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.

65. Family of Stars

Renegades: A New Dawn

Chapter LXV: Family of Stars

Upon his victory, Phil simply raised 3 fingers in the air, as a local interviewer came over. 'Ladies and Gentlemen, Phil Robinson! We didn't think you'd be here!' 'Yeah, I didn't. It's been… quite the 24 hours.' 'So Hannah's given birth?' 'Yes, Skylar Robinson-Cummings is in the hospital and looks to be a strong nipper.' 'And how's Hannah?' 'Brilliantly, she's incredibly tired as you'd expect, but she's the reason I'm here, she insisted on me coming. So this one's for you sweetie.' He raised the Symbol of Excellence, and walked away.

Backstage, Maddy was waiting around for her duel when she was approached by MGA. After a tense moment, she snapped at him with 'Did you want somit? Or you just staring at us?' 'Why do you have to be so hostile? I… we provided you with a fantastic opportunity to lead us into the future, but you have to continue with your bunch of merry misfits.' 'Look, in yer world of big business, betrayal might be normal. But it ain't for me, I'm not doing it. I'm not going to abandon everyone just to be some corporate puppet.'

Suddenly, she was attacked from behind by the Brown Brothers, with them throwing her into a metal shutter, before one of them took a nearby wrench left by a workman, and slammed it deep into her ribs, causing her to cough up blood. With Maddy crying in pain, a shocked-looking Michael bent down to her, and stated 'Your duel against Pez de Fuego is now for the WDC Young-Gun Championship. And it's RIGHT NOW.' He walked away, leaving the brothers to walk away just as Rio arrived with a medical bag.

In the duelling zone

Pez de Fuego walked out, looking smug with Claude next to him. 'The following duel is a Round 1 matchup in the AllStars. Introducing first, from the Barracks, Col. Pez de Fuego.' While he walked down, the commentators introduced him. 'Formerly competing as David Asun, Pez de Fuego has a good record in this event, reaching the Semi Finals in three of the last four years. Now linked up with the Regiment, he runs a reliable Dragunity Legion deck, turning monsters into Equip cards for powerful plays.'

Before Claude could crow about Maddy being injured, her music hit, and she appeared in full Don garb, visibly grimacing through the pain, blood still staining her lower lip and chin. 'Introducing his opponent, from Stonybridge, Northumbria, England, she is the current reigning WDC Young-Gun Champion - Don Alpha - Maddy Smith.' Maddy raised her red right hand as she walked, and was introduced by the commentators. "In her AllStars debut, 18 year old Maddy Smith doesn't look like much at first glance, but boy can this girl duel. This youngster from the Northeast of England is the World Number 14, and has held the Young-Gun title for a record 214 days. Leading the Renegades into battle, her Demonic Playthings deck may look cute and cuddly at first, but don't be fooled, as they turn demonic and devastating with frightening speed. Don't blink either, Maddy's turns last 40 seconds on average, the quickest duellist in the WDC.'

WDC AllStars Round 1: [12] Col. Pez de Fuego vs. [13] Maddy Smith

(Pez hand: Dragunity Dux, Dragunity Primus Plus, Dragunity Whirlwind, Equip Shot, Dragunity Oubliette)

Pez: 'I will start, setting a monster and two face-down, passing the turn.'

(Maddy hand: Frightfur Patchwork, Fluffal Cat, Frightfur Fusion, Fluffal Sheep, Fluffal Penguin, Frightfur March)

Maddy: 'Let's do this. I activate Frightfur Patchwork to add Edge Imp Sabres and Polymerisation to my hand. Then I'll activate Poly, fusing together Fluffals Cat, Sheep, and Edge Imp Sabres to Fusion summon Frightfur Tiger (Atk:1900). Then Tiger's effect destroys a card on your field for every monster used to summon it.' As Tiger's unleashed scissors cut through everything on his field, Pez looked concerned, but there was more.

'Now Penguin draws two cards for me, discarding 1, then Cat will add back Polymerisation to my hand. Now I'll do it all again, using Poly to fuse together Tiger and Sheep to Fusion summon Frightfur Sabre-Tooth (Atk:2400-2800). Sabre-Tooth's effect gives all Frightfurs on the field 400 more Attack points, and revives a Frightfur on summon, like Tiger, who gives all Frightfurs on the field 300 Attack for every Frightfur or Fluffal on the field (Atk:1900-2900, Sabre-Tooth Atk:2800-3400). And while I'm at it, I'll throw in Frightfur Fusion, banishing all four monsters from my graveyard for a second Tiger (Atk:1900-4100, Tiger #1 Atk:2900-4100, Sabre-Tooth Atk:3400-4600). Now I'll attack with all three for game.' The three monsters all came in baring fangs, ending the duel after 59 seconds (Pez LP:8000-0).

After the duel, Maddy raised the red right hand again, having not even taken her jacket off. As she turned to gesture to the crowd, giving the rest of the Regiment the chance to close in on her. She heard them coming however, and as she turned around, launched straight into a spear, almost spiking herself on the top of her head as she rolled through, right under the attackers, evading them aside from a well-timed shot by Claude which glanced off her midsection. Holding her ribs, she escaped to safety as the Dane fumed, unaware that he had connected.

As she returned backstage, Maddy was approached by a camera crew. 'Maddy, a lot of rumours about your health recently, you've reportedly been avoiding title defences, any update on these rumours?' 'Opinions are like arseholes - everyone has 'em and they stink. I pulled out of one title defence because I was in the hospital, to check me new kidney was workin', and you'll find if you look hard enough that I'm duelling twice for Midlands Regionals tomorrow. I ain't afraid of anybody, and I'll accept anyone's challenge, no matter who they are or think they are.'

This prompted Crow to confront her, as she grinned. 'Figured it'd be you bird brain. You grown a pair yet?' 'Look, I didn't come here to get physical, I just came to duel you 1-1, because you need some respect drilling into you. Straight up, no B.S., just you and me.' She laughed again, and raised her belt into the air. 'Come and get some if you think you're hard enough. And to add some spice, you can have this if you beat me. And once I beat you, send the rest of the Enforcers, so I can send you all to the retirement home, all while I raise the Red Right Hand.'

As she walked away, she bumped into Phil, who was walking out of the arena. 'Hey, what you doin' here anyway?' 'Hannah insisted, said she'd never talk to me again if I didn't at least get past Round 1. So now I'm just off back.' 'How's she doing?' 'Really well, shockingly well, you wouldn't believe the 24 hours she's had looking at her. When I left she was reading a wedding magazine, she's already looking at how to get into shape with a baby, so I'm just going to remind her not to go too fast with all this.' 'I think that's a good idea to be fair, otherwise she'll do herself some harm. Anyway, I'm going to make sure Rio ain't killed anyone yet, she's been in a naff mood all day.' 'If you need help' 'Leave this one to us, you've got your own issues.'

As this was occurring, the first round continued, with Nash securing an 8000 Life point win over Kenta in merely 9 minutes, Claude edging Kieran by 400 Life points after almost an hour of grinding, Kari condemning Kalin to a 5th successive loss with a 5000 point victory, and Radley dropping only 100 points against Lukas in a duel that lasted 32 minutes for four turns. Post-duel, Lukas got into a pushing match with Kieran backstage, before Akiza intervened and calmed the Australian down.

Before the next duel, Kris was being interviewed. 'Kris, you're entering this event with a frozen ranking, but you're clearly a big underdog here. Do you feel out of your depth?' 'Not at all, I know I can beat people of Jaden's level, people of Blair's level, people of Phil's level, because I've done it before. Iron sharpens iron, and I don't know if I can truly hang at this level until I play with the big boys. But either way, I'm going to go out there, give it my best shot, and at the end of the day, what matters the most is the red right hand.'

'Finally we've seen the controversy involving your girlfriend Astrid Hofferson, what are your opinions on the situation?' 'My opinions are that the way she's been treated by this company is an utter disgrace, they did everything in their power to stop her winning the WDC Championship, and then threw her under the bus at the nearest opportunity, all because they want to stay chummy with a proven rapist and her idiot uncle. Oh, you want to fire me for that? Feel free.'

Following this, he marched out to the duelling zone, carrying a Renegades flag with him. 'The following is a Round 1 duel in the AllStars. Introducing first, from Salem, Massachusets, he is the Saviour of Misbehaviour - Kris Travis.' While he was making the walk to a decent response, the commentators went to do their job, but received a communication from Michael ordering them to not talk about him as a result of his comments regarding the Astrid situation. In the zone, he lifted his arms into the air and saluted the crowd with the flag.

Jaden followed, with his entrance being met with a similar response. 'Introducing his opponent, from Omaha, Nebraska, the Fallen Hero - Jaden Yuki.' Jaden made his way down, laughing and joking with the crowd as he did. "Jaden Yuki is a vastly experienced warhorse, and knows his way around the AllStars. Four times he's won this event, a further three finals and more wins than everybody else in this field combined. His Forever Heroes deck may have undergone many changes over the years, but is still functionally the same deck that took him to the Triple Crown of the Matchplay, AllStars and the World crown all the way back in 2004. Truly nobody more experienced.' In the zone, the two came face-to-face, and had a warm handshake and a friendly exchange of words before they began the duel.

[6] Jaden Yuki LP:8000 vs. [14] Kris Travis LP:8000

(Jaden opening hand: A Hero Lives, Miracle Fusion, Favourite Hero, Supreme King's Castle, Foolish Burial)

Turn 1: Jaden: 'I'll start with the Supreme King's Castle.' As the dark and menacing castle rose, Kris readied himself. 'Next I'll activate A Hero Lives, paying half my Life points (Jaden LP:8000-4000), and summoning Elemental Hero Prisma (Atk:1700). With Prisma's effect, I can reveal Elemental Hero Neos Kluger in my Extra deck, and send Yubel to the graveyard. Then I'll use Foolish Burial to send Elemental Hero Neos to the graveyard. Finally I'll activate Miracle Fusion, fusing Neos and Yubel into the Elemental Hero Neos Kluger (Atk:3000). I end my turn.'

(Kris hand: Foolish Burial, Witch of the Black Forest, R:Unbound, SPYRAL Master Plan, SPYRAL GEAR: Big Red, SPYRAL Tough)

Kris: 'I'm going to draw, using my own Foolish Burial to send Master Plan to the graveyard, then I'll set a monster, set a face-down and pass.' 'Is that it?' 'That's it pal, give me your best shot.

