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.

11. Venomous Varsity

R: Ultra Evolution

Book 11: Venomous Varsity

LFD: Poison card:

3-3 Elimination Rules: Varsity Club (Blair Flannigan/Caprice Morris/Astrid Hofferson) vs. Junction 7 (Akiza Izinski/Belle Draper/Lukas Chipperfield)

Johnny McGregor vs. Claude Duane

Myka Grainger vs. Nash Kastle

Blair Flannigan vs. Kieran Byrne

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

En route to Stockholm, a much depleted Renegades were on their travels. But there was still plenty of talking, with the focus being the upcoming assault on Segolia, which Dakota was clearly concerned about, as she spoke to Rio. 'Look I'm not being funny, but is it really worth the risk of attacking their lab like this?' 'Yes it is' Rio responded. 'Also the only reason I asked you to go is because you refused to let Denny go on his own. Take some advice from another younger sibling - he might appreciate it.'

'I'm trying to let go of him a bit, but I can't just let him get in harm's way.' 'I get it, but with Astrid in charge it's highly unlikely anyone's going to be getting harmed. She knows what she's doing.' 'She's also so mentally all over the place, and with what she supposedly knows about Belle' 'Not that again, we went through that the other day, she knows as much as anybody else, nothing. You don't actually believe there's some great conspiracy do you?'

'Honestly I don't know what to believe right now, the map seems to change every single day. Between Belle magically defecting overnight and Astrid suddenly waking up this morning deciding she's now some great Viking warrior, I don't know what's going to happen next.' 'She's not just woken up and decided that, you've not heard people trying to psyche her up over the past few days. Somehow. Just to check, you're not doing this raid just to keep an eye on Denny are you? We need everyone to be focused on the job at hand.'

Dakota didn't answer this, because she was hiding the truth that she was starting to not want Maddy back, due to the apparent improvements in club morale in the recent time of Rio as Interim president. Until eventually, she decided to just say it to Rio quietly. 'Please don't take this the wrong way, but I kind of don't want Maddy to return, not because I don't like her because I do but because I want you to remain as President.'

Rio looked at her, and immediately understood. 'I don't recommend saying that to anybody else just in case they get the wrong idea. Also I do think I need to let you know, I'm not remaining as president regardless of whether she comes back.' 'Why?' 'Before Maddy was taken, we were talking about me becoming the head of the medical wing of the club, I'd been training under Sakura for a while, it was going to be happening in the next few weeks. But things happened, so I'm in charge until Maddy's good and ready.'

Meanwhile, Blair was fielding plenty of questions from Brooke and Donny, mainly directed regarding a suspiciously quiet Astrid. 'Why's she so quiet?' 'Is she ill? Or scared? What if she isn't duelling' 'Guys, just let me speak. Astrid is fine, she's quiet because she always is because she doesn't like flying, she's not ill as far as I'm aware, although an 8 mile run should make anybody ill, she's no more scared than we all are, and yes, she is duelling.'

'Is she ok duelling twice?' 'She said she would, didn't seem to have an issue with it.' As people still seemed dubious, Donny took it on himself to poke Astrid in the head, leading to her taking one of her earphones out. 'Donny, I don't care what you are to Rio, if you do that again you're going to be losing whichever finger you used.' 'Charming. I was just going to ask if you're ok duelling twice.' 'Would I have volunteered if I wasn't? Also I could hear you, I don't have anything playing through these, it just distracts me from being in a metal tube of death.'

Meanwhile, in Stockholm

Despite aiming to arrive late in order to miss the show, scheduling mistakes meant that Rhydian and his crew had actually arrived four hours early. But this was the least of Rhydian's issues, as his actual issue was Maddy, whose self control had been drained to the point of now starting to growl constantly, as well as her eyes flashing for no apparent reason occasionally. And this was making Rhydian even more unstable.

'I can't believe Kincade would trick me like this, it's all his fault you know, ever since I saw him things have been going wrong, she's supposed to be nearly blank by now. What if this serum isn't actually working, or what if it's going to take her wolf away, I want my Maddy, not some… I don't even know, some pathetic wolf-less husk, a fraction of what she used to be, what my Maddy is. That's what I want.'

Sensing he was dangerous in this mood, Akiza attempted to calm him down. 'Alex isn't going to turn on you, he isn't that stupid because he knows that if he tries any funny business, you could very easily send Maddy down there to beat him to a pulp, or Kieran could do it, or Claude could do it… you know what, let's just conclude he isn't that stupid. Also if he was going to do that, he would have just done it, he could make far more from giving her wolf back than he could from simply taking it.'

This made the already distrusting Rhydian even more suspicious though. 'How would you even know that?' 'Huh?' 'How would you know that taking her wolf away would make so much money if you're supposedly working alongside me? Unless you're double crossing me.' 'How would that make any sense, we both have everything we want.' 'We don't, because you want her all to yourself.'

In the end, it was Belle who calmed the situation down. 'You told me that he wants to use her for experiments. She wouldn't be very useful for them without her wolf, she'd just be any other person then. Also he doesn't know you're one as well, so why would he not tell you his intentions?' This calmed Rhydian down just enough for Akiza to started talking some sense into him.

'Alex isn't trustworthy, but he's done nothing wrong yet, and you're too smart to be caught out by him. If you're really that paranoid then just keep away from him for a few weeks until the process is complete.' He sighed, and agreed. 'I just have people in my ear, I have these doubts, I just need things to finish so I can get away and move on.' 'And we'll do that, but we have to continue going to events for money.' 'The more events we go to right now, the less events we have to' Belle concurred, but it was clear that she was starting to have more influence than Akiza was, and that was affecting Rhydian's thinking.

With the Renegades

As the club arrived in Stockholm, Halldor was ready and waiting for them, receiving a big hug from Astrid as she saw him. 'Long time no see. Thanks for coming down.' 'It's a small journey for a big purpose. As you asked, I will be here, but will be waiting for your signal. I can't say I am close to Maddy like you are, but she means a lot to you, therefore she means as much to me.' 'Thank you.'

Declan then had a proposition for Rio. 'If I may invite you, we have a further event in Germany in a few days, and I would like you all to be there. The more opportunities I can give you, the better.' 'Of course, we'll be there. Where exactly is this event?' As Declan showed them the poster, Astrid suddenly looked excited. 'LFD: Destruction in Flensburg? I love that area, I spent some time in Kiel when I was a teenager and really liked it.'

'Ich habe mich immer gefragt, wie Flensburg wohl sein würde, mir hat es überall in Deutschland schon immer gefallen, nett und reif, wenn man mich fragt' Blair then declared, surprising everyone, but making Astrid smile. 'Du sprichst sehr gut Deutsch!' 'Ich spreche das nur als Fremdsprache, es hilft, wenn jemand, der dich früher zu Veranstaltungen mitgenommen hat, aus Deutschland kommt.'

