58. King of the X-Nauts.

With Syn gone nothing stands between Mario and the Shadow Queen except for Sir Grodus the X-Naut leader.

As Mario and Geno walked through the dark hall the air became thicker the further they went.

'Not much left now.' Geno said his voice echoed through the hall.

'Grodus could be tough, but I need to stop him.' Mario muttered to himself, Geno placed his hand on Mario's shoulder. 'I can do it if you want.'

Mario shook his head: 'No you're weak from Dueling Syn, besides Grodus started this by kidnapping Rozalin, I will see this through and end it.'

As they reached the end of the hallway they were met with a giant, black door, slowly Mario pushed it open.

They entered a circular room, around the room stood pillars made of black bricks on each pillar was a torch mounted burning with purple flames.

The tiles on the floor were dark-purple as Mario looked up he couldn't see the ceiling, he knew they were deep underground.

Withered banners hung from the walls depicting weapon shields from various royal houses that lived here in the time this was still a giant, above-ground city.

A single man stood between Mario and the door on the other side.

'So you've finally made it.' The man in the middle spoke removing his black cloak.

'Grodus.' Mario growled through his teeth.

'Coming to surrender?' The X-Naut leader asked.

'You wish, I'm here to get Rozalin back, where is she?' Mario demanded.

'She's in the room behind me, if you want her back give me the Crystal Stars.' Grodus demanded.

'I don't trust you Grodus, we Duel, I win you let Rozalin go.' Mario stated.

'You lose and I take the Crystal Stars.' Grodus replied.

Mario approached Grodus, his Duel Disk activated, Grodus removed the orb from his cane, a device holding his Deck was strapped to his arm, he threw the rest of the cane aside, holograms of the Field zones appeared above the hovering orb. 'Duel!' Both shouted.

(Sir Grodus: 8000) - (Mario: 8000)

Grodus and Mario stared each other down, then the X-Naut leader took a card. 'I Summon Exodia the Forbidden One.' On the Field appeared the disembodied head of the ancient demon, it's head was shaped like an ancient Egyptian headdress, it's skin was bronze the eyes glowed red. (1000 ATK)

'I shall end my turn with this.' The man continued as a reversed card appeared behind the head of Exodia.

'An obvious trap Grodus.' Mario growled as he drew his card.

'But I don't have the time to wait when Exodia is involved, at least thank you for showing me your strategy.' Mario said he drew his card.

'Now I activate Polymerization!' The Spell card flashed on the Field, the vortex opened behind Mario, Avian and Burstinatrix disappeared through it. 'Come out Flame Wingman!' Mario roared, in an explosion of flames the famous Elemental Hero leaped onto the Field his arms crossed, looking all serious. (2100 ATK)

'Next I activate Monster Reborn.' Mario continued the holy symbol appeared on the Field and Burstinatrix rose from the Graveyard. (1200 ATK)

'Burstinatrix attack Exodia!' The woman created a ball of flames and hurled it at the severed head, just before impact a barrier appeared before the head blocking the flames.

'My Trap card Exodia Guard.' Grodus stated: 'If I control one of the body parts of Exodia I can activate this card, then when a Forbidden One Monster is attacked I can send another Forbidden One Monster from my Deck or hand to the Graveyard to negate that battle.'

Grodus showed the Left Arm before he discarded it.

'That card I've never heard of it.' Mario said, his remark got met by Grodus' laughter: 'These cards were given to me by Syn as a parting gift.'

It was only now Mario noticed the fog entering the hall.

'In that case go Flame Wingman!' Mario shouted.

This time Grodus showed the Right Arm and again the barrier appeared to protect the head.

'I end my turn.' Mario growled.

Grodus said nothing as he drew his card.

'I change Exodia to Defense Mode and end my turn.'

The severed head landed on the ground and closed it's eyes. (1000 DEF)

'So that's what you're planning? Getting all five pieces in your Graveyard then move them all to your hand? But with Syn involved who knows what she conjured up?'

Mario's train of thoughts was stopped by Grodus: 'Speaking of Syn I must thank the two of you for taking her down as well as Azrael, Grave and Dimentio, the Trinity and Syn were useful for buying me time to set this all up, but they started to become a pain.'

