The morning sun rose on the city of Zephyr Heights. The tall skyscrapers were shrouded by the light that came to awaken everyone. For most, it was a sign to start their day. But for seven specific individuals, it was a sign of war. Mario stood before his bed, and on it lay his duel disk; the boy had gotten up pretty early, as last night, he had trouble sleeping due to the big thing they were about to embark on. For the past hour, he'd been staring at his device as the thoughts of what had transpired with him from his duel with Rose and to follow up to this point. He'd been through quite a lot, and now he was 100% committed to helping his friends take down this darkness.
I can do this. I'm no longer unsure. I know my place.
The boy grabbed his rectangular device and grabbed his deck on his nightstand in one swift motion. He began to get dressed; he put on his shirt and grabbed his red blazer before taking a moment to look in the mirror to examine himself.
"It's time," said the boy, creating a fist.
Upon exiting his room, he saw Zipp leaning against the railing as she seemed to be waiting for him. The girl had a smile on her face as she could see the bright determination and confidence in her friend.
"Ready?"
"Ready."
The others gathered in the living room, ready. Twilight and Haven made their presence known. The card designer approached the kids, seeing the fire in their eyes.
"Ready to go?" asked Twilight.
"Question, Mrs. Sparkle."
"Yes?"
"So how are we going to get into Maritime Bay? If the entire city is deserted and Opaline and her forces control it, how will we get in?" asked Izzy.
"I already have a plan," smiled the woman.
At that moment, a sound was heard as it sounded like a helicopter. The teens looked out of the window and saw a cargo chopper starting to descend on the front lawn. The helicopter touched down as the cargo hold of the copter opened up, and Twilight smiled at who was inside it.
"Everything's ready, Twilight!" said Moondancer.
"Thanks, Moondancer," said the woman to her company partner.
"Wait, if she was in the cargo hold, then who was flying the chopper?" asked Pipp.
"I had Owloysius hack into the mainframe," said Twilight as her AI assistant flew the copter. "Alright, kids. Let's go."
"Bye, Mom!" said Zipp as she waved to her mother, who watched from the front door.
The businesswoman waved goodbye to her daughter and their friends as they loaded onto the cargo chopper. Twilight was now in the pilot seat as she got them up in the air and began to head toward their destination. Haven watched the vehicle until it was out of sight and sighed.
"Please… be safe, girls," said the woman as she prayed the kids emerged victorious.
During the flight, the kids looked out of the windows, seeing the city of Zephyr Heights behind them before flying over an ocean. The sight of the blue sea was majestic, and Pip couldn't help but take some photos.
"Alright, how are we looking, Owloysius?" asked Twilight to her AI.
"We should arrive in Maritime Bay relatively soon, Ms. Twilight."
"Good," responded the woman, flipping some switches and handing the controls to her AI as she exited her seat.
The kids were seated and sat in silence with Moondancer. Outside, they passed through some dark clouds as lightning strikes surrounded them. Mario was lost in deep thought as he contemplated what they were walking into. He noticed some tarps were covering something nearby as the shape of what was underneath them caught his interest.
"What's that?" asked Mario.
"They're something that may help you all very soon," said Moondancer, as she didn't give much info.
"How is everyone holding up?" asked Twilight as she appeared in the passageway between the cockpit and the cargo hold.
"Doing okay!" said Sunny.
"How much longer till we arrive?" asked Hitch.
"We're just about to land. Take a look outside," smiled Twilight.
The kids looked out, and sure enough, they began to see the small town. They were approaching the Bay Area town as they also saw the city. From the looks above, they could tell it was deserted and that Opaline and her forces were undoubtedly holed up. Standing outside the lighthouse was Isaac. He saw the chopper approaching, and he let out a smile. Argyle was inside the structure when he heard the sound of the blades and stepped outside just as the copter was settling down. The two approached the cargo copter as it began to open up, and the kids were shown standing there.
"Dad!"
"Sunny!"
The girl ran toward her father as he bent down with open arms. Sunny embraced her father tightly as the pair were glad to be reunited.
"I'm glad you're okay."
"Same to you," said Argyle as he was grateful his daughter was fine. "My, you look like you've grown again since we last saw each other.
"Dad," groaned Sunny as she knew her father was messing with her.
"Good to see you as well, Hitch," said Argyle, spotting his daughter's best friend.
"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Starshine," said the boy, showing his girlfriend's father respect.
"Welcome to Maritime Bay, kids," said Isaac as he greeted the others before looking at Twilight, who exited the cargo hold with Moondancer.
The two locked eyes as he approached his wife while the others watched.
"Hey, honey."
The World Champion smiled at his wife as she stood there with crossed arms. She then threw herself at him and planted her lips on his as Isaac wrapped his arms around her and lifted her. The others smiled at the affection, apart from Mario, who kept a straight face.
"I've missed you," whispered Twilight after breaking their kiss.
"I've missed you, too," said Isaac as he stroked his wife's cheek.
"Come on. There's much to discuss. Plus, I bet you're all hungry from the ride." said Argyle as he led the kids inside the lighthouse.
The dark clouds the kids had noticed before rolled into the bay area, and rumbling was heard. Inside the lighthouse, a kettle was on the stove as the oven timer went off. Sunny was helping her father in the kitchen as the pair prepared treats for their friends. Everyone else was gathered near the dining table as Isaac sat in one of the living room chairs with Twilight on his lap. Once the cupcakes were dressed, Sunny began to bring them out to her friends as she set them down.
"Dig in," said the girl.
"Thanks, Sunny!" said Zipp as she immediately grabbed a cupcake. The heiress took a bite and felt her taste buds being sent on a roller coaster. "Wow! So tasty!"
"What's the recipe?" asked Pipp, taking a photo of her cupcake and posting it online.
