R: Ultra Evolution

Book 24: Snakebitten & Frostbitten

WDC: Long Beach card:

WDC Tag-Team Championship Tournament R1: JD Carter and Donny Anderson vs. Wild Stallions (Zak Zapata and Marko Anders)

WDC Tag-Team Championship Round 1: Bad Breed (Astrid Hofferson and Freja McKinna) vs. Style Council (Sara Sawyer and Teresa Taylor)

WDC Young-Gun Championship: Lukas Chipperfield vs. [c] Maddy Smith

WDC Tag-Team Championship Tournament R1: No Remorse Corps (Kari Tsukumo and Radley) vs. The Cast (Jade Goocheneyad and Brooke Angharad)

Style Council (Caprice Morris and Myka Grainger) vs. Junction 7 (Kieran Byrne and Nash Kastle)

In Long Beach

The club were present ahead of the next WDC event, but the event itself was the last thing on most people's minds, as Blair shared what she had learned just four days previously with Astrid and Freja. 'So that's why you insisted on it being you? Because you knew she'd been… I can't even say the word.' 'I just thought that if she was there with someone who's been there and is still there, she might just be able to open up a bit. I wasn't expecting as much as I got out of her, but I'm glad I did.'

Freja then cuddled Blair's side tightly. 'If you're still feeling it, why are you not telling anyone?' 'Because it's something I need to work through myself, there's no point in other people worrying when they can't help anyway. I don't really even discuss it with anybody, because I just don't know what to tell them, I mean how do you explain that it still keeps you up at night, that you still look over your shoulder, that when you're with your girlfriend and she touches you like that, it sometimes makes you think of him and makes you frigid.'

Overhearing this, Jade walked over, and put her arm around Blair. 'You know I understand, right? I know you've never talked about this, but… I can tell. Every time you get cold over it, I understand. Every time you've woken up in the middle of the night, I can't explain, but… I feel it deep inside. I know the scars he left aren't going away any time soon, and Maddy's won't either. All I know is she's got the greatest support she can have.'

As they touched fingertips gently, Astrid was fired up. 'We take this straight to the authorities, right?' 'She said no police, she doesn't want us to go to them right now. I can understand why, it's not easy and if I was too chicken to go to them then why would she believe there's any point?' Freja though, was mulling over a different option. 'So she said no cops, right?' 'Yeah.' 'Did she say anything about the Board of Directors?' Thinking for a moment, Blair shook her head. 'Don't think she mentioned that. Why, do you have a plan?' 'You could say that' she smiled confidently in response.

Meanwhile, as they were arriving at the stadium, Rio was greeted by a subsection of the Ice Bank fan club that had been cheering her on. While she signed autographs for them with her purple sunglasses firmly affixed to her face, a local interviewer came over to her. 'Rio Kastle, a quick moment?' 'This lot are pretty hungry for me, so quick.' 'You won International Panic which guarantees you a title shot. What's next?' She shrugged, and stated calmly 'A shot at Rhydian. I'll do whatever I have to for a shot at him, title or no title. This is way bigger than that.'

In the duelling zone

The show opened with Junction 7 walking out, with Claude now having joined them, and acting as their heavy, threatening to push aside anybody who threatened him. And Rhydian was in a particularly bad mood, as his naga's head shimmered in the light. He took a microphone, with the announcer who handed it to him getting out of the area sharpish to avoid being attacked by him.

'International Panic was a fluke and an embarrassment. I was given no time to prepare for a duel I didn't even want to be in, I was the victim of a 5-1 attack, meanwhile that pathetic little scroat Rio had to have her best friend in the world and a stupid little tart called Caprice carry her to a win. She's absolutely pathetic, and her "win" was the biggest fluke I've ever seen. And if she was here right now, I'd make sure that my good friend Claude over here destroys her so badly that her broken brain would be a'

Before he could finish his threat, Rio's music hit to a huge reaction, and she walked out, with Donny, Blair and Tony by her side. Immediately, Rhydian nodded to Claude, who marched towards Rio with ill intent, only for Tony to stand in his way in his sharp suit and stand up to the 7 footer, despite being half a foot shorter. Claude flexed to intimidate, and Tony just laughed at him in return, cracking his knuckles, before taking a microphone, and telling his foe calmly in his strong Irish accent 'If you take one step closer to her, I'm going to break both your legs and post them to Copenhagen. Because your new boss, he hurt a couple of my friends real badly, and I'd be more than happy to make him suffer. Now the lady's got something to say, so stand back before I snap those tree trunks like twigs.'

Clearly unnerved, Claude stepped back just enough for Rio to take centre stage and confront Rhydian, eyeing him up. 'A fluke? That's what you're calling it - a fluke? Face facts Rhydian, you lost to me. But I'll happily show you it's not a fluke, because title or no title, I want you right here right now.' 'You really couldn't handle it kid' he responded, telling her 'Go home and live out your days in peace, because I don't want your blood on my hands.'

'Yeah, because you wouldn't want to get your hands dirty. Some of us are warriors, some of us have honour, and some of us are just whiny little bitches who run away when there's a challenge. One of us is weak and pathetic, but it's not me.' Rhydian laughed, and then got right in her face, telling her 'You beating me was a fluke, you are nothing but an overambitious little bug who is just waiting to be squashed. And if I have to exterminate you, then that's fine.'

This confrontation was enough for Geoff Maltby to be drawn out though. 'Woah woah woah horsies, calm down.' Unimpressed, Rhydian questioned 'What are you even doing here old man?' 'Acting commissioner, Michael's in a meeting. So Rhydian, was Rio beating you at International Panic a fluke?' Without hesitation, he screamed 'It was a fluke! It was 5-1!' 'Do you believe you could beat Rio, any time, any place?'

Finding this question hilarious, Rhydian responded 'Yeah, she's an annoying talentless little bug.' Maltby smiled, and told him 'Good, because you're main eventing against her here.' Rhydian seemed satisfied with this, as did Rio, who, having got what she came for, went to leave. This was when Geoff turned around though, and told them both 'Oh by the way Rhydian, it's Rio Kastle vs. Rhydian Morris… for the WDC Championship!' The crowd erupted for the news, as did Rio who punched the air at the news, while Rhydian had an absolute fit and threatened the Interim Commissioner, who just turned away.