(Jaden hand: Favourite Hero, Fairy Meteor Crush)

Jaden: 'My turn, and I'll activate Fairy Meteor Crush. So when Kluger attacks, you'll take piercing damage. And when it attacks your monster, you lose Life points equal to that monster's Attack. Go get 'em.' Kluger released a black cloud of air from its fizzing hand as it hit Kris' monster (Witch Atk/Def.:1100/1200), dealing significant damage (Kris LP:8000-6900-5100). 'When Witch bites the dust, she searches my deck for any monster with 1500 or less Defence. I'll take Super Agent, which has 1200.' 'I end my turn.'

(Kris hand: Spyral Master Plan, SPYRAL GEAR - Big Red, SPYRAL Quik-Fix)

Kris: 'I draw. I activate SPYRAL GEAR - Big Red, to revive SPYRAL Master Plan (Atk:1200). Then I'll summon SPYRAL Quik-Fix (Atk:100), and I'm using it to grab another Big Red so I can get away with this win. Now I'll link both my monsters off. Appear, the DNA of my deck, SPYRAL Double Helix (Atk:1900). Leaving the field triggers Master Plan's effect, because every good leader has a plan in place when they're not around.' 'Yeah, Maddy's is to put Blair in charge' Jaden joked, while Kris looked awkward, knowing the situation with Rio and its causes. 'As I was saying, Master Plan's security is adding SPYRAL Resort and SPYRAL Double Agent to my hand.'

'Now I can summon SPYRAL Double Agent.' It wasn't Kris' field that Double Agent appeared on though, but Jaden's (Def.:600). 'I don't want it, why would I want it?' 'Because now we both get to see the top card of both decks.' 'Yeah, I'm still not seeing why I'd want this?' 'Oh I didn't say you did, it's a present for me.' Kris happily showed that the card on top of his deck was SPYRAL MISSION: Recapture. 'For my next play, I'll activate my own Field spell - SPYRAL Resort.' Upon activation, Kris' side of the field was transformed into a hi-tech headquarters, with large screens all around showing the stats of the duel.

'With Resort, I can add SPYRAL Sleeper to my hand. Then I'll banish Master Plan and Quik-Fix to summon SPYRAL Sleeper (Atk:2800). Sleeper's effect now destroys a card on my field, and two on yours. I'm selecting Resort, Supreme King's Castle, and Neos Kluger.' The extreme power of Sleeper razed all three cards to the ground, with Resort's computers flickering and overheating, before crashing to the ground. But Jaden had a comeback plan.

'When Kluger is destroyed, it allows me to summon this from my deck - Neos Wiseman (Atk:3000).' Faced down with a new threat he couldn't overcome, there was a logical play for Kris to minimise his losses. But thinking on his feet, he came out with a more risky play that surprised everyone. 'I'm going to attack Wiseman with SPYRAL Sleeper.' Sleeper roared, and charged Wiseman, which countered with a punch of its own, creating sparks as Sleeper was destroyed. 'When Wiseman does battle, you lose Life points equal to your monster's Attack, and I gain points equal to its Defence (Kris LP:5100-4900-2100, Jaden LP:4000-5200).

'Sleeper might be gone, but the fallout's gonna be explosive. When he's destroyed, he destroys everything on the field, and then summons a Super Agent from my deck (Atk:1900). Super Agent, attack.' Agent swung into action, shooting out a claw from his wrist which connected directly (Jaden LP:5200-3300). 'I end my turn.' As he did, he got a warm applause from the crowd, impressed at what they were seeing. As was Jaden, who acknowledged his opponent. 'You're clever, you know that? I never saw that coming.' 'That was the idea. Now are you taking your turn?'

(Jaden hand: Favourite Hero, Elemental Hero Stratos)

Jaden: 'I draw, and I'll summon Elemental Hero Stratos (Atk:1800). When it's summoned, I can add a HERO to my hand, like Elemental Hero Spirit of Neos. I end my turn.'

(Kris hand: SPYRAL Tough)

Kris: 'I draw. I'm summoning the muscleman himself - SPYRAL Tough (Atk:1900). Then I'll use its effect, targeting Stratos. If I predict the supertype at the top of your deck correctly, your Stratos goes to the sky, and your Life points go underground.' After some careful calculation, he had worked out the odds. 'I'm going to say it's a Spell card.' Jaden then revealed the card, and stared in shock as it was the Spell card Evil Mind, causing Tough to uppercut Stratos into a different dimension.

'Now I'm going to attack with both my SPYRAL monsters!' Kris was looking for the victory, but instead Jaden had an answer. 'I activate the effect of Elemental Hero Spirit of Neos in my hand. When you declare an attack, I can summon this to block the attack and search Polymerisation (Def.:2000).' Frustrated, Kris cancelled the attack, but still had plays. 'Now I'm going to Link off into a second copy of SPYRAL Double Helix (Atk:1900). I'll activate its effect, and I'm going to say Spell again.' Jaden smiled, presuming he was wrong this time, only to find that despite his deck being shuffled, Evil Mind was back on top of his deck.

'I'll summon the SPYRAL Master Plan (Atk:1200), and use her effect to load any SPYRAL MISSION from my deck. I choose Recapture. But even it isn't sticking after I Link off Master Plan and Double Helix to Link summon Link 3, Knightmare Unicorn (Atk:2300). Unicorn's effect demands I let go of this mission I just got, but in return I'm doing the honourable job of sending your Spirit of Neos back to your deck.' Unicorn's horn glowed black, as it galloped towards Spirit which vanished immediately on contact. 'Also, I can use Master Plan's effect to grab SPYRAL Resort and SPYRAL GEAR: Last Resort.'

'But I think my Unicorn's job is done now, so I'll activate R:Unbound.' 'I… I've seen that card before' Jaden remarked. 'But I haven't seen it used.' 'Because nobody could find a good use for it. That was until I got my hands on it. This allows me to tribute a Link monster to revive monsters equal to its Link materials, but they have their effects negated, they lose their stats and they're banished when they leave the field. I summon Double Helix, Master Plan, and Tough (Atk:0x3). And I'll use Super Agent's effect to predict… who am I kidding, Spells all the way.' As Jaden flipped the card, it was somehow still a Spell card - Graceful Charity.' Kris smiled, but he kept his internal laughter for later as he continued the combo.

'I'll summon Super Agent (Atk:1900), and then I'm linking off all four monsters for the menacing Link 4, Saryuja Skull Dread (Atk:2800). Saryuja's effect because it was summoned with four monsters, allows me to draw four cards, then return 3 to the deck. I'll set this one, returning the other three, then I'll end my turn. For your sake, I hope it gets you something good.

(Jaden hand: Graceful Charity)

Jaden: 'I draw. Well here goes nothing - Graceful.' 'Sure.' He drew his cards, and then quickly discarded Polymerisation, as well as another card which couldn't be seen under Poly. Jaden seemed stumped though. 'I… can't believe it. I activate Soul Charge.' 'You have to be fucking with me' Kris responded in frustration. 'I'll pay 2000 (Jaden LP:3300-1300), and revive Prisma and Stratos (Atk:1700,1800). Stratos effect, I'll add Evil Hero Infernal Prodigy, and Prisma, I'll reveal Shining Flare Wingman, so I can send Elemental Hero Flame Wingman.'

'Why would you want to do that though?' 'So I can activate THIS - my face-down Legacy of a Hero. By returning two Fusion monsters from my grave to the Extra deck, I can draw 3 cards. Flame Wingman and Kluger seem just right for that. Now I'll Link off my two monsters myself, to Link summon Xtra Hero Wonder Driver (Atk:1900, Link Arrows:Top, Bottom). Then I'll summon Infernal Prodigy (Atk:400), triggering Wonder Driver, to set Miracle Fusion from my graveyard to my field. Then I'll Link off again - Wonder Driver counts as two materials due to its Link rating, so I'll use it and Prodigy for Xtra Hero - Dread Decimator (Atk:2500, Arrows: Bottom Left, Bottom Centre, Bottom Right).'

'Now I'll use Miracle Fusion, fusing the Light attribute Wonder Driver and the Dark attribute Infernal Prodigy to Fusion summon Elemental Hero Sunrise (Atk:2500). Sunrise gives all my monsters 200 Attack for each attribute I control, while Dread Decimator gives itself and the monsters it points to an extra 100 Attack for every monster in the graveyard (Atk:2500-3200x2). Now I'll activate Favorite Hero, equipping to Sunrise, and going straight to battle. When Sunrise attacks, I can activate Supreme King's Castle directly from my deck. That gives Sunrise 500 more Attack through the effect of Favorite Hero (Atk:3200-3700). Now destroy Saryuja!' Sunrise dragged its hooked arm scythe straight through the body of the dragon, slicing it in half (Kris LP:2100-1200).'

'And through Favorite Hero, Sunrise gets another go around!' 'I'm not going down that easy. I activate my face-down Pinpoint Guard, to revive Tough in Defence mode, and it can't be destroyed by battle this turn (Def.:1200).' This was where Jaden had a surprise though. 'Nice effort, but Dread Decimator allows all Hero monsters to deal piercing damage.' Sunrise came head-to-head with Tough, and while the SPYRAL's burly body survived the encounter, Kris' Life points did not (Kris LP:1200-0).

When the duel concluded, it was Jaden who was moving on, but it was Kris who was getting the plaudits, as Jaden offered a handshake. 'You were real good there.' 'You were good as well, I'm not going to get to your level without facing you.' 'You already are at that level, I was real lucky there. Thanks for the great duel.' 'And you pal.' As Kris walked away, disappointed but proud, Jaden gave him a hearty slap on the back, before celebrating his win in front of the warming crowd.

In the hospital

Hannah was returning from the toilet when she saw Rio talking to Skylar. 'So you see, I don't really know what to do. Do I betray everyone who's ever really cared about me, or do I give up the chance to be something better. Sorry, I know it's a lot to take in when you're less than two days old, I just needed a sounding board I guess.' Hearing this, Hannah walked over to her. 'You can tell me anything, sit.' As Rio took her seat, Hannah sat on the bed.

'So what do you know?' 'That something happened, that you feel undervalued and underappreciated, and the stuff with the autograph.' 'Yeah well there's a lot I can't really tell anyone.' Her maternal instincts at top force though, Hannah knew there was more to the situation. 'Whatever the situation is, I will listen.' 'You'll hate me for it.' 'I'll only be annoyed if you lie to me. And yes, I'll be able to tell. Now spill.' Rio responded with something that resembled the truth.

'I'm just scared that I'm an afterthought. Blair's amazing, Phil's literally the World and WDC Champion, and I'm… just there. I'm sick of being "the other one".' 'And…' 'And Reginald contacted me the other day, putting out feelers to join J7.' 'Feelers?' 'Yeah, he asked if I'd be interested, said if I was that he'd get something sorted for me. I'm just sick of being the afterthought, just there for the ride. I've got ambitions as well.' Initially, Hannah just processed what was said. And then she got her text messages up on her phone, and showed a particular exchange to Rio.

