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.

19. A Broken Rose

R: Ultra Evolution

Book 19: The Broken Rose

After another sleep, Maddy woke up again the next morning, still in a daze, and panicking, heart racing, looking around frantically. As she tried to rush out of her bed, she got the crisp white bedsheet wrapped around her foot, and quickly found herself to the floor face-first, cutting her head as Freja rushed in. As she tried to lift her friend up though, Maddy pushed her away and started shouting, eyes wide and looking around madly.

'Where's Sky? I think I attacked him, please don't say I hurt him, please, where is he?' As she cried in her panic, Freja approached her gently. 'It's ok, you haven't touched him, he's with Phil and Hannah, she sent me a video to play you when you woke up.' It wasn't much, simply a video of Skylar waving at the camera and making happy giggling noises, but it was enough to calm his panicked sister down. 'See, you didn't do anything to him, I don't know why you think that even.'

Breathing heavily, and with blood slowly dripping from where her head met the grey vinyl floor, she shook her head. 'I think I just had a really bad nightmare. Sorry.' 'Don't apologise, it happens to us all. I'll just get your head cleaned up.' 'Is there an issue?' With Maddy being totally unaware of the cut, Freja showed her a reflection of herself in a handheld mirror. 'Made a good job of that didn't I? And when did I go blonde?' 'It's… a long story.' 'Let me guess, brainwashing.' 'Something like that' she responded politely. 'Answer to everything isn't it?'

While they continued catching up, Astrid walked in with a pair of hot chocolates. 'Hey sleepyhead, how are you? God I've missed teasing you like you wouldn't believe.' Maddy giggled, and responded 'Yeah, still fuzzy, really don't remember anything.' 'What's the last thing you remember?' she asked while handing Freja's drink to her. 'I vaguely remember Rhydian at the prison gates or something, I was there with Akiza and I think I kissed him, after that I don't remember.'

As Maddy started to get tearful at her lack of memory, Astrid was making a mental note of this amnesia. 'Hey, it's all going to be ok. You don't need to get upset over it, you've got everyone here who will fill you in on things.' 'Thanks. Could you tell me something?' 'Yeah, sure.' 'Did… Phil lose his duelling career for me?' Astrid and Freja looked at each other awkwardly, before Freja nodded. 'What makes you think that?'

'I just remember this conversation, it… I can't explain it, I can't see any faces or hear any voices, but I can hear the conversation, Phil lost his career because of me.' 'It wasn't because of you, he put it on the line to rescue you and lost. You weren't involved.' 'I'm… going to repay him. Somehow.' Astrid tried to calm her down, seeing the stress in her face. 'Take it easy tiger. Just build yourself back up first.'

While Freja cleaned Maddy's head up with an antiseptic wipe, Astrid talked to Maddy about the situation with Phil. 'He's taken it way better than you'd expect, he's been real calm, and focusing on business stuff really, and also spending more time with Sky. If anything I think he's happier now he's not out there.' 'I mean that's good at least, but… I still need to do something, I caused the issues, so I need to fix them.'

On the motorway, half an hour from the base

Phil and Hannah were on their way to see Maddy, when they got a call from Emma. 'Morning.' 'Hi chucks, I'm hoping to come and see Maddy, Jana told me she's back.' 'Yeah, she's been sorted. Look, before you come, we need to discuss what we're telling her regarding Dan.' 'Honestly, nothing. I don't think we should be burdening her with that, we'll just not mention him, and then we'll talk about what we're telling her after that.'

'I think that's probably a good idea' Phil responded while Hannah steered off the motorway. 'So when are you going to be there? Just because we're going to be arriving in about 20 minutes now.' 'Yeah, I'm going to be a couple of hours yet, just got caught up in traffic coming out of Newton Abbott, but I'll shoot you another call when I'm there anyway.' 'Thanks, we'll keep you updated with anything else in the meantime.'

Outside the base

Meghan turned up, having come to see Maddy, and looked around for a moment, before a smug grin spread across her face. 'I told them that getting the train would be quicker, thank the lord for public transport doing what you want it to.' She then took a moment to compose herself, and scanned her ID, only for it to not work. So annoyed was she at this, that she immediately started jabbing the call button, getting an immediate response from Rio. 'Please remember that we do not want to have to replace the call button again, please press it once.' 'Get my ID fixed then.'

Immediately, there was a beeping noise, and the heavy doors slid open, presenting Rio, stood in a light blue and white shirt, skirt and knee high socks. 'Someone's looking good today.' 'It's great to see you Meghan. How's everything been with the business?' 'Really good, I'm continuing to serve my apprenticeship with Phil for another few months, then once I'm done with Uni next year, he's promised me a job straight away. But that's enough about me, because how are you? I don't think anyone's been asking really.'

'Yeah I'm actually decent, thankful Maddy's home, hopefully it means someone's going to take over in the presidency. It's not like I'm not proud of what I've done' 'You should be, you've been unbelievable.' 'Like I know how proud I should be of leading us through this, but I'm just tired, I've been working the hell out of myself and I just want to get back to how things were, go back to duelling and just take some time to… I dunno even, process things?'

'Totally get you, and hopefully someone can give you some support. You tried talking to Blair about it?' 'Not yet, she's got all her own stuff going on, I think they're going to look at finishing off the adoption paperwork soon to get that sorted with Ally, she's just thriving so much with us here. And that's another reason I just don't want this whole president stuff, I want to spend more time with her, I promised to be the big sister that Blair and Alex aren't anymore, but I barely get to see her.'

