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.

76. Fall from Grace

Renegades: A New Dawn

Final Chapter: FALL FROM GRACE

WDC: Witchunt card

WDC Championship: [c] Phil Robinson vs. Blair Flannigan vs. Kieran Byrne

Belle Draper vs. Jade Goocheneyad

WDC Tag-Team Championship: [c] Frozen Diamonds (Blair Flannigan and Rio Kastle] vs. Dogs of War (Shay Obsidian and Caleb Hayes)

LFD Showcase: Declan Akaba vs. The Sledgehammer

Grudge Match: Shannon Kelly vs. Rio Kastle

Lockdown Duel (there must be a winner): Akiza Izinski vs. Maddy Smith

There is a warehouse, on the outskirts of North Shields, that hides secrets inside. Because it's not merely a warehouse, but the base for a group. Some call them vigilantes, some call them ruffians. Some see them as heroes, defenders of the abandoned, the voices of the voiceless, others see them as little more than street thugs, mindless mercenaries, a random collection of troublecausers united in causing mischief and fighting for a goal, vague yet unrealistic. And in this base, there was normally lots of noise, hustle, bustle, arguing, celebrating, love, anger. But today, there was nothing. No noise at all. All there was was an old CRT television, the programme being a young girl, sat in a plain wooden chair, addressing the camera directly.

'My name is Maddy Robinson-Cummings, and I am... was... the queen of my own empire. The alpha of the Renegades. And I fought with everything I had. But I Iet power overtake me, and I failed to heed the warnings of the old world. That book of legends we worshiped, wasn't sent to me by accident, my forefathers and mothers sent it to warn me about a future they saw. I was THE ALPHA, and this is how I ruined everything."

On the plane to Toronto

The club were once more in transit, but Blair was highly uneasy about the situation. 'Ri, is it just me, or has Maddy been really quiet for a few days?' 'Yeah, it's probably the stuff with that bitch Shannon, I swear when I get in there with her I'm going to absolutely destroy her to the point where she won't return.' 'Ri, do you not think you're rushing things a bit? I mean you've only been training again for a day after your chest infection.' 'I told you, I had a check-up at the hospital and I was only a little chesty, it wasn't anything big. I'm fine, but you won't be if you don't concentrate on your title shot. You've worked too hard for this.'

Meanwhile, Kris was trying to get any sense out of Maddy. 'You ok Mads?' There was no answer, so he asked again. 'Earth to the alpha, anyone at home?' 'I'm fine!' she snapped in response, before immediately backtracking. 'Sorry, I was just totally lost in thought. You ok?' 'Yeah I'm not bad, looking forward to all this business being over.' Maddy nodded, before retreating back into her shell, as Kris shrugged, and moved back away.

As they disembarked the plane, Jack shouted over. 'Hey Maddy, a word.' As Lydia went to walk past, Maddy stod in her way to talk to him. 'What's up?' 'Look, I know what's going on with you, and I just want to say, good luck and be careful.' Maddy just nodded, and smiled sadly as she walked off the plane, leaving Jack to pull Lydia over. 'Just look after her, k? She thinks she's invincible but she isn't.' Surprisingly, Lydia's response wasn't a supportive affirmation, but a stubborn 'Why, she's never looked after me', before departing herself.

As all this was going on, Blair and Rio split away from Phil, to head to an interview, but with a difference, as Blair explained. 'I can't believe I'm being interviewed in the fuckin' CN Tower! Like I never thought I'd even visit it, never mind be interviewed on the biggest television station in the whole of Canada there! This is just totally mind blowing.' 'Now remember, don't wait for everyone to answer, just say what you've got to say, and let everyone else scramble to respond.' 'Thanks, when I win you'll be my Public Relations advisor.' Rio grinned, and stated 'Just make sure you win first.'

In the CN Tower

Blair arrived at the television studio, lanyard on and wearing a purple shirt with a golden diamond on it, to find Phil and Kieran waiting. The champion was dressed, typically, in a blue waistcoat with a black backing, and Kieran sported a stone grey suit jacket over a plain white shirt, with a green tie. As she took her seat, the perfectly manicured presenter opened proceedings.

'Welcome everyone to a very special episode of The Big Debate here on the Duellist Channel in combination with Canada's leading television station CTV. I'm your host Brad Best, and today we have a treat for you all. To celebrate our 100th episode, we have the competitors in today's WDC Championship title duel with us, giving their views on the duel and why they are going to be the champion leaving Toronto. Phil, as the champion, would you like to kick us off?'

Phil didn't seem entirely interested in commenting though. 'I didn't come here to play games on television, I came to see, conquer, and leave. But since you insist, I'm going to win because I am the best thing to ever happen to this title, and I'm sure as hell better than both of these two.' Any sense of a dynastic pact was then immediately blown to smithereens when Blair retorted. 'That's big talk for someone who's scared of conducting an interview. Not half as scared as you are of me conducting an interview though. I always used to think I couldn't do this stuff, but it turns out it was just too easy having you tell me you'd do it. And now you have to face down with me, you suddenly can't be bothered? Bullshit, you love talking about how good you are.'

'You never had the confidence to do interviews before, and you know why I can't be bothered.' 'Yeah, because you've got a son at home who you don't see when you could very easily just give up the title, and leave me and Kieran to fight over it. But you just love the limelight, as long as you get to be the centre of attention that's all that matters isn't it? That title's become a sausage fest, and now it's being fought over by the big silverbacks, I'm half expecting you to just run into each other head on to see who's strongest. It's about time the title had a champion who will treat it with some damn respect.'

As Phil scrambled for a response, Kieran finally spoke. 'I let the duelling do the talking unlike you two' 'Yeah, you do that so well, that's why you always come up short Kieran' Blair snapped in response, clearly dominating the conversation. 'I'm up here, all the wins and none of the opportunity, you're all of the opportunity but you keep flopping at the top level. Like at the Baltic Championships.' Kieran had a clear response to this though.

'I lost there because I got overconfident. I faced an opponent who was more willing to give everything they had and I paid for it.' 'You lost because Rio wanted it more.' Phil then interrupted to give his say. 'When someone wants it more, they find that extra level, they beat their limits. You're never going to do that because ultimately you don't care if you win or lose, it's just incidental to you. She broke past her own limits to beat you and now duels that way all the time because of that.'

Blair then sarcastically stated 'Thank you Phil for stealing the point I was clearly going to make, nothing like copying off your "mentee"'s homework.' As the small audience gathered applauded the point she made, Kieran made a challenge. 'I'm challenging you two to work together, buddy up all you like, because it's the only way either of you will beat me.' 'Until Akiza attacks us' Phil responded.

'Me and Akiza had an agreement to stay out of each other's business. The main event is now a Lockdown duel, that is between them, which makes it nothing to do with me in any way.' 'You're Junction 7, everything is everyone's business. Let's face it, you're indestructible aren't you? The perfect unit where nobody says anything.' Blair then struck at them both simultaneously. 'Which is what you both want, both of you just expect everyone to sit down and shut up. Because you don't believe you can fight people who have different opinions. (pointing at Kieran) You fell apart against someone who you had pinned against oblivion because you couldn't accept the fact that she wasn't reacting exactly how you expected, she didn't just give up and cry, she screamed "Live and Let Die", and let you have it. (pointing at Phil) And you almost lost to Caleb who didn't even duel well because of what - he went on about religion too much? Get over yourself!'

Eager to avoid the arguing going much further, Brad stepped in to direct the topic. 'Question for Kieran and Blair here, does it bother either of you that the duel is not going to be in the main event? Do you think it devalues the win in any way, or does it not bother you?' Kieran just shrugged and stated 'Doesn't bother me, you go wherever you're told to, it's the same either way, same prize, same money, same prestige. Once you're in a title duel your money's set in stone regardless of where you are on the card.'

'And Blair?' 'I largely echo Kieran, I demanded an opportunity, I didn't demand the main event, I've been the main event, it's just another duel ultimately.' 'Now Blair, this is your first WDC Championship shot, and a lot has been made of why that is the case. Is this simply a case of you never seeing an opportunity, or were you previously not ready to hold that title?'

'I've been ready for a long time. I've never had the opportunity, because I don't play the politics game, I don't go around finding the correct ass to kiss, I don't bottom feed, I don't bow down and I tell people what I think. But I am what I am, and what I am is a world class duellist. I don't doubt that Phil and Kieran are incredible duellists, they are two of the most skilled competitors in any company, but I'm not just another rando, nobody beats me on skill. And if anybody doubts that, why don't you go and find Shay, or maybe find Claude, ask them how trying to beat me on skill went?' This concluded the show, with Blair clearly standing out.'

In the arena

The show opened not with the WDC Championship duel, but with Bolton making an announcement from his office. 'Ladies and Gentlemen, this has been a much anticipated event, and I am pleased to announce all 29,000 tickets have sold before the event. Now a quick update regarding tonight's scheduled main event: Maddy Smith vs. Akiza Izinski will be conducted under Lockdown Rules, where nobody may enter or exit. Additionally, as per an agreement with the Board of Directors, the winner will receive a future WDC Championship title shot. I hope you enjoy the show.'

As the announcement ended, gold sparkles fell from the ceiling, and Blair's name appeared as some 90s cheese blasted through the speakers. Blair then appeared in a denim jacket and utility cap adorned with a white anchor, raising a diamond into the sky, before releasing it and shouting 'It's my time!' to an incredibly loud response. As the commentators discussed her, she signed some autographs and then entered the zone, bending a knee and striking the diamond pose again.

"Blair Flannigan is our World Number 1, a slot she will maintain regardless of the result here, and is an incredibly well rounded competitor. Her recent win over LFD's Shay Obsidian showed what has led to her being regarded as among the most complete competitors in duelling today, as well as her skill in attacking when she chooses to get aggressive. Her Shadow Puppetry deck takes many forms, from the control-based Prediction Dolls to the far more aggressive Predator and Invoked Dolls, and each build provides Blair's brand of aggressive restraint, boxing the opponent in and forcing mistakes out of them, then pouncing on those mistakes like a wildcat unleashed. Also a Marine Reserve, Blair will be hoping to leave her opponents all washed up in her first ever WDC Championship title shot.'

Kieran was next, and he raised his arm immediately, pyro shooting off behind him, before he marched down, sharing some choice words with Blair about it being "his time", and wasted little time in standing right in front of her, leading to a bully-off between them, getting nose-to-nose (Blair having to lean up to do so), before he stepped back, clearly impressed by her not backing down from him, as he smiled and chuckled.

"Kieran Byrne is the other challenger, and the World Number 2 has established himself as a major force in the game through his force of will and ability to take on any opponent and situation, treating them all just the same. His Superheavy Smash deck relies on Machines that swarm the field and co into extremely large monsters, and the lack of Spells and Traps perfectly reflect his no frills, no fuss attitude. He comes here hoping to do business and get the job done, claiming the title that he is desperate for, his motivation being simply to be the best in his field."

Finally, Phil walked out, to a lyrical version of Layla being sung via a recording from Astrid. He raised the symbol of excellence in the entranceway, and then walked down, laying his briefcase down in the centre of the zone, opening up the clasps to reveal the WDC Championship belt lying on a cushion. He removed it, pushed the briefcase away, and raised his title in front of both challengers, taking great delight in telling them both to "beat the best to become the best".

"Phil Robinson is our six time WDC Champion, a record he equalled back at Against All Odds. This is his fourth title defence since, and each time he does so, he uses a new variant of his deck, or in some cases a different deck altogether to polish off his opponents. Phil is regarded as a master tactician, knowing all the ways to trap and enfeeble opponents, often beating them before they even begin. But with his focus more split than ever before, will the World Number 5 be able to hold out against two top opponents?'

WDC Championship: [c] Phil Robinson LP:8000 vs. Kieran Byrne LP:8000 vs. Blair Flannigan LP:8000

(Blair hand: Kuribandit, Shaddoll Fusion, Prediction Princess Tarotrei, Whirlwind Weasel, Summon Limit)

Turn 1: Blair: 'Let's start nice and slow.' 'Learned nothing I see' Phil mumbled, but Blair wasn't in the slightest bit panicked by his words. 'You've clearly learned nothing about me, I only go at Blair speed. I'll summon Kuribandit (Atk:1000), and end my turn with a face-down. During the End phase, I can tribute Kuribandit to excavate five from the top of my deck and add a Spell or Trap from them to my hand. Let's see my selection.' After revealing the cards (Shaddoll Hedgehog, Electromagnetic Turtle, Fusion Substitute, Shaddoll Fusion, Shaddoll Beast), she smiled. 'I mean I'll take Shaddoll Fusion, sure. The other cards go to the graveyard now, triggering Beast to draw a card and Hedgehog to add Shaddoll Dragon to my hand.'

(Kieran hand: Superheavy Samurai Monk Big Benkei, Superheavy Samurai Prodigy Wakaushi, Superheavy Samurai Soulpeacemaker, Superheavy Samurai Soulpiercer, Superheavy Samurai Scales, Superheavy Samurai Wagon)

Kieran: 'I draw. I'll place Superheavy Samurai Prodigy Wakaushi in my Pendulum Scale, and use its effect to place Monk Big Benkei in the Pendulum scale, then summon itself (Atk:1000). And it will discard Wagon to summon another Superheavy Samurai Prodigy Wakaushi (Atk:1000). Then I'll use Big Benkei's effect in the Pendulum zone to add Superheavy Samurai Soulclaw. Now I'll use the other Monk Big Benkei in my hand, sending regular Big Benkei to the graveyard and summoning itself (Def.:3500).'

