12. Creeping Shadows.

With Hooktail defeated and Koops and Koopley reunited they can return back to The Thousand-Year Door to discover where the next Crystal Star is.

But will things be that easy?

Bowser's Mansion - Mushroom Islands:

Bowser sat on his chair he was leafing through his Deck, then Kammy entered the room, Kammy was Bowser's assistant or at least that what he told everybody, in fact Kammy was more, she was a good friend of Bowser he saw her as his sister, Kammy was a young-looking girl wearing a black halter top, black miniskirt and black boots, her long silver hair reached to her shoulders, her bright blue eyes looked at Bowser as she put on a black trench-coat.

Bowser lowered his Deck: 'Tell me you got something.' He spoke, Kammy nodded. 'Yes I got something indeed.' Kammy replied, Bowser stood up.

'Finally, I've been breaking my head over what this star-shaped thing is, I mean it is pretty why did somebody leave it at that church?' Bowser pondered, he took a star-shaped, bright-blue rock out of his pocket.

'Apparently that thing is called a Cobalt Star.' Kammy said.

'What does it do?' Bowser asked.

'No clue.' Replied Kammy: 'I have searched everything only the name is known.'

Bowser turned around. 'Well that is only slightly annoying.' He turned back around. 'But some better news about the Crystal Star.' Kammy continued, Bowser intensely looked at her.

'We found out about those Crystal Stars through my contacts in Rogue Port, point is the X-Nauts took one of the Crystal Stars from a girl, a few days later my contacts saw Mario going to a small village, Petalburg.'

Bowser stamped with his foot on the ground: 'Dammit!' He roared.

'X-Nauts?!' Bowser flew into a rage, Kammy backed down a bit.

'Mario warned me for this, although the X-Nauts don't target me! But I want those Crystal Stars, I don't know what they do, but if the X-Nauts want them they must be important! And to add insult to injury Mario is involved! I will crush Mario that is a promise I made!' Bowser calmed down a bit. 'Kammy.'

Kammy nodded: 'I shall prepare the chopper.'

3 hours later.

Bowser stepped through the gate of Petalburg, Kammy in his wake.

'Okay who of you is in charge here?!' Bowser bellowed, the people who were outside got startled, nobody said a thing: 'So you don't wanna talk? I shall make you talk!' Bowser suddenly lunged forward grabbing an older man by his collar, Bowser rose his fist.

'I wouldn't do that of I was you.' Someone then said, Bowser turned his head only to see Koopley: 'My name is Koopley, I am the mayor.'

Bowser let the man go, who fled inside. 'Gwa ha ha ha ha! You! Mayor I need you!' Bowser threateningly came closer, Koopley took a step back.

'I'm looking for someone.' Bowser started: 'Tell me where Mario is!'

Koopley shook his head. 'Mario was here a day ago, I don't know where he is.' Bowser scratched his chin: 'Yes you do, you know where he is! And I shall make you tell me!'

Some time later Bowser seemed to have the upper hand in a Duel against Koopley, who used the Venom Deck, at this point Koopley controlled no cards, his Vennominon was just destroyed by Bowser's Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon. (4500 ATK)

Bowser also controlled Spell Sanctuary. 'I use the Effect of Vennominon! I Banish one Reptile so I can Special Summon him!' Koopley shouted.

'I don't think so.' Bowser growled: 'I use the Effect of Spell Sanctuary which allows me to use Monster reborn as a Quick-Spell!' The holy Ankh appeared on the Field, Vennominon appeared on Bowser's Field. (0 ATK)

'Gwa ha ha! Now you're open!' Bowser laughed: 'I activate De-Fusion!' He continued, the Spell card appeared, Blue-Eyes Ultimate disappeared and the three Blue-Eyes White Dragons appeared. (3000 ATK)

Three jolts of lightning hit the mayor in his stomach, Bowser triumphantly deactivated his Duel Disk as Koopley was lying on his back.

'Now where is Mario!' Bowser roared.

'Honestly I don't know! I only know he went back to Rogueport!'

Bowser grinned. 'Now was that so hard?' He turned his attention to Kammy. 'Let's go, we go to Rogueport!'

X-Naut Base - Unknown location:

Grave entered the room, Rozalin and Pandora looked up.

'I have news.' Grave spoke: 'Mario has bested one of the Shadow Queen's stronger creatures.' Rozalin started to smile. 'Remember I faced Mario in Hooktail's Castle, before I left I sensed something.' Grave paused for a second he sat down on his chair: 'The mayor of Petalburg was corrupted by an evil soul, that soul was of Hooktail.'

