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.

61. Highland Fling

Renegades: A New Dawn

Chapter LXI: Highland Fling

Event: Saltire Duelling presents Aberdeen 2: the Professional Conquest card:

WDC Young-Gun Championship: Celina vs. [c] Maddy Smith

WDC Young-Gun Championship Contender's Duel: Freja McKinna vs. Donny Anderson vs. Sara Sawyer

Rio Kastle vs. Akiza Izinski

WDC Tag-Team Championships: The Enforcers (Crow Hogan/Jack Atlas) vs. [c] Trifecta Frozen Diamonds (Phil Robinson/Blair Flannigan)

Caprice Morris vs. Brooke Angharad

WDC Championship: Kenzie Calhoun vs. [c] Astrid Hofferson

The club were on their way to Aberdeen in the Scottish Highlands for the next event, having spent a day back at the base. Except for once it wasn't Phil doing the driving, it was Maddy, which led to speculation from the back of the minibus courtesy of Belle and Dakota (who had mended fences after their previous issue). 'You know it's the first time she's driven since her crash, right?' 'She had a crash?' 'Yeah, it was a while ago, she crashed on the motorway after falling asleep. Think it was not too long after the surgery, she was driving Blair to the airport for something or other, and on the way back she fell asleep at the wheel. Could have been nasty, she completely totalled the car she got for her 18th birthday.'

Rio then turned around to admonish them for their gossiping. 'You know it's rude to gossip, right? Also to clear a couple of bits up, she fell asleep at the wheel because it was half 4 in the morning and it wasn't that long after she'd had a kidney transplant. Oh, and the car isn't "totalled", it's in Phil's garage like it has been for nearly a month.' 'Sorry I didn't mean to gossip, I'm trying to catch Dakota up on stuff.' 'Yeah I asked because I didn't know Maddy had a driving licence. Especially since she's driving so slowly.'

As they drove across the A1 through Dunbar, Blair seemed to be a bit concerned about the driving. 'You ok Mads?' 'Yeah fine, why?' 'Just that you're driving really slow. Like, 28 on the A1 seems kind of slow?' 'it's fine, I'm just getting used to driving again. Besides, we got plenty of time.' Eager not to annoy Maddy or cause any issues behind the wheel, Blair sat back in her seat and put her earphones in.

Three hours later

As the minibus rolled into the motorway services, Maddy took the opportunity to keep herself going with a strong coffee. As she did, she quickly found herself joined by Rio. 'Hey.' 'Hi, how does it feel being on the road again?' 'Honestly? Terrifying. It's the first time I've so much as touched a steering wheel since the accident, and it just feels like I'm back to the first time. Look, I never got chance to say well done for beating us in Norway.' 'Thanks, you were great opponents. You looked super tense out there though, was something going on with you?' Maddy sighed and made an admission.

'I couldn't handle the pressure. The entire time, I just had this idea of all the eyes burnin' into me, I'm just not that person.' 'It's the biggest stage you've ever been on apart from your debut.' 'Yeah, and the difference is there was no expectation back then, who the f's this kid kinda thing, whereas now everyone knows who I am. I don't have that insurance anymore, like I just don't. I don't think I could cope with it, and thing is, I knew Astrid was so desperate to win because we never team up. I'm sorry I couldn't be more competitive.' 'I mean you almost beat us, and that's despite being kept out of half the game by Secret Village. Which, I'd just like to tell you, was 100% Blair's idea, I did tell her not to because I didn't think it was very good.'

As they laughed, Maddy brought up a different topic from the duel. 'You know you cheated in that duel like?' 'No?' Rio inquired, confused. 'You activated one of your Ritual spells while under Secret Village, Loki's a Spellcaster.' This left Rio shocked. 'I had literally no idea, I haven't rewatched the duel yet, I've barely spoken to Phil since then, and I don't think B or 'trid noticed.' 'I know Astrid didn't, I mentioned it to her and she was confused as to when it happened. But regardless, when do you want your title shot?' This was a surprising question to Rio. 'I… don't? I never asked for a title shot, I really don't want to face you for the title because you're honestly what I look up to, like as a champion? You carry yourself like a champion, you've never backed down from a challenge, you're everything that me and Blair wanna be.'

Maddy grinned and laughed at this. 'It's nice of you to say.' 'I'm not just saying it, I mean it. And you've done all of that while managing us lot.' 'Coming from the person who does more managing than I do at the moment.' 'Yeah, because you're on recruitment drives constantly. You've done so much for us, I honestly… I can't imagine what any of us would do without you.' 'Good job you don't need to imagine it eh?' Maddy then looked at the time. 'Half 11, we should get going.' 'When's the event begin?' '4, but Jana's already there, and she said that the cues outside are getting very loud and boisterous.' As Maddy went to leave though, Rio stopped her. 'You're an amazing duellist Maddy, nobody expects you to be perfect. Because you're perfect the way you are, and you always have been.'

Elsewhere, Jade was watching Astrid and Ally talking when Phil walked up with a cold bottle of water, which he passed to her. 'I've had Bronchitis before, stubborn thing. How are you doing now?' 'Yeah not too bad, little chesty but I've been told that I'm probably not infectious now. How's Hannah doing, I heard about the thing with Lydia.' 'Yeah, not good. Her back was bad as is, but now she's really struggling with it, and she can't hide it. She's insisting on being at the Manchester Festival, we were due to have an exhibition duel there but I've asked her to postpone it for her sake.' 'And?' 'This is Hannah - you really think she listens to sense? It's still on to the best of my knowledge.'

He then noticed Jade zoned out, watching Ally and Astrid interacting. 'Those two have really hit it off.' 'Yeah… they really have.' 'If something's bugging you' 'I don't know… I just wish that I had the same relationship with Ally that Astrid does. You see them together, you'd think she's her Mom, and between her, Rio and Blair, it feels like I don't do anything with Ally.' He just smiled in response. 'I don't think she'd be like this so much with Astrid if she'd been adopting her. She's exciting because they don't see each other all the time. That's my theory anyway.' Breathing a sigh of relief, she looked over at him.

'You know you're going to be a great Dad, right?' 'I hope you're right.' 'Seriously you will be. Look how you are as a manager, you've got a natural talent for being caring.' 'That's my job though, that's the difference. I just don't know if I can do this, I know it sounds stupid but' 'You're going to doubt yourself, but everyone knows you're going to be amazing. Especially Hannah, and she's the one that matters. Nobody else's opinion means anything.' 'I know, I just don't know if I'll ever be ready for that kind of responsibility and commitment.' 'I totally get it, but I've seen the way you've planned, you're going to be just fine. Let's face it - if you've planned something, it always goes off exactly how you intended.'

As she said this, Blair walked up behind them. 'You know you don't need to boost his ego right? What you talking about?' 'We were just talking about being parents, he's just nervous about it all.' Blair then decided to tell Phil how she felt. 'Look, you and Hannah were like parents to me for so long after I moved to England, in a way you still are even though I made up with my Dad. You're going to be amazing and I think you know that.' She then put her arms around Jade. 'As for you, I know you're not telling me something, and I know how to get it out of you.' She then started tickling her girlfriend until she submitted.

'Ok ok, I'm… just watching Astrid with Ally and wondering why she's not like that with me.' 'Because you barely know each other, and also you're not a kid.' 'Not Astrid, Ally.' 'Because we've got a different relationship with her. Astrid's her playmate, her friend. We're her family, we're her protectors. That's just what we are. Doesn't mean she thinks less of you' 'But she spends way more time with you and Rio.' 'She's known us longer, me especially. You'll find your thing with her, I promise.' Rio then walked up, and tapped Blair on the backside. 'Get that in gear, Maddy's heading off again in a couple of minutes.'

With everyone getting back in, they were back on the road, completing the last hour of the journey, with Maddy now driving at a more reasonable speed. As they pulled onto the road with the arena however, they found themselves unable to complete the journey, as a huge blockade of fnas were cordoning off the road. As Maddy looked who they were waiting for though, she got a surprise, and she turned around to the back of the bus. 'Blair, could you move your fan club from the road please?' 'My fan club?' 'Yeah, about 20 of them?' Astrid then quipped 'Well that's her entire fanbase then.'

Having flipped Astrid off, Blair got out of the bus, and went up to the rowdy crowd, who started shouting "She's our Jewel" and "Shelby Rebel" as they saw her. Instead of encouraging them to move though, she started to talk with them, and laughed with them. But it wasn't until one of the fans kissed her hand that Maddy realised 'Is she… flirting with the fans? Honestly, if you want something doing…' She then stepped out of the vehicle herself, and heard Blair talking.

'You wouldn't believe how much fun I'm having at the moment. Honestly if you'd have told me a few years ago that this confused soon-to-be bisexual from a little township near Detroit would be the World ranked Number 1, and would be tag champions with her best friend, and the guy she grew up watching, someone who was in the first World final I ever saw, I honestly would have thought you were kidding. I just feel so blessed and thankful that I've got what I've got, I've already achieved more than I ever thought I would.'

As the fans continued to hype up, some of the crowd started shouting out at her, with such liminary comments as "We love you Blair", "Frozen Diamonds", and "She's not Lezzer", the last comment making her chuckle, and point out the helpful fan who made the link, before joining in, chanting 'I'm not Lezzer'. As Jade stepped out of the bus, a particularly ambitious fan even shouted "Marry me Blair!", shocking everyone. But she had the perfect response as she shouted over to Jade.

