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.

56. Seventh Heaven

Renegades: A New Dawn

Chapter LVI: Seventh Heaven

WDC Victory Road card:

WDC Young-Gun Championship: Sgt. Tyranno Hassleberry vs. [c] Maddy Robinson-Cummings

Akiza Izinski vs. Jade Goocheneyad

WDC Tag-Team Championships: Dynasty (Kenzie Calhoun/Denzil Davis) vs. [c] The Legend and The Legacy (Phil Robinson/Blair Flannigan)

WDC Young-Gun Championship Top Contender's Duel: Celina vs. Brooke Angharad

Seven Stars Series Duel 7 for the WDC Championship: Matchplay Rules: Astrid Hofferson vs. Kalin Kessler (to be held under Lockdown rules, no rematch will be issued)

The club were on the plane to Paris (at Maddy's insistence), but Maddy herself wasn't talking to anybody, having spent the entire journey to the airport on the phone. Her near collapse in Luxembourg was still on peoples' minds, despite having been given a clean bill of health by Sakura (who had diagnosed her with high blood pressure for which she was now taking medication), but she had shown no after effects since, and insisted that she was fine, even if many didn't entirely believe her.

Meanwhile, Jade was looking to Rio for some… unusual advice. 'How do I deal with her? She's just so… you know…' 'Amorous?' 'That's a long word for you.' 'Look, do you want my advice or not? 'Sorry.' 'Look, it's just the idea of going to Paris is making her horny, she can't help it.' 'You don't understand - there's aroused and then there's Blair Flannigan levels of aroused, I'm just thankful she took the Eurostar with Astrid's group, or I'm convinced she'd start trying to hump me in mid-air.'

A few minutes later, Rio looked over, to see Jade almost asleep. So she did the friendly thing, and jabbed her in the back. 'You ok? You look exhausted.' 'Two hours. We were at it for two hours last night, and she was still completely ready to go again at the end. I don't think she slept a wink all night. Got a double date later as well.' 'Well you know the solution then.' She looked over, surprised. 'Do I?' 'Yeah, get her drunk. When it comes to drinking, she's a featherweight - give her a couple of Jungle Juices and she'll be out colder than a corpse.'

On the Eurostar, somewhere under the English Channel

Blair had joined Astrid, Phil, Kris and Hannah in taking the train to Paris. 'I mean don't get me wrong, she's cute, but she's a total handful at the best of times.' 'Well by the sounds of it you've been a little difficult to deal with yourself recently. Perhaps Jade just wants to enjoy her time with you.' 'And me her… hang on, what do you mean "I've been difficult to deal with"?' 'Well I mean Rio's sent three texts warning Phil that Jade's been squealing. Apparently you've been a little… warm… underneath recently.'

Blair didn't understand the comment initially, until she heard Kris laughing hysterically. As she leant over to find out what he was laughing at, Astrid sent her a… rather graphic picture of what Phil was saying which she had just drawn. 'Right Astrid, first I'm going to kill you, then I'm going to revive you. You know why? So I can kill you again.' Astrid didn't care though, as she started singing 'Blair's getting hooooorrrnny' to her heart's content, her distinctive accent carrying her voice all around.

As she was doing this, Kris leant over to speak to the target of her taunts. 'She's just trying to take her mind off the duel, she's absolutely petrified of losing it. Literally spent about 40 minutes crying yesterday at the thought. Seems more positive this morning, but you just never know.' 'It's a good job she's got you.' 'I mean it would be ok if she had some family around, but outside of Finn, and her cousin who she sees every so often.' 'I don't want to tell her, but I heard Andre's going to try and make it, he had a concert in Morocco last night, so he's getting a red eye to Paris.'

Soon enough though, Astrid had another question. 'Hey Hannah.' 'Yeah?' 'Why are you here? I thought you were unwell.' 'Yeah I was a little dodgy' Phil then interjected. 'Which in Hannah language means that she's spent the past week with severe stomach cramps. I told her it wasn't a good idea to eat shellfish from somewhere you've never been, but I don't get listened to.' Hannah then patted her husband on the head. 'Back in your box you. As I was saying, I was a little dodgy, but I didn't want to miss your crowning moment.'

Blair then made her own wise crack. 'That's a fancy way of saying she and Phil have been looking for an excuse to go on the Eurostar for ages.' 'Funny. Seriously Astrid, we're all supporting you.' 'Even him?' He responded with an unimpressed glare towards her. 'Even me. We're all behind you.' Astrid just smiled, hiding her apprihention as much as she could. At no time did she notice Kris quietly slip a bundle of cards into her pocket.

A few hours later, Charles de Gualle Airport, Paris

As they landed in Paris, the entire club flooded off the plane, with Astrid greeting them in the arrivals lounge. As she went to talk to Maddy though, she immediately picked her phone back up, and started talking, leading to her friend just walking away. Walking through the airport, Astrid caught Blair to find out what was going on. 'She been like that the entire time?' 'Erm yeah, pretty much.' 'What's she doing?' 'No idea. All I know is it better be important, I think she's annoying people.' 'I wonder why…'

Not even Blair could have predicted what happened next though, as Maddy suddenly veered away from the signs pointing toward the exit, and went further into the airport, not correcting her course despite Astrid shouting 'You're going the wrong way' to her several times. As people followed her, Astrid looked around with a panning glance, and briefly locked eyes with a woman whose eyes seemed familiar. Familiar enough to do a double take, then a triple take. And finally, the reality sunk in. 'M…. Mother?' Hearing this word was enough for Blair and Kris to look over briefly, as a number of fans took pictures. But Astrid didn't notice this, as her mother walked over to her, and they embraced in a tight and warm familial hug, the kind only genuine feelings could produce.

'My little girl, I have missed you so much.' 'I… can't believe it's really you. You look so well!' 'I am.' 'Why are you even here?' 'To support you. Your title match is tonight, no?' This shocked Astrid no end. 'But how did you' Kris then tapped her on the shoulder, and signalled towards Maddy, who was stood back, smiling. 'Your friend told me how well you were doing, I couldn't believe she came all the way from England just to see me. You're even more beautiful than in the photographs.' She then picked up Astrid's flowing braid. 'So beautiful, so radiant.' 'I learned it all from you mama' she replied while still wiping away tears.

She then looked over, and dragged an unassuming Kris over, causing Blair to burst into laughter, which Astrid noticed. 'Don't know why you're laughing, you're next. Mama, this is Kristoffer, my… erm…' Feeling the lump in her throat intensify, Astrid took a deep breath and gentilly stated 'This is Kristoffer, my boyfriend.' As they kissed, her mother just smiled, and extended a warm hand, beckoning him in for a hug. 'Welcome to the family. We have a lot to learn about each other.'

Cafe de Amour, near the Arc de Triomphe

Phil, Hannah and Jade arrived comfortably in time for the date, Phil wearing a simple red polo shirt, and Hannah sporting a studded leather jacket over a flattering pink shirt, showing off her incredibly large baby bump. As Jade arrived, she stood in the sun, which beat down on her sky-blue halter dress and tights. 'So how've you been?' 'I've been fine. How's the baby?' 'I like the way you ask about someone who's not been born yet before you ask about us' Hannah joked, enjoying a rare trip out of the house. 'Sorry, got over-excited seeing you again. How've you been?' 'Not great, but you know, that's life. How about you - how are you and… where is Madame Horny anyway?' 'I don't know, I thought she'd be with you considering you travelled together.'

'We've not seen her since Gare du Nord, she said that she needed to do some shopping.' 'Has Blair ever gone shopping before? Aside from for soccer boots and stuff for Ally obviously, and even then she does most of that online, let's face it where else are you finding The Land Before Time?' 'I mean we don't even know where she's gone, it's not like Paris is short of shops.' Jade just looked around in response. 'Not short at all…' 'I say we wait a few minutes, knowing Blair she's probably just not seen the time.' With the wait, Jade took advantage to discuss a very sensitive subject with the married pair.

'There was something I wanted to talk to you about, but I can't in front of Blair, because every time I bring the subject up she just shuts it down.' 'Go on.' 'It's just, I've been noticing that Ally is… really fixated on things. Like she's totally obsessed with finger painting at the moment, a couple of weeks ago it was trains, she wouldn't stop watching old DVDs about steam trains, and she's doing well in English.' 'So?' 'Like, ridiculously well. She's just finished reading Lord of the Flies, and asked if someone could get her a copy of Great Expectations. Her reading level is absolutely unbelievable.'

'Ok… what can we help with?' 'It was mainly Phil actually, I think Ally might have Autism. I read up a bit on it, and she fits so much of it, I swear I'm not just imagining this.' As her slim-fitting black dress rustled in the increasingly-driving winds, Phil went quiet for a moment, to the point where even Hannah was nervous. 'You ok hun?' 'Yeah, just trying to think how I can help with that. It does sound familiar, that's for sure. I suppose the best advice for now is just monitor the situation, keep in regular contact with me about it, have you got my number?' 'No, but I'll just nick it from Blair later, she doesn't need to know why.' 'Ok, keep in regular contact with me, if anything changes especially, tell me, and if you've still got suspicions in a few weeks, I'll talk to my Mum about it, she knows a lot more about getting diagnosed than I do.' 'Thank you, I don't mean to bring the mood down at all.'

'Not at all, we're family as far as I'm concerned.' 'Thanks, I just… if she does have it, I want to get the right support in place for her as soon as September starts.' Hannah then looked at Phil. 'Not like Blair to get defensive over these things is it?' 'Not really. My guess is she just doesn't know enough on the subject. She's getting more confident, but she's still really uptight trying to do what's best for her, she's snapped at me a couple of times recently when I offered her assistance.' 'Honestly I'm hoping this will relax her a bit. Luckily I managed to offload Ally onto Astrid for a couple of hours, did you know that Astrid could sing? Like, really sing? Caught her in the arena singing lullabies to Ally a couple of weeks back.'

Hannah just smiled, and looked at her husband. 'We knew… some things. Maddy keeps telling us that Astrid's got this nurturing side that she won't show, we didn't really believe her at first, but apparently she was spot on on this one.' 'It's really cute honestly, and Al seems comfortable around her, which she isn't with everyone. I'm pretty sure Maddy could tell you that much.' 'That's because Maddy's gone all emo goth, she's probably scaring the mite.'

Shortly after, and 20 minutes after they had arranged to meet up, Blair finally homed into view, wearing a pink and black double-breasted waistcoat over a black blouse, with two sets of criss-crossed laces at the top, as well as a pair of open-toe white and gold sandals, wowing everyone. 'You look amazing Blair.' 'Thanks, sorry I'm late, I was struggling to find anything nice that fitted, have you seen how expensive it is here?' 'Yeah… it is the centre of Paris. Did you not have anything at home?' 'Not apart from what I wore last time, and no way am I wearing that when everyone can see me. Anyway, are we going in?' As they walked in, Jade and Hannah shared a certain look based on what Blair had said.

10 minutes later, in the cafe

The alcohol-free wine was flowing, as was the conversation. 'So the officer asked us if any of us had a driving licence, and I told him that licence or no licence, I'm a better driver than you. It's funny though, when I showed him Extreme Icaron's Force he suddenly let us go.' 'You know, you could just get a fake driving licence, would save a lot of aggro.' 'It would, but I kind of like the danger. Let's face it, I kissed Maddy so I'm clearly not scared of being in a compromising situation.'

Hearing this, Jade's head shot round. 'Pardon?' 'Oh it was ages ago, I think it was in Australia? Anyway me and her were teaming up, can you imagine me and Maddy as a team? And we had an argument, I went to kiss her, she slurred at me, and everything was fine. You know how it goes.' 'And do you still have feelings for her?' 'Oh plenty of feelings, just nowt like that. Let's see… there's admiration for the way she runs the club, frustration that she won't take fucking painkillers, confusion as to why she wanted her look changing, I mean she's naturally kind of a babe, and I've never met anyone who keeps their hair that smooth for less than $100 a month. But you know, I'm asked to do something I don't question, whatever Maddy wants she gets otherwise she'll stop listening to me.'

Phil then asked her a question. 'Do you think Maddy's been a bit… volatile recently?' 'Same Maddy we're talking about? She's always volatile, Jade's the only wolf I've met who isn't permanently slightly cranky. You're all just so… intense all the time.' 'Well maybe it's just because I've got the most stable person in the world next to me? Not to mention young, beautiful, and very, very intriguing' Jade growled seductively, resulting in an impromptu make-out session between the lovers, only ending when Hannah tapped Blair on the back.

'Sorry, it's just when she does her voice like that, I'm powerless to resist.' 'Well how about you practise that in your hotel room later, I hear it's soundproofed.' Trying to steer away from the… sensual topic, Phil attempted small talk with Jade. 'So Jade, what attracted you to Blair?' 'I… honestly, she's everything I want to be. She's safe, stable, mature, unbelievably practical, I mean my drawers have never been so tidy since she moved in with me, and yet there's something… almost mysterious about her. I learn new things all the time with her, almost like I'm peeling back the layers. Just yesterday I learned that she can speak Dutch.' 'Well… I can at least count to 10. But I guess I'm just a multi-layered person.'

