R:Ultra Evolution

by Primal WolfBlood

Follow the Renegades as they continue their quest for fixing the world, taking on all comers, including fellow revolutionaries Junction 7 led by their unhinged leader Rhydian, and the sinister Style Council, led by the devilish Caprice. To survive in this cut-throat world, they will have to evolve their power even further beyond. It's a battle for success and survival.

4. Wilting Leaves

R: Ultra Evolution

Book 4: Wilting Leaves

The club were in the car on the way to Manchester, but there was a frosty atmosphere. As Rio stayed silent, Jodi was talking quietly to Blair. 'Has she accepted the presidency yet?' 'No, she's still in total denial. I hope Phil or Hannah can talk sense into her when they arrive, because I can't keep telling people that there's no answer forever.' 'You're going to have to take it up yourself at this rate.' 'It's not my role to take though, it's Rio who was chosen.'

At the arena

As the show got underway, Junction 7 arrived, with Rhydian adorned in his newly-obtained title belt. Maddy and Tee were both in matching purple dresses and ballet shoes, both totally blank with matching ponytails. There was absolutely zero emotion in her face however, as if it was cast from porcelain. 'Soon enough Maddy, this will be all mine.' 'Yes Master Rhydian, I will make sure of that.' Just then, Claude walked into their path, smirking.

'So you got yourself a pet then?' 'Something a bit like that. Although I don't really call her a pet, I call her my girlfriend, because that's what she is, girlfriend and future wife.' As Claude moved to get into Rhydian's face, Maddy stepped in front of him. 'It is my job to protect Master Rhydian from any harm.' Rhydian then looked around cockily, and spoke. 'Maddy, get back in line, Claude is an ally.' She stepped back immediately, ceding to her master's words.

'What was that?' 'She's got an implant in her brain - it's blooming into a lovely rose. Acts like a satellite dish. So I can have full control of her movements anywhere.' 'So, how'd you do it?' 'Well it was Akiza who did it. We got her under a spell, and then she consented to a Faustian contract. After that it was simple. As the rose grows, it drains her brain and sanity. We'll have to put up with a bit of screaming for a while, but I'm sure it won't be too bad.'

Claude laughed. 'Well I heard from a little birdie that someone's been put up for rental. What's your price?' Akiza then stepped to him. 'She's not available to you. We want her to be reusable. Besides, our list is very exclusive.' Rhydian then interrupted. 'Maddy's going nowhere, you can have Tee for a heavy price, but Maddy's not some toy to rent out. Anyway, we should be going - we have a club to tear apart. And if you know what's good for you, you'll keep away from our prized possession.' Junction 7 then made their way towards the duel arena, while Claude laughed to himself. 'I'll have everything you've got soon enough boy, it's just how easy do you want to make it for me.'

Further down, he saw Bolton's office and walked into it with Maddy. 'So you got your quandary I take it?' 'Certainly did.' They then shook hands, and Rhydian produced a brown envelope. '$250,000 of your crisp American dollars is what we agreed isn't it?' Impressed, Bolton counted out one of the stacks, before putting it back into the envelope. 'I respect people who do their job. I told you if you made sure the duel went ahead how I wanted then I'd pay you, and you did, so I did.'

Bolton was all smiles, right up until the moment that Rhydian pulled him in closer. 'Mark my words Andrews - I made you, and I can just as easily break you. You keep your grubby money grabbing paws off my girl, and continue being a good little stooge, otherwise you're really not going to like what happens to you. Because just as she'll be your billboard right now, she can also turn on you in the snap of my fingers.'

Meanwhile, outside

The Renegades (now including Phil and Hannah) arrived to a rapturous response from the crowd. As they walked through the crowds, several of the more vocal and vicious members offered them help in stopping Rhydian, and even offered them weapons, from loaded gloves and knuckle dusters to car jacks, glass bottles and even a fan with a pickaxe, albeit they were quickly escorted out of the crowd. But they ended up refusing all the weapons, preferring to just walk into the arena.

The show opened with Rhydian's new music starting, and he walked out with Junction 7 in tow, with the standard being carried by Tee now having the members of the group listed as 7. Tee, 6. Lukas, 5. Nash, 4. Kieran, 3. Akiza, 2. Rhydian, 1. Maddy. While they walked down, the crowd booed him relentlessly, shouting such things as "Go away jailbird" and "Wake up Maddy", to which she didn't even bat an eyelid. In the zone, he sat on a metal chair, and opened another one up for Maddy, before talking through the reaction.

'Why you all booing me? Tell me what I've actually done wrong. Ok, so I masterminded all of this, this plan to get to Maddy and to trap her like Akiza did, but tell me what I've actually done wrong. Because I'm just doing what I have to, so' He then stopped to wait for the heckling to die down, before continuing. 'So if you'd LET ME EXPLAIN, I will tell you why.' He then had to wait again while a fan got removed by security for launching a water bottle at his head, which Maddy punched away in anger.

'That's my girl' he said while smiling sinisterly, getting even more boos. The moment he attempted to speak again, the crowd started again with singing Radiohead's Creep at him, which didn't seem to bother him. 'You can say what you like, it doesn't bother me. But this is something I kind of need to get off my chest, so from now on, I'll talk, and if you miss it, tough luck.'

'You see, I came to the Renegades because I loved Maddy and I was under the impression that they wanted to make me part of the family like I was part of her family, because her parents (clears throat) I mean her REAL parents, invited me in before we even started dating, because I was part of her life, part of her family. But I knew things were different from the start this time, because the way she behaved after she joined them was so different from how she used to be.'

'She used to be nice, polite, sweet, she had such a bubbly personality. But then she got involved with the cult, and there's no other words for it, it's a CULT, and afterwards she was never the same, she was cold and distant, it was like she didn't recognise me. I don't know what they did, but they threw me out, threw away the key, and kept her there, and they changed her, they corrupted her. Can you imagine what that's like, they took away the love of my life from me, made me feel like nothing.'

'So what you're seeing now, this is a NECESSITY. I have to help her, I have to make her rediscover who she was. And if that means rebuilding her bit by bit from the ground up, then that's what I'm going to do. I promised her that I would fix her, and she asked me to.' This saw the crowd erupt in boos again, as Powerplay's music started, and they walked out wearing scruffy suits, as Rhydian watched on in confusion. 'The hell are you two doing here' he questioned as they walked down.

'We're here for what we were promised.' 'Sorry, who's promised you what?' 'You and Akiza both promised us that if we helped you get to Maddy, then you'd make us members of Junction 7.' This appeared to confuse Rhydian more, as Akiza took the mic. 'Sorry boys, but you're surplus to requirements now. We've got Maddy, and as you can see, the board's complete.' As Rhydian laughed to himself, Marshall stormed over to him, and landed a punch in the nose, stunning him momentarily.

As Marshall went to walk away though, Rhydian got angry, and tapped Maddy on the shoulder twice, leading to David having the unfolded chair thrown at his head, pinning him by his sleeves and making him bleed. She then launched herself onto him, and like a rabid dog started punching and biting him while growling, as the fans watched on in fear. The beating only stopped when Brooks tried to push her away, only to get speared and strangeled by her, with Rhydian watching on in rage, and Akiza in admiration and laughter.

Just when it looked like they were going to get utterly destroyed though, Layla started, and Phil walked out to an immense response in his hometown, as Rhydian said 'I thought it would only be a matter of time. If you want to do this now, then let's go!' 'Oh we can do this now, absolutely. First though, I want my daughter back. So undo whatever you've done to her, and then you can have your title duel exactly how you want it.'

'You see, that's where we have the problem, because you snatched Maddy first, I'm trying to rebuild her, undo whatever it is you did.' 'What gives you the right' 'Because she is my girlfriend, and only I have the right to rebuild her. I'm going to make sure she never remembers any of you!' Angered by this, Phil started to walk down, casually standing on Marshall as he did, but on Rhydian's signal, Maddy approached from his blind spot and speared him, taking him down.

As she stood up, Rhydian raised his arm, and then shouted 'Leave nothing!' This prompted her to pick him up, and spear him a second time, taking the wind out of him. He got himself back up, only to immediately be taken down by a 3rd spear, knocking him for six. After a tense moment, he slowly crawled to the unfolded chair, and pulled himself up to his feet, only to immediately be bowled over again with a 4th climactic spear, with him hitting his head on the chair as he was taken down.

