Duel Worlds: Adventures Around the World

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Ch. 21: Musketeer Detectives at Nature’s Call

April 16th, Tuesday (at 8 PM)…

Matt & Koe grumble as they trudge through the frozen landscape of Siberia… until they made it to a temple.

Koe says, “Geez! This is the third time this week we’d ended up around this temple. I can’t believe we continuously got lost; back in Boston we’ve saved the universe from the destructive force of a space device, when we tried to get to West Africa, we’ve ended up in Antarctica instead, and when we tried to fly to our original choice of destination again, we end up lost in Siberia!” Matt sighs, “I’m going to ask my mother to fire that travel agent, despite him being so reliable all these years.”

“Why don’t we give Iowa a try?” asks Koe. Matt disappointedly groans out, “Wrong month, bro.”

A monk steps down the steps of the temple alongside a man of African descent in beige clothing and says to the two “This mercenary is here to escort you to West Africa.” Koe sighs, “This better be worth it.” Matt asks the mercenary, “Sir, why do wish to escort us to Africa?” the mercenary introduced himself, “My name is Hitu Greenwall. As for why I wish to escort you to Africa is simple; my employer has a rather unusual mystery and I’ve heard that Mr. Komatsu has a gift with animals and Mr. Kyôyama is an exceptional detective, making the two of you the best men for the job.”

Matt says, “I’m not sure we should except it.” Koe nods, “Yeah, some of us are worried about various things such as deadly jungle plague germs, tsetse flies, man-eating forms of nature, leeches, intruding on animal sanctuary grounds, mosquitoes big enough to pierce through an elephant’s hide, quicksand, poisonous plants, intruding on mad geneticist’s territories, cannibals, the whole nine yards.”

Matt adds in, “Plus we don’t do mysteries that involve Shadow Gem Items; but that’s a whole different story, sir.”

Hitu says, “We are willing to pay you handsomely; since you are 16 and 15 years old, we will give you 20 million dollars each.” After a moment’s pause, Matt says, “Give my share to my friend Komatsu here, we’ll go and try to solve your mystery.” Koe says, “And make it fast please. I’ve got a girl in Tenaku Island’s hotel and she needs the dough more than I.”

Meanwhile, Riku and Dare approach the coast of West Africa on their Shark Board. Dare was enjoying their ride, while Riku fell asleep just a few hours later.

Along their way to Africa, the mercenary told the two Musketeers that the case is about three tribes: the bloodthirsty Mukodos, the peaceful Machutis, and the neutral Masondas. Since the Machuti tribe’s sacred beast has vanished, they believed a curse befell upon their village. At the same time, some mysterious stranger stole the Masonda tribe’s most sacred treasure and they never recovered it, leaving their selves isolated from their neighboring tribes along with the outside world until their treasure is found again.

Being not much of friends for thousands of years, the Machuti tribe set their chief’s son to marry the Mukodo tribe’s chief’s daughter to unite the tribes with the sacred animal offered as a wedding dowry. The Masonda tribe offered to witness the union and unite with both of their neighboring tribes out of loneliness. But since the recent events, the Mukodo tribe considers the disappearance of the sacred beast both an insult and a curse and declared within the week that if the sacred beast is not recovered they will wage war and slaughter the Machutis. But if the bloodshed were to occur, the Masondas, who is by far the stronger tribe than the other two, will massacre Mukudos.

11:30 AM, in Africa, the two Musketeers were soon on a jeep (with Koe at the wheel) going down the highway in Africa.

Hitu says, “Your friend Komatsu is quite the driver.” Matt says, “It took him two months to get a legalized multinational driver’s license.”

Passing a restaurant billboard, Koe asks “So, where’s the scene of the crime and how far is it?” Matt says, “Please be simple with him when he asks you a question.” Hitu shrugs then answers, “There’s a white building called a consulate on that other side of the jungle we’re going to have a meeting firsthand, so I’m going to ask you to——” he stopped in mid-sentence when he saw a herd of gazelles crossing the road, he screamed out “TURN RIGHT!”

Koe quickly turned right, driving them off the road and through the jungle, “If this was an all-terrain vehicle, I’d be glad about this thing!” Matt sobs out, “This is no place for a Chrysler!”

Koe swerves and gets ahead of the gazelles, which by coincidence sends the jeep jumping off a ramp and flying through the air until it crashes into the ground. While still speeding across the ground, Matt asks, “Is that white building the consulate you wanted us to be at?” Hitu nods “Yes. Thank god.” Koe gulps, “The brake won’t move! We’re going to crash!” then the three screamed in panic!

Then by reflex Koe wildly turned the wheel, which caused the vehicle to flip over several times before landing upside-down in an empty parking spot, with its driver and passengers hanging upside-down and yet still, sitting in their seats. Koe chuckles politely, “Like a glove on the wrong hand.”

Matt leaned forward to and asks, “What could’ve caused brake to not function right like it should?” then he spots something under the brake pedal, “Bingo! A rock flew into the car and got stuck in between the brake pedal and the floor, blocking its motion.” Koe says, “That would explain it.”

After helping both Matt and Hitu out, Koe then picks the jeep up over his head and sets it right-side-up on the ground again. Everyone looked at Koe in amazement. Koe gulps nervously, “Please don’t report this to the Central African authorities, I might have my license revoked.” They all nod and nervously say, “Whatever you say.”

A man in a wheelchair rolled on over to the two boys and the mercenary, he had gray hair and a deadpan expression on his face. He said, “When somebody said there was a circus strongman coming, this was hardly what I had in mind.” Hitu says, “Good day, sir.”

Matt asks, “Mr. Hit, I take it that this man the head of the consulate?” Hitu nods “Yes, Mr. Kyôyama. This is Edward Moser.” Koe shakes hands with the man, “Pleasure to meet you, sir.” Mr. Moser nods, “It certainly is. Strong grip you have there, Mr. Bokuto.” Matt nods, “Yeah, he’s my bodyguard while I’m the brains of the current two.” Edward was curious, “Two?” Koe explains, “We originally went traveling the planet looking for two of our most important members who have gone onto a healing journey and we’re worried about them.”

