Yami no Game: Dark Saga
Chapter 43
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Yami stood frozen before the great dragon god. Even he, a demon, was floored by the power emanating from the card. Osiris watched him though the gaps in the steel cage, smog leaving from its lower jaws before rearing up once more with another roar. 'This...this is truly the power of a god...how am I to defeat it...' Yami thought before a chuckle left from Malik on the other side of the field. "You can't...not even you can surpass Osiris' infinite power..." he spoke, insipid glee heavy in his tone and his soul of seeing the demon finally breaking down before him. "After all...the sky dragon's attack relies heavily by the cards in the player's hand...times 1000." Yami near stepped back at the revelation of where Osiris' power came from. 'It comes...from the amount of cards in hand...' Yami knew well that Buster Blader could handle the god right now if he could thanks to his ability to get a 500 point increase for every dragon on the field. That even included Osiris, God or not. But they were still trapped in the steel cage and unable to attack so the attack boost would prove fruitless for the situation as Osiris will soon surpass that come Malik's next draw phase to bring its attack to 4000. And with the duel monsters rules, the dragon's attack would eventually become unstoppable when the doll drew a full hand and leave the god standing with an immovable 7000 attack.
"I can see what troubles you...you think Osiris' power will crest at 7000 attack when my doll draws the max cards...but you are mistaken...for I have something in my hand that will make the sky dragon live to its infinite power..." he spoke as the doll held that very card...
...the deadliest permanent spell "Infinite Cards"...
'And he doesn't even know that Osiris holds yet another ability. It lies in wait to soon be triggered upon the right move...' Malik had thought. "Due to the cage, Osiris still can't touch you but you are on the last turn for it to be active...then you will become vulnerable to all of Osiris' power..." Malik spoke, spite oozing from his words. "Did my god terrify you...make you realize the hopelessness of your situation? You may not be able to fight me but you can still set cards or summon a monster. At least try to pretend that you have a fighting chance because I want to see you squirm when everything is finally held against you and you can't do anything!" Yami growled at this. 'I can't lose here...not to this madman...' Yami drew his card when Malik ended his turn before looking at the options he had. On Malik's side he had Osiris primed for attack while the Revival Jam sat in defense along with a covered card. 'This will decide the end of the duel...'
"I set two cards face down then summon Kuriboh in defense mode!" he called. "I end my turn." When those words were uttered, the cage gave a hiss, smoke leaving from it and Malik smirked. "And with that your steel cage...the cage that trapped but protected you...is gone." he whispered, Osiris moving in closer as he gazed directly into the eyes of the demon. Yami bared his teeth to the god and Osiris let out another hiss.
/Prove to me, demon...prove to me of your power before the sky dragon god.../
Yami became alert to the voice of the card before him before giving a nod of acknowledgement as Malik began his turn. "I draw and Osiris gains another 1000 attack!" he spoke as the dragon reared up to roar as its attack increased to 4000. "Now go and attack with Super Conductor Thunder Force!" The sky dragon roared once more, the lethal attack gathering within its bottom jaws before unleashing the thunder blast for Buster Blader, making Yami nod that his predictions were correct. "I reveal my face down! Lightforce Sword!" The sword materialized above the doll's hand before shooting down, impaling a card from his hand and Malik cursed. "That knocks Osiris down to 3000..."
"Which leaves my Buster Blader with just enough to take down your god..." Buster Blader avoided the blast as Yami stood straighter. "Now counter with your Dragon Buster Sword!" Yami was sure...sure that he had the chance to be rid of the god...but Malik proved him wrong yet again. "Don't think a god would be so easily taken down by such a simple parlor trick! I reveal my trap! Jam Defender!" As the card activated, the Revival Jam became active, moving in front of Osiris and took the hit from Buster Blader. Just like before, after its immediate destruction, it began to reform. "But I'm not done there...as I reveal my second card!" Another face down activated, revealing itself to be Card of Safe Return, Yami growling angrily as the card provided an extra three cards for any monster special summoned from the grave...which meant another 3000 attack for Osiris. "Now that I have five cards...my god has 5000 attack!" Another roar left from Osiris as it commenced its attack once more, destroying the Buster Blader and leaving Yami with 2100 life points.