She readied for another onslaught, but as he didn't get up again, Rhydian called her off, before kneeling over him, getting in his face and coldly stating 'That's what happens when you get in the way of me and my love. I'll see you in the main event, champ.' He then gave Phil his title back as a stretcher was brought out, and Hannah rushed down, clearly very concerned over his condition. He was moving but very apparently dazed. After J7 had left, Phil slowly stumbled to his feet, and with the help of Hannah, left under his own steam, albeit without a clue where he was mentally.

Backstage, an interviewer tried to talk to Phil, but his angered wife stood in the way and shooed them back out of the medical room. 'You want someone to talk? Well I'll talk, because I'm one angry fucking mama right now. You really think that you've got Maddy forever just because she's under some kind of thrall? Well think again big boy, because I don't think you have a clue what's going on. What kind of forces you're messing with. If you don't stop your meddling, the consequences are going to be far worse than having your backside slapped from here to eternity, so I suggest you be very careful, because a knife in the back is the least of your issues right now. As for you lot (referring to the press), from now on, you go through me to speak to him.

In the duelling zone

The duelling action opened with a big duel. 'The following duel is the Three Steps to Heaven duel, for the LFD Doubles Championships. The first team to two wins will be declared the winners. If there is no conclusive winners at the end of the three duels, then the concluding duel will be restarted, and this will continue until we have winners. So without further ado, let the show begin!'

'The first step is Deck Master Rules. The rules are as follows: At the start of the duel, each competitor is required to nominate one monster as a Deck Master. Every monster has a Deck Master ability that will be public knowledge once selected. The Deck Master may not have any additional copies of itself in the deck. A competitor may summon their Deck Master at any point without sacrifice, however they will not retain their Deck Master ability, and if their Deck Master leaves the field, their team will automatically lose. A Deck Master is not allowed to enter the field and then be withdrawn from the field.'

The two teams then walked out at the same time, one from each side as they were introduced. 'Introducing the teams, first of all, the challengers, from Qa'em Shahr, Iran, the Vespertine, Jade Goocheneyad, and her partner, from Conwy, Wales, the Red Dragon - Brooke Angharad. And their opponents, they are the Doubles Champions the Bad Breed, from St. Helens, England, Ms. Hellfire - Freja McKinna, and her partner, from Headingley, England, she is the Myth - Belle Draper.'

The two teams having walked out, entered their makeshift booths on either side and started to prepare their decks, communicating the entire time. After they had received their ten minutes, the two teams met in the centre of the zone, and after a sporting handshake, they began the duel.

Three Steps to Heaven for the LFD Doubles Championships:

Duel 1: Deck Master Rules: The Cast (Brooke Angharad/Jade Goocheneyad) LP:8000 vs. [c] Bad Breed (Freja McKinna/Belle Draper) LP:8000

(Belle hand: ReQliate, Lose 1 Turn, Qliphort Monolith, Qliphort Shell, Qlimate Change)

Turn 1: Belle (DM: Apoqliphort Towers): 'I'll start off by revealing one of the effects of my Deck master, it lets me summon a Level 8 or below Qli monster without any tributes. I summon Qliphort Monolith (Atk:2400), and end my turn with two face-downs.'

(Jade hand: Fortune Lady Fire, Fortune Lady Calling, Fortune's Future, Secret Village of the Spellcasters, Fortune Lady Water, Fortune Lady Earth)

Jade (DM: Solitaire Magician): 'I'll draw and since none of us can attack on the first turn, I'll summon Fortune Lady Fire (Atk:?-400). Then I'll activate Secret Village of the Spellcasters, and end my turn.' The quiet, mystical grove appeared, and this was a significant issue to Freja, who needed to activate Spell cards.

(Freja hand: Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands, Senju of the Thousand Hands, Drytron Delta Altais, Drytron Alpha Thuban, Stars Align Across the Milky Way, Herald of Ultimateness)

Freja (DM: Choju of the Trillion Hands): 'I'll draw and summon Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands (Atk:1400). And with its effect I'll add Meteonis Drytron to my hand.' 'You realise you can't use that' 'I do' the immediate response came. 'I'll use the effect of Drytron Delta Altais now, tributing Alpha Thuban to summon it (Def.:0). And the effect of Delta will reveal the Meteonis I just added in my hand to draw another card. I'll set two cards and pass.'

(Brooke hand: Endymion's Lab, Servant of Endymion, Magister of Endymion, Spell of Pain, Card of Demise, Card of Variation)

Brooke (DM: Endymion, the Master Magician): 'I'll draw for turn, and during the Standby phase, Fortune Lady Fire gains a Level and 200 Attack and Defence (Level:2-3; Atk:400). Now' 'I activate a set card - Stars Align Across the Milky Way.' 'Hey, I was talking then.' 'Tough, this Trap allows me to reveal a Ritual monster in my hand and add a different one of the same Level from my deck to my hand. You get to see that I have Herald of Ultimateness in my hand, and I'll add Drytron Meteonis Quadrantids.' 'Now you'll let me, I'll set the Pendulum Scale with Scale 2 Servant of Endymion. Then I'll set my other Scale with Scale 8 Magister of Endymion (Servant SC:0-1).'

'Now I'll use my Card of Variation. This draws me two cards, but I have to send a card from my hand to the graveyard at the End phase, otherwise we take 2000 damage (Servant SC:1-2; Magister SC:0-1). Now I'll activate another Spell - Endymion's Lab (Servant SC:2-3; Magister SC:1-2). I'll then use Servant to summon itself and Endymion, the Mighty Master of Magic (Def.:1500; Endymion Atk:2800). And now I'll reset my other Scale with Scale 1 Astrograph Sorcerer, before Linking off Endymion the Mighty Master of Magic and Servant of Endymion to Link summon Link 2, Beyond the Pendulum (Atk:1600).'

'Beyond's effect on summon asks us for the princely sum of 1200 Life points (Cast LP:8000-6800), to add Supreme King Dragon Darkwurm to my hand, but unless I Pendulum summon this turn, all monster effects are negated on our field. So I had better get to it, I Pendulum summon Darkwurm and Mighty Master (Atk:1800;2800). And because I Pendulum summoned two monsters of different Levels together, Beyond allows me to destroy two cards on your fields. I'll dispose of Monolith and Jade's left set card.' Two bursting lights emerged from the Pendulum zones, which were harnessed by Beyond and shot into the other side of the field.

'Now I'll Link Darkwurm with my Beyond the Pendulum, summoning a stronger monster. You've been Beyond, but can you Exceed the Pendulum? (Atk:2000). She gets 100 points stronger for every Pendulum card on my field (Atk:2000-2300). I'll end my turn setting one, and then Card of Variation forces me to discard Spell of Pain.' The enthusiastic crowd applauded Brooke's turn, as she remained hungry and focused.

(Belle hand: Lose 1 Turn, Qliphort Shell)

Belle: 'We need to do something, so I'm going to show you my Deck Master's effect now.' 'You already did' 'It's other effect then. I can forego drawing for turn to instead reveal three Qli monsters with different names from my deck, and then you randomly choose one to add to my hand. The others go back into the deck. Your choices are: Qliphort Scout, Qliphort Monolith, and Qliphort Cephalopod.' After Freja shuffled them intently, Brooke left the choice to her partner. 'I'll go dead centre.' 'I'll summon Qliphort Monolith (Atk:2400), and then overlay my two Level 5 monsters to summon Adreus, Keeper of Armageddon (Atk:2600).'

'Just throwing bombs are we?' 'I mean I don't know what else you think I'm going to do right now. I'll use Adreus' effect to detach a material and destroy your Endymion.' Adreus released a spectral form of itself, which crept across the field and grabbed Endymion, dragging it into an eternal abyss. 'Now I'll attack your Exceed.' 'Impenetrable Attack's my face-down' Brooke immediately responded. 'So for the rest of the turn, you can't destroy Exceed (The Cast LP:6800-6400). 'I'll end my turn there.'

(Jade hand: Fortune Lady Calling, Fortune's Future, Fortune Lady Water, Fortune Lady Earth, Double Summon)

Jade: 'I'll draw and summon Fortune Lady Water (Atk:1200). Then I'll activate Fortune Lady Calling, to summon Fortune Lady Dark from my deck (Atk:?-2000). And that makes it time to reveal the Deck Master effect of my Solitaire Magician. With Growing Fortunes, every time I summon a Fortune Lady, I can increase its Level by one immediately (Dark Level:5-6; Atk:2000-2400). Now attack Adreus!' 'You realise there's another monster you can actually get over?' 'I know, but it gives me chance to show Solitaire's other effect. With Fortune's Flock, I can reveal both the Fortune Ladies in my hand to give Dark another Level for each one until the end of the turn (Level:6-8; Atk:2400-3200). Now take down her Adreus!' Dark launched a purple blob from her wand, bursting through Adreus (Bad Breed LP:8000-7400).

