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.

30. Shadow Dance

Renegades: A New Dawn

Chapter XXX: JUDGMENT DAY

"Three duels to determine the fate of a family"

"The two friends torn apart by a lust for power"

"The two kings of their worlds jostling for supremacy"

"The bitter rivals trying to drive each other away forever"

"Who will survive, and who will be swallowed by the shadows?"

Maddy then tapped Blair on the shoulder. 'You do realize you don't need to read the posters out to us Blair, we can read.' 'Sorry, got carried away.' Maddy grinned at the apology. 'Don't be daft. Besides, Jade is going to be really impressed when I send her the recording. Makes you sound… sensual.' Blair turned around, eyes wide. 'If you do that I'm going to send Dan and Emma those modelling photos.'

As the two of them argued about who would be embarrassed more, Rio was talking to Phil. 'So you got your duel disk rebuilt?' 'Yeah, some of the internals had taken a serious knocking around in transit. Just had to replace the release mechanism and put a new scrap of metal at the bottom of the deck holder. When we found the issue it was a 20 minute job. And it shouldn't break again because it's got a modern gearing system.'

'Yeah, whatever that meant. Heard you've got a special entrance for your duel.' 'I do.' 'So, what is it?' He smiled at her, and then dropped a hint. 'Let's just say that I'm fed-up of people calling me boring.' 'I like it. Anything else? Like maybe a cool new outfit?' 'I cannot confirm nor deny. Besides, you should be more focused on your title duel.'

'I am. I've rebuilt my deck like 10 times today. You wouldn't be able to...' He laughed. '20 minutes, coffee shop near the arena.' 'Thanks so much. I don't think you're boring.' 'I don't either. People just don't like it that I'm successful. But they're going to have to get used to it.'

As they approached the Manchester Arena, Hannah smiled. 'Home sweet home.' She then turned to her husband. 'I'm going in to check the schedule. I'll meet you in about 10 minutes.' 'Sounds good. Look after yourself.' She smiled sweetly, appreciating the concern. 'I promise you I'll be there. And I never break a promise to you.'

As she walked towards the arena, a group of teenage boys in typical street clothes stopped her. 'Is everything ok?' The eldest of them then stepped forward to her. 'Wanted to tell you that we can't wait for you to knock James' lights out later.' 'Thanks. All support is appreciated.'

Meanwhile, Maddy and Astrid were chatting away when the young wolf looked at her watch. 'Gotta go. I'll speak after my duel.' Before Astrid could say a word, she'd gone, running off into the distance while Kris (who was free to travel with them) watched on. 'What's up with her?' Vexed, Astrid looked to him for support. 'I don't know. But something's not right. I can just feel it.'

10 minutes later

After getting distracted by floods of autograph and picture requests, Hannah was about to walk into the arena when another fan ran up to her, wearing a baseball cap and glasses. 'Hannah, can I have an autograph please? You're my hero!' She giggled nervously at that. 'I appreciate that. Who am I making it out to?' She then smiled. 'Meghan Cummings.'

It wasn't until she was halfway through the autograph that it twigged for her. 'Megs!' 'Hey sista!' 'I thought you said you couldn't make it due to exams.' 'I told you that to make it a surprise. My exams were last week. I take it Allyx still isn't coming then' she murmured disappointedly.

'Oh yeah, she'll be here. Sean's dropping her off, he should be here in about 5.' As she said this, a battered old Mitsubishi Colt rolled into the car park, and Allyx stepped out with her hair down. 'Does she even remember me?' 'Yeah. Her memory's a bit hazy, so don't expect her to remember Doug.'

'Who's Doug?' 'Your first boyfriend.' 'My first boyfriend was Liam. Doug was his dad who Allyx was totally crushing on. But you were saying?' 'She's pretty much got total amnesia of most stuff apart from the important details. It will come back though.' By this time, she had walked over to them, and immediately hugged Megan, who looked severely uncomfortable.

'So when are you on?' 'I don't know yet, I was just going to check.' 'Oh ok. Sorry, my memory's terrible.' 'It's fine, it'll come back.' 'I hope so. I don't like feeling like this.' After that conversation, they walked in, and several minutes later, found the draw on a bookies' television.

Torture Chamber (non-title): Shannon Kelly vs. Maddy Robinson-Cummings

WDC International Tag-Team Championships: Shapesisters (Lydia and Freja McKinna) vs. (c) Jean-Louis Bonaparte and Robert Duman

Torture Chamber: Phil Robinson vs. Vector

WDC Championship (there must be a winner): Astrid Hofferson vs. Rio Kastle vs. Kieran Byrne vs. (c) Rhydian Morris

The Final Battle (Total Lockdown Rules): Hannah Robinson-Cummings vs. James Birchall (Special Guest Referee: "The Oracle" Geoff Maltby

Allyx seemed confused looking at it. 'What does "Total Lockdown Rules" mean?' 'It means that nobody is allowed in the duel arena other than me, James, and the ref.' Meghan then had a question as well. 'Why's Maltby the ref?' 'Because nobody else was willing to go anywhere near me and Birchall. I never got a reply to my email suggesting they fire all their referees for being so wet.'

Meanwhile, in a nearby flat

Maddy was stood with her hood up on her signature hoodie, with Jana next to her. Maddy was staring intently at the ground, where a book lay, and her eyes were glowing bright gold. 'Maddy, are you sure this is a good idea?' She looked at Jana, and nodded. 'Say it Maddy. So I can record it. Because when this goes wrong, it isn't my fault.' She just looked over, and smiled. 'This was my idea. If this goes wrong, on my life be it.'

As her eyes glowed, she spoke slowly and clearly. 'My name is Maddy Robinson-Cummings, and I hereby remove the shackles binding my mind. Consider myself free from all artificial influence, I will not be controlled by anyone!'

As she spoke the final words, her eyes turned from gold to red, and she howled, her entire body bristling with static. She then took her hood down, to reveal two plaits going from the top of her head all the way down. Looking at Jana, she simply stated 'I'm ready. This ends now.'

In the duel arena

As the show began, the tension rose, and the Torture Chamber descended. A walled cage, 12ft high and 16ft across, built out of more than 100kg of steel chain-link painted blood red. The duel platform was raised slightly off of the ground, and extended from normal. The floor of the chamber was pure concrete – the very definition of hell.

Shannon was the first to walk out with Tom, wearing a pink one-piece bodysuit, and accompanied by a team of Segolia scientists all wearing matching lab coats and sporting instruments ranging from syringes and needles, to rags, chloroform, and even a blanket, while she had her hair in a simple low ponytail. Entering the chamber, she showed fear, but didn't hesitate in walking in. When in the chamber, her door slammed shut, and she took a deep breath before producing a purple duel disk while commentary piped in.

"Shannon Kelly, formerly known as Spica, is Maddy's former best friend and has pledged that this is the night she brings her friend home. The former Young-Gun Champion runs a Vampire deck which relies on frequent graveyard interaction and she

Shortly afterwards, Maddy's alternate music (Charge by Emilie Nicolas) played, and before long, she had appeared, her eyes glowing through the darkness. As she walked through, several other pairs of eyes started glowing through the darkness as well (belonging to Jade, Jana, Dan and Emma), which seemed to intimidate several of the scientists. Knowing who was coming, the fans started singing "Hey Maddy" to the tune of Hey Baby, making Maddy secretly laugh.

As she reached the duelling zone, the lights came up enough for Maddy to be visible, and she raised her hood, before taking off her hoodie to reveal a black and purple ribbed leather vest, with the words "Hate Me" scrawled on the front in large red gouges. She looked up defiantly at the top of the Torture Chamber, and then climbed up to the top of the chamber, before raising her fist in time with the entire arena.

After getting down from the roof, she entered the zone, and after the fans stopped singing for a moment, the introductions were made as the door slammed behind Maddy. 'The following is a non-title duel inside of the Torture Chamber. Introducing first, from Stonybridge, Northumbria, England, this is the Saviour - Shannon Kelly.'

'And introducing her opponent, representing the Renegades and based in Renegades HQ, South Shields, England, she is your reigning WDC Young-Gun Champion, the Predator – Maddy Robinson-Cummings.' With the introductions out of the way, Maddy and Shannon faced off in the duelling zone with Maddy snarling, as Tom tried to break them up.

'It doesn't have to be this way guys. Look at this – you don't need to rip each other apart like… like' Maddy then stared at him. 'Like what – wild animals? Sorry, too late. Leave now, I won't kill you. Her, I can't guarantee anything.' Shannon then reiterated the comments. 'She has to learn the hard way. Give me one chance and we'll have her back.' He flung his arms up in disbelief, and left the duelling zone.

Torture Chamber (non-title): Shannon Kelly LP:8000 vs. Maddy Robinson-Cummings LP:8000

Turn 1: Shannon: 'You might as well start. Enjoy the peace while it lasts.' 'You've changed and I don't like it. I draw. I'll start with Graceful Charity, to draw three and discard two. Now I activate the effect of Skull Conductor. By sending it from my hand to the graveyard, I can summon two other Zombies from my hand, as long as their combined Attack doesn't exceed 2000.'

Hearing this, Maddy grinned sadistically. 'Fresh meat. I like it.' 'You're a cocky shit aren't you? Well let's see how you like two Burning Skull Heads (Atk:1000)x2. When Burning Skull Head is Special summons, you get roasted for 1000 points. With two, that's 2000 Life points. Let's see how funny you find this!'

The two flaming skulls laughed, before throwing themselves straight into Maddy, leaving her singed but otherwise unmoved as she stared a hole in Shannon (Maddy LP:8000-6000). 'And now I'll tribute them both in order to summon Skull Flame (Atk:2600). I end my turn with two face-downs.'

Maddy: 'You call that a turn? I've been more threatened by reading a book! I draw! I activate One for One. By killing off the Bunilla from my hand, I can summon Rodenut (Atk:100). Next I summon the Spirit monster Kinka-Byo (Atk:100). Spirits drift between the alive and the dead, and this is no exception. My monster drifts into my graveyard to revive Bunilla (Atk:150).'

'You've got three monsters with 350 total Attack. I thought you were supposed to be angry.' 'You've not seen my angry yet.' 'You forget Maddy, I know you better than you know yourself.' 'No, you know A Maddy. You don't know me. I'm the feral wolf which lives inside her. You don't know anything about me. And we're not friends. Not now, not ever. I overlay my three Level 1 monsters, in order to summon Number 54 – Lion Heart (Atk:100).'

In the box

Phil was watching on impassively during Shannon's turn when Astrid sprinted into the box at top speed, going so fast that she almost ran into a wall. 'Jeg har sett Jana, sier hun Maddy har last opp sine fulle primalkrefter!' 'English Astrid. No speak Norse.' Blair then walked over with her phone. 'I've got a translator on here. Astrid, could you repeat that?'

As she repeated her statement breathlessly, Blair got the translation. 'It says "I've seen Jana, she says Maddy has unlocked her full primal powers". I don't know what that means though.' With a wry smile, Phil briefly explained the situation.

'When Maddy came into the club, Donna did an assessment of her, and we realised together that her raw primal powers were far stronger than we could have expected. So we put a mental block on her power. A simple hypnotic suggestion if you will. Now this block had an unlock code.'

'Why would you do that though?' 'Every door has to have a key. Now if she's found out the code, which isn't difficult considering Hannah never tidied the office, then she could have unlocked that door.' Blair wasn't impressed though.

'I meant why would you lock away her power?' He looked at her and bluntly stated 'For her own safety. Those powers managed are powerful. You know what she can get like with them.' 'Yeah.' 'The truth is, that is 5% of her power. A mere fraction. Now imagine what she can get like in an emotional state with her power unrestricted.'

'Well the next question is, is she even safe?' 'Truth be told, I don't know.' He then had a thought. 'But I do know someone who does. Does anybody have Jana's number?' Immediately, Freja brought her phone over. 'I'm borrowing Maddy's old phone.' He then rung up Jana.

In the duelling zone

'Lion Heart, attack Skull Flame. Pulverising Pounce.' 'Did you really think I'd let you attack me? I activate my face-down Butterflyoke. This switches Lion Heart to Defence mode and equips onto it (Def.:100). During either of our Main or Battle phases, I can use this and force your monster to switch battle position.'

Maddy seemed relatively unperturbed by this development. 'I'll activate the Spell card Pot of Desires. I can draw two cards by banishing 10 cards from my deck face-down.' 'You're insane.' 'I'll lay four face-downs and then I'll end my turn.'

Shannon: 'I draw. I activate the effect of Skull Flame. Instead of conducting my Draw phase, I can add a Burning Skull Head back to my hand from my graveyard. And by skipping my Battle phase, I can summon that Skull Head (Atk:1000). Which means you lose a further 1000 Life points. Maybe this will do the trick.'