"Can't you see?! You will never be able to defeat a god, Yami! Your reign as eternal king shall finally end!"
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A small beep was heard before Ruby pressed a button on his collar. "Report..." he murmured. "Sir! We found a Rare Hunter with a god card in the midst of a duel! The opponent he's challenging is...!" Seto turned to look to him, awaiting the name of the challenger. "...Yami!" Ruby's eyes widened as Mokuba looked to his brother in stunned silence. 'Yami...' Seto thought before looking to Ruby. Knowing what that look meant, he grabbed the information of their location and soon, he was carting his siblings towards the duel...
The duel of a king versus a god.
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Osiris roared as the other flinched. Malik could only grin with sickening glee. Slowly but surely, Yami was running out of options. Sure he will fight to the end but he would claim great satisfaction if the other ends up showing his belly in submission to the god's power. 'And he still hasn't seen Osiris' other ability...to which he shall see on my next turn...' But Yami knew, he knew well that Malik would find satisfaction if he surrendered here. But he would not allow that. He won't give up his life or Aqua's...and especially not Yugi's. /This is your true power, demon? Surely you jest...show me your power!/ Osiris spoke once more in the deepest corner of his mind and he snarled. 'I will...and it all depends on this draw!' Yami drew his card, producing Magic Cylinder and the spell could very well help him in his dire situation. But first he needed a spellcaster. "I offer Kuriboh as a sacrifice and summon to the field Black Magician Girl!"
"And with your new monster, you bring to light Osiris' second ability!" Malik announced and Yami gasped in horror as the great sky dragon closed its second jaw in favor of the first opening to charge for an attack. "You see, when an opponent summons a monster, Osiris will deal 2000 points of immediate damage! Of course this leaves the player unharmed...but it doesn't leave the monster safe is it loses that 2000 points from their attack! If it is in defense and has less than 2000 then it would be immediately destroyed!"
"What?!"
"Now go! Summon Lightning Shot!"
Osiris unleashed the attack towards the defenseless apprentice and she gasped in horror as she was about to be destroyed. 'A monster that can attack on a summon...' he had thought before Malik chimed in. "You are mistaken...this isn't a monster but a god! Now watch as your woman magician dies!" Yami snarled before raising a hand. "You wish...come forth Magical Hats!" he called as the trap activated, hiding the magician underneath before spreading out, the blast taking out one of the hats but Black Magician Girl was left unscathed for another turn. Malik sneered but still chuckled. "I thought I'd end you swiftly but it seems you still hold on to your fighting spirit. I wish you luck with holding it. Osiris will soon tear you apart little by little til nothing is left." Yami's eyes narrowed before picking up another card. "I'll set two cards and end my turn." The cards mentioned didn't appear on the field, leaving Malik to assume they are hidden in the hats to give yet another meager fighting chance for Yami to try and take the upper hand. "My turn then...I should mention to you now that I have six cards in hand..." Malik spoke as the doll drew the card. "Rules states that a player can't have more than eight at a time. All others would have to go into the graveyard..." Yami knew there was more and he could already tell what the other had to say was nothing short of climatic.
"But with this spell..." The doll took the card and revealed it, making Yami's widen yet again. "I can have as many as I want! Osiris' power shall truly be infinite with this!" he cackled as Infinite Cards was revealed. "Now cast the permanent spell, Infinite Cards!" Osiris gave another defiant roar as Yami noted the situation truly seemed impossible now. 'This is the ultimate combo, Yami. The "God Five" that allows a perfect offense and defense and no limit to the god's power. Nothing awaits you now but death!' Malik thought as the doll raised a hand at Malik's command. "Now resume the battle phase! Osiris, attack! Aim for the hat on the far right!"