'What's this?' 'Blair texted me after your duel with her, which by the way I saw, I was really impressed by both of you.' 'I'm glad you were.' 'It's easy to forget, but sometimes the gritty wins are more impressive than the flashy ones.' 'Tha's just the thing though - I didn't win. I lost, I'm the nearly girl again. I just… can't keep doing this. I need to be… I don't even know anymore.' Rio then looked at the texts, and seemed surprised.

Blair: "Well that was a heartbreaker."

Hannah: "You lost then? Warned you she'd improved."

Blair: "Worse - I won, she was way better than me but I got some luck. Just worried about her."

Hannah: "Not this thing with the autograph again, it was 5 years when I first got asked for an autograph. I was a former World Champion by then."

Blair: "Not just that, something just seems off, like she's just drifting from all of us. I almost wish I'd lost just to give her some confidence."

Hannah: "Never thought I'd hear you wishing you'd lost."

Blair: 'Me either. That's the effect friendship has on you I suppose. When did she get so good with your deck?"

Hannah: "When she made it her deck. Doesn't look it, but about ¾ of the deck is totally different to when I last used it. Honestly you're both better than Phil at this point."

Blair: "What - the WDC and World Champion?"

Hannah: "You realise you almost beat him at Worlds? And yes, you see the way Rio's been beating him in the Arena? He's very beatable if you can adapt to his tactics. But don't worry about R, everyone doubts themselves."

Having read the exchange, Rio was shocked. 'You… really think' 'Oh absolutely. Phil isn't as unbeatable as he claims.' 'At his best?' 'Peerless. But he isn't at his best at the moment, maybe 20-30%? Point is, we all love you here, and you're never going to be overshadowed in the Renegades, nobody is.' 'Which is why Maddy always puts Blair in charge, or Astrid, or anyone other than me.' 'Honestly, knowing Maddy, she's forgotten she has a V.P., she needs to do everything herself so if she's not there she'll just put the nearest responsible adult in charge. You're not just enough Rio, you're an inspiration, everyone loves you in the club. But your decision is your decision, you'll be like a daughter to me even when you're not in the Renegades, because I know you're making the right decision for yourself.'

After a short thanks, Rio left, with Hannah watching her go. 'She's not telling me the whole truth, but it's the most I'm getting out of her. What to do… I think I'll text Blair to come down here in a bit, see what's happening on her end. Must remind her not to bring Ally though, I don't trust the little whirlwind in a hospital. The doctors are bad enough.' Having sent the message, Hannah turned over, and went back to sleep.

Meanwhile, in the arena

Phil was just returning having ferried Rio to the hospital when he was approached by a staffer. 'Hi, I thought you'd want to know the order of matches is randomised, you're due up right now. It's ok though, the guards know the situation so they'll give you leeway.' 'Cheers' he replied, before rushing off to the duel. As he walked out, he was greeted by an exceptional reaction from the crowd. In the zone, he and Radley activated their duel disks.

AllStars Quarter Final: [10] Radley LP:8000 vs. [2] Phil Robinson LP:8000

(Radley hand: Fire Formation - Tenki, Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Coyote, Coach Soldier Wolfbark, Fire Formation - Tensen, Ultimate Fire Formation - Seito)

Radley: 'I'll start by activating Fire Formation - Tenki, to add Fire Fist - Spirit to my hand. Then because I control a Fire Formation but no monsters, I can summon this with no tribute - Fire Fist - Coyote (Atk:2000-2100). Then I'll Normal summon Spirit (Atk:200-300). Now I'll tune them together, to Synchro summon Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Kirin (Def.:2800-2900). I'll end my turn with two face-downs.'

(Phil hand: Cyber Dragon Nachster, Power Bond, Limiter Removal, Limiter Removal, Limiter Removal, Machine Duplication)

Phil: 'I'll draw.' Seeing his hand, he burst out laughing. 'I mean this almost doesn't feel fair. I'll summon Cyber Dragon Nachster (Atk:100), and use Machine Duplication for two more Cyber Dragons (Atk:2100x2). Now I'll Power Bond, fusing my three monsters into the deadly Cyber End Dragon (Atk:4000-8000).' 'Don't forget, you'll be losing 4k at the end of the turn.' 'I find it amusing you think there's a next turn.' He then revealed that every card left in his hand was Limiter Removal, and Radley shrugged. 'The hell you want me to do about this?' 'I'll activate all three Limiter Removals, to increase End Dragon's Attack by the power of SIX (Atk:8000-48,000). Now attack.' The ridiculous power of Cyber End Dragon simply erased Kirin from existence, ending the duel after barely 40 seconds (Radley LP:8000-0).

An interview was then shown from after Round 1, with Blair and another journalist. 'Blair, a gutsy win out there, you were far from your best though. You've been World Number 1 for a few months now, but you're yet to really shine in that time in a solo capacity. So I have to beg the question many are asking with Akiza right behind you - are you ACTUALLY good enough to be World Number 1?' Before she could answer, Chazz interrupted the chat, flanked by Sledgehammer, Nico and Justin.

'Of course she isn't good enough, she's the same old slacker she always was, coasting on the coattails of someone more famous, trying to look relevant when in fact she's never been more than an average hand, a cod in a sea of sharks. Go home kid, you're where the big boys play' Listening to this, Blair calmly stood from her seat, and got into Chazz's face, using his microphone. 'You wanna back that up? Because I'm not just a good hand, some 6/10 nobody. I'm the World Number 1, and I'm there because when the lights are bright, there's no-one better. And from where I'm standing, you're not exactly doing much to prove your point.'

'Meaning?' 'Ever since you came here throwing your weight around, you've been ducking and dodging me at every turn, you'd rather just use your words to tell everyone how much better than me you are.' 'You see, the difference between us' 'The difference between us is your Dad paid for your entire career. Your scholarship to Duel Academy? That'll be $500,000 in the chancellor's back pocket. Your first title shot? A lil' backhander to the champion. Hey Nico, how much were you wired to babysit him?' As Nico struggled to answer the question, she continued, the crowd very firmly on her side.

'That's the difference here. I've had to scrap for every last opportunity, I had to win to survive because there was no other way. When I was winning my first Amateur Worlds? I arrived at that event with 8 bucks in my bank. Not $8000, $8. When I reached the Last 8 at Worlds last year, I had to steal from my future best friend just to pay for the air fare. I didn't have someone paying for everything for me, even now most of my winnings don't see my bank account because I'm still paying off debts. I'm not going to be at Rebellion in Ukraine next week, because I'm going to be in Missouri for the U.S. Nationals, because that's where all the best and brightest from the 51 states do battle. And if you want to show that I really am as mediocre as you say, then meet me in St. Louis.'

This said, she walked off, straight into the centre of the arena for her duel. 'The following is a Quarter-Final duel in the AllStars. Introducing first, from Shelby, Michigan, the Jewel of the St. Clair - Blair Flannigan.' The moment she appeared, the crowd were fully behind the adopted Brit, who had swapped her football shirt for a zip-up jacket with her name in writing backgrounded by the Union Jack. In the zone, she uncharacteristically smacked the duel field with open palms twice, before raising the Symbol of Excellence in the centre.

Jaden's own music then hit and he strolled down to heavy boos, primarily due to who he was up against. This didn't seem to bother him though, as he came straight down, and signalled to the crowd. As they still didn't respond to him, he tried to share a quick joke with Blair, but she was oblivious, completely in the zone mentally. She waited for Jaden to activate his duel disk, and then withdrew her deck from the holster, and slammed it into her duel disk, causing the rainbow jewels on her duel disk to light up brightly.

AllStars Quarter Final: [1] Blair Flannigan LP:8000 vs. [6] Jaden Yuki LP:8000

(Blair opening hand: Aleister the Invoker, El Shaddoll Fusion, Cosmic Cyclone, Shaddoll Falco, Shaddoll Squamata)

Turn 1: Blair: 'I'm starting strong with Aleister the Invoker (Atk:1000). When he's Normal summoned, he crafts the power of Invocation onto my field. Then I'll activate said Invocation, fusing Aleister and Shaddoll Falco to summon Invoked Caliga (Def.:1800). Then Falco's effect will revive itself face-down. I'll set these two and pass to you.'

(Jaden hand: A Hero Lives, Hero's Bond, Evil Hero Adusted Gold, Dark Fusion, Wiretap, Double Hero Attack)

Jaden: 'I draw. I'll activate the Spell card A Hero Lives, paying half my Life points (Jaden LP:8000-4000), and' 'I chain El Shaddoll Fusion to fuse Falco and Squamata to summon El Shaddoll Winda (Atk:2200).' This put Jaden in a tricky position, causing him to change his plans on the fly. 'I'll use Hero Lives to summon Evil Hero Infernal Gainer (Atk:1600). Now you using your effects?' 'Yeah, CL1 I'll send Beast with Squamata, CL2 I'll revive Falco again.' 'No response' Jaden responded, starting to understand the situation. 'Now I'll use Beast to draw another card.' 'Sure. Question - Caliga restricts monster effects, right? Not all effects?' 'Only monsters' she replied, not even flinching as she stated her reply.

'I'll activate the hand effect of Evil Hero Adusted Gold, to discard it and add Supreme King's Castle to my hand, then activate Castle.' Jaden's dark and foreboding castle rose from the ground, lightning cracking around it all the while. He looked up while this happened, and saw Blair still laser-eyed, waiting for an opportunity. 'Now I'm going to enter my Battle phase, and attack Wind' Just as he was about to attack, Jaden stopped himself sharply, standing up and seeing the slightest of hand movements from his opponent, which gave him cold feet over attacking. 'I end my turn with three face-downs.'

(Blair hand: Final Fusion, Vanity's Call)

Blair: 'I draw. I activate my face-down Cosmic Cyclone. By paying 1000 Life points (Blair LP:8000-7000), I can banish your Castle.' As the Castle disappeared in the vicious storm, Blair wasted little time in seizing the advantage. 'Winda, attack Infernal Gainer with Resurrection Calamity.' Winda fired a single wire from her left sleeve, which punched through Gainer's heart with a sniper's accuracy (Jaden LP:4000-3400). 'I end my turn setting one.'

(Jaden hand: Elemental Hero Bustinatrix)

Jaden: 'I draw. I'll set this monster and pass turn.'

