Well, by popular demand, here's Chapter Three. Those who stated in their reviews that they don't want to see a cliché, shall we say, well you won't be disappointed. This is a completely different story from those others you've read. I've read them too, but I enjoy them very much. Now, on with Sea of Rage.

Chapter Three- Innocence

At sunset the next day, Yami swam to the spot where Yugi's ship was scheduled to arrive. The spot was far from the castle and gave Yami comfort that his brothers and sister wouldn't see him violate merfolk law.

Breaking the surface, Yami moved to hide behind the nearby rock. There, he waited for the ship to appear. He watched as the sun continued to sink, tinting the sky vibrant colors, before turning an inky black with a plae white crescent moon illuminating the sky and water. Still, Yami waited.

His wait was not in vain. The ship carrying his heart's affection sailed through the water, colored light exploding in the sky. Curious about a human's birthday celebration, he swam closer, hoisting himself up with a cargo net and onto a overhanging wood plank next to a rectangle opening where he could see on board and not be noticed.

Peering through his 'window', Yami saw humans laughing while dancing and clapping. Other humans were playing instruments. Scanning the crowd, the innocent one found his love near the opposite rail, smiling and clapping in time to the music. Yet, the merboy could see a hint of sadness in those violet orbs. Despite that, he was apparently having fun. Oh, how he wished they could meet somehow.

Getting an implusive idea, Yami leaped from his perch and swam to the other side. Just as he had hoped, there was a net and overhang. Climbing up, he sat there, listening to the conversation between Yugi and Jou.

"Hey, Yug, how about a Shadow Game?"

"Not tonight. Maybe tomorrow." There was a tint of sadness in Yugi's voice.

"Still bummed about this morning, huh?"

"Hmm-mm. How can my parents expect me to marry soon? I haven't met anyone I love yet."

"You could always marry my sister."

"Nice thought, Jou, but I think Honda would have a fit."

"Oh, right. I forgot. I think I'll go see if your cake's ready." With that, Jou took off for the gallery.

Pleased that Yugi was alone, the innocent merboy softly hissed, "Yugi."

"Huh?" the prince looked around for the owner of the voice.

"Yugi."

"Who's there?"

"Don't be afraid. I'm down here."

Turning, slowly towards the rail, Yugi looked down into an almost exact replica of his face. Only the eyes and extra gold hair streaks were different. And he was wearing a flowered hairpin. Crouching down, Yugi whispered, "Who are you?"

"I am Prince Yami. I've been watching you for two nights now and I've fallen in love with you."

The stranger's words confused Yugi. Watched him for two nights? How was that possible? He didn't notice any other boats out last night and there certainly weren't any tonight.

"How could you watch me? There are no other ships out here."

Fear gripped Yami's heart. If he told Yugi the truth, would he scare him away because of what he was? A rejection of this magnitude would certainly kill him. His eyes fell on his tail, which was swishing with anixety. He was unsure how to tell him or if he should tell him.

Squatting a little bit more to see Yami better, Yugi noticed that the boy seemed to be staring at something with great intensity. Glancing around to see if anyone was looking, he saw everyone busy with other activities. Satisfied, he leaned over the edge. What he saw made his eyes go wide. He saw a bare-chested boy, but instead of legs, he sported a blue-violet fishtail!

"Of course," the human whispered, suddenly feeling lovestruck. "You're a merman."

Yami's head jerked up at Yugi's voice, his eyes wide with fear and panic. His breath came in fast and ragged.

"I'm okay with this," Yugi assured him. "I always believed merpeople existed. I just never though I'd meet one, let alone fall in love with one."

"You-you love me?"

"When I fully saw you. I love you very much. I don't care if we are two different species."

"If I knew a way to become human, I would do it."

"I could tell you where I live so you can come visit."

"Is it near the ocean?"

"The beach is right outside my front door."

"Which way?"

"Go in the direction of the western horizon to the shoreline and go north. The first palace you see is mine."

"I hope to see you soon my love." With a quick peck to the cheek, Yami leaped off the ledge and into the sea.

Yugi watched the merboy plunge gracefully into the water below. The merboy seemed to radiate innocence as well as curiousity about humans. Otherwise he would never have ventured this close to the ship.

"Hey, Yug. What are ya doin'?"

"Huh? Oh, nothing, Jou."

"Well, then come on below deck. Cake and presents are waiting."

"Coming." Getting up, Yugi followed Jou down below deck, but his thoughts were on a certain merman who lived below the waves.

Not bad, huh? The next chapter will reveal a lot more. No sea witch, no lost voice. I've said too much already. Stay tuned.