'And that triggers the effect of Dark, summoning another monster from my deck. I choose Fortune Lady Earth (Atk:2400). And she's going to attack you directly. Cursed Thorn!' The earth-attribute Fortune Lady manipulated the ground into turning into thorns, causing the champions to quickly dodge as the pressure continued (Bad Breed LP:7400-5000). 'Now I'll attack with Fortune Lady Water.' An aquatic blast saw the challengers taking firm control over the opening duel (Bad Breed LP:5000-3800). 'I end my turn.'

(Freja hand: Senju of the Thousand Hands, Herald of Ultimateness, Meteonis Drytron, Drytron Gamma Eltanin, Drytron Meteonis Quadrantids, Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands)

Freja: 'I'll draw.' Seeing the card, she started to get frustrated. 'Where the hell is it? I'm running 3 of them for fuck's sake.' As Belle watched her partner in concern, Freja continued with her efforts to draw the card she needed. 'I'll tribute Herald of Ultimateness to summon Gamma Eltanin (Def.:0). Then with Gamma I'll revive Drytron Alpha Thuban (Atk:2000), and activate its effect to add Drytron Meteonis Draconids to my hand. Now I'll overlay all three of my monsters to summon…'

She then paused, seeing one of Maddy's favourite monsters in her hand, but after Belle nodded in encouragement, she steeled herself. 'We're gonna get you home I promise. I Xyz summon Number 54 - Lion Heart (Atk:100). I'll end my turn there.'

(Brooke hand: Bashing Shield)

Brooke: 'I'll draw (Water Level:4-5, Atk:1200-1500; Dark Level:6-7, Atk:2400-2800; Earth Level:6-7, Atk:2400-2800). And I'll activate Bashing Shield, increasing the attack of a Normal summoned monster on the field by 1000 and stopping us taking damage when it battles. I'll nominate Fortune Lady Water (Atk:1500-2500). Attack Lion Heart.' Freja was expected to use Lion Heart's effect to prevent her team taking damage here, but trying to be aggressive, she chose not to use it (Bad Breed LP:3200-700). 'I end my turn.'

(Belle hand: Lose 1 Turn, Qliphort Shell, United We Stand)

Belle: 'I'll draw and summon Qliphort Shell (Atk:2800). Then I'll equip it with United We Stand, giving it 800 more Attack for every monster we control (Atk:2800-4400). Now attack with Spinning Shrapnel Shredder!' Shell came straight for Fortune Lady Earth, with Belle being aware that 400 points of burn damage would be incredibly dangerous with their points so low, destroying it (The Cast LP:6400-4800). 'I end my turn.'

(Jade hand: Fortune's Future, Fortune Lady Earth, Fortune Lady Calling)

Jade: 'I'll draw, and I'll activate Fortune Lady Calling, to summon another Water from my deck (Atk:1200). Now the effect of Water will activate, drawing me two more cards.' As she did, Jade saw a clear path to victory. 'You can thank Rio for teaching me this. I activate a new Field spell - Future Visions.' As the quiet village was replaced by an odd hall of reflective panels, Jade got ready for the finishing blow.

'I'll now tribute both of my Waters to summon Earthbound Immortal Asila Piscu (Atk:2500). When a monster's Normal summoned under Future Visions, it's banished until the next Standby phase. And when it leaves the field, my Immortal takes all your monsters with it, dealing 800 damage for each one.' A dark wave came hurtling out as Asila Piscu vanished, which ended the first duel (Bad Breed LP:700-0).

As the first contest ended, the announcement came through. 'The Cast lead by 1 duel to 0. Both teams will now have five minutes to side deck for the next duel, the 20 minute Exhibition.' As the Bad Breed left for their corner, Freja frantically looked through her deck, before realising a huge error on her part. 'Belle' she whispered, causing her partner to lean over. 'What?' 'I forgot to put URA in the deck. I'm so sorry.' 'Even if you did you might not have drawn it.' 'Exhibition's next, I want to lead on this one.' 'You sure?' 'Trust me, I know what I'm doing.' This reassured her partner, and she agreed.

Meanwhile, the challengers were far more satisfied. 'Good job there Jade, finished them off nice and smoothly.' 'Lion Heart caught me off guard, I didn't think she'd be playing it.' 'I didn't either, good job you drew into the combo. You keeping it in?' 'I guess, I was going to sub out of it but should probably keep it in.' 'If you want to sub it sub it, It's up to you.' 'Thanks. What are you changing?' 'Literally all 15, I swear that first turn took about 20 minutes on its own.' 'Still can't believe you pulled that one off.' 'I've been practising it, started to get it nailed down now.'

Brooke eventually finished her deck, and returned to the zone to find that Freja and Belle had been there for some time. The referee then came down to have a word with the teams. 'Brooke, you exceeded the side-decking time by almost four minutes. Therefore I have to give you a game loss' This conversation was abruptly interrupted by Freja protesting. 'Look, it was a few minutes, who cares. You can give her a game loss, but we're not accepting it.' Belle then looked directly at Brooke, and stated 'We want to win by being better than you, not because you took too long.' As the fans duelled with chants for the Bad Breed and for Jade and Brooke, the second duel began.

Duel 2: 20 Minute Exhibition: (1) The Cast (Jade Goocheneyad/Brooke Angharad) LP:8000 vs. (0) [c] Bad Breed (Freja McKinna/Belle Draper) LP:8000

(Brooke hand: Dark Magician, The Eye of TImeaus, Secret Village of the Spellcasters, Servant of Endymion, Eternal Soul)

Brooke: 'I'll start strong by setting Servant of Endymion in my Pendulum Scale, and then activating Secret Village.' The cosy woods appeared again, but this time, Brooke appeared to be in far more of a rush. 'Now I'll end my turn setting a face-down.'

(Freja hand: Meteonis Drytron, Drytron Gamma Eltanin, Drytron Delta Altais, Divine Grace - Northwemko, Incarnated Machine Angel, Cyber Angel Dakini)

Freja: 'I'll draw and activate the effect of Drytron Delta Altais, tributing Gamma Eltanin (Def.:0). Delta's effect will then draw me a card. I'll now activate Gamma, tributing Delta (Def.:0). Its effect then brings back the Delta I just tributed (Atk:2000). I'll overlay two Level 1 monsters now, to Xyz summon Drytron Mu Beta Fafnir (Atk:2000). I end my turn setting two.' 'And I'll activate Eternal Soul, to summon Dark Magician from my hand (Atk:2500). Now while it's face-up, Dark Magician is immune to all of your effects.'

(Jade hand: Fortune Lady Fire, Future Visions, Fortune Lady Calling, Fortune Vision, Destrudo the Lost Dragon's Frisson, Fortune Lady Water)

Jade: 'I'll draw and summon Fortune Lady Fire (Atk:?-200). Then I'll target it with Destrudo, the Lost Dragon's Frisson from my hand. Normally this forces us to pay half our Life points, but we can't pay points in an exhibition, so under the rules you get a flat 2k on us (The Cast damage:0-2000, Destrudo Def.:3000, Level:7-3). Now Level 3 Destrudo tunes Level 4 Water to summon the eternal Fortune Lady Every (Atk:?-2800).'

'Every, attack Drytron Mu Beta Fafnir.' 'Before you do, I'm going to use it.' 'Pardon?' 'I might not have been able to counter you earlier, but now I've got the card in my deck, I can - activate Urgent Ritual Art.' Shocked, Jade mumbled 'You can Ritual summon with Traps?' 'Yep, as long as I have no Ritual on the field, I can use this to banish a Ritual spell from my hand or grave and copy its effect. I'll choose Meteonis Drytron, and tribute the Mu Beta Fafnir alongside one of its materials to summon Divine Grace - Northwemko (Atk:2700).'

'I mean at least I can destroy it, but damn, you're prepared.' 'You'll be even more impressed after its effect. I can select an amount of face-up cards on the field, up to the number of monsters used to summon Northwemko, and as long as there's at least one of them face-up on the field, she's immune to destruction. I choose Eternal Soul and Secret Village.' 'I'll still attack you regardless' Jade stated with ambition and aggression (Bad Breed damage:0-100). 'I'll switch Dark Magician to Defence and end my turn.'

