Renegades: A New Dawn

Chapter I: Aftermath

Three days after the shooting

Maddy was up and about, trying to get on with life. The club had been torn up by the shooting, and Akiza had taken charge as Hannah's official assistant. As she pottered around, Sean came up behind her. 'Hey, how's Phil doing?'

'Real bad – he's barely eaten and refused to move from his room in days.' 'I'll go and talk to him.' 'Just… leave it. He'll come out when he's ready.' 'How are you coping?' Maddy gave a clearly-faked smile. 'It's nice someone asked about me. I just don't know what to do. Dad needs me and I can't help him.'

Sean didn't say anything, but instead put his arm around Maddy. 'Well if you or Phil need anything, I'm around.' 'Thanks Sean.' As Sean left, she sat down, and put the television on, not knowing where to go next.

In the hospital

Rio was still in a critical condition, with Blair still by her side. 'I'm not giving up on you Rio. Don't give up on yourself. Please, I need you Rio.' Akiza then walked in. 'How is she?' 'Same. There's nothing.'

Akiza just walked round to the other side of Rio's bed. 'No change at all?' 'None.' 'Perhaps we might have to prepare for the worst.' 'Meaning?' 'I'll be honest with you Blair, Rio's not going to make it. I think it's best if we switch off life support. And that's coming from a trained medical professional.'

'No.' 'Listen, I know you're angry, and I know you're upset, but' 'I'm not giving up on Rio because she isn't giving up on herself. She's not got worse so she's still fighting.' 'Blair, she can't get worse.'

One of the doctors then came in, to be confronted by Akiza. 'Please could you explain to Blair here that Rio just isn't going to make it.' The doctor then stood in front of Blair. 'Rio's chances of survival are minimal. But there is a chance.'

'Have you ever had anyone with these injuries recover?' 'I've never had one who's had the fight to last 3 days. If she keeps fighting she has a chance. But the damage to her brain may be life changing.' Blair then smiled, in tears. 'I don't care if I have to spoon-feed her for the next 30 years. Because I'd do that for her. Because she'd do it for me.'

The doctor nodded silently, making Akiza more annoyed. 'So when are you withdrawing life support?' 'At this time, we have no intention of doing. Her condition has improved silghtly over the past 48 hours.'

As he said that, Jade walked into the room, and immediately got angry with Akiza. 'If you EVER suggest that her life support should be switched off, you're going to need life support.' 'I'm thinking of Rio and Blair's best interests.' 'Which is why you've immediately taken over the club and are trying to remove any memory of Hannah? You're an egomaniac.'

'We have to move on. I hate what happened as much as everyone else. But the club's been left to me so I have to steer us through these difficult times.' 'Steering us through' 'There is no us Jade, you're not one of us. By the way, you have 24 hours to move your stuff out of the base and leave – we're kicking you out. We need the room.'

As Jade fumed, Akiza continued. 'Blair, we need you back at base. An hour do you?' 'I'm going nowhere.' 'Blair, that is an order from your president.' She then looked up with rage in her eyes. 'I will never recognise you as president.'

'If you don't, you and Rio will be removed from the club.' 'Do it – she's more important to me than you are.' Akiza then left, shaking her head, and Jade sat next to Rio. 'You ok?' 'I'm fine' Blair then fell asleep, having been up for three days straight.

'Rio, I don't know if you can hear me, but if you can, please, just keep fighting this. We know you can, you just have to want to. Blair needs you more than ever now.' The emerald girl then put her hand on Rio's, and prayed.

Back at base

As Akiza got back, she called an urgent meeting with Tee and Lukas. 'I'm not letting go of this power. We need Blair out of the way permanently. But what can we do?' 'She said she was quitting.' 'I know she did Tee. But she's even more of a danger if she's not in my eyesight. I have to get rid of her.'

'What about Maddy?' 'We need Blair and Rio out of the way to lure her. Under no circumstances does anybody outside of us three make friends with Maddy though, we need to keep her seperate. Because if we do, she doesn't try and take over.'

Lukas then thought of an idea. 'When Rio goes, bury her in America.' 'That's not a bad idea. Make a will which says that she wants to be buried in Idaho, then stop Blair from getting back to England. Lukas, you're in charge of creating the will. Tee, give Rio a… helping hand. It's not murder if she's dying anyway.' 'Understood.'

