The Renegade Revolution

Chapter 54: Rivers of Jade, Part 1

'So why are we going to Idaho in the middle of the night?' 'It's not going to be the middle of the night – it'll be early evening. So we can get a good night's sleep before we get going.' 'A good night's sleep in a hotel?' Maddy sneered. 'You must be joking. We've been in one decent hotel so far, and that was in Australia.'

'Well as I mentioned, we're not staying in a hotel.' 'Well we are, because your house ain't going to be big enough for all of us.' 'Try telling me that when you've seen it.'

WDC World Tour: Idaho

Project Ego II (Kris Travis and Radley) vs. Shapesisters (Lydia and Freja McKinna)

Wild-Card Warriors: Blair Flannigan vs. Brogan Myers

Phil Robinson vs. Da Brooks Kid

WDC Young-Gun Championship Gauntlet: (c) Spica vs. Maddy Robinson-Cummings vs. Kris Travis vs. Kari Tsukumo vs. Eagle Adams vs. Justin Pipe vs. David Marshall vs. Astrid Hofferson

WDC Championship (There must be a winner): (c) Rhydian Morris vs. Jaden Yuki

As the plane touched down in Twin Falls, a woman in her mid 20s with light brown hair and a friendly smile awaited. Blair ran off the plane to greet her. 'Hey Alex, sorry we're late.' 'What took you so long?' 'The plane was being refuelled, but the fuel tanker started leaking so we had to wait a bit.'

'And where is Ally?' Blair then went back to the plane, and carried Ally out on her shoulders. 'How's she been?' 'No trouble at all for once.' 'Do you have any idea how she even got the tickets?'

'Apparently America's new bit on the side gave her some money and told her to move to Newcastle and never come back.' 'She told you this?' 'She did. I've told her not to take money from strangers and never get on a plane without one of us two.'

Ally then jumped over to Alex. 'I went swimming in a big river!' 'What's this Blair?' 'We went to the beach and I let her play on the edge of the water. She was being observed by me and Rio at all times. I let her have a little bit of freedom since she was behaving.'

'Auntie Blair said I can go back to England if I do well at school.' 'No Ally, I said you might be able to if you do well at school. You've got to behave yourself at home as well though.'

A huge man, almost 7 foot tall with no hair and stubble then walked up behind Alex, touching her shoulder. 'Oh Blair, I need to introduce you. This is Matthew, we have recently gotten engaged.'

He then offered his massive hand out to Blair. 'I've heard a lot about you from your sister here. It's an absolute pleasure to meet you.' 'Erm you too.' Blair then quickly backed away. 'Sorry about Blair, she's a little anti-social.' 'It's ok, I understand that, I used to be like that too. And from what you say she's been through a lot in life.'

Hannah then came up to Alex. 'Hi, I'm Hannah, Ally's been staying with us.' 'Are you related to Blair?' 'I'm her cousin's fiancée. And I know Blair very well. I just wanted to thank you for agreeing to Phil's idea.' 'He convinced me that she'd be ok there for a couple more days. Sorry everything's been so inconvenient for you.'

'It's ok, we managed around her. She's a sweet girl, and if you don't mind me saying, you've done a great job raising her.' 'I couldn't have done it without Blair. You know, she's worked so hard for that girl, I just wish that I could do something back for her. She's been through so much, I just worry sometimes that she's forgotten how to truly enjoy herself because of that pressure. She might look like she's smiling'

'But inside she's not. We are working on that, I promise. There's nothing I'd like to see more than Blair being truly happy. She's not an easy person to connect with on an emotional level, but I'm trying for her.' 'Thank you. Just tell me when you find something.' 'I will do.'

As Ally and Alex left, Rio gave Hannah a sat-nav, and they began to drive to the Kastle residence. While they were driving, everyone began to speculate what kind of property they were going to.

'So Rio, can you tell us anything about your "residence" other than where it is?' 'Nope. It's meant to be a surprise.' 'I bet it's on a council estate.' Lydia didn't seem too impressed by the idea. 'If she owns half of it, it's bound to be at least 4 bedrooms probably. I bet it's some sort of idyllic farmhouse.'

'When did you start using the word idyllic?' 'When you started wearing your hair up away from your new best friend.' 'Who?' 'Duh – Blair.' 'We don't even like each other that much.' 'Yeah?' 'She's ok, really – I was simply making sure one of our best duellists is in good mental condition.'

'You know, if you like her you could just admit it.' 'She's alright I guess. And having an ex-hairdresser can be useful if you're feeling lazy or having a bad hair day.' 'You're both all the time.' 'Thanks – I thought we were friends.' 'We are – I'm only kidding.' 'Better had be. Because soon, I'm going to have a shiny title to go with yours.'

Soon enough, Rio suddenly said something. 'Left here.' As they turned the corner, massive palatial gardens came into view. 'I didn't know we were going to a garden centre.' 'This isn't a garden centre – it's the garden for our residence.' Soon enough, the house itself was there.

Standing tall and proud, an ice-blue exterior shimmering in the sunlight revealing a myriad of rooms, the mansion stretching back into the undergrowth. As they got out, Blair put her sunglasses on. 'I knew you had money Rio, but you could have told us that your parents won the Powerball jackpot.'

'This house has been in our family for several generations. It's nice.' 'Not kidding it's nice. It's amazing.' 'Don't forget, I only own half of it.' 'Can we go in the other half?' 'If Reginald's not here, there's nobody to stop us. Probably best to only use the bedrooms in the correct half though just in case he turns up in the middle of the night and decides to be human again.'

After everyone had decided on their rooms, Rio made a suggestion to Blair. 'Blair.' 'Yes?' 'Just a thought, but how do you fancy a night out tonight?' 'Sure. Where you thinking of taking me?' 'Just around. Show you the sights, maybe go out for a couple of drinks.'

'In other words, you want to go out because you wanna get drunk.' 'I guess so, yeah. You coming?' 'Ok. I guess it can't do any harm. How about we get going soon though? I'm kinda tired and want an early night.'

'You ok? You sound… I dunno, kinda subdued.' 'I'm fine. Just suffering from a touch of jet-lag. Schedule's far from easy. I'll be fine. Let's get going.' And with that, the two girls dumped their bags and left for the shopping district.

In the shopping district

After having several cocktails between them, Rio and Blair were getting bored. 'You drunk yet B?' 'Nope. You?' 'Still feel sober. Twin Falls has changed a bit – used to be able to get strong drinks here.'

'I thought you knew all the best bits – if I wanted shops and weak ass alcohol I'd have just stayed home.' Rio then had a sudden brainwave. 'There's somewhere I want to show you.' 'Somewhere interesting?' 'Yeah.' 'Let's go then on this weird ass tour of yours.'

Several minutes later, they were stood in front of a cracked neon sign, which seemed to be making Blair quite nervous. 'Rio.' 'Yeah?' 'It's a strip club. Why have you brought me to a strip club?'

'It's not just a strip club.' 'Let me guess – does it moonlight as a pub?' 'No, but it's a lesbian strip club.' 'I thought you said the last person to come out as lesbian round here was chased out with burning torches.'

'This is the safe area – where people can go to get their fix of HLA.' 'HLA?' Rio then downed her latest drink. 'Hot Lesbian Action!' 'Not a chance.' 'We're here now aren't we? Besides, they do proper drinks here.' 'Like they did at the last 6 places we went to?'

'If Pedro wasn't in charge here still, the sign would have been fixed.' 'The place is run by a man?' 'Yeah, why not?' 'Some pervert?' 'He's actually happily married with 3 grown-up children. He started off working for his brother here, but took over about 15 years ago. Now are we going in or not?'

Blair looked like she was about to leave, but then but a black headband on. 'One condition.' 'Sure.' 'When I say we leave, we leave. No protests, no dragging your feet, and no trying to get me a night with a hooker.' 'Got it.' 'You ready then?' 'Nope.' 'Me neither, let's go in.'

As they walked in, they realised that the sign's condition reflected the insides. A smoky former blues club with long, thin corridors. As they turned for the third time, they encountered a bouncer on the door.

'The toll to come in is $9.' 'How much for a seat at the front?' 'You are an eager one.' 'Blair' Rio whispered, clearly ill at ease. 'What are you doing?' Blair responded in the same hushed voice. 'If we're here, we might as well see the action.' The bouncer then responded.

'It's free for the front row if you can get a seat. Warning though – we're expecting our regular patrons tonight, and they don't like having their view spoilt. So I suggest you girls be very polite and very careful.' Blair then handed over a $10 bill before Rio could get to her money. 'You can keep the change.' 'You've mastered the politeness certainly. But I'm afraid I cannot take the change.' 'Call it a tip then.' 'Certainly.' After signing the tip register, Rio and Blair entered.

The main hall was much brighter lit, with women in little more than lingerie parading themselves and dancing. As Rio and Blair sat down, the show started to really get ramped up, with a Mexican woman in tight jeans and a loose vest doing the intros.

'All you single ladies out there looking for the perfect woman, this is your chance. Your chance to see your demand list. Is it big breasts you want? Or maybe rainbow hair is more your thing. Perhaps it's even those gorgeous hips. Whatever you want, this is your place to decide.'

'For all those of you who don't know the rules, there are only dos: no touching the exhibits and no sex indoors – save it for the mean streets. Now let the show begin!' Two women, one wearing a purple robe and turban, the other wearing blue body-paint and a bikini, danced down.

As they came down, Blair started looking, getting lost in the flesh and the oiled bodies. She was then woken up by Rio nudging her. 'So, was I right or was I right?' 'Yeah, you were right.' An announcement was then made by the latina.

'Ladies, this is the moment you have all been waiting for. Prepare to meet the one whose skin remains untouched by any dirty, despicable males. Ladies, please welcome our hottest current act, the Jade Emerald.'

An asian-looking woman then sashed down, wearing two green breast plates and mini-shorts, swinging around two pieces of green cloth, three pieces of gold-painted metal covering her crotch. As she came down, Blair was truly in her element.

Suddenly Ms. Emerald started coming down towards Blair, and danced in front of her, throwing the cloth onto her. Staring at each other, the attraction was clear as night. Suddenly, Jade spun around, and bent backwards, her leg going over her head.

She then caught eyes with Rio, and there was a spark of a different kind immediately. Jade tried to continue her performance, but shortly afterwards, took a bow and ran off backstage. Blair then noticed Rio was shaken.

'Rio, you look like you saw a ghost.' 'That's Jade. I swear it is.' 'Yeah, I mean did you not hear the announcer' Blair giggled. But Rio wasn't seeing the funny side. 'No. I need to get some air.' 'I'll come with you – we can speak privately then.'

As the girls headed outside, Rio took a deep breath. 'Right, tell me what's going on.' 'Do you remember me telling you about a girl I knew when I was younger, we were besties.' 'Yeah, I know you said she was of Iranian descent.'

'That was her.' 'I thought you said she was dead. Yeah, I remember now – you told me she died age 10 in a horrific car crash.' 'I thought she had. But I swear that was her. I'm not kidding Blair, I saw her eyes, I recognise her.'

