"LITTLE MERMAID 3:

ARIEL’S MELODY"

An animated script submission from

HUNTINGTON CREDENZA

@2001 HUNTINGTON CREDENZA

Fifth draft 11-18-02

EXT: DAY, OCEAN

A corvette is cutting through the water. It is a choppy day at sea and the sails billow frantically. The main sail has a giant stylized eye on it.

Behind the ship, near the horizon, a major storm is brewing. The ship shudders and pitches.

ANGLE ON THE DECK

On the bridge, the CAPTAIN is trying to pilot the ship, but she’s fighting back. He is an old salt of the sea, with a full, gray beard, but portly from his years on the briny.

As he wrestles with the wheel, another man comes up behind him, also pitched around by the waves. This is MEPHISTO.

He is wearing a long topcoat that nearly covers his feet. Slender and tall, he sports a pencil-thin mustache, and looks like the magician David Copperfield. The collar of the topcoat is turned up, but is flapping in the wind.

CAPTAIN

Things are getting rough.

The ship is hit with an oblique wave and Mephisto is sent sliding across the wet deck. He grabs onto the rope attached to the clapper of the ship’s bell. The bell CLANGS loudly, far too close to his ear. He is momentarily dazed.

As he staggers to his feet, he is hurled towards the side railing on the bridge. As he gets there, a giant wave sends up a fountain of water.

Mephisto comes face to face with a fish that was caught in the wave. They hold for a moment, and then SCREAM in terror.

Mephisto has had it. He storms over to the Captain, using the slippery deck and tilting ship to get there quickly. As he talks, he squeegees water out of his hair.

MEPHISTO

You said the waters were calm this time of year. Well, if this is calm, I’d just love to see what a hurricane looks like!

Mephisto burrows right into the Captain’s face, who remains unmoved. A drop of water hangs off of Mephisto’s nose. The Captain jerks his thumb over his shoulder.

CAPTAIN

You’ll get your wish soon

enough.

Mephisto heads to the aft portion of the bridge to see the storm. He returns to the Captain.

MEPHISTO

You were hired for your sailing knowledge, but I could pilot this barge better than you can!

Another crashing wave hits the ship, drenching Mephisto. Looking dour, he doesn’t even try to dry off. Why bother?

CAPTAIN

The rate that storm is gaining,

we’ll never make it to Boldoni.

The Captain grabs Mephisto and has him steer the ship. Mephisto is horrified as the wheel slams him about.

The Captain pulls out a telescope and scans the far horizon.

CAPTAIN

Blast this weather. Makes it

hard to see if…

The Captain stops as he focuses the telescope. Mephisto looks on with interest.

MEPHISTO

Well?

The wheel spins maniacally as Mephisto leaves it and he approaches the Captain, who hands him the telescope.

CAPTAIN

See for yourself.

The Captain returns to the wheel, which is rotating with great speed. The Captain puts out his hands to catch it. He grabs the wheel and it stops dead. The ship is righted.

Mephisto puts the glass up to his eye, trying to focus it.

MEPHISTO

I know there’s a trick to make

this work.

MEPHISTO’S POV THROUGH TELESCOPE

There’s something in the distance, but it slides in and out of focus.

EXT: SHIP, DAY

As Mephisto tries to work the telescope, another wave crashes into the ship. A finger of water smacks the end of the telescope, collapsing it into Mephisto’s face.

From Mephisto’s POV through the telescope, is a crisp and clear picture of Eric’s castle, still bathed in sunshine, although the weather is turning foul there as well.

CAPTAIN

That should fit your needs.

Any port in a storm, eh?

Mephisto removes the telescope with a noisy PLOIP and hands it back to the Captain. Adjusting himself, trying for some degree of dignity, he gets ready to leave.

MEPHISTO

Yes. Fine. Good.

As Mephisto heads down the stairs, the Captain starts barking out orders to the crew, who scramble about the deck. Mephisto adroitly avoids them as he makes his way below.

MEPHISTO

I don’t care where we go,

just somewhere that’s dry.

A massive wave crashes into the ship, sending a cataract of water across the deck. Mephisto is not only soaked, kelp fronds hang from him and fishes flop about at his feet. He says nothing; his expression is enough. He goes below.

Zooming back, up and away from the ship, attention turns to the castle. MUSIC swells and the OPENING CREDITS begin.

The background fills with views of the sea as we soar above it like a bird. Sea life is leaping out of the water and the waves are heading towards the beach.

We tilt up and slow down as Eric’s castle closes in. A small shaft of sunlight hits the beach, but it is slowly swallowed up by the storm clouds.

The TITLES end and the MUSIC finish with a grand flourish. At Mermaid Rock, a wave CRASHES against it.

Ejected by the spray is FLOUNDER and SEBASTIAN. They are propelled high into the air, then splash back under.

EXT: DAY, OCEAN

Under the sea, Flounder regains his bearings and hunts for Sebastian, who is buried headfirst into the ocean floor.

Horrified, Flounder swims over and grabs hold of Sebastian’s legs to pull him free. Sebastian shakes his head with an AYEAYEAYE and knocks some mud from his ears.

SEBASTIAN

I tell you, mon, dis is gettin’ to be a real chore.

FLOUNDER

But the King is counting on us.

SEBASTIAN

(Resolved)

I know. I just wish he’d count on someone else.

Sebastian clamps on to Flounder’s back fin and they continue to the beach.

EXT: DAY, BEACH

It is a view of the sea from the beach. The storm clouds are gathering and the ocean is frothing up. There is still some sunlight, but it is rapidly retreating. There is still enough light, however. Whitecaps CRASH angrily on the shore.

In silhouette, someone is walking. They are bundled up against the howling wind. As they look out to sea, Sebastian and Flounder break the surface. The hood comes off. Close-up reveals Ariel.

She is wearing a hooded cape gown with slits for her arms. It is a medium weight garment, more designed for protection against the wind. Ariel goes to the water’s edge as she sees her friends.

ARIEL

Flounder! Sebastian!

FLOUNDER

Ariel! Ariel!

Ariel gets down on all fours as the two come up to her. She is elated at their visit.

ARIEL

Awwww! You know you don’t have

to do this.

FLOUNDER

But we want to.

SEBASTIAN

Besides, your faddah told us

to do so.

Ariel giggles.

ARIEL

I can just hear him now. ‘Ariel needs constant super-vision’.

FLOUNDER

‘And you’re just the crab to do it.’

All laugh. Ariel looks at her friends with longing and homesickness.

ARIEL

I’m a big girl now.

SEBASTIAN

But you’ll always be his little mermaid.

ARIEL

I know. He does this because he

loves me and misses me.

FLOUNDER

We all do, Ariel.

Ariel stands up. A huge wave slams into Flounder and Sebastian, driving them onto the beach. Ariel recoils from the strength of the wave, then hurries to get both of them back into the water.

ARIEL

(To Flounder)

You’d better get back to Atlantica. It looks like bad weather.

SEBASTIAN

We’ll let your faddah know

everyt’ing’s all right.

FLOUNDER

Good bye, Ariel.

Ariel waves good-bye as they disappear under the surface. She continues waving long after they are gone. She puts her hood up and walks along the beach.

A vicious gust scoops off the hood. Her long red hair flails about. She does not put the hood up; rather, she turns into the wind to get pummeled by the fury of the on-coming storm.

She is barefoot and wades into the edge of the waves. Her feet and cape hem get soaked. She smiles a happy, contented smile. The more ferocious the storm is, the happier she is.

Sea spray coats her and the ocean becomes a constant ROAR. The breakers SMASH onto the beach, demonstrating their fury.

Blithely walking along the shore, she sings, her dulcet tones drowning out the noise:

ARIEL

How long has it been since I left? Have I spent that much time on the land?

I’ve been in a completely different world

Which, at times, I can’t understand.

To know about fire and footwear,

The wind and the rain and the sun,

Though difficult and enjoyable,

Both a challenge and also quite fun.

For no matter where I may go,

My heart belongs to the sea

But now, I live upon the land

And this is the place for me.

I love my Eric completely

The kindest man I have known

He’s been by me through the tears and the joy

And the compassion that he’s shown

Ariel holds at the water’s edge, as froth and foam cascade about. As she wades back in, she looks down at her feet for a moment, then out to the gathering storm.

But there are times I wish I could be

A mermaid again for a while

Then I look about at what I have

And I give myself a great smile

I do miss my father and sisters

I’d just enjoy hearing their voice

But this is the life I have chosen

And I know this is the right choice

For no matter where I may go,

My heart belongs to the sea

But now, I live upon the land

And this is the place for me.

On land is where I will be.

Ariel watches as wave after wave crash over Mermaid Rock. She smiles wistfully, but her reverie is interrupted by..

ERIC (VO)

(From a distance)

Ariel! Ariel!

Ariel turns to see Eric running down the beach. He catches up with Ariel, but cannot speak, as he is panting. Ariel watches with love as Eric makes the long run.

ERIC

No one saw you leave

and we were worried.

Ariel looks distant.

ARIEL

I just needed to take

a walk. Get some air.

ERIC

We were concerned about

you. Both of you.

Eric kneels down in front of Ariel and parts her cape to reveal that she is incredibly pregnant. Ariel, almost beatific in her radiance, smiles as Eric gingerly puts his head to her tummy. He smiles with pride as he listens. Suddenly, his head makes a shudder. Eric grins even wider.

ERIC

He kicked me. My son kicked me.

Eric jumps up and begins to dance a jig around Ariel, singing, “He kicked me” over and over. Ariel laughs. Eric stops and holds Ariel close and very passionately.

ERIC

I love you so very much.

They start to kiss, but an immense gust kicks up and blows them aside. Eric catches Ariel and he looks out to sea.

ERIC

We’d better get back inside.

It’s going to be a howling storm.

Cradling Ariel protectively, they make their way back to the castle. Ariel puts her hood on. As they leave, on the horizon is the shadow of Mephisto’s ship heading into port.

INT: CASTLE, NIGHT

Eric struggles to close and lock a window against the vicious wind. Just as he does it and turns away, SCUTTLE is slammed against the window.

Scuttle holds for a moment and quickly slides away. Eric turns to see nothing. He shrugs, thinking it’s the wind.

They are all in the nursery, a cavernous room filled with stacks of shelves and cabinets. Ariel is sitting on a fainting lounge, feet up, swathed in pillows. A roaring fire casts the room in a warm glow.

Around her are CARLOTTA and GRIMSBY. Four other people are off to one side. On a table in front of her are yards of fabric, wallpaper, paint swatches and other plans. We hear Grimsby nattering on, standing near a covered something.

GRIMSBY

This is the bassinet. Made

by one of the finest companies

in Europe. Real French Oak.

Grimsby pulls the sheet off. It is immense, looking less like a cradle and more like a ship. Ariel is feeling out of sorts. This is nice, but it’s a bit more than she wanted.

ARIEL

I..don’t know what to say.

Eric walks over and looks at the cradle, then shows it to MAX, his dog. Both of them think it’s great. Max is sniffing the legs deviously.

ERIC

This will be fine, Grim.

As they examine the riotous wallpaper strips, a beautiful sea-green background with a pattern that looks like a fish stops Ariel. It shimmers in the firelight.

She picks it up and gazes at it. It transforms into images of her sisters and her life beneath the sea. Smiling blissfully at it, her half-lidded eyes mist over. Then..

ERIC

Then it’s settled. This one.

Ariel is shaken back to reality as Eric makes the final decision on the wallpaper, a boldly masculine gold-and-maroon design with a lighter red pattern.

Before Ariel can speak, the sample is whisked away. The four people off to one side are the wallpaperers, who begin work immediately. Ariel tries to get up but is gently restrained.

CARLOTTA

Now, now, your Highness, you

shouldn’t get up. You need to

save your strength.

All around her, plans and activities are being made, but Ariel is excluded. To add to the insult, Ariel is covered with a drop cloth and left behind.

Eric and Grimsby appear outside the room to hordes of servants, eager to do anything. They start to sing.

SERVANT #1

What can we do?

SERVANT #2

How can we help?

SERVANT #3

This hasn’t happened in many a year.

ALL SERVANTS

Now there’s a chance

To all do our part

And welcome the new child here.

GRIMSBY

(Rex Harrison-sings)

Come along people, no time to tarry,

Tide and time wait for no one

We must get ourselves fully prepared

Prince Eric is having a son.

Back in the nursery, Ariel manages to disentangle herself from the drop cloth. The workmen are shocked that they covered her. Ariel scampers after Eric, but trails him.

GRIMSBY

It’s a most joyous time in the castle

Activity is at fever pace

As we must have everything ready

And everything in its place

Even at this hour, the castle is a hive of activity. The castle is being cleaned and polished up with a joyful franticness bordering on zealotry.

One servant cleans up and, moments later, another servant cleans again. The palace is alive with lively colors, brightening up the dull walls.

CHORUS

The Kingdom is getting a child

An heir to the royal throne

And we will make this place perfect

For his highness’ brand new home

Ariel pursues, dodging craftsmen and servants who dance and wheel about. Going high, going low, she can’t get a clear pathway to Eric and Grimsby, who are seemingly oblivious to the action about them and to Ariel’s plight.

As the servants sing, Ariel tries to move. Every time she makes a little progress, she is quickly placed into another seat. It takes her some time to cross the room.

ALL

We will polish the windows

Until they glisten and shine

GRIMSBY

But please, you all have to hurry

There just isn’t very much time

A sea of people surrounds Eric.

ERIC

Decisions, decisions,

Hundreds have to be made.

What kind of clothes will he wear?

Where will his head be laid?

Eric makes these decisions, much to Ariel’s horror. She reaches out to Eric, but is swirled away by another phalanx of helpers.

