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.

5. Reclaimation

Renegades: A New Dawn

Chapter V: Reclaimation

The next tournament was in Prague. The club were being lead into battle by Maddy, now more confident and secure in her new position. 'So Mads' 'Freja.' 'Did you say Rob's back?' 'Nope.' 'Seems like he's been off for a while. Is he ill?'

'Nope.' 'What is it then?' 'I terminated the agreement. We can't afford two pilots, and Jack's better and cheaper.' Phil then intervened. 'As long as you're paying him off.' 'He's going to get all the money he's owed. We owe him £5400, so Jodi's worked out a payment plan which stretches over 4 months. Paying him back twice monthly.'

'Well it seems you know what you're doing.' 'I do.' 'What happens with Astrid then?' 'She's either with us or against us. If she's against us, we destroy her like we do with everybody else. It's simple.'

As they arrived at the airport, Jack and Maddy met up. 'Hey Jack, just wanted to let you know that you're now our only pilot.' 'Why, what happened to Robert?' 'I dismissed him. Just between us, he was sexually harassing female members of the club.'

'Ouch.' 'I terminated him via email because he wasn't answering his phone. As a result, you're going to be getting a pay rise… as soon as we've cleared our debt to you.' 'Awesome, thanks Maddy.' 'You're welcome. I'd love to keep chatting, but' 'I know, you need to get over to Prague.'

'Is the plane ready?' 'She's nearly ready to go – just being refuelled. Shouldn't be more than about 5 minutes.' 'That's great.' 'How's your Dad doing?' 'He's getting there. He's back with us today.' 'Good to hear. And how's bluebird?' 'You mean Rio?'

'Honestly, I'm awful with names.' 'Yeah she's not too bad. Recovering slowly. Still not able to stand though.' 'It's good to hear that she's conscious now. I got her a card, so could you drop it off at the hospital?' 'Of course I can Jack.'

As Maddy left Jack, she received a text, which she relayed to the club members. 'Everyone, I need to tell you something. Claude's suspension ended yesterday, he's meeting up with us in Prague. Now I know what he did was stupid and disgusting, but the fact of the matter is he is still a member of the Renegades. So I expect everyone to at least treat him with respect. If you don't want to speak to him, you don't have to by any means. But I won't tolerate any form of bullying or hazing or abuse from ANYONE. Do I make myself clear?' Everyone nodded, and the plane was loaded.

WDC World Tour: Prague – Match card

Open Challenge: Spica vs. ?

WDC Tag-Team Championships: Powerplay (David Marshall and Da Brooks Kid) vs. (c) Nash and Mizar

WDC Young-Gun Championship: Robert Duman vs. Zak Zapata vs. Tyranno Hassleberry vs. (c) Maddy Robinson-Cummings

Grudge Match/WDC Championship Top Contender Duel: James Birchall vs. Kalin Kessler

Top Contender to the WDC Tag-Team Championships: Black Rose Inc. (Lukas Chipperfield and Tee Taylor) vs. Shapesisters (Lydia and Freja Mckinna)

WDC Championship: Astrid Hofferson vs. (c) Rhydian Morris

As the plane landed, everyone unloaded their belongings. Meanwhile, Akiza was pushing for a rematch to Maddy. 'I know I can beat Spica this time.' 'Akiza, I've made my decision. Dad is the one answering the challenge.'

'Why him and not me?' 'She's beneath you. Why don't you face… some real opposition?' 'I'm listening.' 'It's up to you to find the opposition. Use your initiative. Now you lot go to the hotel.' 'What about you?' 'I've got something to organise. I'll be less than 20 minutes probably.'

'What is it you're sorting then?' 'A surprise.' 'One I can learn?' 'You'll learn with everybody else.' 'Take it Lydia and Freja know?' 'Only three people know – me, Jodi, and shall we say, the significant other.' 'In other words, you've got a boyfriend.' 'I don't have time for that – I have a club to run.'

In the arena

As the show started, Spica was standing there, having entered prematurely. 'I am on a mission to destroy the Renegades for what they did to Maddy. All this, that I have become, this "Barian" soldier, this is all because of them. Because they took Maddy, I had to sacrifice myself to have the opportunity to bring her back.'

'So I decided to play them at their own game. I am not here to win titles or to entertain anybody. I am here purely to get Maddy back. And I fully intend on completing my mission. So Maddy, I know you're going to answer my challenge because you don't want to listen to reason. But after I defeat you, I will make you listen to reason.'

Spica was then silenced as Phil's music hit, and he walked out, silently. As he made the long walk down, Spica was looking defiant. 'Fine, I'll just have to beat the answers out of you then.' Phil activated his duel disk, and only then removed his sunglasses. 'Try it.'

Spica LP:4000 vs. Phil Robinson LP:4000

Turn 1: Spica: 'I'll start. I activate Cost Down. It costs me a card from my hand, but reduces the cost of summoning monsters by two Levels. Meaning I can summon this with no tributes – Ryu Kokki (Atk:2400). Next I activate Double Summon, so I can tribute Kokki and summon Despair from the Dark (Atk:2800). I end my turn with a face-down.'

Phil: 'I activate Blaze Accelerator. But I'll throw that out for a Tri-Blaze Accelerator. By loading it with Volcanic Shell, it can destroy Despair from the Dark.' The three cannons were all loaded with the Volcanic Shell, before firing it, burning through the Level 8 Zombie (Spica LP:4000-3500). 'When Volcanic Shell is sent to the graveyard for a Blaze Accelerator's cost, I can pay 500 Life points to load another one into my hand (Phil LP:4000-3500).

'I summon Volcanic Slicer (Atk:1800). With the ability of Slicer, I can burn you for 500 points in exchange for not battling this turn.' Slicer reared up, before firing a flaming meteor out of it's mouth, denting Spica's points and confidence (Spica LP:3500-3000). 'I end my turn with three face-downs.'

Spica: 'Tell me where Maddy is.' 'Not here.' 'I'll make you tell me then. I draw. I activate Undead Outbreak. Now I can summon a Zombie from my hand whose Level is no more than the total levels of your monsters. I summon Double Coston (Atk:1600). Next I'll summon Pain Painter (Atk:400). When Pain Painter is used as Synchro material, it's name becomes Plaguespreader Zombie. Level 2 Pain Painter, tune with Level 4 Double Coston. These monsters represent me, dead inside yet still alive. It's all your fault and all Maddy's fault what I became. So now, it's your turn to pay! I summon Doomkaiser Dragon (Atk:2400).'

'Doomkaiser Dragon, assault Volcanic Slicer.' Doomkaiser blasted darkness out of it's mouth, choking Volcanic Slicer (Phil LP:3500-2900). 'Now I'll activate my face-down Assault Mode Activate. By tributing Doomkaiser Dragon, I can summon Doomkaiser Dragon/Assault Mode (Atk:2900).'

'When this upgraded Dragon is summoned, it allows me to summon as many Zombies as I like from my graveyard. Return Despair from the Dark, Pain Painter, Double Coston, and Plaguespreader Zombie (Despair Atk:2800, Painter Atk:400, Coston Atk:1600, Plaguespreader Atk:400).'

'Doomkaiser, attack him directly.' 'I activate my face-down Wild Fire. I pay 500 Life points (Phil LP:2900-2400), and destroy every monster on the field, as well as Tri-Blaze Accelerator.' The entire field burst into flames, which reduced all of Spica's monsters to ash. 'Now I get a little bonus – a Wild Fire Token (Atk:1000).'

'It's a good job I had this in my hand – Book of Life. It allows me to banish Volcanic Slicer from your graveyard and revive Despair from the Dark (Def.:3000). I end my turn.'

Phil: 'I activate my face-down Blaze Accelerator Reload. By discarding a Volcanic monster, I can draw a card. And because I'm sending Volcanic Shell, you lose 500 Life points (Spica LP:3000-2500). Now I can add another one to my hand. And the card I just drew is Soul of Fire. You get to draw a card, but then I banish a Pyro monster from my deck and you lose Life points equal to half it's Attack. I'm banishing Infernal Flame Emperor, who has 2700 Attack.'

Spica drew a card, and then screamed in pain as she was surrounded by a vicious wall of flames (Spica LP:2500-1150). 'Reload's effect means it's name is treated as Tri-Blaze Accelerator. Which is excellent, so I can send it to my graveyard and summon Volcanic Doomfire (Atk:3000).'