Hannah then joined in. 'So Blair, what attracted you to Jade?' She paused for a moment, sarcastically raised her finger to her chin, and joked 'I don't know, what did attract me to a young Persian exotic dancer who can put her legs over her own head and do the splits at a moment's notice? I have absolutely no idea what could have been exciting about that to an introverted bisexual who's never had a proper relationship before? I honestly can't think.' As they all laughed, it was Jade's turn to ask.

'Ok, you now Hannah. What attracted you to Phil other than the fact that you've known him since you were babies?' Immediately, Blair replied 'Probably the hypnosis', shocking Jade. 'He' 'It's a long story. For starters, I volunteered. Secondly, I'd sort of been in love with him for years but wouldn't let myself because I was in a relationship with Rob.' 'When did you two split up anyway?' 'It was probably about 6-8 months before I reunited with Phil, it just felt like our relationship didn't have that spark anymore. We were totally different people, and our lives just didn't work together like they used to. I think the final straw was that he objected to me going back to college.'

'What did you qualify in?' 'I just got a qualification in Counselling Concepts, I'm planning on enrolling in a University course in September, although I'm not exactly sure what in yet, something I need to think about. But as I say, we just grew apart, except he never truly accepted that. He thought we could go back and it would be just like it was when we were teenagers, but it wasn't. That's just not how it works. But let's be honest, I got the better end of the deal, because I get to spend the rest of my life with this one' she said while cuddling up to her husband. He responded by kissing her on the head, and reciprocating the affection.

Half an hour later

As the cheeseboard went down a treat, Blair was pushing for advice. 'You've got such a great relationship going on, what's the secret?' 'To be fair you're not doing badly yourselves. But I think it's just always being grateful for what you've got. You know, just always appreciating that you've got a soulmate, you've got this person who's always going to be there for you no matter what you do.' Phil then had some useful advice of his own. 'Also tell each other everything. Whatever's on your mind, just tell them. Because that's what I missed the most when Hannah wasn't here, I missed having that person who I could tell anything to, and know that they not only wouldn't judge, but they'd give me advice that they knew would work for me.'

'And don't be afraid to take risks in your relationship. Like moving into our own house together, that felt like a massive risk, but it worked out, because we felt like a real couple at last. Don't be afraid to try new things, but discuss it. You two work so well together when you discuss things, I mean just look at the job you're doing with Ally, she's absolutely thriving so far.' Blair blushed slightly hearing this. 'You don't need to get embarrassed, anyone can see how well she's getting on. I'm sorry that I've not been able to look at schools with you more.'

'I get it, you've not been well, it's fine. Did you get the things I sent you over email?' 'I did, and I think that an All-Faith Academy is a great choice if you're in the catchment area.' 'I had a virtual look round and was really impressed. Plus it's Primary and Secondary in one, so she's not going to have to move on after a year. Just really desperate for her to get to know kids of her own age.' 'You know there's a youth club not far out from your flat, right?' 'No, no idea.' Hannah then smiled. 'Maddy told me that she used to go there sometimes when she was around Ally's age, sounds like it's just a nice place for kids to hang around. If you want I'll ask Maddy more about it.' 'It's ok, I'll take care of it. Me and Maddy get on anyway.'

As Blair took a bite of a cracker, Jade suddenly quizzed her. 'I don't get it with you and Maddy, you seem to have this weird relationship that nobody else does, because it's not like you have anything in common, and you hardly ever seem to spend time together, yet when it comes to serious things, you're always on the same page and talk like you're colleagues rather than anything else. I just don't get it.' Mouth full still, Blair replied 'Beats me', crumbs falling from her mouth like a waterfall as she did, causing everyone to burst into laughter.

Soon after, the date was ending, with Victory Road upcoming. But as they were leaving, Blair pulled Jade over to one side. 'I've really enjoyed today.' 'Me too.' 'So, how would you feel about us staying on in Paris? Instead of going to Le Mans, how about we stay on here for a week, just us, Rio and Ally?' 'What - like a family holiday?' 'Exactly like that.' Jade just hugged her significant other in response. 'I'd love to!' As this went on, Phil and Hannah just cuddled up to each other again. 'Young love… to feel that again.' She then hit him on the back of the head. 'Speak for yourself!'

In a Parisian Radio Station

Maddy was waiting for an interview when the station came back onto the air. 'Later today, we will have WDC Victory Road. And the opening match there will have Tyranno Hassleberry being the latest person to challenge our guest, the WDC Young-Gun Champion, Maddy Robinson-Cummings. Firstly Maddy, you've been Young-Gun Champion for 193 days, this is already the 4th longest reign ever with this title. If you can hold it until the 11th May, you will overtake Stormer's record of 206 days, and become the longest ever champion. Do you think you will manage this?'

Surprisingly, Maddy refused to give a response initially, before leaning forward, cupping her mouth to the microphone, and saying 'Appelez-moi par mon vrai nom.' (Call me by my real name). They seemed confused by this, until she elaborated. 'Je suis Maddy Smith. C'est mon vrai nom, et jusqu'à ce que vous m'appeliez par ce nom, vous ne recevrez aucune réponse.' (My name is Maddy Smith. That is my real name, and until you call me by it, you will receive no answers).

After a short bit of confusion (and a frantic producer waving his arms around), one of the producers quietly said 'Maddy Smith, do you think you can become the longest reigning champion?' She smiled, and replied 'I intend on doing. The reason I have this belt still is because nobody has been able to beat me for it. Which is concerning for everyone else, because I'm only getting better. I'm not the little cub who won the belt, I'm Don Alpha now, I wield power that most could only dream of. But with that power comes the responsibility to lead the way for the Renegades, which means I have to be better and better. Every time I improve inspires them.'

'Does that not lead to its own kind of pressure?' 'Yes, but I thrive under that pressure. When I came back, I promised to never let the pressure affect me negatively, because that pressure comes from having what I want. I'm the leader of a revolutionary group, I have family, I have friends, I have this title, they all bring their own challenges, but they're challenges I welcome. I won't just break the record, I'm going to smash it, because if someone's taking this title off me, they're going to have to kill me for it.'

'Now we get onto your opponent, Sgt. Tyranno Hassleberry. He was extremely impressive in becoming your Top Contender, do you have any words about his performance?' 'Hassleberry is a very good duellist, and if he wanted to help us change the world, i think he'd be a valuable ally. But sadly he's too busy being Claude's bus boy, so I'm going to have to destroy him. He may be good, but there's one thing he isn't, and that is a Renegade. There's a big difference between beating Kari, and beating me for this title. Either you're with the Renegades, or the red right hand will rip you apart.'

Outside Notre Dame Cathedral

Kris was sat with the newly reunited mother and daughter, enjoying some bonding time. 'It must be, three, four weeks maybe, we had the most horrendous snowstorm. And I was just home from gathering supplies when I had this knock on my door.' 'Maddy?' 'Yes, that's her name, I couldn't quite recall it. She spoke in the language so well, especially well for a non-native.' 'Yeah, she's a quick learner.' 'You taught her?' 'I tried. Difficult student but a quick learner.' 'And you are a great teacher, no doubt. You always have been.'

'Tell me, why did you want to get back in touch?' 'My dear, do you really think I would have expelled you out of anger? The truth as I told your friend, is that I could never have overcome my vices whilst you were there to stop me. I was holding back your wings, stopping you from discovering yourself. You always wanted to know what was outside of our little world, you needed to discover it, and I had to take responsibility so you knew you could be independent. And now, you have found your wings, which as your mother makes me feel so proud.'

'So Maddy, what did she tell you?' 'That you had a title match coming up, she promised that you would be concluding here, and provided me the means to get here.' 'She's really good to everyone, a little… insane at times, but she's good. It's just… I don't know what to talk about, it's been so long and I've changed so much. I'm not the same girl who left Alta for the last time four years ago' 'You're not. You're an adult, you have grown into a fine young woman. I just hope you haven't lost that spirit you had.'

Kris then interjected himself. 'Don't worry, she's as much of a fighter as ever. The amount of times she's kicked one of us in the head, I'm pretty sure you've given Phil multiple concussions in the past few months.' 'Well he probably deserved it, nice that he finally seems to… not hate me completely.' 'It was never you he hated, you know that, it was' At that moment, he suddenly stopped himself from saying it. But Astrid's mother was already aware of who he was referencing.

'You don't need to stop yourself saying his name.' 'Oh yeah, I forgot to ask - you never said why you never liked Uncle Finn.' It was clear from the look on her face that her mother wanted to say much, but wouldn't let herself. 'All you need to know is that we were close once, but something changed in him, he stopped being a man of honour and decency.' 'Can you tell me any more about his disappearance?' 'All I can tell you is that I saw him weeks after he supposedly disappeared, he told me not to expose his secret. He would never tell me what it was though.' 'So you have no idea what he was on about?' She just shook her head. 'None.' Eager to change the subject, she then grasped her daughter's hand.

'I heard you returned to Norge a while ago?' 'I lived in Oslo until around five month ago, then I moved to England to be with Maddy and her friends. That's how I met Kris. But I came back to Norge over Christmas. Next time, we should spend it together.' 'Absolutely. I am just so thankful you're so well, you're even more beautiful than the pictures your friend showed me.' 'She said you were doing well.' 'I am. I have touched the devil's liqour in over a year.' 'That's amazing, you're amazing.' 'I'm not, but you are. And tonight, you show the world.'

Suddenly, Astrid went deathly quiet, a sign that Kris immediately recognised. 'Just go out there and be you. Then you can't lose.' 'But… I can.' He then turned to her mother, and held his hand up. 'Sorry for the language I'm about to use.' He then put his arm around his girlfriend. 'You've been fucking me up in the arena all week long. You beat Jack Atlas at his best just last week. You smashed Phil up in Matchplay just yesterday, I've never seen him lose twice in 20 minutes. You've got nothing to be scared of.'

As she shook her head, her mother put her arm around both of them. 'I can just feel it - the gods have blessed you today. You are their chosen warrior, and when you have the power of the gods behind you, you can outrun the wind. You can outshine the sun. Your opponent may be strong, but can he really beat destiny? All you have to do is show them that you want it.' She then looked up, watering eyes, but a face of steel. 'I will give the gods my life if it means winning for them.' 'That's my girl. Now you both go and prepare, your show will be starting soon.'

She stood up, and slowly left, to continue preparing for the biggest moment of her life. Kris though, stayed behind, as he wasn't convinced at her mother's stories. 'Between us, what do you ACTUALLY know about Finn?' 'I cannot tell you.' 'Look, if you tell me, I won't say a word to her.' 'There are just some things that should never be shared. Heed my warning though - NEVER let Finn get close to her. He is only ever bad news.' Thinking he understood, he just nodded. 'Don't worry, she's safe with us.' 'I'm very glad to hear it.' He walked off, shaking his head at what he thought the truth was. Little did he know that he was completely wrong.

In the arena

Before the show even began, Kalin was walking through the car park, when a horde of journalists descended upon him. 'Kalin, thoughts on your duel tonight, everything on the line.' 'My thoughts are that I shouldn't have had to go through this stupid exhibition, but it doesn't matter, because I prove once and for all that she is not on my level. I'm the WDC Champion for a reason - I'm the top guy around. She can believe in her hippy drippy nonsense, believe in higher powers and gods, because the only power I need is myself. I win, it's what I do. Now if you'll excuse me.' He walked past, pushing several of the camera people over as he did, before storming into the building.

The show began with Maddy's music hitting, as she quickly appeared in full Don garb, flanked by Taylor and Kelly. DJ (still sporting her make-up from the Baltic Championships) was now officially doing introductions for the Renegades, following Maddy making an "undisclosed deal" with the Board of Directors. 'The following duel is for the WDC Young-Gun Championship. Introducing first, the champion: accompanied by Taylor the Tormented and Killer Kelly, from Stonybridge, Northumbria, England, she is the reigning and defending WDC Young-Gun Champion - Don Alpha - Maddy Smith.'

Maddy dropped to one knee on the entranceway, and raised her head, eyes glowing golden and her veins popping and straining as she did. She then let off a howl so powerful that it physically shook the entire building, before raising the red right hand. As she did so, portions of the crowd started joining in, showing their support for the cause. Slowly and deliberately, she made her way down, as the commentators discussed her for the first time since her return.

"Maddy Robinson-Cummings had had a fantastic season, as she is currently ranked 12th in the world, and has been Young-Gun Champion for close on six and a half months, but she appears to have had a huge attitude shift since returning in Japan. Her Terror Toys deck represents the rage of the Renegades, and is more than meets the eye, as in an instant a cute, cuddly toy turns into a horrific and vicious creature, a devilish design designed to devastate and destroy. But we saw her collapse after her brutal dispatch of Kalin, and you do have to wonder what kind of shape she's really in." "This will be her 16th title defence in the WDC alone, she has defended at nearly every event she's been able to compete at.'

In the zone, Maddy squatted down, and waited for Hassleberry, who made his entrance shortly after, sporting an all green outfit, inspired by Jurrassic imagery. 'Introducing the challenger, representing the Regiment, from Mountain Home, Alabama, he is Sgt. Tyranno Hassleberry.' As he walked down, Hassleberry looked confident, as he started shouting to Maddy, declaring her "time was up". Meanwhile, he was assessed by the commentators.

