Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto... and the monkey and the donkey and the kangaroo too.

Well... The Little Mermaid has always been a favorite of mine. I watched it again and again and again and finally I decided to create THIS! I had fun in making this. Umm, I'm not sure how this would turn out with you guys, but I hope you'll enjoy it. :D Peace and love!

~O~

Two Worlds

First Chapter

~O~

I. The woman I know I'd like to be.

'Wearing a red dress in your dream means you will love, or know a truth…'

My heart leaped at what I just read. I was indeed wearing a lovely red dress in my dream last night. Lately these past days, I have been into knowing the meaning behind my dreams. The dream dictionary my friend Sakura gave me suddenly meant so much.

Hugging my legs close to my chest, I looked out the huge window of my room. The bright afternoon rays is painful to the eyes, but the ocean underneath is always beautiful.

I've spent many days looking out the same window. The warm feeling of the sun, the beauty of the ocean, I can't help but wonder if it's the same feeling love gives. I've never been in a relationship before, so I think it's only natural for me to imagine what it would be like.

"TenTen." I heard a muffled voice on the other side of the door. Three soft knocks followed after.

"Yes, mama?" I replied as I stepped out of my bed and walked to the door. Unlocking it, I slowly peeked out meeting my mother's worried eyes.

"It's one o'clock in the afternoon already. Seriously child, how late do you stay up every night?"

"Not that long." I mumbled.

She sighed and fixed my tousled shirt, "You're eighteen. Please be more responsible." Frowning, she added "And put some pants on!"

"I know, I know." I replied in exasperation, pushing her hand away. "I'll be right down, just give me a few minutes."

"Don't take too long."

I visibly relaxed when my mother left. I hate being told what to do. More than that, I hate being pressured into acting like an adult.

I want to throw away all of my cares and shut myself from the world's expectations. I'll be going to college soon enough and I find this the best way to spend my break.

I rolled back to bed and let myself gaze in wonder at the view of my window once more.

"To love…"

~O~

What I hoped to be a fifteen minute cat nap turned out to be a two hour –sleep. It's past three. I untangled myself of my soft thin sheets and went to the full sized mirror beside my wooden cabinet.

I grimaced at the girl I saw. Messy dark brown hair, dark circles under big brown eyes, normal breast size, skinny and uneven complexion… I can't score a gorgeous boyfriend looking like this.

Grabbing a hair tie on the drawer nearby, I fixed my hair in a messy up do and left my room.

I'm not exactly worried walking around with only my t-shirt and pink polka-dotted underwear. My mother and our helper Cara, a fifty year-old woman, are the only ones around in this huge rest house. And besides, it's really hot here in Bright Coast, it's better to walk around in a bikini.

"Mommy Cara…" I called out as I walked barefoot to the kitchen.

"Ten, what time is it?" She suddenly came out of nowhere, startling me.

"I was doing something."

She gave me a once over and looked at me with reprimanding grey eyes. "Goodness, where are your pants?"

I rolled my eyes and took a chair in the counter, "Can I have some bacon?"

Cara shook her head and went to the fridge to fix me some late lunch. My stomach is beginning to ache since I haven't eaten anything the whole day. Well I guess it's one way to loose weight. I thought as I watched Cara walk around the kitchen.

I can't imagine what we would be like if she wasn't around. My mother had me at a very young age. My father is always busy and my grandparents are long dead, so it was Cara who took care of us.

I slumped on my seat and whined. "How much longer, mommy?"

Looking over her shoulders, she frowned at me, "Stop demanding. An old cow like you should have cooked her own meal."

I groaned and sank deeper on my seat.

"What exactly do you know?" Cara continued. "You'll be living in a dorm soon. You know I can't go with you. You're eighteen…" The nagging went on and on until the bacon is finally finished.

"Here." She said as she placed the bacon on the counter.

"Mommy, I had an amazing dream last night." I said stuffing my mouth with food.

"Oh?"

"I was wearing a red dress." I began with excitement. "And the dream dictionary told me, I am going to find love or something romantic like that." I said it like it was the most interesting thing in the world.

Cara's eyes softened and she sat down next to me. "Tenten sweetheart, you know those things aren't for real, don't you? You will love. I know you will, so stop basing your life on what that book tells you."

"I'm not. I'm just—"

"Love will come to you on the right time. Don't rush things, don't assume and don't expect or you'll only end up disappointing yourself."

I felt a slight pang on my chest as I stared into Cara's eyes. "You… how come it never happened to you, mommy?" My voice is small, but I'm sure she can hear me.

"Don't tell me you never dreamed of loving before… I don't want to be…" I stopped and looked away.

She held my hand and tucked a few strands of hair away from my face. "You won't be like me. You have your own fate. Eighteen is still a very young age."