Pandora gasped: 'Brother you don't actually mean Hooktail the Ancient? The dragon that was always by the Shadow Queens' side before her first defeat?' Grave nodded, Rozalin looked confused. 'I shall explain.' Grave said: 'Before the Shadow Queen rose to power in Egypt there was a time before that where she had much power, during that dark time she was accompanied by two dragons one of them being Hooktail, by the hand of a legendary hero the dragons were slain, the Queen was defeated and locked inside the Palace of Shadows.'

'I see.' Rozalin said: 'During her time in Egypt she managed to break out because of the power of the Millennium Items.' The princess added.

'Exactly, but Hooktail's soul being still here worries me, what more Ancient beings are still here.' Grave growled, then Rozalin pulled Grave away. 'I need to ask you something private.' Grave looked at Rozalin she nodded that she understood.

'Pandora.' Grave whispered the moment they left the room: 'I have sensed Mario fighting Hooktail, it was a constance clash of Shadow Magic, Mario is growing stronger rapidly, yet he comes not even near what Azrael is capable of.' Pandora looked at the ground. 'Azrael is in Boggly Woods right? Together with those Nephilim sisters: Beldam, Marilyn and Vivian not to mention the X-Naut Army.' Grave took Pandora's head in his hands: 'Listen.' He said: 'Mario is surrounded by his friends those Nephilim sisters are not much stronger than the Shroob Assassins, they won't be a problem, Lord Crump is leading the X-Nauts not much to fear from them either and even if they come across Azrael, well let me say it like that not even Azrael can take down four people at the same time.'

When Grave and Pandora entered the room again Grave sat down next to Rozalin. 'Look I'd hate to ask this, but there is something I need and you are the only one who can do this.' Rozalin looked hard at Grave. 'Please tell me.' She then said, Grave smiled. 'Listen we need TEC but since the Duel you had with Johnson the room to TEC is closed, the code for the room is in Grodus' office.' Grave sighted: 'That is where it gets hard.' He continued: 'I can get the code if someone distracted Grodus for a bit, that is where you come in...'

Grave knocked on the door to Grodus' office, Rozalin stood next to Grave she was clad in an X-Naut costume, Grave found it too risky to use Pandora as a soldier they might recognize Pandora but most of the X-Nauts didn't know Rozalin. 'Come in.' The voice of Grodus answered Grave's knock.

They entered the room. 'Grave what do you want?' Sir Grodus asked.

'I want to face Mario again, I know I can beat him!' Grave said.

Grodus chuckled: 'No chance, you had your chance at Hooktail's Castle now it's Azrael's turn, you will get your chance next time, no go I have more to do.'

At that moment Rozalin fell on the ground, Grodus immediately was on his guard: 'You soldier what's wrong?' Grodus asked, Grave put his hand in his pocket he pressed the button on a small device. 'Ah nothing is wrong with the soldier Sir, I had this soldier guard the princess, he is simply overworked.' Grave helped Rozalin back on her feet. 'I simply wanted to report Sir Grodus.' Rozalin said, her voice sounded like a male voice because of a voice changer. 'Then report.' Grodus sounded annoyed.

'The prisoner has been quite since the accident with Johnson, I've been keeping an eye on her, if she tries anything I shall deal with it.'

Then another X-Naut stormed into the room: 'Sir Grodus sir! I have news of a Crystal Star!' Grodus looked at the X-Naut then he looked at Grave. 'I need some private time with this soldier.' He spoke Grave nodded he and Rozalin left the room, outside the door Grave took the device from out of his pocket. 'Nice distraction.' Grave complimented he looked at the device: 'I have the code, we can visit TEC but not now, the patrol will be soon, you need to be in the room by then, but first we listen to what that soldier has to say.'

When Grave and the X-Naut soldier had left the room Grodus turned his attention to the soldier. 'Sir we found a Crystal Star it was at Hooktail's Castle!' Grodus laughed at that news. 'Good, warn the third division send them out to Hooktail's Castle, they should retrieve it.'

The soldier was looking at the floor. 'What? Wasn't I clear? I told you send out the third division!' Grodus bellowed.

'That won't work, Mario went in had a fight with a dragon then took the Crystal Star after that he was heading out in the direction of Petalburg, some time later he left Petalburg for an unknown location.'

Rozalin and Grave were listening at the door. 'Damn you!' They suddenly heard Sir Grodus shouting followed by a gunshot then a ''thud'' as a body hit the floor, Grave and Rozalin quickly started to walk. 'Well that is good news, Mario managed to retrieve the Crystal Star.' Rozalin said, she was smiling. 'A dragon ey, could it have been Hooktail? If it was Hooktail Mario did an awesome job.' Grave thought.

Thousand-Year Door - Rogueport Sewers:

Mario and the others entered the room where the Thousand-Year Door was. 'Good job against Hooktail.' A familiar voice said the moment they entered. 'Exodus.' Mario growled, the demon leaped of a pillar and landed in front of them. 'I'll take you again!' Luigi shouted.

