4. Dark Scorpion Burglars.
I hate insects you know, particularly the arachnids and then the scorpions, they can kill a full grown man with their angle, and now I face a Duelists who uses a group of bandits called the Dark Scorpions, there is only one slight problem if I lose this I lose my Deck.
Smithy's Factory, location unknown
In the dark room where Smithy's Gang was gathered Smithy spoke to them.'You are my personal army the Smithy Gang, when Exor landed the Star Road was destroyed, so all hope of the people is scattered, but now I need the pieces I know the location of all pieces.'
'Then Lord tell us where to go.' Yaridovich said.
'Yes I do, you guys are my finest don't disappoint me.'
'We never shall.' Mack said.
'Well then Mack two of my enemies Mario and Mallow are heading toward Toad Village I want you to go there and stop them, also a piece of the Star Road landed there so you can bring that back as well.'
'Where is the piece?' Mack asked.
'It's likely they found because it landed right next to their village they probably taken it to the castle there.' Smithy said. 'Then I seize control of that castle.' Mack said.
'Next Bowyer, you head to Rose Town, keep an eye out for a guy named Bowser he is in that region, but your mission is to retrieve a Star Piece that fell into the Forest Maze.' Bowyer nodded. 'Taking a while to find, it may.
But done it shall be.' Bowyer cackled
'Yaridovich you will go to Seaside Town in the southern region, there is not much chance you'll have to face someone but be ready for Mario.'
'Yes my Lord I'll be.'
'And one more thing Yaridovich assemble a diving crew one of the Star Pieces has fallen into the sea, you have to find it.' Yaridovich nodded.
'And finally take this.' Smithy handed a card to Yaridovich.
'But this is...' He started. 'Yes it is, use it well, and I give you this card with a reason the third God card has been stolen when one of our man was testing it I don't know who has it, if you hear a rumor check it out and use the God I gave you to beat the stolen God and bring it back to me.'
Yaridovich laughed. 'And when I face Mario or any other I won't hesitate to use it.' Smithy gave Yaridovich a sign that he agreed with it.
'Then the Axem Rangers, all of you go to the Barrel volcano a Star Piece dropped in there, retrieve it but watch out for Czar Dragon the Semi-God he guards that place.' Smithy said.
'It'll take a lot of preparations to descent into that volcano.' Red said.
'Your man can handle it, and when you're done in that volcano you search for a Star Piece in the area behind Booster Tower, I don't exactly know where it is because it disappeared from the chart the moment it entered the atmosphere around that place.'
'Going into that volcano will be proven quite... impossible.'
'Grave.' Smithy said turning his head.
'Only the ones who have permission from King Nimbus will be able to enter, since the volcano is the prison for Czar Dragon.'
'What do you suggest?' Smithy asked.
Nimbus City, there he rules, an uproar is brewing in that region, mark my words I am working on it, the moment the rebel takes the throne the Axem Ranger will be able to enter the volcano.'
Axem Red looked at Smithy. 'Find the Star Piece next to Booster Tower first.' Smithy said.'
'Then we have five of the seven pieces, where are the last two?' Yaridovich asked.
'One of them is in my possession, it is at my base Grave brought it back for me, and the last one has landed inside a mine in Moleville, the mine collapsed though so I send a party there the moment I've got the other pieces in my possession, now go!' Smithy said they all left the room only Boomer stood in the room.
'What do you want me to do?' Boomer asked.
'You will guard Bowser's Mansion, if someone comes beat him and lock him up, make sure of it that nobody faces Exor, he needs to be protected.'
'Then what about the rest of our warriors?' Boomer asked.
'They stay in this area in case something happens, I don't expect that all goes smoothly if someone manages to defeat you and break Exor these warriors are our last stand.'
'I understand.' Boomer said and he left the room.
Somewhere in New-York, three days before Exor's impact.
Five people were gathered in a small room, four men one woman
The first man was a bit lanky he wore black clothes and he was near bald, a wicked smile on his face, that was an accident and now he had an eternal smile on his face, his name was Popple the Shadow Thief, he is a master thief and burglar.
The second man was smaller than Popple, he wore a red coat, and thick round glasses, a belt was strapped to his waist it carried his Deck and different screwdrivers, hammers and other tools, his name was Fawful the Crazy.