'Now I'll use this Prodigy to Link summon Superheavy Samurai Scarecrow (Atk:0). And with Scarercrow's effect I'll discard Soulpiercer to revive Prodigy (Atk:1000). Then Soulpiercer will activate in the graveyard, to add Helper to my hand. Now I'll tune Level 4 Prodigy and Level 8 Monk Big Benkei to Synchro summon Superheavy Samurai Brave Masuwaro (Def.:4000). Next I'll summon Superheavy Samurai Scales (Atk:800), and use its effect to summon back Wagon (Atk:800). That allows me to tune Level 4 Prodigy to Level 4 Scales and Level 4 Wagon to Synchro summon Superheavy Samurai Steam Train King (Def.:4800). I end my turn.'

(Phil hand: Cyber Dragon Core, Cyber Dragon, Cyberdark Inferno, Cyberdark Horn, Darklight)

Phil: 'I'll open up shop by summoning Cyber Dragon Core (Atk:400), and using it to add Cybernetic Horizon to my hand. Then I'll activate Horizon, here's how it works: I send two Dragon and/or Machine monsters of different attributes to my graveyard, one being from each of my hand and deck, so I'm sending Cyberdark Horn from my hand and Cyber Dragon Herz from my deck. That lets me add Cyberdark Claw to my hand, and then send Cyber End Dragon to my grave for good measure.'

As he concentrated on his complex combo, Blair caught him off guard. 'I activate Summon Limit, so now you can only summon twice more this turn.' 'Well it doesn't affect Herz adding Nachster to my hand. Then I'll summon Nachster by discarding Cyber Dragon (Atk:100), and using it and Core to Link off. Seek and destroy, Cyber Dragon Sieger (Atk:2100). I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Blair hand: Shaddoll Fusion, Prediction Princess Tarotrei, Whirlwind Weasel, Shaddoll Fusion, Honest, Underworld Ritual of Prediction)

Blair: 'I'll draw and since I got it, I'll use it, Shaddoll Fusion. This sends Felis, Lightsworn Archer and Shaddoll Dragon to Fusion summon the priestess of the strings, El Shaddoll Construct (Atk:2800). Then Felis' effect will revive itself (Def.:2000), while Dragon will destroy Phil's face-down, and Construct will send a Helshaddoll Hollow.' As Phil's Darklight was obliterated, the crowd started to sense Blair's momentum, and started chanting 'More than American', which gave her a slight chuckle.

'Now for the effect of Hollow, and because there are two Attributes of monster on the field (Earth and Light), I can mill two more cards. One of which is Wulf, Lightsworn Beast, allowing me to summon it (Atk:2100).' 'And the other one' Phil posed in response. 'Volcanic Counter.' This confused both opponents, as she continued. 'Now I can overlay my two Level 4 monsters to Xyz summon Minerva the Exalted Lightsworn (Atk:2000). And she's going to mill three more cards.' Milling Shaddoll Beast, Shaddoll Falco and Pot of Avarice, she was clearly in control.

'Beast to draw, Falco to summon itself face-down. Now I think I'll go to battle, and attack your Masuwaro. Don't bother looking at the stats though, Construct doesn't care about them, String of Destiny.' Construct's threads pierced the sky, and straight through Masuwaro, removing its soul effortlessly. 'I end my turn setting one.'

(Kieran hand: Superheavy Samurai Soulpeacemaker, Superheavy Samurai Soulclaw, Scrum Force, Superheavy Samurai Soulbang Cannon)

Kieran: 'I'll draw and use Steam Train King's effect to discard Soulclaw and destroy Summon Limit. With that out of my way, I'll summon Superheavy Samurai Soulbang Cannon (Atk:1000). But he's going to wait to go boom, first I'm equipping him with Soulpeacemaker, whose effect allows me to tribute it for Superheavy Samurai Scales (Atk:1900). Then Scales will summon back the Prodigy Wakaushi in my graveyard (Atk:1000), and I'll tune both for Level 8 Superheavy Samurai Commander Shanawo (Def.:2500). Before I end my turn, I'll use Steam Train King to banish all Spells and Traps from the grave, you both take 200 for each one (Phil LP:8000-7200; Blair LP:8000-7200). Over to you.'

(Phil hand: 5 Card Salute)

Phil: 'I'll draw and cash in my 5 Card Salute. I draw five cards, but if I have three in my hand at the end of the turn, I lose 4000 Life points. Not that it's going to be an issue, as I activate Card Destruction. Now we discard our hands and draw anew. That allows me to activate Overload Fusion, fusing Cyberdarks Horn, Keel, Chimera, Claw and Cannon from my graveyard to Fusion summon Cyberdarkness Dragon (Atk:2000).' 'So that's what your boss looks like' Blair remarked, but Phil was about to make a revelation.

'I activate the effect of Cyberdarkness, to equip Cyber End Dragon from my graveyard and steal its Attack points (Atk:2000-6000).' 'Juicy. I'm sure they'll be really useful against Construct.' 'Funny, but that's not where I'm ending. I'm ending when I tribute Cyberdarkness Dragon, to evolve it even further. Experience the final evolution of cyber hybrid technology and beg for mercy against Cyberdark End Dragon (Atk:5000).'

As the figure of the two Dragons combined in a twisted ungodly hybrid, Kieran looked slightly concerned, while Blair's stance became more wary. 'I'll use Cyberdark End's effect to equip Volcanic Counter from Blair's graveyard to it. Every equip card equals an attack. So I'll destroy Steam Train King.' The two mammoth monsters clashed, with Steam Train King running into the Dragon, but it responded with blasts of lightning from every orifice, causing a giant explosion from it. 'I end my turn by setting two cards.'

(Blair hand: Ritual Cage, Prediction Ritual, Super Polymerisation, Mist Body, Shaddoll Schism)

Blair: 'I draw, and set two, then attack Commander Shanawo with String of Destiny!' 'You using Construct's effect?' Kieran prompted, but Blair was all too aware of why he was asking. 'Yeah, I'm not doing that, just attack.' 'I'll use Shanawo's effect to put itself in the Pendulum zone, and summon out Big Benkei from the other scale (Def.:3500). 'That's fine, I'll end my turn with two face-downs.' This surprised both Phil and Kieran, but it was clear that Blair had her own plan.

(Kieran hand: Superheavy Samurai Blue Brawler)

Kieran: 'I'll draw and summon the Superheavy Samurai Blue Brawler, which changes itself to Defence immediately (Def.:2000). I'll end there.'

(Phil hand: Cybernetic Zone, Cyberload Fusion, Meteorain)

Phil: 'I'll draw and just set a card before ending my turn.'

(Blair hand: Ritual Cage, Prediction Ritual, Reeshaddoll Wendi)

Blair: 'I draw and I'll activate Super Polymerisation, fusing together Construct and Blue Brawler to Fusion summon the Soul Asylum, El Shaddoll Shekhinaga (Atk:2600). That returns Shaddoll Fusion to my hand through the effect of Construct. Then I'll summon Reeshaddoll Wendi (Atk:1500), and attack with both.' As both of Blair's monsters put in their work, the first significant damage was dealt (Kieran LP:8000-3900). 'I end my turn.'

(Kieran hand: Superheavy Samurai Blue Brawler)

Kieran: 'I'll draw and summon another Blue Brawler (Def.:2000), ending my turn.'

(Phil hand: Cybernetic Zone, Cyberload Fusion, Cyber Dragon Nachster)

Phil: 'I'll draw.' As soon as he did, assistance came from opposite him. 'I activate Shaddoll Schism, fusing together the Shaddoll Dragon in my graveyard with the Shekhinaga on my field to summon another El Shaddoll Shekhinaga (Def.:3000). And the effect of Schism will then send Blue Brawler to the graveyard.' With that out of the way, she laid the groundwork for Phil to take Kieran down, but he wasn't forgetting about his other opponent.

'Sieger, seek and destroy Wendi. Strident Shock.' Sieger fired out electrical pulses, using them to fry Wendi to a crisp, destroying it (Blair LP:7200-6600). 'And now Cyberdark End Dragon will cash in on Kieran.' Phil's dragon unleashed devastating electrical attacks, which took Kieran down (Kieran LP:3900-0).

Upon his elimination, Kieran rolled his eyes, but quickly walked away, totally unsurprised at the outcome. This left Phil and Blair to face off, and reminisce. 'This is what I wanted all along, a chance to beat you and prove a point. You know, when we met at Worlds last year, you should have beat me, and that is the only time I'm ever going to say that. Never before did I come out of a duel feeling like I was outplayed.'

'And maybe if I wasn't so starstruck at facing you, I would have finished the job. That duel lives rent free in my head because I know I had you done, but I just had to get greedy, I had to win the "right way", I had to show I was better than you in every single way. I had to have that perfect victory, but things have changed now.' 'Because now you'd just take the victory.' 'No, it's because now, I have the skill to get the perfect victory against you, and it doesn't matter how well you duel. Because times changed and you might be the gold standard, but we don't pay in gold anymore, we now pay in diamond.' The crowd roared as Blair took her next turn.

(Blair hand: Ritual Cage, Pre-preparation of Rites)

Blair: 'I'll draw and finally you'll get to see what I'm ACTUALLY up to.' This intrigued the champion, as she began her play. 'I'll activate the effect of Prediction Ritual in my graveyard, banishing it to add Prediction Princess Bibliomuse to my hand and Tarotrei from my grave to my hand. Then I'll activate Pre-preparation of Rites, to add another Prediction Ritual to my hand.' This is when the reality dawned on her opponent. 'Hang on, you're trying to out-control me? This is a new one.'

'I'm not trying, I'm doing. And right now what I'm doing is activating Prediction Ritual, tributing Bibliomuse to summon Prediction Princess Tarotrei (Atk:2700). Then I'll activate Ritual Cage and Mist Body, equipping the latter to Tarotrei. Now you can't destroy her in battle because of her Mist Body, and the Ritual Cage prevents damage when she battles, as well as stopping you destroying her with card effects. I end my turn, and use the effect of Tarotrei to summon Poison Mummy face-down from my deck.'

(Phil hand: Cybernetic Zone, Cyberload Fusion, Cyber Emergency)

Phil: 'I'll draw and attack your set monster.' As the Poison Mummy flipped up (Def.:1800), a deep red mist emanated from it. 'The putrid stench of this Mummy deals you 500 points of damage (Phil LP:7200-6700). 'I'll end my turn.'

(Blair hand: Sol and Luna)

Blair: 'I'll draw, I'll set one and I'll pass. At the End phase I'll use Tarotrei's effect to summon Pot of the Forbidden from my deck.'

(Phil hand: Cybernetic Zone, Cyberload Fusion, Cyber Emergency, Cyber Summon Blaster)

Phil: 'I'll draw and attack your Pot with Cyberdark End.' As the fierce attack started to break the Pot apart, Blair was weathering the storm. 'Pot of the Forbidden has four effects, so I'll choose the one to draw two cards.' 'Draw however many you like, because after these two face-downs, you're not going to be on top for long.'

(Blair hand: Shaddoll Fusion, Super Polymerisation, Reverse Reuse)

Blair: 'I draw and I'll end my turn setting another card, then Tarotrei will revive Poison Mummy face-down.'

(Phil hand: Cybernetic Zone, Cyber Emergency, Cyber Dragon Vier)

Phil: 'I'll draw and activate Cyber Summon Blaster. Once that's sorted, I'll follow up with Cyber Emergency, to add Cyber Dragon Nachster to my hand.' Taking the opportunity, Blair made things awkward for him. 'I'll Schism, banishing Shaddoll Hedgehog and Dragon to Fusion summon El Shaddoll Winda (Def.:800). Enjoy your one Special summon this turn teach.' The crowd roaring her on, Blair did a sarcastic genuflect, as Phil smiled to himself.

'You're funny, I hope you know that. Just a shame being funny doesn't win duels. Summoning Nachster on the other hand? That might just help (Atk:100). And for my one Special summon it's going to revive Core (Def.:1500).' His Blaster then fired out a shot of electric, keeping him ahead in the scores (Blair LP:6600-6300). 'Now Cyberdark End will take out your Mummy again.' 'Don't you know, every time you destroy it, it's just going to hurt you (Poison Mummy Def.:1500, Phil LP:6700-6200). 'I'll set this and end my turn.'

(Blair hand: Shaddoll Fusion, Super Polymerisation, Effect Veiler)

Blair: 'I'll draw, and' 'As soon as you enter Main Phase, I'll activate Cyberload, shuffling back Nachster from my field alongside Cannon and Claw from their banishment, to Fusion summon Chimeratech Rampage Dragon (Def.:1600, Blair LP:6300-6000).' 'Before you even try to use its effect, I'll cast the Effect Veiler in my hand to negate it.' Irritated, Phil had little choice but to let Blair continue her turn. 'I'll activate Shaddoll Fusion, to fuse together Reeshaddoll Wendi and Shaddoll Hedgehog to Fusion summon El Shaddoll Apkallone (Def.:2000).'

