Renegades: A New Dawn

by Primal WolfBlood

In Part 3 of The Renegade Chronicles, follow the Renegades as they try and recover from the shocking end to The Renegade Revolution, and continue their lives with more action and suspense than ever before, as they learn who the true enemies are, and finally confront Segolia once and for all, to end their clash with each other.

3. Rebuild

Renegades: A New Dawn

Chapter III: Rebuild

Continuing from Chapter II

As the crew got to the airport, Jack was waiting. 'Hey, I heard about what happened.' 'Couldn't fail to.' 'How's Rio doing?' 'Better thanks – she's conscious, but weak. Listen, we need you to be our permanent pilot.' 'Serious? What happened to Rob?' 'Tell you later. I sent you an email with the numbers on what we can pay you. I apologise it ain't much, but we've not got much left at the moment.'

'Listen, just whatever you can.' 'Thanks. I know we're 3 weeks behind with your money' 'Just put it off for now. Until you've got a bit more.' 'Thanks Jack. Promise we'll get it to you as soon as we can.' 'I trust you kid. So you're in charge now?' 'Looks like it don't it?' 'All aboard then boss.'

As they boarded, there was clear tension within the club, with Lukas and Kris having argued that morning, and the relationship between Maddy and Akiza still being tense. As the plane took off, the chill wasn't just on the outside of the plane. Meanwhile, the draw was up.

WDC Young-Gun Championship: Kari Tsukumo vs. (c) Maddy Robinson-Cummings

Akiza Izinski vs. Spica

Oriental Express (Kenta Kobayashi and Jaden Yuki) vs. Powerplay (David Marshall and Da Brooks Kid)

WDC Tag-Team Championships: Black Rose Inc. (Lukas Chipperfield and Tee Taylor) vs. (c) Nash and Mizar

James Birchall and Rhydian Morris vs. Astrid Hofferson and Kalin Kessler

As the plane touched down, Maltby greeted them from the plane. 'I erm, I heard about your mum Maddy. I guess you don't want to talk about it, but if your Dad needs anyone, he knows where I live. Good luck kid.' 'Thanks Geoff.'

As they arrived in the arena, Maddy looked over at the rest of the club. 'Ready?' 'Always. Let's do this.' They then got moving, with people watching them pass as they did, wondering what was going through their minds.

Showtime

The show started with Birchall walking out, with Marshall and Brooks, but not Rhydian. Birchall stood there and just laughed into the microphone. 'Hannah's dead, Rio's dead, the Renegades… are… dead! I have got rid of Brady and his crew of fools who believed him! That's what happens when you believe lies!'

'And tonight, I'll end the careers of Kalin and blondie. Because that is what happens, when you dare to step into my path! I am the king, I am the best, I am' The lights then blacked out monumentality. As they came back up, Birchall and his cronies looked around, confused. Suddenly Marshall got Birchall's attention, pointing to the rafters.

High above, stood the Renegades, all in black, all wearing tinted glasses. As Birchall watched on, Maddy dove down to the ground, landing with ease. Hair up tight, she stared right at Birchall, not moving. Eventually she took off her glasses, still staring.

'I don't know why you're here little girl, but I crushed your revolution. So when you're ready, goodbye.' Maddy barely flinched. So the cold-blooded killer continued. 'You want to be careful who you're staring at little girl. You think I'm scared of somebody dressed in black? I destroyed your revolution. And your "mum"? Wait, that's not right is it? Because you're adopted! Go back and find your parents little girl!'

'And where's your "Daddy"? I'll bet you anything that he's down his solicitors, cashing in Hannah's life insurance. Because you know what happened? HE murdered her! Nobody else, him! He's the one who did it, Brady murdered her like he always dreamed of! Brady is as Brady does, isn't that right? Come on little girl, what you gotta say?'

At this point, the leader of the Brave Bones was starting to lose his temper at the lack of speech from the normally chatty Maddy. 'I get it – you've realised what a bunch of losers you all are! Well it's a good job that I was here to tell you! So if you fancy returning to that idiot Rhydian, he might leave us alone. Because that's all he's here for – he's on some sort of martyr mission to rescue you.'

Finally, Maddy lifted her head. 'You waste your words. We are not so wasteful.' Maddy then teased running, leading to Birchall stepping out of the way, but she faked him out, and picked her microphone up again. 'Come get me Bitch Boy.' Brooks then grabbed Birchall's talking stick. 'Give me her! I'll take care of her no problem!'

'Stop.' He did that, seeing her eyes glowing. 'Oh shit!' She then spoke, in a calm voice. 'One more step, and my dogs of war will savage your arse so hard you'll never be able to talk out of your backside again.' She then turned to a petrified Marshall. 'If you want, I can make it a hole for two.'

Brooks then looked back at his crew, before charging at Maddy, but got tripped by Freja as he did. The entire club (sans Black Rose Inc.) then started pummelling Brooks, with Freja delivering a vicious knee to the jaw, and Kris busting his nose with a backhand shot so hard it could be heard from England.

By this point, Birchall was running away, not escaping Maddy's attention. After the beatdown, Brooks was dragged onto his feet, for Maddy to spear him. She then stood over him with her loyalists beside her. 'You were just the beginning. Go back to your master and tell him this – we won't stop until he has. Justice will be served.'

Maddy then had something to say, as a masked Taylor quietly kicked Brooks out of the way. 'There is one whom I desire to speak to. And I'm sure she knows' Astrid's music didn't wait for the speech to finish before she walked out, wearing a shirt with the Norweigen flag on.

'Take it you meant me then. I'm guessing this is why you won't talk to me.' 'Priorities.' She then walked up to Astrid, handing her a piece of paper. 'I believe you may have received this?' 'Wow… uh, yes, I have as it happens.'

