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.

11. The Morning After

Renegades: A New Dawn

Chapter XI: The Morning After

Backstage, everyone was shocked. 'Th..th...this can't be real. Hannah, assure me I'm not dreaming.' Hannah then slapped him in the face. 'That proof positive?' 'I… I just can't believe it.' 'I can't either. I can't believe I'm back.'

Maddy then ran over to Hannah, and gave her mother a massive hug. 'I've missed you Maddy.' 'I've missed you so much Mum. I've got so much to tell you.' Phil then tapped her on the shoulder. 'You've got people waiting for your interview.' 'How many?' Phil just smiled to himself. 'Put it this way – if you start them now, you might be done by… Monday.' 'Yeah, like it's gonna take 4 days.'

As Maddy entered the foyer, her jaw absolutely dropped, as the entire foyer was full of people queuing up for her autograph. 'Holy shit.' Phil then laughed. 'Good luck.' 'What – you're leaving me?' 'You'll be perfectly safe here. Hannah has someone to visit.' 'Oh yeah – Rio.'

On the walk back to the base, Phil explained the situation to Hannah. 'She did WHAT?' 'She was in a really bad place when she woke up. She was convinced that everything which had happened was her fault. I blame her brother personally.'

'The poor girl.' 'Maddy was an absolute star – managed to stem the bleeding.' 'How?' 'Cut up her favourite headband.' 'What – the one she got when she was a kid from that shack in Llandudno?' 'That one. Absolute star she's been.'

'How's Rio doing now?' 'Today was her first proper public appearance since being shot. She's getting around in a wheelchair at the moment, her legs are pretty unstable. So, why are you back?' 'Why tell you when I can show you? Just take my hand, put it over your heart, and close your eyes.' As Phil did that, he felt himself getting lighter, as if he was floating.

The next thing he knew, he was in a pure white room, with white curtains, while sun shined through the windows. 'Where are we?' 'I'll explain after. Just watch.' A woman in her early 30s was sat down in a chair, casually knitting.

'That's…' A figure which resembled Hannah then walked in, still with her gunshot wound visible. 'Hannah? No… you can't be' 'I'm afraid it's true Mum.' 'Please tell me it wasn't young Phillip.' 'Young? He's in his 30s now. And no, he saw me die. We were married.'

'That was what I always hoped for. The days I would joke with Michael and Andrea that you would be married one day. But you're here, far too soon.' 'Yeah, don't I know it. At least I get to see you again. I wanted to see you again for 20 years Mum. Not like this though.'

'Same with me to you darling. But you're here now. So why don't you sit down, and start to tell me about everything that you managed to experience while I was away.' 'That's going to take a really long time.' Hannah then sat down, and the image faded.

The next image saw Hannah stood in front of a shrouded figure. 'You wanted to see me?' 'Yes. I see everything which happens here. And hear as well. I know of your wishes – to go back to your old life. How things used to be.'

'Well yeah of course I do. I hope that's not the only thing you brought me here for.' 'Manners.' 'Sorry, I just really miss everyone.' 'There is a deal which can be reached I feel. You may call it mutual benefit.' 'I'm listening.' At that moment, the vision ended. 'Ready for the final vision?' 'Before you do.' 'Yes? What is it?' 'This deal – what was it?' 'Ah, that's not important right now. No big deal. Anyway, here we go.'

The final vision was back in the room with her mother. 'Mum.' 'Hannah, did you speak to HIM?' 'Yes.' 'And?' 'We agreed a deal – I can go back. But I have to go back at a specific time.' 'That's brilliant news.' 'I have a few weeks here first though. Because I didn't want to leave you.'

Hannah's mother then passed her a pendant. 'This may not look like much, but it's been in our family since the 16th century. I wanted to pass it down to you on your 16th birthday, but when I died, it was buried with me.'

In tears, Hannah spoke to her mother. 'Thank you.' 'You don't need to thank me. Look at the woman you've become.' 'But… will you not miss me when I go?' 'I will always miss you. But I will always watch you. I will always be there. So we are never truly apart.'

As the vision ended, Phil looked surprised. 'It's called Sight Sharing. It's something which I've been given, I don't know how, I don't know when. I just know how to do it all of a sudden. Almost as if I've always had it and always used it.'

'All I care about is that you're back. I really need to explain this to Megan.' 'Leave that to me.' Phil then picked up his phone. 'Hi Megan.' 'Hey… what up?' 'Are you sat down?' 'What kind of a question is that?' 'Because with what I'm about to tell you, you might want to sit down.'

'Is it that waster Damien again? I told you that I'll come over with a cricket bat and a' 'Hannah's alive.' A massive thump then followed. 'Yeah, shoulda sat down. What do you mean by "Hannah's alive"?' 'Something called Lazarus Syndrome – apparently she looked dead but was actually just about alive still. And she's back. I don't get it myself.'

Hannah then took the phone. 'Megan.' 'No, this… this can't be right.' 'I'll explain everything that happened some other time. But I am alive.' 'How do I know it's you?' 'Your laces – you double bow them because you single bowed them once when you were 6 and broke your leg. Also your favourite colour is hot pink, although you tell everyone it's green because you don't want to be too girly.'

'It… can't be though.' 'I thought the same thing. But I promise, I'm going nowhere this time. I'll pay for you to come over if you like.' 'Don't need to – I'm only in London. After I heard the news I wanted to stay with Daniel and Comfort for a while.'

