56. Duel to the Death.

With the Dragons Gloomtail and Bonetail defeated Mario and Geno prepared to continue their journey through the Palace of Shadows.

Their plans were cut short when Grave entered the room challenging Mario on the spot to one final Duel.

Mario and Grave stared at their hand neither of them said anything or even moved Mario felt a change in the room magic crept in, the air became colder an black layer of thin mist crept over the floor.

'So.' Grave finally broke the silence: 'Talk to me Mario, what is your plan? I've seen those Neo-Spacian Monsters from the end of your Duel against Bonetail suffices to say I don't know your entire Deck.'

Before Mario could react Grave played a card in his Duel Disk.

(Grave: 8000) - (Mario: 8000)

Before Grave appeared a young-looking girl with a slightly tinted skin tone she had blue shoulder-length hair, she wore simple dark-blue robes she had golden bracelets around her arms and golden jewelry around her neck in her arms she carried a book she held closely to her chest. (1000 ATK)

'Meet my Gravekeeper's Nobleman.' Grave said.

'So you had another Deck hidden I see.' Mario calmly replied.

'This Mario is my special Deck, there are not many people who have seen it, I figured since you use a new Deck so should I.'

Grave spread his arms: 'What's the matter Mario? You seem a bit off.'

Mario shook his head: 'I'm fine it's just that I don't want to fight you Grave I know you want this Duel and frankly so do I but not under these circumstances.'

Grave let out a sigh: 'You know Mario Sir Grodus is executing the punishment, if I don't give it all I have both Rozalin and Pandora will die, Grodus is desperate he'll do it I've sworn to protect my sister and the princess if that means killing you then I will kill.'

Mario simply looked at Grave: 'I see the predicament you're in but I've sworn to protect the entire world, Grave you're right I can't lose to you not now.' Mario's expression changed a calmness fell over him.

'Good that is the Mario I know, now I shall end my turn.'

Silently Mario drew his card he looked over his hand considering his options, no option seemed like a good one at this point, Mario noticed his hand was slightly trembling he felt fear the first time in a while.

'Let's try this Spell card: Ancient Rules.' Quickly Mario played the card it briefly appeared on the Field: 'This allows me to Special Summon Elemental HERO Neos!' In a flash of light a muscular warrior appeared his skin was silver-colored the only thing he wore were silver-colored shoulder pads, red lines ran over his body, a blue gem sat on his chest and he had a nasty-looking horn on his rather small head, the man struck an heroic pose. (2500 ATK)

'Now I activate the Field Spell: Neo Space.' The room around Mario and Grave disappeared the moment Mario played the card, at first they stood in the vastness of space, they could see stars and different planets as well as the sun slowly rainbow-colored lights shot through the area enclosing the Duelists in a multitude of colors.

'Neo Space increases the Attack power of Neos and Monsters that use Neos as a Fusion Material.' Mario explained, the colored lights appeared around Neos more colors appeared all over the Warrior's body. (2500- 3000 ATK)

'Neos attacks Nobleman!' Mario stated the young girl who was looking around her in awe didn't see the mighty fist of Neos coming, the punch in her gut left the Gravekeeper gasping for breath then she suddenly exploded in a black light that lashed out to Grave hitting him in the same place where his Monster got hit by Neos, Grave staggered backwards a bit gasping for breath.

(Grave: 6000) - (Mario: 8000)

'Yes, still as powerful as always.' He groaned as he regained his posture: 'Since you destroyed my Nobleman I can Special Summon a Gravekeeper's Monster from my Deck facedown.' Grave explained before him materialized a card.

'For now I'll leave it at that.' Mario said.

Grave drew his card and added it to his hand: 'You're holding back Mario, where are the first turn Extra Deck Summons? You got a bad hand?'

Mario shook his head: 'Why show you all I have in the first turns? With my attack I got ahead by two-thousand points, playing something extra now would only be a waste.'