'Join us Astrid. Become part of the revolution.' 'Why would I? I'm an outcast, I do things my way and my way only. Kalin invited himself to team with me, I didn't want it.' 'Astrid, I understand. You want revenge, and you want power. We can give you both. All you have to do is kneel, accept my power and authority.'

'No. I don't need anyone else. I have Halldor and Dragan – they are all the family and friends that I could ever need.' 'I think we both know that isn't true.' 'Something's changed inside you.' 'Call it… purpose.' Kari then came out for her duel. 'The following is your opening duel and is for the WDC Young-Gun Championship. Introducing first, the champion, from Stonybridge, Northumbria, England, the Alpha Predator, and for 20 days has been your WDC Young-Gun Champion – Maddy Robinson-Cummings. And introducing the challenger, from Dodge City, Kansas, Kari Tsukumo.'

WDC Young-Gun Championship: Kari Tsukumo LP:4000 vs. (c) Maddy Robinson-Cummings LP:4000

Turn 1: Kari: 'I draw. I summon Goblindbergh (Atk:1400). When he's summoned, he drops off another monster. One like Dododo Driver (Atk:1800). Now I'll overlay my two monsters to build the overlay network and summon Number 39: Utopia (Atk:2500). And for some extra protection, I'll give it some Mirror Armor. Now it can't be targeted by your card effects. And if you destroy it, the attacking monster loses 2500 points. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Maddy: 'Draw. I activate One for One. So by discarding a monster, I can summon Bunilla (Atk:150).' 'Not the farmyard again – I hate rabbits. Nearly as much as I hate you.' 'Hahaha… the feeling's mutual. Next I summon the Spirit monster Kinka-Byo (Atk:100). When he's summoned, I get a Level 1 monster from my graveyard. Be reborn Handy Gallop (Atk:0).'

'So you got three monsters, and they have 250 Attack between them.' 'Overlaying three Level 1 monsters.' Maddy then unleashed a deafening howl, which produced waves which pounded Kari. 'What the hell? It feels like I'm being punched, but I can't see anything.' A dark miasma then appeared around Maddy.

'Power… tastes delicious. I can use this, and you're the animal trials. I Xyz summon Number 54: Lion Heart (Atk:100).' 'You think that thing scares me?' 'Should do. Lion Heart, attack Utopia with Pulverising Pounce.' Lion Heart smashed it's fist into Utopia, the impact blowing Kari backwards, but seeminly not bothering the champion (Kari LP:4000-1600, Maddy LP:4000). 'Forget about Lion Heart's ability?'

'That impact you took - didn't that hurt?' 'Physical pain doesn't bother me. Let's just say I'm used to this. People don't understand me, so I've had this kind of treatment all the time.' 'I have no idea what you're on about and I don't care. Just end your turn so I can give that title a real home.' 'I lay a face-down.' 'During my End phase, I activate Raigeki, to destroy your monster.'

Kari: 'I draw. I activate Shuffle Reborn. Because I control no monsters, I can summon out Gagaga Magician (Def.:1000). Next I'll summon Gagaga Sister (Atk:300). And with her effect, she can take her level, and Gagaga Magician's level, and add them up (Level:6 x2). 'Now I'm overlaying my Level 6 Gagaga Magician and Sister to build the overlay network and Xyz summon Gauntlet Launcher (Atk:2400).'

'Gauntlet Launcher, activate your ability, and blow up Lion Heart.' The launcher followed it's name, and launched rockets where Lion Heart stood, blowing it to smithereens. 'Now attack her directly.' Launcher fired a series of destructive rockets at Maddy, who took the hit (which knocked her across the ground) and stood straight back up (Maddy LP:4000-1200).

'I can take the hits Kari. Doesn't bother me one bit. And because your Battle phase is over, I activate Evenly Matched.' Kari just gave her a blank look. 'Maddy, you have nothing on the field.' 'If I have no monsters on the field, I can activate Evenly Matched from my hand. So now you have to banish cards from your field until we have the same amount on our fields.'

'But… you have no cards on the field.' 'So? Banish 'em all.' 'What – all of them?' 'Yes. Do it.' Kari's Gauntlet Launcher then vanished, along with her face-down (Xyz Reborn). 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Maddy: 'Draw. I activate Premature Burial (Maddy LP:1200-400), to revive Bunilla (Atk:150). I end my turn with two face-downs.'

Kari: 'I draw. I'll activate Twin Twisters. It costs me 500 points (Kari LP:1200-700), but now I can destroy both of your face-downs.' As the twisters bore down on Maddy's field, a goblin leapt out, and sucked the winds into a piece of parchment, before laughing and vanishing in a puff of smoke. 'You faked me out.'

'I told you you will lose. And that's what's about to happen.' 'Not a chance. I summon Gogogo Golem (Atk:1800). And by equipping it with Mirror Armour, you can't target it now. Attack Bunilla!' 'I activate Soul Strike.' 'Did you not hear?' 'I hear all. Soul Strike targets my monster. All I have to do is halve my points (Maddy LP:400-200). Now listen up, I know you're stupid. Bunilla gains Attack points equal to the difference between my current Life points and 4000. That's 3800 (Atk:150-3950).' Gogogo Golem slammed it's fist into Bunilla, but was shredded by shards of carrot, ending the duel (Kari LP:700-0).

As Maddy won, she laughed. The lights then went out, and as they came back up, her loyalists were surroudning Kari, and started beating on her, until she was sprawled out on the ground, battered and bruised. Maddy then stood on her head, as Kari flailed around. The club stood tall, and then the blackout came again. As the lights came back up, everyone was gone, and Akiza was in their place.

As Kari scrambled away, Akiza awaited her opponent. Eventually Zak entered, only to be ambushed from behind by Spica. As she threw him to the ground, she stared Akiza down. 'Let me guess – you want to come out and gloat over Hannah's death?'

'No, I don't care. Makes no difference to me. All I care about is getting Maddy back. And that's exactly what I'm about to do. After I've dealt with you that is.' 'If it's a duel you wanted, you should have just asked.'

