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.

15. The Ravaging Rose

R: Ultra Evolution

Book 15: The Ravaging Rose

The club were en route to Salt Lake City for LFD: Destruction, but despite the city's relative proximity to her home, Rio was totally focused on the job at hand. 'Don't forget guys, we're looking for the perfect opportunity. Not everything is as it seems, trust your instincts.' 'And if we see the chance' 'Make sure you've got backup, and but don't hesitate if you know it's right.' Donny then laughed.

'I'm gonna kick some butt and take names.' This wasn't impressing Rio though. 'This is still a recovery mission. The priority is getting her back before her mind is totally destroyed by them, any time you waste getting into fights or taunting them is time wasted, time we can't get back for her. It's get to her, and get back to us so we can do one.' she instructed confidently, as everyone nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, in Salt Lake City

Junction 7 were approaching the venue, but there was still severe unrest in the group, as Rhydian was sat with Maddy and Belle, sitting them well away from everyone else. As he stroked her though, Belle's focus was not on the event ahead, but specifically on how she was going to turn her back on them, and whether she was going to call an audible, as she mumbled 'Maybe I should stay here…'

At the arena

No sooner had the Renegades arrived than Kari and Radley met them outside, with Blair and Astrid squaring up to them. 'So I heard you're our opponents.' 'Just want to tell you, we want to help you however we can, but we're not giving you a win, because we need this title shot as much as you do. This is everything to us.' 'You really don't need this as much as us, this is our opportunity, and we're putting everything on the line.' Astrid informed them, before Blair left them with some parting words. 'We promise a good clean duel, but we also promise that we will win.'

In the zone

The show opened with the Renegades' music, as they all walked out together, Rio leading them out. But before they could even be introduced, Rio took a microphone, and shouted 'Junction 7, out here, NOW!' There was initially no response though, which caused Donny to ask for and receive the microphone. 'You're such chickens I think you're gonna grow wings soon. So if you don't come out here, the big bad wolves we've got on our side are going to blow your doors down and eat you for dinner!'

This was enough to make the music start, as the four remaining members of J7 came out, accompanied by Claude and a number of bodyguards. Immediately, Rhydian started to poke fun at Rio. 'It's funny that you think you can start ordering me about, it's real cute. Let me guess, your little brain issue's playing up again, so you went to some charity and wanted to play at being something special? Problem is, you're in a situation you just don't belong in. I don't know what you're doing here even.'

'In case you missed it, I'm the Interim President of the Renegades.' 'Some leader you are, you can't keep your club together, you fracture every time you're supposed to be together, people are quitting all the time, and you need your cocky little shit to speak for you.' This was enough for Donny to get face-to-face with Rhydian. 'You wanna watch your mouth.' 'Like I'm scared of some twerp wearing a leather jacket two sizes too big. I can have you in a coma or worse just by clicking my fingers, and there's nothing your useless sack of shit "Interim President" can do about it.'

Just as he was about to order an attack, Rio took the microphone back. 'Rhydian, you should know us better by know, we're the Renegades, and we always have a plan. See, if I'm such a "useless sack of shit", what does that make you when there's a snake in your grass?' She then walked up to him confidently, and talked to the crowd. 'What's Rule 1 of inviting people into your inner circle?' She then spoke directly into Rhydian's face, and quietly said into the microphone 'Be careful of double agents.'

At this exact moment, Belle slid a pair of brass knuckles onto her hand, and drilled Rhydian in the top of the head to an immense reaction, before running off to the Renegades' side, and hugging Freja, as she stared at her in utter confusion and discomfort. As Rhydian seethed, blood dripping from the top of his head and staining the front of his blonde hair, he looked up, and saw Rio raising the red right hand, while shouting 'How's that for useless?' They then retreated as Rhydian sent his slave girlfriend into battle.

As they returned backstage, Belle found Rio and Blair. 'Thank you both for everything.' 'Thank you for everything you've done for us. You've given us so much information, now we just need to use it.' 'So you managed to get the antiserum?' 'We managed to make it, took a lot of trial and error, but we found the answers, and now it's just setting up the opportunity. Now just concentrate on getting your head straight.'

Belle though, was more focused on Freja, who walked past in a total daze. Running after her, she stopped her tag partner. 'Hey Freja, please understand that I did what I had to.' Freja though, was in no mood to talk, and instead pushed everybody away, before disappearing into the corridors of the arena, as Blair came up behind Belle. 'Give her time. When we get back to England, we'll sort this.'

In the zone, the opening duel began with Caprice walking out, but she had a microphone herself. 'Right, since I've not got anything interesting to do, let's make things interesting. Because I just spoke to the lovely Declan, and we agreed that I should do something to help out the Varsity Club. So, if… or should I say when I win this duel, Claude will be banned from the arena for the main event.'

Inevitably, that brought Claude out, dressed in full five star general garb now. 'When was I going to be given an option on this?' 'That's the best bit - you're not. You demanded the duel, so I get to pick the stipulation. I know you're not used to being fair, let's face it I've heard more than a thing or two about you, but it's all signed, sealed and delivered. If you lose or leave, then you're banned.' Furious, Claude activated his duel disk. 'You're going to pay big time.' 'I highly doubt it' she stated as she flicked her blonde hair back in defiance. 'I'm not scared of you at all.'

Caprice Morris LP:8000 vs. Claude Duane LP:8000

(Claude hand: Animadorned Archosaur, Tail Swipe, Souleating Oviraptor, Scrap Raptor, Xeno Meteorus)

Claude: 'I'll open with Scrap Raptor (Atk:1400), and use its effect to destroy itself and add Scrap Chimera to my hand. And because I did that, Xeno Metorus invites himself out (Atk:2000). Then because Raptor's effect gives me another Normal summon, which I'm going to abuse with Scrap Chimera (Atk:1700). Now I'll use Xeno's effect to destroy the Animadorned Archosaur in my hand and summon Frostosaurus from my deck (Atk:2400).'

Claude then considered his moves, and having little respect for the abilities of former Amateurs, made a comparatively weak play. 'I'll Link off my Raptor, Xeno and Frostosaurus, to summon a monster you simply won't be able to overcome. Rise from extinction, Link 3, Transcendosaurus Exaraptor (Atk:3000). When he's summoned, I can summon Souleating Oviraptor from my hand (Atk:1800). And Oviraptor can add Miscellaneousaurus to my hand. I end my turn.'

(Caprice hand: Trickstar Light Stage, Trickstar Magical Laurel, Trickstar Candina, Dark Room of Nightmare, Trickstar Festival, Trickstar Lycoris)

Caprice: 'I know you don't think I'm a threat, and just so you know, I really don't care.' Claude though, was far more interested in why she was fighting on the side she was. 'All I want to know is why you're fighting with a pair of idiots who don't even like you.' 'To be honest, I'm wondering that myself, but I just am, so I'll beat you, because quite honestly I like you even less, and worry about why I'm teaming with people I don't particularly like later.'

'I'll start with Trickstar Light Stage, to add Trickstar Lilybell to my hand. And because she's such a keen star, Lilybell summons herself immediately (Atk:800).' As her stage arrived, Caprice briefly posed for her adoring crowd, before she continued her turn. 'Next I'll activate Dark Room of Nightmare and summon Trickstar Candina (Atk:1800). And she'll search for Trickstar Corobane. Now I'll summon Corobane (Atk:2000), before bouncing back Candina so I can summon Trickstar Lycoris (Atk:1600). And if that makes your head hurt, I've only just started.'

