The Renegade Revolution

by Primal WolfBlood

In Part 2 of The Renegade Chronicles, set 6 months after What Makes an Army's end, this follows the Renegades, as they crusade across the world, entering a world of magic and mayhem as they enter the world of professional card duelling, and encounter new races- Barians, shapeshifters from a completely separate world, and Wolfbloods, humans with wolf DNA hidden inside their secrets

38. Heart and Seoul

The Renegade Revolution

Chapter 38: Heart and Seoul

On the plane, arriving in South Korea

'So this is just one of those tournaments again isn't it?' 'Yes, it is Maddy. Only difference this time is that you get to see a tag title duel as well. And Rio and Blair are teaming up.' 'Really? Should be good. You confident Rio?'

'Yeah, we worked really hard in China, and continued that work after we got back. We should be a lot better now.' 'We've been working on combos all week. But Phil won't tell us our opponents again. You got a clue?' 'Nah, we didn't talk about it. Just nice to be talking again.'

'I was about to say that – it seemed weird you two not getting on.' 'Yeah, we kinda settled our differences. And I think he's forgiven me for beating him.' 'That's always nice. Dad didn't enter the tournament, got a title duel to focus on.'

Maddy Smith vs. Justin Pipe

Akiza Izinski vs. Sara Sawyer

Jaden Yuki vs. Kieran Byrne

Claude Duane (formerly Walka) vs. Rhydian Morris

Meanwhile, Rio was marvelling at Blair's work. 'You did a great job with Maddy's hair.' 'You do realise I've been doing hair as a job since I was 13. Practically second-nature to me. She wanted attractive without being OTT. So I just pulled it up high in a ponytail. That way it's practical as well.'

As the plane landed, Claude tried his luck again with cosying up to Maddy. 'Hey, I hear Seoul has the best cocktails around.' 'Thanks.' 'You fancy, uh, going for one?' 'Listen Elvis, if you beat Rhydian, I'll buy you a drink.' Claude then walked off, pleased, as Blair approached.

'What are you thinking?' 'I said I'll buy him a drink. It doesn't mean I'm going to have a drink with him?' 'So your plan is?' 'Buy him a drink and then leave when he's not looking. Preferably find a bar with multiple exits.'

'He's really creeping you out isn't he?' 'No, he's just plain annoying. It's like having a 6'6" monkey on my back constantly, bugging me at every turn. Him and Rhydian should suit each other just fine honestly. They're both obsessed man. Can't stand it.'

As they went to enter the arena, Maddy left, being on first, with Lydia and Freja following her, leaving Rio concerned, a fact which didn't escape her partner. 'What's up Ri, you look sick.' 'Just worried about Maddy. Seems like everyone wants her for the wrong reasons.'

'You know Maddy – she can look after herself.' 'I know, but' 'If we interfere, that's the last thing she wants right now. If Maddy needs help, I'm sure she'll tell us.' Blair then snuck off while Rio wasn't looking, to deal with things herself.

As Claude was just relaxing in the entrance to the box, Blair approached him with purpose. 'What's occurring, you run out of hair dye again? Told you to go blonde.' She then slapped him hard across the face. 'Is blonde that offensive to you?'

Blair then gave him a stark warning. 'I am going to tell you this once and once only, so listen very carefully. Maddy is not interested in dating you, she never has been, she never will be. Leave her alone.'

The big Dane then stood up. 'What if I don't?' 'Then you're going to end up in hospital. And for a bit more than a sore shoulder. Because I'm going to kick your head so far in that you can see your bowels.'

Claude laughed off the threat. 'You little girls, you're all the same. I don't see Maddy as someone I want to marry. I see her as a piece of meat. A possession. And I want to own that possession. That is just the way of the world – want, take, have. I want something, I take it, I have it. She'll look good as another trophy.'

'What gives you the right' 'I'm royalty, that's what. I'm third in line to the Danish Royal Family. I have all the power I could ever want. What've you got?' 'Pride. Pride in myself because I never bought a dime in this world, I earned everything I got. I worked from the age of 7 to help make a living, and I still work now. It's just that now I'm fulfilling a dream as well. Of course, you never dream about anything.' Blair then left, resisting the temptation to leave Claude minus some teeth.

Meanwhile, in the duelling zone

The show kicked off with Maddy, coming out to a fantastic response from the Korean crowd, while she was introduced in Korean, which nobody in the entire club spoke. As she ran down slapping the hands of fans, replays of her in China were shown, ending as she posed in the zone.

The Cemetery Angels by Crowbar then played, as the diminutive Justin Pipe came out, dressed as a 70s throwback. As he walked down, he addressed Maddy on the mic. 'Wait, so because you beat a couple of old geezers and a shark, you now think you're the greatest thing in the world? Well you ain't never beaten Justin Pipe. Because I've got something you don't.'

'You're right, I've never owned a scruffy leather jacket.' 'No, not the jacket. I've got a blog. So if you want to learn all about the person that matters, me, you can keep up with me on . Of course, you all want to know all about' 'Can we duel or are you going to spend all day talking?'

Justin then strolled down, and pushed her. 'You're really disrespectful. You don't interrupt me when I'm advertising.' 'Touch me again and you'll be on the floor.' They then began the duel abruptly.

