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.

7. Temptation

Renegades: A New Dawn

Chapter VII: Temptation

As the club began the journey to Washington D.C., everyone was looking forward to the next tournament. But Maddy seemed to be in a more sombre mood, not un-noticed by Astrid. 'Worried about Blair?' 'Should have heard from her by now. Worried about Dad as well.'

'Why?' 'He's got nobody to talk to about Mam. Blair's the person he talked to about it. But with her M.I.A, he's not talking about it. It just ain't right. I've tried speaking to him but he won't say anything about it, and like, he changes the subject man. Can't not be affecting him.'

'Wish there was something I could say.' 'Yeah, me too. Like, I'm his daughter and there's nothing I can say or do to make it any better for him.' 'You'll find a way – you're Maddy and you're awesome.'

Further on in the journey, Lydia was trying to talk to Phil. 'Phil.' 'Yes Lydia?' 'You know like, you can talk to me about anything, right?' 'Yeah, sure.' 'Why won't you talk to anybody about Hannah?' 'Perhaps there's just nothing to talk about. I'm trying to get on with my life and I don't want to drag up the past constantly. Of course I miss her and it still hurts like shit, but I… there's just nothing to say that's going to make me feel any better.'

'K, well just tell me if you want to talk.' 'I will do, thanks. How are you coping?' 'Don't worry about me.' 'Don't pretend it's not affected you.' Lydia then looked at him with her blue eyes. 'Of course it affected me. It affected everyone. And of course I miss her. She was always there for me and Fre. But she wants us to keep an eye on you don't she?'

'You and Freja need somebody to talk to as well.' 'Well yeah, we've got each other. When one of us gets down, we go and talk to the other one. And yeah, we've both cried a few times over it. And when one of us cries, the other one starts up. But we've both got each other. Which means we can think of you doesn't it?'

'Well you still need to focus on yourselves.' 'Fine, but I just want you to know that we're here when you do want to talk.' 'I'm fully aware, thank you.' 'Good.' As Lydia returned to her seat, the plane jerked slightly, followed by an announcement from Jack. 'Sorry about that folks, we just hit a little bit of backdraft there from a plane in front of us. I've increased our altitude so we should be fine now.' After Jack made the announcement, the card came up on the screens.

WDC Capital Chaos

WDC Tag-Team Championships: (c) NASH and Mizar vs. Shapesisters (Lydia and Freja Mckinna)

Renegades Showcase: Astrid Hofferson vs. ?

Phil Robinson vs. Alito and Girag

Kris Travis vs. Spica

Wild-Card Warriors: Jodi Allen vs. Martin Garcia

WDC Young-Gun Championship Gauntlet: (c) Maddy Robinson-Cummings vs. Zak Zapata vs. Ryan Donaldson vs. Doom

As the plane touched down in the American capital, Jack was very apologetic. 'I'm really sorry about the rough flight guys. A massive jumbo pretty much came from right in front of us and tried to stall us it seemed.' 'You think it was deliberate?'

'Planes don't veer into the flight path of each other themselves. Either it's a case of terrible instruments or' 'Birchall.' Jack then rolled his eyes. 'The bastard! He could have killed everyone!' 'I think that's the point. Listen Jack, the stuff we owe you is going to be in your bank by the end of next week.'

'Cheers Maddy.' 'Not a problem.' 'You're doing an awesome job, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.' 'Thanks Jack. Anyway, we'd better get to the hotel and get a good night's sleep. We booked you a room as well if you're interested Jack.'

'Thanks. Didn't think you could afford it now you've got another person to cater for.' 'Nah, Astrid's rooming with me.' 'Ok, might as well. I'm going to the hotel bar, steady my nerves with something strong and dark.'

The next morning

As the minutes ticked by before the tournament, Maddy stepped out of her room looking quite different, wearing a touch of eye-liner, as well as a blazer. Her wet hair was several inches shorter, barely reaching below her shoulders, and bunched back in a ponytail with a black scrunchie binding it.

'Wow, you look different.' 'Yeah, well I decided to change it up a bit didn't I?' 'Your hair gorgeous when it's wetted like that.' 'Thanks – it's only 'cause I couldn't get in the shower this morning. Pulled my calf in the night. Feels like I can barely move this morning. Let's get going then.'

The entire club then moved to the rather dull-looking Capital One Arena. As the show began, the crowd were making a typically large amount of noise. The show began with Michael coming down, and smiling.

'Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to, at this time, invite Phil Robinson-Cummings out. Phil, come down here if you could please.' Phil wasted no time in coming out with the rest of the club by his side.

'You wanted to speak?' 'Mr. Robinson-Cummings, I have been considering the future of this company as I often do.' 'If you've got something to say just say it. I didn't come out here to listen to you recite corporate poetry.'

'Phil, I respect what you have done here for over a decade. But you know what they say – all good things must come to an end. And your accusations against Mr. Birchall are very bad for our company's image. So I came to offer you a deal. I'll offer you a redundancy payment of $500,000 to hand in your tour card and officially quit the WDC forever.'

Phil walked straight up to Michael, and spoke into his face through the microphone. 'The answer is no.' 'The offer being made to you here is more than generous.' 'I don't think you quite understood the first time Michael. My answer is no.'

Michael nodded and smiled to himself. 'That's perfectly fine – I tried doing this the nice way but now it has to get more forceful. You are going to duel at every event between now and the end of our financial year in February. And if you lose a single duel in that time, you're done here. For good.'

Phil laughed. 'In that case there's no harm in saying this: bring it on bitch!' Maddy then took the microphone off of him. 'You're putting us in an "impossible" situation for one reason only: you're scared of us. This is an asylum and the inmates are running it. We are the Renegades. We own you every day by beating your favourites.'

'Give it up Maddy, you can be the face of this company if you just stop this silly little revolution.' 'If you ever suggest that again, I'm going to spear you right out of yer shoes. They rely on me to lead them. I ain't about to drop them for a pay rise and a fancy executive suite. 'Cause where I come from, respect is earned not given. And I don't give two fucks about your opinion. I earn respect here by being the best around.'

'I could easily take this title, throw it at you, and demand a match with Rhydian, 'cause I'm that good and because you know how much money that makes. But I'm not doing. Because I want to prove a point. I want to turn this into a division. So when I'm not here, other people can compete for it. I take it as a title and leave it as a division. Because then, everyone has a chance. And the best will rise to the top.'

Michael laughed the suggestion off. 'Dear little Maddy, you seem to forget – I make the rules here. Not you. I could easily take that pretty title from your shoulder right now, and decide it's not worth the paper it's written on. I could do the same with your career here. So I'll tell you what – if you want a division you got it. You can start off that little gauntlet in the main event. And every person you beat is somebody who won't get another shot as long as you're champion.'

Maddy defiantly flashed her eyes, as the fans got worked up into a frenzy. 'When the appears, the Wolf is near. All for the Renegades.' As Michael left, shaking his head, Maddy stared on intensely, not taking a second to blink even.

Before Maddy could leave however, Dragan surged out, nearly knocking Michael over in the process, and immediately grabbed Maddy by the blazer. 'Tell me where my sister is you tramp! She doesn't belong to you, you have no right to do what you're doing.'

Maddy chuckled. 'We have every right. I've got a little present for you. It's the letter Astrid wrote to me. She wanted this. I'm sure you'd recognise your own sister's handwriting, wouldn't you?' 'Of course I do. I want to speak to her.'

'Bad news – I decide when you can speak to her.' 'You're evil.' 'I am merely the advocate of the devil. I was chosen to do the work of the good god, I was chosen to lead this revolution. But if you're that desperate to see Astrid, then fine.'

Maddy then moved to the side and Astrid stepped forward, staring blankly into Dragan's soul. 'Astrid, you don't belong with them. You belong here with us. Your family.' Astrid didn't speak, simply bending down for Freja to jump off of her back and knee Dragan in the face. As Dragan fled, the club stood tall. Freja and Lydia then stayed out for their duel as everyone else left. As Akiza passed by backstage however, she suddenly disappeared, leaving no trace whatsoever.

In the duelling zone, the Barians warped in with the titles, and the teams faced off. 'I won't stop targeting you until you tell me where my sister is!' 'No. Rio doesn't need you and she sure as hell doesn't want you. Now we came here to duel. So let's do it.' 'Yes, lets.'

WDC Tag-Team Championships: (c) NASH and Mizar LP:4000 vs. Shapesisters (Lydia and Freja Mckinna) LP:4000

Turn 1: Freja: 'I draw. I'll summon Arcana Force III: The Empress (Atk:1300). When she's summoned, I toss a coin. If it lands on Heads, whenever you Normal summon or set a monster I can summon one. If it's Tails, then whenever you summon or set a monster I have to discard.' Freja flicked the coin, which barely rose into the air, landing on Heads.

'Lady luck favours you.' 'Lady luck? I AM lady luck thanks. I end my turn with two face-downs.'

Nash: 'I draw. I summon Hammer Shark (Atk:1600).' 'Thanks to my Empress, I can summon Arcana Force XVIII: The Moon (Atk:2800). When the Moon is summoned, I toss a coin. If Heads, I can summon a little baby Moon Token during my Standby phase. If Tails, you get control of one of my monsters during my End phase.' Freja threw the coin clean into the air this time, but the result was no different. 'Heads.'

'By reducing the Level of Hammer Shark by one (Level:4-3), I can summon Big Jaws (Atk:1800). I overlay Hammer Shark and Big Jaws now to Xyz summon Number 30: Acid Golem of Destruction (Atk:3000).'

'Acid Golem, attack Arcana Force III with Acid Shot.' 'I activate Luminize. The bad news is your attack is cancelled. The worse news is Empress gets a power boost until the end of Lydia's turn (Atk:1300-4300).' 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Lydia: 'I draw. I activate The Sanctum of Parshath. Now all Fairies gain 300 Attack and Defence (Atk:4300-4600). Next I'll activate Ritual Sanctuary.' The field then changed into what appeared to be a classical church, with bells chiming.

