Yami no Game: Dark Saga

Chapter 46

0

The attack was made and Legendary Fisherman fell, taking the last of Kajiki's life points with it and Kajiki could only stare as the monster fell with a groan. "You got me..." he whispered as Myrrh, Kaiser and Sugoroku cheered from the audience. "He did it! He can advance to the finals now!" she cheered happily. "But...he doesn't seem all too happy for it, though..." Kaiser murmured, seeing the solid look on Jounouchi's face which was definitely one he wouldn't expect after such a hard-fought battle with the ocean duelist. There was something on the teen's mind that gave him such an expression and Sapphire could see it too. Kajiki didn't make much of a response as his life points hit zero before a grin pulled across his face. "You did it, Jounouchi! Guess I was mistaken in thinkin-"

"Ryota...what did you do?"

The sudden question stopped the other's speech before he took a moment to glance away. "Don't give me that! If ya had a card ta bring back the dead, why him!? Ya could've brought back Fortress Whale and survived the turn!" Kajiki chuckled, Sapphire ducking back into the water of the tank slowly as the other commented that such didn't matter now with the duel over but Jounouchi was adamant as he continued the tirade. Kajiki was a proud duelist of the sea and Jounouchi couldn't even think for one measly second that he would throw the duel like that with bringing out something weaker than the strongest monster he had originally. It was impossible, asinine even and as a true duelist, he couldn't allow that to fly. Kajiki only listened and smiled warmly. Jounouchi was a smart boy, a fool sometimes, but still smart. A short click had Sapphire leap from the tank to land beside him, getting a clap from the still watching crowd as the sea duelist turned to face Jounouchi. "Jounouchi, that card was my key card and you defeated it. He was the soul of my deck, a reminder of someone close to me." Kajiki began as he pulled the card from his deck. "Ryota fought many a duel with that card, my friend. A card that embodies the soul of a fisherman, the soul...of his father." Sapphire spoke up next and it was there that Jounouchi realized the reason. It wasn't about strength to survive but the meaning behind the card. Sure, as he stated, Fortress Whale would've kept the duel going, make Jounouchi work harder to come up with something just as daring as the combination he did before to down the beast but the Legendary Fisherman was closer to his heart than the whale could ever be. The heart of his father lost at sea, the trials of a true fisherman to reel in the big one which in this case, was the victory in the duel and the right to go to the finals of Battle City. Such symbolism was nearly something Jounouchi shamelessly overlooked after the clear reminder of the card that was the heart and soul of his deck.

The alter ego of a proud man didn't deserve to be left in the graveyard. Such would admit that the man in reality was gone. Wiping away tears that escaped, Kajiki gave a bellow of a laugh. "But of course, such sentiments is only a fraction of the battle! Such a silly idea is nothing for a duelist if it doesn't net you a win!" he spoke casually but Jounouchi shook his head. "That's not true, Ryota. The true spirit of the duelist is fighting with yer heart! No matter what kind of duelist ya are, something in yer heart drives ya to make that win! Some are shallow in idea but for the real duelist, it means everythin'! Honestly, if I were you, I'd do the same...so raise yer head, man!" Kajiki was stunned by the blonde's words but grinned in response and nodded. "I knew there was a brain under that mop of hair!" he replied, getting a snarky response before he looked to the card. It was hard to think of giving up such an important card but as he felt Sapphire's hand land on his shoulder, Kajiki knew it was the right thing. If anyone deserve a great fisherman in the spirit of a card, it was Jounouchi. "Battle City rules says to offer up your best card before starting the duel. This isn't strong as it's only a four star but it's the most important one I have. I want you to have it." Kajiki murmured and snickered a little once the blonde began to protest how he couldn't accept the card. The sea duelist told him that the card was just a card and that he would be better trusting his own heart and that very same heart continued to hold the spirit of his father who would likely tell him the same thing if he was around to see this moment. Keara smiled as she watched the exchange between the two before moving to stand. "Let's head out and meet him at the entrance." she spoke and the others nodded as they stood to head out as Kajiki went to hand Jounouchi Fortress Whale as well since the bet was two cards to the four puzzle cards one would receive.

"But next time, Jounouchi, I'll win!"

"You're on, Ryota! I'll be much stronger by then!"

