Renegades: A New Dawn

Chapter XVII: The Renegades Band

3:40am

Hannah woke up in the base, to find her husband staring at her. 'You ok?' 'Fine.' She then smiled at him. 'I'm going nowhere I promise.' 'Sorry.' 'You don't need to apologise. Whatever makes you feel better. I know it will take a long time.' 'All that matters is I have you.' 'And I'll never leave you.' Shortly afterwards, they fell asleep again, holding each other tenderly as they did so.

9:15am

As the couple got out of bed, they were greeted by Maddy waiting at the bottom of the stairs. 'Morning.' 'Morning. Wanted to apologise for yesterday – things got kinda out of hand.' 'It's fine. I want to apologise as well – I should have come straight to you to explain. Still entering the election?'

'Damn right.' 'Thought so.' 'When's the voting taking place?' '14th – on the 13th everyone competing will explain why they should be president, and on the 14th everyone will vote. If you're the only person then you will officially be announced as president tomorrow.'

'K thanks.' 'I'm guessing nobody else has applied then.' 'Not yet. Only thing I've heard so far is a couple of people not applying.' 'Well you don't mind if I keep updated do you?' 'Of course not – you can pop in to look at the list at any time. And just to show you that I hold no grudges, Astrid can as well if she likes – I trust her.'

'Good to hear.' 'By the way, I've been having a thought, and I was wondering whether you'd be ok to lead the club out in Texas. Just that I want everything to look as strong as possible.' 'Sure, I'm going to win the election anyway so why not.'

When Maddy was (presumably) out of earshot, Hannah blew up. 'The nerve of that girl! I mean, I've always thought that she's humble. Self-confident, yes, but humble as well. And now she starts going on about winning the election like it's some sort of certainty. You know, somebody should teach her about humility and grace and… what are you laughing at?'

She turned around to see her husband in fits of laughter. 'Oh I've missed this.' 'Missed what?' 'You and Maddy getting into arguments because of misunderstandings.' 'What's there to not understand?' 'Maddy's not being arrogant, she's telling the truth. How many people have you heard complaining about Maddy being president? When you made the announcement yesterday, how many people looked pleased about it?'

'Doesn't change her arrogance.' 'What's she got to be humble about when everyone loves her presidency? Maddy's brought discipline and she's brought everyone together. What does she have to fear in this election? There's only about three people I can see standing against her and none of them stand a chance quite frankly.'

'I suppose so, I mean I was very quick to judge there.' 'Maddy's changed quite a bit while you've been away – she's grown as a person and has really taken the responsibility of president to heart. She's let it define her and now she feels like it might be taken away from her without reason. But the last thing she wants is to show that to people, lest they think she isn't strong enough anymore.'

'Something's concerning me – she won't tell me what happened with Claude and Akiza. Did Claude get terminated before he got his second chance?' 'No, he did come back. It would take too long to explain all the ins and outs, but the files are in the office. I need to phone Sean about something, so I'll see you in about 20?'

'Yeah that's fine thanks.' As Hannah was about to leave, her husband stopped her. 'Glasses?' 'I'm fine thanks.' He then shoved them under her nose. 'Your eyesight is only going to get worse without them.' 'Ok, you win.' While Hannah put her glasses in her pocket and gilded across the room gracefully, Phil got his phone out.

'Hi Kelly, it's Phil. Are you busy at the moment. Good – Maddy and I need you, Taylor, and Ashley in the Arena, in 5 minutes. That's great. Thanks, I'll see you there. You'll find out when you're there, it's not something to discuss over the phone. See you in a few.' He then phoned Maddy. 'Hi Maddy. Yes, listen, I like your plan, the band are in the arena, or they will be in about five minutes. Come on, I know you can move quicker than that. I know. See you in a few.'

In the arena

As the three musicians waited, all in uniform, Phil and Maddy came in. 'Does it really take you 8 minutes to get across the arena? You're a bloody wolf who can teleport.' 'I told you, Primal Eolas only works outdoors. Besides, you're one to talk when you only just got here before me.'

Maddy then turned to the three women, and made her proposition. 'There's a good reason for bringing you here. Kelly, am I correct in thinking that you are at WDC World Tour: Houston?' 'Yes, I have accepted an invitation to perform a concert during the show.'

'Good. As we speak I have Jodi posing as your agent contacting the WDC and arranging for you to be the referee in the main event between Rhydian and James. Let's just say it won't go smoothly.' Kelly then giggled. 'What do you want me to do then?'

