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.

18. Lone Star State of Mind

Renegades: A New Dawn

Chapter XVIII: Lone Star State of Mind

As the club arrived at the airport, Jack was waiting. 'Hannah, I heard you're back. What happened?' 'It's a long story, I'll explain to you later. Happy new year by the way.' 'Thanks, you too.' He then looked around. 'Erm you appear to be missing a Geordie.'

'She is with us, she just had to make a phone call. Wouldn't tell us what though.' 'She's a real sweetheart that one. One of the good ones.' 'She does all she can.' 'She's just got a personality where I've never met anybody like her.'

The conversation was quickly interrupted by Blair. 'Hey, when are we leaving?' 'When Maddy's back.' 'Great, I'll let Jade know we've got enough time for whatever you guys call coffee.' 'Jade's here?' 'Yeah, she's coming with us.'

Hannah looked at Blair sternly. 'I know Jade's your friend, but we've talked about not allowing any none-club members to travel with us.' 'Seriously? You're going to give me the friend stuff?' 'Don't you think it's a bit soon to be declaring yourselves soulmates?' Phil then whispered to Hannah. 'We'll discuss this in a few minutes.'

She then turned to Phil. 'What is it!' 'I thought we'd discussed about enforcing rules pending the election results.' 'I thought you might support me on this. You know we can't just allow anybody to travel with us.'

'Jade isn't just anybody, she's the most family Blair or Rio have aside from Ally.' 'This is for the sake of safety.' 'No, this is for the sake of proving that you have rule. You don't need to do this. Where's my wife gone?'

'Erm I'm right here, you can see that.' 'That isn't what I mean. I married a wonderful kind-hearted woman, not an autocrat. I promise you that after the election you will quickly see you had nothing to worry about.'

'So what are you telling me?' 'Let Jade come - she knows when to keep her nose out, and it's not like we're in any danger of her telling tales. And it's clear to see how much she and Blair love each other.' 'You trust her that much?' 'I do. There's nothing to not trust.'

Hannah then turned around again. 'Blair, a word please.' The Michigan native jogged over to her. 'Yes?' 'Tell Jade that she's got 5 minutes otherwise we're going.' 'Thanks.' While Blair ran off, Hannah looked at her husband. 'We need to talk don't we?' 'We do.'

Over 20 minutes later

With everyone waiting on the plane, and Astrid asleep, Maddy finally turned up, in no real rush, wearing brand new amber-coloured sunglasses as well as her signature hoodie. Taking up her seat next to Astrid, she smiled at Phil and Hannah who smiled back.

While in mid-air, Hannah hailed Maddy down, and she walked over.' What's up?' 'Is Astrid ok? Seems very quiet.' 'It's cause she's asleep. It's how she copes.' 'Why, is she scared of flying?' 'She's really bad at long-haul travel, and she doesn't like heights. So yeah, she's not keen on planes. That's why she always takes a sleeping pill before we take off. Knocks her out for a few hours.'

Maddy then looked up the card for the tournament. 'I'm curtain-jerking again. Against someone called Celina this time.' 'She have a surname?' 'Not according to this. You're not duelling, either of you?' 'We'll see about that.' The card was as follows:

WDC Young-Gun Championship: (c) Maddy Robinson-Cummings vs. Celina

Desert Storm Tag-Team Championship Tournament Preview: Shapesisters (Lydia and Freja McKinna) vs. Justin Pipe and Eagle Adams

Desert Storm Tag-Team Championship Tournament Preview: Oriental Xpress (Jaden Yuki and Kenta Kobayashi) vs. No Remorse Corps (Kari Tsukumo and Radley)

Astrid Hofferson vs. Claude Duane

WDC Championship (Guest Referee: Kelly Clarkson): (c) Rhydian Morris vs. James Birchall

As that went on, Blair and Jade were enjoying each other's company. 'This is the first time I've been on a private plane. Or any plane with half decent company. Is this how you always travel?' 'Depends – if it's somewhere like Scandinavia, we travel by boat, and there's a couple of tournaments in France later in the season, we'll probably just drive down there. Helps when we've got three qualified drivers.'

'And you? Are you planning on taking your test?' 'Dunno.' 'I thought it was mandatory to drive in Michigan.' 'Don't get me wrong, I can drive, I'm just not technically allowed.' 'How good are you?' 'Good enough. Reached 320kph a couple of times.'

'Seriously?' 'Yeah, did it at a NASCAR track.' 'That sounds awesome!' 'One of the cooler things I've done in my life. One of the few ones which doesn't involve a deck.' 'Well that's my job isn't it – make your life fun.' Blair then put her hand on Jade's, and smiled, simply saying 'Thanks.'

A couple of hours later, Freja started looking around, before nudging Maddy who was sat opposite, sleeping. 'What is it Fre?' 'Where's Kelly?' 'She went on ahead in the early hours – she's on assignment for us here.'

'What – like recruitment assignment?' 'Something like that.' As Maddy settled down again, Freja kicked her in the leg, causing Maddy to flash her eyes. 'What!' 'How can you send her out when you've apparently got no power in the club?' 'Simple – it was all organised weeks in advance.' 'You think you're going to win the election.' 'Yes.' After that blunt answer, Maddy went back to sleep again, as Freja shrugged her shoulders, and relaxed herself.

Dallas, Texas

As everyone disembarked the plane, Maddy stopped to talk to Jack for a moment. 'Hey, I know you've not got your money for November yet, I promise you it is coming. We're just having one or two financial shortcomes at the moment.' 'I understand, Christmas and all that jazz. Do you have any idea when I'll have it?'

'Erm, I'm not 100%, but I'm hoping I'll have an answer in the next week or so. You'll get an email from the official club email when we have an answer – it's Renegadesunite .' 'Thanks kiddo. Look after yourselves.' 'Will do, thanks.'

In the airport, Taylor met up with the group. 'How's the preparations going?' 'We can't wait to reveal… our true selves.' 'Good. Remember – you don't reveal until after I give the code word "Bandit" over the radio. After that, you immediately charge.'

'I understand. And Ashley?' 'Same orders. After now, we communicate only by text message. If you have any questions, that's how you contact me. K?' 'Sure.' 'We're going to go now, before the airport gets too busy. An autograph first though, just to fool anyone with cameras.' After the autograph, the club got moving again.

Walking through the city, Blair was leading everyone. 'So why are you leading us B?' 'Because only me, Phil, and Hannah have been here before, and I'm the only one who's got a clue where I'm going.'

Just then, a familiar voice made Blair freeze in fear. 'Oi runt, what are YOU doing here? Shouldn't you… I don't know, be cleaning the bathrooms round here?' Stood in front of her was a blonde woman, just under 6ft, wearing a low-cut crop top and hot pink mini-shorts, pink lipstick smeared across her pristine lips.

'Like, I mean look at me, and look at you. How are we relations? Oh that's right, we're not! You're just some orphan girl put on this planet for people like me to' Jade then interrupted, strongly irritating the woman. 'Um Blair, introduction?' Blair just rolled her eyes. 'Guys, this is America Jessica Bouchard – my idiot sister.'

Rio then walked up to her with her crutches. 'Y… you...' She then took a deep breath. 'Calm it Ri. So you're the famous America? I've heard so many things about you.' 'I should think so, I'm really a big deal.' Rio then smiled at Blair, before slapping America around the face, the sound reverberating across the street.

'I thought you'd heard a lot about me.' 'I have – thief, liar, slut, I know all the stories.' Phil then walked up, and put his hand on Rio's shoulder. 'Calm it Rio, you'll do yourself a mischief.' 'And just who are you? Other than a disgusting obese blob.'

Phil then shook his head. 'How long do I have to wait for somebody to come up with a half-decent insult for me? I mean this is child's play compared to some of the things I've heard.' 'Just answer my freaking question! Who are you?'

'Oh me? I'm Phil Robinson – successful businessman, comedy genius, and Blair's cousin. Which kind of makes me your cousin, in adoptive terms.' 'Nice to meet you then.' 'Trust me when I say the pleasure is all yours.' He then turned to Blair again, and slipped her a banknote. 'Get yourselves a coffee or whatever they drink in Texas, Barbecue Sauce probably.'

As Blair went to leave, America stopped her. 'Where do you think you're going runt?' She then grabbed Blair's hair, and picked her purse up from her pocket. 'You owe me for the time you've been away. Because some smarty decided to stop her payments to me.'

Blair's spikes then came out, and she pushed her adoptive sister away, staring on. 'What the hell?' 'I forgot to tell you – I'm not scared of you. Because I've got family. The whole is stronger than the sum of the individuals. I used to believe you, that I was worthless. But Gramma then told me something one day. She told me that life's too short to hide away. So I decided to move to England, find something, anything. And I found what I was looking for – myself. So I dare you to try and take anything from me again.'

America then looked over her shoulder. 'I'll just have to set my new super special hunk of meat on you. Oh baby, I'm hungry – why don't you come and fill me up.' To everybody's dismay, a familiar blonde figure then walked up, smiling cockily to himself, as Phil stepped up to him.

'Meet my new superhot boyfriend, Claude.' Claude immediately pushed his hand towards Phil, who pushed it back away. 'So we meet again.' 'So you know these idiots?' 'But of course. Get this – this guy, this lower class, boring old oaf, he slept with crutches over there. While he was married.'

As Phil laughed it off, Hannah pushed past him and punched Claude in the face. 'Two things. Number 1, it was a drunken kiss. Number 2, I really don't give a damn, I'm way past it.' Claude responded by throttling the tough Mancunian. 'You really don't want to annoy me. Let's face it, you've got… ahem… responsibilities' the Dane smugly stated, before Hannah headbutted him.

'Just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean I can't kick your arse all over this city.' Claude simply laughed the suggestion off. 'I'll see you lot later. Oh, and Blair, don't forget all the fun times we had together. I'm sure your sister would love to hear about that time you practically forced me into bed.'

This thought made Blair snap, and she leapt into the air, only for Hannah to catch her with one hand, breaking her decent, while America and Claude left, tongues in mouths. 'I had her there!' 'You were asking for a serious injury there. Claude's known you long enough to know exactly how you'd react. Now we're running late.'

