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.

58. It's All in the Mind

Renegades: A New Dawn

Chapter LVIII: It's All in the Mind

WDC: Under Siege card:

WDC Young-Gun Championship (Career vs. Career): Bolton Andrews vs. [c] Maddy Smith

Belle Draper vs. Kalin Kessler

Chazz Princeton vs. Rio Kastle

The Sledgehammer vs. Tee Taylor

Top Contender's Duel for the WDC Tag-Team Championships: The Enforcers (Jack Atlas/Crow Hogan) vs. Shapesisters (Lydia McKinna/Freja McKinna) vs. Junction 7 (Kieran Byrne and Lukas Chipperfield)

WDC Championship: Lt. Claude Duane vs. [c] Astrid Hofferson

The next morning

As the event approached, everyone was focused on their job. Which for Astrid, was polishing her newly-won title. 'I can't believe it's scratched already, shows me never to wear it near a road.' For minute after minute, she continued to clean it with a cloth and spray, making sure every inch of the front plate was shining. After this, she started focusing on the side plates, and started to clean those. As she did, Kris and Maddy watched her, and started cracking jokes. 'You know she's been doing that all morning?' Maddy replied with a deadpan reply of 'I'm surprised she's not started polishing us yet. I thought all the colour would be out of my hair by 11' she quipped while holding up a red and purple streak of hair.

'Hey, I never got chance to tell you, but your hair looks great.' 'Thanks, I wanted something different, and Blair really delivered.' 'It's almost like she's kind of good at this.' 'I know, I'm glad I overpaid her now.' 'Talking of them, where are they?' 'Staying in Paris for an extended break apparently. Last I knew they were trying to find Ally in the Louvre before she causes complete mayhem.' 'She's a little' 'Language' Maddy reminded him, causing them both to burst into laughter. Astrid then looked over, and smiled, saying 'Stop flirting with my boyfriend.' 'Ew, you're welcome to him. When did you start being nice to him?' Astrid leant over, and offered him a kiss. 'Since I underappreciated him.'

Further back, Freja was walking just behind everyone, when Lydia dropped back to talk to her. 'Hey, I'm sorry about our argument yesterday. I was thinking, since Phil's not here today, we could try and talk things out?' Freja just looked at her, confused, before asking 'Sorry, do I know you?' 'Look, I apologised, no need to act like that.' 'I'm not acting, I genuinely don't think we've met before. How do you even know my name?' 'Because we're sisters, duh.' 'Erm… I don't think so. My sister doesn't appear to be here, she was earlier. Nice to meet you though.' Freja started walking quicker to catch up with everyone else, while Lydia shook her head. 'What is her problem?'

Flashback: The previous night, 10:40pm

As Freja slept quietly, Rio sneaked into her room, taking advantage of Phil having a spare fob for her and Belle's room. Belle briefly stirred, but seeing Rio, she understood and turned back over, her straight blonde hair rustling slightly as she did so. Staying calm and collected, the Idahoan crept over to Freja, and placed a pair of bright green headphones gently over her ears, the twin not so much as teasing a stir once. With this delicate job done, Rio quietly reversed, and started playing the recording on her phone, which had been connected to the headphones right before she entered the room. She waited until Freja started repeating the recording, before slipping out of the room and into the night.

While Freja slept sound, the recording played, courtesy of Hannah. 'You know nobody called Lydia. All your memories of your sister, are of Belle. Belle is your only sister.' While asleep, she repeated. 'I know no Lydia. Belle is my only sister.' 'You do not recognise your old sister.' 'I do not recognise my old sister.' 'You love Belle with all your heart.' 'I love Belle as my only sister. She is the only sister I have.' This continued on a loop for nine hours, as Freja had her entire life rewritten.

As she woke up the next morning, Phil approached her. 'Morning Freja.' 'Good morning.' 'Who is your sister?' Without hesitation, she looked over at Belle. 'Belle is my only sister, I love her with all my heart.' 'Good.' He then held up a picture of Lydia. 'Who is this?' 'I… don't know. I don't remember.' 'Good. Now Freja, when I click my fingers, you will forget this conversation ever happened. All you will remember of this is that your master wants Belle to put your hair up in a bun.' He then placed a bun net in her hand, and clicked his fingers, before leaving again.

As she woke up, she looked over at Belle,who had just put her hair up in a ponytail. 'Hey sis, could you stick my hair up with this please?' Smiling, she nodded. 'Of course.' 'I'm so lucky to have you as a sister.' 'Same here. You're the best sister anybody could ever ask for.' 'You're just too nice, you know that?' 'I mean I try.' As Belle fastened the net, Freja leant up to Belle, and took her hair bow out. 'Try wearing it down for once, it always looks good when you do.' Surprised, she smiled. 'Sure.'

End of Flashback

The club were just about to make the walk to the arena, when they noticed Rio approaching from the opposite direction, surprising everybody. As she arrived, Kris greeted her. 'Thought you were supposed to be in Paris still.' 'Yeah, well I have this duel with Chazz, and I didn't really enjoy being free childcare on my own holiday.' 'And they were ok with you going?' 'To be honest I think they're glad to be rid of me. Anyway, we going in or just going to keep gassing?'

Antares arena, Le Mans

After a video package showing highlights from Victory Road, Under Siege began with Traveller's Song, and an unwaveringly positive reaction as Astrid entered with Kris, title on her shoulder. As she walked down, she got an introduction. 'Introducing at this time, the NEW WDC Champion, the Arctic Fox - Astrid Hofferson!' She walked down, dressed in a red and black bunad, accentuated by a cherry blossom design across the top of the skirt. In the duelling zone, Kris passed her a microphone. She had to wait to talk though, as the fans wouldn't stop chanting "Arctic Fox" at her. Eventually Kris managed to encourage them to quieten down for Astrid to speak.

She started by giggling, and saying 'Thank you everyone.' She then looked around, and found her words. 'I have dreamt of this moment for so long. From the first time I ever picked up a duel disc, from when little Ash Hofferdottir walked into the Amateur circuit as a nervous 12 year old who maybe spoke three dozen words of English, to the first time Astrid Langvik entered the professional ranks, to now. It's been a journey, and I have no intention of letting it end here. I am proud, and humbled, to be the WDC Champion that this company deserves.'

'Now you may have heard, but in case you haven't, I have already agreed to defend my title against Claude Duane today. He approached me a couple of days ago in Paris, and called his shot. And that is how I operate as champion - I live for the fight. I will defend against any opponent, anywhere, at any time. But if you come at me, you'd better not miss, because I will give anybody the same thing I demanded - one shot. If you lose to me, go to the back of the queue, I'll find a new challenger. Oh, and when I say anybody, I mean anybody. Duellist, official, referee, your Mama, your Postman, hell, I'd even defend against a Moose, and then probably have it for dinner afterwards.'

This got the crowd laughing, but they soon silenced as Finn's music hit, and immediately, Astrid's demeanour changed, becoming far more aggressive. 'It's funny, you don't see someone for seven years, and then the moment you're successful, they want to feed off your glory.' As she said this, he appeared, bare-chested and chisel-jawed. But he refused to move from the entranceway, apparently far from interested in coming near his alleged niece.

'I apologise to everyone here, for the title is now being wasted by the arms of a pretender. There are many fine duellists here in this day, but it has somehow found its way to a child living in an adult's world. Rest assured that there will be a worthier champion by the end of this show, rather than this weak disgrace of' 'Shut up!' Astrid roared, having listened to enough of the rambling. 'I have no intention of letting anybody with half a brain cell from believing that I can't stand up for myself. If you want to prove yourself right, then I'm here, and I'll happily send my beautiful boyfriend back to grab my deck. Right here, right now, let's end this issue!'

As Kris went to leave though, the request was denied. 'I wouldn't waste my time facing down someone so unworthy. I am far beyond the level where I would need to do that. Unless it is to hand over the title to me, I refuse to ever face you.' Suddenly, a video message from Bolton played. 'Sorry I can't be with my adoring fans [booing intensifies loudly], but I have a duel to prepare for. However, I can confirm that Finn is here as the Board of Directors' esteemed guest. And on my very, very wise insistence, they have agreed to protect him. Any member of the Renegades who touches Mr. Hofferson will get all of you FIRED ON THE SPOT.' Astrid looked very unimpressed, but there was more from him. 'Oh, and Astrid?' He then gave a twisted smirk. 'I look forward to your imminent relinquishment of that title. Good day.'

This appeared to be the end of this portion of the show, but as Astrid flipped Finn off and went to walk away, LFD's music hit, and Declan Akaba strolled out to audible gasps, carrying a microphone of his own. 'I don't see what your issue is Finn, from where I'm standing Astrid is a more than worthy champion. She didn't just beat her opponent, she strangled the life out of him, and I for one completely respect that.' Astrid turned around, and responded. 'Thanks, but I don't need a cheerleader. So unless you're out here to challenge me, I'll be off. I have an actual title defence to prepare for.'

He smiled, knowing what he wanted. 'I have full intentions on duelling you. But now is not the moment, I must wait until I have taken care of… certain other business. I will put you on notice however; title or not, our paths will cross again. For now though, I am out here to issue a challenge to your Uncle, however foreign that relation may seem.' Not taking kindly to the insult, Finn responded in kind. 'Stay out of family business, you have no idea what you might stir up.' 'I have… some idea. I know some things that I'm sure you'd rather me not. So I suggest you accept my challenge quickly, otherwise who knows what I might say.'

Not wanting to take the chance of the threat being empty, Finn agreed. 'Challenging me the way you do will prove to be your last mistake. But if you insist, then fine, I accept your challenge.' Smiling to himself, Declan pushed his glistening red glasses up the bridge of his nose. 'You have no idea what you've just let yourself in for.' As Finn turned, Astrid readied to attack him, only for Kris to talk sense into her at the last moment, as he whispered 'Don't waste everything you worked for', snapping her out of her red mist.

The picture then cut to the Renegades logo, and a shaky, handheld camera backstage, with Maddy at the other end. 'Oh Bolton, so much bravado but not enough brains. You might have thought that challenging me was a free shot, but that's as far away from the case as it could be. See, while you were boasting and threatening, I had our lawyer slip in a little clause in the contract, called "hold harmless". And when you signed that, it meant that I cannot be held in any way responsible for what happens to you today. In fact, I only let you get this far because I want to embarrass you in front of a worldwide audience.'

'Except no, because I already did that, didn't I? Or should I say, my people did that. You mess with one member of the pack, you mess with all of the pack. And when you come at the pack, you had better make sure you bring protection, because we don't know mercy. I don't know mercy. This is your worst mistake Bolton, and you're going to pay for your many sins against us.' Her eyes glowed, and she bared her sharp fangs. 'I'm going to tear you to shreds, and then we'll dance on your grave! Fear the Red Right Hand.'