The back door then slammed shut, and Jade, now wearing a t-shirt and slacks, saw them, and immediately stormed up. 'Hey thanks for getting me fired.' 'Jade' 'What?' She then looked at Rio again.

'Riana, is that you? Riana Kastle.' 'That's me. You're Jade Goocheneyad aren't you?' 'God I hate that fucking surname. Small world isn't it?' Rio then laughed, fighting back tears. 'Yeah, especially when I'm told that you're dead.'

'Huh? Which idiot told you that?' 'Reginald did… he told me you'd been in a terrible car crash.' 'My parents never had a driving license.' 'Didn't they? But I remember you being in a car' 'That was a family friend. My Dad's blind and my mother has no spacial awareness.'

The two girls then hugged. 'So what brings you to a lesbian bar?' 'It was for my friend. Jade, this is Blair – she's the best lesbian mechanic you'll ever meet.' Blair then kicked Rio in the shin. 'Was that necessary?' 'Two things. Number 1, I worked as a hairdresser not a mechanic, and 2, I'm Bisexual. Why is that so tricky to remember?'

Jade then came on to Blair. 'Well aren't you the hottest young thing around? Starting here, I never thought I'd actually find someone who looks nice and has a brain. If you want Mensa, you're in the wrong place here. Most of the patrons are off their face before they get here.'

'So you been working here long?' '8 months. Sad really – I'm 26 and that's the longest I've ever held onto a job. So, are you single?' 'Wouldn't be here if I wasn't.' 'You got a pen?' 'Yeah.' Rio then looked up at the 6ft+ world number 1. 'You nerd – you brought a pen out on a pub crawl?'

'No, I used a pen on the plane here because I was writing down that review for Phil earlier.' 'As I say, nerd.' Jade then wrote down her phone number on a scrap of paper. 'Always carry a scrap with me just in case I find the one. And I don't see two of you.'

'Is that your best chat-up line?' 'Nope, but this is.' Jade then hung off of Blair's neck and kissed her on the lips, before swinging back onto her feet, and running away, leaving Blair speechless. 'Someone likes you.' Still no speech, so Rio just turned to leave. Blair continued to stare into the darkness.

The next morning

At breakfast, Blair was still staring into space, grabbing the attention of Phil. 'Hello.' As Blair didn't respond, Phil poked her, and she rocked, but still stared. Eventually he pulled her hair, making her shoot around. 'That hurt!' 'What you staring at?' 'None of your business. Sorry, you just gave me a surprise, that's all.'

'So I hear you two went on the lash last night.' 'On the what?' Maddy then clued her in. 'On the lash – it's slang for getting piss drunk.' 'I would have used the words punch drunk, but that works just as well.'

'Oh yeah, wasn't worth it really – all weak-ass stuff. You got any lager?' 'Sure, it's in my' Before Maddy could finish the sentence, Blair had grabbed a can from the Geordie's bag and downed half of it in one shot. 'That's alcohol.' 'Must be bad if cheap lager's better.'

Hannah then signalled for Rio to come over. As she did and sat down, there was important questions to ask. 'Rio, what's up with Blair?' 'What do you mean?' 'What I mean is she spent over 20 minutes staring at the same spot on the wall and she's having lager for breakfast. It isn't even 10am yet and she's already downed pretty much an entire can.'

'Our night didn't end with the disappointing alcohol – we went to a lesbian strip club last thing.' 'Rio, I thought you were staying out of trouble.' 'I know, I just wanted to do something which would cheer her up after everything with Claude and Ally and talking about her depression. I just wanted something which would give her some entertainment.'

'And?' 'We met a girl I knew at school, we were this close. My brother told me she'd died in a car crash when I was 6. We found each other at the strip club, she was working there, and she's really got the hots for Blair.'

'Did they… did they kiss?' 'Yeah. Blair claimed it was one sided, but it so wasn't. She just can't get Jade out of her head I don't think. My plan seems to have completely backfired. And she kicked me in the shin – I've got a massive bruise there now.'

'If Blair's going to be like that tomorrow, I don't want her duelling against me. I wanted to face the real Blair, not some dopey idiot who can't stop thinking of another girl.' 'Give her until tomorrow morning, ok? I'm just asking for 24 hours – I'll figure something out.' 'Weren't you planning on challenging the Barians today as well?' 'Yeah, I'll look after that one.' Rio then returned to her table to continue eating.

'You think she'll work that out?' 'Rio's clever. Much more clever than everyone thinks.' 'Phil, promise me you'll have a talk with Blair.' 'See how Rio gets on first eh?' After breakfast, everyone got going to the Taco Bell Arena in Boise.

Everyone seemed impressed as they arrived. 'It's good to see a proper arena. Not had too many of those this season.' 'It's the home of Boise State University's amateur wrestling team. It's also the closest venue we're competing in this season to sea level – less than 3000 feet above.'

Hannah seemed to like this. 'Can smell the sea breeze from here. Can't believe how fresh it is.' Rio then turned around, wearing a white sleeveless shirt with green trim and a formal pink ribbon tied in a bow on the front, along with a full-length green skirt and white sandals.

'Someone's been making an effort today.' 'Why not? I quite like it.' 'I do as well.' 'Thanks Freja. As a thank you, you can be first to taste my Huckleberry Pie.' Rio then produced a container containing 12 slices of pie.

'Didn't know you could bake.' 'What – you didn't think Reginald could cook did you? Seriously, Blair's better than him.' 'Thanks.' 'Not a compliment. Took me long enough to think of someone worse at cooking than you.'

After they entered the arena, the show started with Kris and Radley walking down to the duelling zone, apparently getting on now. Radley was wearing a grey vest with the slogan "Touched once, never let go" on it, while Kris was wearing a navy blue tracksuit. As they arrived at the duelling zone, Kris made a gun signal with his left hand, while Radley mocked the Renegades salute.

Lydia and Freja then came out to a great reaction, both wearing Renegades shirts and running down to the duelling zone, while Maddy watched on. As Lydia and Freja reached the duelling zone, Maddy took a microphone.

'Hey Radley, you don't look too happy to see me.' 'Happy? They might not see through you but I do. You're a disgusting, vindictive little she-bitch. A savvy she-bitch, but a she-bitch anyway.'

'If you knew anything about biology, you'd already know that all "bitches" are female. A bitch is a female dog. And I ain't any dog.' Kris then tapped Radley on the shoulder. 'What?' 'I came here to duel, not to get in an argument. Arguing doesn't make money.' Radley then activated his duel disk, but quickly noticed that there was no sign of Lydia and Freja's disks.

'Come on, let's start already.' Kris then lay his duel disk on the ground, and stamped viciously on it, making Radley turn around. After Radley started ranting at Kris, the "Saviour of Misbehaviour" had taken all he could, and when Radley turned his back, picked up a piece of the duel disk, and slammed his partner in the back of the head with it.

As the crowd watched on stunned, Kris started raining down punches to Radley, before taking off his tracksuit to reveal a Renegades shirt underneath it. Maddy then walked down, and Kris shook her hand, before Kris lifted him up. Maddy teased spearing the Muscle Beach duellist, but instead backed off, and Kris released Radley, allowing Freja to come flying in with a horrendous-looking knee to his eye socket, before Lydia dropped her fist onto it. The four of them then posed, and Kris ripped Radley's vest off of him before leaving.

While the crowd tried to get to grips with what happened, Kris arrived in the box, and started shaking hands. Hannah then came up to him. 'I'd like to welcome you to the club. When we get back to England, Maddy will take you through the full registration process.'

'I thought I'd fully registered already.' 'We just need to get you registered on the system, because we've got a very hi-tech entry system to our HQ. You need a registered ID card or 9 letter passcode to open the door.'

'Cool.' Rio then turned around from making more pie. 'Hi Kris.' 'Hey Rio, what's cooking?' 'Huckleberry Pie. There'll be some warm pie in around 40 minutes, otherwise there should be some cooler pieces around still unless Phil's eaten it all by now.'

As Kris went searching, the big screens showed Radley storming into MGA's office, with a bandage over his left eye. 'Radley, should you not be receiving treatment?' 'Screw treatment, did you just see that out there?'

'Radley, I'm our commissioner, not your personal counsellor.' 'I want Kris' place in the gauntlet.' 'It just so happens that Kris informed me this morning he wasn't competing. He cited an arm injury, but I'm dubious as to the legitimacy of that. So yes, you can. Let's see – Kris was entering at Number 4, so that's where you can enter.'

'How about cutting me some slack, you know, with my eye.' 'If you want to take Kris' place, you can take his number as well. If not, I know a lot of people who will happily take that.' 'It's a deal.'

As he left, Maddy came storming in, hair up and wearing sunglasses. 'Maddy, what can I do you with?' 'I'm top contender – I shouldn't be having to go through 7 other idiots.' 'I told you that you were a contender. I didn't say you were the only one.'

'I'll tell you what this is, it's one massive conspiracy – you don't want us doing what we do. You don't want us taking over this company title by title, duel by duel, city by city, because you fear us. You fear the Renegades. Just admit it man.'

'Just draw your number and stop moaning. Otherwise I'll strip you of your spot.' 'If you even try and do that, you'll end up in court.' Maddy then drew her number. 'Should still be 1-1.' She was then interrupted by Kari walking in.

'Oh look here, if it isn't a Renegade. You must really enjoy messing up other people's lives. It makes me sick. After what your lot did to my brother, I'm going to make it my personal mission to destroy each and every one of you, until you're all gone.'

'I'll tell you this once only. I don't know anything about your stinkin' brother. But I do know something about you – you're an interfering busybody who I'd love to get my teeth into. So if you survive long enough in the gauntlet, beware – there's an angry wolf after ya.' 'Well it's a good job I'm not scared of wolves.'

Back in the box, Blair was just reloading her deck for the next duel, when Phil walked up to her. 'Message from Hannah – destroy the wild-card. Destroy here and drag her in here.' 'Why?' 'I'm just passing a message on.' 'Fine.'

First out was Brogan, with her sister accompanying her. 'The following is a Wild-Card Warriors duel. Introducing first, accompanied by Jessica Myers, from Salt Lake City, Utah, Brogan Myers.'

Brogan hadn't even reached the duelling zone when Blair started to come out, on her own for once. 'Introducing her opponent, representing the Renegades, from Shelby, Michigan, she is the Rough Diamond – Blair Flannigan.'

Blair walked down, but was still seemingly distracted as the crowd chanted for her. When she got to the duelling zone, Brogan nudged her sister in the arm, and they laughed. 'Let's duel.' Blair then straightened her jacket out. 'Yeah, let's.'

Wild-Card Warriors: Blair Flannigan LP:4000 vs. Brogan Myers LP:4000

Turn 1: Brogan: 'I'll start. I summon Cloudian – Sheep Cloud (Atk:0). I end my turn with a face-down.'

Blair: 'Why do I have to do this? Fine – I draw. I summon Gem-Knight Garnet (Atk:1950). Attack that Sheep Cloud with Flaming Iron Fist.' 'I activate Spirit Barrier. Now as long as I have a monster, I take no damage.' Garnet slammed it's fist straight through the Cloud, leaving a crater in the ground.