'Hey Jade, is it ok with you if I marry this guy?' A short stunned silence followed, before Jade appeared to get the joke. 'Erm… maybe not?' Blair then looked to the crowd. 'Sorry, it doesn't look like she's going to let me.' Jade then wandered over, and impressed the fans by lifting her leg over Blair's shoulder, and onto the back of her neck, before wrapping her other leg around her back, and waving to the crowd (hiding the fact that Blair was holding her up). She then tapped on Blair's back, and as she let go, Jade spun around her girlfriend, before landing into picture-perfect splits, and rolling back onto her feet.

As Jade started to show off some of the dancing she was known for, Blair stepped back to watch her with the crowd, and even joked with one of the fans 'Your life might be good, but do you get to look at that every day? The perks of dating a former exotic dancer.' A young boy and his father then walked up to her, and after some prompting, the child passed Blair a picture of her stood in her Marine uniform in Delhi. In a thick Glaswegian accent, the man stated 'I'm sorry, my son was wondering if he could have your autograph?'

She smiled, and took out a pen that she always carried with her. 'Of course I can. How old are you?' Starstruck, the kid was unable to answer her, so his Dad stated 'He's 10. Martin Boyd is his name.' 'Well Martin, my niece, Ally, you might have seen her on the telly, she's just about to turn 10, and she loves watching all the action.' The kid, now slightly more confident, finally asked Blair a question. 'Where did you get the coat in the picture from?' Blair smiled shyly, and responded.

'Well, it's actually a U.S. Marines uniform.' This seemed to surprise his father. 'I didn't know you served in the Marines.' 'Yeah, served for about a year, including six weeks on a sub in the Atlantic. Got kind of lonely at times though. I might go back one day, I'm still in the reserve.' Jade, hearing this, stormed over. 'And you were going to tell me when?' 'I thought you knew, I've been signed up for months. It's not like I'm going anywhere anytime soon, it's just to keep my foot in the door.' Still unconvinced, Jade managed to hold her opinion back. 'Well how about we talk about this more after?' 'Whenever you like' Blair replied cheerily.

As she turned back, young Martin had a question for her. 'How do I become great like you?' The question caught the modest young woman off guard, but she quickly managed to focus. 'Just try. It doesn't matter how "good" or "bad" your deck is, what matters is what the deck means to you. Only you can get the most out of it, so just practice and try. Never let anybody tell you otherwise.' She then hi-fived the youngster, and handed his signed photo over, as his father thanked her.

In the duelling zone

The show opened with an announcement from Michael Grey Adams. 'Ladies and Gentlemen, we have some things we need to clear up. First of all, we will not allow our title to be tarnished by anybody who is failing to be loyal to us. As a result, we have determined that should Astrid retain her title today, then in Las Vegas, she will have to qualify for the main event, defending her title against the board's hand-picked opponent, being Nash. We believe that he would be a high-quality choice to defend the title in such a main event.'

As the crowd booed him, the announcement continued. 'Now I'm sure you saw what happened last time between Geoff Maltby and Maddy Smith. We as a company will not allow such treatment of our employees, especially when it disrupts scheduled duels. Crow Hogan has written to us explaining that he is not willing to face Maddy after her actions, which costs us money. Therefore we will cost her money. Starting with this show, she is to be deducted ten tournaments' pay. Let me make myself clear Ms. Smith - you will fall in line with us or you will suffer.'

As the announcement about Maddy's pay was being made, Maddy's alternate music used outside of the WDC hit, and she walked out to a huge reaction, with the already pumped up crowd loudly chanting her name as she appeared. After a moment stood looking around her, she took off her hat and coat, and punched the ground, screaming 'Don Alpha!' as she did so, as the crowd followed suit. On her way down, she made a point of signing autographs for every single one of the 950 fans in the arena, walking up and down the steps as she did so. This continued all through Celina's entrance, and beyond as the New Zealander waited for the duel to begin.

Several minutes later, Maddy was done signing. But the crowd weren't done, as they continued to sing Maddy's old theme and her alternate music in turn, while other people shouted such luminary thoughts as "Control my body Maddy" and "Don Alpha rules the world", the latter getting a very firm thumbs up from her. The crowd were so loud and rowdy that the duel couldn't even begin, as they kept throwing paper cups and toilet roll at Celina's head, and some fans from the front two rows kept spilling into the duel arena.

25 minutes later

The duel still had not started, and Celina now had several rolls of toilet paper on her head and body. 'They're all savages up here.' Celina complained, leading to Maddy laughing at her. 'They might be savages up here, but they're savages who know how to have a good time, and they're savages who are Renegades!' The entire crowd cheered at this, and after the stewards had finally gained some kind of control, their duel began.

WDC Young-Gun Championship: Celina LP:8000 vs. [c] Maddy Smith LP:8000

(Celina hand: Lunalight Tiger, Lunalight Black Sheep, Luna Light Perfume, Dreamland, Lunalight Blue Cat)

Celina: 'Let's dance. I'll discard Lunalight Black Sheep to use its effect and add Polymerisation from my deck to my hand. Then I'll activate a Field spell called Dreamland.' As she did, both she and Maddy were raised up on a fragment of land which appeared to have broken off from a cliff somewhere. 'Now I'll activate Polymerisation, fusing Lunalight Tiger and Blue Cat to Fusion summon Lunalight Cat Dancer (Atk:2400). And when I send a monster from my hand to the graveyard by a card effect, Dreamland draws a new card to replace it. I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Maddy hand: Spy Hero, Fluffal Penguin, Fluffal Mouse, Fluffal Angel, Code Hack, Fusion Armament)

Maddy: 'I draw. I'll…' She then paused for a moment, considering her limited plays. 'I'll summon Fluffal Penguin (Atk:1600).' 'Ooh, never a good sign when you're summoning it' Celina taunted, forgetting Penguin had an effect on the field. 'I'll use Penguin's effect to summon Fluffal Angel (Atk:600).' At that moment, Maddy saw an extremely funny play, and grinned. 'Gotta go for it I guess. I'll Link off Angel and Penguin, to Link summon, Link 2, Beyond the Pendulum (Atk:1200, Link Arrows: Bottom Left, Bottom Right).'

Seeing the card, Celina got confused. 'The hell you up to?' 'I'll activate Beyond's effect.' As she did, its blue and red gem started shimmering. 'By paying the small sum of 1200 Life points (Maddy LP:8000-6800), I can add a Pendulum monster from my deck to my hand, but unless I Pendulum summon, which spoiler alert, I ain't doin', I can't use monster effects for the rest of the turn. I'll add Edge Imp Cotton Eater.' 'Ok… so you have Polymerisation?' Maddy then grinned again. 'That's the neat thing - I don't. But you do. I activate a card from my greatest conquest - Spy Hero!'

When she did so, a silent ninja clad in all black appeared on the field, and without warning, appeared on Celina's field, before reaching into her graveyard, and pulling Polymerisation out of there. 'Spy Hero allows me to banish two random cards from my deck, and then steal a Spell from your graveyard until the end of the turn. But I'll only be needing it for a few seconds. I activate Polymerisation, fusing together Cotton Eater and Fluffal Mouse to Fusion summon the fiend of the seas, ready to tear you up. I Fusion summon Frightfur Cruel Whale (Atk:2600). Cruel Whale, attack Cat Dancer.' As the Whale's razor-sharp fin cut into Cat Dancer, there was a revelation. 'Nice idea, but Cat Dancer can't be destroyed in battle.' 'Do I look like I care? (Celina LP:8000-7400). 'I end my turn.'

(Celina hand: Luna Light Perfume, Lunalight Fusion)

Celina: 'I'll draw. I activate Luna Light Perfume, which will add a Lunalight monster to my hand. I'll get Lunalight Crimson Fox. Now I can use Lunalight Fusion, and because you have a monster from the Extra deck on the field, I can use a monster from my Extra deck. So I'll fuse Cat Dancer, Crimson Fox, and the Panther Dancer in my Extra deck, to Fusion summon the real star in this show, Lunalight Leo Dancer (Atk:3500).' As it appeared, Maddy's eyes glowed. 'Lions vs. Wolves? I fancy my odds.' 'You won't do when Crimson Fox drops the Attack of your Whale to 0 (Atk:2600-0). And because Leo Dancer can attack twice, this is what I think you call… game over? Leo Dancer, pirouette over her Life points!'

As the attack came flying in, Maddy didn't look too fussed. 'I activate Code Hack. This drops the attack of your monster to 0, and just in case you have anything else, it eliminates any damage this turn.' 'Alas, if only you could target Leo Dancer.' Maddy then flung the card towards Celina. 'I'll let you look and tell me where it says it targets.' Confused, Celina quietly ended her turn (Leo Dancer Atk:0-3500, Cruel Whale Atk:0-2600).

(Maddy hand: Fusion Armament, Fluffal Owl)

Maddy: 'I draw, and summon Fluffal Owl (Atk:500). When Owl is summoned, it adds Polymerisation to my hand. Then I'll use Poly, fusing Owl with Cruel Whale to create a monster that's going to leave your chances bite-sized. Show her the tooth, Frightfur Sabre-Tooth (Atk:2400-2800). And when it's summoned, Sabre Tooth can revive Cruel Whale (Atk:2600-3000). That will allow my Whale to boost its own Attack by half of the original. I'll send Frightfur Wolf as the cost (Atk:3000-4300). Cruel Whale, destroy Leo Dancer with Slicing Surrender!' The whale came swimming in again, and the sharp fin simply sliced Leo Dancer's midsection in half, destroying her (Celina LP:8000-7200). 'Sabre Tooth, your turn.' The ravenous Sabre-Tooth leapt into the action, barely grazing Celina's face with its attack (Celina LP:7200-4400). As Celina reeled, Maddy stood, as the fans continued to make much noise for her. 'I end my turn.'