Back in Rochdale

Maddy was flicking through the channels when a surprise figure walked into the house. 'Taylor? What are you doing here?' 'I heard the news – it's all over the news. I cancelled all my tour dates and flew back to the UK as soon as I could. Kelly's coming back as well, but she's having trouble getting back from China.'

'It's nice to see you anyway. Pity there's not much of a club to come back to.' 'What do you mean?' 'Akiza's in charge now and is apparently ruining it. Already tried to get Rio taken off of life support.' 'No, she didn't?' 'She did. Dad's a mess and hasn't left his bedroom in three days, and I'm running the house even though I haven't a clue what to do about anything.'

'Well I'm back now, so I'll help you run the place if you like.' 'Thanks. I just don't know what to do – I spent so long wishing that Mam would give me some responsibility, and now I have some, I can't handle it.'

Taylor then hugged her. 'You can do it Maddy. Because quite frankly, you're awesome. You're super clever, you're super confident, and you're a born leader. You can do this.' 'I… I don't know how though. I'm on my own, and I can't even help Dad.'

Phil then came down the stairs. 'Maddy.' 'Dad?' 'You need to look after yourself.' 'But what about you?' 'It's not your job to look after me.' 'I have to Dad.' 'Nobody can look after me. You have to carry on. I'll be back eventually. And I promise I'll be a better parent than ever before when I am. But I need to get myself back on track. I owe it to Hannah.'

'How are you going to do that?' 'I don't have a clue. But I'll have to.' Phil then went back upstairs, as Maddy watched on. 'We'll get there.' 'We won't though. It's all fallen apart and there's nothing I can do about it.'

Meanwhile, in Casablanca

The next WDC tournament started with Michael walking down in complete silence. He looked pained as he spoke, with a majority of the duelling roster attending (everyone other than Rhydian, Powerplay, all the Renegades bar Claude, and Birchall).

'I'm sure by now a majority of you have heard the news, but for anybody who has not, I will tell you. Around 11am on the 29th October, there was an… incident near Newcastle, England, at the base of the Renegades. As a result, Rio Kastle is currently on life support in hospital, and Hannah Cummings… Hannah was shot dead.'

On the front row, Astrid looked stunned, clearly having not heard the news. 'I would like to send my condolences to not only Phil, and Maddy, but also to Hannah's sisters, and everyone who knew her, interacted with her, and in many cases, loved her.'

'And this is why I have invited you all here. As a result of this tragedy, we will be having a twelve bell salute shortly, to commemorate the twelve years Hannah duelled for our viewing and competition pleasure. I ask that everyone bow their head in respect and refrain from speaking at this time.'

A picture of Hannah then appeared on all the big screens, as the salute commenced. *Ding* One bell. *Ding* Two. *Ding* Three. *Ding* Four. *Ding* Five. *Ding* Six. *Ding* Seven. *Ding* Eight. *Ding* Nine. *Ding* Ten. *Ding* Eleven. *Ding*

Suddenly some dirty rap started up, and Birchall walked out, wearing a suit and tie, Rhydian and Birchall's two minions accompanying him, although Rhydian rather looked like he'd prefer to be anywhere else but there.

'Well well well, what do we have? All it takes is a piece of lead to the chest and suddenly everyone cares do they? Well I've got a little tribute written down here for my sweet darling.' The weasel then read his "tribute" out.

'Hannah Marie, you filled my heart with glee. We would have been together forever, you and me. But then that bastard Brady had to take you away from me, like a dirty disgusting thief. He got bored of you and shot you into a tree. Now you can't be mine, but I'll sure see you in hell. Tee hee.'

'Mr. Birchall, I ask that you' 'I don't care what you ask. You're sending your best wishes to Brady? Bullshit! You should be sending that to me! All the flowers which he'll sit on, all the chocolates which he'll eat, along with the box they come in, all the money which he'll spend on a prostitute, which he'll need since his current one's now brain-dead in a hospital somewhere, that should all come to ME!'

Security then walked out, but they were pushed aside by Astrid, who emerged from the crowd. 'You really are the most disgusting person we met. A woman… a great woman… is dead, you come out with a poxy poem and insult her widow? Not cool. Nobody else does anything, but I will.'

Birchall then got right in her face. 'Little girl, Hannah… was a slut!' Astrid then kneed him in the face, before being attacked by Marshall and Brooks, who got some shots in before Astrid made them run into each other.

She was then attacked from behind by Birchall, who punched her in the neck multiple times, before turning to spit at Halldor. As he turned around, Astrid went to hit him in the face with the flat face of her axe, but he ducked and Rhydian ate metal instead.

