Chapter 4
The Creator Returns
It was a seemingly regular day in Domino City. Sol was outside the shop sweeping while Yugi and his friends were watching a news report on Twilight's laptop about what happened last night. "It appears to be a tranquil morning in light of last night's chaos, when unexplained illuminations in the night sky and unusual weather patterns were reported in dozens of countries around the globe, including, but not limited to, India, London, England and the United States of America. Are these events related to the recent monster sightings? More to come, but first, the lotter numbers!" said the reporter.
"Looks like what we saw last night happened everywhere." AJ said. "Yeah, but thanks to this card, Yugi was able to kick that thing's supernatural butt, till it comes back again, I guess." Joey pointed out as he held up the Timaeus card. "I still don't know how a Duel Monsters card managed to appear like that without Yugi needing his Duel Disk to use it. It doesn't look like anything special to me." Tristan said.
"Maybe to the untrained eye, but since Twilight is our resident expert on magic, maybe she knows a thing or two." Spike pointed out. "Well, I can definitely tell that there's great power inside that card. And according to the description that I managed to vaguely piece together with my decoding spell, the name of the card is The Eye of Timaeus." Twilight replied. "Well, if its that powerful, it needs to be handled with care, right, Yugi?" Fluttershy asked. "Yeah, but who knows what else this thing can do?" Yugi replied.
'You're right. The Eye of Timaeus contains the spirit of an ancient dragon and although it protected us, it could also be potentially dangerous.' Yami stated. "So, if this card is related to what happened last night, what should our next move be?" Rarity asked. "Your guess is as good as mine, Rarity. I wouldn't even begin to figure this out." Joey replied. "Well, if we could start with the monster sightings, or the giant eye that appeared and tried to blast us with that whirlwind, then there's the Three Swordsmen." Pinkie figured as she put on her detective's hat.
'I believe the secret lies in your hand, Yugi.' Yami suggested. "Yugi, may I see that card?" Spike asked before Yugi carefully handed it over. "There's something about this card that reminds me of where me and my friends come from." he said. "What, you mean its related to your homeland?" Tea asked. "Hey, since we saw your magic and heard you're not from around here, you can share your secret with us." Joey said.
"Very well. See, we come from a land called Equestria. A world inhabited by horses, dragons and other creatures of imagination and myth." Twilight explained. "Equestria?" Yugi asked. "Yes. See, the main residents of out homeworld are different kinds of horses. We came here through a magical portal and turned human once we crossed over." Twilight answered. "You mean, you guys aren't human?" Joey asked. "We LOOK human in your world, but in our world, we're animals." Spike clarified. "If you said you'd believe just about anything, Joey, then would you believe me when I said that, in our world, Spike is a dragon and the rest of my friends and me are horses?" AJ asked.
"Well, I did say I'd believe anything nowadays, so yeah, I suppose this makes sense." Joey replied. "See, I'm a combination unicorn and pegasus known as an Alicorn. Rarity is a unicorn, AJ is a regular pony, as is Pinkie, and Fluttershy and Rainbow pegasai." Twilight explained. "Only thing is, Fluttershy and me can't fly because, when we crossed into your world, we lost our wings." Rainbow added. "Yeah, but we quickly got used to walking on two legs." Pinkie pointed out with a cheerful smile. "Well, regardless of where you're from, we're glad you're helping us. And I'm glad we got to meet all of you." Yugi said with a smile.
Twilight smiled back before Sol opened the door. "Excuse me, I don't mean to interrupt, everyone." he said. "Was the laptop too loud, Mr. Muto?" Twilight asked. "No, I came to give Yugi this. It just arrived in the mail." Sol replied before showing them a package. "Who's it from?" Yugi asked. "Not sure. My eyesight's not what it used to be." Sol replied. "Well, we could use some good news or some clues about this whole mystery." Rainbow pointed out.
"Oh, no." Yugi said in shock. "What is it? Overdue library book that you left behind and forgot to turn back in?" Pinkie asked, worried. "Let's see... it says 'From the office of Maximillian Pegasus'." Tea read. This caused the others to worry and panic. "Pegasus, again?!" AJ asked in shocked. A bit later, they opened the package and found it contained a VHS tape and a card with a key painted on it. "I don't know about you guys, but this feels like Duelist Kingdom all over again." Tristan said.