Mr. Moser says, “Then let us hope that we will get this case done with so you can be on your way. Shall we?” they head off toward the consulate steps to enter.

Mr. Moser says, “They say that like the comic book superhero, Batman, that you have begun gaining a detective’s eye and acquired a variety of talents… and in a matter of months.” Matt says, “That’s a slight exaggeration, Mr. Moser sir, but I can assure you that we will try to solve this case.” “Just tell me how good you are about me. I can correct you if you’re wrong. Don’t be shy.”

Matt thinks it over then looks over the consulate head, and then finally he replies, “You’ve become crippled in a time before the War of 2013, you have served the royal army of England. Now currently you are a workaholic nowadays, you’ve recently returned from a business trip in the western regions of Africa, and upon your return you have gained an interest for stories.” Mr. Moser nods, “Very good, Mr. Kyôyama.”

Later, in the meeting hall, Koe nervously asks, “Have you… uh, any leads to… what could’ve happened to the Masondas’ sacred treasure and the Machutis’ sacred animal?” Mr. Moser says after handing some documents to Matt, “Unfortunately none, but these are the profiles of some of the possible ones due to similar problems in the past.”

Matt opens the first document and sees the profile of a man named Ian McRedal, “This guy, Ian McRedal, is spotted several times in this province for the past year and he makes a handsome living for rare and valuable items.” Turning over to the other documents he was handed, Matt says, “Derrick Gahju and Gerry Spence are Australian and are also the most known poachers in this area.” Koe says, “Well, that should narrow it down, unless they have a DNA sample of each of these characters, we couldn’t find them so easily.”

Matt asks Mr. Moser, “How long until the wedding?” Mr. Moser says “The wedding is due to take place in 4 days, I cannot have blood shed in my province. That’s why we’re counting on you two. I’ll assign Greenwall to you two.”

And so, the three are off… Koe says “I think it would be better if we take a different means of transportation.” Matt asks, “Such as?” Koe points to one of many golf carts, Greenwall says “Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Placing a hand on the hood of the jeep they went on, Matt heard a metallic creaking sound and looked to the jeep and it immediately fell to pieces! Looking at each other, he and Greenwall cringe nervously, “Maybe a golf cart is a better idea.”

Somewhere in Africa, most specifically around the Congo, Darien and Riku are hovering over a deep ravine with a river living it in the bottom…

Together they shout, “We’re coming, brothers!” Riku slips off the Shark Board and falls into the river ravine below! SPLASH! Dare cringes at the sight, “Ooo… that’s gotta hurt!”

30 minutes later, sitting in the middle of the jungle was Dare tending to Riku, who the powerful ninja child saved Riku from serious pain save for a few moderate injuries. “OW!” cried Riku, “That hurts!” Dare frowns, “Stop squirming then!”

Noticing a pair of large diamonds and a larger ruby falling out of his pocket, Dare asks Riku “What are those? Family treasures?” Riku looks down at the large gems and says, “No, just something I picked up at the flea market back on the boat to Tenaku 3 months ago… for 3 bucks no less.”

Dare shakes his head in disapproval, “This ruby looks about 2000 carats and these diamonds look like 1000 carats each.” Riku pulls out one of his Duel Worlds cards and materializes his Soul Amulet Summoner; he places the card onto the left wing and closed his eyes as he quietly says “Alchemic Analysis.” His card and his hands glow blue-green as they hovered over the three gems…

“They’re real!” gasps Riku, “This 2000-carat ruby is worth 6 million dollars alone, while these 1000-carat diamonds are worth a total of 4 mil each! I’ve been hanging around with $14 million in gemstones in my pockets for three months and it only cost me three lousy U.S. dollars?” Then he got mad, “That blind spiteful thief! As soon as I find him, I’m going to hunt him down and force him to return them to where they came!”

Darien sighs, “This is going to be a long trip.”

Matt, Koe, & Greenwall arrive to the Machuti tribe’s village, which is hidden within and behind the trees deep in jungle…

Greenwall sat down as they waited for their hosts to show up, Matt admires the view and exclaims, “This place is beautiful!” Their grownup assistant says, “Thanks, the Machutis believe to draw their power around her. But now they live in fear since the vanishing of their sacred animal.” “Okay,” Koe asks, “out of curiosity, because nobody was specific; what type of animal is this sacred beast?” Greenwall says, “A great gorilla with golden eyes like a pair of gentle suns.”

Pausing for a bit, Koe asks out “Gorillini Rutilisolisi?” Greenwall says, “Yes, but to the natives… Nagijua.” Matt gasps in surprise, so Koe turns to find out why; some natives dressed in warm-colored green and yellow tribal garments are kneeling. Matt and Koe look to their friend and say in unison, “Lead the way, man.”

They were taken into the village and the Musketeer detectives were impressed by its peacefulness and tranquility. Koe declared, “As long as this tribe finds all forms of life and nature itself sacred——“ Greenwall nods, “They do, Mr. Bokuto.“ Koe smiles, “Okay, I like them already.”

Matt says “According to the records we were given, they lived here for millennia without knowing about disease until the white man came in 1919. Am I right?” Greenwall nods, “That is correct. May we see the chief?” “Might be wise to make friends,” shrugs Koe.

They met the chief in his hut; fortunately for Koe he was able to understand the dialect of the chief, as he greeted them. Greenwall translated for Matt, “The chief said he knew such stouthearted men such as yourselves would come and he is happy.” Koe said to the chief, in the tribe’s language, “We’re happy to meet you too, chieftain. We’ll assure you that your sacred gorilla will be restored to you before the week is done.”

Greenwall blinked in surprise, “I didn’t know your friend Komatsu could speak such perfect Machuti.” Matt smiles, “You’d be surprised at what else he could do.”

The chieftain pats both boys on the shoulders. Koe smiles toward Matt saying, “He likes us.” Matt coughs out, “That’s good.”

Back with Riku and Darien, the two were trekking the jungle on foot after the Shark Board ran out of water. Riku and Dare carried the somewhat middleweight vehicle throughout the jungle. This helped Riku get off his desire for punishing the guy who might’ve lied to him about the price of the treasures. As soon as they were getting past the southern border of Congo…

Dare says, “Shush! There’s something around here… and it possesses attributes above normal human aspect.” Riku shuddered as Dare pointed toward three human-sized boulders stacked on top of each other. Dare continued with his investigations, “Whoever it is it appears to be…” he finds a few old children’s books in a small stack, “innocent and human.” Riku sighs, “You nearly gave a guy a heart attack.”

