The Renegade Revolution

Chapter 36: Myths and Legends

The next morning, Phil woke up early, finding Hannah sat on a chair. 'You're up early.' 'Barely slept – just in so much pain. I think I've got Morning Sickness, and my back's gone again.' 'You're kidding.' 'I could barely move from the bed to here. I mean properly gone.'

Phil then got up immediately, despite having no clothes out. 'Right, I'm getting you to the nearest hospital, I know how bad your back gets.' 'Phil, don't. I'll get Akiza to give me an injection, I'll duel today and then get it checked out in Britain.' 'No way are you duelling with your back like that.'

'Phil, we need the money. Especially with the amount Allyx stole from you.' 'A couple of grand doesn't matter.' 'I wasn't going to tell you this, but there was other occasions when Allyx stole money from your account. The actual total is closer to £400,000. I didn't tell you because'

'Because you wanted to protect me?' 'Because I was trying to force her to pay it back. She gets an allowance from Mum's will, £500 a week, I redirected it to go straight into your bank.'

Akiza then walked in, getting the shock of her life. 'Phil, you're' 'I'll get some clothes.' The Washington Witch then put her bag down, withdrawing a large needle from it. '50mg of morphine in this. It's very powerful, so I can't give you any more pain relief other than this. Now for about half an hour, you'll probably feel a bit tired, because it's a CNS depressant.'

'Like I don't already' Hannah stated, joking around her lack of sleep. 'Right then, I need you to lay on your front. I'll inject it into your back to get it to act quicker. I'm not supposed to give this to you while you're pregnant, so if you feel any side effects like stomach cramps or vomiting, you need to tell me immediately.'

'Understood, thanks for this.' Hannah then laid on her front. 'This won't hurt will it?' 'You'll feel a pricking sensation, a bit like someone's attacked you with a pencil. But you shouldn't feel anything other than that.' Akiza then injected Hannah to administer the drugs, as Rio walked in.

'What's going on?' She then noticed Phil, just putting some clothes on. 'Before you say anything, yes, I was naked, it's our hotel room.' Hannah then looked over. 'It's nothing to worry about Rio, just Akiza giving me a little injection to ease my back pain.'

'Anything I can go and get to help?' 'Uh, a black coffee for me, and whatever Akiza wants.' 'I'm fine, honestly.' As Rio left, Akiza removed the needle. 'Phil, I need you to keep an eye on her. If she gets pale skin or starts slurring her speech or her pupils dilate, call me on this number immediately.'

She then passed a slither of paper. 'Why this number?' 'It's my emergency phone. I always answer that one and it's always on me.' 'Fair enough. Thanks again.' Akiza then smiled. 'It's my pleasure. You two took me in, after all.'

1½ hours later

The second day was starting, and Hannah was now seemingly much better, drilling for information from Maddy. 'So Astrid, how good is she?' 'Ace. Really attacking, she gets her Nordic gods out really quick, she's got loads of ways to do it as well. If you wanna know how good she is, she beat me.'

'When?' 'Just yesterday evening. Duelled at a local stadium, matchplay. She beat me 2-0. Real close though.' 'What would you say my chances are?' 'Mam, I worked in a snooker club as a barmaid. I didn't work as a bloody bookmaker. But I'd say better than half. She's reliant on drawing the right cards for her situation. She's liable to get a dead hand if she's got weaker cards out.'

'Thanks, that's… revealing.' 'Just remember that if you beat her, you've got me in the final.' 'We'll see.' They then left for the bird's nest, which was still scorched from Comet Cestus the previous day.

'Where's Walka anyway?' 'He got a concussion from Alito punching him. Probably didn't help that Blair gave him an earbashing for his views on homosexuals.' 'Talking of Blair' 'She's having a catch-up with Astrid, they've not really spoken in over a year.' As they entered, Hannah quickly left for her duel.

Backstage

James was stood talking with Rhydian and Vector, when Allyx arrived with two other individuals. 'Ah boys, I'm glad you could come.' A deep voice then boomed out. 'Let's get to business – you wanted to see us?' 'Yes, I know how much you like money. And how much you dislike the M18 Connection. I have a way for you to get both. £10,000 if you attack.' 'Deal.'

In the duel arena

As Blair came back, Astrid was first out, to some Norwegian pop (Pstereo by Emilie Nicolas). 'The following is a Quarter-Final duel in the Guo-Yu Media China Championship. Introducing first, accompanied by Halldor, from Jan Mayan, Norway, this is Astrid Hofferson.'

As Astrid waited, Hannah walked out, but was blind-sided by the hired assassins. Eventually one of them revealed their face, surprising Phil.

'That's David Marshall.' 'You know that guy?' 'Yeah, he's barely been seen since Hannah snapped his wrist in two at the Manchester Festival last year. And boy was he angry about that.' Blair then admitted something. 'He was probably even more annoyed when I laughed at him over it. I didn't even know who he was, figured he was some upstart.'

Eventually after a lot of fighting, David and his friend got the upper hand, but Astrid ran over and kicked them both in the head with one step-up kick, using a loose floor tile as a springboard. As they hit the deck, Astrid landed with poise, posing on one knee.