"That's an old family secret," said Argyle, taking the kettle off the stove as he began to pour some into teacups.
"So, how have things been around here?" asked Hitch.
"Well, I'm sure you're all aware, but the darkness took everyone in the city when the shadows occurred. Luckily, the people here in the Bay Area weren't affected, so not everyone is entirely gone. However, they are weary about what might happen to them. They can't escape without going through the city, and knowing Opaline and her forces are in firm control of the entire thing, it's a dangerous journey."
"Yeah, well, we're ready to kick some ass, right guys!" said Zipp as she stood up bravely and looked to the others to back her up.
"Sorta," responded Hitch.
"Seriously," groaned the heiress for the lack of support from her comrades.
"And how's Mario doing, sweetie?" asked Isaac to his wife.
"Well, he's no longer scared. That's a good thing, but I have no doubt that new beast she had does give him a bit of a fright," stated Twilight to her husband. "However, he's no longer doubting himself and their past relationship. After all, his real friends are right here."
"Eat up, kids. You can't save the world on an empty stomach," said Argyle. "I'm gonna head into town to pick up some groceries for dinner."
"Dad, can I come with you? It's been a while since I last saw town."
"Can I come as well?" said Hitch.
"Sure. Come on, kids," said Argyle to the two best friends. "Anyone else wants to come along?"
"I will," said Zipp.
"Me too!" exclaimed Izzy.
"Then come on," stated Argyle as Zipp, Pipp, and Izzy headed to the door. "What about you two?"
"I'd like to speak with my kids," said Twilight.
"Well, alright then. We'll be back in a bit."
"Thank you so much, Argyle," the woman said to the widowed man, who had allowed them to stay at his former home.
"It's the least I could do. We'll need all the help dealing with these dark powers."
The man left with the kids as they all headed into town. Once they were gone, Twilight took a moment to inform Moondancer to go to the chopper and check the things under the tarps. The woman nodded as she headed outside. Roll and Mario looked at their parents as they sat at the table and faced their kids.
"Listen, kids. I want to say I'm proud of you two for wanting to stand with your friends to combat this evil presence. I know it hasn't been easy on you. But no matter what happens, we love you two."
"Mom-" spoke Roll.
Twilight got up and approached her daughter. She hugged her, and the two closed their eyes and held each other. Mario eyed his sister and mother before turning his attention to his father; the two locked eyes as some issues still needed to be resolved.
"Son-"
"I get it, Dad. You don't need to tell me," responded Mario.
Isaac smiled, as he could tell his son had a newfound attitude. While the family of duelists was at the lighthouse, Sunny and Hitch began showing their friends around their old home. They were surprised to see how much of the town had remained the same since they moved away. Many residents were pleased to see the two best friends return and even moreso at seeing they were now a couple, as they all thought they were the best for one another. Their friends were amazed by how close of a community the town residents were as they could see why Hitch and Sunny would come to love this place. Despite the girls having a city nearby, the town allowed them to get a good sense of community among the citizens.
Eventually, Argyle got all he needed to make dinner as he and the kids began to head back to the lighthouse. Moondancer was finishing the duties that Twilight had asked of her as the last diagnostics finished calculating before she put the tarp back over the thing. She touched her tablet as the numbers were processed and transferred to Twilight's AI for reference. She exited the cargo chopper as it closed behind her just as she saw Argyle and the kids returning.
Nighttime had fallen on the town as the sky still had dark clouds. Despite the gloomy appearance of Mother Nature, inside the lighthouse, the mood was entirely different. Sunny enjoyed herself as she helped her father create dinner for their guests. Just the fact that the girl was once again cooking with her father was enough to put a smile on her face. Argyle could see how much of a difference being at CHS and surrounded by her close friends had changed his beloved daughter, as he was glad he made the right choice in sending her there.
"Dinner is ready!" said Sunny.
A large pot of stew was placed on the table as everyone was seated. Sunny and her father appeared as they began to serve everyone.
"Don't hesitate to ask for seconds. There's plenty to go around," said Argyle.
"We appreciate your hospitality, Mr. Argyle," said Moondancer.
"Aw, think nothing of it."
"Mmm. This is good!" said Izzy as she grabbed her bowl and lifted it to her mouth to drink it.
"I see why you love to cook so much, Sunny," said Zipp, dipping her bread into the soup.
"Oh, my goodness. This is, like, the best meal I've ever had," stated Pipp as she was too focused on how tasty the food was to take a picture of it and post it online.
"Well, you kids are too kind," said Argyle as he sat down.
Nearly everyone was shown enjoying the meal prepared by the father-daughter duo as it pleased them to see their guests admire their cooking. Mario just played around with his soup using his spoon as he set it down. The boy saw his reflection in the stew as his behavior didn't go unnoticed by the girl.
"Hey, Mario. What's the matter?" asked Sunny.
"Sunny, we're gonna win this battle. We're gonna defeat this darkness and bring back your home. I promise you." said the boy, looking at his friend as he was determined to restore Sunny's former home to its glory.
"Mario-"
At that moment, lightning struck outside from above. It let out a loud sound as it shattered some windows, sending glass all over. The kids covered their heads as the adults all used their arms to cover them to ensure they were safe. Thankfully, none of the glass was sent flying as it fell to the floor.
"Is everyone okay?" asked Twilight.
"I'm good," said Pipp.
"What was that?" said Moondancer.
At that moment, laughter was heard. Isaac turned around, and everyone looked in the same direction. They all saw someone standing outside, wearing a menacing dark robe. The sight alone meant trouble as the World Champion approached the window and pushed it open.
"Who are you?" asked Isaac.
The figure stepped forward as lightning struck again. As the moment of light flashed, it struck behind the robed figure, revealing the mysterious intruder's face and making Isaac gasp.
"Opaline," said Isaac as the evil sorceress herself was standing before them.