After a short video package detailing Bolton's issues with the club, he entered first for the duel, still wearing his sharpest suit. 'The following duel is a Career vs. Career duel for the WDC Young-Gun Championship. The loser of this will never be allowed to duel professionally again. Introducing first, doing business from Fargo, North Dakota, he is the current Interim WDC Commissioner - Bolton Andrews.' Bolton looked down, trying not to show the severe fear he had inside of him, and walked along quietly. In the duelling zone, he started to gain some confidence, and mockingly raised his right hand, while shouting that he was "invincible".

This confidence didn't last however, as the moment Maddy's music hit, he was back to fear, as he watched Maddy's entrance. 'Introducing his opponent, representing the Renegade Nation, from Stoneybridge, Northumbria, England, this is Don Alpha - Maddy Smith.' Maddy walked down, eyes gleaming as she did. Bolton looked to take the cowards' way out and ran towards the stairs, only to find that a Renegade was blocking off each step, with the only entranceway being blocked by Maddy's presence. In the zone, she took off her gear, and her eyes put the fear of god into Bolton.

He did try to put on a brave face though, which only made things worse. 'I… I'm not scared of you… you monster! When I'm done… thrashing you, I'llk send you off so the world can find out wh… what you truly are! A monster! A monster! A monster!' She laughed to herself, before raising him the double bird. 'When I'm done with you, you'll be lucky if you can crawl, never mind walking out of here. What I do, I offer no apologies for. I'm only reminding you that you brought this on yourself.'

WDC Young-Gun Championship (Career vs. Career): Bolton Andrews LP:8000 vs. [c] Maddy Smith LP:8000

(Bolton hand: White Warrior - Snow the Rope Dart, White Warrior - Hail the Iron Hammer, Double Summon, Sacred Arrow, Negate Attack)

Bolton: 'I'm going first. I summon White Warrior - Hail the Iron Hammer (Atk:1800).' 'These things again? Thought you might make me work for my lunch.' Hearing this caused Bolton to freeze, before he tried to regroup. 'I'm not scared. I activate Double Summon, to bring out White Warrior - Snow the Rope Dart, which gains 100 Attack for every card on the field (Atk:0-200). Now Level 4 Snow the Rope Dart, tune to Level 4 Hail the Iron Hammer, so I can summon the Blood Mefist (Atk:2800). I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Maddy hand: Frightfur Patchwork, Edge Imp Chain, Fluffal Dog, Graceful Charity, Edge Imp Cotton Eater, Fluffal Penguin)

Maddy: 'It's feeding time! I activate Frightfur Patchwork, to add Polymerisation and Edge Imp Sabres to my hand. Next I'll activate Graceful Charity, to draw three cards, then I'll discard these two. Now I'll set my Pendulum scale with Scale 1 Edge Imp Cotton Eater, and activate Polymerisation, fusing Fluffal Penguin and Edge Imp Chain to Fusion summon Frightfur Daredevil (Atk:3000-3300). Oh yeah, forgot to mention, Cotton Eater gives every Frightfur 300 more Attack points, and then when I summon one, I draw a card.'

'Penguin's effect will draw me two more cards, and then discard one, and Chain will add Frightfur Fusion. Then I activate Frightfur Factory. This is able to mass produce Polymerisation, by banishing the blueprint from my graveyard, replicating the effect. I'll fuse Daredevil with the Fluffal Dog and Fluffal Sheep in my hand to summon Frightfur Sabre-Tooth (Atk:2800-3500). Sabre-Tooth's effect will rebuild the Daredevil which I just used for the Fusion summon (Atk:3000-3700).'

Now getting very concerned, Bolton looked around to find an escape again, but every exit was still being guarded. So he briefly looked at his face-down, relying on that to keep him safe. A hope which lasted all of a few seconds. 'Now I'll activate Dark Fusion. This allows me to Fusion summon any Dark monster, so I'll fuse Edge Imp Sabres with Fluffal Angel, and Fusion summon Frightfur Tiger (Atk:1900-3500, Sabre Tooth Atk:3500-4400, Daredevil Atk:3700-5100). Also, Tiger can destroy your field, but I'm just interested in your face-down.' As Negate Attack was cut away from the field, Bolton froze in fear. Despite already having the duel won though, Maddy wasn't finished.

'Finally I'll activate Frightfur Fusion. This allows me to fuse Edge Imp Sabres and every Fluffal in my graveyard to summon your doom!' She then unleashed a ground-shaking howl. 'Appear, Frightfur Wolf (Atk:2000-3900, Daredevil Atk:5100-5400, Sabre Tooth Atk:4400-4700, Tiger Atk:3500-3800). For every monster used to summon it, Wolf is allowed to attack one time. I used EIGHT materials. Daredevil, attack!' Daredevil lunged, and pierced its trident through the stomach of the Mefist, brutally making it explode into blood, and the attack continued straight through to Bolton, seemingly injuring his ribs (Bolton LP:8000-5400). With her victory imminent, she stood over him for a moment.

'Hurts does it? That's what I've had to put up with day after day after day and still pretend that life is normal. Now imagine doing that, and then being rushed back to work because the "impartial" match maker is chomping at the bit to take your title away! Frightfur Wolf, EIGHT ATTACKS!' Wolf charged, and started carving up Bolton's face with razor-sharp claws, leaving visible scratches on his face, before continuing to do so eight more times, all while Maddy laughed. He was left in a heap, defeated (Bolton LP:0).

After the duel finished, Maddy postured to the crowd, and as Bolton scraped himself up and tried to run away, she turned around and gave the roman-like thumbs down, before signalling for Astrid to spear him, which she did with effortless grace. Maddy then mounted him, and started punching viciously at the wounds, opening up Bolton's face, and screaming 'Am I a monster yet!?' in his face, while a shocked crowd watched on in horror and amazement. So vicious was the attack that eventually a growling and spitting Maddy had to be dragged off by Astrid.

Amazingly, despite his face being covered in blood and his cheekbone fractured, Bolton was still moving. So Maddy dragged him up once more, and Astrid lined up, before delivering a stiff spinning reverse hook kick to the back of his neck symbolically, leaving him unable to move. The entire club stood over him like vultures over a carcass, and raised the red right hand, before medics came out. As they did, Astrid picked Bolton up one more time, and drove him head-first into the gurney with a piledriver, and Maddy took some of the blood from his busted face, and scrawled out "Hate Me" on her black leather vest, like lipstick but more brutal. They then left, and the medics checked on him briefly, before bringing a spinal board out, and gently manoeuvring him onto it, before stretchering him out.

As they returned backstage, a very nervous interviewer walked over to Maddy. 'Maddy, we just saw that… brutal altercation in the duelling zone.' 'That? That was nothing compared to what I wanted to do to him for everything he's done to us. He'll be fine when he's been cleaned up. That was just a preview of what I can do if provoked. Let that be a lesson to anybody who wants this title, or who wants to oppose the revolution. We're here to stay, and you're going to have to get used to it. To oppose us is to oppose the red right hand. The hand of revolution, the hand of justice, the hand of fate, all over in a twist of hate.'

As Maddy was saying this, Lydia was standing around, when she saw Freja on the phone. Intrigued after earlier, she crept closer, and overheard her saying 'It looks great, doesn't it? The best thing about having Belle as a sister is that everything's always going to be super neat. So are you on for the bowling trip on her birthday? Awesome, I'll surprise her with it in a minute. Thanks, bye.' Before Freja saw her, a confused Lydia looked around, and finding Belle, she pulled her over for a word.

'What's going on with you and Fre?' 'Erm… we're team-mates, we're sisters, I don't know what you want me to say.' 'Hang on - you're sisters? But that's not right, I'm her only sister.' 'I have no idea why you think you two are related, and to be honest, it's slightly creepy that you think so.' This confused Lydia greatly. 'Why are you like this?' 'I have no idea what you mean. Now if you'll excuse me, my sister, my only sister, wanted to talk with me. Apparently she's planning something for my birthday, or is that your birthday as well?'

As Belle walked away, Lydia suddenly saw Rio texting, and without a moment's hesitation, ran over to her. 'If you and Belle have argued again, I'm absolutely not interested, I think I've got food poisoning so it's the least of my concerns.' 'She's just been calling Freja her sister, Fre is claiming she doesn't recognise me, is she still annoyed with me for yesterday?' Blatantly lying, she just turned her head. 'I've been told nothing. Why would she be so annoyed as to pretend she doesn't recognise you?'

'You didn't hear about the stuff in the library?' Rio couldn't help but issue a slight giggle at the thought. 'Yeah, you got banned from a library and got punked out. Don't see why that would be an issue though.' Knowing she wouldn't get anywhere otherwise, Lydia confessed her sins. 'Yeah, well I… may have found Phil and Hannah after that, and threatened him with the police' 'You did what?' 'And then I got into an argument with Hannah, and I pushed her back-first into a water fountain, which may or may not be the reason she's now in hospital.'

'Wait… she's in hospital? So let me get this straight, you went there looking for a fight, threatened to report someone who has done nothing wrong to the police, and then assaulted a pregnant woman? I… just don't want to know you anymore.' She stormed off, shoulder-barging Lydia as she did, who just shook her head, continuing to not work out the truth. All she did know is that Rio was lying. And she was determined to get to the bottom of it.

In the duelling zone

The second duel began with Belle's theme, as she and Freja walked out together to a surprisingly loud reaction. 'The following duel is under Standard rules. Introducing first, representing the Dynasty, and accompanied by Freja McKinna, from Headingley, Leeds, England, she is the Myth - Belle Draper.' While she and Freja talked on their way down, her chances were analysed. "A change to the scheduled duel here, Freja's shoulder injury has allowed her tag partner Belle to sub in for her. Belle is a very calculated and controlled duellist who is as of yet unbeaten in the WDC. Her Qlife Catastrophe deck suits her rough style, slowing opponents down to a crawl before taking advantage of their mistakes. She's proven to be good, but a duel with the recently-dethroned WDC Champion will be her biggest test yet.'

As she waited, the familiar harmonica played a mournful tune, and a slightly dishevelled Kalin walked out, head hanging slightly after the thrashing in Paris. 'Introducing her opponent, from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, he is The Last Vanguard - Kalin Kessler.' As he reached the zone, and slowly prepared to begin, he too was discussed. "Kalin Kessler is vastly experienced, but you have to wonder how he is after his 6th WDC Championship reign came to an end at the hands of Astrid Hofferson in an emphatic display. His Infernity Inferno deck has insane handless combos, but as shown in the 2nd duel with Astrid in Matchplay, even that has its limits. Will he be able to regain his winning touch here?"

