Transcripts:
The Gauntlet is Thrown

I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh!, at all, and these transcripts are unofficial and without any permission whatsoever. Please link back to me or credit me somehow if you use my work. For more information about my transcript format, please click here.

Episode Originally Aired: October 6, 2001

TEASER/PROLOGUE

(A deep voice speaks, as a stone eye opens.)
Long ago, when the pyramids were still young, Egyptian kings played a game of great and terrible power. But these 'shadow games' erupted into a war that threatened to destroy the entire world, until a brave and powerful pharaoh locked the magic away...
(The stone eye reveals a small golden chest sitting on a pedestal in a beam of light; behind it on the wall, as well as on the pedestal, faded pictograms are visible. The eye expands out of the corners of our vision as we approach the box. Fade to black.)
...Imprisoning it within the mystical Millennium Items...
(Against the black, golden artifacts appear. In the foreground, the pyramid-shaped Millennium Puzzle; pan upward to the Millennium Scale, Eye, Key, and Ring.)
...Now, five thousand years later, a boy named Yugi unlocks the secret of the Millennium Puzzle. He is infused with ancient magical energies, for destiny has chosen *him* to defend the world from the return of the shadow games, just as the brave pharaoh did...
(The completed Puzzle hovers between Yugi's hands, glowing with mysterious light. Yugi's face, uplit by the radiant Puzzle, is one of surprise and amazement. A strong wind is whipping his hair and jacket in every direction. The glow expands, turning Yugi the color of gold, and the Puzzle glows brighter and brighter... A stronger, more powerful presence emerges, the Millennium symbol, a golden eye, shining on his forehead. He opens his eyes; they're purple, like Yugi's, but fiercer and more intense. His shadow splits into two forms: one meek and unassuming, the other commanding and strong.)
... Five thousand years ago.

(Opening) <1:00>

ACT 1 <1:43>

(Another day at school, and another duel during recess. Other kids chat over magazines, while over in a corner of the classroom Joey and Téa face off, surrounded by Yugi, Tristan, and three other spectators including a kid with bright white hair.)
Tristan: Joey, make a move already!
Joey: 'Kay, here ya go, tough-guy! My Rock Ogre's gonna rock ya block off!
[Rock Ogre 800/1200/L3/earth]
Téa: Hmm.
(She flip-summons her monster; Happy Lover)
[Happy Lover 800/500/L2/light]
Joey: *Yeah*, Téa, like that wimpy card has a chance against my giant rock guy! Give it u-u-up! Heehee!
<2:00>
Téa: Guess I don't stand a chance, unless maybe I use-- the "Breath of Light" card.
(She puts it down; it's a magic card.)
Joey (to Yugi): Huh? Can she *do* that?
(Yugi, acting more or less as referee, is quite enjoying the duel.)
Yugi: *Oh,* yeah. The "Breath of Light" wears down rock monsters-- reduces them to rubble!
Joey: Huh?!
(And Joey has lost again.)
Téa: That brings your lifepoints down to zero, Joey! Once again you lose and I rock!
Tristan (impressed): You *stink* at this game!
Joey: Ugh...!

(After school, around 2pm from the clocktower, students mill around in front of the building.)
Joey: Tristan's right, Yugi. I *do* stink. I can't win at Duel Monsters to save my life! What is it, Yugi? Why can't I ever win? Teach me what I'm doin' wrong!
(On a pair of chin-up bars somewhere on the school campus, Joey leans his elbows on one, and Yugi sits on the other. Yugi hops off the bar and walks over to Joey.)
Yugi: Well let's start by checking your deck, Joey.
(Joey stops leaning, surprised, and digs in a pocket.)
Joey: Huh? 'Kay. Here ya go.
(He hands Yugi his deck and leans on the bar again.)
Yugi: Ah, thanks.
(Yugi skims through Joey's cards, and the more cards he looks at, the more concerned the look on his face. His eyes get bigger and bigger.)
Joey: Powerhouse lineup, don'tcha think?
Yugi (blurts it out): *No* one could win with *these*! Joey, your deck's filled with nothing but monster cards!
Joey: You got it, I packed it with every butt-kickin' monster I could find!
Yugi: But that's not how the game works!
Joey: Huh?
Yugi: Duel Monsters is all about *combining* your monster cards with your magic card, to increase their strength. <3:00> With no magic in your deck, your monsters will get creamed every time!
(As Yugi holds the deck, we notice the top card is M-Warrior #2{&}. Joey runs over and grips Yugi by the shoulders)
Joey: Huh! See! That's the kinda stuff I need to know! Yugi, ya gotta help me learn *more*!
Yugi: Uh...

