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.

10. Arisen

Renegades: A New Dawn

Chapter X: Arisen

The next day, the club were all back in England, preparing for the last tournament of the year. Phil still had concerns though, relating to his meeting with Dumon the previous day. As the club were starting to get on with their daily actions, he booked a meeting with Maddy.

As he walked into the office, Maddy had her face on the desk, hair untidy and knotted. 'I hope you don't mind me saying you look terrible.' 'Yeah, thanks. Couldn't sleep last night.' 'Any reason?' 'Listen, do you want a bloody meeting or not?'

As he sat down, she calmed down. 'Sorry, just really tired and got a mountain of paperwork again. What's up, seemed kinda urgent.' 'I have a suspicion I know who attacked Astrid yesterday.' 'You do realise Astrid's going to be back in about 20 minutes?' 'I'm telling you because I think it's Blair doing it.'

This surprised the president. 'Uh… ok? What makes you say that?' 'There was an incident that happened in Washington, I should have reported it. I was blowing off some steam in an alleyway near the hotel, probably about half 11/quarter to midnight, when Blair appeared in front of me. Something was strange though, she looked like she was possessed, but it was like nothing I have come across before. Also, I have reports from Dumon and Mizar that they were attacked by Blair, along with Nash and Vector.'

'Nash I can understand.' 'Yes, Nash and Vector and I wouldn't be talking to you about this. But the other three. I mean she was even saying the other day that she'd probably like Dumon if he wasn't a Barian.' 'Ok, I'll try and have a word with Astrid later, see if she remembers any more. Did she say anything to you?' 'Honestly, I think her neck was causing her so much grief that she wasn't in a position to be remembering much of anything.'

'Well I've got no record of tension between her and Blair. Could you have a word with Blair?' 'Of course. Just a thought, but you wouldn't be able to hack into the CCTV in Quebec would you?' 'I can't, but you could ask Jodi.' 'Is she working today?' 'No, Kris is on-shift today.' 'That's great. Are you sure you're ok?' 'Yeah, just need a hairbrush and a coke thanks.' 'I can help you with one of those.' After tossing a can to his daughter, Phil left the office.

As he walked out, he found Rio eating a stack of pancakes at top speed, with Blair freaking out. 'Slow down Rio, you're gonna give yourself diabetes!' 'B, I was stuck in that hospital for over a month!' 'You don't need to eat a month's worth of food in one day though!'

Phil then popped his head over. 'Leave the girl alone Blair, the poor mite's starving. Besides, she needs to put on some weight, there's practically nothing left of her.' 'I just don't want her eating too quickly.' 'I know. By the way, is there any chance I could have a quick word?' Blair looked over, and looked slightly scared. 'Sure… I guess.'

In a conference room

'What this time?' 'Pardon?' 'Well clearly there's a reason you pulled me to one side again. By this point I might as well be on probation.' 'You've done nothing. It's just that Astrid was attacked backstage along with a load of Barians'

'What – and you think it's me? You really think I'd do that?' 'When you're not shouting over me, I was just going to ask if you saw anything or if anybody tried to ambush you.' Blair just sat back in her seat, folded her arms, and glared. 'No.'

'Stop sulking. I wanted to check you were ok.' 'Yeah well I'm fine, thanks. Are we done now?' 'Not until you start showing me some respect madam. Now I don't know what's going on in your head, but it's nothing I've done wrong.'

'Just fed-up of constantly being isolated! Like, I don't mind talking to you, of course I don't, you're cool, I'm just growing tired of all the constant stress. Like, duelling's the only thing I know, I moved halfway across the world for this, and now I can't because I've got a dodgy arm. And now I've got you sniffing around me thinking I attacked Astrid. I'd never do that.'

'I didn't say you would. I was asking if you saw anything. So just calm yourself down. If you were going to do that, you would have beaten Nash until his face was beaten in. Trust me, I want to do the same sometimes.' 'Fine, I guess I over-reacted.' 'You think?'

'One thing though – why not ask in front of Rio?' 'She doesn't need the stress of all this confusion. Question for you now.' 'As long as it ain't about attacking people.' 'It's about Astrid – what do you think of her?' 'As in?' 'When you think of Astrid, what do you think of her? Personality, any particular memories, what do you think of her as a person basically.'

'Erm… she's alright. She's a better human being than I could ever be, in everything but duelling she's basically an improved version of me, but somehow I'm a better duellist than her. Still don't understand that. But yeah, I mean we don't talk much, but that's because we have nothing in common more than anything. Why?'

'Maddy asked me. No idea why myself. Probably one of these stupid wellbeing surveys.' 'I'm sorry for the way I spoke to you.' 'I've had worse.' The two of them then left the private room, just as Astrid got back from her run, wearing a pink tracksuit. 'Hey guys.' Nobody spoke to her, so she shrugged her shoulders. 'Fine. Don't speak to me.'

As she walked towards the offices, Kris came out of the finance office. 'Yo Astrid, nice to see you.' 'Nice to see one person acknowledges my existence.' 'They're all...' 'Idiots?' 'Yeah something like that.' 'Listen, are you… doing anything later?' 'Like what?' 'I dunno, anything?' 'Don't think I've got any of anything on later. Are you asking me out?' 'I guess I kinda am, just thought it'd be nice to have a coffee. I clock off about 4.' '4 is fine.'

Maddy then popped her head round the door. 'When you two aren't busy awkwardly flirting' 'We're not flirting' 'He is, I'm not.' 'Astrid, just wanted a quick word with you in here.' 'Sure.' Astrid walked up the stairs, winking to Kris as she went past him.

'What's occurring?' 'I wanted to talk to you about being attacked last night.' 'Sure.' 'Dad said you didn't remember a lot when he found you.' 'Yeah my neck was my first thought.' 'How is it?' 'Not so bad today, some days better than others.'

'Remembering any more about the attack?' 'Yeah. Was sharpening my axe, for battle, and I have someone attack from behind. I think "oh must be James' gremlins", so I swing wildly with kick, and it bounces off, spin round, I see these eyes, they glow purple, deep, pulsating. It's really scary. So I go to kick again, then I see a face… more a mask from under hood.'

'What was this person wearing?' 'Uh, Svart Hettegenser, Rød vinge på samme fargehjul på baksiden.' 'Right, it was a black jumper, with a red wheel and wing on the back?' 'Yes.' 'See, been revising.' 'Also, kinesiske tegn på venstre venstre højrne.' 'Not a clue.' 'Chinese character on the top right corner. I draw them.'

As Astrid drew the symbols, Maddy drew the hoodie in question. 'So did you see the mask?' 'I see… white mask, two long yellow stripes vertical, two blue eyes painted on.' 'How do you know this person's eyes were glowing purple?'

'I just see out the corner of the mask. We fight, I go for my big kick, catch me, throw me into wall, I bounce off but get jab in neck. I cringe in pain, they vanish. Next I know, Phil over me.' 'Thanks Astrid, that's really helpful. Just one more thing.'

'Of course.' 'What's your relationship with Blair?' 'Erm she good. I like Blair, she very kind person. We have lots of perfect duels together, but she always remain human.' 'An interesting phrasing.' 'Yeah, she always look human, never too easy, shows emotions, can be loud. I miss old Blair. She's a shell now, she very quiet, I blame Claude. Imma hunt him down, I dunno, perhaps attack him if he stays. I know what he did, he disgust me. Embarrassed to be related.'

'Thanks Astrid. On a personal note, what's the deal with you and Kris?' 'He like me, he REALLY like me. Me think he asked me out on date earlier. Coffee, 4pm.' 'And do you like him?' 'I… maybe I think. I don't know yet, very soon. But if it right it right. We wait and see.' 'Thanks Astrid.' 'May I go?' 'Of course.'

As Astrid went, Maddy had a think. 'Need someone to translate Chinese. I guess I could call Jana, see if she knows anybody.' Maddy then phoned Jana, but it went straight to voicemail. 'Jana, when you get this call us, it's been over a week and you should have found a signal by now.'

In an abandoned house, Cwmbran

Akiza, Tee, and Lukas were standing over Jana's body. Maddy's friend was lay, eyes open but not moving. Akiza stared at Jana's flowing red ponytail, before commanding Tee. 'Switch her on.' As Tee pressed a button on the bed Jana was lain on, and a light on Jana's black hair bobble lit up red. She then sat up, seemingly not in control anymore.

'Jana, speak.' 'I will do as you tell me to Mistress Akiza.' 'Good. Your job is to bring Maddy Smith to us.' 'Yes.' 'You will head to the base, we will drive you there. Once there you will be directed by us to Maddy's office.' Akiza then produced a piece of metal, shaped like a hearing aid, which she clipped onto Jana's ear.

'This is a whisper clip. Through this we will instruct you on what to say to Maddy. Once outside, you will hit her with this loaded glove, which has a brick inside. You then say the password "Job Done", and bring Maddy here, where we put the same bobble in. Do you understand?' 'Yes.' The four of them then left, with Jana being remote controlled by Tee.

Back at the base

With still no sign of Jana, Maddy got onto another friend. 'Hi, is this Danny I'm talking to?' 'Yeah it is. How are you Maddy?' 'Yeah I'm good. Listen, didn't you say you knew someone who spoke Chinese?' 'Yeah, Lia - do you want me to ask her something?' 'If I email you something in Chinese, then will you be able to send it over to her?'

'Sure. You have my email?' 'I do thanks.' 'Great. I'll text her and let her know I'm about to send something, because she doesn't check her emails often.' 'Great, thanks. I'll see you later, alright?' 'Sure, great. Laters.'

As the call ended, Maddy left to find her Dad, who was outside, looking at his tyres. 'Hey Dad.' 'How did it go with Astrid?' 'Good thanks. How 'bout Blair?' 'She got very defensive, mouthed off at me. Apologised later on again.'

'I'm sorry to hear that.' 'I don't know what's got into her recently.' 'I don't. Astrid said something about missing the old Blair.' 'I know how she feels.' 'She's not been the same ever since she was attacked.' 'And then the double whammy of Hannah and her grandmother.' 'Yet she's still looking after everyone else. I guess she just sees it as her duty or something.'

Maddy then had a brainwave. 'Oh yeah, I wanted to show you a couple of things. Firstly, do you recognise this logo?' As Maddy showed the red wheel and wing logo, Phil recognised it quickly. 'Detroit Red Wings, ice hockey.' 'Do you know the hoodie it's from?' 'I do.' 'It's got some Chinese characters on it doesn't it?'

'It does, but I don't know what they mean. I tried learning Chinese once, but I gave up after two days.' 'Fair enough.' 'I don't know what we do about this honestly.' 'We give her all the support that she needs. She's been through hell and quite honestly, she needs a bit of support. And if she is being possessed or whatever, we'll have to do something about it.'

As she came back in, she got a call from Danny. 'What's up?' 'I've got that stuff translated for you.' 'Go on then.' 'It says "The art of war is to exploit the weak points of your opponent." 'Thanks.' 'Not a problem. By the way, Jennifer wanted me to tell you that you're awesome.' 'Who's Jennifer?' 'Erm, my sister? The one you met literally two weeks ago?' 'Oh yeah, sorry, got a lot on. Thanks Dan, I owe you.'

Meanwhile, in the foyer

Phil was just looking around when Jodi found him. 'Hey, you wanted to see me?' 'Yes, I was wondering if you could hack the CCTV cameras from Quebec.' 'I should be able to. Is this the attacks?' 'Yes. I have a suspicion I know who it is.' 'It should only take half an hour hopefully.' 'Thanks. Once you've found it, could you pass it onto Maddy please?' 'Of course.'

Over fifty minutes passed, before Maddy got an email from Jodi, reading "You really want to see this". Maddy then clicked on the pictures – stills of Blair attacking Astrid, Vector, Dumon, Mizar, and Brooks. Immediately she got on the tannoy. 'Can Blair Flannigan report to the office please. Blair Flannigan to the office, thank you.'

As Blair walked in, Maddy nodded at the door. 'Please tell me this isn't what I think it is.' Maddy then showed Blair the pictures, before showing her the video. 'I'm sorry Blair, but you deserve to know exactly what happened.'

Blair just put her head in her hands. 'What have I done?' 'It's not your fault. It really isn't.' 'So what do I have to pay for attacking Astrid.' 'Nothing. Two reasons. 1. You clearly weren't in control of yourself there. 2. Astrid technically attacked you first.' 'So what do we do?'

'I have a theory. Whoever this H.R.C is may be taking advantage of your current emotional state.' 'What's that supposed to mean?' 'The stress of Rio being back and feeling like you have to look after her round the clock, your gramma, Mam, the stuff with Claude, your arm, it all adds up. I've spoken to Sakura and Dad'

'Who else knows?' 'Only us, Dad and Sakura, and Jodi. Astrid hasn't realised it was you. Anyway, the advice I've been given for you is for you to just put your feet up, relax for a few days, just get yourself right mentally. That sound alright to you?' 'I guess… I'm just not good at doing nothing.'

'I'm not saying do nothing, just saying to try and mentally relax a little bit.' 'Full club duties?' 'As long as you're up for it. Also want you to be at the Feast of Fools.' 'I'll try not to get possessed again.' 'That's why I'm pitching that you're under constant supervision. Just means there's someone with you at all times.' 'Even when I go to the toilet?' 'They'll wait outside for you then. Outside the cubicle, outside the toilets, whatever you like.'

'Ok, sure.' 'Before you go, one thing. "The art of war is to exploit the weaknesses of your opponents" - where's that from?' 'The Art of War – it's a real old book. Apparently first published over 7000 years ago in China. I've kind of been dedicating my duelling to it the past couple of years, I thought it would unconsciously boost me.' 'Nice. Well I hope it works.' 'Thank you.'

As Blair left, Jana walked in, and Maddy got up to hug her. The red-head just stood there, eyes not moving, staring emptily at her. Jana then sat down robotically. 'So where have you been?' 'Home.' 'How was it?' 'Fine. While I was at home, I got to talk to Akiza, and she's really opened my eyes.'

'Really?' 'Yes. I am planning on becoming a duellist, and joining her in Black Rose Inc. I have come to ask you to do the same.' 'Really?' 'Yes. Akiza is really excited about your future, and she wants to make sure you achieve what you can as soon as possible.'

'Listen Jana, I can see that you're being controlled by Akiza.' 'I asked to.' 'I'll think about it. I'm not making my decision immediately. Over the Christmas break, I'll make a decision. You'll have it by the new year.' 'At least come and see Akiza.'

'I'm not stupid. If you weren't plotting, then you would be happy to wait. I'll make a little deal with you though, because I'm fed-up of the fighting. If I choose to do this, I'll make you president and come under your control.' 'Fine.' Jana then turned away. 'I look forward to your decision.'