Justin Pipe LP:4000 vs. Maddy Smith LP:4000

Turn 1: Justin: 'I'm first. I activate Hand Destruction, so now we both ditch our entire hands and draw new ones.' As Maddy discarded her hand, a red light surged through the field and battered Justin (Justin LP:4000-2000). 'Hey, my Life points! What sorcery is that?'

'It's not sorcery, it's the effect of the Elephant Statue of Disaster in my hand. When it's discarded through your card effect, you lose 2000 Life points.' 'Fine, I'll give you a little head-start. I summon Gravekeeper's Commandant (Atk:1600), and end my turn with 4 face-downs.'

Maddy: 'I draw.' 'And I activate Gravity Bind. Now all Level 4 and above monsters can't attack. I also activate Discord, so you can't Synchro summon.' 'Not a problem. I summon Bunilla (Atk:!50).' 'You can't Synchro summon or use high-level monsters.' 'As I said, not a problem. I activate Shield and Sword, to swap the Attack and Defence of my Bunilla this turn only (Atk/Def.: 150/2050: 2050/150).'

'So, I have loads of points still.' 'Not with Amulet of Ambition. Now when Bunilla attacks, he'll gain 500 Life points for every level he lacks compared with yous. Bunilla, attack with Catastrophic Carrot Corkscrew!' Bunilla jumped up with it's comically small carrot (Atk:2050-3550), and started it rotating like a drill, spearing straight through the Commandant (Justin LP:2000-50).

As the crowd marvelled, Maddy made her move. 'I activate Poison of the Old Man. Now I have to choose this card's effect. On the one hand, I could gain 1200 Life points. On the other hand, you take 800 damage. Think I know which one.'

Justin was surrounded by a harsh red light, and as Maddy's thumb went down, his Life points hit 0 (Justin LP:50-0).

When this happened, Maddy raised her fist, and then stood over Justin, as Marc Jacobs walked over. 'Maddy, you won in China and now you're back in Asia again. Sunk in yet?' 'Nah, won't do for a while. But I'm here ain't I? So let's do this – try and make it 2.'

'Akiza or Sara next. Who do you want?' 'Akiza obviously. That'd be a belter man.' 'Well we will learn soon who you face next. Until then though, another blistering duel.' Maddy then raised her fist again, and signed more autographs, before leaving.

As she returned, she passed Akiza. 'You want to face me then? You do realise you wouldn't win.' 'Wanna bet?' Hannah then pushed them apart. 'Break it up you two.' 'No harm in friendly competition' Phil murmured, engrossed in his deck, which was peaking Blair's interest.

'Whassup Phil? You've been looking at that think like you're expecting it to kiss you or something.' 'Yeah, I'm fine. Just contemplating a few things.' 'Like what?' Phil then looked up. 'You really think I'd tell you?' 'C'mon, not like you're giving anything away.' 'I said no.' 'Fine, be like that.'

Maddy meanwhile, was busy cosying up to Hannah. 'So how long have you known?' 'Again, I only found out a couple of days before you did. It's a shock to me as well y'know.'

The talking was interrupted by Akiza's duel starting, as she walked down to face Sara, who was in a fowl mood. 'You think it's acceptable what you've done to Lukas? I hope you're disgusted with yourselves.' 'No, we're not. If you want to understand, you'll have to duel me.' 'Fine.'

Ssangyong Open Quarter Finals: Akiza Izinski LP:4000 vs. Sara Sawyer LP:4000

Turn 1: Akiza: 'I draw. I activate Cost Down. By discarding one card, I can reduce the levels of all monsters in my hand by two this turn. So I am now able to summon Rose Tentacles with no tribute (Atk:2200). Now I activate the Field Spell Black Garden.' The field became surrounded with vines, creating a mini-greenhouse effect. 'I end my turn with 3 face-downs.'

Sara: 'I draw. I summon Naturia Cliff (Atk:1500).' Vines then surrounded Cliff, and tied it up (Atk:1500-750), before a rose appeared on Akiza's field (Atk:800). 'What was that?' 'Every time a monster appears, it loses half it's points, and a Rose Token appears on the opponent's field.' 'Fine - I activate One for One, to send a monster from my hand to the graveyard and summon Naturia Ladybug (Atk:100-50, RT Atk:800).'

'Now I tune Level 1 Ladybug with Level 4 Cliff, to Synchro summon my Naturia Beast (Atk:2200-1100, RT Atk:800). 'Because I just Synchro summoned, I can bring Ladybug back from my graveyard. But why do it once? I have two of them (Atk:100-50 x2, RT Atk:800).'

'Now by tributing Naturia Ladybug, I can give my Beast 1000 more Attack points. So what happens when I have two (Atk:1100-3100). Attack her Rose Token.' 'I activate my face-down Bamboo Scrap. By tributing my Rose Tentacles, I can summon out two Plant Tokens to your field in Defence mode (Def.:500)x2. I also activate Rose Flame. Because you just summoned a Plant monster, you now get burned for 500 damage.' As Akiza watched on, Sara got bombarded with burning petals, leaving her clothing torn and her scarred (Sara LP:4000-3500).'