'Nice monster, but Despair from the Dark can hold it off.' 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Spica: 'Last chance – tell me where Maddy is!' 'She isn't here. Not yet anyway. And I'm going to make sure that my little girl' 'Your little girl? What kind of maniac are you?' Phil just stared into her eyes. 'The kind of maniac who will stop at nothing to protect all he has left.'

'Well Maddy isn't yours to keep! I draw.' 'I activate Ojama Trio.' 'Ojama what?' 'Trio. I'm giving you three Ojama Tokens (Atk:0)x3.' 'Why?' 'Well you can't tribute them.' 'Fine, I'll lay a face-down and end' 'You're not allowed to end your turn.' 'Why?' 'Because you have a monster in Attack mode, Doomfire's ability activates. Now all your monsters in Attack mode have to attack Doomfire. And when an Ojama Token is destroyed, you lose 300 more Life points.'

The three tokens all ran at Doomfire, exploding on contact with it, and the backfire blasted Spica onto the ground (Spica LP:1150-0).

As he won, Phil walked over to Spica, and held a metal pole against her neck. 'Go back to your dirty master and give him a message from me: Run Away. Run away now, and he may live. If he doesn't? Well… that's for him to guess.'

As Spica backed off in fear, an interviewer came to Phil. 'Phil, excellent to have you back for the' He silenced the man with his hand. 'I'm not in the mood for small talk.' Phil then turned and left, refusing to give anything away.

Meanwhile, Maddy was talking to Maltby outside the box. 'How's Rio?' 'Alive. Yah, she's doing ok thanks.' 'Awake yet?' 'Yes but tired. She's got all sorts of speech problems though. Don't know if it'll get any better.' 'She's ok though?' 'Should be outta the woods if tha's what ya mean.'

'Well send her my best. I hope she's out of hospital soon.' 'I don't know about that, she can't even stand at the moment.' 'Legs too weak?' Maddy nodded. 'I suppose that can happen after that kind of event.'

As Maddy turned away, Geoff stopped her, and leant in. 'Between us, I know exactly what Birchall did. I believe every word. And I am not going to rest my weary legs until I have justice for my friend.'

As Geoff left, Phil arrived, and they slapped hands. 'Phil, I just came to ask about Rio.' 'Slow and steady.' 'I know. Let me know if you need any help financially.' 'Thanks.' 'You're welcome. Look after yourself. You can't look after anybody if you don't look after yourself.' 'Thanks, I will do.'

After he left, Phil had a question. 'Where did you disappear off to anyway?' 'You'll see later. Let's just say that tonight is the night that the Renegades are reborn.' The leader departed, as her concerned father looked on in confusion.

In the next duel, Nash and Mizar creamed Powerplay by 4000 Life points, having taken just 11 minutes for their duel. Afterwards, they seemed to share some tense words, but still warped out together.

As Maddy prepared for her 3rd title defence, Lydia was trying to find out what she was hiding. 'So I'm hearing about a big surprise you've got lined up.' 'Yeah.' Lydia then put her hand on her hip. 'You look like a teapot stood like that.' 'Thanks. What's the surprise then?' 'God, does nobody get the idea of a surprise? You will all see after I win.' Maddy then turned and left, with the elder twin looking exasperated behind her.

In the duelling zone

With the other three duellists waiting, Maddy came out to her own music. Walking straight down, there was no characteristic smile, instead a focused look as she carried the title on her shoulder, and lifted it up above her head. She lifted it in front of each and every one of her opponents, spitting in their faces as she did, which nearly saw her get attacked by Hassleberry.

WDC Young-Gun Championship: Robert Duman LP:4000 vs. Zak Zapata LP:4000 vs. Tyranno Hassleberry LP:4000 vs. (c) Maddy Robinson-Cummings LP:4000

Turn 1: Robert: 'Draw. Activate Pot of Greed, draw 2. Donpa, Marksman Fur Hire (Atk:500). Activate ability, summon Beat, Bladesman Fur Hire (Atk:1200). Beat's ability, summon out Recon, Scout Fur Hire (Atk:1000). Recon ability, summon Helmer, Helmsman Fur Hire (Atk:0). Activate Helmer ability, summon Sagitta, Maverick Fur Hire (Atk:1200).'

'Sagitta ability. Every other Fur Hire on field, 500 damage. To Maddy!' 'I activate Aurora Wolf's ability from my hand. If I'd be eating 2000 damage or more, I can summon her out (Atk:2000). Because she was summoned this way, I can draw two cards. If either of them are monsters, then I'm good.'

'And if not?' 'I banish them both along with another card in my hand.' Maddy then drew her cards, and smiled as she saw them. 'Lineage of Destruction and Berserk Gorilla. I'm good.' 'End turn, two face-down.'

Zak: 'Draw. Activate Polymerisation, fusing together Thunder Dragon and Thunder Dragonduo to Fusion summon the sparking terror Thunder Dragon Colossus (Atk:2600). Next I'll banish my Colossus, and Batteryman Industrial Strength from my hand, to summon Thunder Dragon Titan (Atk:3200).'

'Now I use Thunder Dragon Fusion. This allows me to Fusion summon a Thunder Dragon monster, and get this – I can use monsters in my banished pile and graveyard, shuffling them into my deck. I shuffle into my deck Thunder Dragon, Thunder Dragonduo, and Thunder Dragon Colossus to summon another Thunder Dragon Titan (Atk:3200). I end my turn with a face-down.'

Hassleberry: 'Attention, my turn. Gilasaurus, you're on patrol son (Atk:1400). He can special summon himself whenever I like. Next I activate Big Evolution Pill. I need a dino to lay down it's life here. You're dismissed Gilasaurus. Now I can summon whatever dinos I like for 3 turns. Starting with Ultimate Tyranno (Atk:3000). I'll end my turn with two face-downs.'

Maddy: 'Are you all done now? I'm bored. I draw. I activate Awakening of a New Power. I know, I normally only use this when my Life's way down low. But I can use it this early by sending monsters to my graveyard from my hand to my graveyard whose Levels equal 36. Or, I could just send Aurora Wolf to my graveyard, because she counts as all the tribute I could need when Ritual summoning for a Beast. So that's Aurora Wolf gone and welcome to Miracle Wolf (Atk:2800).'

'When Miracle Wolf is on the field, she can be used as three Level 12 monsters when I Xyz summon. I overlay my Miracle Wolf to build the overlay network.' Maddy's eyes then glowed, and she smiled. 'At last. You don't know what's hiding, deep in my DNA. You don't know the secrets that I hide. I Xyz summon Number 97: myself, Maddy, the Legendary Wolfblood (Atk:4000).'

'Now I'll lay a face-down and activate Xyz Unit. As I'm a Rank 12, I gain 2400 points of power (Atk:4000-6400). Now attack Robert's Donpa with Alpha Claw.' 'Activate face-down, Twin Guard. Switch Donpa to Defence mode, can survive one attack (Def.:1000).'

'Like I care. I'm dealing piercing damage with ma effect.' 'Why me!' 'Don't like ya.' Maddy's wolf spirit howled, and the claws glowed red, piercing straight through Donpa, and into the Frenchman, as a long hooked claw slashed his shirt open and cut his chest (Robert LP:4000-0).

As medics checked on the young man, Maddy seemed devoid of emotion. 'One down, two to go. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Zak: 'My draw. I'm activating my face-down Power-up Adapter. By stopping Thunder Dragon Titan attacking this turn, my other Titan gains it's Attack power (Atk:3200-6400). Attack Number 97 with Voltage Burst.'

'Really?' 'Really what?' 'Did you think I wasn't waiting for you to attack me? I activate Magic Mind. Now if I happen to have a Spell in my hand, all I have to do is pay 1000 Life points (Maddy LP:4000-3000), and reveal that card, and then Magic Mind's effect becomes the same as that card. And I just happen to have Wild Nature's Release in my hand. This gives Number 97 a power boost equal to it's Defence. That's 4000 (Atk:4000-8000).' The wolf spirit howled, and ripped Thunder Dragon Titan's face off with razor-sharp claws, destroying it and knocking Zak to the ground, the shoulder of his shirt torn away (Zak LP:4000-2600).

