R: Ultra Evolution

Book 17: Minutes to Midnight

36 hours before WDC: No Mercy

Preparations were being made for the journey to Cuba, and the mission ahead. In Washington, Blair packed a navy blue shirt with Maddy's name on it into her bag, as well as a pair of light blue jeans with her name tattooed onto the back just below the belt loops. As Jade walked in to reassure her, she opened the jewellery box Wilma had gifted her, withdrawing a gold chain necklace and fastening it behind her neck with a thick metal clasp.

She then picked up her utility belt, and placed several items into the individual canvas pockets, moving from left to right; a black hair scrunchie that had been in there for weeks, her completely rebuilt deck in a black felt deck box, tied shut with a thin brown piece of string; a trio of smoke bombs, a full aerosol canister, an antique swiss-army-knife; a 1m chain, made of stainless steel, and a box of matches, full but unsealed.

Once her belt was prepared, Blair threw the belt around her waist, catching one of the ends and slanting the leather to a 15 degree angle, before fastening it tight around her waist. She quickly brushed her shoulder-length hair out, before putting the brush back into the drawer, and slid her passport gently into the second pocket with her deck box, before finally taking a hand of fatima gifted to her by Jade, and putting it in her back pocket as a good luck charm.

At Ashworth Brook Farm

Astrid was busy making preparations herself. She put on a plain black shirt, and then took a pair of black jogging trousers out of her wardrobe, before putting those on as well. She then got on with packing her suitcase, placing two canisters of hairspray in there, followed by a set of gleaming metallic armour, and two 2m ropes, wrapped up tightly and bound by a piece of thick tape.

She then opened a canvas bag with the name of Katie's shop (Beautiful World) on it, and withdrew the crimson shirt with her sketch of she and Maddy's alternate forms, and laid it on the bed, taking a moment to admire the job Katie had done. As she did, Phil and Hannah entered the room, and he rubbed her on the back in support while she smiled at Astrid, who smiled back, just about managing not to cry in the process.

She then turned her attention back to the custom artisan shirt, and calmly and neatly folded the two arms down so they met each other at the wrists, and meticulously adjusting them until they were positioned absolutely millemetrically perfectly, before folding the collar down to the bottom of the garment, and folded it again, this time from right to left, before gently placing it at the top of the silver suitcase, before closing the lid and pulling the zip around in one large pull.

She then gave a silent warning for Phil and Hannah to move, before holding her nose and spraying what must have been half a canister of hairspray, almost gassing the homeowners in the process, before quickly overlaying the blonde strands as the spray kept her hair tight and heavy, plaiting it to within three inches of the bottom of her hair, before tying a brown hair tie into the bottom of the plait, and closing her eyes before spraying her fringe to keep it in place to the left of her forehead, and picking up her suitcase.

36 hours later

The club were in the Pearl of the Antilles, waiting for their secure transit to the venue. Not only was every member of the club present, but so were Tony de Meo and Manchester underworld member Jimmy McLaren as bodyguards. 'Thanks for coming guys' Rio appreciatively told them both, but they were both incredibly calm about it. 'You know me' the Dublin native De Meo responded 'I get offered good money, I get treated well, I'll stick around. You just give me a call.'

Meanwhile, revenge was on the mind of Jimmy. 'I don't intend on turning a blind eye to what they did to my boys. We know the risks, but doesn't mean I can't take a little bit of revenge on them. And if I get your girl back, then I did what I was paid to do, satisfied customers is our main deal.' 'You know your reputation, right?' 'Fully aware. Thing is, reputation only tells you so much, business is complicated y'know? I just see us as businessmen, we get a job, we do it, we take payment.'

Hannah then went up to Jimmy, and quietly asked 'How are Ed and Steven doing?' 'Not good if I'm being honest, Ed's gonna make a full recovery but it's going to be a long time, and Stevie boy is still serious, we don't know how bad the damage to his brain is, but he sure as hell ain't going to walk again, trying to remember the word the doctors used, para… something or other, I'm not a medical guy.'

'Paraplegic?' Hannah asked, to which he concurred. 'That's the one.' 'I'm really sorry' 'Don't apologise, as I say, we know the risks we take every single day. If you ain't willing to get hurt then don't get into this line of work, we all make that pact the day we sign up for this, if we hurt we hurt, if we die we die, we have each other's backs but shit happens. Besides, we knew it was a dangerous job by the fact you came to us for help.'

Meanwhile, en route to the venue

An increasingly fractured Junction 7 were on their way to the venue, with a confident Rhydian making plans. 'When they've lost, I'm going to make them both bow down to me, and then inject them live on air' he stated with gravitas while staring at the serums, which were being kept in a cool bag in front of him, in order to keep them at the ideal temperature for the serum to work effectively and instantaneously.

By now, he was aware of the break-in at Segolia, and had taken steps to distance himself from there, removing any conversations between he and Kincade from his phone, as well as changing his phone number, paranoid that a desperate doctor might grass to the police, and knowing he could go back to jail should anything happen. Throughout the journey though, he kept muttering 'He's so stupid letting that happen. Letting my hard work go to waste.'

He then turned his attention to Maddy, who was now firmly in the grip of the rose's full wrath, in the final days of the spell. Her mind had been totally deleted, her sense of identity had been eroded, and her eyes were totally distant and glassy. As she sat, unable to remember anything nor even entertain anything approaching thoughts, Rhydian took her hair bows out, and brushed her long hair (which had grown almost to the top of her rear) out thoroughly, before pulling it up to the top of her scalp at the back, and tying both hair bows in together. 'Black and White, like you and me, joined together, forever.' She sat there motionless in response, the only sign of any character was her fangs, fully bared, as she descended further and further into a feral state.

Listening to this, Akiza (who was sat directly behind Rhydian) pointed her fingers into her mouth to motion being sick at the nauseating talk in front of her. She was busy messaging Claude, telling him "Wait until B&A are injected, then ambush Rhydian, I don't care what you do to him, kill him for all I care, but take him out, I will take the girls, then you can join me afterwards. You'll have to wait a couple of days to bang the new girls, but you can do what you like to Maddy again straight away, don't have to run away this time". It was clear their plans were all coming to a head.

Back at Havana Airport

After over 20 minutes of waiting, the "secure transport" Rio had promised finally arrived, as a minibus pulled up, and Drake stepped out of the passenger side, much to the surprise of Blair, who immediately gave him a huge hug. 'Hey kiddo, good to see you again, I'm loving the fresh hair.' 'Thanks' she said back, clearly slightly embarrassed at the compliment. He then walked up to Rio, and handed her the cheque letter that she'd left him after Wilma's funeral.

'What's this?' 'I just want to show you I got your money, you shouldn't have done that for me, but I'm getting the old place renovated, it should be done in a few weeks. I'm just sorry I can't pay you back.' 'Well, can't take it to the grave can I?' she cheekily responded. 'How are you doing? Apart from the whole situation, how are you health wise?' 'Yeah, not bad, to be honest if I wake up and I'm still alive I'm grateful. This will sound totally stupid, but sometimes I wake up, and I just watch the sun rise for the sake of enjoying it.'

Drake put his arm around her, and quietly stated in his gravelly voice 'It doesn't sound stupid at all, I know the feeling. I remember after I was blown up in Afghanistan, the first time I came home and I distinctly remember seeing an old battered couch there, and just breaking down into tears. It wasn't even anything big, it was just home, and to me, that meant everything. When you've been through something like either of us have, it's the small things that matter. So please, don't feel silly.'

Meanwhile, Alex got out of the driver's side, and hugged Blair as well, before picking up Ally. 'And how are you missus? You enjoying England?' 'Loving it! I've made friends, they're called Demi and Kiyo, he's a refugee from Syria, we moved in the same week, it's amazing there, everything feels so small, and I've got a new friend called Skylar, but he's too small yet, and Astrid looks after us both' she confidently chatted while pointing to the Norwegian, who was looking the other way, clearly paying little attention to the conversation.

'But Maddy's gone so Astrid's sad, and that makes me sad, because I like her when she's happy, she sings to us and tells us to tell nobody because she doesn't like anyone knowing she sings.' 'Well I'm glad you're enjoying yourself there.' 'Do you miss me?' She laughed, and responded 'Of course I do. But you're having a better life in England than I could ever give you in Michigan, and you're seeing the world.'

Ally then asked a poignant question. 'Can I call Blair "Mommy"?' This took Alex aback, but quickly, a huge smile spread across her face. 'You'll have to ask Blair.' So she ran straight over to her carer, who ruffled her hair as she ran up. 'You alright Ally gator?' 'Alex told me to ask you if I can call you "Mommy". Because you are, aren't you?' Humbled by this, Blair smiled and told her 'You call me whatever you want. Well, as long as it's not a word you hear Donny use anyway. Or Phil and Hannah.'

As all this was happening, Alex tried talking to the distant Astrid. 'Hey, Ally was just telling me how you look after her so well, I just want to say thank you for everything, she's having so much fun.' Surprised, she responded with 'I… don't do much, I just look after her sometimes when Blair and Jade are busy, Rio's been running things without Maddy with us so I just do what I can, but I've not done much honestly.' Seeing how upset she still was, Alex offered her a gentle arm. 'I don't know if you do hugs much in Alta, but either way I just want you to know that you will get her home, I've never met someone with such a force of personality like you have, you can do anything you put your mind to.'

With those words ringing in her ears, Astrid quietly entered the bus, and seeing this, everyone else started to follow suit, with Phil joining Drake and Alex in the front, Drake having to enter with his metal leg first for balance. When they had all entered, Drake closed the front passenger door, and Hannah pulled the back sliding door shut, and after a brief check to make sure nobody was missing, Alex got in, and started the engine before speeding off.

25 minutes later, Coliseo de la Ciudad

No sooner had the club pulled up than a dozen unnamed thugs wearing blank masks started hitting the minibus and trying to throw it over, causing everyone to quickly rush out of the vehicle. But as they went to defend themselves, they found little need, as Tony and Jimmy were more than capable of protecting them, each taking three of the hired mercenaries, and nothing short of peppering them with punches and kicks.

This is when Claude and Lukas came out to watch the carnage, and far from impressed at what they saw, looked at each other, and then stormed into the fray, only for the towering Dane to immediately be taken out by Drake swinging a wrench, hitting him just in the back of the neck and taking him down for the count. He then did the same to the remaining henchmen, taking them down one by one with a single shot each, while a camera crew watched on, having scrambled to the scene upon hearing the commotion.

Lukas then tried to hit him from behind with a glass, only for Drake to turn around perfectly in time to stop him in his tracks. 'Glassing, how original.' 'C'mon then peg leg, come and get me, what you gonna do, take your leg off and hit me with it?' The Australian then started mockingly kicking Drake's prosthetic leg lightly with the side of his foot, trying to provoke him into some kind of reaction.

'You think you're funny? I've been on three tours of Afghanistan, served in Iraq, do you really think I'm scared of some random kid with a bad haircut and a worse attitude?' 'Look, I don't know who you think you are' Lukas declared aggressively 'But I can assure you that you really don't want to fuck with me or Junction 7, we're the baddest around, and that blank-ass bitch you lot call a friend isn't a friend anymore, first thing tomorrow, she's off to the highest bidder's bedroom.' He then pushed Drake to the ground, looking for a reaction.