With another clasp of hands, Jounouchi took his winnings and left the aquarium to meet with the others, such alerting the waiting Ghouls that had the orders to mention when the duel was finished. One spoke to Malik of the duel and whether capturing Jounouchi was to continue as planned. A tap on the handle of the motorcycle's handlebar was Malik's only response as he looked to the body sprawled across the back of the bike. /No...there's been a change of plans. We gained a very powerful ally and a pawn worth using.../ he spoke softly to the controlled hunters, a hand gripping the white locks of the boy that caused him to groan pitifully. "Time to wake up, friend. A demon gave me this blessing and I aim to make good use of it." Standing, Malik went to swing one of Ryou's arms over his shoulders. The other was already in place in front of the aquarium and just needed to wait for the cast to come forward. If all goes according to the demon's plan, then getting what he needed was easy pickings. Topaz was somewhere else with the other half of their insipid plan; all he was waiting for was the signal. Once he met with everyone else, they were on their way out. "You have definitely improved, my boy! I'm so proud of your skill." Sugoroku complimented and Jounouchi grinned just as proudly. "Yeup! But the real duelist battle has just begun!" Reaching into his pocket, Jounouchi grabbed the other two cards he received and looked to them. With six puzzle cards in his possession, he now has access to get to the final battlefield for Battle City. Where Yami would be waiting and if things go as he hoped, able to battle him and show him how much of a real duelist he had become. But there was just a snag in such an image, that snag being the errant cries of help that caught his attention.

"The hell...!" The sight that their eyes landed on was Ryou looking worse for wear, a haphazard scrap of cloth wrapped over his arm that still trickled blood from the cut they couldn't see. The male that held him was the one crying out for help before looking back down to the boy. "It's alright, we'll find help soon..." he whispered before looking up as the group ran for them. "Ryou! Holy shit, Ryou, what happened?!" Kaiser gasped in horror. "Are you friends of his? I found him propped up by a wall with no one in sight. He looked like he was in a fight of some sort. I couldn't just leave him there like that and gathered him up in hopes to find help." The male whispered as Keara knelt before him. Malik took a quick glance to her. She felt unnatural...probably one of the folks Bakura warned him to watch out for. But as long as she felt nothing from him, as his Sennen Rod was currently in Topaz's possession just for this brief moment of gaining trust, all will be well. "He's badly hurt and I know for a fact that Diamond wouldn't let this happen normally..."

"You're right! Hey kid, did ya see a girl with him?! Silver hair and blue eyes?!" Jounouchi questioned and Malik shook his head. "No one was there so this girl you speak of was likely looking for help too but I came across him and knew he couldn't be left like this. Not with a duel disk on his arm." They knew well he was right while highly unlikely Diamond would never leave Ryou alone unless absolutely necessary. Keara stood as Kaiser moved over to take Ryou into his care. "Ryou, ya gotta tell us what happened...did you see at all who attacked you...?" Kaiser murmured as the hazy russet gaze turned to him. The white-haired teen explained the best he could but his mind was a fog of confusion. He remembered seeing the gang last before he and Diamond were on their way, then darkness. However, he remembered the warmth of arms around him but he didn't know whether to mistake it for Malik or someone else during the period he was out. "He needs an ambulance...I should call for one right away..." Malik began before hearing a commotion from afar as two brutish looking boys came running up.

"Hey you! You're that kid that stole my duel disk!"

"What...I..." Ryou glanced to his arm and saw the disk on his arm and blinked. That wasn't there before, he wasn't even registered for the tournament. So how...

Keara's eyes narrowed a little. She felt something was highly questionable but to further ponder this would have to wait as Malik tried to stop the boys from mauling Ryou only to be socked in the face for trying. "Awright! That's enough! You're tryin' ta hurt my friend again and this guy I don't even know! Yer askin' for a can of whoopass!" Jounouchi snarled as he rolled his sleeves but before he could take a step forward, a flash of silver met his gaze before the heel of a hand landed in the guy's chin. A foot swept under his to knock him off his feet before the other was grasped by the collar of his shirt and met with a sharp headbutt. "You fucks better learn not to fuck around with my bro..." Diamond hissed as she cracked her knuckles, the gazes of other bypassers looking to the situation at hand but hardly made a move to do anything. "Holy shit…" Kaiser whimpered as another came running up. "S-sorry...I told her where we were meeting up with him and she took off..." Topaz wheezed, hands landing on his knees to catch his breath. Myrrh nodded as she looked to the others. The case of Diamond's disappearance was solved and everyone was back together once more. After a quick explanation of all that happened thus far yet no clear-cut answer of how Ryou was hurt in the first place, Sugoroku offered to head to the hospital with the boy and Diamond made the decision to go as well along with finding a way to meet with the others later.