'That's fine. Because now Naturia Beast can destroy your Rose Token.' Naturia Beast battered the rose with repeated charges, but was unable to break through, as Akiza just stood there unblinking (Akiza LP:4000-1700). 'Rose Tokens can't be destroyed in battle.' 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Akiza: 'I draw. I activate the effect of Black Garden. If I have a Plant monster in my graveyard, and monsters on my field whose combined attack points are higher than that monster, I can tribute them for it.' 'You can't tribute Rose Tokens.' 'You can with Black Garden. I tribute three Rose Tokens to revive Rose Tentacles (Atk:2200).'

A rose then sprouted on Sara's field (Atk:800), and Rose Flame slammed her again, leaving Sara crippled on the ground (Sara LP:3500-3000). 'Wh… what is this?' 'A massacre. This is the taste of my power as a Psychic duellist. The power I terrorised people for years with. Now I terrorise all those who do not conform to the Renegades. I equip my Tentacles with Thorn of Malice. Now she can deal piercing damage when she attacks a monster in Defence mode.'

'I'll never surrender.' 'Good. I want to hurt you more. Rose Tentacles can attack all of your plants. Attack her!' As Tentacles struck through each Plant, Sara got wrapped in tentacles, until she was being hung in the air, scarred and battered (Sara LP:3000-0).

After the duel ended, Sara was a crumpled wreck, scarred from her meeting with Akiza. As she tried to get back up though, a figure with a hood appeared, and viciously choked Sara out, until she was motionless. The figure then took their hood down, revealing it to be Lukas, with dead eyes and longer hair dyed scarlet. He then bowed to Akiza, and they left, while the crowd watched on scared, and medics came to tend to Sara.

Sara was eventually stretchered out around 10 minutes later, barely moving after the assault she'd endured. As she was taken away, Akiza looked on. 'I don't like using my power in that way, but she left me with no choice.'

Maddy then walked up to her. 'You wanted something?' 'Just wanted to say that when we duel, we're going to absolutely raise the roof. Whichever result, it's going to be remembered.' 'It will be.'

Akiza and Maddy then shook on it, and Maddy left, to attend to "business". As she did this, she signalled to Rio, who completely missed the signal. After she left, Blair questioned her friend on it.

'What was Maddy signalling at you for there?' 'Didn't know she was signalling at me.' 'Yeah, she held her thumb and finger up to her ear.' 'I honestly don't know. Besides, we have a tag duel coming up.' 'Yeah, looking forward to that after the first round duels.'

Meanwhile, in a desolate corridor

Two young women were talking to each other, with Maddy watching them. 'What did James want us to do Katrina?' 'He said something about finding a wolfblood? Think Maddy was her name.' 'Right.' 'He wants her brought to him to do more experiments on her. Apparently wolves are worth a lot on the black market.'

'What I don't get is why he wants her so bad.' 'Sandra, I already told you - Wolves are worth money. Also, gets him a weapon for getting Hannah.' 'I get it now – Maddy will do what he says, but Hannah won't know.' 'It'll be like a turkey shoot. She'll be his in no time. And we'll get what we want as well.'

'Don't forget he wants us to come to his tonight.' 'So he can have us again?' 'Exactly. He'll probably go on you first tonight.' 'If that's what he wants, it's what he gets.' Maddy then walked out in front of them.

'Hey, go away.' 'Wait, I think she's that Maddy.' Maddy smiled. 'That's me. And I have plans for both of you.' 'Too bad you won't get to use them.' Maddy then speared the smaller one, before the larger one with glasses grabbed her from behind. 'You're going to Master Birchall.'

She then tied Maddy up, with Maddy making it strangely easy, before they both walked her to Birchall's hideout in the west of the stadium. When they got there, Maddy saw Shannon stood there, blank.

'Hey Shan, what's he done to you?' 'Must obey Master Birchall.' Shannon then transformed, into her Barian form – a busty woman with longer ginger hair and bobbled cobalt-blue skin, a black mask covering the bottom of her face. Allyx was also stood there, with her hair in one extremely thick ponytail from the top of her head.

Birchall then walked up to Maddy. 'Your friend Shannon is now a Barian. And you're going to join her, just as soon as you've recruited Hannah for me. Spica.' Shannon then walked up to Maddy, and held out Barian's Force. It had no effect though.

'What is wrong with you?' 'Let's just say Icaron and Barian don't mix.' Maddy then dropped to a knee, putting her hand on the ground. As Birchall went to pick her up, she vanished, taking Sandra and Katrina with her, leaving Birchall even more annoyed. 'Vector!'

Maddy materialised again at the other entrance to the stadium, allowing her to pass any traps Birchall had and bring the dazed duo to the box, surprising Hannah. 'Maddy, what is this?'

'Well Rio had Lukas taken away from her for pretty much no reason. So I could have complained about it. Or, I could get her two for the price of one. These two are hunters of Birchall's. I overheard him giving them instructions, but they're fairly weak fighters.'

'Did you get any intelligence from him?' 'Yes. Shannon has been turned into a Barian, Allyx has as well, and they want to hypnotise me so they can force me into bringing you to him.' 'Did you come face-to-face with him?'

'No, I saw him, but only through a door crack. Nothing to suggest he saw me.' Phil then handed Rio a card. 'Rio, this is a concept of Donna's – Rank-up Magic Extreme Icaron's Wrath. It's got 10 times the power of normal Icaron's Force, so if it works' 'It'll vaporise their minds completely.' 'Exactly.'