(Outside the game shop)
Yugi: My *grandpa's* the real game expert in the family. Maybe *he* can help.
(Inside the shop, grandpa's in the middle of putting up a duel poster that depicts a clash between Black Luster Soldier and Harpie's Pet Dragon.)
Yugi (calls): Hey, grandpa, I brought you a new student.
Grandpa: Huh? Student?
(Grandpa climbs down from his stepladder)
Joey: I was hopin' since you know more about Duel Monsters than anyone, maybe you'd teach *me*.
Grandpa: Teach *you*? Duel Monsters is a *very* complex game.
Joey: Yeah, tell me about it-- Téa beat me three games in a row!
Yugi (brightly): *Actually* Téa beat you *five* times in a row, Joey!
Joey: Five?! Aw, man! Huh?
(The poster has caught Joey's eye. Grandpa looks up at it)
Grandpa: Hmm. Yes, I could teach you to be a *great* tournament duelist. But only if you're willing to spend endless days and sleepless nights filled with rigorous training!
(Joey is a little bit scared, and therefore pretends he's not)
Joey: Aw, piece a' cake!
Grandpa: With an attitude like that, teaching you might not be *worth* my effort!
(Joey starts to panic-- he messed up big time!)
Yugi (aside): Nice goin' there, smart-mouth!
(Joey gets on his knees and begs Yugi)
Joey: Please, Yugi! Help me convince 'im! I *will* work hard, I promise!
<4:00>
Yugi: Listen, Joey, teaching you Duel Monsters is too big a challenge, even for my grandpa.
Grandpa (grudging): It's not... *impossible*.
(Joey looks up; he might still have a chance!)
Joey: Huh? You *mean* it, gramps?
Yugi: Joey, he already said he can't do it, and if he can't do it, he can't do it.
(We start to get the sense that Yugi's goading grandpa into agreeing to teach Joey, or even that Yugi knows already that grandpa's just giving Joey a good scare to start his training off right.)
Grandpa: I never said I *couldn't do it.* But if I agree you must work hard!
Joey: I'll do anything! I promise, I promise!
Grandpa: Hmph. Fine, then we'll begin your instruction immediately, my young friend, and believe me-- (cracks his knuckles) under *my* tutelage, you *will* learn! Now, can you name the most powerful duel monster?
Joey: Uhhh... no.
Grandpa: Can you name the *weakest*?
Joey: No-o-o...
Grandpa: You *do* know what a trap card is, don't you?
Joey: Kinda... I-I have no idea.

(A big stadium full of screaming fans, containing a big holographic arena like the one Yugi and Kaiba used.)
Announcer: Good evening, duel fans and our ten-million viewers at home, and welcome to the Duel Monsters duel dome, where tonight, the Duel Monsters Regional Championship will be decided! Of the two-hundred duelists that have competed in this marathon tournament, only two competitors remain standing. Put your cards together for Weevil Underwood, the bug brawler!
(One podium in the duel stadium appears out of the wall, and on it stands Weevil, a short fellow with a nasty little grin and light blue hair. He wears big, round glasses with yellow frames, and his jacket is a green not quite bright enough to be classified as chartreuse.)
<5:00>
Announcer: And his opponent-- the number-one-ranked Rex Raptor, dino duelist!
(Rex is just as short as Weevil, keeping his wild brown hair down with a bright red cap, with a few purple-streaked bangs poking out of the front. He wears a green shirt and a khaki vest, and looks ready for a fight.)