'Didn't fancy beating up everyone earlier then?' 'Call it splitting resources. Not that it's any of your business really.' 'Tell me – what do the Renegades really stand for?' 'Destroying you for a start.' 'No, that's what you stand for. You can't have a revolution without any goals can you? You're destined to fall apart. I'll just help it along slightly.'

Spica LP:4000 vs. Akiza Izinski LP:4000

Turn 1: Akiza: 'I'll start. I start by activating The World Tree. It gains a counter if a Plant is destroyed. But more on that later. For now, you can worry about Evil Thorn (Atk:100). By tributing it, you lose 300 Life points, and then I get two more Thorns (Spica LP:4000-3700, Atk:100)x2. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Spica: 'Draw. I activate Cost Down at the cost of a hand card. So now all monsters in my hand are two levels lower this turn. Meaning I can summon Vampire Lord (Atk:2000). Vampire Lord, destroy Evil Thorn.' Vampire Lord disappeared, before coming up behind Evil Thorn and biting it (Akiza LP:4000-2100, TWD Counters:1).

'You're no competition. Why don't you send Maddy out here? She might provide an actual threat.' 'If you want to see a threat, why don't you end your turn?' 'If you really think you can beat me, then do. My face-down will say otherwise.'

Akiza: 'I draw. I summon Sylvan Bladefender (Atk:1900). And I'll follow up with Messenger of Peace. So now, you can't attack with anything which has at least 1500 Attack points. I'll end my turn there.'

Spica: 'I draw. I activate Card of Spell Containment. This gives me two more cards, but I can't activate Spells for the rest of this turn. So I'll throw a face-down and end my turn.'

Akiza: 'I draw. During the Standby phase, I destroy Messenger of Peace by refusing to foot the bill. I'll tribute both my monsters to summon Sylvan Sagequoia (Atk:2700). And with Sagequoia's effect, I can excavate the top card of my deck. If it's a Plant, it goes to my grave.' 'And if not?' 'Bottom of my deck. But that's alright, because I excavated Sylvan Princessprout. And when she's sent to my graveyard that way, I can summon her out with any Level between 1 and 8. I choose 7 (Atk:100).'

'I overlay my two Level 7 monsters to build the overlay network now. With these two monsters I can Xyz summon Orea, the Sylvan High Arbiter (Atk:2800).' 'Not bad for a has-been.' 'Better a has-been than a never-will be. Orea, attack.' 'I activate Even Rivals. So now my monster's Attack becomes equal to that of yours, and it can't be destroyed in battle this turn (Atk:2000-2800).

'I'll use the effect of the World Tree in that case. By dropping it's seed (Counters:0), Orea gets a little boost (Atk:2800-3200). Wing Crush.' Vampire Lord found itself surrounded by Orea's wings, and went to quench it's thirst, only to be slammed into a camera by a swipe of the wings (Spica LP:3700-3300).

'I activate my face-down Call of the Haunted. I know it's not imaginative, but I'm sure that's the least of your worries (Atk:2000).' 'Oh I'm not worried about that. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Spica: 'I draw. I activate Hand Destruction. So we both have to discard two cards and draw two. And I can use one now – begone Vampire Lord, I banish you from this plain to summon out Vampire Genesis (Atk:3000). I'll follow that up with the Equip spell Fighting Spirit. This gives Genesis another 300 Attack for every monster of yours, making it the strongest on the field (Atk:3000-3300).'

'Also, the ability of Genesis lets me discard Vampire Vamp to Special summon a lower level Zombie. Meet Vampire Red Baron (Atk:2400). Genesis, attack Orea, the Sylvan High Arbiter. Crimson Storm.' 'I activate my face-down R: Blowback. So your storm becomes more of a summer's breeze. Then you lose 100 points for every card on your field.'

Supersonic waves blocked the blood storm, and then bounced it back into Spica (Spica LP:3300-3000). 'I'll replace the face-down I used earlier and that's all.'

Akiza: 'I draw. I activate Earthquake to switch your monsters to Defence mode (Red Baron Def.: 1000, Genesis Def.:2100). I just drew Pot of Greed, and I'll use it. One of the cards I drew is Rose Fairy. Because she was added to my hand outside of my draw phase, she's jumping straight out (Atk:1100). She's being joined by Witch of the Black Rose (Atk:1700).' 'Using Witch of the Black Rose comes with risk.'

'Someone's been doing their homework. When I summon her, I draw a card. If it happens to be a Monster, she's safe. If not, she's out.' Akiza then took her card. 'I'm good – I drew Blue Rose Dragon. Talking of Dragons, I'll tune Level 4 Witch of the Black Rose and Level 3 Rose Fairy. It's about time I introduced you to a REAL monster. I am the Black Rose and I summon Black Rose Dragon (Atk:2400).'

'Now for my Dragon's ability. By banishing a Plant from my graveyard, I can force Vampire Genesis into Attack mode and make it's Attack drop to 0. Black Binding Bloom.' Rose Dragon's thorns glowed purple, as they wrapped around Vampire Genesis, forcing it to stand (Atk:3000-0). 'Now my beautiful pet, attack that Vampire. Black Rose Flare.' Akiza's signature card burned through Genesis with ease, leaving a distinctive stink in the air and leaving Spica on the ground, charred (Spica LP:3000-600). 'I end my turn.'

Spica: 'You really are a worse version of Maddy aren't you? I draw. I summon Vampire Familiar (Atk:500). Next I'll switch Red Baron to Attack mode (Atk:2400), and use his ability. I can target your Dragon, and a Vampire on my field, and switch control of them. That includes Vampire Familiar.'

Red Baron then raised his cursed sword, and a leech attached to Black Rose Dragon, forcing it to vanish and rematerialise on Spica's field, while Familiar flew over to Akiza. 'Red Baron, destroy Vampire Familiar.' Red Baron brutally sliced up the bat with it's skull-adorned blade, causing damage (Akiza LP:4000-2100).