The reaction he didn't expect, however, was Astrid to immediately floor him with a jumping enziguri kick to the back of the head, making him stumble forwards into Blair, who grasped him in a bulldog choke and brought him slowly and effortlessly to the ground, as Rio encouraged the camera crew over, and declared 'Look deep into his eyes. That's the gaze of someone who's seeing his life flash before his eyes.' She then turned their attention to Drake. 'And look at him, that's the look of someone who's been there before. Now look into my eyes.' As they did, she point blank stated 'I've been there before. I hope Junction 7 are listening real close, because I've got a warning for you all. If any of you even try and interfere in the main event, then your life will flash before your eyes, except this time?' She then spoke menacingly into the camera with cold eyes. 'We're going to help you finish the journey. There's a reason I'm known as Cold Blooded Rio Kastle. Renegades out.'

As Lukas passed out, Drake tapped Blair on the shoulder. 'You've done enough now Private.' This made her let go, as he looked at her, clearly impressed. 'You've improved since the Marines, back then you could hardly bring yourself to touch the enemy, now you're choking them out.' 'It's not enough though, all I felt when I was doing that was anger. I'm supposed to be able to stay calm in the heat of battle.' He smiled, and patted her on the chest. 'Don't worry about it, a lil' bit of anger never hurt, because you can control it.'

Meanwhile, Rio was checking on Astrid, who was stood behind a wall away from the rest of the club. 'If you don't want to talk to me you don't have to, I just want to check you're holding up alright.' She looked at Rio, and smiled, albeit with tension clearly in her blue eyes still. 'Yeah, I'm alright, just tense and nervous obviously.' 'There's not much I can say, other than… you got this?' 'I know, it's just psyching myself up, because come game time, I need to be on it.'

The party then walked in, with Tony and Jimmy doing their job at the front, looking out for trouble. As they walked through, Kalin approached them, and Rio gave the bodyguards permission to stand down. He immediately approached Drake, and held his hand out. 'My name's Kalin, I used to drive Blair to events when she was an Amateur. I just want to personally thank you for your service in the forces.'

Drake smiled politely, but informed him 'It's appreciated, but I didn't do it to be thanked, I did it because it's what was right. I just wish my country was a little more appreciative to Rio didn't have to write out $300,000 cheques to make my house disability-friendly.' Shocked, Blair immediately exclaimed 'You didn't tell me how much you'd given him!' 'We agreed to keep it between the three of us. Besides, it's nothing compared to what he gave me.'

'Which is?' 'An outlook on life, meeting him helped me to accept that, like it or not, I am terminally ill. That doesn't mean my life's over though, it means I should be doing more with it. And I was left all this money when my parents died, they both worked hard for it but they never did anything with it, so I want to do something for people who deserve it.' Hearing all of this, Kalin shook his head.

'You know, I think I've had all of you wrong for so long. Rio, thank you for showing him the support that nobody else would.' Bullish, she responded 'I don't do it to be thanked, I do it because it's the right thing. And whether you like it or not, the entire time, we've just been trying to do the right thing, that's never changed. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got somewhere to be, the right thing doesn't do itself.'

As she stormed away, Kalin looked shocked. 'There's something different about her…' 'Yeah, it's the fact that she's working herself into the ground, exactly like Maddy did' Jade identified. 'I just hope that after today she can slow down.' Donny then finished chewing his gum, taking it out of his mouth and taking his glasses off as he looked at Jade. 'Trust me, I'm going to make sure she's ok. No overworking while I'm around.'

In the arena

Before the show officially got underway, a video was played, showing Maddy's history in the WDC, as well as snippets of interviews with her, before the video transitioned to the end of Witchunt, and what had happened since then. Thematically with the video's music, it ended with the statement 'You won't get to see the tears I cry behind these hazel eyes.'

The show opened with Radley entering to applause from the crowd. 'The opening duel of WDC: No Mercy is for the WDC Championship. Introducing first, the challenger, from Venice, California, Radley.' As the juiced up Californian stormed down, slapping hands with fans as he did, the commentators discussed his contendership, and what would be by far the biggest duel of his career.

"Radley has become significantly experienced in recent times, in the world of newcomers and veterans he sits in the middle as he approaches four years with us, but this is his first ever WDC Championship shot, having defeated his own tag partner Kari Tsukumo at the Leo Federation's Madchester Mayhem event to earn a shot. His Brotherhood of Flaming Spirits deck takes advantage of massive field flooding to leave the opponent spitting fire. He may be the underdog here, but the Venice, CA native is never caught knowingly underconfident.'

While the challenger flexed to intimidate, Rhydian walked down calmly, carrying his title on one shoulder and pulling Maddy like a baby on the other side. 'Introducing his opponent, representing Junction 7 and accompanied by his fiance Maddy Smith, fighting out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, he is your reigning and defending WDC Champion, the self-proclaimed Messiah of the WDC and the Cobra - Rhydian Morris.' While he strode down, a spotlight following him, the commentators introduced him.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we welcome you to WDC No Mercy live from Havana, a stacked card for you. This is Rhydian Morris, WDC Champion in his second reign, with the bewitched and bewildered Young-Gun Champion Maddy Smith next to him. Rhydian is known for his aggressive, take-no-prisoners attitude, and the deck he called "Empire of Snakes" reflects that with the regal but deadly Ogdoadic strategy utilising the graveyard to great effect, playing out of there like a second hand. His first title reign lasted 100 days, and this reign has so far stretched for 34, and you wonder how much further can he go with this attitude? Radley will be hoping it's not a day".

In the zone, the champion and challenger faced off, and Radley knew just what he wanted to say. 'You know she's going back home tonight, right? And home isn't with you, it's with the people who actually care about her.' 'You lot, you're so full of shit, I'm the one who cares, I saved her, that's why she worships me, I delivered her from evil, I'm punishing those who trespass against her, and by curing her, I deliver her from temptation. Amen.'

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

(Radley hand: Fire Formation - Tenki, Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Elephant, Brotherhood of the FIre Fist - Boar, Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Coyote, Fire Formation - Tensu)

Turn 1: Radley: 'Let's do this, I'll start with Tenki, to add Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Dragon to my hand. Then because I control a Fire Formation but no monsters, I can summon Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Coyote (Atk:2000-2100). Then I'll summon Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Elephant (Atk:1000-1100), and by sending Tenki to the graveyard (Atk:1100-1000;2100-2000), I can summon Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Dragon from my hand (Atk:1600).'

Almost insanely confident, Rhydian brushed off this move. 'Wake me up when you've done something useful.' 'You're real cocky, and I'm looking forward to wiping the smirk off your stupid face. I'll activate Fire Formation - Tensu, and use use Dragon's effect to set Ultimate Fire Formation - Sinto from my deck. Now I can use Tensu's extra summon on Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Boar (Atk:1100). Elephant's effect can shuffle back Tenki into my deck, and add Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Panda to my hand.'

'Now I'll tune Level 4 Boar to Level 4 Elephant, so I can Synchro summon Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Kirin (Def.:2800-2900). And I'll use his effect immediately, to set Fire Formation - Tenken from my deck. Now I'll Link off my Coyote and Dragon to Link summon Link 2, Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Peacock (Atk:1000-1100). I'll end my turn right there, and because I control another Fire Fist, Peacock can't be attacked.'

(Rhydian hand: Snake Rain, Snake Rain, Reptilliane Lamia, Ogdoadic Water Lily, Damage=Reptile, Ogdoadic Origin)

Rhydian: 'I'll draw and activate Snake Rain, discarding one card to send four Reptiles from my deck to the graveyard.' After some hesitation, Radley felt he had no option but to stop this. 'I'll use Ultimate Fire Formation - Sinto, negating your Snake Rain.' 'That's just fine' Rhydian crowed in response 'Because I have two of them! I'll just send another card to my graveyard and four Reptiles from my deck to the graveyard.'

'Now I'll Water Lily, to send and then revive Ogdoabyss, the Ogdoadic Overlord (Atk:3100-3000). And I'll use its effect to send all monsters not summoned from the graveyard to there. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, we should be on a beach in the Caribbean by now, but we do what we must.' Ogdoabyss caused the sky to darken as it whipped up a storm using its tail, wiping out Radley's Peacock, but not Kirin. 'If your mind's on the beach, I'll happily look after your title for you. As for Kirin, it's looked after by Fire Formation - Tenken, which makes it immune to all your card effects by negating its effects. Also it gives Kirin 300 more Defence being a Continuous Fire Formation trap (Ogdoabyss Atk:3000-3100; Kirin Def.:2900-3200).' Rhydian could have attempted to overcome this, but not believing Radley could beat him, he ended his turn (Ogdoabyss Atk:3100-2900).

(Radley hand: Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Panda, Fire Formation - Tensen)

Radley: 'I'll draw, and set this in the backrow before I pass the turn.'

(Rhydian hand: Damage=Reptile, Snake Whistle)

Rhydian: 'You clearly have no way of threatening me, but then again, what's a man to a Messiah?' Radley was shaking his head all the while as Rhydian was telling him this, before responding by informing the champion that he 'Really have lost your mind haven't you? I mean you used to be a dick, but now you're totally insane.' So confident was he, that Rhydian just passed his turn without a word, simply waiting for time to expire.

(Radley hand: Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Panda, Rekindling)

Radley: 'I'll draw and set another card before ending my turn.'

(Rhydian hand: Damage=Reptile, Snake Whistle, Ogdoadic Water Lily)

Rhydian: 'I'll draw, and activate Ogdoadic Water Lily, sending and then summoning another Ogdoabyss (Atk:3100-2900). And it can use its effect to send all monsters not summoned from the graveyard directly to there.' The sky darkened once again, and under the gloomy shadows, Radley saw his chances be decimated as he lost his great wall Kirin. 'Now I'll attack you directly.' The two abyssal serpents swung across the field, creating a great storm and depleting Radley's points (Radley LP:8000-2200). 'I'll end my turn.'

(Radley hand: Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Panda, Mirror Force)

Radley: 'I'm not done fighting yet, I'll set another face-down and end my turn.'

(Rhydian hand: Damage=Reptile, Snake Whistle, Night Beam)

Rhydian: 'I'll draw and activate Night Beam, destroying your set card, and you can't do a thing about it.' As his last defence bit the dust, Radley was blasted away by the barely declared attack, taking down the last of his Life points (Radley LP:2200-0).

After his win, Rhydian raised the title overhead, and then ordered Maddy to 'Eat him like you did before!', but as she walked towards him with the ill intent of her messiah, Belle unexpectedly ran out, taking Rhydian down with a kick to the knee, before pulling Radley away from the conflict, as he scrambled back to his feet. With Radley now safe though, he was confused. 'Why are you helping me?' 'Enough people have been hurt by them already. Trust me, I should know.'

Rio then arrived, having been on the other side of the arena when the duel ended. 'Thanks for doing that Belle.' 'As I told him, enough people have been hurt. You sure you're ok Radley?' He responded affirmatively. 'I wouldn't have been if I'd been her fuckin' lunch, what's got into her?' 'It's… impossible to explain. Just know she doesn't know what she's doing, and we're going to change that.' 'Well you've got my full support man.' 'Thanks, I think we'll need it.'

In the duelling zone

Myka was first out for the next duel, to an incredibly muted response. 'The following duel is under Standard rules, introducing first, from Haines Junction, Yukon, Canada, she is The Storm - Myka Grainger.' The cobalt-haired World Amateur Champion walked out with a face like thunder, marching down, and then thumped the duelling zone angrily while shouting as a video played of her explaining her lack of action in helping Maddy.

'So you don't care about the situation with Maddy?' 'Why does everyone think I do? I don't want a half sister, I don't need a half sister, if she's gone and got herself captured like a dumb bitch, that's nothing to do with me. If anything I want her to stay there, so people will stop asking me questions about her like I care, because I'm telling you, if I'd had half the opportunities she has, then I'd be Professional World Champion by now.'

