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.

29. The True Nightmare

Renegades: A New Dawn

Chapter XXIX: The True Nightmare

Two days before WDC World Tour: China

Advanced Course Session 7/12

Before the session, Phil, Rio and an uninvited Blair were discussing issues within the class. 'I don't feel like we're really testing their mettle at the moment.' Blair shrugged. 'I mean you can't put them all up against top level drones, all you'll learn is that they aren't gonna be world champ this year.'

Phil agreed with this sentiment. 'Perhaps, but we have to do something.' 'What level drone do they face at the moment?' 'Usually 6.' 'Try upping it to 8.' 'That's a fair idea. Might separate the winners from the… Fleur to be honest.' 'Fair enough. Anything else you wanted to discuss?'

Rio then joined the conversation. 'Only the issues between Kenzie and Denzil. They're just arguing constantly at the moment, to the point where they've almost come to blows a couple of times.' 'They just need to find some common ground probably.' This seemed to give Phil a thought. 'You may have just given me an idea Blair.'

20 minutes later

As the session began, Phil and Rio were joined once again by Yusei. 'Right, down to business. Today's a shorter session because we… well two of us anyway, have a long flight to China tomorrow.' Denzil then put his hand up. 'Is this question urgent?' 'Why are you flying out a day early?'

Kenzie then turned around to him and chastised her fellow classmate in her Caledonian accent. 'Duh, it's because it takes ages. Have you ever tried flying to China?' 'No. Have you ever tried flying… to the moon?' 'Of course not! It's impossible to fly to the moon unless you're NASA.'

Belle then decided to chip in. 'Technically not impossible, just very expensive.' Kenzie then turned on her. 'You're not going to make friends by butting into other people's arguments.' The reply was blunt. 'Who said anything about friends? I came here to learn.' Before anything else could be said, they were interrupted by Phil.

'Right guys, enough. Today's session is all about teaming up. I know about tag teams, Rio knows about tag teams, you could be forgiven for forgetting that Yusei knows about teams. There is no better feeling in dueling than winning. Except, there is. Winning with your friends and loved ones is even better. Tag-Team dueling can be extremely rewarding. You learn more about your game and about everyone else.'

Rio then explained the task. 'So today, we're going to be holding a tag-team round robin.' As everyone started to work out their groups however, she dropped a bombshell. 'Who said anything about choosing teams? To test adaptability, it's going to be randomized. Yusei is going to come around with a bag, and you each pick out a numbered disc. We'll then draw the teams at random using a random number generator.'

As the numbers were handed out, Rio was slightly confused. 'Forgive me if I'm sounding blonde but how are you making sure of your plan?' 'It's simple – all the numbers are on the back as well.' 'How you going to get away with that?' 'It's very simple, I'll do what I always do.'

'Which is?' He then smiled. 'Blame you obviously. I'll say that you can't operate a printer.' 'I can't operate ours.' 'Perfect.' As all the numbers were picked out, Phil commenced his plan. 'Right, the first number is… 9. Who's number 9?' Kenzie then stepped forwards. 'That's me.'

'Who do you want to be matched with?' Her reply was typically blunt. 'Myka because she's the best duelist here.' Myka seemed rather flattered by this. 'And you're going to be teaming with Number… 2. Who are you going to be teaming with?' There was no response, so he tried again.

'Number 2. They are all double sided because Rio can't operate a printer, so I can see who has Number 2.' Denzil simply said 'Shit' and came forward. Immediately, Kenzie tried to change his mind. 'I mean, you don't want to risk that, do you? The last thing you want to do is have another'

'Kenzie.' 'Yes?' 'You're trying to persuade the wrong person. You're going to team with Denzil or you're going to leave. It's your choice.' Reluctantly, Kenzie walked over to Denzil. 'Don't get in my way, ok?' 'Whatever.' The draw then continued, with the other teams being Belle and Myka, Jade and Donny (who was too busy flirting with Rio to really care), Fleur and Brooke, and Mike and Mitchell.

'Right everyone, this is a round robin format. Anybody who doesn't understand that, it means that everyone will face everyone. Now I am aware that there is an odd number of teams. Therefore, we will be holding two duels at a time with myself watching one and Rio watching the other. Donny, you have a question?'

'What are the other team supposed to do while those duels are going on?' 'Scout opponents, have a nap, play a game of chess, I really don't care as long as nothing in here gets damaged. If it does, whoever damages it is getting the bill. I want to see you genuinely work together. Don't just think of your moves, you have to try and see where your partner is and how you can stop them being isolated.'

'For this purpose, we are using specialized rules. Teams will share 4000 Life points, but a duelist with no monsters on their field may be attacked directly regardless of whether their partner has a monster out. First up, we'll have Kenzie and Denzil vs. Belle and Myka, and Mike and Mitchell vs. Jade and Donny.'

As the first duels were underway, Phil revealed his hand to Yusei. 'Kenzie and Denzil teaming up is a happy accident isn't it then?' He just smiled in response. 'Yusei, you know well enough – with me, there is no such thing as an "accident". Those two have been fighting like cat and dog for the past 7 weeks. So I may have fixed the draw slightly.'

'How?' 'You see, I wrote the numbers on the back as well. I didn't lie about using the random number generator, but what I didn't mention was I skipped over the numbers 9 and 2. They have to learn how to work together.' Just then, a man in his early 40s with a turban and goatee walked in.

As Phil walked over to him, he noticed everyone staring. 'Carry on everyone. Rio, you're in charge, if Donny flirts with you just boot him in the balls.' 'Got it.' Phil then took the mystery arrival to the office, joined by Blair.

'I'm Phil, I'm the co-owner along with my wife. This is Blair, she's one of my proteges.' 'And your cousin.' 'Yes, and my cousin.' 'Nice to meet you both. I must say, I have been reading over your proposals and what you've already done. I must say, it's a very unique proposition.' Blair seemed confused however, having not been introduced to the guest.

So the man then introduced himself. 'My name is Kheerat Deol. I am what you would call an angel investor. My fortune came from the technology industry, but I came from very modest backgrounds. As such, I always look to invest in any form of scheme which gives opportunities to young people. So Mr. Robinson, explain to me how this grants opportunities.'

'We have several courses here for people of different skill levels. We have the Beginner course which is for people who have a basic level of skill but struggle to understand all the mechanics. The Intermediate course is for those who understand all the mechanics and have a decent level but need to learn better strategies, the pro course is for those who are confident and need to refine their skills, and Advanced is to learn tactics and skills to take them to the next level. On the Advance course, they are expected to at least have experience at local and national level.'

'That all sounds excellent.' 'Additionally, we have play-offs at the end of the courses. Whoever wins the 1st place play-off for the Advanced course will receive two years on the PWDC Circuit as a professional duelist. They also qualify automatically for the World Championships but I haven't yet told them.'

'Are you planning on doing?' 'I am. But I'm holding the surprise back. I might tell them at the end of this actually.' 'So how are the finances looking?' 'This round of courses, we're on course to make a loss of approximately £130,000. But it cost far more than that to get the infrastructure, because we had this entire section of the building built from scratch.'

'And how much are you making?' 'From this set of courses, £40,000. Although we are in talks to host the WDC World Championships Qualifiers.' 'And how much will you be getting for this?' 'From my research, £50,000, plus any costs for electricity, refreshments etc.' 'Have you been offered this?'

'No, but I'm deep in talks regarding it and all the signs have been promising.' 'I'm glad to hear it. Would you be running multiple sets of courses a year?' 'The hope is to run them in 6 month intervals, each course lasting 10-12 weeks. Because we're also looking at lowering the prices slightly, we're estimating around £105,000 for that.'

After writing some figures down, Mr. Deol smiled. 'Considering what you've told me

today, I would be very interested in investing in your project. I will be in touch when I've made a decision.' 'Thanks very much.' As he left, Blair still seemed confused. 'So what's going on exactly?' 'We've been having a few funding issues with the arena recently. We've got enough to get through these classes but we need more money beyond that. Otherwise we're not going to be able to keep it running long-term.'

'Well I'll give you some money then. Remember I got some' 'No. That's yours. I've got some people I can call if this doesn't work out. That reminds me though, I wanted to talk to you.' Blair rolled her eyes hearing this. 'That's never good.'

'I promise this is. I know Sakura still won't clear you' 'Don't I know it? I've been fine for ages. I'm even dueling in the arena more than anybody else.' 'Well me and Rio, we've been talking, and we wanted to know, how would you feel teaming with us?' 'Sure. You going after a title then?'

'Nope. I'm looking forward to teaming with you.' She looked very excited at this prospect. 'You being serious?' 'Very serious. Only if you want to obviously, I'm not forcing' 'Yes! Sorry, it's just that when I was growing up that's what I dreamt of.' 'Just don't keep pestering Sakura, you'll be cleared soon.' When they returned, the round robins were well underway, with Kenzie and Denzil still having problems working together through their first duel.

Belle and Myka bt. Kenzie and Denzil by 4000 Life points with Kozmo Farmgirl

Mitch and Mike bt, Jade and Donny by 1900 Life points with Perfect Machine King

Kenzie and Denzil bt. Jade and Donny by 1200 Life points with Ojama King

Belle and Myka bt. Fleur and Brooke by 2000 Life points with Chronomaly Machu Mech

Kenzie and Denzil bt. Fleur and Brooke by 3000 Life points with Ojama King

Belle and Myka bt. Mitch and Mike by 300 Life points with Kozmo Dark Eclipser

Mitch and Mike bt. Fleur and Brooke by 2700 Life points with Legendary Six Samurai – Shi En

Belle and Myka bt. Jade and Donny by 2300 Life points with Kozmo Dark Destroyer

Fleur and Brooke bt. Jade and Donny by 300 Life points with Supreme Arcanite Magician

Kenzie and Denzil bt. Mitch and Mike by 1000 Life points with Ojama Knight

With the round robin complete, Rio recapped the results. 'So we have a final pairing of Belle and Myka against Denzil and Kenzie. Both teams will be given 10 minutes to prepare.' As the two teams discussed tactics, Phil met up with Rio again. 'So who was that you were speaking to?'