Backstage, Rio was buzzing for the news, as she was immediately approached by Geoff. 'Just to confirm, you want to cash your title shot from International Panic in tonight?' 'Hell yeah' she responded to him, making him laugh. 'You're really up for this. Well best of luck tonight, the duel is going to be under Lockdown Rules because quite frankly the board don't trust either of your groups to not end it in a huge brawl.' Rio seemed disappointed that she wouldn't have backup, but accepted the decision, unlike Phil, who continued to protest, to no avail.

In the duelling zone, Zak and Marko entered for the opening duel, both bouncing around and excited for their opportunity. 'The following is the opening duel of WDC World Tour: Long Beach, and is a Round 1 duel in the WDC Futureshock Tag-Team Tournament. Introducing first, the team of Zak Zapata and the Flying Finn, Marko Anders, the Wild Stallions.' The two of them continued hyping the crowd up, by slapping hands with them and pumping their fists for the audience, who seemed to be enjoying the show provided by them.

While they did so, their opponents entered, Donny now sporting the beginnings of a beard, and JD still sporting tape over his eye. 'Introducing their opponents, representing the Renegades, they are the team of Donny Anderson and JD Carter.' The two Renegades members briefly acknowledged the crowd (with Donny hastily blowing them a kiss to cheers), before entering the zone, clearly not interested in wasting time and eager to start the duel. Seeing this, their opponents looked at each other, before nodding, and jumping into the zone, starting the duel.

Wild Stallions (Zak Zapata/Marko Anders) LP:8000 vs. Renegades (JD Carter/Donny Anderson) LP:8000

(Zak hand: Thunder Dragonhawk, Thunder Dragon, Thunder Dragonroar, Brohunder, Nemesis Corridor)

Turn 1: Zak: 'Let's get this party started with Thunder Dragon, discarding itself for another Thunder Dragon. Then I can summon Brohunder (Atk:900), and its effect adds Diana the Light Spirit to my hand. Afterwards, I can Link off Brohunder to summon Link 1, Salamangreat Almiraj (Atk:0). That gets a Light monster in my graveyard, so I can banish it and summon Diana the Light Spirit (Atk:1700).'

'I'll Link off Diana and Almiraj now to summon Link 2, Codebreaker Virus Swordsman (Atk:2300). And it's going to summon Codebreaker Zero Day from my deck (Atk:1800). Now I can Link them off for Link 3, Crusadia Equimax (Atk:2000). But I'm not done, because I banished Brohunder earlier, so I can shuffle it into the deck and summon Nemesis Corridor through its own effect (Atk:1900). Then as I used Thunder Dragon's effect from my hand at the start of the turn, I can tribute Corridor to summon Thunder Dragon Colossus, and it being at Equimax's Link arrow gives Equimax all of Colossus' Attack points (Atk:2600, Equimax Atk:2000-4600).'

'Now I'll banish Colossus and the Thunder Dragonroar in my hand to summon Thunder Dragon Titan (Atk:3200, Equimax Atk:4600-5200). The effect of Dragonroar summon Thunder Dragonmatrix from my deck (Atk:500), but returns it to my hand at the end of my turn. I'll then use Thunder Dragonhawk from my hand, discarding it to bring back the banished Colossus (Atk:2600, Equimax Atk:5200-7800), and I'll end my turn right there.'

(Donny hand: Unchained Soul of Sharvara, Abomination's Prison, Abominable Unchained Soul, Fiend Griefing, Unchained Twins - Aruha, Abominable Chamber of the Unchained)

Donny: 'Leave this one to me pal. I'll set a card and then activate the effect of Unchained Twins - Aruha, to destroy my face-down and summon itself (Atk:1500). Then I can use the effect of my destroyed Abominable Chamber, to summon an Unchained monster from my deck, like Unchained Twins - Rakea (Atk:1500). Rakea's effect will then destroy my Aruha.' Rakea's prison-like hands reached out to its fellow Twin, and pulsed electricity through it, destroying the fellow Fiend.

'Now Aruha being destroyed allows me to summon Unchained Soul of Disaster from my deck (Atk:0).' This was when Zak decided to intervene. 'I'll activate Thunder Dragonmatrix in my hand, to give Colossus 500 extra Attack (Atk:2600-3100). That triggers Titan's effect, to destroy your Soul of Disaster.' Confident though, Donny just shrugged. 'Do what you like, 'cause when Disaster is destroyed, it can bring back the Aruha in my graveyard (Atk:1500).'

'Then I'll use Sharvara in my hand, destroying Rakea to summon itself (Atk:2000). That triggers Rakea, which will summon another Soul of Disaster from my deck. For each differently named Unchained in the graveyard, it gains 300 Attack (Atk:0-600). And I'll immediately use its effect to Link off with your Colossus and summon Link 2, Unchained Soul Lord of Yama (Atk:2000). Yama will add Unchained Twins - Sarama to my hand, and then I'll Link off Yama and Aruha to Link summon Link 3, Unchained Soul of Anguish (Atk:2400).'

'Anguish's effect will then Link itself off with your Titan to Link summon Link 4, the beast that bursts through the gates of hell and makes you live a nightmare, Unchained Abomination (Atk:3000). Abomination, attack Equimax.' Abomination charged straight at Equimax with glowing red eyes, and wasted no time in devouring its foe (Wild Stallions LP:8000-7000). 'That's my turn guys.'

(Marko hand: Red-Eyes Black Dragon, Dragon's Mirror, Cards of the Red Stone, Red-Eyes Alternative Black Dragon, Different Dimension Reincarnation, Red-Eyes Black Dragon)

Marko: 'I'll draw, activate Cards of the Red Stone, sending Red-Eyes Black Dragon from my hand to draw two cards, then I send a Level 7 Red-Eyes monster from my deck to the grave, so I send Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon (Atk:2400). Now I use Dragon's Mirror, banishing them both and I summon Borreload Furious Dragon (Atk:3000). Now Different Dimension Reincarnation, send Red-Eyes Archfiend of Lightning to summon Black Flare Dragon (Atk:2400), and activate Alternative Black Dragon in my hand, tribute the Red-Eyes Black Dragon from my hand to summon itself (Atk:2400).'

'Overlay Black Flare Dragon and Alternative Black Dragon to summon Rank 7, Red-Eyes Flare Metal Dragon (Atk:2700). And every time you use an effect, Flare Metal taxes you for 500 points. Now the effect of Furious Dragon, I destroy your Abomination and my Flare Metal Dragon. Except Flare Metal Dragon cannot be destroyed by card effects.' As Furious Dragon discharged a fierce electrical forcefield, Donny mumbled 'Nice move', while his Link monster was dispatched.