"I doubt Pegasus would be throwing another tournament, he told us last time we met that he retired from dueling." Fluttershy said. "What if Tristan's right? This is exactly how he stole Yugi's grandpa's soul, remember?" Joey pointed out before Yugi had a flashback to that moment all that time ago. "Can't we just tape over it with some of Pinkie's favorite Saturday morning cartoons?" Joey asked, nervously. "What are you so worried about? It's not like he has the Millennium Eye anymore. Remember when we saw him while Yugi was battling Anubis?" Rainbow asked.
"She has a good point. After all, he did seem less creepy when we saw him that night." Tristan pointed out. "I still think its bad news." Joey stated. "So, what should we do?" Yugi asked. 'We should hear what he has to say. After all, Pegasus did invent Duel Monsters.' Yami answered. "And you think, he might know something or have something to do with what's going on?" Yugi asked. 'Perhaps. So its best to play the tape.' Yami replied before Yugi grabbed the tape and walked up to the TV.
"Wait, Yuge..." Joey said, worried. "Just trust me, Joey." Yugi replied. "Can't we vote on this or something? Please?" he asked before Yugi popped the tape into the VCR. "Everybody stand back and grab ahold of something solid." Joey advised before Pegasus came up on screen. "Greetings, Yugi-boy. Its been so long. Though I wish you'd call or write or at least send an email, especially after that fiasco with Anubis and the Pyramid of Light." he began. "Guys, we're all still in the room, right?" Joey asked, still worried for his life.
"Yeah, all still here." Pinkie replied with a goofy grin as she touched her face. "Now unless you've dropped off the grid for the past two days, I'm sure you're aware that Duel Monsters are suddenly running amok all around the world. Luckily for me and my company, Kaiba-boy's been taking most of the heat for this recent state of affairs. Of course, I know who's really behind this." Pegasus continued. "I told you we should've played over this tape." Joey said. "They must be stopped. They're ruining the reputation of my game and I'm afraid that's just not good for business. The only catch is, its too risky to leave any information for you on this tape. So that means, you'll have to come see me in person at my office." Pegasus stated.
"Visit his office?" Twilight wondered. 'Well, if he said he knows who's behind this and that its too risky to leave any information on the tape, then that must mean whoever's behind this may be on to him.' she thought. "It's the only way to ensure complete secrecy. And last, but not least, I've enclosed in the package you've likely just received a one-of-a-kind card called Illusion's Key. It will allow you to enter my compound in California. I implore you to hold onto it and keep it safe, as its the only way to enter the building. Please, guard it with your life. They mustn't take it." Pegasus continued before the tape ended.
"He may not have the Millennium Eye anymore, but there's no way we can trust that guy!" Joey stated. "What do you think, Yugi?" Spike asked. 'I say we go. Pegasus may just be our only hope.' Yami said. "You're right." Yugi replied before he turned toward his friends. "Well, guys, I'm going." he said. "Are you sure?" Joey asked. "More than anything." Yugi replied. "Then I'll be right there with you, pal." Joey stated. "And the rest of you?" Yugi asked. "Consider our bags already packed." Rainbow said. "Especially if we get to fly first-class." Tristan added.
"Thanks, guys." Yugi said. However, unbeknownst to anyone, they were being listened in on through a bug-device that was planted on the outside of the window. And the ones who planted said bug were Rex Raptor and Weevil Underwood. "You got all that, right, Rex?" Weevil asked. "Yeah, but my question is why Pegasus needs the world champion and his posse, why not to a former champion like you?" Rex replied. "Well, just because we weren't invited to the party, that doesn't mean we can't show up. Think about it, if Industrial Illusions is based in California, then that's likely where every Duel Monsters card is printed!" Weevil rationalized.
"Every card? But there's no way Yugi would want to take up Pegasus' offer just to get his hands on some new cards. It has to be something more serious." Rex replied. "Well, regardless, at least it'll be a chance for both of us to strengthen our decks and regain the glory we both once had!" Weevil stated. "Right, so that means we better get our bags packed and hop on a plane to California!" Rex suggested. "Well, we could get to the US before them, or just follow them on their own plane." Weevil said with a sneaky chuckle.
Elsewhere, deep under the ocean, a bright green light kept flashing, which turned out to be a shard of the creature Timaeus destroyed the night before, the Great Leviathan. At the island hideaway for the Three Swordsmen and their employer, the hooded man was at the altar of the creature. "Our time will come, Great Leviathan. By the might of the three Egyptian God Monsters, you've been reborn. And, once I replenish you with enough souls, you shall inherit the strength to swallow the Earth. No one will stop us! No one." he said before remembering the moment he saw, through a flaming torch, what transpired the night before when Yugi and Timaeus blasted the Great Leviathan away.