Sympathising with her, Meghan tried to find a solution for Rio. 'I think all you can do is actually return to duelling and see how things go, because it's not like anyone's short of wanting to work together here, you just proved that. How is Maddy anyway?' 'She's alright, really hazy on a lot of things, but she's doing ok. We're hoping that she doesn't remember most of what happened to be honest, she doesn't need all that pain.' 'Well I'll go and see her when Phil and Hannah get here, and in the meantime, you get yourself duelling again, that deck deserves way more than being in the arena.'

'I know it does, I've just not been able to, because everyone needed me to step up.' 'Well now she's back, you can afford to do this again. How about you enter the International Panic tournament in a couple of weeks, that'll give you a good way to get back into the swing of things, and who knows, you might even get a title shot.' Interested at the thought, Rio agreed. 'Ok… ok, I'll go and do that immediately.'

As Rio returned to the President's office though, she found Blair in the middle of a blazing row with Caprice. 'I didn't expect you to give us much help, but you could at least have been there!' 'Not my problem, not my responsibility, I helped you get into that situation, and that's what I promised I'd do. Beyond that it's nothing to do with me, I couldn't care less what happened to her, I mean I'm glad you got her home and all, but don't bring me into all this.'

'We had an agreement.' 'And who do I have to keep that to - two people I can't stand and one person who I'm only working with because I was asked to by Teresa, I'm doing exactly what I should be, keeping my word and then getting out of your way. Maddy's not my responsibility.' 'You're an absolute bitch, you know that.' She laughed, and responded 'It's been said once or twice. So what you gonna do about it, you gonna challenge me to a duel or something?'

That thought made Blair smile. 'That's a good idea. I was going to come down to South Africa and slap you hard enough to make your tastebuds emigrate, but that's much better, you and whoever you want to team with, I imagine Tee… sorry, Teresa or Sara, and you can face myself and Astrid. That way, I can just make you look like an awful duellist, because everyone already knows you're not a good person, I don't need to prove that. Hurting your ego's much more fun.'

Steaming at this thought, Caprice snapped back. 'I accept, I'll happily show that I've always been leagues above both of you. In fact, I'll even draft Myka in so I can show that you're not even as good as her, you can't even beat the junior of this hypothetical group.' 'Junior? She's over a year older than me! And if you want to talk about juniors, how about the fact that I've been better than all of you since I was 14? I'll see you in Barcelona bitch.'

As this ended, Blair saw Rio watching her. 'That girl really gets on my tits.' 'I'd never have guessed. I will say though, nice to see you finally letting your accomplishments talk. Look, I wanted to have a quick chat with you.' 'Well you're in charge, so I'll get out of your seat' Blair joked, before standing up and walking around, sitting on the other side of the desk. 'So, what'd you want to talk about?'

'Just that I want to return to duelling, but I don't know if I can do it and the presidency.' Surprised, Blair reached out immediately. 'You know that we'll do whatever we can to help out, you've been amazing for all of us and we just want to repay you. We've had enough of people not reaching out. You're still the boss right now, and I know that you don't want to be, but right now, you're the best we've got.' This was when Rio had an interesting proposition for her best friend.

'I think we should do this together.' 'Pardon?' 'I know that the whole being on your own with everything soured you on the idea permanently, but I think we should be President together. Even the load.' Blair silently agreed, before telling her 'Ok, but officially, it's still you, we don't need people trying anything because there's two Presidents. You should be the figurehead, but I'll be right behind you.' 'Sounds good.' They hugged, and Rio left the office to see Maddy.

In the meeting room

Having recovered enough to be steady on her feet, Maddy was now sitting in a quiet meeting room with Freja, still trying to recover from her intense ordeal. 'I'm just trying to remember anything.' 'You probably won't from while you were under control, all that's probably been removed alongside… whatever was controlling you.' 'Trust you to not know, eh?' Determined to hide the truth, Freja played along. 'Yep, you know me.'

Maddy then put her face on the table, and looked up at Freja. 'I feel sick, can you get me a bucket?' Freja responded by picking up the room's bin, and passing it to her, so she could vomit in it. 'I feel really rubbish, something's really not right.' 'It's probably the lack of any food or sleep for weeks on end, I know I'd be way worse than this. You'll be ok, just give it a few days, you'll be back up and running.' 'Not sure about that' she responded, as Phil walked into the room.

'Hi… sorry about the whole career thing, I promise I'll fix it.' 'Maddy, it's fine' he told her calmly, before putting his arm around her. 'This is a change I should have made before to be honest, I've got much bigger priorities now. Maybe in the future I'll find my way back, but until then, I'm content with what I've got. Oh, and talking of what I've got, Hannah may or may not be bringing a very little visitor for you. You can come in now.'

As Hannah walked in with Skylar, Maddy saw her baby brother and burst into tears, setting him off, as Hannah told her 'I think he could do with some big sister cuddles.' Maddy held her arms out, as the baby was passed over to her, and she shook her head in disbelief. 'You've… grown so big, I've missed so much… I've missed you so much.' She continued crying while cradling him and kissing him gently on the head, as Freja started to fill her in on some details.

