R: Ultra Evolution
Book 33: Old Wars Die Hard
The club were en route to the WDC's inaugural event in Poland, and Astrid and Freja were discussing the letter that they had received from Maddy, with Belle listening in eagerly. 'I'm just so happy that she's starting to find some peace now, because the way she was before was horrible.' Astrid agreed with Freja's sentiment, but still bemoaned 'Doesn't stop us all missing her though, as stupid as it sounds, I just hope she finds this peace quickly.' Realising that Belle hadn't read the letter, Astrid then withdrew it from her pocket, and passed it over.
"To Astrid, Freja and everyone. It's so great to hear from you, I'm sorry I barely said anything the last time I replied. I want you all to know that I'm doing a lot better right now, I feel like I'm starting to heal slightly. It's a long process but I'm optimistic for the future. When I'm coming back I don't know yet, it's probably still going to be a while. I'm hoping at some point I'll be up for a visit though.'
'In the meantime please look after yourselves. Astrid, I know what you're doing to yourself, and I want you to know that there's always a better way, you don't have to do this to yourself. I'm keeping every letter you send me pinned up on my wall here, and I promise that I will come back and make things right. I do miss you all, but I'm not coming back until I know that I'm ready. Until I see you again, signed with love, Maddy.'
Seeing Astrid getting emotional at the letter, Freja quickly tried to divert the subject though. 'So, how's it going with Phil? Has he… called on you yet?' She shook her head in response. 'I keep telling him to do whatever he wants, I'll do it, but he's just hesitant to do anything, it's almost like he can't bring himself to control me despite everything. I know he wants to do it, especially because I want him to. He's even trying to bring me out of the trance, but I keep telling him that if anything, I need more. Not least because it's eased my flying issues.'
'I did think you'd been remarkably calm about being on a plane for three hours' Belle mused, before telling Astrid 'If you want to do more, just tell him straight.' 'I've tried, but he just won't, he keeps insisting that I have to "learn to cope" without understanding.' Seeing her frustration, Belle reassured her 'I'll have a word with him later. I've got a duel with Rhydian to prepare for anyway.' This appeared to confuse both her teammates, as this duel hadn't been announced previously, but with her being so helpful, they took a look at each other and didn't argue.
While this was being discussed, Blair and Jade were filling Hannah in on the details of their big move. 'So we've talked with the landlord, and he's let us move with two weeks' notice instead of the usual four, I think he already has someone lined up for it. We're going to get everything packed up the day before, and just crash at the base overnight.' Jade then pointed out 'That was her decision by the way, I said we could probably just get up early on the morning of the move, but little miss sleepyhead refuses to get up before 8.'
'I told you, it's so we're not rushing and forgetting things.' 'And as the landlord said, if we leave anything behind, he'll be doing a sweep of the flat before he rents it out again and he'd get it delivered to our new address.' 'So what's this place like then? I've heard you talking about it, but I've not actually seen any pictures.' 'It's going to be amazing, it's got these beautiful walls with cream coloured wallpaper, maple coloured floors, bright spacious hallways, and oh my god the bedrooms.'
'I bet Ally's going to be delighted to have her own room. Speaking of' 'Oh yeah, she's at the base with Sak, she's got the Dragon Duels UK Qualifiers coming up, and we thought it would be good for her to get some prep in.' 'Dragon Duels, that's the underage one, right?' 'Yep, Under-16s. If she comes Top 4 in this, she gets to go to the European one next.' 'It's exciting times then.'
Rio then walked past them, mumbling 'Yeah, it's exciting when you're allowed to pay for it', leading to Blair shouting after her 'Just a reminder, we would have told Astrid no if she'd bothered asking rather than using an 11 year old as a cash smuggler. Also you're paying plenty out already, and it's not like you're not still just as important to us.' 'I know, but it would have been nice to do something special for you.' 'You're literally the reason we met Rio' Jade laughed in response. 'What's more special than introducing me to my gorgeous jewel?' Jade and Blair then started making faces at each other, and Rio made a point of moving away from them.
As they walked through the airport, they were greeted by the sight of Celina and her vacant glare with Junction 7. And Astrid and Belle immediately recognised something with Rhydian. 'The way he's holding her…' Astrid started, before Belle concluded 'It's the way he used to hold Maddy. It's easy when you can just replace her like that.' Incensed at what she was seeing, Belle stormed over to them alone, with Phil slow to react to her movement.
Seeing Belle coming over, Nash remarked 'You're brave', but she was far from interested in him, going straight to Rhydian, and effortlessly palming Celina away as she tried to block her path. 'It's easy when you can just replace Maddy isn't it? When you didn't actually care about her, all that matters to you is the fucking control isn't it? For so long I had to listen to you talk about her like some kind of object, referring to her as your "Stage 3 girl", laughing at her when she was screaming in pain. So now it's time that I put you down once and for all - you and me today.'
Shocked at Belle finding her voice, Rhydian confidently told her 'Deal, and when you do' 'I'll tell you where Maddy is. Dynastic Gamble. Because I can 100% guarantee that you are NOT going to win, you don't stand a hope in hell.' Delighted at the stipulation, Rhydian informed her 'You've just got yourself a deal. Just one thing though - if you somehow win, what's your reward?' Full of intensity, she responded 'Beating you would be reward enough. I'll see you out there, I suggest you get your will drafted.'
This warning caused a lump in Rhydian's throat, but everyone's attention was quickly diverted by the smashing of plates. As they looked around, Astrid and Claude could be seen brawling across the airport, the smashing having been caused by the Dane having his head pushed into a stack of dinner plates in one of the airport's restaurants. As everybody watched, Claude picked up one of the chairs from the eatery, and threw it at Astrid, with a rough corner of the wooden seat grazing behind her ear as she dodged.
She then pounced on him, and stamped on his face, but as she started emptying drinks cans from a fridge, ready to pick it up and drop it on Claude, airport security tackled her, while other members of security held her back, with cameras going off all the while. As Claude continued to be restrained, Astrid was placed in handcuffs, and led out of the airport, as a result of her starting the brawl.
While Rio checked over Astrid medically, Phil and Belle were having a catch-up. 'Good on you with the challenge. If you want, we can put some security in to' 'I don't need the help, but thank you. I want to beat him 1-1, and I want to do it comprehensively. Did you finish checking over my new deck?' 'Yep, you planning on using it against him?' 'Yeah, it's meant as a doubles deck really, but it should do the job, and I like the feel of it. You can put safeguards in just in case I lose if you want, but they won't be needed.'
As he nodded in understanding, Belle remembered the other subject she wanted to discuss with him. 'There was something else, I was talking to Astrid, and she's really struggling still, she was reading that letter again and she was almost breaking down. She really just doesn't feel like she's being given equal treatment, she wants to be treated like Freja because she's doing this voluntarily as well, and she didn't want to tell you because… well to be honest, I think she's scared of offending you.'
Taking this on board, Phil told Belle to 'Bear with me', and then went to speak to Hannah. 'Judging by the look on your face, you're going to ask me something weird again.' 'I just want to ask if you're ok if I give Astrid the full treatment? She's really struggling and' 'Go ahead, you don't need permission' she responded calmly. 'I know I don't need permission, but I don't want to do this if you're not on board with it, we're getting married in a few weeks and the last thing I want to do is cause any issues for you.'
'Don't worry about it, I understand' she told him, before continuing 'I know why you're doing it, and judging by what we discussed the other day, you know what you're doing to resolve the situation. Just the normal rules apply.' 'You know I wouldn't go anywhere near that far anyway.' 'I do, but there's no harm reminding you' she smiled, as they kissed each other. 'I'm lucky I've got a soon to be wife who's so understanding.' 'Well if you weren't so good at explaining why you're doing things, I might not be.'
In the arena, the show opened with a recap of Claude challenging Rio, and then their confrontation at the end of the LFD show. Afterwards, Shannon and Nash entered for their duel, to a chorus of boos from an unforgiving crowd. 'Your opening duel here at WDC World Tour: Warsaw is for the WDC Tag-Team Championships. Introducing first, the challengers, representing Junction 7, they are the team of "The Shark" Nash Kastle, and Shannon Kelly.' While they vehemently disagreed with the fans' opinions, the commentators introduced them.