"So that's her?" said Zipp as the hood of her robe was taken off by the wind to reveal the witch's face.
"I apologize for interrupting your dinner, but I thought I should introduce myself. After all, what kind of person would I be if I didn't let my enemies see the face of their fears?" cackled Opaline as she surveyed the kids and the marks they had tattooed on their arms.
"What do you want?" growled the World Champion.
"I heard our esteemed guests had arrived and came to welcome them. Of course, my comrades and I have only one way of saying hello," said the evil sorceress as she opened her robe to reveal a duel disk on her arm.
"Bring it on, witch!" barked Zipp, not showing any fear toward Opaline.
The girl approached the window as if ready to face her challenge, but Isaac reached out his arm to stop her.
"No, Zipp. We can't duel here. It's not safe. Everyone here might get absorbed if she summons any of those dark beasts. Not to mention we'd be putting the town residents in danger." stated Isaac, as there was too much to risk fighting on the spot.
"So what do we do?" asked Moondancer.
"We need to get everyone left in town to safety. Meanwhile, we must draw Opaline away to avoid any casualties."
"My husband is right, Zipp. It's too dangerous."
"If you want a duel, Opaline, then you have to promise you won't harm any of the people here!" demanded Isaac.
"So be it," said the evil sorceress. "Now then… which one of you will challenge me?"
"I will," said Mario.
"Mario, no!" said Twilight as she looked at her son.
"It's a duel you want, then follow me!" stated the boy as he addressed Opaline.
"Lead the way, Young Prince," smirked the evil witch.
"Mario, what are you doing?"
"You said so, yourself, Dad. One of us needs to lead her away. I'll do that while you get everyone in town to safety."
"Mario, wait!" said Isaac as his son hopped over the open window and began to run. "Son!"
"Honey!"
Twilight called out to her husband as he chased after their son. Opaline disappeared in a cloud of shadows as she followed the teen. Despite wanting to pursue her husband and son, she knew they had to do what Isaac requested and get everyone in town to safety.
"Come on, we need to alert the townspeople."
"Where are we gonna escort to?" asked Izzy.
"The cellar!" said Argyle. "There's a cellar here that was used for wine making when I first bought the place. Since then, I've had it cleaned out and removed. It should be big enough to hold everyone there for now."
"Alright, kids. We need to get everyone to safety now. Come on!" said Twilight as she left with Hitch, Sunny, Roll, and Moondancer.
Argyle was left with the three remaining girls as they began to prepare the cellar for the incoming people. A full evacuation alert was in full swing, and the townspeople were now leaving their homes with some supplies and food as they headed to the lighthouse. They were unsure of what was happening but decided not to question it. Twilight and the kids were doing their best to traffic control the people as they were guided up the hill to the lighthouse, where Argyle and the girls guided them to the cellar.
Meanwhile, a duel was about to go down on the outskirts of town. Mario stood on the road leading into town, and Opaline stood on the bridge that led into the city.
"Now then… it's time to begin, Young Prince," said Opaline.
Mario growled as he didn't like hearing Opaline address him by that name; he strapped on his duel disk and slotted in his deck. A red energy card tray projected out as Opaline activated her duel disk and kept her evil smile.
"Opponent detected. Streaming data. Duel mode set. Initiating. Commencing duel." said their devices.
Opaline's Life Points: 8000-
Mario's Life Points: 8000-
"Let's duel!" said both participants as lightning flashed in the sky and illuminated them briefly.
"It's time to begin!" stated Opaline as she raised her arm.
The mark on her arms glowed brightly. Seconds later, a firewall began to surround and trap both duelists. Isaac finally caught up when he saw the forcefield about to trap his son.
"Mario!" called out Isaac.
The boy heard his father's voice as he turned to see his old man running toward him before the barrier shut around him.
"No!" yelled Isaac as he halted before the barrier.
The World Champion was now helpless as he couldn't help his son, who was trapped with the evil sorceress herself. Mario stared back at the fire from where he spotted his father a second ago before he turned back toward Opaline. The boy's mark on his arm began to glow as it responded to the shadow duel that was beginning. The others all noticed their marks glowing, a clear sign of what was happening.
"Looks like the duel is starting," said Zipp, eyeing her glowing arm after guiding a family into the lighthouse.
"I'm scared," said Izzy, as she was worried for Mario; given his last Shadow Duel he ended up getting banged up and nearly got sent away.
"Come on, everyone! Keep moving!" said Argyle as he gestured for people to head into the cellar.
In town, Twilight looked up to see Opaline's mark in the sky as she knew her son was there along with her husband.
Be safe, Mario. Isaac… protect our son.
Turn 1: Mario (Hand 5)
"The first move is mine. I draw!" stated the boy. "I summon Elemental HERO Lady Heat(1300/1000) in defense mode."
A female warrior appeared in flames, giving off a strong and confident aura. She wore a revealing outfit consisting of red and orange tones, along with bits of armor plates.
"And during the end phase of my turn, her special ability kicks in. She can deal you 200 points of damage for every 'Elemental HERO' I have out! Lady Heat, why don't you show her just how hot you can really get!" stated Mario.
The boy's female warrior put her hands together to create a fireball. She then threw it forward as it headed toward Opaline, who didn't even bother to block it or raise her arm to shield herself. The evil sorceress took the attack head-on as her cloak fluttered in the wind created by Mario's attack.
Opaline's Life Points: 7800-
"Interesting," responded the evil witch.
Turn 2: Opaline (Hand 5)
"My move!" said the evil sorceress as she drew. "To start, I play the field spell, Earthbound Geoglyph."
A bright light flashed, causing Isaac to jump back as additional lines appeared on the ground. The World Champion realized that besides the barrier confining his son with Opaline, white marks had formed a symbol on the ground.