The flaming skull slammed straight into Maddy, but despite losing more points, she seemed to be as confident as ever (Maddy LP:6000-5000). 'Still not back to normal then?' 'I don't need saving and I don't want saving. I chose this, not you.' 'Well in that case I'll activate Ectoplasmer. This forces both of us to tribute a monster during our End phase, and our opponent loses half of it's Attack. I end my turn and use Ectoplasmer to tribute Burning Skull Head (Maddy LP:5000-4500).'

Maddy: 'I draw. I summon Chain Dog (Atk:1600), then switch Lion Heart to Attack (Atk:100). Lion Heart, attack Skull Flame.' 'I activate the effect of Butterflyoke. This forces your Lion Heart into Defence mode (Def.:100). 'Fine. I end my turn with a face-down. During my End phase, I tribute Chain Dog due to the effect of Ectoplasmer. Let this be a taste of what's to come.'

As Chain Dog was turned into a spirit, it charged at Shannon, blasting through her with an ice-cold wave which took her breath away (Shannon LP:8000-7200). 'What… was that?' 'The beginning of your end. It's your turn by the way. If you can bear to take it.'

Shannon: 'During my Draw phase, I can add Burning Skull Head to my hand instead of drawing a card. And with the effect of Skull Flame, by sacrificing my Battle phase, I can summon Burning Skull Head (Atk:1000). Which means that you're going to take another 1000 damage. This might burn.'

The flaming skull fired at Maddy again, knocking her back into the chain-link wall, which she hit head-first (Maddy LP:4500-3500). As she got back to her feet, she was typically bullish. 'That all you got?' 'Not by a long shot. I'll activate Foolish Burial, which allows both of us to send a monster to our graves from our deck. I'll send my other Skull Head.'

'Well I'll send Key Mouse.' 'Quite honestly, I don't care what you send. I'll tribute Skull Flame next so I can summon my Supersonic Skull Flame (Atk:2600). Every turn, Supersonic Skull Flame deals you with 400 damage for every Skull Head in my graveyard. You like damage? You're about to take some more!'

Maddy was totally unprotected as another vicious shot of fire came in from the upgraded boss, blasting her towards the wall again, and she dropped to the ground (Maddy LP:3500-3100). 'I end my turn. During my End phase, I'll tribute Burning Skull Head with the effect of Ectoplasmer.'

As the skull head came charging towards the already down Maddy, she groaned in pain again (Maddy LP:3100-2600). At this point, Shannon looked over at the Segolia employees accompanying her, and nodded. They then went to open the door, but Astrid ran down with her axe, backing them off.

Angry, she shouted at them 'One more step and they'll be testing your biology!', before hammering on the wall of the chamber, bloodying her hand in the process. After screaming obscenities in her native tongue to Maddy, the Renegades' president stood back up.

Maddy: 'I draw!' 'Face it, you can't help yourself. You have no chance.' 'I switch Lion Heart to Attack mode (Atk:100), and then activate my face-down Xyz Veil. Now Lion Heart, attack Supersonic Skull Flame with Pulverising Pounce!' 'Come on Maddy, you're not this dense. Butterflyoke allows me to force your monster into Defence mode.'

But this time would be different. 'That won't work with Xyz Veil. So long as Lion Heart has Xyz materials, it's off-limits to targeting card effects. And by detaching a material, you take all the damage from this battle. This might hurt slightly.' As she grinned madly, her deceptive monster charged at the opponent, slamming in with full force and Shannon flew back from the impact, crashing back-first into the chamber wall (Shannon LP:7200-4700).

As Shannon struggled to her feet, blood started dripping down the back of Maddy's neck, the meeting with the wall the previous turn having lacerated her skull. 'Try again next time. I end my turn with another face-down.'

In the box

As the bruising encounter continued, Phil explained the situation regarding Maddy's power. 'I've got a sensor here which monitors how much of her power is being used. It was meant to be used to make sure the mental block was working. According to Jana's knowledge, anything above 63.5% will kill her.' Nervous, Blair looked at him. 'So where is she now?'

'We're at 19%, but strangely, it's actually going down.' 'Have you broken the sensor?' 'No, it's working perfectly fine. I have a theory as to why.' 'Go on then, spit it out.' He looked around, and shook his head. 'I don't want to say it just in case I'm wrong. I don't want to lead people into a false sense of security.'

In the duelling zone

Shannon: 'My turn' 'I activate Hallowed Life Barrier. So you can Special summon all you like this turn, but I'm taking no damage from any of it.' 'Didn't know you'd become a coward.' 'What, like you're not? Trying to ambush me, using Tom to fight your battles?' 'We just want the real Maddy back.'

'Yeah, you keep saying. But what if I never changed? Perhaps Shan, it's you that changed. Perhaps, you just can't take me for who I am anymore. You can't accept the fact that I grown up, and did it without you. That I been busting my f**king backside day in day out, week in, week out, but I've not been doing something that you approve of. Is that what it is Shan? I'm not the person you knew, 'cause I've grown up. I'm living MY life. And if you don't like it, then I'm going to have to destroy you.'

'You're giving a nice grand speech, but you can't even control yourself. You probably don't even remember who I am now, with what they've done to you.' She flashed her eyes, and then shocked Shannon. 'Shannon Grace Kelly, born 20th January 1999 in Solihull near Birmingham. Claim to have had no pets when in fact you had three goldfish but they all died within a week. Met me in nursery shortly after moving up North, we got on because I was the only one who would speak to the four eyes in glasses. I know you better than you do.'

'I refuse to believe any of that! It must be so easy to program you. Let's face it, all you ever wanted was people who would give you a second glance. Plain old Maddy, nothing interesting about her. Perfectly decent at everything but nobody cared! And when you disappear from here after today? Guess what – nobody will care!'

Shannon laughed as Maddy recoiled, and then continued her turn. 'If I can't damage you, then I'll tribute my Supersonic Skull Flame and replace it with Vampire Red Baron (Atk:2400). And next I'll use the Spell card Vampire's Desire. This mean Spell allows me to send a Vampire from my deck straight to the grave. Then Red Baron copies that monster's Level until the end of my turn. I'll send Vampire Retainer to the graveyard.' (Level:5-2)

'And when Retainer is in my graveyard, I can send Vampire's Curse to my graveyard in order to revive Retainer (Atk:1200). And sadly for you, that triggers the effect of Vampire Red Baron. Once per turn, I pay 1000 Life points (Shannon LP:4700-3700), and then switch one monster on each of our fields. Only catch is, I have to give you another Vampire. So you can have Retainer and I'll take your Lion Heart. And as it doesn't target, your Veil doesn't work.'

As the Baron opened his noble wings, the two monsters were forced to swap sides, leaving Maddy without her monster. 'Oh, and just so you can't use it, because I know what you're like, I'm going to destroy Retainer with Red Baron. Red Rain Retribution!' The Baron fired thousands of blood-like pellets from his wings, which crushed the lupine-like Retainer, but Maddy took no damage.

'As an added bonus, when Red Baron destroys a monster, it revives that monster to my field (Retainer Def.:0). With that, I'll lay a face-down and then, end my turn. Did my last attack finally wake you up? Because I know you're in there, and I know you regret your decision.'

Maddy looked up, eyes back to normal seemingly. 'You know Shan, you never knew how easy you had it. You didn't have to run from the authorities constantly. You didn't have to spend years hiding who you were. Think about it for a moment – what is the worst that happened to you being yourself? Got some chewing gum thrown at ya? Maybe some unkind words. If people had seen who I truly was, even if they did now, I'd be dissected by morning.'

'Your point is?' 'I've finally found where I belong. There's something you really ought to now.' Softening her stance, Shannon believed that her work had finally come to fruition. 'What's that?' 'I've been in control, the entire time. Luring you. Because the more you hurt me, the harder I strike back. I'm not going to let you take this life away from me.' As Maddy's anger built, so did her power. And the more her power built, the more danger there was for Shannon… and everyone else in the arena.

Maddy: 'I draw! Because I control no monsters, I can summon Lightning Wolf without tribute (Atk:2700). By banishing one card from my hand until the end phase, it can attack directly. I'm going to enjoy this!' 'I activate my face-down Negate Attack. This not only stops you attacking but the Battle phase is over.'

'That isn't going to stop me putting the hurting on you. I activate 5 Card Salute. This draws five cards for me, but if at least three have remained in my hand by the End phase, I lose 4000 Life points.' 'So you're risking everything on this card.' 'Don't be so sure. With the Renegades, the odds are NEVER in your favour.' As she took the cards, she took one look at the cards, smiled, and then said 'I end my turn with three face-downs.'

'See, I knew you didn't want to hurt me.' Maddy was less than impressed with the idea, her gaze not wavering. At this point, it was starting to dawn on Shannon that she might have taken on more than she could handle. 'You're not listening are you?' 'Clever girl. I'll get you a biscuit.'

'You don't even remember.' 'I remember everything. After you found my secret you refused to speak to me for an entire month. I remember that you spied on us, tried to use us as some sort of little investigation, a secret little study. You ended up all but handing us over to the authorities.'

'You know why I never said anything?' 'Because you understand.' 'Because I cared. I thought if I said anything I'd lose anyone who meant anything in my life. But then, I found out that I didn't have to live that way. And all I had to do, was embrace my inner darkness. I had to throw away everything so I could start again.'

Shannon: 'I'll finish you off and then I'll cure you. And if that means killing this crazed animal inside of you, I'll do that! I tribute my Vampire Retainer in order to summon Shadow Vampire (Atk:2000). And when I summon it, I can Special summon another Vampire from my deck. I choose Vampire Duke (Atk:2000). And Duke's ability forces you to send a Monster to your graveyard.' 'Fine, take Des Kangaroo.'

'And for the move that will bring you home, I'll activate Soul Merger. By tributing Lion Heart, I can combine the Levels of any two monsters on my field so long as they have the same Attack and Defence. I choose Vampire Duke and Shadow Vampire (Level:5-10)x2. So now I'll overlay my two Level 10 monsters. With them, I summon out Number 35 – Ravenous Tarantula (Atk:0).'

'Want to know it's Attack?' Maddy responded by snarling. 'I don't care!' 'Well you will do.' Shannon's speech was quickly interrupted by Maddy's intense power causing a minor earthquake to rock the stadium. Sensing the danger, Shannon knew she had to try and end the duel quickly.

'Number 35's effect gives all monsters I control Attack and Defence equal to the difference in our Life points. Which currently stands at 1100 (Tarantula Atk:1100, Red Baron Atk:2400-3500). Now Vampire Red Baron, take out her Lightning Wolf.' The Baron on his trusty steed slashed the Lightning Wolf, causing it to explode with static, and Maddy hit the wall again, leaving her crawling along the floor to find her feet again (Maddy LP:2600-1800, Tarantula Atk:1100-1900, Red Baron Atk:3500-4300).

Shannon then went to approach her former friend, but got immediately rebuffed. 'Please Maddy, I can help you.' The wild look in her eyes however, suggested she wasn't interested. She touched her, and then the young wolf went berserk. 'I DON'T WANT YOUR HELP!' 'Well you'll take 600 damage every time you Special summon. So make this turn count. I end my turn with a face-down.'

In the box

Blair was keeping an eye on the reader while the other members of the club waited nervously. 'Make sure you're keeping a close eye on those numbers Blair.' 'I am doing! What do you think I've been doing the past 25 minutes?' 'Where are we now?' '41.4% and increasing slowly.' 'She can't sustain this for too long.'

In the duelling zone

Maddy: 'I'm about to rip you apart! I draw. I activate my face-down Extra Foolish Burial. By paying half of my Life points (Maddy LP:1800-900, Number 35 Atk:2800, Red Baron Atk:5200), I can send Master of Oz from my deck to my graveyard.' 'Summon it if you like.' 'Don't mind if I do! I activate Monster Reborn to revive it (Atk:4200).' 'With the effect of my Tarantula, you now lose 600 Life points.' 'Go – Nature's Reflection!' As the sinister spider's shadows crept closer, a large stone barrier blocked the assault and then shot bundles of rock, battering her former friend (Shannon LP:3700-3200).

'That happens every time you try and inflict effect damage to me. And now for the real reason I brought Master of Oz back. I activate the Ritual spell Awakening of a New Power. In order to use this without tribute, I need 1000 or fewer Life points. It lets me call out a powerful and mystical creature. You're about to see the true me. It's time to believe in Miracle Wolf (Def.:4000).'

'Believe? What's there to believe in? Oh, and enjoy using that for the last time. Because soon you won't be able to. Once you're cured of your disease that is.' The taunting stopped though, when she saw Maddy's eyes, cold and dispassionate. 'Before that I might have spared you. Now I can't. I activate the effect of Miracle Wolf. When I Xyz summon, I can use it as three monsters. I build the overlay network with my three Level 12 Miracle Wolves.'

