Erratic mid-story disclaimer: *Sigh...* I don't own them...stay off my back...
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PART TWELVE
The Duelists rode forth, through a pass in the hills, when a roar rumbled through the foothills. The company paused, murmuring and bewildered.
Duelists! Forward! bellowed King Yugi.
The noise sounded again, louder this time. The assembled duelists beheld a man clad entirely in black leather throwing fire at various locations around him. Yugi squeaked.
The man threw another blast of flame, then gestured grandly at himself, and disappeared in a column of fire. He reappeared in front of them, startling the duelists.
His skin was blue, his eyes yellow, and his hair billowed out wildly from beneath his oddly shaped hat. He held a long black staff casually in one hand.
What manner of man are you that can summon up fire without flint or tinder? asked Yugi.
The tall man spoke, with a faintly British accent. I...am an enchanter.
By what name are you known?
The enchanter straightened and planted his staff on the ground. There are some who call me...Tim?
Greetings, Tim the Enchanter.
Greetings, King Yugi! said Tim.
You know my name?
I do. The blue skinned enchanter tossed off a random fireball, then turned back the the diminutive king. You seek the Head of Exodia!
Yugi started. That is our quest. You know much that is hidden, O Tim.
He tossed off another two balls of flame, for dramatic emphasis.
The comment was from Sir Ryou.
Yes, we're- we're looking for the head of Exodia. Our quest is to find the Head of Exodia. Yugi began. The Duelists murmured in agreement.
And so we're- we're looking for it.
Yes, we are. said Honda.
put in Otogi.
We are. We are. Ryou added.
We have been for some time. Honda continued.
Ryou commented.
Yugi glanced at the leather-clad enchanter nervously. Uh- uh, so, uh, anything you could so to, uh, to help, would be...very...helpful.
Otogi stepped up. Look, can you tell us where- He was cut off by another echoing roar.
Fine. Um, I don't want to waste any more of your time, but, uh, I don't suppose you could, uh, tell us where we might find, um- find a- Yugi pushed Otogi back.
A what...? Tim demanded.
A h- a h- a hea- h-h-h-h...
A Head?!?
Y-y-yes, I think so. The Duelists muttered their agreement.
proclaimed Tim.
Oh. Thank you. The Duelists murmured some more, thanks this time.
Tim threw out an assortment of fiery tongues, which was a rather disgusting concept to think about, then turned back to the group.
Look, um, you're a busy man, uh- Yugi stuttered.
Yes, I can help you find the Head of Exodia. Tim said, and the duelists began to thank him. He interrupted with:
To the north there lies a cave- the Cave of Dragoncapturejar- wherein, carved in mystic runes upon the living rock, the last words of Keith the Bahndite of Ahmeirykaa... He gestured grandly, summoning up yet another blazing explosion. ...make plain the last resting place of the Head of Exodia.
Where could we find this cave, O Tim? asked Yugi.
Tim twirled his staff. Follow. But! Follow only if ye be men of valor, for the entrance to this cave is guarded by a creature so foul, so cruel that no man yet has fought with it and lived! He made an odd face. The bones of full fifty men and Duel Monsters lie strewn about its lair. So, brave duelists, if you do doubt your courage or your strength, come no further, for death awaits you all with nasty, big, pointy teeth. The long haired enchanter imitated fangs with long, elegant fingers. Then, he led onwards.
Yugi shook his head. What an eccentric performance. The Duelists of Domino followed after him.
