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.

19. Duel Symphony

Renegades: A New Dawn

Chapter XIX: Duel Symphony

Two days later

Just before 11am, Maddy came down to the hotel lobby, only to find that two club members were absent. 'Hey guys, where are Astrid and Sakura – should have been down here half an hour ago.' The first to respond was a bright and breezy Rio, eating a stack of pancakes. 'Just missed 'em – in Sak's room.'

'Thanks Rio. But you still shouldn't be talking with your mouth full.' 'It's my birthday though!' 'Rio, I don't care if it's fucking Christmas – you still shouldn't be talking with your mouth full.' 'Sorry. Geez, what's wrong with you this morning?' 'Doesn't matter.'

Maddy went and found Astrid, who had Sakura feeling over her body. 'Right, either this is some sort of medical thing, or a really shitty snuff movie.' 'Please don't make me laugh Maddy, not right now anyway' Sakura replied, concentrating.

'What's goin' on then?' 'Nothing too serious I hope. Astrid took a real beating against Claude the other day and she's been suffering from a loss of feeling in her left shoulder. It could be anything as simple as a trapped nerve but with her history of neck issues, I'm not taking any chances. You can still feel my hand Astrid?'

'Touch my foot again and I'll kick your teeth out.' 'You wouldn't be the first.' 'Sorry. Just get sensitive.' 'We all have a sensitive point, don't worry about it. It's like me – someone touched my right hip once and I broke their nose. Pure instinct. I'm sure you're the same Maddy – you've got a sensitive point somewhere.'

'Centre of my back. I mean I don't like people touching me from behind in general, not even if I know they're coming. So no issues?' 'Doesn't seem to be anything other than a little tenderness at the top of the neck. So no gymnastics and no badly timed trips.' 'Got it, thanks.'

As Astrid left the room, Maddy watched her, before going up to Sakura. 'Anything else?' 'I'm concerned at her medical history.' 'Meaning?' 'You know about her neck injury from last year?' 'What – the one that made her miss the start of the season? Yeah, she mentioned something about Birchall being responsible. What about it – what's there that troubles you?'

'It's what isn't there. It's registered as a Grade 3, which means at least two broken verterbra, but there's no record of her having any surgery.' 'What are the chances of getting away with it?' 'They would heal naturally, but it would take months. I'm worried that she's aggrivated the injury. Problem being, there's no way of telling without a scan.'

'Trid hates hospitals – she doesn't like being confined to one place.' 'Exactly.' 'Lemme guess – you want me to persuade her to go to hospital.' 'No, I want you to keep an eye on her.' 'K, can do that.' 'Good. If it is just a trapped nerve, it should be fine within a couple of days latest. If she goes numb in any other of her limbs, I need to know.' 'Of course, I'll make sure of it.'

In the arena

The show started with Maddy and the band coming out, along with Phil. As they reached the duelling zone, the band members (with their hoods still up) stood there while Maddy spoke. 'We warned you. We warned that this year would truly be the year of the Renegades. 2017 is the year when we take over everything! What you see before you, and what you saw just three days ago, is an example of our power, of our reach, and of our potential! We are one, the whole is stronger than the individual.'

'But that, that is enough from me. Because I know, I know that what you really want right now is to hear from the… unusual suspects.' Maddy passed the microphone to Kelly, and stepped back, as she spoke, head still down and face still hidden.

'I'm sure everyone is asking why I did what I did, and why Ashley and Taylor joined me. The truth is, it's all for the sake of power. We were offered the chance of power, and all we had to do, was to give up our lives and become faithful servants. And as you can tell, we accepted. What we did was all part of the higher vision. To serve is our purpose, to serve is our passion.'

Taylor then received the microphone, and the three of them lifted their heads up. 'All those who have been deemed unworthy, we will annihilate in the name and the spirit and the service of the Renegades. All for the Renegades!'

The sermon was interrupted by a small man in a yellow and black pinstripe suit, catching Taylor's atttention. 'Who are you and what gives you the right to interrupt our masters during their sermon?' 'I do apologise for disturbing you. I came to talk to your mistress Maddy Smith.'

The entranced Taylor looked over, and Maddy stepped up. 'That's Maddy Robinson-Cummings to you. Now spit it out before I set our hounds of justice on you.' 'Of course. If I may introduce myself, my name is Nico Smiley, and I represent the Lion's Head Consortium. We take promising young duellists, mold them into top contenders, and manage every part of their career.'

'Good for you. Why do you want to talk to me though?' 'Because you are a promising young duellist. A promising young duellist we can find a mentor for. You don't have to scrap at the bottom of the food chain, you can go straight up to the top. But you can only do that with our advice, with my advice. Just like Johnny and Celina before you.'

Maddy briefly nodded, before looking around to Kelly and Taylor, who walked meanicingly towards Nico. As he backed up however, he realised someone was behind him. He went to turn around, only for Blair to trap him in a chokehold, holding him up for Kelly to kick him in the gut, before Taylor kicked straight into the groin. As Nico cringed, the band members smiled, as Blair and Maddy slapped hands. The Michigan native took her white scrunchie out to take her ponytail down, and they posed together.

Coming back to the box, Kelly had a new surprise for everyone. 'What are those Kel?' 'These are commentary earpieces. So now you can hear what the commentators are saying – gives information on deck strategies, and they come out with some good one liners.' 'Thanks.'

The first tag duel involved Lydia and Freja, taking on Robert and Zak, under the curious name of Team Panther. As the Frenchman's music welcomed them in, the commentary team of D.J. Topper and guest commentator Kalin Kessler went through their decks.

DJ: "Robert and Zak have come through the ranks together and are close friends. Robert has had a tough first season on tour, but he is full of promise. His Weapons Fur Hire deck lacks finesse but makes up for that with strong combonation attacks."

"Zak Zapata is a young duellist full of potential who is still finding his way as a professional. He runs a ThunderRush deck which provides constant field presence and makes the opponent dizzy with endless combos." In the duelling zone, Robert and Zak signalled to the crowd, and the dark-purple haired New Zealander took off his bowling jacket, waiting for their opponents. A wait which didn't last long, as the girls made their appearance shortly afterwards. While they came out, the commentary team did their thing.

"Lydia and Freja have the kind of bond only sisters could ever hope to share. Lydia's more defensive style meshes beautifully with her sister, and her End Herald build focuses on restricting the opponent's moves and opening boards for her sister to strike."

"Freja is regarded as the wildcard of the Renegades, and with good reason. Her Renegade's Secret Chance deck takes advantage of pinpoint prediction to batter her opponents with crushing effects and bruising attacks while leaving the defensive work to her sister."

With the two teams facing off, the official moved in. 'Round 1: Team Panther vs. the Shapesisters. We will decide who goes first with a coin toss. Team Panther to call.' 'Tails.' 'Tails it is.' 'We'll go second.'

Desert Storm Tournament Round 1: Team Panther LP:8000 vs. Shapesisters LP:8000

Turn 1: Zak: 'I'm drawing! I'm summoning Aloof Lupine (Atk:1700). When he's summoned imma banish a monster from my hand, then banish a monster of the same type from my deck. So imma banish Thunder Dragonroar from my hand, and Thunder Dragondark from my deck. This triggers their abilities. Dragonroar allows me to summon a new Thunder Dragon directly from my deck. Meet Thunder Dragonhawk (Atk:1800). And Dragondark allows me to search another Dragonroar from my deck.'

'Next imma use Allure of Darkness. I'm drawing two, then I'm banishing a Dark monster like Thunder Dragonroar. Meaning I can use Dragonroar's effect to summon Thunder Dragon (Atk:1600).'

'Now I activate the Spell card Thunder Dragon Fusion. This Fusion spell ain't your regular one, this uses monsters that are already in the graveyard or banished as well as on my field by shuffling into my deck. Returning to my deck, two Dragonroars and a pinch o' Dragondark to summon the almighty Thunder Dragon Titan (Atk:3200).'