'In the Ritual Sanctuary, I can discard a Spell card, like Dark Hole, to add a Ritual Spell to my hand. And I'll use that Spell now – Dawn of the Herald. By sending monsters whose Levels equal at least 6 to my graveyard, I can call out a Ritual monster. I'll send Master Hyperion to my graveyard and summon Herald of Perfection (Def.:2800).'

'Now I'll use the other effect of Dawn of the Herald. By banishing it from my graveyard, Master Hyperion returns to my hand. Arcana Force III, destroy Acid Golem with Empress Breast Stingers!' As Freja giggled like a little girl, Empress shot wires out of her chest, effortlessly blasting through the Golem (NASH and Mizar LP:4000-2400).

'Arcana Force XVIII, attack directly.' 'I activate my face-down Negate Attack.' 'I end my turn. During the End phase, the effect of Luminize wears off (Atk:4600-1600).'

Mizar: 'I draw. As only you control any monsters, I Special summon Photon Thrasher (Atk:2100). Next I'll activate Photon Lead, to Special summon Galaxy Wizard (Atk:0). With Wizard's ability, he can double his Level until the end of my turn (Level:4-8). As I control two Light monsters, I also summon Guardian of Order (Atk:2500).'

'I overlay Level 8 Guardian of Order and Galaxy Wizard to build the overlay network. Xyz summon a monster stronger than a cosmic storm! A behemoth with the ability to bend time to it's will! Arise my beast, we shall claim victory for Barian! Come forth as I call your name, Number 107: Galaxy-Eyes Tachyon Dragon (Atk:3000).'

'As my Battle phase begins, I activate the ability of Tachyon Dragon, negating all of your monsters' abilities. Galaxy-Eyes, attack Arcana Force XVIII with Tachyon Spiral of Destruction!' 'I activate my face-down Dimensional Prison, to banish your monster.' 'Not if I activate Tyrant's Temper. By tributing Photon Thrasher, Tachyon Dragon is immune to your Traps. And because you dared to activate a card during the Battle phase, it gains 1000 Attack and another assault (Atk:3000-4000).'

Tachyon Dragon spiralled straight into The Moon, taking it's head off (Shapesisters LP:4000-2800). 'Go back now and attack The Empress.' Tachyon Dragon came back around, and burst through Empress, leaving the girls laid out on the ground (Shapesisters LP:2800-100).

At this point, Akiza ran down to the duelling zone with a white towel. 'Hmm – it seems your "friend" has no faith in you.' Freja then jumped back onto her feet. 'That last attack should have kept you down!' 'Did nobody tell you? I'm a sucker for pain. I find it quite horny actually.' 'I end my turn with a face-down.' As Lydia got up, Freja looked over at Akiza. 'Don't even think about throwing that towel in there. We're going to win still.'

Freja: 'I draw! I activate Cards from the Sky. This lets me banish a Fairy, like Arcana Force I – The Magician, and draw two cards but I can't Special summon this turn or conduct my Battle phase.' 'A big price to pay for a small advantage.' 'With what I drew, I'm not so sure. I'll set a monster and end my turn with two face-downs.'

NASH: 'I draw. I summon Spear Shark (Atk:1600). And when Spear Shark attacks a monster in Defence mode, it deals damage equal to the difference in points. Attack her face-down monster.' 'I activate Spirit Barrier. This stops us taking battle damage as long as we have a face-up monster.'

Spear Shark charged in, and speared Freja's monster (Arcana Force 0: The Fool Def.:0). 'The Fool can't be destroyed by battle. So now you can't deal any battle damage.' 'Clever little move you have there. But you forget about Tachyon Dragon's ability. I end my turn.'

Lydia: 'I draw. I activate Graceful Charity, to draw 3 cards and discard 2. Next I activate Machine Angel Absolute Ritual. Normally to Ritual summon you'd need to use monsters from your hand or field. But instead, I can tribute Arcana Force 0 and Herald of Perfection and shuffle Arcana Force III into my deck, to summon Cyber Angel Vrash (Atk:3000).'

'Vrash, I'm activating your ability. When she's summoned, I can destroy all monsters on your field Special summoned from your Extra deck. Searing Sun Eclipse!' Vrash put her hands together, and fired a concentrated beam of sunlight at Tachyon Dragon, burning it to the ground. 'No… my Dragon!'

'Vrash, attack' Lydia then stopped as Akiza threw the towel in between the two teams. After a moment's confusion, the official listened to something in his earpiece, and then spoke to the announcer. 'I have just received word that your winners by forfeit and still the WDC Tag-Team Champions, NASH and Mizar.'

As the fans booed heavily, Tee and Lukas attacked the twins from behind, leading to a brawl while Akiza smiled. Eventually Claude jogged down, and split the warring factions up, before grabbing Lukas and Tee in a headlock, and dragging them back to the private room as Akiza slipped away. Backstage, Akiza got on the phone. 'I did what you asked me.'

In the private room

As Black Rose Inc. got back, Maddy had some choice words. 'What the hell was that?' 'We deserve that spot.' 'They didn't earn a thing. You only let them have another shot out of favouritism.' 'You think you're clever huh? Wait here – I'll make this right.'

Maddy stormed out, and went straight over to where the Barians were, hanging around with Alito, Girag, and Dumon. 'Oh look who it is. What do you want?' 'You got lucky there. And Mizar, I know that you're always eager to prove how good you are.'

'Indeed.' 'And NASH, you're fed-up of facing those 4.' 'Yes. What are you suggesting?' 'Simple – how about you face both of them in Quebec? Three-way.' 'What do we gain from it?' 'If you win, neither of them will bug you again.'

NASH laughed. 'Not a chance.' Mizar then walked up and offered Maddy a handshake. 'We accept.' 'Do we?' 'Yes, we do. We will see you there.' Maddy then found Akiza, and held a private meeting with her.

'Akiza, would you care to explain?' 'Lydia and Freja have had lots of chances now. They can't get the job done, we can.' 'You had your chance and lost. Besides, why not wait?' 'Because I had to. They are not becoming tag champions. They don't deserve to be.'

Maddy just shook her head. 'Well congratulations – you've got your title shot.' 'Really? I mean good, we should do.' 'Yes, you got it. And Lydia and Freja will also be there. And if you both lose, neither of you are getting another shot.' 'Glad to hear it.' As Akiza turned to leave, Maddy coughed to get her attention.

'I'm not done.' 'Huh?' 'I've still not told you your punishment for arranging Lydia and Freja's attack. You're on maid duty all for the 4 days until Quebec after we get back.' 'Seriously? I've done nothing wrong.' 'Any more and I'll suspend you.' Akiza then stormed out.

The showcase was next, with Astrid still having no idea who she was facing. 'So Maddy, who is it?' 'The idea of the showcase is you don't find out until they come down. That way you can really show your skill and show that the Renegade way is superior.'

Astrid looked concerned about this. 'You do realise I'm not a human billboard, right?' 'Astrid, we are all human billboards for the Renegades name. Doesn't make us any less unique though. Now go and rock their world. Show them that everything's better from the north.' Astrid bowed, and left, on her own.

Meanwhile, Claude was lurking around. 'When she fails, I told you so.' Kris then confronted him. 'Claude, even for your standards you're being a douche today.' 'Well she's only here because Maddy likes her.' As the Massachusets duellist walked away, Claude turned the screw. 'By the way, I saw you at the clinic the other day. Be careful not to pass on your diseases to Astrid, I hear she doesn't like filthy liquids.'

Kris turned to punch Claude, but Maddy caught his fist. 'Kris, cool it. Claude, it might be best if you try keeping your mouth shut for a while.' 'Says who?' Maddy flashed her eyes, and Claude backed down. 'Says me. Now grow up!'

In the duelling zone

Astrid came down first, in her first appearance as a Renegade. She strode down confidently, as the Renegades music played behind her. 'The following is a Renegades Showcase duel. In this showcase both duellists will start with 8000 Life points, and cannot attack on their first turn. Introducing first, representing the Renegades, from Berk, Norway, the Aesir Princess – Astrid Hofferson.'

As Astrid got to the duelling zone, she pushed her plait back, and then looked around, before raising her fist in the salute. She then stared down the entranceway as her opponent arrived, to generic WDC music.

'Introducing her opponent, from Petah Tikva, Israel, this is Arin Rin.' The 34 year-old Israeli cruised down to the ring, completely focused on his job. As he arrived, he faced off with Astrid, grey hair slicked back into a low ponytail. 'Well look who it is. I've been waiting for this opportunity. I'll happily make an example of you "princess". Get set to get wrecked.'

Renegades Showcase: Astrid Hofferson LP:8000 vs. Arin Rin LP:8000

Turn 1: Arin: 'I'm starting. I summon T.G. Catapult Dragon (Atk:900). When Catapult Dragon is out, I also summon T.G. Jet Falcon (Atk:1400). I tune Level 3 Jet Falcon to Level 2 Catapult Dragon. Boot up, T.G. Hyper Librarian (Atk:2400). And when Jet Falcon is used in a Synchro, you take 500 damage.' Jet Falcon shot missiles out, barely grazing Astrid (Astrid LP:8000-7500). 'I end my turn with two face-downs.'

Astrid: 'I draw. Because you control a Synchro monster, I can summon this direct from my hand – Guldfaxe of the Nordic Beasts (Atk:1600). Next I'll set a monster and attack with Guldfaxe. When I do, I can activate Ego Boost from my hand. It gives Guldfaxe a 1000 point power-up (Atk:1600-2600). Go get 'em.' Guldfaxe galloped in, and trampled Hyper Librarian, causing it to fall apart (Arin LP:8000-7800). 'I end my turn with a face-down (Atk:2600-1600).'