Just then a text came in to Maddy's phone. 'It's from Taylor.' 'What does it say?' Maddy then read the message aloud. "K says she's got an early birthday present for Rio at a car park just near here." The presidential candidate then looked confused all of a sudden. 'Everything alright Maddy?'

'Erm Dad, it says that the insurance for Rio's present is in your name.' 'Well I don't know jack shit about it. For starters, I've not even talked to Kelly about your birthday. The only people I've spoken to about your birthday are' 'Shut up Phil' Hannah snapped, causing Maddy to get confrontational again.

'What was the need for that?' 'A tip for you – never rely on Phil to keep a secret. He has a tendency to… go on a bit. And the last thing I want is for Rio's surprise to be ruined.' Everyone then continued on to the stadium.

As they arrived, a small black man wearing a black suit and tie hailed them down. 'Is there a Mr. Phillip Robinson here?' Phil then stepped up to him. 'Is this Kelly's surprise?' 'Right this way sir.' Phil and Maddy went, as everyone else waited.

They returned nearly 10 minutes later, smiling. 'So what's the surprise?' Phil then laughed. 'I'm just going to come straight out and say it – she's bought a bloody Rolls-Royce. Apparently it's because Rio complained about having back pain.'

'Yeah, like I had a sore back last week. It was the day after that kickboxing session. No big deal or anything.' 'Yeah, apparently it's ours.' 'Is that why we had to get the train to the airport?' 'No Rio, I've already told you twice – that was because Sean is an idiot and booked my car in for it's new year's service a week late.'

Eventually, they reached the front doors in their new Rolls-Royce. 'Finally made it. Time check Hannah?' 'Just on time. Shall we?' Phil then took his wife's hand. 'We shall.' The two of them then stepped out of the car, wearing matching stone-coloured suit jackets and black trousers.

The show opened with Birchall, Martin, David, and Brooks walking out to a chorus of boos from the vast Arlington stadium. James stared at the announcer, before pushing her off of her chair, snatching a microphone.

'I'm going to pretend that the end of last year never happened. Let's face it, I've got rid of the M18 Connection now, soon all the Renegades will follow.' As the fans continued raining down their disgust, he got increasingly annoyed.

'You should all be thanking me! I got rid of the scourge of Brady, soon I'll have destroyed his entire revolution, and today I'm taking the WDC Championship from that ungrateful son of a bitch Rhydian! I am your king! I am everything! I am'

He was interrupted by a disembodied voice. 'H.R.C… I'm here!' Hannah's music then hit and she and Phil came out, being warmly welcomed by the Texan crowd. Hannah took a microphone, and made her reply.

'It's so nice of you to welcome me back James. I missed you like… well, like I missed heaven. I hope you've not been too cocky while I've been gone, I hope you didn't underestimate the power of the Renegades, or my husband.'

Martin then took the mic. 'Amiga, you should never have come back, it's way too dangerous for someone in your situation.' 'Oh hey Martin, I didn't see you there, you've changed so much. How's life been since I grassed on you?'

As Martin got visibly angry, Hannah provided context. 'It's the inaugural edition of Renegade Storytime. Right, so all of you… not all of you, but most of you know, that Martin was banned for two years for match-fixing a while back. But what you might not know, is that it was us… well technically me, who let the higher ups in the company know about Martin manipulating results in exchange for some really quite healthy payments.'

'And what do you suspect Michael did with this information? Did he permanently ban Martin from competing here? Did he tighten the rules or crack down on everyone who was doing this? No – he gets jealous and suspends Phil until the day the World Championships start because he told me instead. So yeah, I grassed you up Martin. And that, is why we dislike Michael.'

'Amiga, you ruined my life! You and your big interfering nose, whoever that gunman was should have got rid of you when they had the chance.' Hannah smiled cutely, before retorting. 'Careful Martin, people might start to think you don't like me.' James then took the microphone back. 'I've tried playing nice' 'If you call shooting me "playing nice". But I'll get to the point of why we're here other than to say hello, because we're challenging you two, Martin and James, to a tag duel. Let's dance, one last time.'

'It's awfully nice of you to suggest, but I have a title duel tonight, and I'm not interested in facing a couple of losers like you and Bra' He stopped as Hannah stared at him, a dead look in her dark, lifeless eyes. 'The next time you call my husband by that name, you're the one who's going to need a mortuary.' Martin then grabbed the mic back, and made a counter-offer. 'You two against me and a partner of my choosing at Desert Storm. Take it or leave it amigos!' Hannah smiled at the thought. 'We accept.'

Several minutes then passed with nobody around other than the packed fanbase, before Kelly came down, wearing a black and gold tracksuit. 'Hey y'all, welcome to WDC World Tour: Houston. Because everything is bigger and better in Texas! I'm Kelly, and I have the honour of being your special guest announcer for tonight. So here goes...'

The show properly opened with a piece of classical music (Jupiter by Holst), and Celina came out, her purple hair held in a ponytail by a gold ribbon. She held a flower out in front of her, and spun on the stage, before winking at the crowd and walking down. 'The following duel is for the WDC Young-Gun Championship! Introducing first, from Auckland, New Zealand, this is Celina!' Celina stepped into the duelling zone, and took off her red jacket to reveal a navy blue sleeveless shirt.

Maddy's music then hit and the already excited crowd went even more manic. 'And introducing her opponent, from Stonybridge, Northumbria, England, she is your reigning and defending WDC Young-Gun Champion, Maddy Robinson-Cummings!' Maddy launched herself onto the stage, and with one arm holding up her body, extended her other arm back with the title in her hand, before howling, before dashing down to the duelling zone, the top of her hair fastened back. Reaching the duelling zone, she raised her belt in front of Celina, before raising it to the crowd, and handing it over to Kelly, who held it up, before withdrawing to allow the duel to begin.

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

Turn 1: Celina: 'I draw. I'll activate Graceful Charity, to draw three cards and discard two. Now I'll activate another Graceful Charity. I'll set a monster and end my turn with three face-downs.'

Maddy: 'I draw. I'll summon the Tuner monster Dark Ape (Atk:0). Next, I'll tribute it to Special summon Dream Koala (Atk:900).' 'Dream Koala? Never seen that one.' 'I can Special summon it by tributing a Beast which was Normal summoned this turn. And when it's summoned, I can revive a Level 3 or lower Beast from my graveyard. I choose Dark Ape (Atk:0).'

'Now my Level 2 Dark Ape is giving Level 5 Dream Koala a right royal tuning.' As the monsters tuned together, a black forcefield appeared Maddy. 'Get ready for the coronation! All hail Zeman the Ape King (Atk:2500).'

'I'll lay a face-down and attack your monster with Zeman. Time to go apeshit!' Zeman released a fizzing bolt of black electricity from his staff, destroying Celina's monster (Lunalight Blue Cat Def.:1000).

'When Lunalight Blue Cat is destroyed, I can summon out a Lunalight monster directly from my deck. I choose Lunalight Emerald Bird (Atk:1200). And when she's summoned, I can send Lunalight Fusion from my hand to the graveyard and draw a card. I'll also activate my face-down Lunalight Reincarnation Dance. Because you dared to destroy a Lunalight monster, I can search two more from my deck. I choose Lunalight Tiger and Lunalight Wolf.' 'That's all good. I'll end my turn right there.'

Celina: 'Time to dance.' 'This whole talking about dancing, this is going to become a regular thing isn't it?' 'You call this a duelling zone, I just see it as one massive ballroom. I draw. I'll use Scale 1 Lunalight Wolf and Scale 5 Lunalight Tiger to set the Pendulum Scales.'

Two pillars of blue light then appeared either side of Celina, Tiger appearing inside one and Wolf inside the other. 'With these two out I can summon any monsters between Levels 2 and 4 from my hand whenever I want in my turn. Next I'll activate Lunalight Fusion. Normally it would just let me Fusion summon a Lunalight monster using monsters in my hand or field. But because Zeman the Ape King is an Extra deck monster, I can summon using a monster in my deck as well. I'll fuse together Lunalight Yellow Marten in my hand with the Lunalight Purple Butterfly in my deck to Fusion summon Lunalight Cat Dancer (Atk:2400).'

'When Yellow Marten is sent to my graveyard by a card effect, I can search another Lunalight Spell or Trap from my deck. I choose Lunalight Serenade Dance. Next I activate Fire Formation – Tenki. This searches a Level 4 or below Beast-Warrior from my deck, like Lunalight Black Sheep. Also, Cat Dancer gains 100 Attack. Nifty huh? (Atk:2400-2500).'

'Cat Dancer, I'm activating your ability by tributing Emerald Bird. And because Emerald Bird went to my graveyard, I can bring back Yellow Marten in Defence mode (Def.:2000). Cat Dancer, attack. Cat Dancer is immune to destruction in battle, and because I tributed a monster, it can deal 100 damage whenever it attacks, but your monster isn't destroyed the first time.'

As Cat Dancer barely connected a kick to Maddy (Maddy LP:8000-7900), she clarified something. 'First time?' 'Yes, she can attack twice. Go back in!' Cat Dancer attacked again (Maddy LP:7900-7800), and kicked Zeman square in the head, failing to destroy it.

'Zeman should be dancing with the devil!' 'You forget Celina, I AM the devil! And Zeman has an ability. By sending Des Koala to my graveyard from my hand, I can negate the attack.' 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Maddy: 'I draw. Right, I'm trying something a lil' different this time. I activate the Spell card Different Dimension Capsule.' 'Daddy's girl then?' 'I guess you could say that. Especially when I pick up things like this from him. What I do is take a card from my deck, and remove it from play face-down. Then I retrieve it in two turns and it's added to my hand. Next I'll activate Pot of Greed to draw two more cards. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Celina: 'I draw. I activate the Pendulum effect of Lunalight Wolf. By banishing the relevant monsters from my graveyard, I can Fusion summon a Lunalight monster. I'll banish Lunalight Yellow Marten and Lunalight White Rabbit to Fusion summon! Dance on, Lunalight Cat Dancer (Atk:2400-2500).'