'Next I send another copy of Thunder Dragon from my hand to my graveyard in order to search the last one. And that lets me tribute Thunder Dragon to summon Thunder Dragon Colossus through it's effect (Atk:2800). I end my turn with a face-down.'

Lydia: 'I'll take this one. I draw. I activate the Spell card Dawn of the Herald. By sending the Level 6 Arcana Force XIV: Temperence from my hand to my graveyard, I can summon out Herald of Perfection (Def.:2800).'

'2800's not bad but it's not Titan levels.' 'I'll equip it with Ritual Weapon then. This gives Perfection 1500 more Attack and Defence for being a Level 6 or below Ritual monster (Def.:2800-4300). I end my turn with a face-down.'

Robert: 'Draw. Summon Recon, Scout Fur Hire (Atk:1000). He summons a Fur Hire from my hand. Rafale, Champion Fur Hire (Atk:2800). When another Fur Hire is Special summoned, Recon destroys your face-down.' Recon shot a water bomb out of it's cannon, destroying Lydia's card.

'Now activate Fandora, the Flying Furtress.' The field then became a massive airship, with the two teams on either side of the Furtress. '3 more. I end my turn.'

Freja: 'I draw. I'll set a monster, then I'll activate my Dangerous Machine Type-6 and end my turn with a face-down.'

Zak: 'I draw. Imma activate the effect of Thunder Dragonmatrix. By discarding it, Titan gets a boost of 500 big ones (Atk:3200-3700). Also, Titan's effect now activates and destroys Herald of Perfection.'

'I'll activate the effect of Herald of Perfection. By sending a Fairy from my hand to the graveyard, I can negate your effect and destroy Titan.' This lead Robert to get involved. 'Activate ability of Rafale! Discard Filo, Messenger Fur Hire, negate and destroy Herald of Perfection!'

As he did this, Freja helped her sister out. 'The effect of Herald isn't once per turn. So I'll get rid of Arcana Force VI and destroy Rafale.' As the chain unravelled, two Fairies ended up in the graveyard, and Herald glowed, unleashing thousands of beams of consecrated sunlight, roasting Rafale.

'Imma keep Titan alive, I just need to banish two cards from my graveyard to do so. And when I banish Thunder Dragonmatrix, I can add another one to my hand.' 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Lydia: 'I draw. I activate the effect of Dangerous Machine Type-6. I roll a die, and depending on the result, I get a different effect.' Lydia and Freja's eyes both flashed red as the die gently tipped over to 3. 'When I roll a 3, I draw a card. Now Fre, hit it!' 'I activate my face-down Fiend Comedian. This lets me toss a coin, and call it. If I'm right, every card in your graveyards is banished.' 'And what if you're wrong?' 'I send as many cards from my deck to the graveyard as would have been banished. I choose Heads.'

As Freja picked her coin up, Robert stopped her. 'No no no, not this. I see you, you always are right.' 'I'm just lucky.' Freja then tossed the coin into the air, and it landed on Lydia's arm. 'Seriously? I told you not to throw it that way Fre, I hate the feel of metal on skin. By the way, it landed on Heads.'

When all the cards vanished from Robert and Zak's graveyards, Lydia took the opportunity. 'Now I activate Raigeki. This destroys all your monsters.' The lightning strike didn't benefit the Thunder Dragons as they overloaded and exploded. 'Now I'll summon Meltiel, Sage of the Sky (Atk:1600). Attack them directly!' Meltiel glided over to Team Panther, striking them with a sword made of light (Team Panther LP:8000-6400). 'I end my turn.'

Zak: 'I draw. I activate Pot of Greed to draw 2 cards. Next I activate Thunder Dragon Fusion. By returning Thunder Dragonmatrix, Dragonhawk, and Dragondark to my deck, I can summon another Thunder Dragon Titan (Atk:3200).'

'Now I activate Future Fusion.' 'Neat.' 'Titan, take down Meltiel with Lightning Rage!' 'I activate my face-down R: Blowback. I'm sure you know it by now, your attack is defused and you lose 100 points for every card on the field. We've got four, you have 3, so that's 700 points (Team Panther LP:6400-5700).' 'I'll dump a face-down and end my turn.'

Freja: 'I draw. I activate the effect of Dangerous Machine Type-6. By rolling a die, I get an effect.' The die was rolled, and Freja smiled. 'It's a 4.' 'What does that do?' 'Don't worry, just means I draw a card. Although what you should worry about is this – Arcana Force VII: The Chariot (Atk:1700).' As she picked up the coin, Robert shook his head. 'Again?' 'Yep. If it lands on Heads, then when Chariot destroys a monster of yours in battle, I gain control of it. If Tails, you get control of Chariot.'

Soon enough, the effect was revealed. 'That would be Heads then. I activate Gift of the Martyr. Lyds, any chance of a boost?' 'You owe me now.' 'Sure. I'll tribute Meltiel to give Chariot 1600 more Attack (Atk:1700-3300). Attack Titan with Master Blast.' 'I activate Thunder Break. By banishing a Thunder monster from my graveyard, I can disable all abilities on your field this turn.' As the Thunder monster was removed, the blast soaked Titan and destroyed it, causing minor damage (Team Panther LP:5700-5600). 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Robert: 'I will avenge! Activate Spell – Fire Formation Tensu. With this, I can summon Seal, Strategist Fur Hire (Atk:1600). Seal, activate ability, summon out Recon, Scout Fur Hire (Def.:500). Recon, activate ability! Destroy Freja's face-down.'

'Not so fast, I activate my face-down Trap Trick. This allows me to banish a Trap from my deck to take another copy of that Trap and lay it face-down. Even better, I can use it this turn. I choose Waking the Dragon.'

'It shall not work! Destroy "Waking the Dragon".' As Donpa destroyed her face-down, the younger twin smiled. 'That's what we pros call a big mistake!' Zak then raised his shoulders at his partner. 'C'mon man, the one thing you don't do is destroy Waking the Dragon. That's like opening Pandora's damn box!'

'Sorry, can I interrupt your arguing to use Waking the Dragon. This allows me to summon any monster from my deck or Extra deck. I choose Arcana Force EX: The Dark Ruler (Atk:4000).' 'That will be fine. I activate the ability of Donpa, to summon Sagitta, Maverick Fur Hire (Def.:2400).'

'Sagitta, activate your ability and deal 500 damage for every other Fur Hire monster I control.' Sagitta slung sharp, feather-like wings at Lydia and Freja, dropping their points (8000-7000). 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Lydia wins with Athena OTK.

As Lydia and Freja won, they hi-fived each other, and then quickly left, as the crowd warmly applauded both sides. When they returned to the box, they found Blair waiting for them. 'Well done/' 'Thanks Blair, you've been absolutely amazing. Teaching me about the Athena OTK like you did.'

'You're welcome. But I ain't amazing, I'm just trying to help you improve. Benefits all of us.' Maddy then shouted from afar. 'You know, you could just take credit once in a while. Tha Athena OTK's awesome.'

After this duel, followed wins for Justin and Eagle (over Rhydian and Nash), and Kari and Radley (over Claude and Hassleberry). After that duel, Claude spoke to them both, before he and Hassleberry left.

During the next duel between the Oriental Xpress (Jaden and Kenta) against Vector and Martin, Rio asked for a quick meeting with Maddy. 'Hey Rio, what's up?' 'I… uh… I...' 'It's me, you don't need to be nervous.' 'It's… kinda the subject.'

'Is it about Blair?' 'No, it's… I've been suffering with… real bad shakes recently, like' 'Hand tremors?' 'You knew?' 'I'd seen 'em, I didn't know how bad.' 'Real bad. Doc thinks I suffered nerve damage in… you know' 'Your brain when you were shot. I totally get it. I get the feeling you want to ask me something.'

'Yeah, it's… something I've been keeping control with. It's Herbal cannabis, I've been smoking it.' 'Right, and why are you telling me this?' 'Because if I keep using them, I want your permission. For around the base.' Maddy just stared at her, totally unimpressed.

'I know, I know, I wouldn't be asking if I… you know' 'If you weren't completely desperate. Thing is, I can't agree to anything I don't understand.' Maddy then got her phone out and made an important call.