As Marko celebrated being rid of it though, Donny had a surprise. 'I'll use the effect of Lord of Yama in the graveyard, because you destroyed an Unchained monster, so now I can bring back an Unchained monster from my graveyard, then I can destroy a card on my field. So I'm reviving Unchained Twins - Rakea (Atk:1500, Renegades LP:8000-7500), then destroying it. And that will allow it to float into another Unchained monster, like Abominable Unchained Soul (Atk:3000, Renegades LP:7500-7000). And then Unchained Soul will allow me to discard this Fiend Griefing to destroy your Furious Dragon (Renegades LP:7000-6500).'

As the Abominable Soul raged and a ghostly miasma crept towards Furious Dragon, the dragon briefly screamed before blowing up spectacularly in a rainbow of colours. 'You might have got rid of Furious Dragon' Zak declared confidently 'But we're not alone for long, because when it's destroyed, it brings back a Dark Link monster from our graveyard. Return, Codebreaker Virus Swordsman (Atk:2300).'

This left Marko with only one card in hand, but as he was about to show, one card was all he needed. 'I activate the Xyz Unit, to give my monster 200 more Attack for each Rank (Atk:2800-4200). And by detaching a material, it can revive Red-Eyes (Atk:2400). Flare Metal, attack his monster with Inferno Molten Blast.' The armoured dragon fired up with a hot metallic breath, melting straight through the Abominable Soul until it was covered in a boiling glaze. 'When it's destroyed after being summoned through its effect, Abominable Unchained Soul goes to the bottom of my deck (Renegades LP:6500-5300).' 'I still have another attack, Inferno Fire Blast.' A deadly fireball engulfed the Renegade team, putting them at a huge disadvantage, not that their confident faces told that story (Renegades LP:5300-2900). 'I end my turn setting one.'

(JD hand: Weathering Soldier, Flint Cragger, Time Stream, Dimension Explosion, Left Arm Offering, Blockman)

JD: 'I'm going to send you down under in defeat. I'll draw and summon my Blockman (Atk:1000), before tributing it to summon a Block Token (Def.:1500, Renegades LP:2900-2400). Then I can use this Left Arm Offering, to banish my entire hand and add a Fossil Fusion to my hand (Renegades LP:2400-1900). And I can use that Fossil Fusion to fuse the Blockman in my graveyard with the Furious Dragon in your graveyard to Fusion summon Fossil Dragon Skullgios (Atk:3500, Renegades LP:1900-1400).'

'Skullgios, attack Flare Metal Dragon, and when it does, I can use Skullgios' effect (Renegades LP:1400-900), and swap the Attack and Defence of your Flare Metal Dragon (Atk:4200-2400).' The powerful skeletal beast rampaged as it attacked, stamping in and grabbing the metallic dragon in its fierce jaws, piercing through its hard skin with its teeth (Wild Stallions LP:7000-5900). 'And that's the turn mate.'

(Zak hand: Xyz Reborn)

Zak: 'I'll draw, and with nothing else to do, I'll set a card.'

(Donny hand: Unchained Soul of Shyama)

Donny: 'I'll draw and go straight to the Battle phase, to take you down another notch or two.' The titanic Skullgios marched straight towards the Finn and Kiwi, and Zak went to activate his face-down, only for Marko to hold his finger out, a message which Zak heard loud and clear, as he smiled and stated 'You gonna smack their backsides?' (Wild Stallions LP:5900-2400). 'I end my turn.'

(Marko hand: Red-Eyes Insight)

Marko: 'I'll draw and activate the Red-Eyes Insight, to send Red-Eyes Archfiend of Lightning to my graveyard from the deck and add Red-Eyes Fusion to my hand. Now Red-Eyes Fusion, this locks me from summoning other monsters in the turn, but I don't need other monsters when I send Red-Eyes Soul and Wattaildragon from the deck to the graveyard, and summon Meteor Black Comet Dragon (Atk:3500). When Comet Dragon is summoned, I send Red-Eyes monster from my deck to the grave and you take half of its Attack. I send Darkness Metal Dragon for 1400 damage.' This creative move from Marko proved to be the difference in a highly competitive contest, seeing the Stallions through (Renegades LP:900-0).

After the conclusion of the duel, the two teams swiftly shook hands, but as the Stallions left, Chazz sauntered out to his euphoric music, to stick the knife in to Donny. 'Hey kid, I thought you said you were good? That was pathetic, I mean I know it doesn't help having the Crocodile Hunter teaming with you, but you're supposed to be the next big thing, the new bright hope, instead you're just a chump. So I hear there's an event in Austria, "State of the Art"? If you still want a duel, I'll happily show up there and show you up there.'

Donny responded by squaring straight up to Chazz as the crowd applauded him. 'I know all about you, I know how to deal with people like you. You think that there's nobody better than you because you spent your entire career being insulated from anybody who's half decent. But I know all your dirty laundry, how you were embarrassed by a kid called Blair when you were about to turn pro, how nobody ever forgave you for that, and how your brother disowned you. You're a C player with a bruised ego, and at State of the Art…' Donny then got right into Chazz's face, telling him 'You're gonna be my bitch!' Security then rushed out to keep the two apart as the show moved on.

In Michael's office

While the tournament he had organised was raging on, Michael was preoccupied in a meeting with another one of the company's directors. 'So I take it you've had it explained to you why I am here?' 'Not really, no. As far as I can see I have done absolutely nothing that could even be termed as controversial, never mind wrong.' 'Well as explained to you previously I'm sure, and as the two letters we sent informed you, we have major questions regarding your actions and impartiality in recent months, especially when it comes to the recent situation with Maddy Smith.' Seeing no issues with the situation, he nodded. 'Fire away.'

'Firstly, you told Ms. Smith on several occasions that she could "be the face of the WDC if she would stop associating with the Renegades". What was this trying to suggest?' 'It is what it sounds like, I was giving her some friendly advice' 'Is it the commissioner's place to be granting such advice though? We have been told by several individuals that this was less of a friendly piece of advice, and presented more as a direct threat. I need to ask you something now, based on an allegation that I am aware of: did you have interests of a sexual nature against Ms. Smith?'

Horrified, Michael firmly denied it. 'Never, and the fact you're asking that question' 'I simply have to ask the question Mr. Adams. When you were talking to Ms. Smith about being the face of the company, what was her response?' 'She refused, because of some stupid loyalty she has. You have to understand, those Renegades, they are holding her back, wasting her career.' 'You mean that she didn't want to be your personal billboard.'