"No!" His aim was dead on as the Black Magician Girl was hidden under that very hat. "My intuition is much too sharp for the likes of a simple illusion!" Yami growled. 'That may be...but I still have one gamble left...!' he thought as the hat was destroyed but with it was another that appeared with the Black Magician Girl. Malik saw this and grunted in annoyance. 'W-what is this?!' Two cylinders appeared on the field, absorbing the blast from Osiris. "Your attack was taken in by Magic Cylinder but I'm not done there!" Yami spoke as Osiris roared in anger as a hexagram spell appeared around him. "I also activate Spellbinding Circle which causes your god to lose 700 attack!" A glow came from the depths of the second cylinder as the reflected attack was ready to blast back at Osiris full force of the original 5000 attack it had begun with before the hexagram spell. The blast got closer and closer and both Yami and Yugi could only watch and pray that this will be it. That this will be the final blow.
'But will it be enough?!'
"Let me answer that for you with a simple...no." Malik whispered as the Revival Jam jumped in front of the blast, taking the full force of the hit before reviving once more. "And with that, another three cards are added to my hand and worse still, your curse only last for one turn as a god can't be held down by such weak magics!" he spoke as the turn ended for Yami and with it, the Spellbinding Circle was broken and left Osiris open once more at full power and an additional 1000 points from the doll's draw, leaving it with 9000 attack. "Now destroy that woman magician!" Osiris gave a roar before unleashing another round of Thunder Force, destroying Black Magician Girl and finally, Yami was helpless before the god card, collapsing to his knees. "Yami!" Aqua shouted from above. An ear flicked up before he turned to see another figure flying towards him. "Is that..." he murmured before the figure darted down and the flash of ruby red confirmed it. "Stand up, Yami!" The voice called and Yami was taken aback by the sudden voice before looking up to see Seto, Mokuba and Ruby standing there. "You'd be a fool to allow your life as a duelist to end here! I know full well you can defeat a god!" Seto spoke.
/Does he lie, demon? If not then show me...show me you are capable to defeat and wield a god!/
Osiris watched the other duelist while from afar as the two gained more distance upon their destination, Malik could only smirk. 'Osiris will only continue to gain power...you have nothing to stop me as he will destroy anything you can set down, whether it be in attack or defense. You are done, demon king.'
"You are one of very few I recognize as a challenge to my own power so don't you dare lose here while I am watching." Seto murmured as Mokuba peeked out from behind him. "Yeah! You owe my brother a fight at your best!" Ruby was silent but too gave the faintest nod that he knew that Yami could find a way to win. Yami has proven that more times than he can count and it would be the ultimate disgrace for him to find a loss here. Getting the support from the most unlikely suspects have Yami the confidence he needed. "You're right...we do have a fight to do...and I can't allow myself to be stopped here."
"Good. Then you should know well what to do...mow it down and show that a demon can overcome a god once more!" From within, Yugi smiled. 'I never would've thought of Seto to be supportive like this. I suppose Jou has changed him in ways that he wouldn't easily understand on his own.' Yugi thought to himself and Aqua chuckled. /You are right, little one. This will prove to be only a small stepping stone to a bigger challenge ahead./ he spoke as he lifted his head. 'Cause I'm sure Osiris isn't the only thing we have to worry from with Malik...this power I sense coming...is nothing short of cataclysmic when it gets here...' Back on his feet, Yami sent his most scathing glare to the doll and the person that controls it. "My turn..." he murmured as he looked to his hand to see Big Shield Guardna and Berfomet. They wouldn't stand a chance to Osiris so he was left with the only option of trusting his next draw. He pulled the card, revealing Monster Reborn, humming in thought before glancing up. "I set one card then send out Big Shield Guardna in defense." He called as the big shield monster appeared. "I hope you haven't forgotten Osiris' second ability have you. When you summon your monster suffers 2000 points of damage!" Malik spoke as the first mouth closed to allow the second to open, unleashing the blast at the defense monster. "D-did he say 2000?!" Mokuba squeaked. "That power could wipe out nearly every four star monster in the game..." Seto whispered as the blast engulfed the monster. 'So this is the power equal to Obelisk...a card with such power that it doesn't just win a game, it destroys the opponent's will to fight.' As the smoke cleared, Guardna was still safe. "You expected him to be destroyed but he has more than 2000 defense." Yami whispered while Seto continued to watch on. 'Do it, Yami...destroy a god as you have done before…'