This appeared to surprise the Norwegian. 'Kalin kommt aus Deutschland? Ich dachte, er kommt aus Pennsylvania?' 'Ja, das ist er, aber er wurde in Berlin geboren. Ich erinnere mich, dass er immer davon sprach, dass sich Deutschland irgendwie wie zu Hause fühle.' Seeing that everyone else (aside from Halldor) was very confused as to what they were saying, the girls looked at each other, and then continued.

'Also, Blair, gibt es außer Jade noch irgendjemanden bei den Renegades, den du magst?' 'Ähm, einmal habe ich versucht, Maddy zu küssen.' Through a fit of laughter, Astrid replied 'Ich bin sicher, das ist gut angekommen!' 'Ich glaube nicht, dass sie mir jemals ganz verziehen hat' Blair sarcastically replied.

As they walked towards the stadium, they continued talking. 'Es gibt eigentlich niemanden, den ich wirklich lieben würde. Mit Freja würde ich unbedingt eine Nacht verbringen, aber ich denke, das Auspeitschen würde nach einer Weile ermüdend werden.' This was when Freja overheard her name, and caught up to Halldor. 'You have any idea what they're saying about me? You don't think I've offended them with my swearing recently do you?' Halldor smiled at her, and told her straight. 'They're talking about crushes, Astrid was just saying that she thinks you're attractive, but she wouldn't have a long relationship with you because of "the whipping".'

As Freja blushed, a local tv news anchor ran up to them. 'Astrid Hofferson, den skandinaviske hjälten, du har två enorma dueller här. Finns det något du vill säga till folk?' She took a breath, and then responded 'Allt vi har att säga kommer att visas i handlingar. Det räcker med att säga, jag är tillbaka och jag är arg!' With the warning of her fury, she walked off, and Freja leaned into the microphone. 'Rhydian, I want you to come out and listen to us later, and listen close, because I want a piece of you, and I'm not going away until I do.'

In the arena

As the show opened, a video with catchy new music played, with the video featuring hooded figures running around a townscape, sticking papers with Renegade logos on lampposts, shuttered up shops, and even parked cars, all played through a harsh pink filter. A new version of Red Right Hand then played, and after much build-up, Rio, Freja, Dakota and Donny walked out, all making the salute. Donny then picked a microphone up, and declared 'Be seated for the revolution, the President is about to talk.'

Rio then had a word in his ear, and he declared 'I apologise, I meant "Interim" President', before tossing the microphone back to her. 'I think a few people have forgotten who we are, so let me reintroduce ourselves. We're the Renegades, we're here to create a better world, fighting so everyone is accepted, and showing that the marginalised in society become the strongest soldiers. Somewhere along the way, we lost our identity, and then we lost our leader, but she's not just our leader, she's our friend.'

As the crowd applauded her, she continued with sheer focus and a chilling air of calm around her. 'But now we have rediscovered ourselves, because a mirror was held up and that mirror told us that we had forgotten who we were. Alone we are vulnerable, we are flawed, we are real. But together, we provide a force that nobody and nothing can stand up to, together, we are stronger, we are unified, WE. ARE. RENEGADES!' As the crowd erupted for her, she passed the microphone on to Freja, as the crowd chanted 'Mini Napalm' at her.

'I know nobody takes us seriously still, because they never learn. But Junction 7 are about to learn really fast to take me seriously. People want to talk about the truth? Well here's the truth: Akiza, you're a psychotic bitch! Kieran is a brainless lump, Nash is a liar and a crook who doesn't deserve to ruin the Kastle name, Lukas is a violent thug, and Rhydian? You're the biggest creep I've ever met, you're a snake in the grass, you're poison.'

'So I'm going to be the antidote. Because I'm owed a WDC Championship shot thanks to Aster's big mouth. Rhydian, if we lost Maddy to the mouth of hell, then it's about time that you walked into the badlands! At Tyne Town Duelling Convention, YOU'RE GOING TO BE MY BITCH!' With that, it was time for the last order of business, as Hannah walked out to no music. 'Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing Caprice, Astrid and Blair, the Varsity Club!'

As she said this, the Varsity music hit, and the three walked out, with Astrid and Blair wearing matching letterman jackets, with Astrid's having an ultraviolet trim, and Blair's having a deep red trim. Meanwhile Caprice was wearing a shirt with the University of Pretoria's logo on it, representing her as the only one of the three to have actually been to university. In the zone, the three of them posed together, and Hannah explained their presence.

'Did I not tell you that we would resort to the nuclear option should we be required to? Well, this is it. There was a time where combining the strength of three of the greatest duellists in the world who are only getting better I might add, would have been considered impossible. The three standouts from the Amateur scene of years past, three young, powerful women who have all been described as the "Next Big Thing", and now they're together. But why should I continue when I can let them?'

She then handed the microphone to Caprice, who seemed unusually grateful for it. 'Thank you Hannah, and can I just say, and believe me I don't usually gush like this, but it is really something when the duellist who you looked up to when you were a teenager making her way over from South Africa to try and become professional, contacts you and asks if you can help in a situation, it really is special.'

'But down to business. We're here because we have a joint mission. Don't get me wrong, I don't exactly like these two, in fact there's a lot I could say about them, but that's for afterwards, what matters is that we're not working together because we like each other, and that makes us even stronger, because personal feelings won't get in the way of our job, which is to turn Junction 7 into mince meat, free Maddy, and get revenge for Tee.'

Caprice was about to continue, when Junction 7's theme hit and they walked out together, with Rhydian now wearing a golden cobra head on his head, and carrying Maddy's Young-Gun title as well as his own belt, whilst Akiza carried the tag titles. 'I mean I didn't think you were that stupid Caprice, I remember us negotiating a few weeks ago for you to join us on our mission, and' 'Let me stop you right there, I never asked to join you, I offered to pay you to let Tee go. You didn't, so I had to hire the best in the business at that sort of thing. Also who are you to interrupt me? I'm'

'Some stupid tart with a big mouth and no brains apparently' he interrupted again, but his apparent good mood wasn't to last as Donny showed that he had his own microphone. 'Look everyone, it's the homeless druggie!' As everyone looked confused, Donny walked straight up to Rhydian while talking. 'I'm sure I saw someone like you a few weeks ago, they were being dragged off the streets and being taken to prison. And let's face it, you've got a history with drugs haven't you? Coke was it?'

Embarrassed, Rhydian gave him a stark warning. 'Shut your obnoxious little mouth now otherwise I'm going to shut it for you.' Donny smiled, before ripping off his sunglasses, and holding the microphone right in Rhydian's face, calmly stated 'Try me and I'm going to rip your face off. I'm not scared of you, or your little pet dog, or your skanky co-conspirator, or your red-headed bulldog, or the reformed jailbird. So if you want to attack me, I'll even give you the first shot.'