'Because next I'll activate Trickstar Festival, summoning two Tokens (Atk:0x2). Now I'll Link off one Token to summon Trickstar Bloom (Atk:200). And she makes you draw a card, which in Lycoris' world, means you also take 200 damage. Oh, and if you take damage from a Trickstar, Light Stage deals 200 more damage, and Dark Room deals 300 damage (Claude LP:8000-7300). Next I'll Link off Lycoris and my other Token to Link summon Link 2, Trickstar Divaridis (Atk:1800). Divaridis' effect on summon deals you 200 damage, but I'm sure you know by now, 200 is never 200 with me, because I'm just so extra' she stated as Divaridis fired fairy dust at him (Claude LP:7300-6600).'

'Now I'll Link off Divaridis and Bloom to summon Link 3, the absolute stunning beauty, Trickstar Foxglove Witch (Atk:2200). When she's summoned, each card on your field turns into 200 damage (Claude LP:6600-5300). 'Then I can activate my Magical Laurel, which will bring back Divaridis (Atk:1800). And because she can do it as many times as she likes in a turn, Divaridis deals you 200 damage (Claude LP:5300-4600). Now I'll Link off Divaridis and Corobane to summon Link 2, Trickstar Crimson Heart (Atk:2000).'

'You ever wonder why I wanted Candina back in my hand?' 'For next turn?' 'Not quite, good guess though, you're starting to use your meathead for something productive rather than just beating women now, I'm really proud of you' she snarkily stated. 'No though, it's so I can use Crimson Heart's effect. By discarding Candina, we both draw a card. Except not quite, because I have at least 2000 points more than you, so instead, I'll be drawing two.' 'That really isn't fair' 'At what point have you ever cared about fair?' Caprice responded with.

'See, I know about a few of the allegations against you, a few because I'm willing to bet there are plenty more girls and women out there who you've not exactly been nice to so we can keep this PG. Also I've seen the way you slobber over the thought of Maddy, it's kind of gross to be honest. So let all this burn damage burn away your disgusting habits, and turn you into a… moderately better person, because obviously you're several lightyears off my level yet.'

As Claude smarted, and the crowd chanted "Meathead" at him, Caprice continued her systematic destruction of the Great Dane. 'I'll activate Monster Reborn, to bring back Divaridis (Atk:1800). I'll then use her effect a 3rd time (Claude LP:4600-3900). And I'll Link off her and Crimson Heart to summon Link summon Link 2, Trickstar Black Catbat (Atk:2000). Finally, I'll Link off Catbat and Foxglove Witch, to summon Link 4, Trickstar Bella Madonna (Atk:2800).'

'Now Bella Madonna can deal you 200 damage for every Trickstar that's in my graveyard with a different name. I've got 9, so that would be 1800, but as you know, I've always got to go one step further.' Belle Madonna weaved her magic, and sent a surge of sparkles flying into Claude, dropping his total shockingly low (Claude LP:3900-1400). Belle Madonna, attack Souleating Oviraptor.' The majestic Madonna released pure light from her staff, which melted the body of Oviraptor from head to tail, destroying it (Claude LP:1400-300). 'I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Claude hand: Tail Swipe, Petiteranodon)

Claude: 'I'll draw and activate Tail Swipe immediately to destroy your face-down.' As he did, Caprice just tutted at him. 'Some people never learn, do they? You just destroyed my Bad Luck Blast, so you have to pay the cost of the damage, which is 1000 Life points.' Claude's Exaraptor swiped the face-down viciously with its sparsely neon green tail, causing the Bad Luck Blast bomb to detonate immediately, as Claude was defeated (Claude LP:300-0).

Having taken merely four minutes to win, Caprice had time to pose for the crowd again, flicking her hair back and forth, before pausing as flash photography lit up the arena. 'Your winner is Caprice Morris. As a result, Claude Duane is banned from the arena for the main event.' He stormed out, having considered attacking Caprice on his way out, but instead pushing several officials to the ground as he returned backstage.

When he did, the rest of Junction 7 were waiting, and Lukas immediately made a comment. 'So much for "leave it to me, I'll sort her out", You were useless.' 'Like you would have done better you stupid punk.' 'I would have at least lasted more than four minutes. Hell, I just wouldn't have lost, because unlike you, I can get the job done. You're nothing more than a pervert with a hard on for a slut.'

This was enough for Claude to attack Lukas, and the two brawled around the entrance gate, with not even security being able to stop them. They ended up brawling outside, and continuing to go at it with eye raking, hair pulling, punches, kicks, spits, headbutts, the brawl being so violent that the police ended up arriving to split them up, and remove Claude from the venue in handcuffs, while Lukas was escorted back in by security.

Meanwhile, Akiza and Rhydian's tension was continuing, with Rhydian furious over what happened earlier. 'Why do we keep getting tricked like this? Why… why did I even believe you? Of course you were fooled by her, of course you brought someone in who can't be trusted, of course that all happened, it's not like you'd be careful enough to stop it happening is it?' As he continued to rant though, Akiza had other concerns, such as Maddy, who was growling deeply and howling, her eyes flashing seemingly randomly.

'We really need to get Maddy cured quick, she's clearly going too wild to control.' Rhydian wasn't interested though. 'Rubbish, she's just ready for her duel later. Which incidentally, will be her last duel since we're not turning up after this. She'll stop soon. Maddy, we're going.' She held her hand out obediently like a young child, and the two of them walked off, as Akiza shook her head. 'I really need to get her soon.'

Outside the arena, Declan was being interviewed. 'Mr. Akaba, it is a rare occurrence that we see you step into the duelling zone, but today you do that, your opponent is… I don't even know how to describe Maddy, a wild beast, an animal.' 'She is far more than that, that is simply the state she has been reduced to right now. You may recall that I said several months ago that I wished to face Maddy in the duelling zone 1-1, and while I would prefer to face her in her right mind, right now I need to prove a point.'

'And what is that point?' Unusually, he provided a straight answer. 'That a duellist, especially of her calibre, will never be close to their potential when they are under the shadow of a malevolent puppet master. This will not be Maddy, this will be an empty carcass that has been granted the name tag of Maddy. She looks almost the same, she sounds almost the same, but there is no disguising the fact that she is not. I have work to do.'

Elsewhere, Rhydian was lay on some metal steps, with Maddy lying on him, looking utterly vacant, with his arms around her. 'I don't know why people think I don't care about Maddy. If I didn't care about her, I wouldn't be doing all of this, nobody actually sees how much I've invested in her, not just money but emotionally, nobody sees the way I have nursed her the entire time.'

'I would give anything for my girl, the love of my life, but still they have to come after me to take her off me. And what for - so she can go back to the hellscape of a life that she had before I rescued her? You might have only seen Akiza's plotting, but the truth is, the entire plan was thought up by me, conducted by me, and executed using the exact instructions from me. Because all while I was locked up, all I could think about was her.'

'And now we've got everyone coming after us, people are lining up to take my baby (taps his title belt), they're lining up to take my beautiful girl (strokes the top of Maddy's blonde hair gently), but after tonight, we're never going to be here again, so you can come after me all you like, because I've got what I want, and I'm never giving any of it up.' He then tapped her on the shoulder. 'Anyway, you've got your retirement duel coming up', and whispered down her ear 'It's time to go to work', which changed her demeanour to be far more aggressive and resume her growling.