'When Summon Cloud is destroyed, I get a gift in return – two Cloudian Tokens (Atk:0)x2.' 'They won't help you. I end my turn with two face-downs.'

Brogan: 'I draw. I activate Big Wave Small Wave. Here's how it works: because I have a Water-attribute on my field, I can destroy every monster on my field. Then I get a new Water monster for every monster I destroyed. I summon Cloudian – Poison Cloud and Cloudian – Eye of the Typhoon (Poison Cloud Def.:1000, Eye of the Typhoon Atk:3000)'

'Next I tribute Poison Cloud to summon Cloudian – Nimbusman (Atk:1000). When I tribute summon Nimbusman, it gains a Fog Counter for every monster I tributed. Each fog counter equals 500 points (Atk:1000-1500). Eye of the Typhoon, attack Garnet.'

'When Eye of the Typhoon attacks, your monster switches battle modes (Def.:0).' 'I activate Dark Spirit of the Silent. This negates your attack, and forces your other monster to attack Garnet instead.' Nimbusman took a deep breath, and spat out a gust of wind, blowing Garnet off of the field. 'I end my turn with another face-down.'

Blair: 'I draw. It's about time I took you down. I activate Monster Reborn, to revive Garnet (Atk:1950). Now I'll use my Ancient Rules spell, to call out Gem-Knight Crystal (Atk:2450). I also summon Gem-Knight Lazuli (Atk:100). Now I activate my face-down Particle Fusion. This requires me to have Fusion material monsters on my field. I fuse together Crystal, Lazuli, and Garnet, to call upon Gem-Knight Master Diamond (Atk:2900-3200).'

'Now I use the other effect of Particle Fusion. I can banish it to target a Gem-Knight from my graveyard, and Master Diamond gains it's Attack strength. I choose Crystal (Atk:3200-5650). Destroy with Diamond Cutter.' Shards of diamond were ejected from the shoulder armour of Master Diamond, crushing Nimbusman and Brogan's chances (Brogan LP:4000-0).

After the duel, Blair raised her fist. Brogan then put a metal sleeve on her arm. 'Sorry, but I'm being paid to take you out here.' The Utah girl charged, but Blair simply shoved her, making Brogan fall backwards onto her sister, knocking her sister out.

As Brogan checked on her, Blair chopped the back of her neck, making Brogan crumple to the ground. Blair then picked them both up. 'You'll regret trying to ambush me.' Hannah then came down and brought the two girls back to the base.

Shortly after Blair left, the screens cut to an incident backstage. Rio and Blair were arguing with Nash and Mizar, who were holding their belts. 'You think it's funny to tell a 6 year old that their best friend died? Huh?' 'We had to focus on our future' 'No, you had to focus on me not becoming too independent. But you're jealous now because I'm better than you.'

'Come on now, you know that isn't true. You aren't better than me Marin' 'My name is Rio not Marin.' 'You are not better than me.' 'Why don't you prove it then? Duel me right now. 1-1. And to sweeten the deal, we get a title shot if I win.' 'Duel here?' 'Here, outside, at home, in the Snake River, I don't care. Or are you scared of losing to your lil' sister?'

Nash then went to get his deck, before Mizar stopped him. 'Nash, let's not be too hasty.' 'Mizar, she's never beaten me and no amount of management will change that.' Mizar then understood, and the champions left.

Shortly afterwards, MGA came on the screens. 'Rio Kastle has no right to be demanding a title shot from anybody. However, if she wishes to test herself against a far superior opponent, I will grant her wish. They will duel later, and should Rio win, she and Blair will earn a title shot.'

For the next duel, Phil came out, without Hannah. As he strolled down, a subsection of the crowd started doing the terminator clap. 'The following is a 1-1 duel. Introducing first, from the M18 District of Manchester, England, Phil Robinson.' As Phil arrived at the duelling zone, he looked around, and then raised his fist.

Brooks then came out to new music (Wildflower by Ghostface Killah). 'Introducing his opponent, from The Bowery, Da Brooks Kid.' Brooks started antagonising the crowd on the way down. When he eventually entered the duelling zone, he got right in Phil's face, and Phil slapped him down to the floor. Brooks then activated his duel disk and started the duel.

Da Brooks Kid LP:4000 vs. Phil Robinson LP:4000

Turn 1: Phil: 'I draw. I play a monster face-down and end my turn.'

Brooks: 'Yeah, check out my combos man. I draw. I activate Graceful Charity, to draw 3 and discard 2. That triggers the ability of Silva, Warlord of Dark World, summoning it out (Atk:2300). Next I'll summon Trance Archfiend (Atk:1500). By discarding a Fiend, he gains 500 big ones (Atk:1500-2000).'

'As an addition, since he was discarded, I can summon Lucent, Netherlord of Dark World (Atk:2400). Trance Archfiend, attack.' The archfiend fired a small bolt of lightning at Phil's monster, to no effect (Comoron Def.:300).

'Comoron is a special monster with a number of abilities. Just one of them is that it cannot be destroyed by battle when it's the only card I control.' 'That stinks man. I end my turn.'

Phil: 'Let's get this over with. I draw. I activate Power Bond. With this, I fuse together two Cyber Dragons to summon Cyber Twin Dragon (Atk:2800). And Power Bond's effect doubles it's Attack points don't you know (Atk:2800-5600). Cyber Twin Dragon, give Trance Archfiend a roasting with Double Strident Blast.'

The two heads of the Dragon razed the field, and turned Trance Archfiend into a pile of dust (Brooks LP:4000-400). 'Cyber Twin Dragon can attack twice. So say goodbye to Silva.' The second attack blazed the same path, before lunging up into Silva, destroying it (Brooks LP:400-0).

After the duel, Phil stood on Brooks and made the salute. He then picked the Powerplay member up, and threw him out of the duelling zone. 'Get out of my duelling zone.' After saying this, he stayed around for a couple of minutes, before leaving.

In the box, Rio was waiting for her duel, with Kris there with her. 'Nervous?' 'Always. Especially in front of people I know – my cousin and grandparents are in the crowd, as well as friends from school.'

Kris then passed her a small box. 'What's that?' 'Gum. I find it relieves tension, makes you duel better.' 'Cheers.' After Rio put it in her mouth, she looked round, and Blair was just stood there, holding Rio's duel disk. 'Cheers.' 'You go out there and shut his mouth for the both of us.'

Nash and Mizar came out first, surprisingly popular with the fans. As they walked down, titles in hand, Nash didn't look in the slightest bit concerned despite struggling against Rio in their previous duel.

The moment Rio's music (Cold Fire by Rush) hit, the crowd absolutely erupted, and the local announcer had a special surprise. 'Introducing his opponent, from Twin Falls, Idaho, the hero of our state and a member of the Renegades state, the better Kastle sibling and the Ice Maiden – Rio Kastle.'

After several minutes of chanting, Rio made an appearance, and with a massive smile on her face, raised her fist before running around the duel arena slapping hands with everyone on the front two rows. Having lapped the arena, she got her breath again, and threw her cap into the crowd. Nash then activated his duel disk, but Mizar came up and whispered something to him.

Nash responded by de-activating his duel disk, and running off. 'Where's that coward going! I want to beat him!' 'You will never beat him Marin, nor will you beat me. I will provide more than enough competition.' 'He's such a coward!' Rio then activated her duel disk. 'Well if I can't beat him, I'll have to take it out on you instead.'

Rio Kastle LP:4000 vs. Mizar LP:4000

Turn 1: Mizar: 'I will take the first turn. I activate the Spell card Photon Sanctuary. In exchange for being unable to summon none-Light monsters this turn, I am allowed to summon two Photon Tokens (Def.:0)x2. But now I will tribute them both so I can summon the monster more savage than a supernova. The cataclysmic force of 10 black holes! I summon Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon (Atk:3000).'

Rio said nothing for once. 'I'm aware that you are familiar with my Dragon. Therefore I will produce something which you are not familiar with. I activate Galaxy Expedition. This is a special card which can be activated only when I control a Level 5 or above Photon or Galaxy monster, and allows me to call upon Galaxy Tyranno (Atk:2000). They will be joined by a third monster – Galaxy Wizard (Atk:0).'

'As Galaxy Wizard is on the field, it's ability allows it to double in Level (Level:4-8). I overlay Level 8 Galaxy Wizard and Galaxy Tyranno to build the overlay network, and Xyz summon Number 62: Galaxy-Eyes Prime Photon Dragon (Atk:4000). I end my turn with a face-down. I will make you regret your words Marin.'

Rio: 'I'll make you understand. I draw.' After placing the card back in her hand, she worked out a move. 'I'll activate Hand Destruction. By discarding three cards, I get the same amount back from my deck. Now I can summon Blizzard Falcon (Atk:1500).' 'I'm not concerned about your Falcon's ability.'

'I know, I'm not using her ability. What I'm doing is activating the Spell card Mirror of Ice.' 'What does that do?' 'Try attacking to find out. I end my turn with four face-downs.'

Mizar: 'A cautious move. I draw. I will summon my Lord of Dragons (Atk:1200). As long as he is on my field, you cannot target my Dragons with card effects. Prime Photon Dragon, attack.'

'I activate my face-down Mirror Mail. By equipping this to Falcon, she gains your monster's Attack during damage calculation (Atk:1500-4000).' 'And now you're using your ability.' 'Nope.' Mizar, confused, continued. 'I'll use Prime Photon Dragon's ability. During damage calculation, I can detach a material to give it more Attack points equal to the combined Attack of all Xyz monsters on the field x 200 (Atk:4000-5600).'

'I activate my second face-down Slip of Fortune. So Blizzard Falcon's disappearing into the future. She'll be back during my next End phase.' 'But Mirror of Ice is destroyed.' 'It is. And when it is, I can draw a card. If it's a Water monster, I can deal you with damage equal to it's Level x 300.'

Rio then drew another card. 'Hope you don't get cold easily – it's Guard Penguin, which is Level 4.' The iced-up glass then rose back onto the field, and showed a reflection of Guard Penguin, before firing off a blizzard at Mizar, who stood firm (Mizar LP:4000-2800).

'You'll have to do far better than that. I lay a new face-down and end my turn right there.'

Rio: 'I draw. I summon Blizzard Thunderbird (Atk:1600). Thunderbird, attack his Lord of Dragons with Thunder Shock Attack.' 'I activate my Magic Cylinder. Not only do I negate your attack, but I also deal you damage equal to your monster's Attack.' 'When I'd be about to take damage, Guard Penguin jumps out of my hand to protect me.'

As the Cylinder's blast thundered towards Rio, her Penguin flew out and opened up an umbrella, blocking the offence (Def.:1800).' 'An interesting move indeed.' 'It's about to get even more interesting. I activate my face-down Double or Nothing! Because my attack was negated, I can attack you again, and Thunderbird has double the power now (Atk:1600-3200).'

