Transcript:
The Past is Prologue
Next Episode
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Original Air Date: November 23, 2002
NO TEASER OR PREVIOUSLY
(Opening)
ACT 1 <1:00>
(A jet plane glides toward landing on the runway at the Domino airport. Its wheels strike the ground, and it touches down. When the few passengers disembark, a trio of men in black suits are waiting to meet them. They address a demure woman in a cream linen or cotton dress, escorted by the other four passengers, tough-looking men in suits and turbans.)
- Miss Ishtar, on behalf of the Domino Museum, welcome to America.
(She replies.)
Ishizu: Thank you, but please, let's get down to business.
- Of course. I must say, we were pleasantly surprised that you chose our town to host your Egyptian collection.
Ishizu: Will they be transported safely and discreetly?
(Now we get a closer look at Ishizu. She wears a golden circlet around the crown of her head, on top of the straight black hair that runs to her shoulders. Two golden tubes worn in her hair single out locks of it to frame her neck, around which is a golden necklace. Her indigo eyes are level and direct. She is the image of the mystique of ancient Egypt itself.)
- Don't worry. Since you warned us that thieves have been after your rare artifacts, we've taken extra precautions.
(As he speaks, large metal containers, probably with the precious artifacts inside, are being unloaded from the plane...)
- I devised an *ingenious plan* to transport the items without a hint of detection. For security reasons, I can't tell you how.
(Ishizu's necklace, solid gold that forms into the shape of an eye at her throat, glitters.)
Ishizu: You're loading them in six armored vehicles disguised as ordinary garbage trucks. Am I not correct?
- How'd you--
Ishizu: Don't worry. Your security's fine, let's just say that I have a sixth sense about these things. Now if you'll please excuse me, I really must get over to the Museum, to set up the exhibition.
(Ishizu turns and walks away through the empty airport, followed silently by her entourage.)
(Yugi walks through the streets of Domino, in the late sunset. He wears his school uniform and carries a backpack, and stares morosely at the ground.)
Yugi (think): What'm I gonna do?
(Flashback. <2:00> Yugi can barely see the golden Millennium Puzzle through the heat haze as he places one more piece. Around him, the flames roar hungrily.)
Yugi (think, VO): I almost lost the Spirit of the Puzzle in that fire. And I've got a feeling the worst is yet to come.
(End Flashback.)
(Yugi waits at a crosswalk, then moves at the walk signal. Téa, still on the opposite side of the street, notices him walking alone.)
Téa (calls): Hey, it's me, Yugi!
(She runs to the crosswalk just as it blinks and turns red again.)
Téa (calls): Yugi, wait up!
(Yugi doesn't hear, lost in his own sad thoughts. She watches him walk away.)
Téa: What's up with *him*?
(Behind her, several televisions in a store window all show Ishizu at a press conference, flanked by two of her bodyguards in the turbans.)
Announcer (via TV): In today's news, at Domino Museum, Ishizu Ishtar of the Egyptian Historical Society announced the opening of her highly-anticipated Egyptian exhibit.
Ishizu (via TV): Game fans are *especially* invited. This world premiere showcases newly-discovered and never-before-seen artifacts, chronicling the history of Egyptian games.
(As the press conference continues, we shift scenes to the Kaiba Mansion.)
Ishizu (via TV, VO): In ancient times, games were not played just for *fun* as they are today; everyone from princes to peasants waged dueling games against each other for land, wealth, but especially for *power*.
(Through a broad plate glass window, Seto Kaiba can be seen hunched over a desk, his back to the window, wearing a bright purple duel blazer.)
Ishizu (via TV): These games were *epic battles*.
(The TV screen shows her big metal crates as they're unloaded from the airplane.)
Ishizu (via TV, VO): I've unearthed relics that suggest the great Pharaoh himself may have competed in a game against a force that threatened to destroy the entire world! <3:00>
(Mokuba's watching the press conference on a flatscreen TV on the wall of Kaiba's office.)
Ishizu (via TV): Of course, this is still speculation, and further studying needs to be done.
