The Renegade Revolution

Chapter 28: Vector of Pain

After Vector walked away from a fight, Hannah just stood there watching him. As the seventh emperor left, Birchall came out, and shook his hand, before they left. Hannah then pulled Maddy up, and they left together.

As they returned, Rio was talking to Phil. 'So what you're telling me is that this isn't the biggest threat we've ever faced?' 'Vector is selfish. He wants me, and if he gets me, he'll have no business here. He's manipulating him. That's what Vector does, he manipulates.'

'Well we're not handing you over. From now on, you're going to have someone with you at all times for security.' 'Is that really necessary?' 'Rio, you have shown us that he can warp, change form, and fire blasts which are strong enough to turn Maddy's legs to pencils. We're going to have to get some security.'

Maddy then stood up. 'Leave that to me.' 'Why?' 'I want to do something useful. Also, I kinda wanted Allyx's job as assistant. Let's face it, we've not seen her lately.' Hannah was (rightfully) the one to respond. 'I'll phone Allyx up later. If she's not coming back soon, I will replace her.'

'So can I go?' 'Yes, on one condition.' 'What now?' 'If you see Vector or any of the other Barians, you don't approach them on your own.' 'Got it.' After having a look at Rio's fact sheet, she left. Meanwhile, Rio was ready for her duel. 'If I have to have somebody with me, can I choose?'

'Sure. As long as it's not me, because Phil and Megan are not to be trusted together.' 'How about Phil and Blair?' After this was agreed, the three of them went down there.

After Rio and Lukas made their entrances, Lukas took objection. 'Why are they here?' 'Because they're my friends.' Blair then took her friend's microphone away. 'Lukas, this is me being nice. Here's what's going to happen. We're going to stay here, and if you don't moan about it, I'll give you a title shot in Denver in 10 days.' 'Deal.'

Last 16: Lukas Chipperfield LP:4000 vs. Rio Kastle LP:4000

Turn 1: Rio: 'I'll start. I draw. I summon out Blizzard Falcon (Atk:1500). Next I'll equip her with Wing of Retribution. Now whenever she's destroyed in battle, she comes back during my next Standby phase, with another 300 Attack points, and Wing of Retribution returns to the top of my deck. I'll drop a face-down. Your go.'

Lukas: 'Firstly, I'll use System Overload. Now any Machine I summon this turn has it's abilities negated. I summon Rocket Arrow Express next as only you control cards (Atk:5000). Destroy her Falcon.' 'I activate Damage Cut. Now I take half the damage I would have done from this attack. Additionally, I draw a card for every 1000 damage I would have taken.' The 5000 Attack point express steamed straight through Blizzard Falcon as if it wasn't there, flinging Rio into Phil (Rio LP:4000-2250).

'Firstly, Wing of Retribution activates, bring my Falcon back in Defence mode (Atk/Def.:1500/1500: 1800/1500). 'Because she gained Attack points, you take 1500 points of damage. Blizzard Mirage.' An aqua blue aura speared straight into Lukas, evening the scores some more (Lukas LP:4000-2500).

'Next, I draw 5 cards with the effect of Damage Cut. I throw a face-down. Your go sucker.'

Rio: 'I'm no sucker. I draw. I activate Defence Escape. Now, by paying 1000 Life points (LP:2250-1250), as long as I have a monster in Defence mode, I don't take any damage. I'll play another monster in Defence and end my turn.'

Lukas: 'You're not going to win by hiding behind little birds. I choose to send my entire hand to my graveyard to keep my Express on the field. Express, attack her face-down monster.' As Lukas' mighty rocket powered through Rio's monster (Guard Penguin Def.:1800), Rio took action.

'I activate A Hero Emerges. Now you have to choose a card in my hand at random. If it's a monster, I can summon it.' 'Fine, I choose Far left.' 'I summon White Dolphin (Def.:400). Rio then had to take shelter from her jacket as Guard Penguin bit the dust.

'Like that?' 'Not really.' 'I'll end my turn. You're not getting through this.' Blair then started shouting for Rio, which seemed to relax her.

Rio: 'No pressure. I draw.' As she saw her card, her expression became lighter. 'I've just got the monster I needed. I summon Sirenorca through her ability as I control a Winged Beast and a Fish-type monster (Atk:2200).'

'Next I'll let her use her ability. When she sings, others can't help but join in. Therefore, I choose a level between 3 and 5, and all monsters on my field gain that level. I choose Level 5. Now I'll overlay Blizzard Falcon and Sirenorca to build the overlay network. I Xyz summon the mighty, the majestic, Ice Princess Zereort (Atk:2500).'