Spica then transformed back into her human form. 'Tell Maddy that I'm available whenever she wants to face me. She'll provide more of a challenge. To think you will fall to your own favourite card as well. Black Rose Dragon, attack directly. Rose Retaliation.'

As the thorns approached, Akiza stood there, stoic. Just as the thorns hit her, she reacted. 'I activate my face-down Remove Brainwashing. Did you really think you could steal my monster that easily? We're the masters of manipulation but we also know how to break spells. And as a monster on my field can't attack me, the attack is cancelled.'

'Very good, I must say. But it won't make a difference. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Akiza: 'I draw. I activate Thorn of Malice, and equip it to Black Rose Dragon. So now she gains 600 Attack points (Atk:2400-3000). Attack Spica's Vampire Red Baron with Thorn of Lament!' 'You just triggered my face-down. It's called Spirit Shield, and it lets me negate your attack by banishing a Zombie from my graveyard. And this shield sticks around.' 'Fine, I'll end my turn.'

Spica: 'I draw. I activate Book of Life. With this, I can banish Witch of the Black Rose from your graveyard, and revive Vampire Lord (Atk:2000). And let's not forget, with my Shield up, I can simply banish a monster from my graveyard to stop your attacks. I end my turn. Now if Maddy was here, I might lose. Not to you though.'

Akiza: 'You're a little too confident for your own good. I draw. I'll activate my face-down Bone Temple Block. Now we both summon a monster from our graveyard. Here's the catch though – it's summoned to our opponent's field. I choose Rose Fairy (Atk:1000).' 'That's fine. You can take my Vampire Familiar (Atk:500).'

'Thanks. I think I'll ditch it though, to set a monster. Black Rose Dragon, attack Vampire Red Baron.' 'I don't think so. With Spirit Shield, I can banish Vampire Fraulein and your attack goes nowhere.' 'It's fine, I've still got you where I want you. I end my turn.'

Spica: 'You're not going to have a next turn. I draw. And I'll tribute Vampire Lord to summon Vampire's Curse (Atk:2000).' 'You'll have to do better than that.' Spica smiled. 'I intend on doing. With the effect of the Xyz monster I'm about to summon, if I have a monster on my field whose original owner is you, it can be treated as a Level 6. I overlay my Level 6 Rose Fairy and Vampire's Curse to build the overlay network. Come, Dhampir Vampire Sheridan (Atk:2600).'

'And Sheridan has an ability. By detaching an Xyz material, it can send one of your field cards to the graveyard. Say goodbye to your precious Black Rose Dragon.' Dhampir fired three blood-tipped spikes at Akiza's beloved Dragon, making it vanish from the field. 'And now, you will pay for your error of judgement. Sheridan, attack directly.' Sheridan lifted his arm, and a skeletal hand emerged, slapping Akiza in the face (Akiza LP:200-0).

As the duel ended, Spica laughed. Akiza meanwhile, was very unhappy, but managed to keep her cool for long enougn to leave peacefully. Spica then took a microphone. 'I challenge any Renegade to face me at every tournament from now on. I won't stop until Maddy's back where she belongs.'

A familiar looking black teen then jumped the rail and joined her in the zone. 'Maddy, it's Tom – please, just come back home. You've got nothing stopping you coming home now, we won't treat you any different. Please Maddy, if you're listening, we need you back.'

Two security guards then walked down, and escorted Tom away, while he shouted still. 'I know you're still there Maddy! I know you're still there! I haven't given up on you! You're still there!'

In the box

Maddy was just watching on with dead eyes, as Freja checked on her. 'Pretty deep that wasn't it?' 'Not really.' 'You can't tell me you didn't feel anything there.' 'All I felt was pity. He believes the old me is still there, that there's some way to appeal to my better nature.' 'But you don't have a better nature.' 'Exactly. If he ever turns up again, we'll sort him out.'

A sticky note was then posted through the box, dismaying Freja. 'Who posts sticky notes? Idiots.' Maddy then read the note. 'It's from Astrid.' 'How do you know?' 'I can speak a little Norse. She's been teaching me.' The note simply read "Roma, avgjørelse. Avgjørelsen er tatt, avgjørelsen er endelig. Måtte gudene ha veiledet meg til riktig vei. Vennlig hilsen, A.H." ("Rome, decision. Decision is made, decision is final. May the gods have guided me to the correct path. Sincerely, A.H.)."

'You made this your mission haven't you?' 'She joins or she falls. I have to seperate business and personal. They must not be allowed to mix.' 'Why are you being so cold Maddy? I'm your friend.' Maddy then turned around swiftly. 'Listen Fre, I've got a club to run. Me Mam's dead, me Da's a wreck, and half the club hate each other. Meanwhile I got all ma "mates" telling me where I should go, what I should do, and who I should be. Maybe I should never have asked for this stupid presidency role, maybe I should have left it to Akiza! At least then they'd have a proper leader!' Maddy then stormed out, as Freja watched on.

Oriental Express (Jaden Yuki and Kenta Kobayashi) LP:4000 vs. Powerplay (David Marshall and Da Brooks Kid) LP:4000

Turn 1: Marshall: 'I draw. I activate The Gates of Dark World.' Two large pillars then rose from the ground, creating a gateway. 'I'm also activating Card Destruction, so we all throw out our hands and draw the same amount. That included three copies of Latinum, Exarch of Dark World. When they're discarded like that, they're all summoned (Def.:2400-2700)x3.' 'And you discarded two of my Latinums (Def.:2400-2700)x2.

'Activate effect of two Danger!? Jackalopes? Discarded, I summon two Danger monsters from deck. Summon Danger! Ogopogo and Danger! Dogman (Ogopogo Def.:3000, Dogman Def.:1000).' 'I'll just end my turn. You'll never get past our wall.'