The thunderbird soared into the air, before launching a fierce fizzing blast of static from it's staff, dethroning the Lord. 'I activate Galactic Protection. If a monster I control is destroyed while I control a Galaxy-Eyes Xyz monster, I can reduce the battle damage to 0.'

'That's fine by me. I end my turn.' 'I still don't see what you wanted to show me.' 'Believe me, you will do.' The steely look in Rio's eyes seemed to stir something inside Mizar, who came out of his Barian form with a blinding pink light.

Mizar: 'I draw. I'll attack with Prime Photon Dragon.' 'And I'll activate Nightmare Wheel. So now your Dragon can't attack, and it can't change it's battle position.' As his dragon was crippled, Mizar started to look concerned. 'You have a good teacher do you not?'

'I didn't need Phil to teach me that. You walked straight into it.' 'Well you won't counter this move. I can rebuild the overlay network with Rank 8 Galaxy-Eyes Prime Photon Dragon. Rank-up Xyz Evolution! I have a whole host of other Dragons waiting to get their claws into you. I Xyz summon Galaxy-Eyes Full Armour Photon Dragon (Atk:4000).'

Rio barely reacted to this development. This was making Mizar grow more and more concerned. 'Would it kill you to look scared?' 'Why should I when I saw that move coming?' The dragon tamer reacted in stunned disbelief to this. 'You can't have done.'

'What, so you were going to let yourself take 500 damage each turn? That's not you Mizar.' 'Fine – this face-down should put the wind up you.'

Rio: 'I draw. I activate Graceful Charity. You know how it works by now.' She then looked at her hand. 'Sweet. I send these two cards to the graveyard and activate the Trap card Fool's Mind.' 'You can activate that from your hand?' 'Yes, because I just discarded two Trap cards. Now I can take five Traps from my graveyard, and that's where the fun begins. You have to pick two cards from the five, and you get to see them before they go to the graveyard.'

'And the other three?' 'Go face-down in whatever order I choose. I'm not allowed to trigger them this turn though. And before you think you got away with that, I'm fully aware you'll try and take out my monsters next turn.' Rio then added the five Trap cards to her hand (Shockwave, Nightmare Wheel, Mirror Mail, Fake Trap, Slip of Fortune)

'How unusual – a game of chance in a duel so important.' He then started considering internally. ('She will have chosen her Wheel first, that's why she used the card. Her Mirror Mail could also be a threat. But where is it? Might she have it at the end? Or is it hidden within? No, she isn't that crafty. The other Traps will likely have moderate usage.')

He then snapped back. 'I choose the Traps on each end.' Rio then revealed the cards – Shockwave and Slip of Fortune. This alarmed Mizar. ('But… that's impossible. She's outsmarted me. I may have to use my contingency plan earlier than I thought.')

'The other three Traps go face-down, refilling my back row. I end my turn.'

Back in the box

Phil and Blair were highly impressed with what they were seeing. 'She's got Mizar tied up like a pretzel.' 'I've never seen Rio duel like this before. This is absolutely not what I've been teaching her. And yet she's got Mizar in a Catch 22.'

Kris seemed confused by this comment. 'Translation anyone?' Hannah explained it to him. 'Mizar's in a no-win situation. If he tries to attack, he's in danger of losing one of his best monsters and an entire duel's hard work to Mirror Mail. And if he doesn't attack, there's the risk of Rio bringing out Zereort and putting his monster on ice. And then there's Nightmare Wheel, and the unknown of her other face-down.'

'Did you see what that was?' 'No, but I suspect it's some form of protection for her backrow. That is the key of the entire duel now – can Mizar clear her backrow. If he can, she'll have one turn to protect herself. If he can't, he's in a complete jam.'

Mizar: 'I draw. I activate the Heavy Storm. This will destroy every Spell and Trap on your field.' 'I activate my face-down.' 'What?' 'It's Fake Trap. When any backrow cards of mine would be destroyed, Fake Trap protects all the other ones.'

A goblin then jumped out with a scroll which had the word "Trap" on it, leaving the storm to only hit it, the scroll acting as a windshield. 'How does it feel being powerless, having to go in a direction that you don't want to? Having no choice but to follow the "path of destiny"?'

Mizar was about to respond when her words suddenly sent alarm bells ringing in his head. ('I… I understand her now. She's been so wrapped up in doing her Barian duty and following what he thought was correct that she failed to be who she could be. She's not disobedient, she's furthering herself.')

He then stared her down. 'Judging by the look on your face, you're starting to get it.' 'Indeed. I'll attack you with Full Armor Photon Dragon. Armed Stream of Destruction.' 'I activate my face-down Mirror Mail. This allows Thunderbird to equal your monster's points (Atk:1600-4000).'

'Just as I expected. I activate the Trap Tyrant Wing. This gives my monster 400 more points and the ability to attack twice (Atk:4000-4400).' Thunderbird was holding it's own against Full-Armour Photon Dragon until the dragon sprouted two glowing wings, allowing it to push through (Rio LP:4000-3600).

'Destroy her Guard Penguin now.' Mizar was expecting something, but left disappointed as Rio watched Guard Penguin be annihilated. 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Rio: 'I draw. I activate my face-down Hidden Spellbook. It lets me retrieve two Spells from my graveyard. I'll put one into action now – it's the Spell card Graceful Charity. So I draw 3 and discard 2. Next I activate another face-down. This one's called Powerful Rebirth, and it revives a Level 4 or below monster with an extra Level. Come back Blizzard Falcon (Atk:1500-1600, Level:4-5).'

'I'll stop your Falcon's ability with my own Nightmare Wheel. I hate to resort to such primitiveness, but I'll do it to beat you.' 'Not a problem. I summon Defender of the Ice Barrier (Atk:200). I tune Level 3 Defender of the Ice Barrier with Level 5 Blizzard Falcon!'

'Synchro? This is not at all what I expected.' 'Maybe this will teach you your lesson – never underestimate me. I Synchro summon Graydle Dragon (Atk:3000).' '3000 Attack – it clearly is not enough.'

'I know. Not to take out your Dragon that is. But the ability of Graydle activates. Because I Synchro summoned with two materials, I can destroy two cards of yours. I choose your face-down and your Dragon.'

'Not after I activate Dragon Lord's Command. This card negates your effect, and now your monster is forced into Defence mode, which it may not emerge from (Def.:2000).' 'I end my turn with a face-down.' Rio's thinking was becoming clearer now. ('If I can just hold him off until I draw Renegades Unite in my hand, I can summon Ragnar and remove anything he tries to stop me with. He has tricks up his sleeve, but his monsters can't last forever, an Extra deck is only so big.')

Mizar: 'I draw. I'm going to attack with my Dragon. Armed Stream of Destruction.' Full-Armour Photon Dragon blasted Graydle Dragon with a cosmic stream, making it go up in smoke. 'When Graydle Dragon is destroyed, I can summon a Water monster from my graveyard. I choose Guard Penguin (Def.:1800). I end my turn.'

Rio: 'I draw. I'll play a monster face-down and end my turn.'

Mizar: 'I draw. I'll activate Fairy Meteor Crush. So when my Dragon attacks your defending monster, you'll take all the excess damage. Destroy her monster!' Mizar's mighty Dragon loaded up a blast, and then brought all the firepower raining down onto Rio's monster (Aurora Wing Def.:1600), the attack piercing straight through and blasting Rio directly, knocking her to the ground (Rio LP:3600-1200).

As she gingerly stood up, scratched and bruised, she smiled. 'How can you smile at a time like this? I've depleted over half your points and your only monster.' 'Because I'm still in it. When Aurora Wing is destroyed, she rises from the ashes anew (Atk:1200).'

'I don't think I quite understand – you have two useless monsters on the field. I will end my turn there.'

Rio: 'Deck don't fail me now.' A mysterious red aura then surrounded her. 'What could this be? I don't believe I've ever seen this before.' 'You said Barian World wants me back? Well Barian World can take… a… DIVE! Renegades Chaos Draw!'

She then looked at the card and nodded. 'I activate my face-down Distortion Crystal, and then overlay my two Level 4 monsters to build the overlay network, and Xyz summon Ice Beast Zerofyne (Atk:2000).'

'Now for my Crystal. What it does is take all Attack modifiers which affect an opponent's monster, and double them. So I can activate the Zero Blade spell. This scythe grants Zerofyne a second attack this turn. Additionally, your monster loses 1000 Attack points. But with Distortion Crystal'

'2000' A burst of ice-blue light emerged from underneath Full-Armor Photon Dragon, and froze part of it's body (Atk:4000-2000). 'Now we're even. And my Zerofyne's ability will put the frozen icing on the cake. Perfect Freeze.' Zerofyne released her own ability, which left the dragon practically snowed under (Zerofyne Atk:2000-2600).

'Ice Beast Zerofyne, destroy that Dragon with Icicle Storm.' As the beast summoned icicles from the sky, they pelted the dragon and Mizar himself (Mizar LP:2800-2200). 'I survived. After all your' He then stopped, looking at Zero Blade. 'I… can't survive another attack.'

Rio was in no mood to go easy. 'Zerofyne, you know what to do. Zero Scythe.' She coated the scythe in ice, and swung it straight through Mizar, who said nothing (Mizar LP:2200-0).

As the dust settled, Blair ran out to hug an exhausted-looking Rio. The ice princess then went over to Mizar, who got up. 'You beat me. You beat me fair and square. I will no longer strive to return you to Barian World – I see the error of our ways. We can continue our quest without your power. You have grown as a result of your decisions. Until we meet again.'

Mizar then teleported away in a pink light, leaving Blair and Rio to celebrate. The interviewer then came over, but had to wait nearly 10 minutes due to the crowd noise. 'Ladies and Gentlemen, Rio Kastle. A momentous win in front of your home state. I know you're exhausted, I'll keep it short and sweet, what a performance though.'

'Yeah… thanks. Went in with a plan, used it, won. Mizar's never easy.' 'After this win, what's next for you?' 'WDC Tag-Team Championships I guess. We had an agreement, I'm sure that Michael will honour that agreement.' 'Ladies and Gentlemen, you may well be looking at your next champions. Show her some Idahoan love, Rio Kastle!'

As the crowd continued to chant, Rio hugged her family members in the crowd, before leaving into the backstage area. As she returned, Kris slapped hands with her. 'That was a duel.' 'Not kidding. Feels like I've been 12 with Mike Tyson.' 'You look it – congrats kid.' 'Cheers. Where's Phil?'

'I've absolutely no idea – he was here a few minutes ago.' Phil then returned to the box. 'Doesn't look like it ended too well judging by the state of you.' 'What – you didn't even watch?' 'I'll watch it on catch-up – I had a bit of business to attend to.'

Rio was furious at this. 'You're always pushing us to duel better, do this better, do that better. And my best performance yet, the one time I absolutely aced it, you didn't even stay for the end?'

'Rio, if you're going to let rip, let's talk privately so I have a chance to explain first please.' 'Hope you've got a good one.' As they left the room, Kris looked around. 'Man she's intense.' Hannah then tried to explain. 'Rio's very strong willed. Almost stubborn. She knows how good she is and secretly, I think she feels pressure because of her brother.' Blair then interjected. 'Kris, I'll explain in the back.'