'Wendi's effect will summon Shaddoll Beast from my deck, face-down of course, and Hedgehog will add Shaddoll Squamata to my hand. Then I'll use the effect of Tarotrei to flip Beast up (Atk:2200), and use its effect to draw two cards, then cycle out one. And because I just cycled out Helshaddoll Hollow, I can dump another card, because all the monsters on the field are Dark. I end my turn, and I'll use Tarotrei to summon back, you know it, you love it, it's the Poison Mummy (Def.:1800).'

(Phil hand: Cybernetic Zone, Cyber Dragon Vier, Cosmic Cyclone)

Phil: 'I draw, and I'll activate Cosmic Cyclone, to pay a stack (Phil LP:6200-5200), and banish your Mist Body.' As the storm raged, Blair remained calm, until she looked at her other cards, and a plan suddenly popped into her head. While Phil looked back at his field, Blair frantically checked her Extra deck, finding the card she was after. 'Now I can destroy your Tarotrei.' In a risky manoeuvre, Blair went on the offensive.

'Before you do, here's a little tempter for you, a chance to really stick the knife in - I activate Tarotrei's effect to flip up Poison Mummy. While I'm at it, I'll also use the effect of Schism to fuse into Shekhinaga (Def.:3000, Mummy Atk:1000). Now if you try to use the effect of your Cyberdark End, it's going to be negated.' This, actually, wasn't true, but seeing the opportunity to cause disruption, Phil wasn't interested in considering this. 'Thanks for the tempter, but I'm still taking out your Prediction Princess.' His enormous chimera-like Dragon reeled backwards, before unleashing a devastating blast of fire and electricity, obliterating Tarotrei (Blair LP:6000-3700). 'I end my turn.'

(Blair hand: Shaddoll Fusion, Super Polymerisation, Shaddoll Schism)

Blair: 'I draw, and I'm about to hit you with a little stunner of a move. Like a pretty little gemstone in the rough, I'm about to dig deep with Reverse Reuse!' This left Phil absolutely dumbfounded. 'Your response to going behind is to give me two of your monsters?' 'Yeah, something like that. I'll give you Beast and I'll give you Squamata. But don't bank on keeping them, because I activate Super Polymerisation. By combining the two Dark monsters I just gave you, I can summon out Starving Venom Fusion Dragon (Atk:2800).'

'And it can take the Attack points of your monster. See, it's unaffected by card effects, but it doesn't stop it being targeted for them. And this effect doesn't do anything to your monster anyway (Atk:2800-7800). Now attack with Venom Purge!' The sinister purple Dragon whipped its way through the field, and soaked Cyberdark End with a potent purple fluid to dissolve it (Phil LP:5200-2400), just as Blair got decked from behind by the masked attacker, as the commentators screamed that is was "White Mask". Phil then ran over, but got a baseball bat to the knee, rendering him unable to help.

As the newly christened White Mask continued the assault with their bat, Freja and Belle quickly rushed out, with Belle forcing the attacker to retreat while Freja checked on Blair, who was largely unharmed and slapped hands with Freja, seemingly having made up with her over their past issues. Blair protested for the duel to continue, but the referee was unwilling to do so, and instead the duel was declared a no contest. Even Phil speaking to the ref didn't make a difference, so they both left, and together found Bolton smirking backstage.

'Well well well, looks like the little rat couldn't get it done after all.' 'That was bullshit and you know it.' 'Don't be angry with me, you're the one who wasted your opportunity with your inanely boring defensive duelling, and now, your title shot's gone.' He went to pie-face her, but Phil blocked his hand. 'And I don't know what you think you're doing, your title reign is on borrowed time. You've got three title defences next week, Shanghai on Monday, Sydney on Wednesday, and then Moscow on Friday. And if you don't turn up because you're with your little brat, your title's going back to the treasury.'

Phil laughed, and then shoved Bolton back into the wall, got right up to his face, and confidently stated 'Try it. If you even think of enforcing your silly little plan, then you're going straight to court and I will rinse this company of every last penny. But what you are going to do is get your little backside back in there, find out who interrupted our duel, and fire them.' Phil walked away, as Bolton got straight on the phone. 'You've got a deal, see you later.'

In the duelling zone

Jade walked out first for the next duel. As she performed a pose which was eerily similar to Blair's, the screens played a snippet from a local radio show in North Shields the previous week, where Freja and Belle were on.

"So you're saying that the win wasn't a lucky fluke?' Belle responded confidently. 'I'm saying that it's the prerogative of the Dynasty to accept any and all challengers, no matter who they are. We need to constantly step up to prove that we're as good as we say we are, so in Toronto, I'll be there, and if Jade or Brooke fancy taking up the challenge, why don't you show you can beat me? A guaranteed LFD Doubles title shot says you can't.'

There was then another snippet which was marked "15 minutes later", with the presented stating 'And now we have Jade from Washington on the phone. Jade, you wanted to talk to our guests?' Jade then spoke with assurance. 'Belle's real cocky considering I beat her once already, so that challenge you issued earlier? Consider it answered girlfriend, I'll see you in Toronto, and I'll beat you again.' 'Challenge accepted' Belle immediately responded, setting up the duel.

In the zone, Belle had made her entrance by this point, and the two faced off, and shared some fighting words. 'Don't forget, I already beat you once, when everyone thought you'd win, when everything had been set up for you to win.' 'Which bit was set up, the bit where I was the best on the course because you were too busy snogging the examiner's cousin, or the part where they had every final duel under matchplay rules?'

'They gave you Phil as an opponent.' 'Yeah, the World Champion, and the first round he beat me in like, 80 seconds. I'm really grateful he did though, because I needed that wake-up call that duelling wasn't easy, and I needed his guidance.' 'More like you needed someone who will get you on every show, rather than us two having to scrap on the secondaries.' 'That ain't his fault. Also, he got me one break and that was challenging Akiza. Afterwards, it was all me winning. That's what got me here. So you want my spot? Take it.'

Jade Goocheneyad LP:8000 vs. Belle Draper LP:8000

(Jade hand: Amaze Attraction Cyclo-Coaster, Amaze Attraction Thrill Train, Amazement Administrator Arlekino, Amaze Attraction Majestic Merry Go Round, Amaze Attraction Wonder Wheel)

Turn 1: Jade: 'I'll start by setting four face-downs and pass.'

(Belle hand: Qliphort Scout, Qlife's End, Qliphort Monolith, Qliphort Helix, Qliphort Shell, Saqlifice)

Belle: 'I'll draw. I'll scale up Scout and Monolith, and then use Scout to pay 800 (Belle LP:8000-7200), and add Apoqliphort Towers to my hand.' This aggressive play caught Jade off guard briefly, but she kept composed, as Belle continued. 'Now I'll Pendulum summon just one, Qliphort Helix (Atk;2400-1000). And I'll equip it with Saqlifice, before tributing it to summon Qliphort Shell (Atk:2800), with Saqlifice searching out Qlife's End. Now Shell's going to cut into your Life points.'

'How about a ride on the Amaze Attraction Thrill Train instead?' Shell started to spin up, only to be trapped under the bar of a rollercoaster train, which raced off under a conveniently-placed tunnel, vanishing. 'Don't worry, it'll be coming back at the End phase. But it won't be alone on the field because Amazement Administrator Arlekino is here to watch over everything, I can summon him when one of my Attraction Traps is in play (Atk:2600).' 'Well I'll set two and just end my turn then.' As she did, the Thrill Train came back around, and Shell reappeared (Atk:2800).

(Jade hand: Amazement Abomination Arlekino)

Jade: 'I draw, and I'll summon Amazement Abomination Arlekino because I control an Amazement monster (Atk:2600), and it's going to add Family Faces to my hand. Now the effect of Abomination will drop your Shell's Attack to 0, and I probably don't need to tell you this, but' 'When Shell left the field it forgot it was properly summoned so it no longer has protection.' 'See, no point in me saying anything (Atk:2800-0). Now for the real show, Administrator Arlekino destroys Shell.' The administrator laughed and threw a pocketful of gold dust over Shell, which quickly dissolved into nothing (Belle LP:7200-4600). 'And Abomination Arlekino can also come in on the assault.' The Abomination threw a card with purple mist emanating from it at Belle, dropping her total low (Belle LP:4600-2000). 'I end my turn.'

(Belle hand: Apoqliphort Towers, Qliphort Helix)

Belle: 'I draw and I'll activate Qlife's End.' 'I'll respond with my Amaze Attraction Cyclo-Coaster, equipping it to Abomination Arlekino. Because I equipped it to one of my monsters, I can send both my Coaster and your Qlife's End to the grave.' 'That's cute… pity I've got a second one (Atk:1800). Now I'll immediately tribute it and summon Apoqliphort Towers (Atk:3000; Abomination Arlekino Atk:2600-2100, Administrator Arlekino Atk:2600-2100). And straight away, I'm going to use the effect of Towers to force you to send a monster to the graveyard.' 'I'll send Abomination.'

'Well now you've done that, I'll keep up the pressure by summoning Qliphort Helix (Atk:1800), and attack Arlekino with Towers.' Towers shone a guiding light down to Arlekino, before shooting a laser through it, turning it to dust (Jade LP:8000-7100). 'Helix, attack directly (Jade LP:7100-5300). 'I end my turn.'

(Jade hand: Pot of Extravagance)

Jade: 'I'll draw and activate Pot of Extravagance, which will banish six random cards from my Extra deck for two more cards. I'll then end my turn with a face-down.'

(Belle hand: Qliphort Monolith, Cyber Dragon)

Belle: 'I'll draw for turn and tribute my Qliphort Helix for Qliphort Monolith (Atk:2400). Towers, attack.' 'When you do I'll Defence Draw.' 'Towers can plow through the attack being negated.' 'I know' Jade confidently replied. 'But this just reduces the damage, it doesn't stop the attack. Also I draw a card now.' A shield appeared in front of Jade, which deflected the attack into the ground, scorching it. 'Monolith, attack.' Monolith's upper eye panel opened up and a green light shot out sharply (Jade LP:5300-2900). 'I end my turn.'

(Jade hand: Amazement Attendant Comica, Amazement Precious Park, Shining Angel, Electromagnetic Turtle)

Jade: 'I'll draw and I'll set a monster before activating Amazement Precious Park.' With the fabulous fairground being erected, Jade briefly reminisced. 'It's amazing how much more confident I am now than when we faced the first time.' 'You didn't win that one, I lost it.' 'The hell's that supposed to mean?' Belle would quickly explain. 'I just expected to win, I didn't give any real thought to it, I didn't give any real effort to it. I was more interested in impressing someone who, as it turns out, wanted me anyway. This time though, I actually care. So I don't care how good you've got, because I found what I was missing then. People kept telling me something was missing, and I didn't get it.'

'Then I watched Freja duelling Maddy and I got it. They cared. They wanted to win for themselves, not because they were trying to do a job, impress someone. So when I win, it's for me and because I wanted it, not because of anyone else.' As Jade ended her turn, this got her thinking. 'Well how've I changed? I don't feel the same, but I can't explain it. Well, I've gotta focus on this for now.'

(Belle hand: Cyber Dragon, Wavering Eyes)

Belle: 'I draw, and I'll use the effect of Towers.' 'Fine, you took away Shining Angel. Do your worst.' 'Monolith, attack her' 'I activate my face-down Amaze Attraction Wonder Wheel, equipping it to your Monolith.' 'So what does it do then?' Gritting her teeth, Jade replied with 'That's the thing, you'll never find out. I'll also activate Amazement Family Faces, to take control of your Monolith.'

As the image of Monolith's panels appeared on the slots, Belle readied herself for the attack. 'That's all good, I'll just destroy Monolith then.' Towers shot straight through Monolith (Jade LP:2900-1800). 'I'll end my turn with a face-down.'

(Jade hand: Electromagnetic Turtle, The Dark Door)

Jade: 'I'll draw and activate The Dark Door, so now only one monster can attack per turn. Then I'll end my turn.'

(Belle hand: Cyber Dragon, Cyber Dragon)

Belle: 'I draw and I'm going to use Towers' effect. You're probably sick of hearing that, but the good news is that it'll be over soon.' 'Glad you think so, I'll send Electromagnetic Turtle.' 'Impressive that you keep drawing monsters.' 'Thanks, I'll take that as a compliment.' 'Take it how you like, I'm taking it as an opportunity to take your set monster down with Monolith.' Monolith's panel opened up, but Jade's body language did at the same time, and as soon as Amazement Attendant Delia was flipped up (Def.:1400), she struck. 'I'll activate my face-down Amaze Attraction Horror House. This will protect my monster from destruction.' 'Not bad, I'll end my turn.' 'And I'll activate Cyclo Coaster, but it's going to the grave immediately, so my Precious Park can bring back a ride which was a big hit with me, Horror House.'

(Jade hand: Pot of Extravagance)

Jade: 'I'll draw, and I don't mind if I do, another Pot of Extravagance.' 'Why are you dismantling your best cards like this?' The answer, as it transpired, was rather simple. 'I haven't got anything in there that beats Towers, so it's useless to me. I'll end my turn with a face-down.'