(Yugi, Joey, Tristan, and Téa are sitting around Yugi's living room watching the match on TV. Téa's on an ottoman, wearing a pink turtleneck, a blue miniskirt, and tights. Yugi's wearing his usual blue pants and blazer, and of course the Millennium Puzzle, sitting on the couch in his socks. Joey's sitting next to Yugi, in jeans, a white shirt, and a green jacket. Tristan, on another ottoman close to Joey, is wearing black pants and a white shirt.)
Joey: Bug-boy, versus dinosaur-breath? What kinda match is that, that shoulda been *me* in there!
Téa: I know you've been training for weeks; but those guys are in another *league*, you're just not ready yet.
(Joey closes his eyes and holds up his head, mock-affronted.)
Joey: Sure, rub it in!
Yugi: And on top of that you're so tired you can't keep your eyes open.
(Joey doesn't open his eyes, and we can hear him snoring quietly. He's fallen asleep on the spot, proving Yugi's point.)
Yugi (ruefully): I think grandpa's lessons have been a bit too tough for him...

(Flashback. Joey shuffles a deck, again and again, until the cards fall from his hands and he lays his head down on the table.)
FB Joey: Ugh... so tired... must rest...
(But grandpa had been right there with a bundle of sticks, and whacked the table hard.)
FB Grandpa: You have no *time* for rest!!
FB Joey (starts awake): Waaaah!
FB Grandpa: Did you come here to learn Duel Monsters or did you come here to catch up on your sleeping!
(End flashback)

(Joey's still sitting there snoring peacefully. Tristan leans in)
Tristan (whisper): Ya see, it's *true* what they say-- (louder) you snooze you lose!
(Joey starts awake, and looks at Tristan with annoyance. Téa laughs. Joey groans)
Joey: Ugh! I musta been *nuts* to think I could ever learn this crazy game!
(Grandpa walks into the room carrying a box.)
Grandpa: Time for your lesson.
Joey: Wha!! We're not *done*?
Grandpa (affectionately teasing): Not by a longshot, you slacker!
(Joey groans.)
Grandpa: Now, quit your whining, Joseph. I know you've been working long and hard, but you *really are* coming along as a duelist. <6:00> And I'm *quite* proud of you.
(Joey's so moved by the praise, his eyes start to water. He goes to hug grandpa--)
Joey: Gramps, thank y--
Grandpa: Oh, by the way, Yugi!
(-- And the sweet moment is ruined as grandpa obliviously moves out of Joey's reach, walking over to Yugi. Joey falls off the back of the couch and probably lands on his face.)
Grandpa: This package came for you.
Yugi: A package? What is it, gramps?
Grandpa (shrug): *I* don't know. It just came in the mail.
Yugi: Huh.
(He accepts the box grandpa was carrying and reads the label.)
Yugi: It's from Industrial Illusions!
(Joey climbs back onto the couch)
Joey: Industrial Illusions? That's the company that makes the Duel Monsters game! Why the heck would they be sendin' a package to *you*, Yugi?
Yugi: I have no idea. Is it possible they heard I beat the world champion?
Téa: You mean, Kaiba?
Yugi: Yeah. It wasn't an *official* match or anything, but Kaiba *did* drop out of the tournament because of *me*.

(Flashback.)
FB Kaiba: Draw your last pathetic card so I can end this, Yugi!
FB Yugi (Yami): My grandpa's deck *has* no pathetic cards, Kaiba! But it *does* contain-- the unstoppable Exodia!
FB Kaiba: Augh! Impossible!!
FB Yugi (Yami): Exodia-- obliterate!!
FB Kaiba: Uuuaagh-- aaaaaaaagh!!!
<7:00>
(End Flashback)

Joey: Just hearin' Kaiba's *name* gives me a headache!
Tristan: Whoa! Guys, Raptor just stomped Weevil!
Joey: Yugi-- these guys any good?
Yugi: *Oh*, yeah. They're *both* pretty tough customers. Weevil specializes in insect cards, *and*, he's a great strategist. Then you've got Rex Raptor and his dinosaur cards; he uses their power to *overwhelm* his opponents.
Joey: Itsy-bitsy bugs against duelin' dinosaurs? Raptor has got this one in the bag!
Yugi: I wouldn't be so sure...
(They turn back to the screen, and so do we.)