Belle Draper LP:8000 vs. Kalin Kessler LP:8000

(Belle hand: Summoner's Art, Qliphort Helix, Qliphort Carrier, Skill Drain, Qliphort Monolith)

Turn 1: Belle: 'I'll open up. I activate Summoner's Art, to summon Qliphort Scout to my hand (Belle LP:8000-7200). Next I'll place Scale 9 Scout and Scale 1 Monolith in my Scales, and use the effect of Scout to search out Qliphort Disk. Now I'll Pendulum summon two - Qliphort Helix and Qliphort Carrier (Atk:2400-1800x2). Then I can tribute them both to summon Qliphort Disk (Atk:2800). Disk's summon will bring out Cephalopod and Stealth from my deck, but their effects are negated and they're destroyed when my turn ends (Atk:2800x2). I end my turn with a face-down, and those two monsters are destroyed, going to my Extra deck. Also, because I had Monolith in my Scale, I draw a card for every monster I tributed this turn'

(Kalin hand: Infernity Avenger, Infernity Wildcat, Infernity Destroyer, Infernity Guardian, Infernity Barrier, Grinning Grave Virus)

Kalin: 'I draw. I'll start with Infernity Wildcat. By discarding my Avenger, I can summon it (Atk:1400). Then I'll summon Infernity Guardian (Atk:1800). Now I'll use Infernity Wildcat's effect, discarding Infernity Destroyer to' 'Skill Drain, pay 1000 (Belle LP:7200-6200).' With Wildcat not gaining its Level, it forced Kalin to reconsider his play. 'I'll tune Level 3 Wildcat to Level 4 Guardian, to Synchro summon the Dark Highlander (Atk:2800). I end my turn with two face-downs.'

(Belle hand: Qlipper Launch, Wavering Eyes, Magic Planter)

Belle: 'I draw. I'll activate Magic Planter, to send Skill Drain to the graveyard and draw two cards. Then I can Normal summon Qliphort Cephalopod (Atk:2800-1800). Now I'll use Disk and Cephalopod to set the Link arrows. Show us divinity - Qliphort Genius (Atk:1800, Link Arrows:BL,BR).' Kalin appeared to be surprised facing down Genius, but didn't seem to have even considered activating his face-down at any time. 'Now I'll Pendulum summon, and because of Genius' Link Arrows, I can get two monsters from my Extra deck. I'll summon Qliphort Stealth and Qliphort Disk (Atk:2800-1800x2). And because I summoned two Machines at the same time, Genius gets to add a Level 5 or higher one to my hand. Ever heard of… Apoqliphort Towers?'

Kalin at this moment realised he had missed an opportunity, but there was little he could do to make up for it. 'Now I'll tribute all three of my monsters, to summon the deadly killer app - Apoqliphort Towers (Atk:3000, Highlander Atk:2800-2300).' The mighty Towers loomed large over Kalin, hovering in midair as it did. 'Towers' effect activates, sending a monster from your hand or field to the graveyard. How's the handless fake working out' she taunted, referring to the colloquial name for Kalin's strategy as Dark Highlander departed the field. 'Towers, attack.' The metal spikes on the Towers all shot out a laser each, the light show nearly blinding Kalin as his points dropped (Kalin LP:8000-5000). 'I end my turn. At the End phase, Monolith will draw me three cards.'

(Kalin hand: Card of Demise)

Kalin: 'I draw.' After his unenthusiastic draw, he just stopped, and stared at Towers for over two minutes, before mumbling 'The fuck do I out this thing?' Enjoying the spectacle, "Fun Freja" responded to him. 'It's simple, you just summon a monster with 3600 Attack points, and then probably run into Mirror Force. Although it's somehow still less embarrassing than your performance against Astrid.' Humiliated, Kalin started to get very angry. 'You little… brat! I activate Card of Demise. This allows me to draw until my hand contains three cards, but I discard my hand at the end of the turn, you take no damage, and I can't Special summon.' Seeing the cards, Kalin shook his head. 'How do I out that damn thing? I'll set three and pass.'

(Belle hand: Wavering Eyes, Knightmare Corruptor Iblee, Qliphort Disk, Qliphort Cephalopod, Qlife's End)

Belle: 'I'll draw, and Pendulum summon two - Cephalopod and from my Extra deck, Disk (Atk:2800-1800x2). Then I'll tribute them both to summon another Disk (Atk:2800). And I can use it to summon Shell and Carrier (Atk:2800-1800, 2400-1800). And I'll Link off Shell and Carrier to summon another Qliphort Genius (Atk:1800). Genius, attack.' 'I activate Mirror Force, wiping out your field. That's what you get for your friend insulting me.' 'Forgive me, but I was expecting a little more. You're surviving… just. Towers and Genius are both unaffected by Spells and Traps.'

The bright flash of light disposed of three of Belle's monsters, but didn't stop Genius from unleashing a spectral fireball, lowering his Life points (Kalin LP:5000-3200). 'Towers, attack.' Another series of bright laser lights dropped Kalin to the borderline of defeat (Kalin LP:3200-200). 'I'll end my turn.'

(Kalin hand: Rush Recklessly)

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

(Belle hand: Wavering Eyes, Knightmare Corruptor Iblee, Qlife's End, Qliphort Shell)

Belle: 'I draw. I'll scale up Scout and Shell, and then I'll activate Wavering Eyes. So you lose 500 Life points, and I… well… I just win.' Kalin watched on helplessly as both Qliphorts Exploded, and a wicked wind took away the last of his Life points in one fell swoop (Kalin LP:200-0).

The duel concluding, Freja jumped into the zone to celebrate with Belle, as they hi-fived each other and hugged tightly. All the while, Lydia was watching on intently from the entranceway. Kalin meanwhile, stayed for a moment, wondering where it went wrong, before shaking his head and leaving the zone. Belle was getting roundly cheered, as an interviewer walked over to talk to them.

'Ladies and Gentlemen, still unbeaten, Belle Draper! Another fantastic win for you, you've now beaten two duellists with a combined 10 WDC Championship reigns between them in Akiza and Kalin. You're clearly very talented, but it feels like we don't know much about you.' 'It's deliberate, I'm just not someone who wants to spread their personal life across everywhere. I'll leave all my talking in here, and leave the actual words to the world's best sister' she said while rubbing Freja on the head. 'Well can we get some words about the duel?' 'Yeah, it's a nice win, but he clearly wasn't in the headspace, so there's only so much I can take from it. But I'll talk to Phil when we get back to England, we'll see what he thinks and take it from there.'

The interviewer then turned to a beaming Freja. 'Freja, we saw you being thrown down some stairs in Luxembourg by an unknown assailant, and dislocated your shoulder, an injury that took you out of this duel. What is the upshot of your injury status?' 'Pretty much fine, it still hurts a little but to all ends it's basically healed. So this is us putting the LFD Tag-Team Champions on notice - we're calling our shot in Norway at this little Supershow. We know you're gonna be there, so cancel your plans, because you've got a date with the Dynasty. And you're going to get royally fucked up. Before that though, we've got a little bowling trip sis.' Belle smiled, and the two left.

Backstage, Astrid was stood, talking about the main event. 'I told everyone, I would accept any challenge, and I mean it. If you want a shot, I'm going to give you one shot. I had to fight tooth and nail to get this far, I had to give everything to get this title, the gods would not approve if I took it for granted. So I'll let anybody have a go, and believe me, I'm more than happy to run through everybody here.' 'We saw what happened earlier with Bolton, anything to say on that?' She smiled, and said 'He got what he deserved, the corrupt piece of shit.' This ended the conversation as she walked off.

In the duelling zone

As the show continued, Rio's music started, and she walked out alone, in beautiful purple gear with red anchors on each side. 'The following duel is under Standard Rules. Introducing first, representing the Dynasty, from Twin Falls, Idaho, she is one third of the WDC Tag-Team Champions, Cold Blooded Rio Kastle.' Rio walked down, the crowd making an immense amount of noise for her as she did. On her way down, she stopped to take a selfie with a young kid in the crowd, making their day.

"Rio Kastle is quickly becoming one of the most popular duellists around in the WDC, due to her story of endurance and her fast, free-flowing style. She's tactically confident and is renowned for brave moves in and out of the zone. Her Birds of a Feather deck allows her to combine weak monsters into vicious attacks dancing around her opponent's Life points, while not giving them the opportunity to start a combo in return. She's an extremely dangerous opponent for anyone."

As she continued to chat with fans, Chazz entered, carrying dollar bills with his face on them. 'Introducing her opponent, from San Francisco, California, Chazz Princeton.' He walked down quickly, gesturing at Rio as he did, with her just watching on while perched on the barrier between the front row and the duel field. On his way down, he also started shouting at the crowd who were booing him relentlessly.

"Chazz Princeton represents the Leo Federation, and is a real superstar in the world of duelling. A former twice WDC Champion in his own right back in 2008, he has since won the LFD Atlas Championship a record five times, each reign over 150 days. His Ten Thousand Thunders nickname refers to the frequent violent speed and manner of his wins, and his Armed Thunder deck is why, delivering devastating attacks that will shock the opponent into submission. Two duellists from fine backgrounds as well, with Chazz being the son of Silicon Valley tech guru Matthew Princeton, while Rio is the daughter of the late Jennifer "Nana" Kastle, one of the most famous celebrity chefs in the history of the state of Idaho, and Martin Kastle, a mining entrepreneur in the Rocky Mountains, both sadly killed in a car crash when Rio was only 8. Rich heritage here.'

In the zone, the two of them stared off, and started talking. 'So how much is your family worth short stuff?' 'Do I look like I read Forbes?' 'How much in your bank?' 'Way more than I want.' 'How many figures we talking?' 'Six, most of which has been in there since I turned 16.' 'Pfft, that's nothing.' 'Look, I came here to duel, not to talk about how much our parents made.' 'At least mine still can' he then snarked, a comment which clearly upset Rio. She took a breath, and then activated her duel disks, the purple spikes nearly drilling Chazz in the eye as she did. 'Careful!' 'It will be your eye next time.'

In Versailles

Blair, Jade and Ally (who had taken a day trip out of Paris) were sat in front of the famous Palace, watching Rio's duel. As they heard the comment from Chazz, Blair lifted her sunglasses, and the colour from her face visibly faded. Seeing the reaction, Jade put her hand over her girlfriend's. 'She never… told you about them, did she?' 'I knew they were dead, she doesn't ever talk about them though. It's the one thing I'd never ask her about. She never even told me their names. And you know the craziest thing? I think I saw one of her Mom's books in a thrift shop in Paris the other day.' 'You remember the name of the shop?' 'Think it was called Vintage 27? Remember it was a lovely place, it's not far from the hotel.' Jade then leapt to her feet. 'You two watch the duel, I'll be back soon.'

