48. Grave's Soul Unleashed.

The final assault on the X-Naut base has started.

Mallow, Luigi, Bow and Ruby invade the old military base.

Meanwhile after killing Azrael and stopping Glitzville from crashing into the ocean Mario and Geno head for Fahr Outpost to support Luigi, however at the entrance they are stopped by Grave, who has it in for Geno.

Luigi, Mallow, Ruby and Bow came a long way, they couldn't land directly in Fahr Outpost since there were ruins of buildings and rubble everywhere, they had to walk, on their way they saw no signs of X-Nauts anywhere eventually they reached the ruined town they had seen from the sky, there were wooden fences and make-shift camps placed among the ruins and rubble.

'Military outpost? Looks more like they tore the place down and put up camp.' Bow muttered, the rest said nothing.

At the end of the town stood a bridge that was connected to a huge mountain, they could see an entrance at the other end of the bridge.

'So they actually build a base inside the mountain.' Ruby said to nobody in particular.

'Let's not waste any time here, the faster we're done here the better.' Mallow said as he started running, the rest followed.

'Ruby, Bow once we're inside look for signs of Rozalin.'

As they entered the base the door closed behind them, they found themselves in what appeared to be the main hall, the walls were made of concrete, red flags with the X-Naut symbol were draped all over the place, to the left and the right were doors as well as an elevator directly across from the entrance.

'Bow take left, Ruby take right, Mallow and I take the elevator.' Luigi said as he walked up to the elevator.

Ruby ran through the hallway, several doors were open there were mostly bunk-beds inside them, clearly this were the soldiers chambers, all of them were empty, at the end of the hall there was a security door which stood wide open, there was a small hall ending with three other doors, Ruby checked the first door this was a large square hall with seats and tables all over, a small kitchen at the far end of the hall, when Ruby saw the mess hall was clear she checked the second door which was the shower area the third are she checked was the armory, at least it was the armory it was now filled with countless Duel Disks, D-Gazers and cards, as Ruby wanted to leave she hesitated. 'They won't need those cards.' She muttered to herself as she started to fill her pockets and bag.

Bow carefully walked through the dark hallway, some of the doors stood open revealing some laboratories, storage rooms, toilets and rooms that were reformed into makeshift prisons, she stopped at one of the prisons as she noticed something, a white arm-length glove.

'Luigi can you hear me?' Bow asked.

'Yes, I hear you.' Came Luigi's reply.

'I think I've found the room where Rozalin was held, I found a white arm-length glove, I'm continue my investigation.'

Bow stepped out of the cell, she walked to the end of the hallway, like with Ruby's hallway Bow's hallway ended in a security door that was open and that lead to three doors, she opened one of them, she stepped into a mostly empty room, on the floor was a pentagram painted, black candles burned with purple flames on the points of the pentagram, a bed stood in the corner a pile of junk was dumped on the floor around the pentagram.

Bow rummaged through the stuff and came to the quick conclusion this room once belonged to Azrael.

The second room she checked was more decorated X-Naut symbols on the wall, a desk on one side of the room a bed on the other side, there were a lot of papers strewn around the room, cards were sprawled on the desk in an orderly fashion, several tools and computer parts were thrown in boxes, a quick look through the room told her this was Lord Crump's room.

The final room belonged to Grave, it was kinda cozy, several guitars hung on the wall, there was one bed and a two-person bunk-bed, there were pink sheets on the lower bed, the top bed had black sheets some female clothing, mostly leather, was spread on the bed, the third bed had white sheets and was pretty clean.

'Rozalin slept here, Grave kept her safe.' Bow said through their communicator.

'Never fancied Grave a musician.' She muttered to herself as she looked at the guitars.

Mallow and Luigi reached the top floor of the base, it was a small hall with one door to the left and one door to the right, at first they entered the left door, this clearly was the room Grodus used for the gatherings, since there was nothing in this room they entered the door to the right, this was one of the largest rooms, a red carpet with the X-Naut insignia was spread over the entire floor, the room was separated into three parts, one of the parts only had a bed, the second part had a desk, some bookcases and some file cabinets, the third part had a couch, a television and a private computer in it, in the back of the room was a door that lead to a shower and toilet.