'Good looking monster.' 'Beauty is far more than skin deep. Firstly, I have to remove Wing of Retribution from play, because the monster equipped with it left the field without being destroyed. But it doesn't matter, because I activate the ability of Zereort. By detaching an overlay unit, I can make Rocket Arrow Express' Attack points 0. Subzero Subtraction!'

Zereort froze Rocket Arrow solid with a mighty blast of ice, stripping all of it's power (Atk:5000-0000). Now attack his Express.' 'By banishing Necro Gardna from my graveyard, your attack is negated.' 'Fine. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Lukas: 'I draw. During the Standby phase, I refuse to discard my hand, and Rocket Arrow is destroyed. Because I just drew Pot of Greed. Now I get two more cards. Right, let's change the scenery with Revolving Switchyard.' The field changed into a dingy train switchyard, rails going all over.

'Next I summon Night Express Knight by making it's Attack 0 (Atk:0000). That's where my Switchyard comes in. When I summon a Level 10 Earth Machine monster, and in exchange for you taking no battle damage this turn, I can summon a Level 4 monster from my deck, and make it Level 10. Meet that brave roller, Lionhearted Locomotive (Atk:2400).'

'I overlay my Knight and Lionhearted Locomotive. These build the overlay network, and bring out the destructive force that's gonna crush all of you Renegades and yer poxy revolution: Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Gustav Max (Atk:3000). Now use your ability and fire away!' There was nothing for Rio to do, as the cannonball came down (Rio LP:1250-0).

After the duel, Lukas applauded the fans, and sarcastically raised his fist. As Rio left, Lukas' interview began. 'Lukas, what a result there, how must it feel to take out a second member of the Renegades?' 'Woo! It feels damn good being here in front of those fans, right here in my own country. I always love duelling here, I love these fans.'

The Tasmanian Devil then took the mic, and addressed the fans. 'I'm not usually one for singing, but there's just something I want to get off of my chest here. You may have heard of it, Advance Australia Fair.' As the crowd went wild, Lukas sang the national anthem, while Phil, Rio, and Blair retreated.

Backstage, there was a meeting between the three of them. 'Hey coach, what did I do wrong there?' 'You want me to be honest with you?' 'Always.' 'You did not duel badly. But I got caught off guard by how negative you were. I liked the tactic with Wings of Retribution, but I thought that might lead somewhere further.'

'Meaning?' 'You need to make that count. I know he made it tricky. Actually, let me look at your deck later, I'll work on making it more balanced for you.' 'Thanks.' Blair then passed him her deck. 'If it's not too much trouble' 'Of course I'll do that for you as well. You don't need to be so formal about it.'

'Thanks. I'm just… I dunno, I guess I suffer from confidence problems. I'm fine when I'm duelling, but' 'No worries. Listen, we can work on your confidence, but only if you want to. If you want advice on that, Hannah can be like that at times as well.' 'Thanks. You know, it'd be a dream to one day team up with you.'

Phil just laughed this off. 'It's an honour you'd say that. Trust me, I'm not that good.' 'You beat me, back in London.' 'Just barely.' 'Still beat me. And I duelled my heart out there.' 'You deserved to win. Honestly speaking, you duelled brilliantly. I'm not just saying that.'

'Means a lot to hear that. I trained really hard for it.' 'How did you prepare anyway?' 'Is that why I lost?' 'Complete opposite: I want to get ideas.' 'Well, I came over to Britain, and started competing at semi-pro events. I think it was about 9 in 8 days.' These figures proved beyond belief for her friends.

'That's a hell of a lot.' 'Why, how did you prepare?' 'Honestly, my first duel was the first time I'd duelled in going on for 2 weeks. I'd duelled at a handful of semi-pro events around Europe, but nowhere as much as you. I didn't feel like I was even in the tournament until I'd had the Group stage to warm up. Why put yourself under so much pressure?'

'I love duelling. I don't do this for a holiday, I want to be the best. I grew up watching you and Hannah destroy everyone. I want to do that as well.' Phil nodded at this. 'Rio, why are you duelling pro?' 'Um, I don't really know. I was kinda hoping to find out. I just want to prove that I'm not just Reginald's sister like I always have been. Thing is, he's always been so good, but I know I'm just as good. So I want to show that.'

'What do you mean by in his shadow?' 'I'm always mentioned after him. It's always Reginald… and Rio. I don't just want to be remembered as his sister. And I sure as hell don't want any part of this Barian invasion.' 'We will protect you from Vector.' 'I want to be strong enough to protect myself. I'm going to get a coffee B. Want one?' 'I'll come with you.'

As the two of them left, Phil got on the phone to Hannah. 'Hi baby, what's up?' 'Been speaking to Blair and Rio.' 'And?' 'They're ready.' 'Already?' 'More than ready in fact. We just need Blair in a trance now.' 'I'll work on that.'