Yami ended his turn and Malik called. "I draw and give Osiris another 1000, making his attack crest over the unimaginable for one single monster with 10,000 attack!" he announced. "Ten...the thousand?! Osiris gets more powerful with each card he draws?! That's insane! And with Infinite Cards, that shoots the limit one can have for a hand!" Mokuba cried before looking to Ruby. "Ruby-nii, how can be possibly beat something with an infinite attack power?!" Something in Mokuba's words clicked in Seto's mind and something that Malik has carefully ignored since he was drunk on the power that Osiris held. It was clear Yami hadn't notice for himself either. His eyes narrowed before stepping forward. "Listen! You should take this to heart as you are a demon with your own limitations! Nothing is infinite! That is only the deception made by a god!" he called and Yami blinked before he realized what he had overlooked. He growled, baring fangs as Malik made his attack and destroyed Guardna. "You should realize this as well, Kaiba! Osiris' power is infinite! Can't you see that there is nothing to stop it now?!" Malik spoke. "That's where you're wrong...I know how to beat a god." Yami said as he swept away the wind with a single wing. "My next turn will probably be the last of the duel...only one of us will be left standing and be the winner of this match."
"Have you lost it? Have you learned to dig yourself from your own grave with just one turn?" Malik inquired. "There is. I assure you that demons have ways to cheat death when it isn't their time." Malik growled, fist clenching on the motorcycle handle. 'He's...he lying. There's no way he can break from my trap! What the hell is he thinking?! I can't read him to figure it out!' Mokuba chanced a glance to Seto and was about to ask what he meant but Ruby placed a hand on his shoulder. "Just watch and bear witness to the soul of a duelist." He nodded before turning back to the field to watch and see what exactly Yami was about to do that would save him from this situation. Yami drew his card at Malik's end and he could tell...that it was truly the end.
"I win, Malik."
"What?! How dare you claim such an insane notion?! You are facing a god!" Malik snapped. Seto hummed as he glanced to Yami, seeing the expression that meant he had found just what he needed and with no time to spare. "Here I go! First I will play Monster Reborn! Come back from the depths of the fallen, Buster Blader!" The warrior appeared into the field back from the card and Malik could only laugh. "What, so you bring him back in defense just for me to destroy him again? That will only give you one turn!"
"I didn't say defense...he will come back in attack mode!" The other brandished his sword, the blade gleaming which garnered a hiss from Osiris. 'Does…he really think to challenge Osiris with that?! There's no way!' Yami flexed his free hand before curling it into a fist. "You have spoken vile words and nearly broken my spirit to the power of a god...but as I've done countless times, I will find a way to surpass the limits before me! Even with my limitations! Now prepare yourself as I complete my unstoppable infinite combo! The combo that goes beyond a god!"
"Goes beyond?! Surely you jest in the mind of a madman! There is nothing greater than the God cards! A puny little demon can't stop a god's power! You remember my permanent spell, Card of Safe Return? The effect stretches over all fields so even when you summon, I draw three new cards and since you did just that, Osiris will shave 2000 from Buster Blader's attack!" The sky dragon roared as it gained another 3000 attack, its destructive power resting at 13,000 before its second effect played and attacked Buster Blader. The monster groaned under the heavy attack but he still stands with 1100. "Now there stands your last monster with a measly 1100. I'll be generous and allow you to switch to defense unless you truly intend to attack Osiris."
"I do. I have confidence in my last play. Now, Buster Blader! Attack Osiris!" Said dragon roared in defiance as Buster Blader's grip tightened on his sword. 'So this is your so called last stand. Then show me how one runs themselves into the grave!' Malik thought.
"Dragon Buster Blade!"
The warrior shot forward, raising his sword as Osiris reared up with another roar. "You are foolish! Don't forget of my permanent trap, Jam Defender!" As Malik finished, Revival Jam rushed forward, taking the hit of the blade and was splattered over the field once more. "Revival Jam can't be defeated! It will continue to protect my god and return from the grave, and with each return, my god gets stronger! Your attack was a waste and so is your life!"