Ariel gives up trying to get to Eric and decides to wait for him to get back in her direction. CHEF LOUIS shows Ariel his ideas.

CHEF LOUIS

This child will get to enjoy

The finest food anywhere

A palatial meal for him every night

A marvelous bill of fare

Ariel is appalled to see such adult meals like escargot, veal, goose liver, items more for a four-star restaurant than a baby’s simple tastes. Before Ariel can say a word, it’s whisked away and she spins off in another direction.

Every time Ariel tries to eat something, it is taken from her as not being good for her. A basket of fruit is whisked away and a piece of bread is left in its place. Before she can get to the bread, it, too, is removed and a glass of water sits in its place.

She has little time to react, as the water departs and a hunk of cheese bounces into view. Ariel views that with alarm, owing to the way it bounced. That, too, is removed, replaced with the bowl of fruit at the beginning.

Ariel is getting angry. She quickly snatches an orange, but it’s taken from her and she gets a potato. The frustration builds as the music increases in tempo.

CARLOTTA

What about diapers?

What about diapers?

Are we all set when I ask

What about diapers?

Behind her, an army of servants with piles and piles of fluffy white diapers are at the ready. Carlotta signals them and they follow her. Ariel reaches out to Carlotta, but she mistakes it for a greeting and waves, passing Ariel by.

Too many do-gooders are over-attending Ariel, who feels trapped and suffocated.

Grimsby and Eric are directing traffic as forests of flowers appear out of nowhere and are plunked down. Ariel finds herself in a jungle, trying to stem the tide of rising hysteria.

GRIMSBY

Get it all ready

ERIC

Make it all nice

GRIMSBY

Be sure it’s all pretty

ERIC

Check it all twice.

GRIMSBY

No detail will be overlooked

ERIC

Nothing is left to chance

GRIMSBY & ERIC

It’s all so wonderfully beautiful

The baby will be entranced.

Ariel extracts herself from the foliage and is nearly bundled up by the bunting people, as festoons of ribbon bedeck the walls and halls. Ariel is treated more like a piece of furniture, moved about and out of the way.

The colors are getting to the point of garishness in their brightness. Ariel is steered farther and farther away from the center of action.

Ariel ends up in a seat, near an easel. The COURT PAINTER is trying to capture the flavor of the event and when he sees Ariel, starts to put her in the painting, capturing in a few brush strokes her anguish and spiritual exhaustion.

She pauses for a moment, and then steels herself. She will accomplish her task.

Samples are showcased of everything, whether or not it is even practical. A virtual parade of items passes in review in front of Eric and Grimsby.

ERIC

He’ll only be bathed in the softest soaps For washing the royal hair,

GRIMSBY

The fluffiest towels to cuddle and dry him

To show him that we all care.

An explosive fury of music and dance detonates as it all races along out of control.

CHORUS

The Kingdom is getting a child

An heir to the royal throne

And we will make this place quite perfect

For his Highness’ brand new home

Do we have enough?

And is it all here?

The last two lines are repeated again and again, picking up speed. Ariel fights against the tide of people, pushing her way through the crowd. She reaches her limit.

ARIEL

(Booming)

STOP!

Everything stops dead. All eyes are riveted on Ariel, angry and hurt. Eric steps forward, genuinely unaware of any problem.

ERIC

Ariel, is there something wrong?

Ariel’s eyes widen in rage as the servants all take several steps back, leaving Eric alone to face Ariel’s wrath.

ARIEL

Wrong? Wrong? How could anything be wrong? You’re having a child and the whole kingdom is celebrating.

We can’t wait for this child to get here. This child will have everything. This child will be perfect. This child is going to be the best. This child this. That child that.

Well..what about me, the mother?! Remember me, the other half of this?

What do I get to do? Aren’t I part of this? Am I part of it?

I can’t choose my child’s wallpaper, or crib or even the name. I assume that’s been taken care of as well!

Ariel leans into Eric, snarling fury and hurt. Eric gulps. One servant with a poufy hat carefully closes a book and puts away his quill, tucking it into the hat.

Another servant gets Ariel’s chair and slowly pushes it towards her, SCRAPING it horridly across the floor. Like fingernails on a blackboard, the noise causes everyone to wince. Only Ariel is unmoved by the din.

ARIEL

I will be involved in this!

In all of it!

Ariel furiously kicks over the chair, stamping her foot hard. The sound echoes throughout the castle.

ARIEL

I am tired of being told

what to eat and when to

rest and what to do! I

will make my own…

Ariel suddenly goes silent as her face has a look of total confusion and uncertainty. She is experiencing something completely alien. Her whole body shudders.

The room is deathly quiet; no one is certain what to do. The storm howls and the thunder cracks. Ariel slowly puts a hand on her stomach and her mouth widens.

ARIEL

(Done very quietly)

Ow.

Ariel looks very scared. Eric leaps into action, going to Ariel and placing his hand on hers.

ERIC
(Yelling)

Get the doctor!

INT: CASTLE, NIGHT

In the hallway just outside a bedroom, Grimsby sits on a chair while Eric paces frantically. The flashes of lightening occasionally light the area.

The thunder booms, the wind howls and rain pelts against the window. The room is sedate, with only a couple of hall candle sconces lighting them.

ERIC

I should be in there with her.

Eric starts to go, but is restrained by Grimsby, who speaks in reassuring tones.

GRIMSBY

If the doctor needs you, he

knows where to find you.

Eric stares at the massive wooden doors. He wants to go in so much, but hold back. Grimsby senses his feelings of loss and confusion and counsels him.

GRIMSBY

Things like this have been going on since..well, forever. They know what to do.

ERIC

But this is the first time for me and for Ariel. I want to do what’s best.

GRIMSBY

And what’s best is to let those who know what to do take care of things.

Grimsby leads Eric from the door. Eric walks to the edge of the hall and stands by the window, a massive, cathedral-like, floor-to-ceiling structure.

Staring into the storm. Eric looks very small, as he is lost within his thoughts. Grimsby tries to occupy Eric’s mind.

GRIMSBY

As the Royal Consort to the child, we need to address some issues.

Raising his hand, Eric has him hold.

ERIC

That can wait. A few days won’t matter for my son.

Eric has a pregnant pause, mulling over what he has said.

ERIC

My son. My son.

Eric begins to experiment with the way he says that.

ERIC

My son. MY son. MY SON.

I’m going to have a son.

Grimsby nods appreciatively. Eric sings.

ERIC

I’ve had this dream all my life,

I suppose every father does,

Of having a child of your very own,

We have these hopes all because

It’s just part of being human

The best that could ever be done

The feeling of wonderment total

The joy of having a son

A son who one day will be

The ruler of all he surveys

A bright shining beacon of courage and hope

That follows throughout all his days

I will show my son the path

To be a person, a monarch, a man,

And with compassion and strength and heart To give to him all that I can

Eric, in a fantasy sequence, is playing with his child. His face is never seen as Eric does these activities with him.

My son whom I can teach

How to play and read and learn

The proper approach that a prince should take And the proper direction to turn

To have care and concern for those

He governs and leads and rules

To be able to understand people

Seeking wisdom, avoiding fools

He’ll carry the name that we give him

Holding it high and with great pride

To understand fully his place in the world

And to never be haughty or snide.

To be the kind of person

Projecting dignity and respect

To know when to follow a cause

And when it’s time to forget

I will show my son the path

To be a person, a monarch, a man,

And with compassion and strength and heart To give to him all that I can

A son who will always remember

That once he was..my son.

As Eric sings, he goes through the motions, acting out his nobility. He is filled with awe on the mystery of life and how both wonderful and scary it is.

Just as he finishes, a magnificent flash of lightening is seen, as a tremendous crash of thunder shakes the castle.

The door opens and the DOCTOR comes out. He is a man who has delivered hundreds of babies, and is tired from the exertion. Eric accosts him.

DOCTOR They are both doing fine.

However, she needs her rest.

You can have a few minutes

with them, but speak in

quiet tones. But…

Before the doctor can finish, Eric scampers into the room. Grimsby follows, but stops to talk to the doctor.

INT: BEDROOM, NIGHT

Ariel is in bed, bedraggled from giving birth. Despite her exhaustion, she still looks radiant.

The room has many candles about and it far warmer and friendlier than the hallway. Ariel gives a lack-of-energy smile to Eric.

Holding a bundle, it is their child, swaddled fully. Eric comes over to her and gingerly sits on the side of the bed, looking at the child.

Carlotta is folding up some towels rapidly and looks concerned, but forces a smile. Everything is done quietly.

ERIC

How..how are you?

Eric holds one of her hands and brushes some wisps of hair from her face.

ARIEL

I’m feeling fine.

She is tired, but he senses a great relief. Ariel cradles up the bundle and unfolds the top. Eric is bursting with anticipation, but keeps his movements small and slow.

ARIEL

Here is our child.

Eric stares into the bundle. A shock of black hair adorns the head of the now-sleeping baby.

ERIC

My son.

ARIEL

Our daughter.

Eric freezes for a moment, as he feels let down. Carlotta reacts and she feels Eric is depressed over the sudden change of events. He wanted a son; he REALLY wanted a son.

Then, Eric shrugs and smiles. It’s OK he has a daughter. It really wasn’t all that important. He plays with her.

ERIC

My daughter.

ARIEL

Our daughter Melody.

Eric mulls over the name. He wasn’t expecting a girl, so he has no name of his own. He still smiles.

ERIC

My daughter…Melody.

Ariel smiles, as Eric has accepted the name and their child. He begins to look at her.

ERIC

My daughter Melody, with

her ten little fingers…

Eric takes one of her fingers, which looks huge against Eric’s hands.

ERIC

…and her ten little toes.

Eric removes the baby from Ariel. Ariel tries to react.

ARIEL

Eric, there’s something

you need to know before…

Too late, Eric unwraps Melody. Eric is now confronted with an orange fin flapping up and down. Pole-axed, Eric’s eyes follow every movement of the fin.

ERIC

My daughter Melody…

He is in shock as he carefully hands Melody back to Ariel and turns towards Carlotta. He makes a goofy grin.

ERIC

My daughter Melody the mermaid!

He turns and starts to leave, but passes out, crashing to the floor. Grimsby rushes to Eric, the doctor following. Ariel and Carlotta stare at each other. Carlotta doesn’t know what to do, so she wrings her hands over and over.

CARLOTTA

(Forced gaiety)

Well, that went well.

FADE OUT, HOLD BLACK FOR A MOMENT

EXT: DAY, CASTLE

It is a blazingly magnificent day. The storm has passed and everything looks marvelous. With a bird’s eye view of the castle, the terns wheel about, gracefully soaring on the thermals.

Another bird rockets into view. It has to be Scuttle, as he flies so badly. Chasing the other birds away, he loops and dips, finally crashing into a window of the castle.

SCUTTLE

I have got to do something

about that.

Scuttle slides down, squeaking against the window.

INT: CASTLE, DAY

The other side of the window Scuttle has slammed into is Eric’s room. In bed, he turns fitfully, then bolts awake. Eric sees he is in his own bed. Feeling assured, he sighs in relief. He pulls a cord by his bed and rises to get dressed.

He crosses over to the balcony window and opens it. The door squashes Scuttle. Moments later, Grimsby arrives and Eric reenters the room. Scuttle rights himself and begins to listen.

GRIMSBY

Your majesty..

Eric goes over to the wardrobe and begins to dress for the day, putting on a shirt.

ERIC

I guess Ariel got up early. That’s good, because I cannot begin to tell you the horrible

dream I had last night.

Grimsby looks at Eric with apprehension. What could have been worse than last night? Eric is working with one sock on and the other in his hand.

ERIC

I got Ariel really, really mad at me and did she let me have it. With the entire castle staff watching on as well.

Then, she had the baby, but it wasn’t a baby baby, but a mermaid baby. Can you imagine anything so ridiculous in all ..your..life.

Eric relates the tale, as Grimsby looks more and more dour. As Eric continues, Grimsby shakes his head ‘no’ slowly. Eric, dejectedly, flops into a chair.

ERIC

It’s all true?

GRIMSBY

(Nods agreement)

Every single word of it.

Eric is crestfallen and emotionally bereft.

ERIC

I have a daughter who’s a mermaid.

GRIMSBY

Your wife is a mermaid.

Eric quickly corrects Grimsby.

ERIC

WAS a mermaid.

Grimsby realizes Eric’s vulnerable state, but he must remain true to the facts.

GRIMSBY

You may take the mermaid out of the water, but you can’t the water from the mermaid. She is what she is.

Carlotta comes in, bringing fresh clothes. Scuttle takes advantage of this diversion to try and sneak into the room to get an earful of this news.

CARLOTTA

And what a wonderful day it is.

Carlotta heads over to the window to take in the breeze, done more for Eric’s benefit. She takes in a huge amount of air, holds it for a moment and lets it out.

Scuttle goes under Carlotta’s dress to hear everything, but gets enmeshed between petticoat layers.

CARLOTTA

How is the brand-new father?

Eric looks down. Carlotta will not stand for this.

CARLOTTA

Hmmph! You should be happy.

You have a wonderful baby

daughter.

Eric does nervous work with his hands, cleaning under the nails and picking at them. He is very dejected.

ERIC

I have a..a fish.

CARLOTTA

(Livid)

You have a daughter, Melody!

I have known you since you

were born. I’ve seen hundreds

of princesses, tsarinas,

duchesses, earlesses and

all other kinds of royalty.

Ariel was, and is, the best

you ever saw. And now, when

she needs you the most, you

just..just..just do nothing!

While Carlotta is lambasting Eric, Scuttle raises the hem of the dress to get more of the details. This is just too incredible to believe.