'Why are you letting me use this first though?' 'Because we thought that as a Barian, you'd be able to harness it's power best. Your Barian DNA makes you very proficient at these kinds of things.'

Blair then stood up. 'I'll hold them still for you.' 'Blair, if you're doing that, you might want a blindfold. If the power hits you, I have no idea if it can be reversed.' After Akiza tied the blindfold around Blair's ponytail, Rio held out Extreme Icaron's Wrath.

Immediately, the emotion and colour drained out from both Sandra and Katrina's faces, and their eyes darkened and went cold. Rio then spoke with authority. 'I am your new mistress. I am Mistress Rio. You will do exactly as I tell you. You are unable to think for yourselves. Your only purpose is to serve the Renegades as slaves.

20 minutes later

With Sandra and Katrina now completely under Renegade control, and with Jaden having seen off Kieran easily with Elemental Hero Rampart Blaster, it was the last duel of Round 1: Claude vs. Rhydian.

Claude was out first, wearing a Danish Army uniform. 'The following is the last Quarter-Final duel. Introducing first, from Zealand, Denmark, he is your WDC Champion - St. Anger – Claude Duane.' Claude walked down, with his title in tow, and just waited for his opponent, looking surprisingly confident.

After this, Break your Bones by Kill Paradise played, and Rhydian came out, wearing a khaki jacket, his straggling blonde hair looking unkempt and down to his shoulders. 'Introducing his opponent, from Llanfair PG, Wales, Rhydian Morris.' Rhydian raised his right pinky, and got right in Claude's face, baring his teeth.

'I beat you, I want your belt.' 'You're not going to beat me. So deal.' Eventually, they were separated to start their duel.

Ssangyong Open Quarter-Finals: Rhydian Morris LP:4000 vs. Claude Duane LP:4000

Turn 1: Claude: 'I'm starting. I set a monster in Defence mode. Next I'll activate Double Summon, so I can also bring out my Jurrac Dino (Atk:1700). I end my turn.'

Rhydian: 'I draw. I summon Worm Xex (Atk:1800). When this is out, I can send Worm Yagan to my graveyard. But I can revive it face-down through it's ability, as I control Xex. Time for Xex to melt your monster.' Xex spat out a clump of acid, which attached to Claude's monster (UFO Turtle Def.:1200), causing it to explode in a small ring of fire.

'If UFO Turtle's destroyed, another Fire monster comes out of the fire. Meet Jurrac Aeolo (Atk:100).' 'I'll end my turn with three face-downs.'

Claude: 'I draw. I activate Ultra Evolution Pill to tribute my Aeolo, so I can now summon Dinosaurs of any Level. I summon Super-Ancient Dinobeast (Atk:2700). Next I activate Rush Recklessly, powering up Dino until the End phase (Atk:1700-2400). Dinobeast, destroy Worm Xex.'

'I activate my face-down W Nebula Meteorite.' What's that?' 'Just like history, a Meteorite's going to wipe out the Dinosaurs. First of all, all Reptiles switch to face-up Defence mode (Worm Yagan Def.:1800, Xex Def.:1000). When Yagan flips face-up, it's ability sends your Dinobeast back to your hand.'

'Not a problem. Because Dino can still stamp all over your Xex.' 'Yeah, and when you do that, I can just activate Negate Attack.' 'I end my turn with a face-down.' 'Now the other effect of Nebula Meteorite allows me to summon a Level 7 Reptile. I summon Worm Victory (Atk:0).'

'It's useless.' 'Really? This might change your mind – for each Reptile in my graveyard, it gains 500 Attack points.' 'Bad news.' 'Right.' 'There is no monsters in your graveyard'

Rhydian: 'I draw. I activate my face-down Inverse Universe to switch Victory's Attack and Defence points (Atk/Def.:0/2500 – 2500/0).' 'Sweet move.' 'Gets better. I have a game-changer right in my hand. This is your only opportunity – I want my love back. I want Maddy.'

'Maddy's going nowhere – only I deserve her, not you. Besides, you're bluffing.' 'You'd like to think so. The game-changer is called Snake Rain. It dumps four Reptiles in my graveyard. And four Reptiles equals 2000 Attack points (Atk:2500-4500).' 'Are you done?' 'Not at all. I switch Worm Xex to Attack mode (Atk:1800), and attack with Worm Victory.'

Victory picked up Xex with one of it's arms, and flung it into space (Claude LP 4000-1300). 'Xex, put him out of his misery.' Xex slammed Claude with it's tentacles, until he was on the floor (Claude LP:1300-0).

As the dust settled, Rhydian smiled and raised his pinky. He then looked down at Claude, and stamped on his head once, before being interviewed by Marc.

'Rhydian, that was an impressive first victory in the WDC against a formidable opponent.' 'I'm not here for a holiday. I promised everyone back home that I'd rescue Maddy from what she's caught up in. And if beating her is what it takes, that's what I'll do. Because I love her and I've seen what they are doing to her.'

'Like what?' 'They're torturing her – experiments, water torture, I'm surprised she's not got a load of bruises and cuts on her face like Sara earlier. So I'm here to rescue her and if that means allying with some bitches, that's what I'll do.' Rhydian then left, leaving Marc shocked.