Arin: 'I draw. As only you control monsters, I summon T.G. Striker (Atk:800). Because I just Special summoned a Level 4 or lower monster, I can also summon T.G. Warwolf (Atk:1200). Now Level 2 Striker is tuning Level 3 Warwolf. Loading, T.G. Wonder Magician (Atk:2400). Next I activate Call of the Haunted, bringing back T.G. Hyper Librarian (Atk:2300).'

'Wonder Magician, attack Guldfaxe.' 'I activate Negate Attack, fizzling out your assault.' 'That's fine. I'll end my turn.'

Astrid: 'I draw. I flip my face-down Tanngnjostr of the Nordic Beasts into Attack mode (Atk:800). When it changes battle position, it invites out Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts (Atk:1200). I tune Level 4 Guldfaxe with Level 3 Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjostr. I summon Thor, Lord of the Aesir (Atk:3500).'

'You like Synchros? How's this for one – Wonder Magician allows me to Synchro summon in your Main Phase. I tune Level 5 Synchro-Tuner Wonder Magician and Level 5 Hyper Librarian. Lock and load, T.G. Blade Blaster (Atk:3300).'

'Sweet move but not strong enough. Thor, attack his Blade Blaster with Thunderbolt Bludgeon!' 'Yeah, nice try. I activate Rush Recklessly. This gives Blade Blaster 700 extra points, giving it enough power to beat Thor (Atk:3300-4000). And I'll also activate Veil Protection, which prevents you from targeting Blade Blaster with card effects as long as this card is on the field.' 'So? I'll activate Chain Strike. This deals 400 damage for each chain link that this card is.'

Thor brought his mighty weapon down, with Blade Blaster resisting, before slashing Thor, destroying him. Arin smiled, until he got slammed with an out of control swinging chain (Astrid LP:8000-7500, Arin LP:7800-6600). 'I end my turn with a face-down. During my End phase, I can banish Guldfaxe to bring Thor back onto my field (Atk:3500). Now you'll feel the pain.' Thor unleashed a blast of lightning which struck Arin directly and left him on the ground smoking (Arin LP:6600-5800).

Arin: 'I draw. I activate One for One, to discard one card and summon T.G. Cyber Magician (Atk:0). Next I summon Tuningware (Atk:100). I tune Level 1 Cyber Magician and Level 1 Tuningware. Boot up, T.G. Recipro Dragonfly (Atk:300). Tuningware gives me one card. Recipro Dragonfly, activate your ability. It can return Blade Blaster to my Extra deck, replace it with the monsters it was summoned by. Reboot, T.G. Hyper Librarian, T.G. Wonder Magician (HL Atk:2300, WM Atk:2400).'

'Synchro, Level 5 Wonder Magician to Level 5 Hyper Librarian, Level 2 Recipro Dragonfly. Start up, lock and load, full power – T.G. Halberd Cannon (Atk:4000).' 'Nice monster. Pity I'm going to turn it into a pile of metal.' 'Of course. Halberd Cannon, attack Thor, Lord of the Aesir.' 'I activate my face-down Half Shut. This halves the attack of a monster on the field but stops it being destroyed this turn.'

'You're still eating over 2000 damage.' 'Who said I was protecting Thor? I'm targeting your T.G. Halberd Cannon.' Halberd Cannon used it's halberd weapon to launch an assault on Thor, but it's weapon suddenly shrunk (Atk:4000-2000), leading to Arin getting the full shockwave of Thor's mighty bludgeoner (Arin LP:5800-4300).

'I… can't find a way through.' 'Try harder then. This is a showcase, and I'm not breaking a sweat here. I know you can duel better Arin.' 'I end my turn with another face-down (Halberd Cannon Atk:2000-4000).

Astrid: 'Fine, if you won't then I will. I draw. I summon Copycat (Atk:0).' 'I activate my face-down Torrential Tribute to destroy all monsters out.' 'Including your Halberd Cannon? What a waste.' 'It would be. But with Veil Protection, my monster is fine. All I need to do is send it to my graveyard.'

As Thor and Copycat were washed away, Astrid stayed focused. 'I activate Swords of Burning Light. You can't attack me as long as I have no monsters on the field. Of course, it's destroyed when your hand has 4 cards. I end my turn.'

Arin: 'I draw. I summon T.G. Rush Rhino (Atk:1600). I end my turn.'

Astrid: 'Draw. Activate Graceful Charity, draw 3 cards and discard 2. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Arin: 'I draw. I activate Pot of Greed, to draw 2 cards. I summon T.G. Catapult Dragon (Atk:900). Thanks to Catapult Dragon, I also summon T.G. Jet Falcon (Atk:1400). Now I activate my face-down Graceful Revival to bring back T.G. Cyber Magician (Atk:0). I'll tune Level 1 Cyber Magician to Level 4 Rush Rhino. Load up, T.G. Hyper Librarian (Atk:2400).'

'I'll also tune Level 3 Jet Falcon to Level 2 Catapult Dragon. Load up, T.G. Star Guardian (Def.:2200). When Jet Falcon is used to Synchro summon, you lose 500 Life points (Astrid LP:7500-7000). And thanks to Hyper Librarian, I can draw a card as I Synchro summoned. I'll lay that face-down.'

Astrid: 'Draw. I activate Pot of Greed. I activate 5 Card Salute to fill my hand up. Now I summon Mara of the Nordic Alfar (Atk:1000).' As Mara wisped onto the field, the burning swords vanished. 'I activate the ability of Halberd Cannon. Summon Close.'

'I activate my face-down R:Veil. This stops monsters on my field being targeted by card effects. I'm a Renegade now, and it comes with new tools. When I Synchro with Mara, the other monsters are in my hand. I tune with 2 Level 4 Tyr of the Nordic Champions. All hail Loki, Lord of the Aesir (Atk:3300).'

'Next I'll equip Loki with Bound Wand. This gives Loki 100 Attack per Level. 10 Levels means 1000 points (Atk:3300-4300). Now I activate Diffusion Wave-Motion. I pay 1000 points (Astrid LP:7000-6000), so Loki can attack every monster on your field. Attack with Vanity Bullet!' Loki created a blast of darkness, and fired it into the field, destroying all his monsters (Arin LP:4300-2400).

As Arin struggled to get up from the onslaught, Astrid was starting to get mean. 'Get up! I'm not done with you yet. I end my turn.'

Arin: 'I draw. I activate Pot of Greed, to draw 2 cards. And they're the perfect 2. The first one is Soul Charge. This allows me to summon back as many monsters as I like from my graveyard by paying 1000 points for each. I pay 2000 points (Arin LP:2400-400), and revive T.G. Hyper Librarian and T.G. Wonder Magician (HL Atk:2400, WM Atk:2300).'

'Now I activate Limit Overdrive.' 'At last a challenge.' 'This returns Wonder Magician and Hyper Librarian to my Extra deck, replacing them with T.G. Halberd Cannon (Atk:4000). And I have one more trick – Assault Mode Activate! This tributes T.G. Halberd Cannon. Upgrade complete, lock and load, more power! I summon T.G. Halberd Cannon/Assault Mode (Atk:4500).'

'Halberd Cannon, destroy Loki.' The upgraded Cannon stuck it's multi-point halberd straight through Loki, which grinned as it vanished (Astrid LP:6000-5800). 'When the monster equipped with Bound Wand is destroyed, it comes straight back.' 'When you try to summon a monster, the summoning is negated and your monster is banished.'

Loki tried to come back, but as it peered through the opening in the sky, Halberd Cannon shocked it, causing Loki to vanish completely. 'That isn't once a turn either so you can't summon anything. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Astrid: 'I draw. I'll play three face-downs and end my turn.'

Arin: 'I draw. I activate Synchro Memory. By banishing a Synchro monster from my graveyard, it's effects are added on to Halberd Cannon. I choose Blade Blaster. So now it's immune to Spells and Traps as well. Attack Astrid directly.' 'I activate R: Blowback. Not only is the attack negated, but you lose 100 Life points for every card on the field. Thanks to your generosity, there's 6.'

'I activate Damage Translation. This halves the damage dealt, meaning I'm staying.' Arin was then blown clean off of his feet by the shockwave (Arin LP:400-100). 'You're pathetic, clinging on like that.' 'Well I won't go down. I end my turn.'

Astrid: 'I draw. I activate the Spell card Rainbow Bridge Bifrost. The activation cost for the bridge to open is five Nordic monsters being banished from my graveyard. I choose Mara, Tanngrisnir, Tanngnjostr, and two copies of Tyr.' A rainbow bridge then materialised. 'This allows me to summon Thor, Lord of the Aesir back from my graveyard (Atk:3500).'

'I can just negate his summon.' 'Not any more. New-age tricks have no effect here. Due to the magical properties of Bifrost, Thor's summon can't be negated. Nor can him attacking you directly. Bifrost Bludgeoner!' Thor appeared atop the bridge, and picked up his hammer, bringing it down directly atop Arin, ending the contest (Arin LP:100-0).

After the duel, Astrid raised her fist. As Arin recovered, she just kicked him in the face, and then stood over him, making the salute. This was, until Myka Grainger made a surprise appearance, dark blue hair looking vibrant, and ripped jeans exposing her just off-tan flesh.

As she and Astrid squared up, the atmosphere was electric. Eventually Maddy walked down to observe. Nobody said anything, until eventually Myka walked away. Astrid stared her down as her music hit again.

Astrid was then collared for an interview. 'Astrid Hofferson, that was an impressive Renegades Showcase. But the question everyone is still asking is this: why?' 'Be more specific.' 'Why did you join the Renegades? Why did you turn your back on your own family?'

