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.

63. Two for Joy

Renegades: A New Dawn

Chapter LXIII: Two for Joy

WDC Against All Odds card:

WDC Championship: Nash vs. [c] Astrid Hofferson

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

Jade Goocheneyad vs. Sgt. Tyranno Hassleberry

The Sledgehammer vs. Kris Travis

Grudge Match (Lockdown Rules): Akiza Izinski vs. Blair Flannigan

WDC Championship: Claude Duane vs. Chazz Princeton vs. Phil Robinson vs. Celina vs. [c] Astrid Hofferson/Nash

Manchester Airport

Two days before Against All Odds, and the club were flying out early, causing significant confusion for Ally. 'So why are we flying out early again?' 'Because Maddy's booked an open top bus tour of the Las Vegas Strip, she's suddenly decided it's something she's always wanted to do' Blair quipped back. 'Now don't forget, you're not going in any casinos, so when we get there you'll have Jade for a while.' 'Auntie Jade can't go to casinos, she's a Muslim.' A shout then came from the opposite row of seats, where Jade was sat, wearing long tights and a blue Red Right Hand shirt. 'Not religion, I just don't like gambling, I think it's stupid.'

As Ally bounced over to Jade, Blair turned to the other side of her, where Astrid was leaning over with her eyes closed, albeit she was clearly awake, her long blonde hair covering her earphones and stretching beyond her knees in her current position. After several minutes of contemplation, Blair decided to hit up a conversation, with the unusual conversation starter of passing her a cereal bar, which was enough to earn a side-eyed glance, followed by a smile, and then the removal of one earphone.

'Apparently you've not eaten anything this morning.' 'No idea how anyone would know, but yeah, they're right. Not exactly felt like eating.' 'Can't say I blame you, you and Claude really messed each other up back there.' 'That's one way of putting it. I won't let him take my title if it's the last thing I do, he's never coming anywhere near this. Or any of you. Talking of, I meant to apologise for bringing you into it.' Blair's reply was as measured as always though. 'Don't mention it, there's no issue. They want to interview me about the allegations, but… I'm not sure I'm ready just yet. How's the cheek now?'

Astrid then turned her head slightly, enough for Blair to see that the left side of her face was punched in, with 4 inches of stitches across the top of her cheek. 'Looks nowhere near as bad as it did after it happened.' 'Doesn't help how I feel. Even when he broke my neck it didn't hurt like this, it's just insane.' 'To be fair I think he came off worse, heard he had to have surgery.' 'Serves him right then. For what he did to you, to me, to Rio.' Blair then tapped her old rival on the shoulder. 'Nobody I'd rather have turning Claude into Danish Bacon.'

Meanwhile, Phil was sat with Freja, talking about her big duel. 'How are you feeling?' She just looked at him with her bright blue eyes, her gaze ever wavering. 'Honestly?' 'Shoot.' 'Like I'm gonna be sick. Like I'm gonna let you down.' 'You're not going to let anybody down Freja. Just remember everything we've talked about, and most of all, play the board, not the occasion. This is a challenge like no other, with a reward like no other. I want to see what you can truly do, so what we're going to do is prepare like normal, ok?'

Still concerned, she stared at him. 'Can I… talk to you?' He responded with a warm smile. 'Not got much else on do I? Come on, what's eating you?' 'It's… difficult to explain, but this girl who joined the club, she said her name was Lydia, and I have this feeling I should know her. And then there's Belle who's been really weird and tense recently, and I'm trying to prove myself to you, but I don't even know what you're looking for, what you need to see, I just feel like I don't know where to start.'

At this point, he came somewhat honest with her. 'There's a very good reason why I haven't told you what I'm looking for from you - it's because… I actually don't know. It's not one thing I'm looking for. It's hard to explain, but there's a certain star quality that I need to see, I need to watch someone and think that they're the real deal, they're committed to the long haul. It's not something you can touch or you can teach, it's something inside, a feeling I get. I just know when something's right, and I know when you're the one. And there's just something I haven't quite seen from you yet that I need to. All I know is if you go into the duel thinking of all this, you're not going to achieve your potential. I can give you all the help I can though.'

He then passed her a CD. 'What's this?' 'A little something I used to motivate Blair before her duel with Claude, and I used to motivate Rio before the Baltic Championship finals. Give it a listen in the hotel, if it doesn't work you can switch it off. But I believe in you. As for everything else, we'll talk about it between the three of us afterwards. Your focus is solely on this for now. As I say, play the board, not the occasion. Maddy's nothing more than a mountain to overcome right now. Climb that mountain, and be brave.' She just nodded, focusing on the task at hand.

As they were boarding the plane shortly after, a slightly nervous Jade pulled over her girlfriend. 'Hey, have you ever duelled in Vegas before?' 'Me? What makes you think I've even been to Vegas? Even funnier, I've never duelled outdoors either.' 'It's outdoors?' 'Yeah, at the Festival Grounds, apparently they were going to hold it at an arena, but the demand for tickets was too strong, so they moved it somewhere bigger. Why did you ask anyway?' 'Just… you know… it's pretty big.' 'Well the hotel's only 20 minutes from where we're duelling, so you don't need to worry about that. Look, you've been really funny all week, you want to talk?'

They stepped away from the plane and Jade had a word with her. 'I don't want you to duel Akiza, you saw what she was willing to do to Rio, and she properly hates you. I'm scared you're going to get yourself killed.' Blair gave a very positive response though. 'I'm not going to, because I've been planning for this all week, and I've decided that the best way to stop Akiza harming me, is just to stop her playing the game. The irony of her suddenly being totally powerless will drive her insane.' 'You've got this all worked out then.' 'Put it this way - I can think of more fun things than being Akiza tomorrow.'

As they were boarding the plane, Jack signalled that he wanted to talk to Maddy. 'Hey, what's up?' 'Just a heads-up, we're not going to be able to fly into Vegas' big airport, they're suffering from electrical issues at the control tower, and we're going to end up queuing for hours there. So I'm thinking of flying into Boulder City, it's a couple of hours from the Strip but means that you'll get onto the ground sooner.' 'Yeah, whatever you think's best Jack, thanks for the heads-up.' 'Welcome. Good news is that the weather conditions are lovely for flying today.' 'Sounds good. Right, let's go then.' 'You're the boss' he responded with a smile.

Landing in Vegas, most of the club made a bee-line for the casinos, while Blair, Maddy and Dakota walked off towards the open-top bus tour. As they did though, Blair suddenly dived into one of the fashion shops on the edge of the strip, coming back out with three pairs of sunglasses. 'Might as well look the part while we're doing this.' As Dakota laughed, they boarded the bus, and went straight up to the top, with Maddy sprawling out as they did so. 'That's better, like I love bein' president and everythin' but sometimes it's just nice to be just another person.'

While the bus was on the way, Dakota was inquiring about everyone. 'So Astrid's just this, like, baby obsessed chick?' 'That's just a recent thing, she's our resident warrior.' Blair then chipped in with 'For someone who's got a catch like Kris wrapped around her little finger, she sure does a lotta moaning.' This comment confused Dakota. 'I thought you were a lesbian…' 'Bi actually. I know enough about guys to know that Kris is a looker. Not to mention he's kind of really useful, he's like a swiss army knife, just sort of does everything. He just really defines this idea I had of every one of us prioritising the cause, like a spider almost. You can pull the legs off, but the spider survives. Or some shit like that anyway.' 'Yeah, I get ya, everything's for the good of everyone.'

'Really I like to think three of us really sorta define the Renegades. You've got Kris, then you got Rio, who is this insane unbreakable spirit, because if I was going through half of what she's goin' through, we just wouldn'ta made it, she just has this way of getting through everything though.' Blair then sighed slightly. 'I mean I don't know how she does it, like you can tell she's struggling at times, but she just puts everyone at ease, you wouldn't be able to tell she's got this horrible condition, she just gets on with everything like it's nothing.' 'And then there's you Blair.'

This quickly shut her up. 'M…me? What've I done?' 'You make the club feel like a family, you're literally like everybody's big sister. Whenever people have an issue, they don't bother with me, they just come straight to you. Really dunno how you do it, you just make everyone feel kind of alright. Everyone looks up to you, you'd be a wicked president.' 'Yeah, there's no chance of that thanks.' Dakota seemed surprised at the straight-up refusal. 'Seriously? Why not? You'd be awesome, no offence Maddy or anything.' 'None taken. In fact, you never told me why either Blair.'

She responded with a nonchalant shrug. 'I dunno, sort of just never wanted to be in charge. There isn't some great explanation, I'm sorry, but there really isn't, I'm just not that person. Besides, I'd be rubbish as president, you know that.' 'You really wouldn't' Maddy responded kindly but truthfully. 'You listen to all of us, everybody likes you, and you've got a cute kid to distract everyone. Talking of, where is Ally?' 'Oh Jade's got her, we agreed that because Jade doesn't like gambling, she'd take Ally for the day and leave me to'

Blair's musing was interrupted by a phone call. 'Hello, this is Blair speaking.' 'B, it's Ri.' 'Oh hey Rio' 'Sorry, Belle and Lydia are fighting.' 'What - where?' 'Atlantis Casino, it's in Paradise, just out of the city itself.' 'K, I'll be right there.' She put the phone down, and at the nearest opportunity, thanked the driver and dashed off the bus, before hailing down a taxi. 'Atlantis Casino Paradise?' The driver nodded and she jumped in, before anyone could question anything.

10 minutes later

As Blair's taxi rolled up to the casino, she flung a $20 at the driver and almost flew out, racing straight in. And it didn't take her long, maybe less than two minutes, to find Belle and Lydia in a full-on brawl around the casino, with Belle being swung around by her hair, then kneeing Lydia in the gut to stop it. In total disbelief, Blair stepped in, and pushed Lydia to the ground, before standing between she and Belle, who suddenly made a rash challenge. 'You want her back so bad, we're in Las Vegas, let's bet her on a casino game, how about Poker? We both put up $1000 dollars, the first person to bankrupt loses.' 'Deal!' Lydia screamed back, having gotten the opportunity she wanted. But Blair wasn't ready to let them sit down at the poker table. 'You two, with me, now.'

She then dragged them both over to the casino's cafe, and took them to task. 'Do you have any idea how humiliating this is for the club? While we're out here, we're ambassadors. I'm not saying you need to be totally straight edge and clean cut, but fighting with each other? In the middle of a casino? The fuck is wrong with you both?' As Lydia seethed, Belle spoke. 'I'm not going to stop trying to protect Freja from a bad influence. She needs to concentrate on her big duel.'

'Bad influence? How about being stuck with some murderer?' 'I'm no murderer!' 'You killed someone, therefore you're a murderer. And I'm not prepared to let my sister, note, my sister, to spend any more time with you. You criminals are all the same.' Blair then interrupted calmly. 'Lydia, we're all criminals. Being part of this revolution, some of the shit we've done is borderline legal at best. The whole point of us is that we offer forgiveness and retribution for people who aren't accepted, everyone has a place no matter who they are. But in order to achieve that, we need to unite, everyone needs to be on the same page to achieve our goals.'

'OUR goals? Or just yours Blair' Lydia retorted. 'Just because you need to find some kind of solace for running out on everyone all the time, doesn't mean everyone else feels like that. My only goal is getting my sister back from that menace to society and his band of merry halfwits. She needs me with her, rather than training with someone looking for her deathbed.' This annoyed Blair greatly, but she still kept calm. 'Making fun of Rio, how original. Anyone wants to get to me, they just insult her, even though she's been in the club half as long as you and has done about 10 times as much. Fact is Lydia, you're either representative of what we're trying to achieve, what Maddy set out, or you don't need to be here.' 'I wouldn't go without my sister.'

Belle then turned around, her neck cracking sharply as she did. 'Yeah? Who says your sister needs you? Let's face it, you've only been a detractor her entire life, 26 and she can't even tie her shoelaces without you standing over her, telling her she's doing it wrong. The difference between us is that I actually care about Freja, you just have her as a convenient excuse when you mess up. Some of us actually give a shit about other people, but you're all about having the power to yourself. So how about we put another wager on the poker - if I win, not only does Freja stay put, but you have to hand Maddy your resignation from the club first thing in the morning. Because Blair's about to face maybe our most dangerous opponent ever, and quite frankly, I don't think you can handle the pressure or the danger.'

'You think? Well I accept. But you have to put something on the line as well. When I beat you, you have to stand up in front of the entire club, and admit that you're nothing but a dirty stinking murderer who only came here because she's from a broken home, and wanted to break a different family to compensate!' This last comment resulted in Belle launching herself towards Lydia, only for Blair to pull her back in mid-air. 'The next time you do that, you're both being suspended. Because with Maddy not here, me and Rio are in charge. Now I'm going to find the nearest available Poker table, and you're going to put your money where your mouth is.'

Ten minutes later

Lydia and Belle were eyeing each other up, their faces partly obscured by cards. After a tense few minutes, Belle pushed some of her chips forward. 'Posting big blind.' After some consideration, Lydia pushed the same amount forwards. 'Match.' The dealer then turned over the first three cards on the table. 'The flop - 10 of Spades, 3 of Hearts, King of Hearts.' After some more tense looking, Belle pushed some more cards forward. 'Raise 30.' Surprisingly, Lydia quickly conceded the hand. 'I'll fold.' This turned out to be a good move, as Belle was one card off a Royal Straight, while Lydia only had a pair of 10s.

The hands continued with Belle having the better of the luck, but Lydia showing remarkable judgement to know when to fold. The eleventh hand was different though, as after the flop, Lydia suddenly raised. '£100, raise.' Belle seemed surprised, as this was far more aggressive than she had been before, and looking at her hand, Belle could see that she already had Four of a Kind. 'Sure, I'll match you.' The Ace of Spades was then shown, and suddenly, Lydia made her move. 'All in, betting everything.' Shocked, Belle hesitated, before joining her. 'Sure.' The river was revealed as the Jack of Spades, and then Belle revealed her four 10s. 'What you got?' Lydia paused, but then threw down her cards. 'Royal Straight Flush - Ace, King, Queen, Jack and 10 of Spades.'

Taking all of the chips, Lydia smirked. 'Finally she'll be back to her senses.' She then pie-faced Belle, before walking away. Just as she was about to leave the casino however, Blair stepped in her path with an old man, his grey stubble furnishing his face. 'I won, now let me leave.' 'Lydia, did it ever occur to you that I can pay people too?' Clearly bluffing, she panicked as Belle walked over. 'I saw you had a random earphone in, and there was a guy lurking behind Belle on his phone. So afterwards, I spoke to him, didn't I William?' The old man nodded, and gave her a gappy grin. 'Apparently he's 72 and from Wicklow. Oh, also, you paid his entire bar tab for him to keep you updated on the cards she had.'

'So what?' 'So, I didn't think you were deciding this by cheating. Not that you should be doing this anyway, either of you. Your realise you're as bad as each other right?' They stared at each other, and then both shook their heads. 'When it comes down to it, you're both playing with Freja's life, and she doesn't deserve it, what did she ever do for this other than try and improve herself. And that gets marred by you two jostling to control her life. So how about you make it all about Freja like you both wanted - we'll do a quiz about Freja. And even better, Freja will write the questions. But in return, you have to promise that you'll stop all this bullsh*t afterwards, and accept the results.'

Listening to this, Lydia offered her hand to Belle. 'If I don't know more about her than you do, I don't deserve to call her my sister.' 'Likewise, if I've not learned enough about her by now, then maybe she should ask for a better sister. But regardless, we agree that whoever loses accepts the results?' 'Agreed.' Before leaving, Blair had one more stark warning for them. 'This ends NOW. You keep out of each other's way until the quiz. Also Belle, do you have any hold over Freja still?' 'Yeah, a lil'.' 'I want you to release it after we get home. Ok?' Bowing to the authority of her defender, Belle understood and complied. 'I don't know how to, but I'll ask Phil.' Blair waited for Lydia to walk away, before departing herself, shaking her head. 'I'm going to another casino, see if then I can get some enjoyment from my first time in Vegas.'

Caesars Palace

Astrid was attending a concert of Taylor's, having been given a ticket as a gift for winning the title. In the intermission of the concert though, she was approached at the refreshments bar by Declan. 'I really can't go anywhere can I?' 'As it happens, I've had this ticket booked for many months.' 'Yeah… what do you want then?' 'I don't "want" anything, I simply came to thank you for signing the contract.' 'There's a few things I didn't get chance to say to you thanks to your interfering… I want to say mother?'

'Ah yes, her. I do apologise, I did ask her not to say anything, she has a rather streamlined view.' 'And doesn't like me?' 'She likes anybody who makes money. As do I. It's just we have different views on what makes money. Now you had things you wanted to say?' 'Yeah, I want to confirm our agreement.' 'In exchange for signing, you will be provided with a regular supply of top quality challengers. We are already in talks regarding your first opponent.' 'Also, I want an assurance that I can team with Maddy.' 'We… will discuss that. All options are available.'

Meanwhile, on the streets

Blair had gone to another casino, in an attempt to enjoy herself. As she did, she approached one of the security guards, and despite being nearly a foot shorter than them, she walked up to him with a certain confident swagger. 'Hey, where's the roulette at?' Looking down at her, he seemed surprised, but then nodded. 'Far on the east wing, there's a bar near there as well. Just be careful of the blackjackers, they tend to get a little randy if a woman goes near them.' 'Yeah, I can deal with them.'