After Jana had left, Maddy rolled her eyes. 'Nice try Akiza. But I'm never going to be under your spell. As for Jana? I'll free her soon enough.' The young wolfblood stood up, and left her office, leaving Jana to fall deeper under Akiza's clutch.

That evening, around 8:30pm

Maddy was tidying her office, preparing to leave it for the night when there was another knock on the door. 'Come in.' Astrid then walked in, with her hair down wearing a light blue cardigan and a pair of black trousers. 'What up?'

'Just thinking. Like, the H.R.C, I think, maybe it is message from beyond.' 'You really need more sleep.' 'No really, what if it is Hannah? What if it's some message from her. Your Dad says himself about 12 dimensions, maybe she's just in another one waiting for us to listen.'

'I love your idea Astrid, I do. But that's the thing with Dad – he's got these way crazy ideas. Not always good ideas, but just occasionally, he'll come up with something.' 'I'm serious. We believe, in my culture, that sometimes spirits don't go straight to afterlife. They are how do you say, conflicted. They cannot truly move on until they have closure, they have to close up loose ends. Perhaps its' really her, preparing for the next world.'

'You think?' 'I do. I've been thinking ever since it started. Perhaps, she feels the end of the year would be closure. We believe that if they are buried before they received their closure, they may never progress to Valhalla.'

'Thanks Astrid. I'll talk to Dad about it, see what he thinks.' 'Best luck.' As Astrid left, Maddy just finished tidying the office. 'Sometimes I really wonder where Astrid's mind is. Because it sure as hell ain't here.'

A week later

The Feast of Fools was the last tournament of 2017. As everyone got ready for the tournament, there was a special surprise, as Rio was coming, with Blair looking after her. 'Now if you're getting tired, let us know, and Kelly will take you home.' 'Thanks. I'm looking forward to being back there.'

Meanwhile, Maddy was complaining. 'Dunno why I'm having to do an interview.' 'What interview?' 'I've got this daft thing where I'm being interviewed by Marc – something about the "state of play". No idea what it's about.' Phil then hugged his daughter. 'You're a natural at interviews.' 'Thanks Dad.'

As they drove the short 9 miles to the Utilita Arena, Maddy was in high spirits. 'Why do I get the feeling you're looking forward to it?' 'Because it's awesome that I'm duelling in front of 15000 people in practically me own backyard. The last time I duelled up in Newcastle, it was in front of 80 people at a regional before I joined the Renegades. Kinda nervous actually.' The draw was as follows:

Justin Pipe vs. Lydia McKinna

Martin Garcia and Powerplay (Marshall and Brooks) vs. Renegades (Leo, Luna, and Jodi Allen)

NASH and Mizar vs. Black Rose Inc. (Tee Taylor and Akiza Izinski)

Radley vs. Freja McKinna

Wild-Card Warriors: Kari Tsukumo vs. Sakura Haruno

WDC Young-Gun Championship: (c) Maddy Smith vs. Johnny McGregor

Jaden Yuki vs. Phil Robinson-Cummings

As they rolled up to the arena, some fans outside immediately started shouting Maddy's name. As she was signing autographs, she made a teaser for later on. 'I'll let you all in on a little secret – I've got some special attire here. Up the Newcastle massive!'

At this point, they walked in, just as the show started with Geoff Maltby making a surprise appearance. 'Ladies and Gentlemen, my name is "The Oracle", Geoff Maltby. And for one night only, I am your Commissioner. As such, I have to address the situation with the WDC Tag-Team Championships.'

'Now as you may have seen, Jodi and Blair laid down their tag-team championships after they defeated NASH and Mizar for the titles. I can officially announce that as a result of an arm injury to Blair, the titles have been vacated.'

As the fans booed, Geoff continued, wearing a suit rather than his customary darts shirt. 'Now we need to sort this situation out. As a result, I have been entrusted with the solution. So my solution is a 12-team tournament. These teams will be split into six first-round duels, followed by two three-way duels to determine the finalists.'

'Now this may seem strange. However, I want only the most capable and the most battle-hungry teams to compete. Additionally, the two teams in the final will have proven themselves to be survivors, having been through two different types of duel. They will have to work as a team to win their first duel, and then they will also have to make and break alliances and take advantage of said alliances to win their second duel. Then they will face off with an equally-skilled team to win the titles.'

'Now in terms of the teams, we are taking entries up until the 29th December, at which time a random draw will be made. It goes without saying that all entries must be submitted by both parties. The tournament's first round will take place at WDC World Tour: Houston on the 6th January, with the second and third rounds at WDC: Desert Storm in Dallas on the 9th and 10th January, after which we will have undisputed WDC Tag-Team Champions. Thank you, and enjoy the show.'

After Maltby left, the fans started making noise, as a video played showing the whole course of events from the beginning of the Renegades to the H.R.C videos. The hype package ended with the words "Judgement Day… Has Arrived".

Following this, Lydia came out for the opening duel, with Freja accompanying her. 'The following duel is under standard rules. Introducing first, representing the Renegades, from Manchester, England, Lydia McKinna.'

Once Lydia had got to the duelling zone, Justin made his entrance, with the returning Eagle Adams accompanying him. 'Introducing her opponent, from Los Angeles, California, Justin Pipe.' Pipe walked out in a grand Gravekeeper's robe, and gradually raised his hands as he walked down. After taking his robe off, the two of them started the duel, as the molten-hot crowd started cheering for Lydia.

Justin Pipe LP:4000 vs. Lydia McKinna LP:4000

Turn 1: Lydia: 'I draw. I summon The Agent of Creation – Venus (Atk:1600). Now I activate her ability. By paying 500 Life points, I can summon a Mystical Shine Ball from my deck. I'll do it three times (Lydia LP:4000-2500, MSB Def.:500)x3. I end my turn with three face-downs.'

Justin: 'I draw. I'll lay a monster face-down and activate Polymerisation, fusing together Gravekeeper's Oracle and Gravekeeper's Commandant to Fusion summon the Gravekeeper's Supernaturalist (Atk:2000).'

'Supernaturalist is strong now' 'Is he?' 'But he gets stronger with his effect. When he's Fusion summoned, he gains Attack points equal to the combined Levels of the monsters which summoned him, multiplied by 100. Oracle's a Level 10, and Commandant is a Level 4, so that's 1400 points (Atk:2000-3400).'

'I'll activate it's ability now, so I can add Necrovalley to my hand during my End phase.' 'All that to add a card to your hand at the end of the turn?' 'So?' 'Seems like a waste, that's all.' 'Right now, you don't need to worry about it being a waste. How about Supernaturalist gives you something real to worry about instead?'

'Nice try, but I saw that coming way away. I activate Negate Attack.' As the Supernaturalist attacked, an invisible barrier blocked it's path, annoying Justin. 'You're a coward! I end my turn.'

Lydia: 'I draw. I activate Pre-Preperation of Rights. This allows me to add a Ritual card from my deck to my hand, and then add a relevant Ritual monster from my deck to my hand. I'll choose Oracle of the Herald and Herald of Ultimateness.'

'Next I'll activate my face-down Needlebug Nest, to send the top 5 cards of my deck to my graveyard. Now I activate Oracle of the Herald. I'll send Venus to my graveyard, and banish Djinn Presider, Prognosticator, and Releaser of Rituals from my graveyard. All hail Herald of Ultimateness (Def.:3000).'

'Thanks to my Djinn Releaser of Rituals, you can no longer Special summon. I end my turn.'

Justin: 'I draw. I'll attack your Herald of Ultimateness with Supernaturalist.' 'Go – Shadow Spell.' Two black chains shot out of the Trap card, and bound the Gravekeeper. 'Now your monster loses 700 Attack, and it can't attack or change it's battle position (Atk:3400-2700). 'I end my turn.'

Lydia: 'I draw. I activate 5 Card Salute. I draw 5 cards, then I lose 2000 Life points if at least three of them haven't been used or set by the end of the turn. I activate Moon Mirror Shield, and equip it to Herald. So now, it's Attack points when it battles are always 100 more than the monster it battles. I switch Herald to Attack mode (Atk:2000), and attack Supernaturalist.'

Herald of Ultimateness glowed white (Atk:2000-2800), and cut Supernaturalist in half with a sharp wing flying through it (Justin LP:4000-3900). 'Now thanks to my other two Djinns, I can draw a card. And you can discard one.' As Justin complied, Lydia smirked slightly. 'I end my turn.' 'What?' Lydia was then blasted by a surge of fire (Lydia LP:4000-2000).

Justin: 'I draw. I'll set this monster and end my turn with a face-down.'

Lydia: 'I draw. I'll activate Trade-In. By discarding my Level 8 Darklord Zerato, I can draw two cards. Now I'll equip Herald with Fairy Meteor Crush.' As Herald glowed red, Justin smirked. 'Bring it on.' 'Ok then. Herald of Ultimateness, slay his monster.'

'I knew it! I activate my face-down Magic Cylinder. This negates your attack, and you take damage equal to your monster's Attack points.' Justin was pleased with his work, until he saw Lydia stood there, clearly not impressed. 'I activate Herald of Perfection's ability. By discarding a Fairy, I can negate any effect. ANY effect.'

As Magic Cylinder was destroyed, Herald shot out hundreds of light beams, which all flew into the air, and surged down onto Gravekeeper's Spy (Def.:1900) like meteors, destroying it (Justin LP:3900-3800).

Justin then looked away to Eagle. 'She's embarrassing me! She's a loser and she's embarrassing me!' Eagle then reacted in horror. 'No need to react to me like that, I'm not blaming you.' A panicked Eagle then pointed at the other side of the duelling zone.

As Justin turned around, a yellow eye glowing red, on a black diamond appeared upon Lydia's forehead. She smiled, with her eyes closed, before her eyes opened, glowing red, with a wicked smile across her face.

'What… what is that?' 'The Eye of Icaron. I've been chosen. To destroy you! Because of my two Djinns, you now discard and I draw. I'm going to lock you down until you fail.' 'What – like you and your sister do every time you compete?'

Lydia then chuckled. 'Don't make me angry, it's only going to hurt you more.' 'More?' 'I'll end my turn. It's yours now.'

Justin: 'I draw. I'll just sit tight for now with a face-down monster, and a face-down in my Spell and Trap card zone.'

Lydia: 'I draw. I activate R: Retreat. This allows me to return any amount of monsters from my deck to my hand by paying 300 Life points for each one. I'll return my three Shine Balls (Lydia LP:2000-1100). Now I draw a card. Herald of Ultimateness, rain down your unholy might!' 'I activate Negate Attack.'

'Not going to work! All I have to do is send Mystical Shine Ball to my graveyard, and your effect is negated.' A single light shot through the Trap card, as Herald's burst of light razed through the Gravekeeper (Gravekeeper's Headman Def.:1500), destroying it (Justin LP:3800-3700). 'I end my turn.'

Justin: 'I draw. I'll activate Pot of Avarice. So I can return five cards from my graveyard to my deck. Then I shuffle and draw two. I'll set a monster and activate Gravekeeper's Servant. With this, you have to send the top card of your deck to the graveyard to attack. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Lydia: 'I draw. This face-down and once again I attack.' This time, the attack met no resistance as Justin's monster (Gravekeeper's Guard Def.:1900), destroying it (Justin LP:3700-3600). 'Because you flipped Gravekeeper's Guard face-up, I can return your Herald to your hand.'

'Fool – I'll just get rid of another Mystical Shine Ball.' 'And I can cross counter thanks to Gravekeeper's Watcher. By discarding him, he can negate an effect which causes you to discard.' 'You forget one detail.' 'Which is?'

The eye on Lydia's forehead then glowed brighter. 'Herald's effect is not once per turn. I'll discard my last Mystical Shine Ball.' As the chain resolved, only the Herald remained. 'Now you have to discard the last card in your hand and I draw again. I activate Mound of the Bound Creator.' Three large pillars then rose from the ground, and chains wrapped around Herald of Perfection. 'Now you can't target or destroy Herald with card effects. I end my turn.'

Justin: 'I draw. I activate Pot of Greed, to draw 2 cards' 'Yeah we know what the card does.' 'I'll activate Mystical Space Typhoon to get rid of Fairy Meteor Crush. Now I'll throw a monster face-down to protect my points and end my turn with a face-down.'

Lydia: 'There's no escape! I draw. I'll just attack with my Herald.' The attack completely wiped the floor with another monster (Gravekeeper's Recruiter Def.:1500), destroying it. 'When Recruiter is destroyed, I can add a monster with 1500 or less Attack to my hand.' Justin was then struck in the chest with a shot of lightning, dropping his points and leaving him gasping for air (Justin LP:3600-2600).

'Forgot to tell you, when a Level 10 monster destroys one of your monsters in battle, you take 1000 damage thanks to Mound. Now I draw a card. I would tell you to discard, but your hand is empty. I end my turn.'

Justin: 'I draw.' Justin then examined his options. [Right, I have one way of stopping her. But it's a bad one. Luckily she's nervous enough so she'll take an opportunity to beat me in one go. And then, wham! - Inferno Tempest. Then I can use my face-down Mirror Force to destroy her monster.]

Justin then put his plan into motion. 'I'll lay two face-downs and end my turn.'

Lydia: 'Your plan won't work, I can see right through you. I draw. I activate Monster Reborn, to bring back Arcana Force XXI: The World (Atk:3100). Next I activate Gift of the Martyr.' 'No! Please no!' 'This tributes The World, and gives Herald of Ultimateness it's Attack points (Atk:2000-5100). Herald, attack him directly!'

Herald of Ultimateness rained down it's light rays, which drained Justin's energy as it hit him, dropping him to the ground with a thump (Justin LP:2600-0).

After the duel, Lydia lifted her fist, and as the eye vanished, she hugged Freja, having gained her first ever 1-1 win on tour. As the fans cheered, Lydia raised her fist as the fans chanted for the Renegades. The two of them then left, as Justin was helped to his feet by Eagle.

Back in the box

As Lydia returned, everyone seemed delighted for her, other than a stern-looking Maddy. 'Lydia, can I have a quick word?' 'Sure, whatever you like.' As they shifted backstage, a curious Rio followed them in her wheelchair.

'So what's up then?' 'I saw the eye come out. I just wanted to know if it possessed you at all.' 'Why?' 'I… I've just got a couple of theories I need to test out, that's all.' 'Well I felt it's presence, and Justin was definitely taking big damage, but… it didn't feel like possession. I mean, I was able to make all my moves myself. Just felt like it was… kinda making me feel more aggressive than I was.'