I looked at her again and she smiled sadly.

"So what if you've never had a boyfriend? Is it so bad? At least you haven't invested yourself in shallow relationships that won't do you any good."

"But what if I'll never find one? I mean look at me?"

"I see a very lovely girl." She said pinching my nose.

"You're just biased, mommy!"

Cara laughed. "You really are, dear."

I pouted. "Ino is pretty. I'm not." I looked down and played with the hem of my shirt, "She's younger than me, yet it look like she's older. She's popular, mature, gorgeous and smart and she already had six boyfriends…"

"Don't say that. Ino and you are completely different individuals. Don't compare yourselves. Just because she's blonde and has blue eyes doesn't mean she's any better. And she's your younger sister; I'm sure she looks up to you in many ways."

Cara stood up and cleaned the table, placing the dirty dishes in the sink.

"Pfft. She's not my sister! And she probably thinks I'm lame. She doesn't even bother to introduce me to her friends."

"Tenten…" Cara warned, and I know that's an indication that I've said too much already.

I stood up from my seat and stalked back to my room. "Sorry, mommy."

~O~

It was seven o'clock when I got up from the tub. Soaking in milk soap feels wonderful and it's very soft on the skin. Out of the blue I heard mama shriek. Papa's deep baritone voice hushed her while Cara's quiet voice attempted to comfort her. Although I desperately wanted to run down and see what happened, I can't move on my spot. And the voices didn't stop there, mama continued to be hysterical and there were other voices as well. I heard loud crashes, heavy footsteps and papa's 'Be careful!' every now and then.

I felt the slightest fear. If ever they are being killed down there, I'd probably be safe here. I began to freak out and looked for an escape, but the voices and noise died down eventually.

I turned off my lamp shade and peeked outside the window. I saw papa sending off some of his men. They were riding this huge cargo truck as they drove off.

"The indoor pool…" Papa quietly said as he got back inside the house.

What were they hiding in the indoor pool? Why did mama scream like that? What were those men doing here? Cleary they were papa's men, but what's with the cargo truck? Curiosity got the best of me. And I felt the need to find out for myself.

~O~

II. Papa's little secret.

I tiptoed down the stairs, quietly making my way to the indoor pool. When I reached for the door knob, it's locked. Never had this been locked before. My eyes widened at the thought.

I dashed back to my room. I remembered duplicating every key in the rest house because I spend all my summers here. When I got the right key, I ran back full speed.

My heart thumped loudly on my chest as I unlocked the door. I bit my lip as it creaked open. I must not make any sound. Quickly getting in, I shut the door and locked it once again. I sighed. Turning on the lights, I slowly turned around the room.

I was surprised at what I saw. I clamped a hand on my mouth forcing down a scream.

A boy, about my age was leaning on the edge of the pool glaring daggers at me.

How could he be swimming at this hour?

"I'm sorry." I squeaked. "I was just… just…" I'm at a lost for words. The boy in front of me has long deep brown black hair; eyes like the pearls hanging around his neck, luscious pink lips, broad shoulders, toned arms—he's beautiful. And he's staring at me like I did some sort of a crime. "Umm… how did you get in here?"

I took a step, he inched back. I took another step and he swam away. For a brief second something caught my eye.

I gasped and sank down on my knees. No wonder he's hidden here.

Still glaring at me, he swam further, flipping his fins. I continued to look at him. If this is a dream, no matter how creepy it is, I don't want to wake up. I'm simply captivated by this creature in front of me.

I let out a shaky exhale. I never believed they exist. But here it is now, a real live merman.

He continued to look at me as well, as if examining my reaction. I stood up and walked around the pool to where he is. He swam away again. But now, instead of glaring at me, he's smirking. He raised an eyebrow and tilted his head to the side, as if saying, 'What now?'

I sighed and sat on the edge of the pool, dipping my feet. I watched as droplets of water fell from his hair down to his lips. They looked so soft. His smirk widened and he teasingly licked them.

My eyes shamelessly followed his tongue and my throat went dry. Is it because I've never been kissed before that's why that simple act made me feel hot all at once? I can't even imagine having sex with him. His lower body is composed of a tail with silver scales.

"Hi." I breathed. "I'm Tenten."

He stared and leaned in to the edge across mine.

"I like apples." I paused. "Have you seen an apple? Do you know what it looks like?"

He looked at me as if I'm crazy and an amused smile curled his lips.

"I'm glad I could somehow entertain you…"

His smile widened and for the first time he communicated to me—he nodded.

That simple gesture from him got me excited all at once. "Do you sleep?" I really want to know more about him. I want him to like me. But after that he no longer nodded or smiled playfully.