Carlotta wheels about to get to Eric and Scuttle is sent skittering across the floor and out to the balcony.

Carlotta grasps Eric’s arm to pull him out of the chair, but he is inert. Carlotta, fuming, grasps the bottom of the chair. She hoists it up and tumbles Eric to the floor. She points towards the door.

CARLOTTA

You get out there right now to see your wife and child! They are waiting in the nursery!

Carlotta goes over to the wardrobe and begins to fling clothes out. Grimsby fumes.

GRIMSBY

Really, Carlotta, I don’t

think that this kind of

behavior is appropriate.

Grimsby gets a faceful of trousers. He pulls it off to confront Carlotta, who is still flinging clothes.

CARLOTTA

And which kind of behavior

IS appropriate?

Scuttle looks around the edge on the door as Eric does his best to put himself together.

Scuttle soars off the balcony. Flying ungainly, he scans the waters and sees two recognizable figures. He dive-bombs Flounder and Sebastian, as they appear closer and closer.

EXT: DAY, BEACH

Flounder and Sebastian are waiting for Ariel, but just sit. Flounder becomes intent.

FLOUNDER

Do you hear something?

Sebastian cranes his neck to hear better, then sees a shadow growing larger around him. He looks up to see Scuttle crashing down. Sebastian screams and tries to escape.

Flounder dives under the water. Sebastian manages to elude Scuttle, just as he pile-drives into the water. The resulting wave lands Sebastian on the beach. He is furious as Flounder resurfaces.

Scuttle is in a pile, as sand and mud hang off his beak. Sebastian angrily scurries up to him.

SEBASTIAN

No doubt about it, you

have got to do somet’ing

about your flying!

Scuttle rights himself and sneezes out some sand.

SCUTTLE

I’m working on that. Now,

what was I going to say?

I knew it just before I

got here..

Scuttle fumbles about; Sebastian is not impressed. Flounder hangs at the ready.

SCUTTLE

It has something to do

with someone and..

Flounder tries to help.

FLOUNDER

Is it about Ariel?

The light bulb turns on.

SCUTTLE

Yeah, that’s it. Ariel.

Ariel and her baby, Melody.

Both are stunned. News this important and Scuttle can’t remember? Sebastian sputters as Flounder does loops.

FLOUNDER

Yippie! Hooray!

SEBASTIAN

What! How! When? Who?

Scuttle frees himself from the muck and bends down to Sebastian.

SCUTTLE

And not only that..

Scuttle whispers to Sebastian, whose expression goes from anger to total incredulity to complete rejection of it. This is Scuttle we’re talking about.

FLOUNDER

What? What? Tell me! I’m

her friend, too.

Sebastian shakes his head in disbelief.

SEBASTIAN

Are you sure on this?

SCUTTLE

I’ll show you.

Before Sebastian can react, Scuttle takes to the air, grabbing Sebastian. Scuttle dips and weaves while Sebastian, who howls, is nearly crab-caked by the misses.

SCUTTLE

Say, you wouldn’t know where

the nursery is, do you?

Sebastian is in abject fear. As Scuttle gets close to a balcony, he puts out his feet to land. Sebastian soars through the air and smacks against a window while Scuttle alights perfectly.

INT: CASTLE, DAY

Squashed against a window, Sebastian opens his eyes to see a tiny baby with an orange fin splashing about in a huge glass punch bowl, being watched over by Ariel. Sebastian smiles as he sees Ariel so happy, being with her daughter.

As he continues to watch, Eric enters very slowly. Ariel picks up Melody. Sebastian cannot hear their conversation clearly, just muffled talk.

However, the actions reveal that Eric is reticent to embrace Melody or Ariel. His hands tremble with uncertainty.

Eric cannot bring himself to hold Melody. He backs out of the room quickly. Ariel is heartbroken as she settles herself onto the bed, quite depressed. Sebastian is sad.

SEBASTIAN

I’ve seen enough. Take me back, please.

Scuttle salutes Sebastian, completely unaware as to the events that have just occurred.

SCUTTLE

Aye aye, Captain.

Scuttle grabs Sebastian. The ride down is more frightening than the ride up, but Sebastian is so lost in thought that he doesn’t even realize that Scuttle is spiraling out of control until they both slam into the water. Both resurface.

SEBASTIAN

Scuttle, we’re depending on you to keep up informed. We want to know every detail. What ever happens at any time,

day or night, we want to know.

Scuttle is still in the water, gurgling away.

SCUTTLE

You can rely on me.

Sebastian, putting on his best face, motions for Flounder. No need for others to know about the unhappy parts.

SEBASTIAN

Let’s get back to the King

and tell him the good news.

Sebastian clamps onto Flounder’s tail and they sail off, their voices fading.

FLOUNDER

So, you can tell me.

What was it all about?

SEBASTIAN

I don’t know. You can be

such a big mouth bass.

FLOUNDER

You can tell me, really you can.

This is the last line heard distinctly. They fade from view as we hold. Then, clear as a bell and just as loud.

FLOUNDER

Ariel had a merbaby!?

SEBASTIAN

Shhhhhhhhh!

EXT: DAY, OCEAN CASTLE

The shining spires of Atlantica’s Coral Castle glisten as the sun filters through the azure waters. In the lower corner, Flounder and Sebastian come into view and disappear into the great folds of the castle.

INT: THRONE ROOM, DAY

KING TRITON is at his throne, working on some important papers. Two of his daughters, AQUATA and ARISTA, are there, watching intently as Triton explains what he does as King.

AQUATA

Why aren’t you signing this paper?

ARISTA

You said it was important.

TRITON

It is. But I want to make sure

there’s enough money in the

Royal Treasury to be able to

do this right and..

SEBASTIAN (OS)

Your majesty…

All three look up to see Flounder exhausted and Sebastian hanging on for dear life. Flounder crashes to the floor, as Sebastian sidles up to the King. Triton bores in on him.

TRITON

Well, what news from Ariel?

SEBASTIAN

She’s a you..I mean you have

an Ariel, who’s you and..that

is, I mean to say that the news

I have is news and..

Triton looks bored as Sebastian fumbles. The two daughters giggle as they help Flounder. They grab him playfully.

SEBASTIAN

..it involves Ariel, to whom

the news is about, which is..

Suddenly, the two daughters squeal in glee as they swing Flounder about in joyful exhilaration.

FLOUNDER

Hellllllllllpppppppppp!

Triton turns to the still-bumbling Sebastian.

TRITON

May I assume by their reaction

that I’m a grandfather?

Sebastian looks on in total dismay, then sheepishly.

SEBASTIAN

Didn’t I say that?

The noise from the throne room has the rest of the daughters come in. Once they hear the wonderful news, Flounder is bounced about. He lands into Triton’s arms.

FLOUNDER

AAAAAAAAGH!

He peels out, only to crash into Sebastian.

TRITON

Let a proclamation go out

that on this day, we have

a new Atlantican, my grandchild.. my grandchild..

Triton pauses. It seems he never got a name.

TRITON

Sebastian!

Sebastian nervously approaches Triton, who glowers at him. Sebastian speaks in a tiny squeak.

SEBASTIAN

Yes? (AHEM!) Yes, your majesty?

TRITON

I assume my grandchild has a name.

SEBASTIAN

(Laughs nervously)

Oh, ho, ho, ho. Her name is Melody.

Triton continues his royal edict.

TRITON

Let is go out to all parts of the Kingdom to celebrate my first granddaughter, Melody.

The throne room erupts in celebration. Triton sees the exaltation of his family, and then beckons Sebastian to him. Sebastian slowly nears.

TRITON

I have a very special job

for you, Sebastian. I need to

to be the liaison between us

and Ariel. To arrange a time

so I can see my new grand-

daughter. Say, next week.

Sebastian squeaks. This is not what he wanted. However, Arista somehow hears this and quickly swims to Triton.

ARISTA

Oh, Daddy, please let me make

the arrangements. I want to

be the liaison.

Upon hearing this, the other daughters come over and argue about who gets to go to the castle. Triton comes up with a solution. He gets his trident and holds it pointy side down.

TRITON

Whoever gets last grab on the

staff may be the Official Liaison.

Triton holds it outwards and the hands start to grab it, going higher and higher. It is so quick that it’s over hardly after it began. The winner is Arista.

Arista swims around in circles, as she’s so glad to have won. The other sisters are envious, but not resentful. Triton gestures Arista over.

TRITON

You are to make arrangements

so we can all see Melody. We will

arrive next week, as I want to give

the parents a chance to settle in

and for Ariel to recover.

ARISTA

I’m on my way.

TRITON

Take Sebastian with you, as

he knows how to get there.

Arista looks anxiously at Sebastian. He clamps onto Arista’s tail and off they go.

SEBASTIAN

Noooooooo! You’re going too

faaaaaaaaaaaast!

Sebastian’s voice fades into the waters as Arista speeds out of sight. Triton sits in his throne and mulls over the prospect of being a grandfather. He is so happy.

EXT: ERIC’S CASTLE, DAY

At the pier that is attached to the castle, a bell rings.

Mounted in such a way, it can only be rung by merfolk. There is a ladder that reaches from the pier to a low dock.

Arista is ringing the bell, but nothing is happening. She is getting perturbed.

ARISTA

How long do I have to ring this?

Maybe it’s better if I just drag

myself up the steps?

SEBASTIAN

Oh, well, you know humans. They

probably can’t hear us.

We hear footsteps on the pier. Arista looks up.

ARISTA’S PERSPECTIVE

Peering over the pier is Grimsby, who is a little shocked to see a mermaid. We reverse to show Arista waving at him.

GRIMSBY

(To himself) Oh, just marvelous. (To Arista) I’ll be right down,

my dear.

Grimsby starts the climb down the ladder. He is muttering, but we cannot hear it fully. Arista watches him with great fascination. She turns to Sebastian.

ARISTA

How do they make those things

work? I’d much rather have fins.

Arista starts to preen and pretty herself.

SEBASTIAN

I’m sure you get used to it.

They look at each other and laugh. What a silly idea!

Grimsby negotiates the pier, as the last rung is a bit higher than the bottom of the pier. His foot wavers about, trying to find the floor. He eventually succeeds.

GRIMSBY

Yes, my dear, what can I do for you?

ARISTA

Good day. I am Princess Arista.

As the official liaison for King Triton, I have been asked to set up a royal appointment for the King to see his new granddaughter next week.

Grimsby is shocked. How could they have known so quickly? He tries to stall out.

GRIMSBY

Well, (AHEM) the Princess

is still recovering and I’m

not certain if a week will

be enough time.

Arista is not going to be put off by this.

ARISTA

If you let Ariel know, I’m sure

she’d be very anxious to see her father, the King, and her sisters, the princesses, as we are to see her new baby daughter, Melody.

Grimsby sees that he is not going to win this discussion.

GRIMSBY

We can work on this. Next week

at this time?

ARISTA

That will be fine. And we’ll have

it over in the cove on the other side of the castle.

It is secluded enough from prying eyes and Ariel can easily get to it. We’ll be here at 9 in the

morning, as Ariel will be rested.

Grimsby is surprised at her acumen. He feels all mermaids are kind of spaced out and is surprised when they aren’t.

GRIMSBY

I will pass this information

on to the Highnesses.

ARISTA

I have an idea. If you will leave

a basket here, with the infor-

mation in it, we can communicate better.

Grimsby is taken aback. That is a great idea. He could also send one of the young bucks to deposit the bottle or basket.

GRIMSBY

That is a wonderful idea.

I will leave a note here

tomorrow for you.

ARISTA

Thank you. So until then,

good day.

Arista waves good-bye and splashes off, her flukes shimmering in the sun. Grimsby gets a bit of spray from her push off. This is just grand!

INT: DAY, CASTLE

Grimsby comes into Ariel’s room, where she is holding Melody and singing a fragment of “Part of Your World” to her. Ariel is seating in a rocking chair.

She has recovered from the morning, but is still depressed. She is seated so if Eric returns, she can get him quickly.

ARIEL

I heard the bell, Grimsby.

Who was it?

Grimsby cannot handle these mermaids, as they are so aware of their environment. He couldn’t sneak anything past them.

GRIMSBY

It was one of your sisters,

uh, Ariadne, Amelia, Alicia,

Amanda, Agamemnon…

Ariel starts to giggle. It can’t be all that hard to remember those names. Grimsby gives up.

GRIMBSY

In any case, she is setting

up a royal appointment for

her and your father the King

to see Melody.

Ariel brightens up immediately. This is the best news ever.

ARIEL

When? Where? For how long?

This is great! Maybe I can

get Daddy to make Melody human.

The barrage of questions from Ariel overwhelms Grimsby. It sounds like a dull roar. Then he realizes it IS a dull roar. Ariel hears it, too. They both go to the balcony.

Grimsby is surprised to see a knot of people yelling and cheering their congratulations. Ariel smiles as she holds Melody up. Grimsby is beside himself.

GRIMSBY

I guess everyone knows by now.

Delightful.

EXT: DAY, STREET

Mephisto is striding through the streets, oblivious to the celebrations around him. A man with a purpose, he heads, without error, to his moored ship and strides up the gangplank.

INT: SHIP, DAY

In the galley of the ship, a variety of people are eating. But what a variety of people! They are human oddities.

A beautiful bearded lady; a man shooting out a stream of fire at a glass, then eating it; an immense man with skin like a snake; a trio of midgets; and two more.

One is wearing a turban and a loincloth, the other is dressed in regular clothes, but his hands are gooey. They are hearing hundreds of people speak at the same time.

Mephisto sits at the table, but does not eat. FELICITY, the bearded lady, speaks first.

FELICITY

What’s going on out there?