(Belle hand: Qliphort Shell, Qliphort Monolith, Qliphort Scout, Performapal Trampolynx, Qliphort Helix)

Belle: 'I draw. I'll set the Pendulum Scales with Scale 9 Qliphort Scout and Scale 4 Peformapal Trampolynx. Then I'll pay 800 with Scout (Bad Breed damage:100-900), and add Qliphort Disc. Now I'll Pendulum summon for two - Qliphort Helix and Qliphort Shell (Atk:2400-1000; 2800-1000). 'Then Tramoplynx bounces back my Scout from the Pendulum scale to my hand. Now I'll tribute both to summon Qliphort Disc (Atk:2800).' 'So Helix is the one that bounces Spells and Traps, right?' Brooke inquired, but Belle saw right through her.

'Yeah, nice try. I'm not bouncing anything, but I'm using the effect of Qliphort Disc to summon two Qlis from deck, negating their effects and they're destroyed when my turn ends. You can be introduced to Qliphort Cephalopod and Qliphort Shell (Atk:2800x2). Now Shell crashes with Fortune Lady Every.' Shell spun up as Every released a beam of purple light from the eye on her head, resulting in a sizeable impact which wiped them both out. 'Now I'll attack Dark Magician with Northwemko.' The graceful Ritual's fan-like wand started to spin, releasing a wind of light which burned the opposing Magician, whose counterattack was snuffed out by the breeze. 'And now I have two more attacks.' The lasers and spikes combination were enough to give the Bad Breed a healthy advantage after barely three minutes (The Cast damage: 2000-7600). 'Your turn Brooke.'

(Brooke hand: The Eye of Timaeus, Magister of Endymion)

Brooke: 'I'll draw and use Eternal Soul to revive Dark Magician (Atk:2500). Then I'll use the effect of The Eye of Timaeus, to fuse with Dark Magician and summon Dark Cavalry (Servant SC:2-3. For every Spell or Trap in any graveyard, it gains 100 Attack points (Atk:2800-3000). Cavalry, destroy Disc.' The breathless action continued as this time it was the challengers on the offence, dealing minor damage (Bad Breed damage:900-1100). 'I end my turn.'

(Freja hand: Cyber Angel Dakini, Trade-In)

Freja: 'I'll draw and activate Trade-In (Servant SC:2-3; Cavalry Atk:3000-3100). Gee, I forgot what it was like to activate Spell cards' Freja joked, before continuing. Anyway, this allows me to send Cyber Angel Dakini to the graveyard and draw two new cards. I'll now activate Drytron Eclipse, to add Gamma back to my hand (Cavalry Atk:3200). Then Delta tribute Gamma, I'll reveal the Cyber Angel Idaten in my hand to draw a card. Gamma tribute Delta next (Def.:0), summon Delta back (Atk:2000). And I'll overlay for a second Mu Beta Fafnir (Atk:2000).'

'Mu Beta Fafnir's effect will send Drytron Alpha Thuban to my graveyard. Then Alpha tribute Idaten (Def.:0). Alpha's effect will add Saffira, Queen of Dragons to my hand, while Idaten's effect increases the attack of any Rituals on my field by 1000 (Northwemko Atk:2700-3700). Northwemko, attack Dark Cavalry.' Brooke's cavalier had looked set to stay around, but now was set to be burned by Northwemko's light (The Cast damage:7600-8100). 'I end my turn.'

(Jade hand: Fortune Lady Calling, Fortune Vision, Future Visions, Fortune Lady Water, Time Passage)

Jade: 'I'll draw and use Eternal Soul to revive Dark Magician (Def.:2000). Then I activate Fortune Vision, adding Fortune Lady Past to my hand. Then I'll summon Fortune Lady Past (Atk:0-200), and use Fortune Lady Calling to summon Fortune Lady Earth (Atk:2400). And I'll use the Spell card Time Passage, to increase Earth's Level by 3 until the end of the turn (Level:6-9; Atk:2400-3600). That produces 400 damage through Earth's effect (Bad Breed damage:1100-1500). Earth, attack Northwemko! And when she does, Past will banish the Fortune Lady Water from my hand to increase Earth's Level to 10 (Level:9-10; Atk:3600-4000). Cursed Thorn.' Earth spun up her weapon, creating thorns that harmed the Divine Grace, but failed to destroy it (Bad Breed damage:1500-2800). I end my turn.' As she did, the clock ticked to 9 minutes.

(Belle hand: Qliphort Monolith, Qliphort Scout, Saqlifice)

Belle: 'I'll draw and set Scout in the Pendulum Scale again, paying 800 (Bad Breed damage:2800-3600), to search for Qlimate Change. Now I'll Pendulum summon one monster - Qliphort Shell (Atk:2800-1800). Now I'll use Trampolynx to bounce it back, and set it in my Scale again, paying 800 Life points (Bad Breed damage:3600-4400), to search for Qliphort Shell, because good things come in 3s apparently. Now I'll activate Saqlifice, equipping to Qliphort Shell (Atk:1800-2100), before tributing it to summon Qliphort Shell (Atk:2800). It can attack twice, so swing into Dark Magician and Fortune Lady Past.' The rolling and spinning shrapnel attack saw the challengers take further damage, while the clock was now beyond halfway (The Cast damage:8100-11,700). 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Brooke hand: Magister of Endymion, Endymion's Lab)

Brooke: 'I'll draw and Earth gains another Level and 400 more Attack and Defence (Level:10-11; Atk:4000-4400; Bad Breed damage:4400-4800). Now I'll use Servant of Endymion's effect to remove three Spell counters, summoning herself and Endymion the Mighty Master of Magic (Atk:700; 2800). 'Now I've done that I can Link them both off to summon Beyond the Pendulum (Atk:1200). With her, I can pay 1200 (The Cast damage:11,700-12,900) and add Reflection of Endymion to my hand. Now I'll set Reflection in my Pendulum scale, and activate Endymion's Lab (Reflection SC:0-1), before summoning back Dark Magician (Def.:2000).'

'Now I'll set Scale 8 Magister and Pendulum summon Servant of Endymion again (Def.:1500). That means I can Link off Servant and Beyond into Selene, Queen of the Master Magicians (Atk:2300). Because I have three Spells in the graveyard, she gains 3 Spell Counters. And then I can remove those Counters to revive Beyond (Atk:1200). And now I'll Link them both off to Link summon Link 4, Borrelsword Dragon (Atk:3000). Borrelsword, attack! And when it does, your monster's Attack is halved and that amount comes to Borrelsword (Northwemko Atk:2700-1350; Borrelsword Atk:3000-4350).' Borrelsword seared through the air, piercing through Northwemko, and dealing significant damage (Bad Breed damage:4800-7800). 'And then by switching Dark Magician to Defence mode (Def.:2000), I can attack again with Borrelsword, using its effect again, cutting your monster down further (Northwemko Atk:1350-675, Borrelsword Atk:4350-5025, Bad Breed damage:7800-12,150). 'And now Fortune Lady Earth can hit in for big damage as well! Cursed Thorn!' Earth attacked as well, turning the exhibition dramatically 180 with only just over five minutes left (Bad Breed damage:12,150-15,875). 'That's the turn done (Northwemko Atk:650-2700; Borrelsword Atk:5025-3000).'

As they did, Freja closed her eyes for a moment. 'Mads, I know you can't hear me right now, but I really need some inspiration. How am I the same person who nearly beat you?' She then heard a voice in her mind, and suddenly, she was transported back mentally to the day that her career changed.

Flashback: The evening of Against All Odds

Freja was sat in the hotel thinking about her duel, when Maddy sat down opposite her. 'Um… hey?' 'Sorry about the duel.' 'Sorry?' 'I'm kind of embarrassed really, because that's the least deserved win I've ever had. You totally dominated me, and I got super lucky at the end. You know you can beat anyone like that don't you?' 'You think?' She gave her signature enthusiastic smile. 'I know. Because you weren't scared of losing, and that was the only difference.'

Back in the duel

Shocked, Freja had the realisation. 'I've been scared of losing. I'm at my best when I'm just fighting to win. I guess I'm just not cut out to be the favourite. But I need to do something about this.' As she talked herself up, Belle gave her a nudge. 'Not to rush you Fre, but we're running out of time.' She looked up, and saw that there was barely a minute left, so she took a breath, and then howled, erupting the crowd as she drew.

(Freja hand: Drytron Meteonis Quadrantids, Stoic Challenge)

Freja: 'I'll draw and activate Meteonis Drytron in the graveyard, reducing the Attack of Mu Beta Fafnir by 1000 to add it back to my hand (Atk:2000-1000). Then I'll activate Meteonis, and detach both materials to summon Drytron Meteonis Quadrantids (Atk:4000). The effect of Quadrantids, by banishing Drytrons whose Attack points equal 4000 from the graveyard, destroys all Spells and Traps on the field.' As they did, Brooke sighed. 'When Eternal Soul is destroyed, all monsters on our field are destroyed.'