Grave let out a low chuckle: 'We'll see how that works out for you, first I shall Flip Summon the Monster I Special Summoned.' As Grave turned the card around a man with a slightly tinted skin appeared, he had short, black dreadlocks he wore a dark-blue coat, a golden necklace laid around his shoulders, in his hands he held a cane with a hook at the tip, it was golden with blue stripes. (800 ATK)

'Gravekeeper's Curse, whenever it is Summoned it deals 500 Points of Damage to my opponent.' Grave explained the Gravekeeper tapped the ground with the cane it started to glow with a mysterious energy then a beam of light shot directly at Mario striking him in the chest.

(Grave: 6000) - (Mario: 7500)

'Now I activate a Field Spell: Necrovalley.' Grave stated on all sides massive rock walls rose in the middle of space boxing in the Duelists, the sun broke through the multitude of colors shining harshly, pyramids appeared all over the area.

'Now I shall Release Gravekeeper's Curse for me to Advance Summon Gravekeeper's Chief!'

Gravekeeper's Curse got shrouded in a black mist slowly the mist disappeared after a few seconds revealing an older-looking man with a dark-colored skin he had short black hair and a black beard, the man wore white and black coat, green pants and a purple shirt, in his hands he held a golden scepter with a cobra head on top. (1900- 2400 ATK)

'As you can see all Gravekeeper's gain a slight Attack power boost as long as Necrovalley is on the Field.' Grave explained: 'As for Necrovalley Effects that moves cards from the Graveyard are negated as well as Effects that alter cards in the Graveyard.'

The Chief tapped his scepter on the ground: 'Gravekeeper's Chief here negates Necrovalley for my side at least and when he is Tribute Summoned I can Special Summon a Monster from my Graveyard.'

Out of the black mist Gravekeeper's Curse appeared he nodded at his chief. (800- 1300 ATK) 'And when Curse is Summoned you take damage.'

Again Mario got hit in his chest by a black beam, this one hurt more than the last one, Mario shrugged it off not showing any signs of pain.

(Grave: 6000) - (Mario: 7000)

'Next I activate two Spell cards, first Double Summon.' Grave quickly played the card which appeared on the Field briefly: 'Next the Continuous Spell card: Hidden Temples of Necrovalley.' Behind Grave rose a giant, stone temple a long stairs formed in front of it together with two Egyptian statues that resembled an Pharaoh sitting on a stone chair.

'With this card in place neither player can Special Summon except for Gravekeeper's.' Grave said with a grin.

Mario took a step back he knew he was in trouble.

'I'll tell you Mario, the moment I saw you using those Neo-Spacian Monsters I knew this Spell card would be the bane of your existence.' Grave spread his arms: 'I know my Spell only stays when I control Necrovalley and at least one Gravekeeper's Monster, I don't expect this combination to hold, but for now I like to see you squirm yourself out of this.'

Grave saw sweat dripping from Mario's brow his opponent quickly wiped it away. 'Don't think I'll let up my attack, I can still use the Normal Summon from Double Summon.' Grave played a card, Mario saw nothing appear. 'Technical issues Grave?' Mario asked in a mocking tone.

'No Gravekeeper's Assailant, he is hidden but now he attacks!' Above Neos out of the shadows appeared a woman clad in black robes her hands poked out from under the robes like the other Gravekeeper's her skin was tinted, the face of the woman was hidden behind a black mask, in her right hand the Assailant carried a wicked-looking dagger. (1500- 2000 ATK)

'When Gravekeeper's Assailant attacks and Necrovalley is on the Field I can change the Battle Position of the Attack Target.' Grave said with a grin, Neos slowly dropped on his knee. (2000 DEF)

Assailant dropped down aiming her dagger for Neos' head the Hero however blocked the Assailant with his arm, the Gravekeeper leaped back disappearing in the darkness again.

'Now Chief can attack!' Grave shouted, the elder aimed his scepter a blast from the eyes of the cobra head changed Neos into stone.