She then picked Hannah up. 'What was that?' 'Duelling you is the girlhood dream. I'm not going to some… let's duel.' Hannah then steadied herself, and activated her duel disk, followed by Astrid's (which was sporting her national flag).

Astrid Hofferson LP:4000 vs. Hannah Cummings LP:4000

Turn 1: Astrid: 'I'll start.' 'Fine by me.' 'I draw. Appear, Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts (Atk:1200).' 'Aww, I love goats! Such cute animals.' 'While you're going gaga, I end my turn with a face-down.'

Hannah: 'I draw. I summon Deep-Sea Diva (Atk:400). And with Aqua Song, she'll raise the roof, because she can now tempt out a Level 4 monster from my deck to the field. Meet Royal Swamp Eel (Atk:1700). I now tune Level 2 Diva and Level 4 Swamp Eel to Synchro summon White Aura Dolphin (Atk:2400).'

'White Aura Dolphin, time for Tanngrisnir to open wide.' Hannah's Dolphin drilled straight through the goat, destroying it (Astrid LP:4000-2800). 'Yeah, there was a reason I was tempting you. Tanngrisnir brings two Nordic Beast Tokens when defeated (Atk:0)x2.'

'That's all fine. I'll end my turn with a face-down.'

Astrid: 'I draw. Activate Pot of Greed, drawing 2 cards. I summon the Tuner Guldfaxe of the Nordic Beasts (Atk:1600). I tune Level 4 Guldfaxe and two Level 3 Nordic Beast Tokens to summon Thor, Lord of the Aesir (Atk:3500).'

'3500? Not bad at all.' 'Just to make sure you don't… get in my way, Thor can negate all monster effects on your field.' Thor summoned lightning from the sky, which paralysed White Aura Dolphin. 'Now attack her Dolphin with Thunderbolt Bludgeon!'

Thor lifted his hammer, and the lord of thunder then slammed it onto Dolphin, electrifying it in the process and leaving Hannah suffering the static (Hannah LP:4000-2900).

'I activate… I activate my face-down. When you destroy my Water-attribute monster in battle, Conjured Waves brings that monster straight back to my field (Atk:2400).' 'A continuous Trap.' 'Yes, but I can only activate it once per turn. And the monster summoned by it cannot attack.'

'I will end my turn. I have much respect for you and your organisation. But if I have to beat you, I will do that.'

Hannah: 'I draw. I activate Tribute Doll, to tribute my Dolphin and summon out a stronger monster. Meet my White Night Dragon (Atk:3000).' 'Now you're serious.' 'Damn right I am. I'll equip her with Archangel's Breath. This increase her Attack by 500 and prevents destruction in battle when she battles a Level 8 or higher monster (Atk:3500). Now attack Thor!' 'Thor, Thunderbolt Bludgeon!' The two monsters went head-to-head, trading blows for several minutes, before Thor fell as a spirit protected White Night Dragon.

'Now I've got rid of your monster, I'll end my turn with another face-down.' There was then a thunder crack, and an earthquake. 'What's going on?' 'You don't simply destroy a Nordic god. By banishing a Nordic Beasts Tuner monster, I can revive Thor during the End phase (Atk:3500). When he comes back this way, 800 of your Life points are shot off.'

As Thor rose from the ashes, he unleashed a fizzing blast of electricity, making Hannah shout in pain (Hannah LP:2900-2100).

Astrid: 'I draw. I activate Synchro Boost, equipping Thor. This gives him 500 more Attack and increases his Level by 1 (Atk:4000, Level:11). Now attack her!' Thor brought his hammer down again, the shockwave causing more damage to the President (Hannah LP:2100-1600).'

As Hannah recovered, Astrid still looked on with a game-face. 'Now do you understand the power of a god? I end my turn.' Hannah then turned around, with a dead black look in her eyes. 'Yes, I do.'

Hannah: 'I draw. I activate the other effect of Archangel's Breath. By sending it to my graveyard, I can add another Spell card to my hand (Atk:3500-3000). I choose Overlay Satellite. By using this Spell, my one monster becomes two monsters when I Xyz summon. I overlay my Level 8 Dragon to build the overlay network. I summon Number 27 – my heart, Northern Lights Dolphin (Atk:3000).'

'I was hoping to battle that.' 'Be careful what you wish for. By using the effect of Dolphin, I can banish a Spell or Trap from my deck, and my Dolphin gains it's effects for this turn only. Go – Data Hornload.'

Hannah's deck then appeared in front of her, and she scrolled through the VR cards, before choosing one. 'The card I just chose is called Rank-up Magic Icaron's Force.' Astrid gasped at this choice. 'I… didn't know you could choose that.'

'I can choose ANY card I like. This ranks my monster up into a Chaos Xyz monster. Go – Chaos Xyz Evolution! When the dark waters part, only one creature can survive the toxic depths of despair. I summon Chaos Number 27 – my dark heart, Northern Lights Doom Dolphin (Atk:3300).'

'I now activate it's ability, to take any card from my deck and use it's effect. I choose Xyz Unit. Now Doom Dolphin gains 200 Attack points for every Rank it has. That's 9, so watch the points (Atk:3300-5100). Now attack her with Aurora Des Fall.'