In the back room

'So what's going on with her?' 'Rio's spent her entire life pretty much with just Reginald for company. She's had a ton of health issues, and because of that, she's always been compared in a negative light to her brother. He's always put on the act of being the strong older-brother figure, and Rio's always been seen as a vulnerable little girl.'

'Sounds harsh.' 'And now she's doing something for herself, she's still under pressure. Everyone always used to know her as "Reginald's sister". Not herself. She didn't have an identity and nobody cared to ask. Even now she can't escape his shadow.'

'She gets frustrated because of that. She's under pressure every duel to stand out from everybody else. But even now everyone focuses on me instead. It's a terrible situation because the person who needs the attention can't get it, and the person who doesn't want it can't get away. That duel was amazing from her.'

'And nobody's going to be talking about it in a month's time.' 'When Phil took her under his wing, it was like the first time anyone had ever paid any attention to her. Someone was actually interested in how Rio was duelling. And because he didn't see the end of the duel, it feels like she's just unimportant again, a face in the crowd.' Blair left the room as Kris considered those words.

10 minutes later

Maddy was just looking through her deck before the gauntlet started, when Kris appeared next to her. 'How you doing?' Gave me a shock there.' 'Sorry man. Bet you're nervous.' 'A lil'. It's not like I've had a proper title shot yet.' 'You won the tag titles.' 'Yeah, because mam was suspended. This is my chance to do something for myself.'

'What number did you draw?' '7. Was expecting an earlier number honestly.' 'If you need me to do a number on Radley, let me know.' 'Thanks, we'll see.' The gauntlet then started as the champion walked out to the duelling zone.

'The following is an 8 duellist gauntlet and is for the WDC Young-Gun Championship. Introducing first, from Barian World, she is your WDC Young-Gun Champion, Spica.' As the newest Barian picked up her duel disk and handed over her title, her opponent came down to the same music as his tag partner.

'Introducing her opponent, representing Birchall's Army, from the Bronx, David Marshall.' The chisel-jawed David ran down, and immediately activated his own duel disk to start the duel.

WDC Young-Gun Championship Gauntlet Round 1: (c) Spica LP:4000 vs. David Marshall LP:4000

Turn 1: David: 'I'll start. I activate the Field spell card The Gates of Dark World.' Two large imposing gates immediately erupted from the ground and sat behind David. 'All Fiends which appear on the field here gain 300 Attack and Defence points. I'll invite out Scarr, Scout of Dark World to demonstrate (Atk:500-800).'

'An impressive move.' 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Spica: 'I draw. I activate Undead Command. This enables me to Normal summon a Level 5 Zombie monster from my hand by discarding a weaker monster. So I'll be welcoming out Shadow Vampire (Atk:2000). When he's Normal summoned, he brings out another Vampire from my hand or deck. In exchange, only that monster can attack this turn. I choose my Vampire Lord (Atk:2000).'

'Now my two vampires, combine and form the overlay network! The whole world's nightmare is just beginning as I summon Crimson Knight Vampire Bram (Atk:2500). And he's just dying to show Scarr a taste of his power. But not before I use the effect of my Vampire Bat. I can reveal this critter in my hand to look at your face-down. Then I can either force you to activate it or send it back to your hand. Fly my bat, find his secrets.'

The revealed Bat flew onto the field, and showed Spica David's face-down using sonar – Gift Card. 'I see, you were hoping to draw Bad Reaction to Simochi. Well I'll activate that thanks (Spica LP:4000-6000). Bram, give him a taste of your blade. Shadow Steel.' The Knight effortlessly cut through Scarr, leaving Spica's advantage significant (David LP:4000-2300). 'I'll end my turn with that.'

Back in the box

Kris and Maddy were watching the duel unfold. 'That was careless from David.' 'Suspiciously so.' Kris was surprised at this comment. 'How do you mean?' 'Think about it – he just so happened to only play one face-down which happened to be Gift Card, and then Spica just happens to have Vampire Bat in her hand. And if you were in this situation, wouldn't you be getting concerned?'

'I guess, yeah.' 'Either David has nerves of steel' 'Or he's corrupt. And what else do they have in common?' 'Birchall.' 'I'll bet you 1000 bucks that Birchall organised all of this. They're getting Spica in the best shape possible.' '7 duels is a long way to go.' 'Much easier with five figures and a packed front row.'

Back in the duelling zone

David: 'I draw. I summon Zure, Knight of Dark World (Atk:1800-2100). I end my turn with another face-down.'

Spica: 'I draw. I activate the ability of Vampire Bat again. By revealing it, I can look at your face-down.' This time, the sonar revealed The Gift of Greed. 'I'll activate Gift of Greed, so now I have to draw 2 cards.' 'Good – all is going to my plan.'

'Was having Zure destroyed part of the plan? Attack Bram.' As Zure got sliced up (David LP:2300-1900). 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

David: 'I draw. I summon The Bistro Butcher (Atk:1800-2100). Next I activate Unstable Evolution. As my Life points are lower than yours, my monster's Original Attack becomes 2400 (Atk:2100-2400-2700). Next I'll activate Dark World Dealings, so we both draw a card and discard one.'

'I just discarded Lucent, Netherlord of Dark World. When I do that, he can be summoned.' 'Not if I counter you using Vampire Domination.' 'A Counter Trap?' 'Yes, a Counter Trap which negates Lucent's ability. Then, I gain Life points equal to it's Attack (Spica LP:6000-8400).'

'I can still attack with Bistro Butcher.' 'You certainly can. But I can just banish Necro Gardna from my graveyard to negate that. Think – if you hadn't activated Dark World Dealings, I wouldn't have been able to get rid of Necro Gardna.' 'I end my turn with a face-down. I'll still get you.'

Spica: 'I draw. I think it's about time I wrap this up – I summon Tristan, Knight of the Underworld (Atk:1800). When I do, I can add a Zombie with 0 Defence to my hand from my graveyard. And because Tristan is on the field, I can summon that monster – Isolde, Belle of the Underworld (Atk:1000).'

'Isolde, work your magic to make yourself and Tristan both Level 8 (Level:4-8)x2. I overlay my two Level 8 monsters to build the overlay network and summon out the deadly Number 22 – Zombiestein (Atk:4500).'

'Zombiestein, destroy his Bistro Butcher. Shadow Claw.' The behemoth raised it's rotting hand, and clawed straight down the butcher, defeating David (David LP:1900-0).

As David left, the next duellist wasted no time storming in. 'Introducing the third duellist, from California, this is Eagle Adams.' Eagle rushed down, and activated her duel disk before Spica had a chance to catch her breath.

WDC Young-Gun Championship Gauntlet: Spica LP:8400 vs. Eagle Adams LP:4000

Turn 1: Eagle: 'I draw. I activate the Field Spell card Naturia Forest.' A large forest then rose around both duellists, obscuring them partially from view. 'Next I'll activate Dark Hole. This destroys every monster on the field. Which is no issue for me.'

'Zombiestein stops it being an issue for me either. By detaching an Xyz material, it can negate your effect and switch itself to Defence mode (Def.:1000).' 'I summon Naturia Fruitfly (Atk:800).' 'You're hoping to beat me with a fly?' Spica then smiled, until she realised that Eagle was plotting.

'Fruitfly makes all none-Naturias lose 300 Attack and Defence points for every none-Naturia monster on my field (Zombiestein Atk/Def.:4500/1000 – 4200/700, Bram Atk/Def.:2500/0-2200/0. I activate Fruitfly's other ability now. When you have a monster without Attack or Defence on the field, I can take control of it. Pheremonial Dance.'

Fruitfly released a sticky sweet liquid which drew Spica's Crimson Knight away to Eagle's field. 'Give that back.' 'You get your monster back when my turn is done. For now though, Fruitfly's attacking your big bad Number.' The Defence-positioned monster was unable to survive a barrage of various berries being dropped like bombs, leaving Spica's field empty.

'Now feel the blade of betrayal as your own monster attacks your points directly.' Bram released a shadowy aura from his sword, which floated into Spica. 'Argh!' Spica screamed, as her points dropped (Spica LP:8400-5900). After dealing over ¼ damage in one turn, Eagle's confidence clearly grew.

'Now you know what I told you about getting your monster back?' 'Yes?' 'Well I'm activating Vengeful Servant. So you get a nasty surprise when it returns. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Bram then returned to Spica's field, and shadows erupted from his sword, which appeared to punch Spica in the face (Spica LP:5900-3400). 'What the hell?' 'Vengeful Servant can only be equipped to a monster I control which you own. When it returned to you, you took it's Attack points as damage. But for your cheating, I would have defeated you by now.'

'Cheating?' 'Yes, cheating. You know exactly what I'm talking about – you just happened to uncover Gift Card, and he just so happened to play that face-down on it's own. Even David's not that stupid. Not to mention him leaving himself open for attacks every turn.'

Spica: 'You won't get away with your accusations. I draw. I'll equip Bram with the Demon Sword equip spell.' This spell traded Bram's normal sword in for a longer one with pink glowing eyes on it. 'Thanks to this Demon Sword, when a monster of yours is destroyed, you lose points equal to it's Attack or Defence, whichever is higher. Attack her Fruitfly.'

'I activate my face-down The One to be Protected. No prizes who inspired this move. I hate to admit it, but Renegades get some things right. I can discard a monster with higher Attack to protect Fruitfly. Then I lose points equal to the discarded monster's points. I'll discard Naturia Marron with 1000 Attack.'

As the Demon Blade lurked, the spirit of Naturia Marron blocked the strike, but red lightning crackled through Eagle's body, with her putting a brave face on it (Eagle LP:4000-3000). 'Idiot. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Eagle: 'I draw.' Eagle looked at the card, and then continued the pressure. 'Don't forget about Fruitfly's ability.' 'I hadn't. The moment you use it's ability, that'll be my cue to kick off.' 'I need more cards. I activate Life Cycle. This lets me flip the top card of my deck. If it's a monster, I can banish it and draw cards equal to it's Level. If it isn't, I send it to my graveyard. The only catch is I'm not allowed to Special summon this turn now.'

Eagle then flipped the card. 'It's a Level 4 monster – Naturia Guardioak. So I'll banish it and cycle four cards. I'll take my chances and use the ability of Fruitfly next. Now I'll tribute Bram to Advance summon Naturia Bamboo Shoot (Atk:2000).'

Back in the box

Phil was testing his charges. 'Rio, analysis of that move from Eagle.' 'It might look really dumb as you need to tribute a Naturia monster to gain the ability of Bamboo Shoot. However it was actually very smart as she couldn't have beaten Spica with just Bamboo Shoot this turn, and Bram would return at the End phase. She's playing the long game just in case Spica's face-down is actually something to block attacks or just a diversion. Playing this way, Spica has no monsters on the field, and a single card in her hand.'