'How did you find somewhere to stay down there though?' 'Do you remember Alan Andrews from school?' 'What – the one with the mullet?' 'Yeah. I got back in touch with him a few months ago, he's living in Sutton. Crime rates are super low here.'

'And he's treating you fine?' 'Of course. I'm moving back to Australia in a few weeks – I agreed a 4 month tenancy with him, he gave me a discount because he'd heard about you.' 'Well when you tell him about me, tell him that he'll get all of the money he chopped off for you.' 'Thank you. I'm just so happy to have you back.'

'I'm happy to be back. I'll see you around.' 'Yeah, I'll come straight up.' 'Come up to Manchester and Phil can take you up to North Shields.' 'Thanks. I'll be coming up next Monday, because I agreed to help Alan with some DIY.' 'DIY? What do you know about DIY?' 'It's just holding shelves up while he screws them in. Anyway, I'd better go – he's taking me out to Pizza Hut.' 'Just be careful of him.' 'It's fine, it's a mini school reunion – about 9 of us.' 'That's fine then.' 'I'll post pictures if you like.' 'Just be safe and be' 'In bed by 11, I know. We're not going to be out that late, most of them have work tomorrow. Love you.' 'I love you too.'

As they hung up, they reached the base. Phil went in first, and located Rio, in the main hall, sleeping. He gently approached her, before gently shaking her. 'Rio, I'm back.' The Idaho native slowly woke up, before sitting up. 'Sorry, I think I dropped off. Did Maddy win?'

'She did, and now she's signing autographs for the entire population of Newcastle.' As Rio laughed, Phil sat next to her. 'I need to tell you something Rio.' 'Sure.' 'Have you ever heard of something called Lazarus Syndrome?' 'Laza what?' 'Lazarus. He was a character in a well known book of fiction called the bible, supposedly rose from the dead.'

'Right.' 'So Lazarus Syndrome is when someone appears to be dead, but then revives, without an apparent reason.' 'Why are you telling me all these things? I can barely remember my own name, and you're talking about Laza-thingy.'

Hannah then walked in. 'Rio.' Rio then started backing up. 'This… this can't be right.' Rio then grabbed her deck. 'Wh… whatever you are, I'll take you on!' 'It is right. Hannah was alive all along.' 'I wish I could tell you where I was, but I'm having memory issues – I can't remember much of anything. But I'm back. And I'm not leaving you.'

Phil then moved, and Hannah sat down in his place. 'I… I don't understand.' 'I don't either. But I'm alive. And I've heard about you trying to end your own life.' 'I'm sorry, I'm such a let-down.' Hannah smiled, and hugged Rio. 'You're a let-down to nobody. You gave in to what people have always tried to tell you – that you're nothing. But don't listen to them. Because you're more than anyone could ever imagine.'

'You're not going to have a go at me?' 'No, of course not. I wish you hadn't done what you did, but I'm not going to have a go at you. Because I understand. And because it was my fault.' 'It wasn't.' 'If I hadn't left like I did, you wouldn't have felt the way that you did. But I'm here now, that's all that matters.'

Two hours later

When Maddy got back from her autograph session, she went straight upstairs. As she did, she saw Astrid dragging a large bin bag behind her, looking suspicious. 'Erm where are you going 'trid?' 'Oh Maddy… I left you a note.'

'About what?' 'With Hannah back, I shouldn't be here.' 'Rubbish.' 'I'm super glad she's back, but I don't want to come between you both again. I'll send you a postcard when I get back to Norway.' 'Don't Astrid, please.' 'I have to. For the sake of everyone. Especially you. With what my uncle said those years ago, I never really belonged here did I?'

Astrid then dashed off with her bag, abandoning her sneaking. As she waited at the bus stop though, Hannah bumped into her. 'Astrid.' 'Hannah, I' 'I want to talk to you. I'm guessing you're a member of the club?' 'Yeah, I guess. But that was just for Maddy. So I need to go. After what my Uncle's said and done'

Hannah then walked up to her. 'Please accept my apology. For so long I defined you by what your Uncle did. I forgot about the person that you are. You're nothing like him – you're young, you're happy, you're passionate, and most of all, you're Maddy's friend. What I'm trying to say is… we don't turn our backs on one of our own. Now are you coming or are you going to freeze out here?'

'Freeze? I'm from the arctic circle – this is warm for me.' 'Which is why you're shivering and wearing three layers? Come on. As long as you can accept that you can't talk about your Uncle in front of me, we want you in the Renegades. Because Maddy needs her best friend. So, you coming?' 'I guess I am.'

As the two of them returned, Blair hugged Hannah. 'And you. I hear you've been looking after my husband.' 'Not like that honest, I was just' 'Not like that. You've been the one who's kept him positive when you've been feeling terrible yourself.' 'I guess it was my job.'

'It's not. But thank you. I owe you the world for that.' 'You really don't. I'm just glad to have you back.' 'I know.' Hannah then noticed Blair's arm, heavily bandaged and strapped. 'What happened to your arm?' 'Staph. Festering for months. Sak treated it.'

'I thought Akiza had sorted out that cut.' 'Yeah, long story short, she didn't clean it out.' 'Why?' 'Don't ask me.' 'Where is Akiza anyway?' 'Who knows? She's been keeping her distance recently. I think she's plotting something.'

Meanwhile, in an undisclosed location

Akiza was sat, with Lukas, Tee, and Jana. 'We have to act, and soon. We must take over the club, otherwise it will be run into the ground.' 'So how do we do it?' 'Tee, how do we do anything? We use Jana to take control of Maddy.'

