You could start by making the sea witch more evil. Instead of just taking the mermaid's voice, she could take away her memories or her ability to swim properly. The prince could be a cruel character who toys with the mermaid's feelings. And when the mermaid starts to turn into sea foam, it could be a much more violent and painful process, with her body contorting in agony.
Replace any complex or mature concepts with simpler, more positive ones. For instance, if there were themes of betrayal in the original adult fanfiction, turn it into a story of misunderstanding that gets resolved through communication. Emphasize family values like loyalty and kindness.
The Little Mermaid could be regarded as a horror story because of the deal she makes with the sea witch. The witch takes her voice in exchange for legs. Imagine being mute in a strange world, not being able to communicate your thoughts or feelings. Also, the idea of walking on knives (how the legs feel to her) is a very cruel and horror - like aspect of the story. And there's always the threat of failure and losing her life that looms over her throughout the story.
To retell it as a horror story, you could start with the mermaid's growing obsession with the prince. Show how it drives her to madness. Then, when she's in the human world, make it seem like everyone is out to get her. The prince could be more of a cold and cruel character, and the mermaid's hope slowly turns into despair as she realizes she may never truly be loved by him. Add some spooky events like strange noises at night and shadows following her.
One way could be to change the gender of the main character's love interest. For example, if Ariel was a male mermaid and he fell in love with another male human or mermaid. Another way would be to introduce a new gay character into the story who has their own romantic sub - plot.
In 'The Little Mermaid' horror might be found in the mermaid's isolation. She leaves her family and everything she knows behind. In the human world, she's alone and vulnerable. There are so many unknowns for her. And the fact that her fate hinges on the love of a man she barely knows is really quite scary. If he doesn't choose her, she faces a very bleak end. It's not the typical happy fairy - tale situation, but rather has elements that can be considered quite horrifying.
Once upon a time, the little mermaid made a deal with the sea witch. But instead of a beautiful transformation, she was cursed. Her voice became a shrill screech that drove all sea creatures mad. Her new legs were made of jagged bones that cut into the sand as she walked. And every step she took was in agony. She was shunned by humans, and in the end, she was dragged back into the ocean by the vengeful sea witch to live a tortured existence in the darkest depths.
One way to turn 'The Little Mermaid' into a gay love story could be to change the gender of the love interest. For example, if Ariel was made to fall in love with a male merman instead of a human prince. This would shift the entire dynamic of the story and introduce a gay relationship. Another way could be to create a new character, perhaps a male human or merman, who Ariel meets and falls in love with, and build a story around their relationship.
The deal with the sea witch is a major horror element. She has to give up her most precious possession, her voice, and endure the transformation into a half - human form that causes her constant pain. It's like a Faustian bargain in a way.
She starts as a curious and innocent mermaid longing for the human world. Then, after making a deal with the sea witch, she becomes more vulnerable as she loses her voice. Finally, she shows great courage in her pursuit of love, even though it leads to her tragic end.
The story of The Little Mermaid has been around for quite some time. It originated in the 19th century.