'He's an angel investor.' 'Like that dragons program you watch?' 'Just like that. Except without the shouting and the sweating.' 'Does he have kids as well?' 'Rio, I was discussing business with him, not improving my social life.' After a short awkward silence, Rio asked the important question.

'So is everything ok?' 'It's fine. It's just we had to get into significant debt building the Arena, so we're trying to get some investment in order to get that paid off asap. It's no major issue, we're on top of our repayments but we want to get everything cleared.' 'I'll lend you money.'

He smiled, but rejected her offer. 'No, it's fine. That's yours, nobody else's.' 'Have you tried telling Jade that?' He just smirked at this. 'So how's this been going anyway? I presume you've been keeping an eye on it.' She responded by producing over half a page's worth of observations.

'You wrote all of that?' 'No, my mom wrote it. Who do you think wrote it?' 'Ok, cool it. So the girls are still unbeaten.' 'They haven't lost yet, but they're hardly working together. Kenzie and Denzil have started meshing.' Yusei then made a bold prediction. 'If your philosophy of tag-team dueling is correct Phil, then Belle and Myka will lose here. What is it you say – two great duelists will never beat a good team?' He didn't speak, only smiling.

As the two teams squared up in the center, Phil reminded them of the rules. 'This is a test

of your ability to work in a team and assess the entire field of play. Therefore each team begin with 8000 Life points for this final duel. If a player has no monsters on the field, they may be attacked directly regardless of their partner having monsters out. Each team member has their own five monster zones and back-row zones. You can control each other's monsters if you choose. Additionally, when summoning monsters, you can summon them to your partner's field if you choose, so long as each of you have a zone free.

Kenzie and Myka then stepped forward for the coin toss. 'Myka, as the team with the better record, you get to call. Heads or Tails?' 'Heads.' 'Tails it is. Kenzie, do you want to go first?' She looked over at Denzil, who nodded back at her. 'We'll go first thanks.' The two then returned to their respective sides and at his signal, the duel began.

Arena Duel: Myka Grainger and Belle Draper LP:8000 vs. Kenzie Calhoun and Denzil Davis LP:8000

Turn 1: Kenzie: 'I'll start. I draw. I'm going to set a monster and end my turn with two face-downs.'

Myka: 'My turn. I summon Kozmo Farmgirl (Atk:1500). And I'll equip her with a Kozmo Lightsword. She gains 500 Attack and can attack two monsters during the Battle phase. Also she deals piercing damage (Atk:2000). Attack.' Farmgirl rode in on a metallic dog, and sliced straight through Kenzie's monster (Super-Nimble Mega Hamster Def.:1800), destroying it (Kenzie and Denzil LP:8000-7800).

'When my Mega Hamster dies, he replaces himself with a Level 3 or lower Beast from my deck. Only catch? It goes face-down. I choose Ojama Blue.' 'I don't really care. Attack again.' As the second attack came in, Kenzie held firm but her monster failed to (Ojama Blue Def.:1000, Kenzie and Denzil LP:7800-6800).

'Because Ojama Blue was destroyed, I can add two Ojama cards from my deck to my hand. I choose Ojamagic and Ojama Yellow.' 'Well now I can send my Farmgirl to the graveyard and summon Kozmo Sliprider (Atk:2300). When I summon Sliprider, I can destroy one of your face-downs. I choose the left one.' By the time Myka saw Kenzie's smile, it was too late as Sliprider shot through the card.

'Thanks for destroying Ojamagic. Now I get to add the three stooges to me hand – Ojamas Green, Yellow, and Black.' 'I'll just attack you directly then. Locking Laser!' 'I discard Sphere Kuriboh to stop your attack.' 'I end my turn.' Belle then started muttering. 'Well that was a waste of time.' 'Why don't you do better then?' She didn't utter a word in response, instead staying with arms folded.

Denzil: 'Man, you're both going down down! I activate the Field spell Karakuri Showdown Castle.' The castle rose up, and lightning struck around it. 'Now I'm summoning this guy, Karakuri Ninja Sazank (Atk:1200). But I can change it to Defence mode (Def.:1200), and summon the Karakuri Bonze Kunamzan (Atk:2000).'

'And like, when he's summoned that way, he's a Tuner man. So now I'm going to tune it together with my bruv, Level 3 Sazank. I Synchro summon Level 8 Karakuri Steel Shogun Bureido (Atk:2800). When I summon him, I can summon another Kunamzan from my hand (Atk:2000). Bureido, attack Sliprider.' The steel shogun's twin chain-driven swords made light work of Sliprider, dividing it into two (Myka and Belle LP:8000-7500).

'When Sliprider is destroyed, it floats into a lower Level Kozmo monster from my deck. I choose Kozmo Wickedwitch (Atk:1800).' 'Kunamzan, attack that evil witch.' 'By paying 1000 Life points, I can stop Wickedwitch being destroyed (Myka and Belle LP:7500-6300).' 'I end my turn.'

Belle: 'I'll activate the Spell known as Chronomaly Pyramid Eye Tablet. Next because I activate a Chronomaly spell during the turn, I summon Chronomaly Aztec Mask Golem (Atk:1500). And with Eye Tablet, it gets another 800 Attack (Atk:1500-2300). Since I still have a Normal summon, I'll use Chronomaly Nebra Disk (Atk:1800-2600).'

'And because I summoned Nebra Disk that way, I get the Chronomaly Technology spell direct to my hand. Now I'll overlay my two Level 4s to summon Number 36: Chronomaly Chateau Huyuk (Atk:2000-2800). Huyuk's ability allows me to detach an Xyz material. In exchange, Steel Shogun loses all Attack points.'

Huyuk used a material, and it's entire body rotated, firing out blue lights at the Steel Shogun and freezing it (Atk:2800-0).' Belle then took her time, before launching an attack. 'I'll use Chronomaly Chateau to attack Steel Shogun.' This time, Kenzie came to her partner's defense.

'I activate my face-down Intruder Alarm – Yellow Alert. This summons out a monster from my hand and it becomes the target for your attacks. I summon Ojama Yellow (Def.:1000).' 'Fine, attack Ojama Yellow.' Belle got a significant surprise however, as the attack didn't seem to be affecting the pathetic yellow "peril".

'Yeah, forgot to mention that Intruder Alarm also stops my monster being destroyed by battle. But at the end of the Battle phase, it returns to my hand.' As Belle left the BP, Ojama Yellow retreated from the field. 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Kenzie: 'I draw. I activate Enchanted Fitting Room. Here's the click – I draw four cards from my deck. Any Level 3 or lower Normal monsters I can summon. Anything else is shuffled into my deck.' Kenzie then took the cards and showed them to everyone (Ojama Duo, Ojama Blue, Ojama Black, Ojamatch). 'So that's two Ojamas to me and nothing to either of you (Atk:0)x2.'

'Next I summon Ojama Yellow (Atk:0).' At this point, Myka was confused. 'You do realize you don't need monsters on the field to Fusion summon.' 'I know. But I need them on the field for Fusion Substitute. This acts like Polymerization, but it only uses monsters on my field. I'll fuse my three Ojamas together in order to form Ojama King (Def.:3000).'

'When he's summoned, my king gets to block off three of Belle's monster zones.' The rotund king grinned, and left stamps on three of Belle's five slots, sealing them off. 'Next I activate Mecha Ojama King Transformation. This takes my King and gives him an upgrade. Hail the Mecha Ojama King (Def.:3000).'

'When Mecha Ojama King is summoned, I also summon Ojamachine Yellow from my deck (Atk:0). And it breeds into another one – Ojamachine Yellow Token (Atk:0). Ojamachine Yellow, attack Chateau Huyuk.' The tiny mechanized Ojama bounded towards his doom, being blasted on sight by the great looming fortress.

'We don't take any damage from an Ojamachine being destroyed. Instead, you lose 300 Life points (Belle and Myka LP:6300-6000). 'Ojamachine Token, go and hug your new mummy.' The Token also bounded along, and exploded when shot at (Belle and Myka LP:6000-5700).

By now, Kenzie was growing in confidence. 'I'm not quite done either. I'll activate Wave-Motion Cannon and then I'll end my turn with a face-down.'

Myka: 'I draw. I'm not letting that Cannon stay on the field any longer than it has to. I activate the effect of Kozmo Wickedwitch. By banishing her, I can replace her with Kozmo Dark Destroyer (Atk:3000). When Dark Destroyer is summoned, I can pop a card on the field. I choose Mecha Ojama King.'

Dark Destroyer fired lasers straight out of it's body, drilling the Mecha King and making it split in half. 'Now attack Steel Shogun with Liberating Laser.' 'Man, you're not even trying, you're not even on this planet. I activate my face-down, the Karakuri Cash Inn, and it allows me to cash in. Get it? Cash Inn? Cash in?' 'We get it, shut up.'

'Nah man, I'm just doing my thing. Like switching my Shogun to Defence mode (Def.:1700). And when a Karakuri monster switches position, Steel Shogun gives me a draw.' As Denzil added the extra card to his hand, Steel Shogun had holes blasted through it. 'I end my turn.'