She then walked over to the east of the casino, steering clear of the danger she was warned about, and searching carefully for the first sign of roulette. After around 15 minutes of searching, she found the wheels, and prepared to approach. Just as she did though, she heard a familiar giggle, and immediately groaned. 'Seriously?' She turned around, and saw Rio lay on a blackjack table, stipped down to a crop top and shorts, with Freja, who was wearing a grey Red Right Hand shirt and jeans, and they were having a great time.

'You know that Maddy will actually kill you if you say that to her face right?' 'Nah I'm gonna say it first thing tomorrow morning, because what's death when you're already fucking dead? Well not actually dead, but kind of dead, hey where's that drink anyway?' 'What drink?' 'The one you said you'd buy me a triple shot of vodka if I walked in here dressed like a slut.' 'Yeah, I didn't mean beach slut, I meant knickers down slut. Besides, you should be able to make your own, isn't it like made of Potatoes?' Freja then looked up, and let out an 'Uh-Oh', before rolling off the table, onto the floor face-first.

As Rio giggled manically, Blair walked up, and tapped her on the shoulder. 'Oh hey, coming to join us?' 'No, I'm coming to take you back to the hotel because I have to spend my entire time childminding. I mean what has got into you?' 'Relax B, it's a couple of drinks.' 'Rio, I could smell you from outside.' Frustrated, she looked down at Freja, who was just scrambling back up. 'Don't you have a duel to prepare for tomorrow?' 'Yeah, which is why I've been drinking coke all night. Well apart from the splashes of Bacardi, but I'm still mostly sober. Trust me - you can tell when I'm drunk.' 'Pretty sure the last time you were drunk was when you tried to kidnap me and Jade as part of your weird sex act. And the time before was when you decided to see how fast you could run across the Tyneside Coast Road. It's a miracle you only got a caution for it.'

'Wasn't that bad was it?' 'I mean apart from the fact that you caused two head-on collisions and gave an old woman a heart attack. Pretty sure the only reason you weren't arrested is because you were so drunk that they thought you were actually mentally ill, hence Phil having to pick you up and drive you to "your home". So yeah, I know exactly how you get when you're drunk.' Infuriated, she dragged Rio off the table by the back of her top, and threw her towards Freja. 'Room key should be on her still, if it isn't then ring Jade and explain that Rio's stoned.' 'Where will you be?' Freja asked nervously, with the immediate reply coming as 'Sam's Town. Or anywhere that isn't with anybody else' as Blair walked off, not looking back for a second.

That morning, 3:44am

Rio was fast asleep when she was woken up with a jolt by a loud crash in her room. As she shot out of bed, expecting an intruder or crazed fan, she instead saw Blair, trying to quietly pick up a shattered bedside lamp. 'What are you doing!?' Rio whispered angrily. 'I just tripped over the bed, it's fine.' 'Where've you been?' 'I've been doing Vegas things.' She then took out a significant pile of green notes. 'That's all my winnings from roulette.' As Rio tried to count it, Blair produced a handbag full of more notes. 'And all of this is from Blackjack, I won $14,000 in one game.'

Bleary eyed, Rio tried to count up the money. 'B, there's like, $250,000 here, the fuck were you doing?' As she turned around though, Blair was asleep, faceplanting one of Rio's pillows. Furious, the Idahoan responded by smacking her in the back (not that she noticed), before sliding one pillow out from the bottom of the pile, and wrapping herself up tight in a sleeping bag on the floor, zipping it up.

The next morning

Blair woke up, still in the same position she had fallen asleep in. As she rolled out of bed, she walked across the world, and almost fell over the sleeping bag on the floor. Quickly, she put two and two together, and knelt down to the floor, slowly unzipping the bag to find Rio lying there, completely awake, scrolling through her phone. Noticing the breeze, Rio glanced over, and back at her phone. 'Hope you liked my bed' she murmured, before turning back over. Soon, Rio fell asleep again.

Around an hour later, she woke up to the smell of maple-covered pancakes, and sat next to them, was Blair, holding a sign saying "I'm sorry". 'So you thought food could win me over.' 'I thought it might if I cooked it.' Rio nervously took a bite out of one of the pancakes, and recoiled in shock. 'You… ok?' With her mouth full still, and spilling food out of it, she enthusiastically stated 'You kidding? This is the first edible thing I've ever tasted from you! Never thought I'd see the day!' Blair laughed in embarrassment at the comment, and the food appeared to be calming Rio down.

After she had finished breakfast, they started talking. 'So you made a killing last night?' 'Yeah, and then I think I spent about half of it on Jungle Juices.' 'Would explain why you fell asleep.' 'Yeah, sorry about that.' 'Could be worse I suppose, at least I slept well. What was going on last night anyway, you seemed super pissy.' 'Oh, just had to split up Lydia and Belle… AGAIN, they're betting on Freja's memories now, pretty shitty if you ask me, but hey, Phil approves so why would anyone say anything? Sometimes just feel like I'm a childminder here.' 'I can't blame you to be honest. Just hope they get all this sorted.' 'They are doing, I'm making sure of that. Anyway, better get ready, goin' to war later.'

At the arena

As everyone arrived at the arena, all Blair could do was gasp. 'This place is enormous. I've never duelled anywhere nearly this big.' 'I'm not surprised, they're expecting a record crowd here' Phil remarked in response. 'How big do we know?' 'Not a clue, just heard very large.' While all this was going on, Astrid was still sat quietly, mentally preparing for a big night, and still thinking about her clash with Claude. Soon enough, the time of the show was upon them, so they walked backstage and waited for the cue.

The show began with Astrid's music, as she walked out dressed in all silver armour, and carrying her shiny title across her chest, the strap threaded through her half-up ponytail. Walking down, it became clear that the Las Vegas crowd were heavily in favour of her. She briefly stopped before the duelling zone to look up at the sky, the setting sun providing a spectacular backdrop. She entered the zone, and raised the red right hand, before taking down her hood to reveal her war wounds.

Nash then made his appearance, accompanied by Powerplay; Marshall was holding J7's board which still had two names missing. He walked down, no frills and no action, just making his way to the zone to heavy boos, albeit he clearly still had some fans in the audience. On the duel field (which was little more than some markers in the sandy ground), he faced down Astrid, pointing at her title in a show of intention, eager to regain the title he had held twice before. The introductions were then made by local card game personality Alexander Cimo.

'Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to WDC Against All Odds, in front of a WDC record crowd of 89,826 here at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds and Coliseum, right here in Sin City! So without further ado, the following is your opening contest, and is for the WDC Championship. Introducing first, the challenger, from Twin Falls, Idaho, this is Nash!' Nash raised half a smile, before his opponent was introduced for the rampant crowd. 'And introducing his opponent, from Alta, Norway, she is your reigning and defending WDC Champion of the world - the Arctic Fox, Astrid Hofferson.' Astrid raised the red right hand, and shed her armour for a silver vest. The two activated their duel disks, and the duel began.

WDC Championship: Nash LP:8000 vs. [c] Astrid Hofferson LP:8000

(Astrid hand: Nordic Smith Ivaldi, Guldfaxe of the Nordic Beasts, Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant, Return from the Different Dimension, Mimir of the Nordic Alfar)

Astrid: 'I'll open. I summon Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant (Atk:400). And with her effect, because I control no other cards, I can banish Guldfaxe and Mimir from my hand to summon two Einherjar Tokens (Atk:1000)x2. Now Level 2 Valkyrie tunes to two Level 4 Einherjar Tokens, to summon out the most almighty of them all! Appear before me as your vessel, Odin, Father of the Aesir (Atk:4000). I end my turn.'

(Nash hand: Dream Shark, Panther Shark, Shark Stickers, Zeus' Breath, Extra-Foolish Burial, Mother Grizzly)

Nash: 'I draw. I'll set a monster, then I'll set two cards face-down and pass back to you.'

(Astrid hand: Nordic Smith Ivaldi, Return from the Different Dimension, Valkyrie Erda)

Astrid: 'I draw. I'll attack into your monster with Odin. Sacred Scepter Slash.' Odin immediately dispatched the monster in question (Mother Grizzly Def.:1000), but Nash had a plan. 'When Mother Grizzly loses in battle, she leaves me with a Water monster from my deck, as long as it has 1500 Attack or less. I summon Eagle Shark (Atk:1000).' 'That's fine, I'll summon Nordic Smith Ivaldi now (Atk:1500). Ivaldi's effect will add Nordic Relic Svalinn to my hand. I'll set two and end my turn.'

(Nash hand: Dream Shark, Panther Shark, Shark Stickers, Mystical Space Typhoon)

Nash: 'I draw. I'll summon Panther Shark without a tribute because I control Eagle Shark (Atk:1100). Then I'll activate Mystical Space Typhoon, to take out the face-down on your left.' There was no bluster from Astrid, no boasting, just calm confidence as she revealed Return from the Different Dimension and sent it to her graveyard. 'Damn, wrong one. I'll summon Dream Shark because I control all Water monsters next (Atk:0), and now overlay all three to Xyz summon Number C101 - Silent Honor DARK (Def.:1500). To finish, I'll use Extra-Foolish Burial to pay half my Life points (Nash LP:8000-4000), and send Silent Honor ARK to my graveyard. I end my turn.'

(Astrid hand: Valkyrie Erda, Trade-In)

Astrid: 'I draw. Activate Trade-In, pitch Valkyrie Erda to Valhalla's pits, draw two for the sacrifice she makes. I'll summon Evocator Chevalier (Atk:1900), and end my turn.'

(Nash hand: Shark Stickers, Rank-up Magic Barian's Force)

Nash: 'I draw. I'll use the effect of Silent Honor DARK to absorb your almighty god.' 'You forget about Svalinn? I'll activate it to negate the effect of everything on the field.' With DARK now unable to use its effect, Nash ended his turn. Little did he know what awaited him.

(Astrid hand: Nordic Relic Draupnir)

Astrid: 'I draw. I'll activate my face-down Gemini Ablation!' Nash just stared at the card blankly. 'Never heard of the thing.' 'It allows me to discard this Nordic Relic Draupnir, and then tribute a Gemini monster to summon a Fire-attribute Warrior from my deck. Evocator Chevalier fits the bill nicely as the sacrifice, so that I may summon the monster that exceeded even the state of death - the Immortal Phoenix Gearfried (Atk:3000).'

Concerned but still not panicking, Nash showed his fighting spirit. 'Give me your best shot!' 'You'll regret saying that. Gearfried, attack with Salamandra Steel. Oh, and don't bank on getting those 2800 Life points, because Gearfried doesn't destroy your monster, he absorbs it. Flame Soul Asylum!' Gearfried's sword flared up brightly as it touched Silent Honor DARK, and turned it into an equip card (Atk:3000-3500). 'I could attack you directly now with Gearfried, but I've got another title defence to prepare for, so I'll let Odin show you that an Emperor could never stand up to a god!' Odin's sceptre produced a flash of light, which instantly sapped Nash's halved Life points, completing a perfect game from the champion (Nash LP:4000-0).

As soon as the last point was taken from her opponent, Astrid stormed off, and grabbed her belt, which she raised up high. Junction 7's masked individual then tried a sneak attack from behind, but Astrid dodged, and narrowly missed her signature kick, which was enough to make her foe flee. While this was going on, Nash just stood, applauding his opponent, as he considered her well deserving of her victory. She acknowledged this, and instead of going to attack him, she simply raised the belt again and left as the announcement was made. 'Your winner and still WDC Champion, Astrid Hofferson.'

Backstage, Celina was being interviewed as she walked in. 'Celina, big title shot tonight, nervous?' 'A little, why wouldn't you be. This is the big dance, all eyes on you. Challenging Don Alpha's one thing, but going for the big title is quite another isn't it? But the thing is, I know I have to win the title. That title deserves a worthy champion, and the Leo Federation deserves a suitable figurehead. If I win this title tonight, Astrid won't get the chance to pollute the Leo Federation, and that makes everything just right.'

After this, the scenes played a video package for the next duel, for the Young-Gun Championship, with Taylor singing a heavier version of "The Man". The video showed highlights of every one of Maddy's title defences to that point in chronological order, a small red button counting alongside with the days in the top corner, before cutting abruptly to Freja's highlights, and a split screen of them in action. The hype package ended with their face-off, and the graphic flashing up on the screen.

The moment the first bars of Freja's music hit, the crowd became completely unglued, producing an incredible roar for her as she walked out, dressed in navy blue lycra with half a roulette wheel painted on it, the numbers replaced by her name. She raised the four fingers of the M18 Connection (now being referred to as the Symbol of Excellence), before walking through the colosseum, slapping hands with some of the fans as she did, but staying focused on the job at hand. Reaching the duel field, she raised the symbol again, as the commentators introduced her.

"A fascinating WDC Young-Gun Championship duel is at play here, and this is the challenger - 25 year old Freja McKinna from St. Helens in Merseyside, England. Defeating Donny Anderson and Sara Sawyer, Freja has been on a roll lately and alongside Belle Draper jointly holds the LFD Tag-Team Championships at the moment. She's been under the learning tree of Phil Robinson, our World Champion who will feature later. Her Drytron Constellation deck takes inspiration from the Draco constellation of stars, and summons a diverse collection of Ritual monsters, using Attack points as payment. How will she cope in this, her first ever singles ttile shot.'

As Freja waited, Maddy's music played, and after a short wait, she appeared with a purple mist around her, full Don garb on. As she did though, it became clear that the crowd were largely not in her favour, albeit she still got decent cheers. She took her jacket and hat off in front of the zone, showing off her newly recoloured hair and installed fringe, as well as a black fabric vest, allowing people to see her rib protector. As she entered the duel field, she raised her title into the sky, and she came face-to-face with Freja.

"And our champion is 18 year old Maddy Smith from Stonybridge in Northumbria, near Gateshead in Tyneside. Despite her tender years, Maddy has had an incredible first professional season, and has been WDC Young-Gun Champion for 209 days, defeating all comers. Her Death Toy deck uses the frightful Frightfur cards, Fusions which turn angelic toys into demonic beasts. Her title reign has been full of strong defences, but you see the rib protector, she's still nursing broken ribs and you just wonder if she's got the stamina to keep going. As an extra carrot though, if Maddy wins here she will become the longest reigning WDC Young-Gun Champion of all time."

In the zone, Maddy and Freja faced off, as Maddy held her title up high. DJ then made the introductions. 'The following duel is for the WDC Young-Gun Championship, to be held under Renegade Rules. In these rules, neither competitor may attack on their first turn, and there is no champion's advantage. In the case of a draw, both competitors will restart the duel with 4000 Life points.'

'Introducing first, the challenger, representing the Dynasty, from St. Helens, England, she is Ms. Hellfire - Freja McKinna.' Freja barely flinched, staying focused. 'And her opponent, representing the Renegade nation, from Stoneybridge, Northumbria, England, for 209 days she has been your reigning and defending WDC Young-Gun Champion, Don Alpha - Maddy Smith.' Maddy showed everyone her title one more time, then handed it over to DJ. They stared off a moment longer, before Maddy activated her duel disk. 'Show me what you've got!' 'You're gonna regret saying that!' Freja responded, and they began.'

WDC Young-Gun Championship: Freja McKinna LP:8000 vs [c] Maddy Smith LP:8000

(Freja hand: Drytron Delta Altais, Drytron Zeta Aldihibah, Cyber Emergency, Simul Archfiends, Meteonis Drytron)

Freja: 'I'll open up with Drytron Delta Altais, tributing Drytron Zeta to summon it (Def.:0). Then I can reveal Meteonis in my hand to draw a card. Now I'll activate Zeta in my graveyard, tribute Delta to summon it (Def.:0). When I summon Zeta, I can add another Meteonis to my hand. I end my turn with two face-downs.'

(Maddy hand: Fluffal Dog, Fluffal Octopus, Double Fusion, Des Koala, Edge Imp Cotton Eater)

Maddy: 'I draw. I'll summon Fluffal Dog (Atk:1700), and use its effect to get Edge Imp Sabres. Then I'll follow up with Double Fusion. By paying 500 Life points (Maddy LP:8000-7500), I can Fusion summon twice this turn.' 'You're not going to be Fusion summoning once, never mind twice. I activate Dimensional Barrier, and declare Fusion, so you can't summon any Fusion monsters this turn.' Putting her frustration to the side, Maddy quickly moved on. 'Dog, attack Zeta.' Maddy's Dog pounced straight onto Zeta, and quickly dismantled it with powerful paws. 'I end my turn.'

(Freja hand: Cyber Emergency, Meteonis Drytron, Meteonis Drytron, Broken Line)

Freja: 'I draw.' After some careful assessment, she continued playing cautiously. 'I'll end my turn with this face-down.'

(Maddy hand: Fluffal Octopus, Des Koala, Edge Imp Cotton Eater, Fluffal Dog)

Maddy: 'I draw. I summon Fluffal Dog (Atk:1700), and use its effect' 'I activate Broken Line, because you activated Dog's effect in Broken Line's column. This negates and destroys your Dog.' With the dog shattered, Maddy opted to end her turn.