Dare continues analyzing the scene, “I’d say she’s about 4’3”, about 69 lbs., in fantastical shape for such a small size, athletic, agile, acrobatic, the limits to her overall strength to similar to that of a full-grown elephant, her slowest running speed should be around 78 miles per hour, she is well educated despite not being in school, she has two heavy items on her ankles and——“

“Oh my gosh!” gasped Dare. Riku became worried, “What?” “She’s also really cute.” Confused yet interested, Riku asks the young water elemental ninja “How do you know she’s really cute?” Dare points up, “’cause she’s rushing down a vine above us.”

An 11-year-old girl with long black hair, sun-browned Caucasian skin, and acrobatic figure drooped downward, hanging from a vine. Her sudden appearance surprised Riku, sending him falling on his butt! She looks at the two boys with great interest and says with a friendly smile, “Hey, I’m Jane Erutanune, the Jungle Child!”

Riku groans, “She’s a little young for my tastes. Maybe if she had 2 or 4 more years to her age, I might consider it.” Darien was staring at the feral child with wide eyes then he falls backwards. Riku gulps, “Poor little boy, even in his age his hormones is rushing throughout him like aspirin.”

Riku looked at his friend as the little girl flipped in midair and landed between them, staring at her again he marveled at her chest development, “Whoa, kids grow fast these days.” Jane looks over the downed ninja and asks, “Why is man-in-blue-and-white nearly close-eyed?” Riku says, “He’s a young boy. Also, you’ve got an interesting way of talking.” Jane superhumanly glomps Riku to the ground, “Thanks.”

While trying to recover after Jane gets off him, Riku coughs out to himself, “Also, you’ve got a nice body for your age.”

Darien opens his eyes and stands to his feet again, “You wouldn’t happen to know the way around here, would you, Lady Jane?” Jane smiles and nods “Definitely do, let me be your Kyui-precious way-finder.” Dare slightly smiles, “Thanks.”

Riku says, “But first, ice brother dude, we’ll need some bug repellent spray,” he puts some on, “a tiger-proof vest to prevent heavy animal claw damage,” he places on a thick metallic mesh vest, “snake leggings to prevent snakebites in the legs,” he places thick yellow padding over his feet and legs, “a hardhat with miner headlamp to guide ourselves through the dark,” he places a green one on his head, “some state-of-the-art rhinoceros-wrestling gloves to take on the toughest of foes,” after putting on some tough gloves he brings out his Soul Amulet Summoner, “and our trusty Soul Amulet Summoners, Soul Gem Items, and Duel Worlds cards.”

Carrying a large vine of bananas over one shoulder and the Shark Board over the other, Jane says “Let’s get foot-walking, sexy-cutie.” Darien sighs, “Talk about premature maturity—— oh dear, I’m one to talk.”

Marching forth through the jungle, following the younger superhuman children, Riku boldly calls out, “Stand back lethal specie, we’re coming through the woods.”

Back with Matt and Koe, the two began scouting the Machuti tribe’s ground and trees.

In some caves, where Koe just fell into a few minutes ago… “Darn!” growls Koe in frustration “what a time for me to get randy in a time like this when I’m not even looking at something that reminds me of a woman.”

Koe turns on the lamp function of his Suva-Phone, not knowing that he just spooked lots of bats out of the cave. “Sorry!” called Koe to the bats. But some of them were rude enough to drop guano on him… he sighs out, “I really am.”

Matt, investigating the treetops, avoided gorilla nests so he would avoid being attacked. He sighs, “Times like this make me want to be like Battle Kenya or Kamen Rider Amazon.” Then he slides down the branches and swings on vines on his way toward the ground, landing right next to Komatsu. Koe, trying to wipe the guano out, asks Matt “How were King Kong’s relatives up there?” Matt sighs, “On the watch while protecting their loved ones; they can smell fear.”

Koe asks, “Want to try the Masonda grounds?” Matt shrugs, “Sounds good.”

During the first minutes of dawn… Darien wakes up to find himself in Jane’s embrace, he teleports out of the embrace leaving a small cold mist behind. He finds Riku sleeping on a tree branch with his limbs dangling. He groans out, “I don’t know about you, but despite that run in the waterhole back there, I’ve slept like a baby.” Dare stretches, “You look like you’ve slept like a paperclip.”

Jane wakes up with a bright smile, “Ah, open-eyed waking at dawn is sawa-refreshing!” Riku was confused, “Eh?” Dare explains, “It’s her way of speaking to others.”

Riku groans “Of all the times to fall asleep, why did it have to be in the river?” Jane smiles at Riku, “At least you looked henyo-funny in your fish-sleep. You were also easy to hang-dry.” Darien groans, “You are too young to breed, and yet so am I. So please let go.” Riku asks, “Can somebody help me? My back has gone stiff again!”

Matt and Koe went on a tireless trek through the jungle toward the neutral tribe’s ground.

Matt says, “According to the directions the tribe gave us, we should be able to see something that resembles a pyramid with leaf-like symbols carved into each side past a mound with a gorilla handprint on top representing the Machuti tribe ground sign.”

Koe shakes his head, “I’m trying to follow my instincts, bro.” Matt smugly asks, “Would that be your demonic instincts or your human ones?” Koe pauses for a bit, “Well, something amongst my instincts is telling me we’re getting closer.” Matt pauses, he starts to get tense, “Rats, I’m getting that feeling too. Like it’s right——” FWP! A dart with a red feather appeared on the left shoulder base meeting Matt’s neck. He then shouts, “IN MY NECK!” Koe yells, “RUN!”

The two began to run for their lives! More darts rushed at Koe, striking him in his left arm! Matt says, “You’ve got 7 darts on your left arm!” Koe groans “No wonder why it feels a little numb!” Another dart hits Matt, “Lost feeling in right arm!”