Kenta: 'Draw! Activate Spell! Pot of Greed. Draw two cards. Activate Spell! Danger! Response Team. Return Dogman and Latinum to hand. End turn!'

Brooks: 'I draw man. You know, I'm throwing a monster face-down and ending my turn, that's how I'm rolling.'

Jaden: 'You know, I thought you'd do something a bit more… you know, bad. I draw. I activate Polymerisation. Now I don't know how you roll, but this, this is how I roll. And I've got my crew of Elemental Heroes Bladedge and Wildheart rolling with me, so I can summon Elemental Hero Wildedge (Atk:2600).'

'No sweat bruv, that's no worry.' 'Say that to this. I activate H – Heated Heart. It gives Wildedge 500 more Attack, which is enough to slice through your monsters (Atk:2600-3100). And Wildedge has a special power – he can attack all your monsters at once. Go, attack them with Scimitar Slash!' Wildedge ran at Powerplay's field, and sliced through all five monsters (Broww, Huntsman of Dark World Def.:800), with Heated Heart dealing piercing damage (Powerplay LP:4000-100).

'I end my turn with two face-downs. During my End phase, Heated Heart's effect expires (Wildedge Atk:3100-2600).' 'You're gonna pay for what you did man.' 'Yeah, we're the dudes with attitude and we're gonna smash ya!'

Marshall: 'I'm drawing. I activate Dark World Dealings, so we all ditch two cards then draw two. And I just got rid of Lucent, Netherlord of Dark World, which summons itself (Atk:2400-2700). Destroy Wildedge.' Lucent created a ball of lightning, which exploded on contact with Wildedge (Oriental Express LP:4000-3900). 'I end my turn.'

Kenta: 'Draw. End turn, face-down.'

Brooks: 'I draw man. I'm throwing another monster face-down and attacking with Lucent.' 'I activate Call of the Haunted. This revives Elemental Hero Bladedge (Atk:2600).' 'I cancel my attack and end my turn.'

Jaden: 'I draw. Bladedge, attack' At that moment, Kenta decided to steal the win from Jaden. 'Activate Trap! Destruction Ring! Destroys Bladedge, we all take 1000 damage.' As Bladedge flew in to attack , a ring of bombs attatched itself, and blew up the Hero monster (Oriental Express LP:3900-2900, Powerplay LP:100-0).

After the win, Kenta gently pushed Jaden out of the way, and started beating his chest and celebrating as if he'd won the lottery. Meanwhile, Jaden looked on, frustrated at his partner's actions. Eventually they left together, but with tension between them.

Meanwhile, in the toilets

Maddy had locked herslef in the toilets to psyche herself up. 'C'mon Mads, you're better than this! Mam left you the club to reunite. To reunite under one… vision...' At that moment, it all became clear and illuminated, as if a light had come on. Maddy then punched a significant hole into the mirror, creating a dent in the centre of cracked glass.

Maddy then stared in the cracked mirror, and held up her fist, blood dripping from it, and she just stared at her hand. And at tat moment, something seemed to change inside her, as she laughed, manically. 'Perhaps evil is more fun than I thought...'

As she returned to the box, Freja ran up to her. 'What happened to your hand?' 'I'm fine. In fact, I feel much better now.' 'You sure it's not blood loss?' 'I'm sure. This club needs to be united. And I know exactly how I'm going to do it.' 'Go on.' 'To be united, the club needs one goal.'

Ahead of the tag title duel, Tee and Lukas were being given a pep talk by Akiza. 'This isn't just about the power those titles give us. This is about making a statement. Show them our power, or I might have to start looking at replacements.' They replied together. 'Yes mistress.'

As they left, Maddy walked over to Akiza. 'You've got them well trained.' 'Of course.' 'You planning on making additions?' 'There's a place open if you want it. I'm sure you'd benefit.' Maddy then folded her arms. 'Akiza, we went through this literally last week – I am not serving under you. I am not serving under anybody.'

As Akiza went to leave in a huff, she looked back. 'What Spica said earlier.' 'What about it? I thought you were above insults.' 'Do you really think you're a better duellist than me?' Maddy rolled her eyes. 'Listen, I've not got time for this. Come and find me if you need to talk about something important.'

By this time, the two teams were in the duelling zone. As the referee reiterated the instructions and showed them the belts, Maddy took her place in the box, flanked by Sakura. 'What were you and Akiza just talking about?' 'Nothing important.' Sakura then noticed Maddy's blood-soaked fist. 'I really think we should get that cleaned up.' The interim president just stook her arm out behind her. 'As long as you can do it quickly.'

WDC Tag-Team Championships: Black Rose Inc. (Tee Taylor and Lukas Chipperfield) LP:4000 vs. (c) Mizar and NASH LP:4000

Turn 1: Tee: 'I'll start. I summon Kaiser Sea Horse (Atk:1700). Next I'll activate Double Summon, and tribute Sea Horse to summon Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand (Atk:2800). I end my turn with two face-downs.'

Mizar: 'You are a disgrace to Dragons.' 'You may be the Galaxy-Eyes master, but you're still 2nd rate at best.' 'We'll see about that. I summon Mythic Tree Dragon (Atk:100). And because I control an Earth-attribute monster, I also summon Mythic Water Dragon (Atk:1000). With Tree Dragon's effect, if I control a Water-attribute monster, Mythic Tree Dragon copies it's Level (Level:4-8).'

'I overlay Level 8 Mythic Tree Dragon and Mythic Water Dragon to build the overlay network. Appear, Number 46: Dragulon (Atk:3000). And I'll use Dragulon's ability. By detaching an Xyz material, I can summon a Dragon straight from my hand. I summon Soul Drain Dragon (Atk:4000). However, I am not allowed to attack on my first turn. So I will lay a face-down.'