Back in the box

Rhydian's words had put Maddy in a bad mood. 'I mean, he thinks he's got problems? I've got a creep and a pompous git fighting over me. I mean Claude's cool and all, but I am not interested, nobody gets that, I'm just fed-up of never being able to make my own decisions, and my life is just such a clusterfuck'

Hannah then walked over to her daughter. 'Maddy, just calm down, ok? Listen to me. I will have a word with Claude when we're in England. I will personally talk to him and make it clear that you're not interested. As for Rhydian, he is officially an enemy of the club, he won't be a threat for long. We'll protect you where we have to, until you're ready. We work as a team, all of us.'

As Claude came back, the mood was frosty toward him. Eventually, Blair spoke up. 'I hope you know that you're a colossal idiot.' 'In what way?' 'Well you completely messed up the job, got completely destroyed again, and even worse, you could easily have won if only you'd summoned Jurrac Titano. You could have wiped him out in one turn.'

Claude then puffed his cheeks out. 'Yeah, I lost. Who cares.' 'I care.' The argument was then interrupted by Rio. 'Hey Blair, you got an email from that dating website. You've got a match.' 'Thanks. When is it?' 'Wednesday, 7pm, !nk Bar in Sunderland.' 'Cheers Rio.' 'If you ask me, she's a real looker.'

Blair then giggled and walked off, as Claude nodded silently, clearly plotting something. Meanwhile, Rio was just getting a pink jacket on, and Akiza was having a word with Hannah.

'Hannah, we need to speak.' 'About what?' 'As the club's only trained doctor, I feel it right to point out that it is unsafe to duel while pregnant.' 'As much as I appreciate the concern Akiza, we need all the money we can get. I don't really want to do this either, but I have little choice. Because it's not just moving into our own place, it's being able to afford to keep it.'

'We can hep.' 'It's not your job. It's my fault for losing to Astrid. We missed out on a lot of money because of that.' 'You should still enjoy duelling.' 'Akiza, I haven't enjoyed that for a long time. I want to take a break from it all, but I can't at the moment. I need as much money as I can lay my hands on.' Rio then went to look for Blair, while Akiza prepared her deck for her semi-final duel.

First out were Rio and Blair again, with Blair smiling this time, her ponytail tied tight to the back of her head. As they walked down, Rio grabbed a microphone. 'Hey boss, we've worked really hard since last time. So I can't wait to see who you've got lined up this time.'

Don Pope then appeared, falling backwards into the duel arena, Freja stood over him. She then signalled to the gate, and Lydia ran out, before they ran down with their titles.

'You two again?' 'We weren't asked to duel you again.' 'Yeah, but like, we wanted to. 'Cause we know how hard you girls worked.' 'We're just not putting our titles up because we don't have permission.' Rio then responded. 'We don't want your titles. You earned those. Now let's begin.'

Lydia and Freja Mckinna LP:4000 vs. Blair Flanagan and Rio Kastle LP:4000

Turn 1: Blair: 'I'll start. I play a monster face-down and end my turn with a face-down.'

Freja: 'I draw. I'll summon Arcana Force VI – The Chariot (Atk:1700). Now we decide it's ability.' Freja then tossed her coin, and it landed swiftly. 'Heads. Now destroy her monster.' Chariot shot a yellow liquid out of it's cannons, which coated Blair's monster (Gem-Elephant Def.:1900).

'During damage calculation, I can use Gem-Elephant's ability to boost it's Defence by a full 1000 points. I just have to ditch a Normal monster from my hand. So long Amber (Def.:1900-2900, Lydia and Freja LP:4000-2800). 'I'll play a face-down and end my turn.'

Rio: 'Let's do this. I summon Blizzard Falcon (Atk:1500). Blair, any chance of borrowing your Elephant.' 'What's mine is yours.' 'I activate Gift of the Martyr. With this, I can tribute Gem-Elephant to gift it's Attack points away to Falcon (Atk:1500-1900).'

'It's 400 points.' 'You're forgetting about Falcon's ability. Get ready to be smashed for 1500 more points.' 'I activate Damage Translation. It allows me to halve the damage (Lydia and Freja LP:2800-2050). 'Blizzard Falcon, destroy Chariot.' 'And as Rio does that, I activate my face-down Mind Crush. Now I declare a card name, and if you have it in your hand, you discard it. Just to mine-sweep, I'm going to guess you have Honest in your hand.'

Freja then discarded two copies of Honest, and Blizzard Falcon ripped through the Chariot (Lydia and Freja LP:2050-1850). 'I end my turn with a face-down (Atk:1900-1500).'

Lydia: 'We're far from done. I draw. I activate Machine Angel Ritual. This enables me to send Freya, Spirit of Victory and Athena to my graveyard and summon Cyber Angel Dakini (Atk:2700).'

'I don't like that one B.' 'When Dakini is Ritual summoned, you have to send a monster on your field to the graveyard. Of course, there is only one.' B.' 'Effect Veiler, activate. Discarding her negates the ability of Dakini.'