"And now that I have a field spell out, I can special summon my Earthbound Prisoner Stone Sweeper(1600/1600)!"
"What is that thing?" said Mario as he saw Opaline's monster rise from the ground but couldn't determine what it was.
"Next, I summon the tuner monster, Earthbound Prisoner Line Walker(800/1100)."
"A tuner monster? Then that means…"
"I now activate Prisoner Line Walker's special ability. When summoned, I get to add 'Earthbound Prisoner' or 'Harmonic Synchro Fusion' to my hand from either my deck or graveyard. So I'll take the latter," stated Opaline, as her card was ejected from her deck, and she grabbed it before showing it off. "Next, I activate the spell card, Harmonic Synchro Fusion. I use two monsters on my field to Synchro Summon and Fusion Summon!"
"You're doing both?!" exclaimed Mario.
"That's right. Now… Level 3 Earthbound Prisoner Line Walker tunes Level 5 Earthbound Prisoner Stone Sweeper!" Opaline declared as her monster transformed into three giant green rings that circled its ally, which shifted into five white stars aligned with a yellow light surging through. "I Synchro Summon! Earthbound Servant Geo Gryphon(2500/1500)!"
"That's not good."
"Oh, if you think that's bad. Wait till you see this! I now fuse my two Earthbound Prisoners and assimilate them into one! I Fusion Summon! Earthbound Servant Geo Kraken(2800/1200)!"
Two powerful and mysterious monsters emerged onto Opaline's field. The first was a gryphon, spreading its wings. Its entire body was black with highlighted markings. The sorceress's second monster was similar to the gryphon but was a Kraken; instead of yellow lines, it featured blue lines on its body.
"Since I synchro summoned, I can add an 'Earthbound Immortal' spell or trap card to my hand from my deck. Now, Geo Gryphon, take out his monster!" shouted Opaline. Her flying beast took off and took out Mario's monster in a blaze of flame. "Now… Geo Kraken, strike him directly!"
A tentacle lashed out, striking the boy with force. He collapsed to the ground as he fell.
"Mario!" Isaac shouted. The World Champion was now watching the live feed of the duel on his duel disk, paying close attention. He saw his son take a hard hit, and a wave of concern swept over him.
Mario's Life Points: 5200-
"I'm placing one card facedown and ending my turn. Your move, Young Prince."
Mario began to stir as he slowly got to his feet. He pushed through the hard blow he received, willing himself not to stay down.
Turn 3: Mario (Hand 5)
"It's my turn now. I draw!" said Mario as he drew and looked at the card he picked up. "First, I summon Elemental HERO Bubbleman(800/1200). And I can draw two cards when he's the only one out. There's more; now, by sending my Bubbleman to the grave and my Metamorphosis spell card in my hand, I can summon my Elemental HERO Neo Bubbleman(800/1200)!"
The boy's monster appeared before it changed; it traded in its blue cape for a set of fins on its back, and its mask changed shape and design.
"Then, I'll equip him with Bubble Blaster to give him 800 more attack points! But I'm not done. Next, I play the spell card, Polymerization, to fuse my Elemental HERO Avian and Necroshade!" Mario's two monsters appeared before a swirling vortex as they entered, and it emitted purple and orange lights. "I Fusion Summon! Elemental HERO Great Tornado(2800/2200)!"
A giant wind blew over the field as the boy's latest monster arrived.
"Now I activate my Great Tornado's special ability. When he's fusion summoned, he can cut all of your monsters' attack and defense points in half!" stated the boy as his monster had both of his hands create wind orbs, which he threw out and impacted with Opaline's monster.
"Time to brawl! Great Tornado, take out Earthbound Servant Geo Kraken!"
Mario's monster rushed forward as he used the wind, encompassing its fist. He threw his arm out and punched the monster in the face as it exploded. This time, Opaline covered up, as the attack had more power behind it.
Opaline's Life Points: 6600-
"And that's not all, Neo Bubbleman, your turn. Take out Geo Gryphon!"
His other monster bent down to a knee as he aimed his blaster and pulled the trigger. A torrent of water shot out from the weapon and blasted Opaline's remaining monster to smithereens.
Opaline's Life Points: 6250-
"Heh, impressive- the Young Prince has his own fangs. Just like his father," snickered Opaline, knowing that comment would make Mario grit his teeth, mentioning his old man. "My, my, how powerful you could be if you joined me."
"Sorry, but I'm not interested in girls like you," remarked Mario defiantly.
"Understand one thing about me, boy. I always get what I want, one way or another."
"We'll see about that. Next, I'm activating Pot of Greed to draw two new cards. Then I'm gonna play one of them. It's my Mirage of Nightmares. Now, during your turn, I get to draw four cards, but during my turn, I have to discard that amount."
"And with that, I can activate my Geo Gryphon's special ability."
"Huh?" said Mario before some lightning struck him and let out a scream.
"Mario!" shouted Isaac as he watched his son in pain.
The boy stumbled but remained on his feet as he now had some singes and bruises on his clothes and skin.
Mario's Life Points: 4000-
"What was that?" asked the boy.
"Ha ha! Shocking, I know. When an opponent's card destroys Geo Gryphon, I can inflict 300 points of damage to you for every 'Earthbound' monster with a different name in my field and graveyard. And since I currently have four that have been laid to rest, that's 1200 points of damage. And there's more… Gryphon's additional effect allows me to destroy one card on the field. So say goodbye to your Great Tornado!"
Mario watched as his monster vanished, leaving him with only one monster. The boy wasn't prepared for that but couldn't let the evil sorceress see him rocked.
"I set a card facedown."
Turn 4: Opaline (Hand 3)
"You must be pretty confident to be emptyhanded. But I don't blame you. The power of the shadows far exceeds anything your so-called marks of unity can grant you. Being a guardian of the light isn't all it's cracked up to be."