Kenzie: 'I draw. I activate Graceful Charity to draw three cards, then discard two. One of the cards I drew was Polymerization. It lets me fuse together Ojama Blue and Ojama Green from my hand in order to summon Ojama Knight (Def.:2500). And with Knight out, one of you loses two monster slots.'

Not letting this stand, Belle stepped in. 'I activate Recall. This negates and destroys your effect. Only shame is you still get to draw one.' With her monster gone, Kenzie changed tactic. 'I'll activate the card I drew – Monster Reborn. It revives a monster from the graveyard. I choose Denzil's Steel Shogun. But it's going to his side (Atk:2800). I end my turn with a face-down.'

Belle: 'I activate the effect of Chateau Huyuk, to use it's last Xyz material and turn the Attack points of your Shogun to 0.' This time however, the plan was seen by Denzil. 'I activate Safe Zone. This keeps Steel Shogun protected from your card effects. Like, I thought you were better than that man.'

Instead of sulking however, Belle immediately cashed her Plan B in. 'I'll activate Palanque Sarcophagus. Because I control a Chronomaly monster, I draw two cards. Now I'll set three cards. And I activate Storm. By destroying all three of my face-downs, I can destroy Safe Zone, Showdown Castle, and Kenzie's face-down.'

Just in time, Kenzie saved the plan. 'Go – Fake Trap! It isn't going to save the castle, but it is going to save our Shogun.' As the other cards were destroyed, a goblin brandishing a parchment appeared and stopped the Safe Zone equipment from being dismantled. The ground then stared shaking around Belle.

'What's going on?' 'The three cards I destroyed were all Artifact monsters. Because they were destroyed in my Spell and Trap zone and sent to the graveyard, I can summon them all. I summon Artifact Aegis, Chakram, and Vajra (Aegis Def.:2500, Chakram Def.:2000, Vajra Def.:1900). And now, I'll overlay all three of them to Xyz summon Number 53: Heart-eartH (Atk:100). I end my turn.'

Denzil: 'You're going down with a frown, 'cause you're just like Gacy, the killer clown. I draw. I'm going to rock your world with Karakuri Cash Cache. This changes the battle position of my Shogun and then I add a Level 4 or lower Karakuri to my hand. How about some Karakuri Muso Haipa (Steel Shogun Def.:1700).'

'Because it changed Battle position, Steel Shogun gives me a card. Next by changing Steel Shogun back to Attack (Atk:2800), I can summon Karakuri Bonze Kunamzan as a Tuner from my hand (Atk:2000). And I'll summon Haipa (Atk:2100). Now I tune Level 5 Kunamzan to Level 4 Haipa and summon Karakuri Super Shogun Bureibu (Atk:3000).'

'When I summon Bureibu, it summons Karakuri Komachi Ninishi (Atk:0).' Denzil then limbered up for an attack, but stopped himself at the last minute. 'Kenz, you got a plan?' 'Not right now.' Denzil gave the faintest of smiles at this, trying to hide it. 'I'm not walking into whatever you have planned. I end my turn.'

Myka: 'I draw. I activate Monster Reincarnation. I discard one card, then add a monster back from my graveyard to my hand. I choose Kozmo Dark Destroyer.' As soon as Dark Destroyer was added back, Kenzie giggled. 'You're such a f*cking bad liar Denz! You almost screwed it up!'

'Like you're any better?' He then started doing a rather pathetic impression of her. "Oh I've not got anything planned I'm just Scottish." 'I do not sound like that.' 'Are you going to do it?' 'Oh yeah thanks. I activate my face-down Mind Crush. I declare a card name, and if it's in your hand Myka, you discard all copies of it. I choose Kozmo Dark Destroyer.'

By now Myka was tearing her hair out trying to get to her ace, being forced to send it straight back to the graveyard. 'You know what, fine. You want to play it that way, I summon Kozmo Tincan (Atk:0), and end my turn with a face-down. During my End phase, Tincan's ability triggers. I take three Kozmo cards with different names from my deck and show them to you. Then, you choose a random one and add it to my hand. The others go to the graveyard.'

At this juncture, she produced another copy of Kozmo Dark Destroyer, Kozmo Forerunner, and Kozmo DOG Fighter. 'Go on, choose.' After a short time of deliberation, Denzil chose. 'How about the middle one?' 'Are you sure?' He wasn't impressed at this. 'I'm not stupid man. I'm still picking that. Now get rid of the others.'

Clearly incensed, she had no choice but to once again lose immediate access to her favored method of execution. But then she had a long hard look at her face-down, and seemed to have developed a plan.

Kenzie: 'I draw. I activate the Trap card Karma Cut. If I discard one card, this banishes your Heart-eartH.' With no protection from banishing, there was nothing Belle could do to stop her monster being banished. 'Steel Shogun, attack Kozmo Tincan.' The Tincan stood no hope of surviving the vicious attack from Shogun, causing major damage (Belle and Myka LP:5700-3100).

And then came a fateful moment, as Myka revealed her face-down. 'I activate The Grave of Enkindling. Because you just destroyed my monster in battle, we both get to summon a monster from the graveyard, but it's stuck in Defence mode permanently. I summon Kozmo Dark Destroyer (Def.:1800).'

Kenzie was about to choose her monster when Denzil signaled to her. As he did, her eyes lit up. 'I got it. I summon Ojama Knight (Def.:2500). When Ojama Knight is summoned, it seals off two of your monster slots.' 'I don't care really.' 'Myka, I'm not talking about you. I'm sealing off Belle's last two slots. And it's all your fault.'

With that, Belle's monster field was now completely out of commission. 'When Dark Destroyer is summoned, it destroys a card on the field. I choose Super Shogun.' The Super Shogun got blown to pieces, but the damage was done, with Belle now unable to summon any monsters. 'I end my turn with a face-down. My job is done.'

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

Denzil: 'I draw. I activate Night Beam. This destroys Belle's face-down. And with Night Beam, you can't activate it before.' A strong, sharp beam of light pierced through Belle's card (Widespread Ruin), destroying it.' 'Now I'll equip Steel Shogun with Ebon Arrow. It reduces it's Attack by 500 (Atk:2800-2300), but lets it deal piercing damage.' 'Attack her Dark Destroyer, show it a real destroyer.'

Steel Shogun sliced through the fighter plane of Dark Destroyer, causing it to explode (Belle and Myka LP:3100-2600). 'And because of Ebon Arrow, you now take it's Defence as damage.' A mysterious cloaked figure appeared on the field, and fired a black arrow sraight and true at Myka (Belle and Myka LP:2600-800).

'At least we've got some points still.' 'No way man, no way.' 'And because Dark Destroyer was destroyed, I can summon a Level 7 or lower Kozmo from my deck. I summon Kozmo DOG Fighter (Def.:2400).' Myka was pleased with her move until she saw Denzil's counter.

'Yo I'm about to strike you hard and lay you out bitch! I activate my face-down Miracle Locus. You draw a card and take no Battle damage, but this gives Steel Shogun 1000 Attack (Atk:2300-3300), and allows one more attack. Rip her apart!' Steel Shogun sliced through DOG Fighter, destroying it, and then Ebon Arrow provided the exclamation point (Belle and Myka LP:800-0).

After the shock win, Kenzie and Denzil fist-bumped and then Denzil shoulder-bumped with a smiling Donny. Meanwhile Myka went to talk to Belle, who was unhappy at the result. 'Can't believe we lost eh?' The girl from Leeds turned around, and pushed Myka straight to the ground. 'I would have won that if you hadn't got in my way. You're useless.' She then turned around and sat down, the sunlight reflecting blindingly off of her beautifully-shaped blonde bun.

With the session ending, Phil stopped everyone leaving as Hannah walked in. 'Excuse me, we have a small announcement to make.' Immediately, Donny put the pieces together. 'It's that guy that came in isn't it?' 'No it isn't. That guy was an investor who is interested in pumping some money into the arena.'

'So what is it?' Blair then answered. 'If you'd let him speak then he'll tell you.' Phil patted her on the back, and then made the big announcement. 'I can see the dedication all of you have. Therefore, whoever comes out as Number 1 on this course will receive two fabulous prizes. Money cannot buy these.'

Hannah then produced a tour card, with the name blanked out. 'Firstly, whoever wins will receive this very tour card with their name on it, making them a professional duellist for a minimum of three years.' The husband and wife duo smiled, before introducing the final prize.

'And if you liked that cake, how about the icing on top of it? I will leave it to the World Number 1 to tell you all.' This surprised everyone, especially the Violet Vivario. 'Seriously?' 'Seriously.' She then grinned. 'Ok then. Not only do you get that lovely tour card, but the Advanced champion will also be granted automatic entry and the 16th seeding at this year's WDC World Championship. Class dismissed.'

Nobody left however, as there was a massive buzz around everyone. After around 10 minutes, they started to leave, until nobody was left, apart from the victorious team. Rio came over, and was impressed with their teamwork.

'See, that's what happens when you stop arguing.' 'Gotta admit, she's pretty good.' 'Not half bad yourself slim.' 'So, are you going to be teaming again?' The two of them looked at each other and laughed. 'Dunno.' 'Depends what he wants. I'd be cool with that.' Denzil smirked, and walked away leaving the question partially unanswered.

Two days later

As the plane landed in China, Hannah saw a reporter at the airport, but before she could avoid them, they ran over to her. 'Hannah, we saw what happened in Glasgow. Is Phil with you?' 'No, he's at home. Our doctor wouldn't clear him to duel so he's meeting our solicitor later.'

'So there's no possibility of retribution?' 'You mean Rob's here?' 'Yes, he said he had to talk to you.' She responded by grabbing the reporter by the throat. 'Where did he go.' 'I… can't breathe.' Letting go enough, she waited for an answer. 'At the arena.' Seemingly satisfied, she let him scurry off.