(Belle hand: Cyber Dragon, Cyber Dragon, Wavering Eyes)

Belle: 'I draw and I'll use the effect of Towers again. You draw another monster?' 'Not just another monster, but Sinister Serpent.' 'Why does that matter?' 'You'll see.' 'Fine, I'll attack.' 'I'll activate Horror House to protect it.' 'I end my turn.' 'And I'll activate Amaze Attraction Viking Vortex, before dismantling it to bring Horror House back.' Staying calm, Belle watched on.

(Jade hand: Amaze Attraction Cyclo-Coaster)

Jade: 'I'll draw again and during my Standby phase, I'll use Sinister Serpent's effect in the graveyard to add itself back to my hand.' This triggered Belle, who finally realised what the plan was. 'So as long as you keep drawing Attractions, I can't get rid of your monster, because you've always got a monster for Towers. That's… fuck that's actually a really sweet move, I never saw it.'

But Jade was more concerned about her own realisation. 'Looks like I found what I was missing. I was caring too much, I was trying to impress everyone when I won, put on a show. It turns out I should have been winning, however it comes, whatever it takes. I need to be nastier, and this is the start of that. Because it isn't pretty, but you don't have an answer to it.' 'I do, I just need to draw it.' 'Well when you've drawn it, let me know. Until then, I'll just set this.'

(Belle hand: Cyber Dragon, Cyber Dragon, Wavering Eyes, Saqlifice)

Belle: 'I draw, and I'll set one before attacking with Towers.' 'Horror House, negating the destruction.' 'You're going to run out of cards to use sooner or later. I end my turn.' 'I'll activate Amaze Attraction Cyclo-Coaster, and I'll immediately send it with Precious Park to set Horror House again.'

(Jade hand: Trap Trick)

Jade: 'I'll draw again, and set this one card before passing.'

(Belle hand: Cyber Dragon, Cyber Dragon, Wavering Eyes, Saqlifice, Trap Stun)

Belle: 'I'll draw for turn, and I'll activate Wavering Eyes. Because I have two cards in my Pendulum zone, I destroy them both, deal 500 damage (Jade LP:1800-1300), and add Qliphort Scout to my hand. Now I'll go to battle, and attack with Towers.' 'Before you enter battle, I'll activate Trap Trick. This will banish a Trap card from my deck to set another copy of it from my deck, and I can activate that card immediately.'

As she looked through her deck for another Attraction, she realised how low she was on them, causing a moment of panic. That was, until she noticed something else in her deck. Frantically searching her deck, she found a second copy of the card, and quickly slammed it down. 'I'll activate Destructive Daruma Karma Cannon! This flips all your monsters face-down.' 'Towers isn't affected, duh' Belle responded, but this time there was a twist in the tail. 'How about a little technicality? If you have anything face-up after Karma Cannon, all your monsters are sent to the graveyard. And this bypasses your Towers' effect. I can't say I didn't have any help though.'

Flashback: Four days earlier, 11:50pm

Jade and Blair were lay in bed, discussing rulings. 'I just don't get why it's impossible to out it, my deck doesn't even make Link monsters that I can use to out it, and even if I do put something stupid like Anima in, she'll play around it.' Seeing the concern, Blair took a card out of her deck. 'Try a couple of copies of this.' 'Karma Cannon? It's unaffecetd though.' 'Yeah, but there's an obscure quirk with it. See the last effect?' 'What - sending cards to the graveyard?' 'Yep. Because it's worded so weirdly, it's not treated as an effect, it's an action. Which Towers doesn't prevent.'

Shocked, Jade responded with 'How do you know that?' 'Because I tested the deck when Phil was tuning it up for Belle initially. Which means I know all the little secrets, all the ins and outs, nobody beats me on rulings anyway. Now am I getting that head or not? I've been lying here for half an hour waiting and you've just been going on about how you're going to out Towers the entire time.'

Back in the duel

With Towers disappearing before her eyes, Belle could only hope that she had another turn. Which was confirmed seconds later when Jade declared 'I'm switching Comica to Attack (Atk:1400), and attacking.' The park attendant walked over in a very mechanical and unnatural manner towards Belle, and threw a punch, leaving her critically low (Belle LP:2000-600). 'I end my turn.'

(Belle hand: Cyber Dragon, Cyber Dragon, Wavering Eyes, Pendulum Reborn)

Belle: 'I'll draw and activate Wavering Eyes. I might not be able to use Scout's effect, but I can still have it self-destruct to deal you 500 damage (Jade LP:1200-700). Then I'll summon Cyber Dragon (Atk:2100).' Jade's heart skipped a beat seeing the monster, but when Belle stated 'Strident Blast', she realised she had another turn… just (Jade LP:700-100). 'I end my turn.' A nervous Jade then asked 'What about Chimeratech?' 'I'm not playing it, that's not what Cyber Dragon's in here for.'

(Jade hand: Misfortune)

Jade: 'Let's see who the fates have winning!' As soon as she drew the card, she slammed it down. 'Blair's going to kill me for playing this but I don't care - Misfortune! This skips my Battle phase but deals you with half of Cyber Dragon's Attack!' The card played caused Cydra to sway and bend, as a shadow of it emerged and blasted Belle to end the thrilling contest and inflict her first official 1-1 defeat (Belle LP:100-0).

When the duel concluded, Jade yelled in delight at the huge win, and performed the splits for the crowd to celebrate, only to look up from the floor and see a frustrated Belle looking down at her. After a brief stare-off though, she offered a fist-bump. 'You deserved that one, well done.' 'Thanks.' As Freja and Brooke made their way over, she also stated 'A promise is a promise, I said if either of you could beat me, you'd get another title shot, and I meant it. How about Chicago?' 'Sounds awesome.'

Backstage, in a private room

The Regiment were all having a meeting to try and hash out their differences. Except Kari appeared to have had an about face. 'Look Claude, we're sorry. You're just being your normal rough self, and we've all been tense due to the lack of opportunities, especially with Radley's injury' 'Which reminds me, are we ever going to find out who busted my kneecap? All I know is I'm walking down the sidewalk, and someone ambushes me, the next thing I know I'm laid up in hospital with a broken patella and ligament damage. So much for that title shot.'

This brought Claude onto what he wanted to discuss. 'Which reminds me, what are we doing about it?' 'The title shot?' Kari responded. 'We talked it over, and we think you should have it. You've been such an… inspirational leader, and we… me in particular, haven't shown you the respect that you deserve.' Pleased at this development, Claude looked at Radley, who just quietly nodded in response, before stating 'Just make sure you win, the belt should come to us.'

Claude then made his excuses to leave, but the rest of the group remained, as Kari wiped her head of sweat. 'That was harder work than I expected, thought he'd just eat that straight up.' 'You know he was responsible for all this, right?' 'I'm not doubting you Radley, I'm just saying you need some kind of proof for that.' Hassleberry then gave his opinion. 'Tell you something Kari, you were right about him being a total jerk. Can't believe I used to look up to the guy.' 'I think we all did, we were taken in by him.'

Suddenly, a local staffer walked in, with a small cardboard box. 'I have a package for a Mr. Hassleberry?' The sergeant raised his hand, and had the package handed to him. 'Didn't know you were expecting post here.' 'I wasn't, beats me what it is.' As he tore it open with child-like aggression, he pulled a yellow bandanna with a stegosaurus face on the front, adorned with piercing green eyes, a message which they all immediately understood, as Radley stood up, slapping him heartily on the back. 'You want my advice soldier? Don't let any of us idiots tell you who you like. Your life, not ours. Just save us an invite to the wedding, k?'

While this was going on, Shay and Caleb were talking about their title duel. 'Oh you don't think we can win? They're unbeatable are they, are they though? Are they really the strongest you have? Because from where we are, they aren't the pinnacle. See, I faced the pinnacle, I went to battle with him, and breaking news, I lost. Because I took him for granted, I expected to win and paid the price. But that's ok, because I was reminded to never take an opponent for granted, and because this time, I know exactly what we're facing.'

'You have the pinnacle who isn't there, you have the strong link who had such a showing earlier, and you have the flimsy underbelly of the team, just waiting for someone to finally expose her as a HACK and a FRAUD! She doesn't belong, so we'll take care of tired minds and easy pickings, then take the titles back home with us.' The confused interviewer then asked 'What about Sledgehammer? Do you not have thoughts on he and Declan?' 'Oh, Sledgehammer?' Caleb responded sarcastically. 'Never liked the guy anyway.'

With one long panning shot, the cameras then followed them through the long backstage corridor, out into the arena, where they were greeted warmly by the Canadian crowd. 'The following duel is for the WDC Tag-Team Championships. Introducing first, the challengers, representing the Leo Federation, they are the team of Caleb Hayes and Shay Obsidian, The Federation.' The challengers entered confidently, walking straight down as Shay motioned for the belt around his waist, and Caleb laughed when a rogue fan declared "You're going down!".

"Caleb and Shay are a very dangerous outfit who didn't manage to quite show their true ferocity in their first duel with us against the Bad Breed some weeks ago, but their dismantling of the Regiment got them to this title shot. Caleb's a fast talker who will wear opponents out in the blink of an eye and then grind them into the ground, while Shay's winged power will be sure to pick off any opponent in a flap.'

Around 90 seconds after the Leo representatives had entered, the champions emerged to even larger cheers, with Rio's ice blue outfit adorned by a large sailor bow to match Blair's nautical theme. As they signed photos and autographs, Caleb shouted for them to 'Stop stalling!', which just made them take even longer. Eventually they regrouped, and after a short game of Rock, Paper, Scissors, they walked into the zone and held their titles as well as the Symbol of Excellence up in front of their opponents, who posed back with fingers guns and arms outspread.

"Alongside their mentor Phil, Blair and Rio have now been WDC Tag-Team Champions for 58 days, and are showing no sign of slowing down, working more and more cohesively as time goes on. The secret to their success is the immense trust and value that they place in each other's every move, and that has really paid off in their results. Blair's Shadow Puppetry deck is a known quantity at this point, but as she showed earlier even the familiar can be deadly with just a little bit of versatility and skill, as she appeared to have the WDC Championship within reach but for the interference of White Mask. As for Rio, she may be the junior partner in this relationship despite being seven months older, but she's rocking a new deck entitled Hounds of Zeus, but don't be fooled by the name as these aren't canines she's calling upon but an all out avian assault of Harpies, screaming their way to success. But will Blair's earlier exploits harm or help this team?'

WDC Tag-Team Championships: Dogs of War (Caleb Hayes/Shay Obsidian) LP:8000 vs. Frozen Diamonds (Blair Flannigan/Rio Kastle) LP:8000

(Caleb hand: Dogmatika Punishment, Dogmatika Nation, Dogmatika Ecclesia, the Virtuous, Duality, Dogmatika Fleurdelis, the Knighted)

Turn 1: Caleb: 'I'll open our little game with Dogmatika Nation.' While the brilliant city state rose up around the field, Caleb quickly continued his turn. 'Then the holy lady herself appears, Dogmatika Ecclesia, the Virtuous (Atk:1500). Upon her summon, she will cast the Dogmatikamatrix to my hand. I will set two cards and end my turn. This will be easy pickings.'

(Rio hand: Harpie Harpist, Harpie Channeler, Harpie Perfumer, Alluring Mirror Split, Harpie's Pet Dragon - Fearsome Fire Blast, Hysteric Sign)

Rio: 'Don't get so cocky, because you've not even seen anything yet.' 'From you? Not likely!' Caleb jibed, irking Rio, but she bit back with wit. 'And yet we're the ones with the titles. So does that mean Blair's so much better than both of you that she makes me look good, or does it mean that you're worse than I am? Because we saw Shay, he can hang with B, you on the other hand? So how about you shut your weasely little mouth while I prove you wrong and myself right?'

'I'll start with Alluring Mirror Split, and then summon Harpie Channeler (Atk:1400).' 'I think you're a little underpowered here, you're coming to a knife fight with a stick.' 'Thing with sticks is, they can still do plenty damage if I ram 'em up your backside.' As the crowd roared at the response, Caleb started laughing. 'I'm almost starting to like you.' 'You'll like me less after Channeler's effect, I can pitch Harpie Harpist and summon a Harpie monster from my deck.' 'I'll activate Punishment here, to send Titaniklad the Ash Dragon to the graveyard and destroy your Channeler.'

The carefully plotted move from Caleb saw Channeler disappear in a cloud of ash just as Rio summoned another monster from it. 'I summon Harpie Perfumer off Channeler (Atk:1400). And when she's brought out, I can grab any Spell or Trap mentioning Harpies from my deck. I'm quite fancying this Hysteric Party right now. And I'll use the powerful Hysteric Sign next, to add Elegant Egotist to my hand. Now I'll use Egotist, and it's going to summon my Harpie Lady directly from deck (Atk:1300).'

'Now because I control a Wind monster, I can summon Harpie's Pet Dragon - Fearsome Fire Blast directly from my hand (Atk:2000). Now with all that, I'm tuning' 'You realise you don't have any Tuners, right?' Blair mentioned quietly, but Rio replied with 'No Tuner No Problem. I'm going to sync off Level 4 Harpie Perfumer and Level 4 Harpie Lady to summon the clawed queen, Cyber Slash Harpie Lady (Atk:2600). When I'm summoning this, I can treat any Harpie on my field as the Tuner. She isn't staying though, as I'm sending her and Fearsome Fire Blast to the graveyard and summoning the Link 2, arranging the flock in a perfect harmony of destruction, Harpie Conductor (Atk:1900). Fearsome Fire Blast will then send Harpie Oracle to the graveyard. I end my turn with a face-down. At the End phase, Harpist will add a Winged Beast with 1500 or less Attack to my hand, and I'll grab a Guard Penguin.'