Angered, Rhydian went to hit him, only for Akiza to hold him back. 'Easy tiger, you know what happens when you get paranoid.' Akiza then confronted Rio. 'These boys might have two brain cells between them, and I don't know who has less, but you're smart enough to know that you can't lead, and you certainly can't oppose us. So why don't you just go home, play with your dollies, and maybe make someone else pretend that they're "your friend Maddy", because the real Maddy would never be friends with some cripple like you.'

As the crowd gasped, Rio responded to him confidently. 'Don't you mean that the real Maddy wouldn't let somebody who got her addicted to Cocaine, nearly ruined her life and is now trying to do that for a second time speak for her? Surely the real Maddy would be allowed to talk for herself, rather than being forced to stand there growling, even though she's not intimidating anybody. And most of all, wouldn't the real Maddy actually be loyal to the person who controlled her rather than someone who was still in prison at the time?'

'No, of course not, because Maddy is only loyal to her messiah, and that is me!' This triggered Akiza, and the two heads of Junction 7 started arguing, allowing Donny to casually walk back up to the WDC Champion, and deliver a swift and clean punch to the groin, sparking a full-on brawl. While this happened, everyone appeared to miss Declan's music hitting, and he calmly walked into the middle of the battle. 'Everyone, silence!'

As they did (and Astrid held Freja back), Declan made a proclamation. 'There is a duelling convention soon, in Newcastle, I do believe Freja mentioned it previously. I have been in contact with the WDC's board of directors, and they wish for me to announce that it will be Rhydian Morris defending the WDC Championship against the top contender, Freja McKinna.' The crowd enjoyed this announcement, as Freja screamed 'You're dead!' at him, but this wasn't the only announcement, as before he left, Hannah got the microphone again.

'Hey Declan, I've got another suggestion. See, if Rhydian is there, Maddy will be there, and I think it would be foolish for Maddy not to be involved in a duel in her hometown.' 'And what would you suggest for that? Who would be a suitable opponent.' The suggestion next caught everyone totally off guard. 'Leave her to me.' This saw the crowd chant Hannah's name, and Declan nodded. 'Out of retirement?' 'I'm only officially retired at the end of the season. Until then it's fair game.' 'Then it's official. At Tyne-Town Duelling Convention, it will be Maddy Smith vs. Hannah Robinson-Cummings. Now everyone else can move out, and the opening duel will begin immediately.'

As that was announced, security ran out and made sure that everyone else was guided away from the zone, while the two teams prepared for the duel, with Belle constantly looking back, which appeared to eventually distract Akiza. 'What are you doing?' 'There are people after us, real bad people. I saw them earlier, they were behind Hannah, they were all holding huge knives, they were… they were going to attack us, they're after us.' With this distraction, the two teams began the duel.

3-3 Elimination Duel: Varsity Club (Caprice Morris LP:8000, Astrid Hofferson LP:8000, Blair Flannigan LP:8000) vs. Black Rose Inc. (Akiza Izinski LP:8000, Lukas Chipperfield LP:8000, Belle Draper LP:8000)

(Caprice hand: Trickstar Corobane, Chain Strike, Trickstar Lycoris, Trickstar Reincarnation, Trickstar Nightshade)

Turn 1: Caprice: 'Looks like I'm going to be opening up this show, start with the best and all that. I'll summon Trickstar Corobane because I control no monsters (Atk:2000). Then I'll add Trickstar Nightshade to the squad (Atk:100). Now I'll Link off my Nightshade to summon Link 1, Trickstar Bloom (Atk:100). When Bloom's summoned, one of you gets a free card. Fancy it Akiza? Oh, and while I'm doing that, I'll also use the effect of Trickstar Lycoris in my hand, to bounce back Corobane and summon itself (Atk:1600). And when she's sent to the graveyard for a Link summon, Nightshade can summon herself back. Then I'll tack on a Chain Strike aimed at Akiza.'

As Caprice's combo resolved, she got her Nightshade back (Atk:100), and Akiza got peppered by a series of shots, not only from the Chain Strike, but also Caprice's Lycoris (Akiza LP:8000-6200). 'Oh yeah, forgot to mention, Lycoris burns you for 200 if you dare to draw. Now I can Link off Nightshade and Bloom to summon Trickstar Holly Angel (Atk:2000). I end my turn by setting one card.' As she did, Blair signalled to them both that she wanted to go next, and Astrid was more than happy to oblige.

(Akiza hand: Aromage Cananga, Angel Trumpeter, Dian Keto the Cure Master, Aromage Jasmine, Aroma Gardening)

Akiza: 'I'll draw.' As soon as she did, Lycoris shot sparks out of her wand, hitting Akiza's points again and annoying her greatly (Akiza LP:6200-6000). 'Did your mother never tell you it's rude to interrupt?' Cattily, Caprice responded by asking 'Did yours never tell you not to kidnap teenagers and turn them into weapons?', making the crowd (and Blair) laugh. 'If you had the power that I do, you'd be desperate to use it as well. But alas, you don't, you couldn't even begin to understand what's going on.'

Blair then struck back. 'We understand a lot more than you think. See, when we freed Tee, she didn't just tell us that you're an evil bitch, because we knew that anyway, but she also gave us some insight into the "experiments" your little buddy Kincade's been conducting. So now,we know exactly how to combat you.' 'She hates me, she's going to tell you whatever you want to hear.' 'Ok, just a preview then; rose, satellite, serum. Ring any bells?'

Akiza didn't respond, but her astonished body language spoke all the words that were needed, and flustered, she took her turn. 'I'll activate Aroma Gardening, and then summon Aromage Jasmine (Atk:100). That gives me 1000 Life points through Gardening (Akiza LP:6000-7000), and Jasmine will draw me a card for gaining Life points. Then I'll activate Dian Keto the Cure Master to give me 1000 more points (Akiza LP:7000-8000).'

'After that, I'll discard Aromalilith Rosalina to discard herself, granting half of my Jasmine's Life points to me (Akiza LP:8000-8050). Now my Life points are higher than yours, Jasmine grants me an extra Normal summon this turn, and I think I'll use it on my Angel Trumpeter (Atk:1900), tuning it to my Jasmine and summoning Queen of Thorns (Atk:2400). I think I'll set a card face-down and end there since I'm not allowed to attack until all of us have taken a turn.'

(Blair hand: Disturbance Strategy, Droll and Lock Bird, Aleister the Invoker, Marriage at Burial, Shaddoll Dragon, Sinister Shadow Games)

Blair: 'I'll draw and end my turn with two face-downs.' 'I can see you're making so much effort' Akiza sarcastically praised her, but Blair wasn't even slightly concerned.