'Cause chaos. Complete and utter madness. Wreak complete havoc on both of them and any idiot with them.' Taylor then hissed at her. 'You want us to… hurt them?' 'Leave your mark. However you like. Just leave enough for me.'

Ashley then joined in, speaking sassily and seductively. 'What's in it for us?' 'If you can do this, you can have all the power you ever imagined. You will be made in this club, and you will be legit. All the power you ever craved will be at your fingertips. All you have to do, is this one little thing for me.'

As she said this, Kelly walked up to Maddy, and knelt. 'We will destroy them for you. And claim our place in the Renegade revolution.' 'As it should be. The Renegade revolution will be completed. The story is yet to be written. It's up to us to write it. Now go, and make preparations.'

While they left, Maddy looked over at Phil. 'This time, we'll make everyone else pay. As soon as I've proven to everybody else that I'm the correct person to lead this revolution. Nothing is going to stop me, no matter who stands.'

In the entranceway

Rio and Blair were playing cards on a makeshift table as Jade buzzed into the base. 'That's big gin, I win again.' 'B, can we play something I know the rules to next?' 'Rio, this is the fourth game that you claimed to be an expert at only to change your mind when you started playing.'

'But… it's Oklahoma Gin I know.' 'Rio, Oklahoma Gin is the exact same thing as what we're playing now. What card games do you know? And when I say know, I don't just mean you've heard of it.'

Jade then came up from behind and started teasing Blair's long hair. 'If this is anybody other than Jade, get off now! If it's you Jade, you could just have said hello.' The tall Idaho-born Iranian then popped her head in front of Blair. 'Hello.'

She then walked around, and picked Blair's hand up, before looking at it. 'Look at the state of these – you really don't get much sun do you?' 'Jade, this is England – the sun comes out about once a month.'

'Not what I meant.' Rio then stopped her old friend. 'I think what she's trying to say is that you have no off button – you're all on and all stressed all the time, and don't take time to look after yourself, ind… in… you get what I mean.'

'Listen, I appreciate the concern. But I've got you to look after haven't I?' 'I'm fine. Like, I'm not pretending I'm in great shape, but I ain't a crip.' 'How are you getting around without me though?' 'I get around fine, just takes a little longer.'

'Well I've got everything else to think about, like soccer, my arm, duelling, the club, I just don't have time.' 'Well make time then. I bet you'd feel so much better if you just took an hour out a day to focus on yourself.'

'Yeah I get what you're sayin, but… I just don't know if I can do that.' 'Just admit that you don't relax.' 'I don't know how to relax. This, this was an effort to relax, but it doesn't help when you don't know what you know Rio.'

Jade then noticed the deck of cards and had a flashback, many years. 'Hey Blair, have you played Cheat?' 'Yeah, used to play it online all the time.' 'You remember Cheat don't you Rio?' 'Kinda. I think I remember the rules.'

Blair then looked over at Jade. 'Hey Jade, weren't you interested in those courses?' 'What – the ones here? Yeah, I was.' 'The applications have just opened – the form's down at the arena.' 'Awesome. You can sort the decks out can't you Rio? And Blair can show me to the arena.'

'Sure.' As Blair went to show Jade to the arena, Rio grabbed her crutches, and hauled herself to her feet, before clanking and crashing her away across the hall to the president's office, which was temporarily empty.

As she arrived, the pen sat there, tempting her into picking it up, and writing her own name on the presidency application, and then moved to the line below, and writing Blair's name on there as well, before leaving, just as Hannah returned.

Returning to the table, she had just enough time to sort the two decks of cards before the young couple returned. 'Signed up then?' 'Yeah. There's no other names on there yet.' 'Yeah, it's updated once a day I think.'

In the office

As Phil returned to the office, Hannah was still reading through the files. 'Now do you see?' 'A lot's really happened hasn't it? I'm starting to think I might have made a mistake here. But it's too late to go back.'

'I think this will benefit Maddy in the long run. It will give her time to truly work out what kind of leader she wants to be. Because that's one thing I don't think she's found yet. She's still looking for her identity as a leader and a person.'

He then took a seat. 'One thing I've noticed is since she started being given more responsibility, she's stopped using her powers so much. It's almost as if she's trying to prove to everyone that she doesn't need them to be strong and is using just the forced of her personality. I think that's why she's so popular.'