'Next I summon another Lunalight White Rabbit (Atk:800). When White Rabbit is summoned, she brings a monster back from my graveyard. Do you remember Lunalight Blue Cat? (Def.:1000). And Blue Cat's effect activates if she's Special summoned, and doubles Cat Dancer's Attack points, so it can pound you twice as hard (Atk:2500-5000).'

'And the other effect of White Rabbit allows me to bounce your Spells and Traps back to your hand, equal to the amount of other Lunalights striking a pose on my field.' White Rabbit lifted an adorably small hammer, and hit the ground with it, returning them to Maddy's hand. She reacted by laughing.

'What's amusing about what you're facing down?' 'Winning feels so much better when I proved everyone wrong to do it! So bring it on!' 'Ok, you asked for it! I activate the effect of my two Cat Dancers, to tribute White Rabbit and Blue Cat. Now my first kitty, attack Zeman the Ape King! (Maddy LP:7800-7700).'

After Cat Dancer whiffed a kick due to it's ability, Celina started to smile. 'Attack again! (Maddy LP:7700-7600)' 'I activate Zeman's ability to send Level Eater from my hand to my graveyard and negate your attack.' 'Like that's going to help you now. My other Cat Dancer attacks your Zeman the Ape King!'

Cat Dancer twirled (Maddy LP:7600-7500), before kicking Zeman straight in the chest, ripping him apart as Maddy slipped out of the way (Maddy LP:7500-5000). 'And the next attack is all she wrote.' Something odd then happened, as a black blob appeared, and Zeman reformed (Def.:1800).

'When you destroyed Zeman, I activated the Spell card Action Replay. Funny thing is, I could only activate it because a monster on my field was destroyed on the turn this card left my field. It brings my monster back in Defence mode. I also activate the ability of Gorz the Emissary of Darkness. Because I took damage, I can summon him (Def.:2700). And now, I get an Emissary Token, equal to the damage you just dealt (Def.:2500).'

'Lunalight Cat Dancer, attack Zeman and get rid of him once and for all!' Cat Dancer spun, and stuck it's foot through the face of the Ape King, once again dethroning it. 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Maddy: 'I draw. I activate Monster Reborn, to revive Zeman the Ape King (Atk:2500). But it's not staying around long, because I'm going to activate Polymerisation. I'm fusing together Zeman with the Emissary Token to Fusion summon Shadow Wolf (Atk:2900).'

'Shadow Wolf, attack Lunalight Cat Dancer with Black Fang!' 'It's a good job Cat Dancer can dodge destruction.' Celina then stopped as she saw a shark-like glare in Maddy's eyes. 'Oh you think do you? Shadow Wolf's effect disables any monster it battles.' The black wolf produced a purple miasma of fangs, which ripped through the head of Cat Dancer, destroying it (Celina LP:8000-7600). 'I'll end my turn with a face-down.'

Celina: 'I draw. I activate the ability of Lunalight Tiger in my Pendulum Zone. Once per turn, I can bring a monster back from my graveyard. I choose Cat Dancer (Def.:2000). But I'll immediately tribute her for the effect of my other Cat Dancer.'

'Cat Dancer, attack Shadow Wolf.' 'I activate R: Blowback. This not only negates your attack, but you lose 100 points for every card on the field. I've got four and you've got 3, so that's 700 points coming your way.'

Cat Dancer ran straight into an invisible wall, before Celina was hit by a sudden burst of wind, pushing her around (Celina LP:7600-6900). 'That's fine, now I'll destroy Shadow Wolf.' Shadow Wolf stood no chance as Cat Dancer swung at it, before being swallowed by a dark orb (Maddy LP:5000-2900). 'When Shadow Wolf is destroyed, it takes your monster with it.'

The orb fizzed, before exploding, leaving nothing. 'I'll use the effect of Lunalight Wolf again, to fuse together two Cat Dancers and Lunalight Black Sheep from my graveyard, and summon Lunalight Sabre Dancer (Atk:3000). She's more powerful than she looks as well – gaining 200 Attack for every Beast-Warrior banished or in my graveyard. I'm counting 11 monsters. How's that for power (Atk:3000-5200). I end my turn.'

Maddy: 'I draw.' The Different Dimension Capsule from two turns previous then rose back up, and opened up, with Maddy taking the card. 'I activate the Field spell Dreamland.' The two girls then floated into the air on stone platforms, as the sky turned a bright blue.

'Next I activate Graceful Charity. And due to Dreamland, I can draw a card whenever a card is sent from my hand to the graveyard because there's a Fusion monster on the field.' 'But you don't control one.' 'On THE field, not mine! It includes Sabre Dancer. Now I activate this – my Marriage at Burial. It allows me to Fusion summon using monsters that are resting in the graveyard. I combine Big Koala and Des Kangaroo to Fusion summon the mighty pounder from down under, Master of Oz (Atk:4200).'

'Next I activate my face-down. It's the Trap card BIG Win. This forces both of us to toss a coin. If they both Heads, then all monsters on my field become any Level I choose. I pick Level 1.' The two of them then tossed a coin, and Celina looked shocked.

'Both Heads… how? Nico gave me a coin with two tails… (Level:9-1).' 'And I'll equip it with Power Balance. For each Level difference between our monsters, Master of Oz gains 500 Attack. With Sabre Dancer being Level 9, that's 8 Levels.' Master of Oz then glowed blue and doubled in size, towering over everyone (Atk:4200-8200).'

'Attack her Lunalight Sabre Dancer with Outback Attack!' Master of Oz's gargantuan fist pulled back, before squashing the Lunalight monster effortlessly, and following through into Celina, knocking her to the ground (Celina LP:6900-3900). 'I end my turn (Atk:8200-4200, Level:1-9).'

As Celina got to her feet, she realised the challenge in front of her. 'I… I was told this would be easy. She's an absolute monster. I'd better report all this back to him.' Maddy then started to get irritated. 'Stop talking and take your damn turn!'

Celina: 'I draw. I activate Burial from a Different Dimension. This allows me to return up to three banished monsters to my graveyard. I choose Sabre Dancer and two Cat Dancers. Next I summon Lunalight Kaleido Chick (Atk:1400). And by sending Lunalight Panther Dancer from my Extra deck to my graveyard, it's name becomes Panther Dancer.'

'Finally, I'll use Wolf's ability to banish Lunalight Kaleido Chick and my two Cat Dancers to Fusion summon my strongest Fusion monster – Lunalight Leo Dancer (Atk:3500). And because Kaleido Chick was banished, when Leo attacks, you can't activate anything. And by banishing Sabre Dancer from my graveyard, Leo's Attack is increased by 3000 (Atk:3500-6500).'

'I activate Red Alert. By sending the top 5 cards of my deck to my graveyard, I can cancel this turn's Battle phase. Then I gain 1000 Life points for every monster on the field whose Attack is higher than my Life points (Maddy LP:2900-4900).' 'I end my turn with a face-down. You're mine next turn (Atk:6500-3500).'

Maddy: 'Who said you'll get a next turn? I draw. I activate Downforce. This reduces the Level of Master of Oz by 1 (Level:9-8). Now I'll overlay my one Level 8 Extra deck monster!' Maddy then glowed black and her blood stared to boil, her heart rate slowed, and her primal side truly awakened. 'I Xyz summon Number 110 – Doom Cerberus (Atk:3300).'

As the rabid tri-headed dog of hell growled, Celina went to run away seeing the inevitable, but she quickly found herself unable to flee, with Maddy's eyes glowing red. 'How… how are you doing this?' 'I'm doing nothing. When Doom Cerberus is summoned, it drains 3000 Attack from your monster because it's Level 8 or above. Central Calamity!'

The central head of Cerberus lunged forward at a blinding speed, tearing at Leo Dancer until it's teeth were stained red (Atk:3500-500). 'Cerberus, attack Leo Dancer with Right Head Flare!' Cerberus shot a jet of fire from it's right head, burning away at Leo Dancer which screamed as it fried (Celina LP:3900-1100).

'And because I destroyed an Extra deck monster, Cerberus can detach it's Xyz material to attack again. Left Head Lunge!' Cerberus' rightmost head unleashed a devastating surge, smashing into Celina and leaving her downed, a trickle of blood coming from her face (Celina LP:1100-0).

After Maddy's impressive win, the interviewer came over and talked to her. 'Happy new year everyone! I'm stood here with Maddy Robinson-Cummings, who has kept hold of her Young-Gun Championship with yet another successful title defence. Maddy, congrats on the win, what's next?'

'What's next? More title defences. I will take on anybody at any show and prove that I am the best duellist around. I will take on all comers and I will destroy all comers.' 'Is this an open challenge then?'

'It's an open challenge to MGA. Send whoever you want to face me, I don't care who, because as I proved against Johnny, and I just showed against Celina, I will win.' Maddy was then cut off mid-flow by Black Rose Inc., Akiza following Tee, Lukas, and a new recruit, dressed all in grey, chisel-jawed standing under 6ft. As she started talking, the black rose seemed amazingly calm.

'You lot ruined my life. You have taken away from me the one thing that I thought kept me going. I thought everything would be ok as long as I had the Renegades. And then, you had to ruin it. You took away my power and then you expelled me for something which I didn't even do. So now, I'll have to take everything from you. Starting with your title which you love so much. Or should I say, my new follower will. This is Jesse Allen. Or, as he was called in a previous life, Stormer.'

As several crowd members audibly gasped, Akiza continued. 'He has decided to follow me and has vowed to get revenge on all the Renegades, starting with you.' 'Are you done?' 'Why, is there something you need to get off of your chest before you fall?' 'When I said I would accept any challengers, I meant it. You want your little boyfriend to get a title shot? Well I'm kind of busy at Desert Storm, so on January 16th in Kalmar, I'll happily take you on.'

Before Maddy could leave, MGA came down to the zone, with a big smile across his face. 'Ladies and gentlemen, I have come to make an announcement. After a challenge was made via email earlier by Akiza, I will now announce that later in this show, we will have Akiza Izinski take on Phil Robinson 1-1. That is all.'