"Apparently, the pharaoh holds the power of one of the Legendary Dragons, but that is merely a minor setback, to be dealt with later. Rafael!" he continued before one of the bikers showed up. "Yes, Master Dartz." the man said before kneeling. "I know what to do. I'll find the pharaoh, and this time, I'll make sure we drain his power to feed the Great Beast, sir." he stated. "That is not your mission for the moment. Listen closely, since you seem to be unable to do that on your own, we need more than just the pharaoh's soul." Dartz replied, strictly before the last of the Three Swordsmen showed up.
"Then we'll deal with his friends and allies, too. I'll take Kaiba." said one of them. "I've got me eye on a couple someones, too. Either that feisty bloke Joey Wheeler or that firecracker Rainbow. Either of them should be fun to take apart." Valon added. "I know why you're after Wheeler." said the other biker. "Mind your own business, Alister. Why don't you tell me your interest in Kaiba?" Valon replied. "Look, I have my reasons, Valon." Alister replied. "That so? Some sort of grudge, is it?" Valon asked. "Knock it off, we're in the presence of Master Dartz." Rafael snapped.
"The pharaoh and his friends are on their way to speak with the one we've been watching, just make certain you reach him before they do." Dartz instructed. "Pegasus?" Rafael asked. "And to think I claimed you were unable to listen closely. Now go see Pegasus at once." Dartz replied before the other two Swordsmen kneeled. Meanwhile, at Industrial Illusions headquarters, Pegasus was in his office. "I can't believe the very monsters I made famous are now terrorizing people around the world. Talk about bad publicity." he said with a shrug.
"Do you always talk to yourself like that?" asked a voice before Pegasus turned and saw a familiar looking figure. "You've got to get yourself some friends, honey." she added. "But how did you get past my security?!" Pegasus asked in surprise before he shouted no a while later. Meanwhile, the girls and Spike were in their apartments packing. "If we're gonna be out in the desert, that's definitely the right reason to be wearing my hat and pack my boots." AJ said. "Hopefully I'll have packed everything I need." Fluttershy said. "Well, I'm most definitely going to need to pack some sunblock, I'd hate to burn my delicate skin out in that dry California sun." Rarity said.
"An adventure all the way to the US? I'm so excited!" Pinkie said with a giddy look on her face. While Spike and the others packed, Tea was also packing her things. "Let's see, I've got one pair of platform shoes, four t-shirts and two pairs of shorts. I really should go shopping with Rarity and Spike one of these days." she said. At Tristan's place, he was sorting out what should go with him. "Nah, as much as I enjoy my yo-yo, I don't think I'll have much time for fun on this trip." he said. At Joey's apartment, he was talking with his sister on the phone.
"We fly out to California tomorrow, Serenity. Yeah, trust me, Rarity already told me to pack plenty of sunscreen." he said. Meanwhile, at Kame Game Shop, Yugi was also packing. "Well, that ought to do it. All packed." he said before looking at the Illusion's Key card. "This is one thing I don't want to forget." he added. "Based on what he said on the tape, someone wants to get their hands on this card. This is probably the first time you've seen this card, huh, Yami?" he asked. But Yami didn't answer. "Is something on your mind?" Yugi asked before finally getting his friend's attention.
'I'm sorry, Yugi, did you say something?' Yami asked back. "Yami, you didn't hear what I said, so that must mean you're worried about something, right?" Yugi asked. 'You're right. I can't hide anything from you, Yugi.' Yami replied. "Then what's up?" Yugi asked. 'It's just that we know so little about what we're up against and who this new enemy is. If only I understood more about my own past, then I could be more helpful in answering these questions.' Yami replied. "I understand if that's the reason why you're worried about all this, because I am, too. This seems like our toughest fight yet, and the future of the entire world is depending on us." Yugi said. "What if we mess things up?" he asked.
'We won't.' Yami answered. "You're right. I guess I sound silly asking that. Anyway, we better get some rest. We have a big day ahead of us and our new adventure starts tomorrow." Yugi replied before heading off to bed. The next day, the group arrived at Narita airport/New Tokyo International Airport and were saying goodbye to Sol. "See you soon, grandpa." Yugi said. "Take care. And don't forget to keep your seats upright during takeoff and don't fill up on peanuts." Sol replied.