Rex: A-a-alright, Weevil. Consider yourself-- dinosaur chow!
[Two-Headed King Rex 1600/1200/L4/earth]
Announcer: Ooh! And Raptor plays the strongest card in his deck, the terrible Two-Headed King Rex! Looks like this match could be over, right here, right now!!

ACT 2 <7:48>

(Open on the Two-Headed King Rex, right where we left Weevil and Rex's televised duel.)
Announcer: We're back, monster-fans, and with the Two-Headed King Rex in play, it looks like this duel is all done!
Rex: Your move!
Weevil: Heheheheh, and all *I* have is this *weak little bug*.
<8:00>
Announcer: Weevil Underwood counters, with a Basic Insect card!
[Basic Insect 500/700/L2/earth]

Joey: He plays a wimpy bug against a giant dinosaur? The place'll be covered in bug guts!
Yugi: Maybe. But I wouldn't underestimate Weevil!

Rex: King Rex, let's take this championship! Stomp 'em!
Weevil: Heheheh, you've attacked your way into my trap! But then-- how could your tiny dinosaur brain know, when an enemy attacks, my vortex activates!
(Weevil's trap is a card called "Infinite Dismissal".)
Rex: Oh no! It's a trap card!
Weevil: Which totally traps your King Rex in its inescapable embrace!
(A localized whirlwind appears around King Rex, keeping it from moving.)
Rex: Oh no! My King Rex!
Weevil: And while he's trapped there, I'll upgrade my Basic Insect by giving him armor with laser cannon!
(This equip spell card is officially known as "Insect Armor With Laser Cannon")
Weevil: Not such a *weak* little bug after all, hmmm? Atta-a-a-ack!
(Basic Insect fires its new shoulder-mounted cannon and hits King Rex square in the chest. Rex groans aloud; <9:00> King Rex recoils from the energy blast and the electricity that came with it, and disappears.)
Weevil: And King Rex is, extinct.
Rex: Whaa...! (mutter) Beaten by a bug!
Announcer: A stunning upset by Weevil Underwood, our newest champion!
(Weevil's podium lowers him to the arena floor, and he raises his deck with a triumphant snicker.)

(Joey leans forward, stunned.)
Joey: Man, King Rex squashed by an insect?!

(The announcer, since we catch a glimpse of him, is a trim man with a microphone, in a business suit, nondescript.)
Announcer: And now, a very special honor for our new champion! Here to present the Duel Monsters Championship trophy, the creator of Duel Monsters and the president of Industrial Illusions, ladies and gentlemen and fellow duelists-- I give you Mister Maximillion *Pe-e-egasus!*
(The floor inside the border of one of Weevil's trap zones contains a separate panel; a trapdoor. This slides open and Pegasus enters the stadium by way of an elevator platform. This is the ominous gentleman we saw at the end of last episode, who habitually keeps his long white hair concealing his left eye. He holds a golden trophy, rather modest in size. The lights shine down and the stadium audience goes crazy. Pegasus walks over to Weevil, who is *extremely* short and tiny, and hands him the trophy, speaking with measured sincerity and warmth.)
Pegasus: Congratulations.
(Weevil's blushing a bit under his glasses, starstruck.)
Weevil: Uh... thank you!
(As Pegasus continues, his words take on the ring of importance and grandeur.)
Pegasus: And as regional champion, I invite you to compete in a bold new tournament I'm hosting at Duelist Kingdom!

<10:00>
(Later, we follow Pegasus' car as it leaves the stadium and cruises through the city. One of Pegasus' lackies speaks to him)
- Mister Pegasus, with the announcement that you made tonight, we'll have *thousands* of duelists flocking to Duelist Kingdom.
Pegasus: Yes; an event such as this will hopefully attract those who possess the Millennium Items I seek. Which reminds me...
- The package was delivered to the boy, just as you ordered, sir.
Pegasus: *Excellent!*