(Blair hand: Shadow's Light)

Blair: 'I draw. I'll set this, and then attack over your monster.' Winda pierced again, this time eliminating Jaden's Elemental Hero Burstinatrix (Def.:800), leaving Jaden's field empty once more. 'Not a bad start' Jaden quipped, but Blair wasn't responding, utterly focused on one job - winning.

(Jaden hand: Graceful Charity)

Jaden: 'I draw. Finally I can do something - Graceful Charity. This draws me 3 cards and then I'll have to ditch two of them. Now I'll Miracle Fusion, to banish Bustinatrix and Elemental Hero Clayman from the grave, summoning the Elemental Hero Rampart Blaster (Def.:2500). That should protect my points for a while, so I'll end my turn there.' Finally, Blair had some fighting talk to respond. 'You can hide but not for long. I never stop.'

(Blair hand: Solemn Judgement)

Blair: 'I draw. I'll set another card and pass.' 'Getting a lot of backrow aren't we?' She once more failed to respond, leaving him feeling the ice. 'This is what you're like then eh?'

(Jaden hand: Malfunction)

Jaden: 'I draw.' As he looked at the card, he started to show signs of frustration. 'I'll end my turn setting this.'

(Blair hand: Solemn Judgement)

Blair: 'I'll draw, then set this and pass turn.' Some fans started booing at the lack of action, but Blair didn't even acknowledge this.

(Jaden hand: Destruction Jammer)

Jaden: 'I'll set this one and pass.'

(Blair hand: Life Absorbing Machine)

Blair: 'I'll set one more, pass.'

(Jaden hand: Dark Bribe)

Jaden: 'I'll fill out my backrow as well. This is fun isn't it' he then quipped, seeing the congested fields. But he again got no response, and this time decided to say something. 'Look I know you want to win, but no need to be ignorant.' 'I'm not being ignorant, I'm concentrating. This might be a joke to you but it an't to me, you've done everything, I've not.' This made Jaden stop, and think. ('Maybe that's it… I should be taking this seriously").

(Blair hand: Shadow's Light)

Blair: 'I draw. I activate my face-down Shadow's Light, which will target Caliga, and summon a Light monster of the same Level from my deck or Extra deck.' 'I'll chain Dark Bribe, to allow you to draw a card and negate your' 'Solemn Judgement, I'll pay half (Blair LP:7000-3500).' 'Malfunction - I pay 500 Life points (Jaden LP:3400-2900) to negate your Trap and return it to' 'Solemn Judgement, pay half (Blair LP:3500-1750).' Angered, Jaden responded. 'Destruction Jammer, because Solemn destroys, I can negate and destroy.' Blair was determined not to give an inch though. 'Vanity's Call, I pay half to negate everything in the chain (Blair LP:1750-875). I end my turn.' All the crowd applauded at the chian, but Blair was very obviously unhappy.

(Jaden hand: Supreme KIng's Castle)

Jaden: 'I draw, and activate Supreme King's Castle.' Before the Castle could even finish rising, Jaden had passed the turn back, trying to keep Blair on her toes.

(Blair hand: Shadow's Light, Shaddoll Falco)

Blair: 'I draw, and activate my face-down Life Absorbing Machine. So during each Standby phase, I regain half of the Life points I paid last turn.' 'Good luck working that out…' Jaden remarked at the awkward totals, before she immediately came out with an answer. 'I paid 6125 Life points, so I'll regain 3062.5 (Blair LP:875-3937).' The crowd applauded the maths, but she was now flying. 'Now I activate Shadow's Light, targeting Caliga, and summoning from my Extra deck The Fabled Unicore (Atk:2300). I set a monster and end my turn.'

(Jaden hand: Future Fusion)

Jaden: 'I draw, and activate Future Fusion.' 'Unicore's effect will just negate it because we have the same amount of cards in hand.' This confused Jaden. 'At activation?' 'We both had 0 in hand.' Still unsure, Jaden ended his turn.

(Blair hand: Sanguine Swamp)

Blair: 'I draw, end my turn setting one.'

(Jaden hand: Mystical Space Typhoon)

Jaden: 'I draw' 'I'll flip Sanguine Swamp. So until my 2nd Standby phase from now, you can't activate any set Spells or Traps.' 'I'll chain Mystical Space Typhoon' 'Unicore.' Jaden then took stock of the situation he found himself in. ("The hell am I supposed to do? I can't activate set cards, I can only use one monster effect, and I can only Special summon once. I don't think… i have anything to get through this."0. Meanwhile, Blair's mind was focused on one thing only. 'Close it out, just close it out.'

(Blair hand: Shaddoll Dragon)

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

(Jaden hand: Hero Blast)

Jaden: 'I draw, set and pass.'

(Blair hand: Solemn Judgement)

Blair: 'I draw, and I'll flip my set Shaddoll Dragon face-up (Atk:1900). The effect of Dragon allows me to bounce back your Rampart Blaster, leaving you defenceless as I attack.' As Winda fired her wire, Jaden considered conceding, but out of respect, let all the attacks come in (Jaden LP:2900-0).

Following the duel, Blair pumped her fist, and shouted at the crowd 'NEVER COUNT ME OUT! I DEMAND RESPECT!' Jaden walked over, as she quietly returned her deck to the case on her belt, and instead of shaking her hand, he knelt to her. 'You're better than I ever was. The level you're at, I just can't do that.' 'So this is it then? Your last AllStars event?' 'Looks like it' he shrugged. 'If I can't duel at the level you're setting when you're not even at your best, I shouldn't be here. Hope you win it all.' She responded by grasping his hand firmly. 'Me too. It's about time people saw what I can actually do.' He patted her on the back, and then walked away, resigned to the truth, while she continued to shout for respect.

In the hospital, Hannah was reading the local newspaper when she noticed Meghan sneaking in out of the corner of her eye. 'You're terrible at sneaking around, I just hope you know that.' Bursting into laughter, she entered the ward properly, and immediately walked over to Skylar. 'He's a looker isn't he?' 'I didn't know you were after someone that young.' 'Eww, that's gross' she cried out, causing Hannah to laugh. She then tapped on the seat next to her, and Meghan duly sat.

'So how are you?' 'Bored out of my skin. I just can't sleep in this place, too many bad memories.' Knowing it was where they had ended up after their crash all those years before, Meghan nodded. 'I get ya, obviously I don't really remember it much so I wouldn't feel that way, but I totally get it. Hopefully you'll get to go in the next couple of days. How's Sky?' 'Nicknames already I see. He's good, I've not been able to feed him yet but that will apparently come. I just… want to take him home. Like I know how to look after my own son better than some lousy doctor.' 'And you will, just takes a few days to make sure you don't have to come back. Look, you'll be amazing, just hold out. Talking of family though…'

Immediately Hannah looked suspicious. 'What've you done? If you need more money I'll happily help you out, all you need to do is' 'No, ain't that this time.' The youngest Cummings sibling rooted through her pocket for a moment, and withdrew from it an official-looking form, which she passed to Hannah, who took her glasses off immediately. 'You know what this is, right? And what the consequences would be?' 'Yeah totally, I did a load of thinking, and I want in. I want to join the Renegades.' The reply was immediate and clear. 'Not in a month of Sundays. I still have veto power there.'

'But you and Al joined' 'That was different, she wasn't given the choice, and I did it for totally different reasons. Trust me, if you do, you're only going to get hurt or end up being used as a weapon or a damsel in' 'I know how to handle myself Hannah, I'm a brown belt working towards black in BJJ, I can drink anyone under the bar' 'Apart from me.' 'Apart from you because you've got a stomach made of iron, and I can handle a knife' 'The last time you did that you spent a month locked up in a jail in Sydney.' 'Point is, you don't need to look after me anymore, I can make my own decisions.' 'Yeah, but I still have veto power, and you're still not joining up, I don't want you caught up in all of this. I don't know what dream Maddy's sold you, but' 'I literally ain't talked her about it, the last time we talked we spent 20 minutes on lookin' after reptiles. But we're not having this argument now, because you're going to be stuck in here longer otherwise. Gonna get a drink from the vending machines, you want anything?' 'Just a coke thanks.' 'Sure thing.'

As Meghan left the ward, she shoved her hand into her hoodie's pouch, and withdrew a note, and wrapped in it, was a black card with a red "R" on it. On the reverse was her signature. 'I know you're trying to protect me, but maybe it's my turn to protect you. And you can't veto something that's already happened sis. Maybe I'll see you around the base.' She then got her phone out. 'Hey, could you call me when you get this Maddy, I've decided I want in,.'

In the arena

Nash was waiting in the duelling zone as Maddy walked out, showing little sign of the attack earlier. 'Introducing his opponent, representing the Renegade nation, from Stonybridge, Northumbria, England, the WDC Young-Gun Champion, Don Alpha - Maddy Smith.' She held her belt high as she listened to the roar of the crowd, and took her hat off, all the while Nash staring at her calmly. When she entered the zone, he activated his duel disk immediately, which she recognised for what it was - mind games. 'Yeah, really intimidating.'

AllStars Quarter Final: [4] Nash vs. [13] Maddy Smith

(Maddy hand: Frightfur Fusion, Frightfur Patchwork, Fluffal Dog, R:Veil, Edge Imp Sabres)

Maddy: 'I'll activate Frightfur Patchwork, adding Polymerisation and Edge Imp Chain to my hand. Then I can summon Fluffal Dog (Atk:1700). Using it I'll get meself a Fluffal Octopus, then I'll activate Poly and fuse Dog and Chain to summon Frightfur Sheep (Def.:2000). Chain's grave effect adds any Frightfur card from my deck to my hand. I'll add Frightfur March, then set two and pass.'

(Nash hand: Fish Sonar, Depth Shark, Dream Shark, Gazer Shark, Dark World Dealings, Rank-up Magic Barian's Force)

Nash: 'I draw. I activate Dark World Dealings, so we both draw a card and then discard one.' Nash immediately discarded his Gazer Shark, confident right up until he saw Maddy discard Edge Imp Chain. 'Look, I know we're doin' a fab job with making your sister a star, but you don't need to give these gifts out. When Chain goes to the graveyard, I get a Frightfur card from my deck. I choose Designer Frightfur.' Recovering from this setback, Nash continued his turn. 'I control no monsters, so I can summon Depth Shark without tributing (Atk:1400). Then I'll summon Dream Shark (Atk:0).'