While a majority of the crowd booed this, the groove of Zak's music played, and the New Zealander emerged from the tunnel alongside Marko, clearly enjoying his time in Cuba. 'Introducing her opponent, from Hamilton, New Zealand, Zak Zapata.' Zak grooved down, dancing to his music, which was enough to win the frosty crowd over, and eventually encouraging some in the front row to join in with him. As soon as he entered the zone though, he was all business, as the duel quickly began.

Myka Grainger LP:8000 vs. Zak Zapata LP:8000

(Myka hand: Kozmo Tincan, Kozmojo, Kozmo Lightsword, Kozmo Dark Destroyer, Kozmo Dark Planet)

Turn 1: Myka: 'I'll summon Kozmo Tincan (Atk:0), set a card and end my turn, using Tincan's effect to reveal Kozmo Wickedwitch, Kozmo Landwalker, and Kozmo Dark Eclipser.' After briefly shuffling them, they were presented randomly. 'I'll pick the middle one to go to your hand.' 'And the others go to the graveyard.'

(Zak hand: Thunder Dragon Fusion, Thunder Dragonmatrix, Thunder Dragondark, Thunder Dragonmatrix, Thunder Dragon, Thunder Dragonhawk)

Zak: 'Time to get zappin'. I'll discard Thunder Dragon first to add Thunder Dragon to my hand. Then Thunder Dragon discard to add Thunder Dragon. Thunder Dragondark, discard to add Thunder Dragondark to my hand. Discard Thunder Dragonhawk to summon Dragondark (Atk:1600). Then I'll fuse off Dragondark because I activated a Thunder monster's effect in my hand this turn, to summon Thunder Dragon Colossus (Atk:2600).'

'And now I'll also use Thunder Dragon Fusion, to banish Hawk and two Thunder Dragons to summon Thunder Dragon Titan! (Atk:3200). Titan, attack.' 'I'll banish Tincan to summon Kozmo Dark Destroyer (Atk:3000). And it'll destroy your Titan.' 'Not so, I'll banish two cards from my graveyard to keep my monster going. Then I'll destroy your Dark Destroyer.' Titan fizzed up with electricity, and zapped Dark Destroyer, making it malfunction in the air and crash into the ground (Myka LP:8000-7800).

'When Dark Destroyer is destroyed, it's replaced by a Kozmo of a lower Level from my deck. I summon Kozmo Forerunner (Atk:2800).' 'That's all good, I'll use Thunder Dragonmatrix in my hand to give 500 more Attack to my Colossus (Atk:2600-3100). Now I'll destroy Forerunner!' Forerunner put its boosters on to try and avoid the shock from Colossus, only to be wiped out and sent crashing into the ground by a stray tail (Myka LP:7800-7500). 'I'll use Forerunner's effect to summon Kozmo Goodwitch (Atk:1800).' 'I end my turn.'

(Myka hand: Kozmo Lightsword, Kozmo Dark Planet, Kozmo Dark Eclipser, Kozmo Farmgirl)

Myka: 'I'll draw and banish Kozmo Dark Eclipser and Farmgirl from my hand to summon Kozmo Dark Planet (Atk:4000). Enjoy trying to take this down while I enjoy taking your Life points down, I think I know who's going to have the easier time. Dark Planet, destroy Thunder Dragon Titan.' The gears around Dark Planet revolved before grinding to a halt, one by one, allowing it to load a powerful pulse attack which bored through the middle of Titan (Zak LP:8000-7200). 'I end my turn.'

(Zak hand: Thunder Dragonhawk)

Zak: 'I'll draw, and activate the effect of Dragonhawk in my hand, discarding it to summon Titan back (Atk:3200). I'll then take out your Goodwitch with Colossus (Myka LP:7500-6700) and end my turn there. You know, you could be a little nicer to people, I think it'd be more fun' 'Just shut up.' she responded, shutting the infant conversation down.

(Myka hand: Kozmo Lightsword, Kozmo Soartroopers)

Myka: 'I don't do small talk and I don't do being told what to do. I draw and I'll just destroy your Titan again, I don't want you getting any ideas.' The powerful attack from Dark Planet rumbled onwards, destroying Titan for a second time (Zak LP:7200-6400). 'I end my turn there.'

(Zak hand: Thunder Dragonmatrix)

Zak: 'I draw and switch Colossus to Defence mode (Def.:2400), before ending my turn.'

(Myka hand: Kozmo Lightsword, Kozmo Soartroopers, Kozmo Dark Destroyer)

Myka: 'I'll draw and summon my Kozmo Soartroopers (Atk:1000). By paying 1000 Life points (Myka LP:6700-5700), I can revive Kozmo Goodwitch from my graveyard (Atk:1800). Now I'll flip up Kozmojo, destroying Soartroopers to banish your Colossus.' Soartroopers was crushed by a mystery purple hand, which then released a gravitational pull, drawing Colossus ever closer, and crushing it with a clenched fist.

'Now I'll banish Goodwitch, and summon Kozmo Dark Destroyer (Atk:3000). And that's what you might call… came over.' The two ships released their blinding attacks, which quickly swept up the rest of Zak's Life points (Zak LP:6400-0).

The duel concluding, Myka pumped her fist in victory, as the fans continued to jeer her. So, fed-up of the jeers, she took a microphone, and shouted at the crowd. 'Say what you like, I don't care, because Maddy is a dumb blonde bitch, Astrid's a total weirdo, and Blair's a freak. If they all get taken away, that's more than fine by me, because they all suck and I don't care.' She walked out, flipping the bird to the crowd as she did.

Backstage, Shannon was being asked about her duel. 'Shannon, Freja McKinna is someone who has become a real thorn in Junction 7's side. Here today, you have the opportunity to deal with that.' 'And I'm going to, there's nothing else to say. She's a talentless hack who has been given everything by her World Champion manager, and now she's not got him, she's an out of control ball of aggression with no direction. All is right with the world now, and at the end of this show, it will be even better.'

The camera then followed her as she walked from the backstage area to the duelling zone, with her refusing to even acknowledge the crowd as she emerged, not that they were all that keen on her anyway with only the sparsest of cheers for her. 'The following duel is under Standard Rules. Introducing first, representing Junction 7, from Solihull, England, Shannon Kelly.' She made her way down, holding the J7 standard as she did, and in the zone, slammed it into the ground, before cleaning her glasses as she waited for her opponent.

It wasn't a long wait, as Freja then emerged, carrying a hammer in her hand as she was cheered on by the crowd, the top of her hair in a ponytail mimicking one of Maddy's old looks. 'Introducing her opponent, representing the Renegades, from St. Helens, England, Ms. Hellfire - Freja McKinna.' Freja threw her jacket on the ground as she ran out, and swung her hammer at Shannon, who narrowly dodged out of the way. She then returned to her side, and activated her duel disk as Shannon recovered. 'I'm not waiting, get going.'

Shannon Kelly LP:8000 vs. Freja McKinna LP:8000

(Shannon hand: Doomking Balerdroch, Eldlich the Golden Lord, Huaquero of the Golden Land, Eldlixer of Scarlet Sanguine, Cursed Eldland)

Shannon: 'I'll start, and immediately activate Cursed Eldland, using it to pay 800 Life points (Shannon LP:8000-7200), and add Seven Cities of the Golden Land to my hand. Then I'll activate Seven Cities, using it to fuse together Eldlich the Golden Lord and Doomking Balerdroch to summon Eldlich the Mad Golden Lord (Atk:3800). I end my turn setting two, and enjoy chewing through that.'

(Freja hand: Bunilla, Amulet of Ambition, Heavy Storm, Dimensional Prison, Black Pendant, Polymerisation)

Freja: 'I draw, and set a card before activating Heavy Storm to destroy all Spells and Traps on the field.' 'Since you're doing that, I'll chain Scarlet Sanguine, and because of having Eldlich' 'Less chat, more action, we know what the card does.' Cross at being interrupted, Shannon told her foe 'You really haven't learned any manners, have you? I'll summon Il Blud (Atk:2200).' 'That's all good, I destroyed my Black Pendant, so now you lose 500 Life points (Shannon LP:7200-6700).'

'Now I'll summon Bunilla (Atk:150).' 'So you're still running around with that are you?' 'What can I say - she's an inspiration. When she's not being turned into some kind of sex slave by you lot that is. I'll equip her with Amulet of Ambition, and attack Il Blud. When I do, Amulet of Ambition gives my Bunilla 500 Attack for each Level difference between our monsters.' As she declared this, Bunilla glowed in a golden light as it gained immense power from a difference of five Levels (Atk:150-2650). Bunilla then picked up its carrot, and turned it into a drill, boring through the tortured face of Il Blud in devastating fashion (Shannon LP:6700-6250). 'I end my turn setting one.'

(Shannon hand: Despair from the Dark)

Shannon: 'I'll draw for my turn, and use Eldlich's effect in my graveyard to send Cursed Eldland to my grave, adding Eldlich back to my hand. That triggers my Eldland to add another Eldlich to my hand. Then I can summon the one it got rid of, and it gains 1000 Attack (Atk:2500-3500). Now I'll trigger the effect of Mad Golden Lord, to steal away your monster, and just like Maddy, it's never coming back. The fact it can't attack will be of… scant compensation I would imagine.'

As the Mad Golden Lord's eyes lit up red, so did Bunilla's, as it left Freja's field. 'Time to attack. Mad Golden Lord, attack with Shambler Storm.' As it loaded up its powerful storm though, the Mad Lord suddenly saw a portal open up in front of it, and before any reaction could happen, it vanished into the portal. 'Dimensional Prison just banished your monster for daring to try and attack me.' 'Fine, I'll just attack with Eldlich the Golden Lord.' Eldlich nailed Freja with a golden glowing fist, dropping her points (Freja LP:8000-4500). 'I end my turn.'

(Freja hand: Polymerisation, Owner's Seal)

Freja: 'I'll draw, and activate the Spell card Owner's Seal. I know what we've got a reputation for, but sometimes, just sometimes, there's actually a better way.' Freja then regurgitated something Rio had told them previously. 'We can't go around criticising you for what you've done if we're no better. So while we're fighting, we also have to learn from our previous mistakes. So instead of stealing monsters, this frees all monsters to go to their original owners.'

As she activated this, Bunilla's eyes went back to their normal loveable state, and returned to Freja's field. 'Now I can use his power to attack your Golden Lord. Spinning Carrot Crusher!' Bunilla spun his carrot up again while Freja was cheered on for how she was playing as much as who she was, and Bunilla gained comical amounts of power (Atk:150-4650), drilling through the body of the Golden Lord (Shannon LP:6250-5100). 'I'll end my turn.' Freja then let off a somewhat weak howl, but it was enough for the fans to take the hint, and return the favour.

(Shannon hand: Despair from the Dark, Magic Hole Golem)

Shannon: 'You want to dance? Then let's dance, because I can attack just as well as you can, if not better! I summon Magic Hole Golem (Atk:0). See, you're not the only person who plays unusual cards, or should I say, the artist formerly known as Maddy isn't.' 'You got that bit right at least, she's formerly known as Maddy, because what you're turning her into is some kind of trophy wife, which is the furthest thing from what she's ever been, and you know that as well as anyone.'

The thought of anyone knowing Maddy better than her angered Shannon, who venomously responded 'All Maddy ever wanted was to be able to settle down, stop running, have people accept her. Because even when she had friends she couldn't open up to them, it took her over 10 years to tell me what she was.' 'Which is why she told me after a few weeks? Tell me who she was truly closer to then.'