'You know, it's the sight of him that made you snap out of your trance in Cuba.' 'Well you say that…' Hannah retorted, before telling the truth. 'What she means is it was Freja morphing into Rhydian and threatening to hit him that made you snap out.' Freja hid her face under her hoodie hearing this. 'I feel disgusting enough without you telling her guys! I'm so sorry, I just had to do something, I was desperate, I'

She was then shocked to find Maddy cuddling her as well. 'You missy, are a genius. Never let anybody tell you otherwise, because you are. I'm so thankful that I've got a friend like you.' 'You really shouldn't be' she responded, leaning into the gentle embrace, as Phil and Hannah smiled, with him observing 'She's really missed you, but you're going to be hearing over the next few weeks about how much of a star this one is. Even nearly beat Rhydian with your old deck.'

'What - the OG one?' 'The OG OG one, the one that only played Normal monsters.' This caused her to clutch her friend even tighter than before. 'I'm so lucky to have you around Freja McKinna. Never think you're not the most special person in the world, because you really are right up there. I'm so sorry to everybody for everything, I really just am, I' 'You don't have anything to be sorry for' Hannah quickly cut her off. 'You've got no reason to apologise.'

A couple of minutes later, Maddy got curious. 'Guys, I think I'm starting to remember something… was… Astrid singing?' 'Yeah, the entrance when you were freed was her singing that "Numb" song.' This caused the weak but thankful Geordie to smile. 'I thought I vaguely remembered something like that, she knows how much I love hearing her sing. Any idea where she is?' Everyone shook their heads in response. 'Not seen her since this morning' Freja told her. 'But I'm sure she won't be too long.'

Just outside the meeting room

Having been sidetracked by signing up to the upcoming duelling event, Rio was on her way to see Maddy, when Tee approached her. 'Hey, I just wanted to see if Maddy's ok?' 'She's in the meeting room with Sky at the moment, she's doing pretty well all things considered. Look, I was going to swing by the safe house later to thank you for everything, without you there's no chance we would have got her back.'

'Without you I wouldn't have been able to' she responded chirpily. 'I just wanted to tell you that Caprice officially invited me to join her Style Council group' Before she could even finish, Rio cut her off to say 'Go for it. Caprice cares about you enough to come to us for help, so I'd take the offer with both hands while it's on the table. And as a little thank you, you can stay at the safe house until you've got somewhere to go… or at least as long as you can put up with Donny.'

They laughed, as Tee responded 'He's been great fun actually, he really is the same everywhere, he says the most stupid things, but it's fun to be around him. It should only be a few weeks that I'm there anyway, Caprice is sorting something out for me in South Africa, should be a proper fresh start. But… I'll never forget the kindness you've shown me.' Heart warmed, Rio responded in kind. 'Us neither. We'll never forget what you gave us back, and when Maddy's getting back to her old self, we'll tell her what you've done for us.' 'You don't have to, I was repaying you. And now she's back, the debt's paid. So this is probably the last time I'm in here.'

Smiling, Rio told her 'In that case, I'll take the temporary ID I gave you, best of luck with everything.' 'And you, hope to see you duelling again soon.' 'Well I've just entered International Panic, so I'll see you there if not before.' 'Oh totally, good luck again, if Caprice can't win then I'll be rooting for you most likely.' Rio walked Tee to the doors, and scanned the door for her to leave. 'Thank you once again Tee.' 'Erm… it's Teresa now, fresh start and all that. And I don't need thanking. Oh, can I have your phone number by the way? Just want to record a quick message for Maddy.'

As they parted after this, Rio passed Lydia in the foyer, narrowly missing Belle approaching her. 'What do you want, we're not supposed to be near each other.' 'Look, I know you hate me' 'Got one thing right at least.' 'And I'm not exactly a fan of yours, but I want to compromise with you.' 'Go on…' 'Right now, Freja needs as few issues on her mind as possible so she can focus on Maddy.' 'That's something we can both agree on.'

'And the biggest issue she's having right now, is us two. And the fact that we can't get on.' 'So what - we just pretend nothing happened?' 'No, I'm saying that I'm going to do what you want, and not try and force anything with Freja, I'm just going to let her talk to me in her own time when she's ready.' 'And in return?' 'All I'm asking is you don't start badmouthing me. That way Freja's not worrying about us as much.'

Focused primarily on the good of her sister, Lydia extended her hand for a handshake. 'If you stick to your word, I'll keep mine, but don't expect us to be all buddy buddy.' 'I don't expect you to talk to me at all. In fact it's probably better we don't. It's more… being civil I guess? You know, the occasional "good morning" here, a "laters" there, just enough to make people think we don't hate each other.'

'Lie you mean.' 'Yeah, exactly' she responded. 'All Freja needs to know is that we're not at each other's throats. Beyond that, I don't care if you hate me… well I know you hate me, but I don't care if you despise me, print off a photo of me to use as a dartboard, and I'm sure you don't care the other way. We both know this is best for her.' Lydia greed, and walked off, albeit with much tension still frosting the atmosphere between them.

In the meeting room

Maddy had just finished another bout of vomiting and was having a large gulp of water when Blair gently opened the door to the room, closing the door behind her. 'Hey, I was told you're awake now, you're probably sick of visitors but I just wanted to see how you were getting on.' 'Apart from the near total amnesia of the past 5-6 weeks and vomiting and tiredness, good' she smiled back. 'Especially after I got to see Sky.'

'He's turning into a little cutie isn't he?' 'What do you mean "turning", he's always been cute.' 'Ok, technicalities.' 'I'm going to try and get a little bit of sleep in a few minutes, but I'm glad you're here because I really wanted to thank you for everything you did to help me, you put yourself at too much risk.' 'And I'd do it again. Besides, it's not like we were ever going to get caught, we had precautions. I'd just like to give you some advice though - black and white really aren't your colours.'