Mokuba: We *have* to check out the exhibit, Seto-- it sounds awesome!
(Kaiba doesn't look up from his laptop screen, which displays an array of charts and graphs.)
Kaiba: I'm running a company, Mokuba; I don't have time for mummies and pharaohs.
Mokuba: Oh. I thought you'd be into this kind of thing. Whatever.
(He turns back to the screen. Just then, the phone on Kaiba's desk rings. He answers it curtly on the second ring.)
Kaiba: Kaiba.
Ishizu (via phone): This is Ishizu Ishtar. You should *really* pay closer attention to my press conference.
Kaiba: How'd you know I was watching?
(He looks at the screen, now paying complete attention, just as Ishizu says the following--)
Ishizu (via TV): I'm personally inviting Seto Kaiba to this evening's private exhibition. I promise what he will witness will change his life forever!
ACT 2 <3:38>
(The streetlights create pools of glow on the freeway as Kaiba's limo passes them. Soon he arrives at the Domino Museum. A peon with a mullet opens his door.)
- We're here, sir.
(Kaiba climbs out, still in his purple blazer, metal briefcase in hand.)
Kaiba: Keep the engine running, I won't be long.
- Yes, sir.
(The peon bows. Kaiba walks up the steps to the front entrance of the museum...)
(...And through the doors. <4:00> Waiting for him in the lobby are Ishizu and two of her entourage. He walks forward to meet them, before a mural in heiroglyphic style that depicts a man on a throne opposite another who appears to be waiting on him.)
Ishizu: Thank you for coming, Seto Kaiba.
Kaiba: Where are the other guests?
Ishizu: I said this was a *private exhibition*; you were the only one invited, because it makes conducting business *so* much easier.
(Ishizu's other two men enter from behind Kaiba.)
- We've locked all the entrances.
- *Nobody's* allowed in or out.
(Kaiba is suspicious; this is beginning to look like a trap. And when Kaiba thinks someone is trying to spook him, he shows no fear.)
Kaiba: It's only been a minute, and I'm already *bored*. If you don't tell me what this is all about, (turns away) I'm *leaving now*.
Ishizu: Excuse us; we've faced a string of thefts and we have to be careful. You may leave anytime you wish, Seto Kaiba. However, I believe it's in your *best interest* to see all that we have to offer.
Kaiba: Really, now? (turns back toward her) Hmm... and how do *you* know what's best for *me*?
Ishizu: Please-- come this way.
(She leads him back the way she entered, deeper into the museum. Kaiba reluctantly follows.)
(The weathered guise of a stone bust of a pharaoh gazes from a niche along the hallway.)
Ishizu: Kaiba, do you believe in *destiny*?
Kaiba (unamused): Does it *matter*?
Ishizu: Ancient Egyptians thought that the true path of one's life was *predetermined*, because history repeats itself throughout the ages in a neverending circle. <5:00> They would say it was not your *choice* to come here, for it was destined that the two of us would meet.
(Kaiba stops walking.)
Kaiba: Look-- all that nonsense may interest *you*, but I didn't come here for Egyptian History one-oh-one. I came here because you said it would be worth my while, but it looks like you've *wasted my time*. If there's a point to all this, let's *get* to it already; I have a company to run.
Ishizu: Hm.
(She seems amused.)
Kaiba: You said you had an exclusive offer for me.
(Flashback. Ishizu had more to say, when she called him on the phone earlier.)
FB Ishizu (via phone): I know of your passion for Duel Monsters. Are you interested in owning a card *stronger than Exodia*?
(End Flashback.)
Kaiba: I know everything about Duel Monsters, and *nothing* can stop Exodia. So quit the charade and tell me what's going on!
Ishizu: All in good time, Kaiba. Duel Monsters is based upon a five-thousand-year-old game. It was played by ancient Egyptians for power, and was *extremely* dangerous.
Kaiba: Who cares?
Ishizu: Maximillion Pegasus did! He fell in love with the game, and decided to reinvent it for modern times.