(Freja hand: Cyber Emergency, Meteonis Drytron, Meteonis Drytron, Drytron Gamma Eltanin)

Freja: 'I draw. I activate Drytron Delta Altais' effect from my graveyard, tributing Gamma Eltanin from my hand (Def.:0). That draws me a card when I reveal Meteonis Drytron in my hand. Now I'll Gamma tribute Delta (Def.:0), and Gamma can revive my Delta (Atk:2000). Now I'll overlay the two of them to Xyz summon Drytron Mu Beta Fafnir (Atk:2000). When I summon Fafnir, I can dump Meteonis Quadrantids from my deck. Mu Beta Fafnir, attack Dog.' Mu Beta unleashed fizzing electricity from its heads, frying Maddy's Dog (Maddy LP:8000-7700). 'I end my turn.'

(Maddy hand: Fluffal Octopus, Des Koala, Edge Imp Cotton Eater, Draining Shield)

Maddy: 'I'll draw. I'll set a monster, set a face-down and pass.'

(Freja hand: Cyber Emergency, Meteonis Drytron, Meteonis Drytron, Graceful Charity)

Freja: 'I draw. I activate Graceful Charity to draw three cards then discard two.' Having failed to draw what she was after, it was time for Freja to put a contingency plan into use. 'I'll activate Cyber Emergency, to add Drytron Alpha Thuban to my hand.' 'Nice when your Dad's working against you' Maddy mumbled, just loud enough for Freja to hear, filling her with confidence. 'Then Gamma tribute Alpha (Def.:0). Gamma's effect, summon Alpha (Atk:2000). Delta tribute Alpha (Def.:0). Delta effect, I'll reveal Meteonis to draw a card. Then I can activate Meteonis, to tribute both Gamma and Alpha, and summon from my graveyard, Drytron Meteonis Quadrantids (Atk:4000).'

'Mu Beta Fafnir, attack.' The Fafnir unleashed its electricity, which fried Maddy's Set monster (Des Koala Def.:1900). 'Hey, when did you start running that again?' 'When I wanted to deal damage quick. For every card in your hand, you're dropping 400 big ones.' Before it perished, Maddy's Koala shot eucalyptus leaves out of its mouth, slashing away at Freja (Freja LP:8000-6000). 'That's fine, you're going to be taking way more. Quadrantids, attack.' 'I activate Draining Shield, to stop your attack' 'Save your breath, I'm only negating it with Mu Beta Fafnir.' This resulted in Quadrantids releasing a metallic light from its wings, taking Maddy down significantly (Maddy LP:7700-3700).

As this happened, the fans got louder, sensing the possibility of a shock title change. But Maddy looked far from worried, staying calm and focused. 'How'd you like that!' 'Yeah, not bad. Not half bad at all.' 'Hope you've been keeping that belt clean for me.' 'Honestly, one lucky shot and you think you're gonna win.' 'Well why don't you show me you can still fight then? Because I think you've gone soft.' Maddy simply laughed at the thought. 'Well I should do something about it then.'

(Maddy hand: Fluffal Octopus, Edge Imp Cotton Eater, Super Polymerisation)

Maddy: 'I'll draw and activate Super Polymerisation.' 'You're kidding' Freja groaned in response. 'The monster I want to summon requires two monsters of the same Type and Attribute, but different names. So I'll fuse together both of your monsters to Fusion summon Garura, Wings of Resonant Life (Atk:1500).' Maddy's new monster got a large cheer, before the colosseum crowd remembered who they were cheering for, and quietened down. 'Garura, attack her directly. And when Garura battles, all Battle damage is doubled.' The twin-headed bird soared through the skies, dropping burning embers from its wings as it did (Freja LP:6000-3000). 'I end my turn.'

(Freja hand: Meteonis Drytron, Drytron Nova, Ritual Foregone, Card Destruction)

Freja: 'I'll activate Card Destruction. This discards both our hands, and then we draw the same amount. Now Alpha tribute Draconids, summon Alpha (Def.:0). Alpha effect, add Sauravis, the Ancient and Ascended to my hand. Then I'll Preparation of Rites, adding Saffira, Queen of Dragons to my hand, along with recovering a Meteonis from my graveyard.' Unbeknownst to Freja, this move had given Maddy some sneaky intel. ("Right, searching Saffira, so she's probably not playing the Heralds, otherwise she'd have a Fairy by now and would have just gone for Ultimateness. So if I can exhaust her Fafnirs, I can stop her negating anything").

Freja then made her move. 'I activate Meteonis Drytron, to tribute Saffira and Alpha to Ritual summon Drytron Meteonis Draconids (Atk:4000).' 'Shit, didn't think you'd go for it' Maddy responded in archetypical surprise. 'And I'll use its effect immediately, to send all other monsters on the field to the graveyard by banishing Gamma and Alpha.' 'Effect Veiler will prevent that.' 'Fine, I'll just attack Garura then.' The attack dropped Maddy's Life points low (Maddy LP:3700-1200), albeit she still gained one final gift. 'Garura draws a card if it's sent from the field to the graveyard.' 'I don't care. I end my turn.'

(Maddy hand: Frightfur Patchwork, Fluffal Penguin)

Maddy: 'I draw. I activate Frightfur Patchwork, to add Edge Imp Chain and Polymerisation to my hand. Then I can use Poly, and finally we're getting this rolling. I'll fuse together Chain and Penguin to Fusion summon Frightfur Kraken (Def.:3000). Now I can activate Penguin's effect, chain Chain's effect.' 'Go on.' 'Chain, I'll add Frightfur Fusion, then Penguin, draw two and discard one. Now Kraken uses its effect to send Draconids to the graveyard.' 'I'll use Sauravis' effect from my hand to negate the effect.' This put Maddy in a tight spot, so she decided to take a moment and recompose herself. 'I'll just set two and pass.'

(Freja hand: Drytron Nova, Drytron Eclipse, Saffira, Queen of Dragons, Reshef the Dark Being)

Freja: 'I draw. I'll activate Drytron Nova to summon Drytron Delta Altais from my deck (Atk:2000).' Freja's next move was rather surprising though. 'Next I'll use Zeta, tribute Delta (Def.:0). Zeta effect, I'll add the third Meteonis. Now I'll Draconids, banish Delta and Delta to clear the board.' With Maddy's Kraken being written out of the duel, Freja prepared for the big push. After taking a moment to steady her nerve, she opened her eyes wide. 'ATTACK!' Draconids' attack launched, as a storm of dust was kicked up from Maddy's end. When it cleared, she was still in it as the fans erupted briefly (Maddy LP:5200). 'Thanks Draining Shield.' 'I end my turn' Freja said, staying calm and focused.

(Maddy hand: Pot of Desires)

Maddy: 'I draw. I think it's time to dip into my Pot of Desires, it draws two but I have to banish 10 face-down first. Then I'll activate One Day of Peace, to take the heat off for a minute.' As she drew off One Day, Maddy saw what she had been searching for. 'Now Future Fusion. I end my turn with another face-down.'

(Freja hand: Drytron Eclipse, Saffira, Queen of Dragons, Reshef the Dark Being, Ritual Sanctuary, Pre-Preperation of Rites)

Freja: 'I'll activate Pre-Preparation of Rites, to add Sprite's Blessing to my hand, alongside Sauravis. Then I'll activate Drytron Eclipse, to add Delta back to my hand. I end my turn.'

(Maddy hand: Negate Attack)

Maddy: 'I draw. Because it's the first Standby phase, I now need to send the materials for Future Fusion.' Her choice though, was majorly surprising. 'While we're on the theme of blasts from the past, I'm going to send Big Koala and Des Kangaroo.' 'Ok… sure' Freja said nervously, staring her opponent down. 'I end my turn with a face-down.' She may have looked in control, but Maddy was actually struggling, trying desperately to buy time for another offensive push. Freja wasn't letting up though.

(Freja hand: Drytron Eclipse, Saffira, Queen of Dragons, Reshef the Dark Being, Ritual Sanctuary, Sauravis, the Ancient and Ascended, Drytron Eclipse)

Freja: 'I draw. I'll go straight to battle, and attack with Draconids.' 'Negate Attack' Maddy stated breathlessly, very clearly on the backfoot. Sensing it was only a matter of time, Freja stayed calm. 'I end my turn.'

(Maddy hand: Burden of the Mighty)

Maddy: 'I draw, and in my Standby phase, summon out the monster that's a big hit. Meet the grounded goliath, the pulverising prizefighter, Master of Oz (Atk:4200). And it's about to deliver Draconids the K.O. Blow! Outback Attack!' Master of Oz readied an attack, and delivered an earth-shattering punch, caving in the centre of Draconids (Freja LP:3000-2800). 'And I'll activate Burden of the Mighty in Main 2, which sinks all of your monsters by 100 Attack for each Level they have. I end my turn.'

(Freja hand: Drytron Eclipse, Saffira, Queen of Dragons, Reshef the Dark Being, Ritual Sanctuary, Sauravis, the Ancient and Ascended, Ritual Foregone, Drytron Nova)

Freja: 'I draw. I activate Drytron Nova to summon Beta Rastaban from my deck (Atk:2000-1900). Then I'll Delta, tribute Beta (Def.:2000). Delta effect, I'll draw another card.' Freja briefly grimaced at the draw, but then noticed that she already had the card she desperately needed. 'Not how I was gonna do it, but I'll do it! I activate Sprite's Blessing, and tribute Saffira, Queen of Dragons, Drytron Beta Rastaban and Drytron Delta Altais to summon Reshef the Dark Being (Atk:2500-1700). By discarding a copy of Drytron Eclipse, I can take control of Master of Oz until the End phase (Atk:4200-3300). Master of Oz, attack her directly.' Maddy braced herself as her own monster slugged her with a vicious shot (Maddy LP:5200-1900).

'Now Reshef will come in.' Reshef produced three coloured orbs, and formed them into a triangle, before firing it towards Maddy, sending her skidding away and out of the zone (Maddy LP:1900-200). With her opponent on the ropes, Freja looked to fortify her chances. 'Afterwards, I'll activate Ritual Foregone! By paying 1000 Life points (Freja LP:2800-1800), I can summon Saffira, Queen of Dragons from my hand, but negate her effects and she can't attack (Atk:2500). Then I'll Link off all three monsters, to set my Link arrows, and summon Link 3, Nephthys the Sacred Flame (Atk:2400; Link Arrows: Bottom Left, Bottom Centre, Bottom Right). Because two Ritual monsters were used to summon it, it gains immunity to battle destruction and card effects, as well as 1200 Attack (Atk:2400-3600). I end my turn.'

(Maddy hand: Rank-up Magic Extreme Icaron's Force)

Maddy: 'I draw.' Just as she was about to give up hope, she saw her draw, and almost burst into tears. 'You… have to be kidding right?' She then looked up at Freja. 'Final gambit time. If this don't work, you got me. I activate my face-down Graverobber. This allows me to snatch a Spell card from your grave, but I lose 2000 Life points if I don't use it this turn.' 'The fuck do I have in my graveyard you'd want?' A small, goblin-like creature dashed out of the Graverobber card, and dove into Freja's graveyard, pulling out Pre-Preparation of Rites. 'Yeah, still don't… oh my god.'

As the realisation hit Freja, Maddy continued her play. 'I activate Pre-Preparation of Rites, to add both Miracle Wolf and this to my hand - Awakening of a New Power! As you know, because my Life points are below 1000, this requires no tributes to summon out the bringer of hope - Miracle Wolf (Atk:2800). And Miracle Wolf can be three materials for the summoning of a Rank 12 monster. So I'll overlay my three Level 12s to build the overlay network.' She then recited the chant. 'Miasma born of my own self, render my soul as you render their skin, burn me up as you burn them down. You don't know what's hiding, deep in my DNA, but you're about to learn!' As she howled, much of the crowd joined in with her. 'I Xyz summon Number R97; myself, Maddy, the Legendary Wolfblood (Atk:4000).'

'I mean I guess I can handle it, my monster can't be destroyed by battle.' 'If only that was the end. I activate Rank-up Magic Extreme Icaron's Force. This ranks up my monster into one two Ranks higher. Renegade Xyz Evolution! Meet your worst nightmare, the wolf that won't be tamed, infused with the power of the all-seeing eye.' As her eyes glowed red, she brought out the monster. 'Appear, Number R97: Maddy, the Raging Wild Wolfblood (Atk:5500).' 'That's big…' Freja murmured. 'Now I'm going to attack Sacred Flame! And when Number R97 attacks, it gains all the Attack of anything else on the field (Atk:5500-9100). Raging Wild Claw.' A paw filled with red fur and black claws came slashing in at Sacred Flame, and all Freja could do was watch her hopes go up in smoke (Freja LP:1800-0).

As the duel concluded, Maddy took a massive gasp of air, and stumbled out of the duelling zone, as she had her title handed over, and the announcement came through. 'Your winner, and the longest reigning WDC Young-Gun Champion of all time - Maddy Smith.' Hearing this, she grasped the belt, and gave an enormous howl, as the fans applauded and cheered. After her celebration, she walked over to Freja, who was quietly slumped in the centre of the zone, and knelt down in front of her, sharing some reassuring words. 'You had me f*cked there, I had maybe two cards in my deck that bailed me out. You had me hook line and sinker.'

Freja then stood, and putting on a brave face, offered a handshake. 'I can't think of anyone better to break the record.' 'Thanks, you have no idea what that means. You were totally awesome there man.' 'Thank you.' 'Seriously Fre, when did you get so good?' Slightly embarrassed, she replied with 'When I started taking training seriously. And when my deck stopped being a single joke. But well done anyway, you totally deserve it.' They hugged as the fans applauded, and then Maddy left. Freja stuck around for a moment, as the crowd continued to shower her with appreciation, but eventually she walked away as well.

Surprisingly though, the cameras followed her. As she got into the entranceway, Phil was stood waiting around for her. 'I'm sorry.' He didn't say anything, but handed her a large brown envelope. 'What's this?' 'Open it.' 'Pardon?' 'Just open it' he responded sternly. As she slid the flap open, she pulled out a large piece of paper, and burst out crying, as he smiled. 'Freja, you've proved a lot of people wrong. Not least yourself. You've grown up an insane amount, and I can't imagine allowing anyone else to coach you. I want this project all to myself, so what do you say?' Tears flooding from her eyes, she grasped his waist in a huge hug, as Belle, Blair, Rio and Maddy stood around, applauding. 'Welcome to the family.'

A few minutes later, Phil and Freja were sitting on either side of a wooden crate, discussing the duel. 'The one thing I don't get is why you ain't said anything about the ending.' 'What - the Reshef over Draconids decision?' 'Yeah.' 'It's because that's the move that made me go over the top on wanting you. You could have gone for the easy play, but you took a chance, you tried to leave her with nothing on the field, and leave yourself nothing to activate. You took a risk, and it didn't work out, but that's because Maddy got a lucky draw. If it had worked, you would have looked like a genius. That's when I realised I wanted you.'

'So what now?' 'When we get back home, you look over the contract, if you like it we'll get it signed, and then we'll get to work together. You tell me what you want to improve on, I'll get a full training schedule set up for you, and then we go. Anything business wise, I'll sort on your behalf, I'll advise you on these matters but ultimately nothing goes without your signing off on it. My job is to make you successful.' 'Do you want to negotiate something for my modelling contract separately?' 'I'm not taking anything off you for anything outside of duelling, but if you want to give me anything I can't stop you. As for the contracts themselves, I'll always look over them for you.' She then grinned widely at him. 'I think I'm going to enjoy this.'

Meanwhile, Claude was walking into the building, with swelling all over his face, and a slight dent around his jawline on the right side of his face, when approached for an interview. 'Claude, the last time we saw you was when you were involved in a brutal brawl with the WDC Champion Astrid Hofferson in Scotland. Tonight you have the opportunity to take the title from her though. But I think the question everyone needs to ask looking at you is, how bad are your injuries?' Claude initially didn't speak, but then, he slowly took his glasses off to reveal a black eye and stitches in his head.

'A broken jaw, 19 stitches in my head, a Grade 1 Concussion. But that's nothing compared to what I'm going to do to her. This is beyond just the WDC and LFD now, this is personal. Astrid Hofferson is clearly suffering from some sort of mental disease if she thinks she can even hold a candle to me or to Finn. She is nothing more than an ungrateful runt who has ideas well beyond her station. So tonight, I'm going to destroy her hopes and dreams, rip that title from her unconscious hands, and if she ever lays so much as a dirty glance on me again' He then stared down the camera. 'I'm going to snap her neck and she'll never walk again.'

In the duelling zone

The Regiment's music started up, but it wasn't Claude that came out but Hassleberry, with his head bandaged after his recent encounter with Maddy. 'The following duel is under standard rules. Introducing first, representing the Regiment, from Mountain Home, Alabama, stand for Sgt. Tyranno Hassleberry.' He walked down, clearly suffering physically from Maddy's sheer power and force. In the zone, he raised his arm briefly, before standing to attention.

Jade's own music then hit, and she appeared, Rio with her. 'Introducing his opponent, representing the Renegade Nation, and accompanied by Rio Kastle, from Qa'em Shahr, Iran, the Vespertine - Jade Goocheneyad.' She dashed down, Rio struggling to keep up with her, and immediately entered the duelling zone, a long sleeve covering her right arm. She posed for the crowd briefly, and swung her hips, before activating her duel disk, as she and Hassleberry locked eyes, both battered but both determined to prove themselves.