'It's already failed once.' 'Yes, but we have to present a situation where she will agree. Make her see that we are the truth she seeks. Which means… we have to discredit Astrid Hofferson.' 'Hannah's back – that is an issue.'

'That is a weapon. Hannah will help us discredit Astrid, and Hannah wants Maddy to "learn" from me. We'll see just what she's learning from me though.' As Akiza smelt a rose, she laughed. 'The club will soon be ours.'

The next day

Hannah was at the base getting used to being back. As she watched everyone g about their day, Tee came up to her and gave her a hug. 'It's brilliant to have you back.' 'Thank you.' 'We're all really pleased to have you back.'

'Yeah, I'm glad to be back.' 'A few things have changed around here that you might want to know about.' 'I'm pretty sure I know most of them, but sure, go ahead.' 'Well Maddy's taken over, and she brought Astrid into the club.' 'Yeah, I know. We're good now, it was all my fault really.'

'Have you heard what was said when she came?' 'I'm listening.' 'Maddy said that she wouldn't make your mistakes. Saying that not immediately bringing in Astrid as V.P. was a mistake of yours.' 'So Astrid came straight in as vice-president?' 'Yes.' 'Thanks, I think I need to have a word with Maddy.' As Hannah walked off, Tee contacted Akiza. 'Stage 1 complete.'

In the office

As Maddy was filling in paperwork, Hannah strolled into the office. 'I don't know if anyone's filled you in, but people generally knock when they come into the office.' 'Sorry, I just wanted to clarify something with you.'

'Go on.' 'There's been a few people complaining that they aren't getting a fair chance when it comes to leadership.' 'Right.' 'Listen, I get Astrid's your friend, and I know that she's really passionate about being in the Renegades, but you don't need to appoint her as V.P. just to keep her happy.'

Maddy seemed rather confused at this. 'Who told you that Astrid was V.P.? Like, I know she's my mate, but god even I have some sense.' 'So… Astrid isn't Vice President?' 'Hell no!' 'Who is then?' 'Akiza at the moment. I've been waiting for Blair to accept the role jointly, but she's not ready to return yet after her grandmother died.'

Hannah then shook her head. 'That little madam...' 'What?' 'Tee told me that people had been getting upset over Astrid being V.P.' 'Astrid's place is as far away from an office as possible. She's a warrior – what use is she behind a desk?'

'Could say the same for you.' 'Meaning?' 'Listen, you don't want to be stuck behind a desk all day do you?' 'I don't mind it. I've got quick with all the paperwork, and it means I can deal with any issues calmly. Now if you don't mind, I need to speak to Akiza.'

As Maddy left the office, she was stopped by Lukas. 'Lukas, where's Akiza.' 'I don't know. But I did, I did want to ask you something. You see, I received a note earlier this morning. It's from Astrid.' The note read "I know what you did, if you don't leave Maddy alone I will KILL you. You have been warned.'

As Maddy read it, Lukas stood by her. 'Don't want any issues, I just want us to get on.' 'I'll investigate this, thanks.' As the president left, Lukas contacted his mistress. 'Stage 2 completed.' 'Good. I'll take care of the final stage.'

Outside

Phil was looking underneath his car when Blair walked out. 'What's wrong with the undercarriage?' 'Went over a particularly stiff bump earlier, think it may have dislodged the floor slightly. There was a certain rumbling that I didn't have before.'

'Here, let me take a look – my knees are better than yours.' As Blair knelt down and slid under the car, Hannah came out, and after signalling to Phil, he went inside. 'Hi Blair.' 'Oh Hannah… I didn't expect you.' 'I know. But I wanted to come and have a catch-up. I heard about your grandmother.'

'Don't want to talk about it. No offence.' 'Who can blame you? I was just going to say that she sounds like an amazing woman.' 'The greatest.' 'So Phil's got you working?' 'I offered.' 'In other words you were bored.' 'Kinda yeah.'

Blair then rolled back from under the car. 'Can't see anything under there.' 'Brought you some juice out.' 'Thanks.' As they sat down together, they started talking. 'So how's the arm?' 'Feels like shit. How you enjoying being back?' 'Yeah… it's good.'

'Just "good"?' 'Yeah, everything's brilliant thank you. Anyway, thanks for looking after Phil.' 'I didn't do much exactly.' 'You were there for him, I'm eternally grateful for that. You provided support even when you were struggling.' 'Apart from the bit I was in Michigan.'

'Even then, Phil would have felt better knowing you were only a phonecall away.' 'I wish there was more I could have done for him, that's all. And now I can't duel.' 'Why?' 'Sak banned me from duelling while the Staph infection clears up. It was really bad apparently.'

At this moment, Jade arrived, and she and Blair hugged. 'Hannah, there's someone I want you to meet. Meet Jade Goocheneyad – my girlfriend.' As they kissed, Hannah hugged them both. 'Congratulations. Seems like I missed out on a lot.' 'Don't worry, we'll fill you in.'

Inside

As Maddy was taking some time out to read, Akiza and Jana walked straight into the office. 'For fuck's sake guys, can nobody knock on a door?' She then realised who it was, and sat down. 'Oh it's you.'

'Nice to see you as well.' 'Oh I'm sorry, I forgot I should be thanking you for keeping my best friend brainwashed, completely against my orders, and sending your little parade of minions to generally make my job even more difficult, all in some convoluted way to get me to play second fiddle to your ego.'