In the zone

Declan emerged first, looking as unflappable as normal. 'The following is a Chairman's Challenge duel. Introducing first, he is the chairman and co-owner of the Leo Federation of Duelling, Declan Akaba.' When on the verge of the zone, he stopped, and two bodyguards walked out, dressed in all black and wearing sunglasses, allowing him to enter the zone, knowing that he wouldn't then be attacked on Rhydian's orders.

Some time then passed before Maddy appeared to Junction 7's music, growling and flashing her eyes manically, with an angry Rhydian behind her scowling, while dressed in the same suit he wore to court. 'Introducing his opponent, accompanied by her fiance Rhydian Morris, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the Wolfblood Witch - Maddy Smith.' While they walked down, Rhydian tried to share some insults with Maddy's opponent, which got utterly ignored.

As soon as they reached the zone, Declan spoken and although he didn't use a microphone, his voice was authoritative enough to be heard throughout the intimate venue. 'I want you to stay Rhydian. Because I want you to see what you've turned a great competitor into. She is merely a shell, a masquerade of a human, a pathetic specimen. I hope that you're proud of your work, because you've destroyed the supposed love of your life. Now switch her on so I can make an example of her. That is, if there's even enough humanity to make her a "her".' As the duel began, it was clear that the fans still loved Maddy, enough to stop them chanting Rio's name for the first time all show.

Declan Akaba LP:8000 vs. Maddy Smith LP:8000

(Maddy hand: Clear Phantom, Clear Cube, Clear Wolf, Spell of Pain, Clear Rage Golem)

Maddy: 'Draw!' she growled, as Rhydian shouted her on. 'Clear Phantom effect, add Clear World and Clear Wall. Summon Clear Cube (Atk:0).' She paused briefly, before howling as the rose put yet more strain on her destroyed mind, and through tears of pain and howls, summoned her Clear Wolf (Atk:2400), as the smoke enveloped her broken body again. Clear Wall, end turn.' As she writhed around in agony, Declan took his turn without wasting time.

(Declan hand: D/D Dog, D/D Cerberus, Dark Contract with the Swamp King, Dark Contract with the Gate, D/D/D Destiny King Zero Laplace, D/D/D Chaos King Apocalypse)

Declan: 'Am I supposed to believe that this is a fair challenge? Or is this just your way of proving your hold over her? Either way, I will not be complicit to a masquerade, if there is anything in there it is her responsibility to bring it out. I activate Dark Contract with the Gate, using it to add D/D Swirl Slime to my hand. Then I will use Swirl Slime's effect from my hand, fusing it with D/D Cerberus to Fusion summon D/D/D Oracle King D'Arc (Atk:2800).'

'Afterwards, I will activate a second Dark Contract: Dark Contract with the Swamp King. This will fuse my Zero Laplace and Chaos King Apocalypse and Fusion summon D/D/D Wave Oblivion King Caesar Ragnarok (Atk:3200). I set Scale 3 D/D Dog in my Pendulum scale, and end my turn there.' 'Are you fuckin' joking?' Rhydian queried in return, but Declan seemed perfectly comfortable with his move. 'Show me.'

(Maddy hand: Clear Rage Golem, Clear Vice Dragon)

Maddy: 'Draw!' Immediately, Rhydian was barking out orders. 'Tribute for Vice Dragon.' 'My messiah orders, tribute Clear Wolf for Clear Vice Dragon (Atk:?). Attack!' Without raising his voice, Declan calmly stated 'I will return Dark Contract with the Gate to my hand, and use the effect of Ragnarok to absorb your Vice Dragon.' As the Dragon opened its wind in its prison, Ragnarok shot out two hand-like waves, which grasped it and dragged it into the Different Dimension Demon's body. 'End turn.'

(Declan hand: Dark Contract with the Gate, Double Cyclone)

Declan: 'I am the furthest from impressed. This is not the Maddy I wish to face. But as patience is a virtue, I will give you chance to come out of your rotting shell. I would take damage from my Dark Contract with the Swamp King, but due to Oracle King being on my field, I instead gain 1000 Life points (Declan LP:8000-9000). I will then activate Double Cyclone, which will destroy the Clear Vice Dragon attached to my monster, as well as Clear Wall.' The cyclone raged across the field, and shattered the invisible Clear Wall like it was glass. Declan then pushed his glasses up on his face, and continued his turn. 'I'll activate Dark Contract with the Gate, adding D/D/D Destiny King Zero Laplace to my hand. I end my turn.'

(Maddy hand: Clear Rage Golem, Clear Vicious Knight)

Maddy: 'Draw, Clear Rage Golem (Atk:1600).' She then started howling uncontrollably, which lasted for over three minutes, making the ground shudder, and leaving Rhydian trying to hide a severe level of concern. But it was difficult to hide anything from Declan's ever watchful eyes. 'You're so cocky yet even you've lost control. Your actions are putting even you in danger, but you're too' 'Shut up!' Rhydian interjected, angry at being told he was in the wrong. 'My actions will save her, so right now she's going to take her turn.' As she still didn't, he whispered down her ear 'I own your soul!', and this was enough to force her back into action, her eyes still flashing manically.

'Summon Rage Golem, attack!' The Golem attacked with glowing purple eyes, hitting Declan for some damage (Declan LP:9000-7400). 'Rage Golem effect, 300 damage for each card in hand.' 'That's how I know you're not the one I want to face, aggression is nothing without controlling it (Declan LP:7400-7700). 'End turn.'

(Declan hand: D/D/D Vice King Requiem)

Declan: 'I'll draw for my turn, and during the Standby phase, my Contracts will grant me 2000 Life points (Declan LP:7700-9700). Then I'll activate Contract with the Gate to add D/D/D Dragon King Pendragon to my hand. Then I will end my turn.'

(Maddy hand: Clear Vicious Knight, Rose Wolf)

Maddy: 'Draw.' As she did, her eyes started flashing red, and her mouth opened vacantly, before the rose increased the velocity of its already ravenous hunger. 'Death and Rebirth. I send my hand to the graveyard, summon Rose Wolf (Atk:2400). Rose Wolf summons Black Rose Dragon (Atk:2400), and forces its effect which destroys all your cards on summon. I will be the Black Rose Wolf.' Yet again though, Declan batted this away with the greatest of ease.

'I see you've got more tricks to torture her? Well I shouldn't be surprised, however this masquerade of an individual still won't beat me. I activate the effect of D/D Dog, negating the effects of your mistress' Black Rose Dragon until the end of the turn.' Now completely consumed by her monster, Maddy went to attack, but Rhydian held her back, and whispered in her ear again. 'End turn master.'

(Declan hand: D/D/D Vice King Requiem, D/D/D Destiny King Zero Laplace, D/D Orthos)

Declan: 'I'll draw and gain my Life points (Declan LP:9700-11,700). I end my turn, but heed my warning: this is your last chance. Show me what I want to see!' he powerfully demanded while raising his voice for one of the first times.

(Maddy hand: Clear Vicious Knight, Thorn of Malice)

Maddy: 'Draw! Activate Thorn of Malice (Rose Wolf Atk:2400-3000). Attack!' The small floral Wolf let off a primal scream, as a single tear fell from Maddy's eye again, and short thorns from its four paws, lashing the Oracle King, and slicing Declan's face, which he brushed off with his hand wiping away any blood (Declan LP:11,700-11,500). I end my turn.'