(Flashback. Kaiba recalls Pegasus' smug expression all too well. End Flashback.)
Kaiba: What's your point?
Ishizu: I'm getting to it. Unbeknownst to most duelists, <6:00> Pegasus created a series of all-powerful cards that were never released to the public. It's *no surprise* that he kept the strongest monsters for himself.
Kaiba: Hmm...
(Ishizu smiles a bit; he's hooked. She turns, and leads him onward.)
Ishizu: Follow me, Kaiba. And I'll reveal the reason I called you here today.
(Kaiba stands still for a moment, then reluctantly follows her again.)
(Night at the game shop. A car rolls past. Inside, the starlight shining through the skylight in Yugi's room is the only light. Yugi sits curled up on his bed, arms around his knees, staring at the golden Millennium Puzzle sitting on the blanket in front of him.)
Yugi (think): Seems like whoever's after the Puzzle will do *anything* to get it-- or to make sure that no one *else* does. When he smashed it to pieces, he almost destroyed it for *good*! We barely made it out of that mess alive.
(Flashback. Yugi can barely see the golden Millennium Puzzle through the heat haze as he places one more piece. Around him, the flames roar hungrily.)
Yugi (think, VO): And I know this is just the beginning.
(End Flashback.)
Yugi (think): We're in more danger *now*, than *ever*.
Yami : Yes, Yugi...
(Yami appears beside him in spirit form.)
Yami: But now that you've reassembled the Puzzle and our bond is back, we can face him together.
Yugi: But we have no idea who this guy *is*. We don't even know what he *looks* like.
Yami: *Maybe*... but haven't we been in some tough spots before?
Yugi: Yeah...
Yami: *So*, we'll get through this one too.
Yugi: I guess you're right... <7:00>
(Yugi doesn't sound very convinced, and Yami looks worried.)
(Téa lives in a pleasant two-story house with lilac siding; every window is lit tonight. Téa has fallen asleep at her desk, using her notebook as a pillow. She moans, troubled by her dreams.)
Téa: Ugh... Mmm...!
(She dreams of a sandstone canyon, through which a creek has grown smaller and smaller and eventually dried up. Smooth stone walls and statues of egyptian men with the heads of bulls have been carved at the end of it. Téa stands near the statues.)
Téa: Where *am* I? Huh...?
(Those aren't nearly the smallest statues. Ahead of her, a lone figure ascends a flight of carved steps toward a carved doorway, flanked on either side by more massive walls and sandstone statues that appear as golden-brown in the sunlight. A lone figure in all blue., with black and red hair.)
Téa: Is that *Yugi*...? (calls) Yugi, stop!
(Yami stops walking, and turns partway to look back down at her. He seems sad, but resolved.)
Téa: Where are you going?
(He turns away, and keeps climbing the steps.)
Téa: Yugi!
(His words echo back to her as he walks through the mighty doorway.)
Yami: To face my destiny. Goodbye.
(The door closes behind him, as she reaches out a hand in entreaty.)
Téa: Don't go...!!
(Téa starts awake with a gasp. She's sitting at her desk, in her brightly-lit bedroom, alone.)
(At the museum, Kaiba and Ishizu pass a sign that indicates most patrons are prohibited to walk beyond it, and descend a set of stairs.)
Ishizu: I've secured the most *precious* artifacts here. We've recovered stone carvings that depict the earliest known game playing in Egypt. I am sure you will find it *most familiar*.
(She stands to the side of the large doorway, inviting him to proceed ahead of her.)
Ishizu: Kaiba, behold the origin of Duel Monsters!
(Kaiba pauses, determined not to be impressed, and walks into the dark room to stand before a large tablet in a display case on the wall. The lights come on. <8:00>)
Kaiba: It- can't be!
(One carving is a rectangle with an armored leg drawn within it; an ancient depiction of Exodia's Right Leg. Another rectangle depicts a lizard-creature walking upright; and another a quadruped with deer legs and scales.)
Kaiba: These carvings look like Duel Monster cards! Then that means your story is true!
(Ishizu walks over and joins him as he stands, stricken, before the tablet.)