'Now I'll overlay my two monsters to Xyz summon Number 73: Abyss Splash (Atk:2400). And now I'll show you the real power that she turned her back on - Rank-up Magic Barian's Force. This overlays my Abyss Splash into a Chaos Xyz monster. Chaos Xyz evolution! Barian's power, born of chaos, lay waste to this beast of filth! I summon Number C73: Abyss Supra Splash (Atk:3000). Abyss Supra, attack her Sheep.' Supra unleashed a torrent from its staff, which crushed Maddy's Sheep and destroyed it. 'You really think it's that easy? When Frightfur Sheep is destroyed, I can revive it straight away with 800 more Attack (Atk:2000-2800).' 'I'll end my turn.'

(Maddy hand: Frightfur Fusion, Edge Imp Sabres, Fluffal Octopus, Designer Frightfur, Toy Vendor)

Maddy: 'I'll set this one and then pass to you.'

(Nash hand: Magical Cylinders)

Nash: 'I draw, and I'll set one card, then attack your Sheep again. This is for all the times your cult have brainwashed my sister!' As Sheep was once again destroyed, Maddy defended her clan. 'Look, I don't know how many times you want us to say, but she came to us. Not the other way around, she asked for protection and we offered her just that, we just took precautions. You want the actual truth? She ain't been under any kind of enchantment for months at this point, you can ask almost anyone who don't hate us, so that's… basically nobody but like we care. By the way, Sheep comes back, like you didn't know that (Def.:2000).' 'I'm setting this and ending my turn. Just know that you have no idea what we have planned.'

(Maddy hand: Frightfur Fusion, Edge Imp Sabres, Fluffal Octopus, Designer Frightfur, Edge Imp Saw)

Maddy: 'Ooh I'm so scared, you think you're some big man just because you can threaten your opponents, like I ain't done worse. If you think you're real hard, you can concede this duel and we'll take this outside so I can see if you're actually tough or you're just a shark with a soft underbelly. While you're deciding though, I'll draw and activate Toy Vendor. By discarding Edge Imp Saw, I can draw a card and reveal it. If it's a Fluffal, I can add it to my hand or summon it, if it ain't, then it goes to grave.' Maddy quickly drew, revealed Frightfur Factory, and discarded it. 'Tough break.' 'Like I care. I'll end my turn setting another monster and a face-down.'

(Nash hand: Rank-up Magic the Seventh One)

Nash: 'I'll draw, and activate Rank-up Magic the Seventh One!' Far from being concerned, Maddy flashed her eyes in defiance. 'Most opponents would run in terror seeing this.' 'Yeah, well i ain't most opponents, Imma bad ass with a worse attitude, and I don't like liars. So throw what you got at me, and I'll respond so hard that you'll be shittin' out yer fangs until new year's.' As cheers rung in her ears, Nash continued, with a shark's gaze fittingly. 'Threaten all you like, because you bring no fear for me. You're just like the rest of them - weak and inferior, and like all, you will fall to my power. I summon Number 101 - Silent Honor ARK (Atk:2100). And then I'll immediately overlay it to Xyz summon Number C101 - the asylum of hell, Silent Honor DARK (Atk:2800).'

'And with its effect, my DARK will absorb your poxy Sheep.' As he declared this, DARK threw his javelin into Sheep, absorbing its (Materials:1-2). 'Now I'll attack your set monster with DARK.' Another spinning javelin shot pierced through Edge Imp Sabres (Def.:800), destroying it. 'Abyss Supra, take down her Life points.' The embodiment of Poseidon, Abyss Supra threw his trident directly to Maddy, dealing the first damage (Maddy LP:8000-5000). 'I end my turn.'

(Maddy hand: Frightfur Fusion, Fluffal Octopus, 5 Card Salute)

Maddy: 'I draw, activating 5 Card Salute, drawing three more.' Assessing her hand, she made a risky play. 'I'll set my Pendulum Scales with Scale 1 Edge Imp Cotton Eater and Scale 8 Fluffal Angel. And with them, I'll Pendulum summon two copies of Edge Imp Frightfuloid (Atk:1300x2).' This was a move which surprised her opponent. 'I never thought I'd see this deck Pendulum summoning…' 'And I never thought I'd have to put up with all yer lies, but here we are. Anyway, I'll now activate my face-down Designer Frightfur, to summon a Fluffal from my grave and treat it as a Frightfur.' As she declared this, Fluffal Dog was dragged up from the graveyard by a pair of scissors, and surgically had vicious fangs and eyes sewn onto its body (Atk:1700). And finally, I can activate Frightfur Fusion, which will combine my three monsters into the cruellest beast of all, the combination of all the anger, disgust and dread, Frightfur Chimera. And don't forget, Cotton Eater gives all Frightfurs an extra 300 Attack (Atk:2800-3100).'

'Frightfur Chimera, attack Silent Honor DARK.' Chimera's central head slowly opened its mouth mechanically, before firing out a rocket which exploded on contact with DARK, blowing its head off (Nash LP:8000-7700). 'I'll activate DARK's effect' 'You can't, because Chimera shuts off all your card effects until the end of the Damage step. Which, I think you'll find, this is not. Oh, and a little bonus, when it destroys a monster, Chimera revives it, but to my field, with its Attack halved.' One of Chimera's side heads stretched an extended neck down below the ground, and picked up the beheaded DARK, reanimating it (Def.:1500, Chimera Atk:3100-3400). 'I end my turn.'

(Nash hand: Loop of Destruction)

Nash: 'I draw. I'll set this, and then I'll end my turn.' 'Not interested in taking your monster back?' 'Let's just say I don't need it. I can beat you any day of the week.'

(Maddy hand: Edge Imp Chain)

Maddy: 'I draw.' 'I activate Loop of Destruction, it destroys your monster and then we both take 1000 damage.' A loop wrapped around the leg of Chimera, blowing it up and dealing damage (Maddy LP:5000-4000, Nash LP:7700-6700). 'Now I'll Toy Vendor, discarding Edge Imp Chain.' Drawing the card, she smiled. 'I summon Fluffal Penguin (Atk:1600). Now I'll use Chain's effect.' Getting concerned, Nash resorted to mind games.

'Oh, I meant to tell you, Rhydian said Hi, he's doing well and making lots of friends after you betrayed him. He also wanted to know if you had anything to say back? Maybe an I Love You?' The mere mention of her ex saw Maddy flash her eyes in fury. 'I've got a message for him, and I'm about to hit you with it! I'll get Frightfur Fusion, and then use it, banishing Edge Imp Saw and Fluffal Penguin to Fusion summon Frightfur Cruel Whale (Atk:2600-2900). And with its effect, Cruel Whale will destroy both your Supra and my Silent Honor DARK.' As Cruel Whale sliced up both monsters, Maddy readied for a big blow. 'Here's my message to Rhydian - FUCK YOU!' This time though, she had been tempted in. 'I activate Magical Cylinders. This sets Magic Cylinder from my deck, and by banishing it, the damage is doubled.' Maddy looked on in shock as Cruel Whale was captured in the cylinders, and turned back on herself (Maddy LP:4000-0).

On the closure of the duel, Nash immediately left the zone, triumphant, having played his plan to perfection. Maddy, on the other hand, huffed in frustration, but kept her composure a she waved to the appreciative crowd on her way out. As he returned backstage, Nash was approached by an interviewer. 'A great win for you there, Maddy never an easy opponent. You have Blair next, should be very good?' 'As a duellist I respect Blair, but she isn't a match for me, and she never will be while she's being held down by him. This title is mine.'

While he continued to crow, Kari and Claude locked swords. After a duel lasting another half an hour, Claude clutched out a win by 1300 Life points. In a strange twist after the duel, Claude got a microphone, and declared 'Now you can bow to your commander.' She responded to this by staring at him as if he'd gone mad, and then refusing. Before it could result in any major issues, Hassleberry whispered to her, and then lightly kicked the back of her knee, resulting in her dropping to her knees, giving Claude what he wanted. The Regiment left together, seemingly as united as ever.

Meanwhile, in the hospital

In the maternity ward, a nurse walked in, his face beaming as he saw Skylar, taking a prick of blood from his foot to limited reaction, before he spoke with the softest Australian accent you ever heard. 'How are you this afternoon young man? Doing nice and strong?' He then glanced over to Hannah, who was sat with her green-framed glasses on, reading a parenting advice book. 'And how's Mum doing?' Without even looking over, she responded with 'I'll be better when you stop sticking needles in my baby. Can I go yet, or are you planning on keeping me in this prison forever?'

'Well we just need to make sure all his blood tests come back clear, then we can work on a release plan.' 'Well let me know when you've pushed your pencils for long enough. In the meantime if you could stop turning Skylar into a pin cushion I'd be incredibly grateful.' As the humbled nurse left, Hannah got her phone out, and made a call. 'Why are you going to voicemail? Right, listen to me Mr., if you don't bring me something shiny home from this event, I swear you're going to be joining me in this prison camp, and you won't be getting out any time soon.'

Meanwhile, backstage

Kris was talking to Astrid about their LFD contracts when he saw Rio passing by, and with a single knowing look to Astrid, she pushed him out towards her. 'Hey Rio' 'I'm not interested Kris, leave it.' 'I know what you're going through, but nobody thinks you're anything less than a world class duellist, and a world class person.' 'Don't lie, nobody thinks that and I know it. I know you're trying to "cheer me up", but lying ain't it. Now just leave me alone and we don't have issues.'

She stormed off, leaving Kris frustrated. As he turned back, he found Astrid on his phone. 'Yeah, Kris wanted to talk to you about something, and no, don't even go there.' As he signalled to find out who was on the phone, Astrid made an "M" with her fingers, annoying him. 'I'll pass you over now.' He reluctantly took the phone off her, and spoke to the president. 'Yeah, it's me, it's actually about Rio, she's been totally off since the incident I mentioned yesterday, and now I think she's hiding something, she's being very elusive and not talking to anyone, she's even fallen out with Blair which is nothing like her.' 'Don't worry about it, I'll keep an ear out for anything. If something's going on, I'll know. You concentrate on yourself, and maybe on stopping Astrid stealing your phone. I wish I'd never taught her how to use it now.' 'So do I.' 'Well catch you later.' 'Err sure, bye.'

In the hospital, Hannah woke up from an extended nap, to see Blair sat in the chair besides the bed. 'Sorry… how long' 'About an hour. But you were asleep, so I thought I'd let you rest. How's Sky doing?' 'He's good, getting stronger. How about you?' 'Pardon?' 'I was with Rio earlier, I gathered you had a falling out.' 'Not from me, she just totally turned after I arrived at the arena. Kris was spouting some nonsense about Rio being jealous of me because some guy turned her autograph down, sounds insane when you really think about it.' Hannah had a rather different take though.