The final duel of the Last 16 was Hannah against Maltby. The Oracle came out first, this time accompanied by his wife, the 29 year old Chantelle. 'The following is a Last 16 duel in the Fosters Open. Introducing first, from Hell, Manchester, England, this is Geoff "The Oracle" Maltby.'

Geoff walked down, a lot quieter than usual. He then talked to his wife, who was enjoying the spotlight. The wait then began for his opponent.

Hannah was next out, surprisingly on her own. 'Introducing his opponent, from the M18 District of Manchester, England, this is Hannah Cummings.' As Hannah came down, she spoke to Chantelle briefly, before slapping hands with her ex-drinking buddy. The two of them then shook hands, before activating their duel disks.

Last 16: The Oracle LP:4000 vs. Hannah Cummings LP:4000

Turn 1: Oracle: 'I draw. I summon Jutte Fighter (Atk:600). Next I activate One for One, allowing me to send a card from my hand to my graveyard. In exchange, I can summon Battle Fader (Atk:0000). I tune together Jutte Fighter and Battle Fader to Synchro summon the Goyo Defender (Def.:1000).

'Nice moves for an old man.' 'Less of the old. I'm not done either. I activate Monster Reincarnation. In exchange for sending a card from my hand to my graveyard, I can bring Battle Fader back into my hand. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Hannah: 'Right, I draw.' As she looked at her hand, the World Number 1 smiled. 'I'm really sorry Geoff, but I'm going to deliver a world of hurt to you this turn. Firstly, I activate Forbidden Chalice. This gives Goyo Defender 400 more Attack points (Atk:1400).'

'But it's abilities are now negated.' 'Exactly. Next I'll use the magic of Pot of Greed, to draw 2 cards. Get ready, because I summon Deep-Sea Diva (Atk:400). And when she sings, you'll never forget the song. Because it draws in a Level 3 or below monster from my hand. I choose Atlantean Heavy Infantry (Atk:0). And with Infantry on the field, I can Normal summon another Water-attribute monster this turn. One just like Mermail Abyssdine (Atk:1000).'

'What are you doing with those?' 'Now I tribute three Level 3 or below Water monsters. With this, I can call out Poseidra, the Atlantean Dragon (Atk:2600).' 'Nasty. Good job I have my points covered.' 'We can see to that. By banishing Abyssdine, I can summon Aqua Spirit (Atk:1600).'

'Aqua Spirit, make his Goyo Defender vanish.' The spirit created a whirlpool, which made Goyo Defender vanish instantly. 'Now Poseidra, attack directly with Tidal Tornado!' The mighty sea-beast manifested a wave of water, and then trapped it in a tornado, before slamming it into the 54 year old's chest (Oracle LP:4000-1400).

'I end my turn. So Geoff, can you respond? Or are you just another victim?'

Oracle: 'Just getting started. I draw. I activate Graceful Charity, to draw 3 cards and discard 2. Which allows me to activate Synchro Recycle. With Recycle, I banish a Synchro monster from my graveyard, and summon out a Tuner and Non-Tuner whose Levels equal that of the banished monster. I banish Goyo Defender to re-summon Jutte Fighter, and summon out Big One Warrior (JF Atk:700, BOW Atk:600).'

'Now I use Jutte Fighter's ability. It forces one of your monsters into Defence mode. I choose Poseidra (Def.:1600).' 'Nice move.' 'Next I'll summon Jutte Lord (Atk:1600). When he's summoned, he brings out another Jutte Fighter (Atk:700).'

'I'll tune Level 2 Jutte Fighter with Level 1 Big One Warrior and Level 4 Jutte Lord to Synchro summon Driven Daredevil (Atk:2400).' 'Nice monster Geoff.' 'Driven Daredevil, carve up her Poseidra.' The daredevil sliced Poseidra, leaving only slivers left. 'I end my turn. Back in it.'

As Chantelle applauded his move, Hannah pushed her side-swept bangs back. 'I hope you know it's fun duelling you Geoff.' 'You too.' Hannah then took a deep breath. 'But it isn't going to be enough for you. I need to win this.'

Hannah: 'I draw. I activate 5 Card Salute. With those cards, I can now activate another Spell: Big Wave Small Wave. This destroys all Water monsters on the field.' As two waves crashed through Hannah's Aqua Spirit, Maltby looked perplexed. 'What was that for?'

'Now I'm allowed to summon out another monster from my hand. I choose Poseidra, the Atlantean Dragon (Atk:2600).' 'I see, you were packing another copy.' 'Yep. Now I'll use Monster Reborn to reunite myself with my other Poseidra (Atk:2600). I overlay two Level 7 monsters to build the overlay network and Xyz summon Mermail Abyssgaios (Atk:2800).'