Mario growled a curse he looked at his hand only to find nothing useful.

'Well if you have a trap ready then show me, Burstinatrix and Flame Wingman attack!'

Both Elemental Heroes charged in.

'I activate my Trap card: Exodia Guard.' Grodus stated this time he showed both of Exodia's legs the barrier appeared again protecting the head.

'I end my turn.' Mario stated.

Grodus started a low chuckle which ended up in maniacally laughter.

'Thanks to you all pieces are in place, for that Mario I thank you.' Grodus said as he drew his card.

'First I activate Mystic Wok.' Grodus stated as his Spell card appeared, a giant wok appeared on the Field, a giant spoon scooped the head in.

'This increases my Life Points by the amount of Exodia's Attack Points.

The head started to roll around in the giant wok before it eventually disappeared.

(Sir Grodus: 9000) - (Mario: 8000)

'Then since I have no more Forbidden One on my Field and five Forbidden One cards are in my Graveyard I Banish Exodia Guard and gain another 1000 Life Points.' The X-Naut leader explained, his Trap card disappeared in ones and zeros.

(Sir Grodus: 10.000) - (Mario: 8000)

'Now Mario, this is what I was after, because I now pay 2000 Life Points to activate the Ritual Spell Contract with Exodia!'

Grodus started to glow red as his Life Points disappeared, the severed body parts of Exodia fell onto the Field, the normal bronze skin was now a sickly gray.

(Sir Grodus: 8000) - (Mario: 8000)

A ghostly body started to appear, when the specter appeared the body parts slowly moved towards it, one all five were in place the rest of the body appeared, standing twice the size of your average human the Forbidden One's red eyes pierced through Mario's soul. (1800 ATK)

'This is Exodia Necross, it's Effects are based on which Exodia Parts are in my Graveyard: Head: It cannot be destroyed by battle, Left Arm: Effect Monsters cannot destroy it, Right Arm: After it battles it gains 1000 ATK, Left Leg: Cannot be destroyed by Spell card and the Right Leg does the same for Trap cards.' Grodus quickly explained.

'Bane of the Forbidden One.' Grodus then said confusing Mario then a Spell card appeared on the Field.

'For skipping my next Draw Phase my Exodia Necross can attack all Monsters on the Field.' Grodus laugh sounded through the hall, Exodia slowly moved it's hands towards it's chest, a magical orb formed between it's hand when it was the right size the demonic creature hurled it at Burstinatrix.

(Sir Grodus: 8000) - (Mario: 7400)

Quickly after the first one Exodia started to create a second one, this one was more powerful as Exodia rose in power as well. (1800- 2800 ATK)

The beast threw the second orb this time completely obliterating Flame Wingman, once more Exodia Necross grew in power. (2800- 3800 ATK)

(Sir Grodus: 8000) - (Mario: 6700)

'This ends my turn.' Grodus said the fog in the room moved closer towards Mario it started to slowly swirl around him.

'My turn.' Mario stated.

Sweat started to form on Mario's face as he looked at his hand.

'Not much I can do here.' Mario placed two cards in his Duel Disk one appeared as a facedown Monster the other card appeared behind the Monster card.

Grodus chuckled: 'You believe defending works?' He asked with a sneer.

'I activate Stop Defense.' As the Spell card flashed on Grodus' side Mario's defending Monster revealed itself, it was a black panther-like beast wearing a black and purple cape. (1000 ATK)

'So Neo-Spacian Dark Panther? Exodia Necross attacks it!'

Mario braced himself as the magical blast of Exodia obliterated his Dark Panther.

(Sir Grodus: 8000) - (Mario: 3900)

'Exodia Necross battled again and once more it leaves him stronger.' Sir Grodus said, more electricity appeared around the ancient demon. (3800- 4800 ATK)

'Next I shall Set this card.' Grodus continued a new card appeared behind Exodia Necross.

'Then I activate Call of the Haunted!' Mario shouted the ground broke open and with an angry snarl Dark Panther leaped out. (1000 ATK)

'I end my turn.' Grodus stated.

Mario said nothing as he drew his card, he felt the weight of the world heavily on his shoulders.