'It doesn't sound insane at all.' She then took her glasses off and slid them across the table, looking at Blair, eyes locked. 'How often do you hear people talking about how good Phil is?' 'Not enough, but I guess he does get his flowers.' 'How often do you hear people talking about how good you are?' 'Once in a while, mainly from people who watched me when I was actually good.' 'That's another topic for another time, but think of this: how often do you hear people talking about how good Rio is?' 'All the time, what she's been through is' 'No, not talking about her condition, how good she is as a duellist.'

This prompted Blair to think. 'I suppose' 'You haven't, because nobody has. Just once in a while, don't you think that it would get frustrating?' To prove her point further, Hannah picked up her phone, and pulled up a particular webpage. 'Pro Duelling Monthly, Issue 89, March 2017, Page 18 and 19, an article entitled "Burning Diamonds and Flaming Victories: How Michigan and Manchester became the ultimate team".' Blair seemed surprised at this revelation. 'But I get that magazine every month' 'You realise that any professional duellist is able to get the issues a week early, right? I was reading the article earlier, and it described Rio as "the team's mascot,", a "C+ in the company of two As", and "A non-factor in the team's success". I did email Phil telling him to not let either of you read this, but it seems like other things have happened.'

'So what do I do then?' Hannah responded, unhelpfully, with a slight shrug of the shoulders. 'I can't help on this one, I've talked to Rio, aside from that you've just got to work things out. But it isn't a situation which is just going to go away, something's got to make it. You'll work it out though, you're clever kids you two. Now I don't want to stop you spending time here, but your duel is in 15 minutes, and you need to get back to the arena yet.' Taking a hint, Blair kissed Hannah on the top of the head, and dashed off. 'Damn her lips are lough, I should buy her some lip balm for her birthday.'

In the duelling zone

As Nash entered first, Kieran still with him, Phil was frantically looking through the backstage areas, when Blair sprinted straight through him, almost knocking him over. 'The hell have you been?' he grumbled. 'Blame your wife' she replied cheekily, before rushing to the entry gate just as it was closing. Seeing her, the guard blinked slowly, before asking 'What time do you call this?' Thinking on her feet, she responded with 'Late. Could you let me through please?' Still unimpressed, the guard relented and opened the gate back up. 'The crowd would go insane if the semi-final was cancelled.' 'Thanks' she responded as she squeezed through the half-open shutter.

Having walked down to the zone herself, she came face-to-face with Nash, and wasted no time in reading him the riot act. 'You know what it's like to get accused of "corrupting" people constantly? Rio is my best friend, my best friend in this stupid world, and the fact you're trying to tear her away just out of sheer jealousy and macho bravado is really ugly.' Surprisingly though, he smiled in response. 'You really don't know me then. I think you're really good for Rio, it's about time she had someone who actually believes in her. That's why we want you both to join Junction 7. You'd make us stronger, and with us you'd actually be allowed to get the WDC Championship.'

'You know why I haven't challenged Phil for that? It's because I don't want to' Blair counterposed. What she knew that Nash didn't however, was that this was a complete and utter lie, and in fact it was Maddy's call not to have that particular duel. 'Right now, my focus is Rio and our tag titles. But while I'm here, I might as well win a title for myself. As for joining Junction 7, I'd rather choke.' With this blunt response, they began their Semi-Final.

AllStars Semi-Final: [1] Blair Flannigan LP:8000 vs. [4] Nash LP:8000

(Blair hand: Shaddoll Fusion, R:Blowback, Sinister Shadow Games, Shaddoll Squamata, Aleister the Invoker)

Turn 1: Blair: 'I'll start, setting a monster, set two back here, then I'll pass.

(Nash hand: Shark Stickers, Big Jaws, Buzzsaw Shark, Lantern Shark, Ice Barrier, Rank-up Magic Barian's Force)

Nash: 'I draw, and I'll summon Big Jaws (Atk:1600).' 'I'm not scared of sharks, just so you know.' 'Well you'll be more scared when I summon Shark Stickers through its effect (Atk:200). Now I'll overlay them both, to Xyz summon my Xyz Armor Torpedo (Atk:2500). With the effect of Armor Torpedo, I can detach both its materials to draw a card. Now I'll rebuild the overlay network with Armor Torpedo, to Xyz summon Rank 4, Full Armored Black Ray Lancer, which gains 200 Attack for each material it has (Atk:2100-2300). Then I'll build the network again, and Xyz summon Rank 5, Xyz Armor Fortress (Atk:2500).'

Nash briefly looked up at this point, and noticed that Blair hadn't moved a muscle, intensely focused on the duel. 'This could be good. By detaching both materials, I can add Armored Xyz and Full Armored Xyz to my hand. Now I'll use Armored Xyz, to equip Armor Torpedo from the graveyard to my Fortress. Now I'm going to attack your set monster.' As Fortress sent a rocket crashing into Squamata (Def.:1000), Blair noted 'I can't use Squamata's effect because your Armor Torpedo's equip effect shuts off my card effects until the end of the Damage Step.'

This impressed her opponent. 'You know the cards? Impressive.' 'Leave it out, I don't need babying.' 'In that case, you'll also know that I can use Armored Xyz's effect to send Torpedo to the grave and attack again.' 'And you'll know that we're now in the "after damage calculation" step, meaning I can use my face-down Sinister Shadow Games, to send Shaddoll Dragon to my graveyard. And its effect will destroy your Torpedo.' This effect caused Armored Xyz's effect to resolve without effect, and annoyed Nash. 'Fine, I'll overlay once more into Rank 7, Full Armored Dark Knight Lancer, which gets 300 Attack for each material it has (Atk:2800-3100). I'll set three and end my turn.'

(Blair hand: Shaddoll Fusion, Aleister the Invoker, D.D.R. Different Dimension Reincarnation)

Blair: 'I'll draw, and activate Shaddoll Fusion.' 'I wondered how long it would be.' 'I'm sure you know its conditions for sending from the deck, so I'll just tell you I'm sending Eclipse Wyvern and Shaddoll Dragon to summon El Shaddoll Construct (Atk:2800). Construct effect, I'll send Ariel, then Dragon effect I'll destroy the face-down on the right, and Eclipse Wyvern, I'll banish Dark Armed Dragon.' 'I'll use my set Called by the Grave, to banish Ariel and negate her effects.'

As the chain resolved, destroying Nash's set Barian's Force, the crowd applauded what was turning into a pulsating clash between two top-class competitors. 'Construct, attack Dark Knight Lancer.' 'I activate my face-down Ice Barrier. This negates Construct's effects, saps its Attack points, and keeps it stuck in Attack mode.' 'I activate my face-down R:Blowback. Because guess what - it doesn't care who is doing the attacking. Now the attack is negated and you lose 100 points for every card on the field.' As the attack was coming in, Nash was suddenly hit by a blast of wind (Nash LP:8000-7500, Construct LP:2800-0).

'Now that's out of the way, I'll summon Aleister the Invoker (Atk:1000). His effect will get an Invocation from my deck, and then I'll activate that Invocation, banishing Aleister and Construct to Fusion summon Invoked Augoeides (Def.:2800). Finally, the effect of Invoked Augoeides will destroy your Lancer.' A turquoise light came beaming from the statue-like Augoeides, ripping Lancer apart. 'I'll end my turn.'

(Nash hand: Graydle Alligator)

Nash: 'I draw. I'll set this monster, then I'll pass.'

(Blair hand: D.D.R Different Dimension Reincarnation, Qadshaddoll Keios)

Blair: 'I draw. I'll use the effect of Aleister the Invoker to return it to my hand, and Invocation to the deck. Then I'll activate D.D.R: Different Dimension Reincarnation. It requires me to discard Aleister, but in return I can bring back El Shaddoll Construct from the banished zone (Atk:2800). Then I can switch my Augoeides to Attack mode (Atk:2000), and I'll attack and destroy your monster.' Augoeides' attack connected, but it was a nasty surprise for Blair (Graydle Alligator Def.:1500). 'When Alligator is destroyed, it takes control of your Augoeides.' With Nash now having her monster, it was expected that Blair would attack over her monster. Instead, she just ended her turn.

(Nash hand: Buzzsaw Shark)

Nash: 'I draw, and I'll summon Buzzsaw Shark (Atk:1700). And Buzzsaw's effect summons Right-Hand Shark from my deck (Atk:1500). Now I can overlay both of them to Xyz summon Number 101 - Silent Honor ARK (Atk:2100). ARK's effect will allow it to absorb your El Shaddoll Construct. Hell Asylum.' ARK successfully drew Construct into its snare, leaving Blair exposed. 'Now I'll attack with Augoeides and ARK.' ARK shot lasers and Augoeides unleashed its light, dropping Blair's points down as she gritted her teeth (Blair LP:8000-3900). 'I end my turn.'

(Blair hand: Invocation)

Blair: 'I draw. I'll activate Invocation, to fuse together the Aleister in my graveyard with the Dark Knight Lancer in yours, to Fusion summon the great wall - Invoked Cocytus (Def.:2900).' 'I'll activate the effect of Augoeides.' 'You should have done the research I did Nash, if you did you'd know Cocytus can't be targeted or destroyed by card effects.' Annoyed, Nash took a moment to recompose. 'You're damn stubborn. I end my turn.'

(Nash hand: Rank-up Magic the Seventh One)

Nash: 'I draw, and I'll activate the signature card of the empire - Rank-up Magic the Seventh One. This allows me to rank up my ARK into Number C101 - Silent Honor DARK (Atk:2800). Then I'll switch Augoeides to Defence (Def.:2800), and end my turn.'

(Blair hand: Mathematician)

Blair: 'I draw.' As she did, she paused to consider her move. Eventually though, she came to a conclusion. 'I don't need to do this right now, I end my turn.'

(Nash hand: Mirror Force)

Nash: 'I draw. I'll set this and pass. I'm not scared of you, you've got no threat to me.' At this point, Blair's eyes started to waver, as she looked increasingly weary after constant days of training. And this was noticed by her opponent.

(Blair hand: Fusion Weapon)

Blair: 'I'll draw.' Her tired eyes lit up at the sight of the card though. 'I'll activate Fusion Weapon, equipping it to Cocytus, granting 1500 Attack and Defence (Atk/Def.:1800-2900-3300/4400). Cocytus can attack from Defence mode as well, but it uses its Attack stat for it. Attack Augoeides.' Cocytus took the form of an aquatic dragon, which bit down onto the top of Augoeides, destroying it. 'I'll use Aleister's effect to return himself to my hand, and end my turn.'