Security then grabbed Astrid, but curiously ignored Birchall and his crew. As she was taken away, Michael shook his head. Before he left, Birchall tapped him on the arm. 'Thanks boss. Want to keep an eye on her, she's a bit of a… psycho.' He laughed manically as he left.

Backstage, Kalin came across a cameraman, and collared him. 'Get here you. I don't speak out too often, but on this situation I think I should. Because the way Hannah was spoken about is absolutely disgusting. Hannah was a wonderful duellist and a great mother and friend, and she will be surely missed. As for Birchall, if you want to make fun of her death, you can do it to my face in the duelling zone. Because me and Astrid, we're coming to take you and Rhydian down a couple of pegs.'

Michael then passed him. 'You want the duel Kalin? You can have it – you and Astrid against James and Rhydian in 6 days' time in Prague. And you know what? I'll throw in a little freebie. If anyone other than Rhydian strikes the deciding blow, they will get a 1-1 duel for the WDC Championship the next week in Rome.' Kalin and Michael nodded at each other, and then passed.

In the hospital that night

In the small hours, Tee followed her mistress' orders, and snuck into the hospital, prepared to end Rio's apparent suffering. As she went to switch off the machine however, a figure appeared in front of her, wearing a smooth black balaclava, and immediately charged, knocking Tee out. The figure looked behind, a pair of blue eyes visible from behind the mask, and left a note by the bedside, before vanishing into the cold, dark night again.

The next morning, Akiza was frustrated beyond words. 'Tee, I gave you a simple job.' 'I was there, the next I remember I was in a hedge and it was 9am. All I remember is a black figure.' 'A black figure?' 'Yeah. Blue eyes, invisible other than that. Like a shadow. I'll try again tonight.'

'Good girl. And tonight I'll send Lukas to help get the job done.' As Akiza left the office however, a conversation she picked up between Jade and Kris completely scuppered her plans. 'Yeah, apparently there was a break-in in Rio's room last night. The intruder left an envelope, and then left. The only sign of a break-in was a storeroom key in the window's lock.'

'Well are they doing anything about it?' 'Yeah, they're apparently having security stationed in the room 24/7 now. Apparently she's improving slowly.' 'Fingers crossed then that she pulls through.' As Akiza heard this, she clenched her fist, and got on the P.A. system. 'There will be a club meeting in 10 minutes. Any member who does not attend will be removed from the club.'

As the minutes passed, most of the club gathered in the centre room for Akiza's meeting. As she stood, she wasn't smiling. 'Everyone, I have called for an urgent club meeting to discuss the future. I have just spoken to doctors from the hospital, and they are preparing to end Rio's life support if she hasn't shown significant signs of improvement in 48 hours. So we need to prepare for the end. With the state she is in, I have decided it is inappropriate for any club member to visit her bedside other than myself, as the president and a medical professional.'

Kris then raised his hand. 'What about Blair?' 'What about her?' 'She's keeping a constant vigil at Rio's bedside.' 'Well call her and tell her to leave immediately. Blair is a Renegade first and foremost, and you all need to remember that. So who's volunteering to phone her?'

There was now willing volunteers, until Akiza sweetened the pot. 'Right, the first person to volunteer to phone Blair will get two days off to mourn or whatever you want to do.' Eventually there was a volunteer. 'Lydia, I'm surprised.' 'One condition – if I phone her, Freja gets two days off as well.'

'Well I don't see her volunteering.' 'Yeah, 'cause she has no phone.' 'And I'd care because?' 'It was Lukas who broke her phone. He was trying to steal it to sell.' 'Fine, whatever, just phone her.' Lydia then made the call. 'Hey Blair, it's Lydia. Listen, Akiza kinda wanted you back at the base, she said that the club comes before a vigil.'

Lydia then held the phone away from her ear as Blair started a tirade of swearing, terminating the call 4 minutes later. 'So what did she say?' 'You don't want to know.' 'Tell me or I'll suspend you.' Lydia then walked straight up to Akiza and folded her arms. 'Suspend me then.' 'I'll go one better – Freja, you're terminated from the club as of now.'

This shocked the whole club, as Freja walked up to Akiza, and didn't speak for once, instead slapping her across the face, leaving a bruise. 'I'm small but I hit damn hard.' 'We don't need your kind here. Now get lost.' Freja stopped to spit at Akiza, before leaving. Lydia then followed her, seemingly having quit.