'No worries.' 'Listen Maddy, we all want to know what's going on – you've been asking all of us really weird questions recently, and you won't say anything as to the purpose.' Maddy then angrily flashed her eyes at Lydia, making the elder twin step back slightly. 'If I could tell you, I would. But for the sake of everyone, I can't. If I find the answers that I'm looking for, then I might be able to tell you. But until then, just accept that some things are best kept unspoken.'

As Lydia ran off, Rio wheeled her way over. 'If you don't mind, I'd like a few minutes to myself Rio.' 'You don't have to hide anything from me Maddy.' 'I'm guessing you heard me with Lydia. So please.'

'I'm not talking about that. Blair, and attacking Dumon and Mizar and Astrid and… him.' 'Your brother.' 'He's as much my brother as Rhydian is your boyfriend.' 'Hang on, how do you know?' 'Blair tells me everything. Even the stupid stuff.'

'It was a decision from me and Dad in order to protect you. Because you're just out of hospital and we didn't know what something like this might do to you mentally.' 'She told you that she was possessed?' 'She "thinks" so. I know.'

'Well all I can say is that we're investigating it fully and trying to find out what on earth's going on.' As they talked, an interviewer walked by with a camera crew, who zoomed in on Maddy, and then as they panned across, Rio was there.

As the camera got in Rio's face, the young interviewer got right in her face. 'Rio, you're back – how is your recovery going? Will you duel again?' Maddy then pushed the crew away. 'Rio's delighted to be able to watch us win.'

Rio then wheeled over, grabbing the microphone. 'The fact I'm here is a mir…' 'Miracle. That Rio is still alive is a miracle because of what James Birchall did to her. And we don't intend on ending the year without her and Mam being avenged.'

'Will she duel again? Can she walk?' 'Erm can you not see she's in a wheelchair? And we don't know if she'll duel again, we haven't talked about it yet.' 'My first priority is to be well. Physically and mentally.'

As the camera crew went to walk away, Maddy pulled them back. 'You can go when I say you can go. Michael, you think you can play god? You wanted this belt on me and the moment I won it, you wanted it off of me. Because you realised I was too powerful. So now you're sending in people from all across the globe just to dethrone me, because I wouldn't play to your tune.'

'Now if you don't wanna hear spoilers, I suggest you plug your ears now. Because here, today, I'm going to show Johnny exactly why I am the President of the Renegades and the MVP of the WDC, by taking him down. I don't care who you are, how good you are, you're gonna lose and lose bad. And I want everyone right here in my home of Newkie to here my call.' Maddy howled, and the entire crowd howled with her, nearly deafening everyone. 'Now you can go.'

In the duelling zone

The 3v3 was next. As the two teams faced off in the duelling zone, Martin couldn't resist turning the screw. 'After we're done with you amigos, we're coming after that stupid son of a bitch Brady.' 'You really are getting repetitive. Try worrying about your duelling instead of what he's doing.' 'We don't need to worry about people like you.' Jodi stared on, unintimidated.

Brave Bones (Martin Garcia, Marshall, and Da Brooks Kid) LP:4000 vs. Renegades (Leo, Luna, and Jodi Allen) LP:4000

Turn 1: Marshall: 'I'll go first dude. I summon out Archfiend Interceptor (Atk:1400). I end my turn with two face-downs.'

Leo: 'Draw. I summon Morphtronic Scopen (Atk:800). Activate it's ability, to summon out a Level 4 or lower Morphtronic monster. Choose Morphtronic Videon (Atk:1000). Tune Level 3 Scopen to Level 4 Videon, Synchro summon Mecha Power Tool Dragon (Atk:2300).'

'I equip Mecha Power Tool with Double Tool C&D. This gives it 1000 Attack during our turn (Atk:2300-3300). With the effect of Mecha Power Tool, every time it gets an equip spell, I draw. I end my turn with two face-downs.'

Martin: 'My turn. I activate Graceful Charity, to draw 3 cards and discard 2. I discarded Lucent, Netherlord of Dark World, and Latinum, Exarch of Dark World. So I'm summoning them both (Lucent Atk:2400, Latinum Atk:1500). And I activate Inferno Reckless Summon. So one Latinum becomes three (Atk:1500 x2).'

'I overlay four Level 6 monsters to build the overlay network and summon Chaos Number 5: Chaos Chimera Dragon (Atk:0). For each Material it has, it gains 1000 Attack points (Atk:4000). And I have Mystical Space Typhoon to blow away your Double Tool.'

As the tools detached, Martin gloated. 'You think you hurt when you faced wolf-girl? You never faced us amigo! Doom Chimera Dragon, attack Mecha Power Tool.' Doom Chimera unleashed a powerful stream of purple light, which split Power Tool in two (Renegades LP:4000-2300). 'I end my turn with a face-down. How does it feel being a LOSER amigo!'

Luna: 'I draw.' 'Come on, give me some reaction!' 'I summon Rokket Synchron (Atk:0). When Rokket Synchron is summoned, it summons from the graveyard, a Level 5 or higher Dark monster. I summon Power Tool Mecha Dragon (Atk:2300). Tuning, Level 1 Rokket Synchron to Level 7 Mecha Dragon. I summon Beelze of the Diabolic Dragons (Atk:3000). I end my turn, a face-down.'

Brooks: 'C'mon, just do… anything! I draw. I'll summon out another Interceptor (Atk:1400). And I'm going to attack your stupid Dragon with Chaos Chimera Dragon.' The attack from Chaos Chimera Dragon rained down, but Beelze glowed purple as it did (Renegades LP:2300-1300). 'You going down dawg?'

Luna's reply was monotone. 'When I take battle damage while Beelze battles, he gains the damage as Attack (Atk:3000-4000).' 'Damn man! I end my turn with a face-down.'

Jodi: 'I draw. I activate Scapegoat, to summon four Goat Tokens (Def.:0)x4. Now Luna.' 'I activate DNA Surgery. Now all monsters on the field become Psychic-type. I activate Trap Booster now, to activate Psychic Rejuvenation. It lets us regain 1000 Life points for every Psychic monster on the field. So with 5, well even you idiots can work that out (Renegades LP:1300-6300). I'll set a monster and end my turn with a face-down.'

Marshall: 'I draw. Archfiend Interceptor, throw 'em a fastball and attack that face-down monster.' The Interceptor threw a dark glowing baseball at Jodi's monster (Mind Protector Def.:2200), making the ball rebound into Marshall (BB LP:4000-3200). 'Chaos Chimera Dragon, attack.'

'I activate my face-down Punch in the Box.' 'You go Leo.' 'As you control multiple monsters, your attack is negated, and one of your Interceptors goes to the graveyard. Then Chaos Chimera Dragon loses Attack equal to Interceptor's Attack.' A large fist appeared from underground, and punched Chaos Chimera Dragon back into one of the Interceptors, weakening it as electricity crackled around it (Number C5 Atk:4000-2600). 'I'll switch both Interceptors to Defence mode (Def.:1600)x2, and end my turn.'

Leo: 'I draw. I activate Monster Reborn, to revive Mecha Power Tool Dragon (Atk:2300). I equip it with Fighting Spirit. For every monster on your field, Mecha Power Tool Dragon gains 300 Attack (Atk:2300-3200). Because Mecha Power Tool was equipped with an Equip spell, I draw one card. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Martin: 'I draw amigo! I'm activating Overlay Regen, to give Chaos Chimera Dragon an extra Material (Atk:2600-3600). Which means it can attack your Power Tool.' 'I activate Factory of 100 Machines. By banishing every Morphtronic monster from my graveyard, Mecha Power Tool gains 200 Attack for each (Atk:3200-3600).'

The two monsters clashed, which ended in them both being destroyed. 'You just made a big mistake amigos!

After the duel, the Renegades team raised their fists, and then walked away, with Jodi briefly looking back, as Martin and Brooks stood over a very visibly shaken Marshall. Eventually they dragged him away, completely unaware of what he'd seen.

After a short interlude, Phil's music hit, and as the fans started chanting "Northern Nightmare", he walked out, wearing sunglasses and a leather smoking jacket. As he got into the duelling zone, he briefly waited for the fans to calm down slightly.

'You're real funny Michael, I want you to know that. I'm not here to mess around, and I'm not here to wait around. Jaden, if you want to retire me, just come on and try, because quite honestly, I've got nothing left to lose. And that's where I'm at my most dangerous.'

Jaden then walked out, laughing to the crowd who just booed him like no tomorrow. As he reached the duelling zone, he looked confused, so Phil tossed the microphone to him. 'Erm yeah, what do you mean by retire?'

'You're facing me.' 'Yes.' 'In a duel where if I lose, I retire.' 'That's a bit extreme.' 'Not my idea, Michael's… hang on, did you even sign a contract?' 'No, I was just told that I could duel you. I guessed this could be my last chance. He never told me anything about retirement. So are we cool?' Phil shrugged his shoulders, and activated his duel disk, followed by Jaden.

Phil Robinson-Cummings LP:8000 vs. Jaden Yuki LP:8000

Turn 1: Phil: 'You start if you like.' 'Couldn't care less. I draw. I'll set a monster and end my turn.'

Jaden: 'That's not much like you that move. I draw. I summon Elemental Hero Sparkman (Atk:1600). Attack with Static Shockwave!' Sparkman shot static electricity from the palm of it's hand, revealing Phil's monster (Armored Cybern Def.:2000, Jaden LP:8000-7600).

'Now I activate Polymerisation, to fuse together Sparkman with the Elemental Hero Clayman on my field, and summon the Elemental Hero Thunder Giant (Atk:2400). And with Thunder Giant, I can discard 1 card to destroy your Cybern.' Cybern was nailed by a large blast of electricity, causing a small explosion. 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Phil: 'I draw. I activate Cyber Emergency. With this, I can add a Light Machine monster which can't be Normal summoned or set from my deck to my hand.' 'No way dude, no way. I activate Magic Drain. Of course, you can negate this by sending a Spell to your graveyard, otherwise your Spell is negated.'

'I'm not discarding.' 'Fine.' As Emergency was negated, Phil shook his head. 'Do you know the difference between us?' 'I'm guessing you're going to give me some help on this?' 'It's that one of us has plateaued as a competitor. Whereas one of us, has evolved! I activate the effect of Cyber Emergency. When it's negated and send to my graveyard, I can discard 1 card to add Emergency straight back to my hand.'

'Now let's try this again. I activate Cyber Emergency. Would you like another explanation?' 'Not really.' 'Good. I'll add this to my hand – my trusty Cyber Laser Dragon. For my next move, I'll summon Cyber Dragon Core (Atk:400). And when I summon Cyber Dragon Core, I can search a Spell or Trap card with Cyber in it's name from my deck. I choose Cyber Network.'

'And I can activate Machine Duplication to turn one Core into three (Atk:400)x2. When on the field, Cyber Dragon Core's name is treated as Cyber Dragon. So I'll tribute two of them for Photon Generator Unit. All it takes is two Cyber Dragons, and I can summon Cyber Laser Dragon (Atk:2400).'

'Boy am I not excited to see that.' 'Laser Dragon, I'm activating your ability. It can destroy a monster whose Attack points are equal or higher than it's own. Thunder Giant fits the bill nicely.' Laser Dragon shot a single pointed laser from it's tail, which caused Thunder Giant to explode. 'Laser Dragon, attack him directly.'

'I'll send Swift Scarecrow from my hand to my graveyard and stop your attack.' 'I'll end my turn with a face-down.'

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

Phil: 'My turn. I summon Biofalcon (Atk:1700). Biofalcon, attack.' The mechanical bird flew into the air, before charging down at Jaden's monster (Wroughtweiler Def.:1200), destroying it. 'When Wroughtweiler is destroyed in battle, I get back an Elemental Hero and Polymerisation from my graveyard.'

'I don't really care. Because I still have Cyber Laser Dragon. Fire away!' Laser Dragon loaded up a thin blast of electricity in it's mouth, and shot it directly at Jaden, causing the first damage (Jaden LP:8000-5600). 'I'll switch Cyber Dragon Core to Defence mode (Def.:1500), and end my turn.'

Jaden: 'I draw.' 'I activate my face-down. It's a most unusual Trap called Cyber Network. During either player's turn, I can use this to banish a Light Machine from my deck. I'll banish Cyber Dragon.' 'And?' 'That's it.' 'Ok, I don't get you at times.' 'That is clear.'

'Whatever you say dude. I summon Elemental Hero Clayman (Atk:800). Next I'll activate Fusion Tag. By showing you a monster in my Extra deck, Clayman's name becomes that of the revealed monster. So now, Clayman's name is Elemental Hero Phoenix Enforcer. Which means I can activate Polymerisation, fusing Phoenix Enforcer with the Sparkman in my hand, to summon Elemental Hero Shining Phoenix Enforcer (Atk:2500).'

'Shining Phoenix Enforcer gains 300 Attack for every Elemental Hero in the graveyard. With three in there, that's 900 points (Atk:2500-3400). Attack Cyber Laser Dragon with Shimmer Kick.' Enforcer leapt into the air, before coming down and smashing Laser Dragon with a kick, destroying it (Phil LP:8000-7000).

'I activate the effect of Biofalcon. When a Machine on my field is destroyed, I can add another one to my hand, if it has no more than 1000 Attack points. I choose Deep-Space Cruiser IX.' 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Phil: 'My turn. I activate the effect of Cyber Network, to banish another Cyber Dragon. Next I activate Graceful Charity, to draw 3 cards and then discard 2. I'll end my turn with two face-downs.'

Jaden: 'I draw.' 'With Cyber Network, I'm banishing Cyber Dragon Zwei.' 'I activate Pot of Greed, to draw two cards. I activate Polymerisation, fusing together Elemental Hero Avian and Elemental Hero Stratos, to summon the Elemental Hero Great Tornado (Atk:2800, SPE Atk:3400-4000).'

'And when Tornado is summoned, it halves the Attack and Defence of all your monsters.' The fierce winds caused by Great Tornado battered Phil's field, but his expression barely changed (Core Def.:1500-750, Biofalcon Atk:1700-850).'

'Shining Phoenix Enforcer, attack his Biofalcon. Shimmer Kick.' The devastating kick from the Enforcer crushed Biofalcon, and the explosion blew Phil back (Phil LP:7000-3850). 'Great Tornado, destroy Cyber Dragon Core.'

Great Tornado soared into the air, and his cape produced a powerful blast of wind, ripping apart the Core. 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Phil: 'I draw. I'll start by banishing Cyber Dragon Zwei with Cyber Network. Next I activate the effect of Cyber Dragon Core from my graveyard. By banishing it, I can Special summon Cyber Dragon from my deck (Atk:2100). Next I activate Double Spell. By sending Fusion Weapon from my hand to the graveyard, I can take Polymerisation from your graveyard and activate it. This lets me fuse the Cyber Dragon on my field with the Cyber Eltanin and Ancient Gear Golem from my hand to summon Cyber Eternity Dragon (Def.:4000). I end my turn.'