"Sgt. Tyranno Hassleberry is one of the more exciting duellists around these parts, and the three year professional is getting another shot at winning his second WDC Young-Gun Championship. The man from Mountain Home runs a Dinowrestler build which is sure to lay the smack down on opponents, throwing them around with power moves before going for the big finish with high Attack monsters. This is the 4th time Hassleberry has challenged Maddy, and he has voluntarily written a clause in the match contract declaring that if he does not beat Maddy here, he will never challenge for this title again." "The way he duelled against Pez and Kari to become Top Contender, he's got every chance of winning the belt off the dominant champion.'

In the zone, the two faced off, and Maddy lifted up her title to taunt her challenger, who gestured for it to be put around his waist. Some jaw jacking followed, and as a somewhat divided crowd chanted for both, they walked away from each other, albeit not without constantly looking over their shoulders at each other; Maddy to not look weak, and Hassleberry aware of the potential of an attack. Saely in their zones, both activated their duel disks, and as the title flashed up on the screens, the duel began.

WDC Young-Gun Championship: Sgt. Tyranno Hassleberry LP:8000 vs. [c] Maddy Smith LP:8000

(Hassleberry hand: Dinowrestler Pankratops, Dinowrestler Capaptera, Amber Pitfall, Dinowrestler Eskrimamenchi, Dinowrestler Coelsilat)

Hassleberry: 'I'm up first soldier.' Just as he was about to make a big move immediately, he remembered how devastating Maddy's deck had proven to be, and decided to play it safe. 'I'm going to set a monster and end my turn with a face-down.'

(Maddy hand: Edge Imp Cotton Eater, Fluffal Wings, Edge Imp Chain, Fluffal Mouse, One for One, Frightfur Meister)

Maddy: 'It's feeding time at the zoo!' Maddy paused for a moment to examine her hand, before making her play. 'I activate One for One. By discarding a monster, I can summon a Level 1 monster from my hand. I summon Fluffal Mouse (Atk:100).' Seeing the mouse appear, Hassleberry couldn't help but be charmed. 'Aww he's just a lil' mouse, he's even eating his little doughnut.' 'Well if you think he's cute, just wait until he's put on a breeding program. Because when Mouse is on the field, he can summon two more from my deck (Atk:100x2). Now I'll tribute two of 'em, to summon Frightfur Meister (Atk:0).'

It was the skeletal figure of Meister which brought Hassleberry's head back into the game. 'Oh yeah that thing.' 'I activate the effect of Meister, which during my Main Phase summons a Fluffal, Frightfur or Edge Imp directly from my deck. I summon Edge Imp Tomahawk (Atk:1800). And with Tomahawk's effect, by sending Edge Imp Cotton Eater from my hand to the graveyard, you get chewed out for 800.' Tomahawk mercilessly devoured Cotton Eater, before unleashing a green gas from its disembodied mouth, and firing shards of Cotton Eater through the haze, striking Hassleberry hard as she grinned (Hassleberry LP:8000-7200).

Getting back up, Hassleberry started to peel back her layers. 'You're not the same as the last time I faced you. This ain't the thrill of the fight anymore, now you're just out to injure everyone who wants your title.' 'Correction - I'm out to injure everyone who can't stand us. Because the thrill of the fight was fun when it was all I had to fight for, before people started trying to crush our revolution.' 'What changed you?' 'LIFE!' she snapped in response, before continuing her turn.

'Now I'll summon Edge Imp Chain (Atk:1200), and use the effect of Frightfur Meister.' As she said this, Mesiter's skeletal hands extended, with Chain and Tomahawk being dragged inevitably towards it, and then being picked up and thrown into the central cavity on Meister. 'This effect allows me to tribute Fiend monsters to summon a Frightfur of their combined Level from my Extra deck.' The cavity opened up again, and this time, Frightfur Kraken emerged from the hole, its scythes glistening silver (Atk:2200).

'Because Chain went to the graveyard, he's going to grab me a copy of Frightfur Patchwork from my deck. Now Kraken, how about you give me some sliced Dinosaur for lunch?' 'No chance missy, you're falling into my Amber Pitfall. This coats your monster in some rock-hard Amber which forces it into Defence (Def.:3000). 'I'll end my turn.'

(Hassleberry hand: Dinowrestler Pankratops, Dinowrestler Capaptera, Dinowrestler Eskrimamenchi, Dinowrestler Iguanodraka)

Hassleberry: 'I'm up. Dinowrestler Capaptera, you're being called up to the frontline soldier (Atk:1600). Then I'll discard Eskrimamenchi to reinforce the frontline with Dinowrestler Iguanodraka (Atk:2000). Now I flip up Coelsilat (Atk:100), and Link summon using all three. Banners up for the First-class Sergeant with a bad attitude! I Link summon Link 3, Dinowrestler King T Wrextle (Atk:3000, Link Arrows:BL,BC,BR). And because Capaptera was used for the summon, T Wrextle gets 1000 more Attack points for the rest of the turn (Atk:3000-4000). T Wrextle, seek and destroy Frightfur Kraken.' As T Wrextle charged in, Kraken opened its mouth up, and bit down on its hand, only to be spun around and thrown into the air, before crashing back down. 'My work is done for now (Atk:4000-3000).'

(Maddy hand: Frightfur Patchwork, Edge Imp Saw)

Maddy: 'I draw. I'll set a monster, and pass my turn.' 'Running scared are we?' 'Of you? Never' she snarled, deeply offended by the very notion. But the truth was, she was scared, and feeling the pressure, facing down the impressive T Wrextle. Hassleberry meanwhile was laughing, feeling he was starting to control the duel.

(Hassleberry hand: Dinowrestler Pankratops, Graceful Charity)

Hassleberry: 'I draw. And I'm activating Graceful Charity, to draw three cards and discard two. Now let's kick this up a bit and activate Tyrant Dino Fusion.' 'Oh great' she mumbled in response. But Hassleberry was none the wiser to this, as he was getting excited at the possibility of winning the title. 'I'll fuse together Dinowrestler Pankratops from my hand with the T Wrextle on my field, to Fusion summon the Six Star General with Six Degrees of Victory - Dinowrestler Chimera T Wrextle (Atk:3500). Attack her face-down monster, and do piercing damage as you do!' T Wrextle rampaged around, and picked up Maddy's Edge Imp Saw (Def.:1000), before throwing it directly into the ground, leaving a crater and leaving Maddy to slowly pick herself up, clearly far from her best shape (Maddy LP:8000-5500). 'Because T Wrextle did you Battle damage, he gains 500 Attack points. I end my turn.'

(Maddy hand: Frightfur Patchwork, Fluffal Angel)

Maddy: 'I draw!' Seeing the card, she shrugged briefly. 'Well I guess that works. I'll summon Fluffal Angel (Atk:600). Then I'll activate Frightfur Patchwork, to get myself Polymerisation and Edge Imp Chain. Now I'll activate the effect of Fluffal Angel. She can discard Chain from my hand, and turn that into a Frightfur monster of my choice from my graveyard. I'll bring back Kraken (Atk:2200). Then I can grab Frightfur Fusion with the effect of Chain. Kraken, use your effect. Your T Wrextle might be able to avoid destruction, but it can't avoid being sent directly to the graveyard. In exchange though, this Kraken can't attack this turn.'

As T Wrextle went to hit the Kraken, it vanished, before appearing behind T Wrextle in a whirlpool, and hooking its scythes around the Dinosaur, dragging it into the whirlpool, before the aquatic monster reappeared on Maddy's field, alone. 'Now I'll use Polymerisation, fusing together Frightfur Kraken and Fluffal Angel to Fusion summon the REAL king of the jungle - Frightfur Sabre-Tooth, who gains 400 Attack through its effect (Atk:2400-2800). And then, I can use Sabre-Tooth to revive the Kraken in my graveyard (Atk:2200-2600). Now Kraken, attack!' Hassleberry took objection to this however.

'Hold on, you said that Kraken couldn't attack.' 'This is a different Kraken though. The one on my field has just been summoned.' Confused, Hassleberry looked at the referee, who just waved play on. 'Kraken, attack!' 'Yeah man, I'm not letting that happen. I activate the effect of Electromagnetic Turtle from my graveyard, to end the Battle phase by banishing itself.' As he did so, Maddy groaned in frustration. 'I swear I'm going to rip you limb from limb! I end my turn.'

Backstage

Sakura was stood shaking her head, which was noticed by Rio, who was shadowing her to learn the ropes of field medicine. 'I swear she never learns. What's the one thing I told her when we did that check-up after the last event?' 'Erm… the next time she whinges you're going to remove your medical waiver?' 'No not that bit. About her blood pressure.' 'Oh, keep her blood pressure down because she's going to have a stroke if she's not careful.' 'Exactly. So what's she doing? Getting unnecessarily stressed over nothing. AGAIN.' Rio sighed in agreement. 'That's just who Maddy is these days. She isn't who she used to be, we've just gotta pick up the pieces.'

In the duelling zone

(Hassleberry hand: Monster Reborn)

Hassleberry: 'I draw. I activate Monster Reborn, to bring back Chimera T Wrextle (Atk:3500). Now it's going to go jurassic on your Frightfur Kraken, kraken it open if you catch my drift.' Maddy didn't react to the pun, but saw her Kraken be removed again (Maddy LP:5500-4300). 'Now it's about to get 500 Attack points stronger (Atk:3500-4000). 'I end my turn.'

(Maddy hand: Frightfur Fusion, R:Blowback)

Maddy: 'I draw. I'll set one card, and pass.'

(Hassleberry hand: Dinowrestler Rambrachio)

Hassleberry: 'I draw. I'll just go to battle and attack your Sabre-Tooth.' 'I activate R:Blowback. This negates your effect and deals 100 damage to you for every card on the field (Hassleberry LP:7200-6900).' 'I'll just end my turn then.'

(Maddy hand: Frightfur Fusion, Toy Vendor)

Maddy: 'I draw. I'll activate Toy Vendor, but immediately use the effect of Fluffal Wings, to banish itself and Fluffal Angel to draw a card, and then' As she was reading the effect out, she suddenly stopped, and cringed as a wave of severe pain ran through her entire body. Gritting her teeth and flashing her eyes though, she continued. 'I draw a card, then send Toy Vendor to grave for another one. And Vendor… adds Fluffal Dog to my hand. Now I summon Dog (Atk:1700), use its effect to add Sabres.' Suddenly, Maddy felt herself short of breath, and as such, upped the pace significantly.

'I activate Frightfur Factory, banish Polymerisation, fuse Sabres and Dog for Tiger (Atk:1900-2900, Sabre-Tooth Atk:2800-3400). Tiger, destroy his monster with your effect.' 'Sorry sister, but once every turn, my T Wrextle resists destruction.' T Wrextle managed to fight off the cutting and slicing of Tiger, albeit with significant scars picked up in the process. 'I'll set one and end my turn.'

(Hassleberry hand: Dinowrestler Rambrachio, Trap Stun)

Hassleberry: 'I draw. I'll attack your Tiger with T Wrextle.' As Hassleberry continued to put on the pressure, T Wrextle ran over to Maddy's field, and shattered Tiger with a single punch, causing her to fall further behind, as she continued to toil physically (Maddy LP:4300-3200, T Wrextle Atk:4000-4500). 'I'll end my turn.' The challenger then started flexing, as his confidence grew, but Maddy had managed to slow her breathing enough to regain focus.

(Maddy hand: Magic Cylinder)

Maddy: 'I draw. I'll set a card, switch Sabre-Tooth to Defence (Def.:2000), and pass.'

(Hassleberry hand: Dinowrestler Rambrachio, Trap Stun, Ground Xeno)

Hassleberry: 'Young-Gun Champion, Sgt. Tyranno Hassleberry. Has a ring to it don't you think? I'll attack your Sabre-Tooth and defang it!' This time though, Hassleberry hadn't stopped to consider his options: an expensive mistake against Maddy. 'I activate Magic Cylinder. So now your monster's Attack points are coming out of your Life points.' The Cylinder reversed the path of the rampaging Wrextle enough for it to slam its owner instead (Hassleberry LP:6900-2400). Stinging from the hit, Hassleberry's focus turned back to the duel. 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Maddy hand: 5 Card Salute)

Maddy: 'My turn. I activate the signature of the Renegades - 5 Card Salute! This draws me five, but I take 4000 damage if I don't use at least three by the end of the turn.' Taking the cards, she found herself with a difficult decision to make, but ultimately decided to give away her plan. 'I'll summon Des Wombat (Atk:1600), and end my turn setting two. That spares me from the effect of 5 Card.'

(Hassleberry hand: Dinowrestler Rambrachio, Ground Xeno, Survival of the Fittest)

Hassleberry: 'I draw. I'll set two and attack your Sabre-Tooth with T Wrextle.' 'I activate Final Fusion. This negates your attack, and then we both take damage equal to our monsters' combined Attack points.'

(Maddy hand: Mystic Plasma Zone, Earthbound Immortal Cusillu, Fluffal Sheep)

Maddy: 'I draw. I activate Mystic Plasma Zone, and then activate Powerful Rebirth to revive Fluffal Dog (Atk:1700). Now I'll tribute both my monsters to Tribute summon your end - Earthbound Immortal Cusillu! (Atk:2800).' Seeing the Immortal, Hassleberry froze. 'I… can't believe I lost this.' 'Cusillu, attack directly!' Maddy's bait with Final Fusion paid off, as Hassleberry just watched on in shock while Cusillu's massive paw descended towards him. Maddy won having connected with one successful attack in the entire duel (Hassleberry LP:2400-0).

