taking a deep breath. "Definitely not Snow White’s castle."

Heidi nodded. "Looks more like something from a beachside fairy tale."

Just then, the sound of laughter carried through the air. Down by the shore, a group of elegant nobles, dressed in vibrant clothing, gathered around a grand ship docked at a wooden pier.

Among them stood a dashing young prince, wearing a royal blue jacket adorned with gold embroidery.

Mike narrowed his eyes. "That’s gotta be the prince."

"Obviously," Heidi replied. "And if he’s the prince… then the main character must be nearby."

They scanned the water, and it wasn’t long before Heidi’s gaze settled on something unusual.

A beautiful mermaid with flowing crimson hair peeked out from beneath the waves, her shimmering green tail glistening as she gazed longingly at the prince from a distance.

"Well, there she is," Heidi whispered. "The Little Mermaid."

Mike gave a low whistle. "She’s got it bad. Poor girl doesn’t even realize how complicated things are about to get."

Heidi rolled her eyes. "And you’d know all about complicated feelings, huh?"

"Hey, I’m a warrior, not a prince. My problems involve monsters, not romance."

"Right." Heidi smirked. "Tell that to the girls you were flirting with earlier."

Mike ignored her jab, instead focusing on the scene before them. The mermaid remained hidden, her wide eyes fixed on the prince as he laughed and mingled with the nobles. The longing in her gaze was undeniable.

"Should we… talk to her?" Mike asked.

"Why not?" Heidi shrugged. "It’s not like we’re here to just watch. Let’s see how things play out."

They carefully approached the shore, making sure not to startle the mermaid. As they neared the water’s edge, the mermaid quickly noticed them, her bright blue eyes widening. She dipped slightly beneath the waves but didn’t retreat entirely.

"Hey," Heidi said softly, kneeling by the water. "We’re not here to hurt you."

The mermaid hesitated, then slowly emerged, her hair dripping with seawater. "Who… who are you?" she asked, her voice gentle and melodic.

"I’m Heidi, and this is Mike," Heidi replied with a kind smile. "We’re travelers. We just wanted to say hello."

The mermaid blinked, then gave a small, shy nod. "I’m Ariel," she introduced herself. "I… I don’t usually speak to people."

Mike smirked. "Well, technically, we’re not from around here. So, we’re not your average people."

Ariel giggled softly, though her gaze quickly shifted back to the prince. Heidi caught the look and smiled knowingly.

"You really like him, don’t you?" Heidi asked.

Ariel’s face flushed with embarrassment. "I… I do. He’s so kind and brave. But I’m just a mermaid. I don’t belong in his world."

"Don’t be so sure," Heidi said with a wink. "Fairy tales have a funny way of making the impossible happen."

"Speaking of impossible," Mike interrupted, pointing toward the dock. "Why don’t we check in on our royal friend over there? Might get some insight."

Ariel nodded, offering a small wave before disappearing beneath the water once more. Mike and Heidi made their way toward the pier, seamlessly blending in with the gathering crowd.

The prince, now closer, stood confidently, greeting his people with warmth and grace. There was a spark of admiration in the eyes of those around him — a true prince beloved by his kingdom.

"Greetings," Mike said, stepping forward with a slight bow. "Your Highness."

The prince raised a brow but smiled in return. "You are travelers, I presume?"

"Something like that," Heidi answered, her arms crossed. "We couldn’t help but notice your ship. It’s impressive."

"Thank you," the prince replied. "It’s a gift from the kingdom. I’ve recently returned from a successful voyage."

"You must see a lot of the world," Mike said, his curiosity evident.

"Indeed. But no matter where I go, I’m always drawn back here." The prince's gaze softened. "There is something magical about these shores."

Mike and Heidi exchanged a knowing glance. The prince was clearly unaware of the mermaid’s presence — or her feelings.

"And what of romance, Your Highness?" Heidi asked teasingly. "Surely a prince must have many admirers."

The prince laughed. "Love is not so easily found. But who knows? Perhaps the sea holds greater wonders than I can imagine."

Mike grinned. "You’d be surprised."

As they continued conversing, the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden hue across the waves. Ariel, still hidden, watched in silent yearning, her heart full of hope.

As the golden sunlight disappeared beneath the horizon, the tranquil sea reflected the colors of the sky, bathing the world in hues of purple and gold.

Mike and Heidi, now aware of the tale unfolding, remained near the bustling shore. The prince soon departed, his ship anchored for the night, leaving behind a curious silence.

Ariel, still hidden beneath the waves, watched longingly as the prince walked away. Her heart ached with desire. She didn’t need words to express what she wanted — her gaze alone said everything.

"Heidi," Mike murmured, noticing Ariel’s lingering form beneath the water. "She’s really gonna do it, isn’t she? Sacrifice everything just for a chance at love."

Heidi sighed. "Yeah. And we both know how dangerous that choice can be. I mean, giving up her voice? That witch is going to make her suffer."

"But it’s her choice," Mike replied, crossing his arms. "And sometimes, people have to make painful decisions for what they believe in."

Heidi nodded. "Still… I can’t shake the feeling that something’s going to interfere with it."

Meanwhile...
Far beneath the waves, in a cavern of twisting shadows and glowing seaweed, a monstrous presence stirred.

The witch of the sea, cloaked in darkness and malice, awaited the arrival of her most desired prey — Ariel.

The cave walls twisted unnaturally, pulsating as though they were alive, whispering the echoes of past bargains gone wrong.

Ariel swam cautiously through the ominous trench, her resolve unwavering.

Though fear clung to her like the chilling waters, her yearning for the prince drove her forward. The twisted lair of the sea witch came into view — glowing green from the eerie light of cursed souls trapped within writhing coral.

“Come, my dear,” the witch’s voice slithered through the water. “I’ve been expecting you.”

Ariel hesitated. She knew the cost. Her voice — the very thing that expressed her joy, her sorrow, and her dreams. But to be with the prince, she was willing to pay it.

The witch grinned with satisfaction, raising her crooked hands as she began the dark incantation.

Shadows curled and danced around Ariel as the price was extracted. Her voice, like a golden thread of light, drifted from her lips and into the witch’s grasp.

"Now, go," the witch sneered, her laughter echoing through the cavern. "Three days, my dear. Three days to earn true love’s kiss — or remain cursed forever."

Ariel's eyes shimmered with both determination and fear. Without a word, she swam away, the weight of her decision heavy upon her.

Unbeknownst to Ariel, the shadows held another presence. From the depths of the water emerged Sebastian Reck — Alucard’s devoted servant.

His crimson cloak billowed in the currents, his piercing silver eyes narrowing with malicious intent. He had followed the faint energy trail of the Orb Warriors, determined to seek vengeance for his master’s death.

However, as he observed the pitiful mermaid, voiceless and desperate, an idea twisted within his mind.

"Fools," Sebastian sneered, his voice low and venomous. "You think sacrifice leads to power? Love? Happiness? How laughable."

A sinister grin curled on his lips. He had no interest in merely killing the Orb Warriors. No, that was too simple. He wanted to break the very fabric of the fairy tale world — to twist the story into a reflection of his own bitterness.

"Why let her suffer?" he mused darkly. "Why not corrupt the story itself? Let her have her voice. Let her charm the prince without the pain of sacrifice."

With a mere flick of his wrist, dark energy swirled around him. His form vanished into the currents, seeking his first step in dismantling the narrative.