'I activate my face-down Half Unbreak. This protects Thor from harm and halves the damage (Astrid LP:2800-2250).' 'If you're going to be like that, I activate my face-down Malevolent Spirit. Now you take damage equal to my monster's Original attack points.' 'Don't forget the damage is halved.'

Astrid was blasted by a single dark arrow, knocking her to a knee (Astrid LP:2250-750). 'Because I dealt successful damage, you now draw 2 cards from your deck.' 'Thanks.' 'I end my turn.'

Astrid: 'I draw. I summon Mara of the Nordic Alfar (Atk:1000).' 'What's that thing going to do – haunt my dreams?' 'Nope. But Mara does have a really neat ability. And you gave me what I needed for it.' 'Did I?' 'Yes – two Nordic monsters in my hand because of Malevolent Spirit. I tune Level 2 Mara with the Level 5 Svartalf of the Nordic Alfar and Level 3 Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts in my hand.'

'And where are these monsters?' 'Duh, in my hand. I did just tell you. I Synchro summon another Nordic god – the trickster, Loki, Lord of the Aesir (Atk 3500).' 'Nice monster but it's not enough.'

'Really? How about if I activate Hel's Ultimate Denial.' 'What the hell is' 'I'm telling you, shut up! Hel is the Nordic god of death. This card forces me to pay half my remaining points (Astrid LP:750-375), but in return, I can revive Thor from my graveyard with his ability intact (Atk:3500).'

'Two gods.' 'Two gods and one defeat. Thor, use your ability to negate Doom Dolphin's effect.' As Doom Dolphin felt the wrath of Thor's lightning, it's power decreased (Atk:5100-3300).

'You used my monster's ability against me. How could I have been so stupid?' Thor, destroy Doom Dolphin with Thunderbolt Bludgeon!' Thor swung his mighty hammer, and slammed down onto Doom Dolphin, destroying it (Hannah LP:1600-1400).

'Loki, end this duel.' 'I still have a chance. I activate my face-down R: Blowback.' 'Traps don't work with Loki. During the Battle phase, he can destroy any Trap which is activated.' Loki shot a thin blast of darkness through Hannah's Trap, and at her, leaving everyone (other than Maddy and Blair) completely shell-shocked (Hannah LP:1400-0).

As the duel ended, Astrid yelled in delight. She then walked over to Hannah, and picked her up, before offering her hand in polite courtesy. 'Good duel Astrid, I underestimated you.' Phil then came down, and guided Hannah away, before facing up to Astrid.

'It's you.' 'Go away. No relative of Finn will ever be in the Renegades. Because the Hoffersons are weak, and stupid.' Astrid then kicked him in the head, knocking him down. 'Go, before I do worse. Spineless coward!'

Phil just puffed his cheeks out and left, leaving Astrid to be interviewed. 'Astrid, great way to start here, great to have you back as well.' 'I damn hope Phil wins, because he's got me next, and he won't face me, he's spineless coward. I'm stronger, I will prove myself!' Astrid was then guided away by Halldor.

As Hannah returned, she wasn't happy, just sitting down. 'What happened out there? You were in control.' 'I lost concentration, and she's good. That's what happened.' Maddy then looked over. 'What about prince charming?' Hannah then looked back. 'Honestly Maddy, I have no control over what Phil does. If you've got a problem with him, talk to him about it.'

The next duel was Kenta vs. Zak, with Kenta edging a win thanks to Dogoran, the Mad Flame Kaiju. This lead to Phil's duel, with Phil coming out first, Hannah by his side. Kari was already out, her ponytail behind her. And Kari had a grudge.

'I'm going to beat you for the way you treated my brother.' 'Sorry, your brother is who?' 'Yuma – Yuma Tsukumo.' 'Sorry, don't remember the name.' 'Convenient. You duelled him, Wild-Card Warriors last year. You beat him, belittled him after. Told him that "people like you aren't fit to polish my boots".'

'Excuse me? I don't wear boots. And I'm sorry, but I've never met your brother. I've never even been in a Wild-Card Warriors duel. I've pushed for one, but they won't give. Now let's duel.' 'Happily.'

China Championship: Phil Robinson LP:4000 vs. Kari Tsukumo LP:4000

Turn 1: Kari: 'I'll start. I draw. I summon Gagaga Magician (Atk:1500). Because I control Magician, I can summon Gagaga Child by giving up my Battle phase (Atk:800). His ability lets him copy the level of any other Gagaga monster on the field, like Magician (Level:2-4).'

'I overlay my Level 4 Magician and Child to build the overlay network and Xyz summon! Appear, Number 39 – Utopia (Atk:2500). I end my turn with a face-down.'

Phil: 'I draw. I summon Solar Wind Jammer because only you control a monster (Atk:800-400). I'll boost it by summoning Comoron (Atk:900). I can Special summon Comoron if I control a Level 5 or above Machine-type monster. And while we're at it, Cyber Ouroboros can come out and play (Atk:100).'

'Now I'll have Level 3 Comoron tune Level 2 Ouroboros and Level 5 Solar Wind Jammer to Synchro summon Ally of Justice Decisive Armour (Atk:3300).' 'How many cannons does a monster need?'

'It needs them for it's abilities. I can only use one of them every turn though. I choose Ability 1, to destroy a set card on your field. Go – Shock Cannon.' Decisive Armour shot a thunderbolt at the face-down, obliterating it. 'Now attack her monster with Cosmic Cannon Catastrophe.'