'Grodus' room.' Luigi said as he was quickly searching through the cabinet files, there were some details on Grodus' plans.

'Mallow, look at this.' Luigi sounded serious he handed some papers to Mallow.

Mallow quickly read them.

'So that's it, Grodus is betraying everyone, it says here that he used Smithy to create a window for the X-Nauts to silently take over Rogueport while we were busy dealing with Smithy and the Trinity, it also says that it was a godsend that we killed Dimentio as the jester became a thread to Grodus' plans, it also states that Grodus uses Grave and Azrael to stall us, while we fight those two Grodus will use Rozalin as a means to control the Shadow Queen, basically it says that Grodus will use the Shadow Queen as a pawn to kill us, then Grave and Azrael and when he finds a way he will take the power of the Shadow Queen for himself.'

As Mallow ripped the papers to shreds Luigi found a key card.

'Mallow this key card is used to enter the basement.'

The basement was cold and dark, as they entered the lights automatically turned on, it was a large, empty concrete room, at one point the walls were lined up with crates and boxes, there were white markings on the ground where military vehicles could park, this was all gone now, in the middle of the room stood Lord Crump behind him was kneeling a black robot with blue limps, a huge yellow ''X'' was painted over the robot's chest a red ''2'' was painted in the yellow cross.

On a pedestal at the far end of the room sat the last Crystal Star.

'Buh buh huh huh huh.' Lord Crump laughed as he saw Luigi and Mallow.

'This is the last line.' The X-Naut commander said, he took a remote control out of his pockets and typed in a code, the robot behind him started to buzz, slowly it came to life.

'Green Mario, you might have trashed Magnus Von Grapple back in the Boggly Woods but this Magnus Von Grapple 2.0 is a state of the art Duel Robot, it cannot lose!'

A Duel Disk came out of the arm of the Duel Robot.

'Duel mode engaged.' The robot spoke.

'Opponent identified, Luigi, suffered a lost in the past, adjusted strategy chances of victory ninety-nine percent.'

'Here we go again.' Luigi sighted.

'And with that...' Crump started, he took a small, round object out of his pocket, he threw it on the ground, the thing exploded unleashing a lot of smoke. 'POW I'm gone!' They could hear from out of the smoke.

Mallow and Luigi looked at each other. 'There is only one way out of here.' Mallow sighted.

'Luigi you deal with this robot I'll catch Crump.' Mallow said as he started to run.

Outside the X-Naut base.

A helicopter flew over Fahr Outpost, Geno and Mario leaped out, while the helicopter landed on the same place where they dropped the others earlier, Geno used his magic to land him and Mario safely, as they approached the bridge a familiar voice spoke to them: 'So you killed Azrael, can't say I am not happy about that.'

Geno and Mario stood still as Grave stepped out of the shadows.

'We've got no time for you Grave.' Mario snarled.

Grave was fixated on Geno: 'I am not here for you Mario, you know that the next time we meet will be in the Palace of Shadows and that only one of us will survive that Duel.'

A Duel Disk appeared around Grave's wrist.

'There is a realistic chance you will win that Duel Mario, so now that I still have the chance I really want to settle things between me and Geno.'

Geno felt this was coming, he simply nodded then activated his Duel Disk.

'Mario.' Grave then spoke, he was still looking at Geno.

'your friends are inside, in no way I am blocking the entrance, you are free to go in if you want, but your friends are managing on their own.'

Mario swiped the snow of one of the broken walls he then sat down on it.

'Mind if I watch?' Mario asked.

Grave shook his head: 'I'd like you to see this, for this will be a moment in history nobody will talk about.' Grave said as he spread his arms.