As Shay mentally questioned her play, Rio just nodded to Blair, who looked hugely impressed at her partner, staring on with an equal helping of pride and sheer shock, even to the point of whispering 'I thought you said this deck was rubbish?' 'I mean it's not the best' 'I dunno, looks pretty good from here.' As they continued to have their mild squabble regarding Rio's deck, Shay finally took his turn.

(Shay hand: Raidraptor - Roost, Raidraptor - Fuzzy Lanius, Swallow's Nest, Raidraptor - Rudder Strix, Raidraptor - Napalm Dragonius, Raidraptor - Bloom Vulture)

Shay: 'I'll draw for turn and use the effect of Raidraptor - Bloom Vulture, summoning itself and Napalm Dragonius from my hand (Atk:300,1000). Now I'll overlay them both to Xyz summon Raider's Knight (Atk:2000). Now Raider's Knight will detach a material to Xyz summon Rank 5, Raidraptor - Brave Strix (Atk:2500).' This was when Rio reacted. 'I'll activate my face-down Hysteric Party! This lets me summon as many Harpie Ladies as possible from my graveyard. And guess what - all those Harpies who went to my graveyard during my turn? In there, they all have the same name. I'll summon Harpie Lady, Harpie Channeler, Harpie Harpist, Harpie Perfumer and Cyber Slash Harpie Lady (Def.:1400,1300,800,1300,1400).'

'Yeah, big deal, I'll use the effect of Brave Strix to detach Raider's Knight and add Rank-up Magic Skip Force to my hand, and there's plenty more gas where that came from when I activate Rank-up Magic Skip Force.' 'Because you just activated a Spell or Trap, Cyber Slash's effect will bounce Brave Strix back to your hand.' With this surprise, Shay's move came to absolutely nothing, with the target for his powerful Spell no longer around.

'I hope you don't think you're out of the woods yet, because I still have my Normal summon. Which I'm using on Raidraptor - Rudder Strix (Atk:0). And I'll use its effect to deal 600 points of damage.' Shay's Strix flew around the field, releasing small bombs as it did, taking out a fraction of the champions' points (Frozen Diamonds LP:8000-7400). 'Then I'll summon Fuzzy Lanius from my hand because I control a Raptor (Atk:1100), and activate Raidraptor - Roost, before overlaying my two Level 4 monsters to summon Raidraptor - Rise Falcon (Atk:100).'

'First up after that, Roost will add Rank-up Magic Revolution Force to my hand. Now Rise Falcon's effect will activate, increasing its power by that of your Cyber Slash, and enabling it to attack all your Special summoned monsters this turn (Atk:100-2700).' He expected Rio to freak out at the revelation, but instead she looked ice cool still. 'Someone's clearly done their homework. But nothing can prepare you for Rise Falcon. Ravaging Rebellion!' 'With the effect of Conductor, I can stop one of my Harpies being destroyed one time by destroying Hysteric Sign.' 'I'll still take it out on the crackback.'

As he declared the attack, Rise Falcon split into six bombarding birds which burst into flames as they swooped in, destroying every monster that Rio controlled (Frozen Diamonds LP:7400-6600). 'I'll end my turn right there.' The crowd applauded his turn, while Rio gave a slightly grim smile to her partner. 'What's the look for, this is a way better position than I expected.' 'Well in that case I'll use Harpist's grave effect to add Harpie Channeler to my hand. And Hysteric Sign was destroyed, so I'll add three Harpie cards of different names to my hand. So I'll add Harpie Queen, Harpie's Pet Dragon - Fearsome Fire Blast, and Harpie Lady Sparrow Formation.'

(Blair hand: Mathematician, Storm, Artifact Moralltach, Shadow's Light, Storm, Artifact Lancea, Predaplant Orthys Scorpio)

Blair: 'I'll draw and summon Mathematician (Atk:1500). His effect allows me to send any Level 4 or below monster from my deck to the graveyard, and I'm going to send Shaddoll Squamata. Then Squamata will send Helshaddoll Hollow, and Hollow will mill two from my deck because of two attributes on the field (Dark and Earth).' 'Nothing new here, I know your game.' 'You know my game, you just don't know which rules I'm playing with. Today, I'm going for an… alternative ruleset. I'm going to set two cards, and then I'll activate the Spell card Storm.'

Immediately Caleb saw through her plan. 'So you're playing the old Artifacts are you? Fascinating.' 'You see, you know the game but the question is, can you play it? Storm will destroy both my set cards and then do the same to yours.' This forced Shay's play out into the open. 'You know what this is, I'll activate Rank-up-Magic Revolution Force. This takes my Rise Falcon and grows it one Rank higher. Rank-up Xyz Evolution! I'll summon the Rank 5, Raidraptor - Stranger Falcon (Def.:2000).'

With all the Spells and Traps destroyed, Blair's play became clear. 'Now I'll trigger the effects of Artifact Lancea and Morralltach in my graveyard, to summon both of them (Lancea Atk:1700, Morralltach Atk:2200). Now Morraltach's effect will destroy your Stranger Falcon.' The aggressive play saw the large sword surge across the field, and embed itself in the head of Stranger Falcon, destroying it, only for the Raidraptor symbol to glow red on the field after its demise.

'From death and destruction comes new life, Stranger Falcon's effect triggers when it's destroyed, reviving another Raidraptor Xyz from my graveyard. Stranger Falcon then lives on as a material for it. Be reborn, Raidraptor - Rise Falcon (Def.:2000).' 'I'm fascinated that you think that's going to help. I'll overlay my two monsters to build the overlay network myself and Xyz summon Rank 5, Chronomaly Vimana (Atk:2300).' This was an unusual move which saw the crowd hushed in anticipation, while Shay laughed. 'Someone fancies themselves as a trendsetter, I'm sure you think you're being very clever' he confidently stated while stressing the end of his taunt.

'Not really, I just think I'm smarter than you. Vimana, attack Rise Falcon.' Trying to divert her attention, Caleb shouted over to her. 'Hey, why don't you come and deal some real damage?' 'Because that's her job (pointing to Rio). Now if you don't mind, I'm going to attack his Rise Falcon.' A turret-mounted cannon opened up atop the temple-akin monster, and after slowly lowering, blasted out a missile, destroying Rise Falcon. 'I end my turn.'

(Caleb hand: Duality, Dogmatika Fleurdelis, the Knighted, Dogmatikamatrix, Fallen of Albaz)

Caleb: 'I'll draw and activate Dogmatikamatrix. With it I'll add Dogmatika Alba Zoa to my hand. Then because you still have a monster, I can also add Dogmatikalamity to my hand. Now for the Kalamity! This will sacrifice my brave saint Ecclesia, along with the Fleurdelis from my hand, to Ritual summon Dogmatika Alba Zoa (Atk:4000). Alba Zoa, activate your effect. For every two cards in your Extra deck, you have to send one to the graveyard, or else you return Vimana to your Extra deck and leave yourself all exposed.'

This put Blair in a significant bind, but as she weighed up the decision, Rio nudged her, and mouthed 'I got this, just keep us alive' to her. 'I'll send the monsters from my Extra deck - Apkallone, Winda, Construct, Garura, Triphyoverutum, Grysta, and Artifact Durandal.' 'Good choice, you just saved yourselves. Alba Zoa, attack Vimana.' Alba Zoa crafted a purple portal in front of it, and fired lightning through it, splitting through the middle of Vimana (Frozen Diamonds LP:6600-4900). As Caleb was ending his turn though, he had one more revelation. 'Just so you know Blair, if your little girly there hadn't have said anything, you would have just lost your titles.'

This came as a bolt from the blue to Blair, who stood, shocked at her mistake. As this was happening though, Rio quickly started her turn, and her confidence appeared to inspire her partner. 'Need to get my head together. Remember, it isn't a taunt when you know how good she is.' Her musings were then interrupted by Rio. 'B, could you stop muttering to yourself, I'm trying to concentrate. Cheers.' This made her smile as Rio reset.

(Rio hand: Hysteric Sign, Guard Penguin, Harpie Channeler, Harpie Queen, Harpie's Pet Dragon - Fearsome Fire Blast, Harpie Lady Sparrow Formation, Giant Trunade)

Rio: 'I'll draw and summon Harpie Channeler (Atk:1400). Then she's going to discard Hysteric Sign to summon Harpie's Pet Dragon from my deck (Atk:2000). Now I'll activate Giant Trunade to return all the Spells and Traps on the field to the hand. With that, I'll overlay my two Level 7 monsters to summon Titanic Moth (Atk:2400). Because I control nothing else, Titanic Moth can attack directly. Go spread your poison!' Rio's Moth flew over the field, scattering scales as it did, dealing half damage through its effect (War Dogs LP:8000-6800).

'Nice little but I don't think a few points is going to bother us.' 'Might not, but I'll tell you what will, and that's when you lose 500 Life points for every card in your hands.' The moth unleashed a powerful gust from its wings, taking away more points (War Dogs LP:6800-4800). 'I end my turn with two face-downs. At the End phase, Hysteric Sign searches three cards for me. I'll take Feather Storm, Feather Rest, and Phoenix Formation.'

(Shay hand: Raidraptor - Roost, Raidraptor - Heel Eagle)

Shay: 'I'll draw and use the effect of Roost to return three Raidraptor cards in my graveyard to my deck, then shuffle and draw one. Now I'll summon Raidraptor - Heel Eagle (Atk:700). And I'll use the effect of Last Strix in my hand, taking damage equal to Heel Eagle's weaker stat (War Dogs LP:3800-3100), and summon it (Atk:100, Level:1-3). Now I'll overlay my two Level 3 monsters to Xyz summon Raidraptor - Fiend Eagle (Def.:0).' 'You're really pulling out all the tricks here eh?'

'You could say that' Shay responded while confidently smirking. 'Fiend Eagle's effect, it'll detach a material to deal you damage equal to Titanic Moth's Attack points. Meaning later this turn, you lose.' 'Chance would be a fine thing' Rio responded assuredly. 'I'll use Guard Penguin to protect us from the damage.' A penguin with a metal collar appeared on the field (Def.:1200), and spun up, protecting the champions from the hefty damage.

'You're still in trouble. I'll use the effect of Bloom Vulture in my graveyard to summon itself and Fuzzy Lanius (Def.:1900,1500). And you know what I'm doing next? I'm overlaying my two Level 4 monsters to build the overlay network and Xyz summon Raider's Knight (Atk:2000).' 'Well while you're at it, I'll Hysteric Party for Queen, Cyber Slash, Channeler, Harpie Lady and Harpist (Def.:1200,1400,1300,1400,600).' Ignoring her move, Shay continued. 'Then Raider's detaches a material to rank itself up into a monster one Rank higher. And it's about time we turned up the terror, as I'm going to summon a monster that you simply won't be able to break. I summon Rank 5, Arc Rebellion Xyz Dragon (Atk:2500).'

As the champions watched on warily, they were about to learn the true power of Shay's deck. 'Arc Rebellion's effect will detach a material to steal the Attack power of everything on the field.' This resulted in Arc Rebellion reaching terrifying Attack numbers, to the sheer delight of Caleb (Atk:2500-15,400). 'Now attack Harpie Channeler.' Arc Rebellion scorched the Channeler with fierce electricity from its mandibles, leaving only a small pile of ash in its wake. 'I end my turn.'

(Blair hand: Shadow's Light, Predaplant Orthys Scorpio, Pot of Duality)

Blair: 'I'll draw.' After much consideration, Blair decided to put total faith in her teammate. 'I'll activate Pot of Duality, to skip my Special summon this turn. I'll take three from the top of my deck, put one in my hand and shuffle the others into my deck.' Looking at the cards (Shaddoll Fusion, Shaddoll Schism, Shaddoll Beast), the decision seemed obvious, right until it wasn't. 'I'll take Beast, then set one and end my turn.'

(Caleb hand: Duality, Fallen of Albaz, Enemy Controller)

Caleb: 'I'll draw and I'll activate Enemy Controller, forcing your Cyber Slash Harpie Lady into Attack mode (Atk:2600). Then just to make sure you're not coming back, I'll use Arc Rebellion's effect again (Atk:15,400- 28,300). 'Arc Rebellion, dismantle them once and for all!' Caleb laughed harder than he ever had seeing Cyber Slash being violently charred by the heated electricity, but his face dropped when Rio flipped a face-down up.

'Go - Harpie Lady Sparrow Formation!' As she was about to be obliterated, Rio was protected by a flock of sparrows which assembled in front of her, creating a wall which blocked the blow. 'Because I control two or more Harpies, this wall protects me from any damage this turn. Nice try though, I'm sure you were really happy you got rid of us so early.' Regaining his composure, Caleb laughed. 'No matter, you're still beyond doomed. What could you possibly do against a monster with over 28000 Attack? As soon as you take your last pathetic turn, you're doomed!'