Back in Le Mans

Rio Kastle LP:8000 vs. Chazz Princeton LP:8000

(Rio hand: Lyrilusc - Turquoise Warbler, Psychic Blade, Premature Burial, Lyrilusc - Sapphire Swallow, Lyrilusc - Cobalt Sparrow)

Rio: 'I'll start. I summon Lyrilusc - Turquoise Warbler because I control no monsters (Atk:100). When it's summoned, it invites a friend out from my hand, so give a welcome to Cobalt Sparrow (Atk:0). Cobalt adds a Level 1 Winged Beast to my hand when it's summoned, so I'll grab a Turquoise Warbler, and overlay my two monsters. Start the chorus line, Lyrilusc - Recital Starling (Atk:0). When Recital Starling is on the field, she can detach a material to add Beryl Canary to my hand. And now, it's time to make mine music!' As she said this, the crowd bristled with excitement, before reciting Rio's moves along with her as she sped up.

'Sapphire Swallow, summon Sapphire and Celestine (Atk:100, 200). Celestine add Bird Sanctuary, Beryl Canary summon Beryl to revive Cobalt (Atk:0x2). Overlay four monsters to Xyz summon! Sing with voices as one, Ensemblue Robin (Atk:2000). Bird Sanctuary, activate effect to draw. One face-down, turn ends.' The crowd cheered as she did so, and she just smiled at them.

(Chazz hand: Armed Dragon Flash, Armed Dragon Thunder LV7, Armed Dragon Lightning, Dragon's Mirror, Armed Dragon, the Armored Dragon, Armed Dragon LV3)

Chazz: 'I have no time for stupid slackers. I activate Armed Dragon Flash, to summon Armed Dragon Thunder LV3 (Atk:1200).' 'I'll Ensemblue, detaching a material to negate your monster's summon (Atk:2200-1700).' 'Fine, I'll summon Armed Dragon, the Armored Dragon (Atk:1900). Attack that Ensemblue Robin with Armored Frenzy.' Chazz's dragon attacked with hard wings and sharp claws, destroying the Robin (Rio LP:8000-7800). 'And when it destroys a monster in battle, Armored Dragon gets another Dragon from deck as long as it's Wind and no higher than Level 5. I summon Armed Dragon Thunder LV5 (Atk:2400). Attack Recital Starling.' As Thunder LV5 shocked the Starling, both Rio and Chazz felt a severe jolt of electricity (Rio LP:7800-5700, Chazz LP:8000-5900). 'Hey, what gives?' Rio just laughed. 'These birds fight back Chazz. When I take damage from a battle involving Recital Starling, you take the same damage.'

Embarrassed, Chazz went for a big play. 'You can laugh, but I'm going to use the effect of Thunder LV5 to discard Thunder LV7, and upgrade it into Armed Dragon Thunder LV7 (Atk:2800). Then Thunder LV7 will get Armed Dragon Thunder LV10 to my hand. And by discarding Dragon's Mirror, I can upgrade once more into Armed Dragon LV10 (Atk:3000). And because it has at least 1000 Attack points, each of your turns, I can destroy one card on your field. I end my turn.'

(Rio hand: Psychic Blade, Monster Reborn, Lyrilusc - Beryl Canary, Lyrilusc - Phantom Feathers)

Rio: 'I draw. I activate Beryl Canary's effect, to summon itself and Cobalt Sparrow (Atk:0x2). Cobalt gets to search out Sapphire Swallow. Now I'll Normal summon Sapphire (Atk:100), and overlay my three Level 1 monsters to Xyz summon! Form a line, Lyrilusc - Assembled Nightingale (Atk:800). And because I Xyz summoned with Sapphire Swallow, it can attach another Beryl Canary from my graveyard (Atk:800-1200). Then I'll equip it with Psychic Blade' 'Which I'll immediately destroy with my Dragon, discarding Armed Dragon Lightning (Atk:3000-4000).' 'That's fine. Also, Assembled can attack once for each material it has. Strike him down with Plume Storm.' Assembled came darting in, firing sharp feathers at Chazz as it did, taking him down low and inducing a somewhat-panicked look on his face (Chazz LP:5900-1100). 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Chazz hand: Pot of Greed)

Chazz: 'I draw. I'll activate Pot of Greed, to draw two cards. And I'll pair it with Pot of Duality, 1st edition I might add' 'Literally nobody cares.' Chazz excavated his cards (Negate Attack, Armed Dragon Flash, Negate Attack). 'I'll add Negate Attack, then activate Stamping Destruction to destroy your face-down.' The fierce-earth shaking stamping of the huge Armed Dragon destroyed Phantom Feathers (Rio LP:5700-5200). 'Armed Dragon Thunder LV10, destroy Lyrilusc - Assembled Nightingale.' As the fearsome electrical attack came in and Rio braced, she protected her monster. 'Assembled Nightingale can't be destroyed if I detach a material (Atk:1200-800, Rio LP:5200-2000). 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Rio hand: Psychic Blade, Premature Burial, One for One)

Rio: 'I draw. I activate Premature Burial, to pay 800 (Rio LP:2000-1200), and revive Beryl Canary (Atk:0). Now I'll One for One, discarding Psychic Blade to summon a Level 1 monster from my deck. I summon Fusion Parasite (Atk:0).' Seeing the creepy crawly, Chazz immediately knew he had an issue. 'This can't be good.' 'This lets me Fusion summon using monsters on my field, including itself. So I'll send Parasite and it's going to inject the mind of Assembled Nightingale.'

Instead of being sucked into a fusion portal, Fusion Parasite bit down on the head of Assembled, injecting its venom as the Nightingale was swallowed by a ball of purple and black lightning. 'The mind of this elegant, beautiful bird being corrupted encourages complete mastery of power! I Fusion summon, the spirit of the Renegades - Lyrilusc - Independent Nightingale (Atk:500). When she's summoned, she gains a Level and 500 Attack for each material Assembled had (Atk:500-2000, Level:1-4). Also, she can deal you with 500 damage for each Level she has. Blood-Red Barrage.' The upgraded and corrupted Nightingale fired dark red feathers down at Chazz, ending a pulsating duel (Chazz LP:1100-0).

After the duel finished, Rio smiled, but as she turned around to see the fans cheer, she was blindsided by all seven feet of The Sledgehammer, who pushed her to the ground, and started to deliver forearms across her face as Chazz looked on, laughing in her face. 'Enjoy meeting your parents again slacker!' Hearing this was the motivation she needed though, as she fought back courageously with an eye rake and a number of expertly-directed punches to Sledgehammer's right eye, stunning him for long enough to let her get back up to her feet, and keep fighting back with stiff kicks to his chest and legs.

She was completely unaware of Chazz lurking behind her with a baseball bat, but she was saved from a terrifying fate by Kris' music. He ran out brandishing Astrid's axe, causing Chazz to immediately run away. Sledgehammer meanwhile turned around, only to be kicked in the knee by Rio, and Kris took a slice from under the Tokyo giant's eye with the axe, forcing Chazz and Nico to get him to safety. Rio and Kris slapped hands and stood together, united.

Back In Paris

Jade, Ally and Blair were enjoying their holiday, now exploring the iconic Eiffel Tower when Blair's phone started ringing. 'Lydia, I'm halfway up the Eiffel Tower and trying not to look down, I hope this is important.' 'This is going to sound super weird.' 'Can it wait half an hour then? I'll give you a call back when I'm not 160m in the air.' As she came off the phone, Ally suddenly said 'I don't really like Lydia', a comment which Blair concurred with. 'Yeah, me either gator. Me either.'

When they had reached the ground, Blair got back on the phone. 'Right, if this isn't important, I'm deleting your number from my phone.' 'What's happened to Freja?' Sick of hearing about the issues, Blair sighed. 'Meaning?' 'She's pretending she doesn't recognise me, she's convinced Belle is her only sister, and Rio keeps lying to me when I ask her.' 'If she's lying, that means you know the truth.' 'No, it means I can tell she's lying. She's looking away when I ask her, denying all knowledge, and then clamming up completely.'

'Well I have less than no idea what you're talking about, Rio wasn't contacted by anyone for anything while we've been here, apart from Belle thanking her for the birthday card and reminding her that her birthday is next week.' The conversation was getting increasingly factious, until Lydia, once again, put her foot in it. 'I swear it's a good job that girl's not left on her own, she's a fucking danger to herself.' Offended, Blair's eyes narrowed. 'Would you like to repeat that?'

'I'm just saying, I wouldn't leave Ally with her alone.' 'How dare you! Rio only got the date wrong because I told her the wrong date. Rio actually had the right date in her book.' 'She's got a book?' 'Yeah, because her short-term memory isn't that good. If anything it's been better recently. So don't go around insulting her when she's not here to defend herself. Because she's been the best big sister to Ally.' Ally then shouted down the phone 'She's been helping me with my Maths homework, she's really smart and funny.' 'So no, I don't know what's going on with Freja, but judging by your attitude, Belle would be a better sister for her.'

Blair ended the call, and immediately blocked Lydia's number, before phoning Phil up. 'Hello.' 'Phil, cancel the money, she doesn't deserve to know.' 'No, you're interrupting your holiday for this, I'm at least going to pay for an extra night in the hotel for all four of you.' 'Don't worry about it, we need to get back anyway, Rio's arranged an extra meeting with her speech therapist for Monday morning. I'll see you tomorrow.' 'Ok, enjoy the rest of your holiday.' 'Will do, bye.'

In the duelling zone

Tee was waiting in the duelling zone when Sledgehammer's music played, and he walked out with the wound under his eye hastily stitched up. 'Introducing her opponent, accompanied by Chazz Princeton and Nico Smiley, representing the Leo Federation, from Kabukicho, Tokyo, Japan, he is the LFD Master Champion - The Sledgehammer.' As Sledgehammer walked down with his gleaming gold title belt, the commentators discussed his injury a little.

"The Sledgehammer comes to us from the Leo Federation, and recently reclaimed their top title, the Master Championship, ending the 400 day reign of Caleb Hyles. He's renowned as a virtually invincible duellist, with a reported record of 355-3 in LFD. His Cubic deck is equally as mysterious as he is, but do not take it lightly, for Crimson Nova destroys the Life total of both players, and it isn't uncommon for duels to look closer than they are." "Now we saw him get sliced by that axe earlier, and we understand that he may have suffered a minor eye injury as a result, which is something to keep an eye on if this duel goes long."