'Geno, you saved my sister that much is true, but by banishing her to the Dark Realms you basically killed her, only you knew how to bring her back to life, when we met you did not help me to get my sister back, instead you were hostile, what Geno is your defense?'

Geno thought carefully for a few seconds: 'I believe that I did what was necessary, don't forget that I love Pandora, never would I willingly inflict harm on her, but it was important that she stayed in the Dark Realms until the war against the Shadow Queen came to an end, Culex ruined that, I would have brought her back Grave, but now she has returned at the wrong time.'

Grave looked as confused as Mario.

'You care to elaborate?' Grave asked.

'No, I can't tell it is still a matter between the Trinity and those who oppose it, since I am no part of the opposition I am not allowed to give you those details, Grave I do not plea guilty.'

Grave's eyes narrowed: 'Geno we won't solve this argument with words, so let our Duelist souls speak, the one with the greatest resolve will win.'

Both Duelists shuffled their Decks then drew their opening hand. 'Duel!' They both shouted.

(Geno: 8000) - (Grave: 8000)

'Your turn Geno.' Grave stated.

'My pleasure.' Geno coldly replied.

'I activate Trade-In.' Geno said, a Spell card appeared on the Field.

'I discard a Dark Magician from my hand so I get to draw two cards.'

Geno showed Grave the Dark Magician before he discarded it, then he quickly took the two top cards from his Deck.

'Grave, I activate Dark Magic Veil, for the low cost of 1000 Life Points I can Special Summon a Dark Magician from my hand.'

A black mist surrounded Geno his Life Points decreased a bit then Dark Magician appeared twirling his staff around a few times before pointing it at Grave. (2500 ATK)

(Geno: 7000) - (Grave: 8000)

'I use a third Spell card, Bond Between Teacher and Student.' Again a Spell appeared in front of Geno.

'I Special Summon Dark Magician Girl from my Deck, then I can Set Dark Burning Magic directly from my Deck.' Geno explained, at first in an explosion of rose petals the female Spellcaster appeared, she and Dark Magician gave each other a friendly nod. (2000- 2300 ATK)

Then Geno retrieved the Spell card from his Deck and placed it in his Duel Disk, the card appeared behind Dark Magician Girl.

'I shall end my turn with three facedown cards.' Geno stated as he placed the remaining cards from his hand in his Duel Disk, the cards all appeared next to his first Spell card.

'Geno.' Grave sounded awfully calm, he drew his card.

'I'll show you my very soul!'

Grave took a card from his hand. 'I start with Polymerization, fusion Double D Vice Typhon and Double D Berfomet!'

The fusion portal opened behind Grave first a demonic creature appeared, it was a female monster with a humanoid body, a purple, snake-like trunk, blue hair made out of small snakes, her left arm was a green, scaly arm ending in sharp claws her right arm was a snake head, next to the first creature appeared a creature with an animal-like head, four arms ending in sharp claws, bird-like feet, wings and horns on it's head.

'I Fusion Summon Triple D Flame High King Genghis!' Out of the Fusion portal stepped a demonic knight clad in heavy red, blue and black armor, the creature had a pair of extra arms growing out of it's back, in it's regular set of hands it carried heavy rectangular shield in the same colors as it's armor, the shield was almost as big as the Monster was in it's other hand it carried a sword as big as the creature itself with a flaming blade, in the extra pair of hands it held two smaller daggers. (2800 ATK)

'Next up is Double D Nighthowl!' This time a small purple portal opened up, suddenly two demonic eyes peered out of the portal then with a loud roar a large maw appeared out of the portal, showing it's row of very pointy teeth. (300 ATK)

'When Nighthowl is Summoned I can Special Summon a Double D Monster from my Graveyard.' Grave explained, the maw closed itself, with a lot of force the maw puked out the snake-like demon: Vice Typhon. (2300- 0 ATK)

'Once per turn when a Double D Monster is Normal or Special Summoned through the Effect of Genghis I can Special Summon another Double D Monster from my Graveyard.' Grave continued, Genghis struck the ground with it's flaming sword and Berfomet appeared. (1400 ATK)

'Now I Tune Level three Nighthowl with Level seven Vice Typhon.' Grave continued, Nighthowl changed into three green rings, Vice Typhon flew through them, then a green beam of light shot through the rings.