As she did this her aura spiked, passing the 60% mark, and the earthquakes started to worsen around the chamber. 'You don't know what's hiding deep inside my DNA. You want to remove it, make me "normal". But it's not going to happen. I summon myself, Number 97, Maddy, the Legendary Wolfblood (Atk:4000).'

'You don't frighten me Maddy' Shannon insisted. Her face and body language told the opposite story however. 'Now I activate Rank-up Magic Extreme Icaron's Force. This card allows me to discard my entire hand and Double Rank-up my monster. Renegade Xyz Evolution! I'm going to throw everything I have at you to protect my family! I Xyz summon Number R97 – Maddy the Raging Wild Wolfblood (Atk:5500).'

Still unnerved, Shannon was defiant until the last. 'I'm still going to win.' 'No, you're not. Because I activate the ability of Number R97. When I attack, in this form my spirit gains the Attack of all the monsters on the field. Oh, and card effects? Don't bother – I've got total immunity.'

Hearing this, Shannon knew her result. 'Maddy, we can talk this through.' 'It's too late Shannon. It's too late to talk. I would say I'm sorry… but I'm just not. Because you asked for this yourself (Atk:5500-17,700). And just for overkill, I'll activate Gift of the Martyr. So Master of Oz bites it and I get even more power (Atk:17,700-21,900).'

Maddy took a deep breath, and with one last visceral roar, screamed 'THIS ENDS NOW! RAGING WILD OVERKILL CLAW!' Her most powerful soul came running in at top speed, plunging bright red claws straight through both of Shannon's monsters, and charged straight into the young woman, causing dust and smoke to erupt from the ground.

When the dust cleared, Shannon was lay on the ground, having been blasted through the wall of the Torture Chamber, not moving (Shannon LP:3700-0). Meanwhile Maddy stood up, and stared at Shannon for a moment. 'It… didn't… have to be this way. It… didn't' At this moment, she slumped to the ground in exhaustion.

Thinking on his feet, Tom had the Segolia representatives open the door to the chamber with bolt cutters. Bearing in mind earlier however, all but two brave individuals agreed to enter. As they did, Sakura dashed down, and she and Astrid each took out a member of Segolia.

Tom then turned around, only to get spiked in the head with a pair of nunchucks courtesy of Sakura, and then Astrid delivered a spinning reverse roundhouse to his back, flooring him, and allowing them to carry the ailing Young-Gun Champion out of the chamber, while Shannon was eventually stretchered out, still out cold.

In the medical bay

As Maddy was returned, there was great concern as Sakura immediately checked Maddy's heart-rate and blood oxygen level. 'Heart rate 113, blood oxygen 95%.' Rio seemed concerned at this. 'That heart rate's high.' 'She's got a high resting heart rate anyway, the last time I measured that it was low 90s.'

As everyone kept an eye on her, Hannah came up behind the twins. 'You're up in a couple.' 'Thanks.' Seeing the worry on their faces, the former president reassured them. 'She's fine. Just tuckered out that's all. Now you go out and win.' As the two of them left, an interview came up with Vector.

'Now Vector, you have a big duel coming up later against Phil. You have been a thorn in his side since arriving here. What is it that you want from him?' 'I'm not the bad guy here, I'm a good guy. The truth is, he's had something which is mine the entire time, and all I want to do is take it back. And now he wants to face me inside a cage like a barbarian? Well I could never reject such a proposal. And once I brush him aside, I intend on taking what is mine.'

'And what is it that is yours exactly?' 'Marin's powers of course! Once I have hers, I intend on taking over this entire world. Starting with the rest of my traitorous emperors!' Vector left, with the interviewer being just as confused as ever.

In the duelling zone

The French revolutionaries were already in the zone by the time the interview ended, having decided not to wait for their music. As Lydia and Freja walked down, Kalin analysed their strategies. 'Lydia and Freja have the reputation for being the weakest duellists in the Renegades, but together they provide a stiff challenge. Little sister Lydia calls her deck "Angel Balls", and is defensively assured while restricting the opponent, and elder sister Freja's "Curious Wink of the Angel" deck is gamble-orientated, but provides great disruption and power.'

WDC International Tag-Team Championships: Shapesisters (Lydia and Freja McKinna) LP:8000 vs. (c) The French Revolution (Jean-Louis Bonaparte and Robert Duman) LP:8000

Turn 1: Lydia: 'I'll take the first turn, k?' 'Got it.' 'I draw. I activate the Field spell Ritual Sanctuary.' Fans watched on in delight as the field turned into a large church fit for any wedding, with both teams standing on the extended aisle in the centre. 'With this, I can turn any Spell in my hand into a Ritual spell from my deck by discarding it. So I'll send Raigeki and turn it into Machine Angel Ritual. Here's the deal – I send Djinn Presider of Rituals and Herald of Orange Light from my hand to the graveyard, and that allows me to Ritual summon Cyber Angel Idaten (Atk:1800). When summoned, Idaten allows me to access Machine Angel Absolute Ritual from my deck.'

'And now I'll activate it. Absolute Ritual is special – not only can I use my field and hand, I can also return Fairies or Warriors to my deck from my grave. I'll tribute Idaten and return my Herald in order to Ritual summon. Carve up the competition, Cyber Angel Dakini (Atk:2700). Oh, and when Idaten is tributed, Dakini gains 1000 Attack (Atk:2700-3700)'

'And I'm not done either. From my hand I activate the ability of Gallis the Star Beast. I reveal it, then discard the top card of my deck. If it's a Monster, I summon Gallis and you lose Life points equal to the monster's level x 200. If it's not, then Gallis is destroyed.' As she got rid of the card, it was revealed to be a worst case scenario for the champions.

'My luck is quids in today. I just sent the Level 12 Herald of Perfection to my graveyard. So 2400 damage is coming your way.' Gallis roared onto the field (Atk:800), and 12 lights appeared above it, raining down like spotlights on a rainy day (French Revolution LP:8000-5600).

'And now I'll summon the Tuner monster Protective Soul Ailin (Atk:0). Level 1 Soul Ailin, give my Level 3 Gallis a tune-up. I Synchro summon the Level 4 Herald of the Arc Light (Def.:1000). I end my turn with a face-down.' As Lydia ended her turn, a significant portion of the crowd applauded her work.

Robert: 'Draw. Summon Donpa, Marksman Fur Hire (Atk:500). With Donpa's effect, I can summon Sagitta, Maverick Fur Hire from my hand.' 'Not happening. With the effect of Herald of the Arc Light, I can tribute my Herald to negate Donpa's effect and destroy it.' 'What – seriously?' 'Deadly.' As Arc Light vanished, it turned into stardust, which fell from the sky and smothered Donpa, destroying it.

'Activate spell card – Mayhem Fur Hire. This revives one Fur Hire from my grave. Return, Donpa (Def.:1000). And I activate New Style Fur Hire. This tributes Donpa, summon a Fur Hire of one more Level.' This time, Freja had the answer. 'I activate the ability of the Ash Blossom and Joyous Spring in my hand. By discarding it, I can negate your summoning effect.' Cornered, Robert panicked and ended his turn. 'I end my turn with two face-downs.'

Freja: 'I draw. I activate Painful Choice. With this I reveal five cards from my deck, and you get to choose one to add to my hand. The others go to my graveyard.' As the cards were revealed (Herald of Ultimateness, Djinn Releaser of Rituals, Djinn Demolisher of Rituals, Advanced Ritual Art, Arcana Force XXI: The World). After some deliberation, the French made their decision.

'Add Herald to your hand.' 'Happily. Because for my next trick, I'll activate Sprite's Blessing. This can summon any Light-attribute Ritual monster. And by banishing Djinn Releaser and Demolisher from my graveyard, they count as materials. So I banish them and summon my Herald of Perfection (Def.:2800).'

'Dakini, attack Donpa with Spirit Slicer.' Dakini swung her weapons, and cut straight through Donpa without even leaving a mark, dealing piercing damage in the process (French Revolution LP:5600-3900). 'Gallis, attack.' Two lights appeared between Gallis' wings, and were fired down, dropping the points of the French team (French Revolution LP:3900-3100).

'During my Main Phase 2, I activate Monster Reborn, to revive Arcana Force XXI: The World (Atk:3100). But now I tribute it and Gallis to summon another copy of Arcana Force XXI (Atk:3100). And now it's ability is decided by flipping.' She threw the coin high into the air, and stared at it all the way down. The result was never in doubt.

'Heads. So now at the end of the turn, I can utilise the World Lock.' Hearing the last two words was enough for the champions, who resigned the duel, knowing that their fate was sealed the next turn, and then went and handed the titles over in a show of sportsmanship.

The twins lifted their titles simultaneously, before hugging. Popular winners in front of their home crowd, they spent several minutes talking with fans, especially Kris who was sat in the second row.

The celebrations were short-lived however, as The Regiment entered the fray, Kari and Radley carrying their WDC Tag Titles. As they stepped forward, Lydia and Freja did the same, and then laid their newly-won belts on the ground, before Freja took a microphone. 'Testing 1-2-3. If you want a duel, just ask. How about title for title?'

Kari then grabbed her by the throat. 'We're not here to WIN your titles, we're here to take them off of you. Whether you like it or not.' The elder twin responded by using her legs to throw Kari overhead arm-first, freeing herself. At this point, Kris jumped in from the second row, wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses. Immediately he was confronted by Radley, who despite being nose-to-nose, was oblivious to the identity of the man he'd spent years teaming with.

'I don't know who you are punk, but do you have an idea who you're messing with?' Kris just shook his head in disbelief. 'Radley, we spent so long travelling from country to country together. And you still don't recognise me? Quite honestly, I'm offended.' He then removed his hat and the entire Regiment were stunned, as commentary tried to find answers.

'Er Kalin, do you know who that is?' 'I sure know who it looks like. That's the Saviour of Misbehaviour, that's Kris Travis. We've not seen him in months, all anybody's been told is that's he's dealing with health issues. I tried to find more out a couple of weeks ago, but it's being kept close to the club's chests.'

In the duel arena, Radley was reeling. 'Yo what happened to you man?' 'Stuff.' 'Hey, just move out the way and we can talk afterwards. Go for a brewski, catch some waves, catch some chicks.' 'Sorry bro, but I'm taken.' Radley then pushed Kris out of the way to try and get to the twins, only to eat a spinning backfist from him.

The rest of the Regiment then wanted a go, but Claude wisely backed them off, despite Kris trying to goad him. As they left, Freja handed him a microphone, and he proceeded to explain his situation from his seat in the stands.

'I've been gone a while. And these guys and girls of the club have received a lot of criticism for not saying why. But the truth is, I asked them not to. A few months ago, I noticed that I was losing a load of weight. It's not like I'd changed how I eat either. I thought it was fatigue, so I kept an eye on it, tried bulking up a bit, but I kept losing more, to the point where I lost about two stone in a month.'

'So I went to a doctor, he did some blood tests, sent them off to a specialist, and then got a letter in the post the next week. Turns out I had something called Multiple Myeloma, or Cancer of the bone marrow. Honestly, at that moment, when you hear that word, you honestly think that this is it, you're going to die, and be in pain while doing it.'

'But they came to me, they told me that we caught it real early, there's a good chance of recovery, but I'm going to have to go private because there's a waiting list on the NHS. I went to Maddy, I explained the situation, she told me to take as long as I needed off and that the club would pay for the treatment. And she's going to kill me when she's back with it but she paid over half of that with her own money.'

'Before my treatment, I made one thing clear – I said "Maddy, I only want the outside world telling about all of this if I'm in remission or I'm dead. And let's just say… I ain't dead!' He stood up, raised his fist, and left to meet up with his fellow Renegade members.

Backstage

As Freja and Lydia walked backstage with their titles, they unknowingly walked into the interview area, and were briefly stopped. 'Hi girls, well done on your title win. Do you know where Phil is? We were due to have an interview' Freja laughed her off. 'Don't wait too long, he's not turning up.' 'Why?' Lydia then stuck a lollipop in the interviewer's mouth. 'Because he already said all he needs to. Oh, other than this – tonight, it's going to be the Massacre on Mean St.'

Arriving at the medical bay, they found Maddy sat up, but still dazed. 'Are you ok Mads?' 'I'm fine. Just tuckered out.' 'You see Kris' interview?' 'Yes.' 'And?' 'Gonna kill him when I have the energy.' 'So, did you?' 'Did I what?' 'Contribute half the money yourself.' 'Lyds, it was £50,000. No way do I have that kind of money to spare. I sent him 9, got another 9 from the club's finances, and got just under 6 from a club-wide donation scheme.'