(Rio hand: Harpie's Feather Storm, Harpie's Feather Rest, Harpie Lady Phoenix Formation, Harpie's Hunting Ground)

Rio: 'It's funny you think I can't deal with your monster, because you've already left me the tools I need. I'll overlay my Harpie Lady and Harpie Harpist to build the overlay network and summon a cool threat, Ice Beast Zerofyne (Atk:2000). Zerofyne, use your effect to freeze the effects of all cards on your field, then for every face-up card out, Zerofyne gets 300 more Attack. Perfect Freeze.'

Zerofyne flew up as if skating on the air, and spun gracefully creating a snowstorm, which started to ice over the entire field, as her hair fluttered in the breeze created, the crowd suddenly firmly behind her (Arc Rebellion Atk:28,300-2500; Zerofyne Atk:2000-3500). 'Zerofyne, attack Arc Rebellion Xyz Dragon! Icicle Storm!' Zerofyne, fresh from using her effect, circled around and rained sharp icicles down onto the field, crushing the Xyz Dragon in the process (War Dogs LP:4100-3100). 'And then Titanic Moth will attack you directly!' The moth once again flew over the field, scattering scales as it did (War Dogs LP:3100-1700). And I'll use its effect.'

This was when Caleb took action. 'It's a nice idea, but playtime's over now. I activate my face-down Dogmatika Encounter. This will summon from my hand a monster called Fallen of Albaz (Atk:1800, War Dogs LP:1700-700).' 'Not very "Dogmatik", whatever the hell that means' Rio immediately responded, but Caleb was about to reveal his ultimate strategy. 'When he's summoned, Albaz discards one card to Fusion summon.' This caught both his opponents totally by surprise, and it wasn't where the surprises ended either. 'And the best part is that I can use monsters from either field! So I'll be taking your Titanic Moth, and fusing it with my Albaz to Fusion summon Mirrorjade the Iceblade Dragon (Atk:3000).'

'A Dragon, how original…' 'You can laugh, but you still have to get rid of my monster. And I don't see you doing it right now.' 'We'll see about that' Rio confidently predicted, irking him. 'I'll activate Harpie's Feather Rest, to shuffle back three Harpie Ladies from my graveyard into my deck, and draw a card. Which I'll activate immediately, it's One Day of Peace. We all draw a card and until my next turn ends, nobody takes damage.' 'That's a strange move when you're so close to victory' Shay taunted, but Rio seemed completely assured. Caleb then decided to find the answer.

'You're awfully calm for the weak link.' 'You want to say that to my face or just stand there and sling mud? I'm not intimidated by anybody, and I won't let you intimidate me. Because I don't care if you think I'm good. If you think you're better, then you should easily beat us, because it's basically a handicap match, right? But it looks like you're having a little bit of trouble. So throw everything at me and then tell me I'm weak, because shocker, it's not the first time I've heard it.'

(Shay hand: The Phantom Knights' Rank-up Magic Launch)

Shay: 'I'll draw and activate the effect of Fiend Eagle, to deal you with damage equal to the Attack of your Zerofyne.' 'I'll take no damage through One Day of Peace.' 'I know, but now my monster has run out of materials, I can activate The Phantom Knights' Rank-up-Magic Launch!' This will take my Xyz monster and evolve it into a monster one Rank higher! It's time you encountered the most dangerous monster ever created, a monster so fierce, few face it and survive to tell the tale, Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon (Atk:2500).'

'Now for the effect of Rebellion, it's going to detach a material to steal half of your monster's Attack points. Don't worry though, he'll put them to good use. Treason Discharge!' Dark Rebellion's lightning struck Zerofyne, but rather than destroying it, it pumped the strength of it like a fluid straight back to Dark Rebellion (Zerofyne Atk:3500-1750; Dark Rebellion Atk:2500-4250). 'And now it's going to destroy Zerofyne, just so you can't use it again. Mauling Mandible Charge!' The molten crowd applauded as Dark Rebellion charged and impaled Zerofyne, before electrocuting it, the only thing stopping Rio and Blair losing points being the continued day of peace. 'I end my turn.'

(Blair hand: Predaplant Ophrys Scorpio, Shaddoll Beast, Artifact Failnaught, Artifact Beagalltach)

Blair: 'I'll draw and summon Predaplant Ophrys Scorpio (Atk:1200), using it to discard Beast and summon Predaplant Darlingtonia Cobra (Atk:1000). Now Darlingtonia has an effect itself, searching a Fusion or Polymerisation card. So I'll get myself a Super Polymerisation, as Beast draws me another card.' 'So what - you're going into your Starving Venom?' 'Not quite, I'm actually linking them off.' This left her opponents very confused as she continued her business, seemingly completely oblivious to everybody else, including Rio, who seemed to slowly be realising what her plan was. 'I'll Link summon Link 2, Artifact Dagda (Atk:1800).' 'So?' 'So, I can activate the Spell card Recycle now, and then end my turn.' Both Caleb and Shay looked incredibly confused, but just accepted that her turn had come to an unusual end.

(Caleb hand: Duality, Dogmatika Nexus, Dogmatika Nation)

Caleb: 'I'll draw.' Caleb considered summoning a powerful monster, but then thought about it deeply, and decided instead not to. 'I think I'll just end my turn, I don't want to put my partner in a… compromising situation.' Blair then showed her understanding of the situation. 'I thought you'd play it that way. You attack, I activate Dagda's effect to summon Moralltach, destroy your Dragon, and then you leave Shay needing something off the top of his deck. Sure you'd still have one monster, but that's nothing.'

(Rio hand: Harpie's Feather Storm, Harpie's Feather Duster, Harpie's Hunting Ground, Harpie Channeler)

Rio: 'I'll draw. During my Standby phase, I'll use the effect of Recycle to pay a 300 Life point deposit (Frozen Diamonds LP:4900-4600) and return Harpie's Feather Rest from my graveyard to the bottom of my deck.' Blair then acted. 'That triggers the effect of Artifact Dagda, setting Artifact Aegis from my deck to my Spell and Trap zone.' 'Now I can activate the Harpie's Hunting Ground, so I advise you watch your heads.' A sparse ground opened up in the zone, with the bird-like humanoid creatures swooping just overhead.

'They're like vultures, because they smell blood. Your blood. I summon Harpie Channeler (Atk:1400-1600). Then Hunting Ground will destroy one Spell or Trap on the field.' 'Destroy my Nation, see if I care, we'll be the ones ruling afterwards' Caleb grandstanded, but Rio clearly had a different plan. 'I'll destroy one of Blair's face-downs, the one in the middle.' As she declared this, an unidentified Harpie swooped down from the skies, and plunged her claws through Artifact Beagalltach, spurring Blair into action.

'Because Beagalltach was destroyed in the Spell and Trap zone, it can summon itself (Atk:1400). Then it's going to destroy both my other face-downs.' 'Whatever you think you're planning, it won't work. I'll use the effect of Mirrorjade to send Brigand the Glory Dragon from my Extra deck to the graveyard, and banish your monster.' As the icy menace roared, it was the moment Rio had been desperately waiting for.

'You are SO COOKED! I activate Harpie's Feather Storm.' 'But you don't have any face-downs.' 'I know, I can activate this from my hand when I control a Harpie, to negate any monster effects you try to use.' With Mirrorjade attempting to encase Begalltach in ice, the nondescript harpies all started beating the wind with their wings, creating a vicious hurricane which enveloped the opponents' field and disabled the Iceblade Dragon, as Begalltach destroyed Artifact Aegis (Atk:1200) and Failnaught (Atk:2000).'

With that, Blair stepped back, and pointed at Rio. 'Go get them champ!' She responded with a nod, and then focused. 'It's time you learned exactly what you're dealing with. I'm going to overlay my three Level 5 monsters to build the overlay network and Xyz summon! Behold my birthright, Number C103, the guardian of the dead, Ragnafinity (Atk:2800).' Seeing the end, Caleb just laughed. 'Hard making C103, I never thought I'd see the day. Sometimes you've just got to say it's not your day.' 'Ragnafinity, use your effect, and guide them to defeat with Guidance to Purgatory.' Ragnafinity spun her scythe up to an incredible speed, and unleashed dark burning flames which concluded the contest, Rio in particular looking very confident (War Dogs LP:700-0).

The dust settling on the duel, Rio and Blair toasted their titles, and eager to avoid White Mask, they didn't spend long celebrating, but still took the opportunity to raise their titles over Caleb and Shay, who despite the loss and the two teams' lack of love for each other, still showed respect, with Shay offering a handshake to each, while Caleb stood by and applauded them both. Before they could leave though, Caleb pulled Rio to one side, and while the microphones didn't pick up what was said, he could clearly be seen saying You're world class' to her, his words being received warmly.

As the champions walked out, Blair dug for information. 'So, what did Caleb say to you? Whispering little love letters from god?' Laughing, Rio told the truth. 'Actually, he was telling me that I'm a world class opponent and that he thinks I don't get enough respect.' 'Well hopefully you listen to him more than you listen to me, I've been telling you this for months and you paid the sum total of no attention.' 'Well it's one thing hearing it from my best friend, it's another hearing it from someone you just beat like that.'

As they walked through, they passed Maddy, and out of the corner of her eye, Blair could have sworn that she saw her signal to pull over. 'I'll be back with in a minute Rio.' 'Sure, not like I'm your keeper is it? I'll be back with everyone else when you're done having "grown-up talk", not like I deserve to be included in all that now is it?' As Rio walked off shaking her head, Blair rolled her eyes. 'Not like I'm the one who just quit, is it?'

She then turned to Maddy. 'What's up then?' She said nothing initially, but handed Blair a DVD. 'What's this for?' Maddy, holding back a tear, and looking exhausted, quietly stated 'If I win, burn this immediately. If I lose, you need this. Just promise one thing - you keep hold of it.' Concerned, Blair just nodded, and stuttered 'Yeah, I'll do that for you, but Maddy… why?' She just shook her head and left, as a concerned Blair immediately went to report this to the rest of the club.

As soon as she entered the dressing room where the club were staying during the event though, Shannon slammed the door shut behind her, and put a bar across it. 'What's going on?' Blair shouted in panic, as her foe replied 'The ultimate revenge has come on you. You're all going to pay for everything that you did to me. Enjoy never leaving here!' Shannon then tapped twice on the door with her fingernails, before casually strolling away.

In the duelling zone

The Sledgehammer entered first with Chazz, but there was no sign of Nico with them. 'The following duel is an LFD Showcase. Introducing first, from Kabuchiko, Tokyo, Japan, this is the Sledgehammer!' As he walked down warily, the announcers explained his manager being missing in action. "Here we have the Sledgehammer, former LFD Atlas Champion looking to earn another title shot here. You may see that his normal keeper Nico Smiley is not here, that's because he was reportedly threatened with being fired if he appeared against Declan, who is disputedly owner of the LFD. Sledgehammer has two particularly nasty decks, the tricky and awkward Cubics which test the ability of both players to play around their awkward restrictions, and the fast swarming and heavy damaging Ancient Warriors. Either deck is a testing challenge for Declan."

By the time they had gone through Sledgehammer, Declan was already making his way into the zone, wasting little time in squaring up to his opponent. 'You called me here?' Chazz then responded with 'Hang on, you called him here.' 'I wasn't asking you, I was asking The Sledgehammer.' Sledgehammer deliberately responded with 'I want my title.' 'It isn't your title anymore, and if you want it back, you have to earn it. I'm only entertaining your little challenge because the champion Astrid proposed that I teach you a lesson. So I suggest you start, and start well, because you may only get one chance… if you're lucky.'

The Sledgehammer LP:8000 vs. Declan Akaba LP:8000

(Declan hand: D/D/D Savant Thomas, Dark Contract with Patent Licence, D/D Gryphon, D/D/D Oblivion King Abyss Ragnarok, D/D Savant Kepler)

Turn 1: Declan: 'I'll begin. I summon D/D Savant Kepler (Atk:0). And this will prepare a Dark Contract with the Gate for me. By activating that Contract, I can add D/D Gryphon to my hand. Then I'll Special summon Gryphon (Atk:1200), and link off Kepler and Gryphon for D/D/D Abyss King Gilgamesh (Atk:1800). Gilgamesh's effect will then set my Pendulum Scales with Scale 6 D/D Cerberus and Scale 0 D/D/D Divine King Zero Rage. With them, I will Pendulum summon the Gryphon and Kepler from my Extra deck (Atk:1200,0).'

'That in turn will trigger the effect of Cerberus, changing the Level of Kepler to 4 and increasing its stats (Level:1-4, Atk:0-400). I will now overlay Gryphon and Kepler to Xyz summon D/D/D Wave King Caesar (Atk:2400).' At this juncture, Sledgehammer attempted to get into his head. 'Hurry up, you bore me.' Declan responded, typically, by completely ignoring him and continuing his turn regardless. 'I will now Link off Caesar and Gilgamesh to Link summon a second Gilgamesh (Atk:1800).' This confused his opponent, as Declan quietly laughed to himself. 'I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. My move will trigger Caesar's effect in my graveyard, to add Dark Contract with the Swamp King to my hand.'