Jaden: 'I draw. I activate Fusion Recovery. This adds Elemental Hero Avian and Polymerisation back to my hand. Now I activate Polymerisation, fusing together Elemental Heroes Avian and Great Tornado to summon another Great Tornado (Atk:2800, SPE Atk:4000-4300).'

'Now because of that, Eternity Dragon loses half it's Attack and Defence (Def.:4000-2000). Great Tornado, attack.' A powerful blast of wind came flying through, and destroyed the Eternity Dragon. 'Shining Phoenix Enforcer, attack him directly with Shimmer Kick.'

'Nice try. I activate Counter Gate. This negates your attack.' A random door opened as Shining Phoenix Enforcer attacked, causing it to warp back to Jaden's field. 'Now I draw a card. If it's a monster which can be Normal summoned, I summon it.' Phil then drew and looked at his card. 'I summon Cyber Valley (Atk:0).'

'I activate my face-down Hero's Quest. Because you just summoned a monster in my Battle phase, Shining Phoenix Enforcer can attack again.' 'I activate Cyber Valley's first effect. When it's targeted for an attack, I can banish Cyber Valley to draw a card and end the Battle phase.'

Jaden then stopped to debate his next move. [Now I could lay Mirror Force face-down right now. But if I do, Phil will just blow it away before I can use it. And his field's in no shape to attack. He'll just play defence next turn, it's all he can do. I'll hold off for now.] 'I end my turn.'

Phil: 'I draw. As Cyber Network has been on the field for three of my Standby phases, it is destroyed.' As the Network was destroyed, five pinks lights appeared on his field. 'What's that?' 'When Cyber Network goes to my graveyard, I can summon as many banished Light Machine monsters as possible. Welcome back my two Cyber Dragons, two Cyber Dragon Zweis and Cyber Valley (Cyber Dragon Atk:2100x2, Zwei Atk:1500x2, Valley Atk:0).'

'I activate Resonance Device now. This lets me target two monsters of the same Type and Attribute, and match their Levels. So now Cyber Valley is Level 5 (Level:1-5). I overlay Cyber Valley and Cyber Dragon to build the overlay network, and Xyz summon Cyber Dragon Nova (Atk:2100).'

'Next I'll use the effects of my two Cyber Dragon Zweis. By revealing a Spell in my hand, like Polymerisation, I can make their names Cyber Dragon for the rest of the turn. So now with Polymerisation, I can fuse them for Cyber Twin Dragon (Atk:2800).'

'Yeah, that's all good, but you still can't beat my Shining Phoenix Enforcer.' 'Oh I think I've got just the tool for that. I rebuild the overlay network with my Rank 5 Cyber Dragon Nova. Rank-up Xyz Evolution! Rise up and conquer all, my mighty mechanical beast! Open your wings and be the symbol of the revolution! I present to you the endless torture machine, Cyber Dragon Infinity (Atk:2100).'

'When Infinity is out, it gains 200 Attack for every material it has. With three materials, that's 600 more (Atk:2100-2700).' 'Hey, I remember that now – you used it in Norway didn't you?' 'I did. But you clearly didn't plan for it. I'll activate it's ability. I can take any monster you happen to have in Attack mode, and turn it into more fuel for Cyber Dragon Infinity. I'm taking a liking to your Shining Phoenix Enforcer.'

Infinity roared, and shot out a red beam at the Enforcer, turning it into an Xyz material (Atk:2700-2900). 'With that done, Infinity can destroy Great Tornado. Endless Strident Burst.' Jaden was made to pay for his mistake as Infinity reared it's head back, before firing off a lethal blast of red light crackling with electricity, and disintegrating the Fusion monster (Jaden LP:5600-5500).

'Call this one the absolute kill. Cyber Twin Dragon, attack with Double Strident Blast.' 'I activate the effect of the Battle Fader in my hand. By summoning it (Atk:0), the Battle phase ends.' As the bell tolled, Phil shrugged his shoulders. 'Congrats – you bought yourself another turn. I'm done for now.'

Jaden: 'I draw. I activate this – the Spell card Hero Mask. By sending Elemental Hero Clayman from my deck to the graveyard, I can change Battle Fader's name to Clayman until the End phase. Meaning I can use Polymerisation, fusing together Clayman with the Elemental Hero Bubbleman in my hand to summon Elemental Hero Mudballman (Def.:3000). I end my turn with a face-down.'

Phil: 'I draw. I'll just lay this face-down for now.'

Jaden: 'My turn. I'll summon Cardcar D (Atk:800). By tributing it, I can draw 2 cards and end my turn.'

Phil: 'I draw. I activate United We Stand, and I'm equipping it to Infinity, so it gains 800 Attack for each monster on my field (Atk:2900-4500). Attack Mudballman.' 'I activate Negate Attack to end the Battle phase.' 'I can detach an Xyz material from Infinity to negate your Trap (Atk:4500-4300.)'

Infinity unleashed a powerful burst which melted Mudballman, destroying it. 'Cyber Dragon Infinity, attack.' 'Go – The Flute of Summoning Kuriboh.' Winged Kuriboh then appeared on the field (Atk:300), and took the blow (Jaden LP:5600). 'When Winged Kuriboh is destroyed, I take no damage for the rest of the turn. Thanks Kuriboh.'

'I hate that bloody sky rat. I'll end my turn with a face-down.'

Jaden: 'I draw. I activate Convert Contact. Because I control no monsters, I can send Neo-Spacian Dark Panther from my deck to the graveyard, and Neo-Spacian Grand Mole from my hand to the graveyard and draw 2 cards. I'll throw a monster face-down and end my turn.'

Phil: 'I draw. I activate Trade-In. All I have to do is discard the Level 8 Gimmick Puppet Nightmare, and I draw 2 cards. And these cards will lay waste to you. I activate Fairy Meteor Crush. With this card, when Cyber Twin Dragon attacks your monster, the difference in points is going to turn your lungs into a liquid lunch. Attack his monster with Double Strident Blast.'

The vicious two-headed mechanical dragon shot fire from both of it's heads, blasting through Jaden's monster (Wroughtweiler Def.:1200), with the attack slamming into Jaden's midsection and taking his breath away (Jaden LP:5500-3900). 'You know what they say about man's best friend. Wroughtweiler allows me to replace it with a Polymerisation card and Elemental Hero Sparkman to my hand.'

'It's such a pity that you won't get to use it. Cyber Twin Dragon, go back in.' 'You want to see the higher level? Here goes! Because I control nothing, I can activate this Trap from my hand – NEXT. It stands for Neo-Spacian Extension, and it revives any number of Neo-Spacians from my graveyard by negating their effects. I summon Neo-Spacian Dark Panther and Neo-Spacian Grand Mole (Grand Mole Def.:300, Dark Panther Def.:500).'

'That's fine by me. I'll just go through your Mole first. Cyber Twin Dragon, attack.' Twin Dragon's double flame roasted Grand Mole, throwing Jaden out of the duelling zone (Jaden LP:3900-1400). 'And your Panther isn't staying either. Cyber Dragon Infinity, attack!' Infinity loaded up an intense electric blast, and eviscerated Dark Panther. With this, Jaden was alone, with just a single card left in his hand. 'I end my turn.'

Jaden: 'I draw. I activate Graceful Charity, to draw 3 and discard 2.' Jaden then seemed to have had an idea. 'I activate the effect of Breakthrough Skill from my graveyard. By banishing it, the effect of Cyber Dragon Infinity is negated.' 'I'll negate that by detaching an Xyz material (Atk:4300-4100).'

'I knew you'd do that, so I activate A Hero Lives! By paying half of my remaining points (Jaden LP:1400-700), I can summon any Level 4 or below Elemental Hero from my deck. I choose Elemental Hero Neos Alius (Atk:1900).'

'And because Alius is a Gemini monster, I can now Gemini summon it to gain it's effect, turning it into Elemental Hero Neos. Worried yet?' 'I don't worry, I watch.' 'You can watch me use Miracle Contact then. This allows Elemental Hero Neos to combine with Neo-Spacians Dark Panther and Grand Mole from my graveyard. Triple Contact Fusion!'

The three monsters flew into the air, and then merged, creating a dark earth-coloured version of Neos. 'Meet the Elemental Hero Nebula Neos (Atk:3000). And when it arrives on my field, I can draw cards equal to the amount that you control. So that would be three. And now I can negate the effects of Cyber Dragon Infinity.'

Nebula Neos shot out a dark disk of energy, which bound Infinity. 'Also, I activate Instant Neo-Space, and equip it to Nebula Neos.' As a portal with rainbow light opened up underneath Jaden's monster, Phil grunted. 'Not so excited?' 'Do your worst.' 'Ok. I activate Smashing Ground to destroy the monster with the highest Defence on the field. That's Cyber Dragon Infinity at 3600.'

A large log came from the sky, and crushed Infinity, destroying it. 'Nebula Neos, attack Cyber Twin Dragon. Devastating Dust Shot!' Nebula Neos shot a purple dust ball at Twin Dragon, causing a huge explosion (Phil LP:3850-3650). 'I'll end my turn with a face-down. Throw your best at me, because I'll still have too much.'

Phil: 'Jaden, you don't give me nearly enough credit. A fatal decision. I draw. Because I control no monsters and you do, I can summon Cyber Dragon (Atk:2100). Next I activate Cyber Revsystem. It's a rather simple card which summons Cyber Dragon back from the graveyard and grants it total immunity to effects (Atk:2100).'

'So what – you're going back into Infinity? Not going to help.' 'Jaden, I have more strategies than you could ever know.' 'Dude, you've got one card left in your hand.' 'I only need one card. It's a Spell card called Level Lifter!'

'Um don't think I know it.' 'It lets me banish a monster from my graveyard, and then my two Cyber Dragons become that monster's Level. I banish Ancient Gear Reactor Dragon, so my monsters both become Level 9 (Level:5-9)x2.'

Phil then suddenly smiled. 'This is your doom! I overlay my two Level 9 monsters to build the overlay network. You want to play in space? Then we'll play with stars! Holy canopy star, I call upon you to unfold and strike down with deadly majesty.'

The godfather laughed, as his monster rose up behind him, blocking out a section of the crowd. 'Come, Number 9 – Dyson Sphere (Atk:2800). And when you've got a monster with more Attack than it, Dyson Sphere detaches an overlay unit to attack directly. Brilliant Bombardment!' Dyson Sphere shot thin meteors from all of it's panels and the sun in it's centre, ending the contest (Jaden LP:700-0).

After the duel ended, Phil raised his fist as the fans erupted into cheers. He then gave Jaden a hand up, and Jaden raised his opponent's hand. As Jaden hung around, Phil grabbed a microphone. 'I've got something to say, so I'd like everyone here to sit down and open their ears.'

'Several weeks ago, Michael Grey Adams threatened me backstage. He is trying to get rid of me, and has been booking me in retirement duels. And he's not even been telling everyone who's faced me that. And now? Now he's gone and stopped paying me. I got a letter from him the other day saying that he will not pay me a penny until the Renegades are disbanded.'

'So I'm telling you – no more! No more will any of us stand for your bullying. I'm having to bury my wife in a few weeks, and you're still buddying up with her killer! In fact, her killer who has been given a pay rise! Starting in the new year, the Renegades will be back, and we will be worse than ever. We will raze everything to the ground, and rebuild this entire company to our liking. And then? Then you're going to be out of a job Michael. And a little message for James. You had better hope that I never get my hands on you. Otherwise I'll make Chinese water torture look like a 3 month holiday to the Maldives.' Phil raised his fist, and with no sign of Birchall, left.

As Phil returned backstage, he found Maltby waiting for him. 'I'd like a word Phil.' 'You're a corporate sell-out Geoff.' As he went to leave, Geoff stopped him. 'Man t' man Phil, ignore all this suit rubbish. I'm only wearing it because I have to. I'm commissioner because Michael has been suspended.'

'Oh really?' 'The board got your complaint. And they were very interested in the fact you weren't being paid. Michael had to attend a hearing, and was found guilty of financial mismanagement and failing to be unbiased. He was suspended until the end of the year, and it's been ruled that he isn't allowed to make any more career-threatening duels without consulting the entire board first.'

'What about my money? Without Hannah I need the money.' 'Phil, the money will be in your account within 72 hours. Promise.' 'Thanks Geoff.' 'Also, the board have heard what you said about James. And they have their own legal team investigating him. He us under constant surveillance at the moment. I can't do anything for you, but I can tell you where we're at.'

'He did it Geoff. But nobody will listen.' 'Correction: nobody wants to hear it. Nobody wants to think that the person they gave so many chances to would do such an evil deed. But secretly, they can't rule it out. They know there has to be some truth to this. That you wouldn't just claim this without truth.'

As Geoff went to leave this time, Phil returned the favour from earlier. 'Before you leave, I want to look to you man to man and ask one question. I want an honest answer.' 'Ask away.' Phil then stared straight at him. 'Do you believe that Birchall murdered my wife.' 'You know EXACTLY what I think. The only difference is you can say it out loud.'

In the box

Akiza and Tee were just leaving for their duel when Jodi approached them. 'What do you want?' 'I have a message from Maddy.' 'Our good and great leader eh? So good she can't even deliver messages herself.' 'Well you're stuck with me.'

'Right, what did she have to say?' 'She wrote it down for you.' The message read "Akiza, Tee, I expect no funny business here. You are representing the Renegades, and as such, your job is to win. I don't care how you win as long as you do. Whatever your opinions of the current set-up of the club, that is PRIVATE BUSINESS. If you do anything stupid, THERE WILL BE CONSEQUENCES. Love ya, Maddy."

'She's really not messing around is she?' 'Dunno, not read it myself.' Akiza then looked down at Tee. 'Let's go.' 'Affirmative.' As the two left, Jodi looked on, as Kelly came over. 'If you're looking for Phil, he's taken Rio back.'

'She ok?' 'Yeah, just a bit tired. It's been a big day for her getting out of the base properly. He'll be coming back.' 'No doubt he is. You going as well?' 'I'll follow them down, I just wanted to let you know first.'

In the duelling zone

As Akiza and Tee waited in the duelling zone, Nash warped into the duelling zone, alone. Eventually Mizar walked down to the duelling zone, but he and Nash weren't talking at all. 'So, do we actually have opponents?'

'You have an opponent. I'll beat both of you at once.' Mizar then glared at Nash. 'I don't even need help.' 'Well you're going to regret saying that once we've beaten you.' 'Let's begin then.'