Astrid responded in her mother tongue. 'Jeg trenger ikke fortelle noen noe. Jeg har ingen grunn til å rettferdiggjøre meg selv eller mine handlinger. Alt du trenger å vite er jeg nå en Renegade og ingenting vil endre det. Som for Dragan? Han var ALDRI familie for meg (I don't need to tell anybody anything. I have no reason to justify myself or my actions. All you need to know is i am now a renegade and nothing will change that. As for Dragan? He was NEVER family to me).

Astrid then walked backstage, leading to the interviewer confronting Maddy. 'Maddy, can you tell me? Is the Renegades the real deal or are you just some nuts cult?' Maddy responded by flashing her eyes, and grabbing her by the throat, choking the life out of her. As the woman's eyes glazed over, Maddy got in her barely-conscious face. 'We're no cult. We're far more dangerous than that.' The interim president then left to catch up with Astrid.

Backstage, Maddy and Astrid were talking. 'Astrid, I've been having a think, and I've decided that with all the personal stuff going on with you at the moment… you should take time off.' 'No no I'm fine honestly. Completely focused.'

'I'm not doubting you. Also we really want to reinvent you. So how about you take the remainder of the year off, and return in Texas, the new Astrid. Meanwhile it gives us time to figure out how ta get rid of all the distractions.'

Astrid rolled her eyes. 'Well, I suppose I could do with some time off. Really been feeling it in my neck recently.' 'You alright?' 'Yeah, got ambushed by James and his little troupe backstage at the world qualifiers. I thought I'd got off with just some bruises and a cracked vert, but been having spasms in my neck recently.'

Maddy nodded. 'I'd like to get you checked out by Sak if that's ok?' 'Sure. But yeah, your idea's fine.' Maddy then got on the phone. 'Hey Sakura.' 'Hey Maddy, what do you need my help with?' 'I'm with Astrid and she's suffering with neck spasms. She's had a previous spinal issue so I was wondering if you could give her a once over?'

'Absolutely. I'll just go to the medical room to check her over.' 'Thanks Sak.' 'Don't mention it – it is my job after all.' 'And you're awesome at it.' 'Gee, you're too kind. See you in about 10 minutes.' 'Thanks.'

10 minutes later

Astrid was being checked over in the medical bay. 'So what brought this on?' 'I've been having spasms for while.' 'Speak your own language if it's more comfortable – I carry a pocket translator wherever I go.'

'Thanks. Jeg har hatt kramper i nakken i flere måneder siden de ble angrepet på kvalifiseringen i London. Jeg har vært administrerende med urte remadies å sløv smerten, men der ute i dag, var det verre enn noensinne-det føltes som halsen min ville eksplodere og smerten spredt hele veien ned ryggen min (I have had spasms in my neck for a number of months ever since being attacked at the qualifiers in London. I've been managing with herbal remedies to dull the pain, but out there today, it was worse than ever - it felt like my neck would explode and the pain spread all the way down my back).'

Sakura just nodded. 'Right, I'm just going to start on the back of your neck, and then move down your spine to your bum. I'd like to give me the pain from 1-10 with 10 being the worst. Any other history of spinal issue?'

'Fractured my back when I was 9.' 'How'd you manage that?' 'Climbing a mountain with a friend and missed a foot. Dropped 600, maybe 700 metres to the ground. In a brace for three months.' 'Sounds painful. Did they say anything about permanent damage?' 'No, healed like lightning. Was climbing again 11 weeks later.'

'Bit… risky isn't it?' 'Like you never did anything stupid.' Sakura then laughed. 'You got me. Playing baseball in Japan when I was 14, first time I ever played baseball, swung and missed, got slammed in the head by the bat. Split my head open. That's why I always wear this headband – got a big scar where my head was glued together.' Sakura then started going down Astrid's spine.

Meanwhile, in the private room

Phil was ready for his duel. 'You not going to find a tag partner?' 'I can beat those two on my own. Not ideal but it's the way it has to be.' 'You realise you can't do everything alone right?' Phil then stood up. 'Well I have no choice. I have nobody left in my corner.' 'That's not true Dad.'

He then looked around at her. 'The only person who was ever in my corner has gone. If I lose I lose. I just don't care anymore.' Phil stormed out, leaving Maddy despairing. 'What can I do if you won't talk to me?'

In the duelling zone

Phil came out first, coming out to the M18 Connection music. 'The following is a career-threatening duel. Introducing first, representing the Renegades, from the M18 District of Manchester, England, Phil Robinson.'

As Phil got to the duelling zone, Girag and Alito warped in, right in front of him. Girag was smiling and bashing his fist into his palm. 'This will be no sweat. It's clobbering time Alito!' 'Just make sure that I get the KO, ok?' 'Whatever you want.'

Phil then took his jacket off. 'Might as well get this over and done with.' 'We're going to take everything you've got left from you.' He scoffed at this. 'Pfft. I've got nothing left. Not since I lost the love of my life. I'm living now just to make everyone else feel the pain that I do!' The three of them then activated their duel disks. And then the music hit.

As the military-themed music (The Warrior Song) started to play, Blair marched out, hair down, with her Kabuki mask on her jacket, in her Marines uniform. She saluted, and then marched straight down to the duelling zone. As she got there, she looked over at Phil, and then back at Girag and Alito. And then, she finally broke her silence. 'I'm back. And I'm not going to stop until your Barian Empire has crumbled.'

Phil then looked over at Blair in total bemusement, and she just smiled at him. 'You ready?' 'Let's do this.'

Renegades (Blair Flannigan and Phil Robinson-Cummings) LP:4000 vs. Alito and Girag LP:4000

Turn 1: Phil: 'I'll start. I draw. I activate Frontline Base. This card allows me to once per turn, summon a Union monster direct from my hand. I set a monster and end my turn with a face-down.' 'You're not going to use your spell?' 'Why, should I? You're clearly the expert.'

Alito: 'I'll take care of this chump. I draw. I summon Battlin' Boxer Glassjaw (Atk:2000). Because I control a Battlin' Boxer, Sparrer can also come out (Atk:1200). I overlay my two Level 4 monsters to build the overlay network and Xyz summon! Meet Battlin' Boxer Lead Yoke (Atk:2000).'

'Lead Yoke, attack his monster.' Lead Yoke slammed it's fists straight through Phil's monster (Cyber Phoenix Def.:1600), destroying it. 'When Cyber Phoenix is destroyed, I draw 1 card.' 'I end my turn with two face-downs.'

Blair: 'I draw. I activate Pot of Greed. Next I activate Gem-Knight Fusion. This brings together the forces of Garnet, Amber, and Sapphire to summon out the Gem-Knight Master Diamond (Atk:2900). And for three Gem-Knights in my graveyard, he gains another 300 points (Atk:2900-3200). Now I'll use the effect of Frontline Base to summon Crystal Crusher (Atk:800).'

'Crystal Crusher now equips onto Master Diamond.' As the Crusher rose into the air, it attatched onto the sword of Master Diamond, encasing it in a rainbow crust (Master Diamond Atk:3200-4000). 'Master Diamond, attack Lead Yoke.'

'It doesn't matter – by detaching a material Lead Yoke is indestructible (Alito and Girag LP:4000-2000). And with Battlin' Boxer Veil in my hand, I can summon it out and regain all those points (Veil Def.:1800, Alito and Girag LP:2000-4000).'

'With Crystal Crusher equipped, Master Diamond can attack twice this turn. All I need to do is remove Iolite from play until my next Standby phase. Attack again.' 'Again, I use the effect of Lead Yoke. By detaching it's other material, I can save Lead Yoke (Atk:2800-3600).' As Master Diamond brought his upgraded weapon down, Lead Yoke's log broke and it stood firm (Alito and Girag LP:4000-3600).

'See, I told you that your attacks were no issue.' 'Don't forget, you're facing two of us. Phil.' 'I activate R: Replay. I thoroughly enjoyed that last attack. So much so that by sending the top card of my deck to the graveyard, Master Diamond can go back in for a repeat viewing.'

Blair then glowed purple, and underwent her Advanced Transformation, complete with a black, triangular-shaped mark below her left eye. 'Master Diamond, deliver PAIN!' Master Diamond sliced straight through Lead Yoke, and slammed his sword straight into Alito's face (Alito and Girag LP:3600-3200). 'I end my turn. During the End phase of the turn Crystal Crusher uses it's second attack effect, Master Diamond switches into Defence mode (Def.:2500).'

Girag: 'You just made me angry! I draw. I summon Fire Hand (Atk:1600). Because I control Fire Hand, I can also summon Prominence Hand (Atk:600). And now I activate Hand Trigger. By paying 1000 Life points (Alito and Girag LP:3200-2200), I can summon Magic Hand (Def.:1600).'

'I overlay Level 4 Prominence Hand and Battlin' Boxer Veil to build the overlay network. Appear Number 106: Giant Hand (Atk:2000).' 'That's your big play?' 'Now I activate Dark Designator. I name a card and if either of you have it in your deck you add it to your hand. I choose Rank-up Magic Renegades Unite!'

Phil quickly located the card at the bottom of his deck. 'And with Magic Hand, you have to discard it and lose 800 Life points.' As Phil sent the card to the graveyard, he got blasted with a purple light pushing him back (Phil LP:4000-3200).

'Next I activate Rank-up Magic Limited Barian's Force! This ranks up my Rank 4 Giant Hand into a Chaos Xyz monster. Chaos Xyz Evolution! Barian's power, born of chaos, lay waste to this world of filth! I Xyz summon Chaos Number 106 – Giant Red Hand (Atk:2600).'