(Declan hand: D/D/D Vice KIng Requiem, D/D/D Destiny King Zero Laplace, D/D Orthos, D/D Swirl Slime)

Declan: 'I warned you to show me some independence and fire, and you failed to do so. What happens next is your own doing. I will take my 2000 Life points (Declan LP:11,500-13,500), and use D/D Swirl Slime in my hand, fusing it and Vice King Requiem to Fusion summon D/D/D Dragonbane King Beowulf (Atk:3000).' As Maddy gave no reaction at all, Declan pushed his glasses up again.

'As I suspected, you are so far gone you wouldn't even recognise your own kind. Well how about if I use my Contract with the Swamp King to fuse D/D Orthos and D/D/D Destiny King Zero Laplace to summon another Dragonbane King Beowulf (Atk:3000). And I will use Gate to add D/D Nighthowl to my hand. Now I'll summon Nighthowl (Atk:300), and tune Level 3 Nighthowl to Level 7 Oracle King to summon D/D/D Gust High Alexander, who gains 3000 Attack for there being three D/D/D monsters on my field (Atk:3000-6000).'

'And finally, I will overlay my two Dragonbane King Beowulfs. You want to talk about Black and White, Death and Rebirth, but in my hand I hold the key to the beginning and end of life and the universe itself! Descend from the heavens and destroy this pathetic specimen, D/D/D Duo-Dawn King Kali Yuga (Atk:3500).' As he did this, one material was immediately detached, and Maddy's Clear World disintegrated, with all the pure crystals shattering at once, and in the confusion, Declan attacked, ending the duel as the fans continued to chant Maddy's name (Maddy LP:8000-0).

As the duel concluded, Declan shook his head, and turned, before walking away. As he did though, he had one more statement. 'Tell her to come back if she's freed from this thrall, until that happens she will never be the challenge I'm after.' This statement was enough for Rhydian, who freaked out at the thought of her being freed, and pulled Maddy away and out of the zone, despite her hunting instinct demanding she attacked Declan.

Backstage, Maddy was dragged past Claude, who had sneaked back into the building, and was waiting for Radley and Kari to turn up, which they did shortly after, just past the point where they could have seen the treatment of her. As they did, Claude immediately got into the faces of them both, and told them bluntly 'If you don't beat those two little punks tonight, there are going to be consequences. I don't accept failures, that's why Sgt. Hassleberry's been dismissed.'

After this, Marko and Zak earned a surprise win over Brooke and Jade, edging a tight duel thanks to smart play with Thunder Dragon Colossus. While this was going on, Gracie C (who had performed a short concert after Declan and Maddy's duel) was in Junction 7's room, and seemingly slightly drunk, she started grinding herself up and down Rhydian, who seemed to be quite enjoying the attention.

As she continued, she started to speak softly to him, whispering sweet nothings. 'I bet you're a real cobra in bed if you know what I'm saying. If I was your Maddy, I'd be so grateful for having you just in my life, never mind loving me and going to all this deep, deep trouble (while stroking his chest) just to have me. I bet you're going to make her so perfect that everyone will be jealous because they all want her, but they can't have her.'

'However flattered I am, you know there's nothing between us' 'Oh no, I wouldn't come between you and your Maddy, I'd love to but I know I'd have no chance. I'm just telling you how lucky she is, and how many other women would kill to have you. But none of us deserve you.' She then started hanging off his shoulders as Maddy looked on without a thought, simply the same low growl that was intensifying day to day. 'You truly are the messiah, everyone wants to worship you but only one can.'

She then turned to an unsuspecting Lukas, and started flirting with him as well. 'You know what though, I'm always a sucker for a violent Australian, I like guys who sort things with their fists.' All too happy to flirt, Lukas responded by grabbing her bum, which shocked her at first, but then she started to giggle and enjoy it. 'Why you are a cutie, you can go straight to second base with me. Say, I've got room for a couple of groupies on my tour bus, I don't know if you both fancy coming on there.'

Rhydian wasn't interested, but Lukas and Nash were far more keen, as the Australian expressed by sticking his tongue down her throat. 'Invite me on, I'll go way past second base for you, I'll give you the full home run.' 'Count me in as well, we could do with some excitement, especially from a woman as sensual as you' he expressed, with his arm in a sling after Freja's attack on him.

So with that the three of them left, and after walking to the far end of the car park, they found her silver and pink tour bus. 'You two get on, I forgot to tell you there are some more little chicks in there, ready to be Junction 7-ised.' 'And where are you going?' Lukas asked. 'I'm just going to change into something a little more… comfortable.' She then ran off with her handbag, while Lukas and Nash boarded the bus.

She returned in a loose grey shirt and skirt around five minutes later, and found Lukas hanging out of a broken window, bloodied and out cold, with Belle continuing to beat him brutally with a cricket bat. 'You think you can just beat Maddy up without consequence? Rhydian might be too stupid but I'm not.' She then sat on the broken window for a moment, before diving off with her cricket bat between her legs, bringing it down onto Lukas' neck like a guillotine and making him topple to the ground like a dead weight.

Meanwhile Nash had managed to stumble to the bus doors, but was bloodied and dazed himself, and wasn't able to get away before Donny caught up with him, and smashed a cinder block over the back of his head, before kicking him down the steps as Kris stood in the centre, directing the destruction. 'Head on the steps' he stated confidently, and Donny placed Nash's head there, before a limping Belle (who had hurt her foot landing on the ground) brought her cricket bat over, and with a huge swing upwards, smashed the bat onto the back of the Idahoan's neck, knocking him out as well.

With the destruction complete, Donny walked to Lukas, and took his sunglasses off, revealing a pair of angry greenish blue eyes. He knelt down, picking the Australian's head up as a camera was revealed to be filming the entire thing, and shouted 'The name's Donny Anderson, we're the Renegades, never forget it! As long as you have breath in your bodies, we're never going to stop punishing you!'

In the zone

Shannon entered first, smiling as she did, hair in a pair of braided buns, and carrying her tag title belt behind her. 'The following duel is under Standard rules, introducing first, from Solihull, England, Shannon Kelly.' On her way down, she started shouting at the crowd, who were continuing to only chant for Rio, demanding that she was shown some respect by them. Reaching the zone, she mimicked the Renegades by raising her hand, and waited for her mystery opponent.

The crowd came unglued when Midnight started, and after a significant absence, Kalin walked out in full reaper gear, his now signature harmonica on a string around his neck. He made his way down slowly, staring Shannon right in the eyes as he did, and upon reaching the zone, he got into her face. 'You're all pathetic! I'm going to take pleasure in tearing you down.' She replied by insisting 'We've done nothing wrong, we're just taking back what we're owed.'

Shannon Kelly LP:8000 vs. Kalin Kessler LP:8000

(Kalin hand: Infernity Archfiend, Infernity Launcher, Infernity Archer, Infernity Launcher, Infernity Wildcat)

Kalin: 'You think what you've done is clever? I've been sat up there and I've had to watch you turn her into a dog, so now I'm going to punish you and make you feel the pain of being helpless! I'll start by activating Infernity Launcher, using it to send Infernity Archer to the graveyard. Then I'll discard Infernity Archfiend to summon Infernity Wildcat (Atk:1400). I'll activate a second Infernity Launcher, and use the first one. If I have no cards in my hand, which I do, I can send Launcher to the graveyard and summon back Archer and Archfiend (Atk:2000;1800).'

'Now Infernity Archfiend's effect. If I have no cards in my hand, which I do, I can add an Infernity card to my hand. I'll choose Infernity Suppression. Then I'll set it and tune Level 3 Infernity Wildcat to Level 4 Infernity Archfiend to Synchro summon Chaos King Archfiend (Atk:2600). Now I can use the second Launcher, sending it to the graveyard and summoning Archfiend and Wildcat (Atk:1800;1400).'