'Very good. How do you deal with Dakini attacking though?' Dakini drove her multiple swords straight through Blizzard Falcon, destroying it (Rio and Blair LP:4000-2800). 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Blair: 'I draw. I summon Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus (Atk:1800). When he's summoned, I can take Amber Mammoth and place it as a Crystal. But with Crystal Promise, my Mammoth is released from it's crystallised prison (Atk:1700).' 'What are you doing with those two?' 'I activate Crystal Armour. Now until the end of our next turn, no Crystal Beasts can be destroyed by battle. I end my turn.'

Freja: 'All that? I draw. Dakini can't destroy Amber Mammoth, but she can still attack.' Dakini swung and hammered down onto the Mammoth, which was protected by some Amber emerging (Blair and Rio LP:2800-1900). 'I'll end my turn thanks.'

Rio: 'Let's go! I summon Flyfang (Atk:!600). I now control a Fish and Blair has a Winged Beast. And you're going to see Sirenorca singing because of that (Atk:2200). When she's singing, all other monsters on our field have to join in, which makes all their Levels 5.'

'I now overlay Level 5 Sirenorca and Sapphire Pegasus to build the overlay network and Xyz summon Ice Princess Zereort (Atk:2500).' 'So what? We can block any attack.' 'Yeah, Blair thought you could.' 'So you connect as well?' 'I recognised the look on her face. So now I overlay the other 3 monsters on the field to Xyz summon Chaos Number 103 – Ragnafinity (Atk:2800).'

'You can do that?' 'Yeah. And she's still kinda powerful. Zereort, I activate your ability, to detach an Xyz material and freeze Dakini's Attack points solid. And if I detach a material from Ragnafinity as well, then I can send all the Attack points Dakini just lost straight back to you as damage.'

Zereort rose above everyone, and one blinding flash later, Dakini was encased in a block of ice (Dakini Atk:0). Ragnafinity then absorbed the frozen air around Dakini into her twin-headed lance, before spinning it, releasing a purple light which covered Lydia and Freja (Lydia and Freja LP:1850-0).

After the end of the duel, the four girls met in the middle of the duelling zone, and slapped hands with each other. As Rio turned around, Blair was suddenly ambushed by a pulse of crimson light, blowing her backwards and onto her back. As Blair ran towards it though, the figure vanished.

Back in the box

Blair was being checked on by Akiza and Rio after the incident. 'So you're ok?' 'Sore eye aside, feel good. And judging by the look in your eyes Rio, I'm guessing that's one of your fellow Barians, am I right?' Rio silently nodded.

'His name is Mizar. You may have met him before. They say he is the one true Dragon tamer.' 'Who is they exactly?' 'Anyone who's ever duelled him.' 'Have you?' 'No – the Barian Emperors don't generally duel each other. The only ones I've duelled are my brother and Alito. I've never beaten either one.'

'Mizar isn't someone to mess with. He's another level of confidence - a very proud duellist.' 'Is Pride his weakness?' 'It can be. He does not accept challenges unless he sees the challenge as sufficient.'

Just as she said that, Mizar, Nash, Alito, and two other Barians were all out together, with Reginald getting ready to address everyone. 'We are here to quash the Renegade Revolution. And to get my sister back.'

Phil's music then hit, and he walked out, on his own. 'Look, here I am, all alone. You're not going to stop our revolution, not now not ever. So try if you want.' 'We won't just try, we will succeed.'

Phil then walked up to Mizar, and got right in his face. 'I hear from Rio that you will only accept a challenge from those you declare worthy.' 'Indeed.' 'I'll make a challenge then. In Vilnius in 5 days' time, I challenge any single one of you 6. I will take on any of you. My only clause is I get an answer in the next 5 minutes.'

Nash then stepped forward. 'I hold you and your wife personally responsible for what's happening to my sister, and therefore for this entire war. I accept your challenge.' The rest of the Barians then backed off, leaving Phil and Reginald to lock eyes, before the Barians all warped out simultaneously.

20 minutes later

After Phil and Nash's confrontation, Maddy and Akiza were preparing for their duel. As they reached the duelling zone, Maddy smiled. 'What's so funny?' 'Been waiting to face someone decent.' 'I'm more than decent, I'm the one who's going to stop you.' 'Try it!'

Ssangyong Open Semi-Final 1: Akiza Izinski LP:4000 vs. Maddy Smith LP:4000

Turn 1: Akiza: 'I draw. I'll plant Phoenixian Seed on the field (Atk:800). But now I'll uproot it to make room for Phoenixian Cluster Amaryllis (Atk:2200). I end my turn with a face-down.'

Maddy: 'Over to me. Sweet draw. I'll discard a Beast to summon out Egotistical Ape (Atk:1200).' 'So are you going to increase or decrease?' 'Neither – my Ape's ability is optional. I'll also activate Stumbling, so any monster summoned is immediately switched to Defence mode. Next I summon Blade Rabbit (Atk:400-Def.:300).'

'Why are you doing that? Unless you have United We Stand.' 'Nope. I do have Blade Rabbit's ability. When it's switched to Defence mode, I can destroy a monster on your field.'

Blade Rabbit took the blade from it's mouth, and threw it like a dart, destroying Amaryllis. 'When Amaryllis is destroyed, you get burned for 800 points.' Flaming petals battered Maddy, reducing her points (Maddy LP:4000-3200).