'But that's only 22.' Lydia then leaned in to correct her sister. 'It's 24.' As Freja worked on her addition, the big question was raised. 'So where did the other 26 grand come from?' Maddy shrugged her shoulders. 'Beats me. All I know is it turned up in my bank from an account in Germany.' As they discussed where the money might have come from, Astrid stood silently nearby, before phoning someone.

'Andre there? Thanks. Overførte du fra den tyske kontoen din? Takk - han er verdt det, men ingen trenger å vite det. Sendte pengene tilbake (Did you transfer money from your German account? Thanks – he's worth it but nobody needs to know. Sent the money back. Farvel ta vare!'

In the box

Phil was just about to leave for the due with Vector, when Rio stopped him. 'Everything ok?' She looked severely worried despite his confidence. 'Be careful out there.' 'I will be.' 'I mean it! Vector has a million different tricks he can pull on you.' Phil just chuckled to himself. 'Don't worry Rio – I have a million and one tricks. More than you could ever know.' As he walked off, Blair put her arm around Rio. 'C'mon, this is Phil we're talking about. When's he ever let us down? Vector doesn't stand a chance.'

In the duelling zone

As the chamber was lowered into place again, a series of trumpets started sounding, and a disembodied voice shouted 'Hail King Vector!' Shortly afterwards, he emerged on an enormous throne, carried by a dozen servants in masks. They marched down with the throne on their shoulders, while he laughed incessantly the entire way down.

'Vector has been a thorn in the Renegades' side for months, demanding to get back what he believes belongs to him. He runs a very powerful Umbral Horror deck, which rejoices in negating opponents' cards and draining their health steadily, but offers very limited direct protection in return. Will he be able to overcome the odds?'

Reaching the chamber, the throne was gently lowered to the ground, and Vector stepped off, straight into the Chamber itself, expecting a hero's welcome. Instead, the partisan crowd hurled abuse at him, which Vector responded to by proclaiming 'Your hero will soon be no more!'

His confidence however, was interrupted when Bad Things by Jace Everett started up, and the entire arena started glowing red. The Renegades' founder then appeared as his home crowd went mad, wearing all black akin to Johnny Cash (being the event nearest to Cash's birthday), with a black shirt, trousers, shoes, and a wide hat tilted to cover his eyes.

'Phil is a highly decorated and highly experienced campaigner who always provides a stern examination wherever he goes, hence his status as our World Champion. His Cybernetic Systems deck has served him well for many a year and it's calculated style suits his strategy-based approach. Phil loves duelling in front of his home crowd. He's had 59 professional duels in Manchester, and the kicker for Vector, he's won all 59.'

As he arrived at the Chamber entrance, Phil looked up, and took his glasses off as a mark of respect for the structure, before pulling at the chains to test their security, before walking in, and after embracing the rapture for a moment, took his jacket and hat off, revealing a black shirt which simply had the date "13.08.89" on (the date he first met Hannah).

The two of them squared up, and before the introductions were made, Phil demeaningly patted Vector right on the top of his spiked hair, angering the Barian warlord. With both doors now locked and the wall of the chamber hastily welded back together, the introductions were made.

'The following is a Torture Chamber duel. Introducing first, representing the Barian World, this is the Mad King – Vector.' Vector smirked hearing this, still not taking his opposition seriously. 'And introducing his opponent, representing the Renegades and proudly representing Manchester, England, he is Mr. Nasty – Phil Robinson-Cummings.' Phil raised his arm, before taking off his hat, and the two then commenced.

Torture Chamber: Vector LP:8000 vs. Phil Robinson-Cummings LP:8000

Turn 1: Phil: 'I'll take the opening turn. Show you how a winner does things. I draw. I summon Cyber Dragon Core (Atk:400). When I Normal summon this monster, I search a Cyber Spell or Trap. One like Cybernetic Revolution. Next I'll activate Future Fusion.' This shocked Vector.

'On your first turn!?' 'No, in 6 months' time. I activate another Spell card now – Machine Duplication. Because I have a Machine with no more than 500 Attack points, this Spell brings out two more monsters of the same name. I'll repeat that – of the SAME NAME. Core changes it's name to Cyber Dragon while on the field, so I'll summon a pair of grown-up Cyber Dragons (Atk:2100)x2.'

'Now to set the stage. How about entering the Fusion Gate?' As a large portal-like gate cloaked the chamber, it was time to make a statement. 'Through the power of the Fusion Gate, I banish my three Cyber Dragons in order to fuse them together. Protect your allies, Cyber Eternity Dragon (Def.:4000). I end my turn with a face-down.'

Vector: 'I draw. I activate the Field spell Numeron Network!' While the portal remained on Phil's field, Vectors was now taken up by a red and purple wasteland, what looked to be electricity flowing through it, as if the field itself was alive. 'Now the effect of Numeron Network. By sending a Numeron Spell or Trap from my deck to my graveyard, I can copy it's effects. Provided it's the right timing of course.'

'So I'll activate Numeron Calling. Because I have Numeron Network but control no monsters, I can summon four Numeron Gates from my Extra deck. Appear, Numbers 1 through 4 – Numeron Gate Ekam, Dve, Trini, and Catvari (Atk:1000)x4. Now I activate another Spell. This one is Don Thousand's Throne.'

A metallic throne appeared on the field, and a series of wires attached to the back of Vector, as he sat down upon his throne. 'Numeron Gate Ekam, attack Cyber Eternity Dragon!' Ekam's head, resting upon the gate, released a pair of lasers from it's eyes which bounced off of the Dragon (Vector LP:8000-5000).

'I'm guessing you didn't do that through stupidity. Then again, being you it wouldn't surprise me.' 'Yes, stay cocky. Because with the effects of my Numeron Gate Ekam, all my monsters now double their Attack points (Atk:2000)x4. Numeron Gate Dve, attack!' Dve threw it's rocky leg straight at Eternity Dragon, which blanked the attack again (Vector LP:5000-3000).

'Now my monsters double their Attack again. That's right, all of my Gates have the same effect! (Atk:4000)x4. 'Trini, attack!' This time was different though. 'I activate my face-down R: Blowback.' 'You had that face-down the entire time?' 'Absolutely.' 'And you didn't use it?' 'What can I say – it was too much fun watching your suicide mission.'

'Yes, I'm sure it was.' Just then, Vector got blown into the cage by Phil's trap (Vector LP:3000-2100). 'What was that!' Staying totally cold, the Renegade explained. 'Blowback negates your attack, then you lose 100 points for every card on the field. I would have told you, but you wouldn't shut up. And because your attack was negated, you don't get the point boost.'

'Nah, you're no threat. You're just an' 'What's wrong Vector? Annoyed that the One Turn Kill turned into a One Turn Fail?' 'You think you're so clever just because you've got a stupid smirk on your stupid face and "Oh I'm so good because I found some strangers who were easy to influence." I end my turn with a face-down. During my End phase, Don Thousand's Throne gives me back the Life points I lost in battle this turn (Vector LP:2100-7100). You'll never defeat me!'

Phil: 'I think we both know that's not true. I draw. As one turn has passed, I can now use Future Fusion to send Cyber Dragon Vier and Solar Flare Dragon from my deck to the graveyard. But honestly, that's the least of your issues. For now I'll hold firm, ending my turn with two face-downs.'

Vector: 'One turn wonder. I draw! I activate the Spell card Xyz Treasure. For every Xyz monster on the field, I draw a card. Look, four of them! Four to me, nothing to you. And for my next move, I'll attack with Numeron Gate Ekam! Enjoy!' 'The only thing I'm going to enjoy is discarding Swift Scarecrow to negate your attack.'

Once again unable to overcome the great wall in Eternity Dragon, Vector started to get increasingly agitated. 'No wonder nobody likes you, you just spend all your time hiding, defending, never doing anything to be a threat. You're boring! I end my turn with a face-down.'

Phil: 'We're about to see who's boring. I draw. Because it's my second Standby phase, Future Fusion now allows me to summon the mighty Blaze Fenix, the Burning Bombardment Bird (Atk:2800). And while I'm at it, how about Ancient Gear Fusion? This Fusion spell allows me to use monsters in my deck, so long as Ancient Gear Golem is included. I fuse together two Ancient Gear Golems and two Ancient Gear Frames in order to summon my big heavy.'

As the ground trembled, a looming figure appeared behind him. 'Welcome to our duel, Ancient Gear Chaos Giant (Atk:4500).' Vector just laughed the new monster off, but secretly, even he could see that he was outmatched. 'You just don't get it Vector. You're never going to beat me. You're totally outclassed. I can do everything, and do everything better than you. I didn't come to beat you, I came to embarrass you.'

'You're not better than me! I'm invincible!' 'Tell that to Blaze Fenix. For every card on the field, you lose 300 points. I count 11. Infernal Finale!' The almighty Fenix roasted the entire field with it's devastatingly burning assault, roasting Vector (Vector LP:7100-3800). 'And now for the crushing end. When Giant attacks, it attacks all of your monsters. Oh, and don't even bother with trying to increase the Attack of your monsters. Attack with Armageddon Annihilator!'

'I activate my face-downs Enchanted Javelin and Impenetrable Attack. With Javelin, I gain your monster's Attack as Life points, while Impenetrable Attack stops you from dealing Battle damage this turn.' Vector laughed, as he saw his field of monsters explode into shards of their former selves, the Giant clearing the board (Vector LP:3800-8300).

'So how'd you like that!' Phil barely raised an eyebrow. 'Seemed pretty desperate there. Are you sure you're not… scared?' 'Scared? I'm the Barian Overlord Vector – since when have I been scared?' 'Since you started letting your monsters be torn apart like that. I'll end my turn with a warning – things only get worse from here.'

Vector: 'I'm not scared of you. I draw. I summon Umbral Horror Ghoul (Atk:1800). If I reduce it's Attack to 0, it can call out Umbral Horror Unform (Atk:0). And I'll equip Unform with a Spell – Rod of the Mind's Eye. Unform, attack his Giant!' The spectral Unform turned into a surging shadow, which quickly was erased out of existence (Vector LP:8300-7300).'

'See my damage get reduced? That's due to my rod – it reduces any Battle damage to 1000. And when Unform is destroyed, I replace it with two Umbral Horror Ghouls (Atk:1800)x2. And if you thought that was bad, just wait until I activate Umbral Horror Gathering. If I can reveal another Umbral Horror monster in my hand, like Umbral Horror Will O' The Wisp, I increase the Level of every Umbral Horror on my field by Will O' The Wisp's! (Level:4-5)x3.'

'And now I overlay my three Level 5 monsters in order to Xyz summon Number 5: Doom Chimera Dragon (Atk:?).' 'You can summon 1000 monsters and I'll still beat you.' 'I can beat your best!' Phil smirked at the thought. 'You're struggling to live with me now. And I'm probably at about 25%.'

'Ah shut up' 'No, you shut up. You want to know what happened the last time I showed someone my A+ game? My… about 90% game?' 'Go on...' 'They were found three days later rocking back and forth crying their eyes out. Rumour has it they developed a strange and irrational fear of cards after that. Not just duelling cards, but playing cards, flash cards, even birthday cards made them run away. Except it wasn't irrational. It was very rational.'

Now slightly unnerved, Vector put on a brave face. 'I'm not scared.' 'Don't worry, we've got plenty of time to do something about that. Because I'm warmed up now, we can begin for real.' 'For real?' What the Renegades' godfather said next sent shivers down the Barian warlord's spine. 'What you've seen so far, that was me going soft on you. Your terror has barely started.' Finally, Vector's facade started to crack. And in the box, the news was getting worse for him.

In the box

Rio had started smiling watching the duel, Hannah stood behind. 'He's cracked.' 'That's done then.' 'What do you mean?' With a totally straight face, she described her husband. 'The worst thing you can do is look scared in front of him. He is absolutely merciless.' Kris meanwhile, had been listening to the story.

'Is that story true? About the last time' 'Bits of it may have been exaggerated.' 'Which bits?' 'It was more like 2 hours than 3 days. And I'm pretty sure he's making up the bit about birthday cards. What is true is they had a nervous breakdown. Jordan Smylie the guy's name was.'

'What did he do to deserve that?' 'Insulted his mother. My mother in law. Honestly though, I think Phil was just a little bored that day anyway, he was just itching for someone to annoy him. Long story short, if he's winding up to go full force, run a mile. And then run another.'

In the duelling zone

Refusing to believe what he'd heard, Vector went on the offensive. 'I activate Rank-up Magic Thousand Force! This allows me to rank-up my Rank 5 Doom Chimera Dragon. Barian Xyz Evolution! Perish in the gloom of your ambition cur! I Xyz summon Number C5 – Chaos Chimera Dragon (Atk:?-4000).'