She motions outside. Before Mephisto can answer, the turbaned man grabs his own ear and stretches it to make a megaphone. This is HAMMAL, the Rubber Man.

HAMMAL

It appears to be a celebration

for the birth of the Royal Princess.

Mephisto, again, tries to speak, but is overridden by a hulking, Amazonian woman, the Strongest Woman Alive, SAMPO.

SAMPO

A baby? A baby girl?

Sampo immediately grabs a length of thick metal and shapes it into a heart very quickly. The others applaud. Mephisto again tries to speak, but the MIDGETS stand one atop the other and speak in unison.

TOM, DICK & HARRIET

You know what that means?

We could get a chance to

perform in town!

They proceed to do some tumbling. Tom is flipped too hard and heads towards a porthole, which he could easily pass through.

Abruptly, a hand lands on his head and he is stopped cold. A little bit of slimy ooze dribbles down his face. On the other end is GREG, the Human Fly.

GREG

You have got to be more careful.

It just wouldn’t be right to

have the act be a duet.

TOM

My head is all sticky! It’ll

take forever to clean this up.

GREG

Would you prefer the alternative?

Greg thrusts his arm out the porthole. Tom hangs pre-cariously over the ocean, screaming frantically. Greg holds for a moment as he counts to five, and then pulls him in. Saying nothing, Greg pleasantly rolls his hand off of Tom.

TOM

You weirdo.

Greg is not offended by the line and smiles broadly.

GREG

I prefer to think of myself

as a human superlative.

Everyone is nattering and commenting between themselves. Mephisto attempts to restore some order.

MEPHISTO

Oh, people. Fellow actors.

You guys…QUIET!

As Mephisto yells, everyone stops and turns to him. Preening himself, he speaks.

MEPHISTO

Yes, it is true. The Prince

and Princess have had a new

baby daughter. And if we play

our cards right, we could get

to perform at the palace!

There are various stages of shock and delight around the table. What an opportunity.

MEPHISTO

I go to make the arrangements.

This will be our greatest

performance ever!

Mephisto leaves while everyone talks on. A few of them get up and head to their rooms. Mephisto goes to his quarters.

INT: DAY, MEPHISTO’S ROOM

Mephisto is making himself presentable when we hear a rap on the door. It is a special rap. The door CREAKS open. Mephisto doesn’t turn around; he knows who it is.

MEPHISTO

Yes, I heard those stories,

too, about the baby. And if

they are true, even the

tiniest bit, we’ll have

a new member in our family.

Mephisto gives a small, sinister laugh.

EXT: NIGHT, CASTLE

A few days have passed. The castle is ablaze with lights and banners. The celebration continues. A fireworks show is proceeding above the castle.

INT: NIGHT, CASTLE

The Grand Ballroom is crowded with people. A giant curtain is across a portion of the room to mask the performers. Eric and Ariel are there, and Melody in her crib. She is heavily swaddled, so no one sees the fin portion.

From behind the curtain Mephisto gazes at the crowd. He is not nervous at all. The others are restless, except Greg, who sits, reading a book, although the pages stick together. Mephisto turns to them.

MEPHISTO

This is just like any other show.

SAMPO

Except for the diversion.

Mephisto blanches for a moment.

MEPHISTO

What diversion?

SAMPO

Playing before the Prince

and Princess.

Mephisto relaxes; his plan is safe.

MEPHISTO

They’re like other people,

so, play your parts well!

I want a good show from you.

Mephisto leans into the last line. There is a drum roll. Mephisto holds for a moment, and then bursts from the curtains.

ARIEL’S PRESPECTIVE

Mephisto looks stunningly magnificent as he acknowledges the applause of the crowd. Arms stretched upwards, he does a small turn. As the applause dies down, he speaks.

MEPHISTO

Ladies and gentlemen, dignitaries,

Royal personages. Welcome to this

Command Performance of Mephisto’s

Amazing Circus of Human Oddities…

GREG (VO)

Human Superlatives!

As the crowd laughs, Mephisto fumes. He can do nothing about it. He continues.

MEPHISTO

What you will see may shock

or surprise or even amaze you.

But you will never forget what

goes on here tonight.

The crowd is sufficiently awed. Ariel is very intent, although she keeps an eye on Melody. Eric is rather bored; he’s seen things like this before. Ariel never has.

MEPHISTO

How do you define strength?

How do you define beauty?

Can the two exist together?

You tell me, as we present

Sampo!

Out steps Sampo, dressed in a very feminine outfit. This cannot disguise the fact that she is huge in stature. She does some graceful ballet moves. As she twirls about, she stops. A table is blocking her way.

She grasps the table. In doing so, the dress is shredded off as she flexes her muscles. People gasp as her rippling shoulder and back muscles burst through the dress, revealing an outfit better suited for weight lifting.

Holding the table firmly, she lifts it up and easily transports it over several feet from where it was, and then gently places it back down. Mephisto brings out a chair.

MEPHISTO

We see here an ordinary chair.

He approaches Eric and proffers the chair.

MEPHISTO

Your majesty, I would like you

to examine this chair. Please

note that it is a solid chair,

and that it has not been weakened

or tampered with in any way.

Eric checks the rungs and the seat back, then knocks on the seat portion itself. He is satisfied it is the genuine article. Mephisto give it back to Sampo, who proceeds to juggle it about.

MEPHISTO

If I could have a volunteer

from the audience.

Out of nowhere, Grimsby is pushed into the area. He tries to escape, but Mephisto is all over him.

MEPHISTO

You’re a very brave man to

do this. She might even get

it right this time.

Grimsby looks horrified and protests, to no avail.

GRIMSBY

Now, see here, my good man,

I haven’t got time for

something this silly and..

Grimsby is plunked into the chair. Sampo comes from behind, grasps one of the rungs with her teeth and hoists the chair, and Grimsby, into the air. Grimsby is terrified as what is going on.

Once the chair is as high as it can go, Sampo then balances it in her hands, but on two legs. She makes it wobble and teeter, as if it’s going to fall, but it doesn’t.

She then starts to twirl it about, faster and faster. Grimsby holds on for dear life. Suddenly, it’s flung into the air and Grimsby is ejected. Sampo grabs both Grimsby and the chair.

As the crowd applauds, Sampo proceeds to crush the chair with her other arm. She puts Grimsby down and he scampers back into the crowd.

As Sampo takes a bow, a black man with a broom comes out to clean up the mess. He proceeds to sit down and eat the chair. This is IRONGUT.

He pulls out a pair of swabs and lights one, then proceeds to spit fire at the chair to char it a bit before he dines some more.

Backstage, Mephisto speaks to a shadowy figure.

MEPHISTO

You know what to do.

All we see is a pair of eyes, white against the dark. The shadow steals away as Mephisto goes out to introduce the next act, shooing away Irongut.

MEPHISTO

Now we move from the massive to

the minute. A trio of personages

no bigger than your thumb, but

full of vim and vigor. Here are

Tom, Dick and Harriet!

The three tumblers roll out and perform a series of back flips and pyramids and hurl themselves through the air and at each other. Everyone is so taken, no one notices a figure stealthily snaking its way behind the crowd.

It arrives behind the thrones, near the cradle. As it nears the crib, one of the tumblers spins in the air for an abnormally long time. All eyes are riveted on them.

CLOSE-UP OF MELODY IN CRIB

Melody is wriggling about. A gloved hand comes in and rapidly unwraps the bunting. When the tail flukes appear, the child is merely covered over and the hand leaves.

Backstage, Mephisto looks out at the tumblers, then turns as he hears a sound. We hear the whispered information. An evil smile appears. It’s all true! The act ends to riotous applause.

Ariel is applauding madly, and then turns to Melody to see her fluke is exposed. No one can see in. Ariel quickly re-bundles Melody, but looks around apprehensively.

Then comes a montage of acts. Felicity is an adept knife thrower and lock picker; Hammal ties his body into impossible configurations; Lizard Lad slithers through a 90-degree pipe with ease; Greg scales the walls of the ballroom.

Finally, Mephisto comes out.

MEPHISTO

What you have seen is amazing,

but ask yourself, was it real?

Did I actually see what I think

I saw?

Mephisto pulls out a large, seemingly solid, ring and hold it up. He shakes it and another ring appears, hanging from the first. He spins the second ring and a third appears.

A series of rings are produced and he constructs fabulous sculptures with the rings. Suddenly, he shakes the rings violently and it returns to one ring. The crowd goes nuts. Mephisto puts the ring away.

MEPHISTO

You have been mesmerized by

what we have done. But you

haven’t seen real Mesmerization!

I need a volunteer from the

audience.

Mephisto strides up to Eric.

MEPHISTO

Perhaps his Royal Highness would

care to be a volunteer?

Eric is hesitant at first, but heads down. The crowd claps as a chair is placed on the floor. Before Eric sits on it, he checks it out, as it’s identical to the one Sampo destroyed. The crowd laughs. Eric sits.

MEPHISTO

Prince, look into my eyes.

Mephisto does over-exaggerated motions, making it look like he is a really bad hypnotist. Eric crosses his arms, bored.

ERIC

I’m not easily mezmerized.

MEPHISTO

What about when you met the

Princess for the first time?

The crowd roars with delight. Ariel blushes. Eric smiles.

MEPHISTO

And you also remember the first

time you went to SLEEP NOW!

Instantaneously, Eric falls asleep, slightly sprawled in the chair. The crowd goes “ooooo”, as it happened so fast. Mephisto calms the crowd.

MEPHISTO

The prince is all right. He is

just in a deep slumber. (To Eric)

You hear only the sound of my

voice and you will do as I ask.

Sleep deeper.

Mephisto places him palm of Eric’s forehead and he sleeps deeper. Mephisto turns to the audience.

MEPHISTO

I cannot make the Prince do

anything that may hurt or

injure himself, but I can

give other suggestions.

(To ERIC) Prince, you will not

be able to remember your name.

At any time, when I say,

“One, two, three, awake!”

and snap my fingers, you

will come out of your trance.

(Puts hand on Eric’s forehead).

Prince, you are alert.

Eric comes around, but is still hypnotized.

MEPHISTO

Your Highness, how do you feel?

ERIC

I feel fine.

MEPHISTO

Are you Mesmerized?

ERIC

I said I wasn’t easily Mesmerized.

MEPHISTO

So you did. (Points to Ariel). And who is that radiant vision on the throne?

ERIC

That is my wonderful wife, Ariel.

MEPHISTO

I see. And that gentleman

over there? (Points to Grimsby)

ERIC

The Royal Advisor Grimsby.

MEPHISTO

And that one?

ERIC

That is Padraic, the Court Painter.

MEPHISTO

And you are?

ERIC

I am……I am…I..

A look of consternation crosses Eric’s face as he struggles to recall. The crowd titters, and then laughs as Eric cannot recall who he is. When the laughter reaches its peak, Mephisto places his hand on Eric’s forehead.

MEPHISTO

Sleep.

Eric goes under. The crowd applauds wildly. Mephisto props Eric up, but whispers quickly.

MEPHISTO:

Regardless of your deep love for your wife and child, every time I say the word ‘baby’, you will get more and more angry.

When you hear it for the fourth time, you will say “I hate them both.”, raving wildly. Show your feelings.

You will remember nothing of this, but you will continue to rant when you hear ‘baby’.

Mephisto comes up slowly and faces the crowd.

MEPHISTO

We can also examine the very core

of what a person feels.

Mephisto turns to Eric.

MEPHISTO

Prince, awake. How do you feel?

ERIC

I feel fine.

MEPHISTO

I understand that there is

cause for celebration. True?

ERIC

Very true.

MEPHISTO

(Ponders for a moment) It’s

a new child!

ERIC

Yes that’s right.

MEPHISTO

What kind of baby?

ERIC

(Grumbles)

It was a girl.

Some people titter uncomfortably. This isn’t the Eric they know.

MEPHISTO

A baby girl.

ERIC

Yes. Didn’t you hear what I said?

Ariel puts on a brave face. The rest of the acting troupe gets concerned as the tension grows.

MEPHISTO

What is the name of your baby?

ERIC

(Mockingly)

Her mother calls her Melody.

Ariel pants and wheezes, as the embarrassment is getting too much for her. Mephisto plays his part with mock chagrin, as he “realizes” he’s going too far.

MEPHISTO

Well, we’ll talk about other things.

ERIC:

That would be nice!

MEPHISTO

I shan’t talk further about the baby.

Eric detonates and launches into a screed.

ERIC

I hate them both!

MEPHISTO

What did you say about your

wife and baby?

ERIC

I hate them both! I hate them

Both! I hate them both!

The words sting and cut deeply. Ariel is pole-axed and doesn’t know what to do. Mephisto holds for a beat, then..

MEPHISTO

One, two, three, awake!

Mephisto snaps his fingers and Eric comes around, completely unaware of what has transpired. Mephisto pretends to be remorseful for his “discovery”. Eric sees Ariel, tears pouring down her face. She grabs Melody and flees.

Eric looks about seeing faces in shock, or anger. The crowd breaks up. Mephisto disappears into the screened-off area. Eric is at a complete loss.

Backstage, the troupe immediately packs up to go. We hear the murmuring of the crowd, transfixed at the events. Mephisto hurries them along, but smiles slyly.

Grimsby takes Eric and moves him off to a part of the room, away from everyone. It is an animated discussion.

EXT: PALACE, NIGHT

A wagon being loaded up and the last of the troupe get on. Mephisto helps them up.

GREG

(Grimacing)

How wonderfully pleasant.

SAMPO

Who’d have thought it?

IRONGUT

That’s royalty for you.

MEPHISTO

Head back to the ship. I want to express my condolences for

the incident.

HAMMAL

How will you get back?