'Grodus, I will put an end to this, there is too much riding on this Duel, I cannot fail, I won't fail.'

Mario's Field slot opened: 'I activate Neo Space!'

Immediately the chamber they were in disappeared quickly they found themselves in space Grodus seemed not impressed.

'Now Elemental HERO Neos and all his Fusion Monsters gain 500 ATK.' Mario explained.

'Next I activate Fake Hero!' Mario's Spell card flashed on the screen.

'This allows me to Special Summon an Elemental Hero from my hand but it cannot attack and returns to my hand during my End Phase.' Mario explained, a beam of light appeared from somewhere out of space it crashed in front of Mario and Neos stepped out of it cracking his knuckles. (2500- 3000 ATK)

'Now I send Dark Panther and Neos back to my Deck! Contact Fusion!'

Dark Panther leaped up changing in black smoke it started to swirl around Neos. 'Fusion Summon Elemental HERO Dark Neos!'

Slowly the mist faded away before Mario stood the from of Neos two black and red demon-like wings sprouted from his back, his skin was mostly black except from some gray around his stomach and chest, his hands and feet had changed into vicious claws. (2500- 3000 ATK)

'When Dark Neos does not Target a Monster I can Target one then as long as Dark Neos remains on the Field the Effects of that Monster are negated.'

Dark Neos crossed his arms a blanket of darkness wrapped around Exodia Necross, immediately the Monster became weaker. (4800- 1800 ATK)

'Dark Neos attack!' Mario shouted.

'I activate Waboku!' Grodus replied his facedown card turned up, the three priestesses in blue appeared before the demon they blocked the vicious attacks from Dark Neos.

'Damn no matter what I do I can't break through.' Mario felt panic sinking in then he remembered he had two Crystal Stars that were not used before.

'He said Syn had left him a gift, Exodia Necross can't be that, it doesn't feel right.' Mario was deep in thoughts.

'My turn.' Grodus stated pulling Mario back to the Duel.

'I activate Forbidden Draw.' A new Spell card appeared before Grodus.

'I now Banish all pieces of Exodia from my Graveyard so we both get to draw five cards.'

Mario was shocked that his opponent would give him such an advantage immediately worrying him, if Grodus was willing to give him five free cards then what horrors were still asleep in his Deck?

'First I activate Mystical Space Typhoon to destroy Neo Space.' Grodus stated, a black hole tore through the space Mario had created and soon they were back into the chamber.

'Next Tribute to the Doomed.' Grodus continued as yet another Spell card appeared: 'I discard Call of the Haunted to Destroy Dark Neos.'

Suddenly bandages wrapped around the dark hero, the ground under him broke open and a creepy-looking hand dragged the Monster under.

'Exodia Necross direct attack!' Grodus commanded, again the demon fired his magical blast this time Mario got hit directly, he staggered backwards, the shadows summoned by Grodus crawled further up on his legs until his waist was also partially covered.

(Sir Grodus: 8000) - (Mario: 2100)

'He has no more defenses, his Exodia Necross is weakened he basically begs me to destroy it.'

Mario drew his card.

'I activate E - Emergency Call.' Mario stated his Spell card flashed on the Field. 'I add Elemental HERO Neos to my hand.' Mario stated he searched his Deck and found his card.

'Next I activate another Spell: Ancient Rules!' Quickly Mario used a second card.

'This card allows me to Special Summon Neos from my hand.' For a second time the powerful Hero leaped on the Field. (2500 ATK)

'Neos attack Exodia Necross! Wrath of Neos!' The Hero leaped into the air then he dived down at the ancient demon meaning to punch straight through it.

As soon as the fist of Neos connected to Exodia cracks appeared in it's skin light shone through the cracks.

'You've attacked Exodia Necross with a Monster with higher power.' Grodus said he sounded menacing.

'My Graveyard contains no Monsters with Forbidden One in their name therefor Exodia Necross sheds it's skin to make place for the present Syn left me!'