As the duel concluded, Maddy's music played, and she raised her fist. As she did so, Claude walked out, and prepared to attack her in similar fashion to how he had injured Astrid in Texas months before, but, having heard him coming, she turned around, launching herself into a flying spear, bowling him over with the impact. Seeing this, Hassleberry attacked her, by punching her straight in the ribs, causing her to cringe in pain. So bad was this pain that she hoofed him in the privates, and then retreated immediately.

As she returned to Sakura and Rio, she immediately lifted her shirt up, undid her rib brace, and threw it to the ground, leaning on the wall as Rio checked on her. 'I… can't breathe.' Thinking quickly, Rio started to massage Maddy's back and sides. 'Just slow down, just focus on taking short sharp breaths. Tell us what happened out there.' 'I had this unreal surge of pain about 3 turns in, I felt like I was gonna puke.' 'Well just take some water in, and we'll see how you feel in a few minutes. Main thing is you retained your title and got out of there safely.'

As Maddy was being looked after, in the doorway to the arena, Astrid was just walking in, hair down and wearing a dark red hooded jacket, when several camera operators and an interview ran over to her. 'Astrid, tonight is the night you and Kalin have your decider. Any words for this?' 'Personal space guys.' As they backed up, she quickly spoke into the microphone. 'Vil du vite følelsene mine? Jeg føler to ting - rolig og fokusert. Jeg ber gudene om deres veiledning, og håper de anser meg verdig på denne dagen (Do you want to know my feelings? I feel two things - calm and focused. I ask the gods for their guidance, and hope they deem me worthy on this day).' She walked off, leaving everyone else confused as to what she had said.

Elsewhere backstage, Jade was being interviewed ahead of facing Akiza. 'Jade, today you face a very difficult and experience opponent in Akiza, and an opponent who you had a confrontation with in our last event. Would you care to share any details?' Completely stone-faced, Jade responded. 'There are some things which you just don't say, and just don't repeat. I'm proud of who I am, I am proud of where I've come from, my heritage, everything I had to do in order to get here, even the really shit stuff I'm proud of, because I'm who I am because of all of that. And other people could be proud of me, or at least accept me. But no, they want to throw rocks instead, they want to shame me for who I am, cut me open, turn me into some sort of lab rat. Well I'm sorry, but I'm not going to let that happen. My culture and my people are the most important thing to me in this world, more important than any title, than pride, than what you or anybody else thinks.'

'Because everywhere I've been, I've been marginalised, I've had to scrape whatever I've got. sd And this, isn't about winning or losing. This is about respect, and about me standing up for the culture that I am proud to say I belong to, the band of brothers and sisters that I am so proud to say I represent. Akiza, you can bring 1000 mad scientists with you, I don't care, because if not me, then somebody is going to get you eventually. But if the fates allow, then I'm gonna kick your ass so hard that you'll be back in Washington before you know it, and all you'll see is me, and the Red Right Hand.'

After this, the picture cut back to Akiza, who was again sat in a dark and empty room. She appeared to have some polaroid photos in front of her, and picked up one of Jade. 'How does it feel for the dominoes to fall into line, one by one? I played with my first doll, but I got bored, playtime was over. But then just as day becomes night, the next one arrived for me to knock down. Nobody knows what the grand plan is, not you, not the crowd, not people at home, and certainly not me. Only the game master knows, and nobody knows who that is. That's the funny thing though, I serve a force even I don't understand. I know who the game master is, but I couldn't possibly tell. All you need to know is, I'm going to keep knocking down the dominoes as they come until playtime is over. And then, I'll unleash my full fury. Until then…' She then looked up with a distant gaze, and set the picture on fire with a lighter. 'Game on.'

In the duelling zone

Jade was out first, and with the threats made to her, she wasn't alone. 'The following duel is under standard rules. Introducing first, being accompanied by Taylor the Tormented, Killer Kelly and Tony deMeo, from Qa'em Shahr, Iran. she is the Vespertine - Jade Goocheneyad.' Jade walked out without any pomp or circumstance, simply hastening down to wait for her opponent, blood still boiling after the previous confrontation. While Taylor and Kelly accompanied her down, Tony stood in the entranceway, impassive and stood straight. As she entered, her analysis took place.

"Jade Goocheneyad is one of the most talented young duelists coming through in the modern day. The Idaho-born Iranian has travelled the world in an adventurous teenage phase, but now looks to make her home in the WDC. Her Abyss Actor deck reflects her outgoing personality, as it lures opponents in and then puts on a spectacular show as every Spell or Trap destroyed produces unbelievable effects. The rest of the Renegades will be watching her clash with a dangerous opponent closely, not least her girlfriend and our World Number 1, Blair Flannigan." "But will she be able to cope with a callous opponent in Akiza Izinski?"

Akiza kept Jade waiting for nearly five minutes before she made an appearance herself, with her board. Oddly, the board she carried still had names missing, despite David and Brooks' reveal at the previous event. She had only made it halfway down though before Jade activated her duel disk. 'In a rush are we?' 'You want me for experiments? Well come and get me bitch!' Jade's fired up approach earned her cheers from the crowd, while Akiza just stared at her. 'If you knew the truth about your "Alpha", you'd be begging me to remove the burden.' Slowly Akiza took her long coat off, and activated her duel disk to begin their duel.

Akiza Izinski LP:8000 vs. Jade Goocheneyad LP:8000

(Akiza hand: Aroma Jar, Blessed Winds, Aromage Jasmine, Copy Plant, Cosmic Cyclone)

Akiza: 'I'll set a monster, I'll set a Trap, and I'll pass. See, I'm even telling you what I'm setting, that's how incapable of beating me you are.'

(Jade hand: Terraforming, Abyss Script - Rise of the Abyss King, Abyss Actor - Liberty Dramatist, Pendulum Area, Abyss Script - Abysstainment, Abyss Actor - Sassy Rookie)

Jade: 'I'll draw. I activate Terraforming, to get Abyss Playhouse - Fantastic Theatre ready to open. Now I'll activate the Fantastic Theatre.' As the grand and opulent theatre opened up, Jade decided to use it to best effect. 'I'll use Playhouse's first effect to reveal Abyss Actor - Liberty Dramatist and Abyss Script - Rise of the Abyss King in my hand, and add Abyss Script - Dramatic Story to my hand. Next I can summon the belle of the ball, Abyss Actor - Liberty Dramatist (Atk:1500). And she's going to play a key part in my Dramatic Story. In this plot twist, Liberty Dramatist retreats to my Pendulum zone, replaced on stage by a new Actor from my deck. Take to your stage, Abyss Actor - Superstar (Atk:2500).'

'With the effect of Superstar, I can take any Abyss Script from my deck, and set it on my field.' 'It's sent to the grave when your turn ends though.' 'Who said I need to worry about that? I'll get another Rise of the Abyss King. Now I'll Link off Superstar to Link summon. Cue the cameras, hit the lights, and get in place. Run the show, Abyss Actor - Hyper Director (Atk:800).' 'So you summoned a couple of monsters, congratulations, I'm sure winning that course was… so earned. And not just because you were dating the course runner's bit on the side.' This comment irritated Jade. 'Firstly, they're cousins, that's just weird. Secondly, don't forget that I beat Belle for that. Now remind me how your duel with her went in Japan? That's right, you got beaten. So the next time you want to start undermining what I've done, I suggest you don't miss yourself first.'

'Now where was I? Oh yeah, Hyper Director can summon an Abyss Actor from my Pendulum zone, all it needs to do is fetch another Actor from my deck to fill its spot. I'll summon Liberty Dramatist, and replace her with Abyss Actor - Extras (Liberty Dramatist Atk:1500). Now I'll use her effect because she was Special summoned from the Pendulum zone, to set Abyss Script - Opening Ceremony from my deck. Now I'll Link off Hyper Director and Liberty Dramatist, to Link summon. Make a show, Link 2, Abyss Actor - Super Producer (Atk:1600).' 'Are you done yet?'

'Nope, because Super Producer can destroy my set Opening Ceremony, and set a monster from my deck into my Pendulum Zone. I'll Scale up Scale 8 Abyss Actor - Trendy Understudy, and then Pendulum summon. Make your bow, Abyss Actor - Sassy Rookie, and take your stage, Abyss Actor - Superstar (Atk:1700, 2500). Sassy Rookie, attack.' The Rookie slugged at Akiza's Aroma Jar (Def.:500), but couldn't break through it. 'I'll end my Battle phase so I can activate my face-down Abyss Script - Rise of the Abyss King. This will destroy your Jar so you can't gain Life points from it.' The figure of a mighty fiendish king rose from the stage of the Fantastic Theatre, and surged through Aroma Jar with a deafening screech, causing it to fall apart. 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Akiza hand: Aromage Jasmine, Copy Plant, Cosmic Cyclone, Card Destruction)

Akiza: 'I draw. I'll activate Cosmic Cyclone, to banish your Theatre. Then I'll activate Card Destruction, and I hope you weren't too attached to your hand, because it's all going to the graveyard.' 'I'll be honest, I've felt worse.' Irked, Akiza continued her turn. 'I summon Lonefire Blossom (Atk:500). And with its effect, I can tribute it to summon Lonefire Blossom (Atk:500).' 'That desperate to thin the deck? Sure.' 'Then I'll tribute the 2nd Lonefire for the 3rd one (Atk:500). And then I'll tribute the 3rd one to summon Chirubime, Princess of Autumn Leaves (Def.:2800). I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Jade hand: Abyss Script - Opening Ceremony, Pendulum Paradox)

Jade: 'I draw. I'll set a face-down, and then activate my face-down Abyss Script - Rise of the Abyss King, which will destroy your monster.' As the Abyss King surged through Chirubime, Akiza laughed. 'When Chirubime is destroyed, I can summon another Plant from anywhere in my deck. I'll summon Aromage Bergamot (Atk:2400). Then I'll activate Blessed Winds, and use its effect immediately, sending Copy Plant to my graveyard and gaining 500 Life points (Akiza LP:8000-8500, Bergamot Atk:2400-3400). Come and attack me now.'

As she said this, Jade obliged. 'Ok, I'll Link off Abyss Actor - Sassy Rookie. Run the show, Abyss Actor - Hyper Director (Atk:800, Link Arrow:BC). Hyper Director's effect summons the Extras from my Pendulum Zone (Def.:100), and replaces it with Mellow Madonna. And by her own power in my Pendulum zone, I can pay 1000 Life points (Jade LP:8000-7000), and add Abyss Actor - Evil Heel to my hand. Now I'll tribute Hyper Director and Sassy Rookie. Play the foil, Abyss Actor - Evil Heel (Atk:3000). Evil Heel's effect will strip Bergamot of all her Attack points now. Back Snapper.' Evil Heel dashed over to Bergamot with cat-like reflexes, and picked it up, snapping it over his knee, paralysing the Aromage (Atk:3400-0).'

'Now Evil Heel, attack Bergamot with Cranium Crush.' Evil Heel charged the crippled Bergamot, and squeezed its head tightly until it was squashed like a fruit (Akiza LP:8500-5500). 'Superstar, Super Producer, attack.' Jade's other two monsters attacked with Superstar hurling a bag of sharp stars at it, and Super Producer launching a barbed pen at her, dropping her total low (Akiza LP:5500-1300). I end my turn.'

(Akiza hand: Red Rose Dragon, Reasoning, Roxrose Dragon)

Akiza: 'I think it's about time I made you suffer. I activate Reasoning. I'm sure your babysitters told you how this card works at nursery, but just to reiterate' 'I know how the card works. I choose 4.' 'The standard.' As the cards were revealed, Akiza started to talk 'I had everything, until a "wolfblood" took everything away from me, left me with nothing. That was, until I was taken in, a refugee if you will. So now, I'm not going to rest until not only your sick organisation, but the entire race who betrayed me are nothing more than a page in the books of history.' The cards continued to be milled (Phoenixian Cluster Amaryllis, Aroma Garden, Aroma Gardening, Rosaria the Stately Fallen Angel, Rank-up Magic Cursed Thorn, Mark of the Rose, Phoenixian Cluster Amaryllis, Elemental Hero Poison Rose, Rosaria the Stately Fallen Angel, Kotodama)

'As it's Level 3, I Special summon Kotodama (Atk:0). Then I'll end my turn, and let my graveyard do its magic. By banishing two Plants from my graveyard, I can revive both my Cluster Amaryllises (Def.:0x2). But due to Kotodama, if multiple monsters of the same name are on the field, they're destroyed. And I'm sure you see where this is going, because I can keep reviving my plants. Go - burn the wicked wolf!' Jade looked on in dismay as the Amaryllises self-destructed, and kept reviving, hurling burning petals at her, which started to sear at her skin. As she looked up while trying to shield herself, all she could see was Akiza laughing maniacally (Jade LP:7000-0).'