'Now Quadrantids can attack directly.' The attack flew in as the final seconds ticked down, and the challengers' damage going up coincided with the klaxon. As it did, there was some confusion over the time, although Jade instantly could be seen saying 'She did it', while nobody else seemed sure. After nearly four minutes of consulting slow-motion replays, the announcement came through. 'The winners of the exhibition, the Bad Breed.' As Freja let off a foul-mouthed rant of relief, Jade briefly walked up to her. 'That was insane.' 'Thanks' she sheepishly replied, before both teams went to side decking for the final round.

Belle was full of admiration for her partner as they regrouped. 'You're incredible, you know that.' Freja though, was struggling. 'How am I supposed to focus on this? All I can think about is how we're not helping her.' 'I get it, but there's not much we can do right now. After this we go after them and see what we can do. But right now, we need to do this because we need to keep these titles away from them.' 'You're right, let's just do this.'

Meanwhile, Brooke had noticed something. 'This is our chance to beat them, Freja's really suffering out there.' 'You know you sound really mean sometimes?' 'I don't mean it like that, I just mean… if we want these titles, we need to take advantage and pick up on any weakness from her. We don't need do anything amazing, we just need to keep the pressure up.' 'I'm not sure about this…' Brooke then smiled at her. 'Trust me.'

As the two teams met again in the zone, the rules were relayed once again. 'This is the concluding round, both teams will start with 8000 Life points, and nobody may attack until everyone has taken a turn. If the duel ends in a draw, then we will restart with 4000 Life points and keep doing so until we have a clear winner. Let the final round begin.'

Duel 3: Standard Rules: (1) The Cast (Jade Goocheneyad and Brooke Angharad) LP:8000 vs. (1) [c] Bad Breed (Freja McKinna/Belle Draper) LP:8000

(Freja hand: Herald of Ultimateness, Diviner of the Herald, Drytron Alpha Thuban, Drytron Delta Altais, Drytron Gamma Eltanin)

Freja: 'I'll open this round with Diviner of the Herald (Atk:500).' 'And this is why we didn't want you going first' Brooke admitted, while Freja talked herself through a seemingly simple play. 'I'll use Diviner's effect to send Herald of the Arc Light from my Extra deck, make herself a 6 (Level:2-6), then trigger Arc Light to add Meteonis to my hand. Then Alpha tribute Herald of Ultimateness (Def.:0). Alpha's effect will add Drytron Meteonis Draconids to my hand. Next I'll Delta tribute Alpha (Def.:0). Delta's effect reveals Draconids in my hand to draw another card.'

'Now Gamma tribute Draconids (Def.:0). And Gamma will revive Alpha (Def.:0). Meteonis, I'll tribute Delta and Gamma to Ritual summon Draconids (Atk:4000). Now I'll tune Level 6 Diviner and Level 1 Alpha to Synchro summon Ancient Fairy Dragon (Def.:3000). I end my turn.'

(Jade hand: Fortune Lady Earth, Double Summon, Time Passage, Dark Core, Fortune Lady Wind, Heavy Storm Duster)

Jade: 'I'll draw and start with the Spell card Dark Core. By discarding one card from my hand, I can banish Draconids.' Watching on in shock, Freja saw a rip in space-tiem appear behind her monster, and the mighty Ritual got dragged into it before it closed. 'Now I summon Fortune Lady Wind (Atk:?-900). I'll then Double Summon to tribute it for Fortune Lady Earth (Atk:2400). And I'll Calling, for Fortune Lady Past (Atk:0-200). Now Level 1 Past tunes to Level 6 Earth to summon Fortune Lady Every (Atk:2800). I'll set a pair and end my turn.'

(Belle hand: Qliphort Scout, Qlimate Change, Qlife's End, Re-Qliate, Lose 1 Turn, Performapal Trampolynx)

Belle: 'I'll draw. I'll set Qliphort Scout in my Pendulum Scale, and pay 800 Life points (Bad Breed LP:8000-7200) to add Apoqliphort Towers to my hand. Then I'll set four cards and end my turn.'

(Brooke hand: Dark Magician, Soul Servant, Magician's Souls, Timaeus, the United Dragon, Pot of Greed, Dragged Down Into the Grave)

Brooke: 'I'll open with this - Dragged Down Into the Grave. Now since me and Belle are the only ones with anything in our hands, we both look and send a monster from each other's hand to the graveyard.' This shocked Belle, as she saw her Towers get sniped before she could even set up for its arrival, and she then took her time considering the options, before sending Magician's Souls.

'I'll send Dark Magician from my hand to the graveyard and summon Timaeus, the United Dragon (Atk:2800). And I'll pair it with Soul Servant, which places Palladium Oracle Mahad on top of my deck. Then by banishing Soul Servant from the graveyard, I can draw a card. When Mahad is drawn, I can summon it immediately (Atk:2500). I'll Pot of Greed for two more cards and end my turn with a face-down.'

(Freja hand: Choju of the Trillion Hands)

Freja: 'I'll draw.' As she did, she signalled to Belle, who sprung herself into action. 'I'll activate Qlife's End' 'And I'll activate the Time Passage spell' Jade immediately responded. 'This increases Every's Level by 3 until the end of the turn (Level:7-10; Atk:2800-4000). And when her Level increases, she can banish a card on the field. Like Qlife's End.' This lack of tribute material left Freja in a very awkward situation, But as she had promised, she went firmly on the attack.

'I'll tribute Ancient Fairy Dragon for Choju of the Trillion Hands (Atk:1600). When it's summoned I can add a Ritual monster and Ritual Spell from my deck to my hand. I'll add Meteonis and Quadrantids. Then Gamma tribute Quadrantids (Def.:0), and revive Delta (Def.:0). I'll use Delta's effect, reveal Meteonis and draw another card. Now Meteonis Drytron, to summon Draconids from my graveyard using my other Drytrons as tribute (Atk:4000). Draconids effect, wipe all other monsters off the field.'

As it did this raining down meteors, she lined up for the attack. 'Go get 'em!' The cry saw her Drytron rumble into life again, dropping meteors onto the field and halving the challengers' Life points (The Cast LP:8000-4000). 'I end my turn.' The crowd sung her praises for the play, but Jade was ready to strike again. 'End of the turn, I'll Heavy Storm Duster, to destroy two of Belle's face-downs. Since you searched Towers, you clearly had Qlife's End.' Storm Duster triggered, and blew away Lose 1 Turn and ReQliate, as Brooke shouted encouragement. 'Good job.'

(Jade hand: Monster Reborn)

Jade: 'I'll draw and activate Monster Reborn, to revive Every (Atk:2800). I end my turn right there.'

(Belle hand: Performapal Trampolynx, Qlimate Change)

Belle: 'I'll draw and activate the effect of Scout (Bad Breed LP:7200-6400) and add Helix to my hand. Then I'll place Trampolynx in the other Scale, and Pendulum summon Qliphort Helix (Atk:2400-1800). Now I'll use Trampolynx to bounce it back to my hand, and reset it, paying 800 (Bad Breed LP:6400-5600) and adding Qliphort Carrier to my hand. I'll end my turn.'

(Brooke hand: Dark Magical Circle, Effect Veiler)

Brooke: 'I draw, and during the Standby phase, Every gets stronger (Level:7-8; Atk:2800-3200). And that means Every can banish your Draconids.' 'I'll use the effect of Draconids' 'And I'll use Effect Veiler.' As the effect of Draconids was stopped by the diminutive sprite, Every removed the threat and set up the final play.

'I'll activate Dark Magical Circle, and use Eternal Soul to revive Dark Magician (Atk:2500). That means I can use Circle and banish your Helix.' The circle of runes depicted on the card surrounded Qliphort Helix, and a bright light rose up, making it vanish, as Belle nodded in acceptance that their titles were lost. 'And now we can attack.' Every and Dark Magician teamed up for a double magic blast, which ended the duel and crowned new champions (Bad Breed LP:5600-0).

After the duel, Jade and Brooke embraced with the titles, but the celebrations were short lived as Jade saw Freja in tears on the floor, and made a point of going over to her, picking her up to her feet and giving her a gentle hug. 'We're going to sort this, I promise, we will.' 'But I've let her down' 'You've not, but helping us to recover the situation will be doing her proud, ok? And that last turn in Duel 2 did her proud.' The two teams embraced as they left together, the new champions carrying their titles as they did.