Lukas: 'I draw. I summon Night Express Knight by reducing it's Attack to 0 (Atk:3000-0). Because I control an Earth-attribute Machine, I can summon Super Express Bullet Train (Atk:3000). And because I summoned an Earth-attribute Machine, I can also bring out Heavy Freight Train Derricane by halving it's Attack (Atk:2800-1400).'

'I overlay my three Level 10 monsters to build the overlay network and Xyz summon Superdimensional Robot Galaxy Destroyer (Atk:5000). Attack Soul Drain Dragon.' Galaxy Destroyer fired it's arms off with rockets, the propelled fists smashing into Soul Drain Dragon (Mizar and Nash LP:4000-3000).

'I'll end my turn with a face-down. It's your go.'

Nash: 'I draw. I activate The Cheerful Coffin. So now I can discard up to three monsters from my hand. I'll get rid of just two though. Next I summon Double-Fin Shark (Atk:1000). When I summon it, I can revive Shocktopus (Atk:1600). I overlay Level 4 Shocktopus and Double-Fin Shark to build the overlay network and Xyz summon Number 101 – Silent Honor ARK (Atk:2100).'

'I activate the ability of ARK. By detaching two Xyz materials, it can turn your Galaxy Destroyer into a material. Dark Soul Asylum.' 'I activate my face-down R:Reflector. This protects Lukas' monster, negates the effect of your monster, and you lose 500 Life points for the trouble (Mizar and Nash LP:3000-2500).'

'Well I'll activate Rank-up Magic Barian's Force. This ranks up my monster by infusing it with the power of chaos. I rebuild the overlay network with Number 101. Chaos Xyz Evolution! Barian's power, born of chaos, lay waste to this world of filth. I Xyz summon Chaos Number 101: Silent Honor DARK (Atk:2800).'

'And I'll use DARK's ability, turning your monster into a new material. Chaos Absorbtion.' DARK threw it's spear at Galaxy Destroyer, turning it into a purple ball, before the new material anchored itself to the ground.

'Silent Honor DARK, attack Felgrand.' Dark threw it's spear, and Felgrand counted with sparkling fire, destroying them both. 'When DARK is destroyed while it has Xyz material, it can revive itself and we gain 2800 Life points (Atk:2800, Mizar and Nash LP:2500-5300). 'I end my turn.'

Tee: 'I draw. I place a monster face-down and end my turn.'

Mizar: 'I draw. I activate Dark-Piercing Light. This forces your hiding monster to flip face-up (Keeper of Dragon Magic Def.: 1200). 'I activate the ability of Dragulon. By detaching an Xyz material, your Dragon belongs to us now.' 'Yeah, a bit like what you did to my sister.' Mizar then looked daggers at Nash. 'Not now Nash.'

As Tee and Lukas' last line of defence was drawn away, all seemed gone. 'Dragulon, attack directly with Sacred Solar Flare.' 'I activate the ability of Snow Plow Hustle Rustle. By destroying Tee's face-down, it can block your direct attack and you lose 200 points (Def.:3000, Nash and Mizar LP:5300-5100).'

'We may not be able to attack you this turn but that doesn't stop the ability of Silent Honor DARK.' DARK absorbed Snow Plow Hustle Rustle, leaving their field bare again. 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Lukas: 'I draw. I activate Monster Reborn, to revive Night Express Knight (Atk:3000). Next I'll summon another Knight (Atk:3000-0). I overlay my two Level 10 Knights to build the overlay network and Xyz summon Number 81: Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Super Dora (Def.:4000).' 'When you do that, I can summon Flying C to your field (Def.:700).' 'I end my turn.'

Nash: 'I draw. I activate Pot of Greed, to draw two cards. I summon Wind-up Shark next (Atk:1500). When I summon Wind-up Shark, I can summon two more to my field (Atk:1500)x2. I overlay my three Level 4 monsters to build the overlay network and Xyz summon Number 28: Shark Drake (Atk:2800).'

'Shark Drake, attack Flying C with Deep-Sea Destruction.' Shark Drake slammed, teeth bared, into Flying "C", crushing it. 'And now with Drake's ability, Flying "C" returns to the field, but it loses 1000 Attack and Defence (Atk:0). And Shark Drake gets to attack again. Deep-Sea Destruction.' The second attack from Drake ripped the flying bug up again, causing major damage this time (BRI LP:4000-1200). 'Silent Honor DARK, attack directly.'

'I activate my face-down Draining Shield. This blocks your monster's attack and turns it into Life points (BRI LP:1200-4000).' 'Dragulon, attack with Sacred Fire Blast.' Dragulon's sparkling flames fired straight at the Renegade duo, dropping their points (BRI LP:4000-1000). 'I end my turn.'

Tee: 'I draw. I activate my face-down Needlebug Nest, which sends five cards from the top of my deck to the graveyard. Next I activate Dragon's Mirror. This allows me to Fusion summon by removing Dragons from my graveyard. I remove three Blue-Eyes White Dragons from my graveyard Fusion summon Neo Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon.'

The three Blue-Eyes monsters appeared in a circular mirror, before it shone blindingly, before flipping 180, and Neo Ultimate Dragon slowly emerged from the mirror (Atk:4500). 'An impressive monster. However it will not matter. You are completely outmatched.' 'Neo Blue-Eyes, attack Silent Honor DARK with Hyper Neutron Blast.'

The three-headed behemoth of a dragon launched a fizzing attack of blinding lightning at Number C101, blasting it into dust (Nash and Mizar LP:5100-3400). 'You never learn. The ability of Silent Honor DARK will just bring it back every time it leaves (Atk:2800, Nash and Mizar LP:3400-6200).'

'This time you've been outmatched. With Neo Galaxy-Eyes' ability, I can send a Blue-Eyes Fusion monster from my Extra deck to the graveyard, and attack you again. I'll send Twin Burst Dragon. Destroy Number C101 again and make it final this time. Hyper Neutron Blast.'