"I think Pinkie will be the one who listens to that one." Fluttershy said. "Bye, grandpa." Yugi said as he and the others turned and walked off to catch their flight. "Thanks for the ride, Mr. Muto." AJ said. "You all be careful!" Sol called. Meanwhile, Weevil and Rex arrived to watch them walk away before nodding and heading off in another direction. As for the group, they saw their plane waiting to be boarded. "We wanted first class and we're getting it, in the form of a private jet!" Tristan said, excited. "Remember the phrase, 'Champaign wishes and caviar dreams'?" Rarity asked with a giggle.
"I bet Pegasus has a whole fleet of these things. Air Pegasus seems to be an easy name for it." Joey stated. "So, Yugi, why do you think Pegasus wanted you to fly out to California to meet him?" Fluttershy asked. "Well, I'm not sure, but maybe he needs someone to help him face whoever's causing this mess." Yugi replied. "Well, good thing we're all going." Rainbow said before three men approached them. "Is one of you folks Yugi Muto?" asked one of them. "Yes, sir. I am." Yugi answered. "Well, then, if you and your friends will kindly follow us, we can get this show on the road." the man replied before walking in a direction.
"You two, make yourselves helpful and carry their luggage to the plane." he said to his fellows with a snap of his fingers. "Yes, sir." they said. The group soon boarded the plane and were amazed at the interior. "Look at this thing! I suddenly feel like a rock star." Rainbow said with a grin. "I bet they serve extra good food, too." Tristan pointed out as Joey took a seat. "Now this is what I'm talking about, extra leg room." the underdog said. "Better take our seats." Rarity said. Meanwhile, one of the men was having trouble lifting one of the bags.
With some help from one of the others, the man got the bag aboard the plane and put it down with the rest of the luggage. "This is Pegasus One requesting permission for takeoff." said the pilot of the plane as it rolled onto the runway. "Permission granted, you are clear for takeoff." an air traffic controller replied. "Roger." said the pilot before the jet picked up speed and the jets activated. "Time to see how fast this baby can go!" Rainbow shouted before the plane lifted off the ground and took to the air.
In the cargo hold, Rex and Weevil peeked out of one of the bags they were hiding in. "Everything's going according to plan." Weevil said. "Yeah, you thought of everything. Bathroom breaks before climbing in here, food for each of us during the trip. All we have to worry about is not getting caught." Rex added. In the aisle of the plane, the group was being served lunch. "Oh, how exquisite, filet mignon." Rarity said in delight. In the cargo hold, Rex and Weevil were eating some of their food while trying to keep warm. Later that night, as the plane zoomed on, everyone was fast asleep, save for Rex and Weevil, who were still trying to keep warm.
Soon, the plan reached its destination, the United States of America. "There it is, guys. San Francisco International." Spike said as they all looked out the window to see their final destination. Soon, the plane came to a landing and the group disembarked and exited the airport. "Pegasus, here we come!" Joey shouted. "Seems like the easy part is over." Tea said before they saw a limo waiting for them. "Everyone inside, please, we haven't a minute to spare." said one of the men. "A limousine? The glitz and glamour continues!" Rarity said in delight.
Soon, Tea spotted the bag Rex and Weevil were hiding in. "Hey, I don't remember any of us packing this bag." she said before turning to the others. "Did any of you guys bring this?" she asked. "Its not any of ours and I made doubly sure to keep a checklist of everyone's luggage." Twilight said. "If its not any of yours, I'll take it to the lost and found." said one of the men as he rolled it away on the luggage trolley, though no one was aware that Rex and Weevil were still inside. "I heard someone say we're going to the lost and found." Rex said, dazed. "My head don't feel that great." Weevil added while the group got in the limo and drove off. "Won't be long now." Yugi said as they rode on.
Meanwhile, 5,139.19 miles away, back in Japan, at KaibaCorp headquarters, the owner, Seto Kaiba, was in his office. "I said to hold all my calls. And tell those reporters out there once and for all that KaibaCorp is not responsible in any way for these Duel Monster sightings. End of story. And don't come back up here until they're gone." he said to one of his employees, who complied and left. "Seems like someone's trying to make a fool out of me and make my company seem to be the cause for everything going on. I've worked too hard repairing the reputation of this company, so this has to stop." he said before pressing a button on his paging system machine.