Sgt. Tyranno Hassleberry LP:8000 vs. Jade Goocheneyad LP:8000

(Jade hand: Future Visions, Fortune Lady Past, Fortune Lady Light, Fortune Vision, Bending Destiny)

Jade: 'I'll start by activating a Field spell - Future Visions.' As she did, an expansive room of crystallised mirrors materialised around them. 'Sam hill, what in the name of tarnation is this' Hassleberry responded as the field took shape. 'It's Future Visions. And I'll give you a free demonstration of it - I summon Fortune Lady Light. Being a Fortune Lady, her Attack points are undetermined at the moment. Light gains 200 for each Level she has (Atk:?-200).' No sooner had she appeared on the field though, than Light had vanished again, teleported away by the power of the odd space. 'Where'd she go?'

Jade responded with a smile. 'In this room, any monster Normal summoned is transported straight to the future. So you won't be seeing Light until my next Standby phase. This triggers Light's effect, which will summon a Fortune Lady directly from my deck. I summon Fortune Lady Earth (Atk:2400). I'll end my turn with a face-down.'

(Hassleberry hand: Dinowrestler Capaptera, Fossil Dig, Fossil Dig, Dinowrestler Coelsilat, World Dino Wrestling, Graceful Charity)

Hassleberry: 'I draw, and I'm cashing in some Graceful Charity. I'll take these, discard these' 'Excuse me, you didn't ask if I had a response' Jade reprimanded him strictly. 'Eh?' 'On your activation of Graceful Charity, I'll activate Bending Destiny. So I'll negate and banish Graceful Charity, and you can have it back at the end of your turn.' This really frustrated Hassleberry, who had to think of a new plan on the fly. 'I'll activate World Dino Wrestling, and use my Fossil Dig to get Dinowrestler Iguanodraka to my hand. Once I've done that, I'll summon Dinowrestler Coelsilat because you control more monsters than me (Atk:100).'

'Now I'll tune Level 2 Coelsilat and Level 6 Iguanodraka, so I can summon Dinowrestler Giga Spinosavate (Atk:3000.' 'Ooh, big dinosaur with big muscles, I am scared' Jade joked. 'Don't worry, you shouldn't be scared yet, that's what his effect is for.' 'Is it now.' 'Yep, the effect to destroy Fortune Lady Earth.' As Spinosavate launched himself, he grasped Earth in a life-risking tackle, dragging it across the ground. 'Now he'll attack directly.' With the attack came in, Jade braced herself, but still grimaced, her left arm clearly causing issues still (Jade LP:8000-5000). 'I'll end my turn, you've probably had enough anyway.'

It was at this juncture that as Jade drew for turn, Rio briefly signalled to the referee. 'Jade Goocheneyad is calling a two minute medical timeout.' As this happened, Jade looked over, surprised. 'What's going on?' 'Your sleeve's sticking to your blisters. Take your jacket off, get this on it.' As she passed an ice pack over, Jade smiled. 'You've been getting so much better with your speech recently.' 'Jade, I'm not a baby, you don't need to reassure me all the time. Just get that on your arm, you've not got long.' Jade slid off her jacket, to reveal a badly blistered arm, having been burned against Akiza. As he saw this, Hassleberry's entire demeanour changed. 'Sam hill, that looks nasty a f. And to think I was making a big deal over a few cuts and bruises.'

With the ice painfully administered, Jade tossed the small pack over to Rio, and thanked her without words, a look being all that was needed. Jade then went to continue her turn, but got distracted by the fans, who had entertained themselves during the stoppage by singing the Duran Duran song "Rio", and were getting increasingly loud. Eventually Rio herself had to quieten them down by walking up to them, and charming them with some banter.

(Jade hand: Fortune Lady Past, Fortune Vision, Fortune Fairy Hikari)

Jade: 'I draw. I drew Fortune Fairy Hikari for turn, and when I draw her, I can reveal her and summon her out (Atk:0). Then with her effect, she'll go straight to the grave and I'll replace her with a Level 1 Spellcaster from my deck. Meet Fortune Lady Past (Atk:?-200). Then at the Standby phase, Light returns, and both of my monsters gain a Level through their effects (Light Atk:?-400, Past Atk:200-400, Level:1-2x2). Then I'll activate Fortune Vision, which searches out Fortune Lady Calling. Now Calling can be activated, summoning Fortune Lady Water (Atk:?-1200). Now Water's effect activates, drawing two cards because I control another Fortune Lady.'

'Now Level 2 Past, tune to Level 2 Light and Level 4 Water, so I can summon Beelze of the Diabolic Dragons (Atk:3000). Beelze, attack Spinosavate.' 'By destroying my World Dino Wrestling, my Spinosavate survives.' 'I end my turn.'

(Hassleberry hand: Fossil Dig, Graceful Charity, Ground Xeno)

Hassleberry: 'I draw. I'll Graceful Charity, that ok by you?' 'Absolutely, and thank you for asking nicely.' 'You're welcome. I'll discard these two, and then activate Fighting Spirit, equipping to Spinosavate and giving him 300 more Attack points (Atk:3300), before ending my turn.'

(Jade hand: Fortune's Future, Fortune Lady Dark, One for One)

Jade: 'I draw. You want me to attack your monster, that's what I'll do.' Hassleberry showed some frustration at this, having been attempting to buy more time (Jade LP:5000-4700, Beelze Atk:3000-3300). 'I end my turn.'

(Hassleberry hand: Fossil Dig, Dinowrestler Systegosaur, Dinowrestler Eskrimamenchi, Dinowrestler Rambrachio)

Hassleberry: 'I draw. I'll just end my turn.'

(Jade hand: Fortune's Future, Fortune Lady Dark, One for One, Twin Twisters)

Jade: 'I'll draw, then attack straight away.' 'Yeah, I'll have to use Fighting Spirit's effect here to save my monster.' As the Equip spell went away (Spinosavate Atk:3300-3000), Jade started to sniff an opportunity. 'Just need to get you low enough. I'll end my turn.'

(Hassleberry hand: Fossil Dig, Dinowrestler Systegosaur, Dinowrestler Eskrimamenchi, Dinowrestler Rambrachio, Hammer Shot)

Hassleberry: 'I draw. I'll end my turn with this face-down.'

(Jade hand: Fortune's Future, Fortune Lady Dark, One for One, Twin Twisters, Fortune Lady Calling)

Jade: 'I draw. I'll attack your monster with Beelze.' 'Yeah, I'll destroy my face-down Hammer Shot instead.' 'I end my turn.'

(Hassleberry hand: Fossil Dig, Dinowrestler Systegosaur, Dinowrestler Eskrimamenchi, Dinowrestler Rambrachio, Malevolent Nuzzler)

Hassleberry: 'I draw.' Seeing the card, he grinned. 'Heh, how about this one - Malevolent Nuzzler. It increases the attack of my Spinosavate by 700 (Atk:3000-3700). And since you're not going to stop attacking, I'll just have to beat you to the punch. Rise up soldier!' The newly empowered Spinosavate came charging at Beelze, slamming it into the ground (Jade LP:4700-4300, Beelze Atk:3300-3700). 'I end my turn.'

(Jade hand: Fortune's Future, Fortune Lady Dark, One for One, Twin Twisters, Fortune Lady Calling, Riryoku)

Jade: 'All that bluster for a few hundred? I draw. You're about to take more than a scratch, when I activate Riryoku. This halves the Attack power of your Spinosavate, but don't worry, they're going to good use, because Beelze just got a bit more diabolicly devastating (Spinosavate Atk:3700-1850, Beelze Atk:3700-4550). Now Beelze can attack your Giga Spinosavate.' Beelze's two heads both got into the action, breathing hot lava onto Spinosavate, which survived only by destroying its own equip card (Hassleberry LP:8000-5250, Spinosavate Atk:1850-1500). 'Malevolent Nuzzler's effect when it leaves the field deals you 700 damage (Jade LP:4300-3600). 'That's fine, I'll end my turn, and Riryoku wears off. I'm glad I'm not doing the math (Spinosavate Atk:3000, Beelze Atk:3700).

(Hassleberry hand: Fossil Dig, Dinowrestler Systegosaur, Dinowrestler Eskrimamenchi, Dinowrestler Rambrachio, Mirror Force)

Hassleberry: 'I draw. I'll switch my monster to Defence (Def.:0), and end my turn with a face-down.'

(Jade hand: Fortune's Future, Fortune Lady Dark, One for One, Twin Twisters, Fortune Lady Calling, Fortune Lady Past)

Jade: 'I draw. I'll continue attacking your monster.' 'I'll just protect it by sending Mirror Force. Feel like I've been hit by a Mirror Force here, you're good.' 'I'm trying, you're pretty persistent to be fair. I'll end my turn.'

(Hassleberry hand: Fossil Dig, Dinowrestler Systegosaur, Dinowrestler Eskrimamenchi, Dinowrestler Rambrachio, Dinowrestler Pankratops)

Hassleberry: 'I draw. I'll end my turn, hold that for next turn.'

(Jade hand: Fortune's Future, Fortune Lady Dark, One for One, Twin Twisters, Fortune Lady Calling, Fortune Lady Past, Secret Village of the Spellcasters)

Jade: 'This is my chance. I draw, then activate Fortune Lady Calling, to summon Fortune Lady Fire from my deck (Atk:?-400). And she really puts the burn in burn damage, because she destroys your monster and you take all its Attack as damage. How do you like your dinosaurs? Because I like mine nice and charred.' The red Fortune Lady shot a flaming tornado out of her staff, making Spinosavate dry out and disintegrate (Hassleberry LP:5250-2250). 'Beelze, for game.' Beelze's two heads both shot out, one after the other, surging through Hassleberry to end the duel (Hassleberry LP:2250-0).

The duel over, Jade punched the air in delight, as the fans applauded. As she celebrated, her foe walked up to her, and held his fist out to her. 'You got me this time. Hope the arm's ok.' 'It'll be fine thanks. Hope your head's ok as well.' 'Eh, just a few scratches. You'd better believe that I'll get you next time though, I know your game now.' 'You'd better believe I'm going to be much better the next time we face off.' She then accepted the fist-bump, and he left to let her enjoy the victory.

Backstage

The interviews for the main event continued, as Chazz was talking. 'So Chazz, what makes you think it's going to be you walking out with the WDC Championship later?' He smirked, and stated confidently 'Because I'm simply unbeatable. Nobody can live with the Thunder when I step in there, it's like a lion taking on a bunch of lame zebras, all trying to look different but ultimately they're all the same. They're all fools, idiots, and tonight, they're all going to lose.'

'So you don't think there's any competition in such a stacked field?' 'Competition?' He smirked again. 'Where's the competition - Astrid the Awful? The viking so famous that she constantly has to remind people she isn't her Uncle? Claude, the Big Dumb Idiot who's so busy abusing boring nerds he never worked on being more than a 4th rate duellist.' 'Phil's the world champion' 'Who?' 'Phil, the World champion, big guy, red mohawk' 'Oh, Three Steps from Retirement, I get you now. I'm going to embarrass him so much he won't ever leave his kid. And I'm sure as hell not concerned about Angelina Ballerina, I just hope she doesn't try and dance for me. Needless to say, it's going to be a walk in the park. Get my name plates ready, I expect them on as soon as I leave with the belt, otherwise I'll take you all to court.'

In the duelling zone, Kris walked out, to a good reaction, dressed in a brown leather jacket and custom trousers created for him by Katie, with the word "Saviour" down each leg. 'The following duel is under Standard rules. Introducing first, representing the Renegade Nation, from Pleasure City, the Saviour of Misbehaviour, Kris Travis.' He wandered down, while being introduced by the commentators. "Kris Travis is a very skillful competitor who has picked a fight with the biggest dog he could find here, and that's just the way he likes it. He's the Renegades' intel man, and his sneaky SPYRAL deck revolves around intel, taking a peek at the card on top of the opponent's deck and using that to determine his plays. His Sleeper and Last Resort combo is truly a deadly sight as well, so Sledgehammer may have his work cut out here."

While Kris waited, Sledgehammer appeared, with Nico and Chazz by his side. 'Introducing his opponent, from Kabukicho, Tokyo, Japan, he is the LFD Master Champion - The Sledgehammer!' Walking down slowly, he grunted, not taking his opponent seriously as Kris watched on completely calmly, while the commentators talked. "The Sledgehammer is from the Leo Federation, and is renowned worldwide for his dangerous nature. He is apparently using an Ancient Warriors deck here, leaning into his heritage, as he claims to be the descendant of a warlord from 3000 years ago. We'll see if he has the skills in battle to overcome a tricky opponent."

The Sledgehammer LP:8000 vs. Kris Travis LP:8000

(Sledgehammer hand: Ancient Warriors Saga - Borrowing of Arrows, Ancient Warriors - Deceptive Jia Wen, Ancient Warriors Saga - Three Visits, Ancient Warriors - Loyal Guan Yun, Ancient Warriors - Rebellious Lu Feng)

Turn 1: Sledgehammer (Nico): 'The Sledgehammer draws! You asked to see his unbeatable deck and now you will, he activates the Ancient Warriors Saga - Three Visits.' 'That's what I'm talking about.' 'Then he will summon the Ancient Warriors - Deceptive Jia Wen (Atk:1100). This triggers Three Visits to add a different Attributed Ancient Warrior to the unbeatable Sledgehammer's hand. He has chosen to add Valiant Zhang De, a truly astounding choice I'm sure you'll agree. Afterwards, the invincible Sledgehammer will'

Kris cut him off at this moment. 'Hey, could you… maybe speed this up a bit? Just my girlfriend's duelling later and I want to spend some time with her, so if you could just… I don't know, stop talking so much, that'd be awesome.' 'I apologise, I just want the world to wake up to the magnificence of the future WDC and World Champion, the force that will dominate the entire industry for the rest of time. The awe-inspiring power of the Sledgehammer! He will continue his turn by summoning Rebellious Lu Feng, because he controls the strongest Ancient Warrior on the field (Atk:2800). Now he will add Loyal Guan Yun to his arsenal, because he controls two Ancient Warriors (Atk:2500). Our champion will set one card in his Spell and Trap zone and end his successful turn. All hail the Sledgehammer!'

(Kris hand: SPYRAL Quik-Fix, SPYRAL Super Agent, Magician's Souls, The Eye of Timaeus, SPYRAL Super Agent, SPYRAL Tough)

Kris: 'Look, I tried putting it nicely, but I have to be honest with you Nico, there's something I want to ask you.' 'Why yes, we could talk about management, when do you have time?' 'Nah, not that, I was gonna ask you to shut the fuck up, you're boring my ass off here.' The crowd roared Kris on with this comment, with him enjoying being the most popular person in Las Vegas all of a sudden. 'I'll activate Magician's Souls, sending Dark Magician from my deck to the graveyard, and Souls from my hand to revive it (Atk:2500).' Summoning this classic monster brought nothing but scorn from Nico.

'The immensely astounding Sledgehammer may be using the might of the Ancient Warriors, but it appears you are the one who has brought a relic.' 'Nah, that's my girlfriend' he responded, making the crowd laugh. 'But, if you want to see something more modern, I can help you out. I activate the Eye of Timaeus. This'll tribute Dark Magician to create something a lil' bit more 21st century. I summon my Dark Cavalry (Atk:2800).' 'Impressive monster, small fry' Sledgehammer himself responded in perfectly clear English, making it unclear why Nico was talking for him. 'He may look decent now, but how about when every Spell or Trap on the field or in the graveyard gives him another 100 Attack points (Atk:2800-3000). Attack Lu Feng with Spiral Joust.' 'The Sledgehammer will activate the effect of Rebellious Lu Feng, to destroy your monster with the highest Attack.' 'Not this time, Cavalry negates an effect which targets it. I just have to discard this SPYRAL Super Agent.' This smart thinking from Kris resulted in Lu Feng taking the fall, and Sledgehammer taking a small hit (Sledgehammer LP:8000-7800). 'I end my turn.'

(Sledgehammer hand: Ancient Warriors Borrowing of Arrows, Ancient Warriors - Valiant Zhang De, Ancient Warriors - Fearsome Zhang Yuan)

Sledgehammer: 'The unbeatable Sledgehammer draws' 'When you see the unbeatable Sledgehammer turn up, let me know mate, because all I'm seeing at the moment is a totally average dude who can't even speak for himself. Say what you like about the Renegades, at least we're allowed to talk.' 'The Sledgehammer doesn't need to talk, he prefers to… let his actions talk. And you and your pathetic group of misfits could never stand up to his quality. He will activate his Ancient Warriors - Borrowing of Arrows, targeting Dark Cavalry and halving its Attack points.'

'You really don't listen do you? I'll discard Quik-Fix with Cavalry to negate (Atk:3000-3100).' 'The Sledgehammer will now attack Cavalry with Jia Wen?' Nico looked concerned at this, but his client had a plan. 'Ah, Sledgehammer activates the effect of Fearsome Zhang Yuan, to summon itself and take away 1000 Attack points from your Dark Cavalry (Atk:2300; Cavalry Atk:3100-2100). In addition, Zhang Yuan stops Jia Wen from being destroyed in battle.' Jia Wen's attack still went through, with Sledgehammer taking some more damage (Sledgehammer LP:7900-6900). 'Now the Sledgehammer will attack again with Zhang Yuan.' The fearsome Ancient Warrior drew his sword, and cut down the Cavalry (Kris LP:8000-7800). 'I end my turn.'