An unholy scream echoed through the hall coming from Exodia Necross suddenly the demon burst in an explosion of light, one of Mario's cards also started to glow with power, in the place of Exodia Necross stood a young man dressed in white, ancient Egyptian clothing he was wearing a headdress that resembled the head of Exodia, in his hands he held a golden cane with a green gem on top set in a cobra's mouth. (3000 ATK)

'Exodia a mysterious creature sealed away because of it's power revived as Exodia Necross, this Priest of the Forbidden One is the one who banished the unholy Exodia Necross back to the underworld.'

The priest tapped his cane on the ground the body parts of Exodia Necross appeared spread over the chamber.

'I go to my Main Phase Two in that case.'

Mario took all the remaining cards from his hand, all four appeared facedown in his Spell and Trap card zones.

Grodus drew his card.

'I use the Effect of Priest by Banishing Exodia Necross a Level four Monster I can move Exodia pieces that are Banished to my Graveyard.' Grodus took four cards from his pockets they were the arms and legs of Exodia.

'Each piece of Exodia in my Graveyard protects my Priest from being Destroyed once.'

The Priest looked nervous he lifted his cane pointing it at Neos.

'I attack Neos!' Grodus shouted.

'In that case I activate my Trap card: Garnet Star: Showstopper!' Mario roared, the giant version of the Crystal Star appeared behind him, shining with a warm light.

'With Showstopper I can Destroy cards on my side of the Field except this one.' First Neos leaped on the giant star then one by one his Set cards were revealed: Neos Fusion, Instant Neo Space and Double Hero Attack all three exploded as did the now useless still face-up Call of the Haunted.

'For each card destroyed Showstopper allows me to destroy cards on the Field!'

The Crystal Star flew up then a laser shot through the Priest the Right Arm of Exodia appeared creating a shield, then three more beams shot through the priest destroying the remaining limbs and finally a fifth beam pierced the chest of the priest, gasping for air he fell to his knees.

Then the Priest gasped, his flesh started to change, light appeared out of his eyes and mouth.

'When Priest of the Forbidden One is Destroyed I can Special Summon Exodia the Unsealed!' A huge surge of power consumed the priest, light surrounded him, slowly he rose back on his feet his eyes were pure light, the headdress had become his head, more and more muscles appeared all over his body as he grew to twice his size, the Priest now resembled Exodia the Forbidden One without the bronze skin and more human-like. (? ATK)

'Exodia the Unsealed, when it is Summoned I Banish all other cards from my Field and Graveyard.' Grodus emptied his Graveyard and put all cards in his pocket.

'Now the Attack Points of Exodia the Unsealed are 1000 for each Banished card with Exodia or the Forbidden One in their name.'

Ten beams of light appeared around Exodia the Unsealed.

'Exodia the Forbidden One, it's four limbs, Contract with Exodia, Exodia Guard, Bane of the Forbidden One, Priest of the Forbidden One and Exodia Necross.' Grodus summed up, Exodia let out an unholy roar. (?- 10.000 ATK)

'The turn in which Exodia the Unsealed is Summoned it cannot attack so I end my turn.' Grodus stated.

Mario placed his finger on the top card of his Deck, a warm sensation shot through his body as Mario drew the card the card glowed.

'I activate the Effect of Exodia, my Monster must be attacked, when my opponent does not control a Monster I can activate this Effect you must Special Summon a Monster from your hand.'

Mario showed the only card in his hand, Grodus could only see the green border.

'No Monster in your hand so then Special Summon one from your Graveyard.' Grodus said.

'In that case come out Neos!' Mario shouted, for a third time his Hero leaped onto the Field. (2500 ATK)

'Because I forced you to Special Summon I must now move one card with Exodia or Forbidden One to my Graveyard for every 1000 ATK your Monster has.' Grodus took both arms of Exodia from his pocket and placed them in his Graveyard, Exodia the Unsealed became weaker. (10.000- 8000 ATK)

'Before we battle I activate Crystal Star: Super Nova!' This time the actual Crystal Star appeared behind him.

'This is a Continuous Spell that I only can activate by paying 2000 Life Points.' Mario started, a brilliant light appeared around him, the darkness around him dispersed.

(Sir Grodus: 8000) - (Mario: 100)

'For as long as this card remains on the Field all other Zones except for the Field are not in the game anymore, so no Graveyards, Decks, Banished cards.'