'That guy looks mean.' Geoff then saw something he didn't like. 'Hannah, what's up?' The leader of the Renegades was staring at him, a dead look in her eyes. 'I activate one more Spell: Stoic Challenge. This gives Abyssgaios 600 more Attack points per Xyz material, and all Battle damage is doubled (Atk:2800-4000).'

'Abyssgaios, sink him with Tridentate Tearer.' Abyssgaios picked up a glowing trident, and fired it straight into Daredevil, which held firm, but The Oracle's Life points didn't (Oracle LP:0).

After the duel, Hannah raised her fist, and shook hands with Maltby again. She then returned to the box, avoiding having to do an interview. As she came back up, Phil just stroked her ponytail. 'You were amazing out there.' 'He could have provided better competition. But I did well.'

'You did brilliantly.' 'I just want to get back out there and do the entire tournament right now.' 'Somebody's feeling perky today.' 'Today, yeah.' 'Meaning?' 'I'll tell you later. Maddy then returned, with two women in their early twenties following her, mouths slightly open. 'Is there something you're trying to tell us Maddy?' 'No, I got us some security.' 'Security? They're weedy. I could snap them in half if I wanted to.' 'They're also brainwashed. Which means they would give their lives to protect us.'

Hannah then mused a bit. 'I suppose for now it'll do. And we could always use them as maids back at base.' 'I suppose we could.' Hannah then got a scanner out, and scanned both the new victims. '91%. I have to say, I'm really quite impressed. You've got that accurate and powerful despite having not done this long.'

'So, do I get my role?' 'I phoned Allyx, she's coming back in 2 days. But when she's back, I'll tell her that you're taking over her job.'' The young bubbly wolfblood then leapt to her mum, hugging her. 'Thank you thank you' 'Ok, calm down.'

'Thanks so much. I won't' 'I know. Firstly though, I want them both under my own control.' 'Already are.' 'Where did you find them anyway?' 'Both working with Birchall. Gathered that one of them is Justin's bit on the side. I asked to talk to them about life with Birchall, pretending to be joining, and then entranced both of 'em.'

'Good work Maddy.' This was the last duel of the second day, so after this, they all left to go back to the hotel.

Hotel, 11:30pm

Even 4 hours after returning to the hotel, Phil was still hard at work on Rio's deck, with them sharing quite a few drinks. 'More gin?' 'Please Rio.' 'How's it going?' Rio then put her head on Phil's shoulder, like Hannah. 'Yeah, just fine. I've… uh, I've changed the stuff in your deck, runs more smoothly.'

Phil then downed another shot of gin, and turned around to see Rio, who was just looking at him sweetly. He then walked over to Rio, and in a mad event, they started kissing, not ending for a good couple of minutes. After this, he returned to bed, leaving a slightly drunk Rio confused.

Hotel, 4am

Hannah was just returning from the toilet, when she saw some movement in the lobby. When she went down there, Blair was sat, reading, in a lilac nightdress and red minishorts. 'What time is it?' 'Not a clue.' 'Why aren't you in bed?' 'Can't sleep.' Hannah then sat down with her. 'Is there anything you want to talk about?'

'Phil said yesterday that you were the right person to talk to about confidence issues.' 'What's up?' 'I suffer really bad – I'm fine if duelling, but other than that, I'm just really… almost antisocial.' 'Blair, I'll tell you something. I used to be terrified about doing any kind of public speaking.'

'What changed?' 'Not a lot. I still don't like doing it. It's easier though when you're committed to the subject.' 'I just want to be strong enough.' 'If it's strength you want, I think I can help you.' 'Really?' 'Yes. But it will have to wait until we get back to the base. Now you know you can talk to me at any time, if you're more comfortable talking to me, whatever the reason.'

'Can I ask you something?' 'Sure.' 'I heard Maddy and Rio talking earlier, they said something about you being in a car crash. You don't have to say anything, I was just wondering if you're ok?' Hannah shook her head. 'He said he wouldn't tell anybody. This was a really long time ago.'

'No worries, I was' 'You're going to hear about it from one of them eventually, so I'll tell you myself. It's a bit easier if I'm tired. Right, so you know I have two sisters, don't you?' 'Yeah, Megan and Allyx. Should know Megan, can hear her snoring.'

'Yeah. This happened when I was about 9 or 10. My Dad was lovely, until a few months beforehand. He thought that my Mum was having an affair with Phil's Dad. It was complete nonsense. But it made him this really bitter individual. One day, he packed our bags, told us we were leaving the next day, moving to Ireland.'