'Not this time green-man, I want Mario!'

Mario stepped to the front he activated his D-Gazer and Duel Disk. 'AR Vision - Link established' The computer voice said.

'Well then Mario.' Exodus slowly spoke: 'No more reasons to delay.' The demon closed his eyes, his mask became his face, his horns sprouted out of the back of his head, the purple lines appeared around his left eye, when he opened his eye the left eye was glowing yellow, then Exodus spread his arms bones grew out of his arm forming his Duel Disk, slowly it got covered with flesh. 'I'll never get used to that.' Mallow sighted, Goombella looked away and Luigi was focused on Mario.

(Mario: 8000) - (Exodus: 8000)

'I shall make the first move.' Mario stated drawing his opening hand.

'I summon Heroic Challenger - Spartan.' Mario started the hoplite holding the spear and sword appeared. (1600 ATK) 'Turn end.'

Exodus chuckled, he made a motion with arm from left to right in front of his chest, six cards appeared in thin air, he caught them with his left hand.

'I start with a Spell card, Necro Gamble.' When the card appeared on the field a purple skull and crossbones appeared above Exodus' head.

'Let me explain this card.' The demonic man said: 'I need to lose half my Life Points this turn with card effects, and these cards cannot be cards I control, if this works I regain double the Life Points I lost, if I fail to do this my Life Points are halved.'

Mario felt sweat pouring down his brow. 'A high-risk card.' Mario muttered. 'Yes a high-risk card! But one I planned! Here I come Mario!'

Shadows shot forth from Exodus but they didn't reach Mario, they dissolved halfway the room. 'Here I have a monster that can either be Normal Summoned to my side, or Special Summoned to your side, whoever controls the monster is safe the one who does not control the monster takes 1000 points of damage.' Exodus explained.

'I Special Summon Necro Ant to Mario's side of the Field!' Exodus released the card and it appeared on Mario's Duel Disk, a small creature resembling a skeleton ant appeared. (200 ATK)

The small creature rushed forward it bit Exodus.

(Mario: 8000) - (Exodus: 7000)

'Now my next card.' Exodus continued, Mario started to sweat even more. 'I activate the Spell card Ant Signal!' The card briefly appeared on the Field, two shadows appeared next to Mario's Necro Ant. 'When my opponent controls a Necro Ant and I do not, two Necro Ants are summoned from my Deck to their side of the Field.' Exodus explained, the shadows next to the Necro Ant disappeared and two more Necro Ants appeared. (200 ATK x2) The two ants charged in biting Exodus.

(Mario: 8000) - (Exodus: 5000)

'Third Spell card.' The demon continued without pause.

'He doesn't let up does he?' Mallow whispered to Luigi.

'I activate Necro Beam!' A Spell card appeared in the middle of the Field.

'This card works simple.' Exodus started to explain. 'This card scans the room and it becomes the card of the Duelist who controls a Necro monster, the one who does not control this card takes 1000 points of damage.' Exodus concluded.

A green light scanned the room, the card disappeared then reappeared on Mario's side, then a beam of green light hit Exodus in his stomach.

(Mario: 8000) - (Exodus: 4000)

'Time I play my last Spell card, Necro Control!' Exodus roared, his Spell card appeared on the Field. 'This card activates when my Life Points are exactly half of my opponent's Life Points, I gain control over all Necro monsters on the Field!' The three Necro Ants suddenly walked over to Exodus' side. 'Time I create the Overlay Network!'

Shadows started to swirl around Exodus, the number ''96'' appeared on his hand, then the shadows shot up toward the ceiling. 'Crawl out of the darkness! Number 96: Dark Mist!' The three ants changed into three black orbs, the shadows that came from Exodus formed a black vortex, the black monster with the fiery eyes dropped out of the vortex. (100 ATK 3 ORU)

'Dark Mist, Shadow Gain.' Exodus slowly said, one of the black orbs surrounding Dark Mist disappeared. (Dark Mist: 3- 2 ORU)

Spartan was wrapped in darkness, his attack power got drained. (Spartan: 1600- 800 ATK) Dark Mist became stronger. (100- 900 ATK)

'Attack!' Exodus shouted: 'Black Mirage Whip!' Dark Mist slammed Spartan down with his shadowy whip. 'Now I end my turn, which means I gain Life Points.' Suddenly a black fog appeared around Exodus they entered his body.

(Mario: 7900) - (Exodus: 12.000)

Mario was trembling: 'No way, he got Dark Mist in one turn and he managed to raise his Life Points above the 8000?' He gasped, Exodus laughed: 'Yes, this is my true power, that match against Luigi was simply me testing Dark Mist for a bit, now I am serious.'