As Maddy returned to the box, she looked at Phil. 'So you against Akiza?' 'I did email Michael making the challenge, but apparently I was beaten to it. Once I'm done with her, she'll wish she'd never annoyed me.'

Phil then left, and Sakura followed him out. 'What is it?' 'It's what I was showing you.' 'Oh they're over here?' 'Yeah, Joe and Reece brought them over, they're in a lock-up not far from here.' 'Great, how long will this take?' 'Not long I hope.'

Shapesisters (Lydia and Freja McKinna) LP:4000 vs. Justin Pipe and Eagle Adams LP:4000

Turn 1: Justin: 'I'll lead off. I activate the Spell card Necrovalley.' As the cavernous valley of the dead expansed, Justin had his next move ready. 'I activate Polymerisation, fusing together Gravekeeper's Assailant and Gravekeeper's Curse to Fusion summon Gravekeeper's Supernaturalist (Atk:2000-2500).'

'Supernaturalist gets a boost of 100 points for each Level of it's materials. So 700 more points (Atk:2500-3200). I end my turn with a face-down. At the End phase, I can add Gravekeeper's Oracle to my hand.'

Lydia: 'Let's do this. I activate the Spell card Dark Hole, to destroy every monster on the field.' 'Because Necrovalley's on my field, both it and my Supernaturalist are safe from destruction.' Thinking on her feet, Lydia adjusted her plan. 'I activate the Field spell Ritual Sanctuary.' While the dark caves stayed on Justin's field, a beautifully pristine chapel aisle stretched across the girls' side. 'This allows me to discard a Spell like Monster Reborn to add a Ritual monster to my hand. I choose Cyber Angel Izana. Next I activate Machine Angel Ritual. I send Izana to my graveyard and summon Cyber Angel Dakini (Atk:2800).'

'Dakini, I'm activating your special ability. When she's summoned, you have to send a monster from your field to your graveyard. But it isn't counted as being destroyed, meaning that you can't counter it.'

Dakini spun her staff, before slamming it on top of Supernaturalists head, crushing it. 'Dakini, attack directly!' 'I activate Rite of Spirit. It's a wicked card which allows me to summon one Gravekeeper back from my graveyard. And it isn't stopped by Necrovalley. Come back, Gravekeeper's Supernaturalist (Atk:2000-2500).'

'Dakini, attack.' Dakini rushed in with sharp blades, and cleaved through the side of the Supernaturalist, causing it to collapse (Justin and Eagle LP:4000-3700). 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Eagle: 'I'll take over since you can't do the job. I draw. I summon Naturia Pumpkin (Atk:1400). When she's taking my Normal summon, she pays me back with Naturia Cosmobeet (Atk:1000). Now Level 4 Pumpkin is tuned by Level 2 Cosmobeet. I Synchro summon Naturia Barkion (Atk:2500).'

'And I'll equip Barkion with Synchro Boost. It powers up Barkion by 500 points and gives it an extra Level star (Atk:3000, Level:7). Barkion, destroy Cyber Angel Dakini with Seiryu's Bark!' The great chinese-influenced dragon unleashed a fierce bark, destroying Dakini with the force of the waves (Shapesisters LP:4000-3800). 'I end my turn with two face-downs.'

Freja: 'I draw. I summon Twin-Barrel Dragon (Atk:1700). When it's summoned I toss a coin twice. And here's the cool bit – I target your Barkion, and destroy it when I get two heads.' 'Hang on, you said "when" you get two heads? What's that supposed to mean?' Freja giggled, not willing to reveal her secret. 'Just call it confidence.'

As the first coin rotated in the air, Freja's eyes glowed red, which was noticed by Eagle. 'Hey Justin, did you just see that?' 'See what?' 'Her eyes glowed.' 'I didn't see it.' 'I remember seeing him 'What does that mean?' 'Haven't a clue.'

By this time, the two coins had both landed on Heads. 'Two heads means your Barkion's going bye.' 'Not if I activate Safe Zone. Now it's safe from all card effects and can't be destroyed in battle.' 'All that means is I can attack more later. I'll end my turn with three face-downs.'

Justin: 'I summon Gravekeeper's Recruiter (Atk:1200-1700). Now I activate Double Summon so I can tribute it for Gravekeeper's Chief (Atk:1900-2400). When my Chief is summoned, he calls on another monster from my graveyard, like Supernaturalist (Atk:2000-2500). And because Recruiter went to my graveyard, I add Gravekeeper's Cannonholder to my hand.'

'Next Supernaturalist attacks Twin-Barrel' 'Wait Justin.' He turned around to see his tag partner dissuading him. 'What's wrong with you?' 'What's wrong with me? You're just going and attacking even though it's clearly luring you into a trap.'

'Just shut up, k? Supernaturalist, attack Twin Barrel Dragon.' 'You ready Lyds?' 'Always.' 'We're about to show what a real team can do. I activate my face-down Blazing Mirror Force.' 'This destroys all your monsters. And then' 'You take damage equal to half their combined attack.' 'But so do we.' 'Or we would, if we didn't have this card.' 'It's called Barrel Behind the Door.' 'And it redirects all our damage to you.' 'That equals 5150 damage.' 'You could say' They then delivered the final line together. 'You're cooked!'

When Supernaturalist released a white mist from his staff, it was immediately overpowered by a wall of burning flames, which bathed and then melted all the monsters on Justin and Eagle's fields (Justin and Eagle LP:3700-0).

When the duel ended, Justin and Eagle argued all the way to the backstage, while the sisters celebrated. After over five minutes, they returned to the box, as an interview with Rhydian played from earlier in the day.

'Ladies and Gentlemen, I am with the reigning and defending WDC Champion, the Cobra – Rhydian Morris. Rhydian, we have seen your relationship with James Birchall change from being allies to being enemies in a short period of time. What was the breaking point between you both?'

'You're talking as if I was James' friend. We were only ever working together out of convenience – our goals aligned. But I came to realise that… I don't need James. To achieve what I want to achieve, I don't need his help. He thinks that he has the upper-hand on me mentally because he only ever used me to get the WDC Championship and to get Hannah in his bed. Because he crossed me though, he's going to end up getting neither. My priorities are clear, and I know who I can trust. Question is James, do you?'

In the box

As the sisters returned, they were stopped by friends Astrid and Maddy. 'Not half bad for a pair of newbies.' 'You're not bad for an old fart.' 'Yeah, really old.' 'Look forward to beating you in the finals.' 'Wouldn't complain to the finals.'

'Yeah. I mean obviously the dream team's going to kick your arses all over… whichever bit of Texas it is.' 'You'd be a great taxi driver.' 'Good job taxis don't operate via psychokinesis.' Astrid then whispered down Maddy's ear. 'It's telepathy, not psychokinesis.' 'Yeah whatever.'

Geoff Maltby then walked down to the duelling zone, and picked up a microphone. 'New year, new WDC, same old Texas! I hope you like some of my aesthetic changes, such as the new barriers in the duelling zone. Those are designed to keep duellists safe during the sport. We also have new title rules as you may have seen, all title duels start with 8000 Life points each.'

'But less about me and more about the people you come to see, the duellists. As you know, we have the Desert Storm tag tournament coming up soon. First I have been asked to inform you all that our World Number 1 ranked duellist Blair Flannigan is taking time out of duelling to deal with some mental health issues. As a company we will do everything we can to support Blair while she is off, and will welcome her back at any time.'

'Now we will commence the draw for Desert Storm. A total of 12 teams have entered, therefore we will have single duel eliminators, followed by two three-way semi-finals, and the title duel. So with that out of the way, here we go.'

Geoff then produced a red velvet bag with 12 balls in. 'The first ball is… number 8, the team of Claude Duane and Tyranno Hassleberry. And they will take on, number 1 – Kari Tsukumo and Radley, the No Remorse Corps. Next we have Number 10, Kenta and Jaden, the Oriental Express. They will take on number 7, the team of Martin Garcia and Vector. We also have number 9, Justin Pipe and Eagle Adams, taking on number 5, Robert Duman and Zak Zapata, Team Panther.'

'Our fourth duel has number 4, Lydia and Freja, the Shapesisters, taking on number 11, NASH and Rhydian, the Unholy Alliance. We also have number 12, Maddy and Astrid, the Madstrid Treaty, taking on number 2, Kieran and Kiera Byrne. Finally we have by process of elimination, number 3, Alito and Girag, facing off against number 6, Tee and Lukas of Black Rose Incorporated. The winners of the first three duels will be in the first semi-final, and the latter three in the second semi-final. Thanks for your time, I hope you enjoy the rest of the show.'

The two Renegade teams just looked at each other, and all burst into incessant laughter, before Freja pitched an idea. 'How about tonight, we let the boring people be boring, and we're gonna find a good nightclub. You can come as well Astrid, that is if it's not too far past your bedtime.'

'Me? I can go 3 days without sleep. It's this one I'm worried about. Have you heard her snore?' 'Yeah, she sounds like a swine.' Maddy then hit both Freja and Astrid. 'I can go off people quickly.' The two offenders responded by hugging her. 'We still love you, even if you do sound like you're having an aneurysm whenever you sleep.'

Meanwhile, in a nearby storage lot

As Sakura walked in, she was confronted by a pair of silver crutches, with what looked to be several bits cut out and re-welded. There was a number of buttons near the top of each crutch, and near the bottom, two rubber pads sticking out of the sides.

'What the hell is that? I thought you were showing me crutches.' 'We are – these are genetically modified crutches. The pads allow for greater comfort and the straps can be adjusted to be more secure or more comfortable, the crutches themselves are made out of carbon fibre and are strong yet light.'

'That's all brilliant. But you've still not answered my big question.' 'Ok, let me demonstrate.' Phil himself then stood on the pads, and had his feet strapped by Reece. 'As you can see the pads are more than strong enough to manage my weight, so Rio's weight will be no problem. And wait until you see their party piece.'