'Hello? Yeah hi Sak, need to ask you about medicinal cannabis. No no, not for me. Listen, I just need to know whether it works and whether it's addictive. Right. So it's totally fine? Sounds kinda good actually. What's that? Oh ok, sure. Thanks Sakura. Ok, bye.'

Rio was then awaiting the decision. 'So...' 'Two conditions. Firstly, Sakura is in charge of how much is in them. Secondly, you only smoke them outside. If I even get the slightest whiff that you've been smoking them indoors, that's out agreement done. K?' 'I won't smoke them on base property.' As the two of them returned to the box, the duel was just finishing.

Martin: 'I draw. Bickuribox, attack Jaden's Neo Bubbleman. Spring Shock.' 'I activate Magic Cylinder. So all the damage you're dealing, is reflected back to you.' As Jaden's Trap activated, Kenta made a bizarre move. 'I activate Wiretap! This negates his Trap and then returns it to his deck.' 'Hey Kenta, why are you' 'Now I activate my own Magic Cylinder! So you will take 2550 damage.' The second Magic Cylinder triggered, and blasted Bickuribox's own springing attack back at the Barian and the Argentine, ending the duel (Vector and Martin LP:2100-0).

After the duel, an interviewer came over, and Kenta immediately pushed Jaden away from the camera, before snatching a microphone. 'I win! I am a big star, I am THE big star, I guide this team to gold and glory!'

By the time Jaden picked himself back up off of the floor, the interviewer had already left. Kenta left first, with his tag partner just watching on. Eventually he followed, and Blair slipped out of the box.

In the car park

Jaden was just leaving when his old friend caught up with him. 'Listen, I know what you said about the Renegades, and I'm flattered, but' 'I didn't come to talk about that. I came to talk about what happened back there.'

'He kind of got over-excited I think.' 'There's getting over-excited and then there's being a complete douche.' 'I know, but I've really got an obligation to like him. Let's face it, we're teaming so I might as well just enjoy what I can.'

'Why though? Of all the people you could have teamed with, why him?' 'I think I just felt bad for him.' 'And?' 'It doesn't matter.' This response irritated Blair. 'Tell me, otherwise I'll tell all the Renegades that I nearly beat you when I was 9.'

'Fine, you got me there. Thing is, me and Kenta have been friends for so long, but he changed so much. As he's got older he's gotten desperate to prove himself. He's annoyed that people don't see him as a major star. I'm just trying to help my friend. I figured that if he's recognised as a major star, he'll mellow down again.'

'I think I get it. You shouldn't be putting yourself through all this though. You should be fighting at the top, not scrapping near the bottom. You deserve to be part of something much bigger J.' This comment got the former World champion thinking.

'Blair, do you like the rest of the Renegades?' 'Yeah. I mean, we don't get on all the time, I mean who does, but yeah, we all get on mostly. Because we're all fighting for the same thing – we want to change the world and make it accepting and appriciative of our talents. And there really is nothing like fighting alongside people who believe in the same thing as you.'

'Thanks. I'll get back to you on this trial.' 'You're welcome. Just thinking of you. I wouldn't be recommending this if I didn't think you were perfect for it.' 'I know. I just need to consider whether I can or not.' 'Of course, no pressure.'

Blair left the car park, and immediately ran into Maddy. 'He will come round, I have no doubt.' 'Just so you know, I really appreciate this.' 'No worries. You looking forward to duelling with Astrid later?'

'Not really – feel terrible. Went to that steakhouse with Kelly last night, I think I got food poisoning. Also kinda don't wanna let her down. Especially after what went down with Claude yesterday.'

'You want my advice?' 'Sure.' 'Take it steady. If you're not feeling too good, tell her – she needs to know. And let Astrid do most of the attacking.' 'I guess. Right, I'll be heading to the duelling zone. See you in a bit.' 'See you.'

In the arena

Hype built as Maddy and Astrid entered the arena together to Pstereo by Emilie Nicolas. 'The following duel is a Desert Storm Round 1 duel. Introducing first, representing the Renegades, fra oya Berk, Norge, the Aesir Princess – Astrid Hofferson. And her tag-team partner, from Stonybridge, Northumbria, England, she is your WDC Young-Gun Champion, the Alpha Predator – Maddy Robinson-Cummings! They are the Madstrid Treaty!' While they walked down, the analyses began, with Kalin analysing Astrid.

'Astrid Hofferson is a highly decorated Amateur duellist and a fierce competitor who like her partner knows all about living up to her family's legacy through her uncle Finn Hofferson. Her Moderne Norrone Mytologier or Modern Norse Mythologies deck embraces everything magical about her home region and has a sting in the tail with vicious offence and crafty defence.'

'Maddy Robinson-Cummings is a hard as nails Brit who knows all about living in the shadow of her family, with Phil and Hannah being responsible for her care. Her Beast Beatdown deck truly allows her to access her wild side and has made all sorts of decorated duellists look like nervous wrecks, turning even the cutest animal into a vicious killing machine.'

In the duelling zone, their opponents walked out together to Kieran's new music, which according to Rio, sounded like "a massive helicopter crash". 'Introducing their opponents, from Croydon, England, they are the team of Kiera and Kieran Byrne.' As the two entered, Kiera looked a long way away from the young woman who Kieran had been fighting for the sight of. As they arrived, Maddy and Kieran eyed each other up, before starting the duel.

Desert Storm Round 1: Kieran and Kiera Byrne LP:8000 vs. Madstrid Treaty (Maddy Robinson-Cummings and Astrid Hofferson) LP:8000

Turn 1: Kiera: 'Right, I draw. I summon Superheavy Samurai Blue Brawler (Atk:0). When it's summoned, it changes Battle position (Def.:2000). I end my turn.'

Maddy: 'I draw. I'll activate One for One to discard one card and summon Uniflora, Mystical Beast of the Forest (Atk:700). Next I summon Kinka-Byo (Atk:400). And when he's summoned, I get to bring Bunilla back from the graveyard (Atk:150). Now I overlay the three of them to build the overlay network and Xyz summon Number 54 – Lion Heart (Atk:100). I end my turn with a face-down.'

Kieran: 'I draw. I need your help Kiera.' 'What's mine is yours.' 'Thanks. Because there's no Spells or Traps in our graveyard, I summon Superheavy Samurai Trumpeter (Atk:300). And I'll tribute it and Blue Brawler to summon Superheavy Samurai Big Benkei (Atk:1000). When Big Benkei is summoned, he switches to Defence mode (Def.:3500).'

'What about it?' 'Just watch. Attack Lion Heart.' Despite being in Defence, the lumbering behemoth swung his naginata towards Lion Heart, rattling the usually confident Maddy, prompting Astrid to act. 'I use the effect of Lion Heart to detach an Xyz material and reflect the damage straight back at you. Also, it can't be destroyed in battle.'

As the weapon came in, Lion Heart hulked up, and the weapon bounced off (Kieran and Kiera LP:8000-4600). 'I'll end my turn.' As the turn ended, Astrid scolded her tag partner. 'Hva I helvete var det? Je ger taggen din partner, ikke barnevakten din! Wake up!'

Astrid: 'I draw. I activate Goddess Urd's Verdict. But I send it to my graveyard to summon Valkyrie Sigurn (Def.:2400). I lay a face-down and enter the Battle phase, then opt to not attack.' 'I don't quite get it.' 'It's so I can use Mischief of the Time Goddess.'

The two teams were then contained in a bizarre time-space. 'Time moves quickly does it not? Mischief allows me to forward time to the end of my next Battle phase. Meaning I can use my face-down Loge's Flame.' As the time-space cleared, Astrid and Maddy's field was being garded by a light blue tornado of fire. 'No monster with 2000 or fewer Attack points may pass through here to attack. Now I summon Valkyrie Chariot (Atk:500), and equip it to Sigurn.' With a single flash of light, Sigurn's horse was now pulling her chariot. 'I end my turn.'

