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.

22. Twist of Hate

Renegades: A New Dawn

Chapter XXII: Twist of Hate

The next event was in Bogota, Colombia. As the plane landed from the exhausting trip, Sakura had something to say to the new tag-team champions. 'Do you remember our deal?' 'Yes, I listened to you, Rio's not allowed to compete due to concussion.' The Idahoan was clearly not best pleased at the decision.

'I mean, I barely hit the ground.' 'You were knocked out Rio. You don't remember the four minutes that everyone was checking on you. I've done the test with you, and the result was too close for comfort.' 'Yeah, but you told me that the results came back negative.' 'Yeah, by 1 point. I'm not taking the chance.'

Phil ended up having to step in. 'How about we do this Rio – I'll issue an open challenge for anyone to duel me, and then when we're in Britain again, you duel me in the arena.' 'I guess that'll do.' 'Remember, good things come to those who wait.' 'Yeah, and to people who don't get stupid concussions.'

'Happens to all of us Rio. You'll be back in there in just 8 days. Besides, you'll still be out there with me.' 'I guess you're right as usual.' Phil then thought of something to cheer his charge up. 'You were talking about new gear earlier.' 'Yeah.' 'Note down somewhere what you want, and then I'll contact Katie – she's the one who did Maddy's hoodie.' 'Awesome, thanks.'

At the Movistar Arena, Bogota

As the club rolled up in the Aston, Maddy was first out, wearing her hair up in a bun and her signature hoodie on. 'Maddy, is there any tension between the Shapesisters and Phil and Rio after the end of the Desert Storm tournament.' The reply was short and simple. 'We are one.' They then all went in, with Jaden having travelled ahead of them.

In a backstage area, Michael was busy talking to Bolton Andrews, who had recently been appointed as Commissioner of the WDC. 'So do you have a plan to keep those pests in line?' 'I have my ways. And with who's coming back today, we'll have Phil exactly where he needs to be – fired.'

In the duelling zone

Rio's music started, and she and Phil walked out, with Rio sporting a pair of sporty goggles on her head in homage to Coco Bandicoot, while her title partner was wearing a trench coat, "Aspie World Champion" scrawled on the back in white lettering. The moment Phil went to speak, the fans started chanting for Rio. Eventually she encouraged them to quieten down so he could speak. 'I did warn you. I did say that the Renegades would leave with these titles. But the damn pests just wouldn't give up. So I had to resort to my… secret weapon.'

'Because what do you do when you're running out of plans? You go to the plan which can't fail, which cannot die. So I went to the girl who cheated death twice. I went to the person who is stronger than death itself. I went to someone who's blood runs colder than an arctic tundra. I went to Cold Blooded Rio Kastle.'

'Things are going to be a bit different with these titles from now on. Because we are what you might call… prizefighters. We will only duel those who we deem worthy enough of our time. So I am issuing an open challenge. I am inviting anybody who things they are capable of beating us to come and duel me one on one. An opportunity to step up and stake your claim for an opportunity. To say that you are good enough. So anybody who fancies themselves, come and have a go if you think you're game enough.'

As the challenge was issued, the graphic for the Wild-Card Warriors initiative flashed up on screen. But instead of the wildcard music, a single word flashed up on the screens: Fearless. Some traditional music started to play, and a shirtless old man walked out, wearing something akin to a pirate's hat. Meanwhile, Phil took his glasses off, and threw his jacket and hat to the ground, as his blood pressure spiked. And on commentary, Kalin knew exactly was going on.

"I recognise that music any day TJ. That's Fearless Finn Hofferson. This is now a very dangerous situation for all involved." "I cannot believe how focused our world champion looks. Any ideas Kalin' 'You know, Phil and Finn have a lot of history. Not good history either. These two absolutely hate each other, always have done, and neither are afraid of showing it. This one is going to get spicier than my local Indian."

North Tyneside General Hospital, North Shields

Astrid was watching the event on her phone, with a box of strawberry liquorice by her side. 'Wonder why Rio isn't duelling. Probably injured again. Told her boxing was a bad idea. Not that I'm one to talk about being injured with my neck.' As Finn's music started, she suddenly broke out in a cold sweat, recognising it immediately, dropping her sweet treat on the sterile floor. 'It… can't be. He's… dead. I was told… he was dead.'

In the duelling zone

As Finn stepped in, Phil was ready for a fight. The veteran 6-time WDC Champion spoke with a deep, gruff voice. 'I say, if I'd known who I was up against I would have brought some friends. It's been a long time.' 'You're supposed to be dead. We all heard the stories.' 'Yes, I know, I've heard it before myself. I was simply pursuing other feats. But then I received a correspondence asking me to return. It seems we have a pest problem here. However I don't want your titles, I simply want to prove that I was always right.'

'Always right? I am the WDC World Champion. That means you were as wrong as you could get. And I don't take nicely to liars.' 'It is easy to call names when you know you were always a fraud. What champion wins through pity? You were never good enough and you never will be. You don't belong here. And if I have to come back to enforce my point, that is what I will do.'

Phil didn't speak, but looked at Rio. 'What's going on?' 'Step back. And if you're of a nervous disposition, I would advise not watching.' As Rio retreated to a safe distance, Phil swapped a different deck in, and activated his duel disk. 'I'm the World Champion, and I really don't play nice. Prepare to get smashed!'

Grudge Match: Fearless Finn Hofferson LP:4000 vs. Phil Robinson-Cummings LP:4000

Turn 1: Finn: 'I will begin. I activate a Magic card known as Asymmetaphys. And now I activate a Field Magic to go with it – Metaphys Factor.' A gentle lake spread across the battlefield as the Field was set, and the sky opened up to reveal stars and a hint of mist in the air. 'Upon this great Field, I may summon a high level Metaphys monster once per turn without offering a tribute. I summon Metaphys Tyrant Dragon (Atk:2900). I will lay one face-down. My turn ends.'

Phil: 'It's easy to talk a good game, harder to actually play one! I draw.' 'I activate the Trap card Macro Cosmos. Now every monster which would go to the grave is instead banished.' 'A minor obstacle if ever I saw one. I summon Summoner Monk (Atk:800). And when I summon this Monk, he switches to Defence (Def.:1600). Now I activate it's ability. By discarding a Spell card, I can summon Solar Flare Dragon (Atk:1500).'

'And the Spell I just banished? It's Necroworld Enchantment. It's a card which has different effects depending on where it is. If it's banished, I can add another Spell to my hand. I choose Renegade Charity, which now I'm activating. This allows me to draw four cards from my deck and then shuffle three cards from my hand back into my deck.'

'Now I activate Double Summon. This gives me an extra Normal summon this turn. So I can also bring out another Solar Flare Dragon (Atk:1500).' '11 years and you have not advanced.' 'I end my turn with a face-down. During my End phase, my two Dragons deal 1000 damage between them. Let's warm this up.' The two burning dragons twisted around each other and shot out jets of fire, which Finn didn't bat an eyelid to (Finn LP:4000-3000).

Finn: 'I draw. Appear, Metaphys Ragnarok (Atk:1500). The effect of Ragnarok, enables me to banish three cards from the top of my deck. Each Metaphys card banished this way grants 300 more Attack.' Finn showed the three cards before banishment – Metaphys Decoy Dragon, Macro Cosmos, Raigeki.

'There was a single Metaphys card (Atk:1500-1800). I will lay a card face-down. During my End phase, the effect of Metaphys Factor banishes the monster summoned through it. Begone Tyrant Dragon. When a Metaphys monster is banished, the effect of Asymmetaphys reduces the Attack of all monsters you control by 500 (Atk:1500-1000)x2. And when Tyrant Dragon is banished, I can shuffle it back into my deck and summon Metaphys Daedalus (Atk:2600). When Daedalus is summoned this way, all other Special summoned monsters on your field are banished. Including your two Dragons.' As Daedalus descended, a strange mist enveloped the two Dragons, making them both dissolve.'

Phil: 'I draw. I summon Cyber Dragon through it's ability because I control no monsters but you do (Atk:2100). Next I activate One for One, to discard a card and summon Volcanic Rat (Atk:500). And now, I'll tribute both of them to summon out The Despair Uranus (Atk:2900).' 'Your monsters have no concern to me.'

'Well you might want to listen to this next bit, because it involves you. When I summon Uranus, you get to choose Continuous Spell or Continuous Trap. And whatever you choose, I set one of that card from my deck.' 'I will choose Spell.' 'That's perfectly fine thanks. I'll set the Continuous Spell known as Future Fusion. Next I activate Corridor of Agony. As long as this card remains out, no monsters that were summoned from the Deck can activate their abilities or attack. And Uranus gains 300 Attack for every Spell or Trap on my field (Atk:2900-3500). I end my turn.'

Finn: 'I draw.' Finn took his sweet time over his next move, which started agitating Rio, but not her tag partner. 'How long is he going to take?' 'Let him enjoy his retirement duel. Because when I'm done with him, he'll be too ashamed to ever duel again. At least where people recognise him.' 'I will end my turn with a face-down.'

Phil: 'I draw. I activate Future Fusion. We'll get to that next turn.' Just as Finn was about to activate his face-down, his opponent started playing games with him. 'And don't even try to destroy my back-row, because Uranus protects it. I end my turn.' Rio then whispered down his ear. 'Why aren't you attacking?' 'I don't trust him.' 'You think his face-down is a ruse?' 'Couldn't put it better myself.'

Finn: 'My turn. I will lay a face-down and end my turn by switching Ragnarok to Defence mode (Def.:1000).'

Phil: 'My draw. I hope you're not waiting for me to get bored because I can 100% guarantee that I will out-stall you. I activate the effect of Future Fusion.' 'This.' 'By sending the requisite materials to my graveyard, I can Fusion summon next turn. I'll get rid of Cyber Dragon and Volcanic Doomfire so next turn I can summon Blaze Fenix. For now, I'll activate Shard of Greed (Uranus Atk:3500-3800). I end my turn.'

Finn: 'Back to me. I will pass on my turn in it's entirity.'

Phil: 'I draw. I activate the effect of Future Fusion.' A wormhole then appeared above him. 'It's been two turns since I first activated it, so now I can summon Blaze Fenix, the Burning Bombardment Bird (Atk:2800).' 'When you do, I activate Metaphys Dimension. This allows the summon of a banished Metaphys monster when you Special summon. I choose Metaphys Daedalus (Atk:2600). And as a bonus, Daedalus banishes all monsters on the field which were Special summoned.'

