Hey, all! SuntoryAngle here!
Aright, alright, I know that there are tons of works that I have going on at once but give me a break!
Things have been pretty hectic lately with work and I'm barely holding it together.
This here is going to be a work that has short chapters because that's pretty much all I can handle at the moment.
Most, if not all, chapters will be less than 1,000 words and the result of breaks between rushes at work.
Disclaimer: I do not own rights to either "The Little Mermaid" or "Yu-Gi-Oh!"!
Deep beneath the frothy sea, farther than any ship's anchor reach, nestled a dark tunnel that lead farther into the Earth's crust than even the greatest minds could predict. Even submarines could not venture farther than its opening for the water pressure was too great. Only through this passage though could any behold the wonders upon the other side, the secrets that the ocean itself only knew. Pirates and men of the sea would sing of the fathoms below, where the mythic people lived. They may appear human enough but beware for their lower torso was covered in scales and the fin of a fish. Though hauntingly beautiful, as the mermaids were rumored, each seaman would warn of a watery grave when their songs were heard upon the waves.
. . . .
"I will not hear anymore of this."
"Why don't you allow us to go? We are both of age now and have proven that we can hold our own!"
The king came to a halt, his shoulders rising and falling with a sigh as he turned to face the two princes who had been following him. How was he honestly supposed to run his kingdom with the two of them following him like a school of fish? The shy timid twin, the one who had raised his voice, hung back slightly behind his older brother who stared up at him with determination. By their law, fifteen was the age one became an adult. This situation was different than most though. They were not normal, they were princes, which meant that it was even more dangerous for them to venture anywhere alone without a guard. He had allowed them to venture out into the settlements less than a few hours travel but it did not change the fact he had metaphorically chained them to a guard when they weren't with him and that started well over four years ago. Both were nearing their twentieth moon cycle. "I do not doubt your skills," King Solomon began, carefully selecting his words as they came closer. "You both have proven that you can hold your own in a battle. That is not my concern though."
The older twin with the wilder hair studied the features of their king. Though age had wrinkled the mighty King Solomon's regal features and time had taken most of the monarch's toned figure, there would be no extinguishing the fire within the imperial violet hued eyes that were always gentle when gazing upon him or his brother. "Grandfather, we just wish to understand your reasoning."
His hands rose, one resting upon each of their heads. "Is it such a crime for me to keep you close? I care for you both more than I can ever convey."
"We will always be grateful that you rescued us from perishing and understand that we are of royal blood, but isn't it unfair to keep us locked within the palace's walls?" The younger twin's soft question might as well have been shouted. His lilac eyes were wide as he looked up to his grandfather, full of hope and the need for adventure. The older twin was just as surprised as the king. This was one of the rare times that the shy prince had spoken out, meaning that he felt strongly about the topic at hand. "We aren't golden coins to be locked away in a chest and we definitely aren't birds who needs cages."
King Solomon's gaze shifted to the other prince. "And you feel the same, Atem?"
"Yugi is right, grandfather, I too feel that we should be allowed to venture out from this kingdom." Atem and Yugi, the twin heirs to a throne that had fallen years ago to unknown causes. Their father, the monarch of that region, had met his end among the ruin when they were no older than eight moon cycles. One held gentle features and a timid nature, while the other was sharp and stoic. Both had inherited the violet hue that were testimony to their regal heritage but their hair had been a shocking surprise. A pitch black that rivaled the nights with no moon had crimson red tips were odd enough but the golden bangs were the only means for most to distinguish them apart; upon Atem they stood upright in a crown-like fashion while upon Yugi they would frame his face. Neither could contain the wildness of their hair, they had tried many times, so they often just left it alone despite making it easy for others to spot them even when they were attempting a rare trip for leisure. "You have not allowed anyone to leave the kingdom's borders for many years now. The memory we have of father is faint but surely he would not have wanted us to live this way."
Despite his best attempts, a chuckle rumbled within the chest of King Solomon. He was well aware of his son's antics. There had been several occasions where he would catch the former prince attempting to sneak out of the palace. The rebellious teen he had struggled to connect with was reflected within the eyes of both his grandsons but they were respectable. They would honor his wishes no matter the choice. It made him happy but at the same time saddened that they showed a lack of spirit. "Perhaps when you are older," he rested a hand upon each of their shoulders. "Then you might be ready for what the outside world holds." With one last smile, he waved them off as one of the soldiers approached to give an update on the kingdom's wellbeing.
The princes quickly exited the room, neither wanting to be volunteered into helping with whatever was going on, and came to a stop upon one of the balconies that overlooked the city. It was late so it was no surprise that none were out and about. Little did they know that they had been followed by one they would never suspect who listened intently as Atem inhaled deeply through his nose when his younger twin draped himself over the banister with a groan. "Patience, Yugi, I know it is frustrating but you must hold onto hope that he will allow us permission."
"How can you honestly be so calm? Aren't you the least bit upset about this?" He threw up his hands when his older brother raised an eyebrow. "Drop the act. I know you're just as worked up about this as I am."
The figure who hid in the shadows inhaled in surprise as the normally calm and collected Prince Atem lashed out with a fist that broke a chip off of the stone banister. "Of coarse I am but you do not see me whining or resorting to overly dramatic displays of my distress." His baritone voice, which had been harsh, softened slightly as he crossed his arms. "I want to understand what happened to our father, to our mother who brought us into this world. Combing through each of the library's historical volumes revealed little and there is none of the residents within or outside of the palace who claim to know of the catastrophe that ended our kingdom." His chin fell to rest against his chest as he closed his eyes. He had spent hours researching the event that had cost their parents' lives but had found no answer. There was nothing else he could do with their current situation. Sharp amethyst eyes cracked open, glaring daggers at the shadow where he had felt someone watching. "Come out and face us."
Their faces drained of all color as Solomon appeared, his expression unreadable as he beckoned them closer. His arms wrapped around each of their shoulders once they had come close enough within his reach and were astonished when he embraced them fully. The monarch, their grandfather, was not known for emotional tendencies or open displays of affection like this. "I understand now." He gave them a tight squeeze before releasing them, his hands falling to rest upon their shoulders as he smiled down on them. "Forgive this foolish old man, he thought you simply wanted to leave him behind while you go off galavanting for the chance to meet your future bride." Atem couldn't help but grimace. It wasn't that he hated the opposite gender, that wasn't the case at all, he just couldn't stand the way that they were finicky and unpredictable. Yugi, on the other hand, blushed furiously at the mention of females. His shyness was always magnified by nearly twenty times when they approached him. Both chorused that he was mistaken, earning a bark of a laugh from the elder. "Yes, I can see that now." They were shocked when he suddenly swept his arm, a wave of magic causing them to fall backwards and over the banister. "Now go, my grandsons, go and seek out the answers you seek."
Their gazes met as the ground rose to greet them, both pairs wide with shock. Was this a dream? There was only one way to find out. A mighty thrust of their tails saved them from crashing into the rocky ocean floor and sent them spiraling upwards towards the tunnel that lead outwards. They couldn't help but glance backward over their shoulders one last time, both finding their grandfather standing alone upon the balcony that they were just upon, his hand raised in a farewell wave as they disappeared from sight.