Nash and Mizar LP:4000 vs. Black Rose Inc. (Akiza Izinski and Tee Taylor) LP:4000

Turn 1: Nash: 'I draw. I summon Tripod Fish (Atk:300). And now I can summon Shark Stickers through it's effect (Atk:200). I overlay my two Level 3 monsters to build the overlay network and Xyz summon Black Ray Lancer (Atk:2100). I end my turn with two face-downs.'

Tee: 'I draw. I activate the effect of Burner, Dragon Ruler of Sparks. By discarding it and Totem Dragon, I can summon Blaster, Dragon Ruler of Infernos from my hand (Atk:2800). Now I'll banish it to summon Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon (Atk:2800).'

'And the effect of Darkness Metal Dragon allows me to summon Totem Dragon from my hand (Atk:300). When Totem Dragon is tributed for the summoning of a Dragon, it's two tributes. Meaning I can tribute it and summon old faithful – Blue-Eyes White Dragon (Atk:3000).'

'Blue-Eyes, attack Black Ray Lancer with White Lightning.' Blue-Eyes charged up a mighty electrical blast, which broke straight through the Lancer (Nash and Mizar LP:4000-3100). 'Darkness Metal Dragon, attack directly.' 'I activate the Trap card Depth Gardna.' The fiery onslaught was deflected away by the mollusk-like creature which appeared in front of Nash, dissipating into nothing.

'Now Depth Gardna summons itself as a Trap Monster, and it's Attack is equal to the damage I negated (Atk:2800).' 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Mizar: 'I draw. I activate Share the Pain. This makes us both tribute a monster. I'll tribute Depth Gardna.' As he did that, Nash glared at him. 'I had plans for that.' 'Quite frankly your plans haven't been very good recently.' 'I tribute Blue-Eyes.'

'Now because you control a monster with 2000 or more Attack points, I can summon Schwarzchild Limit Dragon (Atk:2000). And I activate A Wingbeat of Giant Dragon. By returning Schwarzchild to my hand, I can destroy your face-down.' After the field was cleared of metaphorical mines by a powerful blast of wind, Mizar resumed his play.

'Once again, I may now summon Schwarzchild (Atk:2000). And because I control a Level 8 monster, I can summon Parsec, the Interstellar Dragon (Atk:800). I overlay my two Level 8 monsters to build the overlay network and Xyz summon Number 46: Dragulon (Atk:3000).'

'I activate the ability of Dragulon now. By detaching an Xyz material, I can take control of your Dragon permanently.' 'Well if you're going to insist on doing that, I'll have to send Effect Veiler from my hand to the graveyard, and disable the effect of your monster.'

'A clever move, not unexpected from someone so experienced however. Dragulon, attack her monster. Sacred Flame.' 'I'll discard Swift Scarecrow to negate the attack.' 'I end my turn.'

Akiza: 'I draw. I activate Card Advance. With this, I can organise the top five cards of my deck in any order I choose. Next I summon Witch of the Black Rose (Atk:1700). When my Witch is summoned, I have to draw. If I draw anything other than a monster, she's destroyed. I draw. Oh look, I just drew Rose Fairy. And when Rose Fairy is added to my hand via a card effect, I can Special summon her (Atk:600).'

'I tune Level 4 Witch of the Black Rose with Level 3 Rose Fairy, to summon Black Rose Moonlight Dragon (Atk:2400).' 'So we don't get honoured with the real dragon then?' 'Something tells me this one will be plenty enough for you. Moonlight Dragon's ability triggers if a monster is Special summoned. Including herself. An ability which spins Dragulon back to your hand.'

Moonlight Dragon's thorns glowed a dark blue, as they wrapped around Dragulon and forced it back to where it came from. 'Moonlight Dragon, attack with Black Rose Whip!' As the attack hurtled towards Mizar, Nash unexpectedly came to his partner's aid.

'I activate Evenly Matched.' 'From where?' 'My hand. If we control no cards, I can do that. Now you have to banish cards from your field so both teams control an equal amount. In other words, you have to banish everything.'

As all of Akiza and Tee's cards vanished, Akiza seemed remarkably cool. 'I end my turn with a face-down. I'll make it up to you Tee.' Tee nodded at her commander, while Mizar looked over at Nash. 'It wasn't for you Mizar. Unlike you, I don't want to lose that's all.'

Nash: 'And now I will deal with you! I draw. I summon Saber Shark (Atk:1600). Next I'll summon Silent Angler through it's ability (Atk:800). And thanks to Saber Shark's effect, I can raise the levels of both my monsters to 5 (Level:4-5)x2. I overlay my Level 5 Saber Shark and Silent Angler to build the overlay network, and Xyz summon Number 73 – Abyss Splash (Atk:2400).'

'Abyss Splash, attack them directly. Final Fall.' Abyss summoned a raging torrent of water from it's staff, smashing into Akiza and Tee like a ton of concrete (BRI LP:4000-1600). 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Tee: 'I draw. I activate One Day of Peace. We all draw one card, and then none of us take damage until your next turn ends. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Mizar: 'I draw.' Mizar then glared at Nash. 'I suppose you could take a hit. I activate Offering to the Dragon King. By tributing an Xyz monster on the field, I am allowed to draw one card for each Rank it had. However I can only summon Dragons this turn as a result. I tribute Rank 5 Abyss Splash.'

As Mizar drew his cards, Nash's temper boiled over. 'Mizar, we are supposed to be working together!' 'Have you tried telling yourself that? From where I stand, you've been no more help. I'd be better off duelling them by myself. I activate Xyz Cycle. By banishing an Xyz monster from my graveyard, I can summon the monsters which created it. I banish Dragulon, and revive Parsec and Schwarzchild (Schwarzchild Atk:2000, Parsec Atk:800). Now I overlay them both to build the overlay network! I summon Number 107 – Galaxy-Eyes Tachyon Dragon (Atk:3000). I end my turn.'

Akiza: 'I draw. Your Dragon may be vicious, but compared to what I have in mind, it is nothing. I activate my face-down Needlebug Nest. This is a most vicious card which sends the top 5 cards of my deck to the graveyard. Next I summon Phoenixian Seed (Atk:800). But I'll tribute her immediately so I can summon Phoenixian Cluster Amaryllis (Atk:2200).'

'Cluster Amaryllis, attack Galaxy-Eyes Tachyon Dragon!' 'But why would you send your monster on a suicide mission?' Cluster Amaryllis shot flaming petals at the mighty Dragon, but they simply bounced off, burning up Amaryllis instead (BRI LP:1600-800). 'Now you have only 800 Life points left.'

Akiza grinned. '800? I only need 1 Life point! When Cluster Amaryllis is destroyed, you lose 800 points (Mizar and Nash LP:3100-2300).' Tee then completed the as-yet unrevealed combo. 'I activate Icaron's Anger. With this, when a monster is Special summoned this turn, it is automatically destroyed.'

'I end my turn. During my End phase, I can banish a Plant from my graveyard to bring back Cluster Amaryllis (Def.:0). But because of Icaron's Wrath, it's destroyed. And you lose 800 Life points (Mizar and Nash LP:2300-1500). Once again I banish a Plant from my graveyard, to revive Amaryllis (Def.:0). And once again, it's destroyed (Mizar and Nash LP:1500-700). And how about we do it one more time? (Def.:0), Mizar and Nash LP:700-0).

Akiza and Tee were pleased as they left immediately, victorious, as the fans cheered. Meanwhile Nash and Mizar started arguing, and then as Dumon came out, Nash went to punch Mizar but missed and hit Dumon instead. After picking himself up, Dumon and Nash exchanged words, before he and Mizar walked out on their fellow Barian.

Nash then knelt in the duelling zone, his empire in ruins. And the kind-hearted generous Newcastle fans took pity on him, by chanting "You fucked up!" and "We want Rio!" Several minutes later, he left, alone.

As the Black Rose team got back to the box, Maddy was still nowhere to be seen. 'Where is she?' 'Pass.' Astrid then answered. 'Somewhere with Blair. Don't ask where, didn't ask.' Maddy then came back, with her hair in a low ponytail. 'Hey guys.' 'You took long enough.' Tee then confronted her. 'What was the note about?'

Maddy then winked. 'Call it motivation. Well done for winning anyway.' 'Thanks I guess. Hang on – why are you being nice to me?' 'We're all on the same page. Only difference is that your main loyalty is to Akiza.' Maddy was going to carry on, but stopped when she saw another Maddy in the doorway, with her hair tied in a split ponytail, tied at the back of her head and halfway down her hair.

'Freja, what have I told you about copying me?' 'Why are you doing this Freja?' 'Trust me, I'm really not you.' 'I know, so stop copying me!' The second Maddy then rolled her eyes. 'There's one way to sort this. Lydia, I want you to tickle both of us.'

Lydia giggled. 'Um ok then, not the strangest thing I've ever had asked of me… I think.' First she walked over to Maddy 2, and started tickling, but she barely moved a muscle, despite Lydia trying as hard as possible.

She then moved over to Maddy 1. Within seconds, this Maddy burst into laughter, and then transformed back into Freja. 'Damn, I really need to master that.' The real Maddy then went over to her. 'Could you pick your times better next time? As in when I'm not having my hair done? Also, haven't you got a duel to go to?' 'I guess.'

Phil then started looking around nervously. 'You've not left Blair on her own have you? What have we discussed?' Those fears were allayed when Blair walked in, wearing a pink and black vest. 'Don't worry, I was right behind her. Took advantage to change into something a little less stifling.'

Maddy then put a green hairband on. 'Right, that stupid interview I have to go to. Laters.' As Maddy left, Blair sat down again. 'You don't need to worry about me so much you know. I've got my issues under control.'

Tee then got confrontational, getting in Blair's face. 'What issues? If you're a threat, we need to know!' Blair then rolled her eyes. 'It's no big deal for you to worry about. I had a couple of breakdowns recently, but I'm fine now.'

'Good. The last thing we need is to listen to you whining all day. I don't even know why you're still here. Let's face it, we all know you attacked Astrid. Who knows what else you'll do during one of your "mental breakdowns"?'

Kris took offence to this. 'You're a real bitch you know? The amount of shit Blair gets just because she exists is stupid. I mean, what's she even done to offend anyone?' 'She attacked Astrid. Who knows what she'll do next. The club will only be fine if Mistress'

'Yeah I'm fed-up of you promoting Akiza's bible. I'm sure she's more than capable of promoting herself.' Astrid then broke up the situation. 'I didn't tell anyone other than Maddy, but it was Claude who attacked me.'

'Why?' 'Because we're cousins and he blames me for being kicked out. He thinks that Maddy kicked him out to try and protect me so he proved a point.' Tee looked confused at this. 'You need protecting?'

'No! Claude's stupid! He thinks the world shines out of his rear end. He was kicked out for being a dick and was nothing to do with me. I tried to get on with him, he wasn't interested.' After this argument, a live interview with Marc and Maddy came up.

'Ladies and Gentlemen, Maddy Robinson-Cummings.' The camera then swung around to Maddy, and the fans started shouting her name rowdily. 'Now Maddy, the Renegades have been making quite a splash since their arrival earlier in the year. But many people have been asking the same question- what do the Renegades want?'

'We want power, and we want respect.' 'What is the purpose of the Renegades? Because it has been noted that you don't always appear to be on the same page.' 'Even when everyone wants the same outcome, we don't always agree on the path which we take. As the President of the Renegades, it's my job to unite them.'

'What is your aim though? What is the aim of the Renegades? Because up to now, nobody has told us.' 'Maybe you've just not been asking the correct questions. Everyone who is in the Renegades has been hand-picked. You can't just rock up and become a Renegade, you have to be chosen. You have to be chosen.'

'All of us are bonded by the fact that we are the best in our field. We are the righteous. And we are sick of the system. The system holds us down. We're here to make a difference.'

'Why would the system hold you down?' 'Because we aren't easily manipulated. The system wants the masses to all fall into line. Because if the masses fall in line, the rich get richer. Do you know what happens to the poor?'

Marc looked confused at this question. 'No.' 'They get fuck all! People who work every day, people who work their arses off and have talent, they get nothing because everything is for those who are born into greatness. I wasn't born into greatness, I made myself great. We all made ourselves great. We are creating a better world for us. Because we are pissed off and angry that we are held down by the establishment. We want to change the world, and changing the world starts with changing OUR world, changing the World Duelling Corporation.'

'That was enlightening, as we've previously heard nothing regarding the aims of the Renegades. You appear to have a vendetta against Michael Adams. Why is this?' 'Because he is everything we're rebelling against. He told me a few months ago to betray my friends, my fellow revolutionaries, ma family. He told me that the only way I'd become a star is if I towed his "creative" line, if I followed his orders like a little lap dog. He even gave me a Young-Gun title shot, having decided that I would just follow his lead.'

'So I played his game. I won the title, like he'd planned out. But I was never going to do what he wanted. I won this title for the revolution, I do everything I do for the sake of the revolution. I don't do it for anybody else, least of all him. I come here to compete and prove I am the best, not to have the outcomes decided beforehand. If I wanted the outcome to be decided by someone else, I'd go home and join the damn panto!'

'Now while you've been here, a big talking point has been the situation involving you and our WDC Champion Rhydian Morris. I understand there is a lengthy story between you, but in as much detail as you're willing to divulge, what is the story?'

'It ain't complicated really. We used to be dating, and I'll admit, I loved him, like he loved me. But then we split up. It became clear that we wanted different things – he was unwilling to understand what I was trying to achieve with the revolution, he just wanted to settle for nothing ever changing. He refused to understand, and at that time, I saw that he didn't truly love me. Because he would have stood by me if he truly cared. And now he follows me here, to try and convince me that I don't know my own mind. Well I do. As far as I'm concerned, Rhydian can go to hell.'

'Of course, I have to ask you about the H.R.C vignettes. I would like to make it clear first that in no way am I alleging that you have any involvement in them. But do you know anything about what they are about?'

'No. But when I do find out who's nicking my mam's legacy, I'm gonna have 'em. I'm gonna bite them until they bleed and spear them until they cry. Cry like I cried. Scream like I screamed. Make them feel the pain that I felt. And still feel. And will always feel. When I find out, they'll find out that it was the biggest mistake of their life.'

'Finally, we have your duel with Johnny McGregor in tonight's main event. I've spoken with Johnny, and he has claimed that "I know all that you're about and you can't do anything to beat me because you know nothing about me". Your thoughts please.' Maddy smiled. 'He doesn't know the first thing of what I'm about. Trust me, he's seen nothing.' 'Thank you for this interview, and best of luck with your duel later.' 'I don't need your luck. But thanks.'

As the interview ended, H.R.C appeared on the monitors again, before the virtual figure who appeared in Quebec materialised again on the screen, before speaking in deep tones. 'Judgement day is here. None shall survive when my wrath is raged. None shall stand, everything shall fall. The end is nigh.'