'Right, now that's some of the deadwood gone. As your new president, I expect total loyalty from all of you. I will not settle for anything other than your best efforts and behaviour. Otherwise you can follow those two and Blair out of the door.'

'Now I understand I need assistants, so Lukas and Tee will be my deputies. You are to show them respect at all times, and if they give you an order from me, you do that. Do I make myself clear?' As everyone nodded, they started to clear out. 'One more thing. Everyone here starts now with a clean slate. You will not be judged on your past actions. That is all.'

As the club members left, Akiza laughed. 'This is going nicely. Get rid of the deadwood, and start to bring in new members, loyal members. Lukas, have you completed that will?' 'Yes.' 'Good. Now I want you and Tee to identify the person who foiled her last night.'

In the hospital

Blair was still by Rio's bedside. As the doctor came in, Jade looked worried. 'How's she doing?' 'Critical but stable. She's just about breathing on her own, but we're giving her as much help as possible. She's lucky to have friends like you. We don't get many patients here who have people staying round the clock.'

'Yeah, well she wouldn't leave me.' Blair then thought of a question. 'When will we know how bad the brain damage is?' 'I'm afraid the gravity of it is nearly impossible to assess while she is unconscious. I have to warn you though – it will almost certainly be life-changing.'

'If she has a life, that's what I care about.' She then turned to Jade. 'Jade.' 'Yeah?' 'You know Jodi don't you?' 'Yeah, she's the one who contacted me about joining the club.' 'Right, so I… hang on, did you say join the club?' 'Yeah. The idea was I'd stay around the base for a few weeks, see how it went.'

'That's awesome. Anyway, what were you asking about Jodi?' 'Oh yeah, thanks. I wanted you to just go and check on her if you could – she got that fireball in the face.' 'You did as well. Are you sure you're ok?' Blair kissed Jade. 'Don't worry about me. If you'd check on her, I'd appriciate it.' 'Of course. Sure you're ok here?' Blair giggled slightly. 'Go.'

As Jade ran off, Blair gently moved Rio's hair away from her eyes. 'Rio, if you can hear me, I'm right here for you. And I know you don't want to quit. Because that's not what you do is it? You were so awesome the other day against Astrid, I couldn't believe it. Just hang on in there Rio, hold tight and hold strong, and I'll be here when you wake up.'

Across the hospital, Jade was trying to find Jodi. 'Hi, I'm looking for a patient.' 'Can I take their name?' 'Yeah, it's a Jodi Allen.' 'Just let me check for you. Jodi Allen… yep, burns unit, ward 7.' One of the porters then passed, before being hollered over. 'Excuse me Mateusz, please could you show this young woman to the burns unit please?'

As Jade was shown to the burns unit, Jodi had bandages over the upper part of her face. 'Is she… ok?' 'I can hear you. I'm fine. Don't even know why I'm here.' 'Ms. Allen, you have serious facial injuries.' 'I don't care, I have things to do.'

As the doctor left, Jodi threw off the bandages covering her face, revealing scarred, wrinkled skin and a scarred left cornea. 'Yeah, you don't need to tell me, I look terrible.' 'I'll be honest, when I found out you got a fireball in the face, I was kinda expecting worse. I mean, looks painful yeah, but that's kinda it – I was expecting scars all over your face. Now why don't you want to stay here?'

'Listen Jade, as a member of the Renegades, you'll learn that there's two types of people: leaders and followers. I'm a follower, and that's my role.' 'It doesn't have to be.' 'It does. We need followers for there to be leaders. My job is to serve.'

'Doesn't that get kinda boring?' 'Not really, I just do my job. That is what I'm here for. When you're used to being one of us you'll understand. How's Rio doing?' 'She's critical but stable. Took two bullets.' 'And she's still alive?' 'Yeah, but she's still on life support. They're saying that there's been progress, but I can't see it. Blair's been with her the whole time, but she must be getting exhausted by now – she's barely slept a wink.'

'That's Blair, she couldn't give a crap about herself. That's why she needs Rio, because Rio thinks about Blair so Blair doesn't have to. And that's the problem – if Rio's not around, what happens with Blair?'

Maddy and Taylor then came into the ward. 'Hey Jodi.' 'Shouldn't you be checking on Rio?' 'I wanted to check on you first. See, I didn't know if you'd had any visitors while you were in here, and Blair's doing more for Rio than anyone else could do.'

