I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh!
Chapter One- The Sorcerer's Plan
"A king puts his subjects' needs ahead of his own," Atem recited to his teacher.
"Very good, my prince," the teacher praised.
Atem beamed at the praise. He had been studying his kingdom's laws for years so that he would be ready to officially take the throne. His father had died a year ago and Atem ruled with his court sorcerer, Dartz, as he was not old enough to rule alone. Dartz advised Atem in matters of running the kingdom and the advice helped the kingdom run smoothly. However, there was something about Dartz that Atem found…disconcerting. It was a feeling that Dartz was up to something bad, but he had no idea what that might be.
"One more question, Your Highness," the teacher said. "State The Law of Inheritance."
Atem's brow furrowed for a moment. "The king's firstborn, son or daughter, can only take the throne after the king has passed and once they turn sixteen. If something were to happen to the firstborn, then the next in line inherits the throne."
"And if there are no other siblings?" the teacher pressed.
"Then the throne goes to the most knowledgeable person of the land's laws and in this case, that would be Dartz, my court sorcerer." He nodded to the man beside him who wore long sweeping robes and wore his aqua-colored hair in a long ponytail down his back. His cold gold eyes closed as he bowed to Atem.
"Well said, prince," the teacher said. "You will be ready to rule alone when you turn sixteen next week."
Atem beamed at the comment. He looked forward to next week. He had visited his cousin Seto's kingdom the year before his father died and had been impressed with how Seto, then sixteen, ran his kingdom. Now, two years later, Atem sought to emulate his cousin's example and he could hardly wait.
He didn't notice the frown on Dartz's face. The sorcerer didn't like hearing that his counsel would soon not be needed next week. Atem would turn sixteen next week and would be crowned king on his birthday. He had hoped Atem would continue to seek his advise and in that way, he would rule the kingdom thorough the young king.
"My prince, surely you would still require my assistance during at least the first few days of your rule?" Dartz inquired.
Before Atem could answer, the teacher stated, "The prince has demonstrated that he knows the laws backwards and forwards. I don't believe he will need your advice from this point on, actually."
Dartz looked at Atem who said, "I believe my mentor is correct. I valued your assistance over the past year, but you can now focus on your spells and incantations with the extra time you will have."
Dartz bowed. "Yes, my prince. If you will excuse me, I would like to use the extra time to keep up my reputation as the kingdom's top sorcerer."
"Granted." The sorcerer left the Throne Room, his dark scowl completely unnoticed. I want to rule! he raged as he entered his laboratory. By advising the prince I became familiar with the laws, though I disagree with some of them. I had hoped that Atem would still want my advice after becoming king. Eventually, I would have influenced the king to heavily tax the people and basically better the position and well-being of the king. Then, after a time, I would arrange a tragic accident for the king before he marries and has children, thus making me the king.
But, he has dismissed me from my post of advisor, insuring that I'll only be a sorcerer to the court. If only I could get rid of him somehow. He flipped idly through one of his spell books. Spells passed before his eyes and then focused on them closely. A small cold smile spread across his face. Maybe I can get rid of him and no one would suspect me of usurping the throne. He ran a finer down a page. Yes, these two will be perfect and I'll be able to use tomorrow as both can only be used on the new moon. Once Atem has been dealt with, I'll claim the throne and become king.
"My prince, would you do me the honor of accompanying me to the beach? I have two spells I want to show you that can only be used on the new moon."
"New spells you say? Yes, of course, I'll come with you. I also could use a walk." Atem left the throne and the castle with Dartz beside him. He descended down the stone ramp to the sandy beach behind the castle. He stood at the edge of the shore, enjoying the sea breeze and the clear moonless sky.
"Well, Dartz, I have to say this is the best new moon night for your spells."
"Indeed." Dartz stepped up behind the prince and swung a fist, connecting a hard punch with the head and rendering Atem unconscious. He caught the prince and he laid him on his back. He smiled triumphantly. "You are in my way to be king, so I found two spells to get rid of you. First, I will make you forget who you are. You won't remember your name or being a prince. You won't even remember being human."
He put his first two fingers on Atem's forehead and chanted. Light blue circles traveled from his fingers to Atem's forehead for a few seconds before ceasing. Dartz then removed Atem's crown, jewelry, and clothes from his upper body and laid them aside both holding out both hands at the boy.
"My boy, I couldn't find it in myself to kill you, but I will insure that you can't return if you somehow get your memory back." He chanted the second spell, watching in satisfaction as Atem's pants and legs vanished and was replaced with a long fishtail: Atem was now a merman!
Dartz hefted the unconscious merboy into his arms and walked into the water until he was close to the edge of the shallows before dropping the young prince into the deeper part, allowing him to float down to the bottom.
Dartz returned to the beach, collected the items there, and looked at the ocean. "Good luck, Your Highness. You're going to need it," he said, chuckling darkly before leaving for the castle to wait for morning so that he could claim the throne.