Mario looked over his shoulder at Luigi, Mario winked Luigi noticed.

'Mario has a plan.' He whispered.

'My turn.' Mario said he drew his card. 'Exodus! I summon Heroic Champion - Double Lance!' Before Mario the warrior clad in white and light-blue armor appeared he drew his two lances from his back. (1700 ATK) 'Through his Effect I summon a second one!' Mario continued, the twin of the first Double Lance appeared knelt down on one knee. (900 DEF) 'Finally I use Monster Reborn to summon Spartan!' The holy Ankh appeared and Spartan reappeared under it, he was badly damaged. (1600 ATK)

Exodus started to laugh. 'Three monsters? And still you won't be able to win, even if you manage to defeat Dark Mist he cannot be destroyed by a non-Numbers monster!'

Mario chuckled, Exodus stopped laughing. 'I do have Numbers.' Mario said: 'I create the Overlay Network with my three monsters!' Mario's monsters changed into three glowing orbs a vortex opened and the monsters were sucked in. 'Come forth Number 86!' On Mario's hand yellow numbers forming ''86'' appeared: 'Heroic Champion - Rhongomyniad!' Out of the vortex a gigantic warrior appeared, it was a man clad in heavy white armor, the armor was covered in sharp edges, in his hand he carried a heavy golden spear with two axe-like blades on the sides, the number ''86'' was visible on his left upper-leg. (1500 ATK)

'Listen Exodus, this is how Rhongomyniad works, I can use between the two and five monsters to summon him, then he gains Effects based on every Material used but during each of your End Phases one monster is Detached, now here are the Effects one Material cannot be destroyed, two Materials he gains 1500 ATK and finally three he is unaffected by other card Effects.' Rhongomyniad let out a war-cry as his attack power doubled. (1500- 3000 ATK) 'Attack Dark Mist!' Mario commanded, Rhongomyniad rose his spear above his head he whirled it around a few times before striking Dark Mist down with it, Dark Mist cackled before he disappeared.

(Mario: 7900) - (Exodus: 9900)

Exodus watched as the mist that was once Dark Mist disappeared from the Field. 'Exodus I knew I had to face you at one point.' Mario said, Exodus softly laughed. 'O now I am scared I am shaking in my boots here.' Exodus drew his card. 'I summon Nectro Plasma!' A black puddle of mud appeared in the room, there were weird noises coming out of it. (? ATK)

'I use Nectro Plasma's Effect, I Banish one monster from my Graveyard then Nectro Plasma becomes that monster.' Exodus took a card from his Graveyard it was Dark Mist, slowly the puddle disappeared and Dark Mist appeared in its place. (100 ATK: 3 ORU)

'And the best thing is when an Xyz monster was Banished Nectro Plasma gains the original Overlay Units from that monster.' Exodus explained, then he took the last card from his hand.

'I activate Nectro Multiply! I pay half my Life Points to summon two more Nectro Plasma's with the same stats as the first one!'

A black mist came from Exodus, slowly two more Dark Mists appeared next to the first one. (100 ATK: 3 ORU x2)

(Mario: 7900) - (Exodus: 4950)

Exodus crossed his arms. 'I hoped you would destroy Dark Mist, now I have three.' Exodus started to laugh: 'Normally it would be possible to have three of the same Xyz monsters on the Field, because you can hold three of the same in your Extra Deck, but with Numbers, that doesn't count, Numbers are unique cards, one of a kind, with Nectro Plasma I have removed that limit!'

Mario simply shook his head: 'Exodus, your Nectro Plasma might have changed into Dark Mist, but it is nothing more but a fake, if I know the real one can be destroyed, three fakes can be destroyed for sure.'

Exodus' hand started to twitch. 'You know what Mario? You might be right, but I still have the upper hand! I now end my turn which means one Material is Detached from Rhongomyniad, which means he loses his protection against card effects!' Mario detached on of the three cards from Rhongomyniad and put it in his Graveyard.

'My turn again.' Mario said he slowly drew his card. 'I summon Ambush Soldier in attack mode.' Mario said, the man clad in camouflage suit appeared. (0 ATK) 'I end my turn with this facedown card.' Mario stated it appeared behind Ambush Soldier.

'My turn.' Exodus said, he drew his card.

'I activate Necro Draw.' The Spell card appeared: 'When I control a Necro Xyz monster I Detach one Material from each of them and draw that many cards.' Exodus explained, a Spell card appeared a thick fog poured from the three Dark Mists. 'Just wait!' Mario shouted: 'These are not Necro monsters!' Exodus chuckled at Mario: 'Wrong, Nectro Plasma treats any monster it becomes as a Necro monster and through Nectro Multiply the copies are Necro monsters as well.' Exodus detached three monsters one from each Dark Mist, then he drew three cards. (Dark Mist ORU: 3- 2 x3)

'I activate my facedown card.' Mario said: 'Heroic Retribution Sword!' The heavy claymore with the flame pattern appeared in the hands of Ambush Soldier. 'Seems you want to keep him around, my Dark Mist can easily destroy him, but I would lose one Dark Mist if I take out your Ambush Soldier, that cost is too high for me.'