(Lukas hand: Night Express Knight, Snow Plow Hustle Rustle, Heavy Freight Train Derricrane, Machine Duplication, Train Connection, Xyz Unit)

Lukas: 'I'll draw.' This was when the master plan came together from Caprice and Blair, kicked off by the South African as Blair mouthed her plan. 'I'll activate my face-down Trickstar Reincarnation. This is going to banish your entire hand and make you draw a new one. And for each card drawn, you take 200 damage (Lukas LP:8000-6800).' As soon as this had happened, Blair sprung the trap. 'Now I'll activate Disturbance Strategy, to shuffle your entire hand back into the deck and draw a new one.' 'So I take more damage? How… basic.' 'Well there's nothing basic about Droll and Lock Bird. Because you've added cards to your hand outside of your Draw phase, I can use this to stop you doing it again this turn. And due to the way the chain resolves, that means you have to shuffle your hand back, but then you can't draw again.'

This fearsome combo saw Lukas lose his hand twice, and end up with a totally empty hand, unable to do anything. Meanwhile, Caprice and Blair looked at each other, nodding out of respect, recognising the move as something they had pulled on each other plenty of times previously. With no way of doing anything, a livid Lukas ended his turn, and started shouting at Belle, who was still looking very nervously over her shoulder.

(Astrid hand: Nordic Smith Ivaldi, Nordic Relic Svalinn, Guldfaxe of the Nordic Beasts, Nordic Beast Tanngrisnir, Ultimate Slayer, Living Fossil, Chaos Space)

Astrid: 'I'll draw and because I control nothing, but Akiza controls a monster, I can summon Guldfaxe of the Nordic Beasts (Atk:1600).' Queen of Thorns then sent a thorn underground towards the Norwegian, who in perfect motion, cartwheeled straight over it, avoiding contact (Astrid LP:8000-7000). While the crowd applauded, she lined up her next move. 'I'll activate the Spell card Ultimate Slayer. This requires the sacrifice of a Synchro monster from my Extra deck to be rid of your Queen of Thorns, so I'll send Ancient Fairy Dragon. Fire!' A glowing orange arrow appeared in the heavens, and at blistering speeds, pierced through the Queen, shattering her into pieces.

'Now she's out of the way, I'll summon Nordic Beast Tanngrisnir (Atk:800), and that allows me to invite out the Nordic Smith Ivaldi (Atk:1500). He's going to craft a Nordic Relic from my deck to my hand. I'll use him for Laevateinn. Now Level 4 Guldfaxe tunes Level 3 Tanngrisnir and Level 3 Ivaldi.' She then said a prayer, much more aggressive than her usual thankfulness. 'Tor, gud for torden og raseri, riv motstanderne våre i stykker, riv deres patetiske kropper lem fra lem! (Thor, god of Thunder and Fury, tear our opponents asunder, rip their pathetic bodies limb from limb!) Appear, Thor, Lord of the Aesir (Atk:3500). I set two and end my turn, you're very lucky I can't attack.'

(Belle hand: W: Nebula Meteorite, Worm Ugly, Snake Rain, Worm King, Double Summon, Raigeki)

Belle: 'I'll… draw.' As she did, her eyes widened as she looked behind her, and she quickly ended her turn in apparent panic.

(Caprice hand: Trickstar Corobane, Trickstar Nightshade)

Caprice: 'I'll draw, and summon Trickstar Corobane through her effect (Atk:2000), and then summon Trickstar Nightshade (Atk:100). And because she was summoned to Holly Angel's Link Arrow, you lose 200 Life points (Akiza LP:8050-7850). And every time you take damage from a Trickstar, Holly Angel gets 200 more Attack (Atk:2000-2200). Now I'll Link off Nightshade to summon another Trickstar Bloom (Atk:200). And Bloom makes you draw a card, meaning Lycoris can deal more damage (Akiza LP:7850-7650; Holly Angel Atk:2200-2400, Nightshade Atk:100).'

'Then I can Link off Nightshade and Lycoris to summon Link 2, Trickstar Divaridis (Atk:1800). The effect of Divaridis deals you 200 damage immediately (Akiza LP:7650-7450; Holly Angel Atk:2400-2600). Now I'll go to battle, and attack Lukas with all three of my monsters.' Caprice's sudden triple team attack saw the Australian take tremendous damage, leaving him smouldering (Lukas LP:8000-1600). After that, I'll Link off Divaridis and Holly Angel to Link summon Link 4, Trickstar Bella Madonna (Atk:2800). And because of her effect, as she's not pointing to any monsters, I can deal 200 damage for each Trickstar in my graveyard to Akiza (Akiza LP:7450-6450). I end my turn.'

(Akiza hand: Aromage Cananga, Aroma Blend, Fairyant the Circular Sorcerer)

Akiza: 'I'll draw, and because there is a Plant in my graveyard, I summon Fairyant the Circular Sorcerer (Atk:800). Then I'll summon Aromage Cananga (Atk:1400), and Level 3 Fairyant will tune to Level 3 Cananga so I can summon Aromaseraphy Sweet Marjoram (Atk:2200). When I summon Marjoram, I can add Blessed Winds to my hand. But I'll discard it with Aroma Blend to add Humid Winds to my hand. I'll attack Blair directly.'

'I activate Sinister Shadow Games, which will send Shaddoll Falco to my graveyard. Falco's effect will then summon itself face-down to protect my points.' Frustrated, Akiza responded with 'You're so annoying.' 'Did you just look in a mirror?' 'How dare you! Marjoram, attack!' Marjoram spread a gently scented wind through the field, which eroded Falco and destroyed it. 'I'll end my turn with a face-down.'

(Blair hand: Aleister the Invoker, Shaddoll Dragon, Naelshaddoll Ariel)

Blair: 'I'll draw and summon Aleister the Invoker (Atk:1000).' 'As soon as you do, I'll activate Blessed Winds, using it to gain 500 Life points back.' That was, until Astrid showed what she had hidden. 'I'll activate my face-down Nordic Relic Svalinn! This powerful shield will negate the effects of all cards you control for the rest of the turn.' As a wave of ancient energy emanated from the shield, Akiza's cards were all drained of colour, as Blair smiled.

'Sweet move.' 'I know' came the cheeky reply as the crowd lapped up this most unique of teams. 'With that, now I can use Invocation, fusing Aleister with the Ariel in my hand to summon Invoked Cocytus (Def.:2900). Ariel's effect will banish three cards from your graveyard, so I'll take out Aroma Blend, Jasmine, and Rosalina.' As these were banished, Blair turned her attention to Lukas. 'Say goodbye Lukas, you never have been on my level.' Cocytus unleashed a watery dragon, which roared straight through Lukas and ended his duel (Lukas LP:1600-0).