"Did you really think I've forgotten. I could never forget how you'd "jam" my attack...because that is exactly what I was aiming for!" he said as he pulled a card from his hand. "Meet the key to your end! Brain Control!" Seeing the card, Malik could only laugh. "You truly are a fool! You can't control god, Yami!" But Yami returned his snarky phrase with a smirk. "Seems you are the fool for depending too much on infinite power that you don't listen...did I say that I was going to aim for Osiris?" he murmured as the card activated and Revival Jam began to materialize onto his field. "And since a monster returned to my field, your Card of Safe Return gives you another three cards." Malik hummed. "You only make Osiris stronger..." he hummed as the dragon's attack increased to 16,000. Yami grinned. "...and before Osiris can attack for real...since a monster was summoned to my field...makes his second ability activate..." Osiris roared as the second mouth unleashed the Summon Lightning Shot. Malik's eyes widened when it all came to light.
'No...no this can't be...!'
"Malik? Malik, what's going on?!" Topaz called, descending. "That blasted demon!" he cursed as Topaz back-winged a little in shock. 'As the jam regenerates, Osiris will attack with Summon Lightning Shot...it will regenerate and I draw three cards...the pattern will continue in an infinite loop that I cannot escape!'
"Realize it now, Malik? Yes your god is powerful and infinite in power but that power is limited to the number of cards in your deck!" Yami spoke in finality as Osiris roared when it attacked again, attack currently at 28,000 and climbing with each draw of the cards that the doll is forced to make with each revival of the jam monster. "And per the rules of Duel Monsters, when a player can't draw, they lose the duel..." The doll's hands shook as the cards began to fall, collapsing to its knees as Osiris gave a defeated roar, finally grounding itself as its power came to a halt when the last card was gone from the disk and the doll couldn't draw for the turn.
"I win..."
/Indeed you have, demon...your power has been recognized by god. My power is yours to rule.../ Osiris spoke as the field slowly cleared away. "To be forced into an infinite loop until I ran out of cards...I actually lost?!" Malik hissed. "That can't be!" The flaxen blonde growled before looking up as they were closing in to Domino. "No matter..." Yami let out a heavy exhale. 'To be frightened by the so called infinite power of God almost became my end...but infinite is only a word. To learn that from him...' Yami turned his gaze to Seto as Mokuba escaped from his side and down to where he stood. He crept closer to the doll, almost scared that he would jump back to life. After a moment, he went to wave a hand in front of his face and got no response. "What's wrong with him...? Shock maybe..." Mokuba muttered before shrugging as he looked down to the scattered cards before finding what he was looking for. Picking up the god card, he looked to it in wonder. So far he had only seen Obelisk in action and now, after seeing Osiris, he was beginning to harbor second thoughts on the strongest card. 'Oh well...it won't matter cause soon, nii-sama will own them all.' Yami stepped over to him, making him whirl around with a flourish. "Since I'm the Battle City's Steering Committee Chairman, I'll validate the ante for this fight and since you've won, you get Osiris the Sky Dragon! Congrats!" he said before snapping his fingers and ran back to the still silent doll, pulling the puzzle card from the duel disk. "Here's your puzzle card as well." Yami took both cards, Aqua landing beside him. "Glad you made it through ok..." he spoke and Yami nodded. "Don't get used to it though! Nii-sama will take that god from you!" Mokuba said haughtily as he crossed his arms. "To be fair, that may happen sooner than you think. We are still in the tournament and we have met eye to eye. Only one thing to do." Seto declared, stepping down from where he was. Mokuba stepped back in surprise. 'Wait...they're going to duel here!? Now!?' But before they could start and before anyone could process that the once silent doll was moving again, Mokuba yelped when the body shot up.