Backstage, the Regiment were still having issues. 'Man, seeing Private Maddy like that is rough. Like what they've been doing is one thing, but this is something totally different man, at least they're trying to make some stuff better.' 'I hate to admit it Hass, but you've got a point' Kari responded while leaning on a wall, her blue and white striped shirt riding up as she did. 'At least they seem to have some sort of aim that isn't selfish. Rhydian's just disgusting like he always was.'

A clearly joyful Claude then walked in. 'It's a beautiful day, the birds are singing, the sun is shining, and Maddy's almost ready for maturity.' Disgusted, the rest of the Regiment moved away, but it was only Hassleberry who said anything. 'You're disgusting man, it's horrible what the poor girl's going through.' 'Don't give me the "poor girl" act, she's just another chick who pretends not to want me, yet she's going to be gagging soon.'

Finally, Hassleberry snapped, and squared right up to him. 'Look, I don't know what you've been through, but it's nothing to do with her, so how about you think about what she's going through and what her family are going through rather than being so far up your own ass that all you can think of is how good a teenager would be in bed.' 'Like you and Brooke then?' 'She's 20, and we're nowhere near bed, we've only just started seeing each other. And yeah, we're seeing each other, so get over it.' He then stormed away, leaving Claude shaking his head. 'Stupid boy.'

In the zone, Kari was first out for the next duel, but there was little showboating as she kept her eyes on the prize, knowing that opportunities had been hard to come by. 'The following is a Top Contender's Duel for the WDC Championship. Introducing first, from Dodge City, Kansas, K Factor - Kari Tsukumo.' In the zone, Kari pointed to the sky, and let out a shout that appeared to wake the crowd up after a lull.

Radley then appeared, showing off the scale of his bicep muscles as he flexed on his way down, before sharing some friendly fighting talk with his opponent. 'Introducing her opponent, from Venice Beach, California, he is Quadzilla - Radley.' The Californian enjoyed the walk down, as well as posing for several very excitable females in the front couple of rows. After he was done making Mancunians swoon, he entered the zone, and leant in for a handshake with Kari, who immediately reciprocated, and stated 'May the best girl win', making him laugh. 'I'd better lose now.'

Top Contender's Duel for the WDC Championship: Kari Tsukumo LP:8000 vs. Radley LP:8000

(Radley hand: Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Buffalo, Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Coyote, Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Spirit, Fire Formation - Tenken, Fire Formation - Tenki)

Turn 1: Radley: 'I'll open with Tenki to add Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Bear. Then I'll summon Coyote through its effect because I only control Fire Formations (Atk:2000). Then I'll summon Spirit (Atk:500), and Level 3 Spirit tunes Level 5 Coyote to summon Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Kirin (Def.:2800-2900). With Kirin, I can set Fire Formation - Sinto from my deck. I'll set another two cards and end my turn.'

(Kari hand: Xyz Change Tactics, Zubababancho Gagagacoat, Dodododwarf Gogogoglove, Rank-up Magic Zexal Force, Xyz Encore, Shining Hope Road)

Kari: 'I'll draw and summon Dodododwarf Gogogoglove (Atk:0), and then Special summon Zubababancho Gagagacoat from my hand (Atk:1800). Then I'll activate Xyz Change Tactics before I overlay my two monsters for Number 39: Utopia (Atk:2500-2400).' 'Come on, I've seen this thousands of times Kari.' 'Well I'm sorry if I'm boring you, but I'll try and be more imaginative next time. This time though, I'm drawing a card off Change Tactics (Kari LP:8000-7500). Then I'll activate Rank-up Magic Zexal Force.'

This lead to an awkward stare-off, as Kari waited for Radley to negate her Spell with his Sinto, while he had no intention of doing so, waiting for her to use something more impactful. Eventually it was Kari who broke the silence. 'Negating?' 'No.' Rolling her eyes, she muttered away to herself as she ranked up her monster. 'I Xyz summon Rank 5, Utopia Ray V (Atk:2600-2500). And with its effect, I can destroy Kirin, and deal you damage equal to its Attack on the field.'

'Yeah, not a problem, I'll activate Fire Formation - Tenken, to protect my monster from your card effects, but negating Kirin's effects for the turn (Def.:2900-3200; Utopia Ray V Atk:2500-2600).' Having sensed this would be the case, Kari reacted with great calmness. 'I'll set a card and end my turn.'

(Radley hand: Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Buffalo, Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Bear, Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Elephant)

Radley: 'I draw and I'll summon Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Elephant (Atk:1000-1400). And he's going to leave you in a real tusk spot.' 'Leave the puns to Hassleberry, you've not quite got his comic timing.' 'It's putting up with you that's put my timing off' Radley joked, as the well natured duel continued. 'Elephant's effect will send Tenki to the graveyard (Elephant Atk:1400-1300; Kirin Def.:3200-3100; Ray V Atk:2400-2500), and summon Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Bear (Atk:1600-1900).'

'Bear's effect will send Fire Formation - Tenken to the graveyard, and destroy your Utopia Ray V.' Bear mimicked the sacred flame dance depicted on Tenken, and struck Ray V with a flaming fist, destroying it. 'Now I'll attack with Bear.' Averse to taking the damage, Kari responded quickly. 'I activate Xyz Reborn, reviving my Utopia Ray V (Atk:2600), before giving it a material.' 'I'll stop the attack, and overlay my Elephant and Bear to Xyz summon Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Tiger King (Def.:1800). When Tiger King arrives, he can set a Fire Formation from my deck. How about another Tenken? I'll end my turn.'

(Kari hand: Xyz Encore, Shining Hope Road, Onomatopickup)

Kari: 'I'll draw and activate Onomatopickup.' 'Feel free.' 'Ok, I'll get Onomatopaira, and then activate Onomatopaira to' 'Get negated by Saiyo.' This caught Kari totally off guard. 'What?' 'I said you could activate Pickup, I didn't say I'd let you go the whole 9 yards' he laughed, as she attempted to rediscover her composure. 'I'll attack Tiger King with Ray V.' Ray V sliced straight through the flaming Tiger King, causing fire to spew out of its fallen corpse. 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Radley hand: Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Buffalo, Coach Soldier Wolfbark)

Radley: 'I'll draw and summon Coach Soldier Wolfbark (Atk:1600). When he's out, he's allowed to pick a workout partner from the graveyard, but because he's never going to be overshadowed, it has to be another Level 4 Beast-Warrior. Get your game on Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Bear (Atk:1600). Now I'll overlay them both and summon another Tiger King (Atk:2200). When he's summoned, he'll add Saiyo to my hand. I end my turn.'

(Kari hand: Xyz Encore, Shining Hope Road, Gagaga Mancer)

Kari: 'I'll draw and use the effect of Utopia Ray V again.' 'And I'll use Tenken (Kirin Def.:2800-3100, Tiger King Atk:2200-2300). 'I'll just attack then - destroy Tiger King.' For the second time, a royal tiger was slayed, dealing damage this time (Radley LP:8000-7700). 'I end my turn (Ray V Atk:2600-2500).'

(Radley hand: Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Buffalo, Pre-preparation of Rites)

Radley: 'I'll draw and I'll just pass my turn.' 'Bad draw?' 'Not bad, just not right now.' These words got Kari thinking as her next turn began, the crowd starting to get heavily invested in the duel.

(Kari hand: Xyz Encore, Shining Hope Road, Gagaga Mancer, Gagagarevenge)

Kari: 'I draw and I need to up the ante. I summon Gagaga Mancer (Atk:100). Then I'll activate Gagagarevenge, to revive Zubababancho Gagagacoat (Atk:1800). Now I'll overlay both to Xyz summon Number 39: Utopia (Atk:2500-2400). And because the monster summoned by Gagagarevenge was used for an Xyz summon, all Xyz monsters on my field gain 300 Attack (Utopia Atk:2400-2700; Ray V Atk:2500-2800). And I'll draw a card off of Change Tactics while I'm at it (Kari LP:7500-7000).''

'And that card is just the ticket - I activate Hyper Rank-up Magic Utopiforce to' 'Get negated by Saiyo.' This saw Kari's frustration start to boil over slightly. 'Why can I not beat you!? I end my turn.'

(Radley hand: Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Buffalo, Pre-preparation of Rites, Fire Formation - Tenki)

Radley: 'I'll draw and let's add Tenki back to the field. This adds Rooster to my hand (Kirin Def.:3200). But it's not going to be summoned, because I'm activating Pre-preparation of Rites.' This shocked Kari no end. 'So that's what you were planning?' 'You could say that. Now I can add both Fire Formation - Domei and Brotherhood of the Fist - Eland to my hand. Now I'll activate Domei, and tribute Buffalo and Rooster' 'So it's Buffalo that you've been holding onto… interesting.' Without any hesitation to listen to his doubles partner, Radley continued. 'I'll summon Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Eland (Atk:2400-2800).'