'Yeah, thanks' she responded, looking down at the long-sleeved top that was still one of the many reminders of what she'd just come back from. Sensing that Maddy was likely too tired to hold a significant conversation though, Blair tried to keep it brief. 'I'm really glad you're back, I don't say this often enough, but… you're responsible for a lot of the good things in my life, and you're just really good to spend time with.'

'Not at the moment I'm not' she bemoaned in return. 'You'll get there, don't forget, you've been back with us less than 24 hours. You'll find your feet again, I think you just need a few quiet days to recover.' 'I hope you're right, I hate feeling like this. I just want everything to be normal again.' 'And it will be, but you need to look after yourself right now. This feeling will pass.' In order to get back to normality, Maddy started trying to make changes.

'Blair, can I… ask you a favour?' 'Yeah, sure, anything.' 'Would you be able to help me wash my hair in a bit? Also could you run and get me some fresh clothes, I just want to be as far away from (pulling at the front of her outfit) this as I can be.' Smiling, she nodded enthusiastically. 'Sure, I'll go and get you some now. Why don't you try and get some rest, you too Freja, you know she's been up all night watching over you, don't you?'

This caused the returnee to turn to Freja, who just looked away. 'Freja?' 'Ok ok, I was watching over you just in case the whole curing you hadn't worked, because I wanted to be able to stop you before you did something you regretted.' 'Bit late for that I think' Maddy joked prophetically. 'Well I'm not going anywhere, so you can get some rest as well. Blair, could you get my hoodie from upstairs, you know, the one Phil made, it's a nice pillow.' Happy to oblige, she agreed. 'Whatever you need. You want a pillow Freja?'

Maddy then smiled. 'It's for her. After all she's been through the past few weeks, I think it's the least I owe her. As for the rest of you, I… I'm just crazy in debt like you wouldn't believe.' 'You're not, but thank you' Blair returned, before leaving the room. By the time she returned less than five minutes later, both the girls in there were asleep, so she smiled, gently folded the hoodie and placed it under Freja's head, before staring at them both for a moment, and closing the door, placing a "Meeting in Progress" sign on there.

An hour later

The girls' slumber was going peacefully, until it was rudely interrupted by a hammering on the door, with Lydia screaming 'Let us in Freja!', loud enough for everyone around to notice. As she groggily opened the door, Belle and Lydia were stood there together, confusing her. 'Am I hallucinating or are you two not fighting?' 'That's what we want to talk to you about.' 'Come on in then.' 'In private?' Lydia emphasised, annoying her sister.

'Well if you can't tell, I'm kind of looking after Maddy right now, and I don't particularly want to leave her, nor should I be doing.' Maddy's voice then came out, more powerful than before. 'It's fine, you need to talk.' Rolling her eyes, Freja closed the door behind her, and let her hair down while groaning 'You've got two minutes, I hope this is REALLY good because I'm REALLY not in the mood.'

At this point, Lydia stared at Belle, trying to use her to anger Freja first. 'The two of us were just talking earlier' 'And you DIDN'T try to kill each other? I'll give you both a gold star later.' 'And we agreed that we need to try and get on.' 'Good, 'cause you do. Right now, Maddy's my priority, I'm going to get her back to her old self regardless of what either of you want. Let me make something clear - I don't hate you Belle.' This left both her visitors shocked, as Freja continued to make her stance clear.

'I want you both in my life, but I want you both in my life equally. I don't care about one of you more than the other, I want you both in my life. But I don't want either of you controlling my life. You have to be civil with each other, because right now, Maddy is my first, biggest, and only priority. And if you can't deal with that, then don't bother talking to me, because I don't wanna know. Now did you actually want anything?'

Belle went to speak, but then Lydia gave her a dig in the ribs. 'We don't have anything else to say.' 'Can Belle speak for herself without you prompting her? I saw what you just did, I'm tired, not blind.' Belle then looked at her phone. 'We've already kept you longer than you said.' Increasingly bored and frustrated, Freja snapped at her 'Yeah, well good news, you just got overtime. NOW SPEAK.'

'Ok… well I just wanted to tell you that I totally understand why you don't want to talk to me right now' 'Funny, I'm sure we've already had this conversation.' 'I just wanted to say that I'm not forcing anything, when you're ready to speak to me you're ready to speak to me, and that's all there is to it, I don't want you thinking I'm trying to pressure you.' Unimpressed, Freja shook her head. 'So you desperately needed to tell me this right now?'

Freja's bid to get rid of the rather unwanted arrivals was then aided, as Astrid had seen the commotion upon returning, and immediately made a beeline for them. 'There's not an issue here is there Freja?' 'No, these two were just leaving, because two minutes ended five minutes ago.' 'You heard her.' Belle immediately got the message, but ever stubborn, Lydia had little intention of leaving.

'What gives you the right to tell me when I should stop speaking to my sister?' 'Let's see, the fact she told you herself? Look, she's made it clear what she thinks, now let her do what she wants to do, and look after Maddy, because unlike you, she actually cares that Maddy's home. So if you'd just move out of the way and find something else to entertain yourself with, that would be great.' Between this, and getting the death stare from Freja, she decided it was probably time to go. 'I'll talk to you later.'