As he did, Hannah got her phone out and made a call. 'He's in the arena. We'll leave him a while, make him suffer. Then we'll spread the poison. The great thing is, paranoid people believe anything they are told. And that's going to lure him in.'

Meanwhile, Maddy was silently sat as Jana came up to her, having bucked the trend and travelled with them. 'Want to talk?' 'Not really.' After a couple of minutes of awkward silence, Jana spoke again. 'Feelings came back?' 'Kinda.' Jana then put the pieces together.

'Let me guess – you delayed for a moment because you saw him and you thought that you still liked him.' 'I guess I wanted to go back to when it was easy.' 'And?' 'That's it. I just thought for a moment, a stupid moment, that I needed him.' Jana laughed for a moment, before shaking her head.

'You're a terrible liar Maddy. Why don't you tell me what else happened?' 'Fine, I ran into Tom before the duel, and he tried to talk me out of it. I didn't tell you because I thought you'd agree with him.' 'What exactly did he say?' 'Just some shit about the Renegades president not being "me" and me becoming some actress people laugh at.'

Jana was incensed listening to this. 'He knows! He knows what that does to people!' Maddy then looked Jana dead in the eyes. 'I want you to be honest' 'I always am. Spit it out.' She then asked a very delicate question. 'What's your opinion of me being Renegades president?'

'Whatever makes you happy. I just care that you're happy and healthy. If that means doing all of this, then that's what it means. You're my mate, and that's all I care about. Now after this, you've got a week to get yourself ready for duelling Shannon. Because if you lose to her, you might not get the choice again.'

Maddy took a deep breath and looked at Jana. 'Thanks. I needed that.' 'I guessed.' 'Now you go and do whatever you need to. And I'll be there if you need anybody to talk to.' The president nodded and walked off.

Half an hour later

After making the short trip to the nearby Wukesong Arena, the club arrived just as the order of play was being shown again.

Pick Your Poison: Hannah Robinson-Cummings vs. Martin Garcia

Celina vs. Da Brooks Kid

Jaden Yuki Open Challenge

Pick Your Poison: James Birchall vs. ? (opponent picked by Hannah)

The show quickly began with Hannah walking out for her duel, the Chinese crowd welcoming her first 1-1 duel of the year. Her look was slightly different now, with silver tips at the bottom of her just above shoulder-length hair, and wearing a pair of glasses due to her increasing eyesight issues. 'The following is a Pick Your Poison duel. Introducing from the M18 District of Manchester, England, Hannah Robinson-Cummings.' As she made her way down, Kalin gave the data on her.

'Hannah is a vastly experienced duellist who has temporaliry come out of retirement to settle some very personal scores. She utilises a Water Ritual deck, but we hear that it's undergone an overhaul specifically for closing some old wounds.'

A backstage interview was then shown with Birchall and Martin. 'I'm trusting you Martin, go and do what you have to.' 'Trust me I will leave nothing. Once I'm done with little barbie, there's going to be no way she's going back to her perfect little life with her perfect little family.'

Martin then made his entrance, but the introductions couldn't be made as he was still carrying a microphone. 'After I've wrecked what's left of your life, I'm going to find Rhydian, and I'm going to make him regret crossing us.' Hannah didn't seem fussed, instead welcoming his confidence.

Pick Your Poison: Hannah Robinson-Cummings LP:4000 vs. Martin Garcia LP:4000

Turn 1: Hannah: 'I'll start. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Martin: 'I draw. I activate Graceful Charity, to draw three cards and then discard two. Now I activate the Stumbling spell. Because of that, any monster summoned switches to Defence mode. Like Digital Bug Centibit (Atk:1500). But because of Stumbling, it's forced to switch (Def.:500). When it does, Centibit searches the net for a Level 3 Insect to join my field. I choose Digital Bug Cocoondenser (Def.:2000). And I'll overlay them both into Digital Bug Scaradiator (Atk:1800 – Def.:1400).'

Martin then smirked. 'What's so funny?' 'Just thinking of the poor amigo who's deck this was.' Hannah seemed unpurturbed by this. 'Thought it was something interesting.' He then started muttering to himself in Spanish. 'Because I'm so fair, I'll let you know in advance that I speak Spanish myself. Learned it in school.' 'And you think I care? I end my turn with a face-down.'

Hannah: 'My turn. I activate the effect of Impcantation Talismandra. By revealing Gishki Aquamirror in my hand, I can summon Talismandra and also from my deck, Impcantation Candoll (Atk:0)x2. When Candoll is summoned from my deck, I can add another Aquamirror to my hand. Which I'll now activate. By sending the Impcantations on my field to the grave, I can summon Gishki Zielgigas (Atk:3200 – Def.:0).'

'Next I activate it's ability. I pay 1000 Life points (Hannah LP:4000-3000), to draw a card. If it's a Gishki monster, I can spin a card on your field back to your deck.' 'And if you don't?' 'I'm still drawing a card.' 'Escoria repugnante (Disgusting slag).' 'Honestly Martin, I'm beginning to think you don't really like me that much. You want to be careful about that.'

He then made a chilling threat. 'And you want to be careful about that little one in your stomach.' 'Jesus H Christ, why does everyone have to treat me as if I'm made of glass? I'm not retiring because I'm pregnant, I'm just sick to the back teeth of dealing with people like you.'

'By the way, I didn't draw a Gishki monster. So I think I'm going to end my turn with another face-down.'

Martin: 'I draw. I summon Dream Clown (Atk:1200 – Def.:900). You're not going to be laughing when it destroys your Zielgigas though.' 'I wasn't born yesterday. I activate Breakthrough Skill. This stops your monster's ability for the rest of the turn.' 'I'm sure you're so pleased.'

'Not really. I should have beaten you already.' 'Yes, of course you should. The toughest, invincible she-warrior. Well I'll show you, by switching Scaradiator into Attack mode (Atk:1800). Attack Gishki Zielgigas.' Scaradiator's rear generator spun up, and it shot a stream of current into the Zielgigas, frying it.

'And because I destroyed a monster using Scaradiator, it's effect turns Zielgigas into an Xyz material. Just so you can't bring it back. I end my turn with a face-down.'

Hannah: 'I've let you squirm long enough. I draw. I activate 5 Card Salute. This card signifies our unity in battle, and lets me draw five cards. But I didn't draw my next card – Mystical Space Typhoon, which destroys Stumbling. Now I'll use Impcantation Candoll. By revealing it and Nekroz Kaleidoscope in my hand, I can summon Candoll and Impcantation Talismandra (Atk:0)x2.'

'Because Talismandra was Special summoned from my deck, I can add Nekroz of Decisive Armour to my hand. Next I'll activate the Spell card Nekroz Kaleidoscope. This allows me to send the Level 12 Blackwing – Onimaru the Divine Thunder from my Extra deck in order to summon two Ritual monsters from my hand of the same combined Level. Appear, Nekroz of Trishula and Nekroz of Clausolas (Trishula Atk:2700, Clausolas Atk:1200).'

'When Trishula is summoned this way, she can banish one card from your field, one from your hand, and one from your graveyard. I'll banish Scaradiator from your field, and from your graveyard, I'll dispose of the Graceful Charity there.' 'Did I tell you that my Digital Bug just has to detach an Xyz material to stop Trishula's effect and force it into Defence mode.'

'Not this time. That might have worked against one of your jail mates, but in the real world I saw that coming a mile off. Clausolas has a quick effect to negate your monster's effect and deny all of it's Attack points.' The generator at the rear of the Digital Bug was still running, until Clausolas slammed it with a vicious gust of wind, allowing Trishula to make it dissipate into ice crystals.

'Tough luck – I still have my face-down.' There was no stopping Hannah's momentum though. 'And you think I care why exactly? I have this – Nekroz Cycle. By sending the Level 6 Talismandra and the Level 4 Candoll to my graveyard, I can Ritual summon Nekroz of Decisive Armour (Atk:3300).'

'As Decisive Armour arrives, it destroys one of your Set cards. I'll give you three seconds to work out which one.' The face-down which Martin had been pinning his confidence on (Blazing Mirror Force) was all of a sudden no more, blown to oblivion by Decisive Armour.

Before Hannah could attack for game though, the Argentine put his hand over his deck to surrender. 'Amiga, I ain't giving you the pleasure of beating me.' She looked round, and as she was announced as the winner, she duly left. But before Martin could leave, Michael walked out, accompanied by the returning Bolton Andrews.

'Everyone, I have an announcement to make. You may remember Bolton, no? Well as I am increasingly busy in my other role as chair of the WDC Board of Directors and the WDC's Executive Director, I have taken the decision to hand over the role of Commissioner to Mr. Andrews, effective for the second half of the season.'

'As for you Martin, the Board of Directors have asked me to inform you that you will not be permitted at zone-side for Hannah and James' duel at In the Shadows. In addition, they have dictated that this feud has gone on long enough, and as such, the duel will be held under Lockdown Rules, and there must be a winner.' The two of them left, as Martin started threatening them, clearly incensed by the news.

Backstage

As Hannah left the pressure of the duel arena and took a deep breath, she was greeted by Rio. 'You ok, look like you're in a rush.' 'Needed to talk to you. Have you decided who's facing James later?' 'Not yet. I was thinking get Jaden to rough him up a bit.' Her stance then hardened. 'I want to face James.' Hannah was sympathetic, but not allowing.

'I understand, but I'm not putting you in harm's way.' 'I need this. Please, I know what I'm doing.' 'No Rio, you THINK you know what you're doing. You have no idea what you're getting yourself into.' She wouldn't give up though. 'I need an opportunity to face up to him. He nearly killed me.'