"'Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to another WDC World Tour event, we start with the WDC Tag Titles being defended. Nash Kastle and Shannon Kelly represent the well-established Junction 7 stable, and are two very reliable competitors. Shannon will likely lead off with her Glory of the Golden Land deck, looking to sit behind the sturdy Eldlich the Golden Lord and disrupt the opponent with sneaky Trap Monsters, waiting for Nash to leave them all washed up with his Swimming with Sharks deck, which provides plenty of offensive bite. They may not be an established team, but they are very dangerous."
While they awaited their opponents, the Bad Breed's music started, and Astrid and Freja walked out, Astrid sporting a bandage just below her hairline, and with them matching pink shirts with their team name scrawled on in sharp and aggressive-looking sapphire blue writing, as was Belle who was stood by them. 'Introducing their opponents, representing the Dynasty, and accompanied by the" Myth", Belle Draper, they are the team of the "Natural" Astrid Hofferson, and the "Wildfire" Freja McKinna, the Bad Breed.'
"The new WDC Tag-Team Champions, the Bad Breed arrive, this configuration doesn't have a lot of experience together, but Astrid and Freja have proven to be very hard to beat, winning through an eight team tournament. Astrid has proven to be highly unstable of late, but whether it's her traditional Nordic values that she sports, or her new Generaider and Runick builds, this multi-time former World Amateur Champion is always a threat. As for Freja, her trusted Drytron Constellation deck has all the hallmarks of her manager Phil, being strong and versatile Light Machines that grind the opponent down and always find a way to get the job done. They're a powerful pair, and should not be underestimated."
WDC Tag-Team Championships: Junction 7 (Nash Kastle/Shannon Kelly) LP:8000 vs. [c] Bad Breed (Astrid Hofferson/Freja McKinna) LP:8000
(Shannon hand: Eldlich the Golden Lord, Huaquero of the Golden Land, Shockwave, Eldlixer of White Destiny, Conquistador of the Golden Land)
Turn 1: Shannon: 'I'll take this turn big boy. I'll start with Eldlixer of White Destiny, to summon Eldlich the Golden Lord from my hand (Def.:3000). Then I'll set three cards and end my turn.'
(Freja hand: Drytron Alpha Thuban, Drytron Delta Altais, Eva, Cyber Angel Benten, Drytron Nova, Drytron Gamma Eltanin)
Freja: 'I'll draw and I'll activate Drytron Alpha Thuban, tributing Gamma Eltanin to summon it (Def.:0). Then I can add a Ritual monster to my hand, and I'm going to grab Drytron Meteonis Quadrantids. Now I'll activate Drytron Nova, summoning Drytron Zeta Aldihibah (Atk:2000). Then Zeta will add Meteonis Drytron to my hand, and I can overlay them both to Xyz summon Drytron Mu Beta Fafnir (Atk:2000).'
'I'll then use Gamma, tributing Cyber Angel Benten.' 'You're not summoning your Gamma, because I have Huaquero of the Golden Land, summoning itself as a monster (Def.:1500), and banish your Gamma.' Keeping focused, Freja continued her play. 'That's fine, Benten gives me a search anyway. I'll add another Benten, then I'll activate Delta Altais, tributing Benten (Def.:0). Now I can reveal Meteonis Drytron in my hand to draw a card because of Delta, while Benten adds a 3rd Benten.'
'After all that I'll activate Meteonis Drytron. To summon a Ritual monster with 4000 Attack, I need to tribute monsters with that amount of Attack. So I'll give up the Delta Altais on my field and the Eva and Benten in my hand to summon Drytron Meteonis Quadrantids (Atk:4000). Tributing Eva, I can banish Benten and Eva from my graveyard to add two Level 2 or below Fairies to my hand. I'll grab Herald of Orange Light and Herald of Green Light, while Benten can add Cyber Angel Dakini to my hand. And I'll use Quadrantids' effect to clear your field of Spells and Traps. Including your Huaquero, because joke's on you, I studied Spanish in school.'
'That's fine, I'll activate Conquistador of the Golden Land first, to take out all of your Quadrantids' Attack points.' 'Because I control a Machine Ritual monster, I can detach one of Mu Beta Fafnir's materials to negate and destroy your Trap. With that sorted, I'll make sure your Golden Lord doesn't want to come back to life, because Bad Breed isn't just a name, it's a way of life.' Quadrantids' wings shone brightly, summoning blinding meteors from the sky, crushing Eldlich's head and destroying it. 'Mu Beta, attack.' Fafnir scorched in with a white-hot blast of fire, dealing the first damage of the event (J7 LP:8000-6000). 'I end my turn.' Still intense at the end of her turn, Freja fired up the symbol of excellence, followed by Astrid, as the crowd applauded.
(Nash hand: Lantern Shark, Buzzsaw Shark, Silent Angler, Rank-up-Magic Barian's Force, Shark Stickers, Water Hazard)
Nash: 'I'll draw and summon Buzzsaw Shark (Atk:1600). And I'll then summon Silent Angler to go with it (Atk:800). Now I can use the effect of Buzzsaw Shark, targeting itself to summon a monster of the same Level from my deck. I'll summon Lantern Shark (Atk:1500), and immediately overlay it and Buzzsaw to summon Number 101: Silent Honor Ark (Atk:2100). And I'll then use Rank-up-Magic Barian's Force, to rebuild the overlay network with' 'You're not rebuilding anything, because I'll use Mu Beta's effect, detaching its last material.'
Placed in a difficult position, Nash tried to fight his way out the only way he had. 'I activate Silent Honor ARK's effect, detaching both materials' 'I activate Herald of Orange Light, sending itself and Purple Light to the graveyard to negate its effect and destroy it.' A fierce orange light emerged as ARK attempted to steal away Quadrantids, and melted the tentacles before making ARK burst into flames.
'I've still got this - Water Hazard, allowing me to summon Lantern Shark (Atk:1500). Then it can be joined by Shark Stickers (Atk:200). Now I'll overlay them both, because Lantern Shark can treat itself as a Level 3 monster, to Xyz summon Xyz Armor Torpedo (Atk:2500). Then I'll use its effect detaching two to draw a card, before I rank it up into Rank 5, Xyz Armor Fortress (Atk:2500). By detaching its material, I can add Armored Xyz to my hand.'
'Armored Xyz now, and it attaches Armor Torpedo to my Fortress. Now, I can negate the effects of any monster Fortress battles. So I'll attack your Mu Beta Fafnir.' Armor Fortress fired a single rocket straight into Mu Beta Fafnir, exploding on contact, with Torpedo's effect doubling the damage (Bad Breed LP:8000-7000). 'I end my turn.'
(Astrid hand: Rank-up-Magic Renegades Unite!, Vala, Seidr of the Generaider Bosses, Dovelgus, Generaider Boss of Iron, Harr, Generaider Boss of Doom, Generaider Boss Stage, Runick Tip)
Astrid: 'I draw and activate Vala, Seidr of the Generaider Bosses, discarding Harr, Generaider Boss of Doom to summon herself (Atk:2500). Then Vala will revive Harr (Atk:3000). Now I'll overlay them both to Xyz summon Phantom Fortress Enterblathnir (Atk:2900). And by detaching one material, Enterblathnir banishes your Fortress.' As Enterblathnir fired a laser to make Fortress disappear, Astrid was ready to put the duel to bed. 'I would do more, but you really don't deserve it. Attack.' Both Machines flew into the battle, and the aircraft carrier-akin Enterblathnir loaded Quadrantids onto its back for a rain of missiles to fly down from height (J7 LP:6000-0).
After their impressive win, the champions were handed their titles back, but before they could begin celebrating, the familiar sight of Kari and Radley were stood opposite them. What was said couldn't be heard, but it was clear the No Remorse Corps wanted a title shot, with Freja holding up one finger to them both, and them nodding in response, only to then reject a handshake on the deal, and leave.
In an intermission between the first two duels, Phil walked out to his business music and a relatively warm reaction. But it wasn't a reaction he was after, as he got a folding chair out, and sat down in the center of the zone. 'Right, people have been contacting me, contacting us, constantly recently to try and find out where Maddy is, because as you know, she duelled at Boiling Point, then withdrew from International Panic, and has not been seen since.'
'I will not divulge all the information, as this is her story to tell, but what I will confirm is that Maddy is not coming back in the foreseeable future. Shortly before International Panic, Maddy had a… serious mental health episode. The exact details again aren't for me to discuss, but she was in a really, really bad way. We have since had contact to confirm she is doing "better", but we have no idea when, or indeed if, she is ready to return.'