This time, the attack blasted straight through Silent Honor DARK, causing it to explode (Nash and Mizar LP:6200-4500). 'Now I'll send another Neo Ultimate Dragon and attack one more time. This time, I'm going after Shark Drake. Hyper Neutron Blast.' The third attack saw Ultimate Dragon blast the head off of Shark Drake, but the champions held firm (Nash and Mizar LP:4500-2800).

'So what – you going to get rid of another monster?' 'Sadly the effect of Neo Ultimate Dragon can only activate twice a turn. There's nothing else to do this turn.'

Mizar: 'I draw. I activate Rank-up Magic the Seventh One. This allows me to call upon Number 107 – Galaxy Eyes Tachyon Dragon (Atk:3000). And next, I can rank it up. Chaos Xyz Evolution! Barian's power, born of chaos, infuse my monster with new life! I Xyz summon Chaos Number 107: Neo Galaxy-Eyes Tachyon Dragon (Atk:4500).'

At this point, the two Neo dragons had a stand-off, both sides looking equal. 'I will end my turn with a face-down. Nash, I trust you can get the job done.'

Lukas: 'Who said he's getting the chance? I draw. I activate Scrap Rebirth. This allows me to Special summon one Xyz monster from my graveyard, but it loses 2000 Attack and Defence. Be reactivated, Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Super Dora (Atk:3200-1200). Next I rank it up. Rank-up Xyz Evolution!'

A small mark with a rose indent then appeared on his head. 'The mark of the rose. We were warned about this.' 'I Xyz summon the Rank 11 Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Juggernaut Liebe (Atk:4000).' '4000 Attack will do nothing for you.' 'Say that to Xyz Unit. This grants Liebe 200 more Attack for every Rank it has. That's 11, so 2200 more Attack (Atk:4000-6200).'

'Now I use the ability of Juggernaut Liebe. By detaching an Xyz material, I can increase it's Attack by 2000 big ones (Atk:6200-8200).' 'A truly formidable monster.' 'We'll take the tag titles and give them to Mistress Akiza. Show Neo Galaxy-Eyes the meaning of Bullet Train. Ready, Aim, Fire!' As Liebe readied it's projectile, there was one more sting in the tale.

'From my hand I activate Glory of the Seven Emperors.' 'You can't activate it from your hand in my Battle phase.' 'Normally you would be correct. However that rule doesn't apply if we have an Over-Hundred Number on our field. Now you take all the damage we would have done.' The projectile fired from Liebe, before exploding and backfiring on Tee and Lukas (BRI LP:1000-0).

As the duel ended, the champions left without looking back. Meanwhile, Akiza walked down and started admonishing Tee and Lukas, before they both departed backstage. As they did, Maddy was waiting for them just out of camera shot.

'You wanted something?' 'Just wanted to say that they did well.' 'They shouldn't have lost.' 'The Barians got lucky – this time. I'm sure you'll get another shot.' 'They should be winning. I've given them every chance and still they can't get the job done. That reflects on me.' 'You're being unreasonable now.'

'What makes you an expert?' 'Cause I learned from the best. I ain't talking to you as your boss Akiza, I'm talking to you as someone I look up to. Nash and Mizar were lucky there. It's a tough world, we've got to stick together.' 'So that means you're going to accept my offer?'

Maddy rolled her eyes and exhaled in frustration. 'Is that the only thing that's important to you Akiza? I've got an entire club to run and I'm here trying to beat some sense into yer thick ass skull. The Renegades need to be one unit.' 'You don't want those two with me?' 'That's all great, but don't do it on your own. Like earlier, when we went down there, you weren't there. We all need to be in agreement, we need to all work together. Too many egos gettin' in the way man. We're stronger with you. All I'm saying is think about your priorities.'

As Maddy left, Akiza made a phone call. 'Hello? Yeah, we really need to talk. When have you got time? See you in 20 then.' As she came off the phone, the Black Rose went to find Tee and Lukas, having made… arrangements.

Back in the box

As Maddy watched the main event preperations, Freja passed her phone to her. 'You've got a call Mads – it's from Claude.' 'Thanks. Hi Claude.' 'So you're in charge now.' 'That is correct.' 'So, can I come back?' 'Claude, your suspension ends in less than 3 weeks. Once your suspension is done, you can come back. But I need you to report straight to the office when you're back.'

'Why?' 'Because I need to talk to you. In private. It's just to discuss measures stopping everyone from piling onto you the moment you stand still.' 'How's Blair?' 'Oh, it's nice to hear some actual concern from you – Blair's doing ok, all things considered.' 'Good. Send her my regards.' 'Sure. I'll see you in 3 weeks then.' 'Thanks.' 'Don't thank me, it's me job now.'

Meanwhile, in the duelling zone

Astrid was just entering last for the main event when Rhydian looked around, and grabbed a microphone. 'Now everyone's here, I'm leaving. You three can fight over who gets a shot, I don't care. I want nothing to do with any of this. I have much better things to do with my time.'

As Rhydian turned to leave, Michael was stood there. 'Rhydian, you do realise you can avoid defending your title at the next event here?' 'I don't care. I'll defend against any idiot.' While Rhydian left, Martin stepped up and talked to James, taking Rhydian's place. 'Fine, Martin and James, you will be a team. The same rules apply – whoever gains the victory will earn a title shot against Rhydian.'

James Birchall LP:4000 and Martin Garcia LP:4000 vs. Astrid Hofferson LP:4000 and Kalin Kessler LP:4000

Turn 1: Astrid: 'Ladies first. Draw. Shining Angel, Attack mode (Atk:1400). Ending turn with three face-downs.'

Martin: 'I draw. I activate Polymerisation, fusing together Dream Clown and Crass Clown to summon Bickuribox (Atk:2300). I'm equipping it with Dark Energy, giving it 300 more Attack (Atk:2300-2600). I end my turn.'