He was in fact the smartest of the group and he was the mechanic he has invented the special Duel Disks and other tools his team mates used.
The third guy was a bit of a weird guy, he was tall and he wore outlived clothes, he could pay new clothes but he refused to.
This man was in fact quite lethal in a Duel he could see Duel Spirits, and his Deck consisted of Duel Spirits.
His name was Simon Croco the Hunter, he was not the only one of the group who could communicate with Duel Spirits the others could do that as well but Simon made a job out of it, he is called the Hunter because he hunts Duel Spirits and rare cards.
The fourth guy was a creepy looking man, he was the oldest of the group, he had a wicked smile on his face, he was one of the two Psychic Duelists of the group and this man could create a Shadow Game as well.
He was somewhat deep in thoughts, his name was Faust the Assassin his real name was not known so everyone called him Faust because of his affection with death.
Faust is a Duelist for hire but he mostly works for the group, not an official member but he's been around for quite some time everyone counted him as an official member.
The fifth member and the only girl, she was young her hair was white her skin a bit pale, she wasn't albino like most people thought she wore a white leotard and white gloves, this girl's name was Ruby Mowz the leader and founder this merry band and the second Psychic Duelist, in New-Domino City stood the Arcadia Movement an institute Sayer started this institute learned the few Psychic Duelists that existed how to control their powers, Ruby was one of the best bet she found out about some plans of Sayer she didn't agree with, she managed to escape from the Arcadia Movement, she wandered around for a few weeks until she slowly found the four guys and she formed this team.
'Now.' Ruby said.
'I have a mission.' Popple started to speak to Fawful.
'Ruby what is that mission?' Simon Croco asked.
'Some very valuable objects has landed on that remote island next to New-York, I don't know what these objects are but they can bring in serious money.'
Everyone started to mumble except for Faust.
'What is wrong Faust?' Ruby asked.
'I've been watching the world and on that island some serious readings went off the chart, it could involve Duel Spirits.'
'Simon!' Ruby shouted.'
'Yes Ruby.' Simon replied. 'You come with me, Faust thinks there are strong Duel Spirits there, you can capture them.'
Simon grinned.
'We'll go now, the rest of you watch the base and do what you want for the rest of the time.' Ruby and Simon stood up and walked away.
Now Faust was right about the readings going off the chart, The Winged Dragon of Ra caused that.
A few hours later Ruby and Simon landed near Mushroom Town.
'I'll look around here.' Simon said he left the helicopter.
'I'll look further.' Ruby said she started the helicopter and left.
Present time.
Mario laid on a bed in a small house. He slowly opened his eyes, he immediately remembered what happened. 'Rozalin!' He shouted then he saw Mallow.
'She is not here Mario.' Mallow said.
'Then we have to go to Mushroom Town, the Chancellor will help us.' Mario said.
'Then we are lucky.' Mallow said. 'We landed on a path near the village, it's a small walk from here.' Mallow said.
'Then lets a go.' Mario said.
At that moment in Mushroom Town a man in a cloak entered the village, he looked around and then walked straight to the palace there.
'Stop you have no...' A guard started but he suddenly stopped when he felt a blade against his throat. 'I have no... what?' The mysterious man asked.
'You have permission to enter.' The guard said hard enough that the others could hear him. 'Good.' The man said and he sheeted his sword.
When the man entered the chancellor's room he was stopped by guards again.
'The chancellor I presume?' The man asked he looked at a fancy dressed elderly man.
'Yes, and what if I am?' The chancellor asked.
'You have something that belongs to me, it's a colored star that has landed next to your village.' The chancellor showed no expression.
'We have no such thing.' He said and the man removed his cloak, he was bald an ugly scar crossed his face from his right blind eye diagonally to his nose, for the rest he wore a black shirt and black pants.
'Then I just search for myself.' He said.
'O no you don't the guards said forming a circle around the man.
The man laughed and drew his sword. 'Then I send you to the Shadow Realm!' The man shouted and he struck all of the guards who just fell on the ground there was no blood.
'Will you coöperate now?' The man asked the chancellor.
'Who are you?' The chancellor gasped.
'I am Mack.' The man said and he cut the chancellor down with his sword.