The covered face then faded, and Freja ran out, accompanied by Lydia, with the fans chanting her name. Reaching the duelling zone, she picked up a microphone. 'Right I don't know who's making fun of the legacy of Hannah, but it ain't cool, not at all. So I dare whoever it is to come out here right now and explain themselves. I'm not messing around – come on out.'

Radley then walked out, wearing a pair of wrap around sunglasses. 'Listen kid, I don't know who's doing this shit, but I don't care.' 'You don't care about a woman getting murdered? And a psycho running about?' 'Hey if Jimmy comes within a mile of me I'll smack the smirk off of his face. Because the one thing we can agree on? He's a douchebag. As for your little friend who got killed, sucks for you.'

Freja then went to kick him, only for Lydia to stop her. 'After. You heard what she said.' Freja looked at her, and then activated her duel disk. 'Fine, if it's an ass beating you want, I'm gonna beat you all afternoon and all night bitch!'

Radley LP:4000 vs. Freja McKinna LP:4000

Turn 1: Freja: 'I'll go first. I draw! I activate Polymerisation, fusing together Barrel Dragon and Blowback Dragon to summon out Gatling Dragon (Atk:2600). Next I summon Arcana Force VI: The Lovers (Atk:1600). I can toss a coin now to find it's effect.' Freja threw the coin into the air, and caught it on her hand. 'It's Heads. So when I tribute The Lovers, they count as two tributes. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Radley: 'I draw. I activate Fire Formation – Tenki. This adds a Level 4 or below Beast-Warrior to my hand. One a bit like Brotherhood of the Fire Fist – Buffalo. Because I control a Fire Formation but no monsters, I summon Brotherhood of the Fire Fist – Coyote (Atk:2000-2100).

'Next I'm summoning Brotherhood of the Fire Fist – Spirit (Atk:500). Level 3 Spirit now tunes with Level 5 Coyote to Synchro summon the burning kishin, Crimson Blader (Atk:2800). Crimson Blader, attack Arcana Force Lovers with Red Burner.'

'I activate my face-down Fairy Box. It's real simple this one. I toss a coin when you battle. If I call the toss correct, your monster loses all it's Attack points.' 'I activate the Mystical Space Typhoon in my hand, to destroy Fairy Box.' As the box vanished, Crimson Blader sliced straight through Arcana Force VI (Freja LP:4000-2800).

'Because Crimson Blader destroyed your monster in battle, you can't summon monsters that are Level 5 or higher next turn. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Freja: 'I draw. I'll activate the effect of Gatling Dragon. I can toss a coin three times, and for each Head, I can destroy a monster on the field.' Freja took her coin, and then flipped it. 'Tails.' The second attempt. 'Heads.' And the third? 'Tails. So only Crimson Blader is destroyed. Shoot 'em up!' Gatling held out it's mechanical arm, and shot six rockets out of it, blowing up Crimson Blader.

'I activate Call of the Haunted. This brings Crimson Blader straight back for another round (Atk:2800).' 'Oh you want another round do you? I'll give you another round! I activate Ego Boost! This gives Gatling Dragon 1000 Attack points until the end of the Battle phase. Now attack with Gatling Gun Barrage!'

The mechanical Dragon's spiked wheels roared into life (Atk:3600), and it mowed down Blader, destroying it (Radley LP:4000-3200). 'I'll set a monster and end my turn.'

Radley: 'My turn. I activate Fire Formation – Yoko. By discarding a Beast-Warrior from my hand, I can destroy your Gatling Dragon. I'll choose my Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Leopard.' The spirit of Radley's leopard slammed into Gatling Dragon, causing it to break in half.

'Next I'll summon another Brotherhood of the Fire Fist – Spirit (Atk:500-700). Next I use the effect of my Spirit to bring back Leopard (Atk:0-200). But out of these two is coming something stronger! I tune Level 3 Leopard with Level 3 Spirit to Synchro summon Level 6 Brotherhood of the Fire Fist – Horse Prince (Atk:2200-2400).'

'When he's summoned, Horse Prince summons out a Fire Fist from my deck. I choose Fire Fist – Rooster (Atk:1500-1700). And Rooster can search another Fire Fist for my hand. So I'll add Fire Fist – Gorilla. With Rooster, I can send Fire Formation – Yoko to my graveyard, and add Fire Formation – Tenken to my hand (Rooster Atk:1600, Horse Prince Atk:2300).'

'Rooster, attack her monster.' Radley's Rooster spirit flew past Freja spreading flames, but her monster was unharmed (Arcana Force 0 – The Fool Def.:0). 'The Fool can't be destroyed by battle. So don't even bother attacking with Horse Prince.' 'I end my turn.'

Freja: 'I draw. I activate 5 Card Salute, to draw 5 cards. One of which is One for One. By discarding 1 monster, I can summon another Fool (Atk:0). Now I activate Monster Reborn, to revive Arcana Force XVIII: The Moon (Atk:2800).'

'And I have my face-down Alchemy Cycle. This reduces the attack of all my monsters to 0 (Moon Atk:2800-0). Finally I can activate Star Light, Star Bright. Because all my monsters have the same Attack points, I can make them all Level 7 (Fool Level:1-7)x2.'

Freja's eyes then narrowed. 'I overlay my three Level 7 monsters to build the overlay network! I Xyz summon Number 7 – Lucky Straight (Atk:700). Lucky Straight, activate your ability. I roll two dice, and Lucky Straight's Attack becomes the higher roll multiplied by 700.' Freja then picked two dice out of her back pocket, and threw them, with one hitting Radley in the face.

'A 6 and a 1. So that's 4900 Attack (Atk:700-4900). And because it landed on 7, all your field cards are sent to your graveyard.' Lucky Straight spun around, and banged down it's staff, causing all of Radley's cards to crumble away.

'Lucky Straight, attack him directly!' The Rank 7 monster unleashed a blast of blue light from it's staff, which slammed Radley down, and ended the duel (Radley LP:3200-0).

Before it had even been announced that she had won, Freja started beating down Radley, leaving him no chance to defend himself, as she punched and kicked him, before stamping repeatedly on his face and arm. As Lydia grabbed her sister to stop her, she saw that Freja's eyes were glowing a bright red, and she had a mad look on her face.

Lydia then pulled Freja away, but couldn't stop her breaking free to continue the attack, only for her to then suddenly stop, turn, and walk away. Back in the box, Phil was taking action. 'She's safe now.' 'What'd you do?' 'I managed to remotely take control of her mind. Put her back into a trance, just for long enough.'

In the duelling zone

Kari waited around in the duelling zone as a beaten Radley slinked away. The Renegades music hit, as Sakura walked out, wearing a long white jacket with Japanese kanji on. 'The following is a Wild-Card Warriors duel. Introducing the wild-card, hailing from Sagamihara, Japan, representing the Renegades, this is Sakura Haruno.'

As Sakura entered the duelling zone, she took off her jacket to reveal a white kimono with a red felt sash around as a belt, and a superimposed flag of Japan on her back. 'Where's your duel disk then?' Sakura turned around, and showed the flag, before the red centre rose up and the white background developed grooves, taking the form of a duel disk, while the flag had been replaced on her back by the letter R in scrawled black letters. Sakura bowed with her hands clasped, and the duel began.

Wild-Card Warriors: Kari Tsukumo LP:4000 vs. Sakura Haruno LP:4000

Turn 1: Kari: 'I'll start newbie. I summon Dododo Driver (Atk:1800). I end my turn with two face-downs.'

Sakura: 'I draw. Because only you control anything, I summon Earth Armor Ninja (Atk:1600). Next I summon Flame Armor Ninja (Atk:1700). And because it was summoned, it increases the Level of any Ninja on the field by 1. I choose itself (Level:4-5). I overlay two Level 5 Ninjas to build the overlay network and summon Number 12 – Crimson Shadow Armor Ninja (Atk:2400). Attack Dododo Driver with Moon Shadow Crimson Slice!' Sakura's Shadow Ninja sliced through the head of Dododo Driver at the speed of sound, executing it (Kari LP:4000-3400). 'I activate Ninjitsu Art Notebook. By discarding Aqua Armor Ninja from my hand, I can set a Ninjistu Art card directly from my deck. I choose Armor Ninjitsu Art of Rust Mist. I'll throw another face-down and end my turn.'

Kari: 'Kid gloves are off. I draw. I activate Graceful Charity, to draw 3 cards and discard 2. Next because you control a monster but I have none, I summon Gagaga Head by reducing his Level to 4 (Atk:2100, Level:6-4). And when he's summoned, he calls out two Gagaga monsters from my graveyard. I choose Gagaga Mancer and Gagaga Gardna (Mancer Atk:100, Gardna Atk:1500).'

'I'll activate my Armor Ninjitsu Art of Rust Mist.' 'Now I overlay my three Level 4 monsters to build the overlay network and Xyz summon Night Papilloprative (Atk:2600) And when Head is used for an Xyz summon, I can draw a card.' Rust then rose from Papilloprative, and it started smoking. 'What's happening to my monster?' 'It's the effect of Rust Mist. This powerful art halves the Attack of all monsters which are Special summoned while it's face-up. You might have found that out, had you not rushed in (Atk:2600-1300)'

'It's fine, because I still have the ability of my monster. By detaching an Xyz material, she gains 300 Attack for every other Xyz Material on the field.' 'I'll activate the ability of Crimson Shadow Armor Ninja. By detaching a Material it cannot be vanquished this turn.'

'Why activate it now though?' 'It's one less material. So your monster can deal no damage now (Atk:1300-2200).' 'I'll end my turn with another face-down.'

Sakura: 'I draw. I summon Ninja Grandmaster Hanzo (Atk:1800). When Hanzo is Normal summoned, I'm enabled to discover a new Ninjitsu Art. This one is called Art of Alchemy. But for now, I'll equip Magnum Shield to Shadow Ninja. This grants it a boost in power equal to it's Defence (Atk:2400-4100).'

'Armor Ninja, attack Night Papilloprative with Moon Shadow Crimson Slice!' Armor Ninja rushed Papilloprative, ripping through it (Kari LP:3400-1500). 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Kari: 'I draw. I activate Monster Reincarnation, to discard one card and add Gagaga Head back to my hand. Because I control no monsters, I summon Gagaga Head (Atk:2100). It's ability lets me bring back Gagaga Gardna (Atk:1500). I overlay my two Level 4 monsters to build the overlay network and Xyz summon Number 39: Utopia (Atk:2500-1250).'

'Because Gagaga Head was used in an Xyz summon, I can draw a card. And next, I'll activate Rank-up Magic Numeron Force. This ranks up my monster into a Chaos Xyz monster. Chaos Xyz Evolution! I summon Chaos Number 39: Utopia Ray Victory (Atk:2800-1400).'

'I activate my face-down. It's Ninjitsu Art of Shadow Sealing. All I have to do is tribute my Ninja and then your monster is banished.' Shadow Sealing saw Crimson Shadow turn into a blue ring of electricity, which made Victory vanish upon contact. 'I'll end my turn.'

Sakura: 'I draw. I activate Ninjitsu Art of Alchemy. By destroying all the face-up Ninjitsu Art cards on my field, I can draw two cards. And when Shadow Sealing is destroyed, your Utopia Ray Victory returns to your field (Atk:2800).'

'I activate Pot of Avarice. This card shuffles five cards from my graveyard into my deck. Then I draw two. I summon Ninja Grandmaster Hanzo (Atk:1800). His ability allows me to search a Ninjitsu Art. I choose Art of Shadow Sealing, and end my turn with three face-downs.'

Kari: 'I draw.' 'I activate my face-down Ninjitsu Art of Transformation. This allows me to tribute a Ninja like my Ninja Hanzo, and summon a Beast, Winged Beast, or Beast-Warrior which is no more than 3 levels higher. I choose Black Dragon Ninja (Atk:2800).' 'Our monsters are even in strength. I'll end my turn with a face-down.'

Sakura: 'I draw. I activate Monster Reincarnation. So I discard a card and Hanzo returns to my hand. Next I summon Ninja Grandmaster Hanzo (Atk:1800). When I summon Hanzo' 'You add a Ninjitsu Art to your hand. I know.' 'Good. I choose the Hidden Village of Ninjitsu Arts. Now I activate the Field spell Hidden Village of Ninjitsu Arts.'

Dark clouds rolled across the battlefield, and the lights started to dim. 'I can barely see!' 'Ninjas operate most effectively in the dark. Black Dragon Ninja, attack Kari's Utopia Ray Victory.' 'You're insane, you're throwing away your best monster.'

'I don't think so. With Hidden Village on the field, all I have to do is banish Earth Armor Ninja from my graveyard and my Black Dragon Ninja is completely unharmed. Attack with Night Surge Slash.' The dark Ninja dashed through the darkness completely untraced, before stabbing Victory from behind and felling it.

'Hanzo, attack her directly.' 'I activate A Hero Emerges. This forces you to pick one of the two cards in my hand. If it's a monster, I summon it.' 'I'll choose the left-hand card.' Kari looked slightly irritated at the choice. 'I summon Dododo Witch (Atk:1200).'

'Hanzo, attack Witch.' The Ninja Grandmaster vanished in a mirage, shooting through Witch and destroying it (Kari LP:1500-900). 'I end my turn.'

Kari: 'I draw. I activate Pot of Greed, to draw 2 cards. I summon Gagaga Mancer (Atk:100). With Mancer's ability, I can also revive Gagaga Gardna (Atk:1500). I overlay my two Level 4 monsters to build the overlay network and Xyz summon Number 39: Utopia Double (Def.:2500).'

'I activate the ability of Utopia Double. I detach an Xyz material, and add Double or Nothing to my hand. Now I can immediately rebuild the overlay network with Rank 4 Utopia Double through it's own effect, and Xyz summon Number S39: Utopia Prime (Atk:2510). And the effect of Utopia Double doubles the Attack points of Utopia Prime (Atk:2510-5020).'

'Prime, I activate your ability. I can only activate this if your Life points outnumber mine by 3000 or more, which they do at 3100. I can pay Life points until I have 10 left. Then I can destroy your monsters, banish them, and you lose 300 Life points for each one.'

'By banishing Crimson Shadow Armor Ninja and Flame Armor Ninja from my graveyard, I can save my monsters (Kari LP:900-10).' 'I'll just have to attack your Grandmaster Hanzo then with Utopia Prime. Rising Sun Prime Slash.' 'Go – Ninjitsu Art of Duplication!' Hanzo then vanished as the attack was about to hit, and four different Ninjas arrived on the field, before hiding face-down.

'Duplication allows me to tribute a Ninja to summon others from my deck whose Level combines to that of my tributed monster. It's a neat technique I picked up back in Japan.' 'Well you should have stayed there! Because Prime will just attack your Dragon Ninja instead.'