(Kris hand: SPYRAL Super Agent, SPYRAL Tough, SPYRAL Double Agent)

Kris: 'I draw. I'll summon SPYRAL Tough (Atk:1900). Then because I control a SPYRAL already, I can summon the sneaky SPYRAL Double Agent.' 'The Sledgehammer decrees that you can summon as many of your puny monsters as you care to, for he will never lose to them.' 'That's awesome mate, but I'm summoning it to his field. He also gives all SPYRALs 500 Attack (Atk:1400, Tough Atk:2400)). Now we both have to reveal the top card of our decks.' Kris quickly flipped his SPYRAL MISSION: Assault up, while his opponent grunted, and showed Ancient Warriors - Deception and Betrayal. 'I activate the effect of SPYRAL Super Agent, and I'm going to say the card on the top of your deck is a Spell. Am I right?'

As he asked, Sledgehammer grunted something inaudible, which Nico decided to translate, despite not having a clue what was said. 'Ahem, the Sledgehammer says that your whole charade of a guessing game isn't even slightly funny.' 'Look, just because you don't have a sense of humour, don't ruin it for everyone else. Anyway, I'll summon Super Agent (Atk:1900-2400), and Link off my two monsters into the DNA of destruction, Link 2, SPYRAL Double Helix (Atk:1900-2400, Arrows: Left, Bottom Centre).' This didn't appear to intimidate Sledgehammer though, as Nico was more than happy to crow about.

'You may talk a big game, but The Sledgehammer eats people who talk a bigger game for breakfast. Your moves insult and amuse him, so for now he will let you continue your farce.' 'We'll see if you still think it's a farce when I use Double Helix's effect to predict the top card of your deck as a Spell? Or would you like me to skip to adding SPYRAL Sleeper to my hand? By banishing Tough and Quik-Fix from my graveyard, I can summon Sleeper (Atk:2800-3300). Then I'll use the effect of Sleeper, to destroy Double Helix, alongside Zhang Yuan and Three Visits.' Sleeper powered up wih electricity crackling around it, before unleashing a vicious storm of static which wiped out all three cards instantly. 'Now through the effect of Double Agent, my Sleeper can attack directly.' The circular gadget on Sleeper's hefty arm opened up into a large cannon, which shot out a laser, hitting the Double Agent (Sleeper Atk:2800). 'I end my turn.'

(Sledgehammer hand: Ancient Warriors - Valiant Zhang De, Ancient Warriors - Deception and Betrayal)

Sledgehammer: 'The awe-inspiring Sledgehammer draws' 'You really swallowed a dictionary didn't you?' 'Laugh all you like, for he has drawn Deception and Betrayal, two things your group are fully familiar with, for you are built on deception and betrayal.' 'You don't know the first thing about us.' 'It's clear for everyone to see. As is Ancient Warriors - Valiant Zhang De. He can summon it without tribute by paying 100 Life points for each of its Levels through Deception and Betrayal. And Zhang De gains 300 Attack for each of your active monsters (Atk:2700-3000, Sledgehammer LP:6900-6200). 'I'll use Sleeper's effect immediately, destroying both your cards and itself.' The resulting explosion of electricity from Sleeper wiped out the entire field, leaving a total stalemate. 'The Sledgehammer confidently ends his turn, knowing there is nothing you can do.'

(Kris hand: SPYRAL MISSION: Assault)

Kris: 'I draw. I'll set this and pass.'

(Sledgehammer hand: Ancient Warriors - Masterful Sun Mou)

Sledgehammer: 'The unbelievable Sledgehammer draws! He will summon Ancient Warriors - Masterful Sun Mou (Atk:1800). Sun Mou will then attack directly.' Kris had no choice but to take the spinning aqua blades of Sun Mou, dropping his total (Kris LP:7800-6000). 'He ends his turn.'

(Kris hand: SPYRAL Master Plan)

Kris: 'I draw. I'll just end my turn.'

(Sledgehammer hand: Ancient Warriors - Deception and Betrayal)

Sledgehammer: 'The dominant force of the Sledgehammer will draw, then attack once more.' For the second turn in a row, there was little Kris could do, but take the attack (Kris LP:6000-4200). 'The business done, he will end his turn.'

(Kris hand: Raigeki)

Kris: 'I draw.' After some time spent contemplating his move, he took a risk. 'I've probably got a turn, I'll end my turn.' It was a move which would soon prove to be a mistake.

(Sledgehammer hand: Ancient Warriors - Deception and Betrayal, Savage Don Ying)

Sledgehammer: 'The Sledgehammer draws to unleash his fury. He will activate another copy of Deception and Betrayal, making you face your demons again.' 'What demons? I don't believe in Deception and Betrayal, we're all about loyalty and commitment.' 'Your commitment will be tested when Sledgehammer uses his Spell to summon Ancient Warriors - Savage Don Ying (Atk:2200, Sledgehammer LP:6200-5600). 'Both of his monsters can now attack.' The fierce flurry of attacks quickly brought Kris down to just 200 Life points, and he was about to learn why that was bad (Kris LP:4200-200). 'The Sledgehammer ends his turn, and reminds you that you cannot activate cards while Don Ying is on the field until you pay the tax of 400 Life points. The unbeaten Sledgehammer ends his turn, and will await your pathetic concession.'

(Kris hand: Raigeki, Rank-up Magic: Renegades Unite!)

Kris: 'it's weird you kept talking about deception and betrayal, because when it comes down to it' he paused for a moment mid-sentence to flip Sledgehammer the bird, before concluding 'We're all Renegades united (Kris LP:200-0).'

Post-duel, Sledgehammer roared and raised both his arms aloft in victory. Kris didn't seem overly upset by his defeat though, instead walking away, laughing. Backstage, he encountered Maddy, and she patted him on the back. 'Good job there.' 'Would have liked to last longer, but at least we now know his deck.' 'Information is king, Now we have that, we can use it. You did good, we will repay you, I promise.' 'I know, no big deal. I volunteered for all this.' 'Yeah, well I'm still not leaving you empty handed at the end. You didn't have to volunteer.' 'The revolution needs people to take a fall sometimes. Better me than you or 'trid.'

Backstage

As the hour of the main event approached, Phil was being interviewed, as he sat alongside Freja. 'Phil, tonight you have the opportunity to become a six time WDC Champion, only the 3rd we've had. What would it mean to win the title?' 'Everything, because I am trying to show my students, the Dynasty, that you can achieve anything if you put enough work in. You've seen the results from them, and I am so proud of all of them. Take Freja for example.' Her ears perked up as she heard him say this.

'She has worked so hard to get where she is right now, she has spent her entire life being told that she's useless, that she can't do it, and thinking she's got nothing to offer outside of looks. Well now she's proving that she has so much more to offer, she is a true star in the making. And her tag partner, Belle. Belle has literally almost no experience, she has been duelling for a couple of months, nothing more. And yet, she's already challenging people with years and years of doing this, she's taken to it naturally like perhaps nobody I've ever seen.'

'Then you have Rio, and I mean you know all she's been through, the fact she's not just persevered through all of it, but the fact that she just gets on with it, doesn't complain, works as hard as nearly anybody else, is just incredible. And I can't forget Kenzie and Denzil, I've not worked with them much yet, but they have so much potential and work ethic and willing. And then Blair, she's the glue of all of us and I've never encountered a harder worker, someone will will put everything into the most basic training, someone who only has designs on making themselves better. I am just so unbelievably proud of all of them, and the fact that I get to be a part of their journey is just an absolute honour.' 'Yes, that's all fantastic, but… about the title match tonight?' He just laughed, and said 'Oh that? Oh I'm going to win, don't worry', before walking off.

Elsewhere, Blair was talking about her duel with Akiza, but she looked somehow different, wearing a Renegades hoodie with the hood firmly up, her face hidden by a crimson kabuki mask with a single black dahlia painted on the left cheek. 'What you're about to witness is not going to be a beautiful duel between two ballet artists aiming for glory. What you are going to witness is going to be long and slow and painful, it's going to be a scrap between two people who hate each other so severely that they will go to hell and back just to inflict pain and misery. Akiza, you want to eliminate me? Well get in line, you're not the first and not the last. And like everyone else, you don't stand a chance. Whatever the outcome, I'll always come back. What happens next is your own doing. All for the Renegades.'

Blair Flannigan LP:8000 vs. Akiza Izinski LP:8000

(Blair hand: Shaddoll Fusion, Artifact Sanctum, Shaddoll Dragon, The Book of the Law, Artifact Ignition)

Blair: 'Set a monster, set three back, pass.' 'Someone's talkative today. Or did your "master" cut your tongue?' 'The only power I bow to is that of the Renegades.' 'Ah yes, the great defender, Maddy's biggest fan, and the true disciple of the way, even though she doesn't know what the way she worships is.' 'I'd tell you, but you'd never understand. Because the only thing you worship is yourself.' Akiza laughed at the thought. 'If only you really knew what I truly serve, you wouldn't be nearly so confident.' 'Why don't you tell me then?' 'I would, but I simply can't. Besides, it wouldn't be something that someone of your understanding could grasp.'

(Akiza hand: Child's Play, Blessed Winds, Dian Keto the Cure Master, Blue Rose Dragon, Aromage Rosemary, Aromage Jasmine)

Akiza: 'I'll draw, and activate Child's Play, before summoning Aromaseraphy Jasmine (Atk:100). Then I'll activate Dian Keto the Cure Master, to top up my Life points (Akiza LP:8000-9000), triggering Jasmine's effect, and allowing me to Normal summon Aromage Rosemary (Atk:1800).' This was the trigger for Blair to reveal the adaptation of her strategy. 'I activate Artifact Sanctum, to summon Artifact Scythe from my deck (Atk:2200).' This caught Akiza off-guard. 'What's this now?' 'Scythe's effect activates when summoned on your turn, and locks you out of your Extra deck for the rest of the turn. So no Synchros, no Links, nothing. I'm going to beat you nice and slow, savour every single moment.'

'You've changed.' 'Quite simply, I hate you. You pushed one of my friends down a flight of stairs, tried to set my girlfriend on fire, and you hired someone to try and kill my best friend.' Akiza didn't deny this, but smiled. 'Oh so innocent aren't you? Don't pretend you've never done anything' 'I've never tried to kill anyone!' 'Be honest, you'd do whatever you were ordered to. Poor little girl just wanted a family, let's be real though, you only joined because your cousin took pity on you. He saw how pathetic you looked. Like a lost little puppy dog.' This comment was designed purely to antagonise, but Akiza quickly noticed she wasn't getting the response she wanted. Instead of riling up with furious anger, Blair stood there, completely stone-faced.

'I know.' 'Huh?' 'The only reason he invited me in was because he wanted to manage me. He didn't know we were cousins, but I didn't do shit to earn my place. But I worked on it, I made myself important. Like everything in my life, I made it because I put everything into it. So you can take your taunts and stick them up your ass, because I really don't care. Psychological warfare only works if the other person gives a shit what people think of them.' 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Blair hand: Shaddoll Fusion, Artifact Vajra)

Blair: 'I draw. I'll set this card face-down and then activate my face-down Artifact Ignition, which will destroy my face-down Artifact Vajra, and replace it with Artifact Scythe. Then I'll use Vajra's effect to summon itself (Atk:1800, Akiza LP:9000-9300), and overlay Vajra and Scythe to Xyz summon Rank 5, Artifact Durendal (Atk:2400, Akiza LP:9300-9600).' 'Because I gained Life points, I draw a card through the effect of Jasmine.' 'Like I care. Durendal, attack Rosemary.' Akiza looked somewhat surprised as the sword-like Artifact flew across the battlefield and impaled Rosemary (Akiza LP:9600-9000). 'After all that, I'm right back where I started. Good job.' 'In case you weren't listening earlier, I'm here for a good time, and that just happens to be a long time. Thing is, I've got the engine to roll all day, but I don't think you can last the course. I'm a Mustang and you're just a little bit pony.'

As the crowd cheered Blair on for her comments, Akiza remained as stoic as ever. 'I'll stay here as long as I have to. Because the longer I'm here, the more you suffer. And soon, you'll join your oh-so-lovely grandmama, except you won't have the choice about it, you won't have the easy way out that she did. Or did she not tell you that?' Again though, this didn't work as intended. 'She took her own life because she had her ending. Because her ending was having around her the one person who only cared about her, who wasn't thinking of themselves. There's plenty of story after that, but someone like you doesn't deserve to know.'

(Akiza hand: Dried Winds, Aromaseraphy Angelica)

Akiza: 'I draw. I'll set another card face-down, and then activate the effect of Aromaseraphy Angelica in my hand. I discard her, and then gain Life points equal to those of Rosemary in my graveyard (Akiza LP:9000-10,800). Jasmine then draws me a card. Now I'll use my face-down Blessed Winds. By paying 1000 Life points (Akiza LP:10,800-9800), I can revive Rosemary (Atk:1800). And because my Life points exceed your total, I can summon back Angelica from my graveyard (Atk:0). Now I'll Synchro summon using all three, to bring out Aromaseraphy Sweet Marjoram (Atk:2200). Sweet Marjoram's effect when she's summoned adds Humid Winds from my deck to my hand. I'll set it, and then I'll simply end my turn.'

(Blair hand: Shaddoll Fusion, Curse of the Shadow Prison)

Blair: 'I draw. I've got a Field spell to activate, and you're not going to like it at all - Curse of the Shadow Prison.' The field barely changed as she activated this, but patches of black sludge started intermittently appearing. 'Now I'll activate Shaddoll Fusion, fusing Shaddoll Hedgehog and Spellstone Sorcerer Karood from my deck into El Shaddoll Construct (Atk:2800, Akiza LP:9800-10,100). And for every Shaddoll sent to my graveyard like that, Shadow Prison gets a Spellstone Counter (Counters:0-2). When Construct's summoned, she sends a Shaddoll card to my graveyard, and I think I'm sending Shaddoll Core. Then Core will add back Shaddoll Fusion to my hand. Construct, attack Sweet Marjoram.' 'I'll flip up my face-down Dried Winds, and then use Blessed Winds to shuffle back Rosemary into my deck, gaining 500 Life points (Akiza LP:10,100-10,600). And through the effect of Dried Winds, I can destroy Construct because I gained Life points (Spellstone Counters:2-3).' 'Well because Construct went to the graveyard, I can bring back Shaddoll Core to my hand. I end my turn with a face-down. Oh, and when your turn begins, your monsters all lose 100 Attack for each Counter on my Prison (Marjoram Atk:2200-1900).'

(Akiza hand: Roxrose Dragon)

Akiza: 'I draw and I'll summon Roxrose Dragon (Atk:1600-1300).' 'For someone who just wants to hurt me, you sure seem to be in a rush.' 'Because there are so many ways I can hurt you. Like that precious World Number 1 spot, I can just carve that away from you, and suddenly, that's half your identity gone. Not that you had much to begin with. Roxrose, clean up her face-down monster.' Roxrose, graceful in appearance, simply jumped at Blair's monster (Shaddoll Dragon Def.:0), and bit it, destroying it. 'When Shaddoll Dragon is flipped up, I can return any card on the field to the hand. I'll choose one of my face-downs.' 'Very bold, or did you just realise you can't harm Marjoram?' Blair stayed silent, amusing Akiza. 'Cat got your tongue? Or did I burn it off already? I'll end my turn.'

(Blair hand: Shaddoll Fusion, The Book of the Law, Shaddoll Core, Artifact Sanctum)

Blair: 'I draw, and I'll activate Shaddoll Fusion. As you know, I can use monsters from my deck for this. What you don't know though, is that I can remove three Spellstone Counters from Curse of the Shadow Prison (Counters:3-0), and use your Sweet Marjoram as a material.' This appeared to shake Akiza slightly, as Blair continued her plays. 'I fuse together Sweet Marjoram and Shaddoll Squamata to summon El Shaddoll Shekinaga (Def.:3000, Counters:0-1, Akiza LP:10,600-11,100). And because Squamata was a material, I can now send Helshaddoll Hollow to the graveyard (Counters:1-2). And with Hollow, for every attribute of monster on the field, I can send an additional card from my deck to my graveyard. But when I do that, I'll chain Shaddoll Core, declaring it to be a Water monster (Def.:1950, Akiza LP:11,100-11,600). That means I get to send three cards, for three attributes (Shaddoll Squamata, Shaddoll Hedgehog, Aleister the Invoker, Spellstone Counters:2-4). 'I'll reneg to activate any effects, and then I'll end my turn.' 'Well I'll still use Blessed Winds, to shuffle back Angelica into my deck and gain 500 (Akiza LP:11,600-12,100). Then Dried Winds will destroy your Shekinaga.' The warm winds blew across the field, taking down Shekhinaga, but Blair didn't seem remotely concerned.

(Akiza hand: Ancient Leaf)

Akiza: 'I draw. Since I have so many Life points, I'll use Ancient Leaf. This forces me to pay 2000 Life points, but draw two cards (Akiza LP:12,100-10,100). 'I'll summon Aromage Rosemary (Atk:1800), and then tune Level 3 Roxrose Dragon to Level 4 Rosemary. If the Black Rose is what you wanted, it's what you will get, but don't blame me when you get burned by the flames. I am the Black Rose, and I Synchro summon Black Rose Dragon (Atk:2400). Now I'll use my Dragon's effect to banish Rosemary from my graveyard, and switch your Core to Attack mode, negating its effects and taking away all of its Attack.' Blair then had a surprise for her. 'I activate the effect of Artifact Durendal. By detaching a material from it, Black Rose's effect now reads "Destroy one Spell or Trap your opponent controls". So you've got a 50/50 choice, but either one's far from good.'