'Look, you have to understand, I am being extremely kind here, she is regarded by most of you as a dangerous freakshow, but I saw the talent that she can be if she just tries to strike out on her own, grow and develop.' 'But she didn't want your plans to force her to publicly split away from people she deems to be friends.' 'That is why she would have been much better off with Rhydian, being the true main event talent she is, truly away from that stupid group.' 'Yes, and the situation with Mr. Morris will be discussed later.'

In the duelling zone

While Michael was explaining his viewpoint, the Style Council were casually entering, clearly confident about their chances. 'The following is a WDC Futureshock Tournament Round 1 duel. Introducing first, sitting on the Style Council, the team of Teresa Taylor and the Midwest Eagle, Sara Sawyer.' As they walked down, the crowd cheered them on, and Tee got the opportunity to show off a new piece of company merchandise with a white dragon's head on it and her name cursively written onto its head.

No sooner had they entered the zone though than Astrid and Freja entered, with Phil by their side, Astrid having two back braids and Freja having rolled her hair up tight in a bun. 'Introducing their opponents, representing the Renegades, they are the team of Freja "The Fire" McKinna, and Astrid "The Natural" Hofferson, the Bad Breed.' The two looked confident on entry, with Freja in particular staring daggers at their opponents, while Astrid seemed much calmer.

In the zone, the two teams met, and Teresa had time to reminisce. 'Look, I know both of you helped free me from Akiza and Rhydian, you especially Astrid, and I'm not saying I'm not grateful because I'll always be grateful. But I can't let you win here, those titles were made for us.' Understanding her situation, Astrid responded 'Just because I helped you out, doesn't mean we're friends or anything. We helped you, you repaid us, that's where everything between us ended. What you do from here, we don't care. But you're either with our revolution, or stay the hell out of our way.'

Bad Breed (Astrid Hofferson/Freja McKinna) LP:8000 vs. Style Council (Teresa Taylor/Sara Sawyer) LP:8000

(Freja hand: Drytron Alpha Thuban, Eva, Meteonis Drytron, Cyber Angel Benten, Eva)

Turn 1: Freja: 'I'll start with Drytron Alpha Thuban, tributing Cyber Angel Benten to summon itself (Def.:0), then search out Herald of Ultimateness, while Benten will add another Benten. Then I'll activate Meteonis Drytron, which will tribute the 1800 Attack point Benten and the 500 Attack point Eva to summon Herald of Ultimateness (Def.:3000). Now Benten will add Vanity's Ruler to my hand, while Eva adds Light Law Medium and Angel 01 to my hand.'

'Now by revealing the Level 8 Vanity's Ruler in my hand, I can summon Angel 01 (Atk:200). And I'll tribute my Angel and Alpha Thuban to summon the mighty Vanity's Ruler (Atk:2500). I'll end my turn, let's see how you like not being able to Special summon and fighting through a total of 7 negates.' 'You worked that one out quick' Astrid laughed in response, to which Freja pointed out 'Maths is my only GCSE. Still no idea how I got an "A" in it.' As they continued with the banter, Sara looked at her partner, who tentatively took her turn.

(Teresa hand: Keeper of the Shrine, Chaos Form, Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Blue-Eyes Jet Dragon, Maiden with Eyes of Blue, Dragon's Bind)

Teresa: 'I'll draw for my turn, set a monster and set another card face-down before ending my turn.'

(Astrid hand: Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant, Guldfaxe of the Nordic Beasts, Alviss of the Nordic Alfar, Big Bang Shot, Action Magic - Full Turn, Mage Power)

Astrid: 'I'll draw and summon Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant (Atk:400). And she's small but really deadly, because when she's all alone on the field, that's when she can weave her magic, banishing two Nordic monsters from my hand to summon two Einherjar Tokens (Def.:1000x2). Now Level 2 Valkyrie tunes to my two Level 4 Tokens. Odin, gudenes far, stig ned fra den hellige slette for å regne raseri ned over våre fiender! (Odin, father of the gods, descend from the holy plain to rain down fury upon our foes!). Appear, Odin, Father of the Aesir (Atk:4000).'

'Now I'll equip Odin with Big Bang Shot and Mage Power. Big Bang Shot gives him 400 more Attack points and the ability to deal Piercing damage, while Mage Power will give him 500 additional points for every Spell and Trap on our field (Atk:4000-5400). Now I'll attack your face-down monster with Odin, and use the Action Magic - Full Turn in my hand, so when our monsters clash, you take double the damage.' Odin's sceptre shot a sparkling light straight through Teresa's Keeper of the Shrine (Def.:2100), destroying it (Style Council LP:8000-1400). 'Vanity's Ruler, finish them off.' The majestic ruler whipped his cape across the field, creating an impenetrable blanket of white, with the duel concluding under this barrier (Style Council LP:1400-0).

After the successful duel, Astrid and Freja slapped hands with each other, but both eager to avoid awkward questions about Maddy, they swiftly departed the limelight, leaving the Style Council's representatives to stew over what could have been and how they were supposed to compete. As they returned though, they encountered Caprice, who calmly told them 'You don't need some tournament to tell you you're the best. And when we win, then all of us win.'

While Caprice attempted to talk up her teammates, Astrid was trying to talk sense into Belle. 'Why are you just giving up on everything?' 'You're a better partner and friend than I'd ever be' the Leeds native responded calmly, showing barely a hint of sadness, a calm acceptance instead being conveyed. 'The past few days I've seen her happier than ever before, she looks like she's flying almost she's that happy. I know that when she's with you she can move on from all of this, and that's what I care about.'

Astrid though, didn't quite see it the same way. 'Quite frankly, you're being ridiculous. Because you should know that I don't intend on getting between you both - I intend on giving her the one thing that you've been giving her, and Lydia isn't, which is time. Time to digest everything, time to let Maddy get better, time for the situation around the base to stabilise, and time for Freja to have 30 seconds to think of what she actually wants. I love teaming with Freja, but I'm going to love it even more when she realises that you need each other.'

As Belle tried to digest it, Astrid showed what she understood. 'I know you've got these voices Belle, and I know that they're telling you all sorts of things, things that aren't true. And I really think you should talk to someone about this, because those voices are vicious and nasty and will tell you everything that you fear, because those voices aren't your friend, they want to hurt you and make you miserable and that is exactly what they are doing.'