"Shut it! Since it's your turn, my Mirage of Nightmare's effect kicks in. Now I draw four cards!" stated Mario as he picked up and replenished his hand before touching his duel screen. "Next, I'm activating my facedown, Emergency Provisions. So by getting rid of my Mirage of Nightmare, I get a 1000 Life Points back!"
Mario's Life Points: 5000-
"Good move, son," commented Isaac as he applauded Mario's skillful combo to repair some of the damage that Opaline unleashed on him.
"Clever boy. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree in this family," snickered Opaline as Mario showcased some of the genetic skills as a duelist that he got from both his mother and father.
"How close are we to getting everyone?" asked Argyle over the phone.
"We nearly have everyone out," answered Twilight. "How are they holding up?"
"They're a bit shaken. But it's for the best. How's your son?"
Twilight turned to look at the sky where the glowing mark was positioned.
"I hope he's okay," answered the woman.
"Let's continue this duel, Mario. The Shadow Realm anxiously awaits your presence, given they felt cheated out of your defeat last time."
"Well, I don't plan on going anywhere," remarked the boy.
"I wouldn't be so sure of that, Young Prince. My draw. I activate the spell card, Earthbound Rescue! This allows me to get back Earthbound Stone Sweeper and Harmonic Synchro Fusion. By retrieving my Stone Sweeper, I can summon it back to the field. Next, I summon the tuner monster, Earthbound Prisoner Ground Keeper(300/300)!"
"I've seen this show before," remarked Mario.
"Now, Ground Keeper's effect activates; when summoned, I can summon a Level 5 or lower 'Earthbound' monster from my deck or graveyard. So, I summon Earthbound Spirit(800/2000) in defense mode. Then… I activate the spell card, Harmonic Synchro Fusion, and I can use two monsters on my field, Synchro Summon and Fusion Summon! So I choose Stone Sweeper and Ground Keeper!"
Opaline's two monsters then made copies of themselves as the summoning ritual was about to begin.
"I tune my Level Earthbound Prisoner Ground Keeper with my Level 5 Prisoner Stone Sweeper!" stated the evil sorceress as her monster turned into a single giant green ring that circled its comrade, who turned into five white stars that lined up with a yellow light surging through. "I Synchro Summon! Earthbound Servant Geo Gremlin(2000/1000)!"
Opaline's monster appeared; like the others, it was a creature with a black body and had predetermined colored lines on it, this one being white.
"I now fuse my two monsters! I Fusion Summon! Earthbound Servant Geo Gremlina(2000/1000)!"
"Not again," said Isaac as his son was now facing two powerful beasts simultaneously.
"I activate Gremlina's special ability. When it's summoned, I can add an 'Earthbound' monster from my deck to my hand. Next, I activate Geo Gremlin's special ability. Now... you must choose whether to destroy or not to destroy your Neo Bubbleman!"
"What?" said Mario.
"Don't think it's that simple, Young Prince. If you destroy your monster, there will be no battle this turn, and you postpone your defeat by one more turn. But… if you don't destroy your monster, I gain Life Points equal to his attack points! But that will hardly matter since my monsters can attack it and your Life Points. Now… make your choice!"
"You only have one choice, son," said Isaac as he could see his son's bind and hoped he made the proper decision.
Mario's one choice is to destroy his monster. It's his only hope of survival. But even that won't help him. Because Gremlina's special ability will activate the moment he gets rid of it. Gremlina's effect will destroy all of my monsters and deal damage equal to their total attack points to him. Between my two monsters, they have 4000 attack points, resulting in him getting slammed with a huge dosage of pain. Then he'll be one step closer to the Shadow Realm.
"So… what's your decision, boy!"
"I don't like the options," responded Mario.
"Anybody can see your optimal choice is to destroy your monster."
"No chance. My monsters are a part of me, and I won't throw any of them away like they're garbage. My monsters and I have a special bond! We know we can count on each other, even when things look hopeless and our backs are up against the wall. I would never turn my back on them to save myself!"
"Bold words," said Opaline.
"That's my boy," smiled Isaac at seeing his son make his choice and not disregard his monsters as mere servants to him.
"Since you won't ditch your monster, I now gain 1600 Life Points," stated the evil sorceress. "Which puts me back to my near original total!"
Opaline's Life Points: 7850-
"Since you won't destroy your monster, I'll do it for you! Geo Gremlin, annihilate his Neo Bubbleman!"
"Since my Neo Bubbleman has his Bubble Blaster equipped, it takes the hit instead of him! So he's not going anywhere!" stated Mario as his monster fired a torrent of water from his weapon that collided with the fist of Opaline's monster. The two attacks held in the middle before the blaster vanished. However, the weapon wasn't the only thing that vanished as Opaline's Geo Gremlin vanished.
"What did you do to my monster?" asked the witch.
"Guess you should've thought twice before attacking. Neo Bubbleman's ability makes it so that any monster it battles is destroyed at the end of the battle. Since Bubble Blaster took the hit, he can use his ability safety. Which means your Gremlin is all washed up!" stated Mario.
"Not bad, but… that trick won't save you twice. Gremlina, take out his monster!" commanded Opaline as she now had a clear shot. Her monster brought its foot down and squashed Mario's monster as the boy raised his arms to protect and shield himself from the attack.
Mario's Life Points: 3800-
"I lay one card facedown."
Turn 5: Mario (Hand 4)
"It's my move. I activate Graceful Charity. Now I can draw three cards as long as I get rid of two."
"Heh, what a waste. You must be truly scared if you throw away your best cards," taunted Opaline. "Either way, you're only delaying your defeat."
"Oh, yeah. If you think I'm throwing away my best cards, I hate to break it to you, Opaline. Because every single card in my deck is my best one. So I got plenty of ammunition to take you down!"