'Not a chance! You may be stuck in the 19th century but I've moved on. I activate the effect of Ghost Ogre and Snow Rabbit from my hand. When your monster activates it's effect, I can negate the effect and destroy it!' As Daedalus tried to lay waste to the field, a small ghostly girl appeared, and drifted towards Daedalus, before enveloping it in a thick fog, destroying it.

'Dimension's other effect. While this is face-up and a Metaphys monster is banished, one card you control is also banished. I choose one of your Dragons.' A single tusk appeared on the field, and shot straight through one of the flaming beasts, removing it from the game. 'Bad news – I still have the effect of Blaze Fenix. Once per turn you take 300 damage for each card on the field. We both have 4, so 2400 damage is the total. Time for a warm-up.' 'It is no matter. I will discard the Sargasso Lighthouse to negate the effect damage entirely.'

'In which case I activate R: Dimension Matching. This allows me to summon back my two Solar Flare Dragons by dropping their points by 500 (Atk:1500-1000)x2. 'I end my turn (Finn LP:.3000-2000).'

Finn: 'I draw. With the effect of Metaphys Factor, I summon Metaphys Tyrant Dragon (Atk:3000). Attack Solar Flare Dragon with Tyrant's Fire.' The fiery Dragon without protection of it's brethren was easily destroyed by the Tyrant, dropping Phil's points (Phil LP:4000-2100). 'I end my turn, two face-downs better off.'

Phil: 'My draw. Let's be honest here, no matter what you try I can duel rings around your sorry arse.' 'Say that to my face-down Imperial Custom. Now you cannot remove my Macro Cosmos from my field.' 'That may be, but I don't need to remove it. I activate Burial From a Different Dimension. Macro Cosmos stops me sending cards to my graveyard. But it doesn't stop me returning them to my graveyard. So now I take my two Solar Flare Dragons and my Cyber Dragon and return them to my graveyard.'

'Next I activate Soul Charge. This high-risk strategy allows me to summon any number of monsters from my graveyard by paying 1000 points for each one. I'll pay 2000 and summon back my Solar Flare Dragons (LP:2100-100, Atk:1500 x2). 'I also activate Soul Absorption. Now when a card is banished, I gain 500 Life points. Blaze Fenix, I use your ability. This time there are 9 cards total, so 2700 points is your punishment.'

'I activate Rainbow Life. So this turn, any damage I should take restores my points by an equal amount (Finn LP:2000-4700).' 'Yes, but Rainbow Life is now banished. Meaning my points go up (Phil LP:100-600). I end my turn (Finn LP:4700-5700).

Finn: 'I draw. There appears to be nothing I can currently do, therefore I lay one face-down.'

Phil: 'I draw. I'll set a monster and a card face-down. I'll also switch my two Dragons to Defence mode (Def.:1000 x2), before activating the effect of Blaze Fenix.' 'I activate my Divine Wrath. By discarding a single card (Phil LP:600-1100), your monster is destroyed.' The Fenix loaded up a blast of fire, only for a single bolt of lightning to strike it down before anything could happen (Phil LP:1100-1600). 'I'll end my turn (Finn LP:5700-4700).

Finn: 'My turn. I activate Dark Hole. This destroys every monster on the field, including my own.' The intense power of the black hole sucked all light in, and all beings on the field along with it (Phil LP:600-1100). 'Now I summon Metaphys Ragnarok (Atk:1500). Eliminate him!' As the attack came, Rio shouted encouragement. 'Watch out!'

'Way ahead of you. I activate my face-down Dimension Overlaying. This card allows me to summon back any number of monsters banished this turn as long as they are of the same Level. Return to me, my two flaming dragons of fury (Atk:1500)x2. In addition, I can now instantly overlay them both and build the overlay network.'

The sky above him then started to shine slightly. 'Descend from your slumber Number 26: Northern Lights Dragon (Def.:3000).' 'A new card?' 'You should be honoured – I don't bring this one out against many.' 'The honour will be all yours. I will end my turn.'

Phil: 'My draw. I'm activating a Spell card – Pot of Duality (Phil LP:1100-1600). Here's how it works – I excavate three cards from the top of my deck, and then I add one to my hand, shuffling the others into my deck. But it costs me the opportunity to Special summon this turn.' Phil took his cards, and gave the slightest of grins, just enough for his partner to see. 'I end my turn. During my End phase, the effect of Northern Lights Dragon activates. Northern Refresh.'

Phil glowed in a gold light while Finn stared on. 'What trickery do you bring to this contest?' 'My Dragon is focused on protection. So if I am a pacifist and go a turn without attacking, I regain 600 points for good behaviour (Phil LP:1600-2200).'

Finn: 'All points you gain are irrelevant. I draw. I lay a face-down and activate my Spell card Mage Power. This will grant 500 extra Attack to Ragnarok for every Spell or Trap on the field (Atk:1500-3500). Attack Northern Lights Dragon.' 'I activate my face-down Rank-up Icaron's Fire Trap.' Rio seemed shocked at the card.

'A Rank-up trap card?' 'Correct. Being the one who is stronger than god grants you certain perks. This card ranks up my monster. I rebuild the overlay network with Rank 4 Northern Lights Dragon. Chaos Xyz Evolution!' The clear sky turned foggy, and lightning started striking all around. 'Only in the darkest of nights will the true nightmare be revealed! I Xyz summon the Rank 5 Chaos Number 26: Northern Lights Destruction Dragoon (Atk:3300).'

'A bold statement however my monster still exceeds yours.' 'I have business to attend to before that. Firstly, when Dragoon is summoned, it tears into your Macro Cosmos. Localised Aurora Storm!' The larger, darker dragon released a strong wind from it's mouth, which blew the Trap card clean off of the field.

'Oh, and another thing for you to know. Then again, I don't really need to tell you do I? Let's face it, what do I know? I'm just the world champion, something you've never been.' 'If you have something to reveal, let it be known.' 'Ok, calm down. All I was going to tell you was that the monster summoned with Fire Trap gains 1000 Attack points during the Battle phase of this turn only (Atk:3300-4300).'

The dragons clashed, and the Chaos Dragoon whipped up a hurricane, entrapping Ragnarok and ripping it to shreds (Finn LP:4100-3300). 'I will set one card and end my turn.'

Phil: 'My draw. Destruction Dragoon, attack directly.' 'I will activate Pinpoint Guard. This will grant new life to my Ragnarok, and grant it immunity to destruction this turn (Def.:1000).' 'I end my turn.'

Finn: 'I draw. I activate Pot of Greed, allowing me two more cards. One of which is the Spell card Asymmetaphys. By banishing Metaphys Ragnarok from my hand, I draw a card to replace it. And the effect of Asymmetaphys weakens your monster (Atk:3300-2800). Now I summon the Metaphys Decoy Dragon (Atk:300). I end my turn.'

Phil: 'My turn. I activate Raregold Armor. Now as long as I control Destruction Dragoon, you're not allowed to attack anything else. And for my next move, I'm going to use the effect of Destruction Dragoon. By detaching a single material, every other monster on the field is destroyed. Then we both lose 300 points for each of our monsters destroyed. Oblivion Ripper!'

Phil's Dragoon lit up the dark, patchwork-like scales on it's back, causing the sky to blacken, and it released a red, flame-like wave, which ripped up the field and caused both of Finn's monsters to explode, and Finn flinched from the intense flames (Finn LP:3300-2700). 'I summon Volcanic Rat (Atk:500), and end my turn.'

Finn: 'You will be defeated! I draw. I activate Monster Reborn to revive Metaphys Decoy Dragon (Atk:300). I end my turn with a face-down.'

Phil: 'My turn. I activate my own Monster Reborn to revive Solar Flare Dragon (Atk:1500). And I'll summon Volcanic Scattershot (Atk:500). Now I activate Left Arm Offering. This banishes my entire hand (Phil LP:2200-2700), to add a Spell directly from my deck to my hand. I end my turn. Twilight is nearing Finn.'

Finn: 'I do not respond to threats. I draw. I activate Magic Planter. By sending Assymetaphys to my graveyard, I draw two cards. One of which is Dark Core. By discarding a single card from my hand, I may banish your Destruction Dragoon.' A black wormhole appeared behind the Dragoon, and sucked it in before vanishing.

'With that out of the way, I will banish five Metaphys cards from my graveyard to summon the strongest monster that I possess – the Metaphys Executor (Atk:3000). Now it's effect activates as you control more cards than I do (6-5), I may regain a Metaphys monster that has previously been banished. Arise once more, Metaphys Tyrant Dragon (Atk:2900). Tyrant Dragon, attack.'

'I activate my face-down Offensive Invariance. This prevents you from attacking as you control a monster with at least 3000 Attack. Also, I add a Ritual monster from my deck to my hand.' 'I end my turn.'

Phil: 'I draw!' As he took his card, he nodded. 'I could have beaten you ages ago. But I decided that instead of doing that, I was going to prove a point. I can beat you however I want. And with this next move, I'm going to show you. I summon Volcanic Blaster (Atk:1200). Next I activate the Spell card Aurora Storm. This allows me to bring back a Number 26 which is in my graveyard or banished to the field, but it's effects are negated, it loses all it's points and it's Rank turns into a Level. Return, Chaos Number 26 – Northern Lights Destruction Dragon (Atk:3000-0, Level:5).'

And now, the table has been set. I activate a Ritual Spell.' 'No Ritual you may summon will defeat me. You are no champion, you are merely average at best.' Phil's expression didn't change despite the insult. 'You're about to learn why I'm the World Champion. Because even if you know what I'm doing, you NEVER know what I'm doing. I activate the Ritual card 5 Star Twilight!'

The sky above Phil then shone brightly. 'This Spell requires me to sacrifice monsters of Levels 1-5. Rollcall: Level 1 Volcanic Rat, Level 2 Volcanic Scattershot, Level 3 Volcanic Blaster, Level 4 Solar Flare Dragon, and the new Level 5 Northern Lights Destruction Dragoon. These monsters become part of something far, far more dangerous. Descend from the heavens, Twilight Dragon (Atk:1000).'

In the box

Most seemed confused at the move, but Hannah had a tear in her eye. 'Welcome back.' Meanwhile, Blair stared on in awe. 'I've never seen it close-up.' 'Well now you do. Twilight Dragon, the calling card of the M18 Connection. Never been beaten and never will be. Because Twilight is always Goodnight.'

In the duelling zone

'Your monster holds no fear for I have met it many times.' 'Never in person though. Twilight Dragon is the very being of potential and unity. Everything that I stand for. It gains the Attack of all it's friends which combined (Atk:1000-1500-2000-3200-4700-7700). And when it attacks, you can't activate any cards or effects. Twilight is always goodnight!' The Dragon barely descended from theheavens, unleashing a powerful shining fire which tore the field apart (Finn LP:2700-0).