Mack turned around. 'They are in the Shadow Realm, so the castle is secured now to find that Star Piece and wait for that Mario character to stop him.' Mack said.
Mallow and Mario approached the gate to the town when suddenly a man blocked their way, he wore a white trench coat red shoes and a red top hat.
'Eh who are you?' Mallow asked.
'Wait, you don't know me?' The man asked.
'My name is Croco, Simon Croco.'
'Wait the famous card thief?' Mario asked.
'Yep that's me and now you will Duel me.' Simon said pointing at Mallow.
'Wait what?' Mallow asked confused.
'I see I surprised you, I will beat you and steal your cards.'
Now what do I do? Mallow wondered and he looked at Mario. No I have to stand up for myself once. 'Let's see about that.' Mallow said and he activated his Duel Disk.
'Then the battle begins.' Croco said activating his own, it was bigger than the average Duel Disk because it had a display on it and a keyboard.
(Mallow: 8000) - (Simon Croco: 8000)
'I start.' Mallow said drawing his first card.
Croco typed in a few commands and a small screen appeared in front of his right eye it came from a device attached to his ear.
'I start with Harpie Queen in attack mode!' Mallow shouted and the queen appeared in all her glory. (1900 ATK) Damn Harpies they are worthless. Simon thought until the device in front of his eye picked up a signal. 'Don't tell me...' Simon mumbled as he saw Harpie Queen looking at him.
'Well then that bird of yours will be a fried chicken soon.' Simon said when he looked at the Queen again she was clearly angry.
Jackpot, a Duel Spirit, and that guy doesn't even notice, heh I'll add them to my private collection. Simon thought, he entered a few commands on his Duel Disk a few gems appeared from out of the base.
'Now I Equip her with Cyber Shield!' Mallow shouted and the breastplate appeared on the Harpie Queen. (2400 ATK) When Simon looked at her he saw her standing with one hand on her hip sticking out her tongue at him.
You arrogant little... Simon thought.
'I end with a facedown.' Mallow said and the card appeared.
'My turn!' Simon shouted and he drew his card.
'I summon my main man Don Zaloog!' A man with silver hair that reached to his shoulders appeared he wore a gray, sleeveless skin-tight top gray wristbands with red tops, and red pants, on his right arm he had a tattoo of a scorpion, an eye-patch covered his right eye, he also carried two guns and a ammunition belt. (1400 ATK)
'I activate my Trap card!' Mallow shouted, and his Raigeki Break spun around.
Don Zaloog looked at Simon. 'I am sorry master.' Don Zaloog said but only Simon could hear it.
Mallow discarded a card and Don Zaloog was blown off the field by lightning.
Wow Mallow is a lot more confident now he has changed. Mario thought.
'I use The Warrior Returning Alive.' Simon said and Don Zaloog appeared next to him. 'Thank you master.' Don said, because Don Zaloog was a Duel Spirit he could appear to Simon even outside a Duel.
'I set a facedown card.' Simon said and the card appeared.
Let's see how you like my Mirror Force. Simon thought.
'I draw!' Mallow shouted drawing his card.
'I summon Harpie Lady 2!' Mallow shouted and this time a new Harpie appeared she had red hair, green wings and she wore the same outfit as the rest. (1300 ATK) 'Now I equip her with Rose Whip!' Mallow shouted and he played the card he just drew, the whip appeared in the talons of Harpie Lady 2. (1600 ATK)
'Next I use Harpie's Feather Duster!' Mallow shouted and a fierce wind destroyed the facedown Mirror Force.
Simon looked at both of the Harpies who were glaring at him he gulped, he worked with Duel Spirits for several years now but still they could scare him.
'Harpies double direct attack!' Mallow shouted and both Harpies charged in hitting him with their whip and claws.
(Mallow: 8000) - (Simon Croco: 4000)
'Ouch.' Simon said when he stood up.
'I draw!' Simon shouted now clearly angry. 'Don Zaloog come forth!' Simon shouted and the Dark Scorpion appeared on the field. (1400 ATK)
'I now use Mustering of the Dark Scorpions!' Simon shouted as he played the Spell card. 'Now I summon two more Dark Scorpions! So come out Chick the Yellow and Gorg the Strong!' First a young kid appeared, he had pointy blonde hair tied together with a red headband around his forehead he carried a wooden hammer as weapon, (1000 ATK) the other one was muscular and huge he was bald and carried a mace as weapon. (1800 ATK) They both wore the same outfit as Don.