'Maddy, I have no idea what you're talking about.' 'Right, so under no circumstances did you send Tee to tell Mam that Astrid's just walked into the V.P. role, and you didn't send Lukas to write a note claiming that Astrid wanted to kill him. By the way, that didn't work – it doesn't take a cartographer to work out that the note was very much not written by Astrid. Now what do you want?'

'I don't know what your issue is. I came to reach an agreement with you.' 'If it's about me joining your black parade, you're fighting a losing battle.' 'Well I want to reach a deal.' 'I'll listen if you promise to go away afterwards.'

'Ok. So how about I release Jana, and in return, you do exactly as I say 1 day a week? Don't have to be under a strong spell or anything? I can do light.' 'Right, I've told you several times, but this time, it's a real threat. Stop harassing me, release Jana, or I will have to remove you from the club.'

'You're being a child here Maddy.' 'I'M BEING A PRESIDENT! I'm not the one chasing after something clearly unachievable.' 'Come on Maddy, you know you want to. Just take some of the pressure off of yourself.'

'Would you like me to spell "No" out for you?' 'Stop being a petulant child. Or are you going to set Daddy on me? Because I'm not scared of Phil.' 'Yeah, Dad isn't someone to be scared about. But you should be scared of me. You know the difference between me and him?'

'You're a wolfblood.' 'Yes, but more importantly, I have ALL the power.' 'I am Vice-President of the Renegades' 'I know you are. But without me, you have no power.' Just then, there was a knock on the door. 'See, that's how you knock.' As she answered the door, Blair was stood there. 'Lukas and Kris are fighting.' As the president and her V.P. rushed out of the room, a hiding Tee snuck in, and dropped a small pill into Maddy's water.

As they got down to the main hall, Kris and Lukas were brawling, with Lukas gaining the advantage. 'Say it again punk! Say it again!' 'Happily – you're a prick!' More brawling followed, before Phil pulled Lukas off of Kris. As he did, the newly skin-headed Travis sucker punched Lukas, pulling something from Lukas' trousers in the process, which he then handed over to Phil.

'This is fascinating reading you know Maddy.' 'Stop messing around Dad.' 'So you don't want to know that Lukas has been hiring someone to kidnap Blair and Rio? My, you really want them gone – offering a "significant five figure sum".'

As Maddy took the paper, Phil and Kris fist-bumped. After reading through the paper, Maddy stared at Lukas, and just pointed to her office. As he slunk off, he was followed by the president. Akiza and Tee squared up to Phil and Kris, and a tense stand-off ensued.

'You think it's funny causing trouble? Lukas would never do anything like that. ''Why did he have it on him then? ''You planted it. Phil, you planted it because you're worried that I'm more powerful then you could ever be. Because both of your little rats are currently d.o.a.'

'If only you knew the truth Akiza, you'd be shutting up.' 'Which truth is this?' 'Wouldn't you like to know? Thing is, that would ruin the surprise. All you need to know, is that if your little children's home win those tag titles, there's going to be a surprise waiting for you. Lukas is bang to rights, and it's an open and shut case.' Meanwhile, Hannah sat there, looking somewhat troubled.

In the office

Maddy was furious at what had been revealed. 'I hope for your sake that you have a really great explanation of what's going on here!' 'I didn't do anything, I wasn't plotting anything. That's been planted on me.'

'And who would plant it? Because I'm struggling to believe anybody here is stupid enough to try that on.' 'It's Blair – the chick's mad and she hates me!' 'You know, I'm starting to get fed-up of your lot all using Blair as an excuse.'

'It's alright when you've got the president's blessing isn't it? Let's face it, you're all over her aren't you? Akiza's offered you a chance to be relevant, but instead you have to try and protect someone who doesn't deserve to be here. That brat should have been aborted at birth – when I get out of here, I'm making her pay for her constant abuse.'

Maddy jotted something down, before crossing it out, and writing something else in it's place. She then turned to Lukas again. 'Lukas, I like to feel I am quite lenient in regards to behaviour. Because I understand that everybody is an individual, and we're not all going to get on when we have to live together.'

'However, one thing I cannot allow under any circumstances is bullying. Another is slander. When Akiza brought you in, Hannah said that she saw something special in you. A certain fire that would benefit the club. The sad thing is, I'm still waiting to see that. And I can't wait forever.'

'Come on, you know it ain't my fault. I'm being provoked and I was set up.' 'You have 60 seconds to convince me that you were set up.' 'Well I'm not going to hide anything in my underwear am I? I wouldn't be walking around with that if I had contacted a hitman mate. I'd be hiding that shit in the deepest draw I can find. I'm really not that stupid.'

Maddy reacted to this by shaking her head. 'I'm sorry Lukas, but I'm just not seeing it. I don't see what other people are apparently seeing in you. And I can't just ignore what you said about Blair. My aim is to have a club where everybody feels safe and valued. And if you're standing in the way of that, you don't belong here.'

'Therefore, Lukas Davis Chipperfield, I am officially EXPELLING you from the Renegades. The time now is 12:43pm. As of now, you have half an hour to remove everything you urgently need from the base. After that half hour, your remaining belongings will be moved to a safe and secure place, and you can arrange to collect them at another time. You will be expected to return your club jacket, and as soon as your leave this building, your club card will stop working. After 30 days, any belongings not collected will be seized and redistributed, sold, or destroyed for the benefit of the club. Do you have any questions?'