'Archfiend's effect will add Infernity Barrier to my hand, and then Level 3 Wildcat tunes to Level 4 Archfiend, and I'll Synchro summon Vagnawa the Moon-Eating Dragon (Atk:1500). When he's summoned, he eats the Level of Infernity Archfiend, gaining 300 Attack for each of its Levels, and then spits out the Level of Wildcat, dealing 300 damage for each of its Levels (Attack:1500-2700; Shannon LP:8000-7100). I end my turn.'

(Shannon hand: Eldlich the Golden Lord, Huaquero of the Golden Land, Eldlixer of White Destiny, Book of Life, Alghoul Mazera, Seven Cities of the Golden Land)

Shannon: 'Don't pretend we're not doing god's work, we're destroying a worthless "empire" and freeing someone who has so much more to offer, more importantly we're freeing my friend. You weren't there when they took her, I was, so I know what happened, and let me tell you, that wasn't a choice, that was him snatching a 17 year old off the street for no good reason and convincing her it's what she wanted.'

'She did a good impression of being happy then. And you really think that this is the right way of doing it? She proved earlier, being micromanaged the way she is being doesn't make you strong, it makes you pathetic. And that's what you and that scumbag are turning her into, a pathetic little trophy wife. She came to Worlds last year with no experience, and she beat me, because she refused to be dominated, refused to be controlled. So why don't you show me that anyone can do that?'

Shannon grinned, and responded 'With pleasure. I draw and I'll activate the effect of Eldlich the Golden Lord, sending Huaquero of the Golden Land to my graveyard along with itself to send your Moon Dragon to the grave.' Eager to react, Kalin responded swiftly. 'I activate Infernity Suppression. When you activate a monster's effect, it's not only negated, but you lose Life points equal to its Level x100.' As Eldlich's ghostly gold hand approached Kalin's monster, it was blasted by a sudden beam of light, as Shannon took more damage (Shannon LP:7100-6100).

'That's just fine, I'll activate Eldlixer of White Destiny to bring Eldlich straight back.' 'I'll activate Infernity Barrier, which will negate your Spell and destroy it.' 'Are you done being inconvenient yet? I'll activate my Book of Life, banishing your Infernity Archfiend and summoning my Eldlich the Golden Lord (Atk:2500).' She expected Kalin to be squirming at this move, but he was cool as ice instead. 'Make your move.'

'Feeling daring are we? I'll make you wish you'd never returned. I'll activate Seven Cities of the Golden Land, and use its effect to fuse Eldlich with Alghoul Mazera in my hand. Descend into delusion! Eldlich the Mad Golden Lord (Atk:3600).' 'Finally a challenge. It only took your entire hand.' 'You can be cocky after I attack your Chaos King Archfiend.' The mad lord created a red storm in his hands, and shot it into Chaos King, ripping the Synchro monster apart (Kalin LP:8000-6800). 'I'll end my turn.'

(Kalin hand: Infernity Archfiend)

Kalin: 'I draw and I'll activate Infernity Archfiend.' 'Handless fake luck eh?' 'Turns out you get what you want when you work on your own accord rather than stealing other people.' 'Just face facts, we're doing what we have to, and Maddy's almost cured. It doesn't matter the pain she's going through right now, because that pain is temporary, and nothing compared to what she's been going through since being kidnapped.'

'You're supposedly her best friend' Kalin snapped in retort, angered beyond belief at what he was hearing. 'You're supposed to care about her, and you just said that it doesn't matter that she's in so much pain. It doesn't matter that she's screaming does it? Because I know that if any friend of mine or any sane human being was going through anything close to that, I'd be desperate for it to stop. That's why you don't deserve to beat me.'

'Because I drew my Archfiend for turn, I can summon it (Atk:1800), and then add Infernity Necromancer to my hand. Now I'll summon Necromancer (Atk:0), but he's not really much of a fighter, so he'll switch to Defence mode (Def.:2000). And Necromancer's effect revives Infernity Wildcat (Atk:1400). Now Level 3 Wildcat tunes Level 4 Archfiend and Level 3 Necromancer. What happens next is entirely your own fault - I summon the nightmare Dragon, Beelzeus of the Diabolic Dragons (Atk:4000).'

'Beelzeus' effect will target your Mad Golden Lord, changing its Attack points to 0, and giving me Life points equal to the Attack it lost (Atk:3800-0; Kalin LP:6800-10,600). Beelzeus, attack her Mad Golden Lord.' Kalin's huge black dragon burned into Mad Golden Lord with searing flames, but was unable to destroy it despite the pain caused (Shannon LP:6100-4100). 'My Mad Golden Lord can't be destroyed in battle.' Annoyed, Kalin grunted 'You're lucky that Beelzeus deals half damage when it attacks after using its effect. Vagnawa on the other hand, isn't restricted.' A fierce lunar blast later, and Shannon was facing down a heavy deficit (Shannon LP:4100-1400). 'I'll end there.'

(Shannon hand: Eldlixer of Scarlet Sanguine)

Shannon: 'I'll draw, switching my Mad Golden Lord to Defence mode (Def.:3500), and ending my turn with a face-down.'

(Kalin hand: Infernity Guardian)

Kalin: 'I'll draw, set a monster and then I'll end my turn seeing as I can't defeat your monster.' 'You realise opposing what we're doing is futile don't you? The process is almost finished anyway, even if you did work with those thieves, you wouldn't be able to get Maddy back, she's almost pure' Shannon taunted, but Kalin still wasn't happy at what he was hearing, and was more than happy to speak his mind.

'This is what you get when a corrupt guy like Bolton gets to run the joint, and I don't care how much I get punished for saying that, because the board are a bunch of imbiciles for ever letting him in.' 'So what - you're going to work with a bunch of thugs?' 'If they ask' he confidently responded. 'If they've got it in hand, they don't need to talk to me. I couldn't care less about them but I do care about Maddy because I respect her, and I sure as hell don't respect any of you.'

(Shannon hand: Conquistador of the Golden Land)

Shannon: 'I'll draw, I set a card and end my turn.'

(Kalin hand: Contract With the Void)

Kalin: 'I'll draw, set a card and end my turn.'

(Shannon hand: Eldlixer of Black Awakening)

Shannon: 'I'll draw and activate Conquistador of the Golden Land, summoning itself as a monster (Atk:500), and destroy your Moon Dragon.' The undead crusader rode into the field on his rotting steed, and with a thrust, had the Dragon slain. 'Now I'll use the effect of Mad Golden Lord, tributing Conquistador to seize your Beelzeus.' 'You're used to snatching things that shouldn't belong to you, aren't you? Face it, you're an awful friend and you don't deserve her.'

This comment appeared to ruffle Shannon's feathers, and she let rip in response. 'It's always been I don't deserve Maddy, my entire life that's been the only question, do you deserve her, when I have done so much for her, I kept her stupid secret for years and years, and how did she repay me? By betraying us' 'So you admit she left of her own accord?' 'She was tricked, she was too… stupid to realise' she shouted through gritted teeth. 'So now it's about time we made her worthy of us. She'll never betray us again after this!'