A few seconds later, Koe is hit with another 7 darts, “How does a normal human take 14 damn poisoned darts?” Matt says, “Leave without me, bro.” Koe turns back and picks up Matt by the back collar with his teeth, “Never.” Eight darts whoosh above Koe, completely missing him, Matt groans out “Close call.” Koe growls out, “Bad aim.”

As soon as they made it to a clearing, Koe grunts out “I think we lost them.” Matt groans out, “Not quite.” Then both of them fainted.

Back with Dare, Riku, & Jane…

Dare and Jane were preparing to for something alongside the river, while Riku was being cautious for any dangerous animals.

Riku asks, “What have we encountered so far?” Dare says, “Impossibly, there were some brontosaurs walking by.” Jane says, “Not impossible, it’s sort of a different kind of Noah’s Ark around here for the thunder lizard.” Riku’s eyes snapped open, “I thought that movie ‘Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend’ is supposed to be fictional. Anything else?” Dare nods, “Lots of other animals, but right now we’re going to go down the river.”

“Go down the river?” incredulously exclaimed Riku, “Brother Dare, the river is sure to be full of bloodsucking African vampire fish, that can reduce a herd of buffalo to skeletons in a matter of minutes, or flesh-eating piranha, that can rip a crowd of people to shreds in a matter of hours.” Dare calmly said, “Brother Riku, vampire fish cannot do that and both they and piranha are South American and not African. I know my water fauna. Now shut up and help us move the Shark Board into it so it can refuel.” Riku growls, “Okay.”

When Riku was about to help move the water-powered vehicle, suddenly he felt faint. Dare noticed Riku looking rather odd for someone who’s collapsing, like his arm just went numb. Dare rushes over to pick the poor guy up and asks, “What’s happened?” “I think…” groaned out Riku, “Brothers Koe and Matt are in serious trouble.”

Dare gasps in realization, “A moment of twin sensory connection!”

Koe and Matt wake up, finding themselves tied to a raft in a river.

Matt says, “You know, according to the primitive-looking darts that hit us… somebody wanted to stop us. Do you suppose that it was someone from this violent Mukudo tribe is openly protesting against this intertribal unification?” Koe asks, “Since when did the tribes have modern day shoes or boots? Because that’s what I last saw before I woke up finding ourselves here on this raft. But as soon as we get out of here, that’s a good place to start.”

Koe pulls on his bindings to the raft, breaking them, and then moves onto Matt’s, setting him free as well. However, they find themselves looking at another tribe clad in garments decorated with bones (some of which are human) and white body paint. The two Musketeers quietly say in unison, “We’re in deep trouble.”

Later, they find themselves dragged to the center of the village with spears pointing at their necks, Matt and Koe quietly exclaim to each other “Don’t beat yourself up.”

A tribal member about as tall as Koe and in ornate garments steps up and screams in Koe’s face, exposing yellow teeth. Koe thinks to himself, (“Somebody ought to brush his teeth!”)

The very confronter exclaims in Koe’s face, “Yang Guizi!”

Koe didn’t look pleased, “Close but no banana, buster.” Matt asks, “I think it means something else.” Koe said, “Hello, my own magical omni-linguism thanks to my part-demon lord heritage.” Matt asks, “Well, what does it mean?” “It means ‘foreign devils’.” “I see what you mean; you’re one-part demon lord and not devil.” “Tell that to them.” “I can’t; I don’t speak their language, you do.” “You want me to prove it to them too?” “If it can save our lives.”

The same confronter repeatedly exclaims to his fellow tribesman, “Yang Guizi!”

Koe says to Matt, “I’m going to try that and talk to them.” Matt exclaims, “Do so! NOW!”

Koe lets out a mighty roar as he expands and shifts into his demon lord form in front of the entire tribe; who stepped back in shock and surprise!

In a different language, Koe said to them, “I am no foreign devil! I am a half-breed of a human from another land and a demon lord! But my little friend is not a devil either, he’s all human, just from another land too.” The man who accused the two as devils was shocked, along with his tribe; he looked like he was never expecting anything so supernatural from these outsiders. Koe’s defense speech was comprehended.

The same man in the tribe and a shorter one who was dressed ornately, possibly the chief, talk to Koe nervously, as if he was apologizing. Koe translates for Matt, “The Mukudo shaman/medicine man/priest deeply apologizes for mistaking me for some sort of ordinary lowly outsider. But you on the other hand, have to prove yourself to their chief.” “At least we’ve arrived to another one of the tribes,” says Matt, “relay this to them——“

Matt calls out, “We come in peace.” Koe translates it to the Mukudo. Matt also says, “War is hell, the last thing we want is a fight. Please don’t kill me.” Koe groans but translates for them. As he finished, the entire Mukudo tribe bows down briefly for forgiveness.

The chief says something in his language, which Koe translates to Matt “The chief says ‘if you pass all Mukudo tests, your life will be spared’.” Matt groans, “This is going to be a long session.”

Back with Riku, Dare, and Jane, they were traveling on the river at a very slow pace. Riku woke up, “Oh… that was awful. I feel like somebody shot me with about 28 poison darts.” Noticing a strangely large yet overstuffed backpack on Dare’s back, he asks the young ninja “What’s in the new backpack, Dare Bro?” Darien says, “Jane suggested that we should gather some chocolate, sugarcane, bananas, and mangos so I dashed to the nearest convenience store and got some.”

Riku asks, “How long did it take and what did you use for payment?” Dare simply says “Approximately one hour before we started going down the river, and I’ve used my intercontinental duelist discount and some of my traveler’s checks, also I’ve been given a few bearer bonds by Lady Helen.” Riku sighs, “It’s a wonder how the wild child was able to learn some modern world facts.”

Bubbles from the water gave off a bit of warning. Riku asks, “What’s going on?” Jane answered, “Hippos.” Dare says, “Hippopotamuses are violently aggressive animals. Be careful.” Riku gulps, “Easy for you to say.”

As soon as a cavernous maw of a hippo opened right next to Riku, he screamed “UP!” the Shark Board rose quickly, too far above for the hippo to reach. However, Riku fell and is now clinging to the side of the Shark Board for his life as more hippos came popping up from the water. Dare held onto Riku steadily, meanwhile Jane was digging in the backpack for a few Hershey’s chocolate bars and sugarcane.