'Yeah, I have a question bitch. What makes you the one in charge. What, just because you threatened Akiza? She's the rightful president.' 'I have a document' 'Which you clearly faked. Then again, you lot know all about that don't you? So what else gives you the right to decide who stays?'

Maddy angrily flashed her eyes, and gave a stark answer. 'Because I am the president. I am the leader of the revolution, and that makes me judge, jury, and most importantly, executioner! Now if you don't leave, I will make you leave, and you won't be able to retrieve any of your stuff.' Reluctantly, Lukas left, closely followed by Maddy, as he collected his belongings.

Meanwhile, in Blair's bedroom

Looking around, Kris entered Blair's room, finding Rio, Blair, and Astrid in there. 'You mind if I take a seat?' 'What it's there for.' As he sat down, Blair sprung into action. 'Right, we've all had enough of Akiza, right?' 'Right.' 'This is our opportunity to get rid of her. We're stronger without her.'

Astrid then smiled. 'What do you suggest?' 'Well we all know that Akiza is trying to take over the club, right?' 'We've all heard her. We all know what she's up to. But there's no evidence. So, my plan is that one of us finds evidence in her room.' 'B, what's just stopping us making our own?'

Blair seemed shocked by this, but Kris was all for it. 'Yeah, my brother Mitch, he taught me about counterfeiting documents.' 'But who would she be talking to about it? We know she discusses everything in private.'

The discussion then seemed to have reached deadlock, before Astrid had a brainwave. 'Had an idea, but I need your permission Blair.' 'Why?' 'You don't mind me mentioning the "R" word?' 'Which "R" word?'

Rio then whispered it down her ear. 'Sure, if I hear it enough times I might stop thinking about it.' 'Maddy tells me after the attempted rape, Claude and Akiza exchange text messages about it. So they also talk...' '… about Akiza taking over the club. Think about it – if Akiza knew about what Claude did, she could blackmail him. Including getting help in kicking me out of the club.'

Kris then formalised the plan. 'So what we do, we find Akiza's phone, eject the memory card, split that into another phone, and leave Akiza's phone where it was. Then we find the texts on the phone, and present it to Maddy. We get a slap on the wrist for theft, she gets a lot worse for… what's that word again Blair?' 'Treason.'

Back in the main hall

As Hannah sat quietly, Lukas was frogmarched down by Maddy. Before they could get to the doors, Tee stopped them, blocking the door with her arms at full stretch. 'What – so you're just going to throw him out on the street? He's got nowhere to go, so what – you're making him homeless? That's not fair.'

Maddy just shrugged her shoulders. 'Not my problem.' 'Seriously?' 'Seriously. I'm not having liars or bullies in the Renegades. You're all free to live here, but you have to follow the rules. You all know that. Now Tee, shove off.'

'Good thing for a president to say innit?' 'Standing in my way isn't going to make the slightest bit of difference. All you're doing is annoying everyone else.' Lukas then took advantage of the distraction, spinning away from Maddy and going to punch her, only for the president to catch his fist and catch him in a hammerlock.

'Yeah, nice try you two.' Tee then spat at Maddy. 'Come on then, hit me. Attack me Maddy, show everyone just what you're like!' Maddy laughed, and then signalled to Astrid, who was sneaking around. 'Astrid, need you a moment.' As she came over, she whispered to Maddy. 'Can this wait? I'm kind of busy today, you know, packing.' 'It'll only take two minutes.'

Maddy then spoke up. 'I've just made an incredible discovery here 'trid – turns out I don't have 4 hands. So if you'd be able to move Tee out of my way, that would be great.' Astrid shrugged her shoulders, and as Tee tried to run past her, Astrid held her hand out, knocking Tee to the ground. Maddy then escorted Lukas and his bags off of the premises.

Upstairs

As Akiza left her room to talk to Lukas outside, Kris slipped into her room, and started to search through Akiza's draws, while Blair kept watch. After locating Akiza's phone, Kris quickly passes the pink-cased machine to Blair, who put it in her jacket, before they escaped.

While walking up to Blair's bedroom, Maddy stopped them. 'Strange time to be wearing a jacket.' 'Yeah, my arm's not looking too clever today.' 'What's that bulge anyway?' 'It's Rio's phone, she dropped it earlier. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to take some meds for my staph infection.' 'Yeah of course. Sorry, I'm just keeping law and order.' 'Nah, it ain't a problem Maddy.'

With Maddy pacified, Blair and Kris got back to her bedroom. 'Slight issue – we ain't got her passcode.' After a few moments of silence, Blair came up with an idea. 'Try 080515.' Kris typed it in, and then fist pumped. 'We're in. How'd you work that one out?' 'The date she won the World Championship final.'

'You watch it on TV?' 'Yeah. Strange to think that 3 months later I didn't have a television.' 'Wow, didn't know things got like that for you.' 'Yeah… well when you've got two sisters siphoning all your money, you don't have a lot to spend on stuff like electricity. I just… this is the first place I ever really belonged. Everywhere I go, I've always got somebody trying to get rid of me. I just want to be happy.'

Kris then put his hand on Blair's. 'C'mon, chin up girl, we'll have things sorted soon.' After scanning through Akiza's phone, Kris quickly found what he was looking for. 'Holy shit we've got a gold mine here. Like opening Pandora's Box.'