'I don't need to speak to a doctor' Belle quietly informed the probing Astrid, who then denied this theory. 'I wasn't talking about a doctor. I'm talking about Freja' 'She doesn't like me, what bit don't you get?' Belle snapped in return, gritting her teeth as she did. 'She doesn't like me because I'm a bad person and I don't deserve her for what I put her through, and helping Maddy was only incidental.' She then stormed off, as Astrid looked on in shock.

In the office

While Belle was in a hole of despair, Michael was trying to dig himself out of a very different kind of hole. 'So Bolton Andrews, how did you recruit him as your deputy?' 'I advertised on social media for CVs to be sent in, and he was the only real candidate. He knows the industry and has a good eye for business. Plus he saw this Renegade group in the same light that I did.' 'Did you know at the time that he had a significant grudge against them?'

'I was aware that there were issues, but he assured me that they would not come up' he responded confidently, but the questions continued coming thick and fast. 'Were you aware that all such appointments must come directly from the board? If you need such an appointment then you are to put in a request to the head of the board, and that will be elevated to the relevant authorities.'

'I didn't have the time to wait though. I needed the assistance. And I highly doubt you would have found a more qualified candidate.' 'I highly doubt that we would have considered Mr. Andrews considering his extensive issues with certain individuals in the organisation. What did you discuss at his interview, presuming there was an interview?' Still not taking the situation entirely seriously, Michael smiled. 'A-ha, I knew you'd bring that up, I brought with me a transcript of our interview. We discussed his views on what the state of professional duelling should be, how to develop the industry, and how to present shows in a more modern manner.'

'If I could have a copy of that, I will read through it later. But you don't appear to be taking this seriously, and I am gravely concerned about that. I need to know what you know about Mr. Andrews' dealings, and in particular, his relationship with Akiza Izinski and Rhydian Morris.' Feigning total ignorance, he responded 'Bolton's actions were nothing to do with me, I did not have any idea he was going to attack Maddy.'

'So you had no idea he was accepting bribes from Ms. Izinski, nor that she had promised him sexual relations with Ms. Smith.' 'First I've ever heard of it.' 'Only that Ms. Izinski was visited yesterday, and she told us that on several occasions, she went through you to speak to Bolton, and you informed her on one occasion on the 25th April that you were aware and supportive of her actions.'

Michael strenuously denied this, but his body language told another story, as the intensity was turned up. 'Let me make something clear Mr. Adams: Bolton Andrews has been reprimanded for accepting bribes, for exhibiting clear biased decision making, and we have referred him to the national Police force in Ireland for Conspiracy to Rape. He is almost certain to be fired from his role for this, and if you don't tell us what you know, you are going to be in a large amount of trouble.'

In the duelling zone

While Michael's day was going from bad to worse, Junction 7's music hit for the Young-Gun Championship duel, but when Lukas emerged, it was while being dragged out by Blair, who had him in a tight headlock, with Freja and Astrid taking it in turns to kick him in the ribs, the three of them leaving him absolutely no opportunity to escape their clutches. As he was being dragged, Astrid stretched her arms out wide, and Freja climbed up her back onto them, dropping down dead weight onto Lukas' spine knee-first.

Appearing completely winded, Lukas stopped for a moment, before trying to crawl up to his feet, where he grabbed Freja by the collar, only for Blair to blast him in the eyes with a can of mace. This seemed to completely subdue any fight from him, and the three continued nailing him with shots, until Blair and Freja propped him up, and Astrid knocked him out stone cold with an incredibly stiff-looking kick to the temple.

While the other two continued stamping on him, Freja pulled out another silver can, this one containing black spraypaint, and she leant down, before writing "Domestik Abuser" on his back in beautifully cursive writing. Astrid then tied his legs together with some rope, and Blair got a microphone, before screaming 'Consider this payment to our sister in blood, because we've not even started yet! We know what you did, and we know what Claude did.'

As they returned from attacking Lukas, Freja stopped and heard Michael being grilled in his office. 'I'll be honest, I really don't see the issue here, I was looking after a piece of business. That's what the meeting with Akiza was, a piece of business. She proposed a situation where I allowed a duel to happen, she looked after the rest. And quite honestly, I find the fact you're interviewing me about this to be ridiculous and frankly laughable.'

The board member wasn't so impressed though. 'I'm glad you don't see this as a serious issue, but the issue is that we do. Your job could be on the line here, if we determine that you were complicit in the actions of Mr. Andrews, and negligent of your duties as a board member, then we do reserve the right to remove you, not just from this position and the board, but from the WDC altogether. Do I make myself clear - you need to tell me the truth.' 'The truth is that Maddy Smith was offered the chance to make something of herself, and refused. What happened next was her own fault.'

Angered at hearing this, Freja barged her way into the room in a manner not befitting her short frame. 'Her own fault? Was being beaten half to death her own fault? Was being raped by Claude Duane, who by the way, is now a twice rapist, her fault? Huh?' Immediately, Michael responded by trying to shoo her out of the room. 'There is no need to be making such baseless allegations. I am aware of how much you hate Claude, and I am aware that you will stop at nothing to ruin his reputation, but I will not accept claims like this against him, and if you do so again, you will be removed from the upcoming tag title tournament.'

As Freja turned to punch him though, his interviewer approached Freja. 'You understand the seriousness of your allegations I take it?' She nodded, and they turned to Michael. 'If such an allegation is made, regardless of whether you think it's true, you should be making every possible step to investigate it.' They then turned to Freja again. 'Can I take your contact details Ms. McKinna? So I can speak further with you.'

As Freja wrote down her phone number, the director explained the next steps. 'Either myself or a member of my team will be in touch with you in the next week to discuss your claims, and then from there we will decide on a course of action. Needless to say, there will be a full investigation, and I will be requesting a full statement from Maddy.' A cameraman then prodded his lens into the door, but Freja quickly pushed them out. 'This is private' she stated with confidence before slamming the door.

In the duelling zone

Brooke and Jade entered first for their duel, but were far less joyous than normal, instead being focused on the job at hand, and halting their recent slip in form. 'The following is the third Round 1 duel in the WDC Futureshock Tournament for the WDC Tag-Team Championships, introducing first, representing the Renegades, they are the team of Jade Goocheneyad and Brooke Angharad.' Both wearing their hair down for a change and wearing a dark red high-collar shirt and verdant green flannel shirt respectively, the Renegade team made haste on their way down, and raised the red right hand proudly in the duelling zone.