Ishizu: I see you've come to your senses. Furthermore, there's a theory that, in ancient times, these monsters were real. Egyptian sorcerers summoned monsters to earth to do their bidding...
(As she speaks, we examine other tablets on the walls.)
Ishizu: But they soon realized that the monsters could not be controlled. they destroyed countless villages and brought earth to the brink of destruction.
(The first depicts the lizard creature from before walking and breathing flame, and people fleeing from it. Another person appears to cast a spell, flames at his feet, a winged eye shining rays down upon him from above. More people beyond him flee, through shallow water toward a figure with the head of a jackal who stands among crocodiles and rushes.)
Ishizu: The citizens turned to the Pharaoh for help. Though he could not *permanently* defeat the monsters, he managed to use his magic to seal them away in stone tablets, and brought peace to the world.
(Another tablet depicts five figures, four kneeling in fealty to the fifth standing at their center before a throne, rays of light shining around him. Below the 'floor' of this image is another that depicts a row of shaven-headed men carving with hammers and chisels on stone tablets, creating images of each of the monsters.)
Ishizu: However, over time, evil sorcerers learned how to control the monsters, and release them from the tablets. With their army of powerful monsters, the sorcerers were confident that no one could stand in their way. They betrayed the Pharaoh and waged an all-out war against him.
(Ishizu walks to the next tablet on the wall. Kaiba is still staring intently at the first.)
Ishizu: This is the one you *must* look at. <9:00>
Kaiba: Hm?
Ishizu: This carving is the reason I've called you here tonight.
(Kaiba walks over and joins her at the tablet.)
Ishizu: It depicts one of the main conflicts in the war between the Pharaoh and his *greatest opponent*. Closely examine this artifact; after this moment, Kaiba, your life will never be the same.
(Kaiba looks from her, to the tablet. He looks for a moment-- then he sees it. The face-- and hair-- of the pharaoh depicted on the tablet is very familiar.)
Kaiba: Uh..! That's the Pharaoh?! But- that's *Yugi*!
(Kaiba looks to the carving above the depiction of the pharaoh; the conical helmet, staff, and armor are hard to mistake--)
Kaiba: And the monster carved above him, is the Dark Magician!
(The tablet depicts the Yugi-pharaoh on the right, one hand upraised, facing an opponent, arm similarly poised, across a fiery brazier. Other rectangles are carved on either side of the duel, but the ones directly above their heads have carved monsters bursting out of them-- Dark Magician on the left, and...)
Ishizu: On the *left*, is the sorcerer fighting against him. *That's you*, Kaiba. If you still have any doubt, look at his monster-- it's the Blue-Eyes White Dragon!
(Kaiba stares, openmouthed, unable to believe his eyes.)
Kaiba: Ugh...
ACT 3 <9:41>
(Ishizu and Kaiba stand before the astonishing tablet that depicts an ancient battle of Dark Magician vs. Blue-Eyes.)
Ishizu: The hieroglyphics read that the mighty sorcerer marched into the Pharaoh's chamber, and challenged him and his legion of noble magicians to a legendary duel, with the fate of the world at stake.
(Kaiba stares wordlessly at the two monsters.)
Kaiba: Ugh...!
Ishizu: The Pharaoh accepted the sorcerer's challenge, <10:00> and their epic battle began. Both opponents unleashed their most powerful monsters against each other; the sorcerer, fighting to control the world, and the Pharaoh and his loyal followers fighting to save it. Today-- five thousand years later-- this ancient battle is being played out once again. Do you see? *Now* do you believe in destiny, Kaiba?
Kaiba: This can't be real. There's no way. This *piece of rock* has got to be a *fake*!
(The Yugi-like pharaoh on the tablet gazes back at him calmly.)
Ishizu: If you won't trust my *words*, then you must look back in time and experience a part of the battle firsthand-- which I can help you do with my Millennium Necklace.
(The center of the golden eye set into the necklace at her throat lights up. Kaiba tenses and backs away, but does not run as the Necklace shines brighter, framed by Ishizu's hands as she directs its magic, her eyes calm but determined.)