Hurt, Shannon shouted back 'The one who didn't embarrass her by running around as a dominatrix! Yeah, she told us everything.' 'Then she'll also tell you that I gave up that job because she was uncomfortable with it. Or maybe that I used the money I earned to pay for a new camera for her, a camera she used to film a goodbye message to us, knowing what you psychos were gonna do. Or maybe she'll tell you how I quit my modelling agency because the owner was rude to her when she came for a shoot? By the way, the pictures are on the website, and when I say the pictures, I mean ones she consented to being taken, not naked pictures of her that Claude took. Yeah, I know.'

The action then briefly stopped as the crowd were suddenly unified in shouting incredibly rude opinions of Claude in Spanish, leading to more than a few fans being removed from the arena. And as soon as Shannon tried to continue her turn, they started again, as Freja screamed at her opponent. 'They know what he's like, you know what he's like, but being her friend, you're still more than happy for him to do that? You're not her friend, you're part of the problem!'

This led to a strange situation of Shannon defending herself. 'Look, I don't know the first thing about any pictures, but if this is that turncoat tart Belle telling you these things, I wouldn't believe her, she'll tell you anything to get you sufficiently riled up. Now if you don't mind, I'd like to use Magic Hole Golem's effect to halve Mad Golden Lord's Attack (Atk:3800-1900), and attack directly.' The storm created by Shannon's Mad Lord didn't even come close to reflecting the atmosphere in the arena, as Freja's points took another blow in the back and forth clash (Freja LP:4500-2600). 'I end my turn (Atk:1900-3800).'

(Freja hand: Polymerisation, Skill Drain)

Freja: 'I'll draw and set a card before attacking Magic Hole Golem with Bunilla. Spinning Carrot Crusher!' Bunilla spun its glowing golden carrot up to speed (Atk:150-1150), before drilling it into the rocky ring that was Magic Hole, dealing damage (Shannon LP:5100-3950). 'I set this and end my turn.'

(Shannon hand: Despair from the Dark, Eldlixer of White Destiny)

Shannon: 'I'll draw and use the effect of my Eldlich in the graveyard, by sending this White Destiny, or should that be Black and White Destiny? By sending that to the grave, I can add Eldlich back to my hand, then summon a Zombie from my hand with 1000 more Attack and Defence, and it can't be destroyed by your silly card effects. I'll summon Despair from the Dark (Atk:2800-3800).'

'Now I can use the effect of my Mad Golden Lord to steal away your monster again, it's such fun.' Still as gritty as ever, Freja wasn't going down. 'I'll activate Skill Drain, to negate all monster effects on the field (Despair Atk:3800-2800). 'Well that's unpleasant' Shannon responded. 'I'll just end my turn.'

(Freja hand: Polymerisation, Big Koala)

Freja: 'I'll draw, then I think I'll go straight to battle, and show your Despair what that truly feels like, because I've got plenty to share! ATTACK!' The carrot drill whirred up once more (Atk:150-3750), and Shannon's points took another hit from the surprise threat she couldn't get rid of (Shannon LP:3950-3000). 'I end my turn.'

(Shannon hand: Ego Boost)

Shannon: 'I'll draw, and activate the Spell card Ego Boost. This increases Mad Golden Lord's Attack by a whole 1000 (Atk:3800-4800), making it strong enough to get rid of your IDIOTIC rabbit!' The Amulet triggered once more (Bunilla Atk:150-4650), but this time wasn't quite enough to save the modest bunny from the incoming storm (Freja LP:2600-2450). 'I end my turn (Atk:4800-3800).'

(Freja hand: Polymerisation, Big Koala, Des Kangaroo)

Freja: 'I'll draw.' Seeing the card she drew shocked her. 'Maybe it's telling me to do it… well, who am I to ignore instructions?' She then turned her attention back. 'I'll activate Polymerisation, fusing the Big Koala with Des Kangaroo.' Just the sight of this Fusion summon saw the fans burst into cheers, knowing what came next. 'You know him, you love him, well… you don't love him, but… who cares, it ain't a party if Master of Oz ain't invited (Atk:4200). Attack with Outback Attack.' The Mad Lord released its storm once more, but the heavy set Fusion monster walked straight through the attack, before delivering a powerful uppercut (Shannon LP:3000-2600). 'That's the turn.'

(Shannon hand: Blue-Blooded Oni)

Shannon: 'I'll draw, and set a monster before I end my turn, banishing Scarlet Sanguine to set Guardian of the Golden Land and banishing Conquistador of the Golden Land to set Scarlet Sanguine.'

(Freja hand: Fairy Meteor Crush)

Freja: 'I'll draw and activate Fairy Meteor Crush, to deal piercing damage, and this is going to be even sweeter. Master of Oz, smash her!' The big-hitting Koala nailed Blue-Blooded Oni (Def.:1700) with a devastating straight punch, which sent Shannon skidding across the zone (Shannon LP:2600-100). 'I end my turn. Maddy, your deck still rocks.'

(Shannon hand: Eldlich the Golden Lord)

Shannon: 'I'll draw.' As she drew, she was prepared for the finale. 'I'll activate Scarlet Sanguine, to revive Eldlich the Mad Golden Lord (Atk:3800). Then I'll activate Guardian of the Golden Land, summoning itself (Def.:2500), and reducing the Attack of your Master of Oz to 0 (Atk:4200-0). See, I thought I'd give you just a little bit of false hope, because after today, you're never going to see Maddy ever again!' Shannon taunted, before declaring 'Mad Golden Lord, destroy her!' The vicious storm released from its twisted grip, ripping Master of Oz apart in its zenith (Freja LP:2450-0).

As the duel finished, Shannon raised her arm in victory, and mocked Freja, but then made the mistake of turning her back on her opponent, and paid by getting a swung hammer straight into the back of her knee, before Freja knelt on her back, and shouted 'Tell Rhydian that if he thinks he's leaving with Maddy today, then he's got another thing coming. We've got people everywhere, and you're never going to escape.'

While she was being escorted out of the zone, she passed Jade, who patted her on the back. 'Bossed it Fre!' Jade herself was then approached for a quick interview before her duel. 'Jade, quick thoughts on the main event.' 'Blair and Astrid will get the job done' she confidently responded 'They're absolutely unreal and there's far too much to fight for, they're never going to lose.'

Jade then walked out, getting an enormous reaction from the crowd present. 'The following duel is under Standard Rules, introducing first, representing the Renegades, from Qa'em Shahr, Iran, she is the Vespertine - Jade Goocheneyad.' "Jade Goocheneyad is one of our newest pros, and is a huge talent with a big future in this industry. We would tell you about her deck, but she reportedly is using a different deck, we've heard rumblings that it is the Gem-Knight deck which Blair used to utilise, aiming for big damage through Fusion summons. One thing's for certain, she wants some revenge on Junction 7."

Nash then made his appearance with new music, finally moving away from his old Barian theme and identity. 'Introducing her opponent, from Twin Falls, Idaho, the Shark - Nash Kastle.' He walked out somewhat tensely, in his usual purple jacket as the commentators quickly introduced him. "Nash Kastle is a well known and respected competitor, and is consistently ranked as one of the best duellists in the world, sitting at #3 on the current rankings, but he's been on a downward spiral since a bruising defeat to Freja McKinna several weeks ago. His Swimming with Sharks deck is powerful on the play, making Xyz summons look like light work. Can Nash get his push to the World #1 spot back on track, or will Jade pull off the upset?"

In the zone, Jade, feeling confident, had a proposition for Nash. 'Here's the deal, I've made sure that Freja and her hammer are safely out of the way, it's just you and me here. So how about in return, when I beat you, me and Brooke get a rematch for our titles?' 'They're hardly "your" titles because you held them for a cup of coffee, but you've got a deal, if you want them back then beat me first.'

Jade Goocheneyad LP:8000 vs. Nash Kastle LP:8000

(Jade hand: Brilliant Fusion, Pot of Desires, Block Dragon, Gem-Knight Garnet, Gem-Knight Sapphire)

Turn 1: Jade: 'Let's do this. I'll start with Brilliant Fusion, fusing the Block Dragon and Gem-Knight Lapis from my deck to Fusion summon Gem-Knight Zirconia (Atk:2900). Then I'll summon Gem-Knight Sapphire (Atk:0), and Link off it and Zirconia for Link 2, the dazzling diamond that's about to leave you all cracked up, Link 2, Gem-Knight Phantom Quartz (Atk:1450).'

Seeing this, Nash already had a sinking feeling, aware of what Jade was trying to construct. 'When it's summoned, Phantom Quartz adds Gem-Knight Fusion from my deck to my hand. Then I'll use Block Dragon to banish three Earth and/or Rock monsters from my graveyard to summon itself (Atk:2500). Now I'll activate Quartz's effect to shuffle Sapphire, Zirconia and Lapis back from my banished zone into my deck and Extra deck, then I can Fusion summon Gem-Knight Lady Brilliant Diamond (Atk:3400).'

'But why stop there when she can send herself to my graveyard, and summon another Gem-Knight Fusion monster from my Extra deck. Meet the guy himself, the rock-hard leader, Gem-Knight Master Diamond (Atk:2900). And I'm still not done, because then I'll Link off Block Dragon and Phantom Quartz to summon another Link 2, Missus Radiant, who gives all Earth monsters 500 Attack and Defence (Atk:2900-3400;1400-1900). That means Block Dragon's effect now activates, to add Rock monsters to my hand from my deck whose Levels total no more than 8. I'll be taking Obsidian, Crystal Rose, and Lapis.'

'Now I'll activate Gem-Knight Fusion, fusing Crystal Rose and Gem-Knight Lapis, and Fusion summoning Gem-Knight Seraphinite (Atk:2300-2800). Now because Crystal Rose is in the grave, she summons herself if I just banish a Fusion monster from there, like Lady Brilliant Diamond (Atk:500). Then Crystal Rose can copy the name of a monster in my deck by sending it to the graveyard, and I'll choose Gem-Knight Lazuli for that. That in turn, allows Lazuli's effect to add Lapis back to my hand.'

'Now Gem-Knight Fusion again, send Lapis and Obsidian to summon Gem-Knight Lady Lapis Lazuli (Atk:2400-2900). Because Obsidian was sent from my hand to the grave, its effect will also bring Lapis back (Atk:1200-1700). Lady Lapis Lazuli's effect will send any Gem-Knight from my Extra deck to the graveyard, like another copy of herself, and you lose 500 Life points for every Special summoned monster on the field.' Lapis Lazuli floated into the air, while controlling shards of rock, firing them straight at Nash and causing damage (Nash LP:8000-5000).'

'Now Master Diamond's effect, banish the Lapis Lazuli I just sent to the graveyard, and copy her effect (Nash LP:5000-2000). And I've got another trick, because Gem-Knight Fusion can add itself back to my hand by banishing Obsidian. Meaning I can now activate Fusion, fusing Master Diamond, Lapis and Lapis Lazuli to summon another Master Diamond (Atk:2900-3400). And he can copy Lapis Lazuli's effect as well, and that's lights out (Nash LP:2000-0).'

After the duel, Jade raised her arm in victory, before doing a backflip to impress the crowd, while Nash looked stunned, having opened a poor hand himself in any case. As she finished celebrating, the Amer-Iranian started shouting at Nash, telling him that she and Brooke wanted their title shot, only for him to tell her in no uncertain terms that it wasn't going to happen. Annoyed, she turned sharply with her braided tail following her, and stormed out.