'Now the reason I am bringing this up is because I personally hold the World Duelling Corporation and their negligence in dealing with corrupt individuals in positions of power responsible for what has happened to Maddy. If they had dealt with the situation in proper time, what happened to Maddy at Witchunt would not have taken place, and we would not be in this situation now. Therefore, right about now, I have a special guest visiting the WDC's offices in Dublin. Her name is Frances, and she is my lawyer, there to serve a pre-court summons. If I don't get the answers I want soon, then I will rinse this company for every single penny. She wanted to fix the rotting heart of this company, but now, all I want to do is rip it out.' He stormed away, leaving the crowd chilled.
After the crowd had time to digest this, Donny was out for the next duel, and looked pumped for his long-awaited meeting with Chazz. 'The following is a duel under standard rules. Introducing first, from Las Vegas, Nevada, the Devil's Advocate - Donny Anderson.' The Vegas loudmouth walked down with confidence, sunglasses firmly on and chewing gum as he did, while the commentators speculated on his confidence.
"He might not have been around for a long time, and might not actually be a pro yet, but Donny Anderson has certainly made an impact on the WDC, between his attitude and his willingness to say whatever he likes. His deck is called "The Brighter Side of Suffering", a very sarcastic name for his Unchained Fiends which are just like him; big, brash, and potentially very explosive. He's a huge underdog against an LFD legend, but that won't concern this confident young competitor." "I wish we had the confidence of Donny, he never looks concerned about anything."
In the zone, Donny shouted for Chazz to come out, and then when his music hit, the Vegas duellist simply applauded him sarcastically, as Chazz walked out wearing a golden and blue robe, with writing on the rims which resembled Arabic, writing which Jade helpfully told everyone translated to 'Absolutely nothing, none of the symbols are letters or words at all". As he made his way down, he was going to be introduced, but nobody could hear the commentators over Donny shouting for Chazz to "hurry up" and "stop dawdling", which only made him slow down further.
As Chazz finally entered the zone, he took his robe off to reveal a black jacket underneath it, and the two duellists went nose-to-nose, with the trash talking escalating from simple banter to outright personal insults, getting to the point of security being on standby. Nothing ended up coming of this though, and eventually Donny walked away to his side, ready for the long-awaited contest to finally begin.
Donny Anderson LP:8000 vs. Chazz Princeton LP:8000
(Donny hand: Unchained Soul of Sharvara, Unchained Twins - Rakea, Unchained Twins - Rakea, Supply Squad, Zalamander Catalyzer)
Turn 1: Donny: 'I'll start with the Spell card Supply Squad, then I'll summon Unchained Twins - Rakea (Atk:1500), and use Sharvara's effect in my hand, destroying Rakea and summoning itself (Atk:2000). And when Rakea's destroyed, its vengeful spirit rebuilds as a different Unchained monster from my deck. I choose Unchained Soul of Shyama (Atk:2000). Also, because Rakea was destroyed, Supply Squad draws me a card. And now, I'll do something a little different - I'll overlay them both to summon D/D/D High Wave King Caesar (Atk:2600).'
Shocked at what he considered to be one of Declan's monsters being used against him, Chazz reacted by asking 'How the heck did you get that you little slouch?' 'Slouch? Me? Wanna look at yourself there. As for this little thing, I thought you'd know by now that everyone who signs with LFD gets a signing on bonus. Or is it just me?' 'You're signed?' 'Yep, you're going to be putting up with me for a long time yet. Enjoy bud. I end my turn with a face-down.'
(Chazz hand: Armed Dragon Flash, Armed Dragon Thunder LV5, Tempest, Dragon Ruler of Storms, Dimension Fusion, Redox, Dragon Ruler of Boulders, Banish Reactor)
Chazz: 'I'll draw and activate the effect of Redox, Dragon Ruler of Boulders, banishing Tempest, Dragon Ruler of Storms and Armed Dragon Thunder LV5.' There then ensued a brief staring contest, as Chazz waited for Donny to negate the effect, before the Vegas loudmouth grinned, and told him 'See if I care (Def.;3000).' 'Well I still have the effect of Tempest, to add Armed Dragon Thunder LV3 from my deck to my hand. I'll end my turn right there.'
(Donny hand: Unchained Twins - Rakea, Zalamander Catalyzer, Supply Squad)
Donny: 'I'll draw for the turn and summon Unchained Twins - Rakea (Atk:1500). And with it, I can destroy a card on my field.' He briefly looked at Caesar, giving Chazz the faintest hope of a misplay, before he instead destroyed 'My face-down. Because the card I set is Dark Coffin. When it's destroyed, you get a nice little choice between discarding a random card from your hand and destroying a card on your field.'
Deciding quickly that he had no other option, Chazz told him 'Get rid of something from my hand, see if I care.' 'Ok buddy.' The Coffin released an ancient-looking dust, which whipped up into the Armed Dragon Thunder LV3 in Chazz's hand, which he revealed as the card. Acknowledging it could have been a far worse situation, Chazz focused on his remaining hand as Donny surprisingly declared 'I end my turn.' 'Well when you do, Redox returns to my hand.'
(Chazz hand: Armed Dragon Flash, Dimension Fusion, Banish Reactor, Redox, Dragon Ruler of Boulders, Graceful Charity)
Chazz: 'I'll draw and I'll activate Graceful Charity, because this is what money looks like, I'll draw three then discard two. Now I'll Armed Dragon Flash.' This was expected to retrieve the inevitable negation, but Donny was looking for more value. 'Go ahead, do what you like bro.' 'Fine, I'll summon Armed Dragon Thunder LV3 (Atk:1200). Then I'll use its effect, discarding Redox to summon Armed Dragon Thunder LV5 (Atk:2400).' Donny responded to this, not with interaction, but with laughter. 'You think that poxy thing's going to beat me? I know Blair said you're the coward of the county, but she didn't tell me that you made Elmer McCurdy look like Billy the Kid.'
Feeling incredibly insulted at this, Chazz got angry. 'You want to see more? I'll use Thunder LV5's effect, discarding D.D.R' 'That's where I'm hitting you, right where it hurts. I'll use one of the materials from my High King Ceaser and negate your effect which Special summons.' Desperate for something to show from the turn, Chazz declared 'I'll use Redox's effect, banishing my Level 3 and 5 Armed Dragons to summon it from the graveyard (Def.:3000). And that triggers my Banish Reactor, which when a monster in my possession is banished, adds a Spell from my grave to my hand. I'll add back D.D.R, and end my turn with a face-down.'
(Donny hand: Zalamander Catalyzer, Destruct Potion, Unchained Soul of Sharvara)
Donny: 'I'll draw, and activate Unchained Soul of Sharvara in my hand, destroying Rakea to summon itself (Atk:2000). And Rakea's effect will trigger, allowing me to summon Abominable Unchained Soul from my deck (Atk:3000), while Supply Squad draws me another card. Now Abominable Soul will discard this Zalamander Catalyzer to destroy your Redox.' 'I might be rich' Chazz boasted 'But I also know how to duel. I activate Destruction Jammer, to negate your effect and destroy it.'
Chazz should have discarded for this effect, but, taking advantage of his opponent's inexperience, he skipped this part and Donny was none the wiser. But the Sin City native still had plays. 'I'll use Shyama's effect in my graveyard, to destroy Sharvara and summon itself (Atk:2000). Going to the graveyard triggers the effect of Sharvara to add Escape of the Unchained to my hand. I'll end my turn there setting a card.' 'And Redox returns to my hand.'
(Chazz hand: Dimension Fusion, D.D.R - Different Dimension Reincarnation, Redox, Dragon Ruler of Boulders, Armed Dragon Thunder LV5)
Chazz: 'I'll draw and activate Different Dimension Reincarnation, discarding Redox.' 'There goes the other negate from Caesar.' This appeared to be what Chazz was waiting for though. 'Now I'll activate Dimension Fusion.' Donny just smiled through, enjoying the challenge. 'I'll pay 2000 points (Chazz LP:8000-6000) to summon as many banished monsters as I can. I summon Tempest, Dragon Ruler of Storms, two Armed Dragon Thunder LV5s and two Armed Dragon Thunder LV3s (Atk:2400;2400;2400;1200;1200).'