(With that, we return to Yugi's house, the game shop.)
Grandpa: Ha! With all the excitement of the Championships, you forgot to open your package, Yugi!
Yugi: What could it be? (He lifts the flaps of the box) Huh?
(The others lean in. Inside the box, well-padded, we see a red glove with a thick metal wristband that has star-shaped holes punched in it; a plastic case containing two small star-shaped objects, and a plain black videotape.)
Téa: Some kind of glove.
Joey: And stars.
Tristan: Maybe there's an explanation on the video.
(Yugi picks up the video and looks at it.)
Joey: Pop it in and check it out.
Yugi: Okay.
(Yugi puts the video in the VCR below the TV, and they gather around to watch. After a moment of static, the face of Pegasus appears on the screen and he speaks to them.)
Pegasus (on screen): Greetings, little Yugi. I am Maximillion Pegasus.
Joey: Pegasus?!
Téa: We just saw him on TV!
<11:00>
Grandpa: The famous Maximillion Pegasus sends greetings to *my Yugi*?
Pegasus (on screen): I have heard some terribly *interesting* things about you, Yugi.
Yugi: Huh?
Pegasus (on screen): Your impressive defeat of Seto Kaiba intrigued me *so* much, I've decided to investigate your *amazing* dueling skills personally! Right here, right now, we shall hold a *special* duel. We'll play with a strict time limit of fifteen minutes, and when time's up, the player with the highest lifepoints will be the winner! Are you ready?
Yugi: Wha?
Joey: Wha?! He can't seriously expect you to fight a duel against a *videotape*!
Tristan: That's crazy!
(Pegasus chuckles, as though he heard their remarks, then looks right at them, through the screen. A few strands of his hair fall aside, and through them can be seen the strange golden eye. It shines with an inner power, and the picture on the screen wavers as though seen through a heat haze. He answers without speaking...)
Pegasus (think): No-- it's *magic*!

(Everything around Yugi, including his friends, turns blue, frozen in place and lifeless. His living room is gone, replaced by a surrounding of black and blue clouds. He looks back at Joey, Tristan, Téa, and Grandpa, frozen motionless)
Yugi: Everything's growing dark and cold and the others aren't moving! (starting to panic) What've you done to them?! Where have you taken us?!
Pegasus: Hmhmhm. We're no longer in the world you know. But I will return you-- after our game!
Yugi: Then it's time to duel!
(Once again, the mysterious Millennium Puzzle begins to glow, and shakes and sways on its own. Whether aloud or in his head, we'll never know, Yugi cries out--)
Yugi: Yu-Gi-Oh...!!
(As the word is spoken, the voice speaking it grows deeper. From a grey void appears swirling lines, strange symbols, rushing wind, and a column of blue-white light, in which there appears a figure. He's like Yugi, but isn't. <12:00> The more confident, stronger Yugi seems almost to glow with light in this otherworldly realm as he appears, facing Pegasus with a confident and somewhat forbidding smile. He will not be intimidated.)
Yugi (Yami): Start the clock and make your move, Pegasus.
Pegasus: Certainly. Let's begin!
(Suddenly Pegasus is no longer quite contained within the TV screen, but stands across a table painted with two opposing sets of the familiar layout of card zones. The black robe he wears over his usual red attire causes him to blend into the darkness except for his face and hands. A countdown somewhere begins to count. 15:00, 14:59... as Pegasus places a card facedown in one of his spell/trap zones.)
Pegasus: Nervous, Yugi-boy? You *should* be. You have *never* faced a duelist like *me* before!
(Yugi draws his card and places it in his hand.)
Yugi (Yami): You may be good--
Pegasus: -- I assure you I *am*--
Yugi (Yami): But *I will beat you* to save my friends!
(Yugi holds up a card, about to slap it down. A golden glow emanates from behind Pegasus' hair where his left eye would be.)
Pegasus: You won't save *anyone* with that dragon card.
Yugi (Yami): How--?!
(Indeed, the card he was about to play is Koumori Dragon [1500/1200/L4/dark].)
Pegasus: I *told* you you've never faced anyone like me before-- I know every move you'll make, *before* you can even make it!
(Yugi glares back at Pegasus, cornered at an unfair disadvantage.)