Their opponents then entered, getting a slightly bigger reaction than their opponents and with Hassleberry by their side. 'Introducing their opponents, accompanied by Sgt. Tyranno Hassleberry, they are the team of Kari Tsukumo and Radley, the No Remorse Corps.' As they made their way down smiling, Brooke started having some banter with Hassleberry, while Jade briefly looked around, concerned at this, before regaining her focus and activating her duel disk before the other team were even halfway down. As they reached her, Kari jokingly told her 'You're eager, aren't you?', but Jade just mumbled 'Get on with it.'

No Remorse Corps (Kari Tsukumo and Radley) LP:8000 vs. The Cast (Brooke Angharad and Jade Goocheneyad) LP:8000

(Kari hand: Gagaga Mancer, Gagagarevenge, Hand Destruction, Gagaga Magician, Xyz Reflect)

Turn 1: Kari: 'I'll start with Hand Destruction, we all send two cards from our hands to the graveyard and draw two cards. Then I'll summon Gagaga Head through its effect by reducing its Level (Atk:2100; Level:6-4). When it's Normal summoned, I can revive two Gagaga monsters from the graveyard, while I can chain the effect of Kagetokage to summon itself. The monsters I'm reviving are Gagaga Mancer and Gagaga Magician (Atk:1100;100;1500).'

'Now I'll overlay two of my monsters to build the overlay network and Xyz summon Gagaga Samurai (Atk:1900). Then I'll overlay my other two to Xyz summon Gagagagaga Magician (Atk:2000). And since I have two Xyz monsters out, I'll overlay them both to summon Number F0 - Utopic Future (Atk:0). Finally, I'll build the overlay network with that, and summon the once and future king, Number F0 - Utopic Draco Future (Atk:3000). I end my turn with a face-down. Good luck' she snarked confidently, as Jade stepped up to take her turn.

(Jade hand: Amazement Precious Park, Amaze-Attraction Horror House, Amazing Time Ticket, Amazement Assistant Delia, Amazement Special Show, Amazement Attendant Comica)

Jade: 'I'll draw for my turn, and I'll reveal the Amaze-Attraction Horror House in my hand to summon Amazement Assistant Delia (Atk:1800). Then I'll use the effect of Delia to send Horror House from my hand to the graveyard, and set an Amaze-Attraction Thrill Train from my deck.' Sensing the wheels turning, Kari attempted to halt them. 'I'll use the effect of Utopic Draco Future, detaching a material to negate your effect, and take control of your monster until the end of the turn.'

Jade though, had an answer. 'I was waiting for that, because I can use my Amazement Special Show to bounce Delia back to my hand, and summon a different Amazement from my deck. So it's time for you to meet Amazement Abomination Arlekino (Atk:2600). Now I'll Normal summon Amazement Attendant Comica (Atk:1400), and when she's Normal summoned, she directs me to an Attraction that's stored in my deck.'

As the attendant blew her whistle rhythmically, Jade picked up a card from her deck, and placed it on the field. 'I'll set Amaze-Attraction Thrill Train. Then I'll show you my grand design by throwing open the doors to Amazement Precious Park.' A spacious green land opened up around the field, with various attractions dotted around, each carefully cloaked in a thick purple cloth to hinder their identification.

'And just like I'm not an ordinary opponent, this isn't any ordinary park, because in this park, the attractions are all booby-trapped. And they can switch on with the click (winks to the audience) of my fingers.' As soon as she clicked her fingers, one of the attractions was uncloaked by Arlekino, revealing a sparkling silver train with a fierce dragon's head on the front. 'In the Precious Park, I don't have to do silly things like "wait a turn to activate set Attractions", I can open them up immediately. And the Thrill Train is about to take your monster for a ride.'

The train sounded its horn deafeningly, before rails appeared before it, directing it straight into Number F0, which was flying up above the ground. As the train arrived though, F0 flew straight over it, so a large red hand reached out of the top, and pulled it into the carriage, before the train steamed off, vanishing into thin air as it did. 'Don't worry, you'll get your monster back, it's being safely stored in your banished zone until your turn ends. But not before you take some major damage.' The two assistants blew their whistles hard, creating a powerful soundwave, while Abomination Arlekino held his hand out, and a crow flew out of it, flying straight through the pre-duel favourites (NRC LP:8000-2200). 'I'll end my turn (Number F0 Atk:3000).'

(Radley hand: Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Bear, Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Ram, Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Coyote, Fire Formation - Tenki, Fire Formation - Tensu, Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Panda)

Radley: 'We're down but far from out, I'll draw and activate Fire Formation - Tenki, to add Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Buffalo to my hand. Now because I control a Fire Formation but no Fire Fists, I can summon Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Coyote (Atk:2000-2100). Then I'll summon Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Ram (Atk:800). When it's summoned, Ram can discard the Buffalo I added to set a different Fire Formation to the ones I control from my deck. So I'll set Ultimate Fire Formation - Sinto.'

'Now I'll Link off both my monsters to summon Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Peacock (Atk:1000-1100). After that, I can activate Fire Formation - Tensu, allowing me an extra Normal summon this turn. And when I activate a Fire Formation, I can summon this from my hand - Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Panda (Atk:2000-2200). On summon, Panda can revive a Fire Fist, so I'll bring back Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Ram (Atk:800-1000). When it's Special summoned, Ram can set a Fire Formation from my deck, as long as it has a different name from the ones in my graveyard.'

'But you don't have any in the graveyard' Brooke pointed out, making Radley smile. 'Exactly. I'll set Fire Formation - Ingen, and then activate it immediately to fuse Ram with the Bear in my hand to summon the raging inferno, Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Swan (Atk:2600-2800). When Swan's summoned, you take 200 damage for each of my face-up Fire Formations.' A swan's head appeared out of smoke above the flame lord, and wooshed through the field, taking a small chunk of points away from the underdogs (Cast LP:8000-7400).

'Now I'll go to the Battle phase, and use the effect of Swan to send Ingen to the graveyard, and destroy your Arlekino.' 'When you do that, I'll use the effect of Abomination Arlekino to shuffle itself into the deck and replace itself with the guy who runs the joint, Amazement Administrator Arlekino (Atk:2600). Then your Swan's Attack points get wiped out.' Arlekino lifted his hat, and a stream of doves flew out, with their down falling on Swan like snow (Atk:2800-0).