Kaiba: Ah...!
Ishizu: Now, open your mind, and see into the past!
(The Necklace shines even brighter, until Kaiba can't see anything but bright white light...)
Kaiba: Ugghhh...!!
(When the light fades, it is to reveal a dark, dusty corner in the ceiling of a sandstone palace. We look down and find Kaiba floating in midair, having just become an unseen observer. The statues and columns around the room are Egyptian in style, and the center of the chamber is a wide packed-earth arena, before a dais that sits beneath a massive green jewel set into the wall.) <11:00>
Kaiba: What- *is* this place?
(Below, a very familiar-looking individual raises a hooked staff as he speaks. He wears a purple headdress of the same shade as Kaiba's coat, and from his face, he could be Kaiba's twin. He is bare-chested, with golden armbands, a flowing white cape, and ornate, baggy pants. This is a vision of the ancient sorcerer from the tablet.)
Sorcerer: I hereby declare a challenge to the Pharaoh. By the rights of tradition, duel me, if you are not a coward!
(The duel in this vision is supported by rows of hooded men chanting in unison, each glowing slightly blue.)
Chanters: Magic powers heed my cry, / Release the monster trapped inside, Magic powers heed my cry, / Release the monster trapped inside...
(As they chant, a stone tablet rises from the ground that depicts a nasty-looking purple dragon, TYG052_id2, and a ghostly incarnation of that same dragon emerges from it. Opposite the sorcerer stands another man in similar costume.)
- As the Pharaoh's loyal servant, *I* will stand against you, traitor!
(The servant's first tablet up is a monster we recognize as one of Yugi's-- Winged Dragon, Guardian of the Fortress #1, and similarly its semi-corporeal incarnation appears in the arena and squares off against the opposing dragon. These two ancient Egyptians are using a similar dueling environment to the present day's arena holograms. At last, we glimpse the man seated on the dais between them, on a sandstone-crafted throne, his face in shadow. The pharaoh who was Yugi's ancient double sits and watches the duel, motionless, expressionless, neutral; perhaps the tight fists resting on the arms of the throne indicate his state of mind. The duel continues, as the servant makes a move.)
- I banish you all to the Shadow Realm!
(Winged Dragon lets loose a ferocious blast of fire and obliterates the opposing dragon. The tablet is laid back to rest on the ground again. Then, a supernatural bolt out of the air strikes down upon every one of the Kaiba-sorcerer's chanters, vaporizing them all without a trace. He alone remains.)
Kaiba: Oh, no! What *is* this?
(Yami listens calmly, standing at the foot of Yugi's bed.)
Yugi: I feel like a total *loser*. I almost lost you and the Puzzle *forever* in that fire. There's no way I can face this enemy. What if I *mess up* again? <12:00>
Yami: You *didn't* fail.
Yugi: Only 'cause my friends came... and saved me. Otherwise I'd *never* have escaped.
Yami: You're wrong, Yugi.
Yugi: Mm?
Yami: You need to believe in yourself like *I* believe in you. In all my years, I have *never* encountered a soul as brave as yours, Yugi. There is a *reason* why Fate handed *you* the Millennium Puzzle and brought us together. You have the heart of a true champion, and a soul that is courageous and true. In another time, *you* could've been Pharaoh.
Yugi: Huh..?
(Outside, through the skylight, the moon is a perfect crescent.)
(Meanwhile, Kaiba has fallen to his knees on the museum floor, face tense with dread over what he has witnessed; is he going insane? Ishizu dispassionately continues the tale, voice strong.)
Ishizu: The duel raged on with neither side showing any mercy. They summoned monsters that were increasingly more powerful and vicious.
(She indicates a worn indentation at the bottom of the tablet.)
Ishizu: The winner of the duel was written here; but as you can see, the hieroglyphics have been worn away.
Kaiba (humbled): I see.
Ishizu: Yes. But though we don't know the outcome, there's still much that we can learn. Let us take a glance into the past again, using the powers of my Millennium Necklace!