The Crystal Star behind Mario started to glow, the light illuminated everything except the Field and the Duelists.

'This means that you have no access to your Banished cards but this also means I need to end it this turn, this Effect only is active as soon as my turn starts.'

Without the power from the void the lights surrounding Exodia the Unsealed died out. (8000- 0 ATK)

Neos bend through his knees then with incredible speed he leaped at Exodia.

'The other Effect of Supernova activates, when a Battle has been declared the Monster of the Duelist with the lower Life Points gains Attack Points equal to the difference!'

Grodus lowered his arms, Neos let out a war cry. (2500- 10.400 ATK)

'Wrath of Neos!' Mario roared

The fist of the Elemental HERO started to glow with incredible force he punched through Exodia, the shockwave when his fist connected to the ground the shockwave knocked Grodus off his feet.

(Sir Grodus: 0) - (Mario: 100)

The light faded out as the Crystal Star slowly faded away.

Grodus slowly stood up he leaned heavily on his cane, it was clear he had received a heavy blow still he was laughing maniacally.

'It's over Grodus, the Shadow Queen Kali won't see the light of day, now return Rozalin.' Mario demanded, Grodus simply scoffed.

'On the contrary Mario, you just helped me out.' Grodus replied, the way he said it Mario knew this wasn't a simple thread fear filled his body.

'Don't talk nonsense Grodus you've lost face it.' Geno interrupted.

Grodus chuckled: 'The two of you fought gods, you killed Azrael, Grave, Syn and Dimentio, do you think I ever thought I would stand a chance?'

Mario saw sweat appearing on Geno's face, his friend was afraid.

'When you started hunting the Crystal Stars I never expected the X-Nauts to find them all, they were there to hold up the ruse that I was trying to get them, I knew that when all were held above the altar the door would open, for me that was enough.'

Slowly Mario took a few steps backwards one-by-one the Crystal Stars appeared before him, they were glowing with a weak light.

'Every Duelist with the exception of Grave and Marilyn were here with Decks prepared by Syn and Azrael, Decks infused with darkness and so powerful that the Crystal Stars would need to use their powers to help you overcome those challenges.' Grodus smiled as he gave Mario and Geno time to let it sink in.

'You've got to be!' Geno cursed then it hit Mario as well who was still a bit tired from the Duels against Grave and Grodus just now.

'Kali was sealed by the power of the Crystal Stars, her soul was sealed away by the Stars her body remained here in her tomb.' Grodus chuckled.

'By protecting us the seals on the tomb are weakened, all this time we thought Kali's soul was lost in the Dark Realms, but those were just fragments, her soul resides in this palace but without her body it cannot act.' Geno spoke.

'You realized it just too late.' Grodus replied.

'There is one glaring flaw with this.' Geno said with a grin: 'Someone needs to open that coffin, you're the only one left Grodus and you're here, as long as we make sure you can't get to that coffin.' Geno quickly casted a spell the door behind Grodus got locked tight by many shadowy chains.

Grodus shook his head he started to tap with his staff on the stones.

'I've let nothing to fate here, ever since you entered another one entered, seeking for you Mario I've followed their movements, they should be right about...' Then the ceiling started to shake, some dust fell down followed by some loose bricks, then a more powerful tremor caused a part of the ceiling to cave in, Geno leaped out of the way to evade the debris, in that instant Grodus used his staff to create a shield above him, with Geno distracted the chains disappeared.

'Oh no you won't!' Mario roared as he wanted to leap at Grodus a shadowy figure grabbed him by the collar and threw him back.

'Oh no YOU won't.' A familiar voice said: 'This time you're mine.' Bowser said with a huge grin on his face.


Next time:

With Grodus defeated Mario and Geno thought they had won.

But Bowser made short work of their victory, challenging Mario to one final Duel while Grodus made his escape.

What has Bowser in store for Mario? ''Bowser's Wrath'' coming next.