ACT 3 <12:37>

(Yugi glares at Pegasus, cornered. Behind him, Téa, Grandpa, Joey, and Tristan are still motionless statues.)
Pegasus: Knowing every move you'll make gives me a distinct advantage, wouldn't you say?
Yugi (Yami): *What*?!
Pegasus: For example, I can anticipate your next play, and counter it with this "Dragon Capture Jar".
(The trap card Pegasus holds up begins to glow, and Yugi shields his face as blinding white light blasts out of the TV. The dragon on the card appears above Yugi)
Pegasus: It will draw the Koumori Dragon from your card and imprison the beast! (and it does) <13:00> Trapped. Never to be played against me.
Yugi (think): This is crazy! First he reads my mind, then he brings the monster on my card to life!
Pegasus: This dark dimension we're in is known as the Shadow Realm, a mystical place where incredible monsters can be summoned and the *impossible* is *quite* possible!
Yugi (Yami): But what you're telling me *can't* be true!
Pegasus: Tell me, Yugi, do you believe there is *magic* in these cards?
Yugi (Yami): Don't you *know*? You *invented* this game.
Pegasus: What if I told you I *didn't.*
Yugi (Yami): Huh?!
Pegasus: In ancient times, the Egyptians called this 'the Shadow Game'. Powerful pharaohs would hold mystical duels in other dimensions, just as we're doing now. But *not* with cards! They battled with *real* monsters, and *real* magic. Magical forces so powerful, the Egyptians lost control of them, and nearly destroyed the entire world!
(As Pegasus speaks, we see a mighty magician we will later recognize as the Magician of Black Chaos send a sparkling orb of electrical energy racing toward a crusty, sinister beast we will later know as Relinquished.)
Yugi (Yami): It's a good *story*, Pegasus, but these monsters can't be real!
(Suddenly a monster on Pegasus' side appears; this strange-looking creature is an ornate bottle with arms that plays a long flute.)
Pegasus: Tell that to my Dragon Piper! As his flute of resurrection *frees* your Koumori Dragon, but puts him under *my* control!
[Dragon Piper /1800/L3/fire]
<14:00>
Yugi (Yami): I have to counterattack! Silver Fang!
[Silver Fang ///]
(Yugi's monster is a huge, ferocious wolf. Koumori Dragon sticks its head out of the TV screen and blasts it. Yugi covers his face, surrounded by fire)
Yugi (Yami): Ugh! The heat!
(Yugi's lifepoints drop from 2000 to 1500)
Pegasus: Ha! As you see, Yugi, these monsters are *very* real! Hmhmhmhmhmhmhm, and also quite *dangerous*! Hnhnhnhnhnhnhn! (He notices that Yugi isn't laughing.) Ah, Yugi-boy. You really are quite entertaining-- the way you *scowl* and *sneer*, so defiant and yet helpless, and so completely ignorant of the power of your Millennium Puzzle!
Yugi (Yami): What?
Pegasus: Five thousand years ago, a powerful pharaoh locked the magic of the shadow games away.
Yugi (Yami): What's this have to do with *me*?
Pegasus: The Pharaoh captured these vast magical energies in seven mystical Millennium Items.
(Yugi's smiling, genuinely intrigued and amazed.)
Yugi (Yami): Seven items? You're saying that-- *my Puzzle's one of them?*
Pegasus: Yes, and there are mystical energies locked within it-- magic that could change your life forever if you *only knew* how to unleash it!
Yugi (Yami): But why are you telling me this?
<15:00>
Pegasus: Why? Simply because I *need you to know*. But perhaps I have said too much. And since the clock is still ticking, I propose we resume playing our little duel.
(Pegasus places a card facedown. He currently has Dragon Piper, Dragon Capture Jar, and a facedown trap or spell on the field.)
Yugi (think): He's right. Time's running out and I still haven't *figured* out whether he can really read my mind, or if it's some kind of trick.
(Pegasus lifts the hair over the left side of his face, revealing the golden eye that sits in place of a real left eye. And it sees Zombie Warrior in Yugi's hand even as Yugi does. We glimpse Yugi's hand; his cards are Beaver Warrior, Horn Imp, Breath of Light, Zombie Warrior, and Magic Formula.)