After the duel finished, the lab coat army descended upon Jade, but before they could come close to touching her, Tony sprinted over and started to knock them all flat with a concealed pair of knuckle dusters, while Taylor and Kelly held off any approaching from the other side. As all this was occurring, Blair ran out almost undetected, and picked Jade up, before taking her away. That was, until two more goons blocked their path, and in a split second of thinking, the Iranian launched herself off her girlfriend, taking them both down with a dropkick. As Akiza watched on, Jade passed Blair a microphone.

'This ends now! You want to start throwing your weight around, well I just contacted the Board of Directors, and I got a duel set up for a couple of weeks' time at Against All Odds. You, me, one on one. And to sweeten the pot for you, if you win, you can have any duel of your choosing.' Hearing this, Akiza's cold eyes opened wide. 'Deal. I'm going to destroy you.' 'Try it, I dare you.' With that set up, she left, as Blair watched on.

Backstage, Bolton was stood, in an incredibly sharp suit, being interviewed. 'Bolton, we' 'Address me properly.' 'Sorry… erm… Mr. Andrews, we saw what happened to you last week in Luxembourg, the way that you were viciously assaulted and humiliated. Have you spoken to the Board of DIrectors regarding the CCTV?' 'I have, and they found that the CCTV stopped working half an hour before I was so needlessly attacked. Therefore they refuse to take my word for it that it was those Renegade scoundrels who carried out the attack. And now thanks to them, I'm having to get mental therapy to ease the night terrors I've been suffering as a consequence of their actions.'

Just then, Maddy walked in, flanked by DJ. 'Excuse me, but have you thought of the error of everyone else who was there? They had to see you tarred and feathered in your tighty whities. I know I've not been able to sleep after that, some things you can't unsee once you've witnessed them. So if anything, I think we deserve compensation.' Angered by what he was hearing, Bolton went to lash out, only for the Young-Gun Champion to step back swiftly. 'Ah ah, you know what the Board have said. Any member of senior management who so much as touches an active competitor outside of extraordinary circumstances will be suspended indefinitely. Now I'm sure you wouldn't want us running the joint, right? Well… more than we already do at least, because let's face it, you can't run a birthday party for a corpse, never mind a duelling show.'

Bolton responded by quietly smiling to himself. 'You've made a big mistake by choosing me as a target of your frustrations. I may not be able to touch you, but you seem to forget, I can put you in any duel I like, regardless of "fairness". And while I have been extremely fair to all of you, I think it's about time you had some tough love, because clearly two sets of parents haven't taught you respect. As a result, you're going to be defending your title tomorrow.' Maddy responded by laughing.

'Ooh how scary, defend a title I've already defended, like 40 times all across the world. Let me guess, Dino Dan's getting another title shot? Or maybe it's gonna be Kari, so she can invent another relative. Maybe even Shan, except it can't be her, because I did to her what I do to threats. What I do to people who betray me and people who refuse to accept the truth - I destroyed her, made sure she was never coming back. So go on, who am I supposed to be scared of this time?' Frustrated, he snapped back. 'You're defending your title against ME. I'm going to personally take care of business, and make sure that you can't ever call yourself a professional duellist ever again.' 'Fine, but let's spice it up, how about we make it Career vs. Career. If you lose, you're never duelling professionally again, here or anywhere else. Because you can't hack it.'

Angered, he agreed. 'You got a deal! Because I'm going to rip that title out of your hands, and then find someone worthy to continue it's lineage, write you and your stupid family out of history, like your ancestors should have been thousands of years ago. I'm going to defeat you so convincingly that you'll never want to come near a duel field, France, or me ever again. Consider this your punishment!' Maddy then took the microphone, leant in real close, and in a deep Geordie growl, threatened 'Consider this… your funeral. There will be no mercy for you.' She left, leaving him looking very scared, wondering what he had gotten himself into.

Elsewhere, Blair and Phil were being interviewed ahead of their tag title defence. But before the interview started, Blair pulled her partner to one side. 'Everything ok?' 'Yeah, I just wanted to ask if you can leave the interview to me?' 'Oh, because of how close you are to them?' 'Yeah, I feel like there's some things I just want to say.' He smiled in response, and patted her on the back. 'Any excuse for me not to do one of these things. Can't stand them.' They then went over to the awaiting announcer.

'Ladies and Gentlemen, our show will soon resume with the WDC Tag-Team Championships on the line. Kenzie Calhoun and Denzil Davis challenging my guests at this time, representing the Trifecta Frozen Diamonds, Phil Robinson and Blair Flannigan. Now I know that you have worked very closely with these two through their work on the Advanced course in the Renegades Arena. How does that make this duel different to others?' As they had agreed, Blair stepped forward.

'It's different in so much as you know your opponents, and they know you, so you both know how each other are likely to play. Aside from that though, I want them to understand - this is just another day at the office. Title duels are no different to standard ones, you're still facing the same kind of opponents, and you've still got to put everything into winning. We're going out there with one purpose, and that's to win. We've both taught you a lot, in particular you and I have spent hour after hour going through so much Denzil, but the thing is, I can't teach you everything. Because I knew one day, you'd have to face me. I love you both like you're my kids, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm going to have to crush your dreams this time.'

'We worked too hard to get these titles back, and we're not about to let you have them out of kindness or because we like you. We're still going to give everything like we do against anybody else. The Art of War states that you need to be flexible in your tactics in order to succeed. That means knowing when to use your moves, and producing moves your opponent wouldn't expect, and that's what I intend on doing. Just remember - when we're out there, I'm not your friend, I'm not your mentor, and I'm certainly not your surrogate mother, I'm your worst enemy, who will stop at nothing to defeat you, and it's going to be as simple as 1, 2, 3' she concluded, holding up three fingers.

As Blair walked off, the interviewer stared at her, confused. 'The Art of War?' Phil then slid over to help her out. 'It's a book she likes, seriously she's read it front to back. Her favourite section is Chapter 12, I'm seriously worried that England's having an effect on her now. As for her horniness, I mean, that's nothing to do with me. Then again, it has nothing to do with the Art of War either.' Shrugging, he walked off. 'The… er… Trifecta Frozen Diamonds, very, very strange people apparently.'

In the duelling zone, Kenzie and Denzil's new beat started up as the fans started to cheer. 'The following duel is for the WDC Tag-Team Championships. Introducing first, the challengers, representing the Dynasty, they are the team of Denzil Davis and Kenzie Calhoun.' They weren't even seen before everyone heard Denzil's rapping. 'Kenzie and Denzil, we don't want to be a pair of bores, but we're honoured to be facing our mentors. When it all ends we're still going to be together, because at the end of the day it's Renegades forever.' Kenzie then joined in. 'Winning ain't personal, everything's professional, we're going to beat the champ and Daddy's little crystal. Because those tag titles fit us like a glove, and we're going to snatch them in the city… of… LOVE!'

As the crowd continued to lap up the challengers, they were analysed. "Kenzie and Denzil are young, hungry, and full of attitude. They were very impressive in coming through the Gauntlet to become Top Contenders and deserve their shot. Kenzie's Muskets at Dawn deck surprises opponents when weak monsters lead to surprise interaction from the hand, while Denzil provides explosive combos with Karakuri Inevitability. They are hugely talented, but facing Phil and Blair is an entire leap in quality."

Shortly after, the champions entered, with Blair now sporting cornrows in the front of her hair, as well as a significantly better-looking eye. 'Introducing their opponents, they are your WDC Tag-Team Champions, the Northern Nightmare, Phil Robinson, and the Jewel of the St. Clair, Blair Flannigan, the Legend and the Legacy.' The champions walked down calmly, briefly talking through tactics as they did. As the analysis took place, they entered the zone, and shared a handshake with their opponents.

"Phil Robinson and Blair Flannigan are two of the best duellists we have here, and their performances as a team have shown as much. Phil;s Cybernetic Technologies deck is as old as time but is constantly specced out to emphasise versatility, while Blair's Invoking Shadows deck plays with the expectations of Fusion decks, by locking the opponent down and forcing them into weak boards." "They've teamed a number of times in the UK on regional shows, and they are currently unbeaten. Even more frighteningly, they've not conceded a single Life point in any of those duels."

WDC Tag-Team Championships: Dynasty (Kenzie Calhoun/Denzil Davis) LP:8000 vs. [c] Legend and the Legacy (Phil Robinson/Blair Flannigan) LP:8000

(Phil hand: Cyber Dragon Drei, Cyber Dragon Core, Cyber Repair Plant, Galaxy Soldier, Cyber Dragon Vier)

Turn 1: Phil: 'We're showing no mercy here. I'll summon Cyber Dragon Drei (Atk:1600). I'll use its effect to modulate its Level to 5, and then chain Cyber Dragon Vier's effect to summon itself (Atk:1100-1600, Drei Atk:1600-2100, Level:4-5x2). Now I'll discard Cyber Dragon Core to summon Galaxy Soldier (Def.:0). When Soldier is summoned, it searches out another Soldier. Now I'll overlay Level 5 Soldier and Drei to build the overlay network and Xyz summon. Open the door and touch the future, as I summon out the latest evolution of Cybernetic technology. Blast me into tomorrow, Cyber Dragon Nova (Atk:2100).'

'Nova's effect allows me to detach an Xyz material, and summon Cyber Dragon from my hand or graveyard. Guess what name Core has in the graveyard (Atk:400-900). Next I can Link off Cyber Dragon Core and Vier. From the skunkworks of my unholy mind comes the most optimised and perfected evolution of Cybernetic technology. Seek and destroy, Cyber Dragon Sieger (Atk:2100, Link Arrows:L, BC). Finally I'll rebuild the overlay network with Cyber Dragon Nova. Life and death, a permanent cycle. It's time to break the circuit! Rank-up Xyz Evolution! Upgrade, Cyber Dragon Infinity (Atk:2100-2500).' Just as he was about to end his turn, he had another idea though. 'I think I'll also activate Cyber Repair Plant. Because I have Cyber Dragon in my graveyard, I can add a Light Machine from my deck to my hand. I'll grab C - Crush Wyvern, and then end my turn.'

(Kenzie hand: Magical Musketeer Starfire, Magical Musket - Steady Hands, Archfiend's Ghastly Glitch, Magical Musket - Last Stand, Magical Musket - Desperado, Magical Musket - Fiendish Deal)

Kenzie: 'I draw. I summon Magical Musketeer - Starfire (Atk:1300). I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Blair hand: Divine Designator, Shaddoll Fusion, Aleister the Invoker, C - Crush Wyvern, Shaddoll Dragon, Necro Fusion)

Blair: 'I draw. I'll activate Divine Designator. With this, I get to look at one other person's hand, and if we have the same monster in both our hand, both are summoned. If not, I can't Special summon this turn. How about showing me your hand boss?' Phil nodded, and showed her. 'Is that a C - Crush Wyvern I see there?' 'It is. I can see you've also got one… wait, when did you' She didn't speak, but winked at him. 'We both summon Crush Wyvern (Atk:1200x2). Now I can attach the Wyverns to Cyber Dragon Infinity and Sieger.' The two Wyverns opened up theri wings, before connecting to the heads of the two Machine monsters respectively. 'This stops either of them being affected by Trap cards. Next I'll summon Aleister the Invoker (Atk:1000). And I'll use its effect to add Invocation to my hand. Then I can use Invocation, banishing Aleister and sending Shaddoll Dragon from my hand to the graveyard, to Fusion summon Invoked Caliga (Def.:1800).

'Now when it's sent to the grave, Shaddoll Dragon is able to get rid of your face-down. And now, Cyber Dragon Infinity, attack Starfire.' Sensing she didn't have much choice, Kenzie tried to make something happen. 'In damage calculation, I activate Magical Musket - Steady Hands. This doubles the Attack of Starfire for the rest of the turn (Atk:1300-2600).' Having evaded the negation of Infinity, Kenzie thought she had outed the negation. Phil however, had other ideas. 'I activate the effect of Cyber Dragon Seiger. If it is yet to attack this turn, I can sacrifice any battle damage for the rest of the turn and give any Machine on my field 2100 more Attack points (Atk:2500-4600). Strident Surge.' The powered-up Infinity roasted Starfire with searing flames, destroying it. 'I end my turn.'

(Denzil hand: Karakuri Anatomy, Karakuri Bonze "Kunamzan, Karakuri Merchant "Inashichi", Karakuri Ninja "Sazank", Machine Duplication, Double Summon)

Denzil: 'I draw! I'll summon Karakuri Merchant "Inashichi" (Atk:500).' 'I take it you're not searching?' 'Yeah, I don't think so 'cause of the old wrinkly thing on your field.' 'Nice way to talk about Phil.' 'Yeah I wasn't. I activate Machine Duplication, because Inashichi is just weak enough.' Seeing it, Phil and Blair looked at each other, and decided from the look in each other's eyes to not respond. 'Ok?' 'Ok' Blair replied calmly (Atk:500x2). Disappointed, Denzil rethought his plan. 'I'll activate Karakuri Anatomy, and then activate the effect of Karakuri Bonze "Kunamzan" in my hand.' 'I'll use Infinity to negate (Atk:2500-2300). 'I'll end my turn.'