MEPHISTO

Don’t worry about that. Just go.

The wagon lurches out. Mephisto heads back to the castle.

INT: CASTLE, NIGHT

In the darkened nursery, Ariel sobs. A gently tapping comes at her door.

ARIEL

Please..please go away.

CARLOTTA

It’s just for a moment.

It’s the Mesmerizer.

ARIEL

I don’t wish to see anyone!

MEPHISTO

It will take only a moment.

Please, your Royal Highness.

Wiping the tears away, cuddling Melody, Ariel goes to the door and opens it. A shaft of light pierces the gloom with the silhouettes of Carlotta and Mephisto.

MEPHISTO

Thank you, Carlotta.

Carlotta remains. Mephisto holds for a moment, and then pleads his case.

MEPHISTO

I wish to offer my most sincere

and abject apology for what

happened. I try to bring joy

and entertainment to all whom

I meet, not this. Had I but known, I…

Mephisto holds, then lets his words fail him, bowing his head in despair.

ARIEL

Had we all but known..

Ariel takes Melody over to the crib. Mephisto grabs a candle to give Ariel light. Ariel settles Melody in the crib, still tightly swaddled.

Mephisto holds the candle high to give better light. As she tucks Melody in, Mephisto puts the candle down on a table, then turns to the window.

MEPHISTO

Would you like the drapes drawn,

your Highness?

Ariel nods agreement, and Mephisto pulls them shut. However, he unlatches the catch.

MEPHISTO

I realize I cannot undo what has happened. I am just so sorry that it did.

Mephisto, looking sufficiently saddened, leaves the castle.

EXT: CASTLE, NIGHT

With the nursery window in the background, Mephisto comes into frame, gives an evil smile, and leaves. A shadowy figure lurks outside the room.

INT: CASTLE, NIGHT

The clock in the darkened room ticks away, showing a late hour. The drapes unfurl momentarily and the figure ducks in. Moving with precision and grace, it looks over at a sleeping Ariel. Heading to the crib, it discovers Melody is gone!

It looks about and sees Melody in bed with Ariel. After examining the situation, the figure extracts Melody with a fluid movement. Picking up Melody, the figure looks at her. Then Melody makes a cooing sound.

Ariel bolts upright to see Melody floating. Before she can react, the figure mutes Ariel’s and hoists her over its shoulder. Bolting, all are down and away from the castle in moments. At a nearby wagon, the figure jumps on.

In the wagon, Ariel is shocked to see Mephisto, who glowers at the figure. The figure shrugs, and then proceeds to tie and gag Ariel better. They gallop off into the night.

EXT: CASTLE, DAY

The day is bright, but not as bright as yesterday. But there is a palpable sadness in the day.

INT: CASTLE, DAY

In the dining area, Eric is alone at an enormous table. There are three places set up, but only he dines. He looks terrible. Grimsby comes in, looking sallow. Eric stares off.

ERIC

No answer, eh?

GRIMSBY

She won’t reply.

ERIC

Look, I don’t recall anything

I say last night.

GRIMSBY

To add to matters, her father,

King Triton, is due to show up

to see his granddaughter.

Eric rises from the table.

ERIC

I will prepare myself.

GRIMSBY

I will see if I can get the

Princess and the baby.

ERIC

I hate them both!

Eric quickly leaves the room. Carlotta comes out to clear the table.

CARLOTTA

Well, I never..

EXT: BEACH, DAY

Eric is standing on the beach in the cove, dressed regally. He paces nervously. Max is at the ready. He wants to play, but Eric is absorbed in thought.

He looks up to see the water boil and churn. Arising from the depths, trident held high, is Triton, surrounded by his six daughters.

Eric freezes at attention until he comes to the beach, borne on a crest of water. Also along are Flounder and Sebastian.

TRITON

I don’t see Ariel or Melody.

Eric smiles weakly.

ERIC

Well, you know how she is.

She wants everything to be

perfect for you..and her

sisters.

The daughters titter as Triton looks regal.

SEBASTIAN

(To Flounder)

Dat’s just like her. She’s

never on time.

FLOUNDER

Except she’s has a great

excuse this time.

Then..

GRIMSBY (VO)

Your majesty.

Eric and Triton turn to see Grimsby fast-walking to them.

GRIMSBY

It’s her Royal Highness..

ERIC

Does she need a few more minutes?

GRIMSBY

Well, uh, she’s gone.

ERIC

She’s gone for a walk?

GRIMSBY

She’s missing. Her and the baby.

Upon hearing ‘baby’, Eric detonates.

ERIC

Well, that’s just fine with

me! I hate them both!

Triton recoils. The daughters look on with horror and fear. Alana breaks into tears at such ugly words.

TRITON

What kind of father are you

to desert your wife and baby?

ERIC

I didn’t want a mermaid for a

daughter! Never! And it’s all

Ariel’s fault! I hate them both!

Triton is stunned by the words.

TRITON

Melody is a merbaby?

ERIC

Are all you undersea types

hard of hearing? Of course

she is and I hate it. I hate

them both!

Triton raises his trident to zap Eric, but is restrained by both Andrina and Arista.

TRITON

This is why I wanted no contact

with the human world. I will

find my daughter and her baby

and take them home with me. I

will deal with you later.

ERIC

Good! Find ‘em and take ‘em.

I hate them both!

Grimsby is shocked as Eric is sputtering. He tries to calm him, but that only raises his ire. Triton turns and leaves.

GRIMSBY

Eric! Your wife! Your baby!

ERIC

Don’t you start with me either!

I hate them both! I hate them both!

Eric shrieks as Triton is barely able to contain himself. As Eric turns to storm into the castle, he stumbles over Max and slams his head hard into the beach, knocking himself unconscious.

An overhead view of the cove shows Eric is splayed out, Max is running and barking frantically and Triton is heading out to sea, leaving a great wake. Scuttle flies into view.

SCUTTLE

Hmmmmm. I wonder what’s going on.

INT: CASTLE, DAY

In the library, Eric is stretched out on a lounge, head swathed in bandages. He comes to with a start, reacting to his injury. He struggles to sit up, but is very unsteady. Grimsby enters, but he is rather frosty.

GRIMBSY

How are you, your Royal Highness?

Eric is taken aback; Grimsby rarely calls him that.

ERIC

My head hurts and I feel badly,

but other than that..Wait! What

about the arrival of King Triton?

Grimsby stares at Eric. His young charge must be insane.

GRIMSBY

He came and went, especially

after you told him that you

hated Ariel and baby Melody.

Eric looks completely lost.

ERIC

I said that? Why would I want

to say that? I admit I was a

bit shocked at my daughter,

but I have come to accept

her. She is my child. My baby.

Our baby.

Eric gets up and goes over to the fireplace. He stares at an enormous portrait of a king, a man full of regal bearing and stature. Eric looks very small compared to the portrait. Grimsby comes up behind him.

ERIC

He was a great man, wasn’t he?

GRIMSBY

Yes, he was. I miss him. We

all miss him.

ERIC

I never really knew my father.

GRIMSBY

He knew about people. And

he accepted them for what

they were.

Eric turns away from the portrait to see one of him and Ariel on their wedding day. She looks radiant. Eric stares.

ERIC

If I did what you say I did,

I have to make it up to both

of them, if they’ll let me.

GRIMSBY

So, why did you say those

things about your baby?

ERIC

What things did I say?!

No one will tell me!

Eric stares at Grimsby with incredulity, then looks forlorn. He speaks in measured tones.

ERIC

What did I say?

Grimsby shakes his head ruefully.

GRIMSBY

You don’t want to know. You

never want to know. What do

you really recall?

Eric strains to think.

ERIC

Nothing. It’s like a haze.

Eric rubs his head as Carlotta enters with a tray.

CARLOTTA

Here is lunch.

Carlotta is equally distant as she clunks it down. She starts to go, then turns on Eric.

CARLOTTA

Even strangers are nicer to your

wife and baby than you are!

ERIC

What do you mean?

CARLOTTA

That elegant Mephisto came by to apologize for his actions. You never did!

GRIMSBY

He came by? When?

CARLOTTA

Just as Ariel was going sleep.

Mephisto came by and help put

her and the baby to bed.

Eric stares, stunned. Grimsby notices something, puts it together, and then steels himself. He looks at Eric.

GRIMBSY

Baby.

No reaction from Eric. Grimsby continues.

GRIMBSY

Baby. Baby, baby, baby, baby,

baby, baby, baby, baby, baby.

Eric’s faces screws up; he’s angry.

ERIC

Stop that! (Pause) You’re

giving me a headache and I

hurt enough as it is.

Grimsby turns to Carlotta.

GRIMSBY

When did you last see Ariel and

Melody?

Carlotta ponders the question.

CARLOTTA

Actually, I can’t recall seeing

her at all since last night.

ERIC

She always says ‘good morning’

to everyone, every day.

GRIMBSY

Eric, brace yourself. I think Ariel and Melody have been kidnapped!

Carlotta gasps in shock.

ERIC

Kidnapped? What? By who?

GRIMSBY

Mephisto. He mezmerized you so that every time someone said ‘baby’, you got angry.

Eric strides over to the window, flings apart the curtains and opens the panes. He sticks his head out.

ERIC

Captain Prescott! Captain

Prescott!

PRESCOTT (VO)

Aye, Prince Eric?

ERIC

How long will it take to

prepare my two ships for sailing?

PRESCOTT

About an hour.

ERIC

You’ve got 30 minutes!

Eric shuts the window smartly, and then proceeds to his room. Grimsby follows him through the castle.

GRIMBSY

What are you going to do?

ERIC

What I should have done in the

first place. What I hope I can

do now. We are going to find

Ariel and Melody.

Eric launches into song.

ERIC

I made a mistake

I shouldn’t have done it

My faith in myself has been shaken

I’m not sure what happened

Now I look like a fool

I really got myself taken

I won’t ever let that happen again

But the damage I’ve done is severe

All that I’ve worked for so hard is now gone

Poof! It just disappeared.

Now the time has come

To do the right thing

That thing which should have been done

I’ll not make excuses

I know I was wrong

This task is one I won’t shun.

INT: DAY, TRITON’S THRONE ROOM

Music goes into a vamp in the background. Triton slams his fist onto the table. Around him are soldiers, his daughters and other Atlanticans.

TRITON

This is what I should have done

in the first place. What I hope

I can do now. We are going to

find Ariel and Melody.

Triton sings, handing out orders as he prepares for his journey.

TRITON

I made a mistake

I shouldn’t have done it

My faith in myself has been shaken

I’m not sure what happened

Now I look like a fool

I really got myself taken

I won’t ever let that happen again

But the damage I’ve done is severe

All that I’ve worked for so hard is now gone

Poof! It just disappeared.

Now the time has come

To do the right thing

That thing which should have been done

I’ll not make excuses

I know I was wrong

This task is one I won’t shun.

Intercutting between the palaces, they do the same thing at the same time. Eric’s tone is remorseful; Triton’s is angry.

ERIC

I must make a brand new beginning

This time, I’m doing it smart

TRITON

I’ve learned a hard lesson from all of this

I now must be strong of heart.

ERIC

I won’t be deterred from what I must do

Nothing will stand in my way.

TRITON

I’ll do what it takes to accomplish this deed

Should it take me the rest of my days.

It is a non-duet duet, where each sings but not with each other.

ERIC & TRITON

I thought I was smarter than that

And now I am paying the price

I let people down with my failures

That certainly will not happen twice

What lies before me is such a tall order

I must make amends for my deed

If I even hope to correct all my errors

My only chance is to succeed

Now the time has come

To do the right thing

That thing which should have been done

I’ll not make excuses

I know I was wrong

This task is one I won’t shun

I just hope it’s not too late

I just hope I’m not too late

As the music builds, we see both parties heading out to find and rescue Ariel and Melody; Triton in his conch shell chariot, pulled by three dolphins, Eric piloting his ship.

EXT: DAY, OCEAN.

Mephisto’s ship is cutting through the water.

INT: SHIP, DAY

In the brig, Ariel is at the cell door, nervously trying to pick the lock, holding Melody. The outer door CLICKS. Ariel retreats as Mephisto comes in, smiling broadly.

Two burly sailors are with him. The brig has a “visitors” area. The bars are set back to allow the cell door to open.

MEPHISTO

And how are my guests?

Ariel grabs a stool and throws it one-handed against the bars. It smacks hard. The sailors recoil. Mephisto grins.

ARIEL

How dare you! I demand that

you release us immediately!

MEPHISTO

Fine. Go.

Mephisto points towards the porthole. Ariel looks out to see a vast expanse of empty sea.

MEPHISTO

Provided you know the way home.

Ariel turns back, seething with outrage and anger.

ARIEL

When my Eric gets to you...

MEPHISTO

Oh, the Prince. Is this the

same Prince who declared his

complete hatred of you and your

child? Where is he?

If he doesn’t come after you soon, he never will. And even if he did, he couldn’t find us. Besides, I have plans for you and yours.

Mephisto glares menacingly.

ARIEL

What did you do to him?

MEPHISTO

Just help him express his true

feelings. But enough of him.

On to us. As you know, most people consider mermaids a figment of their imagination.

What if I was able to give a mother-and-child combination? The money, the fame.

Mephisto goes into the hall and returns with the worst-looking mermaid costume. The tail is ratty and shabby and it looks like a costume (and it’s also in Ariel’s colors).

MEPHISTO

We used to have a fake one.

You will wear this and your

baby…your baby will be the

real one!

One sailor opens the door, the other hurls the costume in. It lands with an unpleasant thud. Ariel shields Melody. Ariel is scared but defiant.

ARIEL

And if I refuse?