In the zone, Sledgehammer roared, which seemed to intimidate his opponent slightly, with the height difference in excess of two feet, and a weight difference of over 200 pounds. Sledgehammer activated his duel disk, but not before some motivating words from his manager, while Tee, on her own, reluctantly followed suit to begin the duel. As she did, Astrid was seen watching on from backstage.

The Sledgehammer LP:8000 vs. Tee Taylor LP:8000

(Sledgehammer hand: Vijam the Cubic Seed, Duza the Meteor Cubic Vessel, Dark Garnex the Cubic Beast, Geira Guile the Cubic King, Unification of the Cubic Lords)

Turn 1: Sledgehammer (via Nico): 'The mighty Sledgehammer will begin. He sets one monster, and one Spell or Trap, and passes to you.'

(Tee hand: Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Ancient Rules, Tyrant Wing, Blue-Eyes Abyss Dragon, Rank-up Magic Rose Curse, Mark of the Rose)

Tee: 'I draw. I activate Ancient Rules, to summon Blue-Eyes White Dragon directly from my hand (Atk:3000). Blue-Eyes, attack Sledgehammer's monster. White Lightning.' Blue-Eyes shot its burst of lightning from its mouth, but it was unable to break through the unusual-looking Vijam (Vijam Def.:0). After Sledgehammer said something unintelligible, Nico "translated". 'Sledgehammer says that Vijam can never be destroyed by battle. You are foolish for even trying.' Barely reacting, Tee shook her head. 'I end my turn setting three.'

(Sledgehammer hand: Duza the Meteor Cubic Vessel, Dark Garnex the Cubic Beast, Geira Guile the Cubic King, Cubic Dharma)

Sledgehammer: 'The Sledgehammer draws. He'll activate Cubic Dharma, to send Dark Garnext the Cubic Beast to his graveyard and draw a new card. Next he'll summon Duza the Meteor Cubic Vessel (Atk:1600), and will use its effect to send Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lord to the graveyard, before gaining 200 Attack for every Cubic in the graveyard (Atk:1600-1800). And he'll also use Dharma's graveyard effect, banishing it and adding Crimson Nova back to his hand. Now he can activate Cubic Karma, to send two more Vijam the Cubic Seeds from his deck to the graveyard. Each one will grant Duza another 800 Attack (Atk:1800-3400). Duza, attack.'

As Duza's mechanical hand reached out, Tee triggered her own card. 'I activate Tyrant Wing. This will give Blue Eyes 400 more Attack, enough to equal the strength of your Duza (Atk:3000-3400).' As Duza's hand approached, Blue-Eyes' wings glowed golden and it responded with a blast of lightning, leaving both monsters a charred crisp. 'The mighty Sledgehammer ends his turn.'

(Tee hand: Blue-Eyes Abyss Dragon, Rank-up Magic Rose Curse, Mark of the Rose, Chaos Form)

Tee: 'I draw.' Seeing that she had no cards she could use in her hand, she just quickly ended her turn to throw Sledgehammer off tempo.

(Sledgehammer hand: Dark Garnex the Cubic Beast, Geira Guile the Cubic King, Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Beast, Foolish Burial Goods)

Sledgehammer: 'The unbeatable Sledgehammer draws. He'll activate the Foolish Burial Goods, to send Cubic Karma to the graveyard, and then he'll end his turn.'

(Tee hand: Blue-Eyes Abyss Dragon, Rank-up Magic Rose Curse, Mark of the Rose, Chaos Form, Polymerisation)

Tee: 'I draw.' Seeing another dead draw, she started to get angry, and inadvertently gave away some of her gameplan. 'Just summon a monster for god's sake! I end my turn.'

(Sledgehammer hand: Dark Garnex the Cubic Beast, Geira Guile the Cubic King, Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Beast, Three-Eyed Ghost)

Sledgehammer: 'The invincible Sledgehammer draws. And he'll summon the Three-Eyed Ghost (Atk:900). It's going to attack directly.' Sledgehammer's Ghost shot red lights out of its eyes, finally dealing some damage (Tee LP:8000-7100). After the Battle phase, he'll send it to the graveyard and add another Crimson Nova to his hand. I end my turn.'

(Tee hand: Blue-Eyes Abyss Dragon, Rank-up Magic Rose Curse, Mark of the Rose, Chaos Form, Polymerisation, Keeper of the Shrine)

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

(Sledgehammer hand: Dark Garnex the Cubic Beast, Geira Guile the Cubic King, Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lord, Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lord, Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lord)

Sledgehammer: 'The undefeated Sledgehammer draws! He'll activate his face-down Unification of the Cubic Lords, to fuse together the three Crimson Novas in hand to Fusion summon Crimson Nova Trinity the Dark Cubic Lord (Atk:4500). Crimson Nova, attack her monster. And when Crimson Nova Trinity attacks, your Life points are halved (Tee LP:7100-3550).' After Tee's points were chunked down, her Keeper of the Shrine (Def.:2100) was decimated by sharp tendrils. 'And Crimson Nova Trinity can attack again after destroying a monster.' The second attack came straight at Tee, and ended the otherwise uneventful duel (Tee LP:3550-1775-0).

Following the conclusion of the rather dull contest (during which the crowd spent the entire time chanting Astrid and Rio's names), Sledgehammer roared in victory, as the crowd barely reacted. He and Chazz spent a short time stood tall together, before leaving. Meanwhile Tee, dejected, just quietly walked out herself, the crowd taking little notice of her plight and continuing to chant Rio and Astrid's names.

Backstage, Tee was looking for Akiza when Caprice and Sara approached her. 'What Akiza's doing to you is so not fair, she set you up just to fail there.' 'Look, I don't know who you are, but I don't care.' 'You should care, because we could make things so much better. Come with us, become part of the Style Council, and we could be made, we don't need to answer to anyone.' Caprice then went to put her arm around Tee, who shrugged them off. 'Mistress Akiza is all I need. I just need to be better.' She stormed off, not listening to any of the protests.

Elsewhere backstage

Before the Top Contender's Duel, Lydia approached Freja again backstage to try and work things out. 'We've got our Contender's Duel, so we need to focus, k?' Freja just smiled and extended her hand. 'Sorry, we got off on the wrong foot earlier. My name's Freja Draper, it's not to meet you.' 'Freja… Draper? Not my sister, the fuck's wrong with you?' She then waved in front of Freja's eyes and she stared ahead. 'It's almost like you've got total amnesia.' Freja's phone then started ringing, and she made her excuses. 'Sorry, I need to take this.' As soon as she was out of sight, Freja answered. 'Hello? Yes, I understand. I will be there. I'll see you later.'

In the duelling zone

Kieran and Lukas were the first team out, with Lukas shouting at the heckling crowd as they did. In an apparent sign of unity, they were both wearing shirts with "J7" on the front, and all black gear. 'The following is a Top Contender's Duel for the WDC Tag-Team Championship. Introducing first, representing Junction 7, they are the team of Kieran Byrne and Lukas Chipperfield.' In the zone, they shared a couple of words, as the next competitor walked in.

That competitor was Lydia, who entered on her own with Freja not recognising her. 'The next… erm… duellist, representing the Renegade Nation, Lydia McKinna.' Lydia walked down quickly, not stopping to acknowledge anyone, with the earlier incident with Freja very much on her mind still. In the duelling zone, she raised the red right hand, and started shouting in Lukas' face for laughing at her being alone, leading to a near fight only being prevented by Kieran holding him back.

Finally the Enforcers entered, both wearing brown leather coats, the crowd loving the appearance of the legends. 'Introducing the final team, they are the team of Jack Atlas, and Crow Hogan, the Enforcers.' As the two of them arrived in the zone, the referee confirmed the rules. 'As Lydia is her own team, she will have a turn after every other competitor. The Enforcers will start.' Crow nodded, and tapped Jack on the back. 'I got this.'

WDC Tag-Team Championships Top Contender Duel: The Enforcers (Crow Hogan/Jack Atlas) LP:8000 vs. Junction 7 (Kieran Byrne/Lukas Chipperfield) LP:8000 vs. Lydia McKinna LP:8000

(Crow hand: Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind, Blackwing - Kris the Crack of Dawn, Black Whirlwind, Descending Lost Star, Blackwing - Ghibli the Searing Wind)

Turn 1: Crow: 'I'll start by activating Black Whirlwind. Then I'll summon Blackwing - Ghibli the Searing Wind (Atk:0). Because I control a Blackwing monster, I can summon Blackwing - Kris the Crack of Dawn (Atk:1900). And the effect of Black Whirlwind will add a Blackwing with lower Attack from my deck to my hand. I'll choose Shamal the Sandstorm, and then because I control a Blackwing, Special summon Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind (Atk:1300). 'Now Level 3 Gale the Whirlwind tunes to Level 4 Kris the Crack of Dawn, to summon Blackwing Armor Master (Atk:2500). And immediately I'll tune Level 3 Ghibli to Level 7 Armor Master, to Synchro summon Blackwing Full Armor Master (Atk:3000). I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Lydia hand: Synthetic Seraphim, Guiding Ariadne, The Sanctuary in the Sky, Solemn Judgement, Rebirth of Parshath, Bountiful Artemis)

Lydia: 'I'll draw. I summon Bountiful Artemis (Atk:1600), then activate The Sanctuary in the Sky.' With the palace atop the clouds on the field, Lydia walled up. 'I'll set three cards in my backrow, set Guiding Ariadne in my Pendulum scale, and end my turn.'

(Lukas hand: Goldilocks the Battle Landscaper, Night Express Knight, Machine Duplication, Xyz Unit, Special Schedule, Revolving Switchyard)

Lukas: 'I'll summon Night Express Knight by taking away its Attack points (Atk:3000-0). And because it has no Attack, I can use Machine Duplication to summon two more (Atk:3000x2).' Ever the outspoken one, Jack was very unimpressed by this move. 'I'm sure I've seen this move before. It's almost like you were taught this by someone far more skilled than yourself, who you now claim to have nothing to do with.' Annoyed by the comment, Lukas responded. 'What are you suggesting?'

'That you should have some respect for those who paved your way.' 'Respect went out of the window when they turned against our queen, now I want to rip them apart, and you're in my way! I'll overlay my three Level 10 monsters to Xyz summon Superdimensional Robot Galaxy Destroyer (Atk:5000).' Lydia then stepped in. 'If you want to destroy us, I'll have to destroy you first. I activate Solemn Judgement, to pay half my Life points and destroy your monster. Except I won't be paying, because Guiding Ariadne doesn't require me to. I'll then chain Synthetic Seraphim, which summons a Synthetic Seraphim Token each time I activate a Counter Trap (Def.:300). And when I activate Solemn, Artemis draws me a card.' 'I end my turn.'