(Kaiba's eyes go wide; *another* vision?!)
Kaiba: Uuuuggghhh...! <13:00>
(And we return to the ancient duel, as another familiar monster takes the field-- La Jinn, a monster Kaiba has played before. The pharaoh's representative speaks.)
- Your La Jinn may be strong, but did you think I would not come prepared?! It is no match for the combined fury of my dragons!
Chanters: Let two be one, let two be one, let two be one, let two be one...
(Another creature, possibly Sinister Serpent, emerges from another tablet to appear beside Winged Dragon, Guardian of the Fortress.)
- Unite, my dragons! You shall be unstoppable!
(Sparks appear between the two dragons, and soon they combine into a golden yellow snakelike dragon supported by two lighter gold wings. TYG052_id3.)
- Attack! Bombard the traitor with your Blazing Inferno!
(The dragon lets loose with a pink-purple fireball from its mouth, strikes La Jinn right in the chest, and it explodes. The traitor sorcerer recoils as the tablet falls back into place. Another bolt from the sky, and more of the chanting guys that were sitting in a row behind him get blasted to the Shadow Realm. He turns defiantly to the dais.)
Sorcerer: Ugh! You have not won yet, Pharaoh! It is far from over!
(The pharaoh regards him, his eyes still in shadow, expression stern. He, too, is bare-chested with gold armbands, a crimson red cape, and the Millennium Puzzle hanging across his chest.)
Sorcerer: Do you think one of your pathetic minions have (sic) the magic to defeat *me*? I will shatter them from existence right before your very eyes!
(In the slightly raised shadows, the Pharaoh's hair can now be seen. This is definitely an ancient counterpart of Yugi.)
Kaiba: That sorcerer's a bigmouthed losing *chump*! You can't compare him to me!
(Kaiba leans against the wall, a bead of sweat visible on his face; the intensity of the visions is definitely taking a toll.)
Ishizu: Well, then. Maybe the final vision will convince you.
Kaiba: *No*--! <14:00>
(The Millennium Necklace begins to glow once again.)
Kaiba: Ugghh...!
(Once again Kaiba hovers over the ancient duel field.)
Sorcerer: You should have finished me off when you had the chance, for I will now call forth the ultimate beast of destruction! Now, Pharaoh-- this is the end!
(The Pharaoh leans forward, concerned.)
Pharaoh: Hmm?
Sorcerer: My faithful monsters, you have all served me well. Wake from your eternal slumber and obey me one last time!
(Two more monster tablets rise from the ground; another Kaiba combo, Mystic Horseman and Battle Ox.)
Sorcerer: Behold-- I will offer them, infuse their life forces into the legendary dragon!
(The two monsters start to shine with bright, steady white light, and in that light echoes a familiar roar, and appears a familiar silhouette.)
Sorcerer: Now-- the Blue-Eyes White Dragon!!
(Blue-Eyes takes the field, a perfect twin of any of the three in Kaiba's deck, and that golden dragon the other combatant summoned is looking smaller.)
Kaiba: Blue-Eyes White Dragon?!
(The Pharaoh stands, anxious, his eyes on the rogue sorcerer.)
Pharaoh: Uh...!
Sorcerer: Dragon, destroy them all with your White Lightning!
(Blue-Eyes breathes a fiery blast of blue and white light that destroys the opposing dragon with ease, then opens fire again, shattering the opponent's monster tablets. <15:00> The Kaiba-like sorcerer smiles grimly, the light of the flames flickering across his face. The arena is in ruins, the opposite side of the field lit aflame. He raises his staff.)
Sorcerer: Hahahahahahahaha, hahahahahahahaha! Victory is mine! Hahahahahaha! Hahahahahaha!
(The pharaoh is still watching him, not having moved an inch.)
(And Kaiba has witnessed it all. He returns to the present, eyes wide, once more humbled on the ground by the incredible visions. Ishizu continues to gaze at the tablet; if she has also witnessed the visions, or is affected by them, she doesn't show it.)