'I got your number girl. I'll play a face-down and end my turn. During the End phase, your stupid little wolf goes bye bye because of Wild Nature's Release.' 'You'd be right normally. Sadly for you though, this spirit packs an immunity to destruction by Spell cards.'

Hassleberry: 'I draw. I still have Big Evolution Pill out, so I can summon what I like. Front and centre Jurrac Titano (Atk:3000). And with Gift of the Martyr, I can tribute it and give all 3000 points to Ultimate Tyranno (Atk:3000-6000).'

Zak then started cheering him on. 'Don't know why you're cheering private – Ultimate Tyranno attacks everything on the field. Attack Thunder Dragon Titan with Crushing Cruncher!' Tyranno charged at Titan, and crunched straight through it (Zak LP:2800-0).

'And there's one for wolf-girl as well. Forward march!' 'I activate my third ability. By sending all Beasts from my hand to the graveyard, there will be no destruction.' Tyranno bit straight into Maddy's soul, but she gritted her teeth as the pain coarsed through her veins (Maddy LP:4000-2000). 'I end my turn with a face-down (Atk:6000-3000).

Maddy: 'I draw! Now you've made me angry and that was a very bad move on your part. I activate Rank-up Magic Extreme Icaron's Force!' A red portal then appeared above Maddy and her monster, and started pulsating, as it felt like all the oxygen was being drawn into it.

'Sam hill, that thing's insane! You're insane!' 'I'm the president of the Renegades. And I'm your destruction.' Maddy then started shaking, and her eyes glowed a mixture of yellow and red, as everyone watched on. She then glared at Hassleberry, a wicked, insane grin on her face. 'With Extreme Icaron's Force I can turn the primal power up to 11! Primal Xyz Evolution! Meet Number 97 – Maddy the Raging Wild Wolfblood (Atk:5500).'

'5500? Sam hill!' 'Goodbye. Attack with Raging Wild Claw!' 'I activate Miracle Growth. This allows my monster to steal half of the Attack of yours.' 'Yeah, nice try. Pity that I now can't be targeted by card effects.' 'Even so, I'm going to have points still.' 'Not when I'm dealing double damage.' Maddy's dark-red fur form glowed black, and smashed straight into Tyranno, destroying it and flattening Hassleberry (Hassleberry LP:4000-0).

With her opponents all laid out, Maddy picked up a microphone, and uncharacteristically, started preaching. 'I have had a lot of questions asked of me lately. A lot of very difficult questions. Many of which I did not feel I had the answers to.'

'However, I then realised I am a Renegade, and we are the righteous. We exist to bring justice to the world, to restore the cosmic balance. I was chosen to lead this revolution, I was chosen to not only identify and find those who required our help, but to rescue them, hand them an olive branch, bring them to where they can be loved and respected for who they are, where they can be themselves'

A girl, early 20s, in the second row then stood up, and walked down to the zone, and came face-to-face with Maddy, speaking with a strong Welsh accent. 'My name is Brooke, and I believe. I believe in the Renegades.' Maddy's eyes then glowed yellow, and she placed her hand on Brooke's forehead.

'Brooke, I see your pain and your suffering. I see what you have endured over a number of years. I see your future as well – it is with us. Do you wish to conform?' 'Yes, I do.' 'Kneel before me.' Brooke then kneeled in front of her, and Maddy kissed the top of her head, before putting her hand on Brooke's head, and speaking to her in the old language.

'Boed i'r hen dduwiau a'r arglwydd da Icaron fendithio bod y farwolaeth hon a graddnodi ei hymennydd I ddilyn y ffordd Renegade yn unig. O nawr tan dragwyddoldeb, a gwasanaethu ein hanghenion. Bydded i'w henald gael el rhoi I mi fel na all hi byth newid ei llwybr o'r gwir achos. Rhowch y pwer hwnnw I mi!'

Brooke's eyes then rolled, and went completely blank, with only the whites visible, and she started shuddering and shaking, which lasted for nearly three minutes, before Maddy's hand glowed red briefly. Brooke's eyes then returned to normal, and she stood up straight, before raising her fist. 'Come Brooke, we have work to do.' 'Yes mistress. All for the Renegades.'

Brooke then walked up towards the box, and Maddy picked up her microphone up. 'I hope you now understand. THIS is what the Renegades are. Only the chosen may join, only the righteous may enter, only Renegades may prosper.' Maddy made the salute herself, before leaving.

Backstage, Maddy was walking away when Dragan rushed her, and pinned her up against the wall. 'You have no manners do you?' 'You're going to leave my sister alone! You psychos may get a kick out of kidnapping other people's relatives, but you're not going to do that to us. Astrid is mine and nobody else's!'

'And soon she won't be.' 'If you don't leave my sister alone then your mother's not going to be the only one cold and unmoving.' 'Why, you becoming a human statue?' This angered him further, as he started choking Maddy, who didn't seem bothered. 'I don't want you talking to my sister EVER again. Otherwise I'll come after you, and I'll hurt you.' Dragan left, and Maddy looked on, licking her lips.

As Maddy walked into the box, Akiza smiled. 'So that's what you planned then?' 'Set it up days ago. Had Brooke fly out yesterday.' 'Is that why your hotel was booked for an extra day?' 'What – you thought I'd made a mistake with the booking?'

'Yes.' Maddy then face-palmed. 'Can't believe I fooled everyone with that.' Akiza then leant into Maddy. 'Akiza, personal space.' 'Sorry.' 'That reminds me Akiza – could you have another word with Tee?'

'What this time?' 'I keep getting notes telling me to make you president.' 'How do you know it's Tee?' 'The computer's got a sample of everybody's handwriting. Mainly for hostage situations. And Tee's matched perfectly with the notes I got.'

'I'll have another word.' 'Cheers.' 'By the way, I thought about what you said earlier.' 'And?' 'It's going to be me and Tee against Lydia and Freja later.' 'Right.' 'Is that what you wanted?' 'Work it out for yourself.'

The atmosphere created by Maddy was then interrupted by Birchall's music starting up, and he came out, wearing a wig to try and look like Hannah. 'Brady, I got your message. And I don't care. Because I'm going to put you where the girl you raped is. That's right – Brady is a rapist and a murderer. Big surprise there. And if you'll just give me a few minutes, I will'

At this point a harmonica played, and Kalin ran out, before getting right in Birchall's face with a microphone. And he was pissed. 'You think you're funny? YOU THINK YOU'RE FUNNY? ANSWER ME! YOU THINK YOU'RE FUNNY? Well I don't. Nor does anybody else back there. Because you know what? No matter what Hannah did, what she said, who she upset, everyone back there and everyone sitting at home or wherever they are watching this bunch of crap, they all respected Hannah. Above everything.'

'Do you know why they respected Hannah? Because she did the job. She won with pride, she lost with dignity. She worked hard to make a better life for herself. And we respected that. Because we all do the same. But you? You're just a piece of unfiltered crap James. And I'd love to beat you so hard right now that you'd never look right again, but I'll settle for just embarrassing you.' They both activated their duel disks and then began.

Grudge Match: James Birchall LP:4000 vs. Kalin Kessler LP:4000

Turn 1: Kalin: 'I'll start. I summon Infernity Beast (Atk:1600). I end my turn with a face-down.'

Birchall: 'I draw. I summon Terrorking Archfiend (Atk:2000). Next I activate the Field spell Pandemonium.' A depiction of hell spread across the field, with skeletons and ridges everywhere. 'Now I don't have to pay to play. Terrorking, attack Kalin with Locust Storm Barrage.' Terrorking's chest opened, and a plague of locusts rushed out, swarming Infernity Beast (Kalin LP:4000-3600).

As Birchall laughed, Kalin shook his head. 'All for 400 points. You have so far to go yet.' 'I'll beat you easy. And then I might just put you where I put Hannah. I'll throw a face-down and end my turn.'

Kalin: 'You're not a piece of crap James, you're just a sick bastard! I draw. I summon Exploder Dragon (Atk:1000). And you don't want to be in it's blast zone. I end my turn.'

Birchall: 'I draw. I summon Archfiend Interceptor (Atk:1500). Now you have to pay to attack. I end my turn.' 'Not attacking?' 'I'm just playing with you. You're nothing more than my little toy.' 'Who says that doesn't go both ways?' 'Huh?' 'Don't you think I'm making it too easy for you?' 'Nah, you're just no good.'

