PART FIFTEEN
The Duelists approached a deep chasm, steaming from the nameless goo that flowed sluggishly through it's depths.
There it is! Otogi pointed.
The Bridge of Mindcrush! Yugi said.
Oh, great. Ryou groaned.
Yugi squinted, then gestured. Look! There's the old guy from scene twenty-four!
Honda looked confused. What is he doing here?
Suddenly in the know, Yugi answered, He is the keeper of the Bridge of Mindcrush. He asks each traveler five questions-
Three questions. Otogi interrupted.
Three questions. He who answers the five questions-
Three questions.
Three questions may cross in safety. Yugi finished.
Ryou looked worried. What if you get a question wrong?
Yugi shook his head. Then you are cast into the Gorge of Lost Life Points.
Oh, I won't go. Ryou backed up a step.
Who's going to answer the questions? Otogi asked this sensible question.
Yugi glanced at his duelists. Sir Ryou!
Brave Sir Ryou, you go.
Ryou's eyes widened, and his mind raced. Hey! I've got a great idea. Why doesn't Jounouchi go?
Jounouchi stepped forward. Yes. Let me go, my liege. I will take him single handed.
I'll bet you will. someone mutered in the background. They recieved a Glare of Death from King Yugi, but Jounouchi didn't seem to hear. I shall make a feint to the north-east that s-
Yugi interrupted. No, no, no. Hang on! Hang on! Just answer the five questions-
Three questions.
Three questions as best you can. And we shall watch...and pray. Yugi clapped his much taller companion on the back.
I understand, my leige.
Good luck, brave Sir Jounouchi. Shadi be with you.
With that, the blonde duelist strode confidently down to the old man and the Bridge.
He (that is to say, the old man) held up a hand and said in his raspy voice, Stop! He who would cross the Bridge of Mindcrush must answer me these questions three, ere the other side he see.
Jounouchi nodded. Ask me the questions, bridgekeeper. I am not afraid.
The man chuckled to himself, light glinting off of his sunglasses. What - is your name?
My name is Sir Jounouchi of Domino.
What - is your quest?
To seek the Head of Exodia.
What - is your favorite duel monster?
The Flame Swordsman.
The old man nodded. Right. Off you go. He stepped aside and gestured to the Bridge.
Oh, thank you. Thank you very much. Jounouchi took a few cautious steps, and then crossed without incident.
Ryou gaped, then said, That's easy! He ran forward, eager to cross.
The old man held up a hand. Stop! Who approacheth the Bridge of Mindcrush must answer me these questions three, ere the other side he see. Ryou gestured for him to hurry up his speech.
Ask me the questions, bridgekeeper, I'm not afraid. He smiled as he said this.
What - is your name?
Sir Ryou of Domino.
What - is your quest?
To seek the Head of Exodia.
What - is the capital of Assyria?
A look of horror and confusion flashed over Ryou's face. I don't know that! Auuuuuugh! He cried out as he was thrown by some unseen force over the edge and into the Gorge of Lost Life Points.
Otogi approached cautiously, and stopped before the old man. Stop! What - is your name?
Sir Otogi of Domino.
What - is your quest?
I seek the Head. Otogi kept hs voice neutral.
What - is your favorite duel monster?
Orgoth. No, Y - aaauuuuuuuugh!
He, too, was swept off the edge.
Hee hee heh. The bridgekeeper cackled in amusement. He said as King Yugi approached at last. Stop! What - is your name?
The diminutive ruler replied, It is Yugi, King of Games.
What - is your quest?
To seek the Head of Exodia.
The old man paused. What - is the air speed velocity of an unladen swallow?
Without pause, Yugi smoothly replied, What do you mean, a Japanese of a European swallow?
Huh? I - I don't know that! Auuuugh!
And so, the bridgekeeper was thrown off the side and into the Gorge.
How do you know so much about swallows? Honda asked.
Yugi shrugged. Well, you have to know these things when you're a king, you know.
They continued on, over the Bridge.