'Yeah, he did the same to me remember?' 'He did. But you're getting an opportunity. I promise you, I can do this. How can I ever be satisfied until I've at least had a chance to gain revenge? One chance is all I ask of you.' Hannah stepped back for a moment, and then relented.

'I have to be there with you, ok?' 'Sure.' 'And if I think you're suffering too much, I'm going to throw the towel in.' 'If I get my shot, then fine. I'll agree to all of that. All I want is that one opportunity to go face-to-face with him.' 'You've got it then. But if anyone outside of the club asks, you don't know who I've picked.'

In the duelling zone, Celina was walking down with Declan by her side, while Da Brooks Kid waited for her. 'Introducing from Christchurch, New Zealand, Celina.' With Celina walking down, Kalin ran down her bio.

'Celina is someone we don't know a huge amount about, being part of the "invasion" from the Leo Federation of Duelling. What we do know is she's a former professional dancer from New Zealand, and her Lunalight deck reflects that fact, with her monsters dancing around her opponent's defences.'

In the dueling zone, Celina was treating the fans to a quick break-dancing lesson, before getting her duel disk out. 'I may be a pretty face but you'll find that I'm much more than just that.' Brooks didn't seem bothered by the comment, and responded in kind to begin the duel.

Celina LP:4000 vs. Da Brooks Kid LP:4000

Turn 1: Brooks: 'I'm going to beat you like you never got beat before. I summon the Archfiend Cavalry (Atk:1900), then I end my turn with three face-downs.'

Celina: 'I'm going to dance all over your grave. I draw. For our opening performance I activate Lunalight Fusion. It fuses Lunalight Crimson Fox and Lunalight Blue Cat. Spotlight's on you, Lunalight Cat Dancer (Atk:2400).' 'Did I ever tell you I don't do furry animals?'

'Well you're going to have to suck it up. Next I summon Lunalight White Rabbit (Atk:900). When she's Normal summoned, she revives a Lunalight monster from my graveyard, but it's effects are negated. Encore, Lunalight Crimson Fox (Def.:600). And I have Monster Reborn. Encore, Lunalight Blue Cat (Atk:1600).'

'Now Blue Cat, she can really bust some moves. Like the classic Pasodoble, a fiery dance of passion and rage, the kind of dance which really lights you up inside. And her ability does just that. It grants her dance partner doubled Attack points. Cat Dancer, take it away.'

The two cats then started dancing, with Cat Dancer's eyes glowing brighter and brighter red as they did (Atk:2400-4800). 'And now I have four monsters out, White Rabbit's effect bounces back three of your Spells and Traps. C'est la vie.' White Rabbit produced a short, thin brush, and slid it across the field, blowing all of Brooks' protection into his hand.

'Finally for Cat Dancer. You see, by tributing a monster, like White Rabbit, she can dance through your field and attack your Cavalry twice. It isn't destroyed the first time, but for every attack, you take 100 damage. Cat Dancer, tango all over his points!' The fusion monster's first attack barely hit the Cavalry, but the second one saw her claw deep into it, leading to an early bath for the man from New York (Brooks LP:4000-3900-1000-900-0).

With an easy win under her belt, Celina gave an impressive dance show, and then Declan took a microphone. 'Michael Adams, you know exactly what it is that we want. And we will keep coming back until you give us what we want. And if you won't, then we will have to tell the truth which wants to be hidden.'

With those mysterious words, the two left. Not wanting to dwell on that statement, the cameras immediately went to an interview with Hannah. 'Hannah, you had an impressive win earlier against Martin. What is the past issue that you keep talking about with each other?'

'I've already addressed that multiple times on social media, but to cut the story short, it was me who first reported Martin for match-fixing, for which he was eventually suspended for 24 months. So he's bitter about it now. Cheats never prosper, especially ones that get caught.'

The subject then changed to Birchall's opponent for later on. 'So now you have undergone your Pick Your Poison duel, you get to choose an opponent for James later on. Have you made your choice?' 'This is a barbaric sport. Why would I want to put James in danger when I want to take him down myself? But to answer your question, yes, I have chosen an opponent. But you'll find out when he finds out.'

In a corner of the building

Rob was watching Hannah's interview when a "staffer" (in reality Lydia, who had morphed into one of the vending machine operators) walked in. 'Robert, right?' 'Who's asking?' 'Oh, it's just I saw that man you attacked not long ago.' 'Phil?' 'Yes, that name. He is in the arena, saying he would find you.'

'Can I get to the car park without him seeing?' 'Yes. There is a fire escape not far from here, you not supposed to go through but nobody will see.' 'Thanks. And if he asks' 'I didn't see you.' With the giant running off, Lydia picked up the phone. 'Calling Nightmare. The rat is on his way.' She then found a quiet area to de-morph, and took out an expensive-looking video camera, before running off after Rob.

As Rob got outside, he saw a taxi driving around and hailed it down. As it stopped, he flung his bag into the back and then knocked on the strangely blacked out window. The electric window came down, and Rob's face turned from relief to concern, and then to blind panic, as he saw Phil's face emerge from behind the window. Grinning madly, he simply said the word 'Smile!'

Rob turned around, only for Lydia to punch him right in the gut with a pair of brass knuckles, winding him as Phil stepped out of his car, while Lydia rushed to the back, and pulled out a snooker cue. The angered Renegade started spinning the cue out, and then she smashed him over the back of the head with the wood.

Freja then arrived, just as her guise as MGA ended. 'Fre, why are you so bad at this?' 'Dunno. Why do we even have these powers?' Phil then turned around. 'I'll explain later.' This distraction allowed Rob to try and fight back, only to get socked in the face again.

Phil then started hammering away with punches and kicks, battering his foe. 'This is what happens when you assault my wife! I'm going to make tonight a night to remember. Tonight is going to be your ultimate nightmare. And when you close your eyes, all you will see is my face!'

Going totally insane, Phil took the snooker cue, and smacked him across the face with it. With Rob dazed and barely able to stand, Phil dragged him up on top of the taxi, and Lydia provided him with the camera, which was linked to the big screens in the arena. 'Come closer.'

As he grabbed the camera, he sent Vector a chilling message. 'Vector, I know you're here, so just take a look at this. This is what happens when you dare to challenge me, this is what happens when you take liberties. I know you sent Rob after us. And he's getting what he deserves for being so gullible.'

As Rob started struggling, Phil hit him in the back again. 'Vector, Vector, pudding and pie. Did you hire someone to kiss my girls, make them cry? And when the northern nightmare comes out to play, do you stay to fight the losing fight, or just run away? At In the Shadows Vector, you're going to wish you were a world away.'

After yet another shot to the back, he continued his address. 'Consider this question Vector. Rob is someone who I considered to be a very close friend, he used to fly us all across the world. If I can do this to someone I considered a friend' He then stared deadpan down the camera. 'What can I do to you?'

He then threw Rob down onto the front of the car, and Lydia dropped to all fours, allowing Freja to springboard off of her and dropkick Rob through the windscreen. With Rob a beaten mess, Phil stood over him. 'If you ever come near me or my family ever again, next time I'll break both your legs. Let this be a lesson for you in humility and a lesson in respect. Renegades or Die.' The three of them made the salute, and left, while Rob lay there, barely conscious.

In the box

Having seen footage of the beat-down, everyone was shocked. There was an awkward silence before Maddy broke it. 'Didn't think he had that in him.' 'There's a fine line between the Phil you know and that guy. That's what happens when you push him to the brink.' 'But you never get scared by it?'

'I only get scared that he's going to hurt himself. Thing is, I didn't marry his "good side". I married him, the total package. I know how he is. I also know that he'll never do more than he sees as necessary.' Another awkward silence followed, until Blair managed to lighten the atmosphere. 'You should have told me he played Streets of Rage, I love that game.'

Hannah then laughed, appriciating the effort. 'Funnily enough he did play that when he was younger.' 'Any good?' 'Yeah. So he says anyway, don't recall ever seeing him play.' The subject then changed to the challenge later on, as Rio watched on intensely.

'So who's going to face Birchall later?' 'I've not decided. But Maddy, I could do with Jaden on standby. I know he's got his open challenge, but' 'It's fine. We'll send him out for that now. Who else are you considering?' 'A few people. Let's just say a lot of people want to get their hands on him.'

Backstage

Shannon and Rhydian were talking, clearly now in cahoots. 'Did you contact Segolia for me?' 'Yes. They said they'll be there. Four lab assistants, tranquiliser strong enough to knock out an elephant, and a gurney.' Rhydian seemed surrprised. 'Four lab assistants? Did Alex not fancy coming?'

'You know he doesn't get his hands dirty. He's going to be waiting for her to be delivered. They can rescue her, they can rescue her and then wipe her memory of all this rubbish. All I have to do is win.' 'Even if you don't, we can still get her by blocking off the exits. I'll be there, it's not like I've got any title defense.' Shannon then rolled her eyes. 'Probably shouldn't have said that.'

As he turned around, Bolton and Michael were stood there. 'Do you and your boyfriend have to go everywhere together?' Bolton chuckled slightly. 'Mr. Morris, what makes you think you have no title defense?' Rhydian shrugged. 'No competition.' Bolton then did something about it.

'So you think you have no competition? Well how about I create your competition? At In the Shadows, you will defend the WDC Championship against Kieran Byrne, Rio Kastle, and Astrid Hofferson. And if you beat all of them, maybe then we will consider finding you someone new.' As they left, Rhydian stared a hole through the authority figures.