Kiera: 'I draw.' Kiera then took several minutes to try and figure out a way to break through, before ending her turn.

Maddy: 'I draw. I'll switch Lion Heart to Defence mode (Def.:100), and set another monster in Defence mode, before ending my turn.'

Kieran: 'I draw. I activate the effect of Superheavy Samurai Soulclaw from my hand, equipping onto Big Benkei to give it 500 Attack and Defence (Atk/Def.:1000/3500-1500/4000).' 'You still cannot pass through Loge's Flame.' 'Indeed, my turn is done.'

Astrid: 'Draw. I lay a face-down. End.'

Kiera: 'I draw. I summon Superheavy Samurai Swordsman (Atk:1000). When it's summoned, it changes Battle position (Def.:1800). I end my turn.'

Maddy: 'I draw.' The would-be president looked at her tag partner, and smiled. 'I activate my face-down Fairy Breath. This gives one monster on the field 3000 Defence until the end of my turn. I choose Big Benkei (Def.:4000-7000). Lion Heart, attack Big Benkei with Pulverising Pounce!' 'I activate Damage Alteration. This reduces all the damage we would have taken to 0.'

'Well I'll activate Wave-Motion Cannon then, and end my turn with a face-down (Def.:7000-4000).' Astrid then looked at her teammate, and quipped 'Nice you finally turned up.' 'Less cheek and more duelling.' 'What do you think I've been doing?' 'Costing us points.' 'It was worth it.'

Kieran: 'I hate small talk. I draw. I activate the effect of another Soulclaw (Atk/Def.:1500/4000-2000/4500), then summon Blue Brawler, which switches to Defence (Def.:2000). I end my turn.'

Astrid: 'Draw. You're about to learn not to mess with a viking! I activate Ride of the Valkyries!' 'And you're going to find this too hot to Handel.' Astrid then stared at her teammate. 'Wagner.' 'Whatever, like I know anything about classical music.'

'Ride of the Valkyries summons out all Valkyries from my hand. Come, Valkyries Dritte, Brunhilde, and Erste (Atk: 1000, 1800, 1600). When I summon at least three monsters with Ride of the Valkyries, any damage we take for the rest of the turn becomes 0. Now for the effects – Brunhilde gains 500 Attack for every monster you control (Atk:3300). Dritte adds Valkyrie Vierte to my hand. And Erste adds back a little something you might remember from my grave. My Mischief of the Time Goddess.'

'You still have to get through our defences.' 'Around? I was thinking… ignore them. I activate my face-down Pegasus Wing. It's a card which allows all Valkyries to ride past your defences by halving the battle damage.' 'Trid, face-down.' 'I activate Maddy's face-down.' 'It's the Spell card Rush Recklessly. This gives Brunhilde 700 more Attack (Atk:3300-4000).' 'And I summon Valkyrie Vierte (Atk:1400). Now my girlfriends, battle!'

The squadron of Valkyries rode into battle on their horses, and one by one, leapt over the solid samurais on the opposing field, before slashing at their opponents (Kieran and Kiera LP:8000-3900). 'And now, I activate Mischief of the Time Goddess, which warps time to my next Battle phase. Battle once more my brave Valkyries!' The four horse-riding warriors charged in again, and ended the duel (Kieran and Kiera LP:3900-0).

When the duel ended, Kieran and Kiera just walked off, seemingly unfussed at defeat. The Renegade team slapped hands, and both made the salute, before too departing. Not everything was as jolly as it seemed however, as backstage, Astrid wanted answers about her teammate's strange behaviours.

'What was going there? You duelled like a amateur. No, worse than that, you duelled like you don't even care.' 'I'm sorry trid, I'm just off colour today.' 'How?' 'I'm… I'm just unwell. Had a bad night, not feeling good today. I took something to take the edge off, but I just felt weird out there. I didn't do much because I didn't want to let you down.'

'You let me down by not trying. I'd rather you make mistakes than be duelling on my own.' 'I'm not like you 'trid, I can't duel on autopilot, I ain't that experienced or good even.' 'You're awesome Maddy. It isn't the tag titles I want, it's just to duel well and enjoy it.'

In the box

As the first round continued, Kelly came in with some post. 'Rio, you've got another birthday card – it's from your brother?' 'Not interested, thanks.' Kelly shrugged her shoulders and did as she was asked, while Phil watched on with his wife.

'Phil, you know she's making the right decision.' 'She's making her own decisions. It's both good and bad news.' 'You do realise she won't betray you. She and Blair see you as some sort of venerated being.' 'I know. I need to protect them.' 'They can protect themselves. They just need you to keep watch. You can see here that Rio's protecting herself from negative influence.'

'Listen, there's a plan you need to know about, something which I approached Maddy about before you arranged the election. You know Rio's briefcase?' 'Oh yeah, that?' 'Yeah, me and Maddy agreed that if a non-Renegade team won the tag titles, me and Rio will use the case.' Hannah thought for a moment, and shrugged her shoulders. 'If it keeps the titles with us, sure.'

When Maddy and Astrid walked back in, Lydia and Freja greeted them. 'In the next round.' 'Yep.'

Just as Blair said that, her phone rang. 'Hello? Howdy Jaden, what's up?' She then looked at Maddy. 'Oh, you've been thinking about the offer you were made, with the club? You're interested?' Blair then signalled at Maddy to write the details down. 'What's that – Thursday at 1:30pm?' The presidential candidate then gave her the thumbs up. 'That's great thanks. Don't worry about the address, we'll send someone to pick you up if you fly into Manchester Airport. Yeah, I'll be there. I'll see you on Thursday then. Oh, might be an idea to pack an overnight bag as well – the base is quite big so the tour will take a while. K, bye.'

As she put the phone down, Maddy smiled, and Blair fist-bumped her. 'Knew I put the right person in charge.' 'I can bring him over if you like – I've got a fake license.' 'I appriciate the offer, but it's probably best not to considering you've never driven in the UK before. I know exactly who to call.' Maddy then picked up the phone herself.

'Hi Sean, it's Maddy. No no, Dad's absolutely fine. I was just wondering, are you busy lunchtime Thursday? About 12ish to half 1? Just that we've got someone coming over, a potential new recruit, and we need someone to pick them up from Manchester Airport. Awesome, thanks. Yeah, I'll be at the base by about 12 if you need to talk about anything. Cheers.'

As Maddy came off of the phone, she looked at her recruiter. ' Right, I'll use Primal Eolas and warp you over to the airport on Thursday. Only take about a minute.' 'You can take more than one person?' 'Yeah, it ain't too far. We'll land somewhere behind the airport where we won't be spotted.' 'Awesome, thanks.'

The next duel on was Black Rose Inc. going against Alito and Girag. Before the duel though, the Barians were moving through the corridor when they bumped into Rio. 'Marin, you've returned.' 'We heard you were never coming back.' 'My name is Rio. And I'm only back to watch. Needless to say I hope you both win here.'

'Thanks.' Girag then walked closer to her. 'We need to talk, about your brother.' Rio looked at him with shark eyes. 'I have no brother.' 'We need to talk about Nash.' 'Nothing to say. I want nothing to do with him.'

'We know.' 'We don't either.' Rio then looked round. 'Go on.' 'He's aligned himself with Rhydian, they've agreed that they'll get both you and Maddy back at the same time.' 'And?' 'He won't stop at anything to force you to return. He's even trying to get Vector in and unlock the power of the Barian god Don Thousand to force you to return. He can force you even if you're not in your Barian form.'

'I'm fully aware of Don Thousand's power. And I'm not coming back.' 'We don't expect you to. We want you to be safe. If Don Thousand is back it's bad for all of us.' 'So what do you suggest?' 'We were rather hoping that you'd have some ideas.'

'Excuse me, I'm the one with the traumatic brain injury here, you're the ones who should be coming up with ideas.' 'Can we speak to your president?' 'Bad time at the moment. Next week should be better.' 'We don't have a week to wait.' Rio then rolled her eyes. 'I'll take you to the box after your duel.'