'Well as you can see I'm fine. Don't even know why I'm here.' Jodi's doctor then came back in, squeezing between Maddy and Taylor. 'I don't think that's entirely true is it Jodi?' 'Well yeah it is.' Taylor then had a thought, and held three fingers up in front of Jodi's right eye. 'How many fingers am I holding up Jodi?' 'Three, obviously.' She then moved to Jodi's other side, holding up four fingers. 'How many fingers am I holding up now?' 'One.'

The answer shocked everyone. 'Jodi' 'Fine, you win – I can barely see out of my left eye.' 'You're blind' 'I'm not blind, I can see – I just can't see much.' 'How's your vision in your other eye?' 'Slightly clouded in the corners.'

Taylor then handed Jodi a black eyepatch. 'Is now really the time to be playing dress-up?' 'I've got a friend who's partially sighted, and putting an eyepatch over their bad eye helps focus the other eye.'

'I'm not a pirate.' 'Pardon?' 'Eyepatch – pirates.' 'Oh right. Well I'll leave it here if you need it.' 'Yeah, thanks.' As Jade left, Jodi pulled Maddy in close. 'How's Phil?' 'He's just lost his wife – how do you think he is?' 'Shouldn't have asked I suppose.'

'Sorry, just getting to me. I've got Lydia and Freja complaining at me that Akiza's regieme is a nightmare, and I've got the entire house to look after, and' 'You're not getting any time to yourself.' 'No. I just need a moment to breathe.'

'You go and check on Blair and Rio then – stop fussing over me.' 'Sure you're ok?' 'Told you – I'm fine.' 'Ok, ok, I'm going.' As Taylor was about to leave, Jodi stopped her. 'Keep an eye on Maddy. She's going to blow and I don't want her doing that to the wrong person.' 'I will do.'

On the other side of the hospital

As the girls walked into the ward, they found Blair hugging Rio, alarming Jade. 'Don't tell me' Blair then noticed them. 'How's Rio?' 'She's breathing a little more. It's slow going but they think she'll pull through.'

Jade then kissed Blair's neck. 'You need some sleep.' 'I'm fine.' 'Blair, you haven't slept in four days.' 'I don't sleep much anyway thanks. I'm staying put until Rio's up and around again.' Blair then looked over at Maddy. 'You know, you didn't have to ask Astrid to send a card over. You didn't need to tell her, but thank you.'

Maddy just stared blankly. 'Me and Astrid ain't spoken since Oslo.' 'Well she brought a card over and everything. Funny – I didn't see her come in, and I've been here the whole time.' 'But Astrid's supposed to be in Morocco. Hang on… I'll bet you anything that she was the one who broke into the hospital.'

'But why break in to somewhere which is open 24/7?' 'That's the question.' Three porters then walked in, with spanners and various other tools. As they started messing around with the life support system, Blair got nervous. 'What's going on?'

'Everything's fine young lass, we're just doing some general maintenance. Just tightning up a few bolts and giving it a good clean, that's all. Make sure she works nicely.' 'Thank you.' 'You're very welcome dear.'

'So what does the card say anyway?' 'Kinda didn't read through it all.' Blair then picked up the card. 'It's all in Norweigen.' Maddy then took it off of her. 'Been trying to learn some. Let's see… ah, fortunately it's in basic terms. It says "Great warriors will always overcome mortal wounds. I will see to it that justice is dealt on your behalf. Get well soon, you didn't deserve this. From Astrid Hofferdottir.'

'That's really sweet.' 'Justice will be dealt… she must have worked it out.' 'Not exactly difficult.' 'I agree, but even so, it's so quick.' 'Thanks for translating Maddy.' 'No problem. Anyway, I'd better get going, I… I've got things to do.' Maddy then ran off before anybody could say anything.

In Manchester City Centre

Sean was just sitting down after work when there was a buzz for his flat. 'What the hell man, I've only just sat down. I told the rent guy that I'll pay him double next month – work's been kinda flat recently.' Another buzz. 'Ok, ok, I get the message! If this is about my rent again' He then stopped as a dishevelled-looking Maddy was stood outside the door. As he looked at her, she just collapsed into his arms.

He flung the door shut as she started crying. 'I can't do this anymore! I can't, I just can't! I tried being strong, but I failed! I… I… I… I just can't!' Concerned, he sat her down. 'Maddy, calm yourself down and speak.'