'By banishing Aqua Armor Ninja from my graveyard, my Village protects Black Dragon Ninja.' Utopia Prime swung two smaller swords into Dragon Ninja, ruffling Sakura slightly as she assumed a defensive position (Sakura LP:4000-1780). 'I end my turn.'

Sakura: 'Hope you enjoyed it.' As she drew, Sakura smiled. 'Because it's the last turn you're going to get. I flip my Crimson Ninja face-up (Atk:300). When it's flipped face-up, it lets me destroy a Trap on your field. If it's a Set card, I get to look at it first.'

The face-down was then revealed to be Rank-down Magic Utopia Fall. 'That's fine, I'll just destroy it by flipping Armed Ninja face-up (Atk:300). 'And now I have the Spell card Cross Attack. Because Strike and Crimson Ninjas have the same attack, Crimson Ninja can't attack. But Strike Ninja? It can attack you directly!' Strike Ninja surged at Kari, hitting her with it's crescent-shaped staff and ending the duel (Kari LP:10-0).

Upon the ending, Sakura raised her fist in victory. Kari then walked over to her, and in a sign of respect, bowed like Sakura had pre-duel, and the doctor returned the compliment. A local interviewer than came over to her.

'An excellent first duel here. Mind introducing yourself?' 'Of course not. My name is Sakura Haruno, I am 24, and I am originally from Sagamihara, although I was actually born in Christchurch, New Zealand, I moved to Japan when I was 7.' 'How about in Japanese?' 'Kon'nichiwa! Watashinonamaeha Haruno sakuradesu. Watashi wa 24-sai de, nyūjīrando no sagamihara ni sunde imashitaga, 7-nenkan Nihon ni sunde imashita.

'But you now live over here like the rest of the Renegades?' 'Yes. All you need to know is we are based locally.' 'How long have you been duelling competitively?' 'About 6 years, I was Last 4 in the Japan nationals in 2013, and won the Kyoto regionals twice.'

'Reaching the Last 4 in the Japanese nationals, you were invited to the World Amateur Championship?' 'I was invited to the qualifiers, but I had to reject the invite sadly because my first duel clashed with an important doctor's exam. 2014 I missed the nationals because I was unwell, and 2015 I was over here in England a few weeks before, and as a result I wasn't allowed to enter.'

'Yes, because Japan's regionals have a rule where you have to be in the country for 8 weeks before your first duel.' 'Exactly, and I wasn't made aware of the rule until I got back from holiday.' 'Will you be returning to enter next year?' 'I'm not sure in all honesty. If they change the rule then I'd love to.'

'Will you be attempting to qualify for the tour?' 'I'm not decided yet, we'll see how things go.' 'Finally, who came up with the idea for your duel disk?' 'It was engineered by my friend back in Japan.' 'Cracking. Ladies and Gentlemen, Sakura Haruno.' As the fans cheered, Sakura bowed to them all, and left.

In the box

Maddy was making final preparations for the main event, with Astrid by her side. 'Don't smash into him straight away. That's what everyone expects from you.' 'How do you suggest I duel then?' 'Let him set up. Possibly take a little hit, catch when it's impossible to come back. Johnny's got a one track mind. When he's focused on attacking, he's focused on attacking. And nothing else. You just soak up the pressure, and then… BAM! Slam him! Send his head round, crush him, make him cry'

'Damn, you're mean 'trid. Just gotta get my "special outfit", then we're ready.' The two girls left then. Meanwhile, Blair started to cringe next to Sakura. 'You ok Blair?' 'Yeah… just a headache.' 'Well let me know if you want some paracetamol.' 'I'm good thanks.'

As Maddy and Astrid left, Sakura passed them. 'Good job.' 'Thanks for your advice Astrid.' 'Nah, you didn't need me.' 'I think I did. You're the one who told me to switch around my monsters.' 'I guess. But, you still don't need me. I simply guide you, you follow instructions well.'

Phil then came over to Sakura, and patted her on the back. 'That was… decent.' 'Decent? And only decent?' 'Fine, you were good. And seeing Kari annoyed is always a good laugh.' 'Do you think I could go pro?' 'With a bit more practice, why not. I've never seen the Japanese regionals and nationals, but they do have quite a reputation. As competitive as they are renowned for?'

'Absolutely. It's all very quiet and very tense. People don't talk much, you see people crying when they lose close duels. Because everyone there knows the history of the nationals, and knows that they could make loads of money. And for some of them, it's all they're good at really. It's not a fun place to be at all. Almost like a prison camp.'

In the duelling zone

After several minutes of hype, smoke rose from the entranceways, and a gruff Scottish voice came from nowhere. 'I am… the last king… of Scotland.' The Epic Rage of Furious Thunder by Gloryhammer then blasted out of the speakers, and Johnny walked out, in full gladiator's garb, wielding a large gold sword. As he walked down to the duelling zone, the fans gave him a very warm response, with "Johnny" being chanted rabidly.

As Johnny got to the duelling zone, he raised his sword, before it unfolded into two smaller swords, which then took the form of his monster zones and Spell and Trap zones respectively, making the fans go wild. Johnny then waited for Maddy.

Over 12 minutes of deafening fan chanting later

The referee was about to start counting Maddy out, when A Promise That I Keep's first bars played. And then Astrid emerged, wearing her club jacket. And finally, Maddy emerged from the entranceway, wearing a black and white striped leather vest, to reflect the Newcastle United football shirt.

The moment they saw Maddy, the fans started screaming to the point where Maddy had to plug her ears. On the front of her vest were scrawled the words "Maddy from the Toon". As she reached the duelling zone, the announcer moved in to make the main event introductions, but the fans were chanting "Maddy" so loudly, that he could barely speak.

Michael then walked out, and got greeted by a chorus of boos, absolutely drowning out all his words, to the point where nobody could hear him. Eventually Maddy walked up to him, and just turned the middle finger up in his face, making the fans go (even more) wild.

Michael tried to get the fans to quieten down, but steadfastly, they refused, chanting "We won't do what you tell us" and "Michael licks arses". He was about to call off the main event when Maddy took his microphone, and shushed the crowd.

'I thought I told you lot to behave! Right, we'll make a deal. If you can be rowdy without being out of control, and if you can stop chanting naughty things at Michael, and you can let lovely… sorry, what's your name again?' 'Rata.' 'And you can let lovely Rata finish our introductions, then after the show, go to the foyer, and it's fiver for an autograph and a picture. So, do we have a deal?' As the fans celebrated the idea, Rata finally began the introductions.

'Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the main event of WDC Feast of Fools here in Newcastle, England, and it is for the WDC Young-Gun Championship. Introducing first, the challenger, from the banks of the River Clyde and made from gurders, he is The Last King of Scotland, and the Glasgow Gladiator – Johnny McGregor!' Johnny raised two fingers, and everyone in the stands chanted his nickname, before going wild for Maddy again.

'And introducing his opponent, accompanied by the… erm… adopted Newkie, Astrid Hofferson, from Stonybridge, Northumbria, England, for 50 days, she has reigned as your undefeated, undisputed WDC Young-Gun Champion, the Alpha Predator – Maddy Robinson-Cummings!'

Everyone (including Astrid) started chanting for Maddy, before the grateful fans started chanting "Fearless Astrid", in reference to her uncle, making the blonde blush. Astrid then sat on the steps of the arena, next to the fans, while Maddy and Johnny activated their duel disks.

WDC Young-Gun Championship: Johnny McGregor LP:8000 vs. Maddy Robinson-Cummings LP:8000

Turn 1: Maddy: 'I'll lead off. I draw. As I control no monsters, I can Special summon Watch Cat from my hand (Atk:0). And by activating Inferno Reckless Summon, I get two more (Atk:0)x2. I overlay my three Level 1 monsters to build the overlay network and Xyz summon Number 54: Lion Heart (Atk:100). I'll end my turn with two face-downs.'

Johnny: 'You're starting off big eh? Well yar never gunna beat me sweetheart! I'm a gonna hit you so hard you're gunna fall on your bahookey and cry like a bairn!' 'You think so do you?' This response rather surprised Johnny. 'You know what I'm saying?' 'Dee you really take us for that? You're barely a gadgie and you can stand owa us and talk trash? Try saying that when you're carrying an entire division on your back!'

'Fed-up of carrying? I'll take yer weight off then. By taking yer title back t' LFD. I draw. I summon Gladiator Beast Reitiari (Atk:1200). Reitiari, attack Lion Heart.' 'I activate the ability of Lion Heart. By detaching an Xyz material, you take all the damage I woulda.' 'Yea, I know.' Reitiari thrust it's twin-pointed spear at Lion Heart, with Johnny feeling the force of the impact (Johnny LP:8000-6800).

'As my battle phase ends, Reitiari can tag out, and I can replace it with Gladiator Beast Murmillo (Def.:400). When Murmillo's coming out, he's destroying Lion Heart.' The closed-up cannon on the side of Murmillo opened slowly, and fired a pulse of water at Lion Heart to destroy it. 'I end my turn with two face-downs.'

Maddy: 'I draw. I summon Ape Fighter (Atk:1900). And I'll also trigger ma face-down Meteorain. So I can deal piercing damage. Attack Johnny's Murmillo.' 'I activate Waboku. So I take nothing this turn wee lass.' No matter how much Ape Fighter punched Murmillo, nothing happened. 'When the battle ends, Murmillo tags out to Gladiator Beast Augustus (Atk:2600). And his ability brings out Gladiator Beast Andal (Def.:1500).' 'I'll end my turn there.'

Johnny: 'You're a little disappointment lass. I was expecting someone to really light me fires, but instead I got this. I draw. I switch Andal to Attack mode (Atk:1900) and activate Terraforming. This searches out my Field spell Colosseum – Cage of the Gladiator Beasts, which I'm activating.'

A large stone arena erupted from the ground and surrounded the field, while a cage encased Johnny's Gladiator Beasts. 'When a Gladiator Beast comes from my deck, this gets a counter. When it gets a Counter, my Beasts gain 100 Attack and Defence.' 'Big deal. I saw bigger increases in Rhydian's penis size. Which was no big deal either.'

'You're so funny. Augustus, attack.' 'I activate my face-down Ego Boost. This Spell gives Ape Fighter 1000 more Attack points during the battle (Atk:1900-2900).' 'I activate the Continuous Trap Gladiator's Will. With this, Gladiator Beasts can't be destroyed in battle. I'll also activate Tag Out. When a Gladiator Beast returns to my deck, I gain 300 Life points.' Ape Fighter slugged Augustus, and Johnny felt the backlash, but stood resolute (Johnny LP:6800-6500). 'At the end of the Battle phase, Augustus tags out to Gladiator Beast Bestiari (Counters:0-1, Atk:1500-1600, Johnny LP:6500-6800). And now I can activate his effect and destroy your face-down.'

As Maddy's face-down hit the graveyard, she swept into action. 'My face-down was Alpha Trap. When it's destroyed and sent to the graveyard, I can draw two cards, and then if either of them is a Beast-type monster, I can reveal it and draw another card.'

Maddy then took her two cards, but just added them to her hand. 'Aye not easy when you leave it to chance. Now it's time for some contact fusion. I be fusing Bestiari and Andal to summon Gladiator Beast Gyzarus (Counters:1-2, Atk:2400-2600, Johnny LP:6800-7400). And when he's summoned, he can destroy up to two cards on the field. I'll leave it at Ape Fighter though.' Gyzarus flew straight through Ape Fighter, splitting it's head from the rest of it's body cleanly. 'I end my turn.'

Maddy: 'I draw. I activate Monster Reborn, to revive my Ape Fighter (Atk:1900). Next I summon Dynatherium through it's effect (Atk:1600). Normally you'd now be able to summon a Level 4 monster from the graveyard, but there ain't any. Now I overlay two Level 4 monsters to build the overlay network and Xyz summon Castel, the Skyblaster Musketeer (Atk:2000).'

'Now I activate Castel's ability. By detaching two Xyz materials, it can return Gyzarus to your Extra deck.' 'I activate my face-down Gladiator Beast's War Chariot. This negates the effect of Castel and destroys it.' As Castel was run over by the chariot, Maddy seemed to be frustrated. 'I end my turn.'

Johnny: 'I draw! I activate Gladiator Proving Ground. This adds a Gladiator Beast to my hand if it's Level 4 or below. I choose Gladiator Beast Sagittari. And I'm summoning it (Atk:1400). Sagittari, attack.' 'I activate the effect of Battle Fader. By summoning it, I can end the battle phase.' Battle Fader's bell signalled the temporary end of hostilities. 'Fine, I'll end my turn.'

Maddy: 'I draw. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Johnny: 'I draw. Sagittari, attack Maddy directly.' The Level 3 Gladiator Beast fired a shining arrow straight at Maddy, dropping her points (Maddy LP:8000-6600). 'And Gyzarus wants a go!' 'I activate R: Lure. This allows me to banish a monster from my graveyard, and then your monster loses the same amount of Attack points. I choose Castel.'

Gyzarus still flew at Maddy, but the damage was severely reduced as the spirit of Castel pushed back against it, pushing her back (Gyzarus Atk:2400-400, Maddy LP:6600-6200). 'Because my monsters battled, they can both tag out now, making your Trap pointless. Gyzarus tags out into two monsters as well. I summon Gladiator Beasts Laquari, Dimacari, and Reitari (Counters:2-3, Laquari Atk:1800–2100, Dimacari Atk:1400-1700, Reitari Atk:1200-1500, Johnny LP:7400-7700). When Reitari is summoned, he can banish a card from your graveyard. Like Ape Fighter.'

Maddy: 'I draw. I activate 5 Card Salute, to draw until my hand has five cards. By discarding Level 2 The Fabled Cerburrel, I can summon Egotistical Ape (Atk:1200). When it's summoned that way, I can increase or decrease Ape's Level by that of Cerburrel. I choose increase (Level:5-7). And because Cerburrel was discarded, I can Special summon it (Atk:1000). Next I summon Miracle Cub (Atk:400).'

'I tune Level 2 Fabled Cerburrel to Level 1 Miracle Cub, and summon Mist Bird Clausolas (Atk:0). Clausolas' ability activates next, which reduces the Attack of your Laquari to 0 (Atk:2100-0). And now I can tune Level 7 Egotistical Ape and Level 3 Clausolas to Synchro summon Leo, Keeper of the Sacred Tree (Atk:3100).'

'Leo, attack Johnny's Laquari.' 'I activate the other effect o' Gladiator's Will. By banishing it, I can switch Laquari to Defence mode and it survives this battle.' 'You going to tag out again then?' 'No, I'm waiting for you to end your turn.' 'Wait no more then. I'll just lay a face-down.'