'Giant Red Hand, destroy Master Diamond. Burning Tornado.' Giant Red Hand spiralled into a flaming tornado, and ripepd straight through Master Diamond, destroying it. 'When Crystal Crusher goes to my graveyard, I can banish it to draw a card.' 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Phil: 'I draw. I'll use Frontline Base to summon out Armored Cybern (Atk:0). I'll follow that up with Proto-Cyber Dragon (Atk:1100). With Cybern's effect, it can equip onto a Cyber Dragon. That comes at the cost of 1000 Attack though, so I can destroy your face-down (Atk:1100-100).'

Girag started laughing. 'You're really desperate to lose aren't you?' 'I'm only living for destruction now' Phil stated, unfeelingly. 'I activate Machine Duplication. Because I control a Machine with 500 or less Attack points, I can summon out two more copies of it (Atk:1100)x2.'

'Now I'll activate Union Disengage. Once per turn, I can use this to detach a Union monster, like Cybern (Atk:0).' 'You still have four useless monsters.' 'Now I'll send all four monsters to my graveyard.' As they all vanished, a dragon's roar could be heard, and a mighty figure appeared behind Phil and Blair, big enough to take up the entire space behind them.

'What in the name of Barian is that?' 'Meet my little friend. He's called Chimeratech Fortress Dragon, and he'll be the cause of the worst pain you ever felt (Atk?).' 'He hasn't got any points.' 'They're… loading. For every monster I sent to my graveyard to summon him with, Fortress Dragon gains 1000 Attack points.'

Three heads then came out of the cylindrical portals on Fortress Dragon's body, joining it's original head (Atk:4000). Attack Giant Red Hand with Evolution Artillery.' Fortress Dragon's four heads unleashed a series of short bursts of blue electricity, breaking parts off of Giant Red Hand, eventually destroying it in a fiery explosion (Alito and Girag LP:3200-1600).

As Girag lay on the ground, Alito got fired up. 'That was uncalled for.' 'You started the war, we're finishing it' Blair replied, in an uncharacteristically catty manner. Girag then stood up again, and ended his turn.

Blair: 'I draw. I activate Graceful Charity to draw 3 and discard 2. I end my turn.'

Alito: 'My turn. I activate Rank-up Magic the Seventh One. This allows me to summon Number 105 – Battlin' Boxer Star Cestus (Atk:2500). Next I can Rank it up. Chaos Xyz Evolution! Barian's power, born of chaos, lay waste to this world of filth! I Xyz summon Chaos Number 105 – Battlin' Boxer Comet Cestus (Atk:3000).'

'Comet Cestus, I'm activating your ability. By detaching one Xyz material, I can destroy Fortress Dragon and deal you with 4000 points of damage.' 'By banishing Crystal Heart from my graveyard, this turn all effect damage is reduced to zero.' 'You're still losing the Dragon though.' Comet Cestus slammed straight through Fortress Dragon with it's fists, making the Dragon crumple into a heap.

'Comet Cestus, attack them directly.' 'I activate the ability of Necro Gardna. By banishing it from my graveyard, your attack goes nowhere.' 'Fine, I end my turn.'

Blair: 'I draw.' She then smiled, before glaring at the Barians. 'It looks like you're about to get a taste of your own medicine you Barian ba*tards. I activate Smile World.' 'Smile what now?' 'Smile World gives your Comet Cestus 100 more Attack points for every card on the field (Atk:3000-3200).'

'Why would you do that?' Blair's aura then spiked and her hair started standing on end. 'I activate Rank-up Magic Renegades Unite! This allows me to Xyz summon without any monsters out. Rio, this is for you! I summon Number 103 – Ragnazero (Atk:2400). Next I'll rank her up. Chaos Xyz Evolution! Only when I reach into the darkness inside my heart can I truly harness the power of pure evil. But for you, I'll do that. Barian's power, born of chaos, bring repent for all their sins! I Xyz summon Chaos Number 103 – Ragnafinity (Atk:2800).'

This shocked both Barians, who panicked. 'No… way. You… can't… do that!' 'I can and I will. Ragnafinity, I'll activate your ability. By detaching your Xyz material you can banish Comet Cestus and deal damage equal to the attack it had gained. Repent Reaction!' Ragnafinity swung her scythe, which emitted a strange purple fog, shrouding Comet Cestus and making it vanish in an instant (Alito and Girag LP:1600-1400).

'Any last words? Actually on second thoughts, I don't care. Ragnafinity, attack with Guidance to Purgatory!' Ragna swung her scythe, slamming straight through Alito and Girag, who warped out as they were knocked out (Alito and Girag LP:1400-0).

With the Barians both nowhere to be found, Phil and Blair hugged each other. They then raised each other's arms in victory, before Phil quickly departed, Blair following him, but being pulled over for an interview. She snatched the microphone, stated "I've said all there is to say", and dashed off herself.

Several minutes later, unable to find Phil, Blair thumped the wall. 'Why can't you open up… even to me?' Suddenly Blair felt a strange sensation in her brain. 'That's what no sleep does for you I guess. I'll find Phil and talk to him later when he's cooled down I guess. Better let Maddy know I'm back.'

When Blair got back, she was greeted by Maddy. 'Hey Blair, can I have a word in a minute?' 'Sure, anything. First of all though, got you a little something.' Blair then produced a card from her pocket. 'Sorry, kinda stinks – not changed in two days. Travelled all the way here by taxi.' 'Horn of the Phantom Beast? Thanks. Hope you didn't spend more than $5.' '80 bucks.' 'Ok, thanks.'

Maddy then turned around to Kris. 'Kris, I know you're going to win, now kick some Barian arse.' Kris sniggered. 'I'll do more than kick her butt if she continues talking smack about you. Now let me at her.' Maddy moved, and Kris ran out of the room at full pelt.

Having found a secluded area outside, Maddy and Blair talked. 'Blair, I heard about your Gramma.' 'Figured you would. I don't want any pity though.' 'You really think I'm the pitying type? Just wanted to say that you can take as much time off as you need. There's always a place in the Renegades for you.'

'Thanks, but I'm back. Like, properly back.' 'Not going to doubt you. Clearly how you're dealing with things.' 'Cheers. How's Phil been doing?' Maddy rolled her eyes. 'That bad eh?' 'Yep, you got it.' 'Long story short?'

'Angry, thinks nobody cares, depressed, oh, and really kinda murderous.' 'Better make sure he doesn't see Birchall then.' 'Yep.' Blair then had a think for a moment. 'Let me talk to him.' Maddy just raised her hands and walked away. 'On your head be it.'

In the duelling zone

Kris and Spica were having a war… of words. 'Just give Maddy up and we'll be fine. I'll even let the rest of you continue on your silly crusade.' 'Thanks but no thanks. I'll tell you how it's going to work – this is the closest you get to Maddy until she decides to stop you dead in your tracks.' 'You think?' 'I know. So I'll beat you now, and stop you biting us in the be-hind later on.'

'I thought fighting with fists was more your style than negotiation.' 'I can do both. But I'm not interested in punching you in the face. Maddy is more than capable of doing that herself and she makes it look better. But if you still want to lose to me, I'll do it for free.' Spica laughed as they activated their duel disks.

Spica LP:4000 vs. Kris Travis LP:4000

Turn 1: Spica: 'Ladies first if you don't mind.' 'Call me chivalrous.' 'I draw. I summon Vampire Sorcerer (Atk:1500). I end my turn with three face-downs.'

Turn 2: Kris: 'I draw. I summon X-Saber Galahad (Atk:1800). Galahad, attack. And when Galahad launches his assault, he pumps up by 300 points (Atk:1800-2100). This is a taster of what's to come.' Galahad ran at Sorcerer, plunging it's spear through, and dusting it (Spica LP:4000-3400).

'When Vampire Sorcerer is slain, I can add a Vampire monster, spell, or trap to my hand. I'll add Vampire Lord.' 'Add what you like. I end my turn with two face-downs myself.'

Spica: 'I draw. I activate Star Blast. By paying Life points in multiples of 500, I can lower the Level of a monster in my hand. I'll pay 500 to lower Vampire Lord's Level by one, to 4 (Spica LP:3400-2900). Meaning I can summon him (Atk:2000).' Vampire Lord immediately opened his cape, and spun into it, vanishing.

'Nice magic trick. What's next – mummies?' 'Very funny. I can banish Vampire Lord, and summon out the mighty Vampire Genesis (Atk:3000). Genesis, attack with Crimson Rain.' 'Damn you. When Galahad is on the back foot he loses 500 Attack (Atk:1800-1300).' Genesis effortlessly crushed Galahad with blood pellets coming down from mighty black wings (Kris LP:4000-2300).

'How did you like that Krissy?' 'The last person to call me Krissy was my mom. Which reminds me, it's way too long since I visited her. Anyway, not got time to be making tourist plans.' 'Whatever. I end my turn.'

Kris: 'I draw. I activate my face-down Call of the Haunted to bring back Galahad (Atk:1800). Next I summon X-Saber Palomuro (Atk:200). Level 1 Palomuro, time to tune up Level 4 Galahad. I Synchro summon badass X-Saber Wayne (Atk:2100).'

'You're really not paying much attention are you?' 'Who said I'm done? When Wayne is summoned, he calls out XX-Saber Fulhelmknight (Atk:1300). Level 3 Fulhelmknight, whip Level 5 Wayne into shape. It's…. PUMMELLING TIME! Welcome to fight club, Colossal Fighter (Atk:2800).'

'Colossal Fighter gains strength from his fallen comrades. Specifically 100 points for every Warrior in my graveyard. There's currently three, so he's now the strongest monster around (Atk:2800-3100).'

'Colossal Fighter, turn Vampire Genesis into an over-sized punch bag.' 'Yes, come closer. So I can activate Vampire Takeover. This allows me to take a Vampire Kingdom from my deck and immediately activate it.' As the old, Gothic architecture overtook the arena, Genesis glowed black. 'In the Kingdom, all Vampires gain 500 Attack during damage calculation. Too late for you to respond (Atk:3000-3500).' Colossal Fighter punched away at Genesis, which threw the fighter away with it's wings (Kris LP:2300-1900).