'Hi there chief!' Gorg shouted at Simon Chick only had eye for the Harpies he was even drooling a bit.
'Now I use the Field Spell Mystic Plasma Zone!' Simon shouted and a void opened in the sky, purple clouds appeared and purple thunder struck the grassy land.
'Now this is what I like! Hide boys!' Don Zaloog shouted and the Scorpions hide in the shadows.
Mallow could still see them on the field. 'Now they become stronger.' Simon said and Don's power rose to 1900, Chick to 1500 and Gorg to 2300.
'Gorg destroy that Harpie Lady 2!' Gorg came out of the shadows and swung his mace crushing the Harpie with it, Simon pressed a button and one of the crystals lid up Harpie Lady 2 appeared behind Simon her hands chained behind her back her knees were chained as well, she was forced to sit on the ground.
That is one Duel Spirit. He thought.
'Now with the effect of Gorg I send that Harpie Queen back to your Deck.' Simon said and the Queen disappeared with a screech.
'Now Don attack directly!' Simon shouted and Don came from out the shadow he fired twice and Mallow cringed.
'Now you must discard the top two cards from your Deck.
Mallow discarded Harpie Queen and Cyber Harpie Lady.
Two more. Simon thought as he pressed two buttons, two more crystals lid up and Harpie Queen and Cyber Harpie appeared behind Simon also tied up.
'Chick your move!' Chick came from behind a tree and smashed Mallow on the head with his hammer.
(Mallow: 3900) - (Simon Croco: 4000)
'Now you show me the top card of your Deck and I decide if it goes to the top or bottom of your Deck.' Simon said and Mallow showed the card it was Icarus Attack. 'That goes to the bottom.' Simon said and Mallow placed the card on the bottom.
'Your move.' Simon said.
'Um I draw...' Mallow said discouraged again.
'Now wait, I draw!' He shouted.
'Go Sonic Duck!' Mallow shouted and a green duck appeared he wore a red scarf and he had a bucket on his head. (1700 ATK)
'Attack Chick the Yellow!' Mallow shouted and Sonic Duck picket the youngest Scorpion.
'I have failed!' Chick shouted falling on his back then he disappeared.
(Mallow: 3900) - (Simon Croco: 3800)
'I set a facedown card and I leave it to you.' Mallow said and his card appeared.
'Let's see.' Simon said and he drew. 'I summon you Cliff the Trap Remover!' Simon shouted and a young man wearing the same outfit as the rest appeared, he also wore glasses and held a dagger in his hand. (1200- 1700 ATK)
'Don take care of his Sonic Duck!' Simon shouted and Don fired twice.
'Go Mirror Wall!' Mallow shouted and a multicolored wall blocked the bullets. 'I let your attack continue but then your monsters attack is halved.' Mallow said the bullets busted through and Don's attack score dropped to 950.
'Sonic Duck counter attack!' Mallow shouted and Sonic Duck pecked Don Zaloog. 'Not again...' Don groaned when he was destroyed.
(Mallow: 3900) - (Simon Croco: 3050)
'Well then I activate Swords of Revealing Light!' Simon shouted and swords made of light descended around Mallow.
'Your move.'
'I draw!' Mallow shouted. 'And I pass.'
Simon laughed when he made his draw. 'Come on out Meanae the Thorn!' Simon shouted and a female Dark Scorpion appeared on the field, she wore the same outfit, only she had a red scarf around her neck and she had a whip as weapon. (1000- 1500 ATK)
'Where is Don?' She asked. 'He was defeated in battle.' Gorg replied.
'I shall avenge him.' Meanae said.
'Do your best Move.' Simon said.
'I summon Harpie's Brother!' Mallow shouted playing the card he just drew, and a monster half bird half man appeared he wore a leather jacket and pants, he carried large red claws around his wrist. (1800 ATK)
'Next Rising Air Current!' Mallow shouted and the dark void disappeared and was replaced by the peaceful sky, Harpie's Brother rose to 2300 attack points while Sonic Duck rose to 2200. The Dark Scorpions dropped back to their original score.
'I end my turn.' Mallow said.