Phil seemed pleased at this. 'Someone's been doing their research.' 'I've seen her duel before. If Spica survives this turn, she needs a miracle still.'

Back in the duel

'I'm switching Firefly to Defence mode (Def.:1500). Bamboo Shoot, attack Spica directly.' Shoots of grass shot up from underneath the Barian, and started to smack her around, leaving her dazed (Spica LP:3400-1400).

As Spica got her bearings, Eagle quickly continued. 'Now I activate Ectoplasma.' 'You wouldn't.' 'I end my turn.'

In the box

Blair seemed to finally understand Eagle's tactics. 'I think she's trying to psych Spica out. She could have reduced Spica to 400 points right there, but then would have been a little more vulnerable to counter-attacking. Now Spica has to find a monster with more than 2100 Attack points just to get rid of Fruitfly. She's playing medium-risk, attacking while having cover.'

In the duel

Spica: 'I draw. I activate Premature Burial. I know it costs me 800 points (Spica LP:1400-600), but it summons back my old friend, the Vampire Lord (Atk:2000-1400). Now for his party trick – he's handing it over to the big bad Vampire Genesis (Atk:3000-2400).'

'Vampire Genesis, rid me of that pesky fly. Bloodstorm.' Genesis fired particles of blood off which melted the fly (Genesis Atk:2400-3000). 'Not Fruitfly.' 'I end my turn.'

Eagle: 'I draw. I summon Naturia Butterfly (Atk:500). And because it's in my graveyard, I can send the top card of my deck to the graveyard and summon Glow-up Bulb (Atk:0). I tune Level 5 Bamboo Shoot and Level 1 Glow-up Bulb now, so I can Synchro summon Naturia Barkion (Atk:2350).'

'Are you done?' 'Not by a long shot. I've still got Level 3 Naturia Butterfly to tune with Barkion. Meet my best monster – Leo, the Keeper of the Sacred Tree (Atk:3100). Attack Vampire Genesis!' Leo jumped into action, charging straight through Genesis, and making Spica guard (Spica LP:400-300).

'Naturia Bamboo Shoot, finish her off.' 'I lured you in. I activate the ability of the Vampire Cursebreaker in my hand. By discarding her, I can negate your attack. As a bonus, I take no effect damage this turn.' 'I'll end my turn there.'

Spica: 'I draw. I activate Card of Demise. So I have to draw 5 cards but I discard my hand after five of my turns. I summon Zombie Master (Atk:1800). When he's around, any Zombie which happens to be in my graveyard can come back. Including Vampire Lord (Atk:2000).'

'I'm getting fed-up of seeing him now.' 'You'll be even more fed-up when I activate Synchro Boost. Seeing as I don't need a Synchro monster to use it, I'll target my Zombie Master (Atk:1800-2300, Level:4-5). I overlay my two Level 5 monsters to build the overlay network and summon something which isn't a Zombie. Meet Ardeus, Keeper of Armageddon (Atk:2600).'

'I'll equip him with Axe of Despair, which is worth 1000 points (Atk:2600-3600). That's enough to destroy Leo.' 'I activate Recoil Scroll. So even if I'm going to lose a monster and 500 points, you'll lose 500 points as well.'

'But… I only have 300 left.' 'Sometimes you gotta spend a little to gain a lot. Cheaters never prosper.' As Adreus brought his new axe down, the impact blew Eagle off of her feet, before the axe rebounded and flew through Spica (Eagle LP:3000-2500, Spica LP:300-0).

As Spica protested with the referee, Eagle took a moment to recover. Sharp-eyed Rio then noticed someone in the crowd. 'Blair?' 'Yeah?' 'Isn't that Caprice in the crowd? The one on crutches.' Blair then had a look at the tanned girl in a green jacket with dirty blonde hair.

'Yeah, it is. Wonder what she's doing here?' Rio just shrugged her shoulders. 'Beats me. Won't stop me enjoying being back here.' By this time, Spica had been removed peacefully by security, confirming a new champion. The next entrant came walking out, without a massive rush.

'Introducing the fourth duellist in the gauntlet, from San Jose, California, he is the self-professed founder of a massively successful viral blog, Justin Pipe.' As Pipe reached the duelling zone, he waited outside.

'What are you waiting for?' 'You to get up. I'm not about to attack someone who's down.' Eagle then rolled back onto her feet, and the two shook hands before starting their leg of the duel.

Eagle Adams LP:2500 vs. Justin Pipe LP:4000

Turn 1: Justin: 'I draw. I activate Necrovalley.' The field then changed again, to the bottom of a steep canyon. 'Next I summon Gravekeeper's Heretic (Atk:1800). Because I have a Gravekeeper and Necrovalley out, now I can use Hidden Temples of Necrovalley. With Necrovalley, all keepers gain 500 points (Atk:1800-2300). Also, all cards which would target anything in the graveyard are negated. And with Hidden Temples, neither one of us can Special summon a monster.'

'That's all good' 'I know, Heretic is short on Attack. So I'll have to do something about that. I activate Gravekeeper's Embaling. I send a monster from my hand to the graveyard, and then Leo loses half of that monster's Attack points. So I'll send Gravekeeper's Oracle, who has 2000 Attack points.'

As Oracle went into the graveyard, a fire appeared in the pits of Necrovalley, slowly roasting Leo (Atk:3100-2100). 'Heretic, attack.' Heretic unleashed a flash of light from it's staff, destroying Leo (Eagle LP:2500-2000). 'I'll throw a face-down.'

Eagle: 'I draw. I'll activate Pot of Greed to draw 2 cards. One of which is Mystical Space Typhoon. So I can get rid of your Hidden Temples. Now I play a monster face-down and end my turn with a face-down.'

Justin: 'I draw. I'll tribute Heratic so I can summon out Gravekeeper's Chief (Atk:1900-2400).' 'Why trade in for something with only a little more strength?' 'It's simple – I wanted Chief's ability. While he's on my field, Necrovalley's graveyard restrictions no longer apply to me. I'll follow up with Allure of Darkness, allowing me to draw 2 cards. Then I either have to send a Dark monster to my graveyard, or my entire hand. I'll send away Dark Magician.'

'You're running Dark Magician?' 'Why not? Gravekeeper's Chief, destroy her monster.' Chief's staff flew on it's own at Eagle's monster (Naturia Cliff Def.:1000). 'I activate the ability of Naturia Cliff. Necrovalley can't stop it as it's not targeting my graveyard.' 'That is true.' 'It allows me to bring out a Naturia monster from my deck. I'll summon another Fruitfly (Atk:800, Chief Atk/Def.:2400/1700-2100/1400). 'I'll end my turn there. Nice move you just made.'

Eagle: 'I think he likes me. I draw. I activate this – the Spell card Double Cyclone. It costs me my face-down, but it gets rid of your Necrovalley.' 'All I have to do is discard Tomb Protector, and Necrovalley is going nowhere. You do get to draw though.'

'Thanks. I summon Naturia Butterfly (Atk:500, Chief Atk/Def.:2100/1400-1800/1100). Next I'll switch my Fly to Defence mode (Def.:1800), and that's my turn.'

Justin: 'My draw. I activate Gravekeeper's Stele. This allows me to add two Gravekeepers to my hand. And it just so happens that Tomb Protector is treated as a Gravekeeper when on the field or in my grave. Next I'll set a monster and attack your Butterfly with Gravekeeper's Chief.'

'Butter fly fly fly away. By sending a card from my deck to the graveyard, you'll live another day.' The Chief's staff came flying in again, but Butterfly flew out of reach. 'Oh yeah.' 'Don't get too excited. More pain's coming next turn.'

Eagle: 'I draw. I'll play a monster face-down and end my turn.'

Justin: 'I draw. I'll summon Gravekeeper's Nobleman (Atk:1000-1500-900). Nobleman, attack her Butterfly with Stone Tablet Shred.' 'I'll send a card from my deck to my graveyard and use Butterfly's ability.'

'That's all good, I've still got my Chief.' 'Once again, I use Butterfly's ability.' As Eagle's Butterfly taunted Justin, he looked back at his hand. 'I'll end my turn there.'

Eagle: 'I draw. I'll activate Book of Taiyou. This flips my face-down monster face-up (Naturia Tulip Atk:600). I'll follow up by summoning Naturia White Oak (Atk:1800). Now for the combo – I activate Tuner's Explosion. All I have to do is destroy all Tuners on my field, and then you lose all your monsters along with 1000 points for each one.'

'I was waiting for a move like that. So I slipped in a little counter-argument – Spell of Pain. With this, all the damage I'd take from your effect becomes damage to you instead.' As Justin's monsters were both blown up, Eagle got blown over by an unseen force (Eagle LP:2000-0).

As this round ended, Justin fist-pumped. Eagle then spoke to the referee about something, before walking down with Eagle, who offered a handshake to Justin, and he accepted..

Back in the box

Hannah seemed confused about the WDC's laws. 'Phil, you're the legal one – I thought touching was illegal in this situation.' 'Depends on the ref. Some are zero-tolerance, but others are more lax. I'm sure there's a clause in the rules making the referee get off of his stupid podium which makes him look like an olympic gold medallist.'

In the duelling zone

As they were talking, Eagle trudged to the backstage area, and Radley walked down, wearing a fetching eyepatch after Freja's attack earlier. As he walked down, he suddenly stopped short of the duelling zone, and fell face-first. Behind him was stood Lydia, wielding a cricket bat.

She then started dragging him backstage, before Kari dashed out, leading to Lydia hi-tailing it, making the Renegades salute from the entranceway. She then ran off, leaving Kari to check on Radley, who was conscious, but dazed.

After consulting with Kari, Radley got back up, and was helped to the nearest medical facility by security. Kari then got her duel disk out. 'I'm up next Justin. No offence, but I kinda need to win this.' 'We're in the same boat, I expect nothing less.'

WDC Young-Gun Championship Gauntlet: Kari Tsukumo LP:4000 vs. Justin Pipe LP:4000

Kari: 'I draw. I summon Dododo Witch (Atk:1200). Next I'll activate her ability to summon a Dododo Monster face-down. I choose Dododo Swordsman. So that's going face-down, and I'll keep up my charge with Kagetokage, who can be special summoned if I bring out a Level 4 monster (Atk:1100). I overlay my two Level 4 monsters to build the overlay network and Xyz summon Number 39 – Utopia (Atk:2500).'

'Good moves.' 'I don't need a mentor thanks. Utopia, attack him directly.' 'I activate my face-down Rite of Spirit. This summons a Gravekeeper back from my grave.' 'You can't do that because of your own card – Necrovalley prevents you.' 'You would usually be correct. However this Trap bypasses Necrovalley's effect. Perks of being a Gravekeeper. I summon Gravekeeper's Oracle (Atk:2000-2500). You have the choice now – stop the attack, or continue and lose your monster.'

'I'll use Utopia's ability to negate it's own attack. I'll end my turn right there.'

Justin: 'Got you in my sights. I activate Pot of Greed, to draw 2 cards. One of which is Bound Wand, which I'm equipping to Oracle. It now gains 100 Attack points for each of it's levels (Atk:2500-3500). I'm also summoning Gravekeeper's Curse (Atk:800). As he arrives on the field, you lose 500 points.'