Following his victory, Phil grabbed the 54 year old Finn by the neck, before throwing him to the ground, before kneeling over him and spreading his arms out, as Rio stood behind her manager raising both titles. As they turned to leave, Phil spat on Finn in a show of total disrespect, before returning to backstage.

As the tension simmered down, and with Phil away cooling down, Rio went over to Hannah. 'Hey, um, what's the deal with Phil and Finn?' '2006, when Phil made his debut at the World Championships, he lost in the second round to Finn. Afterwards, Finn approached him and told him that, and I quote, "You duel with no heart and no intelligence. A street rat such as yourself will never be a champion in duelling". So Phil promised then that he would never quit until he had proved statistically that he's better in every way than Finn. Duels between them are never friendly.'

Fanatic duel historian Blair then chimed in. 'The only thing Phil's not beaten Finn on is WDC Championships. He's won more duels, been a World Champion, held more tag titles, he's been Young Gun Champion, the only thing he hasn't done is win a 6th WDC Championship – he's been on 5 for over 4 years.'

An interview then came up on the big screens of Phil being spoken to by Kalin. 'Phil, we saw the duel out there. Now I'm no idiot, we go back a very long way. I know the history of you and Finn, and I know that you hate each other. Can I just ask you for your thoughts on that duel and Finn's return?' 'My thoughts are that Finn should never have returned. I understand from his words that he was hired to take me out, and I can hazard a few guesses as to who would do that. As for Finn's return, I am not the Renegade you should be asking about that. But I did prove once again that Finn is history and that I am the modern day legend. Believe that.'

Just as the interview finished, Phil turned around, only to see Vector stood, cackling at him in his human form, hands in pockets. 'What do you want?' Vector said nothing, just laughing away before leaving again. After this... incident, the rest of the card showed up on the screens.

WDC Young-Gun Championship: Sgt. Tyranno Hassleberry vs. (c) Maddy Robinson-Cummings

No Remorse Corps (Kari Tsukumo and Radley) vs. Team Panther (Robert Duman and Zak Zapata)

Johnny McGregor vs. Myka Grainger

NASH vs. Martin Garcia

WDC Championship: Jaden Yuki vs. Kenta Kobayashi vs. (c) Rhydian Morris

After the first duel, Maddy received a phone call. 'That's weird.' 'What is?' 'It's from Astrid. She never uses her phone. Hello? Woah woah, calm down Astrid. Slowly. Astrid. Astrid. ASTRID! Slow down, I can't understand a word you're saying! Yes, I did see it. What – you were told that as well? Listen, we'll discuss this in England, ok? Everything will be fine. Astrid, even if you did fly over here now, we'd have left before you got here. Ok? Just calm down. I'll see you tomorrow.'

As she put the phone down, Blair looked over at her. 'Sounded pretty wound up.' 'No kidding. Apparently she was told he was lost at sea over 5 years ago. She wants to discuss her future when we get to England. Really hoping she doesn't quit because of this.' 'Of course she won't, she's as committed as all of us are.'

The action was then interrupted by Michael walking out to the duelling zone. 'Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to make an announcement. At our next tournament, the 3rd stop of the Baltic Championships in Kalmar, Sweden, I am honoured to tell you all that Fearless Finn Hofferson will have an open microphone to say whatever he so chooses.'

'In addition, we will have a title rematch between the No Remorse Corps, and the team of Phil Robinson and Rio Kastle. And let it be made clear – should the champions be in any way unable to defend, or should they be disqualified or counted out, they will lose their titles. Because the Renegades do not run this company.'

This comment brought out Maddy, who was dressed al in black with her hair slicked into a ponytail. 'We don't run this company? Why – who else brings you money? Is everyone in Colombia desperate to watch Kenta Kobayashi vs. Bozo for the WDC Championship? Is everyone cueuing up to watch Reggie vs. Martin? No – everyone comes because they want to see what madness we're going to bring. And now we've got some… teething troubles out of the way, we're going to take every title, and then keep them. All we need is the WDC title, and soon, we will have that.'

She was quickly cut off by some army-themed music, and Claude walked down, followed by Hassleberry, Kari, and Radley. 'Michael.' 'Claude.' 'Welcome to The Regiment. It's hilarious that you're taking all the titles, because you'll have no chance of that after Hassleberry takes your Young-Gun Championship. How's Astrid by the way? I hope she's not too sore. When's she back – necked year?'

As Claude applauded his own joke, Maddy stood with her sunglasses still firmly on. 'Trust me, you wouldn't be laughing if you saw what's behind these. Laugh it up all you like though, because I ain't fucking around anymore. There's a saying where I'm from called "Don't get mad get even". It seems pretty relevant here except I'm going to get really, and I mean really mad, and then and ONLY then am I gonna get even. But before I put Hassleback over there in a vegetative state' 'It's Hassleberry!'

'Shut up Hassleback. I want to warn you of one thing Claude – once I'm done with your little groupie, I'm coming after you. But I'm not going to kill you, hell I'm not even gonna cripple you. Astrid, she's going to cripple you. I'm just going to have first pop at ya.' Maddy's eyes then opened wide. 'So Potato head, you going to duel me? Or are you scared of some kid from Stonybridge?' Hassleberry took out his chewing gum, and squared up to Maddy.

'I'm scared of nobody. So if you want to get your ass whooped now, I'll happily whoop it for you. And when I beat you, I might just go and finish the job so you can join your sissy in the hospital. Time to rampage!' 'Dream on, dinoboy.' As the two squared up and the rest of The Regiment were herded away from the zone, Kalin analysed both champion and challenger.

"Hassleberry is the Regiment's rookie seargeant, but he's got plenty of skill to go around. His Tyranno Rampage deck focuses on ending the opponent quicker than a mortar on a battlefield." "Maddy's the fastest duellist in the west and has spent the past 75 days as Young-Gun Champion, and has no eyes for letting the title go from her lightning fingers. Her Beast Beatdown deck is almost as fast as she is herself, and pounds even the strongest duellists to dust."

WDC Young-Gun Championship: Sgt. Tyranno Hassleberry LP:8000 vs. (c) Maddy Robinson-Cummings LP:8000

Turn 1: Tyranno: 'Challenger goes first. Gilasaurus, front and centre. He can be Special summoned from my hand if you forgot (Atk:1400). Now I activate my Big Evolution Pill. This tributes one of my dino soldiers, so Gilasaurus, you're dismissed son. Now I can bring new recruits out from my hand as long as they're dinos, regardless of Level. Super Conductor Tyranno, reporting for duty (Atk:3200). I'll end my turn with 2 face-downs.'

Maddy: 'And I'm supposed to be impressed? I draw. I activate Fusion Conscription. By revealing the Fusion monster Master of Oz in my Extra deck, I can add Des Kangaroo to my hand. Now I activate Polymerisation, fusing Kangaroo with Big Koala to Fusion summon the boxing bruiser, Master of Oz (Atk:4200).'

'Master of Oz, attack Super Conductor.' 'I activate Safe Zone. So my Tyranno's safe but can't attack directly.' 'Like I care. You're still being pounded.' Master of Oz's power-packed fist glanced off of a shield in front of the Dinosaur, before smashing into it's owner, leaving him with a shiner (Hassleberry LP:8000-7000). 'I'll lay a face-down.'

Hassleberry: 'I draw. I summon Black Ptera (Atk:1000). And by tributing it, Super Conductor deals 1000 damage.' The towering Tyranno bit into Ptera, before firing lightning from it's mouth, striking Maddy down (Maddy LP:8000-7000). When Black Ptera leaves the field, it goes back to my hand. And now I'll switch Conductor to Defence mode (Def.:1400), and end my turn with a face-down.'

Maddy: 'I draw. I activate my face-down Roaring Earth. With this, when a Beast attacks your Defence-mode monster, the difference in points comes out of you. Next I summon Berserk Gorilla (Atk:2000). Berserk Gorilla, attack his Super Conductor with Inferno Beat!' The angry red gorilla beat it's chest repeatedly, releasing a stream of fire from it's mouth in the process which scorched Hassleberry, making him sweat profusely (Hassleberry LP:7000-6200).

'When a Beast deals you Battle damage while Roaring Earth is on the field, a monster on your field loses 500 Attack and Defence. I'll give you 3 seconds to work out which one (Def.:1200-700). Now for a little thought experiment. I'd like you to think of Astrid when I make my next attack.' 'Why?' 'Think of how lucky she is. She gets to watch all this destruction from the comfort of her own home.'

Maddy's eyes then glowed as her wolf took centre stage. 'I'm playing a requiem for my friend and the music is your screams!' Master of Oz slammed it's fist straight into the Dinosaur, and it vanished before striking the Sergeant right in the face (Hassleberry LP:6200-2700). I end my turn. Do you hear the music?'

Hassleberry: 'I don't know about no music but I'm about to give you something to sing about! With my Evolution Pill out still, I summon out my trusty Black Tyranno. On your feet soldier (Atk:2600). And next I activate the Spell card Swords of Concealing Light. This forces all of your monsters to hide face-down and they can't flip up for two of your turns.'

As the green swords connected, Maddy barely stirred. 'So you can get rid of a monster. Who cares?' 'Eh? I ain't sayin nothin about no monster destruction. I activate my own face-down and it's a nifty Trap wouldn't you know called Survival of the Fittest. This gives Black Tyranno 1000 more Attack and if it destroys a monster, it can attack again (Atk:2600-3600). And I activate Mystical Space Typhoon to destroy Roaring Earth.'

'Now Black Tyranno's effect. When you only control monsters in Defence, it can attack directly. Forward march!' Tyranno charged at Maddy, slashing her with sharp claws (Maddy LP:7000-3400). 'And now I'll switch my Super Conductor to Attack (Atk:2700). I end my turn.' As he did, he saw Maddy snarling at him, and the realisation finally hit.

'Sam Hill, you really are a wolf ain't you?' 'Strange how nobody believes until I show them. I must say, you're taking it better than most.' 'I mean, it ain't the weirdest thing I've seen. Means nothing to me whether you're a wolf or a mouse. Besides, when I win you're going straight to a sciency place anyway. I end my turn.'

Maddy: 'I draw. I activate One Day of Peace. Now we both draw a card and neither of us take damage until the end of your next turn. I end my turn.'