"Take care now." Diamond murmured before the three were off and Jounouchi turned back to Malik who rubbed his chin from the hit. It stung sure but it proved to be a pain worth accepting as Jounouchi extended a mild hand of friendship for his work. For helping his friend and protecting him. All worked in his favor just as Bakura had planned with the use of his vessel. Malik had to give the demon credit; he knew manipulation better than he did. Once greetings got around, Malik posing as Namu to the group, and the mild joke of not wanting to accept a duel so soon after meeting them once Jounouchi noted Malik's own duel disk around his arm did things began to calm a little after such a scare. "Well we should be on our way before security finds these bozos. Seto will make sure they get cleaned up." Jounouchi spoke as they began to head off. "Mind if I tag along? Just to be sure your friend is ok once you get a call?" Malik questioned and Jounouchi nodded, waving for the two to follow.

"A friend that helps a friend is a friend of mine!"

'A "friend"...sure. Keep thinking such blasphemous ideals...' The flaxen blonde's thoughts quieted as one of his hunters made to contact him. /What?...What is it!?/ he groused. /Yami and Kaiba...they both teamed up and both have the God Cards! There is no way to stop them!/ The Ghoul spoke, having been crushed thoroughly for trying to go against the two. It was a fruitless effort as their power was just too mighty for mere Ghouls to handle. Malik knew of such even if the Ghouls threw themselves in hopes to reclaim Osiris from Yami when their job was to merely slow him down from locating the blonde. /No need to trouble yourselves any longer. I had a feeling such a thing would happen and I made sure to allow the assassins their time to shine. They have specially crafted decks to take down a god.../

'I made sure of that...' Was the last thought in Malik's mind as he followed the group as they chatted and joked along. With Jounouchi having his six cards, it was nothing to wait but time was slowly shortening for him and he didn't realize his part in the scheme of things. But in due time...

-Battle City: 2:40 PM-

Yami grunted out of annoyance as he and Seto walked. Ghouls were practically throwing themselves at the two for a fight and where they lacked puzzle cards as illicit competitors for rare cards, they made up in determination. Determination that the demon was happy to crush under his boot. He didn't have the time for insects to get in his way when his friend was in danger and he knew Seto shared his sentiments. He practically radiated a tense aura for Katsuya's safety and until the moment one of the Ghouls decided to harbor loose lips to his current location before he found out himself, he will make sure their defeat is painful. While they continued their search, Jounouchi and the other continued their own path, the blonde offering Malik tips for dueling since the other wanted to make it to the finals as well but can't with sub-par skill. The closer he got, the easier the mind control will go. But knowing that Keara had a rather close eye on himself and Topaz, he had to work his magic discreetly. There was no word from Ruby or Aqua and that in itself was worrisome. An aerial view should've had the two spot something by now but nothing. Yami snarled as cerise hues glanced around the thin crowd. If it wasn't for the people around them, he would delve deeper into his demonic ability to locate the blonde. Such limitations in the mortal realm was bothersome when time was a factor. Seto glanced to Yami before chuckling. "Don't trouble your mind so much. We'll find him. My team will pinpoint him soon enough."

"I'm surprised they haven't already..." Seto grunted at the smart reply but Yami wasn't wrong. The brunet had an elite handpicked team watching every duel, every competitor and every location within the boundaries of what he made for Battle City. So why is it they found nothing on Katsuya and alerted him of his current location!? They continued to walk along before Yami glanced to Seto. "I know your goal means little compared to mine...but I need to ask you one thing. How did you obtain a God card?" Yami murmured. "I could give you the easy explanation but in this tournament I host now, all I will say is the God card chosen me and in due time, yours will do the same. I will obtain all three of these powerful Gods and no one, not even you, will stand in my way." The brunet spoke. "These Ghouls are just a stepping stone towards the goal. They know what we have and soon enough, the ones that can murder a God will appear. I will crush them so there will be no other obstacles in my way aside from you, Yami."