Kalin: 'Want to take the chance? I draw. I activate Graceful Charity, to draw 3 cards and discard 2. I end my turn.'

Birchall: 'I draw. I summon Infernalqueen Archfiend (Atk:900). Terrorking, attack his Dragon.' 'I activate Negate Attack.' 'Fine. I end my turn.'

Kalin: 'My turn. I activate Allure of Darkness. So I draw two cards, and then banish a Dark monster from my hand. I'll banish Infernity Dwarf. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Birchall; 'I activate The Inexperienced Spy. This gives me five seconds to look at your face-down, and it's then reset.' A short spy-like character then appeared on the field, and flipped Kalin's face-down, revealing it to be Call of the Haunted. 'No problem. I'll happily attack Exploder Dragon with Terrorking Archfiend.'

Terrorking released it's locusts, which swarmed Exploder Dragon, but the Dragon flew through the storm and attached it's talons to Terrorking, before exploding, taking the king with it. 'Nobody takes damage from battles with Exploder Dragon. And when it's destroyed' 'Nobody cares. Like nobody cared about that slut!

At this moment, Birchall stopped, as the letter "R" appeared on the big screen, just like the H had in Prague. A mysterious cloaked figure with a metallic grey mask appeared on the screens, distracting Birchall. 'Who are you?' There was no answer. 'I end my turn. Now who are you? And why are you on my show!' While Birchall was distracted, Kalin took his turn.

Kalin: 'I draw. I summon Armageddon Knight (Atk:1400). His ability allows me to send Destiny Hero – Malicious to my graveyard from my deck. By banishing Malicious from my graveyard, I can summon another Malicious from my deck (Atk:600). Next I activate Call of the Haunted to bring back Amazoness Archers (Atk:1400).'

'By tributing my other two monsters, Archers can deal 1200 points of damage.' Amazoness Archers fired two stiff-looking arrows at Birchall, who was still distracted (Birchall LP:4000-2800). 'By banishing the second Malicious from my graveyard, I can summon a third Malicious from my deck (Atk:600).'

'Now I activate Premature Burial. With the payment of 800 points (Kalin LP:3600-2800), I can bring back Armageddon Knight (Atk:1400). And by tributing both these monsters, I can reduce your points by 1200 again (Birchall LP:2800-1600).'

'While I'm at it I'll use another card – Quick Summon. This calls out Infernity Archfiend. When I Special summon it, if I have no other cards in my hand, I can add an Infernity monster to my hand. I choose another Archfiend, because when I draw Infernity Archfiend and I have nothing else in my hand, I can summon it (Atk:1800).'

'I'll repeat again to summon another Infernity Archfiend (Atk:1800). By tributing two of them, I deal another 1200 damage (Birchall LP:1600-400). 'And now I'll tribute my last Archfiend and Amazoness Archers.' As Birchall briefly averted his gaze from the screen, he realised his defeat… too late (Birchall LP:400-0).

As the duel finished, Birchall looked stunned, as Kalin looked down at him, and despite the temptation to get physical, just turned and left the zone. Meanwhile, the masked figure simply spoke from a voicebox. 'I'm coming.' The feed then cut out, leaving everyone confused.

Backstage, Kalin was interviewed, well away from Birchall. 'Kalin, a quick win there, do you now feel vindicated?' 'Humbling James is nice, but I won't stop until he's locked up where he belongs. I know what he did. And I know why he did. I just don't know how he could. Now if you'll excuse me, I have somebody I need to talk to.'

Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle

Rio was lay in hospital just thinking about everything that happened, tears coming down her face steadily. As Taylor and the recently-arrived Kelly walked back in, they rushed over to her. 'What's happened?' 'I'm fine.'

Kelly then touched her hand. 'As long as you are. Because you're not going to help yourself if you hide anything.' Taylor then picked up her bag. 'I've got to get back to the base. See you later Rio.' 'Bye Taylor' Rio replied horsely.

'So, what's wrong that you don't want to talk about then?' With just Kelly there, Rio started to confide. 'Flashbacks.' Kelly immediately understood. 'Well it's a good job you've got a family. Come on, you can tell me anything.'

'Sp… sp' 'I know. You can hold a pen?' Rio nodded. 'How about writing it down then.' 'Writi… ng' 'If you have bad handwriting it's fine. You've not seen my writing!' Rio then picked up a pen, and hand shaking, started to write.

After about five minutes, she'd managed to write what she was thinking, for Kelly to read. 'Keep getting flashbacks of shooting, car crash, can't stop, can't stop, voices, think I have PTZD?' 'S.' 'I get you.' Kelly then hugged Rio. 'We'll get you right girl. Whatever it takes.'

In Rome

As Lydia, Freja, Akiza, and Tee departed for their top contender's duel, Maddy's phone rang. 'Who is it?' 'Dunno, don't recognise the number. Hello? Hi Kelly, need to save your number. Alright. Aw that's nice of you, thanks. Right. Erm I'd have to ask Blair since it's her bedroom as well but it should be no issue. Yeah, could we talk about that back at base please? I don't really want to be discussing medical issues over the phone. Ok sure, email me and I'll get back to you. Thanks Kelly. Yeah, it's… kinda weird. Just watch the replay and you'll see. I'll see you when I get back to England – just book a meeting with Jodi. Bye.'

As she came off of the phone, her father looked fascinated at the discussion. 'What did Kelly want?' 'Dad, I love ya, but please get off of my back.' 'I just want to' 'Look after me. I know, and I love ya. But I can't tell you. She was telling me something in confidence, and as the president, I can't betray anyone like that.' 'I understand.'

Maddy then hugged him. 'Thanks for getting it.' 'I shouldn't be so nosey. I just want to protect you. We've lost enough already.' 'I can tell you that Kelly's currently looking after Rio at the hospital though.' 'I didn't know she was back.'

'Yeah, she got back from China yesterday, and spent the night in a B&B sleeping off the jet-lag. Still can't believe she was stuck in China for over 2 weeks.' 'Did she ever find out the problem?' 'No. I heard a rumour that there was an issue with the runway, but that's all I heard and I couldn't find anything to confirm it.'

In the duelling zone

The two teams were facing off, and things were getting seriously competitive. After much jaw-jacking between Freja and Tee, they both activated their duel disks, followed by Lydia and Akiza, who were being far more civil.

WDC Tag-Team Championship Top Contenders: Shapesisters (Lydia and Freja Mckinna) LP:4000 vs. Black Rose Inc. (Akiza Izinski and Tee Taylor) LP:4000

Turn 1: Freja: 'I draw.' After looking at her sister, Freja decided on a course of action. 'I'm activating Second Coin Toss and summoning Arcana Force VI: The Lovers (Atk:1600). When The Lovers are summoned, I flip a coin. If it lands on Heads' 'We know already. Heads and your monster counts as two tributes for an Arcana Force monster. Tails and you can't tribute summon.'

Freja then flipped her coin, but bizarrely, didn't use her skill. 'Tails.' 'Idiot.' 'You forgot about Second Coin Toss. When a coin flip doesn't go my way, this gives me a second bite at the cherry.' Freja flicked the coin again, and again didn't try to influence the result. 'Heads. I end my turn with two face-downs.'

Tee: 'I'll take this one. I draw. I activate Summoner's Art. This takes a Blue-Eyes from my deck and gives it a fast-track to my hand. And I'll activate Ancient Rules. So now Blue-Eyes is coming out to play (Atk:3000). Attack with Burst Stream of Destruction!'

'I activate my face-down Negate Attack.' Blue-Eyes unleashed a devastating blast, but The Lovers bent backwards, avoiding the attack. 'I end my turn with two face-downs.'

Lydia: 'I draw.' 'I activate Hidden Spellbooks. Now I can take Summoner's Art and Ancient Rules, and put them back into my deck.' 'I summon Cyber Gymnast (Atk:800). And with the ability of Gymnast, I can discard one card to destroy your Blue-Eyes.' 'Yeah nice try. I activate Overwhelm. Because your effect is targeting a Level 7 or higher monster, it's negated and your Gymnast is destroyed.' Dejected, Lydia ended her turn immediately.