Curse lifted up his Was Staff, which somehow made Kari start to hyperextend her limbs (Kari LP:4000-3500). 'What was that?' 'The power of the gravekeepers. Oracle, attack her Utopia.'

'Once again, I'll use Utopia's ability, to detach a Material and stop you. Lightwing Shield.' Oracle's long staff was swung inwards, being blocked by Utopia holding a wing up. 'Yes, and your monster now has no materials. Which means Curse can attack it.'

Kari didn't seem pleased at this. 'When attacked without Materials, Utopia is destroyed instantly.' 'Correct, which means that I can now find your face-down monster. Attack with Doomsday Curse.'

Curse tried to torment Kari's monster with it's limb-bending properties, but got repelled (Dododo Swordsman Def.:3000, Justin LP:4000-1800). 'Just as my monster gets flipped face-up, I activate Inverse Universe, to swap it's Attack and Defence (Atk/Def.:0/3000 – 3000/0).'

'Damn you.' 'You think that's bad? Wait until Dododo Swordsman uses it's flip effect to destroy both your monsters and gain 3500 Attack points. Gasser Slash.' Swordsman used it's sword to slice up both Gravekeepers, leaving no hope for Justin (Atk:3000-6500).'

'I end my turn with a face-down. All I can do.'

Kari: 'I draw. Dododo Swordsman, attack him directly.' Swordsman took off his gassa hat, and threw it like a bowling ball at Justin, mowing him down (Justin LP:1800-0).

As Kari won, Justin looked disgusted with himself. He then walked off to the back, before coming back to congratulate Kari. He then left, but as he did, Maddy came flying out of the entranceway, spearing him. Her music then hit and she walked down, wearing her jumper, top ponytail in.

As she reached the duelling zone, she started to bare her fangs. 'I'm going to crush you Maddy. And once I'm done with you, I'm going to crush that blue-haired bitch who has the cheek to call herself the best duellist ever.'

'Rio's never said that.' 'I'm talking about the other one.' 'Blair? Her hair ain't even blue – it's more violet. And Blair's the most modest person I know – she's never happy about her duelling. Come to think about it, she's just kinda never happy. Maybe it's because everyone's too busy bullying her to listen to her.'

'Yeah, well if you knew what she'd done, maybe you'd be a bit rough as well.' 'Why don't you stop complaining? She ain't done nothing wrong and you know it.' 'I'll just have to beat you silly then.' 'Try it.'

Kari Tsukumo LP:4000 vs. Maddy Smith LP:4000

Turn 1: Maddy: 'I draw.' She was looking at her hand, when she appeared to see something. 'I know the exact way to beat your Swordsman. I'm setting a monster and ending with a couple more face-downs.'

Kari: 'No, that's not the way. I draw. I'll lay this face-down, and then attack with Dododo Swordsman.' The Swordsman sliced straight through Maddy's monster (Eucalyptus Mole Def.:1300), destroying it. 'When Eucalyptus Mole is destroyed by your monster, I get a little bonus – a Koala monster directly from my deck. I choose Big Koala (Atk:2700).'

'I don't get the obsession with Australia. I end my turn with that.'

Maddy: 'It isn't Australia – it's the natural world.' 'Don't tell me it's this rubbish about being a wolf again.' 'Some people won't listen. Fine by me – I activate Polymerisation. So all I have to do is take the Big Koala already out and combine it with Des Kangaroo from my hand, and I can summon out Master of Oz (Atk:3700).'

'I don't get it – you're still not strong enough to take out Swordsman with 6500 Attack. Or did wolf school not teach addition?' 'Did prick school never teach you to always be on guard? From my hand I activate Wild Nature's Release. This gives Master of Oz Attack equal to it's Defence (Atk:3700-6900). And that's something which doesn't care about your Trap. Attack and destroy Dododo Swordsman with Outback Attack.'

The Level 8 Swordsman slammed it's sword into the glove of Master of Oz, which responded with a crunching punch, destroying it outright (Kari LP:4000-3600). 'How… how did that happen?' 'For my next move, I'll activate De-Fusion. You see, Wild Nature's Release does have a downside. The monster using all it's energy has to nap in the graveyard afterwards. But by using De-Fusion, it returns to my Extra deck instead'

'I know how the card works.' 'Good. Welcome back boys (Big Koala Atk:2700, Des Kangaroo Atk:1500). 'Big Koala, attack directly. Takedown from Down Under!' 'That's never going to happen sweetie.' 'The last person to call me sweetie ended up blind in one eye. Just ask your best mate Radley about that.'

This pushed Kari's anger almost to breaking point. 'You think life's all one big joke, all fun and games. Well I have news for you, it's nothing of the sort. As for your attack, Gagaga Gardna can protect me. It jumps onto the field if I'm attacked directly (Def.:2000).'

'Do your thing Big Koala! Squash rattle n' roll.' 'If I discard one card, Gardna can save himself.' As Koala came charging down, Gardna hid behind it's shield, which the blue monster couldn't push past. Maddy considered using her face-down, but then decided against it.

("I could easily take her Gardna out now because she's out of hand cards. But it'd need my Beast Soul Swap. And I'm only doing 1500 damage. I suppose I could try and force her to make her play, and then use Soul Swap to protect myself, but she might draw an MST next turn or have a monster who can negate it. Luckily I've got options too – my Call of the Alpha activates when a Beast is destroyed, bringing another one onto the field. I could try and keep Des Kangaroo around, then overlay for Diamond Dire Wolf. But I'd need another monster to tribute.")

Maddy then took the Trap from her hand, and laid it face-down. 'That's enough for now.' 'Tell me – how does it feel getting opportunities from the names of your parents? Or is it "parents"? You tell me, orphan girl.'

Maddy just turned her head away. 'How does it feel never having to work for anything?' 'Never having to work? Is that why I was working as a barmaid age 13? Is that why I were stacking shelves on my 8th birthday? I've worked longer than you could imagine. Just because you can't duel, you're trying to force mistakes. It ain't gonna happen, "darling".'

'Right, I've had just about enough of you. You turned Kris against his best friend' 'I'm just the temptress. He chose to give in to temptation. For your information, he contacted me about being in the club. Because he'd had enough of Radley. But he can tell you more – I've got a title to win.'

'And I'm going to make sure you don't. I activate Card of Sanctity. So that's another 6 cards to me. Now I summon Gagaga Magician (Atk:1500). Next I'll activate the Spell card Overlay Reverse. If I have an Xyz monster in the graveyard, by paying half my Life points (Kari LP:3600-1800), I can Xyz summon it using monsters on my field. I overlay Gagaga Magician and Gagaga Gardna to build the overlay network, and Xyz summon Number 39 – Utopia (Atk:2500).'

'Next I can rebuild the overlay network with Utopia. It's time for Utopia to evolve, as I summon out Chaos Number 39 – Utopia Ray (Atk:2500).' 'What does that do?' 'You'll have to wait to see, as I now activate Rank-up Magic Numeron Force. So I build the network now with Number C39. Chaos Xyz Evolution! After this ending, you'll wish you'd never been born. I summon Number C39 – Utopia Ray V (Atk:2600).'

'Now I activate the ability of Utopia Ray V. By detaching an Xyz material, it can destroy Big Koala, and you lose it's Attack points from your score.' 'I activate my face-down Beast Soul Swap. By sending Big Koala to my graveyard, I can replace it with a monster of the same Type and Level from my deck. I choose another Big Koala (Atk:2700).'

'Fine – I'll equip Utopia Ray V with the ZW – Lightning Blade from my hand, giving it 1200 more Attack points (Atk:2600-3800). Now destroy her Koala. Rising Sun V Slash.' Utopia Ray V cut through Maddy's big Australian friend with flaming swords, repelling her (Maddy LP:4000-2800).

'I end my turn with a face-down.' Kari then planned her next move. ("All I have to do is force her to summon that Number 83 and attack. Then I can cripple it, and her, with Torture Rank. Because her monster would be at least 7 Ranks higher than V, I could reduce it's points by 800 for every Rank. In addition, she'd take 800 every turn. Meanwhile, I get to fill up my backrow for when Astrid comes in, stun her early.")

Maddy: 'I draw.' She then saw the card, and seemed surprised. 'Um ok, whatever you want. I activate Fusion Recovery. This takes a Big Koala from my graveyard, along with a Polymerisation, and add 'em back to my hand. Next I activate Polymerisation, fusing together Sea Koala and Tree Otter from my hand to Fusion summon Koalo-Koala (Atk:2800).'

'Sometimes I really don't get you.' 'Koalo-Koala has a special ability. If I have a Beast to discard from my hand, it gets to destroy a monster of yours. I hope you weren't too attached to Utopia Ray V.'

'When an equipped Utopia monster would be destroyed, Lightning Blade takes the hit.' Maddy's eyes then flashed, and she got to work. 'Fine – I activate Starlight Scream. If I control a Fusion monster and at least two Beasts have hit the graveyard this turn, then any tribute summoned monster on the field will gain one Level. So I tribute Des Kangaroo and summon Big-Tusked Mammoth (Atk:2000, Level:5-6).'

'I overlay my two Level 6 monsters to build the overlay network. Thanks for this Sakura.' 'Who's Sakura?' 'Someone who's just about to kick yer butt! I Xyz summon Number 72: Shogi Rook (Atk:2500).'

'Shogi what?' 'I'll activate it's ability. By detaching two Xyz materials, it can destroy a monster and a face-down on your field. Line Promotion.' Kari looked on shocked as Rook used it's two spiked wheels to tear up the face-down, and then spiking Utopia Ray. 'You'll pay for that! When Utopia Ray V is destroyed, I get to bring Utopia back from my graveyard to my Extra deck.'

'Shogi Rook, attack directly.' 'Once again, I'm protecting myself – with Gagaga Gardna (Def.:2000). And by discarding 1 card, it's safe.' Shogi's rockets from underneath headed towards Gardna, who hid behind his tall shield again. 'I'll drop a face-down and end my turn.'

Maddy was keeping calm. ("I just need to wait for an opening. She clearly isn't recycling her Gardna. Good job I've got options.")

Kari: 'I draw. I summon Gogogo Golem (Atk:1800). Now I'll overlay my two monsters to build the overlay network and Xyz summon Number 39 – Utopia (Atk:2500). Next I'll use the Spell known as Magical Stone Excavation. So I discard two cards and take a spell back into my hand. And while I'm at it, I'll banish Xyz Agent from my graveyard, so Utopia gains an extra Material (Xyz Materials:2-3).'

'Can you guess which Spell I added back?' 'Not difficult – Numeron Force.' 'You catch on quickly. This ranks Utopia up into a Chaos Xyz monster. Chaos Xyz Evolution! With the help of my little brother Yuma, I'm shooting for the stars and aiming for victory! I summon out Number C39 – Utopia Ray Victory (Atk:2800).'