As Lydia left, Astrid gave Freja a hug. 'Thanks for that, thought I'd never get rid of her.' 'What did they want anyway?' 'Something about them being civil with each other, and Belle leaving it to me to talk to her, quite honestly I don't believe a word they say, they're going to be baying for each other's blood in a few hours again.' 'Well just don't let them pressure you, if you want to spend your time keeping an eye on Maddy, you do that.'

'Thanks for the support' she responded gratefully. 'It's all good, we've got each other, and if you ever need any backup, you know where to find me.' 'I know' she smiled. 'Where were you anyway?' She responded, not with words, but by reaching into her bag and pulling out various bottles of soft drinks as well as a generous selection of mocktails. 'I thought if we're going to be spending more time with Maddy, then we could make it more fun, basically turn it into a non-stop slumber party.'

Freja appeared to love this idea. 'With mocktails and popcorn and' 'Cheesy movies and pyjamas and badmouthing boys.' Then then slapped hands and walked back into the room to find Maddy eating for the first time in weeks. 'Good to see you got your appetite back.' With her mouth full still, she responded 'Not really, but Sak told me I had to eat something before my medical. It's only a couple of pies but it's way better than nothing. What you two laughing about anyway, yer thick as thieves.'

Astrid stared at her, confused about what she said, until Freja pulled her tighter. 'She means we look like good friends.' 'Oh yeah, I can't get rid of this one now' Astrid told her while rubbing Freja's head. 'We were just talking about spending more time with you, and how we could make it more fun for you. So… we brought mocktails!', the announcement cheering Maddy up no end as she laughed. 'Might have known you'd get Berry Blast, you know how addicted to that I was after I stopped drinking.'

'So… you up for a little all-day slumber party in a couple of weeks?' 'We'll see is all I'm gonna say.' 'Well it's nice to see you smiling anyway. I've missed your smile.' 'And I missed your singing before I heard you again.' Immediately, Astrid couldn't help but turn away in embarrassment. 'If it helps, your singing's pretty beautiful.' Freja then sat behind them, and put her stubby arms around her friends. 'Like a choir of angels. You know, I could get used to this, just the three of us together.'

In Phil's car

Phil was sat having a spot of lunch, and listening to Myka being interviewed on a radio show. 'Now we've had a good chat, but one question that I know you're fed-up of but we keep getting questions on, so I do need to ask you about Maddy.' 'God I swear if I ever have to hear the name of that stupid brainless kid again I am going to scream. I don't know why people think I should feel anything for what happened, she got herself captured, she's now home, good for her, why do I care.'

'Well considering you're related' 'Not really, her Dad had a one night stand years before she was born, he got in touch again years later to say that he would have been in my life if he'd had the chance, so as far as I'm concerned, she's a mistake who should never have been born, and I don't care if people think I'm "mean", I'm being honest, her entire life exists because of my mother going it alone.'

The host of the show then laughed. 'Well we have a lot of discourse from people texting in, 80655 the number if you want to, we have a comment from Donny in North Shields who… yep, I'm not reading that out before the watershed, it contains a lot of swearing. So we have… sorry, I've just been told we've got a phone call coming in to discuss this situation, we have Phil from Manchester. Phil, what's your take?'

He smiled, and started 'Myka, you're full of shit.' 'Well would you look who it is, it's the guy who threw away his career for someone he isn't related to. How's the firmly retired life treating you?' 'Very good thanks, it gives me more time to tell you how full of shit you are. You know the damage words can have on people, don't you? So why don't you button your gob, and think before you speak? Because what you just said I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.'

Unimpressed, Myka snapped back. 'I knew exactly what I was saying. Maddy's got everything in her career through nepotism because of you and Hannah, and I want to have those same opportunities. So let me say something you'll understand: I want to duel you at WDC: Boiling Point, and I don't care whether it's sanctioned by them or if it has to be unsanctioned, or whether we're duelling on the streets or in some sewer, I'll duel you anywhere to prove that I'm better than she ever could be.' Interested, he responded by telling her 'You get it sorted, and I'll be there, to make the Storm look like a summer breeze. I accept your challenge.'

Back in the base

With Maddy having a medical check with Sakura, Rio called a club meeting with everyone aside from Freja, who was still accompanying the returned Alpha. 'Just a quick one everyone, as you've seen, Maddy is home and safe.' Everybody cheered, grateful to have her home, albeit some were more enthusiastic than others. Immediately after though, there were several shouts of 'Where is she', causing Rio to sigh.

'Calm down guys. She's just having a medical check with Sakura, after all she's been through it's just a little thing to see how she's holding up. In the meantime, I just wanted to hold this meeting to let you all know to just… take it easy with her a bit. Not to put a fine point on it, but she's been through a lot, and is going to have to spend some time readjusting. So she's going to be using the meeting room for the next few days, just to get her head together, get her strength up. Freja's going to be staying in there with her for the most part, so we're all going to have to continue pulling together. I just want to thank all of you.'

As others applauded her, Lydia shouted out 'When's our Alpha returning as President?' This annoyed Rio no end, and got several other people admonishing her. 'Did you hear what I said a couple of minutes ago? Take it easy with her. IF Maddy returns to the presidency, there is no timetable until she tells us there is. I am going to be holding some conversations over the next few days regarding the future of the Interim Presidency.'

'Does that mean you're not staying?' 'It means that I don't know what's happening. If me staying on is what's best, then that's what will happen. If someone else is better, then they will be asked to take over. I'll tell you as soon as I know, but as I say, we need to talk about that first. But I want to end this just by thanking everybody once again, you've all been incredible, and I'm so grateful to you all, because without all of you, she wouldn't be back.'