Seeing sugarcane falling into the water, Riku and Darien exclaim, “What’s the big idea, Jane?” But then they look around in the water below them, seeing the hippos are leaving peacefully. Riku looks around in curiosity, “Huh? What the?” Dare blinks in surprised, “It looks like they’re satisfied.”

Jane simply says, “Hippos like sugarcane.”

Matt underwent the tests; his beliefs and willpower helped him pass the test of faith and endurance (enduring stone flung at you while performing firewalking), he used his own agility and wits to pass the test of balance and surrounding (combat while standing on really tall poles on rafts floating on water), and he was thankful to have learned a few courses concerning natural healing and medicine from Pirika and KH to pass the test of medicine. There were six other tests, including crocodile wrestling and a rhinoceros survival event similar to soccer, but Matt was able to pass them all with flying colors.

However, it wasn’t the end just yet, later that night, while entering an arena-like area ringed by bones and torches, Matt nervously says “Please don’t tell me the last test is the Circle of Death.” Koe says nothing but cringes sadly. Matt pales in response to Koe’s silence, “It is the Circle of Death. I just knew it.”

Hearing thundering footsteps, Matt turns toward the direction looks ahead to find a giant with hulking muscles lurching towards him. Then the man turned to reveal a backpack holding in a normal-sized yet snarling tribal member. As soon as the bindings keeping the guy in were loosened, the average-sized savage caused the carrier to explode with a single punch.

Matt gulps, “I thought the muscle giant was scary, but this guy chills me to the bones.” Koe says, “I’m afraid the chief did say that he always saves the best for last.”

A lovely young woman of the tribe with obscurely frightening red face painting over the white came up and said in English, “That’s how my father works.” Koe asks, “Who are you? The chief’s daughter that’s supposed to marry the Machuti’s son?” The young woman nodded. Koe asks, “Where’d you learn English?” She says, “I graduated in America before coming back home.”

Matt shrieked, “Hey! I’m in distress here! I’m 16 years old and I haven’t any kids yet!”

The chief’s daughter gasped and screamed out to everyone in her native language, “NO! Don’t kill him! He’s just a child!” But no one, but Koe, heeded her words. Koe thought to himself, (“So people under 18 are still considered children in this tribe.”)

After a few blows were landed on Matt, the poor goggle-wearing boy was sprawled on his back upon the ground. Then the hellish opponent plays with the downed Matt’s hair, and then turns around laughing after saying something.

Koe gulps before he says, “He says to you that now you look like that ridiculous Blue Devil.”

That was when Matt stands up, with his hair shaped like devil horns on his head, looking terribly miffed (with a flaming aura of anger surrounding him), “Okay… you can tease me about my size in comparison to yours, you can even mess with my hair, but nobody… mocks… SUPERHEROES!”

That was when Matt later displayed phenomenal fighting prowess and berserker strength against his opponent! The rest of the tribe was shocked at the spectacular turn of events.

As soon as the opponent was overly battered and dazed from Matt’s suddenly enhanced fighting power and skill, Matt readied for the final blow; “Kyôyama superhero-mimicry martial arts final attack…”

Koe exclaimed in confusion, “What the hey? You’re actually going to perform that after all? We don’t even know if you’ll be able to execute perfect mimicry!” Matt didn’t listen; he was too enraged by the insult.

Matt finishes executing the technique by jumping towards his opponent and finishes with an aerial side kick (with a silhouette of said superhero), “Kamen Rider 1’s Rider Kick!”

As the attack lands on the opponent, the unfortunate receiver was sent flying. Everyone checked on the victim of Matt’s attack… they were shocked and exclaimed in fear. Koe gasps, “You’ve killed him.” Matt pants for breath, “Well, he insulted Blue Devil. How would he know about him in the first place?” The chieftain’s daughter whispers into Matt’s ear, “They looked at some of the souvenirs I brought from America before burning them.” Matt growls, “Bastards.”

Riku, Jane, & Dare go down the river on the Shark Board until Riku wanted to walk…

Jane says, “I’m not sure that you should be foot-walking instead of air-flying, Muni-friend Riku.” Dare nods in agreement with Jane, “Yeah, especially when I’m sensing danger up ahead.” Riku turns around, walking backwards, and scoffs “Danger of what?” Hearing the sounds of tribal shouts behind him, Riku slowly turned to witness a bridge going across the river packed with a native tribe with spears shouting. In unison, Darien and Jane sigh out “Troubled tribesmen.”

Later, the two boys were wrapped up in nets and carried off while Jane and the Shark Board were following freely for some reason.

Presented before the chief and his family in the thrones, someone in the tribe said something in their native language. Riku asks, “What’s he saying?” Dare mimicked the language phrase he just heard, “Ieffiat olo tausu,” to which many laughed at. Dare looks down and shakes head, “Maybe not.”

Then the two of them are pushed towards a large pot filled with bubbling red fluid with a fire under it before the chief, Dare gulps “Not exactly my choice for a last meal.” Riku says, “Would you look at that? No wonder why these lost tribes are so backwards; I may not be a chef, they have oregano and basil for this stew or soup but they seem to be short of the ‘sauce’ in their tomatoes.” Dare shakes his head, “They’re having us for lunch, bro.” While some of the tribe’s girls tenderize/massaged him, Riku sighs “Wait until they break a cap on the precious stones I’m carrying.”

Pushed to the edge that would lead them to their final destination, Riku proceeds to empty his pockets before he and Dare get cooked, when he pulled out the diamonds and ruby… the entire tribe gasped in surprise, which ceased all actions, including Riku’s pocket-emptying.

Jane gasped, “Those Kyui-precious stones are the Eyes and Heart of Sheba, sacred treasures of this tribe; the Masonda! How’d Muni-friends two get those?” Riku says, “I’ve bought them off a secondhand selling stand on a sea ship.” Dare gulps, “Give them back, Riku Bro.” Riku hands the jewels to the Masonda chief, who gratefully takes the jewels and shouts out something plus the word “Sheba”, the tribe cheer happily!