'Utopia's ability lets it negate your attack by detaching an overlay unit. Light-Wing Shield.' Utopia put it's wing up, to block the swirling cannon shot from Decisive Armour. 'I end my turn with two face-downs.'

Kari: 'I draw. I'll equip Utopia with ZW – Tornado Bringer. This gives it another 1300 Attack points and stops you targeting it with card effects (Atk:2500-3800). Attack his Decisive Armour with Rising Sun Tornado Ripper.'

'I activate my face-down.' 'You can't target Utopia.' 'I know. I activate Slip of Fortune. This negates the attack and removes Decisive Armour from play until my next Standby Phase.' 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Phil: 'I draw. During my Standby phase, Decisive Armour makes his return (Atk:3300). I activate Hand Destruction. Now we both ditch 2 cards from our hands, then draw 2. I'll end my turn with 3 face-downs.'

Kari: 'I draw. I'll equip Utopia with two more ZW monsters: Lightning Blade and Asura Strike. Together, these cards give it 2200 more Attack points (Atk:3800-6000). I'll also use Oni-Gami Combo. By detaching Utopia's last overlay unit, it can attack twice this turn.'

'This is trouble.' 'Attack his Decisive Armour with Rising Sun Asura Divider' Utopia jumped into the air, and drove it's swords down, slicing Decisive Armour vertically, destroying it (Phil LP:4000-1800).

'This one's for Yuma. Attack him directly.' As the attack came, Phil barely blinked. 'For the last time, I haven't got a clue who your brother is. I activate the effect of Necro Gardna in my graveyard.' 'That's why you activated Hand Destruction then.' 'By banishing him from my graveyard, I can negate your attack.'

Kari looked disappointed by this. 'I end my turn. It's your go now.'

Phil: 'I draw. I activate my face-down Descending Lost Star. This revives a Synchro monster from my graveyard, but it loses it's Attack points and ability, and a Level. Decisive Armour, you're back in the game (Atk:0, Level:10-9).' 'So what, it has no points.'

'I know. But you'll soon see that it doesn't need any. Because I have Level Eater in my graveyard. I don't like little bugs usually, but I'll make an exception for him. I can Special summon him by reducing Decisive Armour's Level to 8 (Level:9-8, LE Atk:100).'

'That's useless' 'Try telling Galaxy Queen's Light that. It makes my monsters the same Level as Decisive Armour, which is 8 (Level:4-8). I overlay my Level 8 monsters to build the overlay network. Rise up, Number 15 – Gimmick Puppet Giant Grinder (Atk:1500).'

'He doesn't look friendly.' 'He has an even worse ability. By detaching one Xyz material, he can destroy your monster and then deal you with damage equal to his Attack points. Tell me, what is 4000 – 6000?' 'No, you can't.' 'Giant Grinder, Destruction Cannon.' Giant Grinder's chest opened up to reveal grinding cogs, and it picked up Utopia, feeding it into the cogs, and shooting a purple light from a cannon which appeared, ending the duel (Kari LP:4000-0).

After the end of their duel, Phil was left standing over Kari. 'Let that be a lesson to you – don't accuse when you can't prove.' He then turned to Hannah, and smiled, with her smiling back. Marc then came for an interview, but Rhydian interrupted it before it could begin.

'You think you're so big, don't you? You think that because you kidnapped my friend, my love, you're on top of the world? Well I can do something about that. Give me a duel against your big bad boy Walka.'

Phil just laughed, and Hannah picked up a microphone. 'Watch who you're speaking to mister. That over there is my husband, and that is twice the duellist you'll ever be. But if you want a duel, then I'll be your opponent. That is, if you can fit yourself and your ego onto a plane to Seoul.'

'Scared is he?' 'Phil would happily duel you. But I'm the president of the Renegades, and I get first refusal. I mean, if you're not comfortable duelling a woman, then' 'I'll happily duel you. I sorted out that tart Lydia at the Tour Qualifiers, so'

This angered Hannah, who let her hair down and walked up to the Welshman. 'That tart is my friend. My very close friend. So if you want to insult her, you're going to have to deal with the consequences.' Rhydian then backed off. 'You're not going to catch me out that easily. See you in Seoul.'

After this, Phil wasn't in the mood for an interview, so he just left, with Hannah in tow. Meanwhile, Rio was busying herself taking everyone's money.

'So how confident are you Lydia?' '£30 says she wins the whole thing.' 'Freja?' 'Do I have to pay up front?' 'Yes, that's the idea of betting.' 'Fine, I'll put £17.50 on Maddy winning it all.' Hannah then walked into it.

'Rio, what are you doing with that money?' 'Just taking a friendly little sweepstake. Betting on who's going to win the tournament. So far we've got £300 on Phil, £125 on Astrid, and £97.50 on Maddy.' 'Rio, what have I said about betting?' 'Nothing. In fact you've not said anything about any rules other than no drugs, no physical violence against each other, and no Astrid.'

'Rio, betting is strictly not allowed in the club. It said so in your welcome pack.' 'What, the welcome pack you didn't give me? Or Blair.' Hannah then turned to her daughter. 'Maddy, did you or did you not receive a welcome pack when you joined?'