Exodus took a card from his hand. 'I use the Normal Spell card Nectro Equality!' A Spell card briefly appeared then is disappeared the three Dark Mists looked at each other. 'This is the last card in my strategy, all Nectro Plasmas and their Tokens are always equal in terms of attack and defense.'

Exodus laughed: 'Observe! Dark Mist one Shadow Gain!' Rhongomyniad was wrapped in shadow's his attack power was drained, all three of the Dark Mists became stronger. (Rhongomyniad: 3000- 1500 ATK), (Dark Mist: 100- 1600 ATK x3) The shadow whips struck Rhongomyniad.

'Dark Mist two Shadow Gain!' The second Dark Mist wrapped Rhongomyniad in its shadows, again the warrior became weaker and the Dark Mists became stronger. (Rhongomyniad: 1500- 750 ATK), (Dark Mist: 1600- 2350 ATK x3) Rhongomyniad was struck with the shadowy whip again, small cracks started to appear in his armor.

'Now number three Shadow Gain!' Exodus howled for the third time Rhongomyniad was wrapped in shadows. (Rhongomyniad: 750- 375 ATK), (Dark Mist: 2350- 2725 ATK: ORU 2- 1 x3)

Again Rhongomyniad was struck by the shadow whip, more cracks appeared in his armor and small pieces came off.

(Mario: 3850) - (Exodus: 4950)

'Rhongomyniad you okay?' Mario asked, the warrior looked around then he nodded. 'You now see Mario, why I am superior.' Exodus gloated.

'I now end my turn which means another monster is detached which means your monster loses 1500 attack points.' Exodus sneered, Mario groaned as he removed one card from under Rhongomyniad the warrior grew weaker again. (370- 0 ATK)

'I am not through yet with you Exodus.' Mario looked the demon in his eyes as he drew his card. 'I use the Effect of Ambush Soldier!' Mario shouted, the warrior stood up a bright light enveloped him. 'I Tribute Ambush Soldier to summon my two Double Lances from my Graveyard!' When the bright light faded Ambush Soldier was gone two Double Lances stood in his place. (1700 ATK x2)

'Now I activate Pot of Greed.' Mario stated, the smiling pot appeared on the Field, Mario drew two cards and the pot scattered.

'I use the Spell card Overlay Regen!' Mario played the Spell card: 'I'll attach this card to Rhongomyniad!' A second orb started to orbit around the warrior, he regained some of its attack. (0- 1500 ATK)

'Next I Equip Rhongomyniad with Magnum Shield!' The fancy shield appeared in the hand of Rhongomyniad again the warrior became stronger. (1500- 3000 ATK)

'Hm hm hm, heh heh heh!' Exodus laughed: 'It seems you still have some tricks left! But it shall not work!' Mario chuckled. 'I have one more move to make! I create the Overlay Network!' Mario bellowed, the void opened again, the two Double Lances were sucked in. 'Let your light illuminate the battlefield! Xyz Summon!' Mario shouted he rose his left hand the number ''39'' appeared on the back of his hand: 'Number 39: Utopia!' A bright light illuminated the Field the warrior clad in white armor descended onto the Field. (2500 ATK: ORU: 2)

'How?' Goombella gasped. 'Why does Mario have your monster Luigi?' Mallow added, Luigi shook his head: 'I have no idea.' He muttered.

'Where did you get that? That monster doesn't belong to you!' Exodus howled. 'Neither does it belong to Luigi.' Mario replied: 'Since I have a connection with Star Heaven the contract between Utopia and Luigi is fulfilled through me, this means that I have as many rights to use Utopia as Luigi does.' Mario explained.

Exodus closed his eyes, when he opened them his eyes were glowing.

'It still isn't enough!' Exodus roared.

'I have one more card in my hand! The Spell card Riryoku!' Mario shouted, the card appeared on the Field, two beams of light shot out of the card one beam connected to Dark Mist the other to Utopia. 'What's happening?!' Exodus shouted. 'Riryoku steals half the attack points of Dark Mist and adds them to Utopia!'