(Nash hand: Cosmic Cyclone)

Nash: 'I draw. I activate Cosmic Cyclone, which costs me 1000 Life points (Nash LP:7500-6500), and banish Fusion Weapon.' The to-and-fro contest continued, as the weapon powering Cocytus vanished during a vicious storm (Cocytus Def.:4400-2900). 'Then I'll overlay Silent Honor DARK into the symbol of our great race - CXyz Barian Hope. For each material, it gains 1000 Attack points (Atk:3000). Destroy Cocytus!' Blair considered saving her monster with Aleister's effect, but at the last moment changed her mind and let it be destroyed. 'I end my turn.'

(Blair hand: Mathematician, Aleister the Invoker, Flash Fusion)

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

(Nash hand: Barian's Battle Buster)

Nash: 'I'll draw.' Looking at the card, he shook his head. 'Anything but that. Literally any monster. I'll set this, then I'll attack directly with Barian Hope.' The emblem of the empire came roaring in with his shield and dual-pronged weapon, almost taking Blair down (Blair LP:3900-900). 'I end my turn.'

(Blair hand: Mathematician, Aleister the Invoker, Invocation, Inari Fire)

Blair: 'I've got draws that get me back into this. I've got them in here, so here goes - for the RENEGADES!' She slowly turned the card over, and grinned. 'That'll do it. I summon Aleister the Invoker (Atk:1000). And the effect of Aleister will add Invocation to my hand.' 'Are you actually going to do anything interesting today?' Her eyes widened at this, and her temper started to rise. 'Oh you want to see interesting? How interesting is it if I Special summon Inari Fire because I control a Spellcaster (Atk:1500)? And now, I'm going to set the Link arrows!' This amazed Nash.

'You… have a Link monster?' 'When the demons of the darkness dance through your mind, you become the monster that they thought you were. Become the destruction of the revolution! I Link summon, Link 2, the one who toys with the abyss, Aleister the Invoker of Madness (Atk:1800).' 'Pretty sweet upgrade. Does he do anything?' 'The fuck do you think?' she replied, causing a large amount of the crowd to laugh. 'He'll do something as soon as I activate Invocation, fusing Aleister with the Squamata in my graveyard, to Fusion summon Invoked Caliga (Atk:1000). This triggers the effect of Aleister the Invoker of Madness, who discards Mathematician, and adds Invocation to my hand. Now I can activate Invocation again, combining the powers of Caliga and Cocytus so I can leave you in a world of pain. Fall to the mythical Invoked Elysium (Def.:4000). I end my turn, no Mirror Force is going to stop me, since you're on a kick for old cards.'

(Nash hand: Magical Cylinders)

Nash: 'I draw, and I'll attack Aleister with Barian Hope.' With her points too low to avoid defeat otherwise, Blair was forced into action. 'I activate Invoked Elysium's effect, to banish Aleister from the field and all Light monsters from your field.' The globe in the centre of Elysium started spinning at an insane speed, and the light that emerged vaporised Aleister and Barian Hope. 'I'll set this and end my turn.'

(Blair hand: Invocation)

Blair: 'I draw. I'll activate Invocation, to fuse Aleister and Aleister the Invoker of Madness to Fusion summon Invoked Mechaba (Atk:2500). Then I'll use Aleister's effect to add itself back to my hand, and Invocation into the deck. Now Mechaba, ATTACK!' This proved to be a critical error though. 'It's funny, you had the read on me, right until now. I activate my face-down Magical Cylinders, using it to activate Magic Cylinder. Enjoy the taste of revenge!' All Blair could do was reflect as the blast came in. ("If I'd kept Link Aleister on the field, I could have added Book of the Law to dodge this… I would have won…") (Blair LP:900-0).

As the duel concluded, Nash smiled, tired but victorious after an epic that lasted over 40 minutes. The cameras weren't focused on him though; rather, they were with Blair, who walked straight out, into the Renegades' private dressing room, and after a moment leaning her head against the wall, she screamed in fury, and punched two large holes into the brick wall, then ripped a bench from its metal mountings, launching it across the room, where it caused another hefty dent in the wall. Still enraged, she tore several hooks off the walls, before kicking holes through the door.

Before any more damage could be caused, Jade walked in, and looked stunned at what she was witnessing. As she tried to calm her love down, Kris ran in as well, and after some talking things out, they got her to leave the room. On the way out, they passed Maddy, who Kris signed to. As she walked into the room, she surveyed the damage, and whistled to herself, while leaning on the frame of the smashed door.

Meanwhile backstage, Nash and Kieran were celebrating the win. 'You claimed to be the best duellist around, but I think I just proved that you're nothing but a phoney, an average duellist with a hype machine around you. Our next step is taking those tag titles from you, because I think you'll find that we have an upper hand you don't know about.' Kieran then stepped up to the camera. 'Any place, any time, you bring your titles and we'll bring a beating. Top guys out.' This appeared to be the end of the conversation, until Belle and Freja walked into shot.

'Oh hey guys, congratulations Reggie on beating Blair, I can only imagine how difficult it was for you to beat her at half ability.' 'What do you two mites want' Kieran responded, clearly not best pleased at his path being blocked. So Freja told him straight. 'We heard that you were after some tag titles, and… well… we've got some tag titles. And we felt sorry for you, so we decided to offer you a duel you might win.' Belle then made the challenge. 'Consider this a challenge - we're waiting for you in Ukraine. But if you step up, you'll get shut down.' Belle and Freja held up the symbol as the coverage flicked back to the second Semi-Final.

AllStars Semi Final: [8] Claude Duane LP:8000 vs. [2] Phil Robinson LP:8000

(Claude hand: Foolish Burial Goods, Ready Fusion, Souleating Oviraptor, Shrink, Rescue Rabbit)

Claude: 'I'll open with Foolish Burial Goods, to send Ground Xeno from my deck to the graveyard. Then I'll summon Rescue Rabbit (Atk:300), and tribute it to summon two copies of Kabazauls (Atk:1700x2). I'll overlay them, and Xyz summon Evolzar Laggia (Atk:2400). I end my turn - good luck.'

(Phil hand: Cyber Dragon, Cyberload Fusion, Clockwork Night, Cyber Dragon Core, Cyber Dragon Drei, Final Fusion)

Phil: 'I'll start my turn with Clockwork Night, turning all monsters on the field into Machines. Also, all Machines I own get 500 Attack and Defence; all of yours lose 500 Attack and Defence (Laggia Atk:2400-1900).' Seeing the card, Claude was considering options when Kari came rushing out. 'Hey Claude, I just wanted to say I'm sorry for disrespecting you earlier.' 'Sure, can this wait?' 'It doesn't need to, I just need a moment of your time.' As she said this, he turned to Phil. 'Do whatever you like, that doesn't do anything. Now what was it?' 'I'm sorry, I was just taken back by what you said, I should have just done it, in this fight together and all that.' As Claude's ego was filled up, he turned around to see the play.

'Next I'll summon Cyber Dragon (Atk:2100-2600).' And as Claude was about to learn, no card should ever be underestimated. 'Now I'll fuse all the Machines on the field, including your Laggia! Say hello to my massive friend - Chimeratech Fortress Dragon (Atk:2000-2500).' The crowd cheered this play as Phil continued. 'Now that's out of the way, I'll summon Cyber Dragon Core (Atk:400-900), and use it to add Cyber Revsystem to my hand. Then I'll use Revsystem to summon back Cyber Dragon from my graveyard (Atk:2100-2600).'

Having seen how Maddy lost earlier though, Phil decided to play the odds. 'I'm going to enter my Battle phase, and attack.' Despite being faced with a lot of damage, Claude did some mental maths and opted to take all three burning hits from the mechanical nightmares (Claude LP:8000-2000). 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Claude hand: Ready Fusion, Souleating Oviraptor, Frostosaurus)

Claude: 'I draw. I'll activate Ground Xeno from my graveyard, banishing it to Fusion summon. I'll fuse Souleating Oviraptor and Frotosaurus, Fusion summoning Trancendosaurus Gigantozowler (Atk:3600-3100). Gigantozowler, attack his Fortress Dragon.' As the huge prehistoric beast rumbled in with its tusks readied, Phil calmly flipped his face-down. 'I activate Final Fusion, we both take 56.' The attack was disrupted by a siren, followed by a blinding explosion, ending the contest early doors (Claude LP:2000-0, Phil LP:8000-2400).

When the duel concluded, Phil immediately left, having done his business, and returned to a private room nearby the entrance, where Freja was sat. 'Thanks for morphing into Kari there.' 'You're welcome, don't forget your end of the bargain though.' 'I know, here's Katie's business address, you can get whatever gear you like and I'll pay.' He roughly scribbled an address down, and passed it over. 'Thank you, pleasure doing business with you.'

Elsewhere, Maddy was quietly stood by the ladies' toilets, when Astrid passed by. 'Hey Mads' she cheerily stated before being hushed by her friend. 'What's up?' 'Listening, shush.' She then used her supersonic hearing to listen to a conversation Rio was having on the phone. 'And as I told you, I am "considering it". I haven't told anybody else, in fact you're the one who almost blew it earlier. Reginald, when have I ever lied to you about anything? The truth is, you just sprung this offer on me without any warning, I need to think about it. I know everyone thinks I'm braindead but I'm totally not that. So come back to me in Ukraine, I'll probably have your decision then. But until then, just stop ringing me every half hour, I won't be telling you anything even when I know the decision. Oh, and leave Blair out of this, she's not involved in your schemes. Ok, bye.'

As the call ended, Maddy swore her friend to secrecy. 'Not a word to anyone, ok?' 'I didn't hear anything anyway.' 'About you being here.' 'Oh ok, understood.' As Astrid walked away, Maddy walked into the toilets, acting like nothing was wrong. 'Hey Rio.' 'Oh Maddy' Rio stuttered in surprise. 'You…' 'Need the toilet?' 'Did you hear me' 'On the phone? I heard you were on the phone, but the call ended just as I were walkin' in here. Wasn't Donny again was it? He's got a thing about you.' 'Yeah, I'd never have guessed.' As Rio walked off, Maddy stated under her breath 'Don't worry Rio, I trust you.'

In the duelling zone

The final began with Phil walking out to a ravenous reception, the entire crowd behind the home favourite. He was still wearing the headband fashioned for himself, and was wearing streaks of red face paint to mimic the blood from his Round 1 win. Meanwhile, the commentators noted the ramifications of his duel; being that he would be ranked #5 on the rankings if he won, #9 if he lost. Nash meanwhile, would become World Number 1 with a win, having already overhauled Akiza for second in the world with his win over Blair. In the zone, Phil held up the symbol of excellence, as Nash's music began.