'Yeah, like a week later. Didn't read it mind you.' 'Why?' 'I was busy winning. Also, looked kinda boring.' 'Right, I'll get you two a welcome pack' 'You could just create a rulebook you know.' Maddy then smiled. 'I like Blair's idea. How about a rulebook, and create copies for each person?'

'No, I haven't got the money to bind all those books.' 'Not even expensive.' 'I don't care, it just isn't happening. Have you not got a duel to prepare for Maddy?' 'Dad took so long that I finished preparing.' 'You check over your deck?'

'I didn't. But Blair did.' 'Why Blair?' 'All the questions today. Because Dad was busy and she said she'd learned a few things from him. Also, I like her ponytail and wanted to know if she could work on me next week.'

'Work on you?' 'Duh, she's a trained hairdresser.' 'Where are you going to do that?' 'At the base. Where else? Next Tuesday, half 2.' 'By the way Hannah, have we got a vacuum in the base?' 'Yeah, why?' 'May be needing to borrow it on Tuesday – I'm a bit of a clean freak.'

Maddy then left for her duel. As her and Reginald met, she smiled. 'Hi, it's Maddy, nice to meet you. You might remember Mam, she's the one who saved your sister, sorry about that.' Reginald didn't appear to be in a talking mood though. 'Silent type then? Fine – shouldn't take long.'

Reginald Kastle LP:4000 vs. Maddy Smith LP:4000

Turn 1: Reginald: 'I draw. I summon out Wind-Up Shark (Atk:1500). Because I control Wind-up Shark, I can summon another one to join the party (Atk:1500). But why have two monsters when Silent Angler's happy to invite himself out (Atk:800). I now overlay my three Level 4 monsters to build the overlay network and Xyz summon Number 28 – Shark Drake (Atk:2800). I end my turn with a face-down.'

Maddy: 'I draw. I activate Ancient Rules, to summon Big Koala from my hand (Atk:2700). Next I activate Graceful Charity, to draw 3 cards and discard 2.' 'Getting new cards?' 'Actually, that was mainly to discard Mosaic Manticore. So I could revive it with Premature Burial (Atk:2800, Maddy LP:4000-3200).'

'And what are you doing with that?' 'This – Gift of the Martyr. Now Manticore gives up it's energies to increase Big Koala's power by a whopping 2800 (Big Koala LP:2700-5500). Now attack his monster with Takedown from Down Under!'

'I activate Poseidon Wave. Now the attack is negated, and you lose 800 Life points for each Water monster on my field.' 'As the waves came crashing down around her, Maddy hunkered down to avoid the slamming (Maddy LP:3200-2400).

'That's Barian power eh?' 'That's just a taste of what's to come in this duel.' 'Sounds fun. It's a pity that you're never going to get to show me.' 'Why?' 'Because I have two cards that will finish you off. I activate Double or Nothing! and Double Tension. Double or Nothing allows me to double the Attack points of my monster because it's Attack was negated (Atk:5500-11000).'

'And Double Tension?' 'Double Tension is a card which only activates when my monster is attacking for a second time in the Battle phase. This doubles it's Attack points (Atk:11000-22000). Now attack him with Double Koala Krusher!' Big Koala seemed to split into two, with the two Koalas slamming into Shark Drake from each end, turning it into a pancake (Reginald LP:4000-0).

After the "duel" ended, Maddy speared Reginald, rolling through afterwards to spear him a second time, before raising her fist. Marc then moved in to talk to her.

'Maddy, what can I say – 96 seconds. That is truly unbelievable.' 'If I hadn't been jaw-jacking, coulda been under the minute.' 'Do you have more respect for Reginald now?' 'Respect? He's a s**t.' This got a massive cheer from the crowd, who were hot for Maddy.

'Strictly speaking, I don't think you're allowed to refer to people as that in the WDC.' 'Who cares? Doylems like him make me all micey.' 'Pardon?' 'Seriously, the bairn's bein' a right workyticket at the moment, you wanna deal with him. You get me?'

'Not really.' 'He's an idiot and he ever comes near us, I'm going to kick his rear end so reet hard he'll look 6 months preggers.' 'Kenta next, your thoughts, in English?' 'How about Chinese?' 'Sure, take it away.' 'Jiàn tài zhǎo dào le cóng tuì xiū huí jiā de lù. Wǒ huì zhí jiē sòng tā huí niǔ kǎ sī ěr zuì hǎo de. Suǒ yǒu de pàn tú ! (Kenta found his way out of his retirement home. I'll send him straight back courtesy of Newcastle's finest. All for the Renegades!'

The crowd erupted at the revelation of Maddy's linguistic skills, and she stayed to sign some autographs and take selfies, before leaving. Meanwhile, Reginald was helped out of the arena by Alito and two other Barians.

As Maddy returned, Rio went up to her. 'You have to teach me how to speak Chinese.' 'Don't even know if half of that shit was right man, I'm still learning.' 'How many languages do you speak?' 'English, Welsh, Greek, German, some Chinese, Flemish, Japanese, Maori, and I can read some Hebrew and Arabic.'

'How?' 'Trained. Just find learning languages really interesting. Useful for the tour. Also find it quite easy really.' She then passed Double Tension to Blair. 'Thanks for the upgrades.' 'Welcome. Just let me know if you ever want to borrow it again.'