Phil clicked a green button on the left hand crutch, followed by the green button on the right, and two mechanical arms stretched out, before a platform unfolded between them. 'That's actually kind of clever. But how do you fit a duel disk?'

'You don't.' 'But you said...' 'I know what I said. You see, there was a couple of issues with the original design. So what you do is you hold the duel disk as normal, and then connect this lead to it.' As Phil demonstrated with a concept disk, the imprint of monster and spell and trap zones appeared on the platform in front. 'And before you ask, yes you do draw manually.'

'I don't see how this is gonna work for her when she needs her hands on the crutches.' 'She doesn't – these are hands-free. And no, I didn't know such a thing existed before now either. The straps around her feet and knees provide a stable platform.'

Sakura then put her hand on one of the crutches. 'I want to try it out myself.' 'Fancy a quick duel? Just as a test-drive.' 'Sure, why not.' Phil connected Sakura's duel disk up, before activating his own.

Back in the stadium

Kari and Radley had defeated Jaden and Kenta, after a miscommunication lead to Kenta sacrificing Jaden's monster at the wrong time, costing them the duel. After the duel, Jaden and Kenta stared at each other, before Kenta walked off on his own, Jaden walking behind him.

It was in the corridor backstage where Jaden was walking, when Blair walked in front of him. 'Hey Blair, I heard about your grandmother. I hope you're doing ok.' 'Thanks. I'm trying to put everything behind me. Oh, and I have the opportunity of a lifetime for you. Because let's face it, we all know that you can do much better than Kenta.'

'I can?' 'Come on, you're not seriously going to tell me that he is the ideal partner for you.' 'I know he's not exactly top tier, but I like Kenta, he's a pretty sweet guy.' 'That I don't doubt. But tell me, why did you come back to WDC?'

'To have fun obviously.' 'Is it? Or did you want to win?' 'I suppose both really.' 'You can win with us.' 'And abandon my friend?' 'It's not abandoning him. It's personal ambition. If he's really your friend he should understand your ambitions. It sets you both free. Who knows – thanks to your guidance, you two could face off for the WDC Championship sometime, rather than being stuck propping each other up.'

'Why are you so interested?' Blair then smiled, and handed him a business card. 'Email the address at the bottom and we'll be able to arrange a day for you to come down, see if you fancy joining.' 'Um, I guess I'll think about it.'

'Well no pressure. You can also give a card to Kenta, if it would make you feel more comfortable. You know you can trust me Jay, I wouldn't mislead you. Renegades are family, and you've known me for years.'

'A lot of years. I remember when you were in 2nd grade.' 'Yeah, I nearly beat you.' 'That's true, you were great even back then.' 'Just promise me that you'll think about my offer.' 'Of course, I'll speak to you in a few days.' 'Ok.'

As Jaden walked off, Blair looked around. 'You can come out now Maddy.' As the Young-Gun champion snuck out of her hiding spot behind a slightly ajar door, Blair stared at her. 'I know, I said you could do it yourself, but I got curious what you'd say. How long did it take you to notice me?' 'Less than a second.'

'I had no idea you and Jaden went back so far.' 'I was 8 years old, and saw him on television. So I managed to get into duel academy where he was doing some demos, and challenged him to a duel.' 'And nearly beat him?' 'Yeah, he was way better than me but I caught him off-guard. I just wanted to meet him. That's where I got my first autograph from.'

'That's awesome.' 'And soon he'll be all ours.' 'Wow you sounded evil there.' 'Don't get me wrong, his friendship is still really important to me. But not as important as the Renegades.' 'Thank you.' 'You're welcome.'

In the duelling zone

Claude was waiting in the duelling zone, only for the lights to briefly flicker, and then found himself being swarmed around by Astrid and her axe. 'What do you want?' 'To get rid of you once and for all.' Astrid then swung her axe, and Claude ducked, only to see the weapon swoop in an arc right past him, before returning to it's owner in the zone, who activated her duel disk.

'Very funny, I forgot that girlies like you are fond of gymnastics.' 'Very funny, but I could knock your teeth out before you could even blink. So duelling's probably safer for you… probably. Maybe not.'

Claude Duane LP:4000 vs. Astrid Hofferson LP:4000

Turn 1: Astrid: 'I'll let the little girl take the first turn, because I'm just that nice.' 'Yeah whatever. I draw. I set a monster, end with three face-downs.'

Claude: 'I see what you're doing here and it doesn't work. I draw. I summon Jurrac Guaiba (Atk:1700). And I'll activate Jurassic Mind. When a Dinosaur battles your monster now, the Dino can't be targeted by card effects. Now attack that monster.'

Guiba roared before running at Astrid's monster, and biting into it with flaming fangs (Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts Def.:1200), destroying it. 'When Tanngrisnir is destroyed, I get two Nordic Beast Tokens (Def.:0)x2.'

'It was a nice tactic leading me on like that, trying to scare me off. Doesn't work sadly, because when Guaiba destroys a monster in battle, I can summon Jurrac Monoloph from my hand (Atk:1500). And this little guy can attack all your monsters at once.'

Monoloph jumped up and down on the spot in pure excitement, before spitting out fireballs at both Tokens. 'I activate Negate Attack.' 'So you did lead me on?' 'Twice.' 'You're making me look stupid.' 'No – you're making yourself look stupid. I don't need to help.'

'Well you're going to pay. I'm going to tune Level 3 Jurrac Monoloph and Level 4 Jurrac Guaiba to Synchro summon Jurrac Giganoto (Atk:2100). And when Giganoto is around, each Jurrac in my graveyard turns into 200 Attack points for every Jurrac in my graveyard (Atk:2100-2500). I end my turn with a face-down.'

Astrid: 'I draw. I summon Vanadis of the Nordic Ascendant (Atk:1200). When Vanadis is used to Synchro a polar god, it can summon any god. I tune Level 4 Vanadis to my Nordic Beast Tokens to Synchro Odin, Father of the Aesir (Atk:4000).'

'Odin, activate your ability. Now you can't fall prey to Spells or Traps during this turn of play. Strike down Giganoto with Sacred Sceptre Slash!' 'I'll make you look stupid now, with Jurassic Mind. You know, the one I activated last turn. Well by sending it and another Spell from my hand to my graveyard, Giganoto has his attack doubled, but he's destroyed at the End phase (Atk:2500-5000).'

'That's brilliant, but I can now target Giganoto. Meaning I can activate Kunai With Chain. I can't give Odin 500 Attack, so I'll just switch your monster to Defence mode (Atk:1800). Odin, attack.' Odin's sceptre struck down Giganoto, making Claude even angrier. 'I'm not stupid!' 'Could have

fooled me. I'll end my turn.'

Claude: 'How about I show you then? I draw. Through it's effect, I Special summon Gilasaurus (Atk:1400). Due to Gilasaurus' effect, you can Special summon a monster from your graveyard.' 'I summon Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts (Def.:1200).'

'Now I'll activate Big Evolution Pill. This requires me to make Gilasaurus extinct. In return, I can Normal summon any Dinosaurs I like without restriction for three turns. Meet Jurrac Titano (Atk:3000). And Titano's a bit of a cannibal. By banishing a Jurrac from my graveyard, like Monoloph, he gains 1000 points (Atk:3000-4000).'

'Now I activate Pot of Greed to draw 2 cards. One of which is Terraforming. This allows me to add a Field spell to my hand. I activate that now – Lost World.' As the card activated, a lush and fertile forest grew with a volcano in the background. 'This climate is an acquired taste. All none-Dinosaurs dislike it and lose 500 Attack and Defence (Odin Atk:3500, Tanngrisnir Def.:700).'

'Titano, attack Odin, Father of the Aesir.' 'I activate my face-down Needlebug Nest to send the top 5 cards of my deck to my graveyard.' 'Random, but still, attack.' The mighty dinosaur stood erect, and a fireball rolled out of it's mouth, exploding upon contact with the polar god (Astrid LP:4000-3500). 'I end my turn with a face-down (Titano Atk:4000-3000).' 'At the End phase, I banish Vanadis of the Nordic Ascendant to revive Odin (Atk:4000-3500). When he's summoned, I draw a card.'

Astrid: 'I draw. I activate Nordic Relic Draupnir and equip it to Odin to give him 800 Attack (Atk:3500-4300). Now attack Titano.' 'I activate my face-down Jurrac Impact! I can only activate this because of having a Dinosaur on my field with at least 2500 Attack. This wipes the field of every single card.'

Before Odin's attack could connect, a string of meteors struck the field, burning away the Lost World along with everything else. 'You destroyed my face-down Statue of the Wicked. When that happens, I can summon a Wicked Token (Def.:2000).' 'I end my turn with a face-down.' 'Who's stupid now? I'll give you a clue – she's the one who doesn't know what she's got herself into.'

Claude: 'I draw. Thanks to Big Evolution Pill, I summon Super Conductor Tyranno (Atk:3300). And by banishing Jurrac Giganoto and Guaiba from my graveyard, I can summon Ultimate Conductor Tyranno (Atk:3500).'

'Super Conductor, attack that Wicked Token.' The first strapping dinosaur didn't waste time in walking straight over the Token, breaking it with ease. 'Ultimate Conductor, do your thing.' 'I activate Half Shut. This halves the attack of your Ultimate Conductor until the End phase (Atk:3500-1750).'

The Spell card wasn't enough to put off Ultimate Conductor, as it slammed Astrid with claws brimming with static, hitting her in the neck and making her go down in agony (Astrid LP:3500-1750).

A doctor on hand came over to Astrid, who pushed her away. 'Give me time.' After over three minutes of being down, the Viking got back to her feet, still clutching at her neck. 'What's wrong – is your head too big for your neck? That's what happens when you always stick your nose in my business. But I kind of like your spirit. How about you join me, serve under me as a soldier in my regiment?'

Astrid responded by spitting at Claude. 'That's the amount of respect I have for you. I wouldn't help you if my life depended on it.' The strapping Dane responded with a chilling threat. 'Oh don't worry, it does. I'll end my turn. See if you can fight me off.'