'And with LV5's effect, I can discard another Thunder LV5 to summon Thunder LV7 from my deck (Atk:2800). And with the effect of LV5 being discarded, I can add another LV7 from my deck to my hand. Meaning I can immediately discard it to rank LV7 up into Armed Dragon Thunder LV10 (Atk:3000). And LV7's effect will then add Armed Dragon Lightning from my deck to my hand.'
Donny wasn't going down without a fight though. 'I activate Escape of the Unchained. It destroys my Shyama, but takes your Armed Dragon LV10 with it.' The spirit hidden inside Shyama leaked out, and ghosted through the field, before hitting the mighty LV10 and slaying it, as Chazz looked on in horror, his entire play falling apart at the seams. Desperate, he declared 'I'm just going to tribute LV3 and LV5 to tribute set a monster, and end my turn.'
(Donny hand: Abomination's Prison)
Donny: 'I'll draw and activate Abomination's Prison, to add Unchained Twins - Sarama to my hand. Then I'll summon Sarama (Atk:1500), and use its effect to set the Escape of the Unchained from my graveyard, and immediately destroy it. That allows me to summon an Unchained monster from my deck, so meet Unchained Soul of Disaster. For each Unchained in my graveyard, it gains 300 Attack points (Atk:0-900).'
'But that's not why I like it, I like this big dog because it lets me Link summon with one of your monsters. I'll Link off your Armed Dragon Thunder LV5 and Soul of Disaster to summon Link 2, the wrath of the tortured souls, Unchained Soul of Rage (Atk:1800). And because misery loves company, it's going to combine its aching soul with your Tempest to summon Link 3, Unchained Soul of Anguish (Atk:2400).' Still not showing concern, Chazz sneered 'Wow, your dog's red now.' 'If that's impressive to you, imagine how you'll react when he turns purple? Because Unchained Soul of Anguish will link off with your Thunder LV3 to Link summon the Unchained Abomination (Atk:3000). I'll end my turn and use Abomination's effect to destroy your face-down Redox.'
As this passage of play concluded, Donny quipped 'Here I thought it would be fireworks, looks like the explosions cancel each other out.' 'Yeah, you keep laughing about that' Chazz confidently sneered in response. 'Because at the end of the day, I'm still gonna win. No damage is a reflection on you.' 'Funny considering you summoned five monsters in one go earlier. Turns out we're actually a good match. Don't get it wrong though, I'm just waiting to give you hell.'
(Chazz hand: Return of the Dragon Lords)
Chazz: 'Listening to you gives me hell already. I'll draw and activate Return of the Dragon Lords, to bring back Armed Dragon Thunder LV7 (Atk:2800). Then I'll use Redox in my graveyard, banishing Tempest and Thunder LV3 to summon itself (Def.:3000). That triggers the effect of Tempest when it's banished, to add Armed Dragon Thunder LV5 to my hand. But it's being discarded so I can turn Thunder LV7 into Armed Dragon LV10 (Atk:3000).'
'Thunder LV7 will add Koa'ki Meiru Drago to my hand, but it's immediately being discarded for the effect of Armed Dragon LV10, so I can destroy everything on your field. Armed Punisher!' Dragon LV10 spun its arms up like drills, and pierced through all the monsters that were on Donny's field, leaving the Vegas duellist in a tough position, especially when Chazz followed up with 'Armed Luminizer Blast!', the static orb being thrown straight into him (Donny LP:8000-5000). 'I end my turn.' As he did, Donny ripped his sunglasses on, and grinned. 'Thatta boy. Now it's getting fun.'
(Donny hand: Dark Necrofear)
Donny: 'I'll draw and banish three Fiends from my graveyard to summon Dark Necrofear, queen of the realms of the dead (Atk:2200).' Immediately, Chazz looked concerned, fully aware of the power contained within the monster. Confident, Donny ended his turn, leaving Chazz with a dilemma.
(Chazz hand: Armed Dragon, the Armored Dragon)
Chazz: 'I'm drawing and I'm going to end my turn, I don't need to risk it.'
(Donny hand: Blazing Mirror Force)
Donny: 'You're about to change your mind!' Placing the newly drawn card in his hand, he declared 'Because if you won't, I'll do it for you! Dark Necrofear, attack Armed Dragon LV10. Doom Gaze.' Necrofear attacked with a shrill screech and an icy glare, but got torn apart quickly by the fierce Dragon, as Donny applauded. 'I end my turn, and now your Dragon is mine thanks to Dark Necrofear.' Necrofear rose from the dead, and its blank mask attached to the face of LV10, changing control of it with a dark miasma.
(Chazz hand: Armed Dragon, the Armored Dragon, Armed Dragon Lightning)
Chazz: 'I draw and I'll set a card before ending my turn.'
(Donny hand: Unchained Soul of Disaster)
Donny: 'I draw and I'll attack directly with Armed Dragon LV10.' The dangerous drilling attack approached, and took Chazz down significantly (Chazz LP:6000-3000). 'I end my turn.'
(Chazz hand: Armed Dragon, the Armored Dragon, Pile Armed Dragon)
Chazz: 'I draw and I'll discard Armed Dragon, the Armored Dragon to summon Pile Armed Dragon (Atk:2800). Pile Armed then uses its effect to send Armed Dragon LV7 from my deck to the grave and gain its Level x 300 as Attack (Atk:2800-5500). And then I'll use my face-down, the Continuous Spell Armed Dragon Lightning, to increase its Attack by its Levelx100 (Atk:5500-6200). Now attack with Pile Arm Punisher.' The brutal attack from Pile Armed was enough to slay one of its own, dropping Donny's points (Donny LP:5000-1800). 'I end my turn (Pile Armed Atk:6200-3500).'
(Donny hand: Unchained Soul of Disaster, Curse Necrofear)
Donny: 'I'll draw and I'll return the three monsters I banished earlier to the graveyard and summon Curse Necrofear (Def.:2200). I end my turn right there, and challenge you to try and attack.'
(Chazz hand: Exploder Dragon)
Chazz: 'My turn, and this draw seals it. I summon Exploder Dragon (Atk:1000), and go to attack Curse Necrofear. Neither of us take damage from this battle, but Exploder Dragon will blow up both of our monsters.' Erupting on contact, the small but nimble dragon was able to take out Curse Necrofear, with Donny not being able to survive long enough to use its effect. 'Good luck getting another End phase. Pile Armed, attack! (Donny LP:1800-0).
After the duel, Chazz punched the air in victory, as a frustrated Donny laughed to himself, before walking over to Chazz, and threatening to hit him, only to stop at the last moment, and offer a fist-bump. Thinking about it for a moment, Chazz reciprocated, while telling Donny 'I like the cut of you kid, I like your attitude.' 'And I like the way you duel. We'll have to do it again.' 'Yeah, get some experience and we'll go at again at some point.'
As they parted, Phil was busy talking to Astrid backstage. 'I've just spoken to Belle, and I've spoken to Hannah, and if you want the full treatment, then you can have it.' 'Thank you' she responded kindly 'I just feel like I need this really.' 'But, there is a condition. If I'm giving you the full treatment, then you have to promise that you're going without the trance for two days a week, not one. To redress the balance.' Keen for him to not change his mind, Astrid immediately agreed.
In Dublin
Having arrived at the WDC's Head Office, Frances wasted little time in locating the reception. 'Hi, how may I help you?' Calmly, she responded 'My name is Frances Bishop, I am here to deliver a pre-court summons to the World Duelling Corporation. Please could you get Clark Maxwell to come down and speak to me?' Stating this, she handed her business card in, and after a quick pause, the receptionist told her 'I'll see what I can do.' 'Thanks' she told the young lady, before seating herself in reception and updating Phil by text.
In Warsaw
Donny was walking back from his duel when Rio approached him, causing him to smile. 'Usually it's me chasing after you.' 'I know' she replied sassily. 'Just wanna know why you lied about signing with the Leo Fed, you know as well as I do that you got that card from Astrid.' 'Did you see his reaction? That made it worth it by itself. That it?' 'Also thought you might like to know you missed like four opportunities to kill him there, I'm pretty sure you had an OTK multiple times.'
'Eh, doesn't surprise me' he admitted, before continuing 'I know I didn't play that too well, I'm not exactly blind on it. It's kind of tricky when you're out there, I've not had the opportunity in the heat of combat too much.' 'You know, if experience is an issue, you could talk to Phil?' 'Yeah, I might take you up on that. In return, how about I come out with you for your main event, just in case Claude gets ideas.' Liking the idea, Rio agreed. 'Ok, thanks.' She walked off, hearing Donny boast 'I'm in there' as she did, but deciding not to acknowledge it.