Outside

Having been looking for Maddy, Astrid found her on a bench outside, calmly reading an old, decrepid-looking book. 'You could tell me where you're going.' 'Sorry, needed some time to myself.'

'I brought lunch.' As Astrid produced two containers like the previous day, Maddy smiled. 'You don't need to keep making me lunch 'trid. But thanks.' 'Think yourself lucky I fancied breakfast.' 'Breakfast? It's nearly 2pm 'trid.' 'Yeah, I don't eat in the mornings. Torsk Tacos with fried bacon – it's one of my favourites.'

'Yeah this is one of those things you'll need to explain to me.' 'Tacos are popular back in Norway. And Torsk is just salted and poached cod.' As Maddy tucked into the tacos, she smiled. 'This is gawj – where'd you learn to cook like that?'

'Been cooking since 4. Back then I could barely reach the stove.' As Maddy started to eat the bacon however, her eyes widened. 'Jesus, what's in this?' 'I take it you noticed the special ingredient then?' 'What've you done?'

Astrid then turned around and laughed. 'It's paprika. I only used a sprinkle.' 'Only… a sprinkle? 'trid, my mouth is like, on fire.' 'Ok, maybe slightly more than a sprinkle. Hey, I like the taste.' 'You can taste that?' 'Have to have some way of living in the Arctic.' Astrid then ran off, and returned a couple of minutes later as Maddy gasped for air, with a bottle of water.

Once Maddy's throat had been returned to normal, Astrid sat down to eat, but Maddy wanted to dig into Astrid's past. 'Trid, I've had a thought.' 'That's a start.' 'I mean, we've been going on about my issues, but like, I know nothing about you. Like at all, all I know is your middle name and where you're from.'

'Not a lot else to know.' 'Family?' 'My mother, she is a skilled cloth weaver, from Lista, near Kristiansand.' 'And your father?' 'I don't know my biological father. All I know is he is Danish.' 'Is your mother married?' 'Yes, a steelworker from Berlin. Married when I was eight year old.'

'Good man?' 'Very good man, taught me to not be too wise. Du bist nicht besser als dein Nachbar, he tell me. You speak German?' 'A bit.' 'It means "you are not better than your neighbour". Never think yourself above all others.'

'He sounds like a person I'd like to meet.' 'You would.' 'And your mother?' 'I went back, she's more well than before.' 'Was she ill?' 'She was addicted to alcohol. She's had a liver transplant.' 'Addiction's no joke, and it's such a relief when you finally get over it.'

'Everyone talks the same, they talk about how bad it is, but it doesn't affect them. They have perfect life but they pity you for your life still.' 'Trust me, I know all about addiction.' 'Why, did you read up on it?' Maddy then looked at her stonefaced. 'It's because I've been there. I'll come out and say what everyone thought of me – I was a druggie.'

At this moment, Astrid stopped. 'You? Impossible.' 'I wish. Got addicted to Cannabis. So I do know how it feels, and it tears lives apart. Not just you but everyone around you. I'm glad she's getting better.'

'It took me moving out to snap her out of it. She's weak but recovering.' 'She back at work?' 'Hoping to return to weaving within a month.' 'Are you well now?' 'Yeah. Can't help but feel it's still held against me though.'

'Your mum and dad?' 'Yeah. Not met any of your friends by the way.' 'Don't have many. Never been the best at talking to new people.' 'Yet you were fine with me.' 'I don't know what it was about you that put me at ease. There was just a connection, I don't really understand it. I hope to understand in the future maybe. You're a good friend and a better leader.'

'Thanks. I just wish that people would believe in me. Like, it feels like I'm not even trusted to make my own decisions. I know I've not always made the best decisions, but I only want a little trust. Feels like only you and Blair truly believe in me.'

'She's observant. She sees the same as me, she just sees a good brave leader. What's your book by the way?' 'It's an old wolfblood book. You've never seen me transform have you?' 'No.' 'This might be a little bit of a shock to you then.' Maddy then leant on one hand, and her eyes glowed gold, as Astrid closed her eyes.

When she opened them again, a large timber wolf was stood where Maddy had been previously, causing Astrid to back away slightly, before taking a deep breath, and walking up to the wolf slight apprehensively, before putting her hand out, only to have it pushed away by the wolf's snout. Maddy then transformed back again, eyes still glowing.