At that moment, Mario's Winged Kuriboh appeared as the tiny, winged monster who backed up his master's claim.
"You're right, pal. Let's show her how tough you and everybody else in our deck is," stated the boy to his monster spirit. "Now, I play the spell card, EN Wave. Then I play this… Miracle Fusion. I can perform a fusion summon using monsters in my graveyard by banishing them. So, I remove Bubbleman, Avian, and Sparkman. So that I can fusion summon… Elemental HERO Tempest(2800/2800)!"
Isaac saw his son's monster appear above the flames before it descended down onto the field, making him smile. At the same time, Twilight caught a glimpse of the monster's outline from afar seeing it made her worries ease a bit.
"Mom, that's everyone!" said Roll.
"Good. Sunny, Hitch. Go back to the lighthouse and make sure everyone is safe. Roll, we need to go find your brother and father."
The kids nodded as the two best friends headed back to the lighthouse; Twilight and Roll raced off to find their family members.
"Your Tempest may be strong, but it's far from taking me down."
"Well, he's not alone. Now, my EN Wave activates. Since I banished an 'Elemental HERO' monster as a fusion material for a fusion summon, I can now bring out a 'Neo-Spacian' or 'Elemental HERO Neos' from my deck. So come on out… Elemental HERO Neos!"
Mario's most trusted monster appeared in a bright light as he looked ready to fight for his master.
"I now summon my Neo-Spacian Flare Scarab(500/500)!"
Emerging in a figure of fire was an alien humanoid beetle.
"Do your stuff, pal. Activate your special ability. Smolder Surge!" said Mario as his beetle had fire surrounding itself. "For every spell and trap card on your side of the field, my Flare Scarab gains 400 attack points! Since you have three out, he gets 1200 extra attack points."
Opaline held a defiant look as she wasn't intimidated by Mario's field.
"Tempest, take out her Geo Gremlina!" said the boy.
His monster took to the air as he soared above the field. He looked at its foe before diving down and thrusting its fist out with a battle cry as he punched the black thing. It roared in pain before it exploded.
Opaline's Life Points: 7050-
"Now, Neos, take out her Earthbound Spirit!"
Mario's next monster zoomed forward as he bulldozed over Opaline's remaining monster; Flare Scarab appeared behind it and stood before the evil sorceress.
"Flare Scarab, attack her directly!"
The beetle aimed some fire at the witch as she covered up. She felt the heat of the flames as she was pushed back a bit.
Opaline's Life Points: 5350-
"With that, I end my turn."
Turn 6: Opaline (Hand 2)
"My move now. First, I activate my facedown, Call of the Haunted. This allows me to bring back a monster from my graveyard. So Geo Gremlina is back. There's more. I then play the spell card, Premature Burial. By offering 800 Life Points, I can revive another monster. So my Geo Gremlin is also making a return!"
Opaline's Life Points: 4550-
"If you think I'm gonna sacrifice any of my monsters, think again!"
"Foolish boy, do you think me so naive? No, I plan to use my monsters for a different tactic. Now… I play Polymerization! I combine both my Geo Gremlin and Geo Gremilna!"
"What?!" said Mario.
"I combine these two to give rise to a new beast. I bring a monster to destroy you! Rising from the molten depths of this world. His volcanic temper is legendary! As are his infernal deeds on the battlefield! I Fusion Summon! Emerge… Earthbound Servant Geo Grasha(3000/1800)!"
"As if things weren't bad enough," remarked Mario as he saw Opaline's new beast.
"Now, when Geo Grasha attacks your Tempest, his attack points become zero!"
"They what?"
"And there's more: once my monster takes out yours, its ability allows me to destroy the rest of your cards. So say goodbye because you're about to dance the dance of doom!" remarked Opaline as her monster took to the sky, as did Mario's monster. It unleashed a veil of darkness that zapped away its foe's strength.
"The thing is… I don't dance! I activate Tempest's ability! By sending my EN Wave to the graveyard, my Tempest can't be destroyed in battle!" stated Mario. "So it looks like your plan to wipe me out is on the back burner!"
"Maybe… but you still take damage. And lots of it!"
The teen braced himself as he felt the power of Opaline's monster as it took him off his feet. He flew back a bit and hit the ground.
Mario's Life Points: 800-
"Son!" shouted Isaac, seeing Mario lying on the ground after getting hit.
"Honey!"
When the World Champion saw his wife and daughter approaching, he put his arms out and hugged Twilight as she ran into him.
"How is Mario?" asked Twilight.
"He just got hit," said Isaac, showing the live feed of the duel on his duel disk as both Twilight and Roll saw Mario on the ground.
"Come on, big bro! Get up!" shouted Roll.
Mario grunted as he felt the pain starting to flare up. The boy's friends also felt his dire situation as they looked at their marks. Sunny and the others felt the boy's presence as it didn't sit well with them.
"What's the matter, sweetie?" asked Argyle, noticing her daughter's concerned look.
"It's Mario, Dad. I can feel him struggling. I need to go check on him!" said the girl.
"Sunny, wait!" shouted Argyle as he tried calling his daughter, but she was already out of the house.
"Sunny!" shouted Hitch as he chased after his girlfriend.
The others all did the same as they rushed out the door. Argyle tried to call the teens to get them to return, but they were already heading toward the duel.
"Can you handle this?" asked Argyle to Moondancer.
"Of course. Go after the kids," assured the woman as Argyle rushed out of the lighthouse.
Turn 7: Mario (Hand 2)
"It's my move. I activate the spell card, Generation Next. Since my Life Points are lower than yours, I can summon an 'Elemental HERO,' 'Neo-Spacian,' or 'Kuriboh' monster from my deck, as long as its attack points are fewer or equal to the difference. So I'm bringing out my Neo-Spacian Grand Mole(900/300)."