In the zone
The next duel began with Celina making her way out, now using the same music as her new-found controllers. 'The following duel is under Standard Rules. Introducing first, representing Junction 7, from Auckland, New Zealand, this is Celina.' She walked down, alone in stature but not in her limited, manipulated thoughts. While she walked down, the commentators speculated on her mental state.
"Celina is a very talented duellist from the Leo Federation who has recently been extremely vocal about her displeasure at the way Junction 7 and in particular Rhydian Morris, have been spoken about by those close to the Renegades. She's a very aggressive duellist, with her Lunalight Sonata deck ready to dance through the night, and leave the opponent chasing shadows after hitting vicious kick after vicious kick, with the feline poise to take advantage. But will her apparent new mental state help or hinder her here?'
While she waited dreamily in the zone, Caprice walked out as her opponent, but before she could even get her deck out, Teresa ran out to stop her, visibly telling her 'Give me this one please, I need to do this. For me.' Understanding, Caprice squeezed her shoulders briefly, before telling her 'We're going to be right next to the entrance gate if you need us.' 'Thanks' came the reply, before Teresa walked down, with the commentators unprepared without notes on her, wishing Kalin was there to provide his input. She stormed down with a purpose, and activated her duel disk immediately. 'I'll knock sense into you however I have to, nobody should be like this.'
Celina LP:8000 vs. Teresa Taylor LP:8000
(Celina hand: Lunalight Black Sheep, Clear World, Lunalight Blue Cat, Lunalight Reincarnation Dance, Lunalight Yellow Marten)
Celina: 'I'm going to make him proud' she stated dreamily, as she opened the duel. 'I'll activate Lunalight Black Sheep's effect to discard it and add Polymerisation to my hand. Now I'll activate Polymerisation, combining the Lunalight Crimson Fox and Yellow Marten in my hand. With these two, an unbreakable combination can be made. Dance on, Lunalight Cat Dancer (Atk:2400). I'll end my turn by activating Clear World.'
As the icy and cold crystallised world stretched out around them both, Teresa attempted to talk sense into her opponent. 'You don't need to let them do this to you Celina, there's always a better way.' That's when Shannon walked out, and informed her 'It's too late for that - the process has already begun. And this time, nobody is getting in the way. Without the strength and ridiculous resistance of Maddy, it should only be a matter of time before we've drained everything and she can start her new life.' 'And then I will be pure' Celina added, as her opponent took her turn.
(Teresa hand: Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Blue-Eyes White Dragon, True Light, Dragon Revival Rhapsody, Trade-In, Ancient Rules)
Teresa: 'I'll draw and activate Trade-In, swapping my Blue-Eyes for two new cards. Then I'll invoke the Ancient Rules, which summon Blue-Eyes from my hand for no cost (Atk:3000).' Still grinning, Celina told her 'The effect of Clear World forces you to reveal your entire hand if you control a Light monster.' Doing so, Tee told her 'I don't care, because now Blue-Eyes can attack your Cat Dancer with Burst Stream of Destruction!' The powerful lightning attack roared across the field, and struck the dancer with incredible ferocity, as Celina informed her 'Silly, Cat Dancer can't be destroyed in battle. Everyone knows that (Celina LP:8000-7400). 'I'll end my turn setting two.' 'There's no point when I know what you're hiding.'
(Celina hand: Lunalight White Rabbit)
Celina: 'I'll draw and summon the Lunalight White Rabbit (Atk:800). And when she's summoned, I can summon back a Lunalight that rests in my graveyard. That includes Lunalight Blue Cat (Atk:1600). And when Blue Cat is Special summoned, she doubles the Attack of Cat Dancer, making her strong enough to pirouette over your Dragon (Atk:2400-4800). And as a bonus, Lunalight White Rabbit can return your Spells and Traps to your hand.'
As White Rabbit brought its mallet down, the shockwave from the impact flung both of Teresa's set cards straight back to her hand. 'Now I'll bounce White Rabbit back to my hand and revive Yellow Marten from the graveyard (Def.:2000). And I'll resummon White Rabbit (Atk:800), before I tribute it immediately to empower Cat Dancer's effect. And while I'm at it, I'll overlay my Yellow Marten and Blue Cat to summon Number 44: Sky Pegasus (Atk:1800).'
Groaning, Teresa mentioned 'That looks familiar.' 'She might have betrayed Rhydian's glory, but not before we stripped everything from her. It's amazing what you find from the once and future queen.' 'She's not going back to you, in fact I don't know if she's ever coming back, I have no idea what's happened to her.' 'She can't live without his lordship, that's what's happened. And I can't blame her, I wouldn't be able to now I know him.'
'But back to the serious business, I can use Sky Pegasus' effect to destroy Blue-Eyes. Unless you want to pay 1000 Life points, of course.' Immediately, Teresa declared 'I'll pay 1000 (Teresa LP:8000-7000).' 'That's fine, because Cat Dancer can now attack twice. The first time, your monster will survive. The second time, not so lucky. And for each attack, you lose 100 Life points more. Pouncing Pirouette.' Cat Dancer spun gracefully, before unleashing a flurry of devastating kicks, leaving the great dragon wounded (Teresa LP:7000-5100). The second onslaught followed straight after, breaking the dragon's neck with a single kick (Teresa LP:5100-3200). 'And Sky Pegasus can also ride in (Teresa LP:3200-1400). 'I end my turn. It turns out you just can't live up to him, can't live without him. You should just come back to us (Cat Dancer Atk:4800-2400).'
(Teresa hand: True Light, Dragon Revival Rhapsody, Dictator of D, Dragon's Mirror, Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon
Teresa: 'I'll draw and activate Dragon's Mirror, fusing the two Blue-Eyes in my graveyard to form the Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon (Atk:3000). Now it can attack, and you might think you've got it cracked with your Cat Dancer, but anything which isn't destroyed by battle with my Twin Burst then gets banished. And it can attack twice. Charge!' The two heads unleashed huge bolts of electricity, which wiped the floor with Celina's field (Celina LP:8000-6200). 'I end my turn setting two.'
(Celina hand: Lunalight Wolf)
Celina: 'I'll draw, and the irony is, the sign of betrayal will defeat you. I'll set a Pendulum scale up with Lunalight Wolf, and use its effect to Fusion summon using Lunalights on my field or in the grave. I'll fuse Cat Dancer and White Rabbit to Fusion summon the Lunalight Panther Dancer (Atk:2800). Then I can use Yellow Marten to return Wolf to my hand (Def.:2000), only to reset Wolf immediately, and fuse Panther Dancer with Yellow Marten and Blue Cat to Fusion summon the undisputed queen of the jungle, Lunalight Leo Dancer (Atk:3500). Leo Dancer, attack. And when she does, she destroys all of your monsters immediately.' Leo Dancer danced away with the contest, her sword cleanly piercing Twin Burst before her barbed whip smacked Teresa to end the duel (Teresa LP:1400-0).
As the duel ended, Celina ran over, and nailed a graceful kick to Teresa's skull, almost knocking her out, and incapacitating her for long enough to let Celina grab her ankles and start pulling her away. 'You should never have left my lord, now I'll bring you back to him as a thank you.' As she continued to pull her though, Myka, Caprice and Sara ran out, with Myka tackling Celina, allowing the other two to get their ally back to safety. By the time Celina was able to get up, they were all long gone, with Shannon taking her backstage.
While they were walking, they passed Belle as she was being interviewed, Phil stood by her side. 'Ladies and Gentlemen, the Architect of Champions Phil Robinson' Before anything else could be said, Phil leaned into the microphone, and advised him 'You know, it's good manners to actually introduce the person you're supposed to be interviewing, but we'll take it from here.' Phil then pushed the interviewer out of the way, and Belle grabbed a cameraman, before pulling the camera close.
'Listen here, because I'm only going to say this once. I was with Rhydian because I had to help Maddy, and that means I had to see what he was doing to her. And it disgusted me. The things I had to see, had to listen to, the fact she was chained up and placed in front of a shrine dedicated to you in your bedroom, doing nothing when I told you, I told you, that she was being groped, Akiza was going to rent her out, Lukas was beating her black and blue, and you just ignored me.'