As he was knocked out of the duel, he looked over at Akiza and Belle angrily, but his protests fell on deaf ears. Meanwhile Blair wasn't finished. 'I'll use Aleister's effect to add itself back to my hand, and end my turn.'

(Belle hand: W: Nebula Meteorite, Worm Ugly, Snake Rain, Worm King, Double Summon, Raigeki, Worm Warlord)

Belle: 'I'll draw and summon Worm Ugly (Atk:100). Then I'll tribute' At this exact moment, she looked over again, and got freaked out at a random fan in the crowd. 'They're after us, they're working for Phil.' Before Akiza could ask who was working for him, Belle had ended her turn.

(Astrid hand: Living Fossil, Reinforcement of the Army)

Astrid: 'I'll draw and activate my Reinforcement of the Army, adding Nordic Smith Ivaldi. Then I'll summon Ivaldi (Atk:1500), and use it to add Nordic Relic Hlidskjalf to my hand. Afterwards I can use my Living Fossil to revive Tanngrisnir, but it loses 1000 Attack and its effects, which sounds strangely familiar, taking a great beast and stripping it of personality, but I don't know where from… (Atk:800-0).'

'Now I can use Hlidskjalf to summon Vanadis of the Nordic Ascendant from my deck (Atk:1200), and Level 4 Vanadis can tune to my two Level 3 monsters. Odin, hear my prayer, end this duel before I kick her in the face and shave all her hair!' As she got more aggressive, the other two Varsity members politely stepped back, and Astrid summoned 'Odin, Father of the Aesir (Atk:4000).'

'Odin, attack Sweet Marjoram with Sacred Scepter Slash!' Odin used his powerful godly weapon to strike down Sweet Marjoram, as Akiza took more punishment (Akiza LP:6450-4650). 'And now Thor will attack with Thunderbolt Bludgeon!' Thor swung his almighty hammer in, leaving Akiza's points perilously low (Akiza LP:4650-1150). 'I end my turn!' While Blair had a word with Astrid to cool her emotions down, Akiza took her next turn, with a certain sense of inevitability about the result.

(Akiza hand: Miracle Fertiliser)

Akiza: 'I'll draw and activate my Miracle Fertiliser.' 'I'll use Svalinn to negate that, you've done enough already.' Powerless to respond, Akiza found herself in a similar position to where Lukas had been, and ended her turn.

(Caprice hand: Trickstar Live Stage)

Caprice: 'Well this is just a barrel of laughs isn't it? I'll draw, attack with Belle Madonna.' The attack from Caprice's towering Madonna was more than enough to polish off the remainder of Akiza's Life points, as Belle still looked terrified, to the point of taking her deck out of the duel disk, an immediate concession, as she told Akiza 'Maddy told me to do it' (Akiza LP:1150-0).'

With a very comfortable win in the books, the Varsity trio slapped hands with each other, Caprice playing nice despite very clearly not being entirely enamoured to be there. While they were celebrating though, Lukas was busy threatening Belle for her performance, which Akiza quickly broke up. As all that happened, the Varsity Club were busy talking about the duel, and showing a united front before leaving, but not before Caprice started audibly saying 'I'm the team captain' to anyone who would listen.

Backstage, Freja was being interviewed, and was asked about her title shot. 'Thing is, I don't care about the title, not really. It'd be cool to have it and I want to rip it from his scummy grasp, but ultimately what I care about more than anything is making him suffer like he's made her suffer. I just lie awake dreaming of what I could possibly do to him, to make him feel all the hurt he's made her and us feel, how I could just torture him in so many ways. But I guess taking his beloved title would be it's own kind of torture.'

Meanwhile, Rhydian was walking backstage with Maddy when they ran into Gracie C again, and she seemed delighted to see them. 'Hey it's you again, how's your lil' quest going?' 'Not great.' 'Aww, well how about I buy you lunch, and then you can tell me all about it? Oh by the way, there was a guy asking for you in the car park earlier, I told him that I'd go and find you.' Presuming it was Kincade again, Rhydian seemed content with that. 'Ok, well let him know we can meet in our dressing room in about 20 minutes, we can do our lunch date after.' 'Sounds good to me.'

In the duelling zone, the returning Johnny McGregor was in the middle of walking down, having been out of action for some time. 'The following duel is under standard rules, introducing the first competitor, coming from Govan, Scotland, he is the Glasgow Gladiator - Johnny McGregor.' While he walked down, he acknowledged the fans who welcomed his return, and a video played of Maddy's attack which had kept him out for over two months. As he reached the zone, he yelled out to the crowd 'Johnny's back!'

While the crowd were happy to see their returning favourite, many weren't so happy to see an unusually happy Dane approaching, wearing a Regiment shirt which now had Hassleberry's face petulantly crossed out. 'Introducing the opponent, from Copenhagen, Denmark, Claude W. Duane.' Claude seemed mightily confident walking down, and incredibly pleased with himself after finally managing his conquest two days previously. In the zone, he raised his arm while shouting, and then activated his duel disk, before Johnny followed his lead.

Johnny McGregor LP:8000 vs. Claude W. Duane LP:8000

(Johnny hand: Gladiator Beast Octavius, Gladiator Beast's War Chariot, Polymerisation, Disarm, Gladiator Beast Spartacus)

Turn 1: Johnny: 'I'll draw and activate the Polymerisation, combining my wee Spartacus and Octavius for Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor (Atk:2800). And he's going to use his effect and summon another Gladiator Beast from my Extra deck. I summon Gladiator Beast Domitanus (Atk:3000). I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Claude hand: Petiteranodon, Souleating Oviraptor, Ground Xeno, Super Conductor Tyranno, Babycerasaurus, Jurrac Aeolo)

Claude: 'You're about to wish you never came back. I activate Ground Xeno.' 'I've seen this little trick enough times to say not on your nelly.' 'Pardon?' 'I mean I'm negating your card you idiot.' 'You know, you're really asking for a beating, and trust me, I'm really happy to deliver that for you' 'Ah haud yer wheesht! And if you dinnae what that means, it's shut ya mouth before I shut it far you. I activated Disarm, returning the War Chariot to my deck to negate yer card laddy.'

'Well if you'd have told me that I could have summoned my Souleating Oviraptor sooner (Atk:1800). And by summoning it, I get another Dino to my hand.' 'Not if I activate my Domitanus, it's gonna hold up a big red light to your Oviraptor and destroy it.' With all his interaction used up, and the rest of his hand useless, a shocked Claude ended his turn.