As Kris went to put the phone back into his pocket, Blair stopped him. 'It'll be better if we disable the pin.' 'Good idea.' 'Also, I want to see what she and Claude have been saying about me.' 'Yeah… I really don't think that's a good idea.' 'On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being nothing to worry about, how bad is what's being said about me?'

'This shit? This is a full fat 0 – you really don't want to see what's being said here.' 'I kinda do. Especially with your reaction.' 'I'm not letting you read it.' Rio then wheeled her way in. 'You do realise that you're not going to win? Just let her see.'

Kris then shrugged his shoulders, and tossed the phone over. 'Be quick – once Akiza realises her phone is missing, she'll go ape. And Maddy will suspect' 'Nothing. She will suspect nothing. Because she's got bigger worries than Akiza's phone.' Blair then started to read the texts, her facial expression not changing once as she saw the gory details.

– September 14 –

Claude: 'I've been thinking about your idea + think we should go ahead with it.'

Akiza: 'So you have an idea to get rid of her?'

Claude: 'Not yet, but I will.'

Akiza: 'Well do it soon. We need to have rid of her before my plan can commence.'

Claude: 'I've been getting closer to M recently. She likes me. Loads.'

Akiza: 'Good. Get closer still then. Once she trusts you, I start hanging around you as well.'

Claude: 'Sounds alright. I'll work something out with Blair.'

– September 20 –

Akiza: 'I'll take it you didn't think of anything then.'

Claude: 'Have had an idea, it will get rid of her instantly.'

Akiza: 'No murder – only light violence.'

Claude: 'Don't worry, I know what I'm doing.'

Akiza: 'Remember the money.'

– September 23 –

Akiza: 'Blair's walking around like a lost soul. What did you do?'

Claude: 'All you need to know is I did what I had to to get rid of the scum.'

Akiza: 'Tell me, otherwise no money.'

Claude: 'Fine. I got her trapped, screwed her.'

Akiza: 'You mean you raped her?'

Claude: 'That what they call it these days?'

Akiza: 'You're making life real difficult for me.'

Claude: 'You wanted me to get rid of her, that's what I did. You got a problem with it?'

Akiza: 'Yeah, I told you to get rid of her. I didn't say sexually assault her! You're an idiot!'

Claude: 'I need your help to cover it up.'

Akiza: 'Only people who need to know are me, Tee, Lukas, and you.'

Claude: 'And Tee won't say anything?'

Akiza: 'Long since brainwashed. She'll never think for herself again. This should get rid of Blair, then it's easy to set Rio up.'

Claude: 'And I still get my money?'

Akiza: 'Deal is a deal. Once you're close to Maddy, we weaken her mind, and lure her into a trap, brainwashing her. I have the helmets and fluid ready, and Hannah will give us the plans if I have someone to convert.'

Claude: 'I can sort that easy. And I can have her?'

Akiza: 'Only when I'm not using her.'

Blair then continued going through the texts, before coming across the texts from earlier that day. After scoring through them, she looked at Kris. 'You doing it? Or you want me to?' 'How about we both go?' 'Sure. You coming Rio?' Rio nodded sternly, and the three of them went.

At the office

As Blair knocked, a voice came from within. 'Come in Blair.' As they walked in, Maddy was sat there, reading a book on photography, before she put it down. 'Alright?' 'Not really. We've got something to show you on Akiza's phone.'

'Blair, you can't just go around stealing phones. I thought that was obvious.' 'Yeah it is, but I promise you want to see this.' 'Fine – go on then.' After Blair unlocked Akiza's phone, Maddy read through the texts, and started looking very concerned.

Over five minutes of reading passed, before Maddy looked up. 'Thanks. I'll speak to you later. Right now I have things to deal with.' 'You want us to go?' 'Well duh.' As they left, Maddy got on the tannoy. 'Can Akiza Izinski report to the president's office please. That's Akiza Izinski to the president's office.'

As Akiza walked into the office, Maddy invited her to sit down. 'So, have you reconsidered your position?' 'Not in terms of your offer. But I am doing in terms of your future here.' 'What are you talking about?'

Maddy wasn't laughing. 'I have received some evidence which strongly suggests that you knew about Claude raping Blair before I was told.' 'I challenge you to show me your evidence.' The president then produced the key piece of evidence.

'Hey that's my phone!' 'Correct.' Maddy then started showing Akiza the texts. 'Can you explain these away Akiza? Huh?' Akiza just put her hand on her forehead. 'Blair is a bad influence on this club. I felt that if we were rid of her, it would be better for everyone.'

'It's a mindless vendetta against somebody who has done nothing to offend you, other than being a hard-working and committed member of the Renegades, and somebody I can trust. You on the other hand, I'm starting to wonder if you can be trusted.'

'You can't seriously mean that Maddy.' 'You've been plotting my downfall for a number of months. That's Treason. And what you've been doing to Blair, that's Bullying. That's two things I can't allow. The way you've been going after me is unacceptable. We have a code of conduct here, and you're way out of it.'

'But, I am nothing if not fair. I like to hear both viewpoints before I make decisions. So, I'm giving you the floor – you have five minutes to explain exactly why you have been making a mockery of our code of conduct, and why you feel it fit to haze a fellow chosen one repeatedly, and to conceal a serious offence.'

'I am doing what I feel is necessary to ensure the survival and thriving of the Renegades. I don't feel that Blair has what is required to be a suitable member of this club. That is why I have been trying to get rid of her. You can see through the texts that I was disgusted with his actions, but I thought that saying nothing would benefit us in the long run.'