The three Dark Mists sunk to their knees as they became weaker. (2725-1362 ATK) Utopia on the other hand became stronger. (2500- 3862 ATK)

'Rhongomyniad attack the Dark Mist on the most left!' The warrior prepared his assault. 'Dark Mist Shadow Gain!' Exodus shouted Rhongomyniad was wrapped in darkness. (3000- 1500 ATK)

Dark Mist became stronger. (1362- 2862 ATK)

'I use the Effect of Utopia! I Detach one monster to negate the attack!' (Utopia: 2- 1 ORU)

Dark Mist used his Shadow Whip but Utopia shielded Rhongomyniad.

'Utopia! Hope Sword Slash!' The shield disappeared, Rhongomyniad drew back then Utopia leaped from behind the warrior his sword held high, Dark Mist gasped as he was slashed in half.

(Mario: 3850) - (Exodus: 3950)

The two halves of Dark Mist transformed back into Nectro Plasma, then it dissolved into a thin fog, the two remaining Dark Mists fell to their knees they groaned and finally they disappeared as well. 'I knew it.' Mario said: 'When the original is destroyed the copies disappear with him.' Then he pointed at Exodus: 'Exodus this is twice I defeated Dark Mist! How long do you plan to continue?' Exodus was trembling with rage.

'I end my turn which means the effect of Riryoku wears off.' Mario said, Utopia became weaker. (3862- 2500 ATK)

'My turn now.' Exodus said he drew his card. 'I pay 1000 Life Points to summon Necro Mirror! A monster that can only be summoned when Nectro Plasma and its copies were destroyed!'

(Mario: 3850) - (Exodus: 2950)

A mirror appeared in front of Exodus the mirror was attached to a base made of black wood, decorated with golden runes, instead of his reflection Mario saw two red eyes and a row of white teeth in the glass. (0 ATK)

'When Necro Mirror is summoned it can attack directly one time for each Nectro Plasma and its copies that were destroyed in one turn, which means three direct attacks with an power of 1362.' Exodus explained.

The eyes and mouth suddenly shot out of the mirror they struck Mario once who sunk to his knees.

(Mario: 2488) - (Exodus: 2950)

'Number two.' Exodus said, the creature from the mirror struck Mario again knocking him on his back.

(Mario: 1126) - (Exodus: 2950)

'Now finish him!' Exodus bellowed.

'Moon Barrier!' Mario shouted, Utopia leaped in front of Mario blocking the mirror, disappointed the monster drew back into his hiding spot.

(Utopia: 1- 0 ORU)

'Hmph, so you draw out your death.' Exodus sneered, he played one card it appeared in his Spell/Trap Zone. 'Turn end.' Exodus said.

'This means I detach one card from Rhongomyniad.' Mario said one of the floating orbs disappeared. (Rhongomyniad: 2- 1 ORU)

Rhongomyniad became weaker again. (1500- 0 ATK)

Mario drew his card. 'I change Rhongomyniad to defense.' The warrior knelt down and shield himself with his arms, because of Magnum Shield his defense got boosted. (1500- 3000 DEF)

'Utopia attack!' Mario shouted, the warrior drew his sword and shattered the mirror with one mighty punch, the sword broke through the mirror hitting Exodus in the chest, Exodus leaped backwards but was clutching his chest.

(Mario: 1126) - (Exodus: 450)

'I'd hoped you would do that.' Exodus slowly said: 'Because when Necro Mirror is destroyed I can Special Summon one of my Banished monsters!'

A black fog entered the area and Dark Mist was slowly reformed. (100 ATK: 0 ORU) 'Next I activate my Trap card!' Exodus shouted.

'Necro Gain!' A fist made of pure darkness appeared from the ground.

'Mario! I take your Rhongomyniad and its Xyz monsters and make them Materials for Dark Mist!' Two black orbs appeared circling around Dark Mist. (Dark Mist: 0- 2 ORU)

'I set one facedown card and end my turn.' Mario growled, the facedown card appeared behind Utopia.

Exodus drew his card, he started to laugh. 'Mario, this Duel is over! There is nothing you can do against me!' Dark Mist roared. 'Shadow Gain!' Exodus howled Utopia was wrapped in darkness. (2500- 1250 ATK)

Dark Mist became stronger. (100- 1350 ATK: 2- 1 ORU)

'Black Mirage Whip!' Utopia groaned when the whips struck him, his armor cracked then he exploded in a blinding light.

(Mario: 1026) - (Exodus: 450)

'I end my turn Mario! Which means the second Effect of Necro Gains activate, Dark Mist returns to his original attack points.' Exodus explained, Dark Mist became a bit weaker. (1350- 100 ATK)

'But he still has one Overlay Unit! Cower in despair Mario for you...' Exodus started but Mario was simply smiling. 'Draw.' He said before he drew his card, he looked at his card.

'I activate the card I just drew!' Mario shouted: 'Premature Burial!'

A light shot out of Mario as his Life Points got drained.