(Celina hand: Lunalight Wolf)

Celina: 'I draw.' As she did, she stared at the draw. 'The literal only card that gets me out of this. I'll scale up Scale 1 Lunalight Wolf.' 'Hey, I'm going to sue you for copyright infringement after this!' 'Feel free, 'cause you won't have the money from being champion anymore.' This appeared to spring something in Maddy's mind, as she she started shaking in anger. 'Now I've got you distracted, I'll fuse Crimson Fox, Black Sheep and Panther Dancer to Fusion summon the bladed beast, Lunalight Sabre Dancer. She gains 200 Attack for any Beast-Warrior which is banished or in the graveyard. How many do you have?' Maddy just looked at her blankly in response. 'Well go on…' 'Fluffals aren't Beast-Warriors, they're Fairies.'

Celina freaked out at the revelation. 'Fairies? And they turn into… that?' 'Yep. Ain't it fun? (Atk:3000-3800).' 'Well I suppose it's enough. Destroy Sabre Tooth.' Maddy just watched the attack, showing very little interest in reducing the damage while the Sabre Tooth vs. Sabre Dancer battle ended with the Frightfur being beheaded (Maddy LP:6800-5400). 'I end my turn.'

(Maddy hand: Fusion Armament, Super Polymerisation)

Maddy: 'I'll draw (checks hand briefly), and send you to the back of the queue. I activate Super Polymerisation. This fuses together your Sabre Dancer with my Cruel Whale, so I can Fusion summon Starving Venom Predapower Fusion Dragon (Atk:3600).' As she faced down a horrific-looking Dragon with red glowing orbs all around it, spewing poisonous gases, all Celina could do was watch in sheer terror. 'Predapower Fusion Dragon, attack!' Maddy's Dragon came surging in with a stream of dark purple, dropping Celina's total (Celina LP:4400-800). 'I end my turn.'

(Celina hand: Lunalight Blue Cat)

Celina: 'I draw. I'll set a monster and pass.'

(Maddy hand: Fairy Meteor Crush)

Maddy: 'My turn.' She saw the hand and smiled. 'Fairy Meteor Crush - never leave home without one. Attack.' Celina was left to rue missed opportunities and activations as Predapower Fusion Dragon shredded through Lunalight Blue Cat (Def.:1000, Celina LP:800-0).

When the duel finished, Maddy was immediately ambushed by The Sledgehammer, with a forearm to the neck, and then stamping on her back. As he picked her up by the hair though, Kris' music played. He didn't come out, but the distraction was enough for Maddy to kick her attacker in the side of the face, stunning him for long enough to let her launch into a spear, and then as Celina came in from behind, a simple trip dropped her face first onto the edge of the duelling zone and knocked her out. The champion then grabbed a microphone, and sat on the barrier to the fans.

'Mark up Number 18 for Don Alpha. Or 40 if you wanna count title defences outside of the WDC as well. You'd think by now, after 200 days as Young-Gun Champion, I'd get a lil' bit of respect, you know, maybe a slight pay rise, maybe the opportunity to choose my next challenger, hell even a congratulations. Instead what do I get? I get them breakin' the rules to try and take my title from me, and, oh yeah, they phoned me the other day to congratulate me for my title reign, and then you know what they did next?' She then dragged up some evidence on her phone. 'They only went and fuckin' reverse charged me!'

'So I arrive here today, and I'm met with an announcement that I've been denied 5 events' wages for reacting the way I did in Kristiansand? Well I just want to say that I am sorry.' This sincere apology very quickly turned out to be false though. 'I'm sorry… that I don't need your stinkin' money.' With the backdrop of the ravenous crowd, she leapt off the barricade, and started a vicious tirade against the company.

'You want to know the truth? I'll tell you the truth, which is that since I became Young-Gun Champion, I've earned £46,000 from duelling here. Sounds a lot right? Well how about the fact that I've earned over £60,000 purely from merch sales. And that ain't Renegades sales or stuff through the company, that is from sales from the pop-up tents you see near every venue. I want to shout out Brooke Angharad, who has been manning most of these pop-ups for the season. She's even been doing it with a broken hand recently.'

'But the point is, I don't want your stupid money. Hell, suspend my pay for the rest of the year, I don't fuckin' care. Because you can't stop this revolution, and you can't stop me turning up, retaining my title, and making more money than I ever would from you. If this company won't back me, then I'm just gonna have to back myself. This is a revolution of the people, and I am the people's champion!' As the crowd roared in approval, she flashed her eyes and stared down the hard camera. 'This company wanted to use me as a billboard, they expected me to betray my revolutionaries, my family, just so they could put a neat lil' bow on a story arc. Well I don't wear no bow, and I'm not your personal advertisement.'

I will not be controlled or manipulated by false prophets, or by some corporate suit, you're not gonna put a pretty pink bow on me and call me your Minnie Mouse, 'cause I ain't just somebody's bit on the side, I'm top dog around here. At Against All Odds is the day I match the record for the longest reigning WDC Young-Gun Champion, and whoever wins the next duel, gets to try and stop me. Don't bank on it though, because you're going to fall to the Red… Right… HAND!' She raised the hand, and embraced the fans as she walked away, title still in tow.

Backstage, Phil, Belle and Freja were being interviewed ahead of the Top Contender's Duel. 'Phil, I understand that Freja wasn't supposed to be in this duel?' 'Belle was initially supposed to be in this duel. Regrettably though, she's been suffering from quite bad migraines the past few days, so she's asked Freja to take her place. We would have submitted an official form to the Board of Directors, but as they've been a bit busy stealing money, we didn't get the opportunity. I did leave them a voicemail though, so it's all fine.'

Outside of the arena, Maddy was chatting with the fans when she got a phone call. 'Hello? Lydia, you're still suspended, why are you… yes I know you want back in. But you didn't hear me last week apparently. You're still suspended, and the 10 days will only start counting down when Dad gets the money back for the damage you did to his car door. And wing mirror. And wheel. When you've paid him back for the damage to his car, then the days will count down. I will call you when that is. And don't forget, if you contact anyone else in the club, your suspension will be doubled. Ok? Bye.'

In the duelling zone, Sara and Freja were having a stare-off, when the sultry sound of Jace Everett started, and Donny walked out, in a black leather jacket and round sunglasses. 'Introducing the final participant, from Sin City, Rebel Lucifer - Donny Anderson.' Donny walked down, but he also had a microphone, which Rio immediately identified as a "bad idea". 'Ladies, Gentlemen, let your inhibitions fly, and ignore the rules that bind you. This is the first step to a world of sin, an… unchained world. Be free of the shackles, because let's face it, who's going to stop you? Now if you'll excuse me, I have to tempt the feeble.'

In the duel field, Sara seemed to be very annoyed at his presence. 'I don't need some guy to tell me what I should and shouldn't do, I don't care if you think you're some devil's advocate, because I don't need you and your ego.' She then looked up from talking, and was… disturbed to find Freja walking up to Donny, and starting to grind on him, as the crowd started a "she's a grifter" chant, apparently not believing her aroused act. Donny was very much enjoying it though, as she whispered 'If you'll be my Lucifer, I'll be your hellfire.' in sultry tones, all the while Belle trying her best not to look.

Eventually Phil had to enter, and break them up, before having a quick chat with Freja, trying to refocus her. As he did, Sara interrupted them. 'Excuse me, but when you're not busy cheating on your wife, I've got a duel to win.' The duel then began, but was immediately interrupted as Freja turned around for just long enough to see Belle decking Caprice at zone side after an unseen argument between them. With all the chaos calming down, they all drew their opening hands.

WDC Young-Gun Championship Top Contender's Duel: Sara Sawyer LP:8000 vs. Freja McKinna LP:8000 vs. Donny Anderson LP:8000

(Sara hand: Naturia Cliff, Naturia Blessing, Naturia Camellia, One for One, Naturia Sacred Tree)

Sara: 'I'll begin by activating One for One, discarding Naturia Sacred Tree to summon Cherries from my deck (Atk:200). Then I'll use the effect of Sacred Tree being sent to the graveyard to add Naturia Bamboo Shoot. Now I can summon Naturia Camellia (Atk:1400), and tune Level 1 Cherries to Level 4 Camellia for Naturia Beast (Atk:2200). I'll end my turn, enjoy not activating Spells, bitch.'

(Freja hand: Reshef the Dark Being, Drytron Delta Altais, Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands, Drytron Eclipse, Drytron Alpha Thuban)

Freja: 'I'll draw. I activate Drytron Delta Altais, tributing Alpha Thuban to summon itself (Def.:2000). Then by revealing Reshef the Dark Being in my hand, I can draw another card. Now I activate Drytron Eclipse.' Without even considering it for a moment, Sara responded. 'I'll use Naturia Beast's effect to send the top 2 cards of my deck to the graveyard to negate.' Completely unbothered by the negate, Freja continued her turn briefly. 'I think I'll also set a monster, before passing to Hell Incarnate over there.'

(Donny hand: Abominable Unchained Soul, Wailing of the Unchained Souls, Unchained Twins - Aruha, Meklord Emperor Wisel, Unchained Twins - Aruha, Unchained Twins - Rakea)

Donny: 'I'll set a card face-down. That means I can use the effect of Unchained Twins - Rakea, to target and destroy a card on my field, then summon Rakea (Atk:1500). And because that card I destroyed was Wailing of the Unchained Souls, I can summon Unchained Soul of Disaster from my deck (Atk:0). Now I can use Unchained Soul of Disaster, and link it off with your Naturia Beast.' 'Hang on, what? You can't do that!' 'Just watch me!' As he taunted Sara, the unchained dog ran at her Beast, and quickly turned them both into a flash of blue light. 'I Link summon Link 2, be unleashed, Unchained Soul of Rage (Atk:1800).'