Before her Barian collegues left, Alito handed her two cards. 'And what's that for?' He just smiled. 'Did you think we forgot about your birthday? Well… I actually did, but this guy, he remembered for both of us.' She smiled. 'Thanks.' As they left, Rio just stared out of the window.

Outside the stadium

Blair left the stadium and found Rio outside. 'Don't worry you're not missing much.' '20 today and I'm a physical wreck. Don't know if I'll ever return to duelling, that's all I ever wanted to do, I can't even walk properly. What's the point in it all?'

The Michigan native responded by putting her arm around her friend. 'I totally get it. You will return to duelling, trust me.' She then took her jacket off to reveal a sleeveless orange vest, and put the jacket over Rio. 'You're going to catch a chill out here.'

'Take it you want to go back in?' 'I'll stay out here as long as you're here. That is unless you want to be by yourself.' 'No thanks. Just… I wish that day had never happened.' 'Don't we all? What you did… well let's just say I wouldn't have been able to do it. But you do realise you don't have to be defined by it?'

'Why not – it's all anybody's interested in.' 'Idiots maybe. Listen up, I'm not supposed to be saying anything, but Phil's got a really big surprise lined up for you – he's been working on it for an absolute eternity.' 'An eternity as in?' 'Erm… about 3 weeks.'

'Sounds big.' 'Trust me, it is. And let's just say that his surprise is going to completely change how you're thinking about your state.' 'Thanks for coming out here B.' 'Don't need to thank me. It's what friends do, right? Besides, you were there for me in my worst hour. Without you, I don't know what I would have done – my head was just that all over the place.'

'How's your arm doing anyway?' 'It feels ok but Sakura ain't happy – apparently the infection isn't subsiding. And until it's gone, she won't clear me.' 'But you're feeling ok?' 'Yeah, I feel alright. I just wish Sak would allow me to take this cast off though – it feels like it's crushing my arm.' 'Well that's what happens when you've got 20 inch biceps. I'm sure you'll be fine soon.' 'Hope so – I want to get in action again.'

In the duelling zone

As Black Rose Inc. scored an 800 Life point victory over Alito and Girag, Akiza was interviewed. 'An impressive win for your team Akiza. Now there is a question which has been going round for quite a number of days, so if you would be able to clarify them – what is the status of you in the Renegades?'

Before Akiza could make a response, Phil walked out, alongside Hannah. 'You want the latest scoop? I'll give you the news – we of the Renegades parted ways with Akiza before Christmas. This was due to multiple failings on her part. As for the nature of the failings, that is classified information. But if you want news, I'll give you this exclusive hot off the press. I guarantee you, 100%, that the WDC Tag-Team Titles will be coming home with the Renegades. I will make sure of that.'

The young interviewer then turned to him. 'When you say that you guarantee the titles will be coming to the Renegades, what makes you say that?' 'If I told you how I know it would be highly irresponsible. All you need to know is I never make a promise I don't keep. And I'm not going to start now.'

'Your two teams in the Renegades, the Shapesisters and the Madstrid Treaty are facing off in the semi-finals. Will there be team orders regarding who progresses to the final?' 'There won't be. In the Renegades, we encourage our members to have fair contests against each other so that the rightful winners are found.'

'You must have a personal preference though, with your daughter being involved.' 'I am impartial as I always am in sucha situation.' 'Secretly though, who would you like to win?' He smiled, and simply stated 'May the best team win' before passing the microphone to his wife.

'Go on Akiza, play the victim. We know you play the victim so damn well. In reality, you're not the scared little girl you present, you're an idiot who had an opportunity and threw it away. You had family, you had a purpose, and you had to go and waste it all due to greed. Well guess what – I don't feel sorry for you, he doesn't feel sorry for you, none of them feel sorry for you, the only person who truly feels sorry for you, is yourself. So you can go on and be bitter at the world, or you can just accept, that you f*cked up.'

Before Akiza could respond, the two of them left. Akiza just stared on, clearly holding back her upset, eyes glistening as they started to well up. Instead of crying though, she wiped her entire face, and left, her two followers accompanying her.

As the M18 Connection arrived backstage, Michael approached them. 'Ah I was hoping to see you. I'm afraid I have some bad news.' 'Well isn't that a surprise' Hannah replied, sarcastically. 'You see, the Board of Directors and I have been talking, and we have decided that we cannot allow Hannah to duel as she is more than four months pregnant. So I'm afraid your duel has become a 2-1 duel.'

Hannah shook her head. 'I won't let you do that. I'm going to duel whatever you say.' 'I'm afraid I cannot allow that.' 'Oh, I don't think you have a choice.' Hannah then produced a neatly-folded piece of paper, and put on her glasses. 'It's a hold harmless agreement. And it says "I accept that any injury or death caused to myself or my foetus, intentional or accidental, is not the responsibility of the company nor the opponents."

'I'm sorry, it's company policy.' 'Which is why my beautiful husband emailed the board of directors.' Michael seemed shocked at this. 'He emailed them, and they agreed that as long as I have this agreement in place, the duel will go ahead.' 'I'm sorry, I will not allow you to.' Hannah then walked up to him, and whispered down his ear 'Tell me… what's your problem with me? Why are you so desperate to get rid of me?'

'You want to know? If I get rid of the both of you, I get rid of the entire Renegades. And you're going to spend more than a year on maternity leave raising your child. I had an agreement that if Phil lost this duel, he would be forced to quit the WDC.'

Hannah then laughed. 'Oh how wrong can you be Michael? You're not going to stop the revolution just by getting rid of us. The seeds have been sown and harvested. You're not going to stop the revolution because you cannot stop the revolution. Oh, and on the subject of maternity leave, we were thinking of having it as Paternity leave. Or just splitting it. We're not quite sure yet.'

As the two of them went to leave, they were confronted by Rhydian, who had a bandage over his eye after the previous attack. 'Too right you've sown your seeds. Right into my girlfriend's brain. You turned the love of my life against me.'

'No Rhydian, you did a perfectly good job of that.' 'You kidnapped her, a pair of desperate strangers.' 'Strangers? Rhydian, Maddy has known Phil longer than she's known you. Now a question for you: what kind of boyfriend gets his other half addicted to drugs? Is that really caring? Or is that being a control freak?'

The WDC Champion then got in Hannah's face, neither one of them backing down. Eventually Michael intervened between them. 'Right, I know how to deal with this situation – Hannah, if you are able to win your tag duel tomorrow, you will earn a WDC Championship shot against the winner of Rhydian and James' rematch, which we will also hold tomorrow, in Colombia in two weeks' time.' She responded by turning to leave. 'I'm not interested in your stupid title. It's not the most important thing in my life.'

While this dispute was going on, the No Remorse Corps easily beat Claude and Hassleberry. After their duel, the four of them shook hands, and hinted at an alliance by leaving together. Conformation of a 90 minute break then came on the big screens, as well as the semi-finals (Black Rose Inc. vs. Madstrid Treaty vs. Shapesisters, Pipe and Adams vs. No Remorse Corps vs. Oriental Xpress).

During the break, Rio and Blair returned. As they did, Phil was waiting. 'Rio, I've got something to show you – you've not had my birthday present yet.' 'Yeah, B mentioned something about that.' He then looked daggers at her. 'Relax, I only said I knew what it was and it was awesome. I didn't spoil the surprise. Do you really think I'd be standing here if I had?'

Just as they were about to leave, Jade ran up with a present. 'Sorry, I had to do last-minute shopping. I know it's not much Rio, but I didn't have a clue what to get you.' 'It's fine, honestly. I completely get it – you didn't know I was alive for so long.' Rio then unwrapped the present, to find a picture of her, Jade, and Blair together. 'Sorry it's not much, it's the only picture I had of us.' Rio then hugged the two of them. 'It's the best thing you could have got me.'