'Curse Direct Attack!' Grave commanded the man smirked he aimed his cane at Mario a black beam shot out from the hook first it shattered Neos then hit Mario in his chest, this time Mario toppled over.

(Grave: 6000) - (Mario: 5700)

'For now my turn is done.' Grave said he was relaxed this worried Mario, he quickly drew his card. 'Not much I can do here, I hate to gamble but for now I have no choice.' Mario quickly played a card it appeared facedown as a Monster.

'That's all for now Grave.'

Grave gave a hard look at the hidden Monster, he scratched his chin: 'You really have a bad hand don't you?' He said Mario remained silent.

'No, I can't start to feel bad now, I am here to win to survive I've killed in the past for sport, then why do I feel bad about this?' He pondered.

'Humanity.' Mario then broke Grave's train of thoughts the latter realized he was talking out loud.

'What you feel now Grave is what humans feel when faced with a difficult decision, you want to kill me in order to keep Rozalin and Pandora safe, you know that I will protect them as well you know the fate of the world rests on my shoulders, deep down you want to see the world safe it is a conflict inside of you I know you want to lose the Duel so I can protect everyone but that is where basic survival instinct comes in, you don't want to die even if you are prepared to die when facing death you want to live.'

Grave looked at the ground, he took a deep breath he knew Mario was right. 'It's messed up ain't it.' He sighted.

'It is Grave I know you need to give it your all, trust me I can manage, do what you need to do.' Mario replied.

Grave hesitated when he wanted to draw his card.

'Prepare yourself Mario.' Grave took a card from his hand: 'I Discard Gravekeeper's Commandant to add Necrovalley to my hand.' Grave explained he discarded the card then took his Deck to find his Field Spell.

'Gravekeeper's Curse attack.' Grave stated Curse aimed his cane again Mario's hidden card disappeared and got replaced by the plant-like Glow Moss. (900 DEF)

'Grave draw a card if you draw a Monster the Battle Phase is over.' Mario said, Grave slowly drew his card he didn't look at it before he revealed it. 'Royal Tribute a Spell card.' He said Mario was shocked as he saw the green card. 'That means that if Glow Moss was attacking it could be a Direct Attack.' Mario stammered before his eyes Glow Moss was obliterated with the blast of darkness.

'Chief, Assailant Direct Attack.' Grave said there was no enthusiasm in his voice, Mario braced himself first the blast from Chief hit him, then Assailant dropped out of the darkness scraping Mario's cheek with her dagger.

(Grave: 6000) - (Mario: 1300)

Grave waited a moment to see if Mario was okay, Mario's face was bleeding but for the rest he seemed unharmed.

'Using magic to protect yourself? Someone taught you.'

Mario wiped the blood from his face, he looked exhausted: 'Culex taught me, he taught me how to control magic, now I won't corrupt me anymore.' Mario said he walked back to his spot.

'I'm not done yet Mario I activate Royal Tribute.' Grave continued the Spell card briefly appeared on the Field: 'Since I control Necrovalley we both discard any Monsters in our hands.' Grave showed Mario the only card in his hand which was of course the Necrovalley he got earlier, Mario quickly discarded Neos Alius the only Monster he had.

'So you scraped by, your magic won't be able to protect you for much longer, that last attack took a great deal.' Grave said he noticed Mario's shallow breathing.

'I think you're right Grave, if I still win this it might as well take my life.' Mario replied, he drew his card: 'But like you I can't give up, I never convinced myself I am ready to die, I'm scared out of my mind that is no secret, all I can do now is hope that faith shows mercy.' He waited for a couple of seconds then drew his card. 'I activate my Spell card: Foolish Burial.' Mario stated the card briefly appeared he took his Deck and took a card near the top, he showed it to Grave, the card was Elemental Hero Necroshade then he discarded it.

