The Little Merman

by SuntoryAngel

"I have come here to request that my tail be split into legs so that I may not only free my family from this cloud of sorrow but also to attempt to establish a better relationship with those who dwell on land. As I write my name upon this contract, thus establishes a seal that binds us. By my name I validate this contract and seal my voice until the day it is fulfilled!"

26. Chapter 26

"This is too much, sire, you have gone too far in your punishment." Mahad quickly grasped onto Yugi's shoulder as he made to approach the throne where King Solomon looked down upon them. The need of understanding radiating off of the young prince was impossible to ignore but the situation was delicate. "It has been four months since Atem was placed within the solitary confinement. His mental stability and physical wellbeing will be put into jeopardy if this continues"

Imperial violet eyes narrowed. "I thought I was being generous, allowing visitors rights to enter his quarters for brief visits, but perhaps I am wrong? True solitary confinement would prevent any and all outside interactions."

"You can't be serious!" Yugi shrugged off Mahad's hand, his intestines tying themselves into tight knots as he stared up at the king. "A life is a life. You're punishing him for something he thought was right. Is it truly wrong to value the life of another even if they are not of the same species?" He ignored the unspoken warning within the elder ruler's eyes. "What you are doing to my brother is wrong and you know it. You wanted us to venture from here to discover what kind of men we would become, right? Guess that up and backfired."

"What venomous words." All turned their attention to the entranceway of the audience chamber as a calm voice called out. The cloaked figure slowly crossed the space until they had come to a stop before the foot of the towering throne. Slender fingers rose, pulling the hood back, and all present fought to retrain themselves from recoiling in shock as her unseeing eyes drifted about the room. A dignified and proud member of the rival line to Mahad's own heritage, the middle aged merwoman was as beautiful as her eyes were haunting. Her tail was a complex mixture of colors, as if a thin coat of oil covered each scale and giving it the appearance that several colors were contained within each. "Such unbecoming of you, Prince Yugi."

King Solomon respectfully bowed his head. "Lady Ishizu, I was not aware that you had returned."

"There was a disturbance among the currents that I could not ignore." Her head tilted to the left then the right as if she was listening to something they couldn't hear. The line she was from had incredibly sensitive hearing, which came in handy since they were all born blind, but their precise instincts and strategic planning skills were unrivaled. she turned in the direction that Yugi was. "Of all the mysteries known to nature, the one we are never meant to understand is why we are drawn to certain individuals. Just as none can fully control the power of the ocean we are truly incapable of knowing the full extent of matters when concerning one's heart." Her attention shifted upwards to where King Solomon silently watched. "I wish that I came for better reasons, but I'm afraid this runs much deeper than you think." She held up a hand as he made to speak. "The recent events of your eldest prince saving the human has reached nearly every corner of the world, Solomon, but what has them all uneasy is the rumor of the Sea Warlock growing stronger. While you are here punishing a future monarch of the marine world for something out of his control, your greatest adversary is steadily approaching your kingdom gates."

Mahad moved to be beside her. Yes, their races were rivals, but that prehistoric loath had been put to rest what they had met as children. They were now close acquaintances who learned from each other during their encounters. "Lady Ishizu, what do you suggest?"

"I am glad to hear you are doing well, Master Mahad, it seems that you have indeed prospered as you once swore you would." A small smile lifted her lips as her tail brushed against his in greeting then grew serious. "Unfortunately, catching up will have to wait. There is a traveling party of sirens coming from the west. If nothing is done, there will be bloodshed." Her hand lashed out and grabbed Yugi as he made to exit the chamber, King Solomon slipping from the throne and heading towards the soldiers quarters. "You and I have much to discuss, young prince. You too, practitioner, I suggest you both start from the very beginning."