(Lydia hand: Airknight Parshath, Meltiel, Sage of the Sky)

Lydia: 'I draw. I'll summon Meltiel, Sage of the Sky (Atk:1600). Now both my Fairies will attack you directly.' The two 1600 attackers flew over to Lukas, dropping Junction 7's Life total with blasts of light and flying wings (J7 LP:8000-4800). 'I end my turn.'

(Jack hand: Red Resonator, Red Sprinter, Red Warg, Scarlet Security, Red Gardna, Assault Mode Activate)

Jack: 'It's time to show some power. I summon Red Resonator (Atk:600). And it's going to bring out a friend from my hand - Red Sprinter (Atk:1700). Now I'll tune Level 2 Red Resonator to Level 4 Red Sprinter to Synchro summon the Red Rising Dragon (Atk:2100). And when Rising Dragon is summoned, it brings back Red Resonator (Atk:600). Now I'll tune Level 2 Red Resonator and Level 6 Red Rising Dragon, and Synchro summon Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend (Atk:3000).'

'Scarlight, attack Meltiel.' Jack may have been an aggressive duellist, but he was also a skillful tactician, which allowed him to see Lydia's very blatant Trap, destroying Meltiel with a fistful of fire (Lydia LP:8000-6600). 'Full Armor Master, attack Bountiful Artemis.' The winged beast shot rounds out of its arm cannon, obliterating Artemis (Lydia LP:6600-5200). 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Lydia hand: Airknight Parshath, Guiding Ariadne)

Lydia: 'I draw. I'll set a monster, and pass.'

(Kieran hand: Superheavy Samurai Soulbang Cannon, Sekka's Light, Lost Wind, Superheavy Samurai Blue Brawler, Superheavy Samurai Trumpeter, Superheavy Samurai Magnet)

Kieran: 'I'll draw. I summon Superheavy Samurai Magnet (Atk:900). When he's out, he drags out Superheavy Samurai Soulbang Cannon from my hand (Atk:1000, Magnet Def.:1900). And because I have a graveyard free of Spells and Traps, I can summon Superheavy Samurai Trumpeter (Atk:300). Now Level 2 Trumpeter can tune Level 3 Soulbang Cannon and Level 4 Magnet to Synchro summon Superheavy Samurai Beast Kyubi. It gains 900 Defence for every Special summoned monster on your fields (Def.:2500-4400). And it can attack from Defence mode. Take down the Red Dragon Archfiend.' Beast Kyubi's flaming bi-pointed weapon was thrusted straight into the Dragon, destroying it (Enforcers LP:8000-6600). 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Crow hand: Blackwing - Shamal the Sandstorm, Blackwing - Elphin the Raven)

Crow: 'My turn. As I control a Blackwing, I can summon Blackwing - Elphin the Raven without a tribute (Atk:2200). And I can use this guy's effect to force your Kyubi into Attack mode (Atk:1900). Also, the effect of Black Whirlwind will add Oroshi the Squall to my hand. And as birds of a feather flock together, when I control a Blackwing, I can summon Oroshi (Atk:400). Now Level 1 Oroshi the Squall tunes to Level 6 Elphin the Raven, to Synchro summon Blackwing - Obsidian Hawk Joe (Atk:2600).' The crowd at this point were firmly in the Enforcers' corner, with the more seasoned fans enjoying a trip down memory lane at seeing their old favourites. Little did they know that Crow's next moves weren't aiming to win, but to bait out Lydia's face-down.

'I'll activate Oroshi's effect because it was used for a Synchro summon, to switch Lydia's monster to Attack mode, and then the effect of Hawk Joe will bring back Armor Master from my graveyard. Any response…' Lydia just held her hands up, and Crow and Jack nodded at each other (Atk:2500, Guiding Ariadne Atk:1700).' This would prove to be the crucial moment, as the Enforcers had a critical combination. 'I'll activate my face-down Descending Lost Star next. It brings back Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend, but it loses a Level, all its Attack points and its effects (Def.:2500-0, Level:8-7).'

Jack then had the major play. 'I activate Assault Mode Activate! This tributes my Red Dragon to create a monster of even more brutal power. I summon Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode (Atk:3500). Crow, they're all yours.' 'It's always cool when you say that, I know how much you like attacking for game.' Jack just smiled and held his arms out. 'What can I say - I like the feeling of winning.' 'Blackwing Full Armor Master, attack Guiding Ariadne.' Full Armor Master dove from up high, delivering a superman punch directly to Ariadne (Lydia LP:6400-5100). 'Now Hawk Joe and Armor Master will take you out.' The soaring double attack from the other two Blackwings was enough to take Lydia down, being unable to activate Rebirth of Parshath being her downfall (Lydia LP:5100-0).

'And last but not least, Red Dragon Archfiend will destroy your Beast Kyubi.' The power of the Dragon ribbed apart Kyubi in a blazing inferno, before also taking out Armor Master and Hawk Joe (J7 LP:4600-3000). 'When my Dragon attacks, all other monsters on the field are destroyed after damage calculation. Of course, Full Armor Master isn't affected by card effects, so it stays, but everything else is… how do they say it in Australia… Bodgie.' This turn of phrase was enough to send the perpetually ill-tempered Lukas over the edge, and he drew his next card before Crow's Battle phase had even ended, before throwing it on the ground and storming out. With no sign of him returning, his actions were declared a forfeit, and the Enforcers' music played to signify their victory.

The manner of the result aside, Jack and Crow were clearly delighted to have won the duel, with a graphic confirming their title shot to be happening in Aberdeen 16 days later. There was to be no expected face-off though, with Rio receiving treatment for a minor concussion following her clash with Sledgehammer, Phil still with Hannah and Blair trawling through Paris' thrift shops. Instead, there was a short interview with the Top Contenders.

'The Enforcers, ladies and gentlemen. You've been away for a long time, what made you want to come back?' Jack took the microphone, and addressed the crowd. 'We came back for the spirit of competition. We were told that the standard here is higher than ever, and just being around, we can see that. Everyone is tougher, better trained, more prepared when they arrive, and that's just the people you see on the minor events. And then, I got a call from Kalin about duelling Astrid Hofferson, and I initially refused, because I'm done with that.'

'But then I got curious, so I started watching some of her duels, and in particular, a duel with someone else I want to duel, Rio Kastle, it was a tournament Semi-Final, and the way they nearly killed each other just for one win, made me realise that she's the real deal. I watched that duel, and immediately picked up the phone, telling Kalin that I wanted in. We're here because we want the challenge, that rush of adrenaline you only get from fierce competition.'

'Well you're now Top Contenders for the Tag Titles, and I've been informed that you're scheduled to face Phil and Blair, who are not only unbeaten as a team, but untouched in terms of Life points. Would you describe that as a sufficient challenge?' Jack just smiled at her, clearly very excited at the prospect. Meanwhile Crow stated 'It seems like we're crossing swords with an old friend.' Their music played again, and they walked away, signing things for fans as they did so.

Backstage, in the same dark room, Akiza continued talking about plans. 'The grand plan is proceeding exactly as foreseen. Bolton's demise was quite, quite tragic, but not at all unexpected, for in war there are always casualties. Dominoes fall, but sometimes, you must give them a little bit of help. By sacrificing one, you can avenge many, and plans can continue. But alas, we have come to the point where another must tumble.' She picked up a photo, and smirked to herself.

'Blair Flannigan, the Renegades' greatest believer. Because it's not what you see, it's the secrets that they keep, and can they keep a secret? We appear to have picked the Joker card, for we've found the Alpha's secret weapon, the ally that nobody knows about. Don't let them fool you - they've been thicker than thieves across the seas for many a time, their rivalries only masking their alliances, friendship being replaced with something far more dangerous, respect. But would respect last if one were to… turn against the other? At Against All Odds, the final obstacle will be eliminated, and the endgame can commence.'

As she was about to burn the picture, she was interrupted by the door opening behind her. 'I knew you'd come. You can pretend to not be somewhere, but I knew that you could never let your little friend in case she'd die without you bearing witness. Because wherever there's trouble, you're always going to be there.' The voice that responded wasn't who Akiza expected though, as a soft, Idahoan voice laughed 'Play it again Witchy.'

The Black Rose turned around, and Rio was stood there. 'It seems like everyone's counting down the days to my demise. Everyone except me, that is. Because if you live every day like your greatest adventure, you could never die unsatisfied. But if you're plotting against my best friend, if you're physically burning my childhood friend, then we have an issue.' 'And what are you going to do about it - go back to hospital? Threaten me in garbled words? You're not even a threat to a fly.'

'If you want to underestimate me, then do. Because one of us suffers for it and it ain't me. I'll tell you exactly what I'm going to do - I'm going to challenge you to a duel. 1-1. If you can make your way to Scotland, I'll be there, and we can sort this out.' 'Let me guess, you're going to protect your dear friend the sparkly special lesbian by putting a neat little stipulation in there.' Rio just laughed. 'No, Blair can have whatever's left, once I'm done with you. This is all on me, I'm going to show everybody that I'm far more than I'll ever be given credit for. And what I do to you, I'll have no regrets for - you could say it will be Cold Blooded.' Rio left, walking backwards to keep her eyes on Akiza at all times, as the Black Rose watched on.

In the duelling zone

Finn and Declan were in the duelling zone, staring at each other, having not taken their eyes off each other the entire time. After much posturing and circling, the two of them began the duel, with the crowd suspiciously quiet for it, but sparse chants for Declan breaking out every so often.

Finn Hofferson LP:8000 vs. Declan Akaba LP:8000

(Declan hand: D/D Swirl Slime, D/D Nighthowl, Dark Contract with the Swamp King, D/D/D Chaos King Apocalypse, D/D/D Vice King Requiem)

Turn 1: Declan: 'I will start. I activate the effect of D/D Swirl Slime, which Fusion summons using monsters in my hand. I'll fuse Swirl Slime with D/D/D Chaos King Apocalypse to Fusion summon D/D/D Oracle King D'Arc (Atk:2800). Then I can summon D/D Nighthowl (Atk:300). And it will be the jaws of your demise, as it revives Chaos King Apocalypse (Atk:2700-0). Now I tune Level 3 Nighthowl to Level 7 Chaos King Apocalypse to Synchro summon D/D/D Gust High King Alexander (Atk:3000).'