Belle then started laughing to herself and shaking with fury, but still spoke in the same low tone. 'But now the boot's on the other foot, now it's my turn. I'm going to take vengeance against you, I'm going to make you suffer so much, the duel is only the start of the pain. And after that, I'm going to drag your name through the mud, because when she's ready, the truth will set her free. I'm going to make you wish that you'd never been born, and most of all, you're going to wish that the Myth was little more than a legend.' She then nodded to Phil. 'Let's go.'
In the duelling zone
Belle walked out first, her chilling music only matched by her icy demeanour, which belayed the fury she was ready to take out on her opponent. Hair rolled up and a mind set on total destruction, she didn't acknowledge the fiery pyro going off behind her. 'The following duel is a Grudge Match. Introducing first, accompanied by the "Architect of Champions" Phil Robinson, representing the Dynasty, from Headingley, Leeds, England, the Myth - Belle Draper.'
"Belle Draper may be the underdog here, but never count her out. This plucky newcomer has already shown a great duel of resourcefulness, confidence, and a great temperament in impressive wins over the likes of Akiza Izinski since arriving here, and has no lack of support from her manager. We understand she is using a different deck to normal, and whatever that is, this Leeds duellist will continue to make this duel awkward for her fancied opponent." There continued to be no theatrics in the zone, as she quietly waited for her opponent, nodding for Phil to leave at the same time.
Rhydian then walked out, with Celina by his side. With his increasingly shaggy look, he was a face of fury on his way down, knowing what was on the line. 'And her opponent, accompanied by Celina, and representing Junction 7, from Llanfair PG, Wales, the Cobra - Rhydian Morris.' While he walked down, Belle didn't take her eyes off him or the way he cradled Celina for a second, instead begrudging every move they made, as Rhydian continued to hold her the way he used to Maddy.
"Rhydian Morris is a very dangerous competitor, looking to bounce back from a poor run recently, as his early exit in the International Panic final was followed by back to back defeats to Rio Kastle, losing his shot at regaining his WDC Championship. His Empire of Snakes deck is deadly if trifled with, as it can turn the tide of a duel in seconds, gaining advantage and hitting for huge damage. Belle briefly allied with Rhydian and Junction 7, but was revealed to be gaining information, and now they're both looking for their own flavours of revenge."
Dynastic Gamble: Belle Draper LP:8000 vs. Rhydian Morris LP:8000
(Belle hand: Mathmech Addition, Mathmech Circular, Mathmech Equation, Mathmech Diameter, Cynet Crosswipe)
Belle: 'Time to take you back to school, this one's for Maddy! I'll start with Mathmech Circular.' 'No new deck's good enough to let you deny me' 'Deny you what huh? The chance abuse power? The chance to control somebody else's life? You forget Rhydian, I was there, I saw everything you did. And in her sick, messed up state that you left her in, she thinks that's ok, she thinks you didn't do anything wrong, but I know differently. You unpicked her entire life, so now, I'm going to have to take you apart, even if it's only through this.'
'Circular's effect allows me to send a Mathmech monster to my graveyard, like Sigma, and summon itself (Atk:1500). Then I'll summon Mathmech Diameter (Atk:1500), and use it to revive Sigma (Atk:1000). And because I summoned another Mathmech while Circular is around, I can add a Mathmech Spell or Trap to my hand, like Superfactorial. Then I can Link off Diameter and Sigma to Link summon Link 2, Splash Mage (Atk:1400). Splash Mage then gets to revive a Cyberse monster from my graveyard, including Diameter (Atk:1500).'
'Now I'll Link off both of them to go into Link 3, Transcode Talker (Atk:2300). And by using it, I can revive Splash Mage (Atk:1400), then Link off Circular and Splash Mage, to summon Link 3, Detonate Deleter (Atk:2100). I'll end my turn with two face-down.' 'Some tribute that is.' 'Let's see you do better then, because from where I am, you're nothing more than an overrated kidnapper who couldn't deal with the fact that he was rejected.'
(Rhydian hand: Ogdoadic Water Lily, Nauya the Ogdoadic Remnant, Monster Reborn, Nunu the Ogdoadic Remnant, Amunessia the Ogdoadic Queen, Ogdoadic Calling)
Rhydian: 'For that, I'm going to make this totally brutal for you. I'll start with Nunu the Ogdoadic Remnant, discarding it to send Ogdoabyss the Ogdoadic Overlord to my graveyard directly from my deck. Then I'll use Nunu in the graveyard, summoning itself as I control no monsters (Atk:0).' Before he could make his move though, Belle cut him off.
'And you think I'm letting that happen? I activate Mathmech Superfactorial.' As she did, a triangular portal appeared, glowing golden as it did. 'This powerful Trap summons Mathmechs Diameter, Circular and Sigma from the graveyard (Atk:1500,1500,1000), but negates their effects, and then immediately uses them to Xyz summon. Feel the burn of the blade of the force that found the very solar system we thrive in, and feel the equal ferocity of my ANGER! Appear, Primathmech Laplacian (Atk:2000).'
'It's some gold-plated dude, why would I be scared?' 'Because when he's summoned, he can tear a card out of your hand, as well as sending one of your monsters from the field to your graveyard. All I have to do is detach two materials.' Acting fast, Rhydian responded 'I'll activate Ogdoadic Daybreak, tributing my Nunu to summon two Ogdoadic Tokens (Def.:0x2).' 'You think that's going to help? Laplacian doesn't target so I can just send one of your Tokens.'
The powerful effect saw one of Rhydian's newly-minted Tokens vanish, as well as the key card of Ogdoadic Water Lily from his hand. 'Not a problem, I activate Monster Reborn, to bring back Ogdoabyss.' 'No you won't, because when Mathmech Diameter is used for the summon of a Mathmech Xyz monster, it gives the monster I summon the ability to negate any one effect. So looks like no Ogdoabyss for you today. Because unlike Maddy, some things were meant to stay dead.'
As the crowd tried to work out what she meant, Rhydian scrambled to put together some sort of play. 'I'll set a monster, then set a backrow card and end my turn. You know I treated Maddy the way she deserves.' 'What - like some kind of fetish object? Or was it you that was the fetish? Did you never stop for a moment to think that having a shrine dedicated to yourself in your bedroom and having her worship at it was a bit weird? I was there, I saw it all. And the only reason more people don't know is because nobody wants to ask me.'
'More like nobody wants to ask a deranged Schizophrenic mess who betrayed her friends so she could go on some insane spy mission like she's Jane Bond' 'I'd rather be a crap Jane Bond than a kidnapper who can't even do his own dirty work, and has to higher an out of work ex-World Champion to do it for him. Tell me, did it hurt when Maddy finally saw the light? Or were you more concerned with missing out on other conquests? Did you actually care about Maddy or her feelings? Wait, sorry, you stopped her feeling anything. Well I've got bad news for you, you're feeling every moment of this.'
(Belle hand: Mathmech Equation, Mathmech Sigma)
Belle: 'I'll draw and I'll summon Mathmech Sigma (Atk:1000). It's not hanging around though, because I can use it to fuel Detonate Deleter's effect, tributing Sigma to destroy your monster.' Sigma vanished in a bright light, and got absorbed into the Deleter, which took aim, and launched a series of grenades at Rhydian's field, terrifying him as Belle watched his field burn impassively, no expression on her face.
'You're a monster!' he cried out, but she didn't react, simply stating 'You deserve everything you get. My monsters can all attack now.' Rhydian went to use his face-down, but pulled back at the last moment, instead having the ground around him erupt in a bombing blast once more, while Transcode slashed away with an electrified sword and Laplacian unleashed a triangular shaped force (Rhydian LP:8000-1600). 'I end my turn.' Still thrown by her cold reaction, Rhydian scrambled to take his turn.
(Rhydian hand: Amunessia the Ogdoadic Queen, Aron the Ogdoadic King)
Rhydian: 'I'll take my turn by activating my face-down Ogdoadic Calling, to summon two Tokens (Atk:0x2). Now I'll tribute them both to revive my strongest monster.' He smirked and flashed his eyes as he declared 'Revive from the depths of her despair, Ogdoabyss, the Ogdoadic Overlord (Atk:3100). And I'll use its effect immediately which will get rid of all of your monsters.' Again though, the studious Belle was prepared.