Yami rolled his eyes and continued to keep an eye through the crowds, just missing the beeping sound of Seto's communication device on the collar of his trench coat and he went to press on it. "Speak." Mokuba's voice filtered through the speaker bringing heartfelt news to the brunet. "Seto! We finally got a nail on Katsuya's location! He's in area 402 by Domino Aquarium!" Seto nodded and was glad someone was able to do something before thanking Mokuba for his work and took his finger off the communicator. "He hasn't moved far yet...good." he murmured to himself before looking to the demon. "You'll be happy to know we found Katsuya's location." Yami breathed a sigh of relief and nodded. With Seto leading the way, they were well on their way to meeting up with the others but from above did two decided it was time to put a halt to their small-time victory. "Get them to the arena." A man spoke, black mask obscuring half his face and another, shorter man with a mask of opposing color and position nodded. With deft ease, he leapt down from his spot upon the building's roof, perching upon the sign of another before watching as the two walked by. The male had to be careful as the demon's sharp senses would ruin the ambush he had in mind. Just wait for the right timing and...

A sizable gap between Seto and Yami was just what the Ghoul needed and he sprung off the sign and right above Seto's head, the shadow making him look up in shock. A device spun from his hands before he landed and the 'chink' of something snapping into place made the brunet look down to see the mechanism that shackled his disk. Yami turned when he heard the snarky laugh of the Ghoul and clenched his teeth. "What have you done?!" The white-masked male chuckled. "I placed a duelist chastity belt over your disk. Now your god can't do harm or fight to protect you."

"You did what?!"

"There is a key but you'll have to get up there~"

The two followed the motion of the Ghoul's hand and saw another with a similar mask standing above, the gold of the key glinting in the faint sunlight. "Come there, to the arena of death. And you come as well Yami." The sound of his name from the Ghoul's lips brought sharp eyes towards the man with a snarl as he leapt with ease onto a sign. "If you don't...Jounouchi's fire will be eliminated!" The mocking laughter of the Ghoul riled both as he parkoured back to the roof where the other waited. /Yami!/ Yugi cried from within. /I know...get a hold of Aqua. Have him get to the aquarium./ Yami whispered as a dark shape emerged from his back. The few folks that stood about saw this and began to slowly back away to the sight of wings forming. But Yami didn't care in the slightest. Time was of the essence and neither had a single moment to wait. "Grab on." Yami whispered as he held an arm to him and Seto didn't think twice, the demon ascending with him as he flew up to the roof. When the demon crested over the edge, Seto leapt from his arm and landed, lifting his head to glare at the two that stood upon the glass panes of a rooftop skylight. Yami went to land before narrowed eyes turned to the two Ghouls that stood there. The taller of the duo lifted the key and grinned. "Here's your key." The key clattered over the glass and Seto moved to step there, bending down to grab it before Yami joined him on the other pane. "Now I do believe introductions are in order. I am the Mask of Darkness."

"And I'm the Mask of Light."

"And we're both assassins for the Ghouls! Trained to hunt down the God cards should they fall into the wrong hands!"

Seto sneered as he unlocked the device from his disk and tossed it to the side. An elaborate trap using something both yearned to keep safe. A vile tactic Seto once used before and could feel the bile of disgust bubble in his throat. What he wouldn't give to shred these two with his own bare hands but until Katsuya was put in a safer position from the Ghouls, he had to obey...for now. The Mask of Light began to explain the rules of their little tag team duel but that wasn't all that awaited the two as loaded explosives were settled on the corners of the glass panes they stood on, coded to follow their life point count with the obvious result of what would happen should one hit zero. A part of the demon felt he should have nothing to worry about if his points hit zero but lately, the mortal realm began to prove they were ready for his power and Malik was no different. If he lost, the power of flight would be lost to give him the grisly fate they hoped to achieve. Once the other finished the rulings of the Explosive Tag Team Match, he looked to the silent figures across the skylight. "What? Too afraid to speak? Perhaps you wish to concede defeat no-"

"Not when my lover's life is on the line." Seto growled as he readied the disk. "My deck will answer my anger to your game and once I find your ringleader, he is dead." The two Ghouls laughed but even with a threat, it was an empty one. The "Mask" cards was their answer to the Gods that slumber in their decks and once both lost and were out of the way, Malik's dream would be realized. "Now...let's begin..." Yami hissed darkly as he activated his disk. The duel of death was upon them now and obstacle in their way was the two masked duelists with decks made to handle a god.