As the meeting concluded, Astrid and Blair spoke in the kitchen over a coffee break. 'So… the past few weeks have been a thing.' 'Yeah, you could say that… I'm still disappointed at how I dealt with everything.' 'Don't be, you came through and that's what matters. And she's home now.' 'Yeah, hopefully everything just starts falling into place. And that sacrifice you made for me out there, I'm never going to forget that.'

Playing it down, Astrid smiled politely. 'Would have done it for anyone.' 'I know, but it doesn't change anything. You were awesome, always have been.' 'I'm not, I just did my best. The way you tackled the situation at the end, you're why she's home.' 'Excuse me, did you forget you're the one who got her? You literally risked everything just to grab her and run out of there, I've never seen anything like that. So don't go talking yourself down, you're a fuckin' hero.'

The topic then turned to their next steps. 'So where do we go from here? Obviously we were only together to rescue Maddy, now that's done, do we just split?' 'What do you wanna do?' 'Honestly I don't know' she responded quietly. 'Depending on how Maddy's getting on, I might just vacate my title, I think I need to reassess my priorities, because I feel like this whole thing has killed my enthusiasm.'

'I totally get you' Blair bemoaned. 'I'm just going to go solo, I'd like some kind of duel at Boiling Point just as our last duel together, but after that, I'm going to see what I can do on my own, see if I can regain the passion and form. Because I don't know what to do other than that.' 'Well we're on for the last duel together, then after that I… just don't know. Whatever you do though, I'll cheer you on.' 'Thanks.' They clasped hands, and smiled at each other, rivals united.

In the medical bay

Maddy was sat on a bed when Sakura walked in from taking scans and doing checks. 'Right, first of all, you will not be surprised to learn that you are… just so underweight. You're 5ft 6, that right?' 'Somit like that. Think I measured 5.55 a couple of times.' 'We'll go on 5'6", your weight is 6st 10' '6 stone 10?' Freja exclaimed in shock. ' I'M heavier than that, and I'm not even 5ft.' 'So yeah, erm… you're over a stone underweight. So we've got a lot of work to do with you, but we'll get you there.'

'I've also done some scans, your ribs are totally busted, so' 'Surgery?' Maddy sighed, seeing the inevitable. 'Only option I'm afraid. I'm not sure they even would heal naturally at this point. Now I do need to ask you something Maddy, and please don't take this the wrong way: did Rhydian beat you while you were being controlled by him? I understand if you can't remember, but I could do with knowing.' Having started to regain some memories, she shook her head.

'No, he never laid a finger on me.' 'Ok.' 'Lukas did, I think Rhydian laid him out for it,' 'Belle caught the attack on video, but because it looks like she was rushing in to stop the attack, I didn't get a good view of who it was doing it. I needed to ask because you've got some pretty significant injuries.' 'How bad…' Freja asked nervously. 'Well you've got two fractures in your jaw so that will also need surgical attention I imagine, you've got two broken fingers on your right hand, one on your left, you have a pretty sizeable bruise on your sternum, that's your breastbone if you didn't know, and you're a bit swollen around your midsection, I would like you to get that checked out.'

Before Sakura could think anything more of the swelling, Maddy patted her on the shoulder. 'Thank you for everything. I'll try and get surgery as soon as I can, I'll probably just vacate my title now, I don't see myself returning in the immediate future.' 'Well just take some time to consider it is all I'm going to say. Right now what I'd recommend is even if you don't feel like it, keep having regular meals, just to get your weight up a bit.' 'Anything I should be eating?' 'Well I'm not really a dietologist, but I'd just say high calorie food, and things that you're going to enjoy more. I'll keep checking up with you every day for now, just to see how you're getting on.' 'Ok, thank you.'

Jana then walked in, and got a hug from Maddy straight away. 'Hey stranger. How's it going?' 'Yeah, ok. I'm a little beat up though.' 'More than a little' Sakura responded, before passing a list of her injuries to Jana. 'Geez, good job we got you back.' 'So we've agreed she's got to be having regular meals, even if she doesn't feel like eating, and she's going to try and get some surgery arranged.' 'Well I'll just have to be here a bit more to make sure she does.'

Maddy then stretched her arms out and yawned. 'I'm gonna go back to the meeting room to have a bit of a rest if that's alright, still shattered.' 'Not surprised, you've been weeks without sleep by the sounds of things, you need all the sleep you can get honestly.' Jana and Freja then helped an exhausted Maddy back to the room, with her being asleep before she reached the seat, leading to them both lowering her down gently.

In the lobby

Emma finally arrived, finding Rio waiting for her. 'Hi chuck, it's great to see you.' 'And you.' 'Is Maddy around?' 'Yeah, she's just having a rest at the moment, she's in rough shape but she's keeping her spirits at least.' This concerned her mother. 'How… rough shape?' 'I'll take you to Sakura, she's our resident medic and has not long finished giving Maddy a full once over, she'll be able to explain better.'

As they walked through towards the medical bay on the extreme right of the building, Rio managed to start having a chat with Emma. 'So how are you holding up with everything?' 'Not good if I'm being totally honest, when you've had someone in your life for that long, it's impossible to get used to them not being there anymore. All I had to hold onto was the hope that Maddy would at least come home. Can I ask about you - do you have any loved ones around you?'