As Freja laughed at Sara's misfortune though, he continued. 'Now I'll use Soul of Rage to Link with your Drytron Delta, to Link summon Link 3, be unbound, Unchained Soul of Anguish (Atk:2400, Link Arrows: Up, Bottom Left, Bottom Right). Anguish, attack Sara.' The big red dog dissipated into a fine mist, before reforming in front of Sara and slashing her (Sara LP:8000-5600). 'Rakea, attack.' Rakea fired a pair of flaming rockets from its hands, causing further damage (Sara LP:5600-4100). 'I end my turn.'

(Sara hand: Naturia Cliff, Naturia Bamboo Shoot, Leodrake's Mane)

Sara: 'I draw, and summon Naturia Cliff (Atk:1500).' As she summoned this, Freja looked over at Donny. 'I bet you're… hard and stony.' 'And you're going to be… smooth and untouched.' 'Hey, I've done it before.' 'I'm sure you have. Don't worry, I'm good at… popping cherries.' This rather lewd conversation was broken up by Freja seeing Cliff's Attack points increase to 3000. 'How did that happen?' 'Leodrake's Mane, don't worry about it. All you need to worry about is Cliff destroying Unchained Soul of Anguish.' Sara's monster jumped a small way into the air, before slamming down with a flat weight on the top of Anguish, crushing it (Donny LP;8000-7400). 'I end my turn (Atk:1500).'

(Freja hand: Reshef the Dark Being, Drytron Nova, Drytron Zeta Aldihibah)

Freja: 'I draw. I activate the effect of Drytron Delta Altais in the graveyard, tributing Zeta Aldihibah from my hand to summon itself (Def.:0). Then I'll reveal Reshef in my hand to draw a card. Next I'll activate Drytron Alpha, tribute Delta (Def.:0). It searches for a Ritual monster, I quite like Drytron Meteonis Draconids. Zeta tribute Alpha (Def.:0), Zeta effect add Meteonis to my hand. Gamma tribute Zeta (Def.:0), then Gamma can revive Zeta (Atk:2000). Now I'll overlay them both to Xyz summon Drytron Mu Beta Fafnir (Atk:2000).'

'Now I'll use Fafnir's effect to send Ursarctic Drytron to the graveyard. Now I'll activate Meteonis, and tribute both materials from Mu Beta Fafnir, to summon Drytron Meteonis Draconids (Atk:4000). Draconids' effect next. I'll banish Alpha and Delta to send Naturia Cliff and Unchained Rakea to the graveyard.' As Draconids roared, light flashed from its wings, which seared through both monsters. But Sara had a way to keep herself in the hunt. 'I'll activate the effect of Naturia Cliff. When it's sent to the graveyard, I can summon a Level 4 or below Naturia from my deck. I summon Naturia Dragonfly, which gets 200 Attack for every Naturia in my graveyard (Atk:1000-1800).'

As she pushed a loose hair away from her face, Freja eyed Sara up directly. 'Take this - Draconids attacks Dragonfly.' A searing attack came in from Draconids, which fried Dragonfly, only for it to survive (Sara LP:4100-1900). 'And I'll also send Mu Beta Fafnir into battle.' Fafnir shot electricity, not too dissimilar to Cyber End Dragon, dealing more pain to Sara (Sara LP:1900-1700). 'I end my turn.' At this moment, Sara asked a stupid question. 'Why me? Why not attack him?' Staring her out, Freja replied 'You mess with my master, you mess with me. You mess with me, you suffer.'

(Donny hand: Unchained Twins - Aruha, Meklord Emperor Wisel, Unchained Twins - Sarama)

Donny: 'I'll draw and summon Unchained Twins - Sarama (Atk:1500). With Sarama's effect, I can set Wailing of the Unchained Souls from my graveyard to my field, and then destroy a card on my field. I'm going to choose… Wailing.' As the card was destroyed, he laughed. 'And with that another boundary is broken, another prison unlocked. I summon the Abominable Unchained Soul (Atk:3000). By discarding Meklord Emperor Wisel, I can destroy Draconids.' A black spirit rose up from the shapeshifting Unchained Soul, ripping through Draconids.

'Now I'll use Rakea and Abominable Unchained Soul to Link summon Link 2, Unchained Soul of Rage (Atk:1800). Now Soul of Rage will Link with Mu Beta Fafnir' 'You're totally not getting a date after this.' 'Be unbound, Unchained Soul of Anguish (Atk:2400). And now for my next trick, Link 3 Unchained Soul of Anguish can link off with Naturia Dragonfly to Link summon Link 4, break the seal, be unshackled and unbound, Link 4, Unchained Abomination (Atk:3000, Link Arrows: Up, Bottom Right, Down, Bottom Left). 'Unchained Abomination, attack Sara directly.' The rabid dog broke its remaining chains, and charged through Sara, taking her out (Sara LP:1700-0).

As soon as she was eliminated, Sara went to appeal to the referee, complaining about the apparent 2-1 handicap duel. This complaint went nowhere though, leading to more protesting, only ending when Caprice signalled for her to leave. After some delay she did so, leaving Freja and Donny to face off for the contendership. And with Sara gone, Freja appeared to refocus after a quick chat with Phil. As Sara had been eliminated, Donny's turn ended automatically.

(Freja hand: Reshef the Dark Being, Drytron Nova, Cyber Angel Dakini)

Freja: 'I'll draw and activate the effect of Drytron Zeta in my graveyard, tributing Reshef from my hand (Def.:0). Zeta effect, add Meteonis to my hand. Drytron Gamma effect, tribute Cyber Angel Dakini to summon itself (Def.:0).' Freja then tentatively looked into her graveyard, but realised there was nothing to summon with Gamma's effect. 'Fine, I'll just use Meteonis, tribute both of them to summon Draconids (Atk:4000). Draconids, attack Unchained Abomination.' The two mighty monsters went to battle, and Draconids melted through Abomination with solar power (Donny LP:7400-6400). 'I'll also take out another 2k with Mu Beta Fafnir.' Again, the Cyber End-esque attack connected, dropping his points further from his opponent's (Donny LP:6400-4400). 'I end my turn.'

(Donny hand: Card of Demise)

Donny: 'I can see you've got… the devil in you.' 'I don't yet, but… you're not going to distract me, just take your turn.' 'If you insist. I activate Card of Demise. This draws until I have three cards in my hand, but I can't Special summon and all my ill gotten gains end up in the graveyard if I've not used them at the End phase. Then I'll set a monster, set both my other cards and pass.'

(Freja hand: Drytron Nova, Drytron Nova)

Freja: 'I draw, and activate Drytron Nova, to summon Drytron Alpha Thuban from my deck (Atk:2000). Then I'll Gamma, tribute Alpha (Def.:0). Gamma effect, summon Alpha (Atk:2000). Zeta effect tribute Alpha (Def.:0). Zeta effect to add Meteonis Drytron to my hand.' 'And I'll activate Torrential Tribute to destroy all monsters on the field.' This was disastrous for Freja, who had put everything into play, only to see it be destroyed. It got worse when she saw that Donny had destroyed his own Aruha as well. 'Now the worm has turned, because when Aruha is destroyed it unleashes a true evil. Appear, Abominable Unchained Soul (Atk:3000).' With little choice, Freja ended her turn.

(Donny hand: Wailing of the Unchained Souls)

Donny: 'I'll draw, then activate my face-down Psychic Blade. I'll pay 2000 to give my Abominable Soul 2000 Attack points (Donny LP:4400-2400, Atk:3000-5000). Now attack her directly.' The spirit released itself from the Abominable Soul's body, and surged at Freja, instantly cutting her Life points down (Freja LP:8000-3000). 'I end my turn.' As Donny gloated though, Freja looked at her hand, and determined what she needed to see.

(Freja hand: Drytron Meteonis Quadrantids)

Freja: 'I've got chances. I draw! That'll do it, I activate Drytron Nova, which will summon Drytron Beta from my deck, but for the rest of the turn I can only summon monsters that can't be Normal summoned or set (Atk:2000). Then I'll Gamma, tribute Quadrantids from my hand (Def.:0). Gamma effect, revive Zeta (Atk:2000).' 'So what - summon Quadrantids? Why would I care?' It turned out though that this was not the case, for Freja had another plan.

'I guess this is kind of fitting. I'll overlay my three Level 1 monsters to build the overlay network, and Xyz summon. For the glory of the revolution, meet the resolve of the Renegades! Roar, Number 54: Lion Heart (Atk:100).' A sweat of terror rushed down Donny's spine as he saw this, but he kept a poker face in the hopes of Freja overcomplicating her play. Sadly for him, she didn't. 'Lion Heart, attack Abominable Unchained Soul. And when Lion Heart attacks, I can detach a material to make it so that you take any damage I would have done. Pulverising Pounce.' The study Lion Heart leapt into the action, striking the Unchained Soul over and over with strikes, each one taking their toll on Donny (Donny LP:4400-0).

When the duel finished, a shocked Freja lifted her tag title up into the air, as the fans applauded the win. As she was mobbed by Phil and Belle, Donny walked up, laughing, and had some warm words for her. 'You really got me there. Look, if you don't mind, I'd like to spend some more time with you two, maybe learn a bit from you both, give you an excuse to commit… just the worst imaginable deeds.' Freja looked over at Belle,who smiled, and then at Phil, who nodded. Just don't get in our way, 'k?' As she accepted his offer, the crowd went mad again as Maddy walked back out, facing off with Freja as the graphic for Against All Odds appeared on the screen. Belle handed her "sister" a microphone, and she simply stated 'Against All Odds, your number's up!' They continued to stare down intensely until they were split up by Phil, Maddy walking back up after, allowing Freja to continue enjoying her victory.