(Johnny hand: Gladiator Beast War Chariot)

Johnny: 'I'm gonna draw, and use the effect of me main man Tamer Editor, to summon Gladiator Beast Heraklinos (Atk:3000). And my three monsters then get to attack yer Life directly.' The three powerful monsters all surged in, and took Claude out in one huge hit, the Dane standing little chance in the contest (Claude LP:8000-0).

As soon as the duel finished, Maddy ran out at top speed, barely grazing past Johnny and colliding with Claude, taking him down. She then turned around, and charged at Johnny again, only for Blair to run in and take her over with a judo-style throw. As Rhydian and the rest of Junction 7 appeared, Blair blocked Maddy, who tried to push her way through to no success. The Varsity Club member then signalled to Johnny, who took the opportunity to escape, but not before giving a thankful nod to his saviour.

Just after this, Blair's stance broke, and Maddy returned to Rhydian. 'We're going' he stated confidently, only for Maddy to turn around, growling, and start trying to get back at Blair, being powerful enough to slowly push him back, straight towards Blair, who was challenging her and threatening to hit Rhydian. Eventually he got down her ear and growled 'I own your soul, now OBEY!', which was enough to make her docile again, and let him take her back while Blair stood tall.

As they returned to the backstage area, Gracie came running up to them, alongside Tom. 'What's he doing here' Rhydian questioned, before calming down. 'Sorry Tom pal, I'm just surprised you're here. Please mind Maddy, after what they did to her, I'm just trying to cure her.' He wasn't in any mood to talk though. 'You're just full of shit, you know that? You don't care about Maddy, you just care about your own ego. At least when she attacked me she felt something, but now all of this? This is just too much.' He pushed Rhydian to the ground, and stormed away. Maddy went to attack him, but Rhydian just about held her back, before muttering 'She's getting out of control.'

Outside the arena

After Blair's help earlier, Johnny had agreed to talk to Rio. 'Look, whatever you be sellin', I just ain't buying.' 'I know that you probably don't believe me, but we truly are changing. Maddy was doing what she felt like she had to do in order to prove our point, because we didn't know any better. Now, we do, now we know that people will listen and will care if we give them the chance. Please, just give us a chance and help us get her back.'

'No sirree, you still have my sister and I'm not doing anything to help you until she's returned to me.' Rio sighed hearing this. 'I don't even know where she is. I'll try and find out, and if I do, I promise I'll get her back to our HQ and release whatever she's under.' 'Well if you do that, maybe I'll consider forgiving you. Otherwise, leave me outta this one, she's beaten me up plenty thanks. Because I don't believe you and your little crew.'

'Don't believe us, but just let me have one thing.' 'What is it?' 'Your phone number or email, just some way to contact you if we can fix things.' 'If you don't?' 'Then you'll never hear from me. But if we do manage to fix this, I need to be able to contact you so I can tell you, and we can arrange to take her back home or bring her to an event for you. I know that you don't trust us, but we've changed.' Starting to be convinced, he wrote down a phone number, before walking off while aggressively stating 'If you want my help, you're gonnae find her.'

While all this was happening, Myka secured a comfortable seven minute victory over a disappointing Nash, who was still clearly knocked in confidence by his dismantling from Freja, with the Canadian showing an improved amount of both form and confidence. Afterwards, she went backstage and was pulled over for an interview.

'Myka, a fantastic win just now. What's given you the confidence to start duelling like that at the higher level?' 'The fact that I know I'm good enough to do that. That's how I duel all the time on the Amateur circuit, that's why nobody there can even begin to stand up to me. But because I've been unable to quite translate that form into results, I haven't been receiving the opportunities. I'm only here because Jade pulled out, and do you know how insulting that is? I'm being looked over in favour of someone who's only here because she's dating the World Number 1.'

'A lot of people do rate Jade as a competitor. Talking of great competitors you have history with, I have to ask, you're related to Maddy Smith aren't you?' She rolled her eyes and replied 'I'm her half sister because of a one night stand, I've never even met her parents.' 'Have you not been invited to help the Renegades get her back?' She looked around, apparently incensed at the question, and started ranting.

'Let me make something clear - I don't care about Maddy. She is nothing to me, she's just some dumb kid who thought she knew everything, and it turns out that shocker, she didn't, and now she's got herself captured or something. So read my lips: I. Don't. Care. All I care about is that she and her toyboy get the hell out of my country before I catch their stink, and more people ask me about her. She isn't my sister, she's nothing.'

Meanwhile, in a corridor by the car park

Kieran was thumping the walls to psyche himself up for his duel, when Blair ran up behind him with a full-force dropkick to the back. Before he could even react, Astrid joined in with one of her signature kicks, dazing him, and allowing Blair to roll up her trouser leg, and nail an exposed knee to the face, finally getting him down, and allowing the Michiganer to lock in her bulldog choke, locking it in tight until after over two minutes, he was finally knocked out cold.

The two then hailed Caprice (who had been filming the endeavour) over, and together, the three of them lifted the giant up, carrying him into the nearby toilets with the South African directing traffic, before tying him to the dividing wall between two cubicles. While Caprice put an "out of order" sign on the door, Blair got her phone out. 'Hey Freja, we've got a little gift for you, toilets near the car park, take all your frustrations out on him. I'd just suggest coming quick.'

Blair then walked out for her duel, with the crowd completely unaware of her opponent not being conscious. 'The following duel is under standard rules. Introducing first, representing the Varsity Club, from Shelby, Michigan, the Technical Savage - Blair Flannigan.' As she walked out, she saluted the crowd, who responded well, but it was clear that she was highly focused. Entering the zone, she raised the red right hand, and waited.

Because Kieran's music hit, and there was no sign of him. So the referee waited for over two minutes, but still, he didn't come out. Then, the screens showed cameras rushing to the scene of the crime, where Kieran was laid out, bleeding from the top of the head and not moving, with Freja continuing to whip him until security managed to secure her. Before they took her away though, she shouted into the camera. 'I hope I'm funny enough for you Rhydian, I hope I'm a funny joje! Because the joke will be you in the morgue!'

With Blair winning by forfeit, she returned straight backstage, where she was immediately met by Rio. 'Hey Ri, did what we said we would.' 'You did brilliantly, but that's not why I'm here. I've just been talking to Radley, and I've arranged for you and Kari to meet at the convention to settle your differences.' This took Blair aback, and she looked nervous. 'Are you sure that's a good idea?' 'Yes, we need their help, and this is an alliance that would really benefit all of us. Plus this has been hanging over you for long enough. We'll finally get the situation sorted.' Talked into it, she agreed. 'Ok, fine, I'll do it.' 'If it backfires somehow, I take full responsibility.'