'Ouch.' 'Phil heard this from me, and was as upset as I was. We've known each other since I was about 3. So I'm in the car, and he's driving like a madman, really is. Then, he tried overtaking a truck, and lost control. The car span off the road, and started rolling down a really steep hill. That's the last I remember of her...'

Blair was just dumbstruck by it. 'What I didn't know was there was a stowaway in the boot: Phil. He squeezed in, trying to stop us at the ferry crossing. The next I remember, Phil; s carrying me out of the car. Allyx was on the ground, she was thrown out of the car, Megan was conscious enough to climb out. I remember him carrying me out of the car, up the hill, then turning back.'

'And then?' 'All went black. I heard an explosion, I woke up in a hospital 54 days later. Phil was sat there, he looked fine. I didn't find out what happened to Mum and Dad until a week later.'

'I'm so sorry, I' 'You weren't to know.' 'That's why you've always got back pain isn't it?' 'You got it. My spine was completely decimated. I couldn't walk again for 9 months. Phil was badly injured as well, I only found that out on my 18th birthday.' 'He told you?'

'As if. He gave me his laptop as a birthday present. But he forgot to delete everything off of it first. I found a list of injuries there. He'd been on life support for a week. Allyx never forgave Phil.' 'What?' 'She's convinced that he rigged the car to kill everyone other than me. It's stupid – Phil saved me that day.'

'Why does he tell us not to have heroes then?' 'Because one of his heroes was my Dad. They spent time together after I was born. He's never forgiven himself. Everyone used to tease Phil at school, nobody ever believed him. He even got a broken leg for daring to speak to me one time. That's why he set up the Renegades. He claimed it was effectively a shelter, but in reality, it's a machine for him to pay back the rest of the world, he feels like they rejected him.'

Hannah's eyes then flashed red briefly. 'What was that?' 'I just wanted to show you that you have nothing to fear here. He brainwashed me once.' 'Really?' 'I wouldn't join, he made me join. Wore me down until I did.' 'You still under his control?' 'I'm what you'd call a sleeper agent. He can, if he wants to. He knows I'll normally agree because I trust him.'

'I understand. Hannah, when we get back to England, will you show me this power?' 'Yes. In return though, I want to hypnotise you, and for you to stay under it until then.' 'You can do it now, on one condition.' 'Which is?' 'You give me your scrunchie so I can tie my hair back. So I can see it properly.'

Hannah then let her ponytail down, and Blair tied her hair up in a high ponytail. After brushing her fringe back, she got comfortable. 'You ready Blair?' 'Blast away.' 'Just to check, you agree that you will fall under control, and follow all orders obediently without option?' 'I accept.'

Hannah then got a gold pocket watch out, and started swinging it. 'Watch the pretty watch of gold swing from side to side. Feel your mind slowly drifting away. You will do exactly as I say. Focus only on my voice, and on the watch, nothing else. Each swing, you feel more and more tired, your mind slowly going… somewhere else.'

'Keep watching the watch. It's gold and beautiful. Feel your mind drift away, as you get sleepier and sleepier… sleepier and sleepier… sleepier and sleepier… sleepier and sleepier.' As Hannah said this, Blair's eyes started to glaze over, her mind completely lost in the moment.

Hannah then put the watch away, and Blair continued to stare. 'Good girl Blair. When I click my fingers, you will fall asleep. You will wake up in the morning, obedient to me and me alone.' Hannah then clicked her fingers, and Blair fell asleep instantly. 'Sleep well Blair. This is for your own good, I promise.' Hannah then picked the young American beauty up, and took her back to bed.

Next morning

Everyone was excited for another day's competition. Meanwhile, Blair was stood with Hannah, in Blair's bedroom. Hair in the same ponytail as the previous night, she stood to order, her beautiful amber eyes embittered and blank. As Hannah ran her fingers through Blair's ponytail, she stood to order, 'Blair.' 'You wanted to see me mistress?' 'Yes. You will do exactly as I tell you. You will stick with me all day today, following my every command.' 'I understand.' 'Good. I hope you know, this is for your own protection.'

After this, Hannah and Blair returned, and everyone then left for the duelling zone, with Rio keeping her distance from Hannah after the previous night's incident.

In the duelling zone

The first duel scheduled was a rematch between Lukas and Blair. Blair was first out, with Hannah for a change. 'The following duel is for the WDC Young-Gun Championship. Introducing first, from Shelby, Michigan, she is the WDC Young-Gun Champion, the Shelby Rebel: Blair Flanagan.'

Blair walked straight down with Hannah, and Hannah got on the microphone. 'For all those who aren't aware, this here is Blair Flanagan. This is a real duellist. Calm outside of it, but with a beating heart of iron, rock solid duelling. Lukas, if you think you could possibly defeat her, bring it on.'