As Rio went off to see her present from Phil, Blair and Jade embraced. 'You took your time.' 'Do you have any idea how hard it is to get a taxi round these parts? I'm here now.' 'It's about time. Because I have missed you like crazy.' They then locked lips. 'Why don't you show me how much you've missed me?' Blair giggled and whispered 'Back at the hotel.' Blair let her hair down, and then Jade did the same. 'Wow Blair, your hair's so long!' 'I know, I kinda need it cut. Then I can wear my hair down and not have it tickling my butt.' 'If you'll come with me, I'll tickle something else. C'mon my Jewel, come and get me.' 'Damn right I will.'

In the lock-up

As Rio and Phil arrived, Joe was waiting. 'Here's the birthday girl. You want me to reveal them Phil?' 'If you would.' He then took the thick covering off to reveal the crutches, painted a glittery purple. 'Those are gorgeous! Can I try them on?' 'I was hoping you would. Now with the foot straps, just step onto the pads and you can adjust them manually.'

After Rio had stepped in, she started pressing the buttons. Suddenly, the wheels appeared, and she almost slid over. 'What the hell was that?' 'Wheels – it's so you don't have to give everyone a headache with the constant clanging of your crutches. Also means if you're tired you don't have to use a wheelchair.' 'Thank you so much! These are awesome.' Phil then smiled. 'You've not seen the best bit. When you're comfortable, press the orange button, then the red button.'

As she did that, a large, silver table-like structure extended from both crutches, meeting each other in the middle, where they locked into place, and Phil placed a duel disk on the table, with wires connecting it on either side, allowing it to activate.

As he did this, Rio was completely speechless. 'I've spoken to Sakura, and she's said that she'd be happy for you to start duelling in the arena when we get back. Not for long though.' She responded by hugging him. 'Thank you.' 'Let's just say that I got the idea from someone who happens to notably have no driving license.'

'You mean Blair.' 'I mean, it wasn't a deliberate idea… I think. Can never tell with that girl to be honest. She was just talking about how cool it would be for me to start inventing gadgets, and when she mentioned how much you missed duelling, the idea just came to me. Been working on this for ages. It's not quite right yet, I still need to work out how to make it faster, but it's useable.' 'It… it's amazing. This is the best birthday ever.' 'It might get better tomorrow.' 'Why?' 'Let's just say that me and Maddy have devised a plan so the club have the tag titles.'

Back in the box

As everyone not involved in the first semi-final returned to the box, Phil seemed a bit confused. 'Anyone any clue where Blair is?' The sarcastic reply came from Kris. 'Don't worry about her, I think she's going to be doing just fine.' 'She hasn't nicked my car again has she? I told her, only I'm allowed to drive her.'

'Not quite.' 'Well what then?' 'Let's just say she and Jade are consumating their relationship.' Hannah then laughed. 'She could have told us at least. Oh boy am I going to never stop mentioning this now.'

In the duelling zone

As the two Renegade teams waited, Black Rose Inc. made their entrance, and Akiza wasted no time in going face-to-face with Maddy. 'You ruined my life.' 'You did that, not me.' As Maddy moved, Astrid hit her signature kick, and Akiza fled. All three teams then geared up, and started.

Desert Storm Semi-Final 1: Shapesisters (Lydia and Freja Mckinna) LP:8000 vs. Black Rose Inc. (Tee Taylor and Lukas Chipperfield) LP:8000 vs. Madstrid Treaty (Maddy Robinson-Cummings and Astrid Hofferson) LP:8000

Turn 1: Astrid: 'La strid begynne! Tegne! One monster set, two face-downs. End.'

Lukas: 'I draw. I'll activate Graceful Charity, drawing three cards and discarding two. I summon Flying Pegasus Railroad Stampede (Atk:1800). When it's summoned, it retrieves Night Express Knight from my graveyard (Def.:3000). And Railroad Stampede's other effect copies the Level of Night Express Knight (Level:4-10). I overlay my two Level 10 monster to build the overlay network and summon Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Gustav Max (Atk:3000). I can't attack this turn, but I can use Gustav Max to put the hurting on a traitor. Target Maddy and Astrid. Bombs Away!' The cannon of Gustav Max fired out a pink arrow, which shot straight into Maddy, bursting with static (Madstrid LP:8000-6000). 'I end my turn with two face-downs.'

Lydia: 'I draw. I activate Hand Destruction, so we all discard two cards and draw two. Next I summon Warrior of Zera (Atk:1600). And I'll activate the Field spell Psuedo-Space.' A weird light green space then enveloped the field. 'With this, I can banish any Field spell from my graveyard, and this card's name and effects copy that Field spell. I choose to banish Pandemonium.'

As the field copied Birchall's Spell, Maddy seemed concerned. 'You've not have you?' 'Don't be stupid, of course I haven't. It's so I can tribute Warrior of Zera and summon out Mazera DeVille (Atk:2800). When Mazera is summoned with Pandemonium out, I can make Tee discard three random cards from her hand. I'll end my turn with a face-down.'

Maddy: 'I draw. I activate Delinquent Duo. By paying 1000 points (Madstrid LP:6000-5000), Tee has to discard a random card from her hand. Then she gets to select a card, and send it to the graveyard.' As Tee was deprived of the rest of her hand cards, Maddy set about Lukas' monster.

'Now I activate Polymerisation, fusing together The Dark – Hex-Sealed Fusion and Sea Koala to summon Koalo-Koala (Atk:2800).' 'Well that can't do anything.' 'You wanna bet? By sending a Beast from my hand to the graveyard, I can destroy Gustav Max.' Maddy's Koala ran at the cannon, and just plucked it up off of the ground, before crushing it in one hand, much to the horror of Akiza. 'No! Not like that!'

'Koalo-Koala, attack directly.' The strapping six-packed Koala charged straight at Tee, and mowed her down in an instant (BRI LP:8000-5200). 'And that's what you get for quitting on the Renegades! I don't respect puppets and I sure as hell don't respect quitters! I'll end my turn with a face-down.'

Tee: 'I draw. I'll set a monster and end my turn. You'll pay.'

Freja: 'Make us. I activate Foolish Burial Goods, to send a Spell or Trap from my deck to my graveyard. Next I'll use the effect of Psuedo-Space to copy the effect of The Sanctuary in the Sky. And as a bonus, Silent Doom to revive Warrior of Zera (Def.:1000). Now I tribute Warrior of Zera to Special summon Archlord Zerato (Atk:2800). And by discarding a Light-attribute monster from my hand, Zerato destroys all monsters on your field. Sorry Mads, 'trid.'

'I activate my face-down Alpha Barrier. As long as I have a Level 6 or above Beast on my field, this prevents monsters on our field being destroyed by card effects this turn.' 'I'll go ahead and attack Tee and Lukas directly then with Archlord Zerato.' 'I activate my face-down Urgent Schedule. Because you all control more monsters than us, I can summon these from my hand – Construction Train Signal Red and Night Express Knight (Def.:1300,3000).'

'Zerato, redirect your attack to his Construction Train.' Zerato opened up his wings, and unleashed a series of shining swords which pelted onto the locomotive, causing it to go up in flames. 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Astrid: 'Watch out, draw. Activate ability of Koalo-Koala. I discard Tanngnjostr of the Nordic Beasts to destroy Night Express Knight.' The mighty Koala picked up the Knight in one hand, and slammed him straight through his train.

'Next I tribute my monster to summon Valkyrie Zweite (Atk:1600).' Lydia then shouted over to Astrid. 'You speak German?' Astrid just smiled. 'ja natürlich, mein deutsch ist hervorragend, ich habe eine cousine aus niedersachsen, wir kommunizieren alle zwei wochen.' 'Not bad.' 'When Zweite is summoned, it destroys a monster on the field. I'll destroy Archlord Zerato.' Zweite charged Zerato with a sword extended, destroying it.

'Zweite, slice at Tee and Lukas.' Zweite rode on into battle, and a graceful swipe reduced the points of the anti-Renegades team (BRI LP:5200-3600). 'Koalo-Koala, crush!' The towering marsupial lifted his enormous fists, and slammed them down on the ground, causing an earthquake sending both of Akiza's charges tumbling to the ground (BRI LP:3600-800).