'So that's what you really are.' 'I'm a human plus some. I guess you could see me as 100% human and 50% wolf.' 'A hybrid?' 'Fully human. I can do everything other humans can, I breathe the same way, I communicate the same way, I eat the same food, the only difference is that most other humans don't have that extra 50%.'

'Must be kinda painful transforming constantly.' 'Not really. I don't transform too often now, just when I have to. Trust me, there's a lot to explain. But I've got stuff to get on with. Thanks for lunch by the way.' As Maddy swiped herself back in, Astrid noticed the book Maddy was reading, and started to look through it.

'There's all sorts of notes here. I wish I could understand the language this book's written in though. It's like nothing I've ever seen. All I know is it looks ancient. These notes though… it sounds like she has some sort of connection to this.'

That evening, 5:30pm

Phil was waiting for Rio ahead of taking her to the muay thai session. 'Rio, if we're much later we won't be on time.' As he said this, Sakura came over. 'Remember our deal.' 'If I didn't intend on sticking to the deal, I wouldn't have suggested it to begin with.'

'You have a lot of faith in this instructor.' 'Well he has been an instructor for over 20 years, and he's been practising muay thai for nearly half a century.' 'How old is this guy anyway?' 'Richard's just approaching his 69th birthday. Recently took retirement from his job as a personal trainer.'

Rio then walked out of her and Kelly's room wearing a blue and pink tracksuit and joggers. 'I'm ready, let's go.' 'About time.' As they left, Sakura watched on with Maddy. 'I have a bad feeling about this.' 'Relax, it'll be fine.'

An hour later, Manchester

As they pulled up, Rio looked at the building. 'It's a church… we're not getting married… are we?' 'No, of course not, you can do better than that. This is where they train.' 'Why a church though?' 'Dunno – cheap rent probably. If you want to back out now's your last chance.' Rio just looked at him and smiled. 'After you.'

As they walked in, the church had various punchbags attached to the walls, as well as mats on the carpet and pads and gloves on tables dotted around the perimeter of the room. 'This doesn't look very church-like.'

'That's because the church itself is actually through those double doors. This is just a function room for 80 year olds to hold a tea and biscuits morning so they can talk about how life was before the second world war.'

Rio then giggled as a gruff, Mancunian voice emanated from behind them. 'Can I help you?' As they turned around, an old-looking bald man with veins nearly popping out of his forehead was stood there, smiling.

Immediately, Phil walked up to him and shook his hand warmly. 'Richard, good to see you again.' 'And you. So this is Rio?' 'It is.' Rio then walked over and shook his hand. 'Nice to meet you Mr. Dall.' 'Just call me Richard. Phil has explained everything that's gone on with you.'

'Don't go easy on me just because I got a bullet in the head.' Richard then smiled. 'You're a feisty one. My job isn't to go easy on you. I've specifically been told to push you to your limits and then push your limits. The session's going to begin in about 20 minutes, but it depends on how many people are here – if there's not many then we'll wait a few.'

As Rio started stretching, Phil sat down at one of the nearby tables and started typing something on his phone, annoying Rio. 'Seriously? I'm doing this and all you can do is go on your phone?' 'I won't be long, I have a couple of emails to send and I want to text Maddy about something.' 'Fine.'

In the base

As Hannah walked through the base, everyone was sat around, doing nothing. While walking, she noticed Astrid stood around, arms folded. 'You ok Astrid?' 'We're on strike.' 'Pardon?' 'We're all on strike. Until Maddy is reinstated as president, nothing gets done here.'

'Why's it come to this?' 'Could ask you the same thing. Maddy's done nothing but serve this club, she's looked after everything and if anything made us more resilient while you've been gone. And you take the presidency away from her just like that?'

Hannah then looked around at the rest of the people around. 'Do you all agree?' Everybody nodded, so she took a moment, before making a statement of her own. 'Well it's too bad. Astrid, if you want to talk about it, we'll talk privately in the office.'

'What's stopping you telling everyone?' 'Nothing, I'm just choosing not to. But if you don't come, then you'll get no answers. It's totally up to you.' Hannah turned and went back to her office, leaving Astrid to watch on.

In Manchester

As Rio stretched her leg, she started wobbling slightly, still unsteady. As her leg started shuddering madly, Phil ran to her side, and crouched next to her, offering encouragement. 'Come on Rio, keep it up.' 'I...'m… trying!' 'Keep trying. Come on, just keep trying.'