'Since Necrovalley does not negate Effects that activate in the Graveyard I can use Necroshade's Effect.' A light appeared out of the Graveyard: 'Necroshade allows me to Summon a Monster I can Normal Summon without the need for any Tributes.' Mario explained before he quickly played a card, a second Neos appeared out of the light. (2500- 3000 ATK)

'Grave my next card is gonna hurt my Field as much as it does your Field.' Mario said all serious: 'I activate Double Cyclone to Destroy Neo Space and Necrovalley!' As soon as Mario played the card a violent storm ran wild, first the colors from Neo Space disappeared then the rocks crumbled and the pyramids fell, since Necrovalley was gone the stairs in front of the temple crumbled, then the Pharaoh statues fell and finally the temple collapsed, all Monsters on the Field became weaker. (Neos: 3000- 2500 ATK, Curse: 1300- 800 ATK, Chief: 2400- 1900 ATK, Assailant 2000- 1500 ATK)

'Now Neos attack Chief!' Mario shouted Neos charged forward he gave the Gravekeeper's Chief in the guts, a black beam also hit Grave in his guts, this time he did stagger backwards a bit.

(Grave: 5400) - (Mario: 1300)

'This is what I meant.' Grave said with a grin: 'You destroyed my combination.' He started to pace up-and-down: 'Now I wonder you're low on Life Points, can you stop my next assault?'

Mario said nothing, instead he played a card which appeared as a reversed Spell or Trap card: 'We'll see Grave, for now it's your turn.'

Grave quickly drew.

'Well first I build up what you destroyed.' He spoke as he placed a card in his Field Slot, the mountains and desert quickly returned. (Curse: 800- 1300 ATK, Assailant: 1500- 2000 ATK)

'Now I Release Curse to Advance Summon Gravekeeper's Visionary.'

First a stone throne appeared much like the once the Pharaoh statues sat on, then an older man appeared sitting on it, he wore black and white robes, his head was covered by a helmet resembling the head of a jackal, his hands rested on a staff with a snake head on the top, behind him appeared the souls of Chief, Curse, Commandant and Nobleman. (2000- 3300 ATK)

'Visionary gained 500 Attack Points from Necrovalley then another 200 per Gravekeeper's Monster in my Graveyard.' Grave explained: 'Now Visionary attacks Neos!' Slowly the old man lifted his staff from the ground and with a powerful blast coming from the snake's head Neos was blasted into pieces, multiple shards of darkness graced Mario's skin the Duelist toppled over on his back.

(Grave: 5400) - (Mario: 500)

Mario groaned as he tried to stand up this time his magic didn't protect him, he was bleeding from many cuts, his clothes were torn apart.

'Don't bother standing up, Assailant direct attack!' Grave roared, Mario looked up where the female assassin dropped out of the shadows he dagger ready to be plunged in Mario's head.

'I activate Hero Spirit!' Mario shouted as his facedown card opened up, a barrier appeared around him blocking the assassin who quickly disappeared back into the shadows after her failed attempt.

'When a Hero is destroyed during that same Battle Phase the damage of one of my opponent's Monsters becomes zero.' Mario explained, slowly he managed to stand back up.

'Still lucky as always, you know eventually your luck runs out.' Grave remarked.

'Same goes for you Grave, you haven't recovered from the loss of your combination yet, this means I can Fusion Summon, should I get the required cards.' Mario looked at his empty hand.

'You have only one chance.' Grave spoke Mario knew what Grave was talking about.

'Well then Mario show me your luck, I end my turn.'

Mario closed his eyes, he felt the Crystal Stars burning. 'No I can't depend on them there are three unused I need to keep one in case Geno needs one against Syn, I also need to keep one for Grodus and I need to keep one handy in case Grodus tries to pull something.' Mario looked at Grave then he drew his card.

'Nothing fancy? I'd expected more from a Crystal Star.' Grave spoke.

'No Crystal Star Grave, I Special Summon Bubbleman.'

Before Mario appeared the water-based hero his arms cannons loaded with water. (800 ATK)

'With my hand and Field empty I Draw two new cards due to Bubbleman's Effect.' Mario quickly added the cards to his hand.