(Phil hand: Galaxy Soldier, Cyber Revsystem)

Phil: 'I draw. I activate Cyber Revsystem, to revive Cyber Dragon Vier (Atk:1100-1600). Then I can use the effect of Infinity to absorb Vier as an Xyz material (Atk:2300-2500, Materials:1-2). Sieger, attack Inashichi with Strident Force Wave.' 'When Inashichi is targeted for an attack, it automatically switches to Defence mode.' 'I'll negate with Infinity (Atk:2500-2300).' 'So a replay occurs?' 'Yes, the legal targets have changed, so a replay occurs. Attack the second Inashichi.' Sieger loaded up an attack, its body crackling light blue as it did, before blasting Inashichi, which was prevented from changing battle position by Caliga (Dynasty LP:8000-6400). 'And I can then attack with Infinity.' Infinity attacked the second Inashichi with piercing flames, continuing the thrashing (Dynasty LP:6400-4600). 'I end my turn.'

(Kenzie hand: Magical Musket - Last Stand, Magical Musket - Desperado, Magical Musket - Fiendish Deal, Magical Musketeer Wild)

Kenzie: 'I draw. I summon Magical Musketeer Wild (Atk:1700).' 'Gee, how many weapons does one buff bloke need?' Blair remarked at the many gun and cannon-carrying Wild. 'Next I'll activate Desperado, to destroy Caliga.' Phil left the decision up to Blair, who paused for a moment, before calling Kenzie's bluff. 'I'll use Infinity to negate (Atk:2300-2100).' With her plan also foiled, Kenzie took a long time to rethink, before coming to the realisation that she only had one move. 'I activate Magical Musket - Fiendish Deal. This stops Wild it being destroyed by card effects, and triggers Wild's effect as well. I can shuffle Starfire, Desperado and Steady Hands back into my deck, then draw a card.'

Looking at the card, she looked over at Denzil. 'Hey Denz, any chance of borrowing your monster?' 'You know it.' 'Great. I activate Level Doubler. It requires me to discard Last Stand, but in return I can double the Level of Inashichi.' As the card was activated, a sliding scale with numbers 1-12 appeared on the field, and lit up, allowing the slider to whizz up and down, until it slowly stopped on the number 4 (Level:2-4). And now I'll overlay both our Level 4s to Xyz summon Bagooska the Terribly Tired Tapir (Def.:2100). While it's in Defence mode, every other monster on the field is also switched to Defence (Infinity Def.:1600). Your monsters also have their effects negated. I end my turn.'

(Blair hand: Shaddoll Fusion, Aleister the Invoker, Necro Fusion, Super Polymerisation)

Blair: 'I draw.' Blair stared at the card she drew briefly, and then realised that she had an ingenious plan to deal with Bagooska. 'I activate Shaddoll Fusion, and because you have Bagooska, I can use monsters from my deck. So I'll combine Shaddoll Dragon and Naelshaddoll Ariel to Fusion summon El Shaddoll Winda (Def.:800).' 'Some monster Winda is when she's unable to use her effect.' Blair had an entirely different plan though. 'That doesn't matter. What matters is I now have a Shaddoll monster on my field. Meaning I can activate Super Polymerisation. This fuses together Bagooska and Winda, so i can summon El Shaddoll Shekinaga (Atk:2600).'

'And just to make doubly sure, I summon Aleister the Invoker (Atk:1000). And I'll use its effect to search Invocation, then use Invocation to fuse together Aleister with the Bagooska in your graveyard to Fusion summon Invoked Magellanica (Atk:3000). Magellanica, attack directly.' The mighty mountain of earthen might rumbled across the field, slamming into the challengers' points (Dynasty LP:4600-1600). 'And now Sieger finishes you off.' Sieger unleashed its fizzing stream, ending the title duel after a mere 7 minutes, and continuing the champions' perfect record (Dynasty LP:1600-0).

Having retained their titles with a shutout, Phil and Blair briefly bumped fists, before walking over to their deflated opponents, and helping them up. 'Man, we ain't nearly at your level. That's a whole, like 10 levels above.' Phil had some warm advice for them though. 'You're not going to be at our level, your journey is just beginning. You're going to be around for a long time to come, your time just isn't now. You're going to be massive in a couple of years, once you've got some experience under your belts.' This prompted Blair to give them some advice herself.

'Try visiting local and regional events, just wherever you can gain experience. You just need miles in the tank, so you need to find as many events as you can, and compete in them. Because once you hit it big, you're not going to get the chance to experience them as much. Just enjoy the journey, and whenever you get an opportunity, take it.' Kenzie then extended her hand to them both. 'Taking you on was a lot of fun.' 'And you. Keep at it, you're going to get there. And you're welcome to a rematch in the arena anytime.' The two teams had a warm handshake, and then walked away, with the champions quickly heading back, lifting their titles towards the crowd as they did.

As Blair got backstage, she saw Maddy beckoning her over. 'Hey, you look better than before.' 'Yeah, the magic healing properties of water and painkillers. Anyway, you wanted to talk to me about Jade?' 'Yeah, you were saying about what Akiza said to her last week, and I didn't tell you at the time because you seemed to be in rough shape, but the truth is, she knows that Jade is a Wolfblood, and she's threatening to kill every Wolfblood, she's got links with Segolia.' 'Those fucking guys again?' Maddy exclaimed, sick of hearing the name.

'Yep. You saw them out there, and I get the feeling that they're just the grunts.' 'I wouldn't be too worried. Akiza does not have the connections, the ambition, or quite frankly the guts to try and take out an entire race. Besides, after a rumble with you, I'm not sure she'll be in any mood to eradicate anything, she'll more than likely just want a nice cup of tea.' 'Are you saying I age people?' 'No, I'm saying duelling you is the most stressful thing anyone can encounter, because you let them tie themselves up in knots.' 'I really think you should be taking this threat more seriously.' Maddy seemed to disagree though. 'Let them believe what they want to. Because they aren't going to harm any of us. I'll make sure of it.' Maddy walked off, as Blair just shook her head. 'Why can't you take this seriously?'

In the duelling zone

Don Pope was waiting when Sara's music hit. Except instead of Sara, it was caprice who was duelling, dressed in a sky-blue and pink long-sleeve vest which cut off above her midriff, as well as heavily bejewelled jeans. 'Introducing his opponent, from Port Elizabeth, South Africa, she is the Sun Goddess - Caprice Morris.' She walked down with sunglasses, as if she was on a catwalk, stopping only to briefly peer over them at the crowd. While she continued to pose, the commentary team got the chance to talk about her.

"Caprice Morris may be making her WDC debut, but she is incredibly experienced, as a three-time Amateur World Champion, including beating Blair Flannigan twice in finals, and has had to wait over six months to debut due to a broken leg. This stylish South African runs a tricky Trickstar deck, which deals damage small and quick, and can even render the opponent without any cards in their hand." "Caprice has a bad attitude and bad intentions, but she also has the skills to back itself up. She has a reputation for being very callous, and will stop at nothing to win in the cheapest and easiest way possible."

In the zone, Caprice posed for flash photography with the piped-in sound of cheering fans, while Don started shouting for her to enter the duel. Eventually she took her glasses off, and briefly shuffled her deck, before she took off her silver leather jacket, and started the duel.

Don Pope LP:8000 vs. Caprice Morris LP:8000

(Don hand: Guardian Sphinx, Doki Doki, Pharaonic Guardian Sphinx, Catapult Zone, Release from Stone)

Don: 'I'll start. I summon Doki Doki (Atk:500). And with its effect, I'll discard Pharaonic Guardian Sphinx to set Pharaonic Guardian Sphinx face-down. I'll set a card and end my turn.'

(Caprice hand: Trickstar Lycoris, Chain Summoning, Trickstar Candina, Trickstar Festival, Trickstar Light Stage, Trickstar Corobane)

Caprice: 'This is going to be just magical. I control no monsters, meaning I can summon Trickstar Corobane (Atk:2000). I'll follow up with Trickstar Candina (Atk:1800). I'll activate Candina's effect, to add Trickstar Lycoris to my hand. Then I think I'll chain the effect of Trickstar Lycoris, which returns my Candina to my hand and replaces it with herself. And I'll also chain Chain Summoning, to give myself three Normal summons this turn. Now I'll activate Trickstar Festival, to summon two Trickstar Tokens (Atk:0x2). Following up, I activate Trickstar Light Stage.' A shining, bright stage appeared underneath both Caprice and Don, with Caprice taking the opportunity to sit down on one of the seats provided. 'When this is activated, I get a Trickstar card to hand. I'll add Trickstar Fusion.'

'Now I'll Link off one of the Trickstar Tokens to Link summon Link 1, Trickstar Bloom (Atk:100, Link Arrows:BC). When she's summoned, you have to draw a card.' 'Oh I have to draw a card? Shame.' 'It is when Lycoris deals you with 200 damage.' Lycoris shot out a short, sharp light from her wand, chipping Don's points as he laughed (Don LP:8000-7800). 'You call that damage?' 'I call that the start of your… event. Because when you take effect damage, Light Stage deals you with 200 damage.' The stage lit up brightly underneath Don, and caught him in a pillar of light (Don LP:7800-7600).

'Now I'll summon Trickstar Candina (Atk:1800). It will get Trickstar Reincarnation to my hand. Then I'll Link off Bloom and the second Trickstar Token to summon Trickstar Holly Angel (Atk:2000). Now I'll bounce Candina back to summon Lycoris, and when a monster is summoned to Holly Angel's Link point, you take 200 damage.' Holly Angel spun her baton around and around, before catching Don out with a burning light being blasted from it (Atk:1600, Don LP:7600-7400-7200). Then I'll Link Corobane and Lycoris to summon Trickstar Divaridis (Atk:1800). Divaridis will deal you with 200 damage when she's summoned, and don't forget about Light Stage (Don LP:7200-7000-6800). And I'll summon Candina again (Atk:1800, Don LP:6800-6600-6400). And Candina will get Trickstar Live Stage. Now I'll Trickstar Fusion, combining Candina and Divaridis to summon Trickstar Band Sweet Guitar (Atk:2400).'

'Are you done yet missy?' 'How rude!' she exclaimed in complete disgust. 'I will tell you when I am done, not before. Holly Angel, make him suffer. Sweet Guitar doubles all effect damage you take from Link monsters she's Linked to by the way (Don LP:6400-6000-5800). Next I can replace my Light Stage with a Live Stage.' With the new stage set up, Caprice continued her quick-fire turn, which was only just approaching four minutes, while the New Yorker opposite her struggled to keep up with the pace. 'Because I control a Trickstar Link monster, I can summon a Trickstar Token (Atk:0, Don LP:5800-5400). Then I'll Link off Sweet Guitar and Trickstar Token to Link summon Trickstar Crimson Heart (Atk:2000), Don LP:5400-5200).'

'Crimson Heart's effect allows me to discard Reincarnation, and we both draw a card. Except my Life points are so much better than yours, I get to draw a 2nd card.' Sara then provided some clarification, with a taunting '2000 better. And you drew a card, so you're losing more (Don LP:5200-5000).' 'Then I activate Card Destruction, so we both discard our hands and draw fresh ones. And four cards drawn means another 800 damage.' As the damage piled up, Don was completely powerless, and he knew it (Don LP:5000-4200). Now I can activate my Pot of Greed, or as I call it, the pot of what I'm owed, to get two cards. Including another Card Destruction. So you can get your new hand now (Don LP:4200-3400). Now I drew Contingency Fee. If your hand is under six cards, this allows you to draw until you have six there. Then I gain 1000 points for each (Caprice LP:8000-10,000, Don LP:3400-2800).'

'And for my final move, I'll Link off Holly Angel, Crimson Heart, and Lycoris to Link summon the queen of mean, the sweetheart of everyone's hearts, the Trickstar Bella Madonna (Atk:2800, Link Arrows:BL, BC, R, TC). Because she points to no monsters, she can deal you with 200 damage for each Trickstar of a different name in my graveyard. I'm counting 14, which is the exact amount of Life points you have left.' Bella Madonna extended her arms, and sixteen individual piercing lights flew straight at Don, who was stunned to lose in one turn, and just short of 8 minutes (Don LP:2800-0).

Having secured her easy win, Caprice posed for the crowd again, while Sara pushed Don out of the zone, and then squirted sanitizer all over her hands. She then stayed around as the announcer came over for an interview, only for Sara to stand in the way. 'Excuse me, I just wanted to interview Caprice?' 'Have you been given permission? You need to book an interview with the greatest competitor and style icon to have ever graced this scummy company. It's fitting that she made her grand bow though in Paris, the city of love, the city of fashion, a city which has been RUINED by the presence of all the disgusting creatures that inhabit this company. So, we're going to clean it up, one incel at a time. Talking of incels, I'm still after that title, Maddy. So when you've got the guts, come and find me. Because I ain't coming begging to anyone.' With that, the two of them left.

Backstage

As hype continued for the main event, Jade was being checked over by Rio backstage. 'It's burns alright, can tell from the blistering.' 'I swear this is like nothing I've ever experienced.' 'She's out of control. I'd volunteer to face her, but even I've got some sense of self-preservation.' 'If she can do this to me, I hate to think what she'd do to you. I suppose it could be worse.' 'I will say, wrapping your hair around your arm the way you did was a stroke of genius. I didn't have you down as the genius type.' 'I'm not, it was instinct to protect myself. Just hope Blair's ok to deal with her.'