Hassleberry: 'I draw.' As he drew, he grinned. 'I summon Black Ptera (Atk:1000). And now I'll tribute it to deal you damage with Super Conductor.' Super Conductor fizzed with power, and shot it out, striking Maddy hard (Maddy LP:3400-2400). 'I end my turn with two face-downs. You're done.'

Maddy: 'I draw. Because I can flip my monsters again, I will (Master of Oz Atk:4200, Gorilla Atk:2000). Next I activate De-Fusion to get rid of Master of Oz (Des Kangaroo Atk:1500, Big Koala Atk:2700). Now I summon Des Koala (Atk:1100). And I activate Star Alignment. When I have multiple monsters of the same Level on the field, I'm allowed to combine their Levels (Level:4-12)x3. That all means I can overlay my three Level 12 monsters to build the overlay network.' As the DNA started to crack, Hassleberry got excited. 'Bring it on!' 'You'll regret saying that. You don't know what's hiding deep inside me. But you're sure as hell about to find out! I Xyz summon Number 97: my soul, Maddy, the Legendary Wolfblood (Atk:4000).'

'I'm supposed to be scared of that? Give me your best shot!' 'Happily. I'm going to claw out yer eyes, starting with that Super Conductor. Raging Wild Claw!' As the deadly attack loomed, the Alabama native had a plan. 'I activate my face-downs Jurassic Impact and Survival Instinct!' 'You lured me.' 'This destroys all monsters on the field, then we both take damage equal to their attack. But with Survival Instinct, I can banish any amount of Dinos from my graveyard, and gain 400 points for each. So I'll be standing tall with my platoon. So by banishing three, I gain 1200 points.'

Hassleberry then looked up from his move and saw that Maddy had read him in mid-move. 'You've got a face-down...' 'I activated Alpha's Rule 4: Reflect Formation. This negates the damage that I would have taken because I control a Beast-type Xyz monster. Not only that, but now you take all the damage I just negated right back at ya!' As meteors fell due to Tyranno's Trap, Number 97 shredded them with red glowing claws, before Big Koala bounced them back at the challenger, who muttered a disbelieving 'Sam hill' before he was nailed (Hassleberry LP:2200-3400-0).

After the duel, the Regiment wasted no time in piling in on Maddy, before two figures wearing sharp suits and gold crash helmets walked down. This distracted Hassleberry, as the figures took the helmets off to reveal Taylor and Ashley. Meanwhile, Phil came up behind Claude, and grabbed him by his collar before flinging him across the arena. As he did this, Kari produced a sledgehammer Claude had secretly handed her, but before she could do anything, Drag me to Hell by Theory of a Deadman played, and Myka stormed down to the zone, absolutely flattening the Regiment member before starting to choke her. Meanwhile Maddy was uncharacteristically lying there, unable to catch her breath.

With the situation out of control, security had to break the situation up, struggling to keep the two sides apart. Michael then walked down to the duelling zone, taking his sweet time. 'We really can't keep you lot apart can we? I'll tell you what I'm doing, we'll have a special duel in Sweden. Now Rio is competing in the Baltic Championships, so I'm not allowed to book a tag title duel. However, we will have the leader of the Regiment, Lt. Claude W. Duane, vs. Phil Robinson-Cummings. And while we're at it, let's make it a Top Contender's duel for the WDC Championship. That is all'

He was cut off by Myka, who spoke with a soft Northern English accent despite her years in Canada. 'When I came her, I came because I was told I could demand any one duel. Well I'm taking it – me and Maddy against Hasselblad and whoever he can find.' Michael took a step back, and bowed his head. 'I may not like such guarantees, but a promise was made and I will not stand in the way.' After this, the Renegades and Myka retreated, with Taylor holding onto Maddy to prevent Claude's division seeing the damage.

Backstage

Maddy was sat down, starting to recover, with her father and half-sister with her. 'Sure you're ok?' 'Just winded. Caught me at the wrong time.' She then looked at Myka, who stood there looking concerned. 'Been a while.' 'Guess.' Phil then interrupted. 'You telling her or do you want me to mention?' The Canadian shrugged, and spoke herself. 'I'm on the Advanced course at the arena. You know, the one that enrols next week?'

'Awesome. But… why? You're plenty good anyway.' 'The best way to become the best is to do all the basics perfectly. I'm not at the top level but want to be. So I thought I'd come over. Anyway, main thing's getting you back up.' 'I'm fine, I just ain't eaten today. Trust me, I'll be ok. Just need a few.'

Meanwhile, in the car park

Birchall and Martin were speaking to a local man, wearing a thick moustache and a long coat, with Martin taking the lead in the conversations due to speaking Spanish. 'Informó al gran jefe?' 'Yo hice. Kingpin Piedro muchas gracias por su ayuda. Quiere asegurarte que la situación será tratada solo por sus asesinos más ... entrenados. También deseaba que tuvieras una muestra de su último manjar. Importado directamente de Honduras.'

The associate then produced a light grey powder, and passed it to Martin. 'No, gracias amigo, no tengo el estómago para sabores tan potentes. Sin embargo, a mi amigo James, seguramente le encantaría probar.' He then nudged a distracted Birchall. 'What is it?' 'First cut Heroin. Stronger than your standard batch. Relax, they only give enough to get a hit, not a total fix. How else do they sell their drugs.'

'You make a point. Are they being dealt with?' 'Oh, are they being dealt with. Trust me, you'll have no issues with any of them afterwards. Other than which way to screw her first that is.' 'It's all I've thought about.' He then stared on with a steely and remorseless gaze. 'Anyone who gets in my way will be removed. As for Rhydian, once I have Hannah she'll deal with him.'

In the duelling zone

As Kari and Radley completed a comfortable victory over their opponents with Ultimatrainer, Phil and Rio walked back out to go face-to-face with them, both wearing their club jackets. As they squared off, Phil spoke. 'We are your WDC Tag-Team Champions.' 'You're a pair of thieves. You stole what is rightfully ours.'

'These titles rightfully belonged to the Renegades in the first place. Sadly the real owner of this one isn't available at the moment, so I've had to step in. But I'm sure I'll do an acceptable job as a substitute.' 'We want our titles back. And we're not going to stop pursuing you until we get them.' As Phil went to reply, Kari interjected.

'Why don't you let the Barian scum speak?' 'Because I'm the nominated speaker. Now will you kindly shut your mouth before we shut it for you.' He then straghtened out his jacket and continued. 'So you want a title shot. I mean you've done absolutely NOTHING to earn it, but I understand, you want to bask in our glory. I can completely get why. Let's face it, we've already achieved far more than you ever could.'

Radley then stepped up to the world champion. 'You don't deserve those titles and you know it. And we'll happily take you on now because we know something you don't want us to know.' 'I'm listening.' 'We know that your little friend here isn't medically cleared to duel.' Phil laughed, and produced a document from his pocket.

'It's funny, because I was told a similar thing by the Board of Directors the other day. So I had our doctor Sakura write this up for me. It's a medical note which specifically states that as long as she is allowed to use the duelling frame which I myself built, Rio is cleared. And she has permission to use the frame as a result. As for your title shot, our next available time is in Glasgow in a couple of weeks. We can just about fit you in then.'

'We accept. And when we get there, we are taking our titles back.' 'No chance.' As Kari and Radley turned to leave, Rio picked up a microphone. 'One more thing. This is the only shot you get.' The Regiment members didn't respond, just leaving instead.

After this was an intermission midway through the show. As the break started, Maddy and Myka returned. Immediately Myka and Blair fist-bumped. 'How you doing then Yoopie?' 'I'm average. What about you Moose-brain?' 'Yeah, very imaginative. Why aren't you duelling? Thought it was your favourite thing in the world.'

Blair then took her jacket off, revealing her meaty bicep with stitches still in. 'What happened to you?' 'Huge Staph infection. Hoping to be cleared soon, but depends on when she feels like it. So why haven't you made the step up yet?' Myka just shrugged. 'Didn't know if I wanted to. Had offers from both companies, but decided to go my own way and sign up for the arena courses instead.'

The injured Yooper laughed at this suggestion. 'Don't laugh, k? I've got my reasons.' 'Sorry, I just can't believe that someone of your experience is entering the courses.' 'I know it seems insane. But I'm not stupid. Until I can be the best duellist in the world, until I can be better than you and better than Maddy and better than Astrid and better than Phil, until then I can still learn. I won't stop until I'm #1.'

She then turned back to her half-sister. 'Astrid home yet?' 'Yeah, she's recovering at the base thanks.' 'Tough as old boots that one. She'll be back out there soon enough.' 'I dunno, the damage is pretty bad. And she's refusing to have surgery.' 'That doesn't surprise me. Hey Blair, I hear Caprice is returning fairly soon?'

Blair just looked away, completely disinterested. 'Nothing to say about it?' 'Nope. Unless she's had a personality transplant that is. Vainest person I've ever met that I'm not kind of related to.' 'I mean, she's arrogant, but is she really… oh who the hell am I kidding? She's a total arse. If I never had to see her again I'd be fine with that.'

With that said, Phil, Maddy, Myka, Rio, and Blair went off to get lunch. Before they did, Myka went to the toilet and found Rio just staring in the mirror. 'You look ill – should I be calling a doctor?' 'I'm fine.' Myka then sat on the large sink next to where Rio was. 'Well I'm listening.'

'I don't want to talk about it right now.' 'I mean, I know I'm not Blair, but I'm not a total ogre. There's something bothering you and I want to know why.' Rio then slumped down, hands pushing her ice-blue bangs back, and exhaled deeply. 'I dunno. Ever since the accident' 'You mean when James shot you.'

'Yeah. Just ever since then, I don't know what it is. I just don't feel like me anymore. I can't look at myself the same way. I feel… da..da… damaged. Sorry, speech issues.' 'Don't apologise, you can't help it. Like me apologising for not seeing my half-sister for over 18 years. Listen, just be who you want to be. Who were you before being shot?'

'Confident, ou..ou..ou… outgoing, happy, and brave.' 'Well you've still got the last one. I don't know if I'd be travelling around the world two months after having lead in my head. I think what I'm trying to say is to not worry about what everyone else thinks. Just be who you want to be, not who everyone else wants you to be. Because the person you were sounds awesome.'

'Thanks Myka.' 'Don't mention it. You couldn't have chosen a better running partner than Blair though. Nicest person in the world when you're just slightly careful around her.' 'Got a tip with Blair – if she offers to cook for you, order a takeaway.' 'That bad?' 'I don't know what it tastes like. The look is enough to make a blind person run a mile.'