The cameras then cut to the Renegades logo, which opened up to reveal a handheld camera, shaking violently. Eventually Rio just about came into focus. 'Ever since I made the challenge, everyone's been asking me why I challenged Akiza. Thing is, you don't understand. Jade got seriously hurt by Akiza, like 2nd degree burns hurt, she threatened Ally, and I'm just not taking that. Those two are my family, two of the people that mean the most to me in the world, and you think you can just do what you like to 'em and get away free? Well that's not going to happen.'

'Because after everything I've been through, I'm the furthest thing from scared of you. I don't know exactly what you are, I don't know exactly what your game is, or what you've been waiting for, but one way or another the truth is gonna come out, because I will quite literally give everything for that. The most dangerous enemy is the one who has nothing to lose, and I'm not scared of getting hurt. I'm only scared of not taking this opportunity to make a real difference. To show everyone your true colours. So you want to know why I've accepted this challenge? Simple - because I can.'

As the camera shut off, the picture then flickered before switching to Akiza sat in her usual dark room. She picked up a picture of Rio, and shook her head. 'So the wildcard it is… well no bother, I will adapt. This is a rather unexpected obstacle though, I would have thought you would stay away given… your medical situation. But oh well, there must always be a casualty in war. I give you credit for your bravery against the odds, but alas, nothing will overcome destiny. You want to be careful, because you never know what is lurking when you defy fate.' She then laid the picture down, but instead of burning it, she stamped on it.

In the duelling zone

No sooner had the video finished playing as Akiza walked out, accompanied by Kieran and carrying the board, which now had six of the slots filled in, albeit the 6th one had no name; rather, it had a black strip covering it. She walked down, carrying the board herself, and placing it down in the centre of the duel field. She then just stood there, awaiting her opponent, while Kieran waited near the entranceway.

Shortly after, Rio's music hit, and she walked out, only to immediately be ambushed by the masked figure who had previously injured Freja. The mystery attacker immediately hit Rio in the back of the head, and then started hammering away with punches. With Rio bloodied, they turned, and walked away, only for Rio to stand back up, and run after her attacker, pushing them to the ground and then stamping on them. Rio then grabbed them by the throat and started to choke them, leading to them rolling around on the floor, jostling for position. As this continued, Rio was counted out, and Akiza smiled, before leaving alongside Kieran and her board.

Backstage, the brawl continued, as the masked person threw some dust into Rio's eyes, getting the positional advantage for a moment, before she threw them off, and landed a hard punch to the fabric mask, which bent but flexed into position. This was followed by the Idaohan pushing her attacker into the wall several times, before being choked with both hands. In desperation, she clawed at the mask, and managed to tear it, enough to reveal a freckled face and a blue eye, causing the individual to flee as Blair came running up.

'You ok?' 'Fine, might need cleaning up a little though. At least I have some details about this idiot now.' Rio then held the side of her head. 'What's going on?' 'My head stings like… I dunno.' Panicking, Blair called out, and Maddy and Sakura came running. 'It's… easing.' Sakura then did a quick check over her. 'I can see why you've got a headache, it looks like they hit you pretty hard. I'd like you to go to hospital, just for a quick check-over, but I don't think you're too bad. Maybe a slight concussion, you've got some heavy bruising on the left side of your head, you're going to need your head gluing, and I'm concerned you might have a fractured eye socket.'

She then stood up. 'I'm ok now, I didn't mean to panic you.' 'It's me, I'm overprotective.' As Sakura shined a torch into Rio's eyes, Maddy talked to her. 'You remember what happened at all?' 'Yeah, I had just walked out there when they attacked me, I wasn't going to let them get away with it though, I thought if I took them out it would help B in Las Vegas, not that you can't fight back by the way, you're a tough marine bitch' 'Thanks.' 'But I thought if I could maybe injure them or just find who they weer, I'd be able to set the stage for you. It was just a mad brawl, I can't tell you what I did or anything, but I saw that they had blue eyes and freckles, like A LOT of freckles.'

Maddy then stopped to ponder who it was, before coming up with a surprising answer. 'You don't think it's Kiera do you?' 'What - Kieran's sister?' 'Yeah.' 'Might be a little tall to be her, but then again she could be wearing platform boots or something. And it would make sense why she ran away when I uncovered her eye.' That triggered something in Maddy. 'Oh, it was her left eye she had surgery on wasn't it?' 'Thought so.' As they were having the conversation, Sakura put the torch away.

'She ok?' 'Nothing to see. She's probably just got a headache due to the bruising, still want her to go to hospital to check on things but as long as her symptoms don't get worse, it can wait a little bit As of now she's not on the card in Vegas, so we don't need to worry about rushing to get her cleared. Sure you're ok?' Rio just nodded. 'Yeah I'm fine. You wouldn't mind taking me to the hospital would you Maddy? Just to get my head sorted.' 'Sure.'

In the duelling zone

The Tag title duel began with Jack and Crow entering, as their music hummed along, wearing matching brown jackets. The western-themed duo walked down, with most of the fans booing them in hostile territory. 'The following duel is for the WDC Tag-Team Championships. Introducing first, the challengers, from Liberty City, they are the team of Jack Atlas and Crow Hogan, The Enforcers.' In the zone, the veteran team crossed arms, and awaited their opponents.

They didn't have to wait long until Stars Align began, and the champions walked out, wearing blue and yellow gear in tribute to Blair's home state of Michigan. 'Introducing their opponents, they are your reigning and defending WDC Tag-Team Champions - the Northern Nightmare, Phil Robinson, and the Jewel of the St. Clair, Blair Flannigan, the Trifecta Frozen Diamonds.' As they entered the zone, the fans started chanting "She's our Jewel" at Blair, as well as humming her singles music. Hearing this, she detached her title belt from around her waist, and lifted it, causing them to erupt again, even louder than she had for Maddy.

She then passed her belt to Phil, and bounced out of the zone, taking pictures with a couple of fans wearing one of her shirts in the crowd, all while their music continued to play on. As she started signing some autographs, her tag partner started to get restless, as did the challengers. It was almost 10 minutes before she finished, and walked back down carefully. In the zone, she spoke to Phil briefly, before the four of them began the duel.

WDC Tag-Team Championships: The Enforcers (Jack Atlas/Crow Hogan) LP:8000 vs. [c] Trifecta Frozen Diamonds (Phil Robinson/Blair Flannigan) LP:8000

(Blair hand: Magical Meltdown, El Shaddoll Fusion, Shaddoll Squamata, Shaddoll Hedgehog, Resh Shaddoll Incarnation)

Blair: 'I'll lead off with Magical Meltdown.' The familiar demonic red square appeared on the field, and fresh off the big win in Norway, she looked far more confident and in control. 'Meltdown allows me to add Aleister the Invoker to my hand. Now I'll El Shaddoll Fusion, combining the darkness of Squamata and Hedgehog to Fusion summon the forest maiden, now little more than a puppet. I Fusion summon El Shaddoll Winda (Atk:2200). Now Chain Link 1 Squamata, to send Shaddoll Beast to the graveyard, Chain Link 2 Hedgehog, to add Shaddoll Falco from my deck to my hand.'

'Beast effect draw a card, then I'll summon Aleister the Invoker (Atk:1000). With his effect I'll get an Invocation. Keeping up?' As Jack nodded, she continued. 'I activate Invocation, banishing Aleister and sending Shaddoll Falco from my hand to the graveyard, to Fusion summon Invoked Caliga (Def.:1800). Now Falco effect, it summons itself back from oblivion face-down. I end my turn with two face-downs.' As she did, Phil looked at her. '71 seconds, a new record.' This made her grin, as Crow began his turn.

(Crow hand: Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind, Blackbird Close, Blackwing - Harmattan the Dust, Blackwing - Shura the Blue Flame, Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind, Blackboost)

Crow: 'I draw. I'll summon Blackwing - Shura the Blue Flame (Atk:1800). Then I'll Special summon Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind (Atk:1300).' 'I'm going to guess you're not interested in Synchro summoning then.' 'Oh I am, I just need to get rid of Winda. Which I'll do with the effect of Gale the Whirlwind, to halve her Attack.' 'I'll counter with Dark Illusion.' As she did, Winda's dead eyes glowed red briefly, and she sliced Gale's wings, causing it to crash to the ground and vanish. 'Because you targeted a Dark monster with an effect, that effect is negated and your monster destroyed. And since you've used up your Special summon for the turn…' Crow groaned, and said 'I end my turn with two face-downs.'

(Phil hand: Cyber Dragon Core, Full House, Cyber Phoenix, Cybernetic Overflow, Powerful Rebirth, Twin Twisters)

Phil: 'I'll draw and activate Twin Twisters. By pitching Full House, I can destroy both of your Set cards.' The dual whirlwinds ripped across the battlefield, taking out both of Crow's cards, much to his frustration. 'Well now you don't have Blackbird Close, I'll… actually I'll just set a monster and go to battle, taking out your Shura with Winda.' Winda flew in, and without hesitation, slashed the face of Shura, destroying it (Enforcers LP:8000-7600). 'I set one, over to you Jack.'