'I… I just can't do this. Everyone's looking to me to be the strong one, everyone expects me to keep everything going, but I can't – I'm not like Mum, she was strong, but she was also compassionate. I'm nothing like her and now she's gone and there's nothing I can do and I'm all alone and there's nobody by my side and'

Sean then stopped her. 'Maddy, you can do this.' 'I can't though.' 'This Maddy can't even look after herself. But I'll tell you who can.' She then looked at him, tearful and vulnerable. 'Mum?' 'No – the real you. The Maddy that I never told anybody, but I considered her a good friend. The Maddy that made everyone else look like a bunch of sissies. The Maddy who spent months wanting an opportunity to prove herself.'

'What are you even tryna say?' 'Listen, I know it hurts like shit. It hurts me like shit and we didn't even talk that much. But this is your time. Don't be afraid to show you have emotions. We all have them. So just pick yourself off, dust yourself off, and show everyone that you're not going to let what that bastard did go unchecked.'

Maddy then leant in to kiss Sean, who gently pushed her away. He then kissed her on the cheek. 'I need you Sean.' 'You need a shoulder. You don't need to kiss me though.' 'Sorry.' 'I completely understand man. You're an emotional wreck and you're looking for someone. If you want you can stay here overnight – I'll let Phil know.'

'Thanks, but he needs me there.' Sean nodded, understanding. 'At least let me drive you back. I know my car ain't as nice as your Dad's, but it'll do won't it? You're not going back in the dark with how you're feeling.' 'Thanks. Listen, I appreciate having somebody to talk to.' 'You're a good kid.'

As they arrived back at the house, Maddy leant over, and she and the handyman shared a warm embrace. 'Listen, if you need anything, just ring up.' 'Thanks Sean.' 'Just stop thanking me. I usually answer while I'm working, so if I don't, I'm probably up a ladder or something.' 'Got it.' Maddy had barely cleared the vehicle when Sean performed a handbrake turn and sped off into the fading light.

That night, in Phil's bedroom

Phil was tossing and turning, trying to get to sleep. As he did, he started dreaming. And then, a vision appeared, in front of him. He awoke with a start, and the vision manifested itself. Was it a dream? A mirage? A vicious figment of his imagination? He wondered if he was going insane. And then, she appeared, a vision in white.

'H… H… H...'

'You can say my name you know.'

'Hannah! This is… impossible. Hannah, is… is that you?'

Hannah just smiled. 'It's me. And it's not me. Complicated.'

'You're… alive.'

'Afraid not. This is my one chance to see you. How's life?'

'Sucks. How's… not life?'

'You mean the afterlife?'

'You passed on already?'

'Yeah, admin's quick here. And it sucks. Because you're not here.'

'You want me to'

'OF COURSE NOT!'

'I mean, seeing mum's cool and all, but I didn't realise how much I'd miss being alive… and you.'

Phil started wailing. 'I… can't live without you.'

'Phil.'

'What?'

'You're being an idiot. Don't be so daft. Your story is just beginning. I went through more in 30 years than most people go through in a lifetime.'

'But'

'No buts. Your story is still being written. Your job isn't to mourn me. It's to help guide Maddy to be the best Alpha she can be.'

'I… don't understand. You left the club to Akiza.'

'Is that what you really think of me? You know what, we haven't got time for that. There's a note, under my desk. It's a resignation letter. I named Maddy my successor.'

'I need'

'To help Maddy. She'll put on a brave face but inside she's in bits like you. She still has a mission to fulfil though. Look after her.'

'Hannah'

'I know it hurts. And it will never stop hurting.'

'I miss you.'

'And you. I wish I could come back, but it's not possible.'

'I'm sorry, I couldn't save you… I lied to you'

'You did all you could. One day, we will be together again.'

'Soon'

'Don't go there.' Hannah's spirit then started fading in and out of reality.

'What's going on?'

'You're waking up. I have to go soon – I haven't any time.'

'Don't go.'

'I have to. I will see you again. I always loved you, even after death did us part.'

'I love you too.' Hannah then stopped Phil crying.

'Be strong.'

'How can I? How can I be strong when you're not there?'

'Because I am. I'm always here, in your heart and my spirit is always with you. Nobody can take that away from you. Never give up.'

'I love you'

'And I love you. I'm not there in body, but in spirit, I never left.'

As the mirage faded away completely, Phil cried. 'Hannah.' A voice then came from afar. 'You all have a guardian angel. All of you.'

Next time: Can Lydia and Freja locate the crucial evidence before Akiza does? Maddy makes plans, Blair makes a potentially life-changing decision, and Birchall gets a visit from an unwelcome visitor in Renegades: A New Dawn Chapter II: Healing