When they came out of the toilets, Blair was waiting. 'Everything alright?' 'Yeah, just been discussing your terrible cooking.' 'Rio, you've never tried my cooking. The last time I tried, you turned down my Steak Diane.' 'Blair, it looked like dog sick.' As they were walking down the streets of Bogota with Blair sulking, Myka suddenly pushed her former rival to the ground. The Michigan native was about to protest when a bullet whizzed past her face.

'Myka… thanks.' 'Don't mention it. Being a wolf has benefits. Such as quick reactions.' A number of armed thugs then surrounded them, with Phil taking diplomatic duties. 'We have no cash on us, we have no drugs, and we have no interest in annoying you.' One of them then stepped forward to him. 'Mr. Robinson I presume?'

'Who's asking?' 'You stray onto very unfortunate territory. Especially considering your dishonourable actions.' Clearly rattled, Phil started to up the tone of his voice. 'I have no idea who you are, but I would strongly suggest leaving us alone.' Several other members then appeared behind the first wave, and a short member with a wide grin started cackling manically.

'Has pisado el camino de las Águilas Negras. Nosotros gobernamos este territorio. Y cualquiera que interrumpa nuestro negocio debe ser eliminado. Despedida!' The 33 year old then turned around to his fellows. 'Does anybody here speak Spanish?' The emphatic answer was no, as a massive brawl broke out between the gang and their Renegade foes, with the non-natives outnumbered by 23-5.

Phil quickly cleared out a couple of smaller Black Eagles with big right hands before throwing another one into a nearby warehouse wall. He was then ambushed from behind by the cackler, but quickly fought back with various forearms and strong punches, before rugby-tackling the first Eagle who was just getting back to his feet.

Maddy and Myka were teaming up, both dodging various attacks and responding with spears, takedowns and Myka even resorting to headbutting opponents. Soon enough they were completely surrounded, but looked round, and smiled at each other, before both unleashing a deafening howl, as the Canadian laughed.

'I've got someone I want you all to meet. She's called Storm, and she really doesn't like you!' She then wolfed out completely, and clawed at an unfortunate member. As another one rushed in, Maddy speared them right out of their knock-off Nikes, landing on top of them. She then smiled. 'Tough luck', and she let her wolf out as well.

Despite effectively being down to one arm, Blair was effectively holding several people off, showing incredible flexibility to kick them away repeatedly, as well as throwing other members to her friends to deal with. She then found a long metal pipe near a house, and cut it in half using a pocket knife kept on her, using that to defend herself from weapon-wielding foes. 'You wanna dance? Let's dance!'

As one particularly brutish-looking member lumbered over, Blair was unintimidated by the near foot-size difference, as she slammed the first pipe into his gut, before using them as drumsticks on his back, and then kicking him in the groin repeatedly until he started bleeding from the mouth.

While all this was going on, Rio was just stood there having a panic attack, until she suddenly woke up, and looked around. As she did, she realised she was surrounded. Phil noticed this and went to help, but failed to get there in time as a 6ft 8 behemoth approached her from behind. As he neared, she took her jacket off, and swung around, dropping the gigantor straight to the ground like a felled tree, splitting the side of his head wide open.

As Phil got there, Rio got him to lift the gargantuan gangster up, and then Rio grabbed him. 'Listen up. Go away and never bother us again. Or you end up like him.' As they continued to advance, Blair slammed him in the face with her pipes, busting him further open. 'Leave now and don't come back. We're showing restraint – we have done nothing wrong. Tell us who set us up and we will let you all leave.'

Battered, the group seemingly gave up, and the cackler spoke. 'Hahaha! We don't know, we told nothing! We suggest you go, boss be here soon. Our territory ends 3 mile right.' The club took the chance, and made a quick exit, having protected themselves. The blood on the dusty gravel was the only evidence of them ever being there.

Once off the Black Eagle territory, the group reunited. 'Everyone ok?' 'Yeah.' Blair then went over to Rio. 'Sure you're ok?' 'B, I'm not a baby. I'm absolutely fine. Well apart from a broken toenail, and that was because a certain manager of ours stood on my foot. Just calm down, k?' 'I know. But there's no harm in looking out for you.'

Maddy then patted the Idahoan on the back. 'Couldn't believe that kick. I thought Astrid kicked hard, but she ain't made anybody bleed.' 'Pure instinct. I just spun round and caught him cold.' Phil just smiled at this. 'Shows how much hard work you've been doing with Kru Richard. You're doing brilliantly.'

Back in the arena

After everyone returned, they recanted the story to the shocked members of the Renegades. Immediately Hannah started fussing over her husband. 'Sweetie, take it easy. I don't want you being hurt, that's the last thing you need. Who organised it?' 'We have no idea who, we have no idea why. All we know is it happened. What's important is we're all ok.'

Hannah then kissed him. 'Well I'm glad you're ok, because we're stopping here overnight. And I've got a surprise for you. In fact, I've got two surprises for you. But I'll have to go and get one of them.' 'Well you'll have to go and get it for me then won't you?' 'I suppose I will won't I? Can't let you down after all. Be back in about 40.' 'I'll probably phone you before then.' 'That wouldn't surprise me.'

As Hannah left, Rio quietly followed her. 'Hey Hannah.' 'By the tone of your voice, I'm guessing that you want to talk to me about something.' 'Yeah.' They found a pair of seats outside and started to talk.

'So what's eating you?' 'I've just not been sleeping well. Every time I close my eyes, I'm just hearing gunshots again and again, and seeing you screaming and it's horrible.' Hannah didn't speak initially, but hugged her. 'I just don't know what to do. It just won't stop and I can't cope with it anymore.'

After a moment's thought, Hannah had an idea. 'I suppose it might help if you have someone outside of the club to talk to.' 'I'm not going to a shrink.' 'I'm not suggesting that. There's a lovely woman called Comfort M'Balu. She's a trained counsellor, and she's helped someone I'm very familiar with try to move on after losing a parent.'

'She sounds ok.' 'Would it help if I told you that she's also my foster mother?' This surprised Rio. 'So this person you're familiar with...' 'Yep, it was me. All I'm saying is go and speak to her, I'll arrange it all. Here, I'll phone her now.' Hannah then picked up the phone.

'Hannah? Is this you?' 'It's me.' 'How lovely to see you. That husband of yours, how is he doing?' 'Phil's absolutely fine. I wanted to ask you something.' 'Anything.' 'I've got a friend, she's called Rio, and I think she's got PTSD from me being shot.' 'Would you like me to have a little chat with her over a pot of tea and scones with homemade jam?' 'That sounds great. When are you available?'

'For you anytime sweetie. As long as it isn't a Sunday.' 'I understand, Sundays are very important for you. Saturday lunchtime?' 'Yes. How about noon? I would be delighted to host her then.' 'Rio, how does midday Saturday sound?' 'Great. Thanks.' 'That's great. I'll transfer some money to you for it.'

'No no no! You do not pay for me listening to you! It is my job to listen, and it is a job I delight in. But in return, you must bring your handsome husband over to us at sometime, so we can have a meal together.' 'Of course, it's something I've been meaning to talk to him about.' 'Well you go and make sure you do that.' 'I will do. Thank you.' 'You're welcome. I will see you on Saturday.' 'You certainly will.'

Five minutes later

As the interval ended, Myka's music hit again and she walked out, hood up, walking straight down to the duelling zone. 'The following duel is under Standard Rules. Introducing first, from Haines Junction, Yukon, Canada, the WADC World Champion – The Storm, Myka Grainger.' When she reached the duelling zone, Myka took her hood down, and then held both arms up aloft, with the fans in attendance seemingly being familiar with her, while she was analysed by Kalin.

"Myka Grainger is our reigning Amateur champion and no stranger to appearing in the big league, and her take no prisoners attitude always makes her a favourite. Her Kozmo Khaos deck has a reputation of destroying opponents with ease and uses a unique banishing strategy to always maintain advantage.'

A gruff Scottish voiceover then emanated, stating the arrival of 'The last king… of Scotland.', as Myka's opponent arrived, in full gladiator garb, while some intense bagpipe music played. 'Introducing her opponent, from Govan, Scotland, the Glasgow Gladiator – Johnny McGregor.' Johnny gave a gladitorial thumbs up, and walked down, immediately facing off with his opponent. After a stand-off, they activated their duel disks.

Johnny McGregor LP:4000 vs. Myka Grainger LP:4000

Turn 1: Johnny: 'I'll start lassie. I activate Graceful Charity, drawing 3 and dropping 2. Now I summon Gladiator Beast Tygerius (Atk:1800). And next I activate Gladiator Proving Ground, which adds Gladiator Beast Andal to my hand. I end my turn with two face-downs.'

Myka: 'I draw. I summon Kozmo Farmgirl (Atk:1500). And she's getting herself a Kozmo Lightsword, which boosts her by 500 Attack (Atk:1500-2000). Attack Tygerius with Laser Raizer.' Farmgirl's fancy new Lightsword sliced straight through Tygerius, causing the emperor to fall (Johnny LP:4000-3800).

'And now for Farmgirl's effect. When she deals damage to you, I can add Kozmo Dark Destroyer to my hand. And because every pilot needs a ship, I'm going to banish Farmgirl, and summon out Kozmo Dark Destroyer (Atk:3000). I end my turn with two face-downs.'

Johnny: 'All you got? I draw. I activate Gladiator Beast's Comeback. This brings a monster back from my graveyard and it can't be destroyed by card effects this turn. I summon Gladiator Beast Tygerius (Atk:1800). Next I'm summoning my Test Tiger through it's own effect because I control a Glad Beast (Atk:600). I tribute Test Tiger for it's effect and shuffle Tygerius into the deck to summon Gladiator Beast Augustus (Atk:2600).'

'Augustus, activate your ability. When this boy's summoned he has a reet braw ability lassie.' 'I'm not a dog.' 'Neet talkin' about dogs ya dunderheed!' 'Do you come pre-installed with an English dictionary?' 'Hey don't you start that ya moose-brain! I'm waay closer to England than you. Even though I can't stand the Southrons!'

'You think? Tell me where I was born then.' 'That Yukon placey thing.' Myka rolled her eyes as she heard this. 'Why does everyoen think I was born there? The correct answer is Hull. I was born in England you dumbass! Now just finish your turn so I don't have to listen to you anymore.'

'Whatever you want. When Augustus hits the field through a Glad Beast effect he summons a monster from my hand. Come on, Gladiator Beast Darius (Atk:1700). And Darius' effect brings back a Gladiator from my grave. Like Laquari (Atk:1800). And now, they're all going back to the deck to summon Gladiator Beast Andabata (Def.:2800).'