Backstage, Junction 7 were talking about the upcoming main event. 'Tonight is the night' Akiza declared 'That we get what we have always been after, the destruction of the Renegades, and the rebirth of one Maddy Smith, because let me get something clear with you all: Maddy is my property, and always has been. I'll rent her out or give her away at times, but at the end of the day, she is my property, she belongs to Junction 7 and to the Rose Cross, and there is nothing you can do about that!'

Rhydian though, seemed to have something totally different on his mind, as he spoke slowly and deliberately. 'You know, a lot's been happening recently, a lot of random traps we've been walking into. And it just feels like there is one thing… one person, that has always been in the middle of that, has always been present. And I think it's about time that I got some answers from this person.'

The cameras then followed him as he went back out to the arena with Maddy while Gracie C was performing again, and confronted her as the rest of his group caught up. 'I think there's a thing or two that you need to tell me, because every single trap that's been sprung recently has one recurring factor - you. It's always you who's there, it's always you that leads us there. And don't even think about lying to us, otherwise it's not just your music career that will be over.'

Shocked, Gracie responded by telling him 'I'm sorry, I don't know what you want me to say, I've done nothing.' 'How about the incident with the tour bus then? Huh?' Again, she showed a complete lack of awareness. 'It had been an hour since I'd been on that bus, who knows what happened in that time. The doors are normally locked, but I got out before everybody else because I had a meeting.'

Rhydian nodded, and then signalled to two more masked individuals, who were stood behind Gracie, and grabbed her arms, keeping her pinned in place. 'Any last words?' he grunted psychotically, leading to Gracie getting one of her arms free and making a dramatic speech. 'From the first days when I grew up in Aspen, Colorado, I was always taught to be honest. Always taught to be a good person. And if I fall here, then I stayed honest. Because I will always be on the side of good…' She then leant into the microphone, and stated 'Even with my last breath!'

As she stated this, she spun the other guard off, and revealed the Renegades logo on the back of her denim jacket, as Rio's music started to play to an insane reaction, and she walked out, shouting to the crowd as she did, and Gracie sung her music, stamping on the guards all the while, as Rio told everyone 'Sorry, did I say one double agent? My bad, I meant TWO. See, that celebrity you heard rumours about, it was Gracie all along, you can thank Donny.' As Rhydian fumed and Akiza was apoplectic with rage, Lukas tried to attack from behind, but Gracie shouted at the last moment, allowing Rio to spin out of the way, grasping his wrist in the process, and wrap his arm around his throat, choking him for the second time in the day.

'Now if any of you want him back, you're going to listen, and listen real good, because this is the last opportunity I will give you.' She then pulled a cheque out of her pocket. 'I have a cheque here for $1million, and if you don't believe I can afford that, look up my Mom's name, she's called "Nana Kastle".' The fans, mostly unaware of this before, erupted again for the announcement. 'Yeah, the Nana Kastle was my Mom. So this is an offer for you Rhydian - since you all see Maddy as an object, let's do business. I'll pay you $1million for the whole object called Maddy.'

Rio then held the cheque out, and Rhydian slowly walked forward with Maddy, feigning the possibility of handing her over. At the last possible moment though, he snatched the cheque, and Maddy charged, spearing Rio and bowling her to the ground. 'Did you really think I'd be that stupid?' As he turned to leave though, she got straight back up, and fired the crowd up to fever pitch. 'Did you really think I was that stupid?'

He suddenly looked around, shocked. 'Don't worry guys, it's a real cheque of real money. See Rhydian, power is nothing without control and purpose. As long as your only purpose is destruction, you will never match our power, because our power comes from our purpose. And right now, our purpose is getting our friend back. So you have five minutes until show time, and believe me, it's going to be a show, because you're going to see that as long as you are fuelled by purpose, YOU. NEVER. FAIL!' Alarmed at this, Rhydian and co. fled, fearful of losing the numbers advantage, while Rio led a "She's everyone's Maddy" chant from the crowd.

Backstage, Blair and Rio were being interviewed, with the rest of the Renegades behind them. 'I'm with the Varsity Club, we have literal minutes to go before the main event, it's Free or Fired for the WDC Tag-Team Championships, but this is far more personal than those titles, as Junction 7, Maddy Smith and Akiza Izinski, take on my guests at this time, Astrid Hofferson and Blair Flannigan, the Varsity Club. Girls, this is what you partnered up for, Hannah called you the "nuclear option".'

Blair was fired up in response. 'That's because we are. We came together with a specific mission, and this is the conclusion of that mission. We have put everything, even our own lives effectively, on the line for one reason, and that is to get this one opportunity to fulfil our mission. We know the risks, but we also know that it's what we have to do. We swore an oath to rescue our friend, our Alpha, from the trap she's caught up in, and we will never, ever go back on that.'

Astrid then stepped up to speak, completely in Welsh. 'Clywch famiaith yr hen fyd. Ar yr Unfed Awr ar Ddeg, pan glywant y babanod yn crio, bydd Alffa a fu unwaith yn fawr yn agor ei llygaid. Heno, mae hi'n gweld y golau! (Hear the mother tongue of the old world. At the Eleventh Hour, when they hear the Infant cries, the once great Alpha will open her eyes. Tonight, she sees the light!'

Before the main event, a chilling video played, showing the sequence of events from Witchunt to the present, from Maddy's capture to her return, then Rhydian retiring Phil, Tee being taken in response, and Astrid's return, before focusing on the events since the formation of the Varsity club, with Hannah's announcement of the "nuclear option" being played over and over again in the background.

The music then shifted to something more sinister, as mock-up pictures showed what Blair and Astrid might look like under the spell of the rose, a chillingly accurate image from the dead and soulless eyes, to the blank expressions, to the black and white hair ties and clothes, to Rhydian standing over them laughing, before showing an image of Maddy, with the same ponytail and clothes, but free from the spell, and posing the question 'Whose destiny is about to change allegiances?'

The main event started with the local announcer introducing the duel. 'The following duel is your main event, and is Freedom vs. Freedom, to be held under Lockdown Rules. The stipulations are as follows: If the Varsity Club win, then Maddy Smith will rejoin the Renegades, however if Junction 7 win, then the Varsity Club will both join Junction 7. Now introducing the competitors.'

J7's music was first to begin, and with the commentators in a deathly hush, Akiza and Maddy entered, with Maddy looking totally vacant, but her fangs totally bared and her lifeless eyes gold, her feral side clearly burgeoning while still being dead inside. Akiza meanwhile, was pushing her down towards the zone, setting her stall out early as to what she was using Maddy for in the duel. In the zone, they both made the old Brave Bones stance, as it could be seen that Maddy had a piece of white plastic in her ear, allowing Rhydian's instructions to be all she could hear.

There was then a long delay, and no sign of Blair nor Astrid. After almost four minutes, there was still no indication of them walking down, so Akiza started shouting 'If they don't come out, they forfeit the duel, and then security can bring those brainless worms to me! I will destroy their empire! And then their entire world will be mine, and finally, that purple-haired turncoat will be dancing to my tune! We will be invincible!'

Akiza's ranting was suddenly interrupted by the soft sounds of a piano playing B, then D, then B again, before a full melody started to play, as Astrid's gentle singing voice started radiating around the arena, which, despite the track being marketed as being by Hel's Angels (Andre's band), several fans appeared to recognise the voice, and started chanting "Astrid es un angel!", while Akiza fumed. But what she didn't notice was that as soon as the singing started, Maddy's eyes almost opened wide, as she clearly recognised the voice in the back of her mind.

Two large light panels then fired up on the entranceway, and Astrid and Blair walked directly through the light, glowing as they did, Blair wearing Maddy's hoodie (taking advantage of Maddy wearing oversized clothes), and Astrid with the shirt she had created, while both also sporting their varsity jackets. As each drum beat hit in their music, they stamped their right feet in perfect time with the beat, causing the lights to flash blindingly again, and as they reached the zone, Astrid shouted at Maddy. 'See the light!'

Junction 7 (Maddy Smith LP:8000/Akiza Izinski LP:8000) vs. Varsity Club (Astrid Hofferson LP:8000/Blair Flannigan LP:8000)

(Blair hand: Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus, Crystal Abundance, Last Resort, Crystal Bond, M Force)

Turn 1: Blair: 'I'll start with my Spell card Crystal Bond.' 'Sweet, trying to send messages. Too late I'm afraid, she's gone.' 'You really think I believe anything you say Akiza? This card adds Crystal Beast Ruby Carbuncle to my hand, and then places Crystal Beast Emerald Tortoise face-up in my Spell and Trap zone. Then I'll summon Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus (Atk:1800), and use it to add Crystal Beast Topaz Tiger to my hand. I'll set two and end my turn.'

(Maddy hand: Ogdoadic Water Lily, Nunu the Ogdoadic Boundless, Snake Rain, Zohah the Ogdoadic Boundless, Serial Spell, Nephilabyss the Ogdoadic Overlord)

Maddy: 'Draw.' Very blatantly taking instructions from the earpiece she was wearing in her ear, she blankly spoke, still slurring her words as her eyes continued to inconsistently flash. 'Set card face-down. Then activate Snake Rain, send Zohah the Ogdoadic Boundless to graveyard, send four Reptiles from deck to the grave.'

As she continued this play, Astrid shook her head. 'Where's your independence maddy? Where's the real Maddy?' Akiza was more than happy to fill them in. 'The old Maddy is dead, she's been destroyed, all that's left now is a shell ready to be transformed into a lethal weapon. And that's exactly what I'm going to do after this! This will destroy your disgusting cult once and for all!'

'So that's what this is about, it's not even about Maddy, it's just taking revenge because you were kicked out of the Renegades.' 'You don't even know the half of my plans. This little wolf has so much power, so much potential, just lying dormant by riding with all of you. That power deserves to be harnessed, weaponised, turned against people who deserve it! When I take her, I'm going to train her into a pure-bred killer, her focus being only on destruction!'

'But that's not who Maddy is, she's a beautiful person inside and out, she didn't ask to be turned into a weapon, she's a great friend, she's funny as fuck, she's a stupidly talented photographer who's supposed to be going to uni soon, and she's a devoted sister! She's not some kind of atomic bomb for you to throw at people, fuck what she thinks' Blair declared in anger. 'So you can make her take her turn so we can beat you.'

Maddy then stared at her hand for a moment before taking her turn again. 'Activate Serial Spell, sending the entire hand to the graveyard and activate the effect of Snake Rain again, send four Reptiles from deck to graveyard. Now activate face-down Ogdoadic Water Lily, send Nunu the Ogdoadic Boundless to the graveyard, summon Nephilabyss the Ogdoadic Overlord (Def.:3100). The turn is over.'

(Astrid hand: Nordic Beast Gullinbursti, Vanadis of the Nordic Ascendant, Link Into the Vrains, Nordic Relic Brisingamen, Nordic Smith Ivaldi, Guard Ghost)

Astrid: 'It's time to begin the take back. I'll summon Ivaldi of the Nordic Smiths (Atk:1500). Ivaldi's effect will add Nordic Relic Svalinn to my hand, and then I'll Link off Ivaldi. It's time to meet the maiden who was thrice burned and thrice reborn. One of those is going to happen to you, and I'll give you a clue - it's not the reborn part! I Link summon Link 1, Gullveig of the Nordic Ascendant (Atk:800).'