Jane says with a wide smile, “Now you two are free from this fate.” Riku sighs, “Would’ve been beautiful tasting like something else.” “Don’t make me dump you in the soup,” hisses Dare.

Later… while in their normal clothing again, they were about to head off, but with much better terms with the savage tribe——

The chief said something to Koe, who relayed it to Matt; “We are friends with the Mukudo tribe now that they see us higher ranks than the Masonda tribe. They don’t have the sacred gorilla, nor the Masonda treasure called the Eyes and Heart of Sheba. Unless both are retrieved in two days when sun is at top of sky; they will kill the Machuti and face their death by the Masonda hands.”

Matt sighs, “I see.” Then his eyes widened, “That must mean——“ Koe’s eyes widened in shock, then “Neither of them are responsible for the missing treasure or animal!” The tribal chief’s daughter, Ana, said, “Nobody said to the other tribes that we were against the intertribal unification. Why would we steal Nagijua or the Eyes & Heart of Sheba?”

Koe presents one of the darts that hit him and Matt, “If your tribe uses poisoned darts, can we see them? A bunch of these hit us.” Ana turns to the shaman and asks him for some of the darts, he complied.

Surprisingly, the darts look similar to each other. Koe decides to use his nose, then his eyes widened in surprise, “No way… the wood in these darts are completely different from each other.” Matt took out the Suva-Phone to scan the wood in the darts, after a while of scanning Matt says, “Well… while they seem same in appearance. The Mukudo dart was made from a common tree, while the other dart was made from a khaya ivorensis, which is also known as African mahogany, a wood not found in the Central African Republic; just in Cameroon.”

Komatsu sniffs the darts that hit him, then he grins confidently, “This little hound dog has picked up a scent.” Matt smacks Koe’s back calling out, “Ikuzo!” after climbing onto his friend’s back, then the half-demon lord leapt an incredible pace.

Leaving their new friends, the Masonda tribe, Dare, Riku, and Jane are asked by the shaman to head off toward Cameroon, the three young ones are expecting to hitch a ride there. They got their chance: a truck driven by a genetic chimera farmer. When he mistakes Jane for an adult, Darien used a small needle, which is one of many he had in his tunic’s left sleeve, to hit the knockout acupuncture point. Later…

Carrying the chimera farmer to the back of the truck, Riku says, “You know, Brother Dare… I’m not as strong as Brother Koe… so next time… knock out a skinny chimera farmer.” Dare asks, “Can you drive?” Placing the unconscious farmer in the back, Riku sighs out, “I can try. But I hope I don’t find a police officer.”

Arriving in the wooded area of Cameroon, Koe lands in a tree with Matt…

Matt pulls out a pair of binoculars and looks through them, “If I can seek the right tree with cut marks for the darts that hit us, then there should be a hut for whoever it was that kidnapped our friend.” Koe sniffs the air then says, “I smell other humans within this area, not just us.” Matt smirks as he slowly lowers his binoculars, “I think we’re on the right track.”

They went to another tree to inspect the African woods, finding a small hut… and beside it was a helicopter. Koe recognized two of them, “It’s the pesky poachers, Derrick Gahju and Gerry Spence!” Matt nods, “Yeah, but what the devil is that looter, Ian McRedal, doing there with them?” Koe says, “Look! In that cage…”

Matt brings up his binoculars to spot a gorilla with gentle golden eyes in a cage. He gasps, “So, they do have Nagijua.” Koe smirks, “They’re outside the province so no one would expect to search this far.”

Also, on the other side of the African woods… the other two Musketeers and their new friend Jane with her sneak up in branches spotting a helicopter and three motley goons, the three get closer to hear more information amongst their little argument.

While listening, Dare gasped, “The Eyes & Heart of Sheba? That’s what we’ve just restored to the Masonda tribe!” Riku frowns, “Which means that they’re the ones who stole them.” “Only one of them,” says Jane, “the other two are Zowa-poachers and they’re holding a Kyui-sacred gorilla belonging to another tribe close to the Masondas.”

While the three suspects were arguing…

Jane cries, “Nagijua’s in big trouble!” Riku gasps, “No!” Dare says, “We gotta do something!” Jane nods, “Yeah!” Riku says, “We gotta go save her!” Dare agrees, “Yeah! You go first!” Riku gulps, “No!” Dare pushes his bigger friend, “Yeah!”

Meanwhile, Matt says, “On three… one——“ Koe follows, “Two——“ “THREE!”

The Musketeers charged for the three goons——

BAM! Only to have all four of them (Dare, Matt, Koe, & Riku) to ram headfirst into each other’s skulls before crashing to the ground.

Dazed, each of the four of them looked before them to notice two familiar faces, in unison they each ask, “Bro?”

Distracted in their dazed state, the three goons, who noticed them, picked them up and thrashed the poor boys into the poor gorilla’s cage.

Dare asks, “Why didn’t you guys come here sooner?”

Matt asks, “Why did you two come in the first place?”

Koe asks, “Why the heck are we being beat up?”

Riku asks, “Why do I have stars dancing in my face?”

After a bit more thrashing, the boys were thrown to the ground…

Riku asks Koe, “Bro Koe, have you learned about fighting fair?” Koe nods, “Uh-huh.” Riku says, “Well forget it now!” Matt says, “Let me in on that request too.” Dare nods, “Ditto.” Koe sighs, “Luckily, I’ve gained the ability to manipulate my strength as well as that of others back in Antarctica.”

The three thugs prepare to gain up on the four…

Koe knocked the two poachers and the looter each in the groin, really hard! While they were down in pain, Riku leaped over his twin brother and delivered a flying sweep kick at the goons’ faces, Matt rushed in and delivered rapid punches that sent the three goons flying upward, with Dare locking them in icy prisons.

Koe mimicked a different voice “We’ve got a place for people who beat up kids.”

Jane came down and worked on ripping the metal bars off Nagijua’s cage, Koe said, “Allow me, young lady.” He then rips the bars off with ease. Jane was impressed (with stars in her eyes) with Koe’s strength, she exclaims excitedly, “Will you be my mate?” Koe sweat-drops, “I don’t even know you.”

Nagijua walks from her cage and hugs Jane, like good friends should. The sacred gorilla grunts almost like she’s attempting to communicate to them, Koe listened to the gorilla’s grunts and asked, “What? For real?” The gorilla nodded.