Akiza: 'I draw. I'll summon Witch of the Black Rose (Atk:1700). When she's summoned, I have to draw a card. If it's a monster, she's safe. If not, she's destroyed.' Akiza drew her card with confidence and revealed it. 'I drew Nettles, so my Witch is staying. And with Tuner's Call, I can summon out a Level 2 or below Tuner from my hand. I summon Nettles (Atk:1200).'

'Now Level 2 Nettles, tune with Level 4 Witch of the Black Rose. Prepare to be stung, as I summon my Splendid Rose (Atk:2200). Splendid Rose, destroy The Lovers. Thorn of Retribution!' 'I activate my face-down Half Unbreak. This halves the damage I take in battle this turn. Also you can't harm my monster.'

Splendid Rose twisted around like a typhoon and slammed into The Lovers (Shapesisters LP:4000-3700). 'Blue-Eyes, do your thing (Shapesisters LP:3700-3000). 'I end my turn with a face-down.' At this point, Freja looked at her hand, and started calculating her next move.

Freja: 'I draw. Nifty. I play a monster face-down and activate Nightmare's Steelcage.' Akiza and Tee were surrounded by a large metal dome, sealing them and their monsters in. 'For two turns there is no attacks. I end my turn.'

Tee: 'My turn. I activate Magical Mallet. By returning three cards from my hand to my deck, I can draw three new ones. One of which I'll put to use – Twin Twisters. It costs me a card from my hand, but it costs you Second Coin Toss and Nightmare's Steelcage.'

At this point, Lydia finally seemed to wake up. 'By discarding Herald of Green Light and another Fairy, I can negate your Spell and destroy it.' 'Fine. I'm done.'

Lydia: 'I draw. I activate Graceful Charity, to draw 3 cards and discard 2. Now I'll activate Advanced Ritual Art. Now I can Ritual summon by sending the appropriate monsters from my deck to my graveyard. So say goodbye to Herald of Perfection, Djinn Releaser of Rituals, and Djinn Cursenchanter of Rituals, and say hello to Herald of Ultimateness (Def.:3000).'

'Because Djinn Releaser of Rituals was used to Ritual summon, neither of you can Special summon now. And because Cursenchanter was utilised, Synchro monsters can't use their effects.' 'I end my turn.'

Akiza: 'My turn. I'll lay a monster face-down and end my turn.' The steel bars which surrounded Black Rose Inc. then vanished.

Freja: 'I draw. Arcana Force VI, you're out.' Freja then made a circle with her hands above her head. 'I summon Arcana Force XIX: The Sun (Atk:2900).' 'Sounds nasty.' 'Now let fate decide where the Sun's effect comes from.' Freja flipped the coin and still wouldn't use her power, as it landed. 'Heads. So now I can destroy Blue-Eyes and you take 3000 points of damage.'

'I activate Prevent and Draw. So the effect damage is halved and I draw a card.' Arcana Force XIX ascended up high, and it's immense heat caused Blue-Eyes to vaporise (BRI LP:4000-2500). 'And now The Sun attacks Splendid Rose.' 'I activate the ability of the Rose Wizard in my hand. By discarding him, Splendid Rose gains 700 Attack points and can't be destroyed in battle (Atk:2200-2900).' The two monsters went head-to-head, ending with Splendid Rose punching through it.

'That was pretty sweet Akiza. I'll end my turn with a face-down.'

Tee: 'I draw. I'll set a monster and then end my turn.'

Lydia: 'I draw. I'll fortify our defences with the Field spell Mound of the Bound Creator.' Three large wooden pillars grew out of the earth, and chains shot out, surrounding Herald of Ultimateness. 'With this on the field Herald is totally immune to card effects. Can I rely on you Fre?' 'No problem sis.'

'Great – I switch Herald to attack mode (Atk:2000). Destroy Tee's face-down monster.' The girls' Herald shone in many different colours, and it's multi-coloured scales rained down onto Tee's monster (Kaiser Sea Horse Def.:1650), destroying it.

'And now for Mound of the Bound Creator. Because Herald is at least Level 10, you lose a grand.' Lightning shot out of the pillars of the Mound, coming together in the centre to form a larger beam, striking both Tee and Akiza (BRI LP:2500-1500). 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Akiza: 'Big mistake Lydia. You've left your Herald exposed. I draw. I'll equip Splendid Rose with Thorn of Malice, to increase it's Attack by 600 (Atk:2900-3500). Attack with Pirouetting Rose Pound.'

'I activate my Trap card Servant of the Ritual Throne. When a Ritual monster is targeted for an attack, I can change the target to a lower-levelled monster on the field. So now you're attacking Arcana Force XIX – The Sun. So stick that in your rose and suck it!'

As Splendid Rose came twisting in, the Arcana Force monster stepped in to take the hit (Shapesisters LP:2500-1900). 'Due to Thorn of Malice, The Sun now loses 600 Attack points (Atk:2900-2300). I end my turn with another face-down.' Freja then winked at her sister. 'Told you I had your back.' 'Never doubted it.'

Freja: 'I draw. I'll lay that face-down. Next I summon Arcana Force VII: The Chariot (Atk:1700). Now Chariot's ability is to be determined. If it lands on Heads, it takes control of any monster it destroys. If Tails, it falls under your control.'

Freja then flipped the coin, and it landed on Heads. 'Lucky result.' 'I didn't care what the result was there. Lyds' 'I activate my face-down. It's a Spell called Xyz Reception. And with this card may our monsters be married in perfect matrimony because it allows me to summon a monster from my hand whose Level is the same as The Chariot. I summon Bountiful Artemis (Atk:1600).'

'Cheers sis.' 'Welcome.' 'I overlay Level 4 Chariot and Bountiful Artemis to build the overlay network. I summon Fairy Cheer Girl (Def.:1200).' 'Yes, I'm sure she'll do a lot with 1200 Defence points.' 'I activate the effect of my Cheer Girl. By detaching a material, I get a free draw. I'll switch Herald to Defence mode (Def.:3000), and end my turn with a face-down.'

Tee: 'I draw. I activate Cards of Consonance. I discard The White Stone of Ancients and draw 2 cards in return. And if I banish White Stone from my graveyard, I can add Blue-Eyes back to my hand. I'll activate another Spell. This one is Supremacy Berry. Because your Life points are still outnumbering ours, we regain 2000 points (BRI LP:1500-3500).'

'Why would we care?' 'Because I've also got Mausoleum of the Emperor.' The three pillars then crumbled, and an ancient burial ground was uncovered. 'By paying 2000 Life points (BRI LP:3500-1500), I can Normal summon Blue-Eyes White Dragon (Atk:3000).'

'And I'll activate my face-down Meteorain. While this is on the field, all our monsters can deal piercing damage. And with no Mound, your little Herald is no longer immune to card effects.' 'Splendid Rose, attack.' Splendid Rose lashed at Herald of Perfection, the backlash to Akiza and Tee not fussing them (BRI LP:1500-1400, Herald Atk/Def.:2000/3000-1400/2400).

'Blue-Eyes, White Lightning.' 'I activate the effect of Servant of the Ritual Thorne. So now you're attacking Arcana Force XIX.' The blast of lightning annihilated Freja's monster, blasting her in the face as Tee laughed (Shapesisters LP:1900-1200).

As Freja got back up, Lydia was furious. 'That was deliberate!' 'You're right. Because Mistress Akiza is going to take over the club. With me by her side. To do that we have to get rid of you.' Freja then retorted. 'Yeah, well you're doing my laundry for a week now. Do you know how hard it is to get creases out of this shirt? Took me two days last time.' 'So? I end my turn.'

Lydia: 'I draw. I activate the effect of Fairy Cheer Girl, to detach her other material and draw a card. I'll buff up our defences by activating Quick Summon. This allows me to bring out Hand-Holding Genie (Def.:1600).' 'That thing looks pathetic. Might as well give up now.'

'Looks aren't everything.' The genie stood in the centre of Lydia and Freja's field, and held it's arms out, joining with their other monsters. 'When Hand-Holding Genie is on the field, he'll protect all other monsters of ours from being attacked. And he gains Defence points equal to that of every other monster on our field. And that's ignoring Thorn of Malice's effect.' The genie then laughed as it's Defence rose dramatically (Def.:1600-5800). So if you try that Thorn of Malice wear-down again, you're going to be losing all your points. I end my turn.'