Lukas then came out, with Sara after the previous day. 'Introducing her opponent, accompanied by Sara Sawyer, from Bishop and Clerk Islands in Tasmania, he is Lukas Chipperfield.' Lukas raised his hand as he came down, Blair just watching on. The moment he stepped foot in the zone, Blair activated her duel disk, Lukas following suit.

WDC Young-Gun Championship: Blair Flanagan LP:4000 vs. Lukas Chipperfield LP:4000

Turn 1: Blair: 'I draw. I end my turn with 5 face-downs.' 'Bad hand?' 'Far from.'

Lukas: 'Fine, I'll take you down in double quick time. I summon Ruffian Railcar (Atk:1800). Railcar, mow down her life points.' 'I activate my face-down The Forceful Checkpoint. Now I get to look at your entire hand. If there's a monster in there, then your attack is negated and I'm allowed to send a monster from your hand to your graveyard.'

Blair then saw Lukas' hand: Night Express Knight, Limiter Removal, Train Connection, Rocket Arrow Express, Xyz Unit. Just as she did that, the runaway railcar stopped dead. 'I'm going to force you to discard Night Express Knight.' 'Fine. I'll end my turn with a face-down.'

Blair: 'I draw. I activate my face-down De-Spell. Now I can see your face-down Spell. If it's a Trap, it goes face-down again. If it's a Spell, it gets destroyed.' Lukas' card was then revealed to be Limiter Removal. 'Just as I thought. Think I'm stupid do you?' 'Was hoping so.'

'Tough luck. I summon Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus (Atk:1800). With his ability, I can take Crystal Beast Amber Mammoth from my deck, and turn it into a crystal. Next I'll activate my face-down Crystal Bonds. This lets me add Crystal Beast Amethyst Cat to my hand, and then take Emerald Tortoise, and make it a crystal.'

'That's 4 on the field at once.' 'It's going to get worse once I use Crystal Beacon. This allows me to take the Crystal Beast Ruby Carbuncle from my deck, and make it a crystal.' 'This is bad.' 'You think this is bad? You've not seen Double Summon yet. This allows me to summon Amethyst Cat (Atk:1200).'

'Amethyst Cat, attack him directly with your ability. She can leap over your defences by halving her Attack power (Atk:1200-600). Hit him with Amethyst Nail.' The not so nice kitty leapt straight over Ruffian Railcar, and slashed Lukas with sharp claws (Lukas LP:4000-3400).

'Now I'll end my turn.' 'Yo, you seem… different. Like you're being possessed or something.' 'Don't be stupid. You're weak. I have no use for the weak.'

Lukas: 'I'll show you weak! I draw. I activate Monster Reincarnation. By sending Rocket Arrow Express to my graveyard, I can bring back Night Express Knight to my hand. Next I'll summon Night Express Knight by reducing it's Attack points to 0 (Atk:0). Next, because I just summoned a Machine, I can summon Heavy Freight Train Derricane, by halving it's Attack points (Atk:2800-1400).'

'Now I overlay my two Level 10 monsters to build the overlay network and summon Number 81 – Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Super Dora (Atk:3200).' 'New monster? Not bad.' 'I'll show you not bad. By detaching an Xyz material, Super Dora is immune to your card effects. And by doing that, I now have two Level 10 Machines in my graveyard. Just what I need for Train Connection.'

'That card again.' 'Now by banishing Rocket Arrow Express and Night Express Knight from my graveyard, Super Dora gets equipped with this, and his brakes come off, doubling his Attack (Atk:3200-6400). Now crash Sapphire Pegasus.' 'Should have detached Derricane.'

'Pardon?' 'I don't give out free advice often. If you'd have detached Derricane, you could have destroyed my face-down Changing Destiny.' 'That's a weird move.' 'Now your Super Dora is going to have to be super defensive (Def.:4000). Next, you have the choice. The attack of your monster is 6400. So either you gain 3200 Life points, or I lose 3200 Life points. Completely up to you.'

Lukas smiled at the chance. 'I don't even need to think. Hope your hair isn't flammable.' The red door of Changing Destiny then opened, blasting Blair with scorching fire. But she didn't blink as her Life points went down (Blair LP:4000-800). 'Ruffian Railcar, destroy Amethyst Cat.'

The ruffian car sounded it's horn, before crashing into Blair, reducing her to the brink of defeat (Blair LP:800-200). 'When my Cat's destroyed, I can encase her in crystal.' 'I end my turn.'