'And with Thousand Force, Chaos Chimera Dragon gains an extra Xyz material. Which means 1000 extra Attack points (Atk:4000-5000). Attack his rust-bucket with Chimera Burst.' Chaos Chimera created a ball of darkness in it's tendrils, ripping the powerful Giant apart (Phil LP:8000-7500).

'Congratulations, you passed Level 1. Gold star in the post.' 'You're just jealous that you don't have what I do!' His opponent however, he saw it differently. 'What do I have to be jealous of? You're a deposed lord of a planet I've never heard of, whereas I have a beautiful wife, a beautiful daughter, another human junior on the way, and a business which makes enough money so that I could walk away tomorrow and still maintain a nice life. I'm not jealous.'

Seeing the predicament, Vector then attempted to ward him off. 'Why are you here then, if you're content? Why not just leave now and never come back?' 'I mean I am tempted with some of the leadership around here, but I just enjoy the buzz. And especially beating delusional power-hungry maniacs like you. By the way, did you end your turn?' 'I end my turn with a face-down. During my End phase, I get to put Thousand Force on the top of my deck, while a Cyber Dragon becomes an Xyz material for my Dragon (Atk:5000-6000).'

Phil: 'I draw. Blaze Fenix, use your ability.' 'I activate Divine Wrath! Thanks to the divinity of myself, I can destroy your Fenix!' Thinking carefully as his flaming bird got blasted with lightning, he assessed the field, probing for the best move. 'I'll end with a face-down.' 'Probably for the best, don't want you getting your hopes up now. Don't want you thinking you might win.'

Vector: 'I draw' 'I activate Threatening Roar. This stops you from attacking this turn. Wouldn't want you getting your hopes up now that you might win.' Enraged again, Vector tried to set up an unbreakable monster. 'I activate my face-down Invalid Insensitive. This prevents monsters on my field being targeted or destroyed by card effects. I end my turn with a face-down. At my End phase, I attach Chaos Ancient Gear Giant as a material to Chaos Chimera Dragon, while placing Umbral Horror Will O' The Wisp on the top of my deck (Atk:6000-7000).'

Phil: 'My turn! By discarding one monster from my hand, I summon a new monster from my hand. Please welcome Cyber Dragon Nachster (Atk:200). When it's summoned, I can revive Cyber Dragon from my graveyard (Atk:2100). And as I just did that, I summon Cyber Dragon Vier from my hand (Atk:1100). And now Cyber Revsystem. This revives Proto-Cyber Dragon from my graveyard, granting it an immunity to card effect destruction (Def.:800).' 'What's your game here?' 'My face-down, that's what. Awaken to the Cybernetic Revolution!'

Upon the card's activation, four pillars of rainbow light surged from the ground and surrounded the corners of the field. 'This Trap is very powerful. All it requires is the tribute of one Cyber Dragon. Guess what Nachster's name is on the field.' Nachster vanished, and a three-headed demolition deliverer arrived.

'Sometimes what you need is old faithful. Because Revolution tributes a Cyber Dragon. In return, I can summon a Fusion monster with Cyber Dragon as a material from my Extra deck. Now Vector, let me introduce you to my pet – Cyber End Dragon (Atk:4000).' Facing down the latest powerful behemoth, Vector stayed bullish.

'That's nowhere near strong enough for my Chaos Chimera Dragon.' 'How about this then – Limiter Removal.' Vector's eyes went wide as End Dragon doubled in height, dwarfing both him and his Dragon (Atk:4000-8000). Suddenly then though, he had a thought. 'I'll activate my face-down Unbreakable Spirit. This will give my monster extra Attack equal to that of your weakest monster.' 'I have two with 1100 Attack. Nominating a monster would be irrelevant (Atk:7000-8100).'

Vector was extremely confident. But Phil still had one more trick up his sleeve as he giggled away. 'I'll give you credit Vector – not many opponents push me this far. But you did. Your reward? Imminent destruction. Rio warned me earlier that you have 1000 tricks. Here's the kicker – I have 1001! And here's number 1001. I used Proto-Cyber Dragon and Cyber Dragon Herz to Link Summon!'

Everyone seemed shocked at the idea, while the announcers proclaimed that there had never been a Link summon in the WDC before. 'The requirements are two Machines including a Cyber Dragon. I'll set my Proto and Herz in the Link Arrows. Proceed to the next generation, welcome to the future. A future you will never enjoy! Advance the cause of the Renegades, Cyber Dragon Sieger! (Atk:2100).'

'And here's where all your efforts blow up in your face. Sieger's ability can only activate when it abstains from attacking, and in return, Cyber End Dragon gains 2100 Attack points (Atk:8000-10,100). Super Strident Blaze!' The mechanical menace's flames scorched Vector's field, and the Chimera Dragon burned to it's demise.

'Luckily for you I can't deal damage to you when Sieger uses it's ability. You should be grateful. Kneel to me now and I might let you leave without being humiliated. I'll end my turn with two face-downs. During the End phase, Cyber End Dragon is destroyed due to Limiter Removal.'

Vector: 'I draw! By discarding Maliceverous Spoon, I can summon Maliceverous Fork (Atk:400). I'll also summon a Maliceverous Knife (Atk:600). And when he's summoned, I revive Spoon (Atk:100). And I'll overlay my three Level 2 monsters to build the overlay network! Consider this my final ace – Number 43 – Manipulator of Souls (Atk:0).'

With a crazed look in his eyes, Vector launched his assault. 'Manipulator of Souls, attack Cyber Dragon Sieger with Whipping Lash!' A long red tendril appeared from the manipulator, and smashed into the Link monster, bouncing off (Vector LP:7300-5200). 'I end my turn with that. At my end phase, I'll regain my lost points. Then Manipulator of Souls gains that much Attack and you lose that many points!'

What he hadn't reckoned on however, was his foe's face-down. 'I activate Bad Reaction to Simochi. So instead of gaining 2100 points, you'll lose 2100.' Vector screamed in pain and frustration as his points dropped perilously low (Vector LP:5200-3100). 'I end my turn.'

Phil: 'I draw. I summon Cyber Dragon Drei (Atk:1500). When it's summoned, the levels of all Cyber Dragons on the field become five. Of course it doesn't affect monsters lacking a Level however (Level:4-5)x2. 'Go on then, summon Infinity, see if I care.' Phil just laughed the suggestion off.

'It will do me no harm now to tell you that Cyber Dragon Infinity isn't in my Extra deck.' He then picked Infinity up out of his pocket and showed everyone. 'What I will do is activate my face—down Marshalling Field. The levels of all Level 5 or higher monsters becomes what I declare now. I declare nine (Level:5-9)x2.'

By this point, the result was quickly becoming a formality. 'I overlay my two Level 9 monsters to built the overlay network. Appear Number 9 – Dyson Sphere (Atk:2800).' Vector seemed optimistic regarding his chances against the canopy star. If only that was where the combo had ended…

'This would be the time I play "my god's better than your god", but let's be honest, I'm the god around here. None better. I activate Rank-up Magic Barian's Force. How humiliating to lose to your own card. This rebuilds the overlay network with Rank 9 Dyson Sphere. Chaos Xyz Evolution! It's time for you to feel the burn. Canopy star, descend from the heavens, cover the world in your unholy wrath! I Xyz summon Chaos Number 9 – Chaos Dyson Sphere (Atk:3600).'

Vector was clearly out of his depth facing down the gargantuan monster, which was wide enough to block the view of many fans. 'Attack and destroy Manipulator of Souls.'The deadly canopy star released two burning purple lasers which ascended through the body of the Manipulator, and making it catch fire internally, blasting Vector into the wall (Vector LP:3100-0).

As Vector slumped down in crushing failure, Phil pumped his fist into the air, and signalled to the crowd, from which came Alex and Ally. He joked with Alex for a moment, before lifting Ally onto his shoulders and carrying her around the chamber, before putting her down and stepping out of the structure, and shouting 'Two out of three', and left, signing tons of autographs on the way.

Returning, Blair and Rio were stunned at his performance. 'How long have you been hiding Sieger?' 'Since last week. After you taught me, I had it express delivered from Mongolia. Cost a bomb.' 'I'm not surprised.' 'Important thing is, he's gone now. And if he ever comes back, we'll be there, waiting.'

There was a recess in the action following the second Chamber duel, enough time for the club to sit down together with Ally and Alex. During the recess, Kris wanted to dig deeper on Blair's past in the military.

'So Ally said you were in the Marines, right?' 'Yeah, about two years in training, then 11 months serving on the USS Dakota just off the Atlantic.' 'Always wondered what it'd be like serving in the Navy.' 'I never wanted to leave. For once in my life I was actually respected.'

'So you didn't quit then?' 'I would never have quit.' Ally looked confused listening to this conversation. 'But Auntie Blair, you said you left.' Hannah then took Ally's hand. 'Your Auntie Blair told you that because she loves you so much. But you were too young to understand.'

Blair then explained the situation. 'I loved serving there. But I had some issues up here, in my head. I was ill. Not physically, but mentally. So I had to talk to my boss, and he said that while I had those issues, I couldn't stay. But one day I will return there. He just wants me to get really well.' Ally responded by climbing on the table and cuddling her aunt.

As Hannah took her away to the vending machines, the adults were able to talk. 'So you loved the Marines?' 'Like nothing else. But despite that, I was never happy. Internally. Thought I was just depressed, I mean I've had shit mental health since I was about 4, but the ship's doctor sent me to a mental health clinic in Washington anyway.'

'And then?' 'Turns out that the moment you say "Schizophrenia" your employment options are kind of limited. Spoke to my commanding officer, he told me that if I could prove it was managed, I could come back as a Reserve.' 'And did you?' She just nodded. 'Got a call from him a couple of months ago. Told me that due to my experience I'm being enlisted as a corporal, which I guess is cool.'

Rio seemed slightly concerned listening to the Schizophrenia story. 'But you're… you're ok now, aren't you?' Blair looked round with an uncharacteristic smile on her face. 'Absolutely fine. Not had an episode in… ooh… about 10 months? I don't even take my meds either.'

'How long since you took them?' 'About 10 months? I mean I did take them for like… 4 days.' 'So you're not going to flip out on me?' 'Not as long as you get me a coffee. Black, slightest hint of milk.' As Rio skulked off, everyone laughed. Upon her return, she had a message for Astrid.

'Maddy's texted.' 'Someone's in trouble then.' 'She wants to see me.' 'Big trouble then.' As she turned to leave, she leant back towards the blonde. 'She wants to see you as well.' Astrid seemed shocked, and quickly made her exit.

As the intermission finished, Hannah was leaving when Alex stopped her. 'So, how far gone?' '7 months.' 'The last couple of months are nerve-wrecking.' 'Honestly, I'm so terrified of what could go wrong.' 'Well don't be. Just need to remember that it'll all be worth it. You know it's gender yet?'

'No, we're saving the surprise.' 'Any names?' 'We've got a few we're discussing. Literally, we had about 50 names on the list at one point. We're looking at something a little different now though. Something just a bit unusual without being wacky.' 'Honestly, I knew someone when I was in college who called their kid Sunlight Moonbeam.'

Hannah was in hysterics hearing the name, but soon enough, talk changed to the main event. 'You don't have to go through with this later.' 'I know, but it's my one chance… our one chance… to finally get rid of him from our lives. He tried to murder' 'I know, Blair filled me in. I'm not going to pretend I understand the whole rebirth saga, but what I do know is that this isn't the way to go about getting him gone.'

'It's our only choice. He won't just go away, the police can't pin anything on him, the one person who has evidence of what he did won't give them anything no matter how much we offer. This is the time.' Alex responded with a simple cuddle. 'You go and do whatever you have to. Me and Ally will be cheering you on from the crowd.'

'I hope you know you're welcome with us anytime. I mean, you'll have to ask Maddy' 'Oh Maddy, how is she? Seemed pretty beat up earlier.' 'She'll be fine, she's a tough bugger. I think she may have broken a rib a few weeks back but she won't let anyone near there to look.'

In the medical bay

Maddy was just having her calf taped up when Astrid and Rio walked in. 'Erm hey, what's with the tape on your leg?' Still in poor shape from earlier, she struggled to speak. 'That chamber man… way brutal.' Astrid then pointed at Maddy's leg. 'Torn calf. Also tore a bicep.'

'So what did you want us down here for?' 'Big duel later. Title on the line. I want you working together. Until they're gone.' The Young-Gun Champion then unzipped her bag, and took out an official Renegades jacket. 'I want you both to wear your colours proudly in the duel.'