'That is twice you defied luck and got what you needed.' Grave said with a growl in his voice.

'I told you Grave we both fight for something but I can't afford to lose.' Mario took one of the two cards: 'First I Summon Stratos.' Next to Bubbleman appeared the wind-based Hero, hovering slightly above the sand. (1800 ATK)

'I use the Effect of Stratos to add my third Neos to my hand.' To Mario's surprise Neos would have been the next card he would have gotten.

'Next up Polymerization!' Mario played the Spell card, the Fusion vortex opened behind him: 'I Fuse the Neos in my hand with Bubbleman on the Field.' He stated both Monsters stepped through the vortex: 'Fusion Summon Elemental Hero Brave Neos!' Out of the vortex leaped a hero who greatly resembled Neos, he had bigger and rounder shoulder pads, his skin showed purple on some places mainly on top of his shoulders, his chest and the sides of his legs, the horn on his head was larger and he had sharp blades attached to his elbows. (2500- 3100 ATK)

'Brave Neos gains 100 Attack Points for each Hero and Neo-Spacian in the Graveyard.' Mario explained.

'Almost Mario, my Visionary is still stronger and you have no more cards in your hand.'

Mario shook his head: 'I'll show you Grave, first I need to get rid of Stratos he is a big lose condition right now, so he attacks Assailant!'

Mario's Hero dashed through the air at the shadows where Assailant was hiding, the gleam of a blade was visible in the sunlight before struck Stratos through his chest a beam of darkness struck Mario in the same place, he barely felt this strike.

(Grave: 5400) - (Mario: 300)

Brave Neos became a bit stronger now that a new Hero was added to the fallen warriors. (3100- 3200 ATK)

'Now Brave Neos attacks Assailant!' Brave Neos looked at the shadows then leaped at it with incredible speed before Assailant knew what was happening she was punched in her stomach with such force that the fist from Brave Neos punched a hole in it, Assailant disappeared then a beam of darkness hit Grave in his stomach sending the Duelist flying for a few meters before he landed hard on his back in the sand.

(Grave: 4200) - (Mario: 300)

Grave held his stomach as he slowly stood back up, behind Visionary appeared the soul of the Assailant making him stronger. (3300- 3500 ATK)

'Before you say something Grave I'm not done yet.' Mario said: 'When Brave Neos Destroys a Monster I can add a Spell or Trap to my hand that lists Neos as a Monster like my Neo Space Field Spell.' The card Mario was looking for was about halfway his Deck, he added the card to his hand then immediately played it, the many colors reappeared in the sky and all around them, this time they were nor transported to space, Brave Neos became stronger once more. (3200- 3700 ATK)

'I end my turn Grave.'

Grave quickly drew: 'You put me in quite a predicament here Mario, I can only see one viable option.' Grave showed Mario his card it was a Foolish Burial: 'Seems familiar no? I use my Foolish Burial to send a second Assailant to the Graveyard.' Grave searched his Deck he quickly found the Monster and discarded it, a new soul appeared behind Visionary. (3500- 3700 ATK)

'You're not gonna...' Mario started but Grave interrupted him: 'You bet I will, Visionary attack!' He roared, Visionary fired his beams at Brave Neos the Hero evaded all of them when he got close to the old man both attacked at the same time, Brave Neos' fist struck the scepter at the moment it fired what followed was an explosion that destroyed both Monsters.

'This Mario.' Grave said: 'Is when the real Duel starts, both our Fields are empty except for a Field Spell, we have no cards in our hands only difference is that you are low on life, no matter what you throw at me I'll be able to survive.'

Without saying anything Mario drew his card: 'I Summon Neo-Spacian Grand Mole.' Mario stated before him appeared the small creature with the drills on it's shoulders. (900 ATK)

'Direct attack!' Mario shouted the small creature dashed forward the drills slipped on it's arms when the mole was near Grave he leaped up and trusted the drills into Grave's shoulders, Mario's opponent let out a fierce howl he fell to his knees, blood dripping out of the two wounds.