'I spent so long with you, did you really think I wouldn't expect you doing this? Don't forget, I was there for all those duels, I know what you think. You were thinking the moment you got your Ogdoabyss out, I'd just roll over for you. But that's never going to happen, I want to watch you burn. I activate my face-down Cynet Crosswipe, to tribute Detonate Deleter and destroy Ogdoabyss.'
While the storm raged from the Ogdoadic Overlord, Detonate Deleter charged through the waves and crashed into the regal reptile, blowing it up in a shower of burned flesh, leaving the field completely bare. In shock, Rhydian ended his turn, and Belle prepared to deliver the final blow.
(Belle hand: Mathmech Equation, Mathmech Sigma, Firewall Defenser)
Belle: 'I'll draw and activate Mathmech Equation, to revive Mathmech Sigma, and give it 1000 Attack points (Atk:1000-2000). Then Firewall Defenser will join it (Atk:1200). Now I'll tune Level 4 Sigma to Level 4 Defenser.' As she did, a stream of molten lava started flowing behind her, and took the form of an armoured warrior. 'I told you that you would burn, and I meant it. I summon the flaming finale of your terror, Geomathmech Magma (Atk:2500). Magma, attack directly.' Magma ran its hand across its sword, setting it alight, and it slammed the sword down right in front of Rhydian, who tripped over backwards in his terror, Belle winning in a complete shutout (Rhydian LP:1600-0).
As soon as the duel ended, Belle raised the red right hand, and then jumped Rhydian as he tried to run away, starting to strangle him, as the rest of Junction 7 ran out, and DJ announced 'Your winner - Belle Draper.' But in her rage, her grip could not be rested from her enemy's throat, and she continued to squeeze the life out of him, with even security running out in an attempt to stop her. All the while, the crowd looked on in shock, with sparse chants of 'You deserve it' feeling more prominent than they were.
After almost three minutes of this, Phil ran out, still wearing his cap and sunglasses, and tapped Belle on the back of the head. As she continued having her way, he could be heard telling her 'You've done your job, Maddy won't want him dead. You're better than him.' This last comment was enough to make her look around, and she let go of him, before being walked away by Phil. Claude took this opportunity to try and attack Phil from behind, only for him to run off when Astrid's music sounded, this proving to be little more than a false alarm though.
Backstage, Belle was nothing but apologetic. 'I'm sorry, I totally lost control there, I just' 'You don't need to explain yourself' Phil reassured her. 'It's understandable. I just didn't want you doing yourself some harm mentally, because you've come so far and you're so much better than that. You just went out there and you didn't just go toe-to-toe with him, you absolutely destroyed him. If that doesn't show you how much potential you've got, I don't know what does. Now go and cool yourself down, and we'll touch base later. I need to go and make sure Rio's prepared.'
In Dublin
After keeping Frances waiting for over half an hour, Clark Maxwell made an appearance, but looked far from happy. 'Ms. Bishop was it?' 'Yes, Frances Bishop, co-owner of Bishop and Knight Legal Services, I am Phil Robinson's lawyer, and represent the Renegades as a whole. I have come to issue you and the company in general with a pre-court summons regarding the situation of Maddy Smith.'
Rolling his eyes, Maxwell sat down with her to discuss the situation. 'On a professional level, we all like Maddy on the board. And on a personal level, I'm sorry that she's had such a rough time recently. But we are not responsible for that.' Confidently, she responded 'At least one of you is' 'Whether Michael is responsible in any way is something that is going to be saved for his disciplinary in a couple of weeks' time. As for Maddy, we have already been flexible with the rules once for her.'
'I appreciate that, however on this occasion, I feel personally and professionally that you owe Ms. Smith. See, while you are investigating Mr. Adams, and I have no doubt from the information I have that he is guilty of misconduct, it is our case that the Board were fully aware of Mr. Rhydian Morris' plans for Maddy for quite some time before it ended, and in fact were complicit in it.'
She then handed an envelope over to him. 'In here is your pre-court summons, with intentions to take you to court in around six weeks. We will be at the Disciplinary hearing, but if would like to avoid a court case, we demand Maddy be given 90 more days to defend her title' 'That's ridiculous' an aghast Maxwell returned, before pointing out 'that would almost be to the end of the season.' 'As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted' she continued snarkily 'We also demand action to be taken regarding Mr. Adams and Mr. Bolton Andrews'
'Mr. Andrews is suspended without pay pending a full investigation into his conduct' 'That isn't action though, that is an empty threat and you have had a long time to investigate him now. We have presented irrefutable evidence of his dealings. 'And we demand a full public apology from the Board itself, admitting that they were partially responsible and/or complicit in the manipulation and quite frankly abuse of Maddy Smith.' As she got up to leave, she informed him 'The ball is now in your court.'
In Warsaw
Rio was nervously shaking her arms out ahead of the main event, when she was approached for an interview. 'Ladies and Gentlemen, the WDC Champion, Rio Kastle. Rio, Claude Duane has been' 'An arsehole all his life' she interrupted, making Donny laugh next to her. 'Claude, you think you can just bully your way to the title, picking off everyone who you don't like? Well not going to happen, because now you're up against me, and that's something I don't think you can handle.'
'See I'm not the same weak and fragile little thing that you beat up outside the hospital that time, I'm not the delicate little wallflower that you pushed around and made fun of. I'm now a grown-ass fighting champion, and I'm going to give you everything that I've got. I swear on my life, I'm going to beat you, I'm going to walk in as WDC Champion and I'm going to walk out as WDC Champion.' Rio held up the symbol of excellence as her interview ended.
Meanwhile, Claude was talking on the other side of the arena. 'This won't be difficult, I'm not interested in the thoughts of some plastic champion. I could hit you in the head and end your suffering at any moment I wanted to. People point to the fact I'm all alone now, but that just means I don't have to spend my time babysitting a bunch of ungrateful idiots. I can promise you that I'm only stronger without my Regiment.'
In the zone
After a glossy hype video, Claude was out first, in his full military uniform. 'The following is your main event, and is for the WDC Championship. Introducing first, the challenger, from Zealand, Denmark, the Commander - Claude Duane.' Claude posed on the stage as golden sparks fell, and marched down in a consistent pace, not stopping for a moment to acknowledge anybody. As he arrived at the zone, he took his jacket off, and roared, clearly pumped for his big shot.
After a short delay, Rio's music hit to a loud reaction, and she walked out wearing an ice-blue shirt with red sleeves, Donny by her side hyping her up. As she raised her title on the stage, fireworks went off behind her 'Introducing his opponent, accompanied by the Devil's Advocate, Donny Anderson, from Twin Falls, Idaho, she is your reigning and defending WDC Champion - Cold Blooded Rio Kastle.' The champion walked down confidently, her title on her shoulder, while making time for her Ice Bank.
Seeing a fan in the very top row of her fanbase holding a sign calling Rio "Cold-Blooded and Hot Stuff", she dashed up to the top, and signed an autograph on the back of the sign, before posing for a photo with them. She then walked across to the rafters, and briefly got in the face of a rogue Claude fan, raising her title in his face. Reaching the zone, she raised her title again to the cheers of the crowd, before going face-to-face with the towering Claude.
Despite there being well in excess of a foot in height between them, Rio was far from intimidated, and in fact was more than happy to stand right in front of him, going as far as daring him to 'Hit me, kill me if you think you can. You've got a free shot.' Claude laughed, and casually pushed her in the shoulder, so she kicked him in the leg as a response. 'Next time it will be your head.' This was when security separated the two, so that the main event could begin.
WDC Championship: Claude Duane LP:8000 vs. [c] Rio Kastle LP:8000
(Claude hand: Pot of Greed, Xeno Meteorus, Petiteranodon, Souleating Oviraptor, Babycerasaurus)
Turn 1: Claude: 'I'll open with Pot of Greed to draw 2, then activate the Field spell Lost World.' While the field was still terraforming, Claude got on with his turn. 'Now I'll summon Souleating Oviraptor (Atk:1800), and use it to destroy my Babycerasaurus in my hand. The baby being destroyed lets me summon a Level 4 or below Dinosaur from my deck, and the one I'm grabbing is Animadorned Archosaur (Def.:0). And with Archosaur's effect, I can destroy the Petiteranodon in my hand to add Beta Evolution Pill - Ultratranscendance, and Petiteranodon will summon Miscellaneousaurus from my deck (Atk:1800).'