(Jack hand: Clock Resonator, Red Sprinter, Space Dragster, Red Screen, Assault Wheel, Double Summon)

Jack: 'I draw. I'll summon Assault Wheel (Atk:2300). And when it attacks, it does Piercing damage. So take out Invoked Caliga.' The violent wheel raced headlong, shooting at Caliga with its fearsome exhaust guns, making Jack the first person to deal damage to Phil and Blair's team (TFD LP:8000-7500). 'Afterwards, I'll use Double Summon, for Clock Resonator. Then I'll tune Level 3 Clock Resonator to Level 4 Assault Wheel to summon Exploder Dragonwing (Atk:2400). I end my turn with two face-downs.'

(Blair hand: Aleister the Invoker, Fusion Weapon)

Blair: 'I'll draw, and activate Fusion Weapon, equipping to Winda.' The weapon materialised itself as a large, sweeping red scythe, being held under her right arm. 'This gives her 1500 more Attack points because her Level is 6 or lower (Atk:2200-3700). Winda, destroy Exploder Dragonwing.' 'When Exploder Dragonwing battles a monster, that monster is destroyed.' Blair just laughed the idea off though. 'You really think I didn't think of that? I've been watching you since before you were cool. Winda can't be destroyed by card effects, so your Dragon is useless.' Winda met the explosive Dragon with a vicious scythe swing, destroying it (Enforcers LP:7600-6100). I'll go to the End phase, and activate Phil's Powerful Rebirth, to reincarnate Caliga with 100 more Attack and Defence, and one more Level (Def.:1800-1900, Level:4-5).

(Crow hand: Blackwing - Harmattan the Dust, Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind, Blackwing - Brisote the Tailwind)

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

(Phil hand: Cyber Dragon Core, Cybernetic Overflow, Anti-Spell Fragrance)

Phil: 'I'll draw, and summon Cyber Dragon Core (Atk:400). Then I'll flip up Cyber Phoenix (Atk:1200), and contact fuse them both. Say hello to my massive friend - Chimeratech Fortress Dragon (Atk:2000). Fortress Dragon, attack their set monster.' The two-headed Fortress Dragon shot out electricity, which descimated Harmattan the Dust (Def.:800), turning it into a pile of dust. 'Winda, attack them directly.' Winda swung her deadly scythe, which took away over half of Jack and Crow's remaining Life points (Enforcers LP:6100-2400). 'I end my turn.' 'When you do, I'll activate Space Dragster, which summons itself as a Tuner (Atk:0, Level:1).'

(Jack hand: Red Sprinter, Red Screen, Red Warg)

Jack: 'I draw, and summon Red Sprinter (Atk:1700). Now Level 1 Space Dragster tunes to Level 4 Red Sprinter, to Synchro summon Samsara, Dragon of Rebirth (Def.:2600). I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Blair hand: Shaddoll Fusion)

Blair: 'I draw. Right on time, I'll activate Shaddoll Fusion, combining the power of Qadshaddoll Keios and Shaddoll Dragon from my deck to Fusion summon El Shaddoll Construct (Atk:2800). Dragon effect to destroy your face-down.' With Red Screen destroyed, the curtain was drawing on the duel. 'Should do this again sometime. But right now, it's goodnight. Construct, attack Samsara. And when Construct attacks, your monster is destroyed before damage calculation.' As Samsara was ripped apart by the wires, Jack had one last gambit.

'I'll activate Samsara's effect, to revive a monster from the graveyard. I'll summon Exploder Dragonwing (Def.:2000).' 'That's fine, Winda will just destroy it again.' The attacking continued with Exploder Dragonwing feeling the steel of Winda's weapon once more. 'I'll then attack with Chimeratech, and use Aleister's effect from my hand to give it 1000 more Attack points (Atk:2000-3000).' The attack boost proved crucial to provide the finishing blow, Fortress Dragon's electrical blast providing Phil and Blair with another dominant win (Enforcers LP:2400-0).'

When the duel concluded, Crow sighed heavily, but he and Jack walked over to their opponents and congratulated them, rightfully showering Blair with praise in particular, leading to some warm exchanges. Phil then left, but Blair stuck around to soak in the monumental cheers from the fans, and even got a microphone to talk to them. 'Hey guys.' This got an enormous roar from the crowd. 'Just wanna thank you all for coming down here, you didn't need to spend your money on some nobody from back end of Michigan, so thank you all. Without the people who come down here, without the people who travel across the world to support us, there would be no revolution. We can only continue to do what we do because you spend your money on supporting us.'

'When I arrived here earlier, the reception that me and Jade got was like nothing I've ever seen, the way that you just cheered your hearts out the moment you saw us, the fact that so many of you wanted autographs and pictures. It… sort of reminded me how I got into all of this. Because I was just like all of you once, I was just a fan, I went to events, held my autograph book out, I would say asked for pictures but I didn't have the guts, but you know, all of this was me. And I remember that a lot of top duellists back then, weren't interested. They just turned up, did their job, went home, and ignored the paying audience. But, there were some that didn't.'

'People like Phil, Jaden, Aster, they're the people who always had time for their fans, and not just that, but gave them advice. Jaden's one of my oldest actual friends, the first time I met him, I told him I was going to this duel academy to become a duellist, and you know what he did? He gave me his phone number, and told me that any time I was struggling or I didn't get something, i could contact him. He saw something in me, he wanted to make sure the next generation was there. And that's the kind of gift that I want to give to fans myself, because I don't think I'd be there without that.'

'So I want to tell you all something. At the Renegades Arena, address is on our website, I do a weekly training thing for people trying to learn the basics of duelling, just to let them begin to compete at local events and the like. Well anybody can turn up and pay for a session, it's Saturdays at 12pm, it's £40 a session, but anybody who comes this Saturday and produces their ticket from this event can get in for 10, because I want to give back to the people here, and there were more than a few of you who expressed interest in getting into duelling when we were talking outside. And all this information will be going on the website later, so if you miss something now, don't worry, it'll be on there for you all. But turn up, show your ticket, and I'll be able to help you out if you like. Again, thank you all. You keep reminding me why I'm here.'

As Blair turned to leave, Caprice's music hit, and she stormed out, sunglasses on, wearing a light brown jacket. As she walked down, she and Blair looked at each other, and Caprice lowered her sunglasses slightly, peering over them to stare at Blair for what felt like an eternity, when in fact it was a matter of seconds. They then bumped shoulders as they passed, leaving Caprice to pose in the duel field as Blair walked backstage.

'The following duel is under standard rules. Introducing first, from Port Elizabeth, South Africa, hail the Sun Goddess - Caprice Morris.' Caprice walked down, and took a microphone in the duelling zone. 'So you lot call this dump a city? I've been in nicer graveyards, and that's saying a lot. Well, I suppose I could suffer a little bit here, I'll get some good money for it anyway. So if my opponent wouldn't mind coming out here, I'll polish you off in… 5 minutes?'

As she waited in the duelling zone, Brooke walked out, with a red and blue bandanna on. 'Introducing her opponent, from Conwy, Denbighshire, Wales, Draig Goch - Brooke Angharad.' While Brooke walked down, the crowd gave her a loud response, but she got a microphone herself. '3rd in the Arena course, and what does it get me? Access to the 2nd tier tour, and all because of who my friends are. What did the email say - association with the Renegades makes me "undesirable"?' Caprice then interrupted her. 'Why are you here then? Shouldn't you be playing with the other babies and has-beens?'

'Probably should be, but the organisers chose me as a late replacement. I need to thank Kris for getting mysteriously ill yesterday morning, otherwise I'd be stuck beating babies down there… well babies and Kenta, but that's kind of the same thing. But, if you want to try and polish me off in five minutes, I'll happily give you the opportunity, it ain't happening but I'll give you the opportunity at least. Y'know, try and build your star up a bit. Because you clearly suffer from a lack of self-confidence.' As Caprice steamed, Brooke walked into the zone, and unlocked her duel disk, the red dragon head emitting a roar as she did, impressing the crowd.

Caprice Morris LP:8000 vs. Brooke Angharad LP:8000

(Brooke hand: Magical Citadel of Endymion, Servant of Endymion, Spell Power Grasp, Endymion the Master Magician, Graceful Charity)

Brooke: 'I'll open with the Magical Citadel of Endymion.' A large and opulent citadel rose behind Brooke, shining brilliantly as it did, and stone buildings all around. Brooke then took her time working through her next move. 'I'll set Servant of Endymion in my Pendulum scale, which gives my Citadel its first Spell Counter.' As she said this, the tip of one of the many spires lit up light blue (SC:1). 'And then I'll activate Spell Power Grasp, to give my Servant a counter. And because I activated a Spell card, both it and Citadel get a counter (SC:2x2). And I'll activate Graceful Charity, to draw three and discard two (SC:3x2).'

'Now I'll use Servant of Endymion's effect, to take three Spell counters away from her and summon both her and a monster that can hold Spell Counters from my deck. I'll summon Endymion, the Mighty Master Magician (Servant Def.:1500; Endymion Atk:2800, SC:1x2). I'll end my turn there.'

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

Caprice: 'I'll draw, and summon Trickstar Corobane because I control nothing (Atk:2000). Then I'll Normal summon Trickstar Lycoris (Atk:1600), and Link off both of them to summon the simply stunning Trickstar Holly Angel (Atk:2000, Link Arrows: Bottom Left, Bottom Right). And I'll set the stage with Trickstar Live Stage.' A small stage with a large love heart hanging over it materialised, while Caprice posed with it. 'A super stage for a superstar. Talking of super stages, I'm sure you're desperate to find out what this one does.' 'I mean I already know, but' 'Shut up, you're ruining the surprise. The thing about my Live Stage is that' 'When you activate it, you can add a Trickstar from your graveyard to your hand, then' 'Seriously just shut up, you're taking my spotlight.' 'Well if you wouldn't mind tellin' me where the spotlight is, I can make sure to smash it up.'