'Now I will activate Swamp King, and use it to Fusion summon using D/D/D monsters in my graveyard. So I will banish Caesar and Gilgamesh, and Fusion summon D/D/D Flame King Genghis (Atk:2000). And after, I will build the overlay network with my second Gilgamesh, to Xyz summon D/D/D Deviser King Deus Machinex (Def.:3000). This triggers the effect of Genghis to revive D/D Gryphon (Def.:1200). And because Gryphon was summoned from the grave, I can add D/D/D Headhunt to my hand. I will then activate Dark Contract with Patent Licence, set one card and end my turn.'

(Sledgehammer hand: Ancient Warriors Saga - Three Visits, Ancient Warriors - Rebellious Lu Feng, Ancient Warriors - Ambitious Cao De, Ancient Warriors - Loyal Guan Yun, Ancient Warriors Saga - Deception and Betrayal)

Sledgehammer: 'The Sledgehammer draws, and he's gonna stomp you into the ground with Ancient Warriors - Loyal Guan Yun (Atk:2500) because only you control a monster. Then because he now controls the strongest Ancient Warrior on the field, he can summon Rebellious Lu Feng directly from his hand (Atk:2800). Now he'll activate Ancient Warriors Saga - Deception and Betrayal, which for the cost of 800 Life points (Sledgehammer LP:8000-7200), will summon Ancient Warriors - Ambitious Cao De (Atk:3000). Then he'll activate Lu Feng's effect to destroy your strongest monster.' 'Yes, and I'm sure you fully believe that is what is going to happen, but I'm afraid I have to burst your bubble. By destroying my Dark Contract with the Gate, I can negate your effect and attach it to my Machinex as a material.' Sledgehammer watched in confusion as Machinex raised and then slammed down its sword, the power of which not only stopped Lu Feng in its tracks, but drew it into the sword (Materials:1-2).

'That's fine, because he's just going to use the effect of Guan Yun to destroy your Machinex.' 'You don't appear to have listened very well - I never said anything regarding Machinex being once per turn. I can use it as many times as I like. Except instead of destroying my Dark Contract with the Swamp King, I can detach both Xyz materials from my monster instead.' With the effect backfiring again (Materials:0-1), a stunned Sledgehammer ended his turn.

(Declan hand: D/D Savant Thomas, D/D/D Abyss King Oblivion Ragnarok, Wavering Eyes)

Declan: 'I'll draw and during the Standby phase I should take 1000 damage for my Dark Contract with the Swamp King. Except I won't because Zero Rage protects me from all effect damage. Instead I'll activate my Wavering Eyes to destroy both cards in my Pendulum scale, and deal 500 damage (Sledgehammer LP:7200-6700), and add Kepler to my hand. Now I summon D/D Savant Kepler (Atk:0), and use it to search for another Dark Contract with the Gate.'

'Then I'll activate Contract to add D/D Gryphon to my hand. Because I did that, I now summon Gryphon (Atk:1200). Now I will Link them both off to summon D/D/D Abyss King Gilgamesh (Atk:1800). He will reset my Pendulum scales with Scale 3 D/D Orthos and Scale 1 Savant Copernicus. Then the effect of Orthos will destroy itself and Copernicus.' As Declan dismantled his own Pendulum scales, Chazz questioned his wisdom. 'Hey, whaddya think you're doing? We ain't here to mess around.'

Declan responded by gently pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. 'No, neither am I. Instead I'm here to set Scale 6 D/D Savant Thomas in my Pendulum scale. Thomas' effect will take Orthos from my Extra deck, and place it in my other scale. So I can now Pendulum summon monsters between Levels 4 and 5. Which I just so happen to have in my Extra deck - my D/D Gryphon and D/D Savant Copernicus (Atk:1200,0). The effect of Copernicus on summon will allow me to take my D/D Necro Slime, and send it directly from my deck to the graveyard.'

'Now I will overlay my two Level 4 monsters to build the overlay network and Xyz summon another D/D/D Wave King Caesar (Atk:2400). But that's not where it ends, for I can rebuild the overlay network with Rank 4 Caesar! I Xyz summon Rank 5, the true aim, D/D/D Marksman King Tell (Atk:2500). Then I can Link it along with Gilgamesh off to Link summon Link 2, Masterking Archfiend (Atk:2000). This will trigger the effect of King Tell, to send D/D Vice Typhon to my graveyard.'

'Now Typhon's effect will banish itself alongside Gilgamesh from the graveyard, to Fusion summon the flaming ferocity, D/D/D Flame High King Genghis (Atk:2800). And I'll also use my D/D Necro Slime, banishing itself and Copernicus to Fusion summon D/D/D Flame King Genghis (Atk:2400).' By this point, the previously confident Sledgehammer clearly just wanted the "contest" to end, but Declan was far from finished. 'High King Genghis' effect now activates, reviving Wave King Caesar (Atk:2400). Then Flame King Genghis revives Gryphon (Atk:1200).'

'Now Gryphon will add D/D/D Human Resources to my hand. And because I haven't yet used Swamp King, I can use that to fuse together High King Genghis and Wave King Caesar to summon another Flame King Genghis (Atk:2400). Now I can overlay my two Genghis' to Xyz summon D/D/D Wave High King Caesar (Atk:2600).' At this point, Chazz stepped in to halt the duel. 'Come on, this isn't a fair fight and you know it.' 'What do you care about a fair fight? And it's perfectly fair.'

He then spoke directly to Sledgehammer, who clearly had no desire to continue at this point. 'If you have had enough, you may leave. If you want an LFD title rematch, you will have to earn it starting from the bottom.' Sledgehammer responded by nodding to the referee, ending the duel. But as Declan walked out, he looked at Sledgehammer, and, quietly and sinisterly, stated 'For punching me, you are suspended from LFD for a month without pay', before walking away calmly, infuriating Chazz and Sledgehammer.

Backstage, Shannon was being interviewed. 'Spica, you're' 'My name's Shannon, Shannon Kelly. We don't talk about that other name, I'm still recovering from what James did to me.' 'We saw you return recently, and straight away you're in with an opportunity to get a shot at Phil's WDC Championship. I feel like I have to ask, how did you get the shot?' She just smiled and said 'Because they see my value, I don't see what's hard to understand here. But I need to go anyway, I've got a duel to win.'

In the duelling zone, Shannon walked out first to Junction 7's music, with her name now adorned on the standard that she carried. 'The following is a Top Contender's duel for the WDC Championship. Introducing first, representing Junction 7, from Solihull, England, Shannon Kelly.' Shannon briskly walked down, not giving the commentators the chance to discuss her return at all. In the zone, she waved to the unimpressed crowd, who were waiting for Rio.

As Rio's music hit though, there was immediately something wrong, as there was no sign of the crowd favourite. No matter how far the song got in, she still wouldn't appear, not even a glimpse nor explanation. Eventually as her music reached its end and looped back on itself, it cut off, and after a moment of confusion, the referee passed a message on to the announcer. 'The winner as a result of a forfeit and top contender to the WDC Championship - Shannon Kelly.' A graphic came up for Shannon vs. Phil in Chicago as the crowd booed. With that result confirmed, Shannon quickly left, waving at the crowd as she did.

Meanwhile, in the dark room

Akiza was in the same dark room as always, except she wasn't sat at a table this time. Rather, she was stood up, admiring some photos hung up with pegs on a thick cord. 'Maddy told me once that the reason she loves photography so much is because in that moment, you can get a snapshot of the world, immortalise one moment in time, encapsulate it forever. It helps you remember how things were, for better or for worse. And she was right, sometimes it gives you insight into the past which you lost.' As Akiza left, the camera panned around and showed every picture which Akiza had shown up until that point, with one exception, one brand new photo. It showed Maddy stood in front of a mirror being held by Akiza, swinging a coin from side to side.

In the zone

As a hush came up on the arena, Maddy's music hit first, but there was no sign of her. Shortly after though, she limped out, punching Claude away from her, and then pushing him into an on-rushing Kieran, allowing her to escape up to the stairs for higher ground, only to then be ambushed by Shannon, who grabbed her by the face and screamed 'You ruined our friendship! You caused this!' As she did though, Maddy flashed her eyes and pushed her onto the stairs, and leant on the barrier to catch her breath, the crowd chanting her name all the while.

Bolton then rushed out to try and keep the peace, getting the biggest cheers of his career, and then lifted Maddy to her feet, allowing her to recuperate for just a moment. He shared choice words with Kieran, but then as Akiza walked out, he turned to Maddy, stated 'Go to hell you bitch', and punched her right in the ribs, before kicking her down the stairs and adjusting his tie to huge boos. He then continued kicking her while she was down, while Akiza laughed in the zone, as the attackers all left.

Akiza then turned to the crowd, and gloated to enormous boos, the normally polite and well behaved crowd even throwing rubbish at her. After several long minutes of this, she turned around, seeing Maddy stood on the other side, clearly having a tough time breathing, with blood filling her mouth and on unsteady legs. 'You are a brave one aren't you?' 'Just shut up and duel me, I've waited long enough to get my fangs around your fuckin' face.'

Lockdown Duel: Maddy Smith LP:8000 vs. Akiza Izinski LP:8000

(Akiza hand: Rainbow Life, Child's Play, Aroma Blend, Red Rose Dragon, Aromalilith Rosalina)

Turn 1: Akiza: 'Let every point be a little portion of how you've made me suffer, hurt, torture. Let the torture now be yours!' 'It will be if I keep having to listen to you jabber' Maddy responded stubbornly. Annoyed, Akiza managed to keep her cool. 'You'll soon see. I summon Aromalilith Rosalina (Atk:0). Then she can summon an Aroma from my deck, and I'll summon Aromage Marjoram (Atk:2000). Now I'll tune Level 1 Rosalina to Level 5 Marjoram. The sweet scent of victory caresses the air, and the bitter stench of defeat will adorn you! I Synchro summon Aromaseraphy Sweet Marjoram (Atk:2200). Now because she was Synchro summoned, Sweet Marjoram can add Blessed Winds to my hand. I'll set three cards to end my turn.'

(Maddy hand: Fluffal Dog, Fluffal Owl, Edge Imp Sabres, Edge Imp Chain, Double Fusion, Fluffal Dog)

Maddy: 'I bet you think you're so clever getting that little ambush eh? Well guess what, it failed, because I'm still here! I draw and I'll activate Double Fusion. It costs 500 of my Life points (Maddy LP:8000-7500), but allows me to Fusion summon twice this turn. I'll then summon Fluffal Dog (Atk:1700), and use it to add Fluffal Cat to my hand. Now I'll use the effect of Double Fusion to fuse Fluffal Dog with the Edge Imp Sabres in my hand to Fusion summon the tearing fanged menace, Frightfur Tiger (Atk:1900).'

'When Tiger's summoned, it can destroy cards on your field up to the number of monsters used to summon it.' 'Well you can't destroy Sweet Marjoram because you can't target it. Thanks for lowering your points, you saved me a job.' 'I'll just take out two of your face-downs then. Either flank.' With the crowd behind her, Maddy sent her Tiger in to clean up Akiza's field with a pair of rotating saw blades slicing through Aroma Blend and Blessed Winds.

'Now I'll Double Fusion again, fusing together the Tiger on my field with the Edge Imp Chain and Fluffal Dog in my hand to Fusion summon Frightfur Sabre-Tooth (Atk:2400-2800). When Sabre-Tooth is summoned, it's reviving the Tiger in my graveyard, and for each Fluffal or Frightfur on the field, Tiger grants my field 300 extra Attack (Atk:1900-2900; Sabre Tooth Atk:2800-3400). Tiger, attack Sweet Marjoram.' 'I'll activate my Rainbow Life. This protects me from damage for the turn, and turns my pain into gain (Akiza LP:8000-8700).

'You win this one' Maddy stated, but as she exited her Battle phase, Akiza suddenly looked her dead in the eyes, and hissed 'Come and attack me little wolfblood, come and attack.' Briefly, Maddy's eyes glowed gold as her primal side took over, and she declared 'Sabre-Tooth, attack!' As the tiger charged in towards Akiza, a confused Maddy held her head. 'Hang on, why is Sabre-Tooth attackin'? (Akiza LP:8700-12,100). 'I end my turn. What… even happened there?' Akiza refused to divulge, but just smiled.

(Akiza hand: Child's Play, Red Rose Dragon, Aroma Jar)

Akiza: 'I draw and I'll set one monster before passing my turn.'

(Maddy hand: Fluffal Owl, Fluffal Cat, Fusion Recovery)

Maddy: 'I'll draw. Frightfur Sabre-Tooth, attack!' One half of Maddy's big cat assault charged into battle, but ran straight into Aroma Jar (Def.:500), which emerged unmarked. 'Geez, the fuck's that made of? I'll summon Fluffal Owl (Atk:1000), use it to add Polymerisation and end my turn.' 'And I'll take 500 Life points courtesy of my Jar (Akiza LP:12,100-12,600).'

(Akiza hand: Child's Play, Aromage Rosemary, Red Rose Dragon)

Akiza: 'I'll draw, and I'll just end my turn. I'm in no rush, after all, unlike you' she confidently stated to Maddy, who was starting to cough up blood from the pre-duel attack. As her breathing got heavier, a medic rushed down, only to be followed by Bolton. After a tense discussion, the paramedic went to check on Maddy only for the commissioner to hit him from behind with a pair of brass knuckles, to jeers and rubbish being thrown by the crowd. Bolton then turned around, and Maddy kicked him in the face to a tremendous reaction, as she raised the red right hand while turning back to Akiza. 'Still cocky?' 'I don't care what happens to him, because I know as well as you do that you're not going to lay a finger on me (Akiza LP:12,600-13,100).'