Two hours later

After a somewhat extended intermission (to make room for a concert), it was the first semi-final: Astrid and Phil. And Hannah was determined her husband would win. 'Phil, I've got a card for you.' 'Rank-up Spider Web? That's a new one on me.' 'Yeah, it's also how to beat her. Don't make the mistake I did – don't get over-aggressive.'

'Thanks, I have a few tricks she's not seen.' 'And you're certain they work?' 'I guarantee it.' Now let's go.' 'Sure.' The two of them then walked down to the duelling zone, with Astrid already waiting. Phil went to confront Astrid, but she activated her duel disk before he got chance. 'If that's the way you want to play it.'

Phil Robinson LP:4000 vs. Astrid Hofferson LP:4000

Turn 1: Astrid: 'I'll start. I play a monster face-down and end my turn with two more face-downs.'

Phil: 'I saw this in your last duel. I draw. I'll summon Cyber Dragon because I control no monsters and you do (Atk:2100). Now I'll use the Spell card Evolution Burst. Because I control Cyber Dragon, one card on your field goes to the great beyond. How about your monster?'

Cyber Dragon unleashed an electrical bomb from it's mouth, taking care of Astrid's monster (Guldfaxe of the Nordic Beasts). 'So you tried something different? Fine – Cyber Dragon needs to recharge after Evolution Burst, so I end my turn with a face-down of my own.'

Astrid: 'Let's see – I summon Dverg of the Nordic Alfar (Atk:100). When he's summoned, he gives me the power to summon another Nordic monster – Ljosalf of the Nordic Alfar (Atk:1400). And because 2 isn't enough, Ljosalf can bring out another Dverg (Atk:100).'

'Still don't see where you're going here.' 'Ok, I'll activate my face-down Call of the Haunted, to bring back Guldfaxe (Atk:!600). Now I'll tune Level 4 Guldfaxe with Level 4 Ljosalf and two Level 1 Dvergs to Synchro summon the almighty Thor, Lord of the Aesir (Atk:3500).'

'That was impressive.' 'What's even more impressive is Nordic Relic Draupnir. This Spell gives Thor 800 more Attack (Atk:3500-4200). Attack with Thunderbolt Bludgeon.' Thor swung his hammer into the air, and brought it crashing down onto Cyber Dragon, splitting it, and sending Phil head-over-heels (Phil LP:4000-1900).

'Get up, I'm not done with you. Feige Gris! I end my turn.' Phil then stood up and stared her down. 'You want to be careful of what you say to me. I will not hesitate to turn up the violence if that's what you drive me to.' Astrid then laughed and started grinning manically. 'In your language, BRING IT ON!'

Phil: 'I draw. I activate Monster Reborn, bringing back Cyber Dragon (Atk:2100). Next I summon Proto-Cyber Dragon (Atk:1100).' 'What are you doing with those?' 'I activate my face-down Photon Generator Unit.' 'Face-down?' 'With this, I tribute my two Dragons to summon out my sharp shooter. Meet the deadly Cyber Laser Dragon (Atk:2400).'

'When he's around, I can destroy a monster whose Attack points exceed my Laser Dragon. So it's goodbye from Thor.' 'Not if I activate De-Synchro. Thor, return to Valhalla. So you're facing 4 monsters again (Ljosalf Atk:!400, Guldfaxe Ark:1600, Dverg Atk:100x2).'

'So what? You have 4 weak monsters out. I'll take out one of your Dvergs first.' 'I activate my other face-down.' 'I'm not bothered about Negate Attack.' 'You're badly wrong. Look closer.' The Technical Savage then saw what his foe had planned. 'How could I have been so stupid? You're not Synchro summoning next turn, you're using Urgent Tuning.'

'That's right. During the Battle phase, I can Synchro summon using monsters on my field. Level 4 Guldfaxe tunes Level 4 Ljosalf and two Level 1 Dvergs.' Astrid then dropped to a knee, and closed her eyes, before breaking out into a prayer.

Thor, allmektige guddom, Hør min bønn og ned fra hjemmet ditt i Valhall der du bor, gi meg din ubetinget makt! Descend from Valhalla, Thor, Lord of the Aesir (Atk:3500).' 'I cancel my attack and end my turn with a face-down.'

Astrid: 'I draw. Thor, attack with Thunderbolt Bludgeon!' 'I activate the Trap card Pulse Mines. This forces your monster into Defence mode (Def.:2800). 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Phil: 'I draw. I activate the ability of Laser Dragon.' 'Don't even go there. I activate my face-down Solemn Authority. Now you can't target Thor with any card effect for 2 turns.' 'I'll switch Laser Dragon to Defence mode (Def.:1800), and set another monster. I'm done for the turn.'

Astrid: 'Nice, I'll keep that one. I summon another Guldfaxe (Atk:1600). Thor, destroy Laser Dragon.' Thor brought his hammer down, crushing Laser Dragon. 'Guldfaxe, trample him!' 'I activate the effect of R: Rebellion from my hand.' 'You can't activate Traps from your hand.'