Koe whispered to Matt, who nodded and said, “It’s time to head back to the consulate.”

The next day, Matt and Koe flew the helicopter toward the consulate, with Koe at the wheel again!

Surprised how perfectly the little helicopter stunt he just pulled without moderate damage, Koe smiles slightly and says “Like a glove on the hand too big for it.” Matt says, “Be thankful that the glove is on anyways.”

He turns to Matt and asks, “Are you sure this plan’s going to work? We’ve spent 11 days searching for KH.” Matt shrugs, “It may prove something.”

After half-an-hour of consulting at the consulate, the two convinced Edward and Greenwall, along with the old man’s select choice of other men, to come along for a ride in the helicopter to an area between two mountains, both identical to each other yet side by side, which is smack dab in the center of the area where the three tribes inhabit. Koe has perfected his helicopter pilot skill.

Meanwhile, mysterious troops in black are marching through the jungle toward the twin mountains, however they unaware that they were expected and are being watched.

Back at the mountain, Komatsu waves his hands around his point of view, like he was groping someone gently. Edward Moser asks, “What the devil are you doing?” Koe snaps out of it and says, “I’m sorry, it’s just that those mountains kinda remind me of a woman’s chest.”

Edward Moser grew interested, “I am curious to why you two brought us here.” Hitu says, “This could be where they’ve seen the culprit escape to with the gorilla.” Matt says, “Mr. Moser, sir, I hope your friends beside you can carry you by your wheelchair.”

The two men beside Mr. Moser nod and lift his wheelchair by the handles. Koe pulls out a stone idol then whispers to Matt, “According to the map the Machuti gave us, the entrance should be around here.” Matt whispers, “If Riku’s right about this, then we’d better make sure nothing falls into his hands.” Koe whispers to him, “Don’t look now, but it sounds like Dare Bro’s troops of united tribal warriors are watching carefully. Good thing they trusted us with the gold key.” Matt whispers to his long-time friend, “Okay, let’s move out, bro.“

They walked around and found an opening in the ground, but it was too small for a human to fit through, much less a pencil. Koe secretly pulls out a fancy star-shaped golden key, from his pocket and stuck it into the opening, he turns it and says, “I hear something.”

A loud rumbling was heard, before Koe opened a larger opening. Matt looks at Moser and sees him throw a small stick over his shoulder. Matt asks, “Sir Moser, what was that you just threw away?” Moser smiles, “Thank you for leading URIOHA to the Mines, young Soul Gem Item Carriers.”

“You knew?” gasped Koe. Moser asks, “About what, about the fact that you two were Soul Gem Item Carriers? That you were leading a terrorist army and I to King Solomon’s Mines? Or that you just found out that I am a Shadow Gem Item Carrier?” Matt gulps, “All of the above actually.” Moser nods, smiling sinisterly, “Why, yes.”

Greenwall gasps in surprise “Wait a minute! King Solomon’s Mines?”

Matt nods, “Yes, the mines of the biblical king known for his great wisdom and vast wealth. It turns out these three tribes were the descendants of the guardians that protected the location of this place; within the confines of Central Africa. Moser hired the poachers and looter he showed us days ago to get Nagijua and the Eyes and Heart of Sheba so the tribes would destroy each other.”

Koe says, “He also hired the two of us so they use us as a cover for his crimes. As long as the tribes remained in peace, he couldn’t touch the mines without being attacked. If the tribes were united, they’d sooner gain connections with the Freemasons and protect the mines better as King Solomon wanted; to protect the world from the dark side of the magical powers that exists within.”

Together in unison, Matt and Koe finish, “But aside from the limitless wealth in diamonds and the magic spells, he and URIOHA are planning to contaminate the diamonds in the mines and the magic books with Shadow Gem energy before they remove it and use it upon the world!”

Moser applauds, “Congratulations, masters Kyôyama and Bokuto… you have solved the case.”

The next surprise is when Moser stood up from his wheelchair, which shocked Greenwall but not everyone else. Matt was unsurprised “I totally saw that coming.” Koe sighs, “You weren’t the only one.” Greenwall sided with the Musketeers and said, “You know, I am innocent of all this.” Matt whispers, “That is new, but so is the surprise we have for Moser.”

Koe says, “We can tell that he can kill us just as easily as he could blow out a candle.” Matt nods, “But no matter how strong you may be, you will not dominate our spirits!” together they whispered to Greenwall, “We’ve had this planned.”

Matt and Koe calmly walk toward the two bodyguards, as it’s like they are going to surrender to them. They turn to each other, and then——

They played the clapping game, Pat-a-cake, “Pat-a-cake pat-a-cake, baker’s man, bake a cake as fast as you can.“

Riku, Darien, Jane, Shida (the Mukudo chief’s daughter), Kuda (the Machuti chief’s son), and Ramii (the Masonda chief’s daughter) entered to encounter the events.

“Pat-a-cake pat-a-cake, baker’s man, bake a cake as fast as you can——“ then they each punch the men out cold! Then the two performed a side-by-side windmill kick against the Shadow Gem Item Carrier Moser, who was shocked at the turn of events!

Riku says, “I’ve got to see those ‘Road To’ pictures. That was a very useful trick.” Koe nods, “We must get our own films where we’re the stars.” Matt says, “How about have them written down first?” Dare asks, “Are we ever going to get out of here?”

Before leaving the unconscious Moser, Koe says to him “Thanks for letting us have your URIOHA armies fall into our trap.”

Outside of the mines, all three united tribes and the animals in the jungle are ambushing the URIOHA soldiers and are beating them down to pulp. The Musketeers have arranged this trap so they may have a chance to win.

Traveling deep into the mines, the Musketeers, feral child, and three tribal heirs cross a river with stepping-stones and venture through dark hallways to come to a large room filled with podium-like stones with elegant diamond statues of regal-looking women on top of them.

Riku asks, “Who are these lovelies?” Kuda answers, “They are the queens of this land since ancient times.”