Ishizu: *Now* are you convinced, Kaiba? As I said before, history is destined to repeat itself. It's not just *coincidence* that Yugi is your greatest opponent. You two have battled in the ancient past!
(Kaiba stares at the tablet, the confrontation between the Kaiba-like sorcerer and the Yugi-like pharaoh; the confrontation he has just glimpsed firsthand.)
ACT 4 <15:31>
(Kaiba stares at the tablet, the confrontation between the Kaiba-like sorcerer and the Yugi-like pharaoh.)
Ishizu: It was destiny that you and Yugi dueled, and it's *destined* that you two will battle again!
(Kaiba grabs his briefcase from where it had fallen on the floor, and turns to leave.)
Kaiba: Thanks for the lecture-- but I make my own destiny, and I do what I wanna do!
(He starts walking away. She doesn't turn.)
Ishizu: Kaiba. What I thought you wanted were *powerful monsters*.
(He halts.)
Ishizu: The Duel Monsters cards that surpass the power of Exodia. What if I told you they were in front of your eyes the *whole time*? <16:00>
Kaiba: What?
(She turns back to the tablet.)
Ishizu: Take a look at the top. They were the strongest and most feared creatures of annihilation.
(Above the duel, a trio of rectangular carvings form a second pyramid around an image of the Millennium Puzzle. We examine each carving closer as she names them.)
Ishizu: Obelisk the Tormentor--
(The carving depicts a fearsome stone giant.)
Ishizu: Slifer the Sky Dragon--
(A quadrupedal, winged dragon with a sort of horn atop its head.)
Ishizu: The Winged Dragon of Ra.
(This monster has the head and wings of a bird, but also grasping hands, back feet to balance on, and a mammalian tail.)
Ishizu: Control one, and you can destroy a million armies-- wield all three, and the planet *itself* will quake in fear!
Kaiba: And Pegasus turned them into cards?
Ishizu: Yes.
Kaiba: You lie! If he had them, why didn't he use them against me at Duelist Kingdom?
Ishizu: Because Pegasus feared the power of these Egyptian God Cards. You cannot fathom the magical energy contained within. Pegasus could not control the power of the cards he created. They threatened to overwhelm and destroy him!
Kaiba (think): Cards that even make *Pegasus* quake in his boots! If I can obtain the three legendary monsters, I'll be unstoppable in *any* duel! Yugi won't stand a chance. But how do I *get* them?! I can't *ask* Pegasus-- he's dropped off the face of the Earth! They have to exist *somewhere*...! (aloud) Ishizu-- <17:00> *what did Pegasus do with the cards*?
Ishizu: ...He gave them to *me*, for safekeeping.
(Flashback. The harsh desert sun glares above, down a broad canyon in Egypt. The carved entrance to a tomb can be seen in the distance.)
Ishizu (VO): Pegasus realized that if these cards fell into the wrong hands, they could bring about the end of the world.
(Within a large tent, a large, perfectly rectangular pit has been dug, and a wooden frame supports the pulley system as a small chest is lowered into the pit. A turbaned man is operating the pulley, while two men in khakis and pitch hats, and a woman in similar with a clipboard, look on. From her hair, the woman might be Ishizu. The cards were buried deeply and secretly, the rectangular pit filled such that not even a seam remained to indicate the burial.)
Ishizu (VO): He had me bury them in secret locations; but the cards were discovered. I must find them and hide them once again!
(End Flashback.)
Kaiba: You mean someone already *found* the cards?
Ishizu: Yes.
Kaiba: Tell me who.
Ishizu: The Rare Hunters.
Kaiba: Rare Hunters?!
Ishizu: They're a ruthless underground sect of elite duelists.
(As Ishizu speaks, we glimpse a visual representation of a widespread organization that extends from one individual finding a chest of cards raided, cards scattered and very few of them left there; to multiple ships and planes, to shady back room deals involving large wads of cash, to a sinister-looking robed man, and through it all, a trail of plentiful money.)