'I… can't keep my leg still.' 'It's all in your mind Rio, all in the mind. Just tell yourself you can do it. Don't worry, you won't fall, I'm here.' As Rio steadied herself, she smiled at Phil, who just nodded back.

In the base

Around 10 minutes after Hannah returned to the office, there was a knock on the door. 'Come in.' Astrid then walked in, hair down, looking unimpressed as she closed the door. 'So you wanted to explain to me?'

'Certainly.' 'Why don't you have faith in Maddy's leadership?' 'Maddy's leadership is not in question, it's been truly exemplary.' 'What is it then?' 'It's a test of character. Not just for Maddy but for everyone. I want to see the true president stand up.'

'You know how angry it's making Maddy?' 'I've not seen anger, only passion and determination. I've liked what I've seen. I wanted a reaction. And quite honestly, I wanted to see how much Maddy really wants this, and if she's willing to do what nobody else is, go further than anybody else will. That's what I want to happen. I want to know who wants it the most.'

'Well what if Maddy's the only person?' 'Then she clearly wants it more than anybody else does.' 'Well what about me then?' 'What about you?' 'Your husband told Maddy that I'm a bad influence in your eyes and you don't trust me, I'm going to drag her down the wrong path.'

Hannah shook her head, and pushed her hair behind her ear. 'That isn't my current opinion. 3 months ago, maybe, but not now. I have no issue with you at all. If anything, I admire that you and Maddy have so many similarities. All I said to him was that I was concerned she would make you vice president purely because you're friends and not on merit.'

'Well Maddy hasn't talked to me about it, she's clearly got other people lined up for that.' 'Do you want to be VP? Purely out of interest.' 'I'd agree if she asked me to, it don't bother me.' 'I hope that assures you that I haven't got any issue with you.'

'There is one more thing. Brooke.' 'What about Brooke?' 'What was it, I told Maddy to free her from the stupid spell?' 'Right, two things. Number 1, Maddy's the one who recruited her, not me, and Number 2, I simply expressed concern that she was using Brooke to replace Jana. And before you ask how I know about Jana, it's in the files regarding Akiza's dismissal.'

'What – so you don't think I told her to?' 'I don't know if you did, and I don't care honestly. All I care is that this club is as strong as possible, and that Maddy is safe and healthy. Now would you mind taking your little band off strike?' 'No can do.' 'And why is this?' 'Because it wasn't my idea, it was Jodi's. All I did was agree to be the spokesperson. You'll have to ask Jodi.'

In Manchester

Rio had her leg on Phil's shoulder, trying to balance on one leg. 'How's that feeling?' 'My leg feels stiff.' 'Keep going. Just focus on the leg.' 'I know.' 'I'm going to let go of your leg in a moment, try and keep your balance. Tell me when you're ready.' 'Now.'

As Phil gently moved his shoulder, Rio held her arms out, and stayed up for a few seconds before falling backwards, as Phil pushed a crash mat down to cushion her landing. 'Back to the start.' 'You're making progress.' 'Thanks.'

The next step was front kicks, using the sole of the foot to push the opponent away. After a couple of tame kicks, her coach decided to up the ante. 'Maybe Claude was right – maybe you are a weakling.' Rio then skipped towards Phil as quick as she could, before kicking him with the sole of her foot right in the sternum, making him double over.

Immediately seeing what she'd done, Rio checked on him. 'I am so so sorry!' Phil meanwhile, just laughed. 'It worked. Sorry, I had to motivate you.' 'You're… okay?' 'I'm fine, just took my breath away a little. How about a few more like that? Maximum effort, maximum reward.' Rio then made her way back to the other end, before charging in again, her legs shuddering as she moved.

In the base

Maddy came in from the cold to find everyone loitering around still. 'Let me guess – everyone's gone all Skargill and gone on strike in some sort of half-arsed protest against Mam's decision making.' Everyone nodded. 'Fun's over guys, back to work.'

As nobody moved, she stood in front of them. 'Listen, you really think that I'm going to want people around who go on strike every time someone says something they don't like? I mean, I appreciate the support guys, but you can loiter around once everything's done here.'

People then started dispersing as Hannah came down to the main living area. 'What's going on?' Maddy then looked at her. 'Just got this lazy bunch working.' 'Impressive.' 'Not really, just pointed out I didn't want them going on strike.'