The ground rumbled as Mario's monster appeared.
"Grand Mole, attack her Geo Grasha!"
"Did you forget that due to Geo Grasha's ability, anytime it battles, that monster loses all of its attack and defense points? You just sealed your doom!"
"Then let me introduce you to Grand Mole's ability. See, when it battles a monster, it and the monster it battles are returned to our hands without any damage calculation. So even with Grasha's ability, I won't be taking any damage, but more importantly… since Grasha is a Synchro monster, you have to resummon it again!" smiled Mario.
Both monsters collided as they both turned into white lights and vanished. For Mario, his card reappeared in his hand while Opaline's monster had returned to the Extra Deck compartment of her duel disk. The evil sorceress was none too pleased by the boy's creative thinking in finding a loophole around her monster's ability.
"Now your field is wide open!"
"Not quite. You may have gotten rid of my Geo Grasha, but it doesn't leave without a parting gift. When Earthbound Servant Geo Grasha leaves the field, its ability allows me to summon an 'Earthbound' monster from my deck." Opaline's duel disk ejected a card as she grabbed it and looked at it before turning it over. "Say hello… to Earthbound Immortal Uru(3000/3000)!"
The ground began to shake, and even the people inside the lighthouse cellar felt it. Rising from the ground was a giant spider with red lines on its black body. Its multiple eyes were all locked in on Mario as the boy was a bit taken aback by the large creature.
"That's one big ass spider!" exclaimed Mario, looking at the monster Opaline brought.
"Be prepared to be ensnared in its web."
"I set a card facedown."
Turn 8: Opaline (Hand 1)
"My turn. Now… Earthbound Immortal Uru attack! You can't withstand one blow from a monster this powerful. It's time for you to join the shadows!" proclaimed Opaline as Mario looked defiantly. "Due to its special ability, it can attack you directly! Uru, finish him!"
"Mario!" said Twilight, seeing her son in danger.
"Brother!" yelled Roll.
"I'm not joining anything! I play the trap, Hero's Barrier!" stated Mario as he touched his duel screen.
The attack was moments away from hitting him as a barrier was put up. The barrier was withstanding the attack as Mario stood his ground.
"Thanks to this card, since I have an 'Elemental HERO' out, I can negate your monster's attack! So it looks like I'll be sticking around and fighting for another round!" stated the boy.
The attack was then reflected off the barrier as it crashed into one of the buildings in town; part of it fell off.
"Well, I'll end my turn. But I should remind you the damage in this duel is real," snickered Opaline as she pointed to the destroyed building Mario caused when his trap protected him.
"He's safe," said Twilight, sighing relief for her son.
"Nice work, big brother. Now go kick some Shadow deck and beat her!" shouted Roll.
Turn 9: Mario (Hand 2)
"Time for me to take down that Immortal, Opaline. And it starts with this!" said Mario as he drew. "Neos, Flare Scarab, Contact Fusion!"
Mario's two monsters leaped into the air, combining their power to form one single form.
"Elemental HERO Flare Neos(2500/2000)!"
Opaline was none too impressed by the boy's latest monster.
"Due to Flare Neos' ability, he gets 400 points stronger for every spell and trap card on the field. Next, I'm playing the field spell, Neos Space! This gives my Flare Neos 500 additional points. Add that in with the boost from your cards; it now has 4200 attack points. Then, I play this: Parallel World Fusion. So by shuffling my banished Avian, Bubbleman, and Sparkman back into my deck, I can conduct a Fusion Summon!"
Mario's duel disk had his three monsters appear as they entered a swirling vortex that emitted orange and purple lights.
"I Fusion Summon! Elemental HERO Core(2700/2200)!"
A bright light flashed as a humanoid warrior in white with orange lines on its body appeared.
"I know I can't hurt your monster because of its special ability, but that's not what I plan on doing," stated Mario. "Flare Neos, show her what I mean!"
The boy's monster hovered in the air as he began to zoom forward. Uru began to fire webs from its mouth to shoot the teen's creature out of the sky as it avoided them. He closed in before he passed straight through and circled.
"Huh?" said Opaline as she watched Mario's monster hover above her.
"Defeating your monster was never part of my plan. And you know why? If I can't attack Uru, that leaves only one target. And I'm sure you can guess who that is!"
"How… dare you," growled Opaline at the boy for figuring out her monster's weakness.
"Well, that's what you get for taking innocent people! Now prepare to feel the wrath of my mighty hero!" shouted Mario. "Flare Neos, take out the only target left, Opaline herself!"
The boy's monster put its hands together and fired a massive fire stream at the evil sorceress, who covered up as she felt the power of the attack.
Opalinne's Life Points: 350-
"Now… Elemental HERO Core, let's finish this!"
"Are you sure you want to do that?" smirked Opaline.
"You're not getting any more innocent people," stated the boy.
"Heh. That's fine," said the evil sorceress as she began to glow, and her voice echoed. "We already have plenty. Take a look."
The evil sorceress was gone, and in her place, dueling was someone else.
"D-Dahlia!" said Mario as he saw the girl before him.
"Mario… help," spoke the girl.
The boy took a step forward when a sinister laughter echoed. Mario looked up at the bridge as, standing at the top, looking down, was Opaline with the biggest smile.
"Opaline, what have you done?" demanded Mario.
"I simply freed your friend's spirit so she could duel you instead of me. Oops, my bad, did I forget to mention that I took her."
Mario gasped after hearing that. He turned to look at Dahlia, who had her head down.
"No, say it ain't so," stated the boy.
"It's not just me," said Dahlia.
Soon, small spheres appeared beside the girl as it had some familiar faces that Mario recognized.
"Jazz… Rocky… Zoom… Thunder… Windy… What did you do to them, Opaline?!" demanded the boy.