Astrid: 'I draw. I activate Allure of Darkness. I draw two cards, then banish the Dark-attributed Fenrir the Nordic Wolf. I drew Trade-In. I discard Level 8 Jormungardr the Nordic Serpent and draw 2.'

Astrid saw the cards she drew, and her gaze tightened. 'I activate Ride of the Valkyries.' 'So the little girl's got a new booster pack then.' 'You can laugh now. I challenge you to laugh after. Or in your words, Tag den med... tæve!'

'Ride of the Valkyries calls upon every Valkyrie in my hand. Kjør meg til hjelp! Gå - Valkyries Zweite, Vierte, Brunhilde! (Zweite Atk:1600, Vierte Atk:1400, Brunhilde Atk:1800).' 'Valkyries are like the chances of you beating me – just myths!'

'Soon to be your reality! When Zweite is summoned, Super Conductor is short-circuted.' The gorgeous female warrior on horseback rode into the battlefield, riding over Super Conductor's arm, and beheading it.

'Your situation gets worse now. Brunhilde gains 500 Attack for every monster on your field (Atk:1800-2300).' 'All that and even now you're not even close.' 'How about the effect of Valkyrie Vierte then? I excavate two cards for two other Valkyries from my deck. A Spell or Trap excavated to my hand.'

As Astrid excavated the cards, she revealed them, her expression not changing once (Valkyrie's Embrace and Loge's Flame). 'I add Valkyrie's Embrace to my hand, and activate it. I switch Vierte to Defence mode (Def.:1400), and banish Ultimate Conductor.'

'I activate the effect of Ultimate Conductor. I destroy a monster in my hand and force all your monsters face-down. I'm destroying Babycerasaurus. And when she's destroyed, I get a Level 4 or lower Dinosaur to my field from my deck. You're up Souleating Oviraptor (Atk:1800).'

Ultimate Conductor smashed the ground with a large foot, creating an electric terrain and forcing Astrid's monsters face-down. 'When Oviraptor's on the scene, I can add a Dino to my hand. I choose Babycerasaurus.' 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Claude: 'Game over. Ultimate Conductor, attack the face-down Brunhilde.' 'I activate my face-down Nordic Relic Svallin. To be activated, this requires an Aesir be banished. I choose Odin.' A grand, ice-blue shield then stood in front of Ultimate Conductor. 'This negates your attack. And now, I take no effect damage as long as this Shield stands firm.'

'Well I'll continue anyway. I summon Babycerasaurus (Atk:500). She's about to become dead meat though for Souleating Oviraptor. This cannibal can destroy a Level 4 or below Dinosaur to bring another Dino back from my graveyard. I choose Super Conductor (Atk:3200). I end my turn with a face-down.'

Astrid: 'I draw. I activate 5 Card Salute to draw 5 cards. Including Different Dimension Reincarnation to revive Odin, Father of the Aesir (Atk:4000). Next I flip my three monsters face-up and equip Brunhilde with Mage Power for 1500 more Attack (Atk:2800-4300).'

'Brunhilde, attack Super Conductor Tyranno. Angel Blade!' Brunhilde gilded across the gentle wind, and split the huge dinosaur in two (Claude LP:4000-2900). 'Now Odin attacks your Ultimate Conductor with Sacred Scepter Slash!' One slash of the grand weapon was all required to rid the field of the strapping Level 10, leaving Claude vunulrable (Claude LP:2900-2100). 'I'll switch Vierte to Defence (Def.:1400), and end my turn.'

Claude: 'I draw. I activate the Spell card Sacred Sword of Seven Stars. By banishing the Level 7 Jurrac Spinos from my hand, i draw two more cards. And they're the only cards I need to put you to bed. I activate Soul Release. This card allows me to banish five cards from either graveyard. I'll banish five Dinosaurs from my graveyard.'

'And with that done, I summon Tyranno Infinity (Atk:?).' 'I get the feeling i won't like him.' 'Correct. For every Dinosaur banished from my graveyard, I can give Infinity 1000 Attack points. Since I currently have 12 banished, he's about to destroy you (Atk:?-12000). Attack and destroy Odin, because I'm greater than any of your gods!' Infinity charged, taking down the polar god with a single bite and knocking Astrid to the ground (Astrid LP:100-0).

After the duel, Claude stamped over to Astrid, and stood over her, before grabbing her throat with both hands, lifting her up, only to be booted straight in the face, making him drop her, and eat a kick to the knee. The Viking went for her signature kick to the skull, only for her Danish relative to duck and leave, shouting at her.

Just as this happened, Phil and Sakura returned. 'You two were gone… a long time.' 'I know, we were talking through a few things and then she paid for lunch. And then I found out Sean's come over.'

Hannah seemed rather surprised at this development. 'I thought he didn't like the deep south?' 'Who knows with him.' The conversation was interrupted by an interview with Kelly from backstage.

'Kelly Clarkson, it's wonderful to have you here.' 'Thank you, thank you so much!' 'Now I've been told that you're officiating the main event?' 'I sure am! I can't wait for it!' Rhydian's music then started, and he stormed out, getting in Kelly's face.

'Don't even think of double-crossing me.' 'Me? I'm just an official.' 'I saw you talking earlier, I saw you talking to James. I don't know what you're planning exactly, but it sure as hell isn't going to work.'

Kelly laughed at this thought. 'I'm not going to do that! Honestly, why would I be favouring either of you? I'm being paid to make sure there's an actual clean victor, and that's what everyone here wants to see. Does that satisfy you?'

Rhydian then stepped back and raised his hands. 'Fine, I trust you.' 'That's a message for everyone – I am not favouring Rhydian or James. Now if you don't mind, I have things to do.' As the singer left, Kris walked into the box, and he had a blonde girl, probably no more than 12, with him.

Immediately the girl walked up to Maddy. 'Are you in charge of the Renegades?' 'Yeah, I am. Who are you?' The reply came in a subtle Yorkshire accent. 'Oh sorry, I… I'm Jessica, Jessica Farmer. And I want to become your slave.'

Maddy smiled. 'Great. Before you can join, I want you to pledge that everything you possess and everything you own, everything you are, belongs to us.' The girl then took her purse and phone out of her pink tracksuit, before handing them over. 'I swear that I wish to become a slave of the Renegades. Everything I am, everything I have, it all belongs to you. I have no desire but to be in your service from now until the day that I die.'

Maddy then breathed, and walked over to her. 'We could do this here, but instead, I want you to come out with me and there you will find salvation.' 'Thank you.' The wolf then looked over at a slightly distracted Astrid. 'trid, with me.' 'Of course.'

As they walked out to the duelling zone with no music, she picked up a microphone. 'Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity – a chance to join the Renegades. We already have one volunteer, does anybody else wish to convert?'

A 17 year old native Texan then stepped out of the crowd, and walked up to Maddy, before opening his arms up at her signal. 'You are about to see two new drones created.' Her eyes glowed gold, then red, before placing her left hand on Jessica, who's body started to shudder.

Her eyes then had all the colour drained from them, first glazing over, then going completely white, as she remained expressionless the entire time. Over three minutes passed, before she stopped breathing, and a single golden orb appeared, floating above her body, and Maddy held her right hand out, allowing the orb to float into her hand, where she crushed it.

After moving over to Nathan and doing the same thing, she smiled. 'They are now mindless drones. The next time you see them, they will be completely transformed. Astrid, take them.' 'Of course.' The Viking gladly picked up both new drones, before taking them away.

Maddy then continued. 'Now do you see? We ain't no threat to be trifled with. So if you wanna f**k with us? THEN WE'RE GONNA F**K WITH YOU! You just got a taste of just some of the things that we can do!'

She then looked at the Young-Gun title belt. 'I have been your champion for 73 days now. And that's only the beginning. I am going to hold this belt for however long I choose! Maybe three months, maybe six, maybe I'll just go the whole hog and keep it for a year. Maybe I'll hold it tight and never let it go! Maybe I'm crazy, maybe I'm not. Question is, does anyone wanna take the chance? Step up to me, you're gonna get rocked, gonna get dropped, and gonna… get… stopped! All hail the Renegades!'

Maddy's music then hit, only for Akiza's to interrupt it and the two to have a very tense stare-off before Maddy left. 'The following duel is a Traditional Rules duel. In this duel, neither duellist may attack on their first turn. Introducing first, from Tacoma, Washington, the Black Rose – Akiza Izinski.'

Akiza stood in the duelling zone, hair down, and just stared a hole in the entrance, while her opponent was introduced. As he came out, he immediately took off his sunglasses, and walked down, completely laser focused.

Facing off in the duelling zone, Akiza spoke calmly and sinisterly. 'I will crush you for how I have suffered. And then, I will rid the world of your demon seed and take back what was always supposed to be mine.'

Seemingly unconcerned by the threat, Phil started joking around. 'Isn't this where you usually offer me the chance to beg for mercy?' 'I don't do mercy. And I sure as anything don't do intimidated.' 'Some things never change.'

'A lot of things change. I've got a purpose to fulfil once again, I was part of the Last Stand of the Renegades, I took on a literal god! And do you know what I did?' He then whispered to Akiza 'I won.' He then continued. 'So throw whatever you like at me Akiza. Because there's nothing that you can possibly do which will surprise me or catch me off guard.' The two activated their duel disks, and started the duel.

Renegades Rules: Akiza Izinski LP:8000 vs. Phil Robinson-Cummings LP:8000

Turn 1: Akiza: 'I'll start. I'll set a monster and end my turn with a face-down.'

Phil: 'I draw. I summon Cyber Dragon Core (Atk:400). When it's summoned, Core allows me to add any Cyber Spell or Trap from my deck to my hand. I choose Cyber Revsystem. Now I activate Machine Duplication. This takes any Machine with no more than 500 Attack points and allows me to call out two monsters of the same name from my deck. And because Core's name becomes Cyber Dragon while on my field, I can summon two of my old favourites (Cyber Dragon Atk:2100)x2.'