MEPHISTO

Well, you’re not all that necessary to the plan. It would make it work better, but should you have an, oh, “accident”, either way works for me.

Mephisto smiles wickedly, and then turns to go. Suddenly, a piece of hardtack sticks hard in the wall and close to Mephisto’s head. Mephisto is impressed as he turns back to Ariel. He smiles grandly, turning to one of the sailors.

MEPHISTO

Cut her rations.

Mephisto troops out, the sailors following. Ariel ponders her situation.

ARIEL

Eric. Oh, Eric.

Ariel moves to the porthole to get some air.

ARIEL

If it was just me, I would

dive right it. But I have

you to think about, my

precious Melody.

As she looks at the sea, a bird swoops down at her. She backs up as the bird crashes into the porthole and sticks. It’s Scuttle, with loose feathers fluttering about.

SCUTTLE

How ya doin’, sweetie?

Scuttle notices the rather seedy nature of the room and Ariel’s bedraggled condition.

SCUTTLE

Traveling light?

Ariel is relieved to see a familiar face. She moves closer and speaks in hushed tones.

ARIEL

Scuttle, I’ve been taken against my will! Me and Melody! Help us!

Even Scuttle understands that.

SCUTTLE

Right! (Holds for a moment)

What do you want me to do?

ARIEL

Find Daddy or Sebastian. Tell

them where we are so they can

rescue us.

SCUTTLE

What about the Prince?

Ariel looks downcast; Scuttle doesn’t know.

ARIEL

I..I can’t rely on him anymore.

The words are so painful to say, they come out slowly as Ariel understands their import.

SCUTTLE

I’ll get right on it!

Scuttle struggles against the porthole, wriggling about.

ARIEL

How will you find us?

SCUTTLE

As a bird, I have an uncanny

sense of direction and location.

Seeing Scuttle in trouble, Ariel pushes on his head and forces Scuttle out with a PLOIP. Scuttle splashes into the water, and then rights himself. Scuttle looks up at Ariel as she peers through the porthole.

SCUTTLE

Don’t worry, sweetie! I have

everything under control.

Scuttle takes off, but makes a series of loops, uncertain of his bearings. Ariel sighs; she hopes her plan works, but goes back to work on the lock just in case.

INT: DAY, SHIP

Mephisto strides into the galley to see the troupe in a circle. They are not happy as they approach Mephisto menacingly. Mephisto senses their discomfort.

MEPHISTO

Yessssssssss?

SAMPO

Is it true? You kidnapped the

Princess and her baby?

MEPHISTO

That baby is a real mermaid!

GREG

Her mother is a real princess!

HAMMAL

If they catch us..

Hammal puts one arm under his neck and “hangs” himself.

MEPHISTO

They aren’t going to catch us.

IRONGUT

The Prince isn’t going to stand

idly by.

MEPHISTO

They aren’t going to catch us!

TOM, DICK & HARRIET:

He’ll hear stories if we try to

let her perform.

MEPHISTO

THEY AREN’T GOING TO CATCH US!

FELICITY

He won’t give up.

MEPHISTO:

THEY AREN’T GOING TO CATCH US!

Mephisto is seething in rage. They don’t have his vision.

SAMPO

Well, I’m not going to wait for

that to happen. We’re turning this

ship around.

As Sampo charges Mephisto, he dodges her and touches a spot on her back. Sampo goes down in great pain. Mephisto rages.

MEPHISTO

This is the thanks I get? Let

us not forget the miserable lives

I saved you all from. Slaving

away in mines, working in stables,

languishing in jail?

I was the one, the only one, who

saw your greater potential. I had

the vision and foresight. So, If

this isn’t what you want, then

YOU leave. As for me..

As Mephisto sings, the other members of the troupe try to incapacitate him, but he eludes their clutches with ease and aplomb, as if they weren’t there.

MEPHISTO

Everything I’ve ever wanted

I had to fight to obtain

I had to be quick with my feet and my fists

And equally quick with my brain.

Felicity throws knives at Mephisto to pin him down, but he deftly moves ahead of them. Felicity sends a barrage, but he positions his body so they stick in the hull and not to him. He then leaps out of the way to reveal the outline.

MEPHISTO

I have a great nose for talent

And seeing the weakness in Man

When all of it coalesces and mixes

I’m close to achieving my plan of

Greg and Hammal try to catch Mephisto in a pincher movement, but he disappears at the last moment, leaving them stuck together and enmeshed.

MEPHISTO

Mastery

Mastery

King of all I survey

No one can touch me

No one comes near

It’s best to get out of my way.

Lizard Lad tries to slither about his ankles, but another series of swift movements keep Mephisto ahead of him.

MEPHISTO

I’m tired of being a doormat

Getting trampled and pushed to the side

Don’t I have feelings of anguish?

My courage and daring and pride?

Sampo tries to wrestle him to the ground. Mephisto not only eludes her grasp, he cuffs her into arm bracelets. The design prevents her from breaking free using her strength.

MEPHISTO

But now I have fate when I want it

I can feel in within my grip

I won’t be deterred from obtaining my goal

From my fingers will not be ripped my

Irongut tries to blow flames at Mephisto, but he clamps down on his mouth and the flames shoot out of his ears, singeing the others. Mephisto pushes them all aside as Irongut sticks his head in a bucket of water.

MEPHISTO

Mastery

Mastery

The power of hope and gloom

My list is checked twice

So you’d better be nice

Or else you’ll find yourself doomed

Mephisto looks into a hand-held mirror, preening with pride. The troupe tries to sneak up on him, but he reflects a shaft of sunlight, blinding them.

MEPHISTO

Don’t try to fool me with flattery

Or cajole me with platitudes weak

The Road to Success goes straight up a hill

And I’m finally reaching my peak

Tom, Dick and Harriet launch themselves at Mephisto like human cannonballs, but he swats them away like mosquitoes.

MEPHISTO

There’s nothing that I will not do

For my ends justify my means

If you found you were I, wouldn’t you do the same?

You’d want to achieve your dreams of

Mastery

Mastery

There’s nothing else that fits the bill

Beauty and grace

I guess have a place

But so does my might and will

And it’s all because I possess

Mastery

The troupe gangs up on Mephisto and seemingly smothers him under a massive dog pile. They learn that he has escaped them again and he hurls a fishing net atop them, adding to the confusion.

MEPHISTO

Any more questions?

He overlooks his troupe, who are unable to defy or overpower him, as they strugge to free themselves from the net. Mephisto leaves, his coat swirling about him.

MEPHISTO

On to Boldoni!

EXT: DAY, ERIC’S SHIPS

Eric’s ship cuts through a sunset sea, reflecting oranges and reds. His second ship is behind and farther back.

INT: DAY, ERIC’S SHIP

In the Captain’s Quarters are Eric, Captain Prescott, Grimsby and the NAVIGATOR, who pour over a map of the region.

ERIC

Where could he go?

PRESCOTT

The nearest port is Boldoni.

NAVIGATOR

But they could push on to

Port Mahi, another half-day’s

sailing, depending on the weather.

Eric mulls for a moment, contemplating the map.

ERIC

If I were he, I’d be feeling

very sure of myself, having

set up a situation where any

pursuit might be delayed. Enough

of a delay for him to get to

the nearest port. Captain.

Prescott snaps to attention.

ERIC

Signal the other ship to head

to Port Mahi, then come back

to Boldoni to meet us. We’re

going to Boldoni.

EXT: NIGHT, PORT

The city of Boldoni is a typical seaport town, filled with raucous people and the standard unpleasant mixture of cutpurses, inebriates and other dangerous types. Despite the hour, there is still a bustle. Mephisto’s ship is moored.

INT: NIGHT, SHIP

The troupe is doing much grumbling, owing to their cargo.

GREG

This is madness. We have to do

something, or we’re doomed.

SAMPO

We have to get her free, here in Boldoni. There must be some-

place or someone to turn to.

FELICITY

All we have to do is get her out of the ship or the build-ing. I’m sure she could make her way to the police or..

LIZARD LAD

But would they believe she’s

a princess? With a merbaby?

HAMMAL

Something’s better than nothing.

IRONGUT

I have an idea. During my act, I could catch something on fire. In the confusion, say, Felicity and Sampo could get the Princesses out of here.

The troupe looks at each other. It’s a terrible plan. Irongut senses this and is irked. No one else is trying.

IRONGUT

Well, you come up with something.

But it better be soon.

INT: NIGHT, BRIG

Ariel has struggled to put on the costume. It is ugly and bulky and looks very bad. She is sitting on a stool, looking at Melody, sleeping away in a wicker basket.

Mephisto enters, grinning, as the two burly sailors accompany him. Mephisto unlocks the brig.

MEPHISTO

It is good you’ve come to your

senses. Things will work out for

the best.

ARIEL

What stops me from calling for help?

Mephisto reveals a horrible mouth gag (like in “Silence of the Lambs”). Before Ariel can react, one sailor has the gag about her head and locks it tight.

The other grabs her lower fins. Ariel struggles against the mask, but cannot get it off. She can only make sounds.

Ariel then pushes against the sailor on her feet, shoving him against the wall. He was unprepared for this repulse and goes reeling.

The sudden shift in weight pulls down the first sailor as Ariel crashes to the floor. Both sailors conk their heads and fall back and away.

Ariel heads to the bars as the sailors get to their feet. Seeing her against the bars, they charge her, one high, one low. Ariel hoists herself up and they both miss her, their burly arms getting stuck between the bars.

Ariel sees Mephisto cradling Melody. Ariel tries to totter over, but she can’t balance on the fin and crashes to the floor in front of Mephisto. Quickly, Mephisto puts wrist cuffs on her. Ariel is crestfallen.

MEPHISTO

No one will question me!

(To the sailors) Bring her.

From the perspective of the troupe, they see Ariel manacled and taken from the brig. Ariel struggles as Mephisto follows behind. The troupe retreats.

GREG

We have got to do something!

FELICITY

Then let’s go with Irongut’s

plan. Sampo and I will be

backstage at that point. We

can do it.

LIZARD LAD

You have to. You’ll know what

Mephisto will do once he finds

out. If we don’t succeed together,

we’ll all swing together!

SAMPO

I can handle him!

Sampo grabs a solid chunk of wood and proceeds to crush it to pulp between her hands, leaving a pile of dust. Sampo wipes her hands.

INT: NIGHT, THEATER

Crossfade shot of hands clapping in a performance hall. Mephisto is on stage, greeting everyone. The audience looks rather rough and surly.

MEPHISTO

Welcome one and all to the

Circus of the Great Mephisto,

presenting people and acts

you have never seen before!

The curtains part to reveal Felicity. The audience recoils in shock at her beard. Sampo comes on, flexing her muscles. Then, brought in by Irongut, Hammal and Lizard Lad is Ariel.

She is on a sedan chair. The audience can’t see is that she is chained to prevent any escape. The audience gasps as Ariel waves her fake flukes and cradles Melody. Then, from the audience.

SOMEONE

Fake!

The crowd reacts. Mephisto is unmoved.

MEPHISTO

Ah, a doubter. One who feels

we deal in chicanery and bluff.

One who does not trust his eyes!

Mephisto wrenches Melody from Ariel’s arms and presents her to the audience. Ariel lunges, but is restrained by the chains. They rattle noisily as Mephisto showcases Melody, her fin flapping away.

MEPHISTO

Then explain this! Her mother

and she were captured off the

Azores. Do not let her appear- ance fool you! She is gagged for your safety.

Once she sings her siren song, we would all be doomed! I did what brave Odysseus did and poured wax into my ears to resist her evil charms and spells.

Melody is returned to Ariel, who clutches her tightly. Felicity and Sampo go off stage, but Ariel remains. Irongut

crosses over and sits in a chair.

MEPHISTO

And she must be constantly guarded

against any escape!

While Irongut sits, Greg comes out and proceeds to set a table for Irongut, with a checkered cloth, a set of dishes, utensils, a couple of glasses, a candleholder with a lit candle and a small vase with a rose in it.

As Irongut remains transfixed on Ariel, he proceeds to devour the tableware. Ariel cannot avoid the gaze of the audience, as they are uncertain whom to look at.

Backstage, Sampo and Felicity stand at the ready to put the plan into action, Felicity fingering her lock pick.

Onstage, Irongut has devoured everything and pretends to have indigestion. He pulls out a pair of wands and sets one aflame, then begins to eat fire.

FELICITY

Get ready. This is it!

Before Irongut can set the curtains aflame, a MAN leaps from the audience, wrenches Melody from Ariel and then heads to the door.

Distracted, Irongut sends a sheet of flame at him, scorching his rear. The man reacts, but still heads to the door.

Felicity comes onto the stage and flings knives to cut the man’s suspenders, causing his pants to fall to his ankles.

As he nears the door, Greg is hanging upside down above it.

GREG

I’ll take that!

He grabs Melody and retreats. Hearing a deep-throated AHEM! the man turns to see Sampo’s fist zoom in, followed by a tremendous thud.

EXT: STREET: NIGHT

The man goes flying out the doors as if he were rocket propelled. The doors tear off their hinges as well.

INT: THEATRE: NIGHT

There is a healthy circle of distance around Sampo. Roaring in anger, the theatre clears out, people crashing through doors and windows.

Greg tries to hand Melody back to Ariel, but Mephisto magically appears and takes Melody. As the last straggler flees, the local POLICE come in.

OFFICER

All right, what’s..this..?

The officer sees the hulking presence of Sampo and is stunned. He walks around her and goes to Mephisto.

OFFICER

You. Out. Now.

EXT: SHIP, NIGHT

A partial moonlit night as Mephisto’s ship cuts through the still waters.

INT: SHIP, NIGHT

The troupe is sitting around a table, commiserating.