'It's a meta… never mind.' she groaned, getting increasingly frustrated. 'Firstly, I'll add back to my hand Trickstar Lycoris, then I'll summon a Trickstar Token because I have a Trickstar Link monster on my field (Def.:0). Then because I summoned it to Holly Angel's Link point, I can deal 200 damage to you (Brooke LP:8000-7800). Now I'll summon a Token to the other Link arrow (Atk:0), because you control a Spell or Trap (Brooke LP:7800-7600). Now that's done, I'm bored of this stage, so I'll replace it with a new one - Trickstar Light Stage.' As the new stage went up, she admired its bright opulence. 'It's gorgeous, I think I'm going to keep this one. It adds Trickstar Lilybell from my deck to my hand.'

'Then Lilybell summons herself as she was added by a card effect (Atk:800).' 'You realise you coulda dealt more there.' Humiliated at the thought of someone telling her how to duel, Caprice turned up the tempo. 'How dare you. I'll Link off Trickstar Token and Trickstar Holly Angel to summon Link 3, Trickstar Foxglove Witch (Atk:2200, Link Arrows:Up, Left, Right). When she's summoned, Foxglove Witch burns off 200 Life points for every card you control (Brooke LP:7600-7000). Finally I'll Link off Foxglove Witch and Trickstar Token to Link summon Link 4, the belle of the ball, 2nd in elegance only to me, of course, the queen of the dance, Trickstar Bella Madonna (Atk:2800; Link arrows:Up, Right, Bottom Left, Down). When Bella Madonna is summoned, she deals you with 200 damage for every Trickstar in my graveyard. Take this for insulting my intelligence earlier.'

Bella Madonna's dress floated upwards, releasing a burst of light which took away more of Brooke's points (Brooke LP:7000-6200). 'Now I'll go to my Battle phase, where Lilybell is allowed to attack you directly.' Lilybell soared into the air, releasing sparkles as she flew, before a ringing attack came from her large bell. Brooke remained calm however, despite the steady damage (Brooke LP:6200-5400). 'After she does damage, Lilybell can add back Lycoris. Then I'll bounce back Lilybell for Lycoris (Atk:1600), and attack again.' As Lycoris struck with a burning light, it became clear that Caprice was taking her opponent much more seriously than Don before her (Brooke LP:5400-3800). 'Bella Madonna, make her wish she'd never turned up.' Bella Madonna held a rainbow coloured light above her head, which she launched at Brooke, dropping her points critically low (Brooke LP:3800-1000). 'I end my turn. A little PSA; don't bother trying to get rid of Bella Madonna' 'With activated effects, yeah I know thanks.'

(Brooke hand: Spell Power Grasp, Power of the Guardians, One Day of Peace)

Brooke: 'I'll draw.' 'Lycoris' checkpoint deals you 200 damage when you draw (Brooke LP:1000-800).' After some consideration, Brooke took her turn. 'I activate One Day of Peace, so we both draw a card but all damage is turned off until the end of your next turn. Now I'm summoning the Maiden of Macabre (Atk:1700).' 'So?' 'So, I'm about to turn the tables. I activate the Equip spell Power of the Guardians.' A strange aurora-like light briefly lit up the menacing kabuki-like Maiden, increasing her stature (Citadel Counters:2-3). 'Then I'll activate Spell Power Grasp, to give Power a Spell Counter (PotG Counters:0-1, Citadel Counters:3-4). Each counter on it gives the equipped monster 500 Attack (Atk:1700-2200). Now I'll attack, and the effect of Power of the Guardians will place another Spell Counter on it (PotG Counters:1-2, Atk:2200-2700). Destroy Lycoris.' The destructive Maiden wielded a sharp scythe, and swept Lycoris off the field effortlessly. 'When Maiden destroys a monster in battle, it gains a Spell Counter, and 200 Attack (Maiden Counters:0-1, Atk:2700-2900). I end my turn.'

(Caprice hand: Trickstar Lilybell, Trickstar Bouquet, Trickstar Rhodode)

Caprice: 'I draw. I'll summon Lilybell back (Atk:800). But then I'll use her to activate Trickstar Bouquet. By bouncing her back to my hand, Bella Madonna gains her Attack points for the turn (Atk:2800-3600). Now attack!' 'When my monster does battle, Power gets another Counter (PotG Counters:3-4, Atk:2900-3400).' 'Too little too late.' 'Not quite, because if I remove a Spell Counter from my field, I can save my Maiden. So I'll just take one away from my Citadel (Citadel SC:4-3).' Bella Madonna unleashed her attack again, but this time the Maiden parried it with her scythe, causing it to fizzle out harmlessly. 'I end my turn' Caprice sighed, her dreams of a five minute duel already a distant memory.

(Brooke hand: Spell Power Grasp, Half Unbreak)

Brooke: 'I draw.' Seeing the draw, she huffed. 'Not quite what I wanted to see, but I'll activate Spell Power Grasp to give Power of the Guardians another Spell Counter (PotG Counters:3-4, Citadel Counters:3-4, Maiden Atk:2900-3400). Maiden, attack.' As the Maiden swung her weapon, she increased further in power (PotG Counters:4-5, Atk:3400-3900), and was able to effortlessly cleave apart Bella Madonna (Caprice LP:8000-6900). 'Maiden now gains another Spell Counter herself, giving her 200 Attack (Maiden Counters:1-2, Atk:3900-4100). That's my turn done.'

(Caprice hand: Trickstar Lilybell, Trickstar Rhodode, Trickstar Fusion)

Caprice: 'I'll draw, and finish you off. I summon Trickstar Rhodode (Atk:1400). And by discarding Trickstar Fusion, I can summon back a Trickstar Link monster from my graveyard. I summon Trickstar Bella Madonna (Atk:2800). Now because she points to no monsters, Bella Madonna can deal you with 200 damage for every Trickstar in my graveyard. Ciao.' Caprice's Link 4 monster wiped out the small remainder of Brooke's Life points, saving Caprice from a very dangerous situation (Brooke LP:800-0).

The duel concluding, Caprice laughed at victory, and made a point of berating Brooke before leaving. As she walked back though, she pulled a camera close, and calmly stated 'Maddy, I'm after you.', before flicking her hair towards the camera as she left. In the zone, Brooke calmly packed up her deck and duel disk, before walking to the back. When she did, Maddy herself came over, and gave her a hearty pat on the back for her efforts.

Before the main event, a match graphic for the Against All Odds main event was shown. As it was, the camera dived into each challenger's face to bring a short speech from them explaining why they were going to become WDC Champion. It started with Chazz, who just smirked and stated 'I'm going to be WDC Champion because nobody can beat me. I'm simply too damn good for any of those losers to hold a candle to my power.'

Claude was next, and was boastful. 'I'm going to regain the WDC Championship because I have no more distractions. I'm not bound by the Renegades, by playing for the Board of Directors, by battling management, by looking after my Regiment, this time it's all about me and that title. I don't care who's in my way, every opponent is just the same to me. They're all just in my way, and they're all going to be given their marching orders.'

Celina was third, and she had a lot to say. 'I'm going to be WDC Champion because I'm the best here. I can beat anybody at anytime, and there's nothing anyone will be able to do to stop me winning. And not only will I do that, I'm going to make a point by taking out our pretty little champion first, because there is no way that someone who thinks snow is cool and someone who's too busy looking at the past should be a champion for anybody. Then I'll take care of the old man, the army dunce, and Daddy's Boy, and take that title home with me and make it beautiful.'

Phil was last, but as the camera zoomed in, they cut not to him sitting down, but him in the car park with Freja and Belle, with a camera crew following him. 'Where are you going?' 'To the train station. And then home.' 'Do you not want to explain why you're going to become WDC Champion at Against All Odds?' He turned around and laughed. 'Because I've done it before, five fucking times. And if I don't, life goes on. But right now, I'm interested in going home. I can be home by midnight and be with my heavily pregnant wife like people keep ordering me to. I might even pop to the local Chinese to get her something nice to eat on the way, Jason always likes talking business.'

The cameras then kept following them, until Belle turned around and put her hand over one of them. 'Show's over.' 'But we need to film this interview with him.' 'He's already told you everything, now go before I start taking apart the cameras.' She casually pushed one of the cameramen to the ground, before getting into the awaiting taxi with Phil and Freja, which then drove off into the night.

In the duelling zone

Kenzie walked out first, to a fantastic home response, wearing the Saltire proudly on her back with the crest of her home county (Dumfries and Galloway) on the front of her shirt. She slowly walked down, admiring her first main event crowd. While she did, a video replaying the challenge was shown, and when it ended, she was in the duelling zone, and held her hands out to the crowd, a tear in her eye already and a lump in her throat.

Shortly after, Astrid walked out, game face on, with two front plaits and proudly holding her title on her shoulder. As she was approaching the zone, she and Kenzie shared some competitive words, and it became clear that Astrid was receiving a fair amount of boos from the crowd, which didn't seem to phase her. Instead, she stepped in, and raised her title, staring at the crowd as she did. The introductions were then performed.

'Ladies and Gentlemen, the following duel is your main event of the Professional Invasion, and is for the WDC Championship. Introducing in the red square to my left, the challenger, from Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, she is Kenzie Calhoun.' Kenzie waved to the crowd, who cheered back for their girl. 'And introducing her opponent, from Alta, Finnmark, Norway, in her second title defence, she is the WDC Champion - Fearless Astrid Hofferson.' Astrid lifted her title, before handing it off before activating her duel disk, with Kenzie following.