'And after they're gone?' 'Kill each other for all I care. Just make sure the title returns to us. Bonus points if you injure or embarrass him.' 'You mean Rhydian?' 'No, Santa Claus. Who do you think I mean Astrid? Beat him, get rid of him. By the way, this is yours Astrid.' Rio meanwhile, stood with arms folded.

'Let me guess, did you somehow sneak mine into my bag overnight.' 'No, not at all. I put it in my bag.' 'But the jacket's on my wall. How did you sneak it out?' 'Did it not occur to you that it was a bit strange it being washed on a Wednesday?' 'No, she told me it was filthy.' The reality then dawned on her. 'Blair Elena Flannigan you sneaky bitch!'

Something there had shocked Maddy. Just not the language. 'Blair's got a middle name?' Looking proud, Astrid laughed. 'I coulda told you that ages ago.' 'How – she doesn't tell people anything.' 'I saw her pro card. Don't forget, we turned pro together. Literally. I turned pro 20 minutes earlier. Elsker farvel!'

Astrid got as far as the door, before being called back. 'Let me make one thing clear to you. Either of you go rogue, and you'll have me to answer to. I would have no issue with expelling you both from the club if that's what it took.' The two rivals looked at each other, and just nodded.

Near the duel arena

Rhydian was waiting to enter for his title duel when he received a text message from Maddy, reading "You've got a deal, but this is the last time. Give them the evidence, and I won't go to the cops and report you for drug dealing." Reading this, Rhydian smiled. 'Too bad I've already given it in. Thanks anyway though.'

He then entered the duelling zone, not waiting for his cue. 'The following duel is for the WDC Championship. Introducing the champion, from Llanfair, Wales, he is the WDC Champion – Rhydian Morris.' While Rhydian walked down in his camo jacket, keeping the title close to his shoulder, fans showered him with boos.

Before he'd reached the duelling zone, Kieran followed, thumping down to the zone to his air crash music. 'Introducing the challengers, first, from London, England, the Iron Giant – Kieran Byrne.' As he tended to do, he totally blanked the capacity crowd, instead storming down. Interestingly though, he barely acknowledged Rhydian upon arrival, instead taking his own jacket off.

Finally the Renegades' music hit, and Rio and Astrid made their entrance together, in a display of unity. 'Introducing the other challengers, first from Twin Falls, Idaho, Cold Blooded Rio Kastle. And the final challenger, from Svalbard, Norway, Fearless Astrid Hofferson.'

The two matched each other almost pace for pace all the way down, and reaching the zone, immediately split to their own sectors. After Rhydian handed his title over, the four of them began the duel, as Maddy returned to the box.

In the box

'You should be resting.' 'I'm fine. I'm stitched up, nowt's broken, still breathing.' Frustrated, Hannah snapped at her. 'Why do you never listen? You're going to make yourself ill.' 'Which bit of I am fine didn't you get Mam? Going on holiday after, right? I'll take a week off then.' 'I'll make sure you do. Tie you up if I have to.'

In the duelling zone

WDC Championship (there must be a winner): Astrid Hofferson LP:8000 vs. Rio Kastle LP:8000 vs. Kieran Byrne LP:8000 vs. (c) Rhydian Morris LP:8000

Turn 1: Astrid: 'The first turn is mine. Draw. Activate One for One. I'll discard Mischief of the Time Goddess, and summon Valkyrie Sechste (Def.:2000). When she's summoned, I can call upon another Valkyrie from my deck. I summon Valkyrie Sigrun (Atk:2200). And she calls upon a Valkyrie herself, if it's of Level 8 or lower. Come, Valkyrie Zweite (Atk:1600). Two face-downs.'

Kieran: 'I draw. I summon Superheavy Samurai Blue Brawler (Atk:0). And I'll equip it with Superheavy Samurai Soulpeacemaker to it from my hand. By tributing Blue Brawler now, I summon Superheavy Samurai Big Benkei (Def.:3500). I end my turn.'

Rio: 'Guess it's my turn then. I draw! I'll summon Aurora Wing (Atk:1200), then throw down three face-downs.'

Rhydian: 'My turn. I'll activate Snake Rain. I'll discard one card and send four Reptiles to my graveyard. Then I'll activate Monster Reborn to revive Vennominon, the King of Poisonous Snakes (Atk:2000). And I'll equip it with Molting Escape, then end my turn with a face-down.'

Astrid: 'Draw. Activate Valkyrie's Embrace. By switching Zweite to Defence (Def.:1600), Vennominon is banished.' Rhydian's salvation came from Kieran in this case, assisting one of the few people whom he would count as something approaching a friend. 'Activate Fairy's Hand Mirror. This switches the effect target from Vennominon to Aurora Wing.'

Astrid looked concerned at Rio's response. Instead, she just gave her a thumbs-up. 'I activate Timeline Cutting. By banishing the top two cards of my deck, I can negate the activation of a card and return it to the top of that duellist's deck. Then the controller of that card sends a monster from their field to their graveyard.' 'Take Sechste.'

With Aurora Wing reprieved, Astrid continued her turn. 'I activate Cards from the Sky. By banishing the Fairy-type Valkyrie Funfte from my hand, I can draw two cards. I end my turn with two face-downs.' Everyone seemed rather surprised at the normally aggressive Astrid holding fire.

Kieran: 'I'll summon the Tuner monster Superheavy Samurai Trumpeter through it's effect as my graveyard contains only monsters (Atk:300). And I'll tune Level 2 Trumpeter with the Level 8 Big Benkei, then Synchro summon Level 10 Superheavy Samurai Warlord Susanowo (Def.:3800).'

'Susanowo allows me to take a Spell or Trap from your graveyard and set it to my field. It's banished when it leaves the field. I'll take your Timeline Cutting. I'll then equip Sunsanowo with Superheavy Samurai Soulshield Wall from my hand to give it 1200 more Defence (Def.:3800-5000).' Kieran was about to attack at this point, but he saw Rio limbering up to use a face-down, and so stopped in his tracks. 'I'll end my turn right there.'

Rio: 'What's wrong – chicken? I draw. I'll activate Guard Penalty and target Aurora Wing. Then I switch Aurora Wing into Defence mode (Def.:1600), and Guard Penalty gives me a new card. A card which I'll immediately set and end my turn.'

Rhydian: 'My turn. I activate Dark World Lightning. This destroys any set card on the field, and then I discard one card. I'll target one of Astrid's face-downs.' 'Which one?' 'Right.' Rhydian's card shot lightning into Astrid's card (Apple of Enlightenment), destroying it.

'Trigger, the graveyard effect of Apple of Enlightenment. It was destroyed by an opponent's card effect. So I draw cards equal to my controlled Valkyries plus one. I control two Valkyries, so I draw three cards. Then R: Restoration. Because a set card I control was destroyed by you, I pay 2000 Life points (Astrid LP:8000-6000), and return it to my field. In addition, it survives this turn.'

As Rhydian discarded his card, Vennominon gained further strength (Atk:2000-2500). 'I'll set a monster, then I'll end my turn.'

Astrid: 'My draw. I'll summon Valkyrie Chariot (Atk:500). And then, she becomes Sigrun's noble steed. I'll set three cards and end my turn.' The cagey start seemed to be making the crowds restless, but Astrid was sticking to her gameplan.

Kieran: 'I draw. I'll equip Susanowo with Superheavy Samurai Soulpiercer.' A crossbow then grew onto Susanowo's arm, clicking into place easily. 'This lets it pierce through defending monsters. Take down Zweite with Soulpierce Shooter.'

'Trigger set card – Dark Mirror Force. The perfect counter to your metallic menaces – it banishes every monster in Defence on your field.' Without warning, Kieran's Susanowo was swallowed up by an abyssal black hole, weapons and all, never to be seen again. He tried not to show it, but Kieran was clearly shaken by this. 'I'll set a monster, and then end my turn.'

Rio: 'I draw. I activate Moray of Greed. By shuffling two of my Water-attribute monsters into the deck, I draw three. One of which is Blizzard Condor (Atk:1400). Now I'll overlay my two Level 4 Water monsters to build the overlay network and Xyz summon Snowdust Giant (Atk:2200).'

'And I'll activate a Field Spell – Xyz Override.' A large and imposing factory setting became the backdrop upon activation, spreading across the field. 'By banishing a card face-down from my hand, Override can trigger Giant's ability. I reveal Blizzard Falcon and Guard Penguin, to place two Snow Counters on Giant, lowering the Attack of all non-Water monsters by 200 for each (Vennominon LP:2500-2100, Sigrun Atk:2000-1600, Zweite Atk:1600-1200).'

'Snowdust Giant, lay into Kieran's Life points.' The icy giant slammed Kieran hard with it's frozen club, pushing him back as Rhydian watched on calmly (Kieran LP:8000-5800). 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Rhydian: 'I draw. I activate Pot of Desires. By banishing 10 cards from the top of my deck, I draw two cards. Now because I have five cards in my hand, I can summon Wicked Acolyte Chilam Sabak without a tribute (Atk:2500-2100). And I'll activate Solidarity. Because all the monsters in my graveyard have the same type, all monsters of that type on my field gain 800 Attack (Atk:2100-2900)x2.'

With his monsters set, Rhydian eyed up his target. 'Sabak, destroy Valkyrie Sigrun with Serpentine Spit.' The 8-headed, hydra-like Sabak spat venom straight at the angelic Valkyrie, but the chariot fell apart instead (Astrid LP:6000-4900). 'Valkyrie Chariot takes the hit for Sigrun.'

'Too bad she won't survive Vennominon's attack. Go – Fanged Venom!' Waiting until the last possible moment, Astrid revealed her insurance policy. 'Activate a Trap – Apple of Enlightenment. This allows me to banish monsters from your grave equal to the amount of Valkyries on my field. With two, I can banish two Reptiles from your graveyard.' 'It's not going to help your monster.' Suddenly though, as Vennominon's Attack dropped (Atk:2900-1900), it backed down. 'I told you to attack!'

The Norwegian's reply was catty and self-assured. 'Shout all you like, makes no difference. Because of Loge's Flame. Stops monsters with 2000 or less Attack from attacking.' Attempting to get in Astrid's head, Rhydian started to protest his eternal innocence. 'I end my turn. Why won't you just go away? I always have had Maddy's best interests at hand.' 'Jævla kryp!'

Astrid: 'Time to take out the rubbish. I draw. I activate Ride of the Valkyries. This summons as many Valkyries as I can from my hand. Come, Valkyries Erda, Brunhilde, and Vierte (Erda Atk:2000-1600, Brunhilde Atk:1800-1400, Vierte Atk:1400-1000). 'When Vierte is summoned, I can excavate four cards for four other Valkyrie monsters on my field. If I find a Normal Spell/Trap, add it to my hand.'

As she revealed the first card, she smiled (Final Light). After taking the other cards (Valkyrie Dritte, Ride of the Valkyries, Ride of the Valkyries), she immediately discarded the three of them. 'I'll add Final Light to my hand. Now Brunhilde gains 500 for each monster I don't have. I'm counting… tre! (Atk:1400-2900). Brunhilde, attack Vennominon. 'Rive Hellige Katastrofsverd!'

Brunhilde's sword glowed in a rainbow hue, as she rode into battle, before she swung her weapon, which cut the sky asunder and decapitated Vennominon (Rhydian LP:8000-7000). However, Vennominon's head then grew back, grossing Astrid out. 'Think I want to be sick now.'

'Because of Molting Escape, Vennominon survives, and gains 300 Attack (Atk:1900-2200).' Seeing her predicament, she was furious, but tried to not let it show. 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Kieran: 'I draw. Because Astrid controls at least two monsters, I summon Superheavy Samurai Scales (Atk:800-400). And when he's summoned, I can revive Blue Brawler (Def.:2000). And with no Spells or Traps in my grave, I can summon another Trumpeter (Atk:800-400).'

'And while I'm at it, I'll spit out Superheavy Samurai Soulclaw (Atk:500). So now I can tune Level 2 Trumpeter to Level 4 Scales, Level 4 Blue Brawler, and Level 2 Soulclaw.' For once, the normally quiet Kieran then raised his voice ever so slightly. 'This will give you something to chew on! I Synchro summon Superheavy Samurai Steam Train King (Def.:4800).'

'I activate the ability of Steam Train King. It banishes all Spells and Traps from Astrid's grave, and then hits her with 200 damage for each one.' As all the Spells and Traps vanished from Astrid's graveyard, she was slammed with the noise from a deafening horn (Astrid LP:4900-3700).

'Now for it's other ability. I discard Superheavy Samurai Big Wariji to destroy that Loge's Flame.' As Wariji departed, the Level 12's face plate smashed through Loge's Flame, removing it's presence and freeing Train King up to attack. 'Bulldoze Snowdust Giant.' The Giant was unable to mount any resistance as it was shattered by the full-speed train (Rio LP:8000-5600). 'I end my turn.'