GREG

What went wrong?

HAMMAL

Nothing. It was just an

unforeseen event.

IRONGUT

It was all so perfect!

FELICITY

We were all set and ready to go.

Sampo slams her fist onto the table. Everything jumps.

SAMPO

Blast the luck!

TOM, DICK & HARRIET

We’ll have to do better next time.

MEPHISTO

Oh, there won’t be a next time!

All turn to see Mephisto, holding Melody as if it were his own daughter.

MEPHISTO

I knew of the plan to free the

Princess and her child. That

guy was a plant to make certain

Irongut didn’t set the place

afire to let Felicity and Sampo

rescue everyone.

Mephisto walks among them, Melody giggling in a playful manner, to contrast his stark evil. The troupe is shocked at his knowledge of events. He stops at Sampo.

MEPHISTO

And no one is going to grind my

head into sawdust, either. It now

doesn’t matter what happens. We all

succeed together or we all swing

together. I suggest you opt for the

former!

Mephisto heads out. Everyone is sufficiently revolted and stunned at the bizarre turn of events.

INT: SHIP’S BRIG, NIGHT

The door slams. Ariel sits, cradling Melody, who coos and makes bubbles. She has absolutely no idea of what is happening in her life.

Ariel takes solace in the fact that she still has Melody, but her eyes brim with tears over her current plight, seemingly insoluble.

She begins to sing, a slower, more melancholy version of the song she sang at the beginning.

ARIEL

How long have I been in this place? It seems like I’ll never be free

I’m now in a totally strange world

But at least I have you with me.

I don’t know what lies before us,

And I’m staying right, near your heart

You’ll not be abandoned or left alone,

We’ve got each other, and we’ll never part.

For no matter where I may go,

My heart belongs to the sea

But now, I’m trapped upon this ship

And this is where we must be.

Ariel breaks into heart-wrenching sobs.

INT: SHIP, NIGHT

Back at the galley table

SAMPO

I don’t care what it takes,

but we’re getting them off this ship.

FELICITY

But how can we do this? Our

last plan went wrong?

HAMMAL

We need one that’s foolproof.

GREG

I hate to say this, but there’s

a traitor in our midst.

TOM, DICK & HARRIET

How can you say such a thing?

LIZARD LAD

Did you hear what Mephisto said?

He knew too much for it to be mere

happenstance. He was informed!

HAMMAL

But that means we can’t make any

plan, as Mephisto would know.

FELICITY

I want to know how the Princess and

the baby were taken in the first place!

HAMMAL

If they had to scale a wall..

Hammal turns to Greg and says nothing more. Greg gets it.

GREG

Oh, I see, blame it on the Fly Guy.

Well, Felicity could have driven

knives into the wall and Tom, Dick

and Harriet could have clambered

up to drop a rope so Hammal could

have captured them!

TOM, DICK & HARRIET

Lizard Lad could have slithered

through a small open window!

The accusations start to fly hot and heavy as everyone challenges everyone else. Sampo has had it.

SAMPO

Enough!

Everyone stops and faces her.

SAMPO

The last thing we need is

disharmony now. We have to

come up with a plan.

GREG

Wrong! We can’t make any plan.

Mephisto would know. We are

doomed. Plain and simple

Greg views everyone uncertainly. Sampo fumes.

SAMPO

I’m not giving up! Who’s with me?

No one says a thing, which enrages Sampo more.

SAMPO

Fine! I’ll do it myself!

Tomorrow, if I have to!

She storms off. Lizard Lad follows her. Tom, Dick and Harriet confer amongst themselves.

FELICITY

Well, I’m going to bed to think

on this. A good night’s sleep and

all that.

Felicity leaves, with Irongut following moments later.

IRONGUT

I don’t know. Anything’s better

than waiting for the consequences.

Greg gets up to turn off the light.

GREG

Doomed. That’s all she wrote.

HAMMAL

Greg, what are we going to do?

GREG

I don’t know. I really don’t know.

Greg sighs as he looks into the flame. ZOOM into the fire.

EXT: SUN

Dawn breaks. Zooming away from the sun, Eric’s ship is anchored outside the Boldoni harbor. From the shore, a launch is being rowed furiously towards Eric’s ship. Eric stands up and waves at the ship.

ERIC

Get ready to make sail!

Get ready to make sail!

Eric clambers on board as the other sailors follow up. Eric heads to Captain Prescott as the longboat is hauled up.

ERIC

They were here yesterday and

set sail on the midnight tide.

PRESCOTT

Their next stop is Port Mahi.

They’re not that far ahead of us.

Prescott barks out orders as the ship makes sail, then turns to console Eric.

PRESCOTT

We’ll get Princess Ariel

and Melody. Don’t worry.

Eric heads to the prow of the ship, and stands looking out at the vast reaches of the sea.

ERIC

I’m coming, Ariel.

A long shot shows Eric and the figurehead of his ship, which looks like Ariel. A crossfade has it morph into Ariel, still trapped in the brig with Melody. She is intently thinking.

Hearing HSST, Ariel looks about, trying to find the source of the sound. She hears it again. As she turns, she sees a note dangling at the porthole. She cautiously moves towards it, and then takes it.

ARIEL

We are getting you off the

ship. Be ready.

She sits down to eat her morning meal. As she lifts up the bowl, there is a folded paper underneath. She opens it.

ARIEL

We are getting you off the

ship. Be ready.

She compares the notes to see they are in a different hand. As she ponders this, a piece of hardtack flies through the door grill and lands onto the floor. Ariel picks up the hardtack and unfolds the paper around it.

ARIEL

We are getting you off the

ship. Be ready.

She heads over to the porthole to peer about. As she rereads the notes, a menacing shadow crosses over Ariel. She turns and before she can react, she is swallowed up in black.

INT: SHIP, DAY

Greg is standing by a longboat and speaks in hushed tones.

GREG

We’ll have to make certain

they have enough water and

food. It will take some time

to get to the nearest port.

From underneath the cover, Lizard Lad pokes out his head.

LIZARD LAD

We may be expecting too much

to have the princess row. She

could head farther out to sea.

Hearing the click of rifle hammers, Greg and Lizard Lad turn to see a phalanx of sailors brandishing rifles with bayonets at them. One motions for both of them to come along.

In the galley, Tom, Dick & Harriet are scuttling about the lower shelves, looking for items.

TOM

Here’s some lovely grease.

DICK

I don’t think they’ll miss

this bucket.

HARRIET

I’ve got a sack full of

provisions for them.

Suddenly, a bayonet stabs the floor in front of Harriet. All three turn to see sailors with rifles.

They begin to scamper under their legs and create confusion. However, they are captured when a stew pot falls atop them.

Felicity and Irongut are poking around the armory, Felicity picking the lock.

IRONGUT

I could have chewed through

that easily.

FELICITY

We need to be subtle and not

draw attention to ourselves.

Especially since we’re getting

some guns.

Hearing a satisfying CLICK, Felicity smiles. She opens the door to a bristle of guns and bayonets. Irongut forces the door shut. Felicity turns to see more sailors behind her.

IRONGUT

Run! Run! I can hold…

Irongut looks up to see the fruitlessness of the situation.

He releases the door, the troops tumbling out.

Hammal and Sampo are skulking through the ship, drawing attention to themselves in an attempt not to draw attention to themselves. Sampo is constantly looking about.

SAMPO

Thanks for helping me. No

one else would.

HAMMAL

Isn’t it a bit early to be

breaking them out of the brig?

SAMPO

The more confusion, the better.

It works in our behalf. Besides..

As Sampo’s hand pushes along the wall, it touches a coat.

MEPHISTO

Besides, it won’t work anyway.

Sampo turns to see Mephisto. Sailors come out of nowhere. Sampo gives them what for as sailors fly about.

As she turns to fight more, Mephisto touches the spot. Sampo crashes to the floor in pain. Trussed up in chains she cannot break, Sampo is dragged to the brig.

The brig is filled with the troupe. Ariel is in the corner, chained to the hull. The troupe rush the gate, but are repelled by the sailors and their weapons. Sampo is thrown in and the door clangs with a disturbing thud.

GREG

How could you have found out?

I didn’t know about Sampo.

TOM, DICK & HARRIET

We knew nothing of Felicity.

IRONGUT

When I saw Greg here..

MEPHISTO

Because I am the Great Mephisto.

You cannot fool me. Besides, the

first rule of performance is

always have a plant. Isn’t that

right?

Mephisto looks down the gangway and Hammal enters.

HAMMAL

That is so right, sir.

The troupe rushes the gate to bash against it uselessly.

HAMMAL

You see, I saw the opportunity

and knew we had to act on it.

None of you have the vision and

foresight to plan ahead.

Mephisto leans in.

MEPHISTO

I’ll deal with you traitors

later. (To Ariel) As I said,

you weren’t completely necessary

to the plan, so you will join

your compatriots at the last

curtain call! I never liked

any of you FREAKS!

Mephisto starts to laugh. A cannon report BOOMS.

CAPTAIN

All hands on deck! All hands

on deck! We’re under attack!

The sailors scramble, but Mephisto remains calm. He fairly waltzes out. The brig door slams with finality. Everyone is crestfallen. Greg looks to Ariel.

GREG

Some rescuers we turned out to be.

TOM, DICK & HARRIET

Maybe we can get out through

the porthole.

They form a human tower to get to the porthole. Harriet puts her head out and a shot is heard. She pulls back in too quickly and they go tumbling.

TOM

Are you all right?

Harriet checks herself. She’s OK. A voice is calling from outside.

VOICE

That was your only warning.

Next time, I won’t miss.

GREG

Now what? This is the end.

Doomed. Just so doomed.

LIZARD LAD

(To Ariel) You have to believe us,

we wanted none of this, but we

seem powerless against Mephisto.

FELICITY

Not completely.

All turn as she pulls a lock pick out of her beard. Felicity goes to the cell door, where she gets it open in nothing flat. Going to Sampo, her locks are easily opened. When she goes to Ariel, a look of consternation crosses her face.

FELICITY

These are the newer locks. I

don’t know if I can get it.

Felicity tries, but the pick breaks off in the lock. Ariel and Felicity are frustrated.

SAMPO

The time for finesse is over.

Sampo grabs the chain by the wall and clenches it tight in both hands. Sampo strains. The chains hold tight. Sampo does not give up as her muscles ripple and wobble.

GREG

Sampo, it’s not working.

It’s OK. You did your best.

Sampo lets out a primal scream building from deep within her, culminating in a ferocious roar of defiance. One of the links slowly bends apart, snapping the chain. Ariel is free.

IRONGUT

Where’s your baby?

ARIEL

Mephisto has Melody in his quarters.

Greg pulls everyone together.

GREG

This time, our plan will work.

INT: SHIP, DAY

There is a guard on the door. Sampo crashes through the door, knocking the guard out as the door is shattered.

Going to their quarters, everyone retrieves their props: Felicity gets her knives, Irongut his fire tools. Greg removes his gloves and takes off his shoes. Sampo stands with Ariel, noticing the chain still dragging off her ankle.

SAMPO

I could pull that off you.

ARIEL

Later. I want my Melody.

The troupe meets in the hallway.

IRONGUT

We’ll distract the sailors,

you two get Melody.

EXT: SHIP, DAY

The Captain pilots as Mephisto holds Melody.

CAPTAIN

I’ll not be joining this ship

in Davy Jones’ Locker.

MEPHISTO

You won’t. None of us will.

Just prime your cannons and

let them get closer. (Towards

Eric’s ship) You’re made of

sterner stuff, Prince, but

it won’t do you any good.

Eric’s ship closes in on them.

ERIC

They responded to the warning

shot. They’re heaving-to.

PRESCOTT

But I can bet you they’re

getting ready for a volley

against us. I would.

ERIC

Prime the cannons, but fire

on my command only. I do

not want to risk hurting

Ariel or Melody.

Eric puts the telescope to his eye.

ERIC’S POV THROUGH TELESCOPE

Mephisto holds up Melody with one hand and waves pleasantly, then fake drops Melody. He smiles knowingly.

ERIC

He may have us over a barrel.

Fire another shot across her bow.

The cannon shot tears off the bowsprit.

CAPTAIN

That was too close.

MEPHISTO

No, it wasn’t. FIRE!

Cannons belch out. Two shots hit, one tearing a hole in the main sail, the other shearing off one of the spars.

MEPHISTO

(Yelling at Eric)

Work on that one.

A distant BOOM is heard. Mephisto’s ship is rocked, as a sail crashes to the deck. Nothing came from Eric’s ship. The Captain and Mephisto turn to see Eric’s other ship.

Eric sees what’s happening and barks out orders.

ERIC

Signal the other ship. Tell

them not to fire.

Their shots were more direct. Parts of the ship catch fire, including the powder room. Chaos reigns. In an entry, the troupe stands at the ready.

GREG

Charge!

Leaping out, Felicity sends a barrage of knives, which pins sailors to masts, hulls and the deck. Tom, Dick and Harriet roll, tripping up more. Lizard Lad scares sailors overboard. Irongut shoots out flames, but catches a sail on fire.

Sampo slams sailors into the water as she and Ariel make their way to the bridge. Ariel pauses for a moment as she looks outwards, then brightens up.

ARIEL

That’s Eric’s ship. He’s

come for me. Eric! ERIC!

Ariel starts to jump up and down to get Eric’s attention. Sampo comes back to grab Ariel as the flames leap onto the deck. Greg shinnies up a mast. Grabbing a rope, he swings out for Mephisto and Melody.

Hands extended, Greg sails through the smoke and zeroes in on his target. Mephisto sees him at the last moment and ducks. Greg careens wildly and, on the return trip, knocks more sailors into the sea.

