Author's Note: Well, here's another chapter. Hope 'yall like it. Now it's on to the main story. I hope you all agree with my character arrangement, 'cause it's staying that way. Like I said before, I've been imagining this for a long time, so the plot's run out already. But, if you have any suggestions, feel free to tell me, and I'll at least consider it. Anyway, here you go!
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! or Lord of the Rings. Want to, but don't. That's just how the world works, you know?
Chapter 3: Yugi and The Shire
It was a nice, quiet day. The woods were an excellent place to concentrate. It was always sunny and beautiful in the Shire. Everywhere you looked, there was green. Everything you smelled was green. Everything you tasted was green. It was one of those places where you go to visit, and you never want to leave.
The Shire was the home of the hobbit folk. Hobbits were what you called "half-links". They usually grow to about 5 feet or less around 12 years old, and stop there. Hobbits were seriously misunderstood creatures because of their height. Many don't seem to care, but for those who do, it's a frustrating thing to live with. They are very strong willed, as well. Once a hobbit gets his or her mind on one thing, you can't discourage them. Other than that, they are no different from men.
It was in the woods of Kalifore that Yugi Mutou lay against a tree, reading a book. Yugi was a strange looking hobbit. His hair was many shades, starting with a purplish pink, then black, and then with blond bangs. It stood straight up in the air, too. He wore a cotton sweater that allowed his skin to breathe in the musky, humid air. His pants went down just past his knees, and were of the color brown. He wore a necklace with a pendant of an Egyptian eye. He wore no shoes, but was rather barefoot.
Suddenly, he heard a noise. He looked up from his book and listened. Yes, that was the sound of someone singing a song. Yugi even recognized the song: "Over the Grass". There was only one other person who knew that song! Yugi closed the book and ran towards the edge of the forest. Truth be told, he was expecting someone who knew that song that day. As he ran closer, he heard hoof prints, and the song could be heard clearer.
When he got to the edge, he saw a man on a carriage. The carriage was being pulled by a brown horse. The man was dressed in a tan outfit. It looked like a dress at first sight, but it wasn't. Around his waist, a rope tied the "dress" closer to him. The shoulders had gold on them, and from the gold, a cape of cloth. You could not see the man's hair, as it was covered with a sort-of "head band" that had more gold attached to it. His skin was a deep tan, from being in the sun for long periods of time.
"You're late," Yugi stated as he recognized the man. He crossed his arms and waited for an answer.
The man brought his carriage to a stop. "A magician is never late, Yugi Mutou. Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to." Both stared at each other with serious stares, until finally the man and Yugi both started laughing happily at one another.
"It's wonderful to see you, Mahado!" Yugi exclaimed as he jumped off of the ridge he was standing on, and into Mahado's arms. Both rocked back and forth for a minute, and then Yugi took his place next to his old friend.
"Why, Yugi, you didn't think I would miss your Grandfather's birthday, did you?" Mahado asked gleefully. He chuckled as Yugi smiled back, and then rode on. Once they were in the sunflower fields, where they could see other hobbits working, hey talked again.
"So, what news of Egypt? Tell me everything!" Yugi demanded. He had always been interested in Egypt, and Mahado always had interesting information.
"Everything?" Mahado asked in mock shock. He chuckled a bit. "You know, curiosity isn't a common trait in hobbits . . . You're a little eager, aren't you? Well then, let's see . . . There's been a new Pharaoh appointed, did you not hear?"
"Really? Is it the prince you told me you knew?" Yugi asked in shock. He didn't expect something this interesting.
"Yes, and he's doing quite well. He even looks a bit like you, though maybe a bit taller! Now let's see . . ." It took a bit for Mahado to think of something worth telling. "My apprentice, Mana, is getting along quite well, too. She had to stay behind, though. There has to be at least one top magician at the palace."
"I'd like to meet her one day . . ." Yugi said thoughtfully.
"So, what else can I tell you? Life in the wide world goes on, as much as it has this past age. Full of comings and goings. Yet, there is still an existence of hobbits, which to me is like a sign of peace," Mahado stated. He always gave words of wisdom, always amazing Yugi.
As they headed into town, Mahado looked around. It was the same Shire as ever. Hobbits cleaning their front porches, doing business with friends and customers, laughing, smiling, talking, all signs of peace. Some even started to notice his arrival. "Look! It's Mahado!" "What did he bring this time?" "Good, he's on time for once" were the remarks and questions that were heard as he and Yugi rode on by. Later on, they saw preparations for the party that night taking place. Tents were going up, food was being cooked, banners were posted up, and so on and so forth. One banner caught Mahado's eye. It said 'Happy Birthday Sugoroku Mutou' on it.
"So how is he?" Mahado asked. "I hear the party's going to be very special, with great importance," His curiosity rose as he saw Yugi laugh a bit.
"You know Grandpa . . . he's got the entire Shire in a chaos. Not to mention half of it's been invited to the party," Yugi revealed.
"Oh, well, that should please him. Never knew a day when old Sugoroku wasn't busy," Mahado laughed a bit. He was nearing his destination on the road.
"I don't know . . . he's been acting so strange lately, and this party makes that feeling worse. I just get the feeling that he's up to something," Yugi said, half to himself, and half to Mahado. Mahado just laughed some more. "What's so funny?" As he continued to chuckle, Yugi got the point. "Alright, be quiet then. You know, before you came along, we Mutou's were well thought of. We never had any adventures, or did anything unexpected," Yugi joked.
Mahado replied after a pause, "If your referring to the incident with the dragon, I was barely involved. . . . All I did was give your Grandpa a little nudge out of the door . . . !"
"Well, what ever you did, you've been officially labeled a disturber of the peace, whether you like it or not," Yugi told him in a matter of fact tone. As they rode on, they saw an ugly woman sweeping her front walkway. When she saw him, she gave a deathly glare. Mahado looked the other way and saw some children running up to him screaming "Mahado! Mahado!" and "Magic trick, PLEASE!" Mahado continued to travel without doing anything, considering in his head what Yugi just said. Then he heard their murmurs of sadness. About a second later, multiple blasts of light came out of nowhere as he raised his staff and called out a spell. The children cheered and clapped happily. Even the old, ugly woman giggled . . . until she saw the look that her daughter was giving her. Yugi and Mahado could do nothing but snicker after that. Then Yugi stood up on the carriage, preparing to leave.
"Mahado, I'm glad your back," He jumped down as he heard Mahado say "So am I, Yugi!" Yugi watched him ride off to the direction of his house. He smiled then turned and left.
" . . . So am I . . ." Mahado mumbled to himself. He continued to travel, looking forward to seeing an old friend of his later on.
Well, that's chapter 3. What do you think so far? It was kind of hard to explain Mahado's outfit, since all I could think of was the word "dress". What else would you call it? Anyway, R&R, but no flames please?