Rio: 'I draw.' Noticing the flaw with Steam Train King, Rio formulated a plan. 'I'll activate the Spell card Overlay Retrieval. By banishing two cards from my graveyard, I can revive an Xyz monster, and then attach this as a material. So I'll remove Timeline Cutting and Blizzard Condor, then revive Snowdust Giant (Atk:2400).'

'Next I'll activate another Spell card – Blackwater Ripple! This card requires payment of 1500 Life points (Rio LP:5600-4100), and replaces that with a Water-attribute Xyz monster from my Extra deck, but it loses all it's abilities, and like a ripple, it's gone by the end of the Battle phase. I summon another Snowdust Giant (Atk:2400).'

'It won't stay however, as the other effect of Blackwater Ripple allows me to overlay my two Rank 4 monsters in order to summon a Rank 5. Meet Ice Princess Zereort (Atk:2500).' Immediately seeing the danger, Rhydian went to shut it down. 'I activate Offering to the Snake Deity. This will destroy Vennominon, as well as Zereort and your face-down.'

Sadly for Rhydian, she'd already seen it coming. 'I activate my face-down Icaron's Ice Trap. This allows me to immediately rank up my Rank 5 Zereort. Chaos Xyz Evolution! Bet you're regretting your panic now. I Xyz summon Number 21: Frozen Lady Justice. For every Xyz material she has, she gains 1000 Attack (Atk:500-3500).'

As Offering activated, the only card it destroyed was Vennominon, being the only target remaining on the field. 'I activate Rise of the Snake Deity. Because Vennominon was destroyed by a card effect, I can summon out Vennominaga, the Deity of Poisonous Snakes (Atk:3000).'

'Frozen Lady Justice, destroy Vennominaga with Subzero Slash.' The dangerous Rank 6 easily skewered Vennominaga, the sword skewering it's heart. No sooner had it been destroyed than it returned though (Rhydian LP:7000-6500, Vennominaga Atk:3000-2500). At this point, Rio had a tough decision.

("I've got two choices here. I could just end my turn now. But then Kieran's monster will run over Frozen Lady. But if I use her ability, she only ties Rhydian's Snake Deity. But can I afford to ignore Kieran? My hand's running empty, my face-down doesn't help. I just hope Astrid can deal with whatever I leave.")

'I'll activate the ability of Number 21. By detaching a material (Atk:3500-2500), she can destroy all Defence-mode monsters on the field.' Sadly for Rio, Kieran had a contingency plan. 'I'll discard Superheavy Samurai Soulfire Suit from my hand. It protects Steam Train King at the cost of 800 Defence until the end of the turn.'

At this point, Astrid suddenly stepped in. 'Activate face-down Mind Crush! I declare the name of a card, if it's in Kieran's hand it goes to the grave. I choose Soulfire Suit.' With the chain resolving backwards, Soulfire Suit was sent to the graveyard before it could activate, resulting in Frozen Lady Justice annihilating his monster. 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

Rhydian: 'I draw. You're not the only one with tricks. I summon Magic Hole Golem (Atk:0). And by halving the Attack of Vennominaga during the Battle phase, she can attack directly Slithering Snipe.' The snake deity's snake commandants slithered around, before several of them fired off at the Idahoan, taking her points down (Rio LP:4100-2850). 'And now for Berserker Soul!'

Seeing what was happening, Astrid could only shout for Rio to 'Be careful!', while Rhydian gave his sinister smile. 'Now I reveal cards from the top of my deck. Each time I reveal a monster, it goes to the graveyard and you lose 500 points. I can do this up to seven times, but by then, you lose.'

At this point, he took the top card off of his deck. 'Worm Victory. Fitting isn't it?' A snake then surged from the serpentine monarch, and slammed Rio (Rio LP:2850-2350). 'Worm Xex (Rio LP:2350-1850). Worm Yagan (Rio LP:1850-1350). Venom Boa (Rio LP:1350-850). Worm Yagan (Rio LP:850-350).'

Victoriously, Rhydian then took his next card as Rio stared him down from a knee, refusing to go down completely. A tense stare-off then ensued, before Rhydian placed the card on the top of his deck. 'You got lucky (Vennominaga Hyper-Venom Counters:1, Vennominaga Atk:2500-5000). I end my turn.'

Astrid: 'I draw. I'll set this for later, and then activate Pot of Avarice. By shuffling into my deck five cards resting in my grave, I draw two. Now for my face-down Final Light. It's time for your final scene as for every 1000 points I give up now, I can revive a Valkyrie from my graveyard. Then Rhydian can revive the same number of monsters if they have 2000 or less Attack.'

'I'll pass thanks.' 'I'll revive Fortune Chariot, Valkyrie Brunhilde, and Valkyrie Zweite (Astrid LP:3700-1700, Chariot Atk:1000, Zweite Def.:1600, Brunhilde Atk:1800-2300).' Having seen Astrid's plan, Rio quickly nipped in to take advantage. 'I activate Card of Sacrifice. This draws two cards as long as the weakest monster on Rhydian's field has more Attack than my strongest. He only has the 5k Vennominaga, so I draw.'

Astrid then took over the mantle. 'Ride into battle Brunhilde! Wage war with Kieran's Life points. Sigrun, join your ally!' The two Valkyries rode into war together, with their respective swords slicing the sky asunder and forcing Kieran into a difficult position (Kieran LP:5800-1500). 'I'll end my turn.'

Kieran: 'I summon Superheavy Samurai Battleball (Atk:100). And he's going to let me Synchro summon.' Rio seemed confused however, seeing Kieran's lack of monsters. 'You've got no monsters on the field, you've got none in your hand. Where are your other materials?'

'The other material is a monster on an opponent's field. I choose Level 5 Valkyrie Zweite to tune with Level 2 Battleball. I summon Superheavy Samurai Stealth Ninja (Def.:2800).' 'Can just about take a hit from that.' 'Stealth Ninja can attack directly by halving it's Defence. Attack Rio directly.'

Just as the Stealth Ninja re-appeared in front of Rio, ready to strike her down, Astrid made a split-second strategy call. 'Trigger set card!' As she did, a blinding light emitted, and Stealth Ninja's attack missed Rio by inches, while light flooded the field.

'What the hell was that?' Astrid looked over at Rio, and glared at her. 'Mirakeldagen!' It was then that Rio realised. 'You activated Miracle Day.' 'By activating that Trap, I pay half of my remaining Life points (Astrid LP:1700-850), and all damage is ended for the turn.' 'I end my turn.'

Rio: 'Better make good on the second chance. I draw. I'll start with the ability of Frozen Lady Justice to remove your Stealth Ninja (Atk:2500-1500).' The frozen lady's sword glowed, and she drilled it straight into the Ninja, freezing it and causing it to self-destruct. 'Now I activate Rank-down Magic Pure Force. This will turn Frozen Lady Justice into a monster of one lower Rank. In addition, this effect can't be negated. Rank-down Xyz de-evolution! I Xyz summon Number 94 – Crystalzero (Atk:2200).'

'Nifty little trick.' 'Who said I'm done? You're about to be de-throned your majesty!' As she fired up, Rio started sweating profusely. 'No… not yet. I can now rebuild the overlay network with Rank 5 Crystalzero. Rank-up Xyz Evolution! This monster used to be a sign of the bond between me and my brother. Now it's a sign that I have the power of two! I Xyz summon the Full Armoured Crystalzero Lancer. She gains 500 Attack for every Xyz material she has. That's three (Atk:2200-3700). I end my turn with a face-down.'

Rhydian: 'For a moment I thought you might be doing something worthwhile. Guess I was wrong. I draw. I'll activate Cold Wave. This stops either of you little pests from stopping my attack. Vennominaga, attack Astrid's Brunhilde, and get rid of the threat.' As Rhydian's plan to see off "the threat" came into fruition, the Snake Deity strangled the life out of Brunhilde, and Astrid was taken down (Astrid LP:850-0).

The Norse Goddess was clearly upset at this, however she stepped away calmly, preferring to keep up pretences. As she did, Rhydian started belittling his last opponent. 'What – you really think you're some big shot? No amount of buddying up can prepare you for me. You're out of your league, go home or you're going to get hurt by the big boys.'

Kieran then echoed the sentiments. 'It's nothing personal, you're just not good enough. You shouldn't have pushed your brother away, at least then he could do all the fighting for you.' They were surprised however, when instead of getting upset, she fired back at them.

'What – I should believe somebody who's never been anything more than a lackey? I may not be perfect but at least I don't need to play subservient to anybody. Oh, and Rhydian? You got dumped! Get over it!' This almost pushed Rhydian right over the edge. 'Next turn, I'm going to break your neck!'

Kieran: 'I draw. I activate Foolish Burial. This sends a monster from my deck to the graveyard. I summon Blue Brawler (Def:2000) end my turn.' 'Not attacking?' 'Rhydian can have the pleasure of annihilating you.'

Rio: 'I've got more fight in me than both of you put together! I draw. I'll start with Ookazi to deal Kieran 800 damage (Kieran LP:1500-700). Now I'll activate Infernoble Arms – Haute… Haute...' She then leant over to Astrid. 'How do you say this?' 'Hauteclere.' 'That one! In exchange for my Lancer being the only monster to attack this turn, it attacks twice.' With a deep breath, she went full kamikaze. 'Attack Vennominaga! Shimmering Spear!' Rhydian laughed seeing this. 'Bring it on!' But it was at this moment, Kieran notified him of one small detail. 'She's got a face-down.' 'So?' But it was too late.

'So, I activate Fiend Comedian. But it's no laughing matter. I toss a coin, and if it lands on Heads, you lose all the monsters from your graveyard.' By the time she'd explained this, the toss had landed. 'Heads.' As Vennominaga's power wasted away from having no fuel in the graveyard (Vennominaga Atk:5000-0), and Rhydian looked on in panic, there was one more cruel twist of fate from Kieran.

He looked over at Rhydian, and said '50 Grand.' 'Deal.' 'I activate the effect of Superheavy Samurai Soulbang Cannon in the graveyard! Because you activated a card effect, we all lose 1000 Life points.' 'You two...' Rhydian then bragged. 'It works for both of us. He provides protection, and he gets lots of money. Plus he doesn't have to serve under Baby-eater Birchall.'

At this moment the Soulbang Cannon went off, shooting balls of electricity randomly at everyone, ending the duel in less-than-steller fashion (Rio LP:350-0, Kieran LP:700-0, Rhydian LP:6500-5500).'

With the plan having worked to perfection, Rhydian raised his belt, but quickly bounced out of the duelling zone to avoid a kick from Astrid. Rio meanwhile was sat there, frustrated at how the duel ended. Eventually her fellow Renegade moved quietly towards her, and after they exchanged words, pulled her up to her feet. Kieran himself had departed by this point, and the powerful young women left together, still unified.

Backstage

Ahead of the main event, Hannah was being interviewed about the duel. 'Hannah, for so long now, James Birchall has been making the lives of not just yourself, but your entire family a complete misery. But tonight, you have the chance to change that. What are your thoughts going into this duel?'

Hannah looked at her, and took the microphone, before staring dead-eyed into the camera. 'I am not controlled. I am not a mindless zombie. I am not a damsel in distress. What I am is six months pregnant, and what I am is pissed! Because everybody decided they know what's best for me, and that I can't make a single decision for myself. Well I can.'

'My entire relationship with my husband has been to breaking point and back all because people refuse to accept that I could possibly be in love with someone they decided wasn't right for me. I am in control of my own destiny. And when this day is through, James, you're going to be out of my life for good.'

In the box

As Rio and Astrid returned, Maddy was waiting. 'It's about time you started acting like allies. Oh, and the entering together? Nice touch. Who's idea was it?' Rio just pointed at Astrid, who shrugged. The blonde, who had partial access to Maddy's phone, then asked an important question.

'So, you going through with the deal?' 'He's going through with his part. I'm not reporting him until I know he has.' 'Crafty.' 'Listen, if I have to get him sent to prison in order to get rid of him from my life, I will. Hopefully by the time he comes out, he'll have moved on from me.'

In the Commissioner's office

Michael was just packing up before leaving the show, when the phone in the office rung. 'Always the way. Hello? Mr. Ghadami? Yes, I did. Yes, I heard that, and I fully intend on investigating. No, you can't investigate yourself, I'm the head of the Board of Directors. Suspended? On what grounds? I can assure you I have no active bias against anybody. Well quite frankly Ms. Hofferson has a serious problem regarding respect. No, I assure you she does. I will see you in two weeks then.'