'And in terms of you, I am trying to improve you. You are a good leader. But you can be a great leader and a great duellist if only you stop resisting me and start working with me. I can make you better, all you have to do is let me.'

'I can contribute so much to the Renegades. The club cannot survive without me, I am irreplaceable. I can improve you as a leader, and I can improve everyone else as followers. You need me like I need you – we would make the best team. We are stronger together. I don't need to tell you what I bring to the Renegades. You know fullwell what I bring. I rest my case.'

After several minutes of silence, Maddy spoke again. 'I know exactly what you bring Akiza. What I question is your loyalty. We need our members to be loyal – we need to be prepared to die for the cause. And I'm not convinced that you would do that.'

'You need me and I need you' 'You need the Renegades. I'm not doubting that. But I'm not sure if we really need you anymore Akiza. I can't just ignore your systematic bullying of a valued club member.' 'Blair isn't cut out for this. Blair'

'Blair is someone I am proud to call a Renegade. Do you know why? Because she is loyal! She is loyal and polite and she always asks how she can help the cause. She cares about the cause, not about elevating her ego! So how about you step up, and take responsibility for your own actions?'

Maddy then took a breath. 'We are going through a period of reset and change. And to go through this period, we need to get rid of the deadwood. I… need to find who deserves to be here.' Akiza then started passionately defending herself, tears in her eyes.

'Come on Maddy, listen to me. I am so good for us. And you know that I need the club! I can help you so much, and I can apologise, I have no ties with Claude now, I'll get Lukas and Tee into line, I can do anything!'

Maddy shook her head. 'I need everyone to be on the same page. Trust me, I don't want to be in this situation either, but I can't have any uncertainty here. We have to have direction, and we have to have a leader that we can trust to make the right decision, no matter the situation.'

'Please listen' 'I've heard more than enough. I used to look up to you Akiza, not just professionally, but personally. But you're not the same person that I looked up to. There's no trust there anymore. And I have to be honest Akiza, and it breaks my heart to say this, but… we don't need you anymore. As a result, I'm left with no choice – Akiza Izinski, as of 4:26pm, you are expelled from the Renegades.'

As Akiza watched on, shocked to the core, Maddy calmly read her rights out. After she had, Akiza just sat there, numb. 'Do you have any questions?' 'Why… why did you betray me like this?' 'You brought it upon yourself. You have half an hour to collect all relevant belongings, then 30 days in which to retrieve the rest of your belongings.'

As Akiza and Maddy solemnly walked out of the office, the Geordie found Phil walking around, and pulled him over. 'Hey, erm… long story short, Akiza's been expelled.' Phil looked at her wide-eyed. 'I never thought I'd hear that.' 'Yeah we'll have time to talk about that later. Point is, I need you to keep an eye on Akiza while she collects her stuff.'

'30 minutes is it?' '30 minutes, don't give her a second more.' 'Of course.' 'Also, could you retrieve her jacket for me?' 'Of course.' As he went to observe, Tee angrily confronted Maddy. 'You're a spiteful witch!' 'Did you have something important to say, or did you just come to insult me?'

'Yeah I've got something to say. I quit.' 'Fine, I regret your decision, but it's accepted. You have 30 days to collect all your belongings, after which, anything left becomes our property. Also you have to hand your jacket over before leaving.' Tee took off her jacket, and threw it at Maddy, who caught it with ease.

29 minutes later

Akiza came down the stairs with several bags full, and squared up to Maddy. 'One day, I'll make you pay for this!' As Akiza left the building, Phil passed the jacket over, and Maddy watched Akiza drive off, before taking the jackets back to the office. She then pressed a button on her desk, and a yellow light came on in every room, signifying an urgent club meeting.

As the remaining club members lined up, Maddy came out and walked onto the platform at the front of the Great Hall. 'Thanks for coming at such short notice, I have something to tell you all. Now you may see that we are a little short on numbers at the moment. That is because Lukas Chipperfield, and Co-Vice President Akiza Izinski have both been expelled from the Renegades, and Tee Taylor has quit.'

As everyone started talking, Maddy continued. 'I want to make one thing extremely clear: this is to be used as an example. If you cannot comply to the standards that are required as a member of the Renegades, then you will be punished accordingly and consistently. Repeated failiures will only prove that you are not worthy to be in the Renegades.'

'Everyone will be punished equally and fairly. Actions have consequences, and NOBODY is above the law. Even I am not above the law. Any questions?' The first question came from Sakura. 'So erm… why was Akiza kicked out?' 'That is between me and her. It is not relevant to everybody else. Yes Blair.'

'How are you not above the law when you kind of are the law?' 'I am working on that. I am hoping to have something in place for the new year.' As that was the last question, Maddy wrapped up the meeting. 'Right, just to finish, we're going to be stretched for numbers the next couple of weeks as Astrid and Kris are both out of the country, and Blair is still only cleared for non-physical duties. So yes, if everyone can work together, it's easier for everyone. Club dismissed.'

As the club dispersed again, Phil spoke to Maddy. 'Listen, you've had a tough day, so let me improve it for you – fancy going for a meal?' 'Sure. Is Mam coming?' 'No, she's getting an early night, I think she's getting used to being back.' 'Fair enough. Thanks, I think I need the break. When you thinking?'