'In terms of family, not really, my parents died in a car crash when I was 6, and I don't talk to my brother anymore because he's tight with Rhydian. So it's just me effectively, I mean I've got friends and everything, and Blair's like a big sister to me, but not other than that.' 'I'm sorry to hear that.' 'It's fine, I've had so long to deal with all of that. I just want you to know that we've all been thinking of you the entire time.' 'I appreciate it chuck.'

'So has Maddy always had the same kind of attitude?' 'Oh yes' Emma laughed in return. 'She's always had a spark about her, she's always been very argumentative, very combative, but it's never aggressive, it's always just her personality shining through, she's always had that ambition to do things differently. I'm so proud of who she is, even if I wouldn't have chosen this path for her, she's making the most of it.'

As they walked into the medical bay, Sakura was cleaning out the syringes and beakers used in Maddy's curing, and seemed surprised when she turned around to see them both stood there. 'Sorry, I wasn't expecting anyone, I would have dressed up otherwise.' 'It's fine. Sakura, this is Emma Smith, Maddy's mother, Emma this is Sakura Haruno, she's our medic/doctor.' Emma offered a handshake, but was instead greeted with a traditional Japanese bow.

'It's a pleasure to meet you.' 'That was… a greeting.' 'Sorry, you might not guess it looking at me, because my parents are both from California, but I'm from Japan, so that's sort of my formal greeting. It's great to meet you finally, how can I help?' 'Rio said that you'd be able to talk me through Maddy's medical state.' 'Certainly, just give me a moment.' After finding her notepad, Sakura sat down with them to discuss the situation.

'Right, just hit me with it.' 'Ok, well first of all I've weighed Maddy, she's coming in at just a little under 7 stones, she's 6st 10, which is over a stone underweight. I think that we need to have a conversation about the situation she was kept in now.' 'What do you mean?' The horrid truth then revealed itself. 'The just over 6 weeks while she was captured, Maddy was not allowed to eat, drink, or even sleep, we have two people who were there at different times giving us an account, and she was basically worked to the bone 24/7.'

Hearing this, Maddy's mother went silent in sheer shock and horror, while Rio just shook her head in anger. 'I still can't believe all of this.' 'How evil can he be' Emma eventually muttered, as the previously calm atmosphere shifted drastically. 'So what else is going on with her?' 'There's no easy way of saying this, so I just want to preface this by telling you that I'm sorry, but I have video evidence for this. While she was there, somebody beat Maddy, and we're talking the vicious kind.'

'No… not my cub… my beautiful girl' she uttered while crying at the very thought. 'All I can tell you is that we have it on video. I am aware of an alleged culprit.' 'Please tell me it's not Rhydian…' 'It's not him' Sakura responded factually. 'He's not the name I was given, and while Maddy remembers very little about what happened in that time, she's told me Rhydian didn't lay a finger on her in anger.' After taking some time being comforted, Emma found the strength to ask about the injuries. 'So what injuries were there?'

'She has several broken ribs, although I can't confirm how much of that was the existing damage we know about, because she elected not to get them surgically repaired.' 'She's never liked hospitals.' 'She's also got multiple jaw fractures, her sternum is heavily bruised, she's got some midsection swelling, and she has three broken fingers.' 'So… how's she doing?' This is when Sakura smiled.

'You know, considering how many injuries she has, she seems to be doing really well. I had her in here not too long ago, she was talking decently, she's very tired but grateful for everything, she's agreed to try and get some surgery next week.' 'So where is she?' 'She's just in a meeting room, it's just a quiet room for her to regain her thoughts and relax. She's got Jana and a couple of other friends with her.' 'I'll go and see her. Thank you for everything Sakura.' 'I'm sorry I can't do more right now, I'm going to be checking on her every single day at the moment, just to see if we're making any progress.'

With the good doctor's words ringing in her ears, Emma followed Rio, who took her to the meeting room, and gently knocked on the door, with Freja's voice coming from the other end. 'Who is it?' 'It's Rio, Maddy's Mum has come to see her. Is she awake?' Freja could then be heard asking 'You awake Maddy?', and even though the response was difficult to hear, the twin confirmed 'She's good.'

Emma then opened the door, and even though she'd seen her daughter on the television, just how thin and boney Maddy was came as a shock to her. 'Hey Mam, sorry I'm not looking my best. Blair brought some fresh clothes for me, but I was too tired to put 'em on.' Emma responded by gently clutching her close. 'Oh my cub, I'm just happy that you're home, I really am. I've spoken to your medic, she's told me about what you've been through.' 'Yeah, it's a shame I don't remember anything really. I'm just… totally blank the entire time.' 'Well we'll work with you to help with that.'

While she was still hugging her, Rio smiled at them. 'Maddy, how would you feel about Jana spending more time around here with you as well?' Looking at her Welsh friend, she nodded. 'I'd love it.' 'That's brilliant. Because I think after what she's done, she should spend more time here.' Rio then got a video up on her phone to show them both. 'This is Astrid getting Maddy to us, and this is Jana, holding Rhydian off until we'd got Maddy away.'

Seeing this, Emma was in absolute awe. 'Thank you to both of you.' 'I was never going to leave her behind' Jana promised, as Rio walked up to her.

'And from now on, we're never going to leave you behind. You're a hero to all of us, and I'd be honoured if you'd accept my invitation to join the Renegades permanently.' Jana shook her head in shock upon being invited, while Freja and Maddy both looked delighted. 'I… don't know what to say.' 'I'm asking you now because I didn't want to put you on the spot.' 'I mean… yes, I'd love to.' As she said this, Rio took her phone to ring someone. 'Hi Donny, it's Rio, could you get Jana's member's card out of the office? Thanks.'