'Next I activate Fusion Substitute. This fuses together three Cyber Dragons to manufacture Cyber End Dragon (Atk:4000).' Faced down with the mighty three-headed dragon, Akiza didn't say a word. 'I wouldn't expect you to be especially scared, but this is really taking the Michael. End Dragon, destroy her set monster with Super Strident Blaze.'

End Dragon loomed large, before it's heads took turns in releasing burning flames, roasting Akiza's monster (Rose Lover Def.:800), and dealing Akiza severe damage, with her holding firm (Akiza LP:8000-4800). 'Hurt?' 'Not as much as I hurt already. And have done ever since.'

'Well you brought all your problems upon yourself when you betrayed my daughter. Besides, I'll never turn down an opportunity to show that I'm better than you. I'll drop a face-down and then I'll end my turn.'

Akiza: 'Betrayal… I'll show you betrayal! I draw! I summon Twilight Rose Knight (Atk:1000). And when I do, I can also summon Botanical Girl (Atk:1300). Now Level 3 Knight gives Level 3 Botanical Girl a tuning. I Synchro summon Aromaseraphy Sweet Marjoram (Atk:2200).'

'If Sweet Marjoram is Synchro summoned, I can add the Trap card Dried Winds to my hand. And next I activate my face-down Gift of the Mystical Elf, to regain 600 Life points (Akiza LP:4800-5400). And this triggers the effect of Marjoram. When I gain Life points, your Cyber End Dragon is reduced to a pile of bolts.'

'Did you really think that was going to work? I activate Safe Zone. This protects Cyber End Dragon from all card effects.' 'Fine. I'll end my turn with two face-downs.'

Phil: 'I draw. I'll set a monster face-down and attack with Cyber End Dragon. Super Strident Blaze.' 'I activate Dust Tornado. This destroys your Safe Zone.' As the tornado blew away the apparatus of Safe Zone, Cyber End Dragon vanished along with it.

'Clever timing – when Safe Zone is destroyed, so is Cyber End Dragon. I'll throw a face-down and that's where I'll end my turn. Where's the Black Rose Akiza? When's the Black Rose going to come out.'

Akiza: 'I'm right here! I draw. I activate the Field Spell Aroma Garden.' Instead of the expected gloom of Black Garden, a lush, verdant expanse filled the duelling zone. 'I summon Aromage Jasmine (Atk:100). And thanks to Aroma Garden, I gain 1000 Life points if an Aroma monster is summoned. Also, once per turn I can regain 500 Life points as well as giving both my Aromas 500 more Attack (Akiza LP:5400-6900, Marjoram Atk:2700, Jasmine Atk:600).'

'When I gain Life points, Aromaseraphy Sweet Marjoram destroys one card on your field. I'll choose your set monster.' Marjoram released a pink light from her staff, causing Phil's face-down monster to disappear. 'Jasmine's effect next. I draw a card when I gain Life points.'

'Jasmine, attack him directly.' Jasmine collected light in her mirror, before firing it off, backing Phil up (Phil LP:8000-7400). 'That's followed up by Sweet Marjoram.' Marjoram spun her staff, slamming it into her opponent who clearly grimaced (Phil LP:7400-4700).

'Now I'll activate Jasmine's other effect. I can only activate this when I have more Life points than you, and allows me to Normal summon another Plant this turn. I choose the Tuner monster Angel Trumpeter (Atk:1900). Next, Level 4 Angel Trumpeter tunes with Level 2 Aromage Jasmine. I Synchro summon Queen of Thorns (Atk:2400). I end my turn.'

Phil: 'I draw. I activate the Spell card Time Fusion.' 'Time Fusion? That's an old one.' 'It is, but time is not in your favour here. All I need to do is banish a card from my hand and then I can summon a Fusion monster from my Extra deck, but it isn't allowed to attack. I summon Cyber Eternity Dragon (Def.:4000).'

'So you're going to cower in fear.' 'You call it cowering, I call it defending myself. And I just exposed the loophole with Queen of Thorns. She can only damage me with her effect if I'm summoning from my hand. And don't even think of using Black Rose Dragon's effect, because so long as I have a Machine-type Fusion monster in my graveyard, Eternity Dragon's reign doesn't end, as he's immune to your effects. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Akiza: 'I draw. Thanks to Aroma Garden, I'll take my 500 Life points (6900-7400, Atk:2700-3200, Atk:2400-2900). I end my turn with a face-down.'

Phil: 'I draw. I activate Monster Reborn. This revives any monster from my graveyard. And I choose my old friend Cyber Dragon (Atk:2100).' 'Now's not a good time to be attempting offence.' 'I know. Which is why I'm summoning Cyber Griffon (Atk:600).'

As soon as he'd summoned Cyber Griffon, the founder was lashed with spiny thorns (Phil LP:4700-3700). 'You're an idiot.' 'Am I? How about we test your theory – I'll use Level 4 Cyber Griffon to give Level 5 Cyber Dragon a tune-up. I Synchro summon Phoenix Hyper Defender (Def.:2900). I end my turn.'

Akiza: 'I draw. With Aroma Garden, I'm healing myself further (Akiza LP:7400-7900, Atk:3200-3700, 2900-3400). Aromaseraphy Sweet Marjoram, attack Hyper Defender.' 'I activate the ability of Hyper Defender. While Hyper Defender is in Defence mode, all monsters in Defence mode are safe in battle. Also when your monster attacks, it loses 600 Attack points (Atk:3700-3100).' 'I'll end my turn with another face-down.'

Phil: 'I draw. I activate Shard of Greed. Every time I draw a card during my Draw phase, this gains a Greed Counter. If I happen to have two Greed counters on it, I can send it to my graveyard and draw 2 cards. I end my turn.'

Akiza: 'I draw. I activate Spell Economics. With this, whenever anyone activates a Spell card, I gain 500 Life points. Talking of gaining Life points, I'll take my 500 (Akiza LP:7900-8400, Atk:3100-3600, 3400-3900). And next turn, they will be strong enough to take down Eternity Dragon. I end my turn.'

Phil: 'I draw (Greed Counters:1). I'm going to equip Hyper Defender with a Ring of Magnetism. It lowers his Attack and Defence by 500 (Def.:2900-2400). In exchange for that sacrifice, all your monsters are automatically drawn to him when attacking.'

'As organised as ever I see.' 'You can have a million Life points, but if you're not doing anything to harm me, you're not going to win. For now I'll drop another face-down and end my turn.'

Akiza: 'I draw. I summon Fire Princess (Atk:1300). And now, for Aroma Garden (Akiza LP:8400-8900, Atk:3600-4100, 3900-4400). When I gain Life points, Fire Princess lowers your Life points by 500.' Fire Princess glowed red, and fire erupted under Phil, lowering his score (Phil LP:4700-4200). 'I end my turn.'

Phil: 'I draw (Greed Counters:2). Because it has two Greed Counters, I can send Shard to my graveyard and replace it with two new cards.' 'I activate my face-down Black Rose Mirage. By sending a Plant-type Synchro monster from my field to my graveyard, I can banish Phoenix Hyper Defender, and then you take damage equal to it's Defence.'

The Trap activated, and Aromaseraphy Marjoram dissipated into a whirlwind of purple and black petals, which attacked the Level 9 Synchro like a swarm of bees, removing it from the field of play, before it's owner was pushed straight into a wall (Phil LP:4200-1800).

As he looked up, Akiza had her fist clenched, laughing. 'What's so funny?' 'I don't know… I suppose you could say I've developed a bit of a mean streak. This is what happens when your demon seed betrays me! And soon enough, that cursed plant will bloom and I will have my revenge! But first, I think I'll take you down. I activate Monster Reborn to bring back Aromaseraphy Sweet Marjoram (Atk:2200). That's my turn done. Stand back up if you dare.'

Phil wasted no time in standing again. [If I draw the card I need next turn, I can flip the tables on her. Even if I don't, I still have a contingency plan – Life Equalizer. That will at least let me trap her with Shockwave].

Phil: 'I draw.' He looked at the card he drew, and swung into action. 'Right, I'm going to activate the Spell card known as the Living Fossil.' 'You've never used that before...' 'I have, you've just not looked hard enough. This brings a monster back from my graveyard, but at the cost of 1000 Attack. Cyber Dragon, you're back in business (Atk:2100-1100).'

'Next I'll activate Inferno Reckless Summon. This allows me to summon any more monsters with the name Cyber Dragon from my hand, deck, or graveyard. I'll summon a pair of Cyber Dragons as well as Cyber Dragon Herz (Atk:2100)x3, Herz Atk:100). When Herz is special summoned, it's Level becomes 5 (Level:1-5). And I'll add an Engine Overclock. For every Machine that happens to be on the field, I draw a card. I'm sure you can count five, so five cards.'

'Now I overlay Level 5 Cyber Dragon Herz and Cyber Dragon to build the overlay network. I'm about to bowl you over, as I summon the next evolution in cybernetics – Cyber Dragon Nova (Atk:2100).'

As Phil made his plays, Akiza looked on, completely unflustered. 'Next I rebuild the overlay network with Rank 5 Cyber Dragon Nova!' As Nova vanished into a light blue portal, Phil's left hand glowed red. 'You want to see power? I'LL GIVE YOU POWER! You may be capable of many things Akiza, but I know one thing – you can't handle the power of Infinity! Meet the overlord of forever, Cyber Dragon Infinity (Atk:2100).'

'The effect of Infinity means that for each Xyz material it has, it gains 200 more Attack points. It currently has three (Atk:2100-2700). And now for it's party piece – your Aromaseraphy Sweet Marjoram becomes an add-on to Infinity. Cybernetic Instillation!' The dragon with the infinity tail roared, and shot a single red light out of the front of it's head, dragging Sweet Marjoram in to becoming another material (Atk:2700-2900).'

'How foolish to leave my stronger monster.' 'Don't worry, I can do something for that. It's a little trick which I like to call O.T.T – Over The Top. Cyber Dragon Infinity, attack with Perfect Strident Purge!' 'You're out of luck.' 'Oh really? You see, my true plan was… Honest! By sending it from my hand to my graveyard, Infinity gains all the Attack points of your Queen of Thorns until the Battle phase ends.'