'Colossal Fighter's ability activates. When it's sent to my graveyard, a Warrior lives again. I'll use his power for himself (Atk:2800-3100).' 'Do I really look interested?' 'I don't care if you're interested. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Spica: 'I draw. I'll attack with Vampire Genesis. Crimson Rain.' As Genesis gained it's points (Atk:3000-3500), Kris had a plan. 'I activate my face-down Desperate Tag. This reduces my Battle damage to 0 when you attack a Warrior. And now you destroyed Colossal Fighter, it can revive itself (Atk:2800-3100). Also thanks to my Trap, I can summon Command Knight from my hand (Atk:1200).'

'Command Knight gives 400 extra Attack to all Warriors on the field (Atk:1200-1600, Colossal Fighter Atk:3100-3500).' 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Kris: 'I draw. I summon X-Saber Fulhelmknight (Atk:1300), and end my turn with that.'

Spica: 'You know, I thought a big boy like you would be doing something more impressive than that. I draw. Vampire Genesis, attack Fulhelmknight with Crimson Rain' 'Yeah yeah, I got you figured out. Fulhelmknight's ability activates. Once while he's face-up on the field, he can stop your attack. Chain Guard.'

As Genesis released it's crimson pellets, Fulhelmknight threw it's chain-like sword across and blocked the attack. 'I'll end my turn then.'

Kris: 'I draw. I activate Reinforcement of the Army. This adds a Level 4 or below Warrior to my hand. I choose X-Saber Anu Piranha (Atk:1800). Level 3 Fulhelmknight, tune Level 4 Anu Piranha. Time to show that the Renegades, we have reach. I Synchro summon Ancient Fairy Dragon (Def.:3000).'

'Am I supposed to be impressed?' 'Maybe, when she destroys your Field spell and gives me 1000 Life points.' Fairy Dragon flew into the sky and soared around, spreading searing sunshine through the stands and causing the Kingdom to vanish (Kris LP:1900-2900). 'Now I can add a Field spell from my deck to my hand. I choose Gaia Power.'

'Next I activate Gaia Power.' This field caused a big tree to erupt behind Kris. 'I'm not much of a gardener, but what I do know is that this spell gives all Earth monsters 500 more Attack points. Sadly Command Knight is Fire, but I won't worry about that (Atk:3500-4000). Colossal Fighter, destroy Vampire Genesis with Colossal Crunch.'

Colossal Fighter lumbered over, before smashing Genesis into dust with a heavy fist (Spica LP:2900-1900). 'Command Knight, attack Spica directly.' 'I activate the effect of Barian's Battle Buster from my hand. By discarding it, your attack is negated and I draw 2 cards. Annoyed yet?' 'I'm fine. I end my turn.'

Spica: 'I draw. I summon Reborn Zombie (Atk:1000). Next I activate Moon Mirror Shield, so when Reborn Zombie goes into battle, it always has 100 more Attack points than it's opponent. Next I activate Card Destruction, so we both drop our hands and draw new ones. I throw a face-down, and because my hand is empty, Reborn Zombie can't be destroyed in battle now. Attack Colossal Fighter.' Reborn Zombie unleashed a ghostly hand from it's bones (Atk:1000-4100), which choked Colossal Fighter and destroyed it (Kris LP:1900-1800).

'What's wrong – no Warriors in your hand?' 'Doesn't matter – I can still bring Colossal Fighter back (Atk:4000).' 'You're never going to win. Not with my Shield on the field. I end my turn.'

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

Spica: 'You've lost all your adventure. I draw.' 'I activate Spirit Barrier. Now as long as I control a monster, I take no battle damage. And with Colossal Fighter, I'll always have a monster. You can't harm me.'

His opponent grimaced at the thought. 'I'll throw a face-down and end my turn.'

Kris: 'I draw. I'll activate Shard of Greed and end my turn with another face-down.'

Spica: 'My turn. I activate Mystical Space Typhoon. So much for your Spirit Barrier.' 'I'm not THAT stupid. I activate Imperial Custom. This protects all Continuous Traps on the field. And guess what Spirit Barrier is?'

'For now I'll just play a monster face-down.'

Kris: 'I draw. During my Draw phase, Shard of Greed gains a Greed Counter (GC:0-1). I end my turn with another face-down.'

Spica: 'I draw. I tribute Reborn Zombie to play a monster face-down. And when Moon Mirror Shield goes to the graveyard, I can pay 500 Life points (Spica LP:1900-1400), and place it on the top of my deck. I end my turn.'

Kris: 'I don't know what you're planning, but it isn't working. I draw.' At this point Kris appeared to start getting frustrated. 'Where is it?' 'Looking for something?' 'I can beat you any which way. Shard of Greed now has two Greed Counters. By sending it to my graveyard, I can draw 2 cards.' As Kris took his cards, he shook his head. 'C'mon.'

After taking a moment to compose himself, he came back. 'Right, I activate Fairy Meteor Crush and equip it onto my Colossal Fighter. This allows him to break through your defending monster and hit your Life points. Attack.' Fighter punched a hole straight through the hidden monster (Vampire Lady Def.:1550), destroying it. 'Before your attack, I activated Enchanted Javelin. So I ended up gaining more Life points than I lost (Spica LP:1400-5400-2950).'

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

Spica: 'I draw. I summon Zombie Master (Atk:1800). I activate it's ability as well. I can send a Level 4 or below Zombie from my hand to the graveyard and summon one from my graveyard. I'll get rid of Mezuki and summon Plaguespreader Zombie (Atk:400).'

'Now Level 2 Plaguespreader Zombie, infect and tune Level 4 Zombie Master. All hail Revived King Ha Des (Atk:2450). And as a bonus, I'll give him his very own Moon Mirror Shield. Now attack Colossal Fighter.' Ha Des opened his body up (Atk:2450-4100), and dark chains appeared around the ankles of the Fighter, dragging it down into the underworld.

'That's useless when I can just summon Colossal Fighter straight back.' 'That's exactly it – you can't. Not with Ha Des' ability. He stops all abilities activated by monsters destroyed by him. Your Colossal Fighter will never escape the clutches of the underworld. Nor will you. I end my turn.'

Kris: 'I draw.' Kris, privately, was concerned about his position. ("What can I do? She's got her Ha Des with Moon Mirror Shield which makes it invincible in battle. She's probably got something to stop card effects from destroying her monster as well. I've only got Command Knight. I can't seem to get Renegades Unite either. I can't win… unless… unless I sacrifice my own field.'

'Right, I activate Pot of Avarice. This recycles 5 cards from my graveyard into my deck, and then I draw 2. I'll lay this monster face-down and end my turn with a face-down in the Spell/Trap zone.'

Spica: 'Pathetic. I draw. I summon Zombie Werewolf (Atk:1200). And my Werewolf is coming straight for your face-down monster.' Zombie Werewolf swiped at Spica's monster, but she got an unwelcome surprise (Cyber Jar Def.:900).

'If I can't get rid of Ha Des in battle, I'll have to dispose of it another way. Cyber Jar destroys every monster on the field.' Every monster out was sucked into the graveyard by the immense gravitational power of Cyber Jar opening.

'So we start again?' 'Not quite. We both flip the top 5 cards of our decks now. We summon all monsters that are Level 4 or below. The other cards are added to our hands. I'll go first.' Kris then revealed his cards (X-Saber Fulhelmknight, X-Saber Faultroll, Assault Mode Activate, Descending Lost Star, Reinforce Truth). 'One monster coming out for me then (Fulhelmknight Atk:1300). Now flip your cards.'

'If I must.' As Spica started to flip her cards, Kris watched on with intent (Vampire Vamp, Vampire Lord, Plaguespreader Zombie, Zombie Master, Red-Eyes Zombie Dragon). 'I summon Plaguespreader Zombie and Zombie Master (PZ Atk:400, ZM Atk:1800). And now, since I can continue my turn, I pay 500 Life points (Spica LP:1400-900), and place Moon Mirror Shield back on the top of my deck. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Kris: 'I draw. I activate Double Cyclone. This destroys one of your Spells or Traps and one of mine. I'll choose your face-down and my Desperate Tag.' Spica grimaced slightly as her face-down (Urgent Tuning) was blown away. 'Next I'll lay a face-down and end my turn.'

Spica: 'I draw. I activate Pot of Greed. Next I activate Everliving Underworld Cannon. Every time I Special summon a Zombie, this deals 800 points of damage. And with 1800 Life points, I'm not sure how much you can take. Especially now I activate Zombie World.' The field morphed into a faux-graveyard, complete with skulls lying around. 'This turns every monster on the field and in either graveyard into a Zombie. Next I'll tune Level 2 Plaguespreader to Level 4 Zombie Master. I summon Doomkaiser Dragon (Atk:2400).'

As Doomkaiser arrived, Kris had a ghostly skull shot at him from the underworld cannon (Kris LP:1800-1000). 'When Doomkaiser arrives on the scene, he has a little treat – a Zombie from your graveyard. I choose X-Saber Wayne (Atk:2100).' Once again, a skull shot through Kris, making him stumble back briefly (Kris LP:1000-200).

'Bad news Barian girl – you've got no cards left in your hand.' 'I'm far more than "Barian girl", I'm rescuing my friend. Or the person who was my friend before all of you got your hands on her. I activate the ability of Mezuki in my graveyard. By banishing it, I can summon a Zombie from my graveyard. Remember Plaguespreader (Atk:200, Kris LP:200-0).

As Spica won, she stormed over to Kris. 'I will find a way to get to Maddy, and I will take her home to her real parents. Then I'll find a way to restore her to how she used to be, the Maddy I knew and grew up with. And not you or anybody else is going to stop me.'