'I activate Eldlixer of Black Awakening, which will summon Doomking Balerdroch from my deck (Atk:2800). And while I'm at it, I'll activate my face-down Eldlixer of Scarlet Sanguine, which will summon Despair from the Dark from my deck (Atk:2800). Despair, attack his only remaining monster.' Shannon's ghostly monster clutched the set monster with a blood red hand, but couldn't overcome it (Infernity Guardian Def.:1800). 'While I have no cards in my hand, my Guardian can't be destroyed. It's going to protect me until

(Kalin hand: Infernity Force)

Kalin: 'I'll draw, set a face-down and pass my turn.'

(Shannon hand: Meteorain)

Shannon: 'I'll draw, and since I can't destroy your monsters, I'll end my turn and use Conquistador's graveyard effect, banishing it for Eldlixer of Scarlet Sanguine.

(Kalin hand: Infernity Suppression)

Kalin: 'I'll draw and set a card again.' Eager for Shannon to attack, he then pulled the proverbial strings once again. 'If this was Maddy facing me, she'd have won by now. The real Maddy that is, not the fictional kid you seem to remember. Compared to her, you're absolutely nothing, a nobody,' 'I'm much better than plain old Maddy' 'No you're not, because "plain old Maddy" wasn't plain, she had a spark you couldn't put out. Until you managed that.'

(Shannon hand: Eldlixer of Black Awakening)

Shannon: 'You're going to pay for saying that. I draw and I'll activate Black Awakening again, to summon Il Blud (Atk:2200). Then I'll activate Mad Golden Lord's effect, tributing Eldlich the Golden Lord.' ' And I'll activate Infernity Suppression again.' Keen on not dropping extremely low on points, Shannon chose to stop this. 'I'll activate Doomking Balerdroch's effect, tributing Mad Golden Lord to negate your effect.'

With the Suppression blocked by her mighty Doomking, Shannon seemed comfortable enough to declare 'Maddy would never be able to do this. Now she's almost clear, ready to be rebuilt as perfect. I activate Meteorain, so all my monsters do Piercing damage this turn. And I'll Gemini summon Il Blud so it can revive Eldlich the Mad Golden Lord (Atk:3800). And I activate Scarlet Sanguine, to revive Eldlich the Golden Lord (Atk:2500). Balerdroch, attack Infernity Guardian with Lost Doom.'

Kalin though, was determined to keep himself in it. 'You really are the dumbest bitch I've ever met. I activate Infernity Force, which will destroy your monster for daring to attack my Guardian.' 'I'll use the effect of Balerdroch, to banish your Guardian in response to your card effect activating.' As his Guardian disappeared, Kalin nodded. 'That's fine, because Force has a second effect to summon an Infernity from my graveyard. I'll bring back Guardian (Def.:1800).'

'Well we can do battle again then. Beelzeus, attack.' The darkest diabolic Dragon roasted Kalin's guardian, which survived, at the cost of his Life points (Kalin LP:10,600-8400). 'Mad Golden Lord is next.' A red storm was thrown by the mad lord, ripping Guardian apart before the skull shield reformed itself (Kalin LP:8400-6400). 'Eldlich, attack.' The regular Golden Lord used its midas touch to turn the Guardian to gold, before shattering it, only for it to again rebuild (Kalin LP:6400-5700). 'And finally Il Blud has an attack.' The horrifying, tortured face inside Il Blud shot out of its rotund host, and lunged at Guardian, splitting it in half until it once again returned (Kalin LP:5700-5300). 'You're lucky, I end my turn.'

(Kalin hand: Pot of Duality)

Kalin: 'I draw. I'll activate Pot of Duality, I can't Special summon this turn, but I get to see three cards off the top of my deck, and add one to my hand.' Strangely, as soon as he saw the top card, he immediately added it to his hand. 'That'll do, the others shuffle into my deck. It's Infernity Force by the way. I'll set it and end my turn.'

(Shannon hand: El Dorado Adalentado)

Shannon: 'I'll draw and use Il Blud to revive Doomking Balerdroch (Atk:2800). Then I'll banish all three Eldlixers in my graveyard - Black Awakening, White Destiny, and Scarlet Sanguine. Each one searches a Golden Land card, so I'll get Huaquero, Conquistador and Guardian of the Golden Land. I end my turn setting one card.' This was a calculated move from Shannon, aware that any move she could make would be, at best, pointless, and at worst, detrimental.

(Kalin hand: Call of the Haunted)

Kalin: 'I draw and set one card before passing my turn again.'

(Shannon hand: Cursed Eldland)

Shannon: 'I'll draw and activate El Dorado Adelantado! This shuffles three banished Eldlixers with different names back into my deck, and destroys every monster on the field in response. Except both my Mad Golden Lord and Beelzeus can't be destroyed by it.' The Mad Golden Lord roared, and with his eyes glowing a violent red, ripped the floor of the field up, destroying all other monsters as it did and a shockwave rocked them both. 'And that's you done. Don't feel bad though, Maddy will be much better soon.' The combo attack of Beelzeus and Eldlich blasted Kalin out of the zone, ending the duel (Kalin LP:5300-0).

As the duel concluded, Shannon laughed, and walked up to her defeated opponent, continuing to taunt him. 'She's never coming back, because the true Maddy's yet to be born. She's black and white - death and rebirth, the first rule of alchemy - to create, you must give equal value. To give her life, we need to take her life.' She laughed, and tilted her head while laughing at Kalin, before walking away, as he shook his head.

As Kalin returned backstage, he entered a small room, while Blair and Astrid were waiting for an interview, having watched Kalin and Shannon. As the interviewer approached, Shannon's words were discussed immediately. 'I see you both watching the monitor, I take it you saw Shannon's post-duel words?' 'Heard them loud and clear' Blair responded with a certain steel in her eyes. 'It just reinforces why we have to win.'

Astrid then took the microphone. 'We have to win tonight to get our title shot. It's not the titles that even matter, they're pretty and they mean a lot, but in this situation we couldn't care less about those belts, it's the opportunity, forcing Maddy and Shannon to be face-to-face with us so we can take her home. That is why we have to win.' 'And we will do whatever we have to in order to win. You can salute that.'

Their interview however, was cut short when one of the camerawomen noticed Kalin returning from the room he had retired to. Except he wasn't alone, as Rio was right behind him. Rushing out, she brushed them off, but they managed to catch up with Kalin as he was leaving the building. 'Kalin, we just saw you talking to Rio, can you tell us anything?' 'Yes, she's very persuasive and she's got Blair's iron will.' 'What were you talking about?' He just smiled coyly and stated 'You'll find out.'

In the duelling zone

The Varsity Club were first out, wearing their jackets, Astrid with the top of her hair braided, and Blair sporting a red hairband. As they walked down, they signed a sparse amount of autographs, but it was clear that they were totally focused. While their music pumped along, they marched down in time with it, and reaching the zone, they both stamped their right foot down in time with each other, and saluted.

Kari and Radley then appeared, wearing matching green army jackets with their stripes on them. They were slightly more open to signings on their way down, and appeared to be enjoying not having Claude around. As they reached the zone, the two of them immediately leant in for a somewhat tense handshake with Blair and Astrid, the two teams locking eyes significantly as they were introduced.

'The following is your main event, and is a Top Contender's Duel for the WDC Tag-Team Championships. Introducing first, representing the Renegades, they are the duo of the Jewel of the St. Clair, Blair Flannigan, and the Natural - Astrid Hofferson.' They raised their arms and their opponents were introduced. 'And introducing the opponents, representing the Regiment, they are the duo of Kari Tsukumo and Radley, the No Remorse Corps.' They activated their duel disks immediately in a sign of intent. 'Bring everything you've got' Radley challenged, and Blair responded swiftly with 'You can't handle what we've got.'

