PART THIRTEEN

Tim led them onwards, through the hills and valleys, until the began to whinny in distress.

They're nervous, sire. said Otogi.

Then we'd best leave them here and carry on on foot. Dis-mount! Yugi ordered, and the duelists obeyed.

Tim drew to a halt and pointed grandly. Behold the Cave of Dragoncapturejar!

Yugi surveyed the scene, then stepped forward. Right. Keep me covered.

What with? asked Otogi.

Yugi looked back at him and shook his head. W- just keep me covered.

Too late! Tim squeaked.

Yugi peered at the cave entrance.



He pointed frantically at a small, pale yellow animal with big eyes, nubs for limbs, and tiny wings.

What, behind the Petite Angel?

Tim's eyes bugged. It is the Petite Angel!

Yugi looked at the enchanter incredulously. You silly sod!



You got us all worked up!

Well, that's no ordinary Petite Angel. Tim replied.

Yugi placed his hands on his hips. he said sarcastically.

Tim gesticulated wildly. That's the most foul, cruel, bad-tempered Duel Monster you ever set eyes on.

You tit! I soiled my armor I was so scared! Ryou snapped.

Look, that Angel's got a vicious streak a mile wide, it's a killer! the long-haired magician insisted.

Get stuffed! Otogi snarled.

He'll do you up a treat, mate! Tim warned once more.

Oh, yeah?

You mangy scots git! Ryou put in his insult.

I'm warning you!

The white haired duelist was irritated. What's he do, nibble your bum?

He's got huge, sharp- eh- he can leap about- look at the bones! Tim imitated the Angel's teeth.

Yugi waved a member of their company forward. Go on, Dox. Chop his head off!

The green-dressed man stepped up. Right! Silly little bleeder. One Angel stew comin' right up!

He descended the slope towards the Petite Angel, sword drawn. It perked up at his approach.

cried Tim.

The small, round creature leaped at Dox's throat, spilling his blood and ripping into the flesh.



He collapsed into a small, dead heap.

Holy Ra! Yugi's eyes were huge with astonishment.

I warned you!

I done it again! Ryou squeaked.

Tim wandered off into his own little world of ranting, accompanied by much rolling of eyes. I warned you, but did you listen to me? Oh, no, you knew it all, didn't you? Oh, it's just a harmless little furball, isn't it? Well, it's always the same. I always tell them-

Oh, shut up! yelled Yugi.

Do they listen to me?



Oh, no... Tim slapped his forehead.

screamed the duelists, and ran for the Angel, weapons flailing. It instantly went on a killing spree. Two men fell, dead of fatal neck wounds.

shouted the duelists, some in agonizing pain.

Run away! Run away! Yugi yelled. They fled the deadly creature.

Tim was leaning against a rock, guffawing at their foolishness. Ha ha ha ha! Ha ha!

Right. How many did we lose? Yugi panted, out of breath.

said Jounouchi.

added Otogi.

Yugi wiped his brow. And Dox. That's five.

Three, sir. said Otogi.

Three. Three. And we'd better not risk another frontal assault. That Angel's dynamite.

Would it help to confuse it if we run away more? Ryou suggested.

Yugi waved a hand at him. Oh, shut up and go change your armor.

Otogi piped up. Let us taunt it! It may become so cross that it will make a mistake!

Like what? questioned Yugi.



Have we got bows? asked Jounouchi.

answered the King.

The duelists paused in thought. We have the Holy Jigen Bakudan. Jounouchi said triumphantly.

Yugi brightened. Yes, of course! The Holy Jigen Bakudan of Shahdaurelme! Tis one of the sacred relics Brother Malik carries with him! Brother Malik! Bring up the Holy Jigen Bakudan!

A platinum-haired youth stood by a previously unnoticed wheeled contraption with a couple of attendants. He perked up, then opened the doors in the side and reverently drew out a rather large pillow with a jug-shaped object on it.

Realm of shadows in this twilight hour, take these souls and grant us power. Realm of shadows in this twilight hour, take these souls and grant us power. the monks chanted, following Brother Malik down the hill. He brought it before King Yugi, who contemplated it in confusion.

How does it, um- how does it work? he asked.

I know not, my liege. Jounouchi shook his head.

Consult the Book of Magiccards! commanded Yugi.

Malik gestured at one of his attendants, one with a mask and striped robe. Magiccards, Chapter Two, verses Nine to Twenty-One.

The monk opened up the large book to the proper place and began to read. And Saint Bakura raised the Jigen Bakudan on high, saying, O Shadi, bless this thy Jigen Bakudan that with it thou mayest blow thine enemies to tiny bits, in thy mercy.' And Shadi did grin, and the people did feast upon the Scapegoats, and sloths, and Legendary Whales, and anchovies, and Battle Guards, and breakfast cereals, and Serpent Night Dragons, and large chu-

Skip a bit, Brother.

He continued. And Shadi spake, saying, First shalt thou take out the Holy Timer Hand. Then, shalt thou count to three, no more, no less. Three shalt be the number thou shalt count, and the number of the counting shall be three. Four shalt thou not count, nor either count thou two, excepting that thou then proceed to three. Five is right out. Once the number three, being the third number, be reached, then lobbest thou thy Holy Jigen Bakudan of Shahdaurelme towards thy foe, who, being naughty in my sight, shall snuff it.'

finished Malik.

murmured the duelists.

Yugi hefted the Jigen Bakudan, and pulled off the timer hand. Right! One...two...five!

Three, sir!

He chucked it high into the air, and it arced downwards until it struck the ground and exploded, and bits of Petite Angel flew everywhere, which would be a nasty thing to clean up.