Slamming the phone down, he went to leave again only for Bolton Andrews to walk in. 'With respect Bolton, I don't wish to talk right now.' 'What appears to be the issue?' 'I've been suspended for three weeks for being "biased in my duties". Also they are investigating Rhydian because apparently the Board don't want the title being "bought". I mean I'd do the same, but my authority clearly doesn't matter.'

Bolton then picked up Michael's silky leather briefcase. 'I may have had a thought regarding the commissioner role. Come and I'll tell you my plan.' The two left, as Bolton explained his thought process.'

Meanwhile, near the entrance gate

Hannah was quietly preparing herself for the task at hand when her husband joined her. 'Nervous?' 'You can tell?' 'Can't hide anything from me. You want me to have a quick look over your deck?' 'Sure.' As he sat down to do that, she looked at him adoringly. 'You do know people aren't right about you, right?'

'I do. But this ain't about me. Just remember, there is no pressure on you at all. Because he doesn't know that you came out of retirement just for this. Nobody outside of our little circle knows that. Nobody knows that you could never pick a deck up in anger again and still have achieved way more than you wanted.'

' 'I suppose you are right.' Seeing her fear still, Phil reached deep into their past. 'What did you tell me when I was sick with nerves before our first tag title duel?' After a couple of minutes' thinking time, she came up with the answer. 'It's just another duel? It's just another duel.' And at this moment, everything connected. 'It's just another duel...'

He then passed her deck back and smiled. 'My work here is done.' 'You'll be here won't you?' He just smiled again. 'Of course I will. I'll be right by the doors. Once you win, we get the fuck outta here. Now you go and win this duel of no importance whatsoever!' She laughed, and departed through the gate.

Backstage

James was stood with just Martin. He would claim it was due to nobody being good enough to interview him, although in reality everybody refused to interview him. 'Hannah, take a good look at this face. Because it's either the last face you see, or the face you see everyday for the rest of your life. I control your narrative. ME! I CONTROL IT!' He stormed off after this.

James entered first for the main event, wearing a shirt which rather unnervingly, had a picture of Hannah in lingerie on it. Walking down, he was shouting at the crowd, who were showering him with not just obscenities, but also with their used popcorn buckets and plastic bottles, many of which pelted him in the head. As he reached the zone, he swore back at the crowd, and almost caused a full-on riot by giving the fans two middle fingers.

Hannah then walked out, wearing a light blue and grey bodysuit and flares, as well as a diamond-studded cap. She was planning on walking straight down to the zone. However, word had gotten round that Hannah was only out of retirement for one duel. Therefore, a group of twenty or thirty fans had left their seats to form a guard of honour.

Seeing this, she acknowledged them, and raised the famous four fingers, before walking under the guard while Snow White Queen chilled the arena, as the rampant fans reached fever-pitch. Before entering the zone, she took a moment to dismiss the guard, and then entered, immediately getting right in the face of Birchall, leading to them butting heads in the centre of the duelling zone, only stopping when Geoff Maltby separated them. The introductions were then made in a terse atmosphere, as the lights dimmed.

'The following duel is your Main Event of WDC: In the Shadows, and is a Career vs. Career duel. There MUST be a winner, and whichever duellist loses must leave the WDC. Introducing first, the special referee and enforcer for the duel, he is a 3-time WDC Tag-Team Champion, and 2-time WDC Champion, The Oracle – Geoff Maltby.' Geoff raised his arm and waved to the fans, but he knew that the duel wasn't about him.

'Introducing the competitors. First of all, from' At this point, the disgusted announcer threw her cards on the ground. 'I refuse to read that. As a human being, no way am I reading that!' Maltby calmed her down, and picked up the cards. 'Introducing first, from his own disgusting fantasies which I'm not repeating here because otherwise he isn't leaving here alive, James Birchall.'

Birchall started making rude gestures towards Hannah, who stared straight through him. 'And introducing his opponent, from Norden, England, this is H.R.C. - Hannah Cummings.' Hannah raised her four fingers again, and then activated her duel disk, encouraging James to do the same.

Before they began, Maltby stepped between them. 'Let me make one thing clear – if EITHER of you step out of your zones during the duel, you WILL lose immediately. Coin toss to decide who goes first.' Hannah had other ideas however. 'He can decide, I'll win either way.'

James was far from impressed by this. 'You've really become full of yourself. I'll have to empty you.' 'Double dare you.' James lunged at this point, but was held back by Maltby. 'First or second James?' 'I'll go second. Bring the pain early.'

The Final Battle: Hannah Robinson-Cummings LP:8000 vs. James Birchall LP:8000

Turn 1: Hannah: 'Here for a good time, not for a long time! I activate the Field spell Impcantation Thanatosis.' The arena darkened, and two small candles flickered with a purple flame either side of Hannah. 'When this is activated, I can reveal Impcantation Bookstone in my hand. Then I summon the other two copies from my deck and return this one to my deck (Atk:0)x2.'

'Now I activate Nekroz Cycle. It's a Ritual spell, so I tribute my two Bookstones in order to summon out Nekroz of Decisive Armour (Atk:3300). I end my turn with a face-down. Come and get me.'

James: 'I draw. I'll summon Archfiend Emperor, the First Lord of Horror through his effect (Atk:3000-1500). I'll then use it's ability, banishing Archfiend Empress to destroy Decisive Armour.' 'You really think I'd let you do that? I'll activate the effect of Nekroz of Trishula from my hand. Just discard her, and the effect is negated.'

'Well I'll activate the Spell card Different Dimension Reincarnation to bring out Archfiend Empress (Atk:2900). And because I control an Archfiend, I also summon Archfiend Commander, but it can't attack this turn (Atk:2500). When it's summoned, it will destroy Emperor. But that's fine. I end my turn with a face-down. Soon enough, my darling, you will see the truth.'

Hannah: 'The truth? How about you are vile, and you make me want to vomit. I draw. I activate Monster Reincarnation. By discarding one card, I'll return Nekroz of Trishula to my hand. Now I activate another Ritual Spell. This one is called Nekroz Kaleidoscope.'

'This card allows me to conjure multiple Ritual monsters at once. All I have to do is mill a card from my Extra deck, and then I Ritual summon monsters whose Levels combine to equal that of the selected monster. But I believe in a swords-on demonstration. I send the Level 12 Geomathmech Final Sigma to my graveyard so I may summon Nekroz of Clausolas and Nekroz of Trishula (Atk:1200, 2700).'

Facing down three monsters, James was starting to get concerned. 'You don't have a clue what's coming for you.' 'Well if it's your set card, I wouldn't get your hopes up. Because the effect of Nekroz of Decisive Armour destroys your card, then banishes it. Set Snipe.' Decisive Armour's body armour shot a single blue arrow from a shoulder pad, which charged down James' face-down (Enemy Controller), removing it from play.

'Decisive Armour, destroy Archfiend Empress.' The Level 10 Ritual shot a beam from it's arm, disintegrating the Empress (Birchall LP:8000-7600). 'Trishula, attack Archfiend Commander.' Trishula quickly slashed the head off of the commander with it's ice-cold steel, emptying his field (Birchall LP:7600-7400). 'And you've now got Clausolas coming straight for you. Attack with Taloned Hurricane.' The weakest Nekroz turned itself into a taloned hurricane, and drilled the foe (James LP:7400-6200).

'Are you done? I need to get on with beating you so I can get out of this hellhole.' 'Just for that, I'll activate Miracle Galaxy. This allows me to conduct my Battle phase again, however only one monster can attack. Decisive Armour, give him hell!.' The strongest monster took it's second chance to shoot it's dissipating arrow directly at the madman, dropping his career closer to the exit door (James LP:6200-2900). 'Now I'll end my turn.'

James: 'I draw. I knew you didn't hate me, anybody can see that. All you have to do is kick B' 'I'm not going to let you finish that one. The truth is I hate you so much, I can't even express how much. I would tell you to go to hell, but even hell would suffer for your existence.'

James however, in his deluded and twisted mind, didn't believe a word of this. He only believed that he was the chosen one. 'I am more than any of you! I draw.' He then chuckled to himself. 'I activate Pot of Greed to draw two. Then I activate Swords of Revealing Light to stop you attacking for three turns. Then I activate Monster Reborn to revive Archfiend Emperor (Atk:3000), and summon Terrorking Archfiend (Atk:2000).'

'Archfiend Emperor, destroy Nekroz of Clausolas and bring her the pain!' As Emperor impaled Clausolas with a black sword made from shadows, Hannah triggered her face-down (Hannah LP:8000-6300). 'Before Clausolas was destroyed, I activated my face-down Soul Memoir. By equipping it to Clausolas, Memoir was destroyed. Meaning that I get to summon any monster from my deck which happens to be of a lower level. Meet Djinn Disserere of Rituals (Def.:0).'

'Easy pickings.' 'Not when the monster summoned off of Soul Memoir can't be destroyed for the rest of the turn.' 'Whatever. I end my turn.'

Hannah: 'You're done! I activate R: Ceremony. This allows me to Ritual summon any monster by banishing the materials from my field, so long as their combined Level at least equals the Level of the Ritual monster. So I'll banish the Fiend-type Disserere, the Warrior-type Trishula, and the Dragon-type Decisive Armour. You are finished! I Ritual summon the strongest Nekroz monster, the almighty Nekroz of Sophia (Atk:3400).'

James laughed facing it down, but his smile was about to disappear. 'Sophia required three monsters of differing types. And when she's summoned, she banishes EVERY card on the field and in both our graves.' Seeing all his cards vanish in burning light, James realised the gravity of his situation.

'We can discuss this I'm sure.' Hannah then laughed. 'Never! This IS THE END! Nekroz of Sophie, NO MERCY!' Sophia descended from the sky, and fired light from both palms, ending the duel, and James' career in the WDC (James LP:2900-0).

Having vanquished James once and for all, Hannah immediately bailed out of the arena, with Birchall not far behind. As she reached the gates, Phil pulled her in. 'Quickly, there's a fire door around here out to the back end of the lobby.' 'Where's everyone else?' 'They're fine – the path back from the box takes them behind where James is headed.'

Meanwhile, further back, Birchall was totally unaware of the fire exit. But he was chasing, and chose a different route. 'There's no way they're getting away this time. She's teased me long enough, this time I break that bitch!'

The drama continued in the lobby. When Phil and Hannah arrived, Blair was leaning by a post, using a baseball cap and sports jacket to stay incognito. As they passed, she whispered down Hannah's ear. 'With me, everyone's waiting.' As soon as they reunited with the club, Hannah was able to breathe a massive sigh of relief.

'Everyone's safe?' 'Just about. He passed right by us, but Maddy heard him coming.' Hannah went to thank her daughter, who quickly silenced her. 'Let's get outta here – he won't be far behind us.'

As the club went to exit, James caught up, and stood in front of the doors. 'You really think I'm going to let you leave? I told you, you don't get a happily ever after!' Phil responded by walking up to him, and just pie-facing him. As they passed, Blair then head-butted him for good measure.

Before they got chance to leave though, an enraged Birchall confronted them again, and produced a Revolver Magnum. 'We've been here before.' 'This time Brady, you die! This will blast your stupid brains out and pin them against a wall!' Phil, apparently not concerned, said the fatal words 'Do it bitch.'

And then, the gun discharged three times.

As the smoke from the gun cleared, Maddy was stood directly in the path. But she wasn't bleeding. The bullets were lay in front of her on the ground, and James was rapidly trying to reload. 'This vest? Leather and Kevlar. 100% Bulletproof.' After reloading, James took aim again, but failed to see Phil behind him, who grabbed him in a rear choke.

As he wrenched back to subdue James, several onlookers rung the police. 'Hello, Police please. There's a man running around the Manchester Arena with a gun and he's trying to shoot at people.' As Phil let go, Blair thought quickly and threw his gun across the floor, before several club members and passers-by piled onto him to prevent his escape.

Shortly afterwards, half a dozen police officers arrived, in full riot gear. 'Down on your knees! Down on your knees! Keep your hands where we can see them!' In all the chaos, James had managed to retrieve his gun and shot wildly, shooting two officers in the leg, and a spectator in the stomach, before being tazed.

Having temporarily paralysed him, and with the whole arena (as well as most of the duellists) watching, he was restrained. 'Is your name James Alan Birchall?' 'Yeah, who's asking?' 'My name is DC Danny Rose. James Birchall, I am arresting you on suspicion of the Attempted Murder of Hannah Robinson-Cummings. You do not have to say anything when questioned, although anything you do say may be given in evidence against you in a court of law. Take him away boys.' As James was lead away, the Renegades watched on. James Birchall's reign of terror… was over.

Next time: Events hidden to view unfold, and it plunges Maddy into a whole new kind of danger in Renegades: A New Dawn Chapter XXXI: Fade to Black