When Spica left, Kris stood up, exhausted, and raised his fist, before being assaulted from behind by Martin and Birchall. The Salem native fought back, and dazed Martin with a punch, only to be hit from behind with a gun by Birchall. James then laughed as Martin picked up a microphone.

'You gringos don't know when to give up amigo! Incase you stupid peros don't recognise me, my name is Martin Garcia, the top amigo man! And this, James Birchall, he is like Amigo Ultra man, and he rules this damn place.'

James then took the microphone. 'I saw your magnificent return Brady, and that little purple lapdog of yours. Well I still hold the keys to your heart, or should I say...' He then produced a lock of brunette hair. 'The body? It's amazing what a bit of money can do for you. That's right – I have not only this lock of hair, but I have the entire body. Hannah's entire body.'

As he said the fateful three words, the entire booing crowd shut up into a disgusted silence. 'And when this circus rolls into Quebec, Canada, I will show everyone proof. I will bring Hannah's body with me. Because I told you Brady, me and Hannah, we will be together forever.'

When James and Martin turned back to Kris, Maddy was stood there, growling, as her music played. Martin immediately patted her on the head. 'What's wrong amigo? Can't accept your mama was a little slagga? Little bit of a Esclava sexual? She lay on her back for any man. Come on amigo, touch me, I'll rip your face off.'

As Maddy stared at them, Taylor and Ashley snuck up behind, wearing masquerade masks and chin guards to disguise their identity. They then simultaneously low-blowed the two guys, causing them to flee.

Maddy and Kris then exchanged words, and Kris scrambled away. With Birchall and Martin safely out of the way, Maddy reached behind her hair, and pulled out a pair of earphones. Taylor and Ashley then stood to attention as the young wolfblood let her hair down, and grabbed a microphone.

'This is my title. And this is my chance to show that I am better than everybody else. Anyone who fancies challenging me can. I will defend against anybody at anytime. I grafted for everything my entire life, and I'm not about to stop now. So give me your best shot, 'cause I'm going to meet you face-to-face!'

As Maddy howled, her first opponent came out. 'The following duel is your main event here in Washington D.C., and is a Gauntlet duel for the WDC Young-Gun Championship. Already in the duelling zone your WDC Young-Gun Champion, Maddy Robinson-Cummings. Now introducing the second participant, from Auckland, New Zealand, Zak Zapata.'

While Zak came bounding down for his second ever title shot, Maddy waited with eyes glowing. As soon as Zak arrived, the champion activated her duel disk. 'Keen to get started eh? Time to show you what I've got!'

WDC Young-Gun Championship Gauntlet Round 1: (c) Maddy Robinson-Cummings LP:4000 vs. Zak Zapata LP:4000

Turn 1: Maddy: 'I draw. I summon Ape Fighter (Atk:1900). And by equipping it with Sword of Dark Destruction, it gets a 400 point boost (Atk:1900-2300). I end my turn with two face-downs.'

Zak: 'Watch me go! I activate Thunder Dragon's mean ability from m y hand. When he goes to the grave, I add two more to my hand. I summon Batteryman Solar (Atk:1500). When I summon Solar, he sends Thunder Dragonroar to my graveyard. Next I activate Graceful Charity to draw 3 cards and discard 2. I activate Monster Reborn to bring back Thunder Dragonhawk (Atk:1800). And when a Thunder monster is summoned, I get a Solar Token from my Batteryman (Def.:0). Now I'll send another Dragonhawk to my graveyard to Special summon Thunder Dragonroar (Atk:2400).'

'By tributing a Thunder effect monster, I can summon Thunder Dragon Colossus. So I'll tribute Solar and my Dragonhawks to summon three (Atk:2600)x3. Colossus, attack her Ape Fighter.' 'I activate my face-down Horn of the Phantom Beast. This gives Ape Fighter another 700 points (Atk:2300-3000).' Ape Fighter grabbed Colossus, and swung it around, throwing it into the ground (Zak LP:4000-3600).'

'Ape Fighter destroyed an opponent in battle, so it gains 300 Attack (Atk:3000-3300). And with Horn of the Phantom Beast, I draw a card. So keep on attacking.' 'No thanks.' Maddy then grinned. 'It wasn't a request. I activate Soul Anchor. Now all your monsters have to attack Ape Fighter, from strongest to weakest. Now burn!' The soul anchor wrapped it's ghostly pink cord around the second Colossus, which got dragged into Ape Fighter, which punched a hole through the dragon as Zak suffered Maddy's wrath (Zak LP:3600-2900, Ape Fighter Atk:3300-3600).

The anchor then wrapped around the final Colossus, as Maddy beckoned it, meeting the same fate as the first two (Zak LP:2900-1900, Ape Fighter Atk:3600-3900). Finally it attached to Dragonroar, pulling it to it's doom (Zak LP:1900-400, Ape Fighter Atk:3900-4200).

As Zak lay on the ground, twitching, Maddy began to pant. 'I'll take those extra cards thanks. By the way, if I banish Soul Anchor while it's face-up, you lose 100 points for every monster destroyed.' Zak got whipped with the ghostly anchor, but barely had the strength left to react (Zak LP:400-0, Ape Fighter Atk:4200-3500).

After several minutes of concern, Zak stood up under his own steam, and left, along with a medic. As Maddy took a moment to rest, Phil got a small black machine out, which caught Blair's attention.

'Wolfblood reader?' 'How do you know that?' Blair smiled. 'You think I don't know that by now? Don't know how they work, mind you.' 'Maddy's primal powers emit certain electromagnetic waves when they are active.' 'How do you know they're active.' 'In low levels it's difficult to tell. But her muscles do tend to tense up somewhat.'

'Easy to tell in higher levels.' 'We need the reader to make sure she's not using too much.' 'How high can she go – 30%?' 'She can go up to about 4% with little effect. After that, she can manifest damage.'

'Like Akiza's psychic powers.' 'Not unlike at all. After around 20%, the power's strong enough to actually damage floor tiles.' 'Hang on, have you tested this?' 'We tested Maddy on a few occassions. Like all scientific tests, we got her permission first.'

'Fair dos. You were saying?' 'After around 20%, she can damage floor tiles. At around 30%, the power is high enough to cause mild earthquakes.' Blair raised her eyes in a suspicious manner. '"Mild" earthquakes?' 'What do you think my name is – Charles Richter?' 'Good point. What about 40%?'

'By 35% the aura is clearly visible around her.' 'What colour's the aura?' 'The two times we got that high they were green and red respectively. As for 40, we… were distracted.' 'Distracted how?' 'Earthquakes. We got as far as 42% before we abandoned the test the last time.'

'That bad?' 'The building started to shake and Donna got scared. It's ok though because her power's limited.' 'Isn't that kinda against nature's will?' 'Me and Hannah put it in place after she discovered her powers because she couldn't control them.'

'Can she?' 'With practice, yes. We've put a mental seal at 22%.' 'Why 22?' 'It was meant to be 19 but I overshot. And before you ask, you're not interested.' 'Got it.' 'The seal can only be de-activated via a password. Only I have the password now.' 'And she's currently at?' '4.1%. Zak's a complete pushover it would appear.'

In the duelling zone

Maddy's next opponent, a 15 year old, had reached the duelling zone, looking quite overawed. 'Introducing #3, from Aberdeen, Scotland, the WDC Future Stars 2016 Champion, Ryan Donaldson.' The youngster stood there, wearing a bronze jacket with metal strips across, and tried to pacify Maddy. 'I haven't come to get violent. I have come to duel you, that's it.' 'Do you support' 'I neither support or don't support. I've only come to duel.' 'Duel then.'

WDC Young-Gun Championship Gauntlet Round 2: Ryan Donaldson LP:4000 vs. (c) Maddy Robinson-Cummings LP:4000

Turn 1: Ryan: 'I draw. I activate One for One. By discarding a monster from my hand, I can summon Treeborn Frog (Atk:100). I tribute Treeborn Frog though to summon Caius the Shadow Monarch (Atk:2400). When I summon Caius, I'm removing Ape Fighter from play. Then you take 1000 damage.'

'I'll send White Wolf Spirit from my hand back to my deck to use it's ability, and guard against Caius' ability because it's Level 6 or above.' 'I end my turn with two face-downs.'

Maddy: 'I draw. I'll discard a Beast to summon Egotistical Ape (Atk:1200). Because I discarded the Level 1 Key Mouse, I can decrease the Level of Ape by 1 (Level:5-4). Now I summon Lock Cat (Atk:1200). When she's summoned, she brings back a Level 1 Beast from my graveyard. Like Key Mouse (Atk:100).'

'Now Level 4 Egotistical Ape, tune Level 1 Key Mouse and Level 3 Lock Cat. I Synchro summon Blood Mefist (Atk:2800). Ape Fighter, attack Caius.' 'I activate Half Unbreak. This halves all Battle damage I take this turn and protects Caius.' Ape Fighter punched straight into Caius, blasting young Ryan back (Ryan LP:4000-3550).

'Blood Mefist now attacks.' Mefist shot out a crimson liquid from it's finger, coating Caius (Ryan LP:3550-3350). 'I end my turn with two face-downs.'

Ryan: 'I draw.' 'During my Standby phase, you lose 300 points for every card on your field (Ryan LP:3350-3050).' 'I activate the effect of Treeborn Frog in my graveyard. During my Standby phase if I have no Spells or Traps, I can summon it from my graveyard (Atk:100). I tribute Caius the Shadow Monarch to summon Ehther the Heavenly Monarch (Atk:2800). It's Level 8, but only needs one tribute if the tribute was tribute summoned itself.' 'Gotcha.'

'When Ethther is summoned, I can summon a monster with exactly 2400 Attack and 1000 Defence from my deck. I choose Kuraz the Light Monarch (Atk:2400). When Kuraz is summoned, I can destroy two cards on the field. For each of our cards destroyed, the controller draws a card. But I'll sacrifice the advantage to destroy your monsters.'