It was some time before he emerged though, and this time, he was alone. While he walked out, a video played of him talking to Kieran and Akiza backstage. 'I'm going out there alone, I've got this. He'll be alone, so I want to beat him just me and him.' Looking at each other, his fellow J7 members agreed. 'Fine, just go and win.' 'I intend on doing. I'm fully aware what's at stake, and it's a lot more than the World Number 1 spot.' By the time the video had ended, the two of them were facing off as they were introduced.

'The following is the WDC AllStars Final, brought to you by Crash Insurance Ltd. Introducing first, standing to my left, from the M18 District, right here in Manchester, England, looking for an inaugural AllStars title, he is the Northern Nightmare - Phil Robinson.' Phil raised the red right hand, as Nash was introduced to a torrent of boos. 'And introducing his opponent, residing in Pocatello, Idaho, the Last Emperor - Nash.' The Barian leader smirked, and then faced off with his opponent, as flash photography burst into life. WIth the trophy beside them in a secure cabinet, the duel began.

AllStars Final: [4] Nash LP:8000 vs. [2] Phil Robinson

(Phil hand: Cyber Emergency, Cyber Dragon Herz, Cyber Dragon Core, Cyber Network, Polymerisation)

Phil: 'I'll open up with Cyber Emergency. Response?' 'You're good.' This seemed to come as a surprise to Phil. 'Ok, I'll add Cyber Dragon Nachster. Next I'll summon Cyber Dragon Core (Atk:400), and use it to add Cybernetic Overflow to my hand. Now I'll use the power of Polymerisation to turn three Cyber Dragon monsters into the great wall, the eternal protector, Cyber Eternity Dragon (Def.:4000). I end my turn setting two.'

(Nash hand: Buzzsaw Shark, Ice Barrier, Xyz Reborn, Right-Hand Shark, Abyss Shark, Whitefish Salvage)

Nash: 'I draw, summoning Buzzsaw Shark (Atk:1700). And it being summoned brings out Lantern Shark from my deck (Atk:1500). Now both my monsters are Level 4, but they can be treated as Level 3 or 5 for an Xyz summon. So I'll overlay my two Sharks to build the overlay network, and Xyz summon Number 73: Abyss Splash (Atk:2400). Now Abyss' effect will double its Attack at the cost of an Xyz material (Atk:2400-4800). Now attack his monster!' This appeared to be a perfect time for Phil to trigger his face-down. But instead, he decided to let the attack go through. 'Interesting… so you wanted it to be destroyed?' 'When Eternity Dragon is destroyed, I can summon Cyber Dragon from my deck (Atk:2100).' 'I end my turn with these two face-down.'

(Phil hand: Mind Crush)

Phil: 'I draw, and at the start of my Main Phase, I'll activate Cyber Network.' An odd 3-D grid then materialised around him on the field. 'Once per turn, I can banish one Light Machine from my deck, storing it in the network. I'll banish B - Buster Drake.' As he withdrew Buster Drake from his deck, it flew onto a metallic silver pad, and in a pink light, was crystallised as a statue in the network. 'I'll end my turn with a face-down.'

(Nash hand: Right-Hand Shark, Abyss Shark, Rank-up Magic Barian's Force)

Nash: 'I'll draw and activate Whitefish Salvage. This will add back Buzzsaw Shark to my hand.' 'And I'll activate Mind Crush. I declare a card name, if you have it, you discard all copies of it. I choose Buzzsaw Shark.' Nash gritted his teeth as he discarded the powerful starter, forcing him to go straight to battle. 'I'll attack your Cyber Dragon, Final Fall.' Abyss swung his trident around, before impaling Phil's Dragon (Phil LP:8000-7700). 'I end my turn.' 'Before you do, I'll use Cyber Network to banish A - Assault Core.'

(Phil hand: Graceful Charity)

Phil: 'I draw. I'll activate Graceful, no explanation needed. Then I'll use Cyber Network to banish C - Crush Wyvern. Then I'll use Dark Ruler No More, which shuts off all monster effects on your field. I end my turn.'

(Nash hand: Right-Hand Shark, Abyss Shark, Rank-up Magic Barian's Force, Lantern Shark)

Nash: 'I draw, and I'll summon Lantern Shark (Atk:1500). Then I can summon Abyss Shark because I control a Water monster (Atk:1200), and with its effect I'll add Buzzsaw Shark to my hand. Now I'll overlay my two monsters to build the overlay network, and Xyz summon the hellish asylum - .H Knight (Atk:1700). Now Abyss and .H Knight will attack you directly.' The asylum knight fired its lasers loud and proud, while Abyss Splash launched his trident, putting Nash much in the ascendancy (Phil LP:7700-3600). 'I end my turn.' 'And I'll use Network to banish X-Head Cannon.

(Phil hand: Double Cyclone)

Phil: 'I draw. I'll activate the effect of Cyber Dragon Core in my graveyard, to banish it and summon a Cyber Dragon monster from my deck. Meet Cyber Dragon Nachster (Atk:100). And with Nächster out, he can revive Cyber Dragon from my graveyard (Atk:2100). And with them, I'll build a Link network. From the skunkworks of my unholy mind comes the most optimised evolution of cybernetic technology yet. Seek and Destroy, Cyber Dragon Sieger (Atk:2100). Sieger, destroy .H Knight with Strident Shockwave.' Sieger used its attack to fry the asylum Knight, dealing minor damage (Nash LP:8000-7600). 'I'll use my Network to banish Y Dragon Head, and end my turn setting a card.'

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

Nash: 'I draw' 'I'll use Cyber Network immediately' 'Hey, I was talking.' 'I know, and now I am' he responded in the first fighting talk of the final, a very tense atmosphere having come over the arena between two masters of their craft. 'I'll banish Z-Metal Tank.' 'You're not going to get chance to use it though, because I summon Buzzsaw Shark (Atk:1700). Then the effect of my Buzzsaw will summon Abyss Shark from my deck (Atk:1200).' Nash was well on top, but this was where Phil's previous decision making suddenly paid dividends. 'I activate my face-down Cybernetic Overflow. For every Cyber Dragon monster I banish from my graveyard, I can destroy a card on your field. So by removing Nachster, Herz and Cydra, I can destroy Abyss Shark, Buzzsaw Shark, and the face-down on the left.'

As the set card was revealed to be the Xyz Reborn that Nash had held onto for the entire duel, he suddenly looked concerned for the first time in the entire event. 'I'll end my turn.' 'And I activate Double Cyclone, destroying your other face-down and my Cyber Network.' As this occurred, the statues in the network shattered, with the monsters appearing on the field. 'When Cyber Network leaves the field, I can summon as many banished Light Machines as I have spaces for them. Appear, A - Assault Core, B - Buster Drake, X-Head Cannon, Y-Dragon Head, and Z-Metal Tank (Atk:1900, 1500, 1800, 1500, 1500).

(Phil hand: Cybernetic Revolution)

Phil: 'I draw. I'll use the A and B on my field along with the Crush Wyvern I discarded earlier to summon ABC Dragon-Buster (Atk:3000). And by discarding Cybernetic Revolution, I can banish your Abyss Splash.' A purple light was fired from the cannon on the top of Dragon Buster, which shattered Abyss on contact. 'Now I'll fuse X,Y, and Z to Fusion summon XYZ-Dragon Cannon (Atk:2800). Then, I'll perform one more Fusion summon. This is to go… even further… BEYOND! The ultimate combination of power, A-to-Z Dragon Buster Cannon (Atk:4000). Attack directly!'

A myriad of cannons were fired by the Buster Cannon, taking Nash's points down (Nash LP:7600-3600). But as he thought he was safe, there was one last surprise. 'Now the effect of A-to-Z, defuses itself into its materials (Atk:3000,2800). 'Now my monsters can attack!' The two mighty machines combined their equally deadly attacks into one blinding burst, causing a massive come-from-behind victory (Nash LP:3600-0).

With the duel finishing, Phil looked at the scoreboard, and then started smacking the duel field in delight, screaming as his music played and the result was announced. 'Your winner, and the AllStars Champion, your WDC Champion - Phil Robinson.' As the celebrations continued, he was joined in the zone by Freja, Belle, and Rio, Blair being a notable absentee after her earlier frustration. As his eyes watered, he pointed to the sky and dropped to his knees as an interviewer came over.

'Whew, what a final. Nash, some words on that please - your 3rd AllStars final, a second loss.' He just shrugged and stated 'The better guy won', before stepping back. This led to Phil being interviewed as he was trying to compose himself, Freja supplying him with tissues. 'Phil, a terrible record in this event, and suddenly, in front of your home crowd, you pull it out of the bag. Do you have any explanation for this?' He just laughed to himself, and wiped his face with a cold towel. 'No, I came here expecting the normal. But I promised my wife in the hospital that I was going to fight with the power of three of us. Hannah, Skylar, this one's for you!'

'WDC Champion, AllStars Champion, what's the plan now?' 'Time off' was the immediate reply. 'I'm going to be taking more time with my wife and son, and anyone who wants the title can earn their shot. Because I'm not going to be giving out free gifts. But for now, I'm going to see my wife, because what she's been through is bigger than all of this.' The crowd continued to chant "Baby Daddy", and he turned around, just in time to see Hannah's face on the screens as the fans erupted once more.

'Hey sweetie, wanted to tell you how proud I am. I saw everything, you were great, and this little guy and me couldn't be more proud. I'll be out of here soon, but until then, you enjoy that trophy, you earned it babes.' She then held up the Symbol of Excellence, and all the Dynasty did the same, while the crowd cheered. Soon, he was handed the title, a silver trophy in a star shape, the S in AllStars being replaced by a star as well. He raised the trophy and roared, before posing with it as Belle, Rio and Freja all raised their titles, and the show ended with them all triumphant.

Alpharic Legends Chapter IV

The Alpha was not just brave, but she was also cunning, managing situations by trusting her pack, relying on them to make the correct decisions without her input. Her tribe was considered by all to be the most loyal and dedicated, for they had a leader who believed in them, and they believed in the Alpha with all their hearts. But there was so much more to see, and the pack, they could not see everything.

For deep down, in her heart, the Alpha was riddled with self-doubt and negativity, for she was her own harshest enemy. Her demons were internal, and she was alone fighting them. She kept up the pretences of security to fool her enemies, and she thrived through it all, leading the pack to their greatest prosperity. The glory days were still here, but the clock on them was counting ever downwards, and one enemy was about to discover the ultimate weapon, placing the entire pack in mortal danger.

Next time: Hannah looks to the future while Phil questions his, Maddy dotes on her new brother, and Astrid reveals previously hidden talents in Renegades: A New Dawn Chapter XLVI: What Makes a Family