(Grave: 3300) - (Mario: 300)

'So Grand Mole, this means I probably won't get an attack in, not that I plan to.' Grave muttered: 'I activate Card of Demise.' He stated the Spell card flashed on the Field. 'You know what that means.' He sighted as he quickly drew three cards.

'Now I Summon another Assailant.' The female figure briefly appeared on the Field before disappearing into the shadows. (1500- 2000 ATK)

'Attack Grand Mole!' Grave commanded.

'Grave I use the Effect of Grand Mole to send our Monsters back to our hands.' Mario said Grand Mole quickly drilled a hole in the ground both it and Assailant fell through both Duelists retrieved their cards.

'Like I thought Mario, this time you did exactly what I wanted.' Grave looked at one of the cards in his hand. 'You have to Summon a Monster to attack me next turn and when you do I win.' Grave quickly played two of the cards from his hand they appeared as facedown Spell or Trap cards.

'I end my turn and due to Card of Demise I must now discard the Gravekeeper's Assailant from my hand.' Grave said as he discarded his card.

Mario looked at the two cards on Grave's side, slowly he drew his own card, his body really started to hurt, Grave didn't look any better.

'I activate Convert Contact.' Mario stated a Spell card appeared on the Field: 'Now I discard a Neo-Spacian from my hand and Deck so I can draw twice.' Mario quickly discarded the Grand Mole from his hand then he took a Dark Panther from his Deck before discarding it, after shuffling his Deck he drew two cards.

'I Normal Summon Elemental Hero Prisma.' Mario stated before him appeared a figure consisting entirely of large crystals most of them ending in sharp edges, two pointed wings grew out of it's back they were curved down and reached almost to the ground, it struck an heroic pose. (1700 ATK)

'I don't trust you Grave so I won't attack, your turn.'

Grave growled something slowly he drew his card.

'Looks like I keep you on your toes, but Mario this Duel has to end at some point.'

Mario knew Grave was right, he didn't show it but Mario felt like trash his body could barely hold on.

'I activate Rite of Spirit.' One of Grave's reversed cards spun open: 'This allows me to Special Summon a Gravekeeper's Monster ignoring Necrovalley.' A large hole appeared in the said slowly Gravekeeper's Chief crawled out. (1900- 2400 ATK)

Grave took a moment to look at Mario, he was swaying on his legs, Grave didn't feel much better.

'Chief attack Prisma!' The Gravekeeper aimed his staff a beam shot out from the snake head. 'I discard Honest Neos in order to increase the Attack of Prisma by 2500.' Mario explained, a light enveloped Prisma wings grew out of it's back. (1700- 4200 ATK)

The beam reflected off of the Hero's body back at the Chief obliterating it completely, Grave braced himself as a massive blast of darkness blew him off his feet.

(Grave: 1500) - (Mario: 300)

'Grave?' Mario carefully asked, his opponent hadn't moved, suddenly Grave started to laugh, slowly he stood up: 'Of course you had an answer.' He bellowed Mario looked at Grave's eyes, while he was laughing his eyes were serious suddenly he fell to his knees he held his arms around his stomach. 'Your turn Mario.' The trembling in Mario's legs became worse by the second, quickly he drew his card.

'Yes that's it Mario Summon a Monster and attack me, seal your own fate.' With a pained expression on his face Grave stood up again.

'I Summon Elemental Hero Wildheart.' Mario stated before him appeared the long-haired, muscular hero appeared his tribal tattoos were clearly visible in the sun, slowly he drew his giant sword from his back. (1500 ATK)

'No.' Grave stammered, slowly he dropped to his knees he slammed his fists in the sand, this was the first time Mario saw Grave beaten like this not only physically but mentally as well.

'Grave I'm sorry, but I must, Wildheart attack directly!' The hero lifted his sword above his shoulder.