'Now I will activate Dark Contract with the Swamp King, to fuse Oracle King D'Arc and D/D/D Vice King Requiem to Fusion summon D/D/D Wave Oblivion King Caesar Ragnarok (Atk:3200). And the effect of Gust High King Alexander will revive Oracle King D'Arc when another D/D/D is summoned (Atk:2800).' Alexander then started glowing in a harsh green light, as it's Attack increased to terrifying levels (Atk:3000-6000). 'What… it can't be that big…' 'When I have three D/D/Ds of different names on my field, Alexander gains 3000 Attack points. I end my turn.'

(Finn hand: Gravity Bind, Messenger of Peace, Gravity Bind, Magic Cylinder, Grave of the Super Ancient Organism, Metaphys Factor)

Finn: 'I draw. I activate Messenger of Peace and end my turn with a face-down.' As he did, the crowd started chanting "Fearful Finn", as a jab at his regular nickname. Declan didn't blink once however, completely confident in his victory still.

(Declan hand: Dark Contract with Errors)

Declan: 'During my Standby phase, I would take 1000 damage from my Dark Contract, however Oracle King allows me to instead gain those points (Declan LP:8000-9000). 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Finn hand: Gravity Bind, Metaphys Factor, Metaphys Armed Dragon)

Finn: 'I draw. My Messenger of Peace requires the payment of 100 Life points at each Standby phase of my own (Finn LP:8000-7900). I will activate Metaphys Factor, and then with its power, I will summon Metaphys Armed Dragon (Atk:2800). I end my turn.'

(Declan hand: Dark Contract with the Entities)

Declan: 'I will take 1000 Life points (Declan LP:9000-10000), and pass my turn.' Far from being frustrated though, Declan appeared to be finding the whole situation somewhat amusing, noticed by his opponent. 'What would appear to be so funny?' 'That you have not evolved. Your tricks and stalling may have counted as tactics when you were in your prime, but now you just come off as a scared old man, hiding from a challenge he foolishly accepted. Just like he hides from his own Niece.' Offended, Finn offered a rebut.

'I am far from scared, I have never been caught scared and never will be, because that is not a feeling which I ever feel, nor is it one that I have any interest in feeling. That ungrateful cretin is as far away from being on my level as she is from the home where she should have stayed and left the real work to the real competitors.' 'By which you mean the same crusty old people who have dominated this industry, and warranted the very formation of the Leo Federation? Face facts, you don't want to beat her because you can't beat her. So rather than try, you'd rather just give up. Quite frankly I'm wasting my time even facing you.'

'In that case, why do so? Why "waste your time" like you so claim?' 'Because I want to remove all the obstacles to the newer generation. Those who no longer deserve to be here should be eliminated, so that they can be replaced.' 'That generation simply are not good enough.' 'How would you know when you weren't here for them? You have many questions to answer, and I hear none forthcoming.'

(Finn hand: Gravity Bind, Magic Cylinders)

Finn: 'I draw (Finn LP:7900-7800), I set another card and I will pass.'

(Declan hand: Dark Contract with the Entities, D/D/D/D Super-Dimensional Soverign Zero Paradox)

Declan: 'I draw. I will take my 1000 Life Points (Declan LP:10000-11000), and end my turn.'

(Finn hand: Gravity Bind, Metaphys Factor)

Finn: 'I draw (Finn LP:7800-7700). I will pass myself.'

(Declan hand: Dark Contract with the Entities, D/D/D/D Super-Dimensional Sovereign Zero Paradox, D/D/D Destiny King Zero Laplace)

Declan: 'I will draw, take my Life points (Declan LP:11000-12000), and then end my turn.' Finn took his next turn, little knowing that Declan was one card away from ruining all his plans. His face was giving away nothing however, as he stood with the same smug confidence he started with.

(Finn hand: Gravity Bind, Metaphys Factor, Metaphys Ragnarok)

Finn: 'I draw (Finn LP:7700-7600). I summon Metaphys Ragnarok (Atk:1500), and then end my turn. It appears you can't break through my tricky traps.' Declan just smiled, and pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose again. 'That's where you're wrong you see, because you can't take advantage of the opportunities you have created. You're just an old man living in a world which no longer works the way he wants it to.'

(Declan hand: Dark Contract with the Entities, D/D/D/D Super-Dimensional Sovereign Zero Paradox, D/D/D Destiny King Zero Laplace, Dark Contract with the Gate)

Declan: 'I draw, and take my Life points (Declan LP:12000-13000). With this draw, I will remove you from the world you despise so much. I activate Dark Contract with the Gate, to add D/D/D Oblivion King Abyss Ragnarok to my hand. Then I'll set my Pendulum Scales with Scale 1 D/D/D Destiny King Zero Laplace and Scale 10 D/D/D/D Super-Dimensional Sovereign Zero Paradox, and Pendulum summon two - D/D/D Oblivion King Abyss Ragnarok, and from my Extra deck, Vice King Requiem (Atk:2200,2800).'

Finally, Declan showed some sign of passion as he raised his arms. 'And now for the ending. I will overlay my two Level 8 monsters to build the overlay network! When two suns rise, the horizon of a new world shall open up for us all to see, as the king of darkness ascends to his throne! Appear and ascend, Different Dimension Demon (D/D/D) Duo-Dawn King Kali-Yuga (Atk:3500). When Kali-Yuga is on the field, I can detach a material from it to destroy all Spells and Traps on your field. World Restart.' Kali-Yuga radiated a sinister black light from its entire body, which turned all the Spells and Traps to dust instantly.

'I believe this is what they call… game? My monsters will all attack.' Gust King Alexander ripped up a storm which tore through Ragnarok, Armed Dragon was annihilated by flames summoned from the ground by Kali-Yuga, and this left Oracle King and Abyss Ragnarok to deliver the final blows, leaving Finn on the ground, a shattered competitor (Finn LP:7600-0).

After the "contest" concluded, Declan looked down at his opponent for a moment, before turning and walking away. As he did so, he signalled at someone unknown in the crowd briefly, disappearing down the entranceway. Meanwhile, Finn dragged himself back up, and walked away, being heckled as he did. Cameras followed him backstage, where he shared a knowing look with Claude, who was waiting for an interview before the main event.

'Claude, we know the issues that you have had with Astrid previously. If you could tell us, why do you have so many issues?' 'I have… reasons for feeling the way I do about Astrid, but that is a story for a different day. Needless to say, we have our issues. But even I will admit that Astrid did well to win the title, I haven't seen many more dominant performances than hers in Matchplay. That's all in the past though, and she needs to learn that when she plays in the big boys' yard, she plays to our rules. Playtime's over Astrid, and you're about to get played.'

The camera then followed Claude as he walked out to start the main event. After flexing his arms at the front of the entranceway, he walked down with purpose, taking his elaborate jacket off to reveal a dark blue sleeveless shirt with his name emblazoned across it in thick white lettering. "Claude Duane is a terrific competitor who has struggled with a lack of focus the past few months, but is still renowned as one of the best duellists in the world. His Age of Evolution deck focuses on evolving Dinosaurs from small creatures to devastatingly powerful beasts, and he knows exactly how to get the best out of his deck. Don't be fooled, Claude can win big - his 230 day WDC Championship reign last year was the 4th longest in title history."

The crowd then burst into life as Astrid's music hit, and she appeared, dressed not in her traditional garb from the start of the show, but in a blue armoured vest and metal shoulderplates, carrying with her the prestigious title, fastened around her shoulder. She walked down, signalling to a number of cheering fans as she did. "Astrid Hofferson has achieved a childhood dream by winning the WDC Championship, and is developing a reputation for being one of the finest match duellists we have ever seen. She dissected 6-time WDC Champion Kalin Kessler to win the title, and her Norse Mythologies deck tells tales of old with modern gameplans and good old fashioned big monster beatdown. She's the 48th WDC Champion, of whom 9 have lost the title on their first defence. If she were to lose it here though, she would be the shortest reigning champion ever."

In the duelling zone, Astrid unbuckled her title, and lifted it up to the crowd, as introductions were made. 'The following duel is the main event of the show, and is for the WDC Championship. Introducing first, the challenger, representing The Regiment, from Zealand, Denmark, Lt. Claude Duane.' Claude raised one finger, confident in his victory. 'And his opponent, representing the Renegade Nation, from Alta, Norway, she is your reigning and defending WDC Champion - the Arctic Fox, Astrid Hofferson.' Hearing her name, she raised her title, a fierce look in her eyes.

After a short time holding the belt, she handed it over to the official very slowly, being reluctant to let it go. As she did, she squared up to her rival, and furiously stated 'Welcome to my world Claude. You know you can't beat me, and I'm more than happy to prove that.' 'Big talk from a little girl.' 'Well this little girl's going to smash you so hard that whenever you see my face, you'll wish you were dead. Because whenever you close your eyes, all you're going to see, is the vision of me crushing you. Now let's dance.'

WDC Championship: Lt. Claude Duane LP:8000 vs. [c] Astrid Hofferson LP:8000

(Claude hand: Animadorned Archosaur, Double Evolution Pill, Giant Rex, Souleating Oviraptor, Necroface)

Claude: 'I'll open with Double Evolution Pill.' 'Being ambitious today are we?' 'You're going to stop being so cocky when I banish Giant Rex and Necroface, to summon Ultimate Conductor Tyranno (Atk:3500). Chain Link 1 Giant Rex, Chain Link 2 Necroface. Necroface banishes five from the top of each deck, and then Giant Rex summons itself, gaining 200 Attack for each Dinosaur which is banished. Turn player first.' Claude banished Babycerasaurus, Big Evolution Pill, Jurassic Impact, Petiteranadon and Overtex Qoatlus, and Astrid banished Valkyrie Dritte, Valkyrie Erda, Chaos Witch, Nordic Relic Brisingamen and Valkyrie Brunhilde, as Giant Rex stomped its way onto the field (Atk:2000-2600). 'I end my turn.'

(Astrid hand: Valkyrie Brunhilde, Alviss of the Nordic Alfar, Valkyrie Dritte, Mara of the Nordic Alfar, Ljosalf of the Nordic Alfar, Effect Veiler)

Astrid: 'I draw. I'll summon Mara of the Nordic Alfar (Atk:1000), and use his effect to Synchro summon an Aesir using materials in my hand. So I'll tune Level 2 Mara to Level 4 Alviss and Level 4 Ljosalf. Loke, asernes lureri, forvandle din form til ødeleggelse mot vår evige fiende! Vis seg, Loke, asernes herre! (Loki, trickery of the Aesir, turn your form to destruction against our eternal foe! Show yourself, Loki, Lord of the Aesir!) (Atk:3300).'