'Not happening. I activate Chivalry. This negates the effect of Honest and destroys it.' 'Cyber Dragon Infinity detaches an Xyz material to negate your Trap and destroy it. Virus Upload!' Infinity roared, and Akiza's trap was coated in a green light, before slowly being eroded away(Atk:2900-2700). Infinity then loaded up it's red electric attack and glowed green (Atk:2700-7100), before firing it out, blasting straight through the Queen of Thorns and bulldozing Akiza (Akiza LP:8900-6200). 'I'll end my turn.'

Akiza: 'I draw. I activate Raigeki. This destroys every monster on your field.' 'Not when I use the effect of Cyber Dragon Infinity. By detaching an Xyz material (Atk:2700-2500), the effect is negated. How's that for antivirus?' 'Very impressive. But I'm sowing the seeds of your defeat. I activate the Spell card Trap Booster. This allows the discard of a single card, to activate from my hand, the Trap card Dried Winds.'

'Next I'll activate Monster Reborn to bring back Aromaseraphy Sweet Marjoram (Atk:2200). I also activate Called By The Grave, to banish Cyber End Dragon. Now, because I have an Aroma monster on the field, I can gain 500 Life points back from Aroma Garden (Akiza LP:6200-6700, Phil LP:1800-1300, Atk:2200-2700).'

'Now for the effect of Dried Winds. By paying 2800 Life points (Akiza LP:6700-3900), I can destroy all your monsters with 2800 or less Attack.' A desert wind blew across the field, causing both of Phil's monsters to dry out and explode.

'Aromaseraphy Sweet Marjoram, attack directly.' 'I activate my face-down Threatening Roar. This ends the Battle phase before it even began.' 'You're lucky – I'll end my turn with a face-down.'

Phil: 'I draw. I activate 5 Card Salute, to draw until my hand contains 5 cards.' 'You have to use three of them, otherwise you're done.' 'If I was you, I'd spend less time worrying about automatic wins and more time worrying about the Spell card Overload Fusion.'

'You always had all the luck.' 'I earned all my luck. I'll fuse together all the Machines buried in my graveyard to Fusion summon Chimeratech Overdragon (Atk:?). It gains 800 Attack for every monster used to summon it. I'm counting 13, so he's gaining 10400 Attack (Atk:10400).'

'Chimeratech Overdragon, attack Akiza's Aromaseraphy Sweet Marjoram with Super Strident Inferno!' 'I activate Negate Attack. This stops you and ends the Battle phase.' 'I'll end my turn with a face-down.'

Akiza: 'I draw. I activate my own 5 Card Salute, and summon Red Rose Dragon (Atk:1000). Next I activate Double Summon, to summon Blue Rose Dragon (Atk:1400). And because I control a Dragon or Plant-type Tuner, I can summon White Rose Dragon (Atk:1200).'

'I'll use my Level 3 Red Rose Dragon to tune Level 4 White Rose Dragon. It's time you met my signature, the card that strikes fear into everyone who opposes me. My beloved Black Rose Dragon (Atk:2400).'

'When Black Rose Dragon is summoned, she destroys everything on the field. Black Rose Gale!' The incredible power from the Dragon whipped up a vicious whirlwind, which tore apart every other card on the field, including Aroma Garden, leaving a scorched plain and petals falling. A light then glowed from Akiza's graveyard.

'What now?' 'The ability of Blue Rose Dragon activated when she was destroyed and sent to my graveyard. It allows me to revive a monster from my graveyard. Be born again and complete my revenge, Black Rose Dragon (Atk:2400). Black Rose Dragon, attack him directly with Thorn of Repent!' Akiza's beautiful and deadly Dragon struck Phil with a piercing thorn, ending the contest (Phil LP:1300-0).

When she won, Akiza dropped to her knees, before standing over Phil. 'This... is only… the beginning. I will take out everyone. Your wife is next, then I will rip through your entire revolution.' I will not stop until I face Maddy. And then I will complete my revenge.' She then left, as Phil stared on, completely undaunted.

When Phil returned, he seemed unusually unfussed by his defeat. 'You duelled well there Dad.' 'Thanks, I know I did. Akiza's a strong opponent, she duelled extremely well. There's just one thing troubling me.'

'What?' 'Looking at Akiza there, she seemed very calm. If you ask me, she was too calm, suspiciously calm.' 'Wait, are you suggesting she's under control?' 'It seems like Akiza, but there's just an alarm bell in my head and it ain't stopped ringing. Maddy, is there any chance I could have a little word privately?' 'Sure.' She then turned around to Astrid. 'I know, family business, I don't mind. I'll still be here. Now your father's waiting, k?' 'K.'

In a private room

'What's up?' 'Did you get my email about my plan?' 'What, the email you sent at 1am? Yes I have.' 'And?' 'You'll have to ask Mam, I have no power remember.' 'I'll be honest with you, I have no doubt you're going to win this election. If Hannah questions me on this I'll just tell her you pushed it through before she came back.'

'Well I like the idea, and I'm guessing you think she's ready.' 'If I didn't I wouldn't have suggested it. The last thing I want to happen is for her to get seriously injured due to my negligence.' 'You've agreed this with Sakura?' 'I have, I showed her the hands-free crutches that we created, although they more resemble leg braces. Me and Sakura duelled while she was wearing them, and she seemed quite impressed.'

Phil then showed her a picture of the crutches. 'They look awesome man. How long did it take you?' 'It took me, Sean, and Joe about 3 weeks in total. That was after we'd got hold of the scrap metal for it.'

'Awesome, really just… awesome. Well if you're happy with it, and Sak's happy with it, I'll give the go-ahead. I want to make one thing clear though.' 'Of course.' 'If you're intent on cashing in, ONLY do it on a none-Renegade team. If me and 'trid, or Lydia and Freja, win the titles, no cashing in.'

'Of course, I completely get it. As long as the Renegades have the titles, we don't have a reason to act. In that case, I'll leave it to Rio whether she returns immediately.' 'When you showing her anyway?' 'Well it's her birthday on Wednesday, so only two days to go.' 'I like it.' As James' music hit for the main event, Maddy stood up. 'I need to observe.' 'Ok, thanks.'

In the duelling zone

James walked down to the duelling zone, oblivious to what was being planned. 'The following duel is your main event, and is a Grudge Match for the WDC Championship. Introducing first, the challenger, from London, England, the Renegade Killa – Birchall.'

As he stood in the centre of the duelling zone, Martin and Powerplay behind him, he grabbed a microphone. 'My name is Birchall – that is the name which strikes fear into everyone. And after I take the title off of the ungrateful runt, I'm going to take back what is truly mine. You listening Hannah?'

Rhydian then walked out to interrupt him, and the referee separated the tense stare-off. 'Introducing, from Llanfair PG, Wales, the Cobra and the WDC Champion – Rhydian Morris.' Rhydian raised his title, before eventually allowing the referee to take it off of him. After more tense staring, both men activated their duel disks, and amid a frosty atmosphere, began the title duel.

WDC Championship: Birchall LP:8000 vs. (c) Rhydian Morris LP:8000

Turn 1: Birchall: 'I'll start. I draw. I activate Archfiend Palabyrinth.' A pair of dark metal pillars appeared around the challenger as Rhydian watched on. Next I summon Archfiend Interceptor (Atk:1400-1900). I end my turn with a face-down.'

Rhydian: 'I draw. I activate Card Destruction, so we both lose our entire hands and start again. I'll follow that up with Worm Xex (Atk:1800). When I summon Xex, I can send another Worm to my graveyard from my deck. And because I control Xex, I can summon Worm Yagan face-down in Defence mode to join it. And I'll equip Xex with Axe of Despair (Atk:1800-2800). Now Xex, attack Archfiend Interceptor.' Interceptor threw a fastball at Rhydian, before being melted by the green ooze spat out from the Worm monster (Rhydian LP:8000-7500, Birchall LP:8000-7000). 'I end my turn.'

Birchall: 'I draw. I activate the Spell card Falling Down. Because I control an Archfiend card, I'm taking control of Worm Xex.' After Xex switched sides, Birchall laughed. 'Soon I'll have your toy belt. That will teach you not to disrespect me! I summon Archfiend Emperor, the First Lord of Horror through his effect by taking away half of it's attack (Atk:3000-3500-1750).'

'By banishing Interceptor from my graveyard, the effect of Archfiend Emperor destroys a card on your field.' The Emperor sliced through the sky with a blade of pure darkness, destroying Worm Yagan. 'Worm Xex, attack.'

Xex reared up, and slammed Rhydian with tentacles, dropping his points (Rhydian LP:8000-5200). 'Archfiend Emperor, attack.' Birchall's Emperor shot out a pulse of darkness, making Rhydian retreat as his points got lower (Rhydian LP:5200-3550).

As Birchall took a commanding lead, Kelly pushed her earpiece closer to her ear, and heard Maddy on it. 'Bandit!' Kelly then immediately stood up from her seat and spoke into her microphone. 'Gee guys, is it just me or is it really hot in here today?' She then took off her leather jacket to reveal a Renegades shirt hidden underneath.

Before Rhydian could say anything, two figures burst into the duelling zone, both wearing navy-blue coats with two wooden pins holding them together, and attacked Rhydian. Birchall went to run away, but backed straight into Phil, who headbutted him straight to the ground, before starting to choke him.

As the rest of the club (sans Kris and Hannah) came out to attack, Maddy wormed her way around the two figures, and mimed kissing them on the cheek, before taking their hoods off to reveal Taylor and Ashley. Both had their hair down with black lipstick, staring straight into space with eyes wide and empty.

After the rat had been choked out, the club turned to Rhydian, and all started taking turns hitting him, before Maddy speared him, and picked up the WDC Championship belt, before laying it onto Rhydian's face, and joining everyone else in the Renegades salute as the show ended.

Next time: The Desert Storm tournament begins, the band make a statement, and cracks begin to spread in the Brave Bones in Renegades: A New Dawn Chapter XIX: Duel Symphony