'I can activate this one when it's the only card in my hand and my field is bare. This not only halves the damage, but then brings out a Machine from my deck.' Guldfaxe came trampling in, but a red aura softened the blow (Phil LP:1900-1100). 'Now I summon Cyber Phoenix (Atk:1200).' 'I end my turn.'

Phil: 'I draw. I switch Cyber Phoenix to Defence mode (Def.:1600), and end my turn.'

Astrid: 'I draw.' As she said that, Solemn Authority left the field. 'I activate Graceful Charity, to draw 3 cards and discard two. Thor, destroy his Phoenix.' As Thor slammed his hammer down, Phil just looked on, running out of ideas. 'I end my turn.'

Phil: 'I draw. It's worth a go - I activate Pot of Greed, to draw 2 new cards. One of which is Rank-up Magic Renegades Unite!' 'Lucky draw.' 'This allows me to summon out a deadly Machine. Meet Number 15 – Gimmick Puppet Giant Grinder (Atk:1500). Next I can rank it up. Chaos Xyz Evolution! I summon out Chaos Number 15 – Gimmick Puppet Giant Hunter (Atk:2500).'

'Someone's got a few new tricks.' 'Here's one of them. By detaching one Xyz material, it can destroy Thor and you take damage equal to it's Attack points. Genocidal Gatling Burst!' Giant Hunter fired multiple bullets at Thor, causing him to explode and envelop Astrid, who looked badly hurt by it (Astrid LP:4000-500).

'Giant Hunter, end the duel.' Without speaking (due to pain), Astrid banished Necro Gardna from her graveyard to save herself. 'I end my turn. No blood of Finn Hofferson will ever best me in battle. Go ahead and take your last turn.' As he said that, Thor revived, and Phil was struck with lightning (Phil LP:1100-300, Thor Atk:3500).

Astrid then stood up, and threw off her shoulder pads. 'I AM NOT FINN! I AM ASTRID HOFFERSON AND I AM YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE!'

Astrid: 'I draw! I summon Mara of the Nordic Alfar (Atk:1000). Next I activate Card of Sanctity, so we both draw until our hands number 6.' As Phil drew, there was an instant reaction. 'Found something you like? Pity you won't get to use it. I summon Mara of the Nordic Alfar (Atk:1000). With his ability, he can tune with the Level 4 Garmr of the Nordic Beasts and Level 4 Tyr of the Nordic Champions which are residing in my hand, to Synchro summon Loki, Lord of the Aesir (Atk:3500).'

'Two of them.' 'Yes. Loki, destroy Giant Hunter.' 'I activate my face-down.' 'Traps don't work' 'It's not a Trap card.' 'It's not?' 'No – it's the Spell card Chaos Surgery. This lets me banish Giant Hunter to summon an Xyz monster from my Extra deck whose Rank is the same. But the monster summoned cannot attack, and it's destroyed if ever targeted by a Spell card.'

Giant Hunter then vanished into a black wormhole, which itself shrunk as Loki's attack moved in. 'Appear, Number 9 – Dyson Sphere (Atk:2800).' 'How dare you! Thor, attack his monster with Thunderbolt Bludgeon!'

As the hammer approached, Dyson Sphere vanished. 'Dyson Sphere's ability activates if it is devoid of overlay units. I take two monsters from my graveyard, and they become it's materials. Then, by detaching one, it dodges your attack.' 'I end my turn.'

Phil: 'I draw. I summon Gimmick Puppet Scissor Arms (Atk:1200). His ability takes another Puppet from my deck, and places it in my hand.' 'How does that help you? You can't summon it.' 'I can with Xyz Reception. Because I control a Level 4 monster, I can summon another one from my hand without it's Attack points. I choose Gimmick Puppet Egg Head (Atk:1600-0).'

'Now I overlay my two Level 4 monsters to build the overlay network and Xyz summon my soul. Meet Number 26 – Northern Lights Dragon (Def.:2000).' 'I'm not fooled by it's beauty.' 'Good. I equip it now with Mist Body. This card stops you from destroying my Dragon in battle. And that removes your entire plan.'

'So what? One false move and you're done.' 'Very true. I end my turn with a face-down. During my End phase, because I didn't conduct my Battle phase this turn, my Dragon will grant me 600 Life points. Northern Lights Refresh.' The Borealis shone down on Phil, healing his bruises from earlier (Phil LP:300-900).

Astrid: 'Let's do this! I activate Divine Meteor. Now when a Nordic God does battle this turn, your monsters' abilities are negated.' No sooner was the card activated as it was destroyed again. 'Where'd it go?' 'Mystical Space Typhoon – never leave home without one.' 'I'm done this turn with a face-down.'

Phil: 'I draw. I'll pass on my turn thanks. Now my Dragon, heal me (Phil LP:900-1500).'

Astrid: 'I can't find a way past you. I draw. Of course, why didn't I think of this before? I activate Thor's ability. Once per turn he can negate the ability of your monster. I choose Dyson Sphere.' Dyson Sphere fell victim to a strike of lightning, making it completely visible again.

'Now Thor, rip it up!' On this occasion, Thor was powerful enough to break straight through Dyson Sphere, Phil being engulfed by the exploding world (Phil LP:1500-800). 'There you go, that's what you get. I end my turn.'

Phil: 'I draw. I lay a face-down and end my turn. So my Life points are going north again (Phil LP:800-1400).'