Akiza: 'I draw. If only I could access Black Rose Dragon right now. For now, I'll play a face-down and end my turn.'

Freja: 'I draw.' Freja's eyes then glazed over, before slowly turning a fiery red. 'Mistress Akiza' 'Yeah I see it too Tee.' 'It's time to use our secret weapon. I activate my face-down Rank-up Magic Renegades Unite! This allows me to summon out an Xyz monster directly from my Extra deck. Meet Red-Eyes Flare Metal Dragon (Atk:2700).'

'When did you get that?' 'Now I can deal 1400 damage to you for it's 7 Ranks.' 'I activate Damage Diet to halve the damage.' 'And because of Flare Metal Dragon, you're going to lose 500 more points for it. I know the damage will be halved, but it still burns.' Flare Metal Dragon's wings glowed red as it created a superheated wind, while a dark red blast of light burst into Akiza and Tee (BRI LP:1400-450).

At this point, Akiza was realising the situation that her team was in. Freja though was in no mood to let her process it. 'You're done. The only monster you can attack has 5800 Defence points. And the moment you do anything, Flare Metal Dragon will wipe out the remainder of your Life points. Hopeless. I end my turn.'

Akiza: 'I draw. We're not done yet – I activate Dian Keto the Cure Master to regain 1000 Life points.' 'And you take 500 damage.' The two effects then triggered, with Akiza and Tee staying in the game (BRI LP:450-1450-950). 'I switch our monsters into Defence mode (Blue-Eyes Def.:2500, Splendid Rose Def.:2000), and end my turn with a face-down (BRI LP:950-450).

Lydia: 'I draw. I activate Machine Angel Ritual. This would normally require me to send monsters who have a total of eight Levels from my hand or field to my graveyard, but I can banish Djinn Releaser, Demolisher, and Cursenchanter of Rituals from my graveyard to act as the entire cost. I summon Cyber Angel Dakini (Atk:2700).'

'Dakini, attack Splendid Rose. When Dakini attacks, she can deal piercing damage. And thanks to Djinn Demolisher of Rituals, she's immune to your card effects.' Dakini slammed her multiple swords into Splendid Rose, ending the duel (BRI LP:450-0).

When the dust cleared, Lydia and Freja hugged each other in celebration. They then offered a handshake, which Akiza accepted. Tee initially refused, but after Akiza had a word with her, accepted.

As the two teams returned, Maddy was waiting in the entrance to the box. 'Akiza, need a word. You too Tee.' As they left, Lydia and Freja looked at each other. 'This can only go well.' 'Yep. About time something's done.'

Just then, Claude walked in. As he did, everyone looked away other than Lydia. 'Hello to you too.' 'Maddy said we have to be nice to you. Doesn't mean we have to talk to you.' 'Why are you then?' 'Because somebody has to.'

'Where's Phil?' 'Why?' 'Fancy talking to him. Talk to an actual adult.' 'You do realise Phil isn't in the mood for talking at the moment?' 'Why?' 'Let's see – how about you tried to rape his cousin? Or maybe the fact that he's recently widowed?'

'Yeah, forgot about Hannah. Shame isn't it? Falling out of a window like that.' 'Falling? She was shot.' Claude then demeaningly patted her on the head. 'I know you're upset, but it can't be helped if she had an accident.'

This annoyed Lydia greatly, but before she could say anything, Phil walked back into the box. 'Don't say anything Lydia.' The two big men then came face-to-face. 'Claude.' 'Phil.' 'I would suggest you don't speak and stop annoying everyone.' 'Or what?' 'You don't want to find out.'

Meanwhile, in a private room

Maddy was talking to Tee and Akiza. 'How many times do I have to warn you about your conduct Tee?' 'What did she even do wrong?' 'We have a code of conduct that we do not intentionally harm any of our fellow club members. Also I have made clear that if anybody wants to join Akiza's subgroup, they will do that on their own terms. And we don't canvass during duels. And you would still need my permission as you are still under the power of the Renegades.'

Akiza nodded. 'I have had a word with Tee, she just gets overexcited and over-passionate sometimes.' 'Which is exactly why I have been turning the other cheek. But I'm seeing no change. Eventually, I have to ask myself if Tee is really out for the best interests of the club.'

'So you allow Claude back?' 'This is absolutely nothing to do with him. Claude's situation is a completely different matter. As I say though, I have to ask if Tee is the correct fit for the club.' 'And?' 'I'll be straight with you – I don't want Tee to go anywhere. I think that she is a good fit for the club and she makes us stronger.'

'However, I do need to do something about the issues that are being caused in the club.' 'They are being' 'I know exactly who's causing the issues. And I know why. I'll cut to the chase. I am suspending Tee from club duty for three days.'

This shocked them both. 'Can she even stay in the base?' 'She can stay at the base, but only if she takes up Maid duty while she's suspended. After the three days, she's more than welcome to come back. I will have a word with Lydia and Freja to make sure that they don't try and wind Tee up as well.'

Just as Akiza and Tee were leaving, Maddy got their attention again. 'One more thing. I received a very interesting recording the other day on my emails.' Maddy then played a recording of Claude and Akiza arguing over the attempted rape of Blair.

Recording

The recording started with the slamming of a door. "What were you thinking?' 'She doesn't matter.' 'I wanted to be rid of Blair from the club. I meant set up a reason for her to quit, not rape her!' 'Ends justify the means. Besides, the little girl needed putting in her place.'

'You are disgusting.' 'What?' 'You do realise you're going to get yourself kicked out for this? You've made everything worse and not only are you going to be kicked out, you could go to prison for this. And this isn't going to make Blair leave!'

'It's fine, nobody else will ever find out about it. Otherwise I'm coming straight for you.' A thud was then heard. 'You're not going to lay a finger on me or any other club members. I want to be president but it's useless if you're going to destroy everybody's trust.'

There was then a long protracted delay in the recording. 'Right, so this is what we'll do Claude. I'm not going to tell anybody you did this.' 'Good.' 'But in return, you work for me.' 'What?' 'You heard me – you help me get what I want.' 'What you want?' 'You know exactly what I want.'

'And if I don't?' 'I'm recording this whole conversation so I'll take it straight to Hannah.' 'She'll kick you out as well.' 'She won't. Because she wants me to take over as president and not Maddy. She wants me to groom Maddy into the perfect soldier of the Renegades. No matter what she says.' The recording then cut off shortly afterwards.

Akiza sat there, shocked. 'Who sent you that?' 'I'm not at liberty to disclose that. Would you like to explain?' 'Can we discuss this just the two of us?' 'If you explain what's going on, yes.' After Tee left, Akiza exhaled loudly.

'That was 8 days after he tried to rape Blair. I had mentioned that I didn't like Blair's attitude and she needed to change. I didn't specifically say I wanted her to be expelled.' 'Right.' 'I'll be honest, I kinda wanted her and Rio like Tee and Lukas – with me.'

'Why didn't you try and do that then?' 'Because I could never get close enough to Blair, and because… I had a verbal agreement with Hannah. I'd succeed her as president with you as my deputy if I didn't target Blair and Rio. I was hoping to use Claude to get them, but he decided otherwise.'

'And why didn't you say anything to Mam about it?' 'I was scared that Claude would string together a lie and I'd be expelled myself. The Renegades are my life.' 'Akiza, I understand your passion. And I appreciate it. So I'll cut you a deal. I will let you off with a final warning and that's it.'

'Really? Thank you.' 'In return though, I want you to tell me everything that you know about what happened between Claude and Blair. I want you to write it up and send it to me.' 'Am I still your deputy?' 'Yes. When Blair is ready to return, I want you both to work together.' Before Akiza left, Maddy had a stark warning for her. 'Never hide anything like this from me again. Next time I might not have a choice.'

As Maddy returned to the box, she was passed by Astrid. The two girls locked eyes, and just stared, before passing by each other. Before she was out of sight, Maddy broke the silence. 'Hope you win.' 'Me too.'

The main event started with Astrid walking out, wearing a tracksuit jacket, which when zipped up formed her family crest (a yellow shield with two black eagles facing beak-to-beak, seperated by a large red "H"). Dragan was with her wearing a black blazer, smirking.