'When Andabata is summoned, I get another fusion Glad Beast from my Extra deck, as long as it's Level 7 or below. I summon Gladiator Beast Gyzarus (Atk:2400). When Gyzarus is summoned, I can destroy two cards on the field.' 'Kozmo Dark Destroyer can't be targeted.' 'I'll get rid of your face-downs then.'

As Gyzarus mine-swept, Myka revealed her lure. 'You really didn't want to do that. You just destroyed Bad Luck Blast. And when you do, it's your misfortune, because you're taking 1000 damage.' A small black bomb rolled towards Johnny, and seemed to just stop, before exploding right under his feet (Johnny LP:3800-2800).

As he stood back up, she had another surprise for him. 'My other face-down was Jackpot 7.' 'Naw, this make no grumption! You play cards just for the sake of playing them.' 'There's a very good reason. When you destroy Jackpot 7 it's banished. Two more and I win.'

'That is no matter. I return Andabata and Gyzarus to my Extra deck so I can summon Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor (Atk:2400). Tamer Editor's ability activates, and I get another Glad Beast from my Extra deck. All hail Gladiator Beast Domitianus (Atk:3500). Domitanius, attack Dark Destroyer.'

Domitanius' arms started rotating, and it slammed through Dark Destroyer, causing it to crash down (Myka LP:4000-3800). 'Tamer Editor's attack now. This could hurt.' Tamer Editor shot an unseen force from it's hands, which dropped Myka where she stood (Myka LP:3800-1400).

Johnny seemed pleased with himself, but Myka had a hidden plan. 'Too bad you didn't see my lure.' 'You've got nothing on your field, I'm not scared.' 'I don't need to. In fact, I needed to have nothing on my field. It's the only way I can activate this from my hand – the Trap card Evenly Matched.'

The news shook Johnny. 'A hand trap! Never thought I'd see it.' 'Well you have. Evenly Matched activates at the end of the Battle phase, and forces you to banish monsters from your field so we control the same amount. And as you know, I control nothing. And now, so do you.'

A wonderous wall of light surged through the field, making both Gladiator Beasts disappear upon contact. As no trace remained, Johnny was surprisingly unflustered. 'Looks like this could be a good duel.' 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Myka: 'I draw. I activate Emergency Teleport. This allows me to summon a Level 3 or lower Psychic monster from my hand or deck, but it's banished at the End phase. I summon Kozmo Tincan (Atk:0). Next I summon Kozmo Scaredy Lion (Atk:1200).'

'You're building yourself a field up.' 'And Tincan's ability helps that. By paying 500 points (Myka LP:1400-900), I can reveal three Kozmo cards from my deck, and you have to pick one at random to add to my hand.' 'I choose centre.' 'Now I banish Tincan to summon Kozmo Forerunner (Atk:2800). And I activate the effect of Scaredy Lion. By paying 500 points (Myka LP:900-400), I can return up to three banished Kozmo monsters to the graveyard. Then you take 500 damage.'

As the three monsters were sent back to the graveyard, Scaredy Lion ran through Johnny (Johnny LP:2800-2300). 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Johnny: 'I draw. I activate Gladiator Beast's Respite. I shuffle two Gladiator Beasts into my deck to draw 3 cards. One of which is a monster going bottoms-up. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Myka: 'I draw. During my Standby phase, I gain 1000 points from Kozmo Forerunner (Myka LP:400-1400). I'll set a monster myself and attack with Forerunner.' The mighty Machine fired a stream of lasers out of it's four upturned legs, blasting a hole in Johnny's Test Ape (Def.:300).

'When Test Ape is destroyed in a battle, he gives way to Gladiator Beast Bestiari (Atk:1500).' 'I activate Shard of Greed and end my turn with a face-down.'

Johnny: 'I draw. I summon Gladiator Beast Andal (Atk:1900). By sending it and Bestiari back to my deck, I can summon Gladiator Beast Gyzarus (Atk:2400). Gyzarus can now activate it's ability to destroy two cards you control. I choose both yer monsters.' As Gyzarus swept through the field, Myka was ready.

'When Forerunner is destroyed and goes to my graveyard, I can replace it with a lower Level Kozmo monster. I choose the Level 6 Kozmo DOG Fighter (Def.:2400).' 'I'll just destroy your other monster then.' Gyzarus slammed straight into the hidden Strawman (Def.:1800), destroying it. 'I end my turn.'

Myka: 'I draw. During my Standby phase, DOG Fighter gives me a DOG Fighter Token (Def.:2400). I activate Monster Reborn to revive Kozmo Strawman (Atk:500). Now I use it's ability, banishing it and summoning Kozmo Dark Eclipser (Atk:3000). And I'll equip it with some Infected Mail. So now it can attack you directly. Go do it.'

The dark and stealthy Eclipser slowly crept towards Johnny, who had come prepared. 'I activate the effect of Fake Gardna in my graveyard. When you declare a direct attack, I can summon it and negate the attack (Def.:2000).' 'At the end of my Battle phase, the effect of Infected Mail destroys Dark Eclipser. When it does, I can summon a weaker Kozmo from my deck. I choose Dark Destroyer (Atk:3000). As a bonus, it can destroy Gyzarus.' Dark Destroyer fired it's central laser, which instantly removed the Gladiator Beast. 'I end my turn.'

Johnny: 'I draw. I summon Gladiator Beast Darius (Atk:1700). Darius, attack Kozmo Dark Destroyer.' 'I'm guessing your face-down has something to do with this?' 'It's Defensive Tactics. Because I control a Glad Beast, I take no damage for the rest of the turn and my monsters can't be destroyed in battle.'

As the Beast produced a whip, it shattered on impact with Dark Destroyer. 'Darius now returns itself to my deck and I summon Gladiator Beast Secutor (Atk:400). Now Secutor attacks.' The amphibian Gladiator Beast shot a weak gust of wind at Dark Destroyer, which made absolutely zero impact. 'At the end of my Battle phase, Secutor's ability activates, summoning two more Glads. Meet Laquari and Spartacus (Laquari Atk:1800, Spartacus Atk:2200).'

'When Spartacus is summoned, he fetches a Gladiator Beast equip card. And now, they combine into Gladiator Beast Heraklinos (Atk:3000). Heraklinos, dismiss her DOG Fighter.' Heraklinos swung his war ax down onto the DOG Fighter, causing it to explode. 'When DOG Fighter is destroyed, I can summon Kozmo Delta Shuttle from my deck (Atk:2000).' 'I end my turn.'

Myka: 'I draw. I'll set a card face-down and activate Delta Shuttle's effect. I send the Level 10 Kozmo Dark Planet from my deck to the graveyard and reduce the Attack of your monster by it's Level x 100.' The shuttle fired a series of 10 rockets, which all hit Heraklinos and dropped it to a knee (Heraklinos LP:3000-2000).

'Delta Shuttle, attack Heraklinos.' 'I activate Gladial Combat. You done bad lassie, because this forces all monsters on the field to use their original Attack points in battle (Heraklinos Atk:3000).' Heraklinos took another monster out by slamming it's weapon into the shuttle's front end (Myka LP:1400-400). 'I end my turn.'

Johnny: 'I draw. I'll attack with Heraklinos. The target is DOG Fighter Token.' The Token didn't last against the wicked ax of the Gladiator Beast, which claimed a third victim. 'During my Battle phase, I can activate United Gladiator Beast. This fuses Gladiator Beasts in my graveyard. I'll combine Laquari and Secutor to summon Gladiator Beast Gyzarus (Atk:2400). When he's summoned, he destroys up to two cards on your field.'

'Dark Destroyer isn't affected by your card effects.' 'Nah, I'm just destroying your face-down.' As he did, Myka took the card back. 'You just destroyed a second copy of Jackpot 7. One more and I win.' 'That ain't going to happen. I'll end my turn.'

Myka: 'I draw. I activate Pot of Greed. And one of the cards I drew was another copy. And now I activate the effect of Kozmo Dark Planet in my hand. By banishing the Level 6 Kozmo Landwalker and Level 4 Kozmo Wickedwitch from my hand, Dark Planet comes out for a galactic beatdown (Atk:4000).'

'Dark Planet, attack Heraklinos.' The Dark Planet's outer layers started twisting, before it fired a gigantic laserlight at Heraklinos, causing it to burn up (Johnny LP:2300-1300). 'I'll end my turn.'

Johnny: 'Imma never stay down lassie, you can break both my legs I won't stand down. I draw. I activate Trick Fusion. By paying half my Life points (Johnny LP:1300-750), I can revive a Fusion monster from my graveyard, and then draw a card.' 'I activate Dark Planet's effect. When you activate a Spell card, I just have to banish DOG Fighter from my graveyard to negate and destroy your Spell.'

'Nah not this time, my old Trick Fusion is Spell Speed 4 if I have a Fusion monster on my field. And I have two of them. I summon Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor (Atk:2400).' As Johnny drew his card, he readied himself. 'And the big finale – United We Stand. Now Heraklinos gets the Attack of Tamer Editor and Gyzarus.'

Myka stared on undaunted as Johnny's monster glowed awash in a golden hue (Atk:3000-7800). You're going down me wee girly! Attack Dark Planet.' Heraklinos ran straight through Dark Planet's traction beam with his shield, before burying it's ax into the Planet, zeroing Myka's score (Myka LP:400-0).

Following their tight contest, Johnny and Myka shook hands. As the Scot left elated, Myka took her sweet time, until Rhydian walked out, seemingly to console her. They then left together shortly afterwards.

Backstage

'What's up?' 'Just a bad day that's all. Should have won that one. You do realise I'm not going to help you get Maddy.' Rhydian barely reacted. 'I don't even talk to Maddy that much.' 'So you're not in the Renegades?' 'No. I've not had an offer. And I'm not interested in an offer. From you either.'

'I only want what's best for her.' 'Sure you do, you're not the one who wants to hurt her.' 'Meaning?' 'We got ambushed earlier by some goons. And one of them mentioned Martin's name. Sounded like he wanted Maddy dead, one of them had a gun as well.'

Rhydian's eyes widened and he came to life hearing this. 'She's fine. Phil fought most of them off.' The WDC Champion then stood up. 'I guess I've got stuff to think about then. You can go.' A confused Myka responded curtly. 'I was never being held captive in the first place.'

With the club

As Nash was defeating Martin, Phil approached Maddy, curious as to her intentions for the main event. 'Does Jaden' 'Not yet. If Kenta and Jaden work together, there's less chance of Rhydian keeping his title. If Jaden's points get low, let Kenta do all the work. He may be a terrible duellist but he's not stupid. Working together is the way.'