'Now I can use Eland to attack your Utopia Ray V.' Kari considered negating the attack, before deciding that it was more worthwhile to just take the hit (Kari LP:7000-6800). 'I'll end my turn.'

(Kari hand: Xyz Encore, Shining Hope Road, Banner of Courage)

Kari: 'I'll draw and activate Shining Hope Road.' 'Now you listen to me and play that' Radley groaned as Kari attempted to mount a comeback. 'This allows me to revive three monsters from my graveyard, then immediately Xyz summon a Utopic monster with them. I'll revive Gagaga Mancer, Zubababancho Gagagacoat, and Dodododwarf Gogogoglove (Atk:100-0,1800-1500,0). Now I'll overlay all of them for Full Armored Utopic Ray Lancer (Atk:2500-2200). And it makes all your monsters' stats go down by 500 points (Eland Atk:2800-2300; Kirin Def.:3200-2700).'

'Then I can activate my Banner of Courage to give my monster 200 more Attack points in battle (Atk:2200-2400). Now attack, and when it does, your monsters all lose their effects.' 'When you do I'll activate the effect of Eland, to send Domei to my graveyard and negate your effect. And when Domei hits the grave, I can summon Bear back from my graveyard (Atk:1600-1800).' Seeing this, Kari changed path without a second thought. 'I'll slam my attack into your Bear then (Radley LP:7700-7100). 'I end my turn.'

(Radley hand: Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Spirit, Fire Formation - Domei)

Radley: 'I'll draw and activate Fire Formation - Domei, before I summon Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Spirit (Atk:500-700). And it can revive the Rooster from my graveyard (Atk:1500-1700). Now I'll use them both to Synchro summon Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Horse Prince (Atk:2200-2400). Now I'll use Horse Prince's effect to summon Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Raven (Def.:1800). And while I'm at it, I'll Link off Raven and Horse Prince to summon Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Eagle (Atk:1700-1900).'

'Because Raven hit the graveyard, I can set Fire Formation - Ingen from my deck. And I'll add the effect of Eagle into the mix, returning Tenki from my graveyard to the hand and sending Buffalo from the deck to the graveyard. Then Buffalo can summon itself.' 'Hang on, don't you need to send something for that?' a suspicious Kari probed, but all was above board. 'Eagle has a continuous effect which skips the cost of using Fire Fist monsters' effects (Buffalo Atk:1700-2200).'

'Now I'll activate Ingen and it will fuse together Kirin and Buffalo to Fusion summon Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Swan (Atk:2600-2200). When Swan arrives, it takes 200 of your Life points for each Fire Formation I control.' A trio of flaming swan heads surrounded the Fusion monster, before surging straight into Kari (Kari LP:6800-6000). Now I'll enter battle, and use Swan's effect to send Domei to the graveyard and destroy your Utopic Ray Lancer.'

'I'll use the effect of Lancer at the start of the Battle phase to freeze the effects of all your monsters.' 'That effect's going nowhere, because I can just use Eland to negate it. Don't forget, I don't need to pay any cost due to the effect of Eagle. Oh, and thanks to Domei, I can summon back Kirin (Atk:2000-2200).' As Utopic Ray Lancer tried to launch a strike, it was immediately overwhelmed by the fierce blaze coming from Swan, vanishing in a plume of ash. 'And that leaves you open for attack.' The triple threat of firepower proved to be too much, and Radley took a surprise victory (Kari LP:6000-0).

After the duel, a dejected-looking Kari walked over to Radley, and gave him a hearty pat on the back as he raised his jacked arms aloft in victory, a result which appeared to somewhat pacify the spicy crowd. The two then stopped to have a chat, which seemed to consist primarily of Radley reassuring his doubles partner, while also giving her some advice. She then walked away, annoyed with herself.

While Radley was celebrating his win, Blair and Rio were being interviewed backstage ahead of their title defence. 'Blair, Rio, we've seen you take on all comers in this reign and turn them all away, but this must be such a different scenario, because you're up against not just someone who you've been allies with, but someone who's been in your revolution longer than you both have. How do you even prepare for something like this?' Blair went to speak, but as soon as she did, Rio just walked off, clearly troubled by the words and situation, as Blair looked on shocked. 'What was that about?' Her honest reply was 'I… don't really know.'

In the duelling zone

After a video showing how the situation had mapped out for the champions, it was the newly complete Junction 7 who were out first, Maddy still totally glassy-eyed as she walked down alongside a grinning Shannon, who just from her face clearly had a plan. 'The following duel is for the WDC Tag-Team Championships. Introducing first, representing Junction 7, they are the team of Shannon Kelly and the Poison Wolf - Maddy Smith.' In the zone, Maddy continued staring on, until Shannon told her to load her deck, which she did.

The champions then walked out, but there was no special entrances or showboating, with Rio having her head down the entire time, struggling to even make eye contact with her now former friend. 'Introducing their opponents, representing the Dynasty, they are your reigning and defending WDC Tag-Team Champions, Cold Blooded Rio Kastle and the Jewel of the St. Clair Blair Flannigan, the Frozen Diamonds.' No sooner had they entered than Blair activated her duel disk. 'The take back begins here.' 'Fat chance of that.'

WDC Tag-Team Championships: Junction 7 (Maddy Smith and Shannon Kelly) LP:8000 vs. [c] Frozen Diamonds (Blair Flannigan and Rio Kastle) LP:8000

(Shannon hand: Zombie Master, Il Blud, Pyramid of Wonders, Conquistador of the Golden Land, Huaqero of the Golden Land)

Turn 1: Shannon: 'Challengers go first I guess. I summon Zombie Master (Atk:1800), and end my turn with two face-downs.'

(Rio hand: Harpie Harpist, Harpie's Pet Dragon - Fearsome Fire Blast, Harpie Channeler, Harpie Channeler, Icarus Attack, Icarus Attack)

Rio: 'I'm not just going to beat you Shannon, I'm gonna kill you! I draw and summon Harpie Channeler (Atk:1400), before discarding Icarus Attack to summon Harpie Queen (Atk:1900).' As she did, Shannon stuck the knife in. 'Look Mads, it's a queen, not like you obviously, being Rhydian's queen is much cooler, but' 'Shut your fucking mouth!' Rio spat with venom in response, before continuing.

'Now I'll synch off Level 4 Channeler and Level 4 Queen to Synchro summon Cyber Slash Harpie Lady (Atk:2600). Attack Zombie Master.' As Cyber Slash came in with her sharp claws, Shannon pulled Maddy into the way of the attack as a shield. 'The hell are you doing?' 'If you want to attack, you're going to have to attack Maddy!' 'Maddy, move!' Rio shouted, but she didn't, unable to listen due to being entranced by Rhydian. Instead she just stood there, and as the attack was about to connect, Rio cried out 'Cancel the attack! I end my turn with a face-down.'

Blair then tried to speak to Rio. 'You know she's not going to get harmed, right?' 'I can't do it B, I can't attack her while she's like this, it's not fair!' 'We have no choice, that's just what we have to do Ri, do it and we can try and get her.' 'You know I can hear you, right?' Shannon jibed, before Blair struck back. 'We don't care, you're just a chicken.' 'I don't care what you think of me, as long as I've got Maddy, this is a handicap duel at best. Maddy, your turn.' With her ponytail still as anything, she began the turn.

(Maddy hand: Darklord Nurse Reficule, Dark Cure, Darklord Nurse Reficule, Upstart Goblin, Dark Cure, Sangan)

Maddy: 'For Junction 7. Reficule (Atk:1400). Upstart Goblin.' Normally this would have given the champions 1000 Life points in exchange for Maddy drawing, but her evil strategy turned that totally around, and the dark nurse inflicted pain instead of healing (Frozen Diamonds LP:8000-7000). 'End turn.'

(Blair hand: Shaddoll Fusion, Sinister Shadow Games, Aleister the Invoker, Shaddoll Dragon, Mathematician, Qadshaddoll Keios)

Blair: 'You know Maddy, black and white really aren't your colours.' Shannon then happily explained them. 'They are, because they symbolise her - Black and White in some cultures represent Death and Rebirth, and that's what's happening here. What you're seeing is the cocoon, with Maddy trapped inside while the old her dies, and the new her is reborn - Junction 7's Maddy, Rhydian's Maddy.'