'That's fine. Now I'll tune Level 5 Egotistical Ape and Level 2 Blade Rabbit to summon the monster quick as a bolt which will leave you stung! I summon out Voltic Bicorn (Def.:2000). 'I end my turn with a face-down.' 'During the End phase, I can revive my Amaryllis. All I have to do is banish a Plant, like Phoenixian Seed (Def.:0).'

Akiza: 'I draw. I summon Twilight Rose Knight (Atk:1000-Def.1000). That allows me to summon Lord Poison (Def.:1000). I tune Level 3 Rose Knight with Level 4 Lord Poison. I am the Black Rose and I summon my Black Rose Dragon (Def.:1000).'

'Yeah, I kinda expected that.' 'In which case you'd have expected this – I activate my Dragon's other ability. By banishing Lord Poison from my graveyard, I can force Bicorn into Attack mode and make it's Attack 0 until the End phase (Bicorn Atk:2500-0).

As Akiza wound up to attack, Maddy just looked on, mumbling to herself. 'Right, this is gonna hurt.' 'Phoenixian Cluster Amaryllis, attack her directly.' Cluster Amaryllis shot flaming petals into Voltic Bicorn, which reared up before being destroyed (Maddy LP:3200-1000).

'When Cluster Amaryllis attacks, she's destroyed.' 'Voltic Bicorn also has an ability. When you destroy him, we both send 7 cards from the top of our decks to our graveyard.' 'Why would you want me to get Plants in my graveyard?' 'Are you done yet?' I end my turn. When I do, I can banish Wall of Ivy from my graveyard to re-summon my Amaryllis. And you take 800 damage.'

'When you do, I can banish Damage Eater from my graveyard and reverse the effect. So now Cluster Amaryllis is increasing my Life points by 800 (Maddy LP:1000-1800).' 'You're a tough cookie.'

Maddy: 'Well you could say that appearances are deceptive. I draw. I activate One for One, to discard a card and summon Key Mouse (Atk:100). Next I summon Bicorn Re'em (Atk:1400). Level 1 Key Mouse is now tuning Level 4 Bicorn Re'em, to summon out Thunder Unicorn (Def.;1800).'

'I'm waiting to see this cleverness.' 'Bicorn Re'em was used in the Synchro summon, so now you lose two cards from your deck. I end my turn with two face-downs.' 'Is that all?' 'What about it?'

Akiza: 'Just thought you might do more, that's all. I draw. I know you're doing the best you can, but I have more than that. I switch Black Rose Dragon to Attack mode (Atk:2400), and use it's ability to banish Lonefire Blossom and switch Thunder Unicorn to Attack mode, with no Attack points (Atk:2200-0). I also switch Cluster Amaryllis to Attack mode (Atk:2200).'

'Black Rose Dragon, attack with Rose Retaliation.' 'You triggered my face-down Ancient Grudge. When a monster of mine is destroyed in battle, all Battle damage is negated.' After Akiza's mighty Dragon had whipped Thunder Unicorn, Maddy and Akiza were caught in a deadly black light as the ground shook.

'Maddy, what's going on!' 'This is the other effect of Ancient Grudge. Now we both lose half our Life points! And then I can summon a monster whose Attack points are less than the total amount we lost (Maddy LP:1800-900, Akiza LP:4000-2000). Now come back, Voltic Bicorn (Def.:2000).'

'Cluster Amaryllis, destroy Bicorn.' As Bicorn bit the dust again along with Amaryllis, both of them discarded another 7 cards from their decks. 'Now I activate Pot of Greed, to draw 2 cards. I end my turn with a face-down (Amaryllis Def.:0, Maddy LP:900-100).'

Maddy: 'I draw.' 'You only have 100 Life points.' '100? 99 more than I need innit? Your deck's looking a little empty.' 'Could say the same about yours.' 'I'll activate 5 Card Salute to draw a new hand. That includes Emergency Provisions to get rid of Stumbling and gain 1000 Life points (Maddy LP:100-1100).'

'So what.' 'Actually it's kinda bad for you, because I also have Ayers Rock Sunrise. This allows me to revive Voltic Bicorn (Atk:2500).' 'Too late.' 'Is it? I activate the Trap card Localised Tornado!' Akiza laughed at this. 'Seriously? That's wha...' The Washington native then realised Maddy's plan. 'You… you've been playing me for a fool this entire duel.'

'See, smarter than I look. With this, I can return all the cards in my graveyard and hand to my deck. You have the advantage in Life points, but it's not the only way to win.' 'You wouldn't – you care too much.' 'You really want to risk it? For now, I'll destroy your Cluster Amaryllis.'

'But that's suicidal – she'll revive and you'll lose 800 Life points.' 'I don't care. Destroy Cluster Amaryllis.' As Bicorn charged, Akiza smiled slightly. 'You don't change one bit Maddy. You're too aggressive though.' 'I'll just end my turn now.' 'And I'll banish another Phoenixian Seed to revive Cluster Amaryllis. And now you get burned again (Maddy LP:1100-300).

Akiza: 'I draw. And I end my turn with a face-down.' 'Does that mean you have no more Plants in your graveyard? Oh well.'

