PART FOUR

As the knights rode across the countryside, thunder rolled, though the sky was clear. King Yugi looked around for the source of the sound, but his search was fruitless.

Yugi...Yugi...King of Games.

The knights looked up as the clouds parted to reveal a tanned head wearing a turban, a strange symbol around it's neck. Yugi and company fell to their knees.

Oh, don't grovel! If there's one thing I can't stand it's groveling.

apologized Yugi.

And don't apologize! Every time I try to talk to someone it's sorry' this and forgive me' that and I am not worthy.' What are you doing now?

I am averting my eyes, O Shadi.

Shadi rolled his eyes. Well, don't. It's like those miserable chanters-they're so depressing. Now knock it off!

Yes, Lord.

Shadi said. Yugi, King of Games, your duelists of the Arena shall have a task to make them an example in these dark times.

Good idea, O Shadi!

'Course it's a good idea! Behold! He faded from view to reveal a card. Yugi, this is the Head of Exodia. Look well, Yugi, for it is your sacred task to seek this card. That is your purpose, Yugi...the Quest for the Head of Exodia. The clouds slammed shut, sealing away the image.

Sir Jounouchi grinned. A blessing! A blessing from Shadi!

Shadi be praised! Sir Otogi pitched in.


Yugi and crew approached yet another castle. called the King. Kaiba blew a trumpet most heartily, and Yugi spoke.

A figure appeared over the wall, dressed in blue and orange, carrying a sword. It appeared to be on fire. Allo! Who is eet?

Yugi called up, It is Yugi Motou, King of Games, and these are my Duelists of the Arena. Who's castle is this?

The swordsman answered, This is the castle of my master, Redeys de Blakdregin.

Go and tell your master that if he gives us food and shelter he can join us in our quest for the Head of Exodia.

Well, I'll tell him, but I don't think he'll be very keen. He's already got one, you see?

Yugi sputtered.

They said they've already got one! put in Otogi.

Are you sure he's got one? Yugi asked.

Oh yes, it's very nice-a. answered the swordsman. He whispered to the other on the wall, I told him we already got one. They snickered.

Might we come up and have a look? Yugi requested.

Of course not! You are English types-a!

Actually, we're Japanese. corrected Honda. We were dubbed a couple of years ago.

What are you, then? Yugi demanded indignantly.

I'm French! Why do zink I have this outrageous accent, you silly king?!

What are you doing in Domino?

Mind your own business!

Show us the grail! Yugi was becoming irritated.

You don't frighten us, Japanese pig-dogs! Go and boil your bottoms, sons of a silly person! I blow my nose at you, so-called Yugi-King and all your silly knnnnnnnnniggets. Thppt!

What a strange person. Otogi remarked.

I don't wanna talk to you no more! I fart in your general direction! Your mother was a Beaver Warrior, and your father smelt of Shining Friendship! The swordsman continued.

Sir Otogi glanced up. Is there someone else up there that we could talk to?

yelled the swordsman. Now go away, or I shall taunt you a second time!

Yugi took a deep breath. Now, I've been more than reasonable, so if you will not show us the Head of Exodia...

All of the sudden, a mooing sound was heard from overhead, and a cow smashed down on one of the faithful retainers, a short blue-haired boy with a green coat and glasses.

Holy Ra! Yugi shouted.

the knights agreed, dodging various farm animals. They attempted to charge, but failed miserably.

Run away! the knights shouted. They fled into the forest.

I shall mind crush them! Yugi grew a foot, his voice deepening.

No, sir! Honda held back the irate King of Games. I have a plan...