'You've got a lotta decent cards in that deck.' 'Yeah, and they're all coming for you. Utopia Ray Victory attacks Shogi Rook. And when it does, Victory can detach an Xyz material to increase it's Attack by your monster's strength (Atk:2800-5300). Rising Sun Victory Slash.'

Ray Victory charged up it's Attack points, and then flew in with swords crossed, causing an almighty bang as Maddy went flying. 'Oof! (Maddy LP:2800-600). 'How did you survive? I absolutely creamed you there!'

Maddy then stumbled to her feet, blood dripping from her mouth. 'You never noticed my face-down? Gift of the Mystical Elf – 300 points per monster on the field. With two, I gained 600 points. Just enough to survive.'

Kari then started to breathe heavily. 'I end my turn (Atk:2800). Got you right where I want you.' Kari's smile was short-lived though, as Maddy wiped the blood from her mouth. 'Lil' scratch never did anyone harm.'

Maddy: 'I draw. It's about time I taught you a lesson. I activate Rank-up Magic Renegades Unite! With the power of this, I summon my primal Number.' Maddy's glowing golden eyes then turned pitch black, before going back to their normal colour.

'What are you?' 'I'm Maddy Robinson-Cummings. And I will achieve my destiny! Gods of destiny, help me unlock my true path, my true calling, the one who enables me to succeed. Meet Number 110 – Doom Cerberus, the dog that guards the gates of hell (Atk:3000).'

'Next I can deal you with damage equal to it's Rank x 200. Doom Cerberus is a Rank 10 monster, so that's a nice round 2000 damage.' The Renegades Unite card shot a black light straight into Kari's gut, which seemed to knock all the air out of her, as she crumpled to the ground, struggling to breathe.

'I… Trap card open.' Her Trap was Damage Translation, which halved the damage (Kari LP:1800-800). 'Doom Cerberus, activate your special ability. All those who dare face Cerberus will surely pay the price – any monster in battle with it loses 1000 Attack points and cannot use it's abilities. Destroy Utopia Ray Victory with Hellfang Finale.' The three-headed dog broke it's chains, and pounced on Victory (Atk:2800-1800), destroying it (Kari LP:800-0).

After the round ended, security came out, and escorted a furious Kari out of the duelling zone. Maddy then took a deep breath, waiting for Astrid to come out. But after 90 seconds, there was no sign.

Just as the referee seemed ready to count her out, the blonde Viking appeared, walking down unusually slowly. Arriving at her destination, she took off her jacket, and pushed back the top of her back braid, before walking in, and activating her duel disk. 'Ready?' 'Always.'

Gauntlet Final Round for the WDC Young-Gun Championship: Maddy Robinson-Cummings LP:600 vs. Astrid Hofferson LP:4000

Turn 1: Astrid: 'I draw. I summon Mara of the Nordic Alfar (Atk:1000). When he's summoned, I can Synchro with monsters in my hand, as long they are Nordic. Tuning with Level 4 Garmr of the Nordic Beasts and Level 4 Tyr of the Nordic Champions. Loki, Herre av æsene, vises før våre svidd slagmarken, gi meg din evige kraft premien som jeg, fartøyet, ønsker! I Synchro summon Loki, Lord of the Aesir (Atk:3500).'

'Good move.' 'Loki, attack Doom Cerberus.' Loki fired lightning out of his finger, with the electricity sliding across the three-headed dog of darkness, and zapping Maddy (Maddy LP:600-300). 'Cerberus can't be destroyed in battle Astrid. 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Maddy: 'I draw. Didn't get chance to mention earlier, Doom Cerberus has an additional ability. If I banish a Beast from my graveyard, like Koalo-Koala, it can select a face-down on your field, and seal it until the end of my next turn. So now I can attack Loki with my Cerberus. And as you know, when Cerberus attacks, your monster loses 1000 points. Hellfang Finale.'

The Cerberus came charging in, scorching Loki with flames as it did (Loki Atk:3300-2300), destroying it (Astrid LP:4000-3300). 'Next I activate Earthquake, to change any monster out to Defence mode (Cerberus Def.:2000). I end my turn.' 'As you do, I can banish Mara to revive Loki (Atk:3300).'

Astrid: 'I draw. I'll lay a face-down and end my turn.'

Maddy: 'I draw. I'll just use the ability of Doom Cerberus to enchant your new face-down.' Astrid then realised her mistake. 'Next I'll switch Cerberus to Attack mode (Atk:3500), and summon Berserk Gorilla (Atk:2000).' 'I could be taking damage here.' Maddy then looked up at her.

'Sorry Astrid, but in war, you do whatever it takes. Maybe one day we'll have a proper duel. So I activate my face-down Cattle Call. By tributing a Beast from my field, like Berserk Gorilla, I can summon a stronger one from my extra deck. It's my old friend Master of Oz (Atk:4200).'

'You forget – the monster summoned by Cattle Call isn't allowed to attack.' 'So I'm using Gift of the Martyr.' 'What? When did you have that?' 'Always been in my deck. And the effect has Master of Oz lay down it's life for my hell wolf to gain it's Attack points (Atk:3500-7700).'

'Doom Cerberus, attack Loki with Hellfang Disaster.' Cerberus broke his chains completely, and absolutely mauled Loki, making it vanish into lights (Astrid LP:3300-0).

As her music played, Maddy had the title handed to her, and she clutched it tight, getting slightly emotional about it all. 'Your winner, and the new WDC Young-Gun Champion – Maddy Robinson-Cummings.'

Astrid then walked over to Maddy, and offered her hand. Maddy responded by hugging her Norse friend, making Astrid clearly quite uncomfortable. The blonde then left, shoulders sinking, as Maddy raised her belt into the air. As Lydia and Freja joined her, she picked up a microphone.

'Michael, I have a message for you. I know this is what you wanted, I know all of your big plan. The idea of me splitting away from the Renegades due to being too good for them, due to me being a superior duellist to most of them. And you know, you may have a point. I am a better duellist than most of the Renegades.'

'But that's exactly why I can't leave. 'Cause if I'm a better duellist than them, I should be making them up their game. I ain't "better" than them, I'm not "too good" for the Renegades. You tried to use the Barian invasion to split Rio away from us. You had ideas for this big character of mine. Well I have news for you – not gonna happen. I'm holding this title as a Renegade, and a Renegade I stay.'

'I am going to hold this title for as long as I like. Maybe 3 months, maybe 6? Or maybe, just maybe, I'll hold it hostage for an entire year, beat everyone in this division, then trade it in to give someone else a chance. And there's nothing you or anybody else can do about that. You're either with us, or you're against us!' She then dropped the microphone and left.

As she returned to the box, Rio was the first to congratulate her. 'Good job out there Maddy.' 'I did us proud.' 'Correction – you did yourself proud.' 'Thank you.' 'I think this has gone rather well, don't you?' 'Yeah. And now I've got this little baby on my shoulder, I ain't letting go.'

She then went over to Sakura, and handed Shogi Rook back. 'Thanks for the card – couldn't have won without it.' 'You could have done, but you're welcome, glad it helped.' 'Didn't know you even duelled.' 'I'm not that good, but I won a couple of regionals in Tokyo while I was studying there.'

As Maddy sat down, Sakura talked to her. 'Listen, I was watching you out there, you put yourself under a ton of stress.' 'I'm not vacating this title.' Sakura then laughed. 'I'm not going to tell you to vacate it, don't be so silly. I was actually going to suggest that you give the War of Independence a miss tomorrow. Just to look after yourself.'

She just smiled at the doctor. 'I guess you're right. Don't we get the option of who replaces us?' 'Yes. Lydia and Hannah are already on Team UK, and Rio and Blair are on Team U.S.A.'

'I'm amazed he put Lydia on the team.' 'Not the only one. Apparently it was supposed to be Rhydian but he pulled out, and then Lydia went to demand an opportunity earlier' 'She did what?'

Two hours earlier, backstage during Rio's duel

Michael was filing paperwork when Lydia and Freja walked in, and sat on either end of his desk. 'I didn't know I'd ordered some paperweights.' Lydia then looked over at him. 'I want to duel.' 'Pardon?'

'The War of Independence – I want to duel.' 'And why should I let you?' 'Because I'm that good. And if you do, you might get on the right side of Maddy.' 'Interesting.' Freja then joined in. 'Also, we can make your life very difficult if you don't agree.'

MGA then shook his head. 'I'll put you on the reserve list – if anyone pulls out' Rhydian then stormed in with his title on his left shoulder. 'You can stick your tournament tomorrow.' As Lydia and Freja looked at each other shocked at the savagery, Rhydian stared at them. 'What?'

'Nothing.' 'Good. Oh, and if you see Maddy, let her know I haven't forgotten my job here. I'm still after her.' The girls then left, and MGA smiled. 'Mr. Morris.' 'What?' 'I might have just thought of a way for you to get exactly what you want.' Rhydian then left. 'You don't know what I want. Believe me, it's a lot more than you can give me.'

Back in the box

Maddy then had her attention diverted by Phil. 'Sorry to be an annoyance, but we need to know who's replacing you – it's your choice.' 'I don't need to make the decision, do I Freja?' The younger twin seemed surprised at this. 'Why me?'

'Why not? Anyone who can beat me's a decent choice.' 'Only 'cause I was using my power.' 'Why not? It's yours to use.' Freja then hugged Maddy. 'Careful, I'm ill, remember.' 'Sorry.'

After Rhydian had defeated Jaden in the main event, everyone returned to Twin Falls. That night, Rio noticed Blair hadn't spoken much, and went over to her.

'B.' 'Huh?' 'If there's anything bugging you' 'I'm fine.' 'It's what happened yesterday, isn't it? With Jade.' 'I dunno what's up with me, I just… can't get her out of my head. There was just something about her. Something familiar.'

'You know, if you like her you can just admit it.' 'I don't know, that's the problem. I don't know if I like her or not. There's just something about her.' Blair then let her hair down, and quickly changed the subject while brushing it out again.

'I'm sorry I forgot to mention earlier, but you were absolutely amazing today.' 'Thank you. I think I got through to Mizar, I think… the best way to communicate with the Barians is for me to duel them all, 1-1. Until there's only my brother and Vector left.'

'Don't worry about Vector, we can deal with him.' 'I know, I already did. Hopefully he'll leave us alone from now on. Because I can't be dealing with him and Reginald at the same time. Duelling Hannah tomorrow aren't you?'

'Yeah. With the rankings the way they are, I lose the World Number 1 spot if I lose. But there's more than that – I need to show I can beat the best. Nash is the only top-class person I've duelled this season, and I lost one and drew one.'

'Be honest – you could have beaten him in New York, but you wanted me to win.' 'It wasn't just that. I could have won, but I had to make sure to get rid of him. I could have tried a dangerous attack, but if he'd survived, he would have won.' 'Remember B, we're always together.' Blair and Rio then locked hands. 'Always.'

Next time: Blair and Hannah battle for top spot, Lydia and Freja prove their worth, and Jade makes her presence known in The Renegade Revolution Chapter 55: Falls of Amber, Part 2