'Astrid's just been telling me about what your Dad told you.' 'Like?' 'Brooke? How I don't trust Astrid? How I don't have faith in you as a leader?' 'Hang on, hang on. He never said anything about you not trusting me. I mean, it's easy to blame him for everything, right? Except while you were gone, he was crushed. Yet he was still there for me, trying to look after me, thinking about what would help me. And then when you came back, you immediately try and take over, as if nowt ever changed.'

Hannah then joined in the shouting match. 'What do you want from me Maddy? I'm trying, I really am, I don't know what you want though.' 'All I want is for you to be honest with me and stop trying to change the subject.'

'I want you. And I want Phil. I just want to make what happened up to you. But so much has changed and I can't pretend it hasn't. I'm just forever playing catchup and I can't keep up. All I wanted was a fresh start in the new year with the president being decided democratically. That's all I wanted. I didn't want to upset you, I didn't want to overthrow you, I just wanted an undisputed president decided by everyone and not just me.'

Maddy and Hannah then went to the office. As they entered though, the door locked behind them, and a familiar Michigan-toned voice came from the other side of the door. 'When you two have worked things out you can come out. Not before then.'

In Manchester

As the session ended, an exhausted Rio just lay on the ground, breathing heavily. Phil was talking to Richard about her progress, before returning to her side. 'Want a hand?' Rio rolled over, and pulled herself back up, covered in sweat. 'I'm fine. How'd I do?' 'Well, there's a long way to go, but he said you've got a big heart and the most drive of anyone he's ever trained. We've had a quick chat, and he'd like to see you continue with this.'

'I'd love to.' Rio then walked over to Richard, and held her hands together before bowing in the traditional Wai greeting, reciprocated by Richard. 'You did well. Coming back?' 'Try and keep me away.' 'I'm glad to hear it.' The two of them then left, as Richard smiled.

On the way back, Rio was tired, but happy. 'Thank you.' 'What for?' 'Going out of your way for me.' 'It's not a big thing, I know the route, it doesn't take too long. Your speech is really improving.' 'Think it's when I'm relaxed. Why are you doing so much for me anyway?'

'Well it's my fault you're like this. It's me James has the issue with. If mine and James' issues had been resolved, then you wouldn't have been shot trying to protect me, and you wouldn't now be having to rebuild your entire life.'

'There's only one person to blame, and it isn't you. All this is because he can't stand the fact that you and Hannah are happy together. As for me getting shot, that was my choice – I jumped in front of that gun. It's not your fault, I promise. So stop blaming yourself. You didn't nearly kill me, you're letting me live.'

'Are you planning on coming to the two tournaments in Texas?' 'Of course.' 'Good. Let's just say that I've got something very special to give you for your birthday, and it's best that we give it to you there.'

Rio looked suspicious at this. 'Why?' 'If I told you, that would ruin the surprise wouldn't it?' 'I suppose so. Can't wait for my birthday.' 'Trust me, Blair's got all sorts lined up. You're going to love it.'

In the base

After over half an hour, Hannah and Maddy came out of the office, surprising Blair. 'How did you get out, Freja stole all the keys.' Maddy just laughed. 'All the keys? Are you sure?' 'Yeah – the one from the wall, the one from inside the filing cabinet, the one from the weirdly-placed plant pot, and the key underneath the desk.'

Maddy then giggled again. 'Bad news – there's 6 keys. You missed the key underneath the paperweight, and the key attached to a necklace that is inside my bedroom draw.'

'Why did you even stay in there in that case?' 'We needed to talk didn't we?' 'And?' 'We've worked everything out. Everything's fine. We were both overreacting a bit to be honest with you all. Just don't go on strike again guys, please – it makes you look well stupid.'

Shortly afterwards, Phil and Rio returned. As Rio immediately went to see Sakura, Hannah met Phil. 'Looks like she enjoyed herself.' 'She certainly did. Richard's asked her to keep coming, he sees her determination to improve. You should have seen her, she was throwing everything into it.'

'What are you thinking in terms of your little plan then?' 'It's looking good at the moment. I'm hoping that she's going to continue improving. Obviously I need the go-ahead from Sakura though, because Rio's safety is paramount.'

Rio and Sakura then came out of the medical room. 'How's she looking?' 'Slight sprain on her left ankle, nothing too notable though.' 'Can we go again then?' 'How could I say no to that face? She's actually in pretty good shape.'

While Rio got a much needed drink, Phil covertly entered the medical office himself. 'You were right, it was safe.' 'For her maybe.' 'Meaning?' Phil then sat down. 'I was holding the pads for Rio, and I managed to motivate her a bit, but she kicked me right in my abdomen, and I've been unable to shake the pain since.'