"Can we be friends?" He glared at me and dove down into the water.

"Wait!" I said, almost pleaded, but he did not come back to the surface again.

That didn't discourage me at all. I continued to look at him while he's swimming around. I've never seen someone this graceful. Truth is I've never been this close to a guy this handsome before. I can't blame myself for wanting to stay a little bit longer.

After some time I felt my eyes getting heavy. I don't want to close them. I looked at my wrist watch; it's already three in the morning. He's still swimming around. He looked discontented. He needs an even bigger space, like the sea. And as much as I want to stay conscious, darkness slowly engulfed me. "Please be my friend." I whispered before falling into deep sleep.

~O~

I. Caught by the tail.

"Our king, please help us. Fishes are being killed." said a merman in agony, "I believe they are poisoned!"

"Poisoned?!" the king bellowed, gripping the sides of his throne. He looked at me and I furrowed in response. We are all aware of the wastes the world above throws upon us. It is a cruel deed, but there is simply nothing we can do. Everyday they take hundreds of our kind; they sell it and eat it. I wonder how they would feel if we eat them. Clearly that is a fair trade.

"Neji."

"Yes, uncle?"

"What do you know about this?"

"Not much, I apologize." Bowing my head, I glanced at my cousin who seemed to be going somewhere. "Please excuse me."

King Hiashi nodded and I took my leave. Secretly following her, I noticed she is heading to the surface.

"What are you doing?" I spoke, making her aware that I am around.

"Nothing brother, I just want to see it for myself."

"See what, Hinata?"

"Their works." She whispered, averting her gaze. "Maybe they did not do it on purpose…"

I faced her angrily, "They are dangerous. They are all cruel, selfish, and foolish. They are never grateful of what we offer them. They always yearn for more and now they are destroying our home!"

"It is not like that." Hinata argued still not looking at me.

"Shut up." I spat bitterly and she visibly trembled with fear.

"I see their world differently than how you see it, brother. They are doing this to live."

"Saying that will not change anything." She already knew where I am heading because her expression changed. She looked at me with those sad eyes and my anger welled up.

It was not that long when my father died due to a sudden explosion. Those people had thrown some dynamite to increase their yield. I don't care what Hinata thinks about them, they are all the same.

"Brother…"

"Go back."

"But—"

"Go back or I am going to tell the king."

She gasped and quickly swam back to the palace. I kept a close eye just in case she decides to go somewhere else.

King Hiashi is a veracious ruler. He had imposed strict limits on the upper boundary. No one must go to the surface. He is doing this for our safety. I know father's death had affected him greatly as well.

I flipped my tail, it is not shiny and it is not golden. Only the royal family has those. Mine is dull, as well as the other mer –people. To live in their shadows is almost a sad existence.

I lie down on the sands. This place used to be so beautiful, but now it looks dead. This is all their doing.

I know I should not be here, but I do not want to go back yet.

Closing my eyes, I gripped the pearls hanging around my neck.

"I want you to give me those pearls, Neji. You must not marry any other mermaid! I already told my father I want you…"

I don't want to get married yet. Ani is a fine mermaid, but I do not feel anything for her. She said she will never marry anyone but me. As much as I want to protest, I do not have much of a choice. As a part of the lower family, I must follow whatever they wish of me.

~O~

A blast interrupted my thoughts. A white object is floating on the surface. I swam closer. Fishes were trying to swim away from it and some were already dead.

"Get away from here!" I yelled.

"What about you?"

"I'll be fine. Just go and warn the others."

I swam closer to the net and helped the fishes, but before I am finished, another fell on me.

"What's this?" I heard someone yell. "It's quite heavy."

"We got lucky eh?"

I struggled to get out but it is no use. Something stronger is pulling me up.

"Help!" I yelled.

"Neji, no!" the fishes were as scared as I am.

These people will not understand. I will probably get harmed.

"Help me." I grew frantic as the surface came closer.

"We will tell the king."

"No! Please do not do that."

"But Neji—"

I squinted at the sun's rays the moment I reached the surface. They did not pull me up completely, so basically I am not dried out. They stopped their work and stared at me wide eyed.

"Good Lord." One whispered.

"It's a monster!" The other screamed and pointed a sharp object at me. I hid my face and protected myself with my arms. I feel terrible. We are not monsters. All the things they happen to know about us are lies.

"What's wrong, boys?" Someone bawled and I peeked to see who it was. It was a man, looking a few years older than the two. He has a strong built and although he already saw me, he remained calm.

I was wrong for thinking he will let me go. Instead he frowned and ordered the two to keep me in the water as they head home. The thought of what they are planning to do terrifies me.

~O~

"Is the truck ready?" The leader asked when we reached the land.