'Well because Ingen went from my field to the graveyard, I can add Bear from my graveyard back to my hand. And I still have an extra Normal summon, so I'm going to bring Bear out (Atk:1600). Now I'll go to battle, and attack your Arlekino with Peacock, because when I do, I can send Tenki to the graveyard to take control of your monster until the end of the turn, but in return, it can't attack you. I'm sure that makes it much better knowing that you're about to get slaughtered.'

As Arlekino changed sides, Radley lined up his next shot. 'Bear, attack directly.' Aware of the extension he was looking for, Brooke intervened. 'I'll use Battle Fader to stop the attack and end the Battle phase.' As the sentient bell chimed on the field (Atk:0), Radley smiled to himself. 'See someone's done their homework. It won't help you enough though, because we want our titles back. I end my turn.'

(Brooke hand: Reflection of Endymion, Servant of Endymion, Spell Power Grasp, Spell Power Mastery, Mythical Beast Master Cerberus)

Brooke: 'Yeah, you're not the only team who want to regain gold, and we've got revenge to pull on Kieran and Nash, so if you wouldn't mind scooting on out of our way, we're going to win this and then go on to beat them. I'll draw for my turn and scale up Scale 2 Reflection of Endymion.' Immediately, Radley pulled the trigger. 'I'll activate Ultimate Fire Formation - Sinto, negating the activation of your Reflection and destroying it.'

As he did, Brooke wiped a bead of sweat from her head in the increasingly humid conditions. 'If you still had a negate I probably wouldn't be able to do anything. I'll scale up Scale 2 Servant of Endymion, then scale up Scale 4 Mythical Beast Master Cerberus (Servant SC:0-1). Now I'll activate Spell Power Mastery, here's how it works. I get to add an Endymion card from my deck to my hand, then I can count the number of Spell Power Grasps or Spell Power Masteries on my field or in my grave, and give Servant that many Spell Counters. And because it's a Spell card I activated, guess what Servant gets. By the way, I'm adding Rogue of Endymion.'

As the Spell counters added up (Servant SC:1-3), Radley apologised to his teammate. 'If I'd waited for Mastery I could have bricked her hand.' 'It's fine' Kari responded, still focused and confident, as Brooke continued her move. 'I'll now Pendulum summon one, because Rogue just so happens to be a Level 3 (Atk:1500). Then I'll use Servant's effect to remove all three counters (SC:3-0), and summon itself alongside Breaker the Magical Warrior from my deck (Atk:900;1600).'

'Now I'll Link off all three of my monsters to Link summon Link 3 Selene, Queen of the Master Magicians (Atk:1850). When she's summoned, she gains a Spell counter for every Spell card in our graveyard. I'm counting two (SC:0-2). And since I need three for the effect of Selene, I'll use this Spell Power Grasp from my hand to give her one more counter (SC:2-3), then add Spell Power Grasp from my deck to my hand.'

'Now I'll detach all three Spell Counters from Selene (SC:3-0), to revive Breaker the Magical Warrior (Atk:2300). Now I'll Link off Breaker and Selene, and summon Link 4, Accesscode Talker (Atk:2300). When it's summoned, I can target a Link monster in my graveyard, and Accesscode gains Attack equal to its Link rating x1000. And I'm only seeing one choice here.' Kari though, was determined to survive.

'I'll activate Lost Wind, this halves the Attack of your monster and negates its effect (Atk:2300-1150).' 'Fine, I'll still be able to use the effect of Arlekino. It can banish the Thrill Train from our graveyard, and use that to destroy Swan, so it's time to BURN OUT.' Arlekino reached into a dark portal, and pulled out a broken down Thrill Train, making it look like little more than a toy in his hand, before launching it as a javelin into Swan, causing it to vanish in a swirl of flames.

'Arlekino, attack their Bear with Attraction Catastrophe.' The Administrator jumped high into the air, before dropping down with a huge stamp on the head of Bear, crushing its skull (NRC LP:2200-1200). 'And now I can destroy your Peacock with Accesscode.' The severely constrained Cyberse monster still proved to be strong enough, as a single electrical pulse fried the final Fire Fist on the field (NRC LP:1200-1050).

This wasn't enough for Brooke though, who was after a total field wipe. 'In my Main Phase 2, I'll Link off my Battle Fader and Accesscode Talker, to Link summon Link 2, Knightmare Cerberus (Atk:1600). By discarding the last card from my hand, Cerberus can destroy your UDF.' The masked three-headed dog fired a single metal ring from its body, which surrounded Utopic Draco Future in an electrical field, pulsating through and destroying it. 'I end my turn.'

(Kari hand: Xyz Reborn)

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

(Jade hand: Amaze-Attraction Viking Vortex)

Jade: 'I'm going to follow suit, set a card, then there's no chance of this working, but I'll attack with Arlekino.' 'I activate Xyz Reborn, which will bring back Number F0: Utopic Draco Future, and give it an Xyz material (Def.:3000). Good luck with your monster effects.' 'I'll end my turn.'

(Radley hand: Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Caribou)

Radley: 'I'll draw and switch Utopic Draco to Attack (Atk:3000).' Kari appeared concerned at this, but she was reassured by Radley. 'We have to keep aggressive. Attack Knightmare Cerberus.' The draconic beacon of hope rose up triumphantly, before soaring down to the ground with its blades crossed, slicing through Cerberus' three heads in perfect sequence (Cast LP:7400-6000). 'I end my turn.'

(Brooke hand: United We Stand)

Brooke: 'I'll draw and activate the effect of Mythical Beast Master Cerberus in my Spell and Trap zone. By destroying it, I can add a Mythical Beast from my deck to my hand. So I'll get Mythical Beast Medusa. Then I'll scale up Medusa, and use its effect to destroy itself and revive Selene, Queen of the Master Magicians from my graveyard (Atk:1850, SC:0-1). And I'll equip her with United We Stand, giving her 800 more Attack for each monster on our field (Atk:1850-3450). Attack UDF!' The queen of the magicians showed her mighty prowess by forming a crescent of golden staffs above her head, and they all lit up, before burning down onto UDF (NRC LP:1050-600). 'Utopic Draco Future can't be destroyed in battle, so it's sticking around to fight another day.' 'That's fine, I'll end my turn.'