'When Gullveig arrives, she banishes three cards from my hand or field, to summon that many Nordic monsters from my hand or deck. I'll get rid of Guard Ghost, Gullinbursti and Brisingamen to summon Tyr of the Nordic Champions, Mimir of the Nordic Ascendant and the Tuner monster Guldfaxe of the Nordic Beasts (Atk:2000;600;1600). Now Level 4 Guldfaxe tunes to Level 2 Mimir and Level 4 Tyr! Thor, lord of lightning and fury, reap your wrath upon the hellish witch we're facing! I call upon the god which I serve, Thor, Lord of the Aesir (Atk:3500). I end my turn setting one and Guard Ghost adds itself back to my hand because I banished it this turn.'

(Akiza hand: Rainbow Life, Attack Guidance Armour, Temptation of the Cross, Aromage Jasmine, Mystical Space Typhoon, Red Rose Dragon)

Akiza: 'I'll draw, and use my Mystical Space Typhoon to destroy your face-down Svalinn. Unless it's something different, but you're a good girl Astrid, you'd never double cross Maddy like that would you?' As the Typhoon destroys Astrid's relic, she had more than a few words for Akiza. 'The only way I'd be double crossing her is leaving her with you for a moment longer than I have to. And if you ever call me a good girl again, well… I'll give you a visual demonstration.'

Astrid reached into Blair's belt, and from one of the pouches, pulled out a box of matches, withdrawing one, and snapping it in half, before throwing the snapped wood to Akiza's feet. 'Next time it won't be broken, and the top of it will be just that little bit warmer. How's that for a "good girl"?' Not intimidated, Akiza laughed the threat off. 'You don't have the backbone to do that.' 'Try me' a stern look responded, with no sight of the fearful 21 year old that had been present in the build-up. 'Well if you are serious, you're about to learn that it's not going to happen, because Maddy is my shield. I will take whatever broken mess she ends up as, and resurrect her anew! And there's nothing anyone can do about it. I'll summon Aromage Jasmine (Atk:100), and end my turn with three face-downs.'

(Blair hand: Crystal Abundance, Crystal Beast Ruby Carbuncle, Rainbow Bridge of the Heart)

Blair: 'I'll draw and end my turn since you're clearly trying to lure me.' 'You're not doing anything of the sort, because I'll activate my face-down Temptation of the Cross!' A rose cross, not dissimilar to the one Maddy was sacrificed at, sprung from the card and appeared on the field. 'This is a tricky card that forces you to attack a Plant-type monster on my field. And I choose Jasmine.'

As she did so, Jasmine was caught in a scarlet light, and drawn onto the cross, where she was caught in chains. 'So helpless, like a fly in a web, or… like Maddy on a cross. I'm sure you've been told what happened, but just let the image of this fuel your anger. Because I'll also activate my Rainbow Life, which discards Red Rose Dragon, and now whenever I take a hit this turn, I gain all the points I would lose. Now my puppets, attack!'

The moment she declared this, Sapphire Pegasus charged in with its shimmering blue horn, Gullveig set Jasmine on fire, and Thor brought his mighty hammer crashing to the ground, with Akiza reaping the benefit of all three hits (Akiza LP:8000-14,100). 'Even better, Jasmine can't be destroyed while on this cross. And because I gained Life points, she gifts me another card.' 'I end my turn. I'm sorry Astrid.' She looked over, and calmly asked 'What's the apology for? You read the situation, nothing more you could have done.'

(Maddy hand: Rank-up-Magic Rose Thorn)

Maddy: 'Draw, end turn.' It was clear that Maddy was trapped in the middle of a battle for power over her, with Rhydian content to make Akiza do all the legwork, and Akiza trying to encourage Maddy to act as a shield, on the clear assumption that her friends wouldn't put her in harm's way.

(Astrid hand: Vanadis of the Nordic Ascendant, Guard Ghost, Alviss of the Nordic Alfar)

Astrid: 'I see how it is… I'll draw, and start off with the effect of Thor, to negate your Jasmine's effect. Then I'll attack Jasmine with Thor. Thunderbolt Bludgeon!' 'Yes, very clever, but not clever enough. The effect of my Cross allows me to wipe out the damage by sending a Plant monster from my deck to the graveyard. I'll send Gigaplant.' 'Then I'll attack with Sapphire Pegasus.' 'I'll send a Phoenixian Seed to the graveyard.' 'And Gullveig. I'm more than happy for you to use every monster in your deck.' Obliging, Akiza showed and sent Lonefire Blossom. 'I end my turn.'

(Akiza hand: The Dark Door)

Akiza: 'I'll draw, then I'll activate The Dark Door, so enjoy your one attack per turn. You're going to come to me one way or another, so you might as well save us all some time.' 'Or you could save us some time and just break whatever spell you put Maddy under, so we don't have to.' 'Like I'm going to believe that, it suggests you've got a chance to win.' 'We've not just got a chance, we're going to do this because we have to. Failing isn't an option' Blair declared, still fired up and up for the fight.

(Blair hand: Crystal Abundance, Crystal Beast Ruby Carbuncle, Crystal Bond)

Blair: 'I'll draw, and activate Crystal Bond, to add Amethyst Cat to my hand, and then place Cobalt Eagle in my Spell and Trap zone. Then I'll attack Jasmine with Thor.' 'I'll send another Gigaplant to my grave to blank the damage once more. And because of my Door, you can't attack again.' 'I end my turn.'

(Maddy hand: Rank-up-Magic Rose Thorn, Ogdoadic Daybreak)

Maddy: 'Draw, end turn.' It was clear to anybody that Rhydian was waiting for a good opportunity to send his newly-minted fiance into battle, but Blair and Astrid's focus was still very much on Akiza.

(Astrid hand: Vanadis of the Nordic Ascendant, Guard Ghost, Alviss of the Nordic Alfar, Dust Tornado)

Astrid: 'I'll draw and set a card in my backrow, then end my turn.' Blair looked over concerned, but Astrid mouthed to her 'One monster short', reassuring her of their chances and her continued focus.

(Akiza hand: Blessed Winds)

Akiza; 'I draw and I'll set my own card, then I'll end my turn. Come and get me if you think you're strong enough, because I assure you, as long as I have my little shield here, you're not.'

(Blair hand: Crystal Beast Ruby Carbuncle, Crystal Abundance, Rare Value)

Blair: 'I'll draw, and it's time I got some value out of my field, some Rare Value that is. You get to choose a Crystal in my backrow to send to the graveyard, then I draw two cards.' 'Fine, I'll send your Eagle' Akiza declared, as Blair took her cards and her focus tightened. 'Now it's about time I did something. I'll start with the Spell card Golden Rule.' As she did, Astrid shouted her on. 'Go get her!' 'This places two Crystals from my deck in my Spell and Trap zone, then summons a different Crystal Beast from my hand or grave. I'll place Amber Mammoth and Cobalt Eagle in my Spell and Trap zone, then summon Ruby Carbuncle from my hand (Def.:300).'

'Now the effect of Ruby's really gonna light you up, because she summons as many Crystal Beasts as possible from my Spell and Trap zone. Go - Ruby Flash!' The red orb on the bottom of Ruby's tail radiated blinding red light, seemingly affecting Maddy briefly, before the three Crystals in Blair's Spell and Trap zone shedded their rocky skin, and emerged from their hibernation (Eagle Atk:1400;Mammoth Atk:1500;Emerald Def.:2000).' As Astrid cheered her partner on, Akiza was immediately dismissive of this move.

'So you summoned a few little zoo animals, am I supposed to be scared?' 'You tell me. But you might want to wait until I activate United We Stand! This equips onto Sapphire Pegasus, and gives it Attack equal to the combined value of every monster me and Astrid control.' The gleaming winged unicorn reared up on its hind legs as the sapphire horn on its head shone for the world to see, and the crowd roared her on (Atk:1800-9900). Now attack Akiza's monster with United Sapphire Horn!'

'Stupid girl, all I have to do is send another Plant to my graveyard to stop the damage.' Astrid then made her move. 'I hope your Cross is well anchored, because I heard the weather forecast called for a Dust Tornado.' As a whirlwind shot across the field, it pummelled the cross, and eventually ripped it out of the ground, destroying it. Akiza was then forced to reveal her other card.

'You just don't listen, you're never winning this, not as long as I have my shield. I activate Attack Guidance Armour.' A tribal-looking plate of armour then slapped itself onto Maddy's Nephilabyss, and Sapphire Pegasus blasted it apart instead, knocking Maddy off her feet. While she climbed back up without blinking, Akiza laughed to herself. 'Not only did your attack get diverted, but now my Guidance Armour sets itself face-down again. You're never going to harm me.' 'We'll see about that. I end my turn.' 'When you do, I'll activate Blessed Winds to shuffle Phoenixian Seed back into my deck and gain 500 Life points (Akiza LP:14,100-14,600).'

(Maddy hand: Rank-up-Magic Rose Thorn, Ogdoadic Daybreak, Ogdoadic Water Lily)

Maddy: 'Draw.' This was the moment when Rhydian barked 'Attack them!' to Maddy, and she snapped fully back into her trance. 'The Messiah knows all. Activate Ogdoadic Water Lily, sending Aleirtt, the Ogdoadic Dark to the graveyard, summon Nauya the Ogdoadic Remnant (Atk:0). Nauya effect, add Ogdoadic Serpent Strike to hand. Nunu effect in graveyard, summon (Atk:0). Keurse the Ogdoadic Light in grave, tribute Nunu (Atk:400). Keurse allows an opponent to summon a monster from graveyard.' Blair looked over at Astrid, who nodded. 'I'll summon Ivaldi (Def.:500), use it to add Nordic Relic Svalinn to my hand.'

Without even waiting for Astrid to finish talking, Maddy continued her monotone turn. 'Keurse revive Zohah, the Ogdoadic Boundless (Atk:1800). Zohah, opponents draw one card, Ogdoadic gets added to hand, all players discard a monster. Then Aleirtt, sacrifice Nauya (Atk:2000). Aleirtt effect, return banished Nunu and Nauya to graveyard. Tribute three monsters summon Ogdoabyss, the Ogdoadic Overlord from the graveyard (Atk:3100).'

'Ogdoabyss effect, send all monsters not summoned from graveyard to grave.' A fierce torrent of water was stirred up by the flying serpent, which wiped out all other monsters on the field, including Akiza's Jasmine, which she was clearly not best pleased with, holding her arms out and muttering 'What the hell Rhydian', to no reaction. 'Ogdoabyss attack Blair.' Maddy's behemoth of a monster stirred up a pulse of water from the ground, before smacking it with its tail and sending it rumbling into Blair, wiping her out completely as she disappeared over the horizon of the duelling zone (Blair LP:8000-4900). 'Turn is over.'

As the turn ended, Blair got back up to her feet, and sprung back into the zone. 'You ok?' 'I'm good, little fuzzy but I'll be just fine.' 'Take a moment if you need to' Astrid pushed, but her teammate pushed back. 'I'm fine, it's your turn anyway.' 'Right.'

(Astrid hand: Vanadis of the Nordic Ascendant, Guard Ghost, Alviss of the Nordic Alfar, The One to be Protected)

Astrid: 'I'll draw, I'll set a card and then I'll end my turn.' As she did, she shook her head in frustration, sensing the opportunity slipping through their fingers.

(Akiza hand: Aromage Laurel)

Akiza: 'I draw, and I'll end my turn immediately.'