(Maddy hand: Fluffal Cat, Fusion Recovery, Polymerisation, Legendary Maju Garzett)

Maddy: 'I'll draw and here's something you didn't expect - I'll tribute my entire field to summon Legendary Maju Garzett, whose Attack is the original stats of all the tributed monsters (Atk:5500). And now I can attack your Jar and deal piercing damage!' The wolf started to emerge again, as Maddy's attack seared towards Akiza, the fiend's claws effortlessly piercing through Jar and causing very real pain for J7's commander (Akiza LP:13,100-8100). 'I end my turn. How was that for ya?' 'Not bad (Akiza LP:8100-8600), not… bad.'

(Akiza hand: Child's Play, Aromage Rosemary, Red Rose Dragon, Monster Reborn)

Akiza: 'I'll draw and activate Monster Reborn, to revive Rosalina (Atk:0). And when she's summoned, she can summon Aromaseraphy Angelica (Atk:0). Now I'll link both off to summon a graceful new monster. Flow like the petals you control, Link 2, Aromaseraphy Jasmine (Atk:1800). Now because I control an Aroma, and my Life points are higher than yours, I'll revive Angelica from the graveyard (Atk:0), and link off again! Smell the sweet scent of victory, as the stench of your demise grows ever steady and ever closer. Appear before our battle and rise above it all, Link 3, Aromlilith Rosemary (Atk:2200).'

While Maddy struggled for every breath, Akiza was very clearly stalling to prolong her suffering. 'I'll summon Aromage Rosemary now (Atk:1800), using Aromalilith's effect to tribute Rosemary and banish your Maju Garzett.' Aromalilith Rosemary created a circle of stars from her wand, which surrounded Maddy's Garzett and made it vanish in a flash. 'Now she can attack you (Maddy LP:7500-5300). 'I end my turn (Akiza LP:8600-9100).'

She then started staring Maddy in the eyes again, and quietly stated 'It's ok, I understand you never wanted any of this to happen. You just want a quiet life, you don't want to be part of a failed revolution, you don't want all this stress. You could easily return home and live your normal life happily. Just give up. Just give up.' The words reverberated in Maddy's head, and she could hear Akiza's voice in her brain. 'I… don't know what you're doing to me but get the fuck outta my head!' she screamed and howled in pain, as Akiza grimaced. 'How are you so strong…'

(Maddy hand: Fluffal Cat, Fusion Recovery, Polymerisation, Frightfur Fusion)

Maddy: 'Giving up is just something I'll never do.' 'We'll see about that.' 'Why don't you ask me after I smash yer head in! I activate my Frightfur Fusion, to fuse Fluffal Dog and Edge Imp Sabres to Fusion summon another Frightfur Tiger (Atk:1900). And it's going to destroy your Rosemary and Jar.' With Tiger ripping through Akiza's field again, she stared at Maddy. 'You don't want to hurt me, we're friends, I'm your mentor, remember?' She held her head once more, before shouting 'Attack her directly!', shocking Akiza (Akiza LP:9100-7200). 'I don't know what you're doing but it won't work! Because I know what you're up to, and who you're allied with, and I have no intention of goin' back there ever.'

(Akiza hand: Child's Play, Red Rose Dragon, Aroma Jar)

Akiza: 'I'll draw, set a card, activate Child's Play and pass my turn.'

(Maddy hand: Fluffal Cat, Fusion Recovery, Polymerisation, Fluffal Octopus)

Maddy: 'I'll draw and attack your stupid monster.' Once again, an Aroma Jar stood up to the vicious tearing from Maddy's tiger (Def.:500), putting her no closer to escaping the situation. 'Don't you know by now, you can't break my Jar in direct combat. It's as solid as anything, including your brain apparently. But alas, this isn't a situation you can just force your way out of. I have all the power here.' 'I'm glad you think so, because when I get my opportunity, you're going to wish you'd never heard my name, let alone betrayed me (Akiza LP:7200-7700).'

'I didn't betray you, I was trying to protect you.' 'That's what you call it then? My mam coulda been dead' 'She's not your mother though, she's just some random stranger.' 'You saw the document Akiza. Point is, you wanted all the power to yourself and when you couldn't have it, you tried to use Jana. THAT's why I had to kick you out, you were in it for yourself. And you don't think that was hard for me? You were like my sister, I learned more from you than anybody else, you're why I'm the duellist I am.'

'You weren't ready for the responsibility, look what it's done to you, you're a physical wreck.' 'But mentally I'm better than ever, because I had to take the responsibility. I had to step up because for the first time, nobody was stepping up to protect me, I was the face of the revolution now.' 'Just listen' 'No Akiza, YOU listen. You had no right to decide whether I was ready or not. Like you don't now. I'm Maddy, I'm the president of the Renegades, and where everyone else fell, I won't.'

(Akiza hand: Red Rose Dragon, Ring of Magnetism)

Akiza: 'Why fall when you can… never mind. I'll draw and simply pass my turn, prolonging your suffering, while my points are once again higher than when they started (Akiza LP:7700-8200).'

(Maddy hand: Fluffal Cat, Fusion Recovery, Polymerisation, Fluffal Octopus, Fluffal Penguin)

Maddy: 'I draw, and I'll summon Fluffal Octopus (Atk:800). I end my turn (Akiza LP:8200-8700).'

(Akiza hand: Red Rose Dragon, Ring of Magnetism, Pot of Avarice)

Akiza: 'I'll draw and activate my Pot of Avarice, to shuffle five monsters from my graveyard back into the deck and draw 2 cards. Two cards which are going to cause no end of pain for you. I'll summon Fire Princess (Atk:1500), and then activate Ring of Magnetism.' A metallic ring surrounded the Aroma Jar, and created a small magnetic field. 'Now you can't attack any monster other than my Jar. I'll end my turn with a face-down and you can feel the burn.' As Akiza's Life points went up, Fire Princess crafted a small fireball. 'Look into the fire, and see your destiny.'

For a tense few moments, she did little but stare into the fire, as her knees started to go weak and buckle, to the point where she collapsed onto the ground, exhausted, and struggling to breathe. As soon as Akiza started approaching though, Maddy sprung back up to her feet. 'I saw it. You're trying to trick me into losing my focus. I'm never ever going to stop fighting, and how dare you even think that's going to happen!' This appeared to shock Akiza as her points increased (Akiza LP:8700-9300; Maddy LP:5300-4800).

(Maddy hand: Fluffal Cat, Fusion Recovery, Polymerisation, Hope for Escape)

Maddy: 'I'll draw and I'll set one card before passing my turn (Akiza LP:9300-9800; Maddy LP:4800-4300).

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

Akiza: 'I'll just pass my turn entirely.' Aroma Jar restored more points for Akiza, while Maddy had her energy further drained, and she started to drift slightly in and out of consciousness (Akiza LP:9800-10,300; Maddy LP:4300-3800). Before Akiza could attempt another approach though, a jaded Maddy took her next turn.

(Maddy hand: Fluffal Cat, Fusion Recovery, Polymerisation, Edge Imp Chain)

Maddy: 'I'll draw.' She slowly inspected her hand, and saw a play, but inspecting her field as well, she came to a difficult decision. 'I'll end my turn (Akiza LP:10,300-10,800; Maddy LP:3800-3300).' 'You should just give up' Akiza seductively stated, but Maddy flashed her eyes in response. 'Not a chance, I'm not giving up on them, because they're my family, and they accept me for who I am, flaws and all. I've been an absolute bitch recently, and they still care, they still only want what's best for me.'

(Akiza hand: Red Rose Dragon, Aroma Blend, White Rose Dragon, Basal Rose Shoot)

Akiza: 'I draw and I'll just pass, there's nothing you can do or will do to me (Akiza LP:10,800-11,300; Maddy LP:3300-2800).'

(Maddy hand: Fluffal Cat, Fusion Recovery, Polymerisation, Edge Imp Chain, R:Blowback)

Maddy: 'I draw, and I'll activate my face-down, because I knew you'd try something like this. Meet Hope for Escape.' This astounded Akiza. 'You're…' 'Playing tactically? I know, ain't like me, right? But that's where you're wrong, because something happened after you left - I changed. I evolved. I'm better now than you ever thought I could be, and this is proof of that. I pay 1000 Life points (Maddy LP:2800-1800), and now I can draw a card for every 2000 points you have over me. I'm 8500 behind, so I draw four cards.'

'And now for the comeback! I'll start by activating Angel of Blue Tears.' 'Where did you get that card!?' Akiza exclaimed in sudden panic, as Maddy grinned. 'All you need to know is you're going down. This deals you with 200 damage for every card in your hand, then Aroma Jar has its effects negated (Akiza LP:11,300-10,500). 'Now I can use Polymerisation, and you're going to hate this one. I'll fuse the Edge Imp Sabres in my hand with the Fluffal Cat, Fluffal Penguin, Fluffal Dog, and Fluffal Bear in my hand, and the Octopus that you left on my field, to summon the deadly Frightfur Wolf (Atk:2000).'

'And if you think it's alright to handle, try saying that again after it attacks SIX times. Long story short, YOU'RE FUCKED! Attack with Death Toy Torture!' Maddy's evil-eyed Wolf was empowered by a miasma emanating from her, and surged across the field, tearing through Aroma Jar and Fire Princess, before ripping into Akiza's flesh, leaving her blood streaming from her arm (Akiza LP:10,500-1300). 'I end my turn.' Akiza then started laughing, with a crazed look in her eyes from the sight of her own blood. 'Bound in blood… FOREVER!'

(Akiza hand: Red Rose Dragon, Aroma Blend, White Rose Dragon, Basal Rose Shoot, Mark of the Rose)

Akiza: 'I draw and this will be the end of everything you know and hold dear! I summon Red Rose Dragon (Atk:1000), and then I'll summon White Rose Dragon because I control a Rose Dragon Tuner (Atk:1200). Now I'll tune my Level 3 Red Rose to Level 4 White Rose. Pitch dark flower, set into bloom! I Synchro summon my Black Rose Dragon (Atk:2400).' 'Impressive' Maddy admitted, but Akiza wasn't done, as she was about to get Maddy acquainted with her ultimate monster.

'Now I'll use Red Rose's graveyard effect, to summon Roxrose Dragon from my deck (Atk:1600). Then symbolically, I can also add Blooming of the Darkest Rose to my hand.' This line caught Maddy off guard. 'What do you mean by "symbolically"?' 'You'll see. Just as soon as I tune Level 3 Roxrose to Level 7 Black Rose. I told you already Maddy, we are to be bound in BLOOD!' A larger version of Black Rose then appeared, in crimson red flowers and with jagged thorns all the way up, appearing to be an older sister to Akiza's signature Dragon. 'Meet Blood Rose Dragon (Atk:3200).' As she did, Maddy's entire field vanished, leaving her open for attack.

Facing down the infernal threat, Maddy was undaunted, and in a show of absolute defiance, spat venom at Akiza. 'You think you're clever, beatin' me down and then taking advantage? What, you think you can trick my mind, make me hallucinate, break my spirit, break my will, well you're not gonna do that! I'm not some little street rat, I'm Maddy Smith, and I'm UNBREAKABLE! So do your worst!' 'Don't mind if I do. Blood Rose Dragon, attack with Blood Rose Flare, and make Maddy become the Wolfblood Witch.' This seemed to be an innocuous comment, but suddenly Maddy's breathing slowed, and her head tilted to one side, as she watched the final attack come through (Maddy LP:1800-0).

As the duel concluded, Akiza didn't celebrate her victory, as she instead waited for Maddy, who started walking over, apparently still in a trance-like state. Slowly she came over, barely so much as blinking, until she reached Akiza, at which time she and Akiza both disappeared in a puff of smoke. When the smoke cleared, there was no sign of anybody having been there, leaving the crowd in stunned silence. And in the locker room, none of the Renegades were able to come to assistance, the stench of gas lurking over their prone bodies.

Epilogue

There is a warehouse, on the outskirts of North Shields, that hides secrets inside. Secrets of myth, secrets of reality, secrets of the ancient past, and secrets of the computerised future. Those who resided there, they had an Alpha, who they would all worship. Maddy was her name, and she was a rare breed of leader; loved and respected by all, regardless of where her decisions fell. She was the greatest of leaders, incorruptible, untouchable, invincible.

But eventually, even she showed her flaws. Her inability to listen to warnings, not just from those around her, but from the tales of old, and her bravery to take on any threat to her people drew her into constant danger, and as her enemies gathered, she unknowingly walked straight into a trap composed by an old acquaintance. And as the television in that warehouse ran towards the end of its life, it had one more message from the Alpha.

'I'm so sorry for what happened next, it's all my fault. I ruined everything, all that happens now, it's all down to me. I'm Maddy Smith, and this is how I destroyed the Renegades.' The television then powered down, for the final time.

Next time: A new evolution for the story, and as Maddy finds herself driven to unimaginable lengths, a terrifying evolution occurs. R: Ultra Evolution Book 1: A Seed of Doubt