Simon looked annoyed. 'You pulled the favor to you once more.' He shrugged. 'I use Pot of Greed.' Simon said and he drew two new cards.
'I use Monster Reborn so come back Don Zaloog!' The Dark Scorpion appeared once more. (1400 ATK)
'Don!' Meanae shouted and she kissed Don.
'It's okay Meanae I will not leave you again.' Don said.
'I end with a facedown.' Simon said and his reversed card appeared.
Mallow drew his card. 'I pass.' He said and the Swords of Revealing Light scattered.
Simon quickly drew his card.
'I activate my facedown card!' Simon shouted and the card spun around.
'Dark Scorpion Combination!' The score of all Dark Scorpions dropped to 400. 'Now they can attack you directly so Cliff goes first!' Mallow started to panic, Cliff's attack dropped to 200 but he struck Mallow.
'Now I destroy that barrier of yours.' Simon said and the wall scattered.
'Darn I could have stopped that attack I screwed up again.' Mallow started to cry.
'Now the rest of you go!' Simon shouted and all other Scorpions charged in throwing Mallow on his back.
(Mallow: 2100) - (Simon Croco: 3050)
'Now thanks to Chick your Harpie's Brother returns to your hand.' Simon said and the monster disappeared.
'Gorg sends your Sonic Duck away.' Simon continued and Sonic Duck returned to Mallow's Deck.
'Thanks to Meanae I get Dark Scorpion Combination back.' Simon said and the card slipped out his Graveyard.
'and thanks to Don you lose two cards from your Deck.' Mallow discarded Sonic Duck and Harpie Lady 1. Look at that another Duel Spirit. Simon thought and he pressed a button another crystal lid up and Harpie Lady 1 also appeared behind him tied up.
'Now I set Dark Scorpion Combination again and I end my turn.' Simon said and a facedown card appeared.
'I think I just give up...' Mallow sighted.
'No you've got the upper hand!' Mario shouted, Mallow nodded. 'I'll continue for you Mario.' He said.
Mallow made a draw. 'Harpie's Brother!' He shouted and the monster appeared again. (1800- 2300 ATK)
'And Monster Reborn.' Mallow said and he played the card.
'I summon Harpie Queen!' Harpie Queen struggled and appeared on the field one of Simon's crystals was deactivated. (1900- 2400)
'My birds prey!' Mallow shouted, the two birds charged in and the two Dark Scorpions bit the dust.
(Mallow: 2100) - (Simon Croco: 1550)
Simon drew his card he looked hard at it. 'I use Premature Burial.' Simon said and Gorg the Strong appeared on the field again. (1800 ATK)
'Now I use Shrink on your Queen.' Simon said and Harpie Queen's attack dropped to 1450. 'Attack!' Gorg charged in and threw Harpie Queen on the ground before finishing her off.
Simon's crystal lid up again and the Queen appeared behind Simon tied up again. 'Now that Harpie's Brother goes back to your Deck.' Simon said and the bird-man disappeared.
'Cliff!' Simon shouted and the Scorpion charged in and stabbed Mallow.
'Now discard two cards.' Simon said and Mallow discarded Pot of Greed and Harpie Lady 3. Another crystal lid up and the last Harpie appeared behind Simon tied up.
'Now finish it!' Simon shouted and Meanae and Chick charged in to finish it.
(Mallow: 0) - (Simon Croco: 750)
'No.' Mallow sobbed as he fell to his knees. Simon deactivated his Duel Disk the crystals came out and he put them in his pocket.
'Now your Deck please.' Simon said.
'No I got it from my grandpa please don't take it!' Mallow cried but Simon grabbed Mallows arm and removed the Deck from his Duel Disk.
Simon smiled. 'You are lucky mister fancy pants.' He said to Mario and he ran away, a few seconds later some guards from Toad Village came outside.
'Mario the palace is...' One of them said before he collapsed.
Next time:
Mario: What is going on? Why are all the guards out cold?
Mack: These guards are the least of your worries Mario!
Mario: You know me?
Mack: Of course, now we shall face off in a Shadow Game!
Card details.
Mirror Wall (anime effect)
Continuous Trap card.
When an opponent's monster declares an attack, negate the attack (optional) and halve the ATK of the attacking monster.