'I'll just destroy the one on the left.' 'Ooh, bad choice, Artifact Sanctum. So I'll activate it, summoning Artifact Moralltach (Atk:2100, Akiza LP:10,100-10,400), and then when Sanctum is destroyed, so is your Dragon.' As the Sanctum was ruptured by Black Rose's thorns, all the weapons held in it immediately crashed into the Dragon, crushing it under the weight. 'And now Moralltach destroys Blasted Winds.' Blair's pun was followed by Moralltach slicing through Blessed Winds, removing a thorn from Blair's side. Akiza though, was fuming. 'My beautiful Dragon, humiliated by absolute scum. You really will pay.' 'Is that Akiza finally waking up? Well too bad, we've been here for 18 minutes and I intend on keeping you here for a while. The only odds you're battling against isn't beating me, it's getting home to Washington before the end of the season.' 'Funny. Well I'm going to be the one laughing soon. I end my turn.'

(Blair hand: The Book of the Law, Invocation)

Blair: 'I draw.' 'Why don't you have some more cards while you're at it?' 'Pardon?' 'I activate Side Effects?. This allows you to draw between one and three cards, and then for each one you decide to draw, I gain 2000 Life points.' 'No issue, I'll draw 3.' Akiza looked very surprised as her Life points shot back up (Akiza LP:10,400-16,400). 'Why would you allow me to get so high?' 'Well it's not like you're killing me any time soon. Might as well set some records while we're here. I'll set two more cards, and then set a monster, and pass.' Akiza saw that Blair had forgotten to attack, and just smiled to herself. ("She's already lost it, I didn't expect it to be this easy, but it just shows that she was never worth it").

(Akiza hand: Aroma Jar)

Akiza: 'I draw. I'll just set a monster and pass. You really are a pathetic specimen aren't you? So hyped up and yet, it was all bluster, because the only person who ever believed in you was a brain damaged bitch who's barely hanging on.' Blair just stared though her as she said this. 'Come on, give us a little flicker of care.' 'Why would I? Why would I care what you think of me? I know you can't stand me, you never could. No amount of what you say can tell me any different, and there's nothing you can say that will make me hate you any more. I already hate you more than my "sister", and that's saying quite a lot when you know what she's put me through for… I want to say about 90% of my life.' Akiza was about to drop a bombshell that shocked everyone though.

'So you wouldn't hate me any more if I told you the truth about Claude.' 'What - that he's a sexist pig?' 'No, that I'm responsible for him raping you.' She didn't show it outwardly, but inside, Blair was enveloped by a cold sweat. 'I should probably explain for the… uninitiated. I wanted you out of our club that Hannah was building… so badly. So incredibly badly. So I talked to Claude, he already didn't like you, and I paid him… a motivating amount of money shall we say. To do whatever he had to in order to get rid of you for good. I had in mind faking a family emergency or maybe hazing you until you took your stinking ass back to Shelby. When he told me what he'd done, I was disgusted. But also, I was impressed, thinking that it would absolutely get rid of you. And then, you had to go and say something, rather than leaving. If you'd have said it in a goodbye message, I would have backed you up, that big oaf wouldn't have known better. Good enough for you? Or would you like the recording of what he said?'

(Blair hand: The Book of the Law, Aleister the Invoker, Artifact Failnaught, One Day of Peace, Magical Meltdown)

Blair: 'I draw. I summon Aleister the Invoker (Atk:1000).' 'Why aren't you reacting?' 'What does it change? I want to make you suffer anyway. I'll activate Aleister's effect to add Invocation to my hand. Now I'll Invocation, fusing Aleister with Artifact Failnaught from my hand to Fusion summon Invoked Mechaba (Atk:2500). Mechaba, attack her monster.' Mechaba rode in, spear loaded, burying its weapon into Akiza's monster (Aroma Jar Def.:500). 'Aroma Jar can't be destroyed in battle.' 'So it can't. I'll end my turn.'

(Akiza hand: Basal Rose Shoot

Akiza: 'I draw.' Akiza had a big decision to make at this point, but seeing Blair's hand so full, she quickly backed down. 'I end my turn and activate Aroma Jar's effect.' As Blair didn't make a move, Akiza prompted her. 'I said, I'm activating the effect of my Aroma Jar.' 'I know, I'm not deaf' the sarcastic reply came, making sections of the crowd laugh. 'I know what you're trying to do, but I'm not activating Mechaba (Akiza LP:16,400-16,900).

Blair hand: The Book of the Law, Artifact Failnaught, One Day of Peace, Magical Meltdown, Shaddoll Dragon)

Blair: 'I'll draw, set a monster, pass (Akiza LP:16,900-17,400).'

(Akiza hand: Basal Rose Shoot, Red Rose Dragon)

Akiza: 'I draw.' Seeing her hand, she decided it was time to unveil her plan. 'I activate my Spell card Basal Rose Shoot, to revive my majestic Black Rose Dragon.' 'It would be a real shame if some bitch from Michigan rocked up and… let's say she negates your Spell by discarding The Book of the Law for Mechaba.' Furious at her big opportunity being denied, Akiza silently ended her turn (Akiza LP:17,400-17,900). Despite the Life point difference, it now felt like Blair was the one in control.

(Blair hand: Artifact Failnaught, One Day of Peace, Magical Meltdown, Life Equaliser)

Blair: 'I draw.' As she did, she saw a card which could completely transform the duel. 'I'll set a card and pass (Akiza LP:17,900-18,400). I hope you're suffering here, because you've made all of us suffer for so long. So now, all I want to do is punish you, and if that means dissecting your deck piece by piece, that's your medicine. Because I'm good enough that I can do this all day long.'

(Akiza hand: Red Rose Dragon, Blue Rose Dragon)

Akiza: 'I draw.' Akiza stood around for nearly a full minute trying to come up with options, but drew a blank throughout, completely stumped at her next move. Eventually, she just resigned herself to a weak play. 'I'll set this monster and pass it back (Akiza LP:18,400-18,900).'

(Blair hand: Artifact Failnaught, One Day of Peace, Magical Meltdown, Jar of Greed)

Blair: 'I draw. I'll flip Shaddoll Dragon up (Atk:1900), and use it to bounce what I'm guessing is Blue Rose back.' As Dragon was flipping up, it released strings from underneath itself, which de-materialised Akiza's Dragon, forcing it back into the hand. 'I end my turn (Akiza LP:18,900-19,400).

(Akiza hand: Red Rose Dragon, Blue Rose Dragon, Visas Starfrost)

Akiza: 'Draw.' The moment Akiza laid eyes on the card, she knew it was time to push, unaware of Blair's tricks. 'I summon Blue Rose Dragon (Atk:1600).' 'Told you so.' 'Then I'll activate the effect of Visas Starfrost in my hand, to destroy a monster of a different Type and Attribute to Starfrost. So I'll destroy the Dark Dragon, Blue Rose Dragon in my graveyard and summon the Light Warrior, Visas Starfrost (Atk:2100). Now Level 6 Visas, tune to Level 1 Aroma Jar, to Synchro summon Ancient Sacred Wyvern (Atk:2100). For every Life point I have over yours, Wyvern gains Attack points. And I have a lot more Life than you, because yours is going to end in about one minute! (Atk:2100-13,500).' Before she delivered the final blow, Akiza gloated.

'Just think of how Ally's going to feel in that orphanage after you're gone. Because you're not surviving this, which leaves her with a half-dead wimp and a tactless stripper for family. Tell me, have you left the little one anything in your will?' Blair responded with the silent treatment, annoying her opponent. 'People like you shouldn't be parents! You don't care about her, she's just another weapon to you. You deserve everything you get. Wyvern, DESTROY HER!'

This should have brought Akiza a destructive and devastating victory. Instead, what it brought her was face-to-face with Blair's deviousness. 'This entire duel has gone just as planned. You spend the entire time loading up on Life points, desperate to slowly torture me to death. Because your approach hasn't changed. You're doing the same old thing every single time, which makes countering you that much easier. I activate Life Equaliser!' Akiza's face slowly melted from confidence to sheer devastation. 'Now all your advantage will be wiped out, and I don't even have to lay a finger on you. Because the difference in our Life points is 8000 or more, our Life points both become 3000 (Blair LP:8000-3000, Akiza LP:19,400-3000).' This move also caused Akiza's attack to backfire, with her Wyvern being destroyed (Akiza LP:3000-2700). 'I end my turn.'

(Blair hand: Artifact Failnaught, One Day of Peace, Magical Meltdown, Jar of Greed, Rank-up Magic Icaron's Force)

Blair: 'I draw. I'll attack you directly with Invoked Mechaba.' The mighty Fusion monster rode in on a powerful charge, spearing Akiza's once grand total down to mere shreds (Akiza LP:2700-200). 'Afterwards, I'll activate Magical Meltdown to add Aleister to my hand, set three and pass.'

(Akiza hand: Red Rose Dragon, One Day of Peace)

Akiza: 'I draw. I'll activate One Day of Peace. This allows both of us to draw a card, and then neither of us' 'I know how the card works, I'm literally playing 3 of 'em.' 'I end my turn.'

(Blair hand: Artifact Failnaught, Aleister the Invoker, Metamorphosis)

Blair: 'I draw, and activate Metamorphosis. This will allow me to tribute a monster on my field for a Fusion monster of an equal Level. So I'll tribute the Level 9 Invoked Mechaba.' This left Akiza questioning her opponent's tactics. 'What do you have…' The answer, as it turned out, was far less interesting than first feared. 'I'll summon the Level 9, Invoked Mechaba (Atk:2500).' While Akiza was stood, utterly underwhelmed, Blair continued her turn. 'Now I summon Aleister the Invoker (Atk:1000), and I'll use him to get Invocation. Then I'll Invocation, fusing my two Mechabas to Fusion summon the unbreakable, mythical Invoked Elysium (Def.:4000). I end my turn.'

(Akiza hand: Red Rose Dragon, White Rose Dragon)

Akiza: 'I draw. I summon White Rose Dragon (Atk:1200) When it's summoned, it revives a Rose Dragon resting in the graveyard, and I know just the one - Roxrose Dragon (Atk:1600). Now Roxrose can add a card mentioning Black Rose from my deck to my hand. I choose Blooming of the Darkest Rose. Now I'll tune Level 3 Roxrose to Level 4 White Rose, so I can summon the majestic Black Rose Moonlight Dragon (Atk:2400).' 'Since I'm going to lose it anyway I'll use Elysium immediately, banishing itself and everything you control. You know, since it's every attribute.' 'I know how your monster works.' 'Just making sure the stupidity hadn't rubbed off on you since leaving us. Iron sharpens iron, and dense rocks blunt each other.' 'Stupidity coming from you?' 'Have you forgotten how many Life points you had about 3 minutes ago?' Blair jibed in response, as Akiza passed her turn.

(Blair hand: Artifact Failnaught, Defence Draw)

Blair: 'I'll draw, set this backrow, switch Aleister (Atk:1000), attack.' 'I activate Blooming of the Darkest Rose. For each Field Spell on the Field or in the graveyards, I can summon a Rose Token (Def.:800x2).' As Blair redeclared, Aleister made one of the Tokens vanish with his magic. 'I'll pass. I'm done wasting words on you.'

(Akiza hand: Lonefire Blossom)

Akiza: 'I draw, and I'll summon Lonefire Blossom (Atk:500). Then Lonefire will tribute itself to summon another deadly threat to tear you apart - Tytanniel, Princess of Camellias (Ak:2800). Now my Princess, tear away at her body!' 'I activate Defence Draw. Aleister will be destroyed, but I take no damage, and draw a card in exchange.' As Aleister got torn up by the attack, Blair took her card, completely safe from harm. And by now, Akiza felt like she was running out of tools. ("What do I do? She just won't go away, she's like a cockroach, and I can't stamp her out. I've got my final weapon, but I need to assemble it first."). Eventually, she simply ended her turn, still trying to find a plan.

(Blair hand: Artifact Failnaught, Curse of the Shado Prison, Shaddoll Falco)

Blair: 'I draw. I'll set this monster and pass. If anything if I were you I'd just give up, you're chasing shadows at this point, running in ever-decreasing circles. Sooner or later, you're going to end up in hell.'

(Akiza hand: Doom Petal Countdown)

Akiza: 'I draw.' This draw gave Akiza an idea for an alternative way to victory. 'I'll set this and end my turn.'

(Blair hand: Artifact Failnaught, Curse of the Shadow Prison, Hand Destruction)

Blair: 'I draw.' Seeing the unusable card joining the rest of her hand, Blair took a moment to assess the field, opting to play cautiously. 'I'll set one and end my turn.' 'And I'll activate my new win condition - Doom Petal Countdown.' A storm of purple petals filled the battlefield as she did, the Vegas crowd applauding, captivated at the action. A lone voice then came with the roar of 'Come on Blair!', causing the rest of the audience to join in. 'I'll banish Lonefire Blossom from my graveyard to deal you with 300 points of damage (Blair LP:3000-2700).'

(Akiza hand: Lonefire Blossom)

Akiza: 'I draw. I summon Lonefire Blossom (Atk:500). And I'll tribute it to summon Talaya, Princess of Cherry Blossoms (Atk:2800).' 'Thank goodness, for a moment I thought you were summoning something good.' 'Big talk from someone who's got Squamata face-down. Talaya gains 100 Attack for every Plant on the field other than herself (Atk:2800-2900). Now attack.' Akiza got a surprise though, when instead of a useless Squamata (Talaya's effect protecting Akiza's monsters from destruction), she found Shaddoll Falco (Def.:1400). 'When Falco's flipped face-up, he brings back Shaddoll Dragon from my graveyard face-down.' Eager not to present further advantage to Blair, Akiza quickly ended her turn. 'I'll use Doom Petal, banishing the other Lonefire (Blair LP:2700-2400).'

(Blair hand: Curse of the Shadow Prison, Hand Destruction, Terminal Countdown)

Blair: 'I draw.' Looking at the draw, an idea emerged from her. 'I'll set two cards and pass turn.'

(Akiza hand: Evil Thorn)

Akiza: 'I draw. I'll summon my Evil Thorn (Atk:100), and use its effect to tribute it and summon two more, dealing 300 damage as I do (Atk:100x2, Blair LP:2400-2100). Now I'll overlay both Thorns to Xyz summon Slacker Magician (Def.:2100). I end my turn, and will banish Evil Thorn from my graveyard with Doom Petal (Blair LP:2100-1800).'

(Blair hand: Magical Meltdown)

Blair: 'I draw, and I'll activate my own win condition.' This shocked Akiza, who had long since presumed that Blair was playing to stall out indefinitely. 'The rush to your defeat begins now with Terminal Countdown! This locks me out of activating any other Spells or Traps while it's on the field, but during each of my turns, I can place a Spell or Trap face-down on my field. Once I've set four, that's 8000 damage. So I'll set Book of Taiyou, and end my turn.'

(Akiza hand: Burial from a Different Dimension)

Akiza: 'I'll activate my Burial from a Different Dimension, returning two Lonefire Blossoms and an Evil Thorn to my graveyard. That ends my turn, but not before I banish Evil Thorn again with my Countdown (Blair LP:1500-1200). Four more turns and you're done.'

(Blair hand: El Shaddoll Fusion)

Blair: 'You might wanna check your math because from where I'm standing, I've got you dead in two turns. That is, after I use my Terminal Countdown to set Dimension Explosion. I'll end my turn.'

(Akiza hand: Basal Rose Shoot)

Akiza: 'I draw and end my turn, banishing Lonefire again (Blair LP:1200-900).

(Blair hand: Five Card Salute)

Blair: 'I draw. That would be real nice if you weren't about to be dead. I'll use Terminal Coundown to set Final Destiny.' As she did, a siren sounded, which Akiza took to be Blair's trap. 'Fancy sound effects.' 'No idea what you're on about' Blair confidently stated in response, being totally in the zone.

(Akiza hand: Basal Rose Shoot, Red Rose Dragon)

Akiza: 'I draw.' Looking at her hand, she decided it was time. 'Prepare to burn! I summon Red Rose Dragon (Atk:1000). Then I can use my Basal Rose Shoot to revive Black Rose Dragon once more. And now, I will go further beyond, by tuning Level 3 Red Rose Dragon to Level 7 Black Rose Dragon. Let loose the feelings of revenge, as the blood sacrifice is made to the rose cross! I Synchro summon! Arise and burn, Blood Rose Dragon!' The sihllouette of a large dragon, covered in petals and with blood red thorns rose from nowhere, and the entire field evaporated in a lurid red mist, before Blair's Life points all got taken out, handing her a very rare singles loss (Blair LP:900-0).

After the duel, Akiza took a moment, calming down from the intense duel, and then looked around, confused as to why her music hadn't started. But then she looked up, and saw the clock's time in red, with the numbers "61:08" on there, and the announcer talking. 'I repeat, the result of this duel is a 60 minute time limit Draw.' As Akiza processed the Broadway result, Blair saw the Junction 7 flag lying nearby, and smacked Akiza in the back of the head with the flagpole, before ripping the flag off the post, and tying it around Akiza's neck, before leaning back and pushing her foot ino Akiza's spine, choking her out viciously with it. As she did, she started screaming at her.

'You want to take EVERYTHING away from me? You want to kill us one by one? You're never going to stop the revolution! You're never going to stop the Renegades, you're never going to get rid of us! We will destroy you!' As Akiza started to turn blue from the lack of oxygen, Ally dashed down, and spoke to her. 'Auntie Blair, she doesn't deserve it.' This seemed to snap Blair out of her berserk mode, and she let go of Akiza, kicking her out of the zone and walking away with her niece in tow.