Card details:

Priest of the Forbidden One

Type: Spellcaster/Effect

Attribute: Light

Level: 10

ATK: 3000

DEF: 3000

This card cannot be normal summoned or set. This card cannot be special summoned. This card can only be special summoned from your hand when an ''Exodia Necross'' you control is attacked by a monster with higher ATK while there are no Monsters with ''Exodia'' or ''the Forbidden One'' in their name in your Graveyard. During your Main Phase you can Banish 1 card with ''Exodia'' or ''the Forbidden One'' in their name from your Graveyard if you do return Banished cards with ''Exodia'' or ''the Forbidden One'' in their name to your Graveyard, if this card would be Removed from the Field you can Banish 1 from the cards returned by this effect instead. When this card is destroyed by your opponent's card effects or by battle you can special summon 1 ''Exodia the Unsealed'' from your hand, Deck or Graveyard.


Exodia the Unsealed

Type: Spellcaster/Effect

Attribute: Light

Level: 12

ATK: ?

DEF: 0

This card cannot be normal summoned or set. This card cannot be special summoned. This card can only be special summoned by the effect of ''Priest of the Forbidden One''. This card cannot be removed from the Field except when destroyed by battle. When this card is summoned Banish all cards from your hand and Graveyard. The ATK of this card is equal to the Banished cards with ''Exodia'' or ''the Forbidden One'' in their name x1000. This card cannot attack the turn it is summoned. During your opponent's turn all their monsters must attack this card. If your opponent controls no monsters you can activate this effect, your opponent must special summon a monster from their hand, if they have no monster in their hand they must special summon 1 from their Graveyard, if they have none in their Graveyard they must special summon 1 from their Deck. Then move Banished cards with ''Exodia'' or ''the Forbidden One'' in their name to your Graveyard for every 1000 ATK the special summoned monster has.


Exodia Guard

Continuous Trap card

Activate only when you control a ''Forbidden One'' monster. As long you control ''Exodia the Forbidden One'' when a ''Forbidden One'' monster is targeted for an attack you can send 1 ''Forbidden One'' monster from your Deck to the Graveyard to negate that battle. When 5 ''Forbidden One'' monsters are in your Graveyard you can Banish this face-up card and gain 1000 LP.


Bane of the Forbidden One

Normal Spell card

Activate only when you control ''Exodia Necross'' skip your next Draw Phase then ''Exodia Necross'' can attack all monsters your opponent controls once. No other monsters can attack the turn this card is activated.


Forbidden Draw

Normal Spell card

Banish up to 5 cards with ''Forbidden One'' in their name from your GY. Draw 1 card for each card Banished by this effect, your opponent draws the same amount.


Garnet Star: Showstopper

Normal Trap card

Activate only during your opponent's Main Phase 1 or Battle Phase. Destroy as many cards on your side of the Field as you want, then destroy the same amount of cards on your opponent's side of the Field.


Crystal Star: Super Nova

Continuous Spell card

Activate this card by paying 2000 LP. As long as this card is on the Field, from the start of your turn until the End Phase all area's except the Field become unaccessible for both players. Face-up attack position Monsters you control must battle during your turn. The monster of the player who has the lowest LP gains ATK equal to the difference between the LP until the End Phase.

Note: The above 7 cards were created by me for this story only.


Exodia Necross (anime effect)

Type: Spellcaster/Ritual/Effect

Attribute: Dark

Level: 4

ATK: 1800

DEF: 0

You can Ritual Summon this card with "Contract with Exodia". This card gains the following effect(s) while a "Forbidden One" card(s) is in your Graveyard:

"Exodia the Forbidden One": This card cannot be destroyed by battle. (Damage calculation is applied normally.)

"Left Leg of the Forbidden One": This card cannot be destroyed by Spell Cards.

"Right Leg of the Forbidden one": This card cannot be destroyed by Trap Cards.

"Left Arm of the Forbidden One": This card cannot be destroyed by the effects of other Effect Monsters.

"Right Arm of the Forbidden One": Whenever this card battles an opponent's monster, it gains 1000 ATK at the end of the Damage Step.


Contract with Exodia (anime effect)

Ritual Spell card

Activate only by paying 2000 Life Points when "Exodia the Forbidden One", "Right Arm of the Forbidden One", "Left Arm of the Forbidden One", "Right Leg of the Forbidden One", and "Left Leg of the Forbidden One" are all in your Graveyard. Special Summon 1 "Exodia Necross" from your hand.