Sakura smiled. 'I'll take a look. So what kind of pain is it?' 'It's just a dull pain below my ribs. I've had a broken rib before, I'm pretty confident it's not that.' 'Right, could you just take your shirt off and lie down, so I can do a quick scan.' 'Of course.'

After the scan, she picked up the results from the printer. 'Right, I can't see anything major.' 'That's a start.' 'I think you might have a Grade I Subcapsular Hematoma in your liver.' 'Sounds bad.' 'It's not as disastrous as it sounds. You know what this is?'

'I've got a reasonable idea.' 'I think you've got a small laceration in your liver, approximately half a centimetre in depth. It won't require surgery, but you will be in some pain.' 'As much as now?' 'It will ease a little bit. Have you ever been hit with something like a baseball bat in the ribs?'

'A couple of times.' 'It's going to be similar to that, it should heal within about 2-3 weeks. If you're not feeling better after you return from Texas, please come and let me know. And if you feel worse, let me know straight away.'

'Ok, thanks Sakura.' 'It's not a problem.' 'Have you thought about my proposal again by the way?' Sakura then folded her arms. 'Why do I get the feeling you're not going to stop asking until I say yes?' 'Probably because I won't stop asking.'

'Did you say that you've got these crutches working?' 'They aren't working yet, but it's little more than a formality. Sean just needs to finish up the wiring, and then install the safety off. He's assured me it will be done within the next day or so. It's just a case of him getting a free couple of hours.'

'Tell you what, when they're done, I want to see them working.' 'Then you'll agree?' 'Then I'll consider it. Signing her off is a massive call, and I don't want my reputation being sullied by me being too trusting of something which is at best, a prototype.'

'Presuming it's ready in the next few days, I'll take you down to the farm, and you can see for yourself. It's already been tested with my body weight on it, and the material didn't show any signs of wear at all.'

'As I say, show me and I'll consider it. Not before then. And it's not happening under any circumstances until I give my go ahead. Have you let Maddy know?' 'I've kept it from Maddy until the results of the election are announced.'

'Fine, just make sure you do.' 'It's a priority when she wins. As I say though, I'll let you know when these are complete.' 'As I said, if they're good, I'll consider it. I'm not going to make a guarantee.' 'I appreciate your assistance.'

The next morning

Everyone was gathered for Hannah's update regarding the election, aside from Maddy. 'So there are two candidates for the election – Maddy and Rio. Now as per the previously suggested arrangement, the election will take place on the 14th of the month. On the 13th at 1pm, Rio and Maddy will both make their cases for being president. They are allowed to talk to you about the election before then if they wish however. Any questions?'

The only one was Sakura. 'I just need conformation – does Maddy not being president affect my position as our chief medic?' 'You're chief medic at the moment, what happens after the election is up to whoever is elected. But I don't see a problem.' As there was no other questions, Hannah concluded. 'Don't forget, anybody who wants to sign up for the duelling courses, the sign-up list is on the door to the Arena.' The moment the speech finished, Blair quickly snuck out of the building, like a ghost.

As SHE passed a high wall on the boundary of the base, she found Maddy sat atop the wall, drawing, with her navy blue earphones loosely in, and walked past, before coming back and sitting near her, prompting Maddy to take her earphone out.

'Alright?' 'Fine. You?' 'Some things never change. Can't wait to get this sling off. Sak insists it's helping but I don't see how.' 'Guess you just gotta trust her.' 'So you didn't bother with the meeting?' 'Cba.' 'I suppose I probably shouldn't say this, but I'll vote for you. In the election that is.'

'Thanks.' 'Can I make a suggestion for the club?' 'Sure.' 'It'd be nice to have the rules written somewhere. Because nobody seems to know what the rules actually are.' 'I've been thinking of something along those lines. Thanks though.'

'No problem. So, how are you going to convince Hannah you're the right person for the job?' 'I know exactly what I can do.' Maddy then grinned. 'You're up to no good.' 'If she don't like my policies, I'll play her at her own policies.' 'You're going on a recruit drive?' 'I'm going to recruit the one person who Mam says it's impossible to recruit. I'm gonna make Jaden a Renegade.'

Next time: Maddy makes moves, Claude and Astrid clash, and the Renegades are more united than ever in Renegades: A New Dawn Chapter XVIII: Lone Star State of Mind