As Akiza was being carried away by Kieran and Nash, Astrid was talking about the main event. 'Astrid, we saw you at the outset of the show, booking your place in the main event by defeating a very worthy opponent in Nash.' 'An opponent who is better than at least three of my opponents tonight. Friends, enemies, no matter, a good opponent is a good opponent, and he is a good opponent. But now, I have four more obstacles.' 'Are you familiar with your LFD opponents?' 'As a champion, it's my responsibility to be familiar with all possible opponents. I was aware of them before they even qualified. But it's also my responsibility to believe that I can retain my title, and I definitively believe that I am better than each and every one of them.'

'Phil's the World Champion though' 'Yeah, and guess who wasn't there. Fact is, I've beaten him before, and I'm better than I was then, I'm always improving. Like this, I don't think he can beat me, and he doesn't think he can beat me. So what's happening is I'm going to go out, retain my title, and then I'm going to leave this company behind and go to LFD where I won't have to deal with the corporate bullshit.'

In the duelling zone

The main event began with Phil's music hitting, and him walking out, flanked by Freja and Belle. As the crowd gave him a strong reaction, he was analysed. "Phil Robinson is the World Champion, but right now, the Dynasty's spiritual leader is focused squarely on securing his 6th WDC Championship, which would equal the record. His Cybernetic Technologies deck may show its rust, but still functions as well as ever, shepherded by a tactical mastermind. There is rarely an avenue this wily veteran has not seeked, rarely a plan he hasn't concocted. But after Freja and Blair's disappointments earlier, will he be able to restore some glory to the Dynasty?'

As he reached the zone, Claude's music played, as he appeared, accompanied by Pez and Hassleberry, to thunderous boos. "Claude Duane is the Regiment's commander, and always a deadly opponent when underestimated. This towering Dane's Ancient Stampede deck is a terrifying concept, between blindingly brutal combos focused on destroying a lower generation of monsters to invite out more deadly threats from times gone by. He's only held this prestigious title once, but that reign lasted for 315 days, longer than any other singles title reign in this organisation's history. And after Hassleberry's failure, will he be able to bring success to the Regiment?'

Celina entered third, but as she emerged, what appeared to be far more interesting to the crowd was Phil and Claude facing off in the zone, with Phil comically poking Claude's injured jaw. Meanwhile, Freja and Pez were involved in a particularly feisty argument outside, with Belle holding her tag partner back. "Celina represents LFD, and is a very crafty customer. Her Dancing Moonlight deck uses the Lunalight monsters to twirl through the opponent's defences and quickstep all over their Life points. Celina has never held a top title before, but is more than experienced enough for the situation."

Chazz was the fourth to enter, with Sledgehammer and Nico by his side, and as he did, Phil appeared to be enjoying a healthy dose of dad dancing to his music. "Chazz Princeton is LFD's veritable jewel in the crown, and a dangerous force to be sure. He has a large level of pride and arrogance, but his Armed Dragon Thunderbolt deck ensures that it isn't ill-founded, with brutal amounts of damage and a hefty amount of skill and snark. He's never held the WDC Championship despite challenging for it numerous times before, but has held LFD's top prize four times for a combined 1,080 days, and he'll be keen on adding more gold to his illustrious collection."

Astrid was the final person out, with Kris and Kenzie by her side, Kenzie having started to follow Astrid around as a disciple of sorts. "Astrid Hofferson is our current WDC Champion, but this is her last duel before defecting to the Leo Federation. Her Ancient Nordic Myths deck is deceptively powerful, calling upon the power of the Norse gods and their Valkyrie cohorts for great pushes to victory. Astrid is a great warrior, and she will be eager to carry her hard-earned title over to LFD.' As the five combatants faced off in the cluttered area, the introductions were made.

'The following is the main event of WDC: Against All Odds, and is a Fatal-Five-Way duel for the WDC Championship. When a duellist is eliminated, they must immediately leave the duelling zone. Introducing first, the challengers. First, representing the Dynasty and accompanied by the LFD Tag-Team Champions, Belle Draper and Freja McKinna, from Taylor Park, Rochdale, England, he is one third of the WDC Tag-Team Champions - the Northern Nightmare - Phil Robinson.' Phil just raised the symbol of excellence, alongside Freja and Belle.

'Introducing the next competitor, representing the Regiment, and accompanied by Col. Pez de Fuego and Sgt. Tyranno Hassleberry, from Zealand, Denmark, he is the Commander of Force - Claude W. Duane.' Claude roared and beat his chest as he was announced, geed on by his forces. 'Introducing the third competitor, representing the Leo Federation of Duelling, from Auckland, New Zealand, this is Celina.' Celina gave the fans a twirl, getting her a fantastic reception.

'Introducing the fourth competitor, representing the Leo Federation, and accompanied by Nico Smiley and LFD Mega Champion The Sledgehammer, from San Francisco, California, the Thousand Thunders - Chazz Princeton.' Chazz raised his arm, and then it was time for the last introduction. 'And introducing the final participant, representing the Renegade Nation, and accompanied by Kris Travis and Kenzie Calhoun, from Alta, Norway, she is your reigning and defending WDC Champion - the Arctic Fox - Astrid Hofferson.' As her name was read, Astrid got right in Claude's face, raising the red right hand, before suddenly spitting in his face, and taking the opportunity to headbutt him in the jaw, splitting her own head open in the process, the tempestuous atmosphere reaching fever pitch.

This action caused everything to break down out of control, with Freja and Pez getting into another argument which resulted in Belle taking a shot to the side of the head from Pez, while Sledgehammer and Hassleberry shared some not-so-friendly words, the sergeant being far from fazed at his much larger enemy, and Rio running down to try and get Astrid's bleeding head under control, only to be blindsided by an impromptu attack from Kieran and the masked individual, only broken up when Maddy made her way out. As they stared off, Freja kicked Kieran in the back, distracting him for a brief second, for Maddy to spear him, as security came out to wrestle back control. By this time, Rio had stemmed the bleeding on Astrid's head enough for the duel to begin, as all the accompaniers were ejected from zoneside.

WDC Championship: Phil Robinson LP:8000 vs. Claude Duane LP:8000 vs. Celina LP:8000 vs. Chazz Princeton LP:8000 vs. [c] Astrid Hofferson LP:8000

(Phil hand: Zaphion, the Timelord, Empty Machine, Sandaion, the Timelord, Blazing Mirror Force, Lazion, the Timelord)

Phil: 'I summon Lazion, the Timelord (Atk:0).' Shocked, Astrid murmured 'Why didn't you tell me you were playing this deck…', to which he gave the tongue-in-cheek reply of 'Nobody ever asked. Anyway, I'll end my turn with a face-down.'

(Claude hand: Babycerasaurus, Thunder Crash, Ground Xeno, Megalosmasher X, Double-Headed Dino King Rex, Submareed Tour Ride)

Claude: 'I draw.' As he did, Lazion blasted him with two jets of fire (Claude LP:8000-7000). 'I'll summon Babycerasaurus (Atk:500), and activate Thunder Crash. This destroys my baby, and someone loses 400 Life points. As much as Phil is probably going to learn a thing or two about destroying babies, I think I know the scum I'm targeting.' The sudden blast of thunder came straight for Astrid, who gritted her teeth through it (Astrid LP:8000-7600). 'Then Babycerasaurus' effect summons Souleating Oviraptor (Atk:1800).'

'Now the effect of Oviraptor will grab me a Petiteranodon, but I'm feeling brutal today, so I'll Ground Xeno, adding Xeno Meteorus to my hand and then destroying Petiteranodon. Petit's effect summons a Level 5 or higher Dinosaur from my deck, while Xeno will summon itself because a Dinosaur was destroyed. I'll summon Overtex Qoatlus (Atk:2700, Xeno Atk:2000). Then the other effect of Xeno will destroy Oviraptor and summon Frostosaurus (Atk:2400). Now I can tune Level 6 Xeno Meteorus to Level 6 Frostosaurus, to Synchro summon Transcendosaurus Glaciasaurus (Atk 3600). I end my turn.' As Celina prepared to take her turn, Astrid stepped forward. 'Out of the way, he's mine.'

(Astrid hand: Nordic Relic Hlidskjalf, Nordic Relic Draupnir, Guldfaxe of the Nordic Beasts, Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts, Nordic Smith Ivaldi, Scroll of Bewitchment)

Astrid: 'I draw (Astrid LP:7600-6600). I'll activate Nordic Relic Hlidskjalf' 'There's more chance of me kissing you than that resolving!' 'Ew, I'd rather die.' 'That can be arranged. Anyway, all I have to do is destroy the Double-Headed Dino King Rex in my hand, and Qoatlus will negate your Spell and destroy it.' 'That's fine, I'll Special summon Guldfaxe because you control a Synchro monster (Atk:1600). Then I'll summon Nordic Smith Ivaldi (Atk:1500), and use his effect to add Hlidskjalf to my hand.' 'How… I just negated it.' 'I've got more than one copy dummy, I don't know if that's how you build your deck, then again you probably don't build your deck because you're busy pillaging or whatever it is "manly men" do.

'You're really asking for a beating kid.' 'Come on then, because the last time you tried, I turned your jaw into powder. But while we're on the subject of humiliating you, I'll activate Scroll of Bewitchment. This changes the attribute of my Guldfaxe, to make it a Dark monster (Attribute: Earth-Dark). Now my Dark Level 4 Guldfaxe tunes Level 4 Ivaldi, to Synchro summon Beelze of the Diabolic Dragons (Atk:3000). I'll end my turn, enjoy destroying my monster ya rapist.' As the crowd chanted "you're a douchebag" at Claude, Celina took her go.

(Celina hand: Lunalight Blue Cat, Lunalight Black Sheep, Lunalight Reincarnation Dance, Lunalight Kaleido Chick, Fire Formation - Tenki, Meteor of Destruction)

Celina: 'I draw (Celina LP:8000-7000). I activate Meteor of Destruction, to deal 2000 damage to somebody as long as they have at least 3k in the bank.' She eyed up Astrid carefully, but then suddenly changed target. 'Watch out Chazz.' He turned around in surprise, just in time to get blasted by the meteor (Chazz LP:8000-6000). 'Hey what was that for!' She just smiled to herself. 'You didn't really think I forgot about you saving your big buddy's title last year did you? I could have come into the year $100,000 richer but for you. In fact you're lucky I'm not allowed to attack this turn. Instead, I'm going to activate Fire Formation - Tenki to get myself Lunalight Crimson Fox, then I'll set a monster and a face-down, pass turn.'

(Chazz hand: Armed Dragon Flash, Armed Dragon LV3, Armed Dragon Thunderbolt, White Veil, Shining Angel, Armed Dragon Thunderbolt)

Chazz: 'I draw.' As he did, he also got blasted by fireballs, making him more annoyed. 'Hey who did that! (Chazz LP:6000-5000).' As he questioned this, Phil just quietly looked looked away, whistling, amusing the crowd. 'I activate Armed Dragon Flash, to summon Armed Dragon Thunder LV3 from my deck (Atk:1200). By discarding Armed Dragon LV3, it can rank itself up into Armed Dragon Thunder LV5 (Atk:2400). I end my turn with two face-downs.'

(Phil hand: Zaphion, the Timelord, Sandaion, the Timelord, Sadion, the Timelord)

Phil: 'I draw, and during the Standby phase, Lazion pops off back to my deck for a nap. I'll then activate my Set card Empty Machine, and use it to send Sadion, the Timelord to my graveyard, replace it with a new card from the top of my deck. Then because everyone else has a monster out, I summon Sandaion, the Timelord (Atk:4000). Sandaion, attack Armed Draogn Thunder LV5.' The temporal menace shot out a sandstorm at Thunder LV5, destroying it. 'Luckily for you, Sandaion can't battle damage. Instead, you just lose 2000 Life points.' As he lost more points, Chazz got even more frustrated (Chazz LP:5000-3000). 'Hey, why me? Why not Claude?' Phil just shrugged. 'I… just don't really like you? Anyway, I'll end my turn.'

(Claude hand: Megalosmasher X, Submareed Tour Ride, Mirror Shield)

Claude: 'I draw. I'll equip my mighty Qoatlus with Mirror Shield. Now when it's targeted for an attack, I can divert the attack to any monster I don't control. Now Glaciasaurus will attack Chazz directly. No LFD scum is taking my title.' An incensed Chazz felt the chill from Glaciasaurus, and exited the duel very early, having been ganged up on by everyone bar Astrid (Chazz LP:3000-0).

As he was eliminated, Chazz was steaming, but before he could make too much of an uproar, security came out and escorted him away. As he was, Celina laughed, before looking over to Astrid. 'Us gorgeous girls against those roughheads now isn't it?' She didn't get the reply she was after though, as she calmly stated 'Don't get your hopes up, I'm not interested in alliances, I'm only interested in winning. And I sure as anything don't need your help to do that.' She groaned at this, aware of the possibility of her being double-teamed by anybody, as Astrid began her second turn.

(Astrid hand: Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts, Nordic Relic Hlidskjalf, 5 Card Salute)

Astrid: 'I draw, and activate 5 Card Salute to draw until my hand has 5 cards.' 'But you lose' 'Yeah, don't bother, it isn't happening.' Drawing the cards, she eyed up Claude again. 'Oh holy lightning, strike down the field, Raigeki!' 'Qoatlus, I'll destroy Submareed Tour Ride.' 'That's fine, I'll just use Hlidskjlaf's grave effect.' 'What graveyard effect?' Celina nervously asked. 'It's very simple, I can add a Nordic monster from my deck to my hand, and then shuffle a card from my hand into my deck, and I know just the one I want - Alviss. Now I'll summon Tanngrisnir (Atk:1200), and link it off.' As the crowd amped up for her, she dropped to a knee, and prayed to the gods.

'Gudenes hellige jomfru, hun som ble brent tre ganger, bli gjenfødt igjen for å lede meg til den endelige seier! (Holy Virgin of the Gods, she who was burned thrice, be reborn again to lead me to the final victory!) Revive through flames, Gullveig of the Nordic Ascendent (Atk:800).' As she did, the fans started to get louder for her, as the back of her bright blonde hair slid across her face. 'Gullveig's effect banishes Alviss from my hand, to summon Nordic Beast Gullinbursti (Atk:300). This gives me two effects to activate - I'll use Alviss' effect to send the materials for an Aesir, and then chain Nordic Beast Gullinbursti's effect to summon Tanngjostr of the Nordic Beasts (Def.:1100). Then Alviss will send the Level 3 Tanngjostr from my field, along with the Level 5 Svartalf of the Nordic Ascendant and Level 2 Valkyrie of the Nordic Alfar from my deck, to summon the mightiest of them all. Descend to the mortal plain, Odin, Father of the Aesir (Atk:4000).'

'Then the other effect of Gullinbursti allows me to add Ivaldi back to my hand. Now I summon Ivaldi through his effect because I control a Nordic monster (Atk:1500), and I'll use his effect to get Nordic Relic Svalinn. I'll throw one face-down and then Synchro Level 3 Gullinbursti to Level 4 Ivaldi, to Synchro summon Clear Wing Synchro Dragon (Atk 2500). Odin, attack Glaciasaurus.' Odin's holy light was fired directly into the frozen dinosaur, making it extinct (Claude LP:7000-6600). At this point, Claude had an opportunity to bring his monster back, but misunderstanding Astrid's intentions, he opted not to. 'I end my turn.'

(Celina hand: Lunalight Blue Cat, Lunalight Black Sheep, Lunalight Kaleido Chick, Lunalight Purple Butterfly)

Celina: 'I draw. I activate the effect of Lunalight Black Sheep, to discard it and search out a copy of Polymerisation. Next I'll summon Lunalight Kaleido Chick (Atk:1400-1500), and by sending Lunalight Panther Dancer to the graveyard, she copies her icon's name for the turn. I mean, wouldn't you?' As the moon appeared high above the Colosseum, Kaleido Chick flew up, and her wings started reflecting the image of Panther Dancer in them. 'Now I'll activate Polymerisaition, fusing together Kaleido Chick, Purple Butterfly and Blue Cat to Fusion summon Lunalight Leo Dancer (Atk:3600).'

'Because Kaleido Chick was sent to the grave by a card effect, I can add Polymerisation back to my hand.' Astrid then suddenly made a curious move. 'I activate Nordic Relic Svalinn.' This lead to a tense moment, as Phil and Celina were both eagerly awaiting the outcome, but for different reasons, as Phil had his own plans. ("This is the chance. Claude activates Qoatlus, walking into Clear Wing, it clears his Spell/Trap negate and leaves him open. I can afford to play around Svalinn until Celina removes it, but I'm running out of Timelords in my hand. If he keeps his monster out, I can't use my searchers"). Meanwhile, Celina had a different view. 'If Svalinn stays up, it leaves Phil exposed, his deck is almost useless against that Trap. Astrid isn't going to attack anyone but Claude, so that buys me time to pump up my Leo Dancer just slightly, and when Odin's gone, it can't come back").

Eventually, the decision was made. 'Keep your stupid Trap, I don't care.' Celina fist-pumped silently as he said this. 'I'll attack Overtex Qoatlus with Leo Dancer.' 'Due to Mirror Shield, I can just redirect your Leo Dancer straight into Clear Wing Synchro Dragon (Astrid LP:6600-5600). 'I end my turn.'