In the dueling zone

Jaden was out for his open challenge. 'The WDC are scared of me. So scared that they are refusing to put me in any duels because they know that I can beat whoever is put before me. So now, I'm forced to invite opponents. Anybody who thinks they can live with me in Matchplay rules, I welcome the challenge.'

The delay was minimal, until Kalin walked down, having replaced his headset for a harmonica. 'Introducing his opponent, from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Kalin Kessler.' The looked Jaden in the eyes, and simply announced "out of retirement now", before activating his duel disk.

Open Challenge: Jaden Yuki LP:8000 vs. Kalin Kessler LP:8000

Turn 1: Jaden: 'I'll start. I draw. I activate Dark Fusion. This fuses together Elemental Hero Clayman and Beastking of the Swamps to form the Evil Hero Infernal Sniper (Def.:2500). And I equip it with Fusion Weapon. Because Infernal Sniper has the good grace of being no higher than Level 6, this equip card gives her 1500 more Attack and Defence (Def.:2500-4000). I end my turn with two face-downs.'

Kalin: 'I draw. I'll activate Infernity Launcher. It lets me send Infernity Guardian from my hand to the graveyard. Next I'll set a monster in Defence mode and end my turn with a face-down.'

Jaden: 'I draw. During my Standby phase, Infernal Sniper burns you for 1000 points. How do you like your damage – warm or burning?' Sniper fired a purple ball of fizzing flames at Kalin as he dodged the onslaught (Kalin LP:8000-7000). 'Nice shot.' 'I'll take your compliment on board. By activating the Field spell Supreme King's Castle.'

With the castle rising around him, Jaden was in total control. 'This allows me to Fusion summon Evil Heroes without the need for Dark Fusion. So I'll activate R: Fusion.' 'You've even got your own Fusion spell now? Soon you'll have enough for a deck.' 'Very funny. R:Fusion allows me to use a monster from my deck as material for a Fusion summon as long as I give up a card from the top of my deck. I'll combine my Infernal Sniper with Evil Hero Infernal Gainer to Fusion summon Evil Hero Malicious Bane (Atk:3000).'

'Fancy card.' 'The drawback of R: Fusion the Fusion monster summoned loses half of it's Attack and Defence this turn only (Atk/Def.:3000/3000 – 1500/1500). Now attack his monster.' 'Attacking despite the reduction? Someone's feeling bold.'

The vicious Malicious Bane grabbed the face-down Infernity Avenger in it's deadly sharp claws (Def.:0), before simply crushing it into a fine pile of dust. 'I activate my face-down Thunder Hand. When you destroy an Infernity monster by battle, I can discard one card to summon an Infernity of 1 higher Level from my deck. I summon the Level 2 Infernity Beetle (Atk:1200).'

'A little insect? I know who that reminds me of.' 'Less of the insults Jaden. I don't take kindly to them.' 'Your dueling's been the only insult so far. I end my turn with two face-downs (Atk:1500-3000).'

Kalin: 'I draw. I'll summon Infernity Archfiend (Atk:1800). And next I'll set a card before activating my face-down Phantom Hand.' Kalin's hand cards then glowed a mysterious white and started to fade. 'This card allows me to banish all cards in my hand until my Standby Phase.'

'Meaning I can use the effet of Infernity Beetle. When I have no cards in my hand, which I do, I can tribute my Beetle to bring out two more Beetles (Atk:1200)x2. Now Level 2 Beetle tunes with Level 4 Infernity Archfiend, to summon Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier (Atk:2300).'

'And now I'll tune Brionac and my other Infernity Beetle! Let the fires of hell burn through your entire body and explode into fierce might! I Synchro summon the Infernity Doom Dragon (Atk:3000).' Faced down with a new threat, Jaden smiled. 'Now this is a worthy challenge for a king.'

'We'll see how long you're a king for after this! Infernity Doom Dragon has a special ability, but you probably knew that already. If I have' 'Save me the drama, I can see you have an empty hand.' 'Someone's getting tetchy. Doom Dragon can set fire to your monster, destroying it and 1500 of your Life points. Infernal Flame Blast.'

'Nice try, but I saw that coming. I activate De-Fusion. This splits Malicious Bane into Evil Heroes Infernal Gainer and Infernal Sniper (Gainer Atk:1600, Sniper Atk:2000).' 'Very clever. However, because my monster's effect didn't go through, it can still attack. Destroy Infernal Gainer with Infernity Death Breath.'

'I activate the effect of Supreme King's Castle. When a Fiend monster of mine does battle, I can send an Evil Hero from my deck to the graveyard and my monster gains Attack equal to it's Level x 200. I'll send the Level 7 Evil Hero Malicious Edge to increase Gainer's Attack to 3000 (Atk:1600-3000).'

'Well I'll activate the effect of Dimensional Tear.' 'Where's that card?' 'It's banished. Which is exactly where I want it to be. By returning it to the bottom of my deck, I can banish Doom Dragon until the end of the Battle phase. If I draw Dimensional Tear again, I take 4000 points of damage.' As the crowd applauded the exchange, the two duellists stared each other down, and Kalin nodded in respect to Jaden. 'I end my turn.'

Jaden: 'I draw. I activate my face-down Future Fusion. But I'll return to that at my next Standby phase, because before then, I'm going to activate the Spell card Evil Mind. This card's effect changes depending on how many monsters you have in your graveyard. Declare.'

Bullish rather than flustered, Kalin immediately stated. 'Seven.' 'As you have more than four monsters, I can add Evil HERO Malicious Edge from my deck to my hand. Now I activate the effect of Evil Hero Aduster Gold from my hand. By discarding it, I can add Dark Fusion from my deck to my hand. And what better time to use it? I'll fuse together Evil Hero Malicious Edge and Block Dragon from my hand in order to Fusion summon Evil Hero Dark Gaia (Atk:?).'

Wary of the threat, Kalin was acutely aware of Dark Gaia's stats. 'Your Dark Gaia's Attack is equal to that of it's materials. Or am I mistaken?' 'No mistakes here other than accepting my challenge (Atk:? - 5400). Dark Gaia, attack Infernity Doom Dragon with Dark Catastrophe.'

Without recourse on his field, Kalin was forced to take the heavy attack from Dark Gaia, dropping his points (Kalin LP:7000-5000). 'Your pain isn't over. Infernal Gainer is yet to attack.' The skeletal-clad Hero charged up lightning in it's palm and with a groan, shot it out at Kalin, causing smoke from the impact (Kalin LP:5000-3400).

Despite the heavy damage, Kalin was still standing and still confident. 'I wouldn't have expected someone like you to give up easily.' 'You know me, more guts than brains.' 'You can say that again. I'll end my turn with a face-down and see what you can muster. Don't disappoint.'

Kalin: 'Do I ever? I activate the effect of Phantom Hand.' All the cards which had previously vanished from Kalin's hand suddenly reappeared again just as atmospherically as they had disappeared. 'By discarding Infernity Des Gunman, I can Special summon this – Infernity Wildcat (Atk:1400). And he's going to be joined by Infernity Patriarch (Atk:1000).'

'And now I activate the Synchronized Realm spell. This will trigger every time I Synchro summon a monster, and deal you 500 damage. But I always did prefer learning by experience, so I'm going to tune Level 3 Infernity Wildcat to Level 4 Infernity Patriarch. Let the dark hearts of these two monsters beat like one, when I Synchro summon the Chaos King Archfiend (Atk:2600).'

A lesser foe may have laughed at Kalin's move and the small damage (Jaden LP:8000-7500), however for an opponent of Jaden's experience, it was simply a question of what the catch was. 'I'm guessing you didn't summon him to concede defeat.' 'Do I ever? Chaos King Archfiend, attack Evil Hero Dark Gaia with Sinferno.'

As the Chaos King approached, Kalin finally revealed it's party trick. 'When Chaos King Archfiend goes to war, both participants in the battle have their stats inverted. So Attack becomes Defence and Defence' 'Becomes Attack. You're using my own monster's power against me (Chaos King Atk/Def.:2600/2600, Dark Gaia Atk/Def.:5400/0 – 0/5400).' This trick caught Jaden off guard, allowing Chaos King to strike straight at Dark Gaia's now powerless form, as it crumbled into dust (Jaden LP:7500-4900).

'How was that for a challenge?' 'Not bad. You might actually test me.' 'I'll do more than that. I'll lay a face-down and end my turn.'

Jaden: 'I draw. I'll activate Foolish Burial. Now we both get to pick any monster in our decks, and send it to the graveyard. Now I'll activate the effect of the Evil Hero Sinister Necrom I just milled. If I banish it, I can summon any Evil Hero from my deck. I choose Evil Hero Malicious Edge (Atk:2600).'

'Next I'll activate the Spell card Marriage at Burial.' Kalin smiled seeing this. 'She really did a number on you didn't she?' 'My job is to protect the queen. This allows me to Fusion summon by banishing the materials from my graveyard. I'll banish Elemental Hero Neos and Evil Hero Dark Gaia in order to summon my newest creation – the Elemental Hero Sunrise (Atk:2500).'

'For each monster of a different attribute I control, all monsters I control gain 200 Attack. With three Attributes on the field, that's 600 points (Sunrise Atk:3100, Malicious Edge Atk:3200, Infernal Sniper Atk:2600). Malicious Edge, attack Chaos King Archfiend. Declaring this attack triggers the effect of Sunrise, allowing me to destroy Chaos King Archfiend.'

'Not today. I activate my face-down Spirit Swap. This banishes Chaos King for a monster in my hand. It's summoned in the same Battle position my Chaos King was in, and gains 800 Attack points. I summon Infernity Guardian (Atk:1200-2000).' 'No matter. I'll simply destroy your Infernity Guardian instead.'