'About 8?' 'Make it 8:30, drinks are half price then. Where you planning on going?' 'There's a nice old-style bistro pub not too far from here.' 'Sounds good – I can wear something comfortable then.' 'Exactly. Just a chance for us to catch up and you to take your mind off of things for a few hours.' 'Thanks.'

That evening, around 7:30pm

With the base relatively quiet, Astrid came down with a backpack. 'You sure you've got everything you need there?' 'Relax Maddy – this is more than enough. I have enough for month here. I get the bus up to Sunderland docks, then ferry take me to Oslo, and get a boat back home.'

'Well travel safe.' 'There's no signal back home, I call you when I'm in Oslo. Be back in a week, maybe 10 days maximum. I send you a letter, I don't know when it arrive though.' 'Ok. Enjoy.' 'Of course.'

As Astrid went to leave, she passed Blair, who was wearing a yellow and red striped shirt. 'Where've you been?' 'Soccer. Left after the club meeting, nearly missed the bus. You headed back to Norway then?' 'Yeah, I be back, maybe a week?' Blair and Astrid then slapped hands. 'Travel safe.' 'Of course.'

After the Viking had left, Maddy smiled. 'How was it?' 'Scored twice, we still lost though, 4-3. You should come play sometime, you'd be ace at it. Better than our wide girls anyway, you can actually run quickly.'

'Yeah right. Imagine me playing footy, madness.' 'You never know until you try.' 'Honestly, first it was Lydia and Freja with the modelling, and now you with footy.' 'Well you did kind of promise Lydia you'd give this modelling a go.'

As the two of them started hanging posters up advertising the Arena courses, they continued chatting. 'I mean, I ain't exactly your typical model. Freja's fine, she's short and she's thin – everything they like. If I was wearing some of the stuff in those catalogues, I'd look well dumpy.'

'Yeah, because people your size don't wear clothes do they? Serious, there's nothing wrong with you. I mean, you're probably not gonna be in supermodels weekly, but you're good looking and young.'

Maddy then quickly changed the subject, trying to hide her blushing. 'So is Jade interested in picking up a deck?' 'Yeah, mentioned the Arena courses, and she sounded excited for 'em.' 'She any good?' 'Dunno. Says she is.'

After the posters were hung, Blair took her hair down. 'Going for a shower, then having a lie-down for a while. Laters.' 'Yeah see ya.' As Blair left, Maddy got on her phone. 'Hey Fre, it's Maddy. Listen… erm, I've been thinking about that modelling thing. Yeah. I'll do it. Week on Tuesday? Sounds decent to me. I'll see you there.'

8:40pm

Phil came back, wearing a plain grey shirt and jeans. 'Didn't know you knew how to dress down.' 'I think I do thanks cheeky.' He then looked over at Hannah. 'Sure you're ok?' 'Yeah I'm fine, I'm just dead tired you know.' 'Understandably, it's all been a bit overwhelming for you. If you're asleep when I get back'

'Give me a nudge, I don't mind.' 'Ok, well I'll see you in a little while then.' Maddy and Phil then headed out, while Hannah sat down for a while.

On the streets of Newcastle

Akiza was walking around, head down, kicking a glass bottle down the quiet, empty street, tears in her eyes. 'I mean, the cheek of it! She thinks she can kick me out? I'm meant to be the leader, I'm the true queen.'

A voice then came from behind, sending shivers down her spine. 'Yes, you are the true queen.' She immediately knew who it was. 'Rhydian? What are you' He then appeared right in front of her. 'You are the true queen Akiza. Now how about you come with me?' Rhydian then whispered something in Akiza's ear, and she fell asleep on his shoulder. A van then came screeching down the road, and Rhydian leaned into the driver's window, where Kieran was sat.

'Take her and Jana to Major Street, Cardiff. There's an old industrial estate there, if I'm not there dump them in the old welder's there. Payment on delivery.' 'Got it.' After Akiza was laid down on a bed in the back next to Jana, the van roared off, tyres screeching.'

In the pub

Maddy and Phil were having a good catch-up as they ate. 'I'm sorry I've been a little grumpy at times lately.' 'Listen, with everything you've had to put up with in terms of Akiza, and dealing with what happened to Hannah, and Birchall, and Rhydian, and duelling, and running the club, it's enough to drive anyone crazy. But you've come out of the other end.'

'I guess so. I'm just so glad to have her back.' 'Same here.' 'How did you even cope?' 'The truth is, I didn't. Blair was the one keeping me together behind the scenes half the time. I'd be nowhere without that girl. And you.'

'What did I do?' 'I knew I always had you. You were always at home, you felt like the one constant in my life. I had you the entire time. How do you think I coped when Blair went to Michigan? I had you. I always tried to protect you, but inadvertently, it felt like you protected me. And now Hannah's back, everything can get back to normal again.

In the base

Lydia and Freja came down to talk to Hannah, when suddenly, Hannah let off a piercing scream. As the twins came running, Hannah was surrounded by a massive whirlwind, and her hair flew wildly upwards.

'What's going on Hannah?' 'I… I… I'm sorry!' There was then an explosion of red light, at the end of which, Hannah stood there, with her wild hair covering her left eye, and a mad grin on her face, as her eyes lit up a demonic red. 'Hannah, are you ok?' She then replied. 'I am reborn! My name… ICARON!'

Next time: It's up to the remaining club members to defend against a possessed Hannah, as Icaron strikes down his forceful wrath in Chapter XII: The Nightmare Before Christmas Part I: The Strongest God, Icaron?!