Rhydian then came down with his signature camo jacket on, and his title belt over his left shoulder. As he reached the duelling zone, he raised his title in front of Astrid, while Kieran stood behind him. Kieran and Dragan then faced off, both men standing close to 7 feet (6ft10in – 6ft9in), before standing back. The intros were made by local fashion model Anastasia Darzin.

'Welcome to your main event here in WDC World Tour: Prague. This is a singles duel under standard rules for the WDC Championship. Introducing first, the challenger, from Berk, Norway, she is Astrid Hofferson.' As Astrid nodded, Dragan pushed the model over and grabbed the microphone. 'And introducing from Oslo, Norway, a duellist so great that he could beat any loser ever here, Dragan Hofferson.'

Kieran then took the microphone off of him and broke his normal silence. 'Hey, if you're so great why don't you duel?' 'Because I'm good enough to beat any loser here.' 'I think you mean that you couldn't hack it. So why don't you crawl back under your hole?'

Ms. Darzin then stood back up, brushing herself down. 'And introducing her opponent, duelling out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, he is the WDC Champion, the Cobra – Rhydian Morris.' Rhydian made the Brave Bones pose (arms crossed over his chest), and raised the title. The two then activated their duel disks and commenced.

WDC Championship: (c) Rhydian Morris LP:4000 vs. Astrid Hofferson LP:4000

Turn 1: Astrid: 'Challenger first. Draw. Summon Guldfaxe of the Nordic Beasts (Atk:1600). Activate Field spell – The Northern Lights.' Beautiful visions of the Aurora Borealis then filled the field. 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Rhydian: 'I draw. I summon Worm Xex (Atk:1800). Attack Guldfaxe.' 'Due to my Field spell, Nordic monsters cannot be destroyed in battle.' Xex spat out an acidic-looking slime, burning 200 of Astrid's points away (Astrid LP:4000-3800). 'I end my turn.'

Astrid: 'I draw. I activate World Suppression, which negates The Nordic Lights this turn. Next I activate Allure of Darkness. I draw two cards, then banish a Dark monster from my hand. One like Mimir of the Nordic Ascendant. I summon Tanngrisinir of the Nordic Beasts (Atk:1200). Attack Worm Xex.' Tanngrisinir charged in and butted Xex, being melted on contact (Astrid LP:3800-3200).

'Tanngrisnir's sacrifice will not be in vain. When he falls in war, he is replaced by two Nordic Beast Tokens (Atk:0)x2. And I activate my face-down Urgent Tuning. Now I can Synchro summon in my Battle phase. I Synchro Level 4 Guldfaxe with two Level 3 Nordic Beast Tokens. Appear, Thor, Lord of the Aesir (Atk:3500).'

'Thor, attack with Thunderbolt Bludgeon!' Thor squashed Worm Xex like a bug, annoying Rhydian greatly (Rhydian LP:4000-2300). 'I end my turn with another 2 face-downs.'

Rhydian: 'I draw. I activate Dark Core. This allows me to discard 1 card and banish Thor. Because he can't return from your banished pile.' 'I trigger a face-down – Imperial Iron Wall. With this out, monsters cannot be banished.'

'I'll just activate Worm Call. Because only you control monsters, this sets a Worm directly from my hand without using up my Normal summon. And because of that, I can flip it straight up – Worm Victory (Atk:0-1000). When it's flipped up, it destroys Thor.' Victory appeared, and spat an oozing fluid which melted straight through Thor.

'Attack Astrid directly.' Victory punched Astrid with all four arms, putting Rhydian back into the lead (Astrid LP:3200-2200). 'I'll lay a face-down to end my turn' 'I activate my other face-down Double Cyclone. Now I destroy your face-down and Imperial Iron Wall.' The cyclone punched a hole in Imperial Iron Wall, before blowing Rhydian's face-down into the air (W Nebula Meteorite). 'Because I did that, I can now banish Guldfaxe from my graveyard and revive Thor (Atk:3500). And you take 800 damage.'

Thor rose up from the grave, and shot lightning from it's hammer, shocking Rhydian (Rhydian LP:2300-1500). Rhydian then took a moment to breathe, realising he was in a real battle to keep his title. His eyes then glowed yellow. 'Like Maddy.' 'Just like Maddy.'

Rhydian: 'I draw. I activate my own Allure of Darkness. This lets me draw two cards, and then banish Vennominon from my hand. Next I activate DDR – Different Dimension Reincarnation. I discard one card, and summon a monster I banished. I choose Vennominon the King of Poisonous Snakes (Atk:?).'

'His attack equals the amount of Reptiles in my graveyard x 500. I'm counting three (Atk:1500). I'll lay three face-downs.'

Astrid: 'I draw. I activate Pot of Greed, to draw 2 new cards. I summon Dverg of the Nordic Alfar (Atk:100). Because I did that, Dverg lets me summon another monster this turn. I choose Ljosalf of the Nordic Alfar (Atk:1400). And Ljosalf allows me to summon out another monster whose Level is lower than Thor's Level 10. I choose Svartalf of the Nordic Alfar (Atk:1400).'

'Synchro Level 5 Svartalf to Level 4 Ljosalf and Level 1 Dverg. Summon Loki, Lord of the Aesir (Atk:3300).' 'I activate Offering to the Snake Deity. This destroys Vennominon and both of your gods.' Vennominon vanished in a blaze of glory, frying both polar gods. 'I activate Rise of the Snake Deity. When Vennominon is destroyed by a card effect, this allows me to summon out Vennominaga, the Deity of Poisonous Snakes (Atk:?-1500).' 'I end my turn. During my End phase, I can banish Svartalf from the graveyard and revive Loki (Atk:3300). When I do, I add a Trap from the grave to my hand.'

Rhydian: 'I draw. I summon Magic Hole Golem (Atk:0). With Magic Hole's ability, Vennominaga can attack you directly, with half of her Attack power.' Vennominaga fired a snake at Astrid, which bit her and made her flinch slightly (Astrid LP:2200-1450). A ghostly snake then coiled around Astrid and bit her in the neck.

'What's that?' 'A Hyper-Venom Counter. When Vennominaga deals battle damage, she leaves a counter. When she leaves three, I win. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Astrid: 'I draw. Loki, attack Magic Hole Golem.' 'I activate Impenetrable Fortress. This switches both my monsters into Defence mode.' 'I will use Loki's ability to block that move.' 'And I'll use Divine Wrath. By dropping a card from my hand, Loki is destroyed.'

As Loki got shocked, and Rhydian's monsters switched (Vennominaga Def.:0, Golem Def.:2000), Astrid seemed unfussed. 'Activate Graceful Charity. Draw three cards, I then discard two. End turn, two face-downs. During End phase, I banish Mara of the Nordic Alfar from my graveyard, and summon back Loki, Lord of the Aesir (Atk:3300).'

Rhydian: 'I draw. I activate Card of Sanctity, so we both draw until we have 6 cards. Next I activate Level Tuning, to drop the Level of Vennominaga by 1 (Level:10-9). This means I can activate Double Attack. By discarding the Level 10 Vennominaga, I can allow Vennominaga to attack twice this turn. And with Worm Yagan in my graveyard, that's another 500 Attack to Vennominaga (Atk:2000).'

'Magic Hole Golem, use your ability. Now by halving her Attack Vennominaga can attack directly. And with Double Attack, she can do it twice. Attack Astrid directly.' 'Activate face-down Enchanted Javelin.' Dragan then started shouting at Astrid from zone-side. 'Stupid Astrid! Stupid! I want that title!' The Javelin fired at the Deity as it fired another snake at Astrid, leading to no change in her points (Astrid LP:1450-2450-1450, HVC:1-2).

'The moment this attack bites, I win. Vennominaga, attack.' Vennominaga shot another snake at Astrid, dropping her Life points (Astrid LP:1450-450). 'You'll lose any moment now.' Astrid smiled. 'You'll be waiting a while. I activated Counter Cleaner before your attack touched me. That dismissed all the Hyper-Venom Counters (HVC:1).'

'Clever girl. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Astrid: 'I draw.' 'What can you possibly do? Vennominaga is immune to card effects.' 'I'll just have to de-fang her then. I'll lay a face-down and attack her with Loki.' 'I activate Swift Scarecrow's effect to discard it and block your attack.' 'I end my turn.'