Yugi (think): Ugh, I've got to try *something*. Maybe my Zombie Warrior...
(The moment Yugi reaches for it, Pegasus starts to chuckle.)
Yugi (think): Wait a minute! He definitely knows what I'm about to do. But how! It's gotta have something to do with that weird eye of his. (He briefly recalls seeing Pegasus pull aside his hair) That's it-- isn't it! That weird eye must've somehow let him see the cards in my hand! So no matter which card I pick, he's already one step ahead of me! But that gives me an idea...
Pegasus: Hurry up now, Yugi-boy; time is running out-- for you and your friends!
Yugi (think): Pegasus is expecting me to play <16:00> one of the cards in my hand... but what if I play a card even *I* haven't seen yet! What happens if I draw a new card straight from the deck without even looking at it!
(Yugi draws a new card, holding it facedown)
Pegasus: I already know you plan to play the Zombie Warrior. And I'm already prepared, to counter it with a trap card that makes even *zombies* lie down and play dead!
(Yugi grins bitterly)
Yugi (Yami): Not this time. I figured out your little game, Pegasus. You may be able to see the cards in my *hand*, but you *can't* see the cards I pull from the *deck*!
Pegasus: Hmm?
(He flips up the card he's been holding facedown and places it on the field.)
Yugi (Yami): My next card is-- the Dark Magician!
[Dark Magician 2500/2100/L7/dark]
(Pegasus is not amused, then he shrugs it off with sarcasm)
Pegasus: *Oooh,* the big scary Dark Magician.
Yugi (Yami); Mock me all you like, Pegasus; but my Magician will *destroy* that dragon!
Pegasus: Go right ahead if you think it'll help.
Yugi (Yami): It'll do *more* than *help*, Pegasus. It'll bring you closer to defeat, and me closer to saving my friends.
Pegasus: If it can do all that, by all means *play* it.
<17:00>
Yugi (Yami): Dark Magician!
(Yugi's new monster appears on the field. The Dark Magician is a sorcerer who wears purple armor and carries a staff of the same layered design. He points the staff at Koumori Dragon.)
Yugi (Yami): Dark Magic Attack!
(The Dark Magician extends a palm, and power emanates from the motion, momentarily reversing the colors around him. Pegasus flinches away as Koumori Dragon explodes)
Pegasus: Ahh!
(Pegasus' lifepoints now stand at 1200)
Pegasus: Ahahahahaha! Nicely played! But by using your Dark Magician, you've let me manipulate you once again. By playing that one card, you have ensured my victory.
Yugi (Yami): No.
Pegasus: We shall see, Yugi. (draw) Oh! A very *rare* card. This is the fearsome Faceless Mage.
(We know this card nowadays as Illusionist Faceless Mage)
Yugi (Yami): I've never seen *that* card before! But my Dark Magician is one of the strongest magic cards (sic) in the game!
Pegasus: But how will he fare once I combine my Faceless Mage with the equally rare "Eye of Illusion"?
[Illusionist Faceless Mage 1200/2200/L5/dark]
(Eye of Illusion is a magic card. Faceless Mage appears from the card, an unknown factor and dangerous. We can hear the panic in Yugi's voice.)
Yugi (Yami): Dark Magician, Dark Magic Attack...!
(Dark Magician attacks; Faceless Mage casts a spell of its own and a golden eye shape appears in the air before it. The result is an explosion of light. When Yugi can see again, the field is the same.)
<19:00>
Yugi (Yami): Dark Magician! (think) ... My attack had no effect at all!
Pegasus: Hmhmhm.
Yugi (Yami): His Faceless Mage should've been destroyed. But it's still standing and I'm running out of time.
(He glances at the clock. 5:02, 5:01, 5:00, 4:59... Yugi's lifepoints stand at 1500, Pegasus' at 1200.)
Yugi (think) I'm up by three hundred lifepoints, but only because Pegasus is toying with me. I've got to find a way to beat him at his own shadow game!
(He grits his teeth, determined to see this through)