Blair: 'I draw. I summon Crystal Beast Topaz Tiger (Atk:1600).' 'What use is that little tiger? I mean, it's barely got any fangs man.' 'You can laugh all you like. I now have 7 Crystal Beasts in my graveyard or on my field.' 'Who cares?' 'You will. Since you've experienced all the Crystal Beasts, time to meet their master.'

The ground then started to shake, and Lukas' legs buckled. 'What… the hell?' 'I summon out the mighty and majestic Rainbow Dragon.' The Rainbow Dragon then materialised, beads of all 7 colours on it's neck. Opening up it's wings, everyone became transfixed by it's beauty (Atk:4000).

'That thing is beautiful, I have to hand it to you.' 'I activate her special ability. I can send every Crystal Beast on my field to the graveyard. And for each one, she gains 1000 Attack points. And that includes the ones in my Spell and Trap zones. So, I send 6 crystals to my graveyard, and… well, you know the rest (Atk:4000-10000).'

'Rainbow Dragon, attack his Railcar with Rainbow Refraction!' Blair's beautiful dragon created a rainbow circle in front of itself, before blasting out a multicoloured stream of light at Railcar, causing it to explode violently (Lukas LP:3400-0000).

After the duel, Blair raised her fist. She then dragged Lukas up, and Hannah spin-kicked him down. Sara then grabbed a microphone. 'Blair, if you're so tough, why not face me with your title on the line?' 'Certainly, just not now. Because you're about to have no teeth.' Sara then turned round and Hannah kicked her in the jaw. Her and Blair then raised their fists together.

This was followed by Phil taking on Reginald. Before the duel, Phil was just sat quietly. 'You ok there?' 'Fine thanks. Just thinking.' 'Bout what?' 'Don't know. Just a bit anxious not to lose this.' 'If you're thinking like that, you're not going to win. Just let yourself loose a bit.'

'Yeah, thanks.' 'What deck are you using?' 'Cyber. He'll be expecting my Volcanic deck, so I'll simply overpower him.' Phil then left, and Rio started talking to Blair.

'Hey Blair, you think he'll win?' 'Sure.' 'You ok? Sound a bit' 'Just tired. Don't sleep well at night.' Rio then hugged her friend. 'We'll have to work on that then.' 'I'm fine.' 'Come on, we all need sleep.' 'I said I'm fine. Stop pushing.' 'Oh, um, sorry? I didn't mean to offend you.'

Reginald was first out, and this time he wasn't alone, with a tall, skinny, blonde-haired Barian and a shorter grey-haired one with glasses on his side. 'The following is the first Fosters Open Quarter-Final. Introducing first, from Twin Falls, Idaho, he is Reginald "The Shark" Kastle.'

As he walked down, he remained intensely focused, demanding nothing but victory. As he reached the duelling zone, he and his comrades waited.

Shortly after, Phil came out, and walked down staring at his foe. 'Introducing his opponent, from the M18 District of Manchester, England, he is the World Champion: Phil Robinson.' As the founder arrived, he spoke to Reginald. 'As you can see, I come alone.'

Reginald then nodded, and gave the signal for Mizar and Dumon to depart. Alone now, the two men squared up to each other. 'I'm going to pay you back and show that you never mess with my family.' 'You're the one who messed with our world. I see we're both leaders of a revolution.' 'Let's see whose revolution wins then.'

Fosters Open Quarter-Final 1: Phil Robinson LP:4000 vs. Reginald Kastle LP:4000

Turn 1: Phil: 'I won the toss, I'll start. I activate Pot of Greed to draw 2 more cards. I'll set a monster and end my turn with 4 face-downs.'

Reginald: 'I draw. I activate Water Hazard. Now I can summon out a Water monster once per turn if I have no monsters out. I choose Silent Angler (Atk:800). Next I summon out Double Shark (Atk:1200). I can summon out another Silent Angler through it's ability as I only control Water monsters (Atk:800).'

'I overlay my three Level 4 monsters to build the overlay network, and summon Number 32: Shark Drake (Atk:2800).' 'That's come quickly.' 'And you'll have to cope with it's attack. Deep-sea Destruction.' 'I activate my face-down R: Blowback. This stops your monster dead and you lose 100 Life points for every monster on your field (Reginald LP:4000-3900).'

'Not bad. I'll throw down a face-down and end my turn there.'

Phil: 'I draw. Firstly, I'll flip Comoron face-up (Atk:900). Next I'll activate Tribute Doll. This allows me to tribute my Comoron, and replace it with a Level 7 or higher monster. Meet Ancient Gear Golem (Atk:3000).' 'I activate Number Wall. Now you can't destroy Shark Drake. I know I can't activate it during the Battle phase with your Golem, but I can activate it now.'