(Mario: 226) - (Exodus: 450)

'Return! Utopia!' Mario shouted the warrior in white armor reappeared on the Field, his armor was still cracked. (2500 ATK)

'I shall unlock a power Utopia possesses, a power Luigi will never be able to unlock, for this I need a bit of chaos...' Mario held up his left hand, the number ''39'' turned dark purple. 'I use Utopia as an Overlay Unit! Chaos Xyz summon! Number C39: Utopia Ray!' Utopia slowly changed, he grew a bit and his armor became darker in color. (2500 ATK: 1 ORU)

'This monster can only exist when my Life Points are 1000 or lower.' Mario started: 'Now I use his Effect by Detaching one monster, Utopia Ray gains 500 ATK while an opponent's monster loses 1000!' The two monsters started to glow. (Utopia Ray: 2500- 3000 ATK), (Dark Mist: 100- 0 ATK)

'Utopia Ray attack!' Mario shouted. 'Shadow Gain!' Exodus replied, Utopia got wrapped in shadows he became weaker. (Utopia Ray and Dark Mist: 1500 ATK)

'Wait they will...' Exodus gasped.

'Destroy each other.' Mario replied: 'Just like I wanted.' The two Numbers struggled a bit before both of them exploded in a mix of light and shadows.

Mario rose his left hand. 'Now I activate Call of the Haunted!' Mario's reversed card suddenly sprung open, the ''39'' on Mario's hand changed back to yellow, with a loud roar the original Utopia leaped back on Mario's Field. (2500 ATK) 'Hope Sword Slash!' Mario bellowed, Exodus was thrown across the room because of Utopia's attack, his cards laid all around the room, slowly the cards dissolved in mist, Exodus' face turned back to normal and his Duel Disk retracted.

(Mario: 226) - (Exodus: 0)

Mario looked at Utopia the monster nodded before he disappeared, Exodus sat up straight, he looked at his hands they were trembling. 'How could I have lost?' He muttered, then he looked at Mario. 'Seems you got lucky there punk. Next time you and your little squad won't be as lucky! I shall gain enough power to destroy you all!' Suddenly shadows surrounded Exodus when the shadows disappeared Exodus was gone.

'What a sore loser.' Mallow shrugged, Mario sat on his knees, Goombella quickly rushed to Mario's side to help him up. 'Stupid Shadow Games.' Mario cursed. 'Wait that was a Shadow Game?' Mallow sounded surprised.

'O yes you bet it was, I used my own Shadow Magic to constantly cancel out Exodus.' Mario leaned on Goombella's shoulder. 'Can you help me up the pedestal?' Slowly Goombella and Mario approached the pedestal, the runes on it started to glow as Mario approached, he climbed up the pedestal and held his map above his head, all the while Goombella kept supporting him.

The moment Mario held the map above his head it started to float then it shone with a bright light, ten seconds later the map landed back in Mario's hands and the glowing runes faded away.

Goombella and Mario walked back to the others, Mario placed the map on the ground, a new image appeared on the map. 'Let's see here.' Luigi muttered: 'Boggly Woods.'

At that moment Mario's D-Gazer went off, he pressed a button his D-Gazer activated automatically the D-Gazers of everyone got linked.

'Rozalin!' Mario and Mallow gasped when the image of the princess appeared on a small screen.

'Mario, I hope you are safe, I am safe for the moment, Grave and Pandora watch over me.' She paused for a moment. 'It sounds weird but I met a computer TEC, is is helping me sending this message to you, I have not much time, Grave figured out there is a Crystal Star at Boggly Woods, now I think you already know, but listen Grodus knows as well.'

Rozalin looked behind her she started to whisper and spoke quickly: 'He send Crump to retrieve the Crystal Star, there was supposed to be another one there with Crump, but I took care of him, Crump is aided by a group of three called the Shadow Sirens and Azrael is there.' Suddenly the door behind Rozalin opened, Grave stood there in the doorway. 'Rozalin we need to go, the patrol will make his round.' The recording broke off.

'So.' Mario said: 'Grave really is helping us.'

Luigi and Goombella were confused: 'So he is a good guy?' Goombella then asked. 'Not really.' Mallow said: 'Grave never really wanted to be part of all this, he was forced to do so, by helping Rozalin he is indirectly helping us, when we have a chance we must free him from the Trinity.'

'I need to do something quick.' Mario said as he activated his D-Gazer, a familiar face appeared on a screen. 'Caedis.' Mario said, the Celestian gave a quick nod. 'Thanks for the help with the Numbers this is the second time they saved us.' Mario said, Caedis smiled. 'Dark Mist again?' He asked. 'Yeah Dark Mist.' Mario replied: 'But I have a quick question.'

'Shoot.' Caedis replied. 'We need to get to Boggly Woods next Lord Crump is there with a division of X-Nauts we learned Azrael is there as well and a group called the Shadow Sirens, you know who the Shadow Sirens are?'