'I Synchro Summon Triple D Gust High King Alexander!' Grave roared and next to Genghis appeared a more friendly looking knight, this one was clad in heavy white armor decorated with red accents, it held a wicked-looking blade in it's right hand, the knight hovered above the ground a bit with the use of it's green, butterfly-like wings. (3000 ATK)

'Now I use Monster Reborn!' Grave relentlessly continued, in a flash of light Vice Typhon appeared once again. (2300 ATK)

'Now I use Berfomet to make the Level of Vice Typhon four.'

Briefly both Monsters started to flash. 'Time to build the Overlay Network!' Grave roared, Berfomet and Vice Typhon changed into black orbs, they circled into the air. 'Xyz Summon Triple D Wave King Caesar!'

Again a demonic knight descended, clad in mostly black and silver armor, it had huge spikes on it's back, in both hands it carried a broadsword at least twice it's own size. (2400 ATK)

'Now that there are three Triple D Monsters on the Field, Alexander's Attack Points are doubled.' Grave explained, sparks of electricity appeared around the knight in white, it's power skyrocketed. (3000- 6000 ATK)

'So this is your soul Grave, it scares me to be honest.'

Geno looked at the three Monsters: 'Fusion, then Synchro, then Xyz in one turn.'

Grave closed his eyes then he chuckled: 'Well Geno, you believe you are in the right I'd say it is time for judgment! Alexander attack Dark Magician Girl!'

Alexander slashed his sword through the air, a powerful scythe made of wind shot forth out of the blade, Dark Magician Girl was instantly destroyed then the wind scythe hit Geno in the stomach, Geno stood unmoved.

(Geno: 3300) - (Grave: 8000)

'Since I took damage I activate my Trap card, Dig of Destiny, this let's me draw one card.' Geno drew his card without looking at it.

'Genghis attacks Dark Magician!' Grave continued his assault.

'I activate Magician's Navigation!' Geno shouted as his second Trap card opened up. 'First I Special Summon a Dark Magician from my hand, then a Dark Magician Girl from my Deck!'

A second Dark Magician appeared next to the first one as Geno played the card he got through Miracle Dig. (2500 ATK)

Then a new Dark Magician Girl appeared on the Field. (2000- 2300 ATK)

'My attack on the Dark Magician continues!'

Genghis heaved his flaming sword and send forth a stream of flames.

'Go Waboku!' Geno roared as his final Trap card revealed itself.

'Then I use the Effect of Genghis, to negate the activation.' Grave said, a chain of fire appeared around the Trap card and it was forced back down, then the stream of flames devoured the Dark Magician.

(Geno: 3000) - (Grave: 8000)

Dark Magician Girl became a bit stronger. (2300- 2600 ATK)

'Looks like you wouldn't go down that easily, Geno show me your struggle!' Grave said, then he placed a card on the Duel Disk it appeared vertically on the Field. 'I end my turn.'

'Time I end this Grave.' Geno stated he drew his card.

'I activate Dark Burning Magic! I'll wipe clean your Field!'

Both Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl put their staff together, two powerful blasts of dark magic destroyed the three knights Grave had.

''Both Dark Magicians and Dark Magician Girl direct attack!' Geno bellowed, Grave crossed his arms the two blasts of magic from Dark Magician shoved him back quite a bit, then the blast from Dark Magician Girl hit him covering the field with a black mist.

(Geno: 3000) - (Grave: 2900)

Slowly the mist cleared, the three knights Grave controlled before stood on the Field once more, both Geno and Mario were dumbfounded, Grave was grinning. (Genghis: 2800 ATK, Caesar: 2400 ATK, Alexander: 3000- 6000 ATK)

'Before you activated your Dark Burning Magic I Detached a Monster from Caesar to activate it's Effect, at the end of the Battle Phase I can Special Summon as many Monsters that were destroyed during that turn as possible.'