Astrid: 'Didn't draw anything good. I end my turn.'

Phil: 'I draw. I activate Xyz Reborn, to revive Number 9 – Dyson Sphere (Atk:2800). Next I'll activate a brand-new card: Rank-up Spider Web.' 'What's that?' 'Here's how the web works. It allows me to Rank-up Xyz monsters.' 'Right.' 'But in order to keep doing that, it requires a sacrifice.'

'The sacrifice is an Xyz material from any monster on my field. So I'll detach one from Northern Lights Dragon and rank up Dyson Sphere into a Chaos Xyz monster. Go – Chaos Xyz Evolution! I summon Chaos Number 9 – Chaos Dyson Sphere (Atk:3600).'

'But that's enough Attack points to take out Thor.' 'I activate the ability of Chaos Dyson Sphere. Once per turn, you lose 300 Life points for every Xyz material attached to it. You're done Astrid.'

'I activate my face-down Rainbow Life. With this, I regain the amount of damage you'd deal me as Life points (Astrid LP:300-900). And that effect lasts this turn.' 'Chaos Dyson Sphere, attack Thor.' 'Were you not listening?' 'I was. But Chaos Dyson Sphere has a special ability. In fact, he has several. One of which is absorbing your monster as an Xyz material after battling it.'

Thor smashed his hammer into Chaos Dyson Sphere, rebounding into Astrid who was protected by a rainbow shield (Astrid LP:900-1000). Thor then vanished, becoming another Xyz material, as another flange lit up gold. 'And because Thor's not in your graveyard' 'I can't bring it back.' 'Correct. I'm done this turn.'

Astrid: 'I draw. I'll end my turn with 2 face-down.'

Phil: 'This is the end. Dyson Sphere, I'll activate your special ability. By detaching all of the Xyz materials from Chaos Dyson Sphere, I can deal 600 damage for each one. 1800 is just a little too much for you to survive. Bombs away!'

'I activate Nordic Relic Curmsum Disc. Now any damage from special abilities is negated this turn only. You'll have to do better than that.' Phil then debated his next move, Hannah cheering him on. 'I might as well get rid of it. Chaos Dyson Sphere, destroy her monster.'

Astrid smiled as he said that. 'Didn't think you'd have the balls. I activate Ring of Destruction. Now I can destroy a monster on the field, and we both take damage equal to it's Attack strength. Of course, Curmsum Disc protects me.' 'So you're destroying Chaos Dyson Sphere?'

'Nope. I'm targeting my own monster – Loki.' 'Why?' Ring of Destruction equipped to Loki, and then exploded, taking the monster with it. But when the smoke cleared, they were both standing (Phil LP:1400). 'Why?' 'One thing you missed. When Northern Lights Dragon has no Xyz materials, I am immune from all effect damage if it remains on the field. I call this Aurora Barrier.'

'That's my turn done then. During the End phase, Loki returns to the field (Atk:3500), and his ability enables me to add a Trap card in my graveyard to my hand.'

Astrid: 'I draw. I'll attack your Dragon with Loki.' As Loki's single electric shock approached, Northern Lights Dragon was stung and fell (Phil LP:1400-400). 'I'm done with a face-down.'

Phil: 'I draw. You've had your last chance, now let's have one last dance. I activate Rank-Down Magic Falling Star. This takes Chaos Dyson Sphere, and ranks it down into a monster of a lower Rank. I reverse the overlay network with Rank 10 Chaos Dyson Sphere. Go – Rank-down Xyz De-Evolution.'

Astrid could only marvel as the overlay network went in reverse. 'I call upon thee, Number 88 – Gimmick Puppet of Leo (Atk:3200). And I am far from done. Next I detach it's Xyz Material using Rank-up Spider Web. Chaos Xyz Evolution! I summon out Chaos Number 88: Gimmick Puppet Disaster Leo (Atk:3500).'

Astrid said nothing, facing up to Disaster Leo. 'Disaster Leo's ability activates. I detach one Xyz material to deal 2000 damage. Ferocious Firestorm.' 'I activate my face-down Rainbow Life. Now I regain all the damage you'd deal me (Astrid LP:1000-2000).'

Just as Astrid celebrated that though, Disaster Leo started pulsating red. 'What's happening?' 'Oh, this is Disaster Leo's ability. While you regained Life points there, it has no Xyz material and your Life points are still half or less. It's an Automatic Win.' 'WHAT?' 'I end my turn. Disaster Leo, Final Crackdown!'

Disaster Leo shot a lion-shaped burst of energy at Astrid, finishing the duel (Astrid LP:2000-0).

After the end of the war, Phil looked down at the defeated Astrid. After considering causing more damage, he stepped back and Hannah picked Astrid up. Phil tapped her on the back a couple of times, and then left.

Back in the box

As he came back, Phil just threw his jacket on the ground. 'I should have creamed her.' Blair looked over as he said this. 'You think?' 'I missed opportunities to win there.' Hannah then comforted him. 'Listen, you won, that's the main thing. How well you won we can work on. You've never faced her before, she nearly had you beat early. Astrid's good, she has my respect.'

Next time: Crowdfunding is requested, there's a revelation of identity, and there's a new recruit in The Renegade Revolution Chapter 37: The Problem Solver