Backstage, Astrid was waiting around for an interview ahead of the main event, with her title belt hooked over her shoulder and her hair high in a ponytail. 'Astrid Hofferson, tonight you're putting your title on the line in a title for title duel, but obviously this is a situation that means a lot more than simply a title belt, against Maddy Smith. We know the situation that has unfolded over all this time, and Declan Akaba has given you this duel. This is a very difficult scenario for you, how are you going to keep your head and stay objective?'

'Because I made a solemn promise, to help her, to rescue her, to be the friend that she needs. I'm going to help her, because so many times, she's helped not just me, but so many other people. The least that we owe her is to help her here, and that's exactly what I intend on doing. And after that? That's when we can talk about revenge. But right now, I'll give my blood, sweat, tears and everything else in my power to save her.'

In the zone

After a video that showed Astrid's highlights as a duellist along with Maddy and Junction 7's current run of destruction, the lights dimmed for the announcer. 'The following is your LFD: Destruction main event, and is a Double Title Duel for the LFD Championship and the WDC Young-Gun Championship. As per the stipulation, both competitors may only have one individual with them at zoneside, and interference will not be tolerated.'

Escort then started, as Astrid strode out, alone but undaunted. 'Introducing first, from Alta, Norway, she is your reigning and defending LFD Champion in her 2nd title defence, the Natural - Astrid Hofferson.' As she made her way down, she was holding her hands together, saying a solemn prayer to the gods, wishing for support in her latest exploits. In the zone, she raised the red right hand, and then started demanding that Maddy face her 1-1.

This wasn't to happen though, as Maddy appeared, but had Rhydian by her side. As the crowd chanted "Coward" towards her, she was introduced. 'Introducing her opponent, accompanied by the WDC Champion, Rhydian Morris, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, she is your reigning and defending WDC Young-Gun Champion, in her 28th title defence, the Wolfblood Witch - Maddy Smith.'

As she reached the zone, Astrid started shouting at her. 'You're a coward Maddy, you're a COWARD! Where's your backbone, where's your identity?' She didn't answer, just growling, but Rhydian was more than happy to boast. 'I'm her identity now! I decide what she thinks, who she remembers, and she certainly isn't going to remember someone like you. I'm going to make sure that she re-breaks your neck!' 'Try me!' Astrid responded, activating her duel disk and making the fans go wild.

LFD Championship vs. WDC Young-Gun Championship: [c] Astrid Hofferson LP:8000 vs. [c] Maddy Smith LP:8000

(Maddy hand: Clear World, Clear Cube, Clear Wall, Clear Vicious Knight, Tarai)

Turn 1: Maddy: 'Champion draw first. Clear World.' As the silent and deadly land spread across the field, Astrid tried talking to her friend. 'I know the rose is talking to you, draining you, abusing you, but if you can hear me Maddy, don't listen to it! You don't have to do what it says!' She just growled in response. 'Must obey! Summon Clear Cube (Atk:0), activate Clear Wall and end turn (Maddy LP:8000-7500).'

(Astrid hand: Loge's Flame, Final Light, Valkyrie Dritte, Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen, Valkyrie Sigrun, Valkyrie Brunhilde)

Astrid: 'I don't want to do this, but it's clearly the only way. I'll draw and set a card before I activate Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen. In this hall, if my field is ever devoid of monsters, a Fairy can descend to support me. I'll use it for Valkyrie Brunhilde (Atk:1800).' 'Show me your hand' her opponent declared, and via the effect of Clear World, she did just that. 'Brunhilde gains 500 Attack for every monster on your field (Atk:1800-2300). Then I'll summon Dritte (Atk:1000). And Dritte will add Valkyrie Sechste to my hand. I end my turn setting another.'

(Maddy hand: Clear Vicious Knight, Tarai, Call of the Haunted)

Maddy: 'Draw. Sacrifice Clear Cube for Clear Vicious Knight (Atk:?). Attack.' Her knight failed to move though, causing more growling. 'Attack! Attack! Attack!' 'It doesn't matter how many times you say it, not happening. There's a reason I set this before you got to see it, it's called Loge's Flame.' A wall of spectral flames then grew in front of Astrid. 'While this is up, monsters you have can't attack unless they have more than 2000 Attack points. Feel free to try again when you pass the test, because I know the real Maddy would easily.' 'Set and pass (Maddy LP:7500-7000).'

(Astrid hand: Valkyrie Sigrun, Valkyrie Sechste, Fortune Chariot)

Astrid: 'Now you control that Vicious Knight, I need to be careful, because Clear World's effects all apply to me. I need to get aggressive so I'll draw and tribute Dritte for Fortune Chariot (Atk:1000).' 'You can't attack now.' 'I wouldn't bet on that lasting long. See, my Chariot is a Union monster, and while the real Maddy enjoyed this, I don't know what the husk that's in front of me thinks of it… sorry, my mistake, she DOESN'T THINK! She just sits there like a dummy and gets ordered around all day. And now she's about to pay for that. Fortune Chariot, do your thing.'

The horses that pulled Astrid's Chariot rode gracefully around the field, spreading starlight from the pounding of their hooves, before Brunhilde dismounted her own steed to attach onto the Chariot. 'When she's riding this, Brunhilde can ride straight over your field and attack you directly by halving her damage. And you can't stop me because technically I only control one monster now. Maybe this will slice the roots out of the problem!' A bridge of starlight stretched over the field, and Brunhilde rode straight over it, before slashing Maddy with her sword (Maddy LP:7000-5850).

As Astrid stood by though, Maddy shook off the hit, as Rhydian started mouthing off. 'You're never taking her back, she's MINE now, and because you all destroyed her, now I'm going to make her perfect, she's going to be pure and beautiful' 'You're turning her into some object.' 'And if I have to then I have to, the most important thing is that she's MY wife and she's away from YOU! Now take your turn Maddy, and make her pay!' As he declared this, Astrid took 1000 damage from Clear World's effect (Astrid LP:8000-7000).

(Maddy hand: Tarai, Clear Wolf)

Maddy: 'I draw.' As she did, she stared at the card, but so far under control, she was forced to use it. 'I tribute Clear Vicious Knight for Clear Wolf (Atk:2400).' When the card appeared, a clear smoke rose up from it, and enveloped its controller, as Rhydian shouted in delight. 'At last, it's here! The first card designed for her. Now destroy her!' 'Destroy my messiah's enemies. Clear Wolf, destroy Brunhilde.' The wolf trapped inside the crystal looked up, and gold beams flew out of its eyes, destroying the chariot Brunhilde was mounted on (Astrid LP:7000-6900).

'When Brunhilde would be destroyed, her Chariot takes the hit first.' Still staring blankly, Maddy continued. 'I end my turn. Clear Wolf draws a card when I would take damage from Clear World, and with Clear Wolf on the field, you still feel all the effects of Clear World.' Rhydian then started boasting. 'Donna designed this to show Maddy's unbinding loyalty. You can't control it, you can't affect it with any of your Spells or Traps, you're done!'