"Holy...you almost gave me a heart attack!" Yami glanced back to the doll, knowing full well Malik is watching once more. "Give up, Malik. I won fair and square." Malik chortled just mildly. "I hardly gave that a second thought. Yes you have won but the god won't stay in your possession for long. Oh...but there is one thing I forgot to mention in all the excitement. You see, my closest sibling and I are coming to the city. We will be there in a moment's notice and when we arrive, our plan will go into full swing. Now, I can see from three different views right now, like a personal broadcast. I can see you through the eyes of this "doll", I can see the city from the freeway...and my last view is downtown Domino City through the eyes of the Rare Hunters. I can see your friends...the blonde called Jounouchi and the rest..." Seto started as Yami snarled.
"What are you planning?!"
"Wouldn't you wish to know. I had the Rare Hunters keep an eye on your friends for some time now...all in order to use them when the time is right." Seto stomped forward, grabbing the shirt of the doll. "You better watch yourself...if you harm one hair on Katsuya's head, I will end you myself..." he sneered. Malik smirked from his place. "Then you best hurry along to meet with them before something bad happens. Although they will know you're coming and will be ready for my commands to deal with your friends upon your arrival. So enjoy my game and let's see who wins now..." The doll fell limp in Seto's hands and the other wasn't amused as he shook the body and making demands. "It's no use...that person is nothing but an empty shell Malik used to play with for his amusement. But right now we need to get to the others." Aqua nodded before taking to the air. "I'll search from above, you take the streets and I'll call you when I find them."
"You go with him, Ruby. Contact me once you locate Katsuya." Seto ordered and he nodded before taking off and the two split to search over different blocks where the tournament was happening. Seto turned to Yami and the other looked to him in return. "As much as my pride would be wounded to ignore the challenge of a duel, I will not let these damn hunters hurt Katsuya. I had him omitted for a reason just like this even though the idea of them being here at a time like this was to be expected but also unwarranted." Yami gave a nod. "I do hope you know he will chew you out for that but he's here now so let him compete. He has gotten stronger." Yami said and Seto huffed. Mokuba tugged on his sleeve. "Nii-sama, we should go...we have to find Katsuya."
/Yeah...I'm getting worried./ Yugi whispered and Yami nodded before running off, allowing his demon sight and sense to take hold as he searched for the others. With a city so big and so many people around, it did make it hard for one to pinpoint a specific scent. 'Where are you, Jou...?' Yami thought in worry. As he remembered what had happened before when he had failed Sugoroku, he wouldn't allow another mistake like that to happen again. When two figures stepped into his path, he made to skid to a halt. "You're Yami aren't you? If you want to advance further you have to get through us." Yami bared his fangs at the annoyances that stood before him. "I don't have time for you...move!" he barked. "Like we care!" The portly male spoke. "Yeah, we let you through and Lord Malik would have our heads! Plus...if you refuse, your blond friend will be eliminated!" The taller male added. Yami growled as the two then commenced a roshambo duel to see who would challenge Yami first. This irritated the demon and he was sorely tempted to mow them down with his power but sadly, he was sure there was truth to their words and Malik would be watching.
"Will you hurry up!" he snapped and the two jumped as they looked to him. "Sorry...we keep running into a tie..." One spoke before squealing as Seto stepped up beside him. "You both are pathetic...come at us in a tag team match then!" he said, cerulean eyes cold and calculating as he looked at the two that was wasting every precious second they had from finding any sign of Katsuya...and everyone knows Kaibas aren't very patient. The portly male tapped a finger to his chin. "A tag match...?" The taller shrugged. "We do have the right amount of people..." Seto brandished his duel disk as he glanced to Yami. "Don't get me wrong but the situation called for it. Running Battle City meant dragging out these sorry carcasses from their hiding spots. I will make sure their little organization won't be contaminating the dueling world anymore." Yami smirked. "You make it sound personal..." They began the duel after shuffling and cutting their decks and within a few simple turns did Yami bear witness to yet another god as Seto summoned Obelisk to the field. "You have seen the power of one god...now meet Obelisk the Tormentor!" Seto raved as the god monster destroyed the two Rare Hunters with ease. Yami hummed as he had watched yet another bout of destructive power.
'These gods are indeed powerful...to think of what could happen when they clash...'
Aside from that, with the obstacle out the way, the two continued on, eventually splitting in their search for the group of friends that were unaware of the danger that was watching their every move as Jou went about finding another challenger.