'Bad luck, my hand's empty.' 'So?' 'When my hand's empty, Infernity Guardian can't be destroyed. Not by battle, not by card effects, and not by atomic bombs.' 'Don't carry the last one. Doesn't stop me attacking with my monsters though.' Sunrise soared and sliced, and Malicious Edge cut away, but the shield-like Guardian held firm (Kalin LP:3400-1100).'

Clearly angered at being unable to finish Kalin off that turn, Jaden slammed a face-down, ending his turn without another word. Kalin meanwhile, had the momentum of surviving.

Kalin: 'I draw. I activate Pot of Avarice. I'll take five cards from my graveyard, shuffle them back into my deck, then draw two. I'll lay a face-down and summon Infernity Beetle (Atk:1200). But if I tribute it, then I get two more from my deck (Atk:1200x2). Now I'll tune Level 2 Infernity Beetle and my Level 4 Infernity Guardian to Synchro summon Infernity Hell Archfiend (Atk:2200).'

His opponent was calm in the face of adversity, knowing a big move was coming. 'The effect of Hell Archfiend activates. I choos a monster on your field, and it has it's effects negated. Then if I have no cards in my hand, which I do, it's destroyed. Say farewell to Sunrise.'

The Elemental Hero was blasted by searing fire, which eventually eroded it. Jaden remained calm in the situation, but Kalin had another move ready. 'Now I'll tune Level 2 Infernity Beetle to Level 6 Infernity Hell Archfiend, in order to summon the Hundred-Eyes Dragon (Atk:3000, Jaden LP:4900-4400).'

'Now for the ability of Hundred-Eyes Dragon. Or should I say, the effect of KA-2 Des Scissors. You see, Hundred-Eyes Dragon can copy the ability of any Dark monster in my graveyard so long as it's Level 6 or less. So now when it destroys a monster of yours in battle, you're taking 500 points of damage for each of that monster's Levels.'

'Call this a reminder. A reminder that you couldn't beat me on your best day. Infernity Psyche Stream!' The vicious stream from the mouth of the ever-seeing Dragon totally eroded Malicious Edge, and Jaden's Life points (Jaden LP:4400-4000). 'And if you thought that was bad, wait for the aftershock. Malicious Edge is Level 7, so that's 3500 damage smashing you sideways. Toxic Haze.'

All but one of the eyes of the Dragon closed, and then it released a putrid gas from it's mouth, almost choking Jaden out (Jaden LP:4000-500). 'I'll end my turn right there. Next turn, you're done.' Jaden's retort was chilling though. 'Who says you're going to get a next turn?'

Jaden: 'I draw. During my Standby phase, Infernal Sniper burns 1000 of your Life points to ashes.' The sniper did what it's name suggests and bombed Kalin with more fire, dropping him to the brink (Kalin LP:1100-100). 'But the worst is yet to come. I activate Fusion Conscription. By revealing Elemental Hero Cosmo Neos in my Extra deck, I can add Neos to my hand.'

'And next I'll activate Polymerisation. This fuses together Neos and Yubel in order to create the Elemental Hero Neos Krieger (Atk:3000).' 'You're aiming to force a tie between our monsters? I thought you had ambition.' 'More than you could ever know. Neos Krieger, attack Hundred-Eyes Dragon!'

'I activate Infernity Force! I can only activate this when a Dark monster on my field is being attacked. It destroys Neos Krieger and then revives Infernity Hell Archfiend from my graveyard.' In a blinding flash of light, Krieger had vanished, vapourised by the blast (Hell Archfiend Def.:1600). 'Face it Jaden, you won't win.'

'And yet I will. Because that was your biggest mistake. I activate the effect of Neos Krieger from my graveyard. When it's destroyed and sent to my grave, I can replace it with this – Neos Wiseman (Atk:3000). Wiseman, attack Hundred-Eyes Dragon.' Wiseman came charging in with a pucnh packed full of power, shattering through the deadly breath of the Dragon, causing a double knockout. But Jaden's move was about to leave his enemy floored.

'Now I activate the ability of Neos Wiseman. Because it and your monster did battle, I gain Life points equal to Hundred Eyes Dragon's defense, and you lose Life points equal to it's Attack (Kalin LP:100-0, Jaden LP:500-3000).

The hard-fought win was enough for Jaden to show deep respect to Kalin after the duel as the two great war-horses shook hands. The victor then made his exit, while the German-born Pennsylvania native stayed for a moment to appreciate being back in the thick of the action.

Backstage

Phil was lurking when he was collared for an interview. 'Phil, we just saw you decimating… whoever that was, outside. What goes through your mind when something like that happens.' He stopped, said nothing, stared through her, and simply said 'Don't come Vector. I've not even started yet', before Hannah walked up to him and they kissed and walked off together, a family united, this time in violence.

After they had left, Hannah finally told him the plan. 'Phil, I need to tell you something.' 'I'm all ears.' 'Rio's dueling James later.' The look on his face showed his absolute confusion at what he was hearing. 'You're allowing someone on crutches to duel against a certified psychopath. Have you taken leave of your senses?' The reply was stern and confident. 'No. Trust me. Because I trust her.' Hearing this, he acquiesced. 'If she looks to be in any danger, I'm out there quick as a flash.' 'I'll be out there so you don't have to. Just trust me on this one.'

In the box

Before the main event, Astrid leapt to her feet, and simply said 'Jeg kjeder meg. Jeg skal utfordre en idiot til å bruke tiden', before wandering off into the duelling zone. When there, she grabbed a microphone. 'I'm bored. Anyone fancy losing?' Strangely, nobody fancied facing Astrid in that mood. So she decided to up the ante.

The way she did this was by taking a run up, and then effortlessly backflipping over the substantial safety barrier into the front row, landing on the seat, as the entire crowd applauded and took photos and videos. 'Look, I'm just sat here. And I'm not leaving until somebody faces me.'

With nobody coming still, she finally decided to play her ultimate trump card. 'Maddy tells me most people are money motivated. So how about, anyone who beats me gets a million of whatever currency they use.' This was enough to finally persuade Sledgehammer to come out and play.

Just as Nico was about to speak, the feisty Norwegian sprung off of the barrier using her strappingly muscular legs, and flew through the air like a bullet, before slamming into the top of Nico's head with her knee, causing him to stumble back exactly four steps, before crumpling to the ground.

The duel would never happen however, as no sooner had she landed than she was restrained by several security officers, who put her in handcuffs and forced her to the ground, binding her ankles together. She was lead out peacefully (apart from swearing in her mother tongue), as the fanbase let off a collective roar of disapproval. Meanwhile, Sledgehammer dragged Nico out of the duel arena by his extended collar.

Backstage

As she was lead backstage, Astrid encountered Michael backstage. 'What is this?' 'I will not allow the likes of you to represent this company. We need role models, not disrespectful children. And if I was Maddy, I'd be distancing myself from you just in case it gets me a bad reputation.' This flagrant abuse of power was interrupted as the Young-Gun Champion walked over, wearing sunglasses and a baseball cap just like her father.

'My ears are burning.' She then looked over at her tag partner, and smirked. 'So you can fight off hoards of people and knock Dad out cold, yet you can't fight off some handcuffs with the key left in.' 'Well if I knew the key had been left in I might have been able to get out of them.' After turning the key on the cuffs, Maddy produced another key and unlocked the ankle binds.

'Cheers.' Michael was deeply unimpressed by this. 'Maddy, don't you think you're just a little too aggressive? I mean there's this, and there's the situation with your dear friend Shannon. Hasn't this all gone a little far? Perhaps... something needs to change.' She responded by nodding, and wiping a hidden tear away from her eye.

'You're totally right. Something does need to change. Which is why she's accepted my challenge for a Torture Chamber duel. Because after that duel, she's never going to want to come back again. Win or lose.' Hearing this, Michael was exastipated. 'Well I really don't know what to say to you. I thought you had more of you than that. It's a shame you have chosen that path, however if it's been agreed, then I will honour your wish.'

In the dueling zone

James sauntered out for the main event, confident of Hannah not having picked a challenging opponent. 'The following is your main event, and is the second Pick Your Poison duel. Introducing first, from London, England, this is the Renegade Killa – James Birchall.' As he did his thing and intimidated people, D.J. gave the lowdown.

'James Birchall is a disgusting human being, but he is a very dangerous duelist. This psychotic foe uses an Archfiend deck, which focuses not on quick victory, but rather on torturing the opponent, breaking their spirit as well as their body. A job which he relishes and has a certain flair for.'

James had to wait some time until Hannah walked out, now wearing a blazer and heels, her face now adorned with a pair of thick-framed glasses. 'You didn't understand clearly. It's being with him that does it to people, I understand. You were supposed to pick an opponent for me to rip apart.' Hannah responded by adjusting her glasses slightly.

'The truth is James, my plan changed at the last minute. Because I got an offer I couldn't refuse. You've been promising us that all our nightmares will come true, and most of them already have, I'll give you that. But there's just one thing.' She then got deep in his face, staring him in the eyes. 'If my nightmares can come true James, then so can yours.'

Rio's music then hit, and James immediately looked like he'd seen a ghost, cold sweat running down his face. Martin came running at her, but Hannah took off one of her sharp heels and slammed it into the side of his head, the impact knocking him out cold.

Meanwhile, Rio didn't take her eyes off of James for a second as she walked out on her crutches. When she reached the dueling zone, she requested a microphone, and received it, before going on to speak, while James laughed at her being on crutches, while still being visibly shaken. 'Four months ago my life changed. Because you tried to murder me.' Birchall smirked until she continued.