Ishizu (VO): They rob and steal rare cards worldwide to sell on the black market for enormous profits. However, they keep the strongest cards for themselves, to create powerful decks that destroy all opposition!
Ishizu: They operate in shadow, so they are nearly impossible to find. That is why I need your help to draw them out into the open.
(As she speaks, the world falls away, and the camera revolves around these two as they shrewdly strategize.)
Ishizu: Kaiba, if you were to start a Duel Monsters tournament, your reputation would attract the greatest duelists in the world. <18:00> This would be the greatest concentration of precious cards ever assembled in one location.
Kaiba: I see. It's a trap. The Rare Hunters won't be able to resist such tempting bait! They'll come by the droves-- like vultures to a carcass...
(End camera shot.)
Kaiba: And they'll bring the Egyptian God Cards!
(Ishizu walks over to him from the tablet.)
Ishizu: One last thing.
(She offers him a single monster card; its base is blue instead of the usual gold, and it has ten level stars. It depicts a mighty giant of slate-blue stone.)
Ishizu: Take this card.
Kaiba: Mm?! Can it *be*?
(He looks back toward the tablet, and the depiction of the Tormentor.)
Kaiba: It's Obelisk the Tormentor! I thought the cards were stolen?!
Ishizu: I never said they were *all* stolen. I managed to retrieve one in time. You may *borrow* it during the tournament, but I expect it back.
Kaiba: It's not every day a card this rare is handed to me. What if I chose to keep it forever? What makes you think I can be trusted? I could walk out and you'd *never see it again*.
(Ishizu is unmoved by the threat.)
Ishizu: *You will* return the card to me.
(Kaiba turns away, tucking the card into his blazer, and walks toward the doorway.)
Ishizu: I have foreseen it.
(Kaiba stops, and remarks cynically over his shoulder--)
Kaiba: I'll *bet*.
Ishizu: You may not yet believe in destiny, <19:00> but before the tournament is done, you will have to *face your past*.
Kaiba: Hmph. Ya know, I read that once in a fortune cookie. I'll organize this tournament...
Ishizu: I thank you.
Kaiba: But I'm not going to set it up because of your fairy tales and your hocus-pocus mind tricks. I want to reclaim my title as the number-one duelist.
(He walks out; Ishizu doesn't reply.)
(The crescent moon shines brightly above the game shop. Yugi sits on the edge of his bed, pensively holding the Millennium Puzzle in both hands.)
Yugi: I wish we knew more about our new enemy. He said he was... 'familiar with the power of a Millennium Item'... I bet he *has* one!
(Yami is leaning against the desk.)
Yami: That must be how he controls people's minds. It also seems he has knowledge of the ancient customs. Our foe is somehow connected to the past.
Yugi: But who *is* he?
Yami: I don't know...
Yugi (stands): Then how can we *stop* 'im?
(Pause. Clearly Yugi is still very anxious about this. Yami regards him, then smiles.)
Yami: Don't worry. We can defeat this evil *together*.
Yugi: Uh...
Yami: As long as we stay connected, you and I can face *anything*.
Yugi: *Maybe*... but what if I... *fail again*?
(Yugi looks down, miserable; this is what he's really afraid of.) <20:00>
Yugi: How do I know that I won't *lose* you?
(Yami places his hands around Yugi's, both gripping the Millennium Puzzle between them.)
Yami: *I believe in you*, Yugi.
(The streetlights create overlapping pools of light on the highway as Kaiba returns from his meeting by limo. In the backseat, he looks at Obelisk the Tormentor, chuckling evilly.)
Kaiba: Hmhmhmhm. One card down, and two more to go! Hahahahahaha! Huhahahahahaha!
(In the distance, the KaibaCorp building, lit up at night, looms higher than any other building on the skyline.)
END <20:28>
* This episode is alternately titled as either "The Past is Prologue" or "The Past is Present".
* Special thanks to hulu.com and Toonzaki.com for making this episode accessible online.
* Special thanks to Kazuki Takahashi, 4Kids, et al. for Yu-Gi-Oh!
Last Updated: November 14, 2011
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