'Look, we've seen what Akiza can do now. And there's more chance of getting blood from a stone than there is of her taking Blair out in one go like that. Trust me, there's nothing tougher.' Just as she was saying this, Lydia walked past, and Rio looked over. 'Oh Lyds.' 'Yeah, what's up?' 'Astrid was looking for you, she wanted one of your tarot readings.' The red-headed twin rolled her eyes in response. 'I'm seriously never telling Freja anything again. I'll go and find her.'

Lydia didn't have to look far for Astrid, as she was busy regaling Ally with more tales of her mythology. 'And then Thor struck the mighty serpent down with all his might, leaving the creature defeated. Alas, he had been poisoned in the process, and after nine steps, he would collapse to the ground.' Lydia then coughed to get her attention. 'Rio said you wanted a reading?' 'Yeah, she said it did her some good' 'Wait, so Freja didn't tell you?' 'Oh she did, but Rio told me first.' Rolling her eyes, Lydia nodded. 'Ok, we'll do it here.'

As they both sat on the floor, Lydia placed the deck gently. 'Put your hand on the deck, and out loud, ask the cards a question.' 'Any question?' 'Any question where the answer is advice. So you can't ask if you're going to win.' 'Ok thanks.' Astrid then thought for a moment, before closing her eyes and placing her hand on the top card. 'How can I achieve the success that I desire?' After asking, Astrid opened her eyes again, and Lydia picked the deck up, before shuffling it, as her eyes started to glaze. She then fanned the deck out, picking six cards seemingly at random, before placing them face-down from left to right.

'Let us begin.' 'i'm ready' was Astrid's conformation. 'Card 1 is your subconscious belief. You can say things, but deep down, what do you believe?' Astrid flipped the card, and saw it was the Three of Wands, but reversed. 'Three of Wands reversed. This suggests that you have a lot of deep frustrations with your current situation. You have faced many obstacles, and you believe that the obstacles may be getting the better of you. You are frustrated at time, and how that is affecting the progress towards your goals. This series you're involved in, outwardly it was fun, but internally you never desired it, you wanted a single chance to prove your worth.' Astrid just stared at the card, stunned that she was being told what was in her innermost core.

'The second card is the risk you must take. Everyone must take risks in life in order to achieve heir goals, and this card will illustrate the kind you may need to take on.' As Astrid flipped the card, she realised it was upright. 'The Two of Cups is upright. Two of Cups focuses on unity and trusting others with your heart.' 'What does that mean?' 'It means that in order to achieve your goals, you may need to rely on someone who you are closest to. The risk comes from uniting with another, and letting your connection determine your achievement. Don't be afraid to let your instincts lead the way on how you can use acquired tools to achieve your goals, and trust the unity that you share with others to persist throughout. Your connections are stronger than you could ever know.'

'The 3rd card represents your conscious mind. This is not what you share with others, but rather represents your true feelings, and is a reflection of what has been discovered previously.' The card was flipped. 'The Strength is reversed. This represents insecurity and internal weakness. You struggle to believe that you're truly capable of taking the next step in your ambitions. Perhaps previous setbacks have made you question your own abilities, or maybe someone has made you insecure on your potential.' Astrid then made a revelation. 'Uncle Finn used to tell me that I would never make it as a pro without him, only he could make sure I won. Without him I would just fail every time, and when I was young, I did that, time after time.'

'It does suggest something else though.' 'Pardon?' 'In combination with the previous cards, it suggests that you should listen to those around you. They have wisdom which you do not, they have not lived through your situation, nor do they share your insecurities. Flip the next card, for it represents the obstacles, and how you may overcome them. The consequences of what would happen should you not be able to reach your goal.' The card was flipped, and Astrid immediately felt something. 'That feeling… it's positive.' 'The Page of Pentacles is upright. It suggests that falling short of your goal would not be the end of your story. Your ambition will never cease, your hard work will never cool, you will continue to desire the same goal until you are given the opportunity to climb the mountain again.'

'The fifth card represents your ultimate obstacle, the thing you need to surpass.' The card was flipped. 'The Five of Swords is upright. Your obstacle is an opponent, one who will win at any costs and has limitless ambitions. They will try anything to gain an advantage, so you have to choose the high road. You may not match them in deception and sneakiness, but you may match them in determination. Focus not on what they can do, but on how you can overcome them. Do not believe their deceptions, be wary of their tricks to have the greatest chance of success.'

Finally, she moved onto the sixth card. 'The final card represents the future. What will come in a time we know nothing about?' Astrid slowly flipped the card, and stared at it. 'The Empress is upright. The Empress represents protectiveness and maternity. It appears that your ambitions may stretch beyond professional.' 'So what… I'm going to get pregnant? I'm way too young, I'm only 21.' This was a misinterpretation though. 'The cards don't automatically talk about you as a person. Sometimes they can reflect a situation you are involved in. The Empress talks about fertility and maternity, but not necessarily you. Perhaps someone you are close to is the person in question, and you are involved with it.'

'So that means… Hannah's baby?' 'Maternity is about more than just conception. The spread suggests that your determination and passion will overcome your insecurities, and that your future may be more than simply professional.' As Astrid pushed her long-hanging hair back, Lydia shuffled the Tarot cards back into the deck, and then appeared to wake up. 'How did it go?' 'Huh?' 'The Tarot reading - how did it go?' 'You literally just performed it.' Freja then sat down next to her, grimacing due to her shoulder as she did.

'What she means is that when she's doing these readings, she doesn't remember what's going on. It's almost like she's in a trance throughout, she literally remembers nothing from the moment she picks up the deck until the moment it's whole again.' Shocked, Lydia exclaimed 'Freja!' through gritted teeth. 'You tried telling Phil?' 'I've told her to, quite a few times actually, she doesn't listen though, because she's jealous that me and him have been spending time together.'

'I'm not jealous! I'm trying to protect you.' 'From what - succeeding? Look, I don't know what you think he's done or is doing, but he's not' 'He's changing you, he's right in your mind.' 'Well good, because he's improving my mind. For the first time in my life, I've got focus, I've got actual goals outside of just being "the funny one", I'm doing something meaningful that actually makes a difference. I just wanted to serve him, he's the one who insisted on making me something better.' Lydia sighed, and made an allegation. 'I wasn't going to tell you, but he threatened me in Luxembourg.'

Unconvinced, Freja invited the response. 'Go on.' 'He threatened me Fre, he said that if I did anything to "get in your way", he'd cut me out of your life.' There was a shocking response though. 'Good.' 'Pardon?' 'Maybe if you can't accept that he's part of my life, a key part of my life, then maybe it's you who should step away, because you clearly don't care about me as much as you care about controlling who I spend time with. At least he's honest about it, and everything's consensual.' Listening to the argument, Astrid rolled her eyes and walked off.

As she was plaiting her hair ahead of the duel, Rio approached her. 'You probably don't want to hear from anyone right now, but I just wanted to say good luck.' 'Thanks…' she replied, her voice tailing off as she spoke. Sensing the tension, the Idahoan considered walking away, before turning back around towards her fellow. 'Ally asked me to give you this.' She gently placed a Norwegian-flag themed headband in Astrid's hand, before patting her on the back and walking off, passing Maddy as she did.

As the young alpha approached, Astrid noticed her. 'Came to wish me luck?' She replied in her fierce accent. 'You don't need it.' 'What you here for then?' 'That's no way to speak to your mate.' 'Sorry, I'm just' 'I get it, you're nervous. I just came down here to tell you that whatever happens, we all support you.' 'Thank you.' Maddy then gave her a quick shoulder massage. 'You can beat us, you can own him. You're going to smash this.' As the staffer came over to beckon Astrid, there were a few final words. 'See you on the other side I guess.' 'May the gods be in your favour.' As Astrid walked off, Maddy just put her hands together. 'You've got this I swear.'

In the duelling zone

To keep up the promotion of a huge main event, Geoff Maltby had been roped in to do the introductions. 'The upcoming duel is your main event of WDC Victory Road, and is the seventh duel in the Seven Stars Series for the WDC Championship, to be held under Matchplay Rules. In this duel, both duellists start each round with 8000 Life points, and neither competitor may attack on their first turn In Duel 1, the turn order will be determined via a coin toss; in subsequent duels, the loser of the previous round will decide. The first person to two rounds will win and be crowned WDC Champion.'

A druid then walked out onto the floor (Astrid's mother under a hood), and started playing the tune to her theme on a flute. As she continued to do so, Andre and his band appeared. 'Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing The Stormflies.' As they were introduced, the band started singing her theme in thrash metal, Andre's flame red hair illuminating the darkness, and Astrid's entrance video played. At the end of the second chorus, Andre interrupted to make the introduction for his cousin.

'Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, tonight is the start of a new era. Den eneste sanne mesteren, det klareste lyset, håpet i det fjerne nord, kald som is og søt som sukker, og min lille aske, DE ARKTISK REV, Astrid Hofferdottir! (The next true Champion, the brightest light, the hope in the far north, cold as ice and sweet as sugar, and my little ash, ARCTIC FOX, Astrid Hofferdottir!)

Astrid then walked out, head down, in full Viking armour complete with trusty axe in hand, and the headband Ally made for her around her head; her plait tied not with a tie, but with a gold clasp, glistening in the darkness. On the stage, she briefly looked up, and smiled at Andre, who nodded back at her. She then looked at her mother, who smiled at her, before telling her to focus. She responded by raising her axe to the sky, and roaring, as the crowd joined in, fully behind her. Walking down, she was laser-focused on what she had to do, and in the zone, she raised the axe again, as lightning crackled.

A familiar harmonica then sung its sorrowful song, and Kalin entered, his jacket a dusty brown but lined with gold, and he walked through a gold-rush style mine, entering into the zone, where he lifted his title, and then made his way towards Astrid, as extensive highlights of all his wins over Astrid were shown. He then stopped for a short time to start arguing with some fans, before walking over to Astrid's mother, and flicking her hood down, before pie-facing her, as Astrid watched on, aware of his plans to rile her up.

Having not succeeded in angering his opponent enough, Kalin got into the field, right into Astrid's face, and spat at her. She responded surprisingly gracefully by wiping the phlegm off her cheek, and holding the sharp blade of her axe up to Kalin's jaw. 'Next time you spit, will be the last time.' Before anything else could happen, security came out to keep them separate, as well as to escort her mother away. With nothing else left to do, it was announced. 'Astrid Hofferson vs. Kalin Kessler, Round 1, Allez!' and started the duel.

WDC Championship Matchplay Duel 1: [3,0] Astrid Hofferson LP:8000 vs. [c] [3,0] Kalin Kessler LP:8000

(Astrid hand: Guldfaxe of the Nordic Beasts, Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant, Dimension Fusion, Nordic Relic Hlidskjalf, Nordic Smith Ivaldi)

Astrid: 'Challenger first. I summon Nordic Smith Ivaldi (Atk:1500). When he's summoned, I can add Nordic Relic Svalinn to my hand. I end my turn.' 'Aren't you missing something?' She looked at her field, and then just shook her head. 'Don't think so, no. You going to take your turn any time soon?'

(Kalin hand: Infernity Wildcat, Infernity Paranoia, Infernity Sage, Dark Crusader, Fiendish Rhino Warrior, Charge Into a Dark World)

Kalin: 'You're a cocky little punk, you know that? I'll summon Dark Crusader (Atk:1600). And with its effect, I can send Infernity Wildcat from my hand to the graveyard, and give Crusader 400 Attack (Atk:1600-2000). Then I'll activate Charge Into a Dark World, which summons Wildcat back (Atk:1400), before discarding Infernity Sage. Now Level 3 Wildcat tunes to Level 4 Crusader, so I can summon Chaos King Archfiend (Atk:2600). I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Astrid hand: Guldfaxe of the Nordic Beasts, Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant, Dimension Fusion, Nordic Relic Hlidskjalf, Nordic Smith Svalinn, Svartalf of the Nordic Alfar)

Astrid: 'I draw. I'll tribute Ivaldi to Advance summon Svartalf of the Nordic Alfar (Atk:1400). The effect of Svartalf triggers, to give Ivaldi a path back to my hand. Then because I control a Nordic monster, I can summon Ivaldi (Atk:1500). Now Level 5 Svartalf will tune to Level 4 Ivaldi so I can Synchro summon Giganticastle (Atk:2900). When it's summoned, Giganticastle gains 200 Attack and Defence for each Non-Tuner used to summon it (Atk:2900-3100). Now attack.' As the castle threw a series of large rocks towards Chaos King, Kalin smirked. 'I activate the effect of Chaos King Archfiend, which switches the Attack and Defence of our monsters.'

Hearing this, Astrid barely reacted, as Kalin got a horrible surprise (Chaos King Atk:2600-2600, Giganticastle Atk:3100-3000). 'It's stronger!?' he cried, getting the words out just in time to see Chaos King be destroyed (Kalin LP:8000-7600). 'I end my turn.'

(Kalin hand: Infernity Paranoia, Fiendish Rhino Warrior, Infernity Necromancer)

Kalin: 'I draw. I'll summon Fiendish Rhino Warrior (Atk:1400), and activate Infernity Paranoia.' 'Good fit for you, Paranoia.' 'Funny. I'll tribute Rhino Warrior to summon an Infernity of the same Level from my deck, which is Level 3. I summon Infernity Guardian (Def.:1800). And when I send Rhino Warrior to the grave, I can send Infernity Conjurer to the graveyard. I end my turn.'