For Katsuya's safety, they had to win this duel.

0

-Shadow Realm: Jounouchi's Deck-

The splash of water announced the two additions to the deck, the large whale taking most of the ocean bank that welcomed the new water dwellers. Morcath stepped over with Laito and Fier following and the fisherman turned to look to them. "Ah, are you the original inhabitants of this side of the Shadow Realm?" he questioned as he went to stand. "That we are. I am Fier, I guess you can call me the leader of the Katsuya-sama's deck. This is Laito and I'm sure you made acquaintance in battle with Morcath." The other nodded before bowing. "You battle respectably, Morcath. Quite skilled you are to net a catch like myself." Morcath chuckled as he nodded. "As are you. I can see the honor in your eyes. Ryota held you in high regard in comparison to his strongest beast. In fact, no hard feelings, yes?" The whale nodded and gave a great bellow. /"As we water creatures are, electricity is a pain we endure the best we can but for someone of my size, while defeated, it brings no harm."/

Fier chuckled as he crossed his arms. "That's our master for you. He may look to be the dumb blonde but he has the strategic know how to get past the toughest scraps." Fier commented before turning his gaze to them. "Now there are many here to introduce you to but to be sure of proper honorifics, what are your names?" The fisherman looked back to Fortress Whale who gave a nod before turning his gaze back to Fier. Introducing himself as Masami and the Fortress Whale as Kujira, the flame warrior gave a nod before leading Masami to the rest of the warriors to the fisherman while Kujira was left to settle in the waves he basked in, the riding shark of Masami's hidden deep in the waters until its master returned. Laito was happily burbling along to Masami of all the good monsters that he'd enjoy meeting. From Gearfried to Jinzo, Masami would be welcomed well. /"Oh you'll have so much fun here! If only Akai could meet you too!..."/ Laito deflated from his excitement and Fier stopped. Masami did the same as the atmosphere changed dramatically. He felt it was out of his place to ask about who this Akai is and was ready to tell them such when Morcath spoke up for him. "I know you must be wondering who Akai is..." he began. "I was but also knew as a new member to this place, it would be rude of me to question..." Masami spoke before Fier shook his head. "No, as a monster of Katsuya-sama, you deserve to know just as much as we, who have been longer, do. Morcath, take Laito to the queen. She'd be happy for his company."

The cat warrior nodded and led the smaller dragon away before Fier motioned for Masami to follow. The fisherman did so and as they walked, Fier began to tell the story of the Red-Eyes known as Akai. Of how she was obtained into their side of the realm and how welcomed she had been. From her fusion sides of Gula, the Red Eyes Black Metal and Zeta, the Black Skull Dragon, she was a powerful but benevolent soul to the warriors and of course, to Laito. But the tragedy of the Ghoul struck their master and his unpreparedness for their trickery landed her in the hands of another. "I see...does Katsuya-sama plan to ever get her back?" Masami asked. "He hopes to. The demon king holds her now. He did try to return her as she was taken by force and by an illegitimate duel before this tournament but he made a promise. A promise to get stronger and fight the king as a true duelist. We believe in his promise and will help him towards such a goal. He has reached the finals now and if the battle he aims to fight in occurs, she will return to us. Win or lose." Masami smiled to Fier's words and moved to the swordsman. Clapping a hand onto his shoulder, the warrior looked to the other. "A truly honorable lad he is. And as my new master, I too will help him along the way. I'm not strong but I know he will find me useful for future battles. I will give my all to see that spirit continue to burn." Fier smiled and gave a nod, replying that his spirit is all they needed for this deck.

0

and quick note that im making huge but minor changes to future chapters to reflect in all stories. I normally shorten Jou's name in practically every instance since I've began writing and as of now, it began to feel a smidge awkward at least in sentences where someone isn't addressing him. so from here and for past and future stuff, you'll see more of Jounouchi but among friends, they will continue to refer him to Jou. makes my sentences look better aha