(Astrid hand: Valkyrie Sigrun, Valkyrie Sechste, Valkyrie Sigrun)

Astrid: 'I'll draw, and I'll send Valhalla to the graveyard in order to summon Valkyrie Sigrun (Atk:2200). Then Sigrun revives Valkyrie Dritte (Atk:1000), and Dritte will add Ride of the Valkyries to my hand. Now I'll tribute Brunhilde and Dritte to summon a second Valkyrie Sigrun (Atk:2200). And since you're not responding to the natural or the mythical, I'm going to have to resort to the mechanical!'

Astrid then screamed in fury and let her hair down as she made her play. 'I'll overlay my two Level 9 monsters to build the overlay network! If it takes an intergalactic blast to knock this out of you, then that's what I'm going to do! You're not the only one with powerful allies, I'll Xyz summon Number 9 - Dyson Sphere (Atk:2800).' This was a move which caught Rhydian massively off guard. 'But I got rid of him!'

Astrid just laughed in response. 'You're never rid of him, because the Renegades are a team who will never just abandon each other, and that's why you're going to fail! Dyson Sphere, attack Clear Wolf. It might be immune to card effects, but it's not immune to being attacked. Dyson Sphere, Brilliant Bombardment!' As the meteors rained down from the canopy star, Rhydian mumbled 'Any battle damage is doubled with Clear Wolf (Maddy LP:5900-5100).

As the dust cleared, Maddy's monster still survived. 'Clear Wolf can survive the battle if the damage is doubled. I am a shield for my messiah.' This made Astrid angrier, and she furiously ended her turn. 'You need to get out of this!' That's when Rhydian made an effort to shut her up. 'She can't hear you, she's lost her entire identity. In just a couple of weeks, she's going to be completely brainwashed, utterly empty. So just give up on her.' 'Never! I don't believe a single word you say! (Astrid LP:6900-5900).

(Maddy hand: Tarai, Clear Wall)

Maddy: 'I draw and switch Clear Wolf to Defence mode (Def.:1000), and end my turn.'

(Astrid hand: Valkyrie Sechste, Ride of the Valkyries, Rank-up Magic Icaron's Force)

Astrid: 'I'll draw.' As she drew, she paused briefly, but then realised what she had to do. 'The scourge of our past must be exorcised. I activate Rank-up Magic Icaron's Force!' As she did, her entire body glowed red, and the eye of Icaron appeared on her forehead, but with a single scream, it then shattered. 'This will rank up my monster into a Chaos Xyz monster! Chaos Xyz Evolution! Deadly canopy star, evolve and set into flames! I call upon you to rain down unholy oblivion on my opponent! I Xyz summon Number C9: Chaos Dyson Sphere (Atk:3600).'

As the fiery star poked through the sky, Rhydian appeared to have a plan. 'You realise if you attack Maddy you're just putting her in more danger don't you?' 'Chaos Dyson Sphere, use your effect to deal 300 damage for every material you have.' The flaming star shot a solar flare from its centre, which hit Maddy and caused her to scream in agony (Maddy LP:5100-4200). Far from being upset at this reaction though, Astrid gave a sinister smile. 'So you've given up on caring? Good decision.'

'No, you've just revealed yourself to be a liar. If she can't feel anything then why was she just screaming? You're nothing but a disgusting liar, and once I've beaten Maddy, I'm coming straight for you. And if you somehow get away, that's going to be even worse for you! I end my turn (Astrid LP:5900-4900).'

(Maddy hand: Clear Wall, Spore)

Maddy: 'I draw.' Rhydian then shouted at her. 'Do it! Let the rose take over!' Her eyes then faded again and her stance collapsed. 'I will be her rose. I summon Spore (Atk:100), and tune Level 1 Spore and 6 Clear Wolf. Pitch-dark flower, set into bloom. I Synchro summon Black Rose Dragon (Atk:2400). When my mistress' monster is summoned, every card on the field is destroyed. Black Rose Gale.' The vicious Dragon whipped up a deadly hurricane, which uprooted and ripped everything off the field, apart from itself.

'When Clear Wolf is in the grave, Black Rose cannot be destroyed. Now attack directly.' The beautiful yet deadly Dragon picked up one of her thorns, and slashed Astrid right across the face, ripping her skin open in the process (Astrid LP:4900-2500). 'I end turn.' As she did, Sakura ran out to check on Astrid, who was bleeding from her left cheek and had scars across her face. But when the medic approached, she was gently pushed away.

(Astrid hand: Valkyrie Sechste, Ride of the Valkyries, Final Light)

Astrid: 'I draw. I activate the Spell card Final Light. Just like the night, this duel too, comes to an end. Final Light allows me to revive any number of Valkyries from my graveyard. But I have to pay 1000 Life points for each one. I revive two Valkyrie Sigruns (Atk:2200x2).' A gentle light then shone down on Astrid, as her remaining energy was sapped and her Life points reduced almost to the minimum possible (Astrid LP:2500-500).

'Now I'll overlay my two monsters to build the overlay network, and Xyz summon Laevateinn, Generaider Boss of Shadows (Atk:2500). And because of the effect of Laevateinn, your monsters all lose 1000 Attack points (Black Rose Atk:2400-1400). Now attack Black Rose with Ash Oblivion.' Astrid's monster torched the Dragon with a flaming staff, setting the Dragon alight and making Maddy scream as the Rose clutched onto her harder, which was noticed by Astrid (Maddy LP:4200-3100).

'Now the effect of Laevatein, I can tribute it to summon Jormungardr, Generaider Boss of Eternity (Atk:?).' As the serpent snaked all around the field, Astrid wielded its power. 'It may not look strong right now, but it can attach cards from the fields and graveyards as materials. I'll take Black Rose and Clear Wolf!' As she did, Rhydian immediately pulled Maddy away, which was enough for a disqualification to be called.

As he did, Maddy started trying to push past him again to fight, but he refused to let her. This battle continued until eventually, with much taunting from a bloody Astrid, she managed to get past, sending him head over heels, only for Akiza to be there by this time, and with a whisper down her ear, she subdued Maddy in a trance for long enough to get her away, while Astrid watched on, aware that however much she wanted to interfere, she had to wait for the right moment to show her hand. As Blair came out in solidarity though, Astrid had a theory to share. 'Ignore the custom cards, they aren't the issue. Blood Rose Dragon holds the key to Maddy's soul. We need to defeat it.'

Next time: Lydia starts to discover the truth, Meghan receives exciting news, Rhydian makes a desperate deal, and what secrets will be discovered inside Segolia's labs? R: Ultra Evolution Book 12: Storming the Spine