"It's like I told you. Your friends… I've captured their spirits. You thought they were all safe, but you and the others thought wrong. We need a little backup to help motivate you and your friends to fight us. And what better way than to harm your dearest friends." laughed Opaline. "Now then, Mario… I believe you were about to attack and end this duel. So, what are you waiting for? Attack Dahlia!"
"I won't… I won't duel her!" stated the teen.
"You have no choice. You're either going to attack and win or be attacked and lose. Now then- what will it be, Young Prince? Are you going to battle one of your friends or… just stand there and let the world down to save this one pathetic pal of yours?"
"You can't do this!"
Mario was stuck in a bind as he refused to hurt Dahlia, let alone succumb to Opaline's sick and twisted game.
"Mario… you don't understand her power. She can do whatever she wants."
"I won't do it, Dahlia. I'm not gonna fight you!"
"You have to- you and the others are the only hope left. She and her allies have taken everyone else. Me, Jazz, Thunder, everyone!... they've taken us and are holding us captive."
"Opaline, you snake!" yelled the boy as he looked up at the evil sorceress.
Turn 10: Dahlia (Hand 2)
"I'm sorry, Mario…" said Dahlia as she put her hand on the deck and drew her card.
"Dahlia… don't do it!" pleaded the boy.
"Oh, she will duel… even if it means beating you," stated Opaline as she pointed at Mario, as Dahlia was under her bidding.
The girl looked at her friend as Mario's face told it all. She sighed before doing what Opaline said.
"I now attack with Uru," said Dahlia.
"Dahlia, no!"
"And I'm targeting your monster, Mario. Elemental HERO Core," explained the girl as she wouldn't strike the boy directly but go after his monster instead.
Mario looked at the girl before he realized what she was doing, which made him gasp.
"Dahlia, no. Don't do that!" shouted the boy.
"Sorry, Mario."
"I know what you're doing. You have to attack me instead!" pleaded the boy, as he'd rather be attacked than what she was planning.
"Don't make this harder than it has to be. We need you! You, Sunny, and the others… we're all counting on you! If you guys don't defeat her and her crew, we'll be trapped forever."
"Please don't do this," repeated Mario, begging Dahlia to hit him instead.
"I know you'd rather get sent to the Shadow Realm than duel me, Mario. That's why I have to end this duel on my own terms," stated Dahlia. "Now that I've attacked your Elemental HERO Core, it's ability activates. When it's targeted for an attack by my monster, its attack points double until the end of the battle."
"But if Mario's monster doubles its attack points, Uru doesn't stand a chance. Which means…"
"... which means the rest of her Life Points drop," said Roll as she finished her mother's sentence.
"No! Dahlia!" shouted Mario as he almost cried at her actions.
"Good luck, Mario. Everyone else and I will be waiting for you guys to save us. We'll be watching from the shadows." said the girl, smiling at her friend as if to let him know she would be okay. "Alright, let's do this. Uru, attack his Elemental HERO Core!"
Opaline just kept her wicked smile as she was enjoying the show that was being presented to her. The giant spider fired a web as Mario's monster put a barrier to repel the attack before it flew upwards and dove into the beast's heart as a huge explosion occurred. The attack sent Dahlia tumbling to the ground as she lay there.
Dahlia's Life Points: 0-
Winner: Mario
The barrier was put down as Mario's family saw their son and approached him. The boy was approaching Dahlia as he wanted to check on her. Sunny and the others arrived; they saw Mario with his family, but more importantly, Dahlia in his arms, making them gasp.
"Dahlia…" said Sunny.
"Then- does that mean," said Pipp as she and the others began to think about their other friends as it was clear Opaline had taken them.
They all rushed forward with Sunny's father trailing behind them. Mario cradled Dahlia in his arms as he looked at the girl, who opened her eyes to see her friend.
"Dahlia…"
"Mario… you can bring us back. We know you will. Save us." spoke the girl before she turned to dust and vanished.
Mario's eyes widened as he saw the girl disappear before his very eyes. He did his best to hold back the tears that were forming before he looked to the heavens and screamed.
"NO!"
Upon learning that his friends were being held captive, Isaac and Twilight could see how distressed their son was. They each placed a hand on his shoulder until laughter interrupted their thoughts. Opaline was now descending from the bridge as she approached them. Her allies joined her one by one, making their presence known.
"Well, I certainly wasn't expecting that outcome. No wonder the human race is going extinct. No one's selfish anymore." proclaimed Opaline at how soft Mario and the others were.
"Now, let's cut them a break, Mistress Opaline. They did just learn that their friends are our prisoners and are with the shadows," smirked one of the robed figures.
"Are they-" started Izzy.
"Gone? Heh! Your pals and the others we've taken with the shadows are with us. Soon, the entire world will experience the same thing!" stated Rose as she stepped forward and made her presence known while spotting her ex. "Good to see you, Mi Armor. You all want to get them back? Well, I'm right here, Mario. Or are you scared?"
The girl taunted her former lover with a sick smile while Mario heard what she said.
"Yeah, I'm scared," proclaimed Mario as he got up from his knees and lifted his head to look at Rose and her associates with a fire in his eyes. "Scared of what I'm gonna do to you, pendaja! As far as I'm concerned, you and your dark cronies are about to go down!"
All seven of Opaline's commanders locked eyes with Mario and the others, and each of them was flashed one by one as if picking who their opposing foe would be.
"The battle lines have been drawn, Isaac! Now… let's fight!" proclaimed Opaline to the World Champion as they each had their armies to go to war.
To be continued…
Author's Note: The stakes just got even higher. Opaline and her forces had taken the gang's close friends right from under their noses as a backup plan to not only entice Sunny and the others to fight, but to ensure they fight. The battlelines have been drawn, folks. The clash between light and darkness is upon us!