'And I'm supposed to be scared of that?' 'That's up to you, frankly I don't care. Loki, attack! Destroy Ultimate Conductor!' 'Before you exit your Main phase, I'll Ultimate Conductor, destroying Animadorned Archosaur in my hand and flip your Loki face-down.' Astrid could have stopped this, but for tactical reasons, just let Claude do it. 'I end my turn.'

(Claude hand: Souleating Oviraptor, Ground Xeno)

Claude: 'I draw. I'll go directly to my Battle phase, and attack Loki with Ultimate Conductor.' As Loki was shocked by Ultimate Conductor's electrified claws, Astrid smiled. 'You've always been the same, attack first, contact me in the hospital never. So I laid a little trap in my graveyard, and it's name is Alviss. When an Aesir in my possession goes back to Valhalla, I can call on another Aesir from my Extra deck to continue the fight.' 'You can WHAT!?' Claude responded, shocked by such a powerful effect resting in Astrid's graveyard. So taking his words literally, she delivered the next chant in Danish.

'Odin, gudernes fader, den mest almægtige af alle, nedkæmp vor evige fjende med din vrede! Mød op, Odin, Asernes Fader! (Odin, father of the gods, most almighty of all, strike down our eternal enemy with your wrath! Meet Odin, Father of the Aesir!) (Atk:4000).' 'Congratulations, you brought out another god. Just another one for me to slay. For now I'll end my turn with a face-down.'

(Astrid hand: Valkyrie Brunhilde, Valkyrie Dritte, Effect Veiler, Reinforcement of the Army)

Astrid: 'My turn. I'll activate Reinforcement of the Army, to add Nordic Smith Ivaldi to my hand. Then I'll Special summon Ivaldi because I control an Aesir (Atk:1500), and add Nordic Relic Hlidskjalf to my hand. Now I'll activate Hlidskjalf, to summon Nordic Beast Gullinbursti (Atk:300). I'll neglect to use its effect, and instead tribute both my Nordic monsters to summon Valkyrie Brunhilde (Atk:1800). For each monster you control, Brunhilde gets another 500 Attack points (Atk:1800-2800). Brunhilde, lay down your might onto Giant Rex.' 'At the end of your Main phase' Claude didn't even get to finish triggering Ultimate Conductor's effect before Astrid revealed Effect Veiler in her hand. 'I'll discard this to stop your effect.'

While the angelic Veiler held onto Ultimate Conductor to prevent its effects, Brunhilde sliced Giant Rex's head clean off with her sharp sword in one graceful movement (Claude LP:8000-7800). 'Odin, destroy Ultimate Conductor with Sacred Scepter Slash!' Odin created a weapon out of light, and powered it straight through the thick skin of the dino, clearing Claude's field and making the crowd get a little bit louder (Claude LP:7800-7300). 'I end my turn.'

(Claude hand: Souleating Oviraptor, Overtex Qoaltus)

Claude: 'I draw. I'll summon Souleating Oviraptor (Atk:1800). And with its effect, I'll send Miscellaneousaurus to the graveyard. Then I'll use Misc, banishing Giant Rex and itself from the graveyard to Special summon Petiteranodon (Atk:500). Then Giant Rex will summon itself because it was banished (Atk:3000). Giant Rex, destroy Brunhilde.' Rex stampeded into Astrid's field, and removed Brunhilde from her mount before swallowing her whole (Astrid LP:8000-6800). 'I end my turn. At the End phase, Petiteranodon is destroyed, and I can use its floating effect to summon Mighty Dino King Rex (Atk:3200).'

(Astrid hand: Valkyrie Dritte, Nordic Relic Draupnir)

Astrid: 'I draw. I activate Nordic Relic Draupnir, to give Odin a power boost (Atk:4000-4800). Odin, attack Mighty King Rex.' Claude's hope of Astrid prioritising higher damage proved to be false, as Odin struck down his big hope to get rid of it (Claude LP:7300-5700). 'I end my turn. Got anything? Or are you going to continue getting beaten down?'

(Claude hand: Overtex Qoaltus, Pot of Greed)

Claude: 'I'll draw into Pot of Greed, and draw two new cards. Then I'll activate my face-down Ground Xeno, to add Uraby to my hand, then destroy the Qoaltus in my hand.' 'Uraby? The hell you playing that for?' 'So I can use the graveyard effect of Ground Xeno. By banishing it, I can Fusion summon. So I'll fuse the Uraby in my hand with Oviraptor to Fusion summon Trancendosaurus Megazowler (Atk:3800).' Facing down a gigantic elephantine-like Dinosaur with tusks larger than her entire body, Astrid just grinned. 'I really get your best this time.' 'It looks like that's what I have to give you. I'll use the effect of Megazowler to bring back a future evolution of Dinosaur from my graveyard, like Oviraptor. I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Astrid hand: Valkyrie Dritte, Cosmic Cyclone)

Astrid: 'I draw. Let's get some damage in - I'll summon Valkyrie Dritte (Atk:1000). When she's summoned, she can invite a comrade to my hand. I'll choose Valkyrie Erste. Also, Dritte gains 200 Attack points for every monster you have banished (Atk:1000-2200). Then I'll use Odin's effect to make him immune to any card effects this turn (Atk:4800-4000). 'Megazowler's about to learn what it means to touch god!' After a titanic clash with the sturdy Megazowler, Odin managed to get a critical attack in, felling Claude's strongest monster (Claude LP:5700-5500). 'Now Dritte, ride in!' Claude was close to blocking the attack, something which Astrid noticed, but ended up taking the slice instead (Claude LP:5500-3300). 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Claude hand: Souleating Oviraptor, Jurassic Power)

Claude: 'I draw. I'll activate my face-down Call of the Haunted, to revive my Gigantozowler.' 'I'll activate Cosmic Cyclone, to banish Call at the cost of 1000 Life points (Astrid LP:6800-5800).' 'Fair play, I've got Souleating Oviraptor though (Atk:1800). I'll use its effect and send another Misc to my graveyard.' 'Sure.' 'Then I'll banish two Dinos from my graveyard, Uraby and itself, for another Petiteranodon (Atk:500, Dritte Atk:2600-3000). And I'll destroy it with the effect of Oviraptor to bring back Megazowler (Def.:2000).'

'When Megazowler is destroyed, I'll destroy a monster on each of our fields. So that's Odin and Oviraptor.' With no way to defend him, Astrid witnessed Odin be destroyed, slightly thankful that Megazowler couldn't attack. 'I end my turn.'

(Astrid hand: Valkyrie Erste, Valkyrie Funfte)

Astrid: 'My turn. I summon Valkyrie Funfte (Atk:800). She may be young and full of potential now, but wait until she achieves her great form. For every monster you have banished from our battle, all Valkyries that ride together gain 200 Attack (Atk:800-2600, Dritte Atk:3000-4800).' Seeing how powerful Astrid had become, Claude had a slight lump in his throat. 'You're… pretty strong.' 'I'm more than strong, I'm the champion, and I'm about to polish you off. Funfte, attack his Megazowler.' Funfte rode in, and her wide-edged sword was plunged straight through the thick hide of Megazowler, destroying it again.

'The end comes now. Dritte, complete our final battle. Veiledning til skjærsilden! (Guidance to Purgatory).' Dritte's noble steed galloped along into battle, and one climactic swing of the sword took the last Life points away from Claude (Claude LP:3300-0).

As the pulsating main event concluded, Astrid snatched her title back, and lifted it for her loving crowd to see, and then started screaming 'I AM CHIEFTAIN!', while parading her belt. Meanwhile, Claude accepted his loss with dignity and grace… by lining up an attack on Astrid. Just as he was about to charge at her though, Hassleberry walked out, cut up and heavily bruised from facing Maddy, and grabbed his arm. 'Don't do it chief, you're going to end up worse than I am. We need our commander.'

Claude didn't seem to care, but this distraction was enough time for Kris to run out, and launch himself at Claude with a vicious dropkick, before Astrid turned around and pointed her axe at him. Uncharacteristically, he stood up, hands up in surrender, before offering Astrid a handshake. After some delay and a glance at her boyfriend, she accepted, to loud cheers. 'You're better than I gave you credit for. I'm looking forward to our next battle.' 'Yeah, see you in the future.' He then walked off, leaving the Champion to celebrate with Kris. As she walked backstage, she ran into Declan, and had a very interesting conversation.

That night, in the hotel, Paris

Phil and Hannah were in bed, when there was a knock on the door. 'Come in.' As he said this, Freja walked in, wearing her dominatrix gear, hair still tight. 'You wanted to see me sir?' 'Yes. I want you to dance, dance like you never have before, dance for us my puppet.' As he said this, she started to wiggle seductively, and went on to perform for a full hour, including numerous kisses with Phil and Hannah, letting him stroke her net a number of times. Eventually Hannah pulled her in, and whispered down her ear 'Take your hair down over his face.'

With new orders, she continued to shimmy towards him, and sat on his knee, before taking her net off, and then all the hair pins out, letting her hair down right over him, the waviness of it caressing his face. She continued to pleasure them afterwards, as they showed their full power over her mind. As her dance finished, she stood, awaiting another order. 'You will now go back to your room. When you do, you will immediately fall asleep in your bed.' 'Yes master.' She then walked out, and back to her room.

Alpharic Legends Chapter II

'And so the alpha continued on her path, rampaging through every foe who stood in her way. She hid dark secrets though, and she ignored her inner voice when it shouted, yet when it whispered doubt, it was all she could hear. It whispered evils and untruths, encouraged false decisions and to dismiss all doubters, both harmful and helpful, tarring all friends and enemies with the same brush, and choosing decisions which would split her pack down the middle, as an offshoot group continued to cause strife in the clan.'

'But the biggest battles of all were a'coming, and they would soon be baring down on her with their fangs bared, their mouths open, coming for her soul. For in her pack, the ways of old warred with the ideas of the new, and her pride would not allow her to pick a side, believing all she surveyed to be wrong. As she failed to see the dividing of her people, the battlegrounds slowly grew, with everyone it encompassed having to be on one side of the war.'

'In the meantime, success came easily to the pack it seemed, unexpected hunts resulted in new targets and impressive victories. Prosperity had arrived, but prosperity is a fleeting mistress, and the alpha failed to heed the warning. You should use prosperity to build sturdy foundations, not search out more. For those she had aligned with could be false benefactors, and those who were ignored or otherwise assigned away were the real allies. A storm was coming, and the foundations would be tested like never before. Soon, the alpha would have to make a choice between her own security and the continued hunts of her pack, and her decision would shape the future. Two futures lay before her, and they were both binding mistresses.'

Next time: Lydia sees the truth, Belle faces up to the truth, and Astrid has to wrestle with the truth in Renegades: A New Dawn Chapter LIX: Building Dynasties