Maddy barely moved in her response. 'I activate my face-down Destruction Jammer. This negates your effect and destroys it.' As Kuraz unleashed blinding light, it was overcome by vicious flames. 'I end my turn with a face-down.' 'When you do that, you lose 300 Life points (Ryan LP:3050-2750).

Maddy: 'I draw. I activate Monster Reborn. This allows me to revive a monster from the graveyard. Including yours I might add.' 'Seriously?' 'I summon Kuraz the Light Monarch (Atk:2400). With Kuraz on the field, I can destroy your face-down and your Heavenly Monarch.' Kuraz's blinding light completely eviscerated both of Ryan's cards, leaving the Scot exposed.

'Fighter Ape, attack him directly.' Fighter Ape ran at the youngster, and punched him hard, making him fall backwards and hit his head (Ryan LP:2750-0). As Maddy took a deep breath, Blair was keeping tabs on the readings.

'Not even 2%? How's that possible?' 'Perhaps Maddy's gone a bit soft. Or maybe she doesn't like Kiwis. Either way, it's not her fault he's hurt. What do you know about this Doom character then – we've never had the pleasure of meeting.'

'Not missing out on anything. Runs a Fiend deck, nothing too special. Apparently it's been acting rather differently recently.' 'It?' 'Nobody even knows the gender. That is if it has a gender.' 'What are you on about?'

Blair then rolled her eyes. 'Since I came here I've met two different types of shapeshifters, a girl who can turn into a wolf pretty much at will, and I've found the ability to grow metal out of my elbows. Is it so difficult to believe that we might meet something which doesn't identify to any gender?'

In the duelling zone

Doom eventually walked out, and ran down to the duelling zone. When it did, it immediately took off it's mask, revealing a teenager with green hair in a short ponytail and a green shirt with yellow stripes.

'You may've guessed my name isn't Doom. I'm Leo, and you've got my sister.' Maddy looked at him vacantly. 'Sorry?' 'Luna – my sister. She didn't come back months ago, she said she was going with Akiza to check out some group called the Renegades.'

Maddy shook her head. 'I don't hear you denying it. So where is she?' Maddy's eyes then glowed bright. 'She's ours. And she's not coming back. Let it be a lesson not to make bets you can't deliver on. Let's duel.' 'I'm getting Luna back.' 'Good luck.'

WDC Young-Gun Championship Gauntlet Round 3: Leo LP:4000 vs. Maddy Smith LP:4000

Turn 1: Leo: 'I'm going to save my sister. I summon Morphtronic Scopen (Atk:800). And when he's in Attack mode, I can summon a Level 4 Morphtronic from my hand. Like Morphtronic Videon (Atk:1000). I tune Level 3 Morphtronic Scopen with Level 4 Morphtronic Videon, and Synchro summon my Power Tool Dragon (Atk:2300).'

'Thanks to Power Tool Dragon, I can select three Equip cards from my deck and you pick a random one.' As Leo held them up in front of him, Maddy pointed at the centre card. 'Sweet – I equip Power Tool with Double Tool C&D. This gives him 1000 more Attack points (Atk:2300-3300). Attack Ape Fighter. And when Power Tool attacks with C&D attatched, your monster's ability is negated (Atk:3500-1900).' Power Tool drilled into Ape Fighter, causing an explosion which ruffled Maddy's hair up (Maddy LP:4000-2600).

'Thanks, only had a shower this morning.' 'I end my turn. Now tell me where my sister is!' 'Not here.' Leo stopped as Maddy said that. 'What do you mean?' 'She's not hear – she doesn't travel with us. Even if you did find her, she's been completely brainwashed. She won't remember who you are. You want to know what happened?'

'Well yeah' 'Listen up then kid. Luna and Akiza broke into our base to steal some very rare cards from us. We caught them, and Luna challenged me to a duel. We agreed that if she lost, she would become property of us. And guess what happened – she got trampled.'

'You...' 'It was her fault. If Luna had never been trying to steal from us, she would never have been converted.' 'Let her go, please!' 'I like you. As a pet. So I'll let her go only if you take her place.' 'No way! That isn't fair!'

Taylor then whispered something in Maddy's ear. 'What a good idea. I'll cut a deal with you because I'm feeling really nice.' 'Thank you so much!' 'If you win, I'll release Luna and she'll be back home within a week.' 'I acc' 'But, if you lose, you're joining her. As one of us.' 'Fine, I accept.' Maddy then laughed. 'This will be fun.'

Maddy: 'I draw. I activate Level Tuning, to reduce the Level of Kuraz by one (Level:5). Next I'll summon my Tuner monster Dark Ape (Atk:0). Level 2 Dark Ape now tunes Level 5 Kuraz the Light Monarch. Arise, Zeman the Ape King (Atk:2500). I end my turn with a face-down.'

Leo: 'Why aren't you attacking? I draw. I'll equip my Power Tool with another Double Tool C&D (Atk:3300-4300). Attack Zeman.' 'I activate De-Synchro. This splits Zeman back into it's materials (Dark Ape Def.:0, Kuraz Atk:2400).'

'When Kuraz the Light Monarch is summoned, I can destroy two cards on the field. I choose your Double Tool C&D and Power Tool Dragon.' 'By destroying my other Double Tool, Power Tool survives (Atk:4300-2300).'

'You now draw one card, because only one card was destroyed by Kuraz.' 'I can still take out your Dark Ape. Open wide.' As Dark Ape was destroyed, Maddy stayed focused. 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Maddy: 'I draw. I activate Change of Heart. So your Power Tool Dragon now belongs to me.' As Maddy growled the words in a deep Geordie accent, a black heart floated over to Power Tool, making it come over to Maddy's field. 'Next I summon X-Saber Airbellum (Atk:1600). Power Tool, attack directly.' 'I activate Waboku, to protect myself from your attacks this turn. And during the End phase, I get Power Tool back.'

'I'm not going to let you have it back. Because you only get your monster back if it's still on the field. So I'll tune Level 3 X-Saber Airbellum to Level 7 Power Tool Dragon and Synchro summon Leo, Keeper of the Sacred Tree (Atk:3100). I end my turn.'

Leo: 'I draw. How can I summon Power Tool? I activate Pot of Greed to draw 2 cards. Next I'll activate Morphtronic Accelerator. By returning Morphtronic Celfon from my hand to my deck, I can destroy your monster.' 'Not a chance – Leo can only be targeted by effects in my Main Phase 2, and not during your turn.'

'I activate Magnet Circle LV2 to summon Morphtronic Clocken (Atk:600). And because it has less than 1500 Attack, I activate Inferno Reckless Summon to summon two more (Atk:600)x2. Now by discarding Gadget Driver, I can switch them all to Defence mode (Def.:1100). When Clocken is in Defence mode, it gains a Morph Counter. By tributing a Clocken, you lose 1000 points for each counter. I'll tribute all three and win!'

As the three Clockens detonated, Leo punched the air. 'I did it! I did it! You said I couldn't win, but I did! I won! I…' The smoke then cleared and Maddy was stood there laughing (Maddy LP:2600-5600). 'You should have lost!' 'All I had to do was discard my Snow Wolf, and all effect damage I take this turn gets turned into Life points. I did it the moment you used your little effect but you didn't notice.'

Leo then broke down in his sector. 'Luna, help me!' Maddy's expression then changed, becoming softer. 'Leo, it's over. Just give up and come with me.' Her irises then glowed red, and Leo silently put his hand over his deck, conceding defeat. Leo then stood up, and let Maddy spear him, watching her the entire time. As she raised her title, a local reporter came over.

'Maddy the temptress, this was not planned, am I right?' 'You are, but we have use for him. Ladies, if you will.' As Taylor and Ashley took Leo away, the questions continued. 'Who are your friends?' 'To you, they are just faceless figures doing the bidding of an overlord. To me they are family, doing what is right for the family. Renegades are family.'

'Will you continue to defend your title?' 'I've told you before. I will defend against anybody at any time.' 'Finally how pleased are you to have Blair back?' 'On a club level, it's pleasing to have her services. On a personal level, it's like she never left.' Maddy made the salute, and then left. Meanwhile, the letters "H.R.C." appeared on the screens.

Later on, near the hotel

Phil was loitering in an alley, contemplating what had happened that day. 'Everyone thinks I'm "just grieving" over you. But I literally don't care about life anymore. Hannah, if you can hear me, your words are the reason I'm still here. But words can only go so far. So if you're actually listening, give me a sign.' Lightning then crashed across the sky.

He turned around, and Blair was stood there, eyes glazed over a bright purple. 'What is this?' Her voice was distorted, as if someone was talking through her. 'You want to claim you're alone.' 'Whoever you are, I am. Now let Blair go. This has nothing to do with her.' 'Clearly not. You are not alone. The one you call Blair is here for you. She cares, she has faith, she loves, she lives. You live. You are not alone. You will never be alone.'

Blair then opened her mouth and a purple beam shot out of it, before she slumped into Phil's arms. 'She's sleeping...' Phil then picked Blair up, and carried her gently back to the hotel, where she put her into his bed, and slept on the floor. 'Hope you don't mind me stealing your sleeping bag. Right now, you need me kiddo. And I need you.'

The next morning, 7am

Akiza was back on the phone. 'Hello? I hear you. Yes. No, I have been shown mercy. Yes, we will. Ruling together as one. She will never know. She will be back with you, as you command. As you wish. I'm coming.' Akiza then put the phone down and left, not knowing that her voice was being recorded by Kris. 'Let's see what Maddy thinks of this shall we?'

Next time: Rio's condition continues to improve, Blair is back, and Claude runs out of chances in Renegades: A New Dawn Chapter VIII: Enragement