Kalin: 'I draw. I summon Infernity Knight (Atk:1400). I end my turn with 3 face-downs.'

Birchall: 'I draw. I summon Archfiend Interceptor (Atk:1400). I'll end with a face-down.'

Astrid: 'Draw. Shining Angel, attack Archfiend Interceptor.' Angel flew at Interceptor, with the Archfiend's ability firing off a baseball (Astrid LP:4000-3500), the impact destroying both monsters. 'Thanks to Shining Angel, I can summon a Light monster with no more than 1500 Attack from my deck. I summon Valkyrie Sechste (Atk:0).'

'When Sechste is summoned, I can summon another Valkyrie. One like Valkyrie Brunhilde (Atk:1600). Also, Sechste can mill two from my deck to grave. Next I summon Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant (Atk:800). I tune Level 2 Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant with Level 1 Sechste and Level 7 Brunhilde. Odin, helligste av alle guder, tilbyr jeg meg selv for ubegrenset makt, levere guddommelig vrede over de ikke-troende! Vises! Odin, æsene Herre! (Atk:4000).'

'I activate Bottomless Trap Hole. This destroys and banishes your Odin.' 'Idiot! Odin can make himself immune to the effects of all Spells and Traps. You wasted your card. I end my turn.'

Martin: 'It's my turn. I summon Tour Guide from the Underworld (Atk:1000). When she's out, she calls down Dark Mimic LV3 (Atk:1000). Now I activate Level Tuning, to drop the Levels of my monsters by one (Bickuribox Level:7-6, Tour Guide Level:3-2, Dark Mimic Level:3-2). Now I overlay my two Level 2 monsters to build the overlay network and Xyz summon Number 65: Djinn Buster (Atk:1300).'

'Next I activate Rank-up Magic Quick Chaos. This ranks up Djinn Buster into a Chaos Xyz monster. Chaos Xyz Evolution. I Xyz summon Chaos Number 65: King Overfiend (Atk:1600). I end my turn with a face-down.'

Kalin: 'I draw.' 'Don't forget, with King Overfiend, you can't use monster effects.' 'Who says I need monster effects? I activate the Spell card Reasoning. This is a very powerful card, but the power is in your hands. You can name a Level from 1 to 12, and then I excavate cards until I find a monster I can legally summon. If it's of the Level you declared, it goes to my graveyard. Otherwise I summon it.'

Martin didn't get to speak before Birchall made the choice. '4.' 'Thanks.' Kalin then started excavating cards, revealing each one (Infernity Inferno, Phantom Hand, Double Summon, ZERO-MAX, Final Destiny, Darkness Neosphere, Dark Armed Dragon, Phantom Hand, Dimension Fusion, Chaos Zone, Raigeki, Darkness Neosphere, Card Breaker, Destruction Insurance, Raigeki, Reasoning, Infernity Archer).

'Guess what – Infernity Archer is a Level 6. That means I can summon him with Reasoning (Atk:2000). Next I activate Wave-Motion Inferno. But I'll send it to my graveyard so I can use it's effect to discard my entire hand. Infernity Archer, attack King Overfiend.' 'I activate my face-down Rush Recklessly. That gives 700 more Attack to King Overfiend (Atk:1800-2500).'

Archer's arrow flew towards Overfiend, which stopped it with force, before turning it back at the Infernity monster (Kalin LP:4000-3500). 'I end my turn (Atk:2500-1800).'

Birchall: 'I draw. I activate Monster Reborn, reviving Archfiend Interceptor (Atk:1400). Next I activate my face-down Sinister Yorishiro, and use it to summon Archfiend Emperor, the First Lord of Horror with no tributes (Atk:3000).'

'By sending an Archfiend card from my hand to the graveyard, I can annihilate a card on the field. Just like Hannah got annihilated! So I'll send Archfiend's Roar and get rid of your Knight, Renegade style.' As Birchall laughed his ears off (not literally), Infernity Knight crumbled. 'Archfiend Emperor, attack Kalin.'

As Kalin watched on, it was Astrid who made the shock save. 'Go – Gotterdamnrung. Odin, Beskytt Kalin med din hellige makt!' Odin then vanished, before reappearing on Kalin's field, just in time to reflect Archfiend Emperor's attack (Birchall LP:4000-3000).

'I activate Battle Mania. So now your other monsters have to attack.' Archfiend Interceptor threw a fastball, and King Overfiend a purple pulse, but both those attacks came to nothing as Odin threw a shred of yellow light, splitting them both in half (Martin LP:4000-1800, Birchall LP:3000-400).

At this point, Birchall looked over at Martin, who nodded, and Birchall left, with Astrid shouting insults at him in Norweigen. Kalin looked at his face-down meanwhile. 'I activate my face-down Time Jump. This skips right over to Astrid's next Battle phase. Which means Odin returns to her (Atk:4000).'

As the show ended, Maddy spoke to Astrid. 'Remember Astrid, we want an answer. You have 10 days.' 'Oh you'll get your answer before then, don't worry.' They were then interrupted by a ticking clock on the big screen behind Maddy. As Maddy looked behind her, an H appeared on the screen in ice-blue flames, before vanishing again less than 30 seconds later.

Meanwhile, in Newcastle

Blair was still at the bedside of Rio, when Sean came in. 'Yo Blair, I know you're busy here, but you've got a letter.' 'I'll read it later thanks.' 'It has "Urgent" written on in big red letters.' Blair then took the letter, opening the envelope carefully.

As she read through the letter, Sean left. 'Catch you later.' As she got to the bottom of the letter, she buried her face in the paper, as Jade walked in. 'What's up Blair?' 'It's my Grandma Wilma – she's really unwell and Alex wants me to come back to Shelby immediately.'

Next time: Blair returns home, Maddy has a proposition for Jodi, and Rio accepts her fate in Renegades: A New Dawn Chapter IV: Relapse