(Blair hand: Crystal Abundance, Golden Rule)

Blair: 'I draw, and I'll activate Golden Rule, to place Crystal Beasts Amber Mammoth and Amethyst Cat in my Spell and Trap zone, then summon back the Sapphire Pegasus from my graveyard (Def.:1200). And Sapphire Pegasus' effect will then place the Cobalt Eagle from my graveyard in my Spell and Trap zone. I'll end my turn right there and challenge you to take me out.'

(Maddy hand: Rank-up-Magic Rose Thorn, Ogdoadic Daybreak, Ogdoadic Serpent Strike, Aron, the Ogdoadic King)

Maddy: 'Draw, activate Ogdoadic Daybreak. Tribute Ogdoabyss, summon five Tokens (Atk:0x5). Tribute three Tokens to summon back Ogdoabyss (Atk:3100), use effect to send other monsters from field to grave.' 'Not this time, Sapphire Pegasus was summoned from the graveyard, Maddy would have known that.' 'So that means you've admitted she's gone?' Akiza taunted, to which Blair didn't respond. Maddy then continued her turn.

'Tribute two Tokens, summon Amunessia, the Ogdoadic Queen from graveyard (Atk:2700). Ogdoadic Serpent Strike, discard Aron, the Ogdoadic King, summon Nephilabyss, the Ogdoadic Overlord (Atk:2200). Nephilabyss, attack directly.' As Maddy continued to stumble through her words, it didn't appear to matter as a waterfall came cascading down from the sky, crushing Sapphire Pegasus. And this left Blair right in the firing line.

As she faced down her maker, she heard Maddy say 'Get ready to worship my Messiah. Amunessia, attack directly.' A dark light flew from the serpent's sceptre, which hit Blair directly and dropped her total dangerously low with an attack yet to come (Blair LP:4900-2200). As Maddy lined up one more attack, Blair was gesturing to Astrid, who seemed to completely understand what was being hinted at. 'The final attack comes from Ogdoabyss.' As the attack was about to connect, Blair actioned her backup plan. 'I'll activate Last Resort! When you attack me, this activates the Field spell Ancient City - Rainbow Ruins from my deck.'

The grand colosseum with a rainbow stretching right across it sprung up as she said this, and immediately she was ready for its effect. 'I'll activate effect #2; because I have two Crystals in my backrow, I can halve the damage from this attack.' This was just in time before she was shot out of the zone again by the attack (Blair LP:2200-650). 'The turn ends.' As it did, Blair got back up, battered but still determined. 'You get the message Astrid?' 'Totally.'

In the Renegades' dressing room

All of the club were nervously watching on as Blair's points ticked down. While Rio was praying that things improved, Hannah was talking to her husband about the situation. 'You think they can do it still?' He just nodded, and calmly stated 'I was observing training with them a few days ago, it's the first time I've ever felt like the 3rd best duellist out of three in the room. They've got this.' Meanwhile, Freja was quietly sat, muttering 'Don't make me do it please, don't make me do it.'

In the duel

(Astrid hand: Vanadis of the Nordic Ascendant, Guard Ghost, Alviss of the Nordic Alfar, Nordic Relic Svalinn, One Day of Peace)

Astrid: 'I see you Maddy, and we're not giving up on you. I'll draw, and activate One Day of Peace, we all draw a card and nobody takes damage until the end of my next turn. That should keep you safe Blair.' 'Thanks Astrid, you're a hero.' 'I'm not, but we'll have that out later. I end my turn with a face-down.' As she did, she looked at her other face-down. 'Win by any means necessary.'

(Akiza hand: Aromage Laurel, Aromage Jasmine)

Akiza: 'I'll draw and summon Aromage Jasmine (Atk:100). Then I'll use Blessed Winds, to shuffle another Jasmine into the deck and gain 500 Life points (Akiza LP:14,600-15,100). And because of Jasmine's effect, I can draw a card. Like Aroma Blend, it sends Aromage Laurel to my graveyard and in return I can activate Humid Winds from my deck. I'll end my turn.'

(Blair hand: Crystal Abundance, Crystal Master)

Blair: 'I draw and I'll activate effect #4 of Rainbow Ruins. Once per turn, if I have four Crystals in my Spell and Trap zone, I can draw a card. I'll set a monster and end my turn.'

(Maddy hand: Rank-up-Magic Rose Thorn, Masked Chameleon)

Maddy: 'Draw. End turn.'

(Astrid hand: Vanadis of the Nordic Ascendant, Guard Ghost, Alviss of the Nordic Alfar, Polar Star Reincarnated)

Astrid: 'I'll draw and activate Polar Star Reincarnated. This allows me to revive an Aesir god from the graveyard, and it gains 1000 Attack points, but can't attack directly. Return, Thor, Lord of the Aesir (Atk:3500-4500). Thor, attack Ogdoabyss.' Thor swung his almighty weapon around, before bringing it onto the head of Ogdoabyss with an electrical discharge coming from it, and Maddy tumbled across the ground (Maddy LP:8000-6700). 'I end my turn.'

(Akiza hand: Aroma Jar, Aromage Bergamot)

Akiza: 'I'll draw for my turn, and I'll use Blessed Winds to return Gigaplant to my deck and gain 500 Life points (Akiza LP:15,100-15,600). I'll use the Aroma Blend from my graveyard to Fusion summon, and because I have more Life points, I can banish monsters from my graveyard for the summon. I banish Gigaplant from my graveyard and send Bergamot from my hand to Fusion summon' 'Absolutely nothing' Blair responded. 'I activate effect #3 of Rainbow Ruins. By sending Ruby Carbuncle from my hand to the graveyard, I can negate your Blend.' Akiza shook her head, seeing Blair's now bare field. 'I end my turn.'

(Blair hand: Crystal Abundance, Crystal Master, Dragon's Mirror)

Blair: 'I draw, and it's about time I made you see the light Maddy. First I'll get a card from Rainbow Ruins, and then I'll summon Crystal Master (Atk:1500), but his effect requires him to become a sacrifice, because you deserve so much more than… all of this. You never asked for this, you were never anything but kind to us. So now I get to help you out. Crystal Master's effect allows me to add my ace to my hand. And by having seven Crystal Beasts with different names in my graveyard, I can summon it - the majestic Rainbow Dragon.' The Dragon shining in all seven colours of the rainbow flew down from the sky, and circled the field, before landing in front of Blair (Atk:4000).'

Akiza though, was still being bullish. 'Am I supposed to be worried? Just face facts, soon enough you're all going to be working for me and me alone!' Blair though, didn't look scared, because she was focused on her objective. 'I see the light in you Maddy, and I'm going to bust you out! See, I called Rainbow Dragon my ace, but the truth is, I have an even… acier ace. An Uber ace if you will.' As she said this, Rainbow Dragon vanished in glittery sparkles. 'By tributing my Dragon, it can evolve further. Descend, the ultimate crystal god, Rainbow Overdragon (Atk:4000).'

'And by banishing a Crystal Beast from my graveyard, Overdragon gains its Attack points. I'll banish Cobalt Eagle.' As she did, her mighty shimmering Dragon glowed cobalt briefly, gaining power (Atk:4000-5400). Now attack Akiza directly with Rainbow Refraction!' Overdragon created a rainbow in front of its mouth, before firing a shimmering stream of breath right through the middle of it, annihilating Akiza's Jasmine and dropping her mammoth total (Akiza LP:15,600-10,300). 'I end my turn.'

(Maddy hand: Rank-up-Magic Rose Thorn, Masked Chameleon, Ogdoadic Daybreak)

Maddy: 'Draw, Ogdoadic Daybreak.' The moment she did this, Blair knew she had to gamble. 'I'll activate Overdragon's effect, to tribute itself and shuffle every card from the field into the deck.' Overdragon released an absolutely blinding light like a nuclear explosion, and when the fallout cleared, nothing was left on the field, with Blair praying that Maddy's cards in hand wouldn't help.

'Summon Masked Chameleon (Atk:1600).' Seeing it, Blair looked over to Astrid. 'I'm sorry, looks like it's up to you. You know I believe in you, right?' 'Everyone does' Astrid smiled back, as the attack was declared. 'Attack Astrid directly.' As the Chameleon shot its long tongue out at the previously-untouched Norwegian, but she seemed happy to take the hit (Astrid LP:8000-6400). 'End turn.' As she did, Rhydian could audibly be heard saying 'I knew I should have told her to attack Blair specifically. Stupid, stupid.'

Astrid and Blair though, had a different theory. 'She's breaking out isn't she?' Astrid whispered, barely audible enough for Blair to hear. 'Hoping so' she responded. And while Maddy would normally have been able to hear this, her senses had been so suppressed by the infection spreading through her brain that she wasn't able to pick up on it.

(Astrid hand: Vanadis of the Nordic Ascendant, Guard Ghost, Alviss of the Nordic Alfar, Nordic Relic Svalinn, Vanadis of the Nordic Ascendant)

Astrid: 'I draw, and I'll summon Vanadis of the Nordic Ascendant (Atk:800). Then I'll link her off. If you weren't burned by her might the first time, then I'll make sure to raise the temperature this time, because I fancy some roasty toasty witch!' A plume of fire and smoke then appeared behind her. 'Appear, Gullveig of the Nordic Ascendant (Atk:800). Then the effect of Gullveig banishes Alviss, Vanadis and Guard Ghost from my hand, to summon Guldfaxe, Ivaldi and Tanngrisnir (Atk:1600;1500;1200). And because I banished Alviss, I can send Tanngrisnir along with Svartalf of the Nordic Alfar and Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant to Synchro summon Odin, Father of the Aesir (Atk:4000).'

'Then the effect of Ivaldi adds Nordic Relic Laevateinn to my hand.' Astrid then looked at Blair, and made a pact with herself. 'I'm not putting her in danger, we're doing this together. I'll attack Masked Chameleon with Odin, Father of the Aesir.' Odin shot a divine light from his mighty staff, striking the Chameleon down and dealing more damage to Maddy (Maddy LP:6700-4100). 'Now my other monsters will all attack Akiza.' The trio of monsters on her field swung into action, launching a triumvirate of attacks (Akiza LP:10,300-4800). 'I end my turn with a face-down and Guard Ghost returns to my hand.'

(Akiza hand: Aroma Jar, Mystical Space Typhoon)

Akiza: 'I draw and activate Mystical Space Typhoon to dispose of your new face-down.' As her second Svalinn got blown away, Astrid sighed, clearly still troubled and feeling the tension. 'Since you kindly got rid of my field, I'll set a monster and end my turn.'

(Blair hand: Crystal Abundance, Dragon's Mirror, Graceful Charity)

Blair: 'I'll draw. I'll activate Graceful Charity, to draw three cards and discard two. Now I'll summon Crystal Beast Amethyst Cat (Atk:1200), and I'll equip her with Crystal Release, to give her another 800 Attack (Atk:1200-2000). Now she can attack directly, by halving her damage. Let her eat Amethyst Nail!' Blair's pink cat leapt right over Akiza's set monster, before coming diving down with a razor-sharp scratch (Akiza LP:4800-3800). 'I end my turn with a face-down.' Almost an hour in, the strain was telling, as Akiza looked tired from the effort. Meanwhile Blair and Astrid were as sharp as ever, and Maddy was still as docile as anything.

(Maddy hand: Rank-up-Magic Rose Thorn, Wolfblood Witch)

Maddy: 'Draw.' As she drew, her eyes grew dark and lifeless again, as Rhydian could be heard cheering her on in her earpiece, and Akiza demanded 'Show them your identity! Be the Wolfblood Witch!' 'I summon Wolfblood Witch (Atk:0).' The Varsity Club faced down the final symbol of Maddy's spell; a small figure, looking just like Maddy, with gold eyes, but a blank look and dressed just like Akiza. 'Do you see now? You lost her, you lose, she's all mine now! And she's never going back! You first, and then everyone else, starting with Rhydian. Show them!' 'Yes mistress.'