He arrived barely two minutes later, carrying a black card with a red R surrounded by a silver spiked circle. 'Jana, this is for everything you did to help us. Without your knowledge of Wolfblood medicine or your bravery on the day of reckoning, we wouldn't have Maddy with us now. Please take this as a symbol of our gratefulness to you.' She responded by taking the card. 'Thank you so much.' 'If it's alright, we'll introduce you as a member in a club meeting in a minute.' 'Sure' she smiled. As she agreed to this, Rio ran to the office and declared 'Club meeting 2 minutes.'

As everybody filled the hall again, Rio walked out. 'Right everyone, a couple of announcements. Firstly, we have new members of the Renegades. Jana Vilkas, step forward please.' She did just that, and Rio smiled at her. 'For your knowledge, skill, and bravery in helping bring Maddy home, it is my pleasure to ask you to join the Renegades, and pledge to help us on our revolution.' She looked at everyone, and confidently told her 'I pledge to be part of your revolution, and follow the Renegades wherever they go. It would be an honour.'

Everyone applauded, as she showed off her membership card. 'Now there's one more person who I wanted to invite to join the Renegades, somebody who probably doesn't see themselves as a hero, but on the day of reckoning, they proved themselves to be as brave and determined as any of us, and I think now is the time they get their due. So I'd like to invite Donny Anderson up to the front.'

As she said this, Donny turned around, confused. 'Who - me?' 'Are you Donny? If so, then yes. Come up here.' Still shocked, he did so, and Rio smiled at him. 'I know I didn't discuss this with you before, but I would be honoured if you'd accept this membership. Behind your bravado, you have been as supportive as anybody, and you helped us bring her home. The Renegades need someone like you.'

At this point, the normally cool Donny took his sunglasses off, and started to cry. 'I… I don't know what to tell ya, I never expected it. I mean… it would be a dream to be a part of all of this.' She held out the card to him, and stated 'Take the card, and the dream is yours, but the pleasure is all mine.' He responded by taking the card, and staring at it for a moment. 'Thank you.' Everyone applauded him, and he walked away, a newly minted Renegade. 'You'll both get your jackets in the next few days. In the meantime, club dismissed.'

As they did, Donny approached Rio gratefully. 'I mean I don't know what to say other than thank you.' 'Donny, you deserve it, the way you've been helping these past few weeks, I don't think I would have got through it without you. This is the least I could do for you.' 'Well I just want you to know that it's an absolute honour, I never expected anything like this from you, I thought I was just raising some hell for a friend.' 'Well you raised hell well enough to earn this. And looking out there, I don't think anybody disagrees.'

While all this was going on, Astrid had returned to the meeting room, to show Maddy some well wishes from people. "Hi Maddy, it's Tee… Teresa now, but I just want to tell you how glad I am that you're home safe, I hope from now on your recovery just goes well." "Maddy, Kari Tsukumo, I don't know what you're going to be like mentally right now, but I want to say that I'm happy to hear you're safe now, I'm still thinking about you, and I'm looking forward to seeing you back around at some point." "Hey, it's Kalin Kessler, this is a message for Maddy Smith to tell her how much we all think of her, you're a tremendous competitor and one hell of a personality, and hopefully we get to see you again soon."

Seeing the well-wishes brought a big smile to Maddy's face. 'It's good to see I'm remembered.' 'How are your memories?' 'Yeah… I'm still struggling with 'em, but hopefully something will start to return.' 'I'm sure it will do, just give it time' Astrid told her supportively, but secretly, she was hoping they wouldn't. Maddy then turned to Emma. 'Mam, I forgot to ask earlier, but where's Dad? I haven't heard you mention him at all.'

This question caused Emma to look around awkwardly, before Freja jumped in with a swift excuse. 'Don't hate us for this, but… they kind of split up about 3 months ago, I was with Jana when she got the call. We decided between the three of us that we'd wait to tell you because you were so stressed at the time.' This story gave Emma the chance to then compose herself.

'I'm sorry we didn't say anything chuck, but I just didn't think that the time was right to tell you.' 'I… didn't cause it did I?' she asked nervously, before being reassured. 'No, it had been coming for a long time, so we decided to spend time away from each other for a few months to see if we could save the marriage or if we should call it a day.' 'Can I speak to him?' She shook her head though.

'I don't think so love, the last time I knew he was backpacking in some forest somewhere, said he wanted to get back to the great outdoors.' Aware that backpacking in the Andes was something he'd always wanted to try, Maddy smiled. 'I'll talk to him when he's next around then.' 'Good idea love. Right now, you should be focusing on one person, and that is yourself.' She smiled, and told them 'I love you all.' 'We love you too' Freja responded, cuddling her again.

In the president's office, 11:59pm

As everyone had gone to bed, Rio stayed up. But she wasn't doing more paperwork, nor logging the new members into the database. Instead, she was watching the video of Maddy being beaten by Lukas, on repeat, again and again, getting steadily more angry, until eventually, as the clock struck 12, she pledged ' Now is the time for revenge, and justice will be swift. It's about time they learned what it's really like to lose everything.'

Next time: Belle and Shannon are involved in a bitter battle, Blair and Astrid bid farewell to their alliance, and when Maddy faces Akiza once more, all hell breaks loose. R: Ultra Evolution Book 20: The Delicate Phoenix