Matt notices one of the statues preserving a beautiful young woman inside, “Do you think that’s the Queen of Sheba?” Greenwall says, “Or perhaps Sheba herself?” Koe gasps, “Sheba, first of the queens? King Solomon’s wife? That Sheba?” Ramii says, “The same.”

Dare glances at the statue and then at Jane several times before saying, “Disregarding the age differences, Jane and Sheba look so alike.” Shida explains, “When Nagijua first found her, we knew that someday our three tribes have to become one. When you’ve revealed the forces of evil were on their way, we knew to save our people we must befriend the outside world.”

Riku looks thoughtful for a moment, “And to think… all that power… all those riches.” Koe shakes his head, “Nah, I bet the diamonds belong to the mountain.”

Dare says, “Jane suggests that we should leave this mountain right now.” Matt says, “I concur—— after we finish off Moser; he may have had his Shadow Gem destroyed, which will allow him to turn into a monster.”

Gunshots are heard within the cavern walls, “Hey!” shouts Riku, “Nobody takes pot shots at a Musketeer!” Matt gulps, “I think the transformation completed itself moments ago.”

The mysterious figure wielding the gun that fired steps out from the shadows; an 8-foot-tall, muscular green-skinned version of Moser (that can walk still).

“Who was that monstrosity?” asks Greenwall. Matt shrugs, “I assume that it’s Moser merged with Maestro from ‘the Incredible Hulk’.” Koe shrugs, “He’s Maestro Moser now.”

Matt yells to the non-Musketeers, “Get outside, quickly!” They complied without hesitation.

Dare says, “Choose your Duel Worlds monster for this situation and combine their strongest attacks with our attacks!”

Riku smiles, “You know the old phrase——“ Koe nods, “All for one!” “And one for all!” shouted the Musketeers in unison, as their Soul Amulet Summoners appeared on their arms.

“Merged Hulk!” calls out Matt as he held out his chosen card. (Merged Hulk; mutated human-male-fighter-morph monster-Earth/L: 18/AS: 10,000/DS: 10,000/HP: 10,000/MP: 6000/Strength: 5/Speed: 4/R: PG-13/Size: 7’6”, 1,150 lbs.)

“Miroku!” calls out Koe as he held out his chosen card. (Miroku; human-male-spellcaster-monster-Earth/L: 6/AS: 2500/DS: 2500/HP: 3000/MP: 3000/Strength: 4/Speed: 4/R: PG-13/Size: 5’5”, 152 lbs.)

“Skull Fiend, Skull-Zardü!” calls out Riku as he held out his chosen card. (Skull-Zardü the Skull Fiend; skull demon-male-demon-monster-Dark/L: 3/AS: 0/DS: 0/HP: 3000/MP: 3000/Strength: 3/Speed: 3/R: R/Size: N/A)

“Katara!” calls out Dare as he held out his chosen card. (Katara; human-female-mage warrior-monster-Water/L: 3/AS: 500/DS: 500/HP: 2000/MP: 3000/Strength: 3/Speed: 3/R: PG/Size: 5’4”, 113 lbs.)

“Deck Guardian Infusion!”

Energies flowed from the cards and into their owners respectively.

Matt & Koe call out, “Kyôyama superhero-mimicry martial arts final attack…”

Riku concentrates, “Ohhmmmmmmm…”

Dare shouts, “Have a taste of my own…”

Together, the four Musketeers jumped into the air and toward the single opponent.

Matt performs a dambe-style kick, “Black Panther’s Panther Jaw Dambe Kick with Hulk Smash!”

Koe performs a flying front kick, “Kamen Rider Delta’s Lucifer’s Hammer with Wind Tunnel!”

Riku performs a drop kick, “Demonic Alchemy Break Hammer!”

Dare performs a scissor kick, “Blizzard Bullet Crush!”

Darien’s attack first sprays freezing vapor at Maestro Moser, locking him in a block of ice. Koe’s right hand develops a black hole in its palm that draws the frozen foe toward his kick that’s producing a blue pyramid-shaped drill of energy at his outstretched heel, then it drills into the frozen giant foe for a few moments before the energy drill and Wind Tunnel dissipated. Riku’s kick crackled with electricity-like energy before his and Darien’s kicks connected. Matt finishes with his own kick, shattering the foe to smaller particles.

“What a pain,” sighs an exhausted Matt, “we get hired to prove ‘that it all he could do to stop the war’ and yet in the end, things worked out nicely.”

At the intertribal wedding, the unity of the three tribes was finalized and sealed.

Jane asks the boys, “What do you plan on doing now?” Matt says, “We start looking for our other friends, wherever they may be.” Riku shrugs, “But for you two to get your destinations messed up a lot lately…” Darien nods, “Something rotten is trying to keep us apart from Big Brother KH.”

Greenwall asks, “What about your payment, young sirs?” Matt sighs, “Forget it.” Koe nods, “We’ve got more important things to worry about.”

Jane clutches to Koe's arm, "At least take me with you!" Koe kneels down to her and says (in a voice like Humphry Bogart's), "And we wish we could do so. But we've got a job to do, too. Deep inside of yourself, you know that both of us know you belong with here. You're part of his natural world, the thing that keeps it going. So where we're going, you can't follow. If our plane leaves the ground and we're not with him, we'll regret it. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow, but soon and for the rest of our lives. What we've got to do, you can't be any part of. Janey, We're too noble and too loyal to our friends, but it doesn't take much to see that the problems of 5 little people don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world. Someday you'll understand that."

Jane sobs a bit and hugs him, Koe smiles and hugs her back "Now, now..." he gets up and follows the other Musketeers, waving goodbye to their latest friends, "Here's looking at you kid."

While they weren't looking, a Soul Gem Item in the form of a claw tama necklace appears around the young girl's neck. Seeing it glow like the boys' Soul Gem Items, she smiles and whispers "I'll try to catch up to someday… Kyui-precious friends."

Matt sighs, "Of all the adventures, in all the jungles, in all the world, that new little Duel Worlds duelist walks into ours."

Dare smiles, "Still, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."

Then the four left Africa in resuming their search for Kuro-Horo Utamaru…

63 days before graduation…

To be continued…

Next time; KH & his group meet up with seven people who were involved with Shadow Gems but denied them, therefore are cursed as monsters among people. Then they befriend them.