ACT 4 <18:22>

Yugi (think): Pegasus knows all kinds of tricks-- but I gotta find a way to defeat 'im! I just have to trust in my grandpa's cards.
(Yugi draws, looks, and summons his new monster)
Yugi (Yami): I attack your combo with the Celtic Guardian! This mighty warrior will cut your Faceless Mage down to size!
(Celtic Guardian is an pointy-eared, armored warrior who wields a sword)
[Celtic Guardian 1400///]
Pegasus: True, your Guardian is mighty; but you have once again underestimated the incredible power of my Eye of Illusion! Haha!
Yugi (think): No!
Pegasus: Dark Magic Attack!
(Yugi's left with 400 lifepoints)
Yugi (Yami): But that's *impossible*! The Faceless Mage doesn't *have* a Dark Magic Attack. <19:00> Oh, no...!!
(Suddenly he realizes that the Dark Magician on his field is in a trance, a golden eye glowing on his chest.)
Yugi (think): It was my *own* Dark Magician that attacked me. Pegasus is controlling him with the Eye of Illusion! But if he's using *its magic* to control my Magician, *what's protecting his Mage*...?
(Pegasus places a facedown)
Pegasus: Well, Yugi, our time together is nearly up. And as I've more lifepoints than you, it appears, I am the victor.
(He claps his hands as though to applaud himself. The timer ticks down: 0:10, 0:09...)
Yugi (Yami): Time's not up *just yet*, Pegasus! And you've left your Faceless Mage vulnerable to a physical assault!
(Yugi holds up another monster, the Summoned Skull. Pegasus isn't smiling anymore, and for the first time looks frustrated. Yugi literally throws the card on the table as the timer ticks down: 0:03, 0:02...)
[Summoned Skull 2500///]
Yugi (Yami): Summoned Skull! Attack!!
(Summoned Skull lunges for Faceless Mage as the clock ticks down to 0:00. Both monsters vanish before they can battle. The duel is over. Pegasus has 1200 lifepoints, Yugi has 400.)
Yugi (Yami) : Ugh...
(Yugi waits for the hammer to fall; he lost a duel that was to save himself and his friends.)
Pegasus: Hm, well, we've run out of time. But how close was that! If you had been able to complete that attack, I would have *lost*! But I didn't, did I. I have taken the measure of your talents this day, Yugi Muto, and when next we duel, we shall play for *far higher stakes!*
Yugi (Yami): I'm *done* with your games!
(Pegasus wags his finger)
Pegasus: Tch-tch-tch, <20:00> you presume I'm giving you a *choice* in the matter. (He pulls aside his hair, revealing the golden eye) But-- I'm *not*! For I, too, possess one of the seven Millennium Items-- the all-powerful Millennium Eye!
Yugi (Yami): A Millennium *Eye*?!
Pegasus: That's right, Yugi-boy, and *now* I'll show you the *true* extent of its magic!
(With that, the Millennium Eye shines gold; Yugi braces himself for the worst, but the Eye isn't targeting him-- the beam of light hits his grandpa, frozen in time behind him. A ghost of grandpa drifts out of the frozen figure and vanishes into the television screen.)
Pegasus: You see, I have found that, given the proper incentive, *anyone* can be made to play my game!
(When Yugi looks again, realizing nothing just happened to him, grandpa's face appears on the screen, calling out to him for help through the static)
Grandpa: Yugi...!
(Yugi's face alters instantly back to just Yugi himself, the confident presence gone. He gasps, confused for a moment, then realizes with alarm what has happened.)
Yugi: Huh...? Grandpa!
(Grandpa's face disappears from the screen, and instead we hear Pegasus' voice one last time as the shadows disappear, Joey, Téa, and Tristan wake up, and behind them grandpa keels over, unconscious. Yugi doesn't notice them, frantically shaking the TV set in growing panic)
Yugi (concurrently): Grandpa? Grandpa?!
Pegasus (concurrently): Yes, we *will* duel again, Yugi-- how else will you ever reclaim your grandfather's soul! Hahahahahahaha!
Yugi (concurrently): Grandpa!!!

END <20:45>

* Special thanks to YouTube for making this video easily accessible.
* Special thanks to Yugioh Wikia as a resource for identifying TCG cards. Cards identified with this resource denoted: {&}. Also, for the air date.

Last Updated: October 19, 2010

I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh!, at all, and these transcripts are unofficial and without any permission whatsoever. Please link back to me or credit me somehow if you use my work. For more information about my transcript format, please click here.