'I hope you know that you're disgusting.' 'Nobody's ever been so nice to me' Shannon responded cattily as Blair took her turn. 'I draw and I'll summon Aleister the Invoker (Atk:1000) to add Invocation to my hand. Then Invocation, I'll banish Aleister and send Qadshaddoll Keios to Fusion summon Invoked Mechaba (Atk:2500). Now attack!' As she did, Shannon waited for the last moment to pull Maddy in the way, and despite Rio's desperate pleading, Maddy took the hit, recoiling as she did (Junction 7 LP:8000-6900).

As Rio cried for the situation to stop, Maddy was dragged back up by Shannon. 'See, the Maddy you knew is DEAD! She's dead and she's not coming back, the new Maddy is a serene river of purity.' Rio then tried to leave the duel to punch Shannon, but Blair held her back. 'Do you want to end up like Phil?' she said through gritted teeth. 'I end my turn with a face-down, you're pathetic.'

(Shannon hand: Il Blud, Pyramid of Wonders, Magic Cylinder)

Shannon: 'I'll draw, and end my turn with a face-down.'

Rio was then due to take her turn, but as she went to draw, Shannon pointedly pulled Maddy in front of her again, and started waving her arms around, mimicking the corrupted Alpha. 'Don't hurt me Rio, I'm Maddy, the same Alpha you always knew. Please don't attack me, my ribs, they hurt so so much.' Even though this was clearly mockery, Rio just stared at Maddy, and her hand started shaking, which Blair noticed immediately. Before she could calm her partner down though, Rio shockingly put her hand over her deck. 'I… can't do it. I can't harm her any more. MADDY! LISTEN!' But there was no response, as the duel ended in concession.

As the duel finished, Shannon picked both the belts up, as Maddy stared on, totally entranced still and feeling nothing. While the Ginger taunted the former champions, Rio just walked away, while repeatedly muttering 'I can't do it, I can't hurt her like that.' Not even slightly concerned about the titles, Blair ran back, only concerned at that moment about her partner. As she caught up with her backstage though, Rio just pushed her away, making Blair realise she had to leave her alone.

Elsewhere backstage, Maddy had returned to Rhydian, who was being interviewed for the main event. Not that he was willing to wait for any questions. 'It's been so long since I even tasted proper fresh air, never mind had an opportunity to regain the championship, MY TITLE, that I never lost. And it looks like it's not even going to be difficult. Let's face it, I have the belt, and most important of all, I have my little crown jewel Maddy. So I'm going to go out there in front of those morons who have no respect and I'm going to have my walkover announced against their little local hero, then I'm going to flip them the bird and leave with MY GIRL.'

He entered for the main event to a horrendous amount of boos, carrying his girlfriend by his side. 'The following duel is your main event, and is for the WDC Championship. Introducing first, representing Junction 7 and accompanied by Maddy Smith, from Llanfair, Wales, the Cobra - Rhydian Morris.' Rhydian walked down, and immediately had a microphone in his hand. 'Well this is it, just 10 seconds and then I win. So referee, count!'

Intimidated, the ref started to count, with Rhydian grinning. As the count got to 9 though, all the screens in the arena came on, and showed Phil, unsteady on his feet, but still rampaging through the arena, coming towards the entrance. So despite the intimidation, the ref refused to continue counting, and instead waited for the dazed champion to make his way out, activating his duel disk as he did. So without an introduction for him, the duel began.

WDC Championship: Rhydian Morris LP:8000 vs. [c] Phil Robinson LP:8000

(Rhydian hand: Flogos, the Ogdoadic Boundless, Nunu, the Ogdoadic Remnant, Ogdoadic Water Lily, Snake Rain, Molting Escape)

Turn 1: Rhydian: 'Let's start off nice and slow shall we? I'll use Nunu, the Ogdoadic Remnant, sending Amunessia, the Ogdoadic Queen from my deck to the graveyard, as well as itself. Then I'll Snake Rain, discarding Flogos, the Ogdoadic Boundless to send four Reptiles from my deck to the graveyard. I'll send Aleirtt, Aron, Keruse and Ogdoabyss. Now I'll activate Ogdoadic Water Lily, which I'm sure you'll agree is pretty beautiful, like my beautiful girlfriend.'

He then stopped to kiss Maddy, as Phil watched on, unimpressed. 'Now Water Lily will send Zohah, the Ogdoadic Boundless to the graveyard, and because I have five or more Ogdoadics in the graveyard, I can summon Ogdoabyss, the Ogdoadic Overlord (Atk:3100). I'll equip it with Molting Escape, and end my turn.'

(Phil hand: Cyber Dragon Vier, Cyber Dragon, Monster Reborn, Cyberload Fusion, Cyber Dragon Nachster, Infinite Impermanence)

Phil: 'I'll start by activating the Trap card Infinite Impermanence, to negate your Ogdoabyss' effect until the end of the turn. Then summon Cyber Dragon Nachster discarding Cydra (Atk:100), revive the Cydra (Atk:2100). I'll then use Cyberload Fusion for all three to summon Cyber End Dragon (Atk:4000).' Still gloating, Rhydian tried to pause the duel. 'You know this is pretty rude, you've not said hello to me, you've not spoken to your adoring crowd.' As the crowd cheered, he then shut them down. 'Yeah, your hero still sucks!'

As this got him more abuse, Phil nearly stumbled over, before just about regaining his footing as Hannah caught up with him. 'Maybe warn me when you're going to run off while I'm on the toilet next time big boy?' She then quietly and stealthily helped to prop him up, while he tried to attack. 'Cyber End attacks your monster.' 'Because of Molting Escape, my monster isn't destroyed (Rhydian LP:8000-7100). And then I can give it another 300 Attack (Atk:3100-3400). 'I'll end my turn.'

(Rhydian hand: Ogdoadic Calling)

Rhydian: 'I'll draw and use the effect of Ogdoabyss to send every monster on the field to the graveyard apart from ones summoned from the graveyard.' A dark wind was whipped up by the vicious reptilian monster, which took Phil's mighty boss apart in one fell blast. 'Now I can attack in.' Rhydian's vicious monster swung in with black tendrils, smacking Phil in the face and almost halving his total (Phil LP:8000-4600). 'I end my turn.' As he did, Phil almost collapsed again, but Hannah's shoulder stopped him hitting the floor. 'You can do this.' 'I have to.'

(Phil hand: Monster Reborn, Cybernetic Fusion Support)

Phil: 'I'll draw. I activate Monster Reborn, to bring back my Dragon (Atk:4000). Now attack him.' Ogdoabyss took another roasting, staying around but Rhydian took minor damage (Rhydian LP:7100-6500). 'I end my turn.'

(Rhydian hand: Ogdoadic Calling, Ogdoadic Origin)

Rhydian: 'I'll draw and end my turn, I know you're not going to attack again.'

(Phil hand: Cybernetic Fusion Support, Final Countdown)

Phil: 'I draw. You won't stall out forever, I activate Final Countdown. I'll pay 2000 Life points (Phil LP:4600-2600), and in 20 turns, I win.' No sooner had he said this though, then he collapsed again, and as he didn't get straight back up, the referee came to check on him, before calling the duel off. 'Your winner and the new WDC Champion - the Cobra, Rhydian Morris.'

After the duel, Rhydian held the title above Phil, as Maddy stared mindlessly at him. As Rhydian took her by the arm and started leaving, a battered champion incited the crowd. 'Message to the people of god's country - WRECK HIM!' The crowd responded to this by getting riled up to the point of a full-on riot, with seats being ripped up and the new Champion being barraged by thrown items. In all the chaos, he told Maddy to line up for one more spear, but Caprice ran out, and helped a dazed Phil to his feet, before she and Hannah dragged him out of the arena.

In the car park

The storm didn't end in the arena however, as outside, Blair finally caught up with Rio, who was smoking a cannabis cigarette. 'What the hell out there, that was a chance, and you just gave up on her?' 'I didn't give up on her, I wasn't going to beat her up like that, I'm not going to do that to her. It breaks my heart seeing her like that' 'Like it does with all of us, but you just gave up there. What kind of leader does that?' 'The kind that doesn't want to be a leader!' Rio snapped back. 'The kind who doesn't want to be but has been told she has to be President of the Renegades!' They then looked around and saw the rest of the club staring on in shock.

Next time: Rio has to face facts and choose between gaining revenge and leading, tensions in the club continue, and when Dan and Emma try to help, it all ends in an unimaginable tragedy. Renegades: Ultra Evolution Book 5: Roots of the Problem