(Phil hand: Zaphion, the Timelord, Time Maiden)

Phil: 'I draw. During the Standby phase, Sandaion returns to my deck. I think I'll summon my Time Maiden, and wouldn't you know it, if I control nothing else she's a Special summon (Atk:0), and use her effect to tribute herself and add Raphion to my hand. Then I think I'll summon Raphion, the Timelord (Atk:0). Raphion, attack Leo Dancer.' Raphion's leading fist created stormwinds as it approached Leo Dancer, but the actual impact failed to leave even the slightest dent. 'That's going to be my turn then.' This shocked Celina. 'What - really?' He then winked at her. 'Of course not, you've not taken your monster's Attack as damage yet (Celina LP:7000-3400).

Needless to say that she was far from pleased at this hit, or at the way it was delivered. 'You think you're funny?' He just shrugged, before quietly ending his turn, setting one card. Claude's turn was next, but not before he stuck the knife into Astrid once more. 'Hey, you passed out from blood loss yet? Let me know when you're going to, and after I've taken the title I'll send the corpse back to your mother so she can bury you next to her dignity that she lost 20 years ago.' 'If you don't shut up, you're not going to make it to the end of the duel. But hey, I should embarrass you again before I kill you.'

(Claude hand: Megalosmasher X, Miscellaneousaurus)

Claude: 'I draw. I'll activate Ground Xeno's effect in the graveyard, to fuse together Megalosmasher X and Miscellaneousaurus and Fusion summon Transcendosaurus Gigantizowler (Atk:3800). Destroy Leo Dancer.' Gigantizowler charged, and caught Leo Dancer on its sturdy tusks, surviving the desperate slashes with a thick hide (Celina LP:3400-3200). 'She's gone, but not without leaving me a gift. I activate Lunalight Reincarnation Dance, which will call two Lunalight monsters to my hand because you just destroyed one in battle. I'm adding Lunalight Emerald Bird and Lunalight Blue Cat.' 'While I'm at it, Qoatlus can attack you directly.' Claude's other monster surged at Celina with a long thin mouth, pushing her away and almost KOing her (Celina LP:3200-500). 'I end my turn.'

(Astrid hand: Nordic Relic Hlidskjalf, Gleipnir, the Fetters of Fenrir)

Astrid: 'I'll draw. I'm just going straight to battle, Beelze, attack Gigantizowler.' As Claude looked on in confusion, Beelze's heads rammed themselves into GIgantizowler, lowering Astrid's points (Astrid LP:5600-4800). 'When I take damage from a battle it's in, Beelze gains that amount of Attack points (Atk:3000-3800).' As she was about to attack again, she paused, and remembered her previous run-in with Gigantozowler. 'I end my turn.' Celina breathed a silent sigh of relief, realizing that the only thing saving her was Astrid's complete and utter hatred of Claude blinding her.

(Celina hand: Polymerisation, Lunalight Blue Cat, Lunalight Emerald Bird, Monster Reborn)

Celina: 'I draw. I'll activate Monster Reborn, to revive Lunalight Leo Dancer (Atk:3500). And then I can use the effect of Lunalight Purple Butterfly in the graveyard, to banish her and revive Blue Cat (Def.:1200). This triggers Blue Cat's ability.' As she declared this, the cat busted a move, spinning through the moonlight before firing the stardust at Leo Dancer. 'This effect doubles my monster's attack, letting her tango with anybody (Atk:3600-7200). Attack Odin with Full Moon Cresta!' Odin's mighty power was far from enough as Leo Dancer ripped him apart, throwing Astrid down (Astrid LP:4800-1600). 'Afterwards, I'll use her second attack to take out Gigantizowler.' Again, Leo Dancer was strong enough to rip apart the enemy, causing significant damage to Claude, who ended up next to Astrid, who greeted him with a spit to the face (Claude LP:6600-3200).

'After the Battle phase, I'll use the effect of Leo Dancer to destroy all Special summoned monsters on your fields.' 'Too bad Beelze isn't destroyed by card effects.' 'Timelords are well beyond your cheap tactics as well.' Claude however, didn't say a word as he saw Qoatlus be destroyed by the Leo Dancer. Afterwards was another matter though. 'I activate the effect of Qoatlus, because it fell to a card effect, I can add Beta Evolution Pill - Ultratranscendance to my hand. And because Mirror Shield was sent to the graveyard, the effect of it allows me to see the top three cards of my deck, and choose one of them. That goes to the top of my deck, the others to the bottom.' As Claude restacked his deck, Celina ended her turn (Leo Dancer Atk:7000-3500).

(Phil hand: Zaphion, the Timelord, Sandaion, the Timelord)

Phil: 'I draw. I'll summon Zaphion, the Timelord (Atk:0). Attack Beelze.' Zaphion threw a torrent of water directly at Beelze, which bounced off completely harmlessly. 'Now the effect of Zaphion will shuffle every Spell and Trap on the field back into the deck… well apart from mine anyway.' As the backrow went back, Phil took a moment to assess where he was. ("Now I've got rid of that Svalinn, she'll have to search it to use it again. Which probably gives me time.")

(Claude hand: Beta Evolution Pill - Ultratranscendance, One Day of Peace)

Claude: 'I draw. I'll activate One Day of Peace so none of us take any damage until my next turn ends. Also, we all draw a card.' As he drew, Celina just stared at him. 'It's a little passe isn't it? That card I mean.' 'What can I say - you use what you have to. I'll just set a card and pass.'

(Astrid hand: Nordic Relic Hlidskjalf, Gleipnir, the Fetters of Fenrir, Nordic Relic Brisingamen, Nordic Beast Gullinbursti)

Astrid: 'I draw. Even if I can't deal damage, doesn't mean I can't do some work here. I'll summon Nordic Relic Gullinbursti (Atk:300). Then with Gullinbursti's effect, I'll return Ivaldi to my hand.' This caught Claude off guard. 'Why not Alviss…' Astrid was cooking though, and she had no intention of slowing down. 'Next I'll summon Ivaldi through his effect, and he'll get Nordic Relic Megingjord. Now I'm Linking off Ivaldi, to Link summon Link 1, Gullveig of the Nordic Ascendant (Atk:800).'

As the second Gullveig entered play, Astrid revealed her play as the fans were in raptures. 'Gullveig's effect, I can banish from my hand or field. So I'll banish two - both Gullveigs.' It was at this moment that Claude realised the play. 'So Gullveig can't be attacked… that's kind of clever for a runt.' 'Thanks, but I'll take your compliments after I've taken your head! I'll summon Ljosalf of the Nordic Alfar and Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts (Atk:1400, 1200). Level 3 Gullinbursti, tune to Level 4 Ljosalf and Level 3 Tanngrisnir.' She then dropped to a knee, and under the pale moonlight, said a solemn prayer.

'Tor, asernes høye Herre, jeg ber deg, ta opp din Mjollnir en gang til, ditt største øyeblikk er over deg. Stig ned fra himmelen og utryd alle som står imot meg som ditt fartøy. Jeg tilbyr min sjel og min styrke for å materialisere deg her nå! (Thor, High Lord of the Aesir, I beseech you, pick up your Mjollnir once more, your greatest moment is upon you. Descend from heaven and destroy all who stand against me as your vessel. I offer my soul and my strength to materialize you here now!) Appear, Thor, Lord of the Aesir! (Atk:3500).' 'Yeah, just a shame you can't do anything with it.' 'I don't need to. I'll end my turn with two face-downs.'

(Celina hand: Lunalight White Rabbit)

Celina: 'I draw. You know what, I'm fine right here, I'll just end my turn.'

(Phil hand: Sandaion, the Timelord, Cyber Kirin, Shockwave)

Phil: 'I draw. During the Standby phase, I'll say goodbye to Zaphion. Then I'll banish Time Maiden from my graveyard to summon Raphion, the Timelord (Atk:0). I end my turn.'

(Claude hand: Transcendosaurus Meteorus, Ultimate Conductor Tyranno)

Claude: 'I draw. I'll activate the effect of Miscellaneousaurus in the graveyard, banishing four Dinosaurs including itself to summon Giant Rex (Atk:2000-3000). Then I'll banish two more from my graveyard to summon Ultimate Conductor Tyranno (Atk:3500). Now the effect of Ultimate Conductor allows me to destroy Giant Rex and flip Thor face-down.' 'Go ahead, attack me, I dare you!' Astrid grandstanded, clearly not the least bit afraid. 'If you insist. Ultimate Conductor, attack. When it attacks a set monster, it can send Thor to the graveyard, and deal you with 1000 damage (Astrid LP:1600-600). 'I end my turn. You're done twerp.'

(Astrid hand: Nordic Relic Alfrodull)

Astrid: 'I draw. I activate my face-down Gleipnir, the Fetters of Fenrir, which will add Vanadis of the Nordic Ascendant to my hand. But she's merely a pilot, for I activate Nordic Relic Alfrodull!' 'That's new…' Claude stated in concern. 'This allows me to revive an Aesir from my graveyard, by tributing a Nordic monster from my hand. Be reborn, Thor, Lord of the Aesir (Atk:3500). In addition, Thor can attack directly this turn, but he has to sacrifice half of his damage when he does. Attack Claude directly and make it hurt!' Thor stepped onto the sun chariot, and rode into battle, swinging his mighty hammer into Claude and bowling him over, as Astrid's left eye briefly glowed an ethereal blue (Claude LP:3600-1950). 'Thanks to Alfrodull's other effect, when an Aesir deals damage, I can banish Alfrodull from my graveyard to add one Nordic card from my deck to my hand. I'll add my old friend Nordic Relic Svallinn, then set one and pass.' The crowd applauded as Astrid survived again.

(Celina hand: Lunalight White Rabbit, Axe of Despair)

Celina: 'I draw.' As she did, Claude looked for support. 'I can't believe she rejected you the way he did Celina.' 'Huh?' 'She's the traitor here, playing off both companies against each other, and playing both of us off against each other.' 'Hang on… you're right.' 'So why don't you just crush her dreams like she's trying to crush everyone else's? You'll be a hero, and I'll even let you have the title afterwards.' Caught up in a rush of emotions, Celina made a deadly move. 'I'll activate Axe of Despair, equipping it to Lunalight Leo Dancer for 1000 Attack points (Atk:3500-4500). Now attack! Take out Thor once and for all!' As she did, Claude smirked, but Astrid had made preparations. 'I activate my face-down Nordic Relic Megingjord, to double Thor's Attack (Atk:3500-7000).' The newly empowered Thor caught Leo Dancer's axe in his hand, and crushed it into a fine dust, before smacking the Lunalight monster's head clean off with his hammer (Celina LP:500-0).

As she realised her fatal error, Celina lowered her head, humiliated, but soon perked up when she heard the fans applauding her. Claude was far from sympathetic though. 'Poor little girl, too stupid to compete with the big boys. Why don't you go back to your play ponies and pretend boyfriend like your kind should all do, leave the real men to the work.' Upset, she stormed off, shoulder-barging Claude as she did.

(Phil hand: Zaphion, the Timelord, Sandaion, the Timelord, Cyber Kirin, Empty Machine)

Phil: 'I draw. During the Standby phase, Raphion returns to my deck. I'll replace it with Zaphion, the Timelord (Atk:0), then set a card and pass.'

(Claude hand: Transcendosaurus Meteorus, Beta Evolution Pill - Ultratranscendence, Fossil Excavation)

Claude: 'I draw. I'll set one card and pass.' 'What's wrong - lost your balls?' 'No, I'm just not as stupid as you are. I'm not going to fall for some cheap trick like you'd walk straight into. Once an amateur, always an amateur.'

(Astrid hand: Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant)

Astrid: 'I draw. I'll pass my turn.'

(Phil hand: Sandaion, the Timelord, Cyber Kirin, Infinite Machine)

Phil: 'I draw. Zaphion returns to my deck, then I summon Sandaion, the Timelord (Atk:4000). I'll set another card and pass.'

(Claude hand: Transcendosaurus Meteorus, Beta Evolution Pill - Ultratranscendence, Wave-Motion Cannon)

Claude: 'I draw.' 'I'll activate Empty Machine, send it to the grave for Infinite Machine, Infinite Machine, shuffle back Zaphion to activate Infinite Light from my deck.' 'I'll activate Wave-Motion Cannon, and end my turn.'

(Astrid hand: Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant, Mystical Space Typhoon)

Astrid: 'I draw, Mystical Space Typhoon, destroying Wave-Motion Cannon.' As the Typhoon tore through the field, it dismantled Claude's cannon, and she smirked. 'Nice try, but you're not getting rid of me that easy. You're going to have to do something you've never done in your life - earn it. I'll end my turn.'

(Phil hand: Cyber Kirin, Bye Bye Damage)

Phil: 'I draw, set one, pass.'

(Claude hand: Transcendosaurus Meteorus, Beta Evolution Pill - Ultratranscendence, Dimension Explosion)

Claude: 'I draw.' Seeing that the card was no use, he opted to try and bait Astrid. 'I'll end my turn with this face-down, that will finish you off.'

(Astrid hand: Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant, Vanadis of the Nordic Ascendant)

Astrid: 'I'll draw. I end my turn.' 'Not scared then?' She smirked in response, the blood once again trickling around her head. 'I don't trust anything you say unless it comes with an insult.'

(Phil hand: Cyber Kirin, Cemetery Bomb)

Phil: 'Draw, set, pass.'

(Claude hand: Transcendosaurus Meteorus, Beta Evolution Pill - Ultratranscendence, Inverse Universe)

Claude: 'I draw. I'll set a card and pass my turn.'

(Astrid hand: Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant, Vanadis of the Nordic Ascendant, Left Arm Offering)

Astrid: 'I draw.' Looking at the card for a moment, she shrugged to herself. 'Could be useful I guess. I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Phil hand: Cyber Kirin, Metaion, the Timelord)

Phil: 'Draw, pass.'

(Claude hand: Transcendosaurus Meteorus, Beta Evolution Pill - Ultratranscendence, Survival's End)

Claude: 'I draw.' Seeing the card, he was starting to get annoyed. 'Where is it…' He then decided to go on the offensive. 'I activate my face-down Inverse Universe. This switches the Attack and Defence of our monsters (Thor Atk:3500-2800, Ultimate Conductor Atk:3500-3200). Now attack Thor!' 'I'll activate my face-down Nordic Relic Svalinn, to negate all monster effects on your field.' This wasn't the card Claude was waiting for though, and as the attack closed in, it was a fierce battle of wills. But Astrid didn't blink, and Thor was destroyed (Astrid LP:600-200). 'Why… wouldn't you… I end my turn.' 'And I'll bring back Thor, strong as ever. All I have to do is banish Gullinbursti (Atk:3500). Then you lose 800 Life points.' Thor descended from the heavens above, bringing with him a healthy dose of holy lightning (Claude LP:1950-1150).

(Astrid hand: Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant, Vanadis of the Nordic Ascendant, Ghost Ogre and Snow Rabbit)

Astrid: 'I draw. I'll finish you off right here and now - I summon Vanadis of the Nordic Ascendant (Atk:1200). Then I'll use Thor's effect, to negate the effects of every monster on your field for the rest of the turn.' In a valiant effort, Claude struck back. 'I'll chain my Ultimate Conductor's effect' 'Svalinn, I'll negate everything. Chain Link 4?' Claude didn't respond, and Astrid lined him up. 'Thor, smash up his Tyranno!' Thor swung his hammer, creating stormclouds as he did, and then dodging an onslaught from Ultimate Conductor, before smashing it in the face with his swinging hammer (Claude LP:1150-850). 'Vanadis, final shot!' Vanadis flew through the moonlit sky elegantly, before charging down with her legs twisting at high velocity, sending Claude retreating out of the zone, defeated. As he did though, an explosion suddenly rocked Astrid, and she too went down (Claude LP:850-0, Astrid LP:200-0). As she looked around, she saw Phil stood (Phil LP:8000), with the Trap card Cemetary Bomb flipped up.

His music then played, and he had the belt handed over to him. 'Your winner, and the new WDC Champion, the Northern Nightmare - Phil Robinson.' Phil raised the title, as Astrid looked on in tears. While he was mobbed by Freja and Belle, Pez ambushed Astrid from behind, only to be kicked in the groin by Kenzie. Enraged, Astrid grabbed her axe, and started slashing away at Pez, her eyes in a distant gaze as she pounded away. Eventually no less than 20 security guards ran out to try and drag her away, but they too got laid out.

This caused Maddy to run out, and hold her hands up, very nearly being decked as she did. 'Astrid, it's Mads, get outta here and we'll talk about this. We'll talk about it. Everything will be ok.' Still enraged, Astrid swung again, but the Geordie rolled under, and grabbed the weapon, taking advantage of a momentary loss of balance to snatch it away, allowing she, Kris and Kenzie to guide her away safely.

Meanwhile backstage, Phil was walking with his newly-acquired title on his shoulder when he was approached by an interviewer, and took the microphone off him. 'You see that out there? That was the perfect plan executed perfectly! Let everyone else fuck themselves over, and walk out with the title. And now, I'm the WDC Champion, and the World Champion. Because I AM UNDENIABLE! And now, things are going to change around here! You want a title shot, you're earning it! Because now, I'm the top brass.' They held up the symbol of excellence, before Maddy arrived, and shoved away the cameras.

Next time: Something's got to give, and when it does, history is written in Renegades: A New Dawn Chapter LXIV: Press 3 for a Girl, 4 for a Boy