'Now I'll use my Beta Evolution Pill, tributing Miscellaneousaurus and the Xeno Meteorus from my hand to summon Ultimate Conductor Tyranno (Def.:3200). And I'll Link off Oviraptor and Archosaur to Link summon Link 2, Pitknight Earlie (Atk:1500). I end my turn.'
(Rio hand: Floowandereeze and the Advent of Adventure, Floowandereeze and the Magnificent Map, Floowandereeze and Eglen, Floowandereeze and Eglen, There Can Be Only One, Swallow's Cowrie)
Rio: 'We'll see about that. I draw and I'll start by activating Floowandereeze and the Advent of Adventure. This gets my voyage into battle off to a strong start, banishing Eglen from my hand to add Robina in its place, then gain 500 Life points (Rio LP:8000-8500). Now I'll summon Robina (Atk:600-100). Then I'll use her effect to' 'I'll immediately use the effect of Ultimate Conductor Tyranno, to destroy the Babycerasaurus in my hand and flip your Robina face-down. And because I used that effect, Earlie can target your Robina in chain, and negate its effect.'
As this chain resolved, Rio saw her Robina's effect negated, potentially a huge blow. Not that Claude was letting up either. 'Thanks to destroying the baby, I can now summon Zuttomozaurus (Def.:500), and I can also give you a Juraegg Token (Def.:0). And while I control another Dinosaur, you can't attack Zutto.' He was surprised though, when Rio stared at him self-assuredly. 'Are you done now? You don't half go on with yourself. Reminds me of that time you attacked me when I'd just been released from hospital.'
'After you'd cut yourself open you mean.' '
'As I was going to say, I'll now activate a Field spell of my own - it's called Floowandereeze and the Magnificent Map. We're navigating a stormy one here guys.' As the crowd cheered her forwards, a large, battered and waterlogged map stretched out behind her. 'This map helps me to always find a path through to victory.' An unidentified Floowandereeze's wing then peeked out from behind the map, pointing as Rio talked. 'So with this map, I can reveal Eglen in my hand (as she did, Eglen revealed itself and perched on her arm), and banish Floowandereeze and Stri from my deck, to summon Eglen (Atk:800-300).'
'Now Eglen will add Floowandereeze and Empen to my hand, while Stri gets added back to my hand. Then I'll summon Stri (Atk:700-200), and it's going to banish Miscellaneousaurus from your graveyard, I'm sure you didn't think I'd notice you setting that up. Now I can tribute both of my birds to summon Floowandereeze and Empen (Atk:2700-2200). When Empen arrives, it adds Floowandereeze and the Dreaming Town to my hand. Empen, attack his Conductor, because when I do, I can banish Swallow's Cowrie from my hand to halve the Attack and Defence of your monster.' The grand penguin slammed into the fiery Dinosaur with a steel-sharpness wing (Def.:3200-1600), destroying the gargantuan threat. 'I end my turn with a face-down.'
(Claude hand: Supersoaring)
Claude: 'I draw and I'll set a card before ending my turn.'
(Rio hand: Floowandereeze and Eglen, Floowandereeze and the Dreaming Town, Floowandereeze and the Scary Sea)
Rio: 'I'll draw and' 'I activate Supersoaring, which will revive your worst nightmare - Ultimate Conductor Tyranno (Def.:3200).' Thinking on her feet, Rio took a gamble. 'I'll set two and pass, try and kill me, I dare you.'
(Claude hand: Imperial Iron Wall)
Claude: 'I'll draw.' As he looked at the card, devious plans came across his mind. 'For now I'll attack your pathetic little bird with my Ultimate Conductor after it switches to Attack mode.' The giant dinosaur roared, and rampaged, zapping Rio's Empen on contact (Rio LP:8500-7200). 'Then Earlie can destroy your Token.' As the Pitknight easily sliced through the Juraegg Token, Claude beamed in confidence. 'I end my turn.'
(Rio hand: Floowandereeze and Eglen, Rivalry of Warlords)
Rio: 'I draw and I'll set one before ending my turn.' 'Looks like she's out of ideas already
(Claude hand: Overtex Qoaltus)
Claude: 'I'll draw, and go to my Battle phase.' 'When you do, I'll activate my face-down Rivalry of Warlords. This forces us both to only control a single type of monster. So you've got to choose between your big ugly Dino and your Cyberse Pitknight.' Unperturbed, Claude instantly sent away his Pitknight. 'I can beat you without it, no problem. I'll use the effect of Ultimate Conductor destroying Overtex Qoaltus.'
'And as soon as you do, I'll use my face-down Floowandereeze and the Dreaming Town. This allows me to summon Floowandereeze and Eglen (Atk:800-300). Eglen's effect will add Raiza the Mega Monarch to my hand, while Stri returns from the banished zone.' 'Well don't expect to be using that area anymore, I activate Imperial Iron Wall, preventing banishing.' Once again adapting on the fly, Rio took a moment to decide on her next move.
'Right, in that case I'll tribute Empen and Eglen to Tribute summon Raiza the Mega Monarch (Atk:2800). Thanks to Mega Raiza, I can target your Ultimate Conductor, which you helpfully let me do by destroying that Token, and a card in the graveyard, like Advent of Adventure, and return them to the top of the deck. Then because I tributed a Wind monster, I can also bounce your Iron Wall back to your hand.'
With this move, the game started to turn, and Rio looked just as focused as ever. Claude meanwhile, now had no plays, and had to frustratedly end his turn.
(Rio hand: Floowandereeze and Stri, Floowandereeze and Eglen, Chain Summoning)
Rio: 'I'll draw and summon Stri (Atk:700-200). And I'll use its effect' Caught off guard by her sudden quick play, Claude offered a snap response. 'I'll activate Imperial Iron Wall, to prevent banishing.' 'And I'll drop a Chain Summoning. This can only be activated as Chain Link 3 or higher, so thanks for that. This gives me three Normal summons this turn instead of just one.' Surprised, Claude begrudgingly had to admit 'I got played a little there', as the crowd roared Rio further on, and she appeared to be feeding off their energy.
'Now I'll summon Eglen (Atk:800-300), and it's going to add Empen to my hand. Now I'll tribute both of them to summon Floowandereeze and Empen (Atk:2700), and I'm going to add Floowandereeze and the Unexplored Winds to my hand. I'll activate Unexplored Winds, and then end my turn.'
(Claude hand: Ultimate Conductor Tyranno, Pot of Avarice)
Claude: 'I'll draw and Avarice, shuffle back these five to draw two, and what do you know, I drew Pot of Desires, so I can banish 10 off the top of my deck and draw two. Then I'll activate Ground Xeno, to destroy Petiteranodon in my hand and add Dinowrestler Coelsilat to my hand. Then that triggers Xeno Meteorus in my hand, to summon itself (Atk:2000). Then Petiteranodon will summon Double-Headed Dino King Rex (Atk:1400). And I'll summon Coelsilat (Atk:100), before linking off all three!' A huge dinosaur with neon-green teeth and claws then stampeded onto the field, levelling many of the trees in Claude's Lost World.
'Meet Link 3, Transcendosaurus Exaraptor (Atk:3000). And because he likes company, when he's summoned, he can invite out any old friend' Before Claude could finish his sentence though, he got smashed in the back by a dropkick from Astrid, as the crowd booed, and an exasperated Rio looked at her in sheer confusion, and it was confirmed 'Your winner by disqualification, Claude Duane. Still WDC Champion: Rio Kastle.'
Rio then got into Astrid's face, and after trash talk, the situation quickly turned to pushing and shoving, with Donny trying to get between them, only for the entranced Norwegian to push the front of her axe into his throat. Holding him like this, she started pushing harder, as he told her to 'Put the fucking axe down, you should be looking at him, not me or Rio. Remember who the enemy is you daft idiot.'
As he said this, Astrid turned back to Rio, only for Claude to run back in and push the champions into each other, before grabbing Astrid by the neck, and looking up to the rafters, where Finn once again stood impassively, a monolith to a past era. This delay allowed Rio to charge in with Astrid's LFD title belt, whipping him in the face with the leather strap before hitting him with a roundhouse to the shoulder. As Claude retreated, Rio stood tall, and the show ended with the three staring at each other; Rio in the centre of the zone, Claude by the entranceway with a black eye, and Astrid leaning on her elbow on the zone floor, blood dripping from a broken tooth.
Next time: As they prepare to move to their new house, Jade, Blair and Rio pack up memories and reflect on how far they've come. R: Ultra Evolution Book 34: AMaze of Memories