(Astrid hand: Guldfaxe of the Nordic Beasts, Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant, Dimension Fusion, Nordic Relic Hlidskjalf, Nordic Smith Svalinn, Fairy Tail Snow)

Astrid: 'I draw. I summon Guldfaxe of the Nordic Beasts (Atk:1600). Giganticastle, attack Guardian.' The lumbering castle moved slowly towards Guardian, looming over large before disintegrating into a barrage of rocks which crushed it, before reforming. 'Guldfaxe, attack.' The holy horse contrasted the castle with blazing speed, ramming its horns into Kalin (Kalin LP:7600-6000). 'I end my turn.'

(Kalin hand: Infernity Necromancer, Infernity Reflector)

Kalin: 'I draw. I set one and summon Infernity Necromancer (Def.:2000). Necromancer's effect on summon will revive Infernity Wildcat (Atk:1400). And because I have no cards in my hand, I summon out Infernity Conjurer from my graveyard (Def.:900). While Conjurer is on the field, and I have no cards in hand, all your monsters lose 800 Attack points (Guldfaxe Atk:1600-800, Giganticastle Atk:3100-2300). Now Level 3 Wildcat, tune to Level 3 Necromancer, to Synchro summon the Infernity Doom Archfiend (Atk:2400).' Astrid didn't react seeing the monster, laser-focused on her goal. 'Nothing to say? Fine, how about I use the effect of Archfiend. If I have no cards in hand, which I do, I can negate the effects of your monster, then destroy it!'

Doom Archfiend raised its hand, which shot out a searing purple light, making the castle crumble once and for all. 'Now I can attack Guldfaxe. And when I have an empty hand, Doom Archfiend does double battle damage. Attack!' Doom Archfiend raised both hands, causing red electricity to crackle between them, and it then moved that towards Guldfaxe, zapping it (Astrid LP:8000-4800). 'I end my turn. Nothing to say? Or have you realised that you're a little girl in an adult's world?' Astrid didn't initially speak, but took a breath. 'You might as well take your last pathetic turn, kid.'

(Astrid hand: Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant, Dimension Fusion, Nordic Relic Hlidskjalf, Nordic Relic Svalinn, Fairy Tail Snow, Graceful Charity)

Astrid: 'You'll see. I activate Graceful Charity to draw three, then discard two.' As she bid farewell to Nordic Relic Svalinn and Fenrir the Nordic Wolf.' As she did so, Kalin started to freak out. 'Wait, if you're getting rid of Svalinn, what the hell's in your hand?' ''Here's a little preview - I'm going to kill you this turn! I summon Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant (Atk 400). Because I control no cards, I can use the effect of Valkyrie to banish two Nordic monsters from my hand and replace them with two Einherjar Tokens. (Token Def.:1000x2). Now Level 2 Valkyrie, tune to two Level 4 Einherjar Tokens.' She then knelt to pray. 'Odin, på denne mest vitale slagmarken, når Ragnarok nærmer seg, vær offeret som fører til seier! (Odin, on this most vital battlefield, as Ragnarok approaches, be the sacrifice that leads to victory!) Synchro summon! Descend from the heavens above, Odin, Father of the Aesir! (Atk:4000).'

'And then I can activate Nordic Relic Hlidskjalf, to summon a Nordic monster from the deck. Appear, Jormungardr the Nordic Serpent (Atk:3000).' Kalin was now looking nervous, but Astrid was about to make a sharp left turn. 'And now, the tale is to be told once more, the lores of old will be revisited once more. I banish seven cards from my field and graveyard: Odin, Fenrir, Jormungardr, Ivaldi, Hlidskjalf, Valkyrie, and Guldfaxe to summon Fairy Tail Snow (Atk:1850), which on summon, flips Doom Archfiend face-down.' As she did, Kalin burst into a fit of laughter. 'You got rid of all your cards… for THAT!' Astrid had a plan though, as Kalin continued to be fooled by the cute Snow, she looked around briefly, before raising her card to the sky, causing the crowd to roar.

'I activate the Spell card Dimension Fusion!' 'You… WHAT!?' Kalin cried, knowing the power of the Spell. 'I pay 2000 of my Life points (Astrid LP:4800-2400), and now we summon as many banished monsters as possible to our fields. So you can have your Conjurer that you tried to cheat with back (Def.:900), while I return Jormungardr, Fenrir, Ivaldi, and Odin (Atk:3000, 4000, 1500, 4000). Snow, attack Conjurer.' The squirrel-like Snow released a stream of bubbles from her swinging tail, which vaporised Conjurer on contact. 'Fenrir, attack Doom Archfiend. Fenrir would deal me the same damage you take from this attack, but if you don't take damage, I don't.' Fenrir leapt onto Doom Archfiend, and mauled it viciously, ripping its skin to ribbons. 'Odin, Jormungardr, attack.' The two monsters came in with a blast and a hiss, ending Round 1 out of nowhere (Kalin LP:6000-0).

As Kalin looked on from the ground, completely stunned, Astrid just stared at him, and the announcement came through. 'The winner of Round 1 is Astrid Hofferson. The score is Astrid Hofferson 1, Kalin Kessler 0. Both duellists now have fifteen minutes to prepare their decks for Round 2. Please will both duellists leave the zone for siding.' Kalin stumbled out of the zone, totally shaken, while Astrid walked away silently, exhaling loudly as she did. As she opened up her side deck, Astrid noticed a card at the top, with a note attached to it, reading "My champion 4ever, Kris x". Reading it, she smiled, and worked out a plan of action.

On the other side of the zone, Kalin was madly chopping and changing cards, embarrassed by the result of the first duel. In his anger, he was focusing on countering Astrid's gameplan from Round 1, completely unaware of what she was planning for Round 2. After eight minutes of mad shuffling, he walked back to his zone, but was surprised to see Astrid quietly continuing to side-deck, something she only finished doing with seconds before the 15 minute time limit was up.

As she walked back up to the zone, it was clear that she was absolutely laser-focused still, while Kalin now looked tense and desperate. She didn't waste time taunting though, activating her duel disk immediately, followed shortly after by the flailing champion. 'Kalin, as the loser of the first duel' 'Hey, don't call me that!' he snapped, apparently starting to lose his mind at the thought of defeat. 'Kalin, as the loser of the first duel, you get to choose the turn order.' 'I'll go first, because I AM NUMBER ONE!' 'Round 2, Astrid vs. Kalin, Allez!'

WDC Championship Matchplay Duel 1: [3,1] Astrid Hofferson LP:8000 vs. [c] [3,0] Kalin Kessler LP:8000

(Astrid hand: Fossil Dyna Pachycephalo, Disturbance Strategy, Droll and Lock Bird, Nordic Relic Laevateinn, Dark World Dealings)

Astrid: 'I'll start. I set a monster, set three, and pass.'

(Kalin hand: Infernity Archfiend, Infernity Conjurer, Infernity Launcher, A Deal with Dark Ruler, End of the World)

Kalin: 'I'm going to destroy you!' Astrid just laughed hearing this. 'No you're not. After you draw, I activate Dark World Dealings. So we both have to draw one, then discard one.' Astrid gave a warm smile to the card she drew, while Kalin recklessly threw his into the graveyard. 'What's your game?' 'To beat you. Because I activated this at the start of your Standby phase, I can activate Droll and Lock Bird.' Sensing danger, Kalin's eyes narrowed. 'Seriously?' 'Yep. Enjoy your hand, because you're not adding anything else to it this turn.'

As Kalin entered his Main phase, he grumbled. 'Not exactly what I want.' 'If you're not happy with your hand, I'll give you some help.' She then gave him an evil grin. 'I'll remove it for you! I activate Disturbance Strategy. I got this one from Caprice, but don't tell her, her ego's big enough. Now you have to shuffle your entire hand into your deck, and then draw a brand new one.' Something strange happened though, as when Kalin went to draw, a big red X started flashing on his duel disk. 'What's wrong with this thing?' 'When you're under Droll and Lock Bird, you're not allowed to add cards to your hand. Including by drawing them.' 'Wait, how do I refill my hand then?' She smiled cheerily. 'That's the best thing - you don't. Enjoy!' In complete disbelief, Kalin quietly ended his turn.

(Astrid hand: SPYRAL GEAR: Drone, Dark Bribe)

Astrid: 'I draw. I summon SPYRAL GEAR: Drone (Atk:100). When Drone is summoned, it does this.' Drone lifted up off the field powered by four fans, and silently flew over to Kalin's field, shining a green infra-red light on the top three cards of his deck, and showing them to Astrid, who quickly reorganised them. 'Now attack my mighty monster!' Drone shot another light out, shaving Kalin's points (Kalin LP:8000-7900). 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Kalin hand: End of the World)

Kalin: 'I draw.' Seeing the card, he got angry. 'What am I supposed to do with this?' 'Nothing, that's the point.' Annoyed beyond belief, he ended his turn.

(Astrid hand: Mist Valley Falcon)

Astrid: 'I draw. I summon Mist Valley Falcon (Atk:2000). Now when it attacks, Falcon requires me to return a card on my field to my hand. So I'll return SPYRAL GEAR: Drone.' Falcon attacked by slicing the air around it, before firing it as shards invisible to the naked eye (Kalin LP:7900-5900). 'Afterwards, I'm resummoning Drone (Atk:100).' Again, Drone used its effect, but this time Astrid kept the cards in order. 'I end my turn.'

(Kalin hand: End of the World, End of the World)

Kalin: 'I draw.' As he saw the card this time, he started swearing, but he couldn't be heard over the raucous crowd. Nor could they hear him end his turn, or very verbally cuss out Bolton for their rapidly-disintegrating plan.

(Astrid hand: Goddess Urd's Verdict)

Astrid: 'I'll go straight to battle with Falcon.' A 2nd attack from the Falcon left Kalin below half, as Drone briefly flew back to Astrid's hand (Kalin LP:5900-3900). 'Afterwards I'll summon back Drone (Atk:100), and use its effect.' As she reorganised the cards, Kalin watched on, praying there was a way back. 'I end my turn.'

(Kalin hand: End of the World, End of the World, Descending Lost Star)

Kalin: 'I draw!' As he witnessed his plan faltering further, his opponent stuck the knife in. 'If it's any consolation, you would have drawn Archfiend this turn.' This wasn't actually true, but Kalin didn't know this. 'I'll set three and pass. We can talk about this, ok? You let me play, we have a proper duel.'

(Astrid hand: Goddess Urd's Verdict, Solemn Warning)

Astrid: 'My turn. You'd think attacking would get boring, but apparently not. Falcon.' Drone bounced once more, and Falcon left Astrid on the verge of a famous victory (Kalin LP:3900-1900). 'Afterwards, I'll summon it back (Atk:100).' Once again organising the deck, Astrid sighed slightly, before putting the cards back. 'I end my turn.'

(Kalin hand: Phantom Hand)

Kalin: 'I draw!' Kalin was filled with belief from her reaction, but seeing the card, he knew the race was run. 'Fitting isn't it - Phantom Hand? It's funny, because I could have sworn you liked having an empty hand.' 'Come on, you don't want to win like this, do you? You want to win the right way. I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Astrid hand: Goddess Urd's Verdict, Solemn Warning, Solemn Judgement)

Astrid: 'I desire only a complete victory. The gods chose me, the Renegades chose ME. I will be the face of the revolution. Mist Valley Falcon, write my name in HISTORY!' The Falcon attacked once more, bouncing back Drone, and achieving Astrid's destiny (Kalin LP:1900-0).

As soon as the duel ended, Astrid was handed the title to the roars of the crowd, and seeing it made her burst into tears, the pressure finally lifting from her. 'Your winner, and the new WDC Champion - the Arctic Fox, Astrid Hofferson.' As she just stared at the title, the rest of the club flooded out to celebrate with her. She quickly found her way to Kris, and handed him his Drone back, with a little note, reading "I love you too", leading to them embracing and sharing a tender kiss. She then found her mother, and they hugged as well.

With all this out of the way, she picked her title up, and lifted it up to the crowd, before getting a microphone. Utallige kamper, arr og brukne bein har alle ført meg til dette øyeblikket. Øyeblikket hvor jeg ble mester i dette selskapet. Vikingtiden... ER HER! (Countless battles, scars and broken bones have all led me to this moment. The moment I became the champion of this company. The Viking Age... IS HERE!)' She then lead the crowd in an 'Alt for Norge (All for Norway) chant. But as the show went off the air, the cameras just about picked up Finn stood silently at the top of the arena, watching down sternly.

Alpharic Legends Chapter 2

'And so the great and powerful Alpha determined that she would be an inspiration to her pack, at all costs. In doing so, she would push beyond her own limits, destroying her own body in order to show her pack the way. It was a selfless act, but one that would slowly consume her soul, inside and out. She knew her judgement day was approaching, but she chose to invite it rather than run. Through all the celebrations, all the grandstanding and the visions of valour, she was slowly drowning in her own ambition, and not one in her pack could see it. Meanwhile, her enemies were making plots, plots which could not be recognised but were gaining power all the time.'

Next time: Astrid embraces being a champion, Hannah suffers physically, and Blair officially seals her conversion in Renegades: A New Dawn Chapter LVII: Year of the Fox