'But you failed. So I tried to finish the job for you.' It was this which shocked James. 'Yeah, I attempted suicide. And I'm not afraid to admit that. When I survived, I realized I was living for a reason. That reason… I decided it was to make sure you get your due. So I worked my way back, did what I was told, until I got to this point. Because it's at this point...'

She then pressed a green button, and her crutches disengaged, detaching from her body. '… That I am free.' James was stunned at this revelation, but stayed firm in his threats. 'Take one step closer to me and you won't walk out alive.' 'I'd rather die than walk away now.'

The Barian warrior then took a red dual-ended hook, and threw it at James' duel disk, forcing it to activate, before attaching the other end to her old duel disk, with purple ice crystal-akin items all along the edge. 'Because of this duel anchor, you may not leave until this duel is finished.'

'And if I try?' The reply was frighteningly blunt and brutal. 'I'm a Barian. I can make this very painful for you. It's your choice. Live a fool, or die a coward' He responded by drawing his opening hand. 'You're dead meat kid. I'm going to destroy you right in front of mother.' 'Well hurry up and do it. I'm not paid by the hour.'

Pick Your Poison: Birchall LP:4000 vs. Rio Kastle LP:4000

Turn 1: Rio: 'I draw. I activate the Field spell Aqua Gate.' Two golden pillars emerged from the floor and the battlefield filled with water. 'Next I summon Aurora Wing (Atk:1200), and end my turn with three face-downs.'

James: 'My turn. I'm going to finish the job I started.' 'You just said that on international TV. 'Whatever. Everyone believes me anyway. I'll start by activating Twin Twisters. I pay 500 Life points (Birchall LP:4000-3500), I blow away your lovely little Venice as well as one of your face-downs.'

The twisters ripped through the field, and no sooner had it arrived then the Aqua Gate was falling apart and draining. 'Thanks for destroying Dig of Destiny. When it's destroyed, I draw a card.' 'You'll need it when I activate Card Advance. I can now look at five cards which are on top of my deck, before putting them back in any order. Also I can tribute summon after my Normal summon this turn.'

'So I'll summon Archfiend Heiress (Atk:1000), and immediately tribute it for Summoned Skull (Atk:2500). Attack Aurora Wing and teach her a lesson!' As Summoned Skull loomed large, Rio stood firm. 'I activate my face-down R: Blowback. With this, your attack hits the buffers. And for every card on the field, you lose 100 points. Always be prepared.' James was getting increasingly irritated as the attack bounced back and hit him right in the face (Birchall LP:3500-3100).

'I'll end my turn with a face-down. You're just making me angrier. Before, there was a chance I might have let you survive. Now, that's all gone. I would apologize, but' 'I don't want an apology. We passed apologies the moment you attacked us at our home.' 'You mean your little asylum for freaks.' 'Well you know what they say about freaks.' 'That they are freaks?' Rio responded with a sinister smile, fully in control of what she was about to say. 'It takes one to know one.'

Rio: 'I draw. I summon Stealth Bird (Atk:700). And with it's effect, I can flip it face-down. Next I'll switch Aurora Wing to Defence (Def.:1600), and end my turn with a face-down.'

Birchall: 'Playing defense? Well I won't let you defend yourself! I draw. I activate Stop Defence, to force Stealth Bird to stop hiding.' As the bird flipped again (Atk:700), it vanished into an icy sky, before dropping explosive pellets onto her opponent, angering him yet further (Birchall LP:3100-2100).

'You'll soon get yours. I summon Archfiend Interceptor (Atk:1400). Summoned Skull, destroy her Aurora Wing.' The old-school Fiend shot lightning from it's bony, skeletal hands, shocking it to the ground. 'When Aurora Wing is destroyed, I can bring her straight back. She won't die, get the message (Atk:1200).'

'Don't worry, I'll sort that out for you. Archfiend Interceptor, throw a fast one at Stealth Bird.' Interceptor picked up a baseball, and lobbed it at the wing of Stealth Bird, bringing it straight to the ground, but the Renegade stayed solid (Rio LP:4000-3300). 'Not enough for you? How about this!' Without warning, James' Interceptor threw another baseball straight at Rio's leg, causing her to drop to a knee.

'I told you, you're not leaving here alive. First your leg, then the rest of your body. I intend on torturing you until you're begging to pass. I end my turn with a face-down.' Rio was shaken, but she stood up again.

Rio: 'If you're going to kill me, make a better job of it this time. I draw. I summon Ice Vulture through it's ability (Atk:1700). And when you control two monsters of the same Attribute, I can summon Alector, Sovereign of Birds (Atk:2400). Now for Alector's ability. It can shut down the effects of one monster on the field.'

'Summoned Skull has no effect.' He looked around, and was shocked to see the fire in her eyes. 'I know. I was targeting Archfiend Interceptor. Alector, attack Interceptor with Diving Dicer.' Alector swooped down from up high, and using razor-sharp claws, tore the Interceptor to pieces (Birchall LP:2100-1100).

'Well you still can't destroy Summoned Skull. Nice try little girl. Go back to nursery.' 'Very funny. Ice Vulture's ability activates. When a monster is destroyed in battle, Vulture gains it's Attack points until the end of your turn.' Vulture dove into Birchall's graveyard, and feasted on the remains of Archfiend Interceptor, increasing it's power (Atk:1700-3100). 'Ice Vulture, attack Summoned Skull with Swooping Snowstorm Slash.'

Rio's frozen bird soared into the sky, and came crashing into Summoned Skull, beheading the bony behemoth (Birchall LP:1100-500). 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Birchall: 'I draw. I activate my face-down Aegis of Gaia, to gain back 3000 Life points (Birchall LP:500-3500). And now I activate Dark Snake Syndrome. This will deal us 200 damage at your next Standby phase. The damage will then double every turn. But I won't take anything thanks to Cursebreaker. This spell stops me from taking any damage from my own card effects. I set a monster and end my turn (Ice Vulture Atk:3100-1700).'

Rio: 'I draw.' At this moment, poison seeped into the battlefield, and Rio's points reduced as she cringed (Rio LP:3300-3100). Knowing her mission, she opted to play it careful. 'I activate the Spell card Card Advance. I can look at the top five cards of my deck, and then I place them in any order. Next is Pot of Greed, to draw two cards from my deck. I end my turn.'

Birchall: 'It's my turn.' As he grinned from ear to ear, Rio took more punishment from his spell, the damage this time doubling (Rio LP:3100-2700). Looking at his hand, Birchall could have tried to strengthen his field. Instead, he decided to take the more brutal route. 'I'll lay this face-down and end my turn. I'll leave you to suffer.'

Rio: 'You'll regret that. I draw (Rio LP:2700-1900). Seeing her opportunity, she siezed it. 'I activate the Spell Level Doubler. This allows me to double the Level of a Level 4 or below monster on my field. I choose Aurora Wing (Level:4-8). And my field is being joined by Ruse Raven (Atk:700). Look at her, wings so black and majestic. Yet empty. Now you know how I felt. I was alone in that hospital bed with my own deranged thoughts, I thought what happened was my fault. So I tried to rectify the fault.'

'But it turns out, I wasn't the problem. You were. If I wanted to, I could lay waste to you right now. But instead, I'll simply embarrass you. And I'll start by giving my Raven a purpose. When she's summoned, she can imitate the Level of a monster on the field. I choose Aurora Wing. Imitation Daze.'

Ruse Raven squawked, and slowly morphed into a silhouette of Aurora Wing covered all in black (Level:2-8). 'Now I'll overlay my two Level 8 monsters to build the overlay network and Xyz summon Number 111 – Poison Fyst Dragon (Atk:3100).' Despite not recognizing the new monster, James remained cocky to the extremes.

'How I'm looking forward to taking that and then finishing your sad pathetic story.' 'Too bad you'll never get the chance. The next bit gets complicated, so you might want a diagram drawing. Poison Fyst Dragon's effect allows me to give Alector a Fyst Counter (FC:0-1). Fyst Counters give Fyst Dragon more Attack, the whole amount of every monster with a Counter (Atk:3100-5500).'

'Now Fyst Dragon, attack. And when it attacks, I can tribute Ice Vulture to give my monster even more power (Atk:5500-7200). Oh, did I mention you can't activate your face-down?' Birchall panicked at the thought, but by then it was too late. Crushing Calamity!' Fyst Dragon shot purple lasers at the monster (Spirit Reaper Def.:200), causing the massive upset (Birchall LP:3500-0).

Upon her shock win, Rio was immediately ushered away by Hannah, while Birchall threw a fit in the zone. As the show ended, the two stared each other down, while Rio knelt on the ground, tired but victorious, blood trickling from the side of her mouth.

Backstage

Sakura was checking to make sure Rio was ok. 'I'm telling you, I'm fine.' 'You're bleeding from the mouth.' 'I bit my tongue!' 'No harm in checking you over.' After the briefest of check-ups, she was cleared to leave. 'Remember, I'm only doing my job.' 'I know. Thank you.' 'You're welcome.' As Rio left, Phil walked over to the doctor. 'Any update on Blair?' 'Soon. It'll be very soon.'

Outside

With the event over, everyone headed to the airport. But as they got to the terminal, Maddy received a call from the base. 'Hello?' 'How you doin?' 'Hey Kris, nice to hear from you. We're all ok.' 'Cool.' 'Everything ok?' 'Yeah, I need to tell you something.' 'I'm listening.' The tone of his voice then lifted. 'I've had some post from the doctor's- I'm in remission.'

Next time: It's Judgement Day as Phil, Maddy, and Hannah all their own challenges when they take on the darkness in Renegades: A New Dawn Chapter XXX: JUDGEMENT DAY