"Roland, I need an update on our investigation. Do we have any leads whatsoever?" he asked. "Nothing yet, sir, but we're still searching." Roland replied. "I want answers and I need them fast." Kaiba responded. "Yes, sir." Roland replied before his boss turned to look out the window behind him. 'The timing of this mess couldn't be worse. I'm about to announce the construction and opening date of Kaiba Land.' Kaiba thought before Mokuba came in. "Seto! Check the company database! Someone's buying up every share of KaibaCorp!" the boy shouted.
"Impossible!" Seto responded before checking. "It's true, I saw it myself while looking through the database for my business studies." Mokuba replied. Seto then saw Mokuba was correct. "Mokuba, you're right! If these numbers are accurate, almost half of KaibaCorp was bought by one person, and they're still buying!" he said in shock. "But how can that be?" he wondered. "What are we gonna do?" Mokuba asked. "We have to stop them. If they buy anymore shares, they could take control of the entire company and there's no way I'm gonna allow that!" Seto answered before realizing something.
"Wait, there are few people in the world that are capable of something like this and I know one of them." he added while typing at his computer before the phone rang. "Yes?" he asked as he answered the phone. "Kaiba-boy. I've missed you." said a familiar voice before Seto and Mokuba saw on the video call screen that it was Pegasus. "So, you're the one responsible for what's going on with my company shares?" Seto asked. "I'm afraid I'm guilty as charged, looks like we're partners now." Pegasus replied. "Won't it be fun seeing KaibaCorp and Industrial Illusions working so much closer together?" he asked.
"This company's mine and you know it." Seto replied. "You're always so uptight, Kaiba-boy. Why not treat yourself to a vacation?" Pegasus suggested. "Forget vacations, I'm not going to let you wrap your fingers around my company after I've spent all this time rebuilding its reputation. Is that clear?!" Seto replied. "Oh, relax, I'm not trying to take over your company. I just needed the upper hand so that I could get you to do something for me." Pegasus stated. "Its not like I was bored and had nothing to do. Anyway, these monster sightings are putting your company's reputation as well as the reputation of the entire Duel Monsters card game that I spent years making at risk, I thought we could boost our public image by uniting to figure it out." he added.
"In fact, why not have a duel to prove that I'm sincere about this?" he suggested. "You must be out of your mind, Pegasus." Seto said. "Should I take that as a no? Well, I'd reconsider if I were you. Because, if not, I'll buy the rest of KaibaCorp and either merge it with my company or take it apart piece by piece. What's it going to be? Do we have ourselves an agreement? Or should I just proceed with Plan B?" Pegasus replied. "What are you gonna do?" Mokuba asked. "You have yourself an agreement, Pegasus." Seto said.
"I thought you'd see sense. Our dueling location will be at Duelist Kingdom, think of it as the final duel that island will have as a privately owned property before I sell it to the Japanese government and make it a public dueling space." Pegasus said with a smile. "Don't forget to bring your Blue-Eyes White Dragons." he added before hanging up. "You okay?" Mokuba asked after his brother hung up. Later, the Kaiba Brothers were heading down an elevator.
'We were supposed to be building the first of many Kaiba Land amusement parks soon and Seto promised he wouldn't duel until construction was finished, which it almost is. He even locked all his cards away so he wouldn't be tempted, especially since he still seeks to beat Yugi and become world champion again.' Mokuba thought before the elevator stopped at the fifth sublevel basement. "Are you sure you want to go through with this?" he asked.
"I have no choice, Mokuba." Seto answered before unlocking the safe. "Maybe Pegasus was just bluffing." Mokuba suggested. "I can't take that chance. I have to do this." Seto replied before opening a safe deposit box. 'I knew someday I would unlock my deck and duel again, I just never thought it would be this soon.' he thought before pulling out his briefcase containing his cards and his Duel Disk. "Let's go, Mokuba." he said after strapping on his Duel Disk.
Later, the brothers Kaiba were on the roof, approaching Seto's Blue-Eyes White Dragon jet. But Mokuba stopped, causing Seto to stop. "What's wrong?" he asked. "It's just, I thought we were gonna finish Kaiba Land first before you decided to duel again." Mokuba answered. "We will, Mokuba. I just have to teach Pegasus a lesson first." Seto replied. "Then let's go." Mokuba said before running up to the jet and his brother.