WDC Championship: Kenzie Calhoun LP:8000 vs. Astrid Hofferson LP:8000

(Kenzie hand: Magical Musketeer Kidbrave, Magical Musket - Steady Hands, Magical Musketeer - Starfire, Magical Musket - Dancing Needle, Magical Musket - Desperado)

Kenzie: 'I'll start, summoning Magical Musketeer - Starfire (Atk:1300), and ending my turn.' As she did, Astrid just stared at her field. 'Something wrong?'

(Astrid hand: Nordic Relic Brisingamen, Valkyrie Dritte, Divine Relic Mjollnir, Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts, Valkyrie Vierte)

Astrid: 'Nothing at all. I summon Valkyrie Dritte (Atk:1000). And when she's summoned, I get a Valkyrie card from my deck. I'm adding Embrace.' 'And I'll immediately use Desperado in Starfire's column to destroy Dritte, stopping you using Embrace.' As the Trap activated, Starfire reversed into it, and emerged with a huge rectangular cannon, burning through Dritte with four powerful bursts of light. 'Then I'll use Starfire's effect to summon Casper from my deck (Def.:2000).' Unperturbed, Astrid quietly huffed. 'Figures. I end my turn.'

(Kenzie hand: Magical Musketeer Kidbrave, Magical Musket - Steady Hands, Magical Musket - Dancing Needle, Magical Musketeer Kidbrave)

Kenzie: 'I draw. I'll summon Magical Musketeer Kidbrave (Atk:1600). And I'll activate Dancing Needle in Kidbrave's column to banish Dritte from your graveyard. Then Kidbrave can discard a second copy of Dancing Needle to draw two more cards.' Having failed to draw anything to boost her damage output, Kenzie considered her move. ("I don't believe for a second she's drawn no monsters. She'll have something weak in hand at least, so unless I draw exactly Fairy Meteor Crush, it doesn't matter switching Casper to Attack. I might as well keep it there so she doesn't attack it.") She then continued onwards. 'I'll attack you directly with both Starfire and Kidbrave.' The two Musketeers charged in with guns blazing, their shots peppering Astrid's Life points (Astrid LP:8000-5100). 'I end my turn.'

(Astrid hand: Nordic Relic Brisingamen, Divine Relic Mjollnir, Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts, Valkyrie Vierte, One for One)

Astrid: 'I draw. I'll activate One for One, discarding Valkyrie Vierte to summon Valkyrie Sechste from my deck (Def.:2000). When she's Special summoned, she invites another Valkyrie from my deck out for the ride. I summon Valkyrie Erda (Atk:2000). While she's on the field having been summoned via another Valkyrie, all your monsters lose 1000 Attack (Starfire Atk:1300-300, Kidbrave Atk:1600-600). And in addition, Sechste can send the top 2 cards of your deck to the graveyard.' As she declared this, Kenzie saw the Fairy Meteor Crush that was on top of her deck go, alongside Desperado. 'I really needed them…' Astrid then pulled a surprise on her, by reading her gameplan.

'Fairy Meteor Crush an Aesir and then force me to attack weak monsters? Cute. I'm pretty sure I did that against Caprice once, it's probably why she hates me. Well that and the fact that I'm much better looking. You were saying?' Kenzie didn't respond, stunned into silence at her plays being read like a book. 'Erda, attack Starfire.' Starfire never stood a chance as it was trampled by Erda (Kenzie LP:8000-6300). 'And don't think you're getting her back easy, because Erda banishes any monster destroyed on your field while she's on the field.' 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Kenzie hand: Magical Musketeer Kidbrave, Magical Musketeer Mastermind Zakiel, Fiend Griefing)

Kenzie: 'I draw.' With some consideration, she made a big move. 'I summon Magical Musketeer Kidbrave (Atk:1600-600). Then I'll Link it off, because this is an opportunity which doesn't deserve wasting! I Link summon, Link 1, Magical Musketeer MAX (Atk:1000-0, Link Arrow:Bottom Centre).' 'Finally the big boy gets to come out and play.' 'Because I Link summoned him, Max can choose from two effects. I'll choose the effect to add a Magical Musket Spell/Trap from my deck to my hand.' 'Desperado me, do I look like I care?' At that moment, Kenzie took another glance at her Extra deck, and changed her mind, looking up at the referee.

'Yo, can I change the effect I'm using?' It wasn't the ref that responded though, but Astrid. 'Yeah, not like you added anything.' Kenzie smiled at the sportsmanship. 'Thanks. I'll summon Magical Musketeer Doc (Atk:1400-400). Then I'll Link off Doc and MAX to Link summon Link 2, Knightmare Cerberus (Atk:1600, Link Arrows:Up, Left). And when Cerberus is summoned, I can discard Zakiel to destroy a monster on your field. Say goodbye to Erda.' A large black ring was launched from the Cerberus, splitting Erda apart. 'Cerberus, attack directly (Astrid LP:5100-3500). 'I end my turn.'

(Astrid hand: Nordic Relic Brisingamen, Pot of Extravagance)

Astrid: 'I draw, and start Main Phase with Pot of Extravagance, to draw two cards. First though, six random cards are banished from my Extra deck.' Seeing her new cards was enough to steel her concentration. 'It's about time you learned a lesson - one card makes all the difference. I summon Mimir of the Nordic Ascendant (Atk:600). Then I'll Link him off. Holy maiden, she who burned and revived three times, be formed once more to weave your ancient chants. Appear, Link 1, Gullveig of the Nordic Ascendant (Atk:800, Link Arrow:Bottom Left).'

'Gullveig, use your effect. By banishing up to three cards from my field and/or hand, I can summon that many Nordic monsters. But I only need one - I'll banish Alviss of the Nordic Alfar from my hand.' Kenzie continued to watch, aware of the trouble she was in. 'I'll summon Ivaldi (Atk:1500), and then activate Alviss, chain block with Ivaldi. So I'll add Nordic Relic Draupnir to my hand, and then Alviss will summon an Aesir from my Extra deck. Appear, the holy god of thunder who's about to strike you down. Appear, Thor, Lord of the Aesir (Atk:3500).'

'I can take a hit from Thor, bring it on!' Astrid had no intention of letting up though. 'I'm sorry Kenzie, but the top level is ruthless. Only the strongest survive, and I have no intention of giving up this title. I'll equip Thor with Draupnir to boost his Attack (Atk:3500-4300), and then he can receive his ultimate weapon - I activate my face-down Divine Relic Mjollnir. This allows him to attack twice during the Battle phase. Attack Knightmare Cerberus with Thunderbolt Bludgeon!' Thor swung his giant hammer, squashing Cerberus into a fine pancake (Kenzie LP:6300-3600). 'Thor, one more time!' The second swing from Thor ended Kenzie's plucky challenge, as Astrid applauded her challenge (Kenzie LP:3600-0).

Following another title defence, Astrid walked over to Kenzie, smiling at her, and they hugged, with Astrid raising her opponent's hand as a microphone was handed to her. 'Whew, that was harder than I thought, I guess they make you strong down here.' As the crowd cheered, she laughed. 'As you've probably heard, you're gonna need to go to a slightly different place, because I'm now ready to tell you all that I'm officially signing with the Leo Federation of Duelling, because they actually want me, and respect me, and employ fewer rapists. And the best part is you probably think I'm joking about the last part but I'm not. But you'll be able to catch all my duels on the Arena website, so don't worry if not all the LFD shows are showing locally. And nothing's going to change with this title, if you want a shot, LFD or otherwise, step up and get slammed by the red right hand!'

Claude's music then hit, and he walked out to confront her, wearing a black shirt with "WDC" in blocked red lettering. 'So the turncoat admitted she's leaving. For how long have I told everyone that she isn't worth it, she isn't the hero you're after. But nobody listened to me because she's just a cute blonde Viking girl with a very sharp axe and a funny accent. Well you can take your axe and your accent off to LFD, but not before I take that title, because I'm the spearhead now, I'm the hero this company truly needs.' Astrid then got right into his face, and responded.

'Be the hero, see if I care. I don't care about heroes, villains or storybook endings, I care about the title I had to jump through hoops like a dog to get, the title that shows I'm at the top of my game, and the title that shows that I'm better than you. I've always had you right behind me, nipping at my heels, every success has been in the context of what you can do. "Oh yeah, you won the World Amateur Championship, you beat Blair the twice champion without dropping a point, but did you see Claude won a pro duel? It's always you, so when I win, again, I get to show you that you will NEVER be better than me.'

As the exchange started to get nasty, Claude returned serve. 'You think you're amazing just because you won a second rate event beating a fifth rate bitch, and then you had to come into the Renegades and ruin everything for me again. Because your entire life you've always ruined everything for me. Then again, at least I didn't have to suffer a broken neck for attention.' This was when the truth came out. 'Yeah? Well at least I didn't have to RAPE BLAIR because she had the temerity to be Bisexual.'

The crowd audibly gasped at this comment, and chants of "Claude's an Arsehole" rung out. 'So I want everyone who has said anything negative about my decisions to look at this scene. This is your hero everyone, a bully and a rapist, and you know what, this rotten company are FUCKING WELCOME TO HIM!' Astrid then stepped into the stands, lifting her title as she did. As the show ended, she and Claude were still staring at each other tensely, and then Claude charged towards Astrid, causing the picture to suddenly cut to black.

Next time: Lydia returns to the set-up, but Belle isn't taking chances. Meghan announces intentions, and Hannah attempts to put the past in prison in Renegades: A New Dawn Chapter LXII: One for Sorrow