Johnny: 'I draw. I tribute Reitari to Advance summon Gladiator Beast Spartacus (Atk:2200-2500). Now I'm returning Spartacus and Laquari to my deck and summoning Gladiator Beast Gaiodiaz (Atk:2600-3000, Counters:3-4, Johnny LP:7700-8300). And I'm equipping Gaiodiaz with Psychic Blade. By paying up to 2000 Life points, I can give Gaiodiaz the same Attack points. I'm paying a big fat 2000 (Johnny LP:8300-6300, Gaiodiaz Atk:3000-5000).'

'Now attack with Strong Crusher!' Gaiodiaz came crunching over, before grabbing Leo by the head and turning it to dust, hitting Maddy with the debris (Maddy LP:6600-4700). 'And when yer monster is destroyed, Gaiodiaz deals you damage equal to it's Defence.' Gaiodiaz shot a black blast from the palm of it's hand, increasing her defecit as she cringed (Maddy LP:4700-2800). 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Maddy: 'I draw.' Maddy's eyes then flashed gold, bringing a sadistic grin out of her Saltire opponent. 'Someone looks excited.' 'I know all about you and yer kind. And that's why I wanted to face you.'

'You'll be wishing you never met me soon. I activate Monster Reincarnation, to discard one card and add Kinka-Byo back to my hand. Now I summon Kinka-Byo (Atk:100). When he's summoned, he can call back a Level 1 monster from my graveyard. I choose Miracle Cub (Atk:100).'

'Now I activate the Ritual Spell card Awakening of a New Power!' 'You haven't got the cards ya plonker.' 'Which is why I'm using the ability of Miracle Cub. By banishing it from my field, the other Ritual materials come from my deck. And I need 36 Level stars, so I'll send 3 Level 7 Big Koalas, Level 7 Behemoth the King of All Animals, Level 6 Disaster Wolf, and Level 2 , to summon the herald of destruction, Miracle Wolf (Atk:2800).'

'With the effect of my Miracle Wolf, it acts as three Level 12 monsters for an Xyz summon. I overlay my Level 12 Miracle Wolf to build the overlay network!' Maddy let off a deafening howl, and the "Newkie massive" all responded in turn. 'You don't really know what's hiding, deep in my DNA. You think you know… but you know nothing. Well let me show you! I Xyz summon Number 97: myself, Maddy the Legendary Wolfblood (Atk:4000).'

'However strong your monster is or you is or whatever is, you're still outclassed – by Gaiodiaz's 5000 Attack.' 'We'll see about that. I activate Rank-up Magic Icaron's Force! With this I'm ranking up Rank 12 Maddy the Legendary Wolfblood. Chaos Xyz Evolution! Feel the rush, feel the darkness, feel the power – embrace it, let it coarse through your veins. This monster will be your end! I Xyz summon Chaos Number 97 – Maddy, the Legendary Primal Wolfblood (Atk:5000).'

'Now this is a match!' Johnny exclaimed, full of vigour. Maddy's eyes meanwhile, were full of focus. 'Let's battle. I'm going to tear you a new one. Doom Wild Claw!' Maddy's primal form leapt with her claws outstretched, while Gaiodiaz swung a large ax at the wolf's chest, leading to them glancing past each other. Gaiodiaz then collapsed in a surge of blood and was destroyed.

'Why isn't your monster destroyed?' 'Can't be destroyed in battle if the opposing monster has 4000 or less original Attack. I end my turn.' Being a Spirit monster, Kinka-Byo then returned to Maddy's hand. W

Johnny: 'My turn. I activate Pot of Avarice. So I shuffle five cards from my graveyard into my deck, then draw 2 cards. I'll lay myself a face-down and end my turn with a face-down.'

Maddy: 'I draw. I summon Alpha's Assistant (Atk:1000). But first, prepare for a Fifth Fang Mauler!' Maddy's Rank 13 self charged in, before ripping the head off of Johnny's monster (Gladiator Beast Gallans Def.:1900), destroying it. 'When Gallans is sent to the graveyard in battle, it can destroy the monster which destroyed it. And the destroyed monster's effects can't protect it.'

'Yeah, I figured you'd pull a stunt like that. By tributing Alpha's Assistant, I'm safe. By the way, I didn't get to tell you my piercing effect.' Johnny then went white. 'Your what?!' 'When we've destroyed a monster in Defence mode by battle, get the choice of two effects. I choose the effect to attack again. Doom Wild Claw!' 'I activate my face-down Enchanted Javelin. So before I take damage, I gain 5000 Life points.'

Just as he gained points (Johnny LP:8300-13300), a shadow-ripping claw pierced through the air, tearing the air in half before piercing through Johnny's body, leaving no blood but taking his breath away (Johnny LP:13300-8300).

As Maddy howled, Johnny bounced straight back. 'What does it take to keep you down?' 'Nothing's keeping this heart from burning!' 'You're insane. But if you want to be stubborn, fine. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Johnny: 'I draw! I throw two face-downs, and enter my Battle phase, so I can phase to activate United Gladiator Beasts! This Spell allows me to combine Gladiator Beasts from my graveyard into a Fusion monster. I'm shuffling Gladiator Beasts Octavius and Spartacus back into my deck, and summoning Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor (Counters:4-5, Def.:3000-3500).'

'Thanks to Tamer Editor, once per turn I get a Glad Beast Fusion directly from my Extra deck. I choose Gladiator Beast Heraklinos (Atk:3000-3500). I end my turn with a face-down.'

Maddy: 'I draw. I'll go straight in and attack Tamer Editor. Fifth Fang Mauler!' 'I activate Emperor's Judgement. Because I control two or more Gladiator Beast Fusion monsters, the lowest Attack monster is indestructible in battle.' The powerful wolf leapt in and tore away at Tamer Editor, who survived despite the onslaught. 'I end my turn.'

Johnny: 'I draw. I activate Tamer Editor's ability again, to summon out Gladiator Beast Nerokius (Atk:2800-3300). I'll activate Shard of Greed and end my turn.'

Maddy: 'I draw. I'll activate Graceful Charity, to draw 3 cards then discard two. Next I think I'll take on Nerokius. Fifth Fang Mauler!' 'I activate Combat Arena. In this arena, I get to choose which Gladiator Beasts you attack. Tamer Editor, front and centre! And thanks to Gladiator's Will, Tamer Editor can't be destroyed, and because I control three Glad Beasts, you take 500 damage for daring to attack.'

Maddy bit straight into Tamer Editor again, before an unseen force threw her back, and then stung her (Maddy LP:2800-2300). 'I end my turn.' Astrid then started screaming at Maddy. '
Ffocws Maddy! Does dim rhaid i chi ddinistrio ei angenfilod i ennill! Mae'n rhaid i chi wneud niwed! Rydych chi'n cerdded i mewn i'w fagl!' Something then seemed to click in Maddy, and she noticed something fascinating in her hand. 'It's not safe this turn. I end my turn with three face-downs.'

Johnny: 'I draw. Once again I'm using Tamer Editor, and this time I summon Gladiator Beast Andabata (Def.:2800). Next I be activating Harpie's Feather Duster! I ain't keen on these lasses myself but destrooction of your backroo is worth it's weight in irn-bru!'

As the Feather Duster swept away all of Maddy's cards, she smiled to Astrid, who smiled back. Three copies of Dig of Destiny then floated back up to the field. 'You cannae be serious! You're pulling me leg!'

'Fraid not dude. You destroyed three Dig of Destiny. When it's destroyed I draw a card for each one in my graveyard. That means I get to draw 9 cards!' 'Yer pure dead brilliant! A think I'm in love! Nae met anyone like you.'

Astrid then popped up on the side of the duelling zone. 'Translation?' 'I think he likes me 'trid.' 'Well in there.' 'You're disgusting.' As Maddy drew her cards, the voracious fans were in absolute raptures, chanting "Never end" and "Michael sucks cock". 'This lot are crazy. I'm ending with a face-doon.'

Maddy: 'I draw. I activate Monster Reborn, to revive Magic Hole Golem (Def.:2000). And thanks to Magic Hole, I can halve the attack points of my primal form and in return I can attack directly this turn. Meaning I can ignore Gladiator's Will (Atk:5000-2500). And as an added surprise, how about Xyz Unit for 2600 more Attack (Atk:2500-5100). Enjoy Doom Wild Claw.'

Maddy leapt straight over Johnny's entire board in one huge assault, slamming the claws straight into Johnny who somehow stayed on his feet (Maddy LP:2300-1800, Johnny LP:8300-3200). At this point, Maddy started breathing increasingly heavily.

'You ok Mads? You look out of gas.' 'Yeah… I'm fine. Power comes at a cost. You wanna know why I don't bring out my spirit often? Because it burns me out. I end my turn with a face-down (Atk:5100-7600).' Thinking quickly, Astrid threw her bottle of water over to Maddy. As she drunk, Johnny took his turn.

Johnny: 'Draw. I activate Union Attack. With this, during the Battle phase this turn, Tamer Editor gains the total strength of all my monsters. Now attack her "spirit".' As it unloaded a large whip, Tamer Editor gained masses of Attack (Atk:2900-10400).' 'Holy shit!' 'Attack!' Tamer Editor's whip came lashing down with incredible force, destroying Maddy's spirit and making her scream in pain (Maddy LP:1800).

'You cannae be serious?' 'I activated Spirit Barrier. While this is face-up, I can avoid Battle damage. And when Number C97 goes to the graveyard, I can bring back Number 97 (Atk:4000).' 'I end my turn (Tamer Editor Atk:2400).'

Maddy: 'I draw. I'll activate Magic Hole Golem's effect to attack you directly. Alpha Claw.' Number 97 ran straight at Johnny, scratching him in the face (Johnny LP:3200-1200). 'I end my turn.'

Johnny: 'I draw. I activate Gladiator's Trap. By skipping my battle phase, I can destroy all your monsters.' A massive hole opened up beneath Maddy's monsters, destroying them both. 'When my spirit is destroyed I can summon Disaster Wolf (Atk:2600).' 'I activate Bottomless Trap Hole' 'That'd be a great move, but Disaster Wolf's summoning can't be chained to.' 'I'll activate Dian Keto the Cure Master (Johnny LP:1200-2200), and end my turn.'

Maddy: 'I draw. This is it. I tribute Disaster Wolf and Magic Hole Golem. With these two, I can summon out a terrifying end – Earthbound Immortal Cusillu (Atk:2800).' Facing down the massive Immortal, Johnny just smiled. 'The baw's on the slates for me missy. In the best company was the best foe. I never forget this one.'

Maddy then made her deceleration. 'Earthbound Immortal Cusillu, attack directly!' The mighty monkey Immortal raised it's fist, before slamming it down at Johnny, leaving him flat out (Johnny LP:2200-0).

When the dust cleared, Maddy stood tall, but looked exhausted from her efforts. Johnny was on his back, but quickly dragged himself back up again, and gave Maddy a hand up. 'You're… you're not half bad Johnny.' 'Yeah… you too lass. See why they call you the hottest prospect.'

'Thanks. You sure you're ok?' Maddy asked, pointing out that Johnny's arm was lacerated from a rough landing. 'Aye, just bonnie me. 'Tis only a scratch. You look tuckered.' 'Feel it. Listen, do you fancy joining the Renegades? I know it's a big decision, but you've got something that I've never quite seen before.'

Before Johnny got chance to answer, Birchall and his cronies ran down, and threw Johnny into Maddy, flooring them both. Brooks and Marshall then attacked the Scot, while Birchall grabbed Maddy, and started throwing forearms across her face. 'This is what you get for trying to humiliate me! I am more than you could ever be!'

Birchall then produced a glove covered in sandpaper, and started scraping it across Maddy's skin, before Phil ran down, trading fists with James. Meanwhile, Astrid was kicking both members of Powerplay, with Martin fighting off Phil.

Just as Phil started to get the upper hand and stalked James with a lead pipe, Rhydian appeared behind him and kicked him below the belt, before trying to take Maddy with him and run. When James went to grab her, Rhydian turned and argued with Birchall, before the WDC Champion punched him to a massive reaction, before wolfing out on him and biting him in the head.

Blair ran down after this, and made a beeline for Rhydian, ending in a three way brawl with Birchall. As the situation completely broke down, and Johnny caught an in-charging Kieran with a double leg take-down, all of the lights went out.

Purple smoke rose around the entire arena.

Fire then rose into the smoke.

Some low, sombre music started playing. The words "Judgement Day" were whispered by someone unseen. And a figure wearing the same mask in the H.R.C. teasers appeared, garbed in a long trench coat buttoned up tightly, and a large hood covered any other facial features.

Kieran was the first to react, but got blasted to the ground by a single hand. Marshall ran at Hannah, but got thrown into Brooks and Johnny, flattening them both. Birchall took advantage of the distraction, and slugged the silhouette in the mask, causing it to shatter like stained glass, but none of the pieces came out. James then got thrown overhead into one of the metal supports of the entranceway.

Phil then stared the figure down, and charged at it, rage building, but the figure flipped right over him and landed perfectly on one knee, while Phil put his leg out and spun round to face the figure. Before he could charge again, a hand was raised in front of him.

The figure stood, silently, head down.

And took off the mask

And everyone was shocked

And silenced

And still

Stood there, was the impossible

The unthinkable

The unimaginable

The unbelievable

A miracle

For stood there, was Hannah, wearing deep black eyeliner, black arrows coming down from her eyes, blood coming from her nose. Phil stood there in total disbelief. Meanwhile, Birchall crept up behind her, wielding a large black staff which Hannah had carried down with her.

As he prepared to strike her down, Phil pushed Hannah to the ground, and then caught the staff. And they wrestled for control of it, until the godfather dragged the staff and Birchall towards him, before lifting him up with it and throwing him to the ground.

Phil walked over to him, eyes dead, and started choking him with the staff. Maddy saw this and tried to drag him off, but he wouldn't. Six security guards ran out, but even then he couldn't be dragged away.

Blair ran over, and started to drag him off, before Hannah grabbed him. 'You're no better than he is!' This distraction allows Maddy and Blair to work in tandem, lifting Phil and the staff clean off of the ground, and away from James, who tried to make his escape, only for Blair to turn and start choking him herself, being pulled away by Phil.

As the chaotic ending to the show calmed down, Phil and Hannah walked up to the top of the steps, and then Hannah saw, above them, a mistletoe. Phil looked up, and after a slight hesitation, they kissed. As the show closed, the commentators yelled. "HANNAH IS BACK! HANNAH IS BACK! THE GHOST OF JAMES BIRCHALL'S CHRISTMAS PAST IS THE GHOST OF HIS PRESENT!

Next time: Hannah is back, but a secret being hidden threatens to tear the club apart permanently, in Renegades: A New Dawn Chapter XI: The Morning After