Meanwhile, at the entrance gate

Jaden was preparing for his title duel, when he was approached from behind by Blair. 'Just wanted to wish you luck for your title duel.' 'Thanks.' 'I know you'll win it. You're too good not to.' 'Hope you're right. If I win, I'll give you a shot.' 'Thanks, but I might not be back for a while yet. Need to do therapy on my arm, cast doesn't agree with it.' 'Knowing you, you'll be back quickly.' 'I sure hope so. Hate not duelling, it's my entire life.' 'Has been since you were young.' 'No kidding. Anyway I'll let you go off and win.'

As she left, she ran into Kenta. 'What do you want?' The man known as Tokyo Dangerous responded by punching the cast-protected arm. 'I tell you only once – you do not interfere. Jaden is tag partner, no room for you. No use to us. No use to anyone. You bring trouble.' Unintimidated, she responded bluntly.

'I'm not scared of you and I never have been. You want to get rid of me just because you're scared that Jaden might see the truth. Being that he's carrying dead weight around with him every time he teams with you. And once Rhydian's out of the way, he's going to show you that he was always better.' As she left, she stopped, and whispered down his ear. 'All for the Renegades… ya shit!'

After leaving him, Blair picked up her phone. 'Hi, is Maddy there? Yeah Maddy, I've just bumped into Kenta. I get the feeling that he might not be sticking to the plan. Do you want me to give Jaden the full go ahead? Fine, it's your call. No, you're the boss, don't worry about my opinion. I'll be back in 10.'

With the club

When Hannah returned, she was wearing a diamond-studded hat and a leather jacket, but looked confused. 'Where's Phil? And Blair.' 'Blair's back shortly, she wanted to talk to Jaden.' 'And my husband?' Maddy just shrugged. 'Like I'd know. Tried phoning him?' 'Voicemail.'

Blair then walked back in. 'Hey nice hat.' 'You any idea where he is?' 'What – cuz? Yeah, I passed him. Said that he was going to talk to Michael.' 'What about?' 'Dunno. Said he wouldn't be long anyway. Where's Rio?' 'Toilet.' 'She sure seems to go to the bathroom a lot these days.'

In the corridor outside the toilets

Rio was just coming away when she walked straight into someone. She went to apologise, before realising that before her, was her estranged brother, wearing a purple overcoat and black jeans. They just stared at each other before he spoke to her for the first time since her regaining of consciousness.

'Well lookie here. Didn't take you long to get back on your feet.' 'Guess so.' 'So are you ready to accept your path yet?' 'I accepted it long ago. And then I decided to make my own path.' 'I am your brother and I know what is best for you.' She stared at him with cold, dispassionate eyes. 'I'm sorry to tell you this, but your sister… she died. She ended her own life in a hospital bed alone and abandoned.' I'm someone completely different. And I don't care about you.'

Reginald seemed to take this remarkably well all things considered. 'You always were the rebellious one. Always fighting for independence. And look where it got you. Playing subservient to a cult of thieves and misfits.' 'Well they're MY thieves and misfits. So you can do what you like. Just don't involve me.' As he walked off, she shouted at him. 'I don't intend on doing!'

Shortly after they left, Phil passed by. 'Hi Rio.' 'Hey, where were you?' 'Just talking to Michael about what we discussed regarding Blair.' 'And?' 'He wasn't happy about it, but it's well within the rules.' 'So she's registered?' 'She is. It will take up to two weeks to register, but that's not an issue.' 'Awesome, thank you.' 'You're welcome.'

The two then walked away, going back to the rest of the club. As they neared, they found Martin lying on the ground with blood coming out of his mouth. The two looked at each other, and laughed. 'It's a shame isn't it?' Phil replied to Rio's question with sarcasm of his own. 'I have absolutely no idea who could have done this. It's not like everyone hates a cheating scumbag is it?'

A local interviewer then hastened over to them. 'Did you do this?' 'What – us? No. He's still moving isn't he? So it wasn't us. Now if you'll excuse us, we have somewhere to be.' 'Before you go, I would like to talk about your wife Hannah's retirement.' 'I don't know how many times I have to say, Hannah made her decision. I accept her decision even if I am slightly surprised by it.'

In MGA's office

The commissioner of the WDC was packing up his paperwork and readying to leave when Akiza walked into his office. 'And what can I be doing for you Akiza?' 'I want a Renegade. I don't care who.' 'Kalmar?' 'That will do.' Bolton gave a faint smile as she said that. 'It's sorted then – in Kalmar, you will face Lydia McKinna. And if you win, you can have a shot at the WDC Championship.' Without hesitation, she refused the invitation. 'I don't want a title shot. I don't care about the title.' She left, her expression having barely changed once in the short conversation.

Back with the club

As Phil and Rio returned, Hannah immediately came up to him. 'Hey baby, I've got something to show you. Because I told you about the surprise at the hotel.' 'Yes.' 'Well I mentioned there was another surprise as well.' Hannah then took her hat off, and her once flowing mane of hair was gone, cut to just halfway down her neck, with a fringe put in covering the top of her big blue eyes.

'You're not going through that weird emo phase you had when you were 12 again are you?' She immediately put her hands on her hips. 'Really? I told you before, that was a strange 4 months I had. Also I thought we agreed not to talk about it in front of anybody else.' 'I was joking, I still' Hannah cut him off sharply. 'Shut up and kiss me you bloody idiot!' As they started to make out, Myka walked back in.

'Do they...' 'Yes they do' An embarrassed Maddy replied, starting to go red at the thought. 'Where were you anyway?' 'Playing around with Rhydian. I told him about being attacked by the cartel, and I told him that they name-dropped Martin.' Rio connected the dots as this was said by the Canadian. 'That'll be why we found Martin bleeding.'

In the duelling zone

During the entrances for the main event, Kenta and Jaden didn't acknowledge each other in the slightest. As Rhydian faced off with them both, the three got their analyses from DJ Topper. "Kenta Kobayashi is an old head and his crafty reputation can never be underestimated. His Inviting Danger deck focuses on the opponent putting themselves in the firing line, as Kenta uses their own momentum to gain his advantage for him and then delivering a final blow."

"Jaden Yuki is a legend in the WDC but hasn't hit the heights of what he is capable of in a long time. However his free-spirited style should never be taken lightly. His Hero's Valour 5 deck is very powerful and can cycle between many powerful options, leaving the opponent no time to respond."

"Rhydian Morris is as slippery as they come and is yet to be truly tested as WDC Champion, holding several notable victories along the way. He runs a Worm's Venom deck, which is as difficult to get hold of as he is himself, and provides lots of sneaky win conditions. That's why we call him The Cobra.'

WDC Championship: Kenta Kobayashi LP:8000 vs. Jaden Yuki LP:8000 vs. (c) Rhydian Morris LP:8000

Turn 1: Jaden: 'I'll start as per the agreement.' In an arrogant mood, Rhydian laid down the gauntlet. 'You two can work together against me, I don't care. I'll beat you both still.' 'Yeah right. I activate Graceful Charity, to draw 3 cards and discard 2. Next I'll set a monster in Defence mode and end my turn with a face-down.'

Kenta: 'Draw. Activate effect of Danger! Nessie. I reveal in my hand, Rhydian picks a random card, if Nessie she summoned. If not, chosen card is discarded.' 'I'm not in the mood to play guessing games. I'll choose 2nd from the left.' 'Summon Danger! Nessie! (Def.:2800). I end my turn.'

Rhydian: 'I draw. Because I control no monsters, I summon Venom Copperhead (Atk:2300).' 'A strong choice.' 'Other than the fact he can't attack. But that's fine because I'm tributing him anyway to summon Worm Warlord (Atk:2350). And he can attack. To be specific, he can attack your monster Jaden.' Worm Warlord happily ate up Jaden's monster (Elemental Hero Sparkman Def.:1000), destroying it.

'Worm Warlord's ability activates if it destroys a monster in battle, allowing it to attack again immediately. Attack Jaden.' Jaden was prepared for the attack though. 'I activate Limit Reverse. This brings back a monster from my graveyard as long as it's Attack is no more than 1000. I summon out Yubel! (Atk:0).'

'I'm still attacking. Warlord, full steam ahead!' Warlord charged at Yubel, and upon hitting it released an electrical blast which hit back at Rhydian (Rhydian LP:8000-5650). 'When Yubel is attacked, she isn't destroyed and I take no damage. But you lose Life points equal to the Attack of your monster.' 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Jaden: 'I draw. I summon Elemental Hero Blazeman (Atk:1200). When he's summoned, he adds Polymerisation from my deck directly to my hand. Next I use it's second ability to send Elemental Hero Stratos from my deck to the graveyard so Blazeman can copy it's name, type and attribute (Attribute:Wind). Next I'll activate Polymerisation, to fuse Blazeman with the Elemental Hero Bladedge in my hand to summon Elemental Hero Great Tornado (Atk:2800).'

'Great Tornado's ability. When it's summoned, all monsters I don't control have their stats halved. Great Gust!' Great Tornado blew a gale, and crippled all opposition in the process (Warlord Atk:2350-1175, Nessie Def.:2800-1400). Attack Worm Warlord. Galeforce Gasher!' Great Tornado held out his hand and a blast of warm air slammed into Warlord, ripping it apart (Rhydian LP:5650-3975). 'I end my turn.' Kenta then smiled slyly. 'Good move Jaden. We have him close to defeat.' Jaden didn't respond however, his programming not stretching to recognising Kenta as an ally.

Kenta: 'Draw. I activate effect of Danger! Dogman! in my hand. You know how Danger works? Rhydian to pick.' 'I pick the middle card.' Kenta then revealed it to be Danger! Zone, and summoned Dogman (Atk:2400). Now I overlay two Level 7 monsters to summon Odd-Eyes Absolute Dragon (Atk:2800).'

'Absolute Dragon, attack Rhydian.' 'I activate Book of Eclipse. This flips all monsters on the field face-down.' With the mystical book opening up, Kenta's plan had backfired. 'My turn will end.' 'At the end of your turn the monsters flip back up, and now you both draw a card per one monster flipped.'

Rhydian: 'I draw. I activate Snake Rain. For one discard, 4 Reptiles are sent straight to my graveyard. I'll set a monster and end my turn.'