Caedis seemed nervous: 'I know who they are.' He said: 'They are a group of three sisters, Nephilim their leader is Beldam a cunning and most vicious creature, they are Duelists for hire but she only follows the direct orders of the strongest.' Caedis explained: 'Then there is Marilyn, she is big and has the mind of a child, but don't underestimate her she can be a difficult opponent, finally there is Vivian I know nothing about her, she is mostly quite and just follows orders.'

Mario thanked Caedis for his help. 'Before you go.' The Celestian said: 'Those three are high on our wanted list, as is Azrael if you get the opportunity to bring the Sirens down do it, but don't push your luck with Azrael.' With that last warning Caedis disappeared.


Next time:

With one Crystal Star in their possession the location of another is revealed, the Boggly Woods.

But Sir Grodus is hot on their tails dispatching Lord Crump, the Shadow Sirens and Azrael Mario and his friends need to be careful. ''Act 3: The Boggly Woods - Chapter 13: Shadow Sirens.'' Coming soon.


Card details:

Note: I made a slight addition to Number 86: Heroic Champion - Rhongomyniad, he has no anime counterpart so I added the part that he can only be destroyed in battle by Numbers, for the rest the card is the same as the TCG version.

Number C39: Utopia Ray (anime effect)

Type: Warrior/Xyz/Effect

Attribute: Light

Rank: 4

ATK: 2500

DEF: 2000

3 Level 4 LIGHT monsters

Cannot be destroyed by battle except with a "Number" monster. If your Life Points are 1000 or more, destroy this card. You can Xyz Summon this card by using a "Number 39: Utopia" you control as the Xyz Material (Xyz Materials attached to "Number 39: Utopia" also become Xyz Materials on this card). You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card; it gains 500 ATK and 1 of your opponent's monster loses 1000 ATK, until the End Phase.


Necro Ant

Type: Insect/Effect

Attribute: Dark

Level: 2

ATK: 200

DEF: 100

This card can either be Normal Summoned to your side of the Field, or Special Summoned to your opponent's side of the Field. The player who does not control this card takes 1000 Points of Damage.


Nectro Plasma

Type: Aqua/Effect

Attribute: Dark

Level: 1

ATK: ?

DEF: 0

This card is always treated as a ''Necro'' card. When this card is Summoned Target 1 monster in your Graveyard then Banish that target. This card becomes the Banished card. When the Banished Target was a Xyz monster this card gains Overlay Units equal to the Overlay Units needed to Xyz Summon that monster. The monster this card copies is treated as a ''Necro'' monster.


Necro Mirror

Type: Fiend/Effect

Attribute: Dark

Level: 4

ATK: 0

DEF: 0

This card can only be Summoned by paying 1000 Life Points when ''Nectro Plasma'' and his copies were destroyed. This card can attack directly as many times for each Nectro Plasma and his copies that were destroyed in one turn. When this card attacks it gains ATK equal to the ATK Nectro Plasma had before it was destroyed.


Necro Gamble

Normal Spell card

This card can only be activated during your turn. At the end of your turn your Life Points must be halved by card Effects other than your own, then you regain the double the Life Points you have lost. If you fail your Life Points are halved permanently during your End Phase.


Ant Signal

Normal Spell card

When your opponent controls ''Necro Ant'' Special Summon 2 more copies to their side of the Field from your Deck.


Necro Beam

Normal Spell card

When your opponent controls ''Necro'' monsters and you don't this card becomes your opponent's card. Deal 1000 points of damage to the player who does not control this card.


Necro Control

Normal Spell card

When your Life Points are exactly half of your opponent's Life Points. Take control over all ''Necro'' monsters on the Field.


Necro Draw

Normal Spell card

When you control a ''Necro'' Xyz monster, detach 1 Xyz Material from each of those monsters then draw a card for each monster Detached.


Necro Gain

Normal Trap card

Target 1 Xyz monster you control and 1 Xyz monster your opponent controls. The opponent's monster and his Xyz Materials becomes Xyz Materials for the Xyz monster you control. During the End Phase the ATK of the monster you control becomes 0.


Nectro Multiply

Normal Spell card

Activate only when you control a ''Nectro Plasma'' pay half your Life Points. Special Summon 2 Nectro Tokens with the same stats as the ''Nectro Plasma'' you controlled. When the real ''Nectro Plasma'' is destroyed the Nectro Tokens are also destroyed.


Nectro Equality

Normal Spell card

When this card is activated all Nectro Plasma Tokens are always Equal in ATK and DEF as the original ''Nectro Plasma''

Note: The above 11 cards were created by me for this Fan Fiction only, nobody is allowed to use these cards.