'By tributing Wolfblood Witch, I halve your Life points.' The witch tributed itself, and the spirit of a wolf appeared on the field in a ghostly purple, surging across the field and taking out Blair and Astrid like a pair of skittles (Blair LP:650-325; Astrid LP:6400-3200). 'I end turn.'

(Astrid hand: Guard Ghost, The One to be Protected)

Astrid: 'I draw and I'll set a card, then I'll attack Akiza with Odin.' Odin shot the light from its sceptre, before it got absorbed by Akiza's monster (Aroma Jar Def.:500). 'Yeah, thought as much. I'll end the Battle phase, and tune Level 4 Guldfaxe to Level 3 Ivaldi, and Synchro summon Kuibelt the Blade Dragon (Atk:2500). When it's summoned, Kuibelt destroys your Aroma Jar.' Astrid's new Dragon flew around, slicing up the Jar with sharp blades, and as it set back down on her field, Aroma Jar split into pieces, spilling its herbal contents. 'I end my turn with a face-down. One more step Maddy, we believe you can get through this!' She didn't respond though, still utterly entranced and lost.

(Akiza hand: Burst Rebirth)

Akiza: 'I'll draw and set a card before ending my turn.'

(Blair hand: Crystal Abundance, Pot of Avarice)

Blair: 'I'll draw and activate Pot of Avarice, shuffling five monsters from my graveyard back into my deck to draw two cards. One of which is Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus (Atk:1800), and I'll use it to place Amethyst Cat in the Spell and Trap zone. Now my Pegasus attacks you directly! Sapphire Horn!' The winged steed galloped in with its horn hard and shimmering, as a worn-out Akiza triggered her face-down.

'Will you two just roll over and die already?' 'Never.' 'You're not getting rid of us.' 'We'll see about that. I activate Burst Rebirth, paying 2000 Life points (Akiza LP:3800-1800) and reviving Aroma Jar face-down. Now attack me.' 'Oh, I intend to' Blair smiled in response. 'Amethyst Cat, attack directly with Amethyst Nail!' Blair's cat went in for second helpings on Akiza's face, leaving her severely cut up from it (Akiza LP:1800-800). 'I end my turn with a face-down. Do you see the plan yet?'

As Akiza looked at them dumbly, Astrid spelled it out for her. 'You're our target, we're going to take you out first, because then Rhydian won't swoop straight in to remove Maddy before we get the chance. She has to stay, and I think you knew that, that's why you changed the rules at the last minute, to use Maddy as a shield. But it's not quite working, and we're going to make you pay for it.'

As Astrid stopped talking, she saw Akiza laughing. 'You know I hate people laughing at me don't you?' ''I wouldn't bet on it. See, I did figure that it would be your plan, but there's nothing you can do about it now, because Maddy's got all the tools to destroy you both, and that's just about to happen, because while you were explaining, I had Maddy stack the top of her deck. So now, you're through!'

(Maddy hand: Rank-up-Magic Rose Thorn, Nauya, the Ogdoadic Remnant)

Maddy: 'Draw, summon Nauya, the Ogdoadic Remnant (Atk:0). The effect of Nauya on summon will add Ogdoadic Water Lily to the hand. Ogdoadic Water Lily, send Amunessia, summon Ogdoabyss, the Ogdoadic Overlord (Atk:3100). Ogdoabyss effect, to send all monsters to the graveyard but those summoned from the graveyard.' This latest onslaught from Ogdoabyss send all but Amethyst Cat to the graveyard, and left both Blair and Astrid in the firing line. 'Attack Blair directly. Torrent Swamper.'

As the attack roared in, Blair started to cry as she saw the end of her bid to free Maddy, but as she went to apologise to Astrid, she saw her partner stood right in front of her, holding out her hand with a Trap card activated. 'I activate The One to be Protected! The legends were right, I just didn't understand. This is what they meant by using my tools to save Maddy, I'm not supposed to get the winning hit. This allows me to send a monster with higher Attack than yours from my deck to the graveyard, and I become Blair's shield. I sacrifice Fenrir, the Nordic Wolf.'

As Astrid took the huge hit for herself, she stared straight at Maddy and spoke to her heart. 'Maddy, I know you're somewhere in there, so hear me. I know you blame yourself for everything and believe that you have to be the sacrifice, but you've done that, and everyone forgives you, everyone loves you. So this is me being you, this is me being the sacrifice so you don't have to be anymore. We don't care about you being an Alpha, we don't care about you being a Don, we just care about you. Because you're our friend, we love you.' She was then sent flying across the arena by the force of the attack, knocked out cold (Astrid LP:3200-0).

In the dressing room

The club were now panicking, as Kris got riot gear on. 'They're not going anywhere, we're not losing anything more than we have to.' Rio nodded, and stood up. 'I think we need to prepare, as soon as the duel ends, full riot, throw everything we've got at them. Prioritise getting Maddy, do whatever you have to to anybody else, as long as you do it quick. Rhydian doesn't know Primal Eolas and Maddy's power is clearly constrained, so block off all the exits.' As she said this though, Belle looked around, confused. 'Guys, where's Freja gone?' Hannah then noticed a bigger issue. 'SKY!' Everyone looked, and it quickly became clear that the infant was also missing, causing Phil and Hannah to rush away.

Meanwhile, Astrid regained her strength long enough to shout to an unnerved Blair. 'You've got this Blair, you've always been the best, even though you never believe anyone, you've always been better than me. I'm sorry I never told you before! You can save Maddy's soul because you're better than everyone else! You can give Skylar his sister back!' As this inspired Blair, she took her next turn. Unnoticed by everyone else though, Maddy's eyes started to come slightly to life, the darkness fading ever so slightly as Skylar's name was mentioned.

(Blair hand: Damage-off Zone, Crystal Beast Topaz Tiger, Megamorph)

Blair: 'I'm still in it so I can still win it. Astrid, I'll never forget this. I'll draw and summon Crystal Beast Topaz Tiger (Atk:1600). Then I'll equip it with Megamorph to double its Attack because I have the lowest Life points (Atk:1600-3200). I end my turn.' Akiza looked confused by this, but Blair smiled, knowing that she couldn't attack for fear of Ogdoabyss being able to use its effect again.

(Akiza hand: Aroma Blend)

Akiza: 'I'll draw and end my turn, gaining 500 Life points from my Aroma Jar (Akiza LP:800-1300).'

(Maddy hand: Rank-up Magic Rose Thorn, Ring of Destruction)

Maddy: 'I draw. I end my turn setting two.'

(Blair hand: Fairy Wind)

Blair: 'I'll draw.' Seeing the card, she muttered 'Not exactly what I had in mind…' She then set it quickly and ended her turn, praying that Akiza couldn't take advantage.

(Akiza hand: Thorn of Destiny)

Akiza: 'The end is here! I activate the effect of Wolfblood Witch in the graveyard. As Maddy was the sacrifice to gain the power she will receive, equally Ogdoabyss will now be the sacrifice to gain the power of the Rose! I can banish it to summon a Plant Synchro of an equal Level from my Extra deck. Appear, Blood Rose Dragon! (Atk:3200). And I'll equip it with Thorn of Destiny, giving it 300 more Attack points, and in exchange, when it destroys your monster, it destroys every card on your field and gets to attack again!'

With seemingly no other options, Blair resigned herself. 'I'm sorry guys, I tried, I really did. Rio, it's all up to you now.' Akiza meanwhile, was too busy gloating to listen. 'Soon enough you're going to be just like Maddy - a brainless bitch.' This is when the duel was interrupted by the Renegades music starting to play, the fans living in hope. But instead of anyone coming out, there was nobody.

Suddenly a CCTV video started playing, showing Rhydian approaching Skylar menacingly, with ill intent, holding a knife. Akiza laughed at this, and declared 'Now you get to lose everything! Now you know how I felt! So alone, helpless, like nobody cares. Now I get my revenge, and I get the weapon that I've always desired.' She was so busy celebrating that she failed to see Maddy looking confused at the screen, entranced by the sight of her baby brother again.

And suddenly, Maddy's eyes opened wide for the first time in weeks, and she screamed 'Skylar! Yer sister's here!' She saw the situation, and saw Blair's eyes closed as the attack came towards her. Without a second more to act, she desperately stated 'Ring of Destruction, target Blood Rose Dragon.' Akiza turned around in shock, only to take a rabbit punch from Maddy, knocking her to the ground and preventing her from protecting herself (Akiza LP:1300-0;Maddy LP:4100-1100;Blair LP:350-350).

After the explosion, Blair opened her eyes, and was astonished to see Akiza's Life points at 0. She then looked over, and saw Maddy, who had clearly snapped out of her trance. As she went to hug her though, Maddy stopped her. 'I can't hold this off for long, the rose is too powerful now, please just kill me.' 'I… can't…' Blair stuttered, while Maddy screamed, losing the fight with the infection in her brain. She tried to concede the duel, but the spell wouldn't let her. 'I… have to win! For my messiah!' As she said this, her eyes slowly started to dim again, and Blair scrambled. 'Deck don't fail me now.' She then drew her card. 'For Maddy!'

(Blair hand: Monster Reborn)

Blair: 'This does it!' With the last of her strength, a crying Maddy begged Blair. 'Please!' 'I'm doing it!' Maddy then collapsed, as the spell overtook her again, completely consuming the last of her sanity. 'Monster Reborn, Rainbow Overdragon (Atk:4000). Light up her life with Rainbow Refraction!' Blair's Dragon created a rainbow and release its devastating attack, ending the duel (Maddy LP:1100-0).

As the duel concluded, Maddy continued fighting the spell, while Akiza blocked Blair from coming any closer. 'You're never getting her back! She belongs to us now!' Seconds later, she was blindsided by Blair flying in with a fierce forearm, sending her straight over the kneeling and screaming Maddy, and smacking her head off the hard floor, knocking her out.

Astrid then got back up, and saw a momentary path, steeling herself and taking it with all her will, rolling under an attack from Lukas, and as Maddy went to spear her, she wrapped her legs around her back, flipped her over, and then grabbed Maddy's convulsing body in a tight clutch, and started escaping with her as Rhydian rushed out, only for Jana to appear behind him, and restrain him. 'You know this isn't right Rhydian. You're not going after her.' He flashed his eyes and tried to escape, only for her to flash and tighten her grip. 'Stronger than I look aren't I? I'm more than just some ex-slave. She's over you.'

While this was going on, Astrid met up with Rio and the rest of the club backstage, as Freja returned with Skylar. 'Sorry, I was' 'No time, Astrid's got Maddy, we need to go.' While they made a beeline for the exit, Kalin walked out in front of them. 'I'll get you out of here.' He then opened a side door with a key that he'd obtained from the caretaker, and guided them all out, Blair waiting until the end of the queue and then keeping watch as they got out of the arena.

Jana continued to grasp Rhydian tightly, until she got a notification from Donny, who was fending off a dazed Akiza. 'They've done it, let's go!' As Rhydian was let go of, he sped to the car park just in time to see the Renegades driving off, with Maddy growling at the back of the car, seemingly trying to get back to her master, but unable to. The last image of the show was Rhydian in a rage destroying the barriers for the car park, while the Renegades drove off into the sunset.

Next time: It's a race against time as the Renegades work to reverse the damage done to Maddy. R: Ultra Evolution Book 19: Brain Drain