Maddy: 'I draw. Because my Life points have dropped below 1000, 5 Card Salute's effect can be used again. And I just drew Guardian Eatos. It's Level 8, but if I have no monsters in my graveyard, I can summon it with no tribute (Atk:2500). Next I activate the Equip card Spirit Burner, equipping it to Eatos. Eatos, slice up Cluster Amaryllis.'

Eatos picked up her staff, and hit Cluster with it, destroying it. 'Now Bicorn, let's destroy Black Rose Dragon with Ampage Arrow.' As Voltic Bicorn charged, it picked up electricity, before soaring through the air like a static arrow, zapping the dragon in front of it and Akiza in the process.

As Akiza stopped to get her breath, the young wolfblood showed no mercy. 'I now activate the ability of Guardian Eatos. By sending Spirit Burner to my graveyard, I can banish up to three monsters from your graveyard and Eatos gains 500 Attack for each until the End phase.'

Maddy then got to see Akiza's graveyard. 'So you were luring me in eh? Or is it that you were worried I was going to make sure Bicorn was destroyed? That's it isn't it – you're too scared to duel. I'll banish your Cluster Amaryllis, Evil Thorn, and Black Rose Dragon, before ending my turn with a face-down.'

Akiza: 'I draw. I summon Evil Thorn (Atk:100). If I tribute Evil Thorn, you take 300 damage. Then I can summon another one to replace it.' 'Like I didn't see that coming. I activate Damage Polariser. Now not only am I protected, we both draw a card. And you're running low.'

'I'll just end my turn with a face-down.'

Maddy: 'Sorry, but no mercy. During the Standby phase, I can add Spirit Burner to my hand instead of drawing. Eatos, end the duel.' 'I'll survive thanks to the A/D Changer you forced me to send to my graveyard switching Eatos to Defence mode (Def.:2000).' 'Yeah, and now you're going to be attacked by Voltic Bicorn.'

'I know, but due to my Thorn being in Defence mode, you're doing no damage.' 'I know, but you have no monsters again. I end my turn.'

Akiza: 'I draw. I play a monster face-down and activate The Dark Door. Now you can only attack once this turn.'

Maddy: 'I draw. I tribute Guardian Eatos so I can Advance summon the Spirit monster Ghost Wolf (Atk:1700).' 'When did you put that in?' Maddy said nothing, flashing her eyes instead. 'Now I equip it with Spirit Burner. Bicorn attack.' As Bicorn charged again, Akiza looked on, with no way out (Wall of Ivy Def.:1200), destroying it.

'I end my turn. During the End phase, Ghost Wolf returns to my hand.' 'So you gained nothing then.' 'You'd like to think so. But when Spirit Burner is in my graveyard because the equipped monster returned to my hand, I can deal 600 damage. 600 points you can't afford.'

Ghostly flames surrounded Akiza, and then erupted, as she screamed out in pain, hair flying in the updraft (Akiza LP:2000-1400).

Akiza: 'I draw. I have to attack – I summon Lonefire Blossom (Atk:500). By tributing her, I can summon any Plant from my deck. Like Sylvan Sagequoia (Atk:2600). Next I activate it's ability to excavate the top card of my deck. If it's a Plant, it goes to my graveyard. I draw.'

'So?' 'It was a Plant – Dark Verger. So that goes to my graveyard. And because a Plant went to my graveyard through a card effect, I can summon another Sagequoia from my hand (Atk:2600). I now overlay my two Level 7 monsters to build the overlay network and Xyz summon Orea, the Sylvan High Arbiter (Atk:2800).'

'Orea's ability. By detaching an Xyz material, I can look at the top 3 cards of my deck. I send all Plants seen to my graveyard and send an equal amount of monsters back to your hand.' Akiza then drew her cards, and sent two monsters to her graveyard. 'With that, I can get rid of your Bicorn without decking out.'

'Now Orea, attack her directly.' 'That's not happening. Not with Ghost Wolf. If I send it from my hand to my graveyard, I can negate your attack and summon a Level 4 Beast from my deck. I summon Hypnocorn (Atk:1400).' 'I end my turn.'

Maddy: 'I'll finish you off this turn. I activate 5 Card Salute's effect again, to draw 5 cards.' 5 Card Salute then vanished from the field. '5 Card Salute gets destroyed if I use it's effect 3 times. But now I can summon Egotistical Ape by discarding Level 4 Des Kangaroo (Atk:1200, Level:5-1). I now tune Level 1 Egotistical Ape and Level 4 Hypnocorn to Synchro summon Thunder Unicorn (Atk:2200).'

'My Life points are high enough to survive.' 'They are at the moment. First, Thunder Unicorn can paralyse your monster, disposing of 500 Attack points (Atk:2800-2300). Now I'll finish you off with Wild Nature's Release. This gives Thunder Unicorn attack equal to it's Defence points (Atk:2200-4000).'

'Maddy, let's just talk about this' 'No talking. Thunder Unicorn, attack with Supercharger Bolt!' Thunder Unicorn's bolt horn doubled in size, and it impaled Orea, as Akiza got shocked by the static from the attack (Akiza LP:1400-0).

End of chapter 37

Next time: Maddy and Jaden face off in the final, Blair and Claude's relationship deteriorates further, and belle arrives at HQ in The Renegade Revolution Chapter 39: For whom the Belle tolls