Sampo and Ariel deftly avoid the flames as sailors are now jumping off the ship. They both look up to see Mephisto heading into his quarters. They follow, with Ariel leading.

On the other ship, that CAPTAIN looks through a telescope at Eric’s ship.

CAPTAIN

I just can’t seem to make out

the signal flags. All that smoke.

His FIRST MATE takes a look.

FIRST MATE

I can see the “fire” flag, sir.

CAPTAIN

He wants us to send forth another

volley. Turn the ship about! We’ll

give them what for!

OVERHEAD SHOT

Eric’s ship is in the upper right-hand corner, Mephisto’s flaming ship is in the middle and Eric’s other ship is in the lower left-hand corner. Scuttle floats into view and circles. Just off Eric’s ship, the water bubbles.

EXT: OCEAN, DAY

Triton comes up at the stern of Eric’s ship, unaware of what the problem is. Eric does not fire as he takes another fusillade. Triton, disgusted, submerges.

MEPHISTO’S QUARTERS

Mephisto is scrambling about, while Hammal is holding a shrieking and crying Melody. Hammal has no idea what to do.

HAMMAL

Perhaps this wasn’t a good idea

after all.

Mephisto turns on Hammal.

MEPHISTO

Perhaps you should shut up.

The door bursts open. They look up.

SAMPO

Perhaps you should shut up.

It is the hulking shadow of Sampo, shattered door in hand, which she casts away. Ariel squeezes in beside her.

Mephisto grabs Melody from Hammal and shoves him towards Sampo. Her fury is unmatched as she pummels Hammal, but he's the Rubber Man and the punches have no effect. Sampo is stunned but redoubled her efforts.

Hammal lets Sampo give him a solid hit. He reels back and bounces off the wall. Curling up, he becomes a ball and slams hard into Sampo.

Ariel takes on Mephisto, who smiles cruelly. Melody howls as they circle the desk.

MEPHISTO

So it gets down to this.

You never were needed.

ARIEL

Wrong! It was you who were

never needed. Or wanted.

MEPHISTO

You’re stronger willed than your

husband. I underestimated you.

Ariel starts to leap over the desk. Mephisto runs to his right. Ariel spins about, leading with her chain leg.

Mephisto reacts too slowly and is caught on the ankles. He goes down, Melody pitching into the air. Ariel reaches out and catches Melody. Mephisto struggles to his feet.

MEPHISTO

Let me have it!

SAMPO

Then here!

Sampo has tied up Hammal and pitches him at Mephisto. Both go down.

SAMPO

(To Ariel) Get out of here!

EXT: SHIP, DAY

Triton is at the stern of Mephisto’s ship, near his quarters. He fires a massive bolt from his trident. The ship bursts into flame and smoke.

Ariel, Melody and Sampo are blown onto the deck. Ariel holds onto Melody as they pitch about. The ship is a ball of fire. Sampo grabs them both and heads to the railing.

SAMPO

You’ll have to jump!

ARIEL

But I can’t swim!

Sampo stares at her for a moment.

SAMPO

You’re a mermaid and you can’t swim.

Ariel looks sad.

ARIEL

I’m not a mermaid anymore.

An explosion lurches the ship. The shudder throws Sampo into the water. Ariel looks down after her, holds Melody close and jumps in. They are hit by a bright beam of light.

ARIEL

Daddy!

Triton envelopes them in a ball of energy. As he carries them over, Mephisto appears. He heads to the mini-deck cannon. He primes it to fire at Triton, who cannot see him. Ariel tries to warn Triton, but he cannot hear her.

Eric, through his telescope, sees the situation. Grabbing a sailor’s rifle, Eric squeezes off a shot.

ERIC

Make it count.

Mephisto is wounded, as the bullet richochets off the cannon and into his shoulder. He recovers to aim at Triton. Flames are licking about him. He is a maniac.

MEPHISTO

No one shall have her. You

must all die! DIE!

Eric grimaces. He looks about for another rifle.

ERIC

Give me another rifle! He’s

getting ready to fire!

FIRST MATE

Fire! Fire, fire, fire!

Eric turns in horror. He was misunderstood.

ERIC

Nooooooooooooooooo!

The Captain of the other ship gives his order.

CAPTAIN

Fire!

Both ships fire simultaneously. Mephisto’s ship explodes, lifting out of the water and breaking in two. Smoke spreads outward, enveloping all. The ship sinks rapidly. All we see is debris, including Mephisto’s coat and Hammal’s turban.

At Eric’s ship, the crew and troupe are brought on board, wet and grimy. Eric looks out at the smoking wreckage, stunned at the turn of events.

PRESCOTT

Eric, I..

ERIC

What have I done?

Eric turns to the people on deck, eying the troupe fiercely.

ERIC

Take them below. I will

deal with them personally!

They are taken below. Eric views the carnage remorsefully. Then the water starts to churn and boil. All rush to the side to see a bubble rising, phoenix-like, from the water. Ariel and Melody are inside, safe.

Borne by Triton’s trident, the glowing orb alights on the deck and then disappears to free them. Triton rises up on a fountain of water to deck level.

Eric runs to embrace both Ariel and Melody.

ERIC

I though I had lost you both.

He realizes how awkward this is, considering what he had done. He backs away and turns to see an unpleasant Triton.

ERIC

Your majesty, I..

Before he can continue, Ariel steps in front of Eric.

ARIEL

Daddy, here is your grand-

child, Melody.

Triton stares at the merbaby with admiration and respect. He looks up to see a very sad Ariel.

ARIEL

I need you to make Melody a human.

Eric steps in.

ERIC

Stop! Stop now!

Eric stares down Triton. Ariel recoils in confusion.

ERIC

I will have my say! I have experienced my first test and

...I have failed. I failed as

a monarch, I failed as a hus-

band and I failed as a father.

Ariel’s happiness means more to me than anything else. But it is apparent she won’t find it here. Feet or fins, it shouldn’t have made a differ-ence. But it did.

Eric turns to Ariel.

ERIC

I am unworthy of your love.

It would be best if you return

to Atlantica, with Melody.

It’s not fair to you, or your father or to Melody to remain on land. She needs to be what she is and what you truly are..a mermaid.

ARIEL

Wait! Eric, I don’t want this. My place is with you.

ERIC

Do you really want to be with a person such as myself? At a time when you both needed me the most, I was not there.

ARIEL

This isn’t the right thing to do! Think about what you’re doing.

ERIC

I had a lot of time to think.

It may not be the right thing, but it is the best thing to do. For everyone’s sake.

Eric takes Melody from Ariel and moves to one side. Ariel is stunned but cannot find the words to say anything more. She starts to move towards Eric, but is restrained by Triton. He speaks low to Ariel.

TRITON

Being a king means making tough decisions. I see the reasons behind his words. He shows much courage.

Triton raises his trident. Ariel steels herself against the transformation she doesn’t want. She tries to put on a brave face, but her trembling chin gives away her true feelings.

The trident charges up. The faces of the crew and the people are seen as they prepare for the event. The trident glows and the energy bolt shoots from the trident. The report is tremendous.

Ariel holds, and then realizes nothing has happened to her. She opens her eyes to see the bolt went to Melody. A ball of white light, too bright to stare at, bathes Melody. When it fades, Melody is human.

Eric looks up, stunned. Ariel, who is relieved that she is staying with Eric, runs to them both. Triton looks at Eric.

TRITON

Ariel’s happiness means more

to me than anything as well.

Eric faces Triton.

ERIC

I will never fully comprehend

the level of your sacrifice

that you just made.

Triton puts an arm around Eric.

TRITON

I believe you have.

He turns to go, then pauses.

TRITON

But I want a proper presentation

of my granddaughter to me.

ARIEL

Oh, we will. We most certainly

will, daddy.

Ariel is enraptured at her daughter and that her husband is back. There are tears in both of their eyes. Triton smiles to himself as he leaves.

INT: SHIP, DAY

In the brig of Eric’s ship, the troupe is there, looking pensive. Greg is pacing, talking to no one in particular.

GREG

We’re doomed. No way around that.

Plain and simple. End of story.

Doomed. Doomed, doomed, doomed,

doomed, doomed. Dooooooooooomed.

LIZARD LAD

You know, I’m getting to really,

really hate brigs. I’ve seen

enough in my life.

GREG

The way things are going, your

life may not be much longer!

Doomed, I tell you. Doo..

The door opens. Greg forces a smile. Eric, visibly upset, peers at them with a furious intensity. It’s really bad.

GREG

(Under)

We’re doomed.

ERIC

The mark of a good ruler is

how he dispenses justice:

Swift, direct, immediate!

GREG

(Under)

Are we ever doomed.

ERIC

Crimes against the Crown cannot

go unpunished.

GREG

(Under)

We are incredibly, totally doomed.

ERIC

A message will be sent!

GREG

(Under)

Doomed totally beyond belief!

ERIC

You will be escorted back to

my palace, where you will all

be summarily released.(To the

guard) Unlock the door.

The troupe is amazed as they are set free.

GREG

We’re not doomed?

ERIC

Justice means nothing if it’s not tempered with reason and mercy.

Princess Ariel has interceded on your behalf, regarding your valiant efforts to free her.

Once at the castle, you may go where you wish, or stay in the Kingdom.

GREG

No offense, your Majesty, but we’re not Kingdom folk. We prefer being on the seas, traveling from town to town.

LIZARD LAD

Which we are unable to do, as

our ship is sunk.

The troupe is horrified at the presumptiveness of Lizard Lad and tries to clam him up. Eric makes a wry smile.

ERIC

I can do something about that.

Eric leaves. The troupe relaxes. Sampo passes out.

EXT: SHIP, NIGHT

In the background, a celebration is going on.

Ariel is with Melody on the bridge. They are staring off into the distance as a breeze whips Ariel’s hair about. Eric approaches from the rear, putting his arm around Ariel.

ARIEL

That was a very brave deed

you did this afternoon.

ERIC

It..it needed to be done.

ARIEL

It must have been very

difficult to tell Daddy that.

ERIC

Actually, I was afraid that

you wouldn’t want to come

back, after what I said. They

were still my words, all of them.

I wasn’t going to force you.

Ariel stares into Eric’s eyes, speaking firmly, but kindly.

ARIEL

I am your wife, you are my

husband, this is our daughter.

We are a family. For better or

worse, in bad times and good.

ERIC

Then, would you consider

marrying ME..again?

Eric kneels before them. Ariel tears up. Melody burbles. Eric rises and kisses Ariel.

EXT: DAY, WEDDING BARGE

Morphing into the wedding kiss, they are in their wedding finery. The assembled multitudes cheer. Triton, who holds Melody, beams. Melody sees Sebastian and proceeds to squeeze the unfortunate crab. But he’s slippery and squirts away.

Above, Scuttle flies and crashes into the mast of a ship. The troupe is on the deck of this ship, waving their congratulations. The sail still has the stylized eye on it, but it also reads LIVING MUSEUM OF HUMAN SUPERLATIVES. Sampo is bawling like a baby.

The Captain, who piloted the old ship, is at the wheel, dressed snappily. Greg salutes Eric and Ariel, only to have his hand stick to his head.

As to the human participants, Carlotta is a teary mess. Grimsby is also teary, but he’s trying not to show it. Chef Louis wheels in an enormous cake, but does not see Max.

He runs the trolley over him. Max bounds up and upsets the trolley. Louis manages to right the trolley and keep it from tipping, but in doing so, he overcompensates and the cake falls over onto Louis. He is both livid and embarrassed.

Eric and Ariel come to Triton. They collect Melody in her beautiful dress. Ariel tears up as she hugs her father and waves at her sisters. All are happy, except Arista.

ARISTA

Hmmph! She gets two weddings

and I haven’t had any.

Attina, who is next to Arista, continues to wave at Ariel. With her free hand, Attina dunks Arista beneath the waves.

Flounder is brought up and waves to Ariel. Melody reaches out and grabs him, squeezing him like a plush toy. Everyone giggles.

Triton raises his trident and instead of a rainbow, makes fireworks that outshine everything.

Back to Eric, Ariel and Melody, the happy family, as Sebastian speaks.

SEBASTIAN

It’s so nice they’re together again.

As Sebastian sings, both the land people and the merfolk react and act out parts of the song.

SEBASTIAN

Together again, together again,

We’ll stay by our side,

And we can outride,

Whatever they send.

With our love so strong,

We’ll never go wrong,

So, things might get stressed,

But we’re at our best,

Together again.

When I was but a tiny one

My folks would always say:

“Money come and money go

But friends are there to stay”,

So, you had better learn,

The simple truth I sing,

Once you lose all of your friends,

You haven’t got a thing.

ERIC

Together again, together again,

I paid a big cost,

And I nearly lost,

My very best friend.

ARIEL

If we understand,

It’s all in our hands,

We won’t go astray,

And always shall stay,

Together again.

SEBASTIAN

Now, events can get quite stormy,

And you get blown around,

But if you’re strong and wise on this,

You know that hope can be found.

Just take a dash of belief,

And faith in what you can be,

Troubles will scatter like sea foam,

You’ll be rid of your quandary.

Life, we know, isn’t easy, mon,

Good fortune can shift like the tide,

We must be prepared for the changes,

And able to take it in stride.

You can always rise to the challenge,

As long as you are as one,

So, if you’re there for each other,

Your love will not be outdone.

ALL

Together again, together again,

If you speak from your heart,

Then you’ll never part,

This I recommend.

Please take the time,

To make love sublime.

You can banish strife,

And have a great life,

Together again.

We all have a choice,

Let’s be of one voice,

Together again

Together again.

Eric and Ariel kiss. Hold as the ORCHESTRATION concludes.

END