'Fine by me. Next I play another monster face-down. Golem, slam him with Mechanised Melee.' Golem sent a shadowy punch straight at the Rank 4 Shark, and connecting with it's controller as well (Reginald LP:4000-3800). 'I end my turn.'

Reginald: 'I draw. And with this, the tide's turning. I activate Xyz Unit. This gives my Shark Drake 800 more Attack points, which is more than enough to defeat you (Atk:2800-3600). Attack his Golem with Deep-sea Destruction.' Shark Drake created a miasma, which ripped through the centre of Golem (Phil LP:4000-3200).

'Next I activate it's ability. By detaching an overlay unit, it can bring your Golem back with 1000 less Attack points and then attack it again (Atk:3000-2000).' The ravenous Drake smashed through Phil's Golem again with razor-sharp teeth, and the power sent Phil over as if he'd stepped on a bomb (Phil LP:3200-1600).

The crowd silenced in shock, Phil was down and not moving, as Reginald ended his turn. Shortly after, medics came out to check on him, and he got up, to Hannah's relief. 'Do you regret messing with my family yet?' Phil grinned manically. 'Rio's a really good slave. Can make her do absolutely anything.'

Phil: 'I draw. I activate 5 Card Salute, to draw 5 cards. Next I'll activate Polymerisation, fusing together three Cyber Dragons to summon Cyber End Dragon (Atk:4000). Now attack that Shark Drake with Super Strident Blaze.' The intense fire from the mighty mechanical dragon was no sweat for Shark Drake to survive, but still hit the Barian Emperor (Reginald LP:3800-3400). 'I end my turn.'

Reginald: 'Which means it's over to me. I activate Big Bang Shot. This gives my Shark Drake 400 more Attack points (Atk:3600-4000). Now attack Cyber End Dragon.' Shark Drake and Cyber End Dragon went head to head, and it ended with the Dragon being destroyed.

'Now I'll use Shark Drake's ability again to bring back Cyber End Dragon (Atk:4000-3000). Attack his Dragon again.' Shark Drake unleashed another miasma, ripping Cyber Dragon to pieces and leaving Phil all at sea (Phil LP:1600-600). 'I end my turn.'

Phil: 'I draw.' 'Face it, you're past it. You gave everything you had left in your body to become World Champion.' 'I'm going to destroy you. I activate the Spell card Wiseman's Chalice.' 'Never seen that before.' 'The magic of this card allows me to take a monster resting in your graveyard and Special summon it to my field. I choose Silent Angler (Atk:800).'

'Next I summon Cyber Dragon Drei (Atk:1500). I overlay my Level 4 monsters now to build the overlay network. You've had your fun and now I'll have mine. I summon out the monster that will put you away. I summon Number 26: Northern Lights Dragon (Atk:2500).'

As the shining dragon made it's appearance, Reginald's focus appeared to tighten. 'So that's your big plan is it?' 'No, my big plan is Megamorph. This doubles the Attack points of my Dragon, as I have fewer Life points than you (Atk:5000). Now attack Shark Drake with Borealis Burst.'

'I activate my face-down Magic Cylinder. Now your rash attack will be your undoing, as your Dragon's Attack points come right out of your Life points.' A cylinder absorbed the light from Number 26, and shot it back out at Phil, smashing the World Champion in the stomach (Phil LP:600-0).

After the shock conclusion of the duel, Phil stayed down as Nash saluted the crowd. Birchall and Vector then came out, and as Hannah was running down the stairs, Vector shot a purple ball of light into Phil's face, seemingly knocking him out. Birchall then pounded on him, but left as Hannah arrived. The two troublecausers then made a quick exit. As they did that, Hannah took Phil back to the hotel.

20 minutes later, in the hotel

Phil was sat up in bed. 'Are you sure you're ok?' 'Yeah, I'm fine.' 'I thought you were knocked out in that duel.' 'I was just dazed, hit the back of my head.' 'As long as you're ok.' 'I'm fine. You just think about yourself. If it's alright with you, I'll stay here for the rest of the day, make sure I'm ok.' 'Love you.' 'And you.'

Meanwhile, on the other side of the hotel

Birchall was seething at his latest defeat. His slave then came out of the dark. 'Allyxandra Cummings.' Allyx was stood there, scantily clad, unblinking. As Birchall admired his handiwork, he smiled slightly. 'Allyx, text your sister, tell her you belong to me.' 'Must… obey.' He then looked at his phone himself. 'Allyx, we're going to see Damien.'

Next time: Hannah finds out about the deception, and gets closer to the truth then she might like. Meanwhile, Rio confesses all to Blair, and the tournament begins to draw to it's conclusion in The Renegade Revolution Chapter 29: Secrets and Lies