Jaden: 'I draw. I activate De-Fusion. This takes Great Tornado and splits it up (Bladedge Atk:2600, Stratos Atk:1800). When Stratos is summoned, I'm allowed to add Elemental Hero Neos to my hand. But now, Bladedge attacks your face-down monster. Slice and Dice Attack.' Bladedge flew at the hidden monster (Worm Solid Def.:1500), but it boosted (Def.:1500-1900), before being sliced apart (Rhydian LP:3975-3275). 'When Worm Solid is flipped, it gains 100 Defence for every Worm in my graveyard. And there was 4.' 'Stratos, attack directly.'

'Because you're attacking again, I summon Ogre of the Scarlet Sorrow. It's Attack points are equal to Bladedge's (Atk:2600).' Stratos flew in, only to be smashed with the Ogre's club (Jaden LP:8000-7200). 'I end my turn.'

Kenta: 'Draw. Effect of Danger! Bigfoot! Jaden to pick.' 'Far right.' The card transpired to be Bigfoot. 'When the named monster is chosen, it is discarded. When Bigfoot discarded, it destroys one monster. Choose Yubel.' Bigfoot briefly appeared on the field, and stamped on Yubel, destroying it.

'When Yubel is destroyed by a card effect, I can summon an upgraded form from my deck. Yubel – Terror Incarnate (Atk:0).' Kenta seemed slightly irritated by this development, eventually continuing with his turn. 'Odd-Eyes Absolute Dragon, attack Rhydian's Ogre.' 'I activate my own Limit Reverse. This revives Vennominon, the King of Poisonous Snakes. Because I have 6 Reptiles in my graveyard, it gains 3000 Attack.' 'Continue your attack.' Absolute Dragon released a pale blue and icy breath, bursting through the Ogre (Rhydian LP:3275-3075). 'My turn ends.'

Rhydian: 'I draw. I activate Graceful Charity to draw 3 cards and then discard 2. Both of which are Reptiles – Worm Ugly and Venom Copperhead (Atk:3000-4000). And I'll equip my King with Infected Mail. So when it attacks, it can attack directly. Your target is Jaden. Fanged Venom.' Vennominon's snakes which surrounded it drenched Jaden in their deadly venom, dropping his points (Jaden LP:7200-3200).

'At the end of my Battle phase Vennominon is destroyed due to Infected Mail.' The King glowed red and let off a pained roar before exploding, but the champion had a plan. 'Now I activate Rise of the Snake Deity. When Vennominon is destroyed other than by battle, I can replace it with Vennominaga, the Deity of Poisonous Snakes. She also gains 500 Attack for every Reptile in my graveyard (Atk:4500). I end my turn.'

Jaden: 'I draw. I'll set a monster and switch Bladedge to Defence mode (Atk:1800). I end my turn.'

Kenta: 'I draw. I set a card, and switch Absolute Dragon to Defence mode. I end my turn.'

Rhydian: 'I draw.' Jaden then signalled something to Kenta, who nodded in response. 'I activate Fairy Meteor Crush. So this turn, if I attack a monster in Defence mode, I can deal damage equal to the difference in points. Attack Elemental Hero Bladedge. Venom Shooter.' Jaden covered up to fend off the venom, but it didn't help Bladedge, the metallic and gold-shimmering warrior being melted down by the fearsome venom (Jaden LP:3200-500).

Kenta then commenced the plan. 'I activate my face-down Final Geas. This banishes every card from our graveyards because a Level 7 or above monster fell in battle.' As the cards were removed, Vennominaga was looking far less lethal (Atk:4500-0). 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Jaden: 'I draw. I activate Sacred Sword of Seven Stars. By banishing the Level 7 Evil Hero Malicious Edge from my hand, I draw 2 cards. Now I activate Burial from a Different Dimension, which returns Bladedge, Neos, and Avian to my graveyard. And now I invoke the power of Miracle Fusion. This banishes Neos and Avian from my graveyard to summon Elemental Hero Grandmerge. It looks weak now, but it gains the combined Levels of it's materials x 300 for it's Attack. Avian is Level 3, while Neos is 7 (Atk:3000).'

'Grandmerge, attack Vennominon. Grand Cannon.' 'I activate Damage Off. This negates my battle damage by sending a monster from my hand to the graveyard.' This move came just in time before Grandmerge vapourised the serpentine Deity with an electrical surge. 'And because I have a Reptile in my graveyard, I can bring back Vennominaga from my graveyard (Atk:0).'

'I activate the effect of Grandmerge. Since it destroyed a monster in battle, I can tribute it to summon another HERO Fusion monster from my Extra Deck. I summon Masked Hero Dark Law (Atk:2600). With Dark Law on the field, cards sent to your graveyards are all banished. I end my turn.'

Kenta: 'I draw.' Kenta looked at his card, and gave the faintest, most sinister grin. 'I play a face-down, and end my turn.' Everyone looked confuses at Kenta's lack of attacking. 'I will not make such a foolish move.'

Rhydian: 'I draw. I switch Vennominaga to Defence mode (Def.:0), and end my turn with two face-downs.'

Jaden: 'I draw. I activate Monster Reborn to revive Bladedge (Atk:2600). Bladedge, attack Rhydian's monster.' Rhydian looked to be in trouble until Kenta suddenly struck. 'I activate Ring of Destruction. This destroys Elemental Hero Bladedge and we all lose Life points equal to it's Attack.' He then shouted at Jaden. 'I am KING! I deserve to be WDC Champion!'

Meanwhile, Rhydian had caught Kenta out. 'I activate Reflection Wall. This reflects all Battle and Effect damage I take for the rest of the turn back to you Kenta. I can only use this because I have no monsters in my graveyard.'

The effects resolved, and Jaden's chances were blown up as a furious Maddy started throwing various objects across the room (Jaden LP:500-0, Kenta LP:8000-5400). As his points hit 0, Jaden didn't say a word, but quietly left.

Kenta: 'Draw. I will set one monster, end with one face-down.'

Rhydian: 'I draw. I activate Pot of Desires. By banishing 10 cards face-down from the top of my deck, I draw two cards. One of which is Dimension Fusion. By paying 2000 Life points (Rhydian LP:3075-1075), I summon up to four banished monsters. I'll bring back two Venom Copperheads and two Venom Boas (Atk:2300)x2, (Atk:1600)x2. And now I'll destroy them all with Dark Hole.'

'I don't understand.' 'I wouldn't expect YOU to. You could never keep up with my strategy. Vennominaga is unaffected by all card effects. My own included.' The black hole sucked every monster into it's infinite nothingness, but closed without the Snake Deity having ever moved (Atk:0-2000). 'Now Vennominaga can attack directly. Venom Vapour Stream.' The snakes around the Diety spat out dirty, horrible venom, seemingly burning Kenta (Kenta LP:5400-3400). 'When I deal Battle damage to you, Vennominaga gains a Hyper-Venom Counter (HVC:1). Once I have three, I win. I'll end my turn.'

Kenta: 'I draw. I set one monster, end my turn.'

Rhydian: 'I draw. I activate my face-down Meteorain. So when Vennominaga attacks, you're not safe even if your monster is in Defence mode. Attack.' Rhydian's monster melted through Danger! Chupacabra! (Def.:400), destroying it (Kenta:3400-1800, HVC:2). 'I end my turn.'

Kenta: 'Draw. Effect of Danger! Ogopogo! You discard random card' 'I know how it works. I'll discard the left one.' He then revealed Danger! Thunderbird, and summoned Ogopogo (Def.:3000). 'I end my turn. This wall will not fall.'

Rhydian: 'Yeah right. I draw. I activate Left Arm Offering. By banishing both cards from my hand, I can add a Spell directly to my hand. I choose Reasoning. So you have to declare a Level of monster, and I send cards from my deck to my graveyard until I find a monster of that Level. Then I summon it.'

Kenta smirked at the thought. 'I know a singular Level you will not have. I choose Level 12.' Rhydian calmly started excavating his cards, showing them and sending them to his graveyard. After 7 had been discarded, he shocked Kenta. 'I have a Level 12 monster – Divine Serpent Geh. As I can't Normal summon it, it goes to my graveyard. As I just sent four monsters to my graveyard, my monster gains 2000 Attack (Atk:2000-4000). Destroy Ogopogo.' The vicious ace of Rhydian's deck spat venom out to melt another monster. 'I end my turn.'

Kenta: 'Draw. I end my turn with a face-down.'

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

Kenta: 'Draw. I activate effect of Danger! Ogopogo in hand. You have two cards to choose.' 'Right.' Ogopogo then came onto the field (Def.:3000). And now I end my' 'I activate Final Attack Orders. So your monster is switched into Attack mode (Atk:1200). Also, it has to attack Vennominaga.' 'That's… suicide' 'For your monster it is.' The serpentine Ogopogo charged, teeth-bared, only to be struck down by the lethal venom (Kenta LP:1800-0, HVC:3).

As the music played, Rhydian stood with his retained title while Kenta stared at him. Jaden had already left, and Kenta did too after a short time, leaving the Cobra to lift his belt up for everyone to see. Nash then walked out and congratulated Rhydian, as the show closed down.

Outside

While most club members had an evening of sightseeing in the South American country, Hannah lead her blindfolded husband back to the hotel. 'Why do I have to wear this thing? It's itchy.' 'It's fine shut up.' 'Ok, you're the boss.' 'Taken you this long to realise?' Hannah replied sarcastically, power-walking the two miles to the accommodation.

As they arrived at the hotel, she dropped him off. 'I'll tell you when to take your blindfold off. K?' 'Yes sir.' She then departed into her room, and slammed the door shut behind her, firm enough to wake up anybody nearby.

Nearly 15 minutes later, she finally called. 'You can come in now.' 'How do I take this off?' 'Have you tried just lifting it off? It's not tied.' 'Why didn't you tell me?' She then giggled. 'You didn't ask. Now are you coming in? I'm getting cold.' 'Shut up, you're always cold.' 'Thanks.' 'Welcome.'

As he took off his blindfold, he walked into the room, and found Hannah lounging on the bed, wearing only camo-print lingerie, and her entire body was covered from head to toes in baby oil, making her so shiny that any remaining sunlight would surely have reflected off of her body like a mirror.

Immediately he laughed, causing her expression to go from aroused to concerned. 'Too much?' 'No, never too much. I take it you want sex then?' 'No, I'm posing for a Calander Girls Pregnancy Special shoot. What the fuck do you think I want!?' He then walked over to the bed, and stroked her face. 'Make hay while the sun shines.' 'You've made enough hay you. Just thought we might take advantage while we can.' The door then slammed shut.

Next time: The Arena courses begin, Astrid and Kris have a heart-to-heart, and James plans his next move. Renegades: A New Dawn Chapter 23: Training Daze