'Now that's done, I activate Goddess Skuld's Oracle.' A mystical sorceress with blue hair then emerged from the card, and her staff glowed, making the top of Lukas' deck glow blue. 'What's going on?' 'Skuld is the goddess who weaves the fibres of the future together. And this card reflects that as I can look at the top three cards of your deck, then put them back in whichever order I decide. Because I control your future!' The Viking then saw the three cards, and took her time, before placing them back in a completely different order. 'With that, I will end my turn.'

Lukas: 'I draw!' Lukas then saw his card. 'Seriously? How is this helpful to me!?' Astrid just smirked. 'That's the whole point.' Maddy then whispered to Astrid. 'What card is it?' 'Limiter Removal.' 'I'll just end my turn with a face-down.'

Lydia: 'I draw. I activate High-5. Because the only monster in my hand is a Level 5 monster, I can Normal summon it at the cost of 500 Life points (Shapesisters LP:8000-7200). Meet Arcana Force IX: The Hermit (Atk:1900). When Hermit is summoned, I have to toss a coin.' As the coin moved through the air, Freja's eyes flashed, which was noticed only by Maddy.

'Would you look at that – Heads. Thanks to that, I can look at your face-down Lukas, and then send it to the graveyard.' The Hermit shot out a blue light from his hand, which lifted the set card up (Limiter Removal), and it shrunk until it could no longer be seen. 'Hermit can't attack on the turn I use it's effect.' Freja had other ideas though. 'I activate my face-down Hive Mind. I have to send two cards from my hand to my graveyard to activate it, but now during the Battle phase, I can take control of any Type or Attribute on the field. I choose Beast-type.'

As the Trap was activated, a hexagonal, hive-like mark appeared on the chest of Maddy's monster. 'Koalo-Koala, attack Lukas and Tee.' The towering Koala thumped the ground, sending Akiza's charges falling like skittles at an alley (BRI LP:800-0).

Upon her team's defeat, Akiza started shouting obsceneties at both Renegade teams, and then Freja and Astrid struck back, the two lefties going at it with the Black Rose Witch. Eventually the three ex-Renegades were all escorted away by security, as fans chanted for Maddy, who had been surprisingly silent throughout, prompting Astrid to check on her. 'Earth to Maddy, anyone at home?'

Maddy: 'With them gone, the turn switches straight to me. I draw. I activate the ability of Koalo-Koala. By discarding Chain Dog, I destroy The Hermit.' Maddy's strapping Koala took yet another victim, picking up the frail Hermit, and crushing his skeleton. 'And now, I can attack you directly. Full speed ahead!'

'I activate the ability of Battle Fader from my hand. Because we're being attacked directly, it summons itself to cancel this battle phase (Def.:0).' 'I activate Double or Nothing! Because the attack was negated, my Koala can attack a second time, and this time, it's Attack is doubled and it's crashing straight through your monster into your points (Atk:2800-5600).' At the second attempt, Koala's metal arm bullied straight through the bell, and into the twins (Shapesisters LP:7200-1600). 'I end my turn with two face-downs.'

Freja: 'I draw. I activate 5 Card Salute, to draw until my card has… well, 5 cards, you know how it works. I summon Kaiser Sea Horse (Atk:1700), and activate Double Summn to tribute it for Arcana Force XVII: The Star (Atk:2700).' 'Your monster doesn't scare me.' 'Well this might – Cestus of Dagla. It gives The Star 500 more Attack points (Atk:2700-3200). Attack Koalo-Koala.' 'I activate Negate Attack. This stops your attack in it's tracks.' 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Astrid: 'I draw. I activate the effect of Goddess Skuld's Oracle. Show me your cards Lydia.' The top three cards then flew over to Astrid, who smiled. 'I'll place them back in the same order. Next I activate Goddess Verdande's Guidence.' 'I'm guessing we're not going to like this one either.' A second sprite then appeared on the field, this one carrying a slightly smaller staff and with pink hair.

'Verdande is the goddess of the present moment, and the results of her effect can change at any time. This card allows me to guess whether the top card of your deck is Spell, Monster, Trap, and if I'm right, it's set to your field. I predict it's a Spell.'

The card was then revealed. 'Rank-up Magic Icaron's Force. It's set on your field. Koalo, I equip with Moon Mirror Shield. Attack!' 'I activate my face-down Draining Shield. This will absorb your monster's boosted Attack points and add it to our score (Shapesisters LP:1600-4900).' 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Lydia: 'I draw. I activate Spell Absorption. So every time a Spell is activated, we gain 500 points.' 'It doesn't help with Spells already out.' 'No, but Giant Trunade does (Shapesisters LP:4900-5400).' The wicked tornado washed over the field, forcing all Spells and Traps back to the owner's hands. 'Next I activate a new Ritual Spell. This is called Breaking of the World.' As the card was activated, the whole arena turned black, with purple fractures appearing in the walls (Shapesisters LP:5900). 'And now, I activate the Ritual spell Cycle of the World (Shapesisters LP:6400). All I have to do is offer up Arcana Force XVII as tribute along with the Djinn Releaser of Rituals from my hand, to call upon Ruin, Supreme Queen of Oblivion (Atk:2900).'

'Ruin, attack Koalo-Koala with Oblivion's Wrath!' The wicked supreme queen lifted her staff, and swung it straight through the Koala opposite, finally removing it from the field (Madstrid LP:6000-5900). 'Ruin's ability activates now. When she destroys a monster by battle, you lose Life points equal to it's Attack.' Ruin released a vicious shadow which surged straight through Maddy and Astrid, stealing their breath away (Madstrid LP:5900-3100). 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Maddy: 'I draw. I summon Watch Dog (Atk:0). Now I move straight into my Main Phase 2, and use his effect. So I send Mind Control from my hand to my graveyard, and set a Continious Spell from my deck. I'll end my turn with another face-down.'

Freja: 'I draw. I activate Cestus of Dagla, and equip it to Ruin (Atk:2900-3400, Shapesisters LP:6400-6900). Now finish them off by attacking Watch Dog!' 'I activate my face-down Deflection Hazard. In order to negate your attack, this mandates that I tribute Watch Dog. In return, I draw a card.' 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Astrid: 'I draw. I activate Goddess Skuld's Oracle (Shapesisters LP:6900-7400). With this, I can re-arrange the top three cards of Lydia's deck.' After replacing them, Astrid had her plans set. 'I activate Goddess Verdande's Guidence (Shapesisters LP:7400-7900). When I use this card, I can add Goddess Urd's Verdict to my hand. Verdande lets me predict what kind of card is topping your deck, and if I'm right, you set it on your field. I predict it is a Spell card.'

As Astrid said this, Lydia wasted no time in revealing her card to be Machine Absolute Angel Ritual. 'Now I activate Goddess Urd's Verdict (Shapesisters LP:7900-8400).' The final sprite was blonde with short hair and a larger staff. 'The final norn, Urd is the goddess of the past. Which is what your face-down is about to become. All I have to do is name it and it's banished. I predict it's Machine Absolute Angel Ritual.'

As the card flipped up, it vanished in a pink light. 'Now I activate Pot of Extravagence (Shapesisters LP:8400-8900). By banishing six random cards face-down from my Extra deck, I can draw 2 cards. One of which is Valkyrie Sigurn. She's Level 9, but by sending Alpha Barrier from our field to the graveyard, I can summon her (Atk:2200). Sigurn, I activate your effect. When she rides out, she calls back Valkyrie Chariot (Atk:500).'

'This provides the fuel for Valkyrie's Embrace. It switches Chariot into Defence mode (Def.:1000), and banishes Ruin.' As Ruin faded from the field, Lydia started to panic. 'Erm… that wasn't in the script.' 'Valkyrie Chariot now equips to Sigurn.' As Sigurn was pulled by her chariot, she came dashing in, jousting at the twins (Shapesisters LP:8900-6700). 'The effect of Valkyrie Chariot now gives 500 more Attack to Sigurn because she attacked (Atk:2200-2700). I end my turn.'