Mario saw Geno's hand was shaking.

'This is impossible, even Geno's strongest combination could not end this.' Mario muttered.

'Now Geno end your turn.' Grave stated while he spread his arms.

'Fine I'll end my turn.' Geno growled.

Grave quickly drew his card.

'The other Effect of Caesar activates, when I used it's Effect during the next Standby Phase I take 1000 Damage for each Monster Special Summoned by it's Effect!'

Mario punched his fist in the air: 'Geno did it! Grave would take 3000 points of damage while he has only 2900 Life Points!'

Geno shook his head, Mario's enthusiasm disappeared.

Grave looked awfully calm: 'I have on last Trap card to play.' He stated.

'Damage Vaccine Omega Max!' Grave howled, his Trap card opened up.

'Three times 1000 damage is dealt to my Life Points, for one of those three times Damage Vaccine increases my Life Points by the amount of damage I would take!'

Grave started to glow, a warm feeling spread through his body.

(Geno: 3000) - (Grave: 3900)

As soon as the glowing stopped three arrows of pure darkness pierced Grave's body.

(Geno: 3000) - (Grave: 900)

'Alexander attack Dark Magician Girl!' Grave howled.

Geno closed his eyes, he felt the powerful attack of Grave's Monster wash over him as he fell flat on his back.

(Geno: 0) - (Grave: 900)

Without saying anything Grave reached out his hand Geno took it and Grave helped him up.

'Our differences have been settled.' Grave spoke before he turned around ready to walk away.

'Grave.' Geno said, he stopped walking.

'There is nothing left to say Geno, my judgment has passed on you, my Duelist spirit was stronger, how you deal with loss is up to you, I am satisfied.'

Geno let out a sigh: 'No Grave, I wanted to know how do you feel?'

Grave was taken aback by this question.

'What do you think? I need to go to the Palace of Shadows where I will undoubtedly die, well it is good to know my sister is at least safe.'

Mario and Geno watched Grave leave.

'He takes it well.' Mario broke the silence.

'He won't die Mario, we will find a way to save him.' Geno assured Mario.

'No Geno, I don't think Grave want to be saved, even if he survives this ordeal he will be judged by Star Heaven and sentenced to death, I think he'd rather go out in a Duel against me, he told me once that he enjoyed our Duels.'

Geno sat down next to Mario.

'You saw his combo Mario, how will you beat his Triple D Deck?' Geno wondered.

'I won't need to, I know Grave he knows that he can blow me away with his Triple D Deck, if my suspicion is correct Grave wants to die in his Duel against me, he will use a Deck he crafted to take me down, he wants the Duel to be close.' Mario said more to himself.

'You think he will lose on purpose?' Geno asked.

'No he won't his pride won't let him, he want to push me to my limits then he wants me to surpass whatever he throws at me.'

Mario stood up from the wall Geno did the same.

'Geno you said there was a way to save Grave, can you put a request for me to the leaders in Star Heaven?'

Geno said nothing but Mario knew his friend was listening.

'Most of the crimes Grave did were in the name of the Trinity right? If he is sorry I want to ask Star Heaven if they can forgive the sins he did as part of the Trinity since he was forced to do them against his will, for any crime he did before the Trinity, a couple of centuries have passed since that time sure they can't hold him responsible for those anymore.'

Geno seemed to be deep in thoughts: 'I will ask them once we're back in Rogueport, Merlon can contact the Counsel since he is a member of it, with Azrael gone the barrier protecting Star Heaven is still gone but the situation should be stable and communications should be possible.'


Next time:

Luigi starts his Duel against Magnus Von Grapple 2.0.

Meanwhile the X-Naut Army under the command of Lord Crump moves through Rogueport making a mess, under this distraction Syn leads Grodus and the Shadow Sirens to the Thousand-Year Door.

''On the Move.'' Coming next.