Rhydian: 'I draw.' 'I activate Panic Shuffle. Now we both shuffle every graveyard card into our deck and then draw 2 cards (Vennominaga Atk:2000-0).' 'I activate Polymerisation, fusing together Worm Ugly and Worm Queen from my hand to summon Worm Zero (Atk:1000, Vennominaga Atk:1000).'

'Now I use Magic Hole Golem's effect. Vennominaga, attack.' Vennominaga shot a burst of venom at Astrid, which ended the very competitive duel (Astrid LP:450-0).

After the main event finished, Astrid was defeated. Rhydian raised his belt, and then gave Astrid a knowing look, before turning and leaving. Meanwhile, Astrid was on her knees, and Dragan hugged her, before putting his arm around her shoulders. As the curtain fell on the show, Astrid lowered her head.

BAM! Astrid elbowed Dragan in the groin, before standing up, and kneeing him in the face. She then undid her plait and let her hair down, including her fringe over her left eye, as Maddy walked out. Astrid took one look at Maddy, and gave an evil grin, before Maddy started punching Dragan in the face over and over again. After a full two minutes of this, security came out, but Astrid headbutted the first guard, superkicked the second one, and threw the first one into the rest, bowling them all over.

Maddy then dragged Dragan to his feet, and screamed at Astrid. 'DO IT ASTRID! BE A RENEGADE!' Astrid pushed her hair back, before hitting her signature kick. Astrid then walked to Maddy, and kneeled to her. As she did, Maddy put her hand on Astrid, and chanted like she did with Brooke, resulting in the same outcome. They then left, an expressionless Astrid not looking back once.

Meanwhile, in Michigan

The taxi dropped Blair off at a ramshackle house, water dripping from the dodgy gutter and splashing off of the entrance. As she arrived, Alex was waiting for her, and they hugged immediately.

'You made it here.' 'Yeah, got here as soon as I could.' 'Thank you so much.' 'How's Gramma?' 'She's weak but in good spirits. She's been asking about you ever since you… well, you know' 'I know. Can we save the catch-up until after I've seen her?' 'Of course.'

Blair entered the room, and immediately ran upstairs, her feet barely touching the wood. When she got up there, she straightened her flat cap, and lowered her head, before entering the bedroom.

As she did, an old lady was lay there, thin grey hair up with a thin clip inserted, face beset by wrinkles. 'Who is that? Who's disturbing me now? Can you not let an old lady rest peacefully?' Blair then walked into the room. 'Who are you? Lift your damn head.' Blair then did that, shocking the elderly lady. 'Hi Gramma.'

Wilma was delighted at this. 'Blair! Is it really you? Wow you've grown!' 'Gramma, it's barely been six months.' 'You look so healthy.' 'Do I? Thanks.' 'Come on, make yourself at home since you've come all this way.' Blair then let her hair down, and sat down. 'So tell me all about your journeys.'

'Too much to tell really.' 'How's that career going? What do you call it, that thing with the cards?' 'You mean professional duelling?' 'Yes, that's the ticket. How's that?' 'Well, I'm the World Number 1, so it's not too bad.'

'Congratulations.' Wilma then stared hugging and kissing her great-grandaughter. 'Gramma!' 'Come on, you can never be too big for your grandmother. You mentioned in your postcard about your friend?'

'Rio?' 'Yes, how is she?' Blair then teared up, wiping them away quickly. But not un-noticed. 'Come on, what's happened? Not all you expected?' 'No, Rio's awesome. It's just she got shot a couple of weeks ago, and Phil's wife was shot as well. Rio's in hospital and Hannah's gone.'

'Oh I'm so sorry to hear that.' 'Rio's doing a little better now.' 'Well tell me about Rio.' 'Well she's 20, she's from Twin Falls, Idaho, and… oh yeah, got a picture.' Blair then pulled out her phone, and showed her Gramma a picture of her and Rio hanging out in Vilnius, with Blair smiling and Rio pulling her sunglasses down below her eyes, with the caption "Just the gurrrrrrrrrrllllllllllllllllsssssssssss here".

Wilma held the phone tight to her chest. 'She seems so lovely.' 'I want you to meet her when she's out of hospital. Don't know when that's going to be yet, but' 'And how is England? Is it as rainy as everybody says?'

'No, it's actually really lovely. I don't think English people really appreciate how nice a place they live. I mean, the road noise gets annoying I suppose, but it's just so nice being close to whatever you want.'

'I remember when I was your age. I dreamed of travelling the world like you do.' 'What happened?' 'This was the 20s – that wasn't our job at the time. So instead I travelled across the country until I met your great-grandfather Eric Julius Flannigan IV. So I moved here. And I have lived here ever since.'

'What – in Shelby?' 'In this exact house. It has been worked on since then mind you. But I always dreamed of exploring – I welcomed descendant after descendant, I loved each one equally. Some turned out better than others mind you'

'America you mean.' 'Now what have I told you about insulting your sister?' 'Gramma, she beat me up for my $5 pocket money when she was 14.' 'She made a mistake' 'It was my 5th birthday! I spent the evening of my 7th birthday in hospital with broken ribs after she set the biggest girl in school on me.'

'America is… misguided.' 'She's a vicious witch.' 'Blair Elena Ali Flannigan, I expect better from you.' 'Sorry Gramma.' 'It's fine. I understand you don't have a good relationship with her, and I understand why.'

'Talking of relationships Gramma' 'Yes dear?' 'I've kind of found someone. She's called Jade.' 'Excellent news dear. What does she look like?' 'Well she has a tan face, these beautiful, piercing amber eyes, and she has wiry green hair, it's almost as long as mine, and she's Rio's best friend.'

'So how did you both meet?' 'Please don't kill me.' 'Tell me, I can accept anything.' 'I met her at a strip club.' 'Were you working there?' Blair burst out laughing. 'No, we were duelling in Idaho, and me and Rio hit the town one night. She took me to a strip club, and I met Jade there. It was… awkward. But I couldn't get her out of my head. I was just obsessed.'

'I see. Was it love or lust?' 'It was love, I just know it.' 'When you know it' 'You know it. And I just knew it. I knew she was the one.' 'And your friend? How did she react?' 'She kind of doesn't know. I was going to tell her, but she got shot before I had chance.'

'Well when she's awake you tell her. And she will love it.' 'How do you know that?' Blair's Gramma just smiled. 'When you know, you know.' They both laughed at this. 'How lovely it is to see you. I have missed you.'

'And you Gramma. I just needed to get away.' 'I understand. You needed to unfold your wings and fly away, following your heart.' Wilma then started coughing. 'You ok Gramma?' 'I'm fine dear. How's that cousin of yours? Treating you well?'

'Phil let me move in with him to his new house. He's been really good to me and even when I landed in Detroit he sent over some money to make sure I was ok here.' 'He seems like a mighty fine man.'

'Nearly everyone around outside of our group seems to hate him. I have no idea why though – he's a really nice person, he's polite, well-spoken, and he works hard. I just don't get it.' 'Sometimes people just don't get what they deserve.'

After a couple of minutes of no conversation, Blair found something else. 'Did you hear about the time Ally came over to England?' 'No – tell me more dear.' 'Well, Ally managed to get on a plane to England. I have no idea how, but she managed to sneak into the plane, and fly over. Apparently she stole America's passport but they look nothing like each other.'

Wilma smiled, and started coughing again. 'Blair dear.' 'Yes Gramma?' 'I love hearing about your stories. Could you just get me another glass of water?' 'Of course Gramma. Small glass?' 'Please dear. Thank you.' As Blair went to get the water, Wilma closed her eyes.

5 minutes later

Blair returned with the water, and put it by the bedside, as she notice her Gramma was asleep. 'Gramma, I've brought you your water.' There was no response. 'Gramma, can you hear me? Gramma.' As she didn't move, Blair went to shake her awake. But when she touched her Gramma's shoulder, it was cold. And stiff. Blair listened to her chest, and immediately cried.

But wanting her Gramma's honour to remain, she stayed calm, and quietly pulled the blankets up to her jawline, making sure they were tucked in nicely. After this, she walked out of the room, before taking one last look back. 'Love you Gramma. Goodnight.'

Next time: Halldor makes a surprise visit, Claude tests Maddy's patience, and Blair and Sasha have a fight in Renegades: A New Dawn Chapter VI: Tribes