Top Contender's Duel: Varsity Club (Blair Flannigan/Astrid Hofferson) LP:8000 vs. No Remorse Corps (Radley/Kari Tsukumo) LP:8000

(Kari hand: Dodododwarf Gogogoglove, Gagaga Magician, Goblindbergh, Hyper-Rank-up Magic Utopiforce, Xyz Reflect)

Kari: 'I'll open and summon Goblindbergh (Atk:1400). And it can summon Dodododwarf Gogogoglove from my hand (Atk:0). And I'll overlay them both to summon Number 39: Utopia (Atk:2500). Afterwards, I can overlay it to summon Number 39: Utopia Ray V (Atk:2500). Then I'll activate my Hyper-Rank-up Magic Utopiforce, to overlay it again, and Xyz summon Number 99: Utopia Dragonar (Atk:3000).'

'And I'm not done, because I can use its effect to detach two materials (Xyz Materials:4-2), and summon an Xyz monster from my Extra deck. Come, Number 100: Numeron Dragon (Atk:0). Then because one of the materials I detached for the effect was Utopiforce, its effect in the graveyard allows me to attach it as a material to Numeron Dragon (Materials:0-1). I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Astrid hand: Vala, Seidr of the Generaider Bosses, Chicken Game, Generaider Boss Stage, Loptr, Shadow of the Generaider Bosses, Valkyrie Sigrun, Phoenix Gearblade)

Astrid: 'I know you've suddenly become fast friends with Blair, but no offence, we have to win. I'll draw, and start with Chicken Game.' 'I'll respond with the effect of my Dragonar, detaching its last two materials to Xyz summon Number 38: Hope Harbinger Dragon Titanic Galaxy (Atk:3000). And while I'm at it, I'll use the effect of Numeron Dragon, to detach a material and gain Attack equal to the combined Ranks of all Xyz monsters on the field x1000.'

Numeron Dragon glowed a brilliant gold colour, and it gained an immense amount of power, putting severe pressure on the Varsity Club (Atk:0-17000). I know what you said about you have to win, but so do we, because we're not giving up this shot without a fight.' 'If that's all you're bothered about, then you've got no chance of beating us. I'll use Chicken Game, paying 1000 Life points to draw a card.'

Without even having more than a cursory look at the card, she continued onwards. 'Now I'll send Loptr to my graveyard and summon Vala (Def.:2500). And because I did that, Vala can immediately revive it (Atk:1500). Now I'll equip Loptr with Phoenix Gearblade, giving it 300 more Attack points (Atk:1500-1800). But I'll immediately send it to the graveyard so I can summon Valkyrie Sigrun (Atk:2200). And because Gearblade was sent from my field to the grave, it returns to my hand.'

'Now I'll activate my Generaider Boss Stage.' This was the moment Kari had been waiting for. 'I'll activate the effect of Hope Harbinger to negate your Spell card and attach it as a material.' This was expected to be the beginning of a quick end for the Renegade team, but Astrid clearly had other ideas. 'I'll activate my Set Rotation. Now I get a Field spell, but so do you, I take two from my deck and set them both, one on each side. I'll take Boss Stage for myself, and you can have Magical Mid-Breaker Field.'

'Now I'll activate Boss Stage again.' As she did, Kari groaned, aware that she was being outplayed. 'I'll then tribute Loptr through its effect to summon Mardel, Generadier Boss of Light (Atk:2400). Mardel's effect will add Generaider Boss Room to my hand. Then I'll overlay my three Level 9 monsters to Xyz summon Laevateinn, Generaider Boss of Shadows (Atk:3000). But she isn't staying, because I'm more interested in her effect, tributing herself to summon the infinite conqueror.'

She then raised her red right hand and screamed 'Descend to the mortal plane! Jormungardr, Generaider Boss of Eternity (Atk:0). And through Laevateinn's effect, I can attach materials from either field to Jormungardr. I'll attach Numeron Dragon, Utopia Dragonar, and your face-down.' This appeared to surprise Kari. 'You're leaving the Spell negate?' 'That's what I said (Atk:3000). And I'll also use Jormungandr's effect to detach a material and make us both draw a card, then attach a card from each of our hands to it.' Kari attached Rank-up-Magic Zexal Force, while Astrid attached Ride of the Valkyries. With that, she ended her turn, not being allowed to attack until everyone had taken a turn.

(Radley hand: Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Elephant, Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Bear, Fire Formation - Tenki, Fire Formation - Domei, Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Leopard, Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Eland)

Radley: 'I'll draw and' 'Forget about my Boss Stage? I'll summon Nidhogg, Generaider Boss of Ice (Def.:2800), and four Tokens (Def.:1500x4).' 'Fine, I activate Fire Formation - Tenki, to add Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Spirit to my hand. Then I summon Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Elephant (Atk:1000-1100). When Elephant's summoned, I can send Tenki to the graveyard with its effect and summon Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Bear (Atk:1600). Then I'll use the effect of Elephant, to shuffle Tenki back into my deck from my graveyard, and add a Level 5 or higher Fire Fist to my hand. I'll add Eland.'

'Now I activate Fire Formation - Domei, offering Eland as a tribute for Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Eland (Atk:2400).' 'Eland into Eland, sweet' Blair quietly complimented, which went totally unnoticed by the Californian. 'By discarding Leopard from my hand, he's going to set Fire Formation - Tenken from my deck. Now I'll Link off Bear and Elephant to Link summon Link 2, Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Eagle (Atk:1700). With Eagle's effect, I'll return Domei to my hand and send Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Buffalo to my graveyard. Normally I'd need to send a pair of Fire Formations to the graveyard for Buffalo to revive itself, but with Eagle, that cost is bypassed (Def.:1000). I end my turn with a face-down.'

(Blair hand: Wolf in Sheep's Clothing, Shaddoll Dragon, Aleister the Invoker, Summoner Monk, Fusion Parasite, Curse of the Shadow Prison)

Blair: 'C'mon Radley, I might not have that good a reputation, but it's not like I don't understand object permanence, there's literally only one card your face-down can be. I'll draw and summon Summoner Monk (Atk:800). But when he's summoned, he forces himself to abstain from battling, going straight into Defence (Def.:1600). Now he'll send Curse of the Shadow Prison to the graveyard, and summon Rescue Ferret (Atk:600).'

'Now for the effect of my Rescue Ferret, I can shuffle it into my deck to summon monsters whose total Levels equal 6, as long as one is summoned to the Link arrow of my Artemis. I'll summon Shaddoll Falco and Naelshaddoll Genius (Atk:600;1800). Now I'm Linking off my Falco and Genius, to summon Link 2, the precursor to the new world, Shaddoll Construct (Atk:1200). With her effect, I can immediately fuse her with Artemis to Fusion summon El Shaddoll Construct (Atk:2800).'

This left Kari in awe. 'I set up the hard counter and you both just side-step it like it's nothing… this is a whole other level.' 'Trust me, you've not even seen the next level. This shit is baby steps. Construct's effect will send Helshaddoll Hollow to the graveyard, and with Hollow's effect, for each Attribute on the field, I can mill an equal number of cards off the top. As there's three (Jormungardr=Earth, Construct+Number 38=Light, Fire Fist Eagle and Ingen=Fire), I'll mill three cards.'