"It's on its way, boss." Another man replied. He walked to where we are. "Why do you need a cargo and an inflatable pool?" He laughed, "Are your grandkids coming over, boss?" The others joined him, clutching their stomach at what appears to be a good joke.

"Shut up!" the leader said and then he pointed at me. His men paled. The leader sighed and dragged a hand down his face. "Tell them to hurry up. I want you to fill the pool with water and slowly place him in."

"S-s-sure b-b-boss."

"Heh. Fix yourselves boys, he looks harmless!" He laughed and stepped out of the floating object that I am still stuck with.

"I thought it's a lovely mermaid…"

"Are we going to eat him?"

"Maybe boss plans to sell him or make a profit out of him."

"I can't wait to tell the others. We are going to be rich!"

I clenched my eyes upon hearing their conversation from afar. They are being too cruel. It is true that I am harmless. Now please let me go.

The cargo truck they talked about was huge. They placed me inside a plastic object. It feels so uncomfortable. It is small in size preventing me to move around. I can't even place my whole tail in. I continued to struggle, but they ignored me. They shut the door and everything went dark. I cannot help but think about home. Were they worried? How will uncle act to this? Will I be saved or will I be punished?

~O~

II. A simple twist of fate.

I swam around the place trying to think of an escape plan. I know it is impossible, but I do not want to stay in this dark place either. It is fresh water and the space is limited. I feel weak and lonely. I can see the ocean when they carried me inside the house. It is not that far from here. I want to go home.

The young woman almost fainted when she saw me. A woman who seemed to be her mother comforted her even though fear is also evident in her eyes.

I heard a click and I turned my attention to the door. I leaned in the cold surface as I waited for it to open. What do they want this time? I thought bitterly, as I readied myself for another mockery.

Someone came in and she magically put on some lights. This helped me get a better view.

I was surprised when I saw someone much younger than the people I have met earlier. There is something wrong with her hair I presume. My eyes trailed down to her body below. Ah, they are long and lovely.

She spun around and instantly clamped a hand on her mouth. I glared at her. I bet she is worse than the others.

"I'm sorry." She said in a tiny voice, "I was just… just…" Her breathing changed and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, waiting for her to faint or overreact.

Her eyes roamed from my face to my upper body then a slight pink covered her face. "Umm… how did you get in here?"

I did not expect that question from her. I thought she knew in the first place.

She took a step and I moved away. She continued to stare into my eyes. I felt my heart beat faster as she continued to come closer. She gasped and froze on her spot as her eyes fell down to my tail. She sank on the floor, covering her mouth with her hands.

For a moment I felt ashamed. I do not know why, but somehow I want her to treat me differently.

She stood once again and continued to move forward. The fear in her face earlier disappeared. I am surprised that her change in expression made me happy.

Those people were trying to get away from me, but she acts the total opposite.

I smiled playfully at her and moved to the other end. I raised an eyebrow at her, curious of her next move. She sat in front me, her eyes never leaving mine. She looked at my lips. My smirk widened as I teasingly showed her my tongue. She gasped and diverted her gaze back to mine.

"Hi." she shifted on her spot, "I'm Tenten."

I stared at her and moved to a comfortable spot.

Then she continued, "I like apples." She frowned, "Have you seen an apple? Do you know what it looks like?"

I want to laugh. Of course I have. I am not completely clueless of your world. And you humans shamelessly throw it on the sea when you are done eating.

"I'm glad I could somehow entertain you…"

I grinned at her and nodded.

How could this one be so innocent?

"Do you sleep?" She pondered further. "Can we be friends?"

Her last question made me furious.

Friends? Are you not scared of me? I can talk to you, but I will not. There is no reason for me to. Your father trapped me in here and I hate all of you for that.

I dove down into the water to avoid her.

"Wait!" She begged but I no longer paid attention. She should just leave.

I moved around the water. It is not the same at all. I do not like this. This is not the ocean. I looked up and found her still staring at me. She lay down near the edge.

"Please be my friend." I heard her innocent whisper and my chest twisted.

I went up to the surface. She had her eyes closed. Is she asleep? Why does she insist on staying here?

I reached out and stroked her cheeks. It is warm and soft. She purred and leaned into my hand. I grabbed it away instantly, frightened at my own actions.

"Why do you want to be my friend?" I asked softly, staring at her sleeping form.

I bit my lip and let my hand brush her thighs. How does it feel to have these? It is smooth. She grumbled and swatted my hand away.

"Sorry…" I muttered. Was it wrong for me to do that? I clenched my hands and kept them to myself this time. Sleep did not dawn on me. I do not know how long I watched her. Before I knew it, the sun is up.

And then I thought that maybe… maybe it is alright to not think of home for a while.

~O~

Thank you for reading! :D