Grave quietly pressed a button on his Duel Disk his last facedown card opened up. 'Trap Hole of Spikes? If I had attacked with any Monster other than Wildheart this Trap card would have Destroyed it and then damaged me with half the Attack Points of the Destroyed Monster.' Mario now realized how close he had come, Wildheart started to run suddenly the ground broke open revealing a spike-filled hole, the Hero leaped over it then he ran up to Grave he brought his sword almost to the ground then swung it up hitting Grave across his chest, Grave keeled over landing on his back with a muffled thud.

(Grave: 0) - (Mario: 300)

As soon as the Duel ended all holograms disappeared they were back in the cold room of the Palace of Shadows, Grave's breathing was shallow he coughed softly as he tried to breath, Mario tried to take a step then his legs gave way he landed on his hands and knees.

'I always knew it would end like this.' Grave coughed slowly he crawled back up into a sitting position.

'At least I know that my sister will be safe.' Then he closed his eyes.

'Now Mario claim my head as your price.' Grave said.

'I refuse.' Mario then said.

Slowly Grave opened his eyes again he sighted: 'We've been over this, it has to be this way.'

Mario shook his head: 'I'm not gonna kill you over this if I do your sister will never forgive me, I don't know her and I will hope to meet her someday and Grave I want you to introduce me to her.'

Suddenly they heard the monotonous tapping of a cane against the stone floor, slowly Merlon came walking through the door.

'Grave.' The Celestian spoke without hesitating: 'You are free.'

Grave gave Merlon a confused look.

'He's right.' Geno spoke: 'The rules of a death match like this are simple the loser dies, normally this happens when your Life Points reach zero, you Grave are too powerful for a mere Shadow Game to kill you, so it falls on your opponent to deal the killing blow, Mario refused so by faith you have been spared and by mercy a second time.'

Then Merlon took the word: 'I've looked through the ancient laws regarding the Trinity, when you survive a Duel to the death and your opponent shows mercy this means you still lost the fight for the Trinity you are by all means dead, however should the remaining members of the Trinity find you they must kill you on the spot.'

Slowly it sunk in with Grave.

'I've masked your life energy, nobody here can sense it, Syn, Grodus the Shadow Queen they all think you are dead.' Merlon slowly said: 'Grave leave the Palace lay low until we deal with the Shadow Queen once destroyed the Trinity ceases to exist and you'll be free.'

Slowly Grave managed to stand up, Merlon quickly handed over his cane to give some support.

'And then? Star Haven will hunt me into eternity?' Grave replied: 'I'd choose death over that.'

Merlon grabbed Grave's shoulder: 'I've spoken to the others, Geno did a good word for you, all your sins under the Trinity are forgotten, Grave of the Trinity died minutes ago when Mario killed him.' Merlon spoke, then Geno spoke: 'All your sins from before the Trinity were mostly small theft on food, I've seen you feed the people who couldn't afford food, if people were hungry afterwards you'd rather gave away your own portion, those sins are centuries old and you can't be held accountable for those any more.'

Then Merlon spoke again: 'Your status as a Fallen Celestian is over, all is forgiven your original seat at the counsel is still open should you want it.'

Grave stood in the middle of the room his eyes closed.

'I refuse, I can't live in Star Haven not after all that happened, besides once Pandora is safe I want her to see the world, I want to travel without having to look over my shoulder the entire time and don't forget the Nephilim I will always be a Nephilim hunter, of course for the right rewards I will work with Star Haven as a mercenary.'

Merlon nodded: 'We will work it out, now Grave retreat get out of here let us deal with the Shadow Queen.'

Grave slowly started to walk towards the exit: 'Watch out when you reach the end, though severely weakened she will still be powerful as a spirit, use the Crystal Stars to seal her power away that is the only way to defeat Kali.'


Next time:

After a harrowing experience Grave is finally defeated and by a twist of fate saved from the Trinity, that leaves the Shadow Queen as the last member, but first is Syn. ''The Final Sin'' Coming next.