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

Maddy: 'I draw. I activate the effect of Goddess Skuld's Oracle. So Freja, show us yer cards.' As Maddy looked at the cards, she looked over at Astrid, who signalled to her, and Maddy rearranged the cards. 'Next I activate the effect of Goddess Urd's Verdict. I'm predicting your face-down monster is Arcana Force 0 – The Fool.'

'How did you know?' Maddy grinned.'Let's just say I'm good at reading faces. Now it's banished, Sigurn can attack directly.' Sigurn rode in, and slashed away, closing the gap down (Shapesisters LP6700-4000). 'And of course, it gains more Attack (Atk:2700-3200). I end my turn with a face-down.'

Freja: C'mon Maddy, where's your sense of adventure gone?' 'I want to win.' 'Fiiiinnnneeee, I'll have to cheer you up then. I summon Arcana Force V: The Hierophant (Atk:1500). When he's summoned, I toss a coin. If it lands on Tails, this card is destroyed.' As the coin landed, Freja smiled. 'Heads. Now I activate Smile World (Shapesisters LP:4000-4500). This gives every monster on the field 100 Attack for every monster on the field (Sigurn Atk:2700-2900, Hierophant Atk:1500-1700).'

'Now I'll use the effect of the Heirophant. When all the monsters on your field have Attack higher than their original Attack, Heirophant gains the points of all monsters on your field.' Freja's simple pope-like monster grew enormous biceps and legs, as his points increased sharply (Atk;1700-4300). I end my turn with a face-down.' 'So you're… not attacking?' 'Yeah, I'm not allowed to attack on the turn I used Arcana Force V's effect.' 'Nice.' 'Don't think you're going to get away though.'

Astrid: 'I draw. I'll set two face-downs, and switch Sigurn to Defence (Def.:2400), ending my turn.'

Lydia: 'I draw. I'll set a monster in Defence mode and attack Sigurn with Hierophant.' As the attack approached, Astrid made a last-ditch move. 'I activate my face-downs – two D2 Shields. Each one doubles the Defence of my monster (Def.:2400-4800-9600).'

'Quick Lyds.' 'Got it. I activate Gift of the Mystical Elf. For every monster on the field, I gain back 300 Life points. There's 3, so that's 900 points.' Heirophant shot a blue light out of his staff, only for it to rebound off of the by now enormous Valkyrie, with Lydia's quick thinking saving them (Shapesisters LP:4500-100).

'Very lucky.' Freja just winked, holding two fingers up. 'That's me.' Astrid then smiled. 'You're not kidding. That was smart.' 'Thanks, send yer money later for that.' By now, Lydia seemed to have worked out a strategy. 'I end my turn with a face-down. Let's see how long we can hold on for.'

Maddy: 'Not long. I draw! I activate Obedience Schooled. Because I control no monsters myself, I can summon three Level 2 Beasts with different names from my deck. I choose Blade Rabbit, Nimble Beaver, and Little Chimera (Atk:400,400,600). Now I'll tribute Blade Rabbit and Nimble Beaver to summon Earthbound Immortal Cusillu (Atk:2800).'

'With Cusillu's effect, he can attack directly. Pound 'em into dust.' As the towering monkey lifted it's arm, Lydia took action. 'I activate the Trap card known as The Hidden Warrior. While this is on the field, you can't attack directly as long as there's a monster on my field.' 'Fine, attack her face-down monster.' Cusillu hammered away at Lydia's pink angelic blobs (Gellenduo Def.:0), but it just bounced back immediately. 'Gellenduo can't be destroyed in battle.' 'Fine, I'll end my turn with a face-down.'

Freja: 'I draw.' Lydia then whispered over to her sister. 'Now.' Freja responded with a grin. 'I activate Swords of Revealing Light (Shapesisters LP:100-600). This stops you attacking for three turns. Next I'll summon Magic Hole Golem (Atk:0). I end my turn with a face-down.'

Astrid: 'I draw. I activate Wave-Motion Cannon (Shapesisters LP:600-1100), and end my turn.'

Lydia: 'This is the end! I draw. I'll start with the effect of Psuedo-Space. Fre, could you' 'Banish Light Barrier from my graveyard? Thought you'd never ask.' 'Now I can tribute my Gellenduo to summon Arcana Force XXI: The World (Atk:3100).' 'Pretty nasty.' 'You're going to see how nasty it can really be! Usually we'd toss a coin for it's effect, but as long as Light Barrier is on the field, we can choose which effect. I choose Heads.'

'Now Magic Hole Golem comes in. With it's effect, The World can attack directly this turn, but the damage it does is cut in half. Now attack!' 'I activate Draining Shield. This gives us Life points equal to the attack of your monster and negates your attack (Madstrid LP:3100-6200-4650). How's that?'

'Not bad, but you're still losing this turn.' 'Really? I'd like to see you try.' 'I end my turn.' Maddy then burst out laughing. 'Lyds, that's something I'd expect her to do, not you. I thought we were being serious here.' Lydia just stared at her, full of passion, getting increasingly pumped. 'I am being serious, because you're not getting another turn. Fre, hit it!' 'During the End phase, I can summon the two Samsara Lotus' in my graveyard. That's the advantage of The Hidden Warrior.'

As the two Lotus' came back (Atk:0)x2, Astrid's face dropped. 'We… lost' 'Wow you're giving up early 'trid, it's my turn remember.' 'No, we've lost Maddy.' 'How come?' Before Astrid could explain, Lydia took over. 'It's something that's called The World Lock. During the End phase, I can tribute two monsters to skip your entire next turn. Like those Samsara Lotus'.' By now, the light on the top of Arcana Force XXI was shining, and Lydia looked over at her sister.

Freja: 'I draw. I activate the effect of Magic Hole Golem. This allows Arcana Force XXI to attack directly this turn by halving the damage. Go get 'em!' The attack from The World started to burn through the Treaty's Life points, the result now a formality (Madstrid LP:4650-3100). 'I end my turn, to summon back my Lotuses (Atk:0)x2. And now I tribute them to activate the World Lock.'

Lydia: 'See? It's called a lock because' 'It locks us out of moving.' 'I draw. I activate the effect of Magic Hole again.' As this happened, Maddy went to concede, but Astrid stopped her. 'Let them. They need it. She needs it.' 'Now attack! (Madstrid LP:3100-1550). 'I end my turn and summon back the Lotuses (Atk:0)x2, before using the effect of The World to skip your next turn.'

Freja: 'I draw. I activate the effect of Magic Hole Golem. Attack!' The final attack struck Maddy and Astrid equally, wiping out their last Life points in a huge upset (Madstrid LP:1550-0).

After the semi-final, the two Renegade teams shook hands as the fans celebrated a great duel, and Lydia and Freja made the salute, before Maddy was ambushed from behind by Nash. As Lydia and Freja turned around, they were both decked by Kari, and Astrid was tripped by Radley before Kari tied her arms behind her back

As Nash picked up Maddy's head, he restrained her, and Claude walked down, to taunt Astrid. 'All you have to do is join my Regiment Astrid.' Astrid responded by spitting at him, and yelling 'Rend og hop!' The strapping Dane responded by having Hassleberry and Radley lift Astrid into the air, before Claude inserted a metal plate into his sleeve, took a run-up, and clocked Astrid in the head with a forearm, flipping her over and spiking her into the ground. Claude and his crew left Astrid a crumpled heap as a visibly upset Maddy crawled over, and immediately screamed for a doctor. The words were heard for miles.

'Someone get a f**king doctor! She's not moving!' Within seconds, Astrid was surrounded by Lydia, Freja, Maddy, various paramedics, and Sakura, who came sprinting out. As the doctors went to lift the fallen Viking, Sakura stopped them. 'She could have a broken neck, we need to stabilise her first.' Sakura then put a neck brace around her, and with the help of the twins, gently tipped the bleeding woman onto a spinal board. As she was carried out, the Texan crowd applauded her.

Next time: It's the Desert Storm finals, and Lydia and Freja are out for blood in Renegades: A New Dawn Chapter - Robbery on Highway 131