And the cards were all good as well. 'Chain Link 1 Shaddoll Beast, to draw a card. Chain Link 2 Shaddoll Squamata, to send Falco from my deck to the grave. Chain Link 3 Shaddoll Hedgehog, add Shaddoll Hound from my deck to my hand. Then on a separate chain, Falco will summon itself face-down. I'll set two cards face-down and end my turn. Just so you know, the only reason you're still in this is because I can't attack yet. Get the message yet? You might be good, but at this level, you're distinctly 2nd place.'

She then readied for a move herself, as Astrid encouraged her on. 'And to send that message even clearer, your days are numbered. I activate Terminal Countdown!' As she did, a small bomb appeared in the middle of Kari and Radley's field. 'During each of your End phases, I can set a Spell or Trap from my deck to my field. Then during either of our Main phases, we can send this to the grave with all the cards it set to deal major damage. But we'll talk more about that when we're about to win. For now I'll set Black Pendant.'

(Kari hand: Dodododwarf Gogogoglove, Raigeki)

Kari: 'That might be, but we're not going down without fighting. I'll draw and activate Raigeki.' Immediately, Astrid actioned a response. 'I activate Jormungardr's effect, so we all draw a card and then attach one as a material.' Almost instinctively, Radley responded 'I'll negate with Eland', before the lightning of Raigeki destroyed the monsters on Blair and Astrid's fields. 'Now I'll attack directly with Hope Harbinger.'

The dragon with full body armour flew close to the Varsity Club, and then unleashed a blinding blast of blue lightning (Varsity Club LP:8000-5000). As Kari was preparing to attack again though, she saw that Blair had flipped a face-down up, and there was a dark aura around their field. 'You really didn't want to do that. I activate the Trap card Wolf in Sheep's Clothing, and this one's going to give you a scare. It allows me to summon two Level 1 monsters of the same name; one from my hand, one from my deck. I summon two Fusion Parasites (Atk:0x2).'

'And Fusion Parasite has an effect, whereby as soon as it's Special summoned, I can Fusion summon! If they can play with parasites…' Blair's eyes then went wide, as she and Astrid both grinned madly to each other. 'Then so can I! Fill up, Starving Venom Fusion Dragon (Atk:2800).' 'He's not too bad…' Kari mumbled half jokingly, half sarcastically, but Blair wasn't laughing. 'On summon, he can eat up the Attack points of your strongest monster. Told you, one false move and you're done (Atk:2800-5800).' Dumbfounded, Kari ended her turn, and Blair set another Black Pendant off her Terminal Countdown.

(Astrid hand: Generaider Boss Loot)

Astrid: 'You're doomed, and I'm going to hasten your demise. I'll send Generaider Boss Loot to the graveyard and summon Vala, Seidhr of the Generaider Bosses from my graveyard (Atk:2500). And she's going to revive Nidhogg (Atk:2100). Now I'll overlay my two monsters to summon True King of All Calamities (Atk:3000). Starving Venom, destroy Hope Harbinger, the point is proven.'

The supercharged Dragon powered through Harbinger with a putrid venom shot, which melted it like acid, leaving only bones and a truly horrified Kari, who was starting to truly see the power of the opposing tandem, despite nominally still being ahead (NRC LP:8000-5200). 'True King of All Calamities, attack Eland.' The all black and shadowy King slowly loomed towards Eland, whose sword had no effect, and ripped its head off with a single surge of dark breath (NRC LP:5200-4600). 'I end my turn. Your next turn's not going to be very fun.'

(Radley hand: Night Beam)

Radley: 'I'll draw for my turn.' Eyes focused but narrowed and with an unforgiving attitude, the merciless Astrid pressed her advantage in a truly crippling manner. 'True King of All Calamities, activate your effect. By detaching one material, it can force every monster that is on your field or will be this turn to be one particular attribute, and negates the effects of all monsters in your possession of that attribute. I choose Fire. So you can't activate them on the field, in the hand, in your grave or banishment, nowhere.'

Understanding that the result was likely only a formality at this point, Radley still tried. 'I'll activate Night Beam to destroy one of Blair's face-downs, delaying the count.' 'That may be, but Black Pendant still deals 500 damage (NRC LP:4600-4100).' 'I end my turn.' 'And I set another card off Terminal Countdown. We're back up to two.'

(Blair hand: Aleister the Invoker, Storm)

Blair: 'I'll draw, and end my turn, there's no more we need to do apart from set a 3rd card for Terminal Countdown. This time it's Fuhma Shuriken.'

(Kari hand: Dodododwarf Gogogoglove, Zubababancho Gagagacoat)

Kari: 'I'll draw.' 'I activate the effect of Calamities once again, detaching a material and declaring Light.' Kari knew that she could summon a monster, but without any monster effects, she couldn't go any further, and therefore just ended her turn. 'With the effect of Terminal Countdown, I'll set another Fuhma Shuriken.' As she did, the siren on Terminal Countdown started blaring deafeningly, and the end was nigh.

(Astrid hand: Overlay Regen)

Astrid: 'I'll draw. During the Main phase, I can send Terminal Countdown to the graveyard along with the four cards set off it to deal 6000 damage. And when Black Pendant goes to the grave, it does 500 damage, and the same for Shuriken but it's 700 instead. So that's 8400 points of damage. LET HER RIP!' As the two declared this together, the siren increased in ferocity and speed, before a ghostly hand appeared and cut one of the wires for the bomb, causing a giant explosion which obliterated every card on the field, and left Kari and Radley defeated, having been totally outclassed (NRC LP:4100-0).

As the duel ended, Astrid and Blair slapped hands, knowing that they had done exactly what they had to. Kari and Radley then walked up to them, and went to shake their hands, only for Radley to push Astrid to the ground suddenly, before blocking a heavy iron mace that Claude had been swinging towards her neck. Undeterred, he pushed Radley away, and went to swing at her again, only for the Californian to kick the weapon clean out of his hand, and far away towards the entrance gate. He then got in Claude's face, and without hesitation, stated 'We're with Hassleberry.', before he and Kari threw their stripes at him and quit, as he abandoned the attack to protest this.

Meanwhile, Blair and Astrid signed a few autographs before returning backstage, where Rio greeted them. 'Good job out there, one step closer.' 'The way we won felt brutal considering they're good guys.' Rio shrugged, and stated 'You did exactly what you had to. Nobody worth a damn will begrudge you that. Now I suggest that you go and talk to Michael, and get this title shot sorted out.' A familiar voice then taunted 'Or you could just challenge us directly.'

They turned around to find Junction 7 stood right in front of them, and Akiza, unaware of the title duel at No Mercy already being set up, and under no pressure at all, made a firm challenge. 'I've got a little proposal: you two pipsqueaks against me and Maddy at No Mercy for the titles, and if you lose, you both agree in the contract to become my slaves.' Immediately, they turned to each other, and said 'We accept.'

Rhydian then protested, confronting Akiza. 'Hang on, we're not going to be at the event.' 'You are now.' she sassily stated. Radley then walked into shot with Michael behind him. 'Don't worry, you won't be sitting on your ass the entire time, in fact you're going to be opening the show, because I want my title shot. If you want to emigrate to the Caribbean, you're gonna need money, and you ain't getting any of it until you beat me.' As he said this, Astrid spoke directly to Maddy. 'It's time to see the light.'

Next time: Belle tries to make up with Freja, but when she has other plans on her mind, Lydia tries to manipulate the situation. And while Blair fears about the future, will Astrid and Freja both find secret weapons? R: Ultra Evolution Book 16: A Study in Scarlet Petals