(Kari hand: Gagaga Sister)

Kari: 'I'm still not giving in. I'll summon Gagaga Sister (Atk:200). With her effect on Normal summon, she's going to find me a Gagaga Spell or Trap from my deck, and the one I'm getting is Gagagarevenge. Now I'll use Revenge to summon back Gagaga Head (Atk:2100). And did you know that my Gagaga Sister has another effect? She can combine the efforts… and Levels… of herself and Gagaga Head (Level:2-8;6-8). Meaning I can then overlay them, to Xyz summon Coach King Giantrainer (Def.:2000).'

'Now for Giantrainer's effect. By detaching a material, I can draw a card, and if it's a monster, you get burned for 800 damage.' Looking at her partner with uncertainty, Jade countered. 'I'll activate Amaze-Attraction Viking Vortex, and equip it to your Giantrainer. Now whenever it uses its effect, it gets bounced back to your hand. Meaning you're only getting one card.' As Giantrainer held one of his beating sticks out to signify the draw, he got swept up in a large wave, and swallowed into a large longship, which sailed off with him still inside. 'I'll switch my UDF into Defence (Def.:3000), activate Xyz Change Tactics, and end my turn.'

(Jade hand: Amaze-Attraction Wonder Wheel)

Jade: 'I'll draw and set another card, then switch Arlekino to Defence mode (Def.:2200), before ending my turn.'

(Radley hand: Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Caribou, Coach Soldier Wolfbark)

Radley: 'I'll draw and summon the hot-stepping Coach Soldier Wolfbark (Atk:1600). When this cool customer's out, he's allowed to revive a Level 4 or below Fire-attribute Beast Warrior, but its effects don't come with it. Return, Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Bear (Def.:1200). Now I'll overlay them both to Xyz summon Number 39: Utopia (Atk:2500).' 'So we're doing role reversal are we then?' Brooke remarked, not knowing how correct she actually was.

'Because I just summoned Utopia, I can now draw a card by paying 500 Life points (NRC LP:600-100). And I can then overlay Utopia into something you would never have seen coming. Appear, Number S39: Utopia Prime (Atk:2510).' 'So what - you're going to banish our monsters?' 'You know, that's not a bad idea' Radley smiled. 'I'll detach all three materials and cut our Life points to 10 (NRC LP:100-10) to banish all your monsters, then you take 300 damage for each one. Prime Perfection!'

The somewhat unremarkable looking warrior jumped into the sky, and its entire body shone brilliantly and blindingly, which eradicated both of the monsters on Brooke and Jade's fields (Cast LP:6000-5400). 'And I'm not even done, because I can go again. By detaching this Rank-up-Magic Numeron Force I drew, I can overlay Prime into Number 99: Utopic Dragon (Atk:4000). By detaching a material, Dragon can revive an Xyz monster from my graveyard, and I'll choose good old Utopia (Def.:2000).'

'And now I'll overlay it again, this time to summon Number C39: Utopia Ray (Atk:2500). Dragon, Attack them with Rising Sun Sear.' The majestic dragon flew through the skies with a golden trail behind it, before releasing a golden hot breath, reducing the Renegade team's points (Cast LP:5400-1400). 'Utopia Ray, Rising Sun Chaos Slash!' The double swords from Ray marked a sudden end, as Jade looked despondent (Cast LP:1400-0).

After the duel, the No Remorse team walked over for a handshake, and Brooke accepted readily, while Jade took a moment, sighed heavily, and then followed suit. But Brooke didn't see her partner's tension, as she was busy inviting Hassleberry to join the Renegades again. As she did, Radley walked past him, and tapped him on the back, telling the Alabaman 'If you want to do it, it's nothing to do with us pal, shoot your shot.'

He smiled at Radley, and then had a quiet word with Brooke, telling her 'Look, I appreciate the idea and all, but I just need way more time to think about this. It's just a real sudden situation.' 'Not a problem, just hit me up when you've decided. And as far as I'm concerned, this is totally separate from… well us, if you get what I'm saying.' He smiled, and they walked out together, leaving a disappointed Jade to walk straight up to the Ice Bank and start talking to the fans there as she took her seat for the main event.

Backstage

As the hour of the main event drew ever closer, Rio was being interviewed, having just applied some skeletal face-paint reminiscent of the Day of the Dead festival in nearby Mexico, with her devoted manager stood behind her. 'In our main event here it will be Rhydian Morris defending his WDC Championship against my guest at this time, Rio Kastle. Rio, you have been spoken about as a rather unlikely challenger for the WDC Championship, and indeed, this is your first ever 1-1 title shot. How must you be feeling going into this?'

With total honesty, Rio admitted 'I'm nervous. In fact more than nervous, the butterflies are crazy mad right now. But I know I can do this, I have all the faith in myself to do what I know I can, because of this man (pointing at Phil), he put the faith in me, he was screwed out of that title, and when I told him I wanted to go after it, he looked me in the eyes and he told me that I was good enough, that he could make the match happen and that I could do the rest.'

'Do you think that you're currently ready for this?' 'There's only one way to find out. A friend of mine, Drake's his name, a mentor even, he told me to take every single opportunity that I get. To take the chance, snatch it with both hands, and never give it less than 100%. I've learned that life's too short to be scared or to delay, I have to go out there and show why I deserve the shot, I deserve that spotlight, I deserve to be champion.'

She then passed Phil the microphone, and he addressed Rhydian. 'We might have been dealt a losing hand against you, we're on the ropes, but you've forgotten one thing - Rio is the last ace in that lost hand! Now you took Maddy, someone we all care infinitely about, and you took everything away from her: her sanity, her joy, her dignity, you denied her all of that. So now, Rio's going to take all of that away from you, except she's also going to take away the one thing you couldn't - that big, shiny title.'

Taking back the microphone, Rio had a stark warning. 'We're going to leave you with nothing, absolutely nothing, and stand over you and tell you that you deserve it. And I want to see you down there CRYING, because that is nothing compared to what you did to all of us. I'll stand over you, I'll watch you weep, and I won't feel a thing. Cold mouthed, Cold Hearted, and most of all, Cold Blooded!'

In the zone, the tournament brackets flashed up showing that Kari and Radley were going to face the winner of the last Round 1 duel, as the Junction 7 team walked out confidently, with their entire squad with them with the exception of Rhydian and Lukas. 'The following is the final Round 1 duel in the WDC Futureshock Tournament. Introducing first, representing Junction 7, they are the team of Kieran Byrne and Reginald "Shark" Kastle.'

The reigning LFD Tag-Team Champions walked down to the zone calmly, with Shark proudly holding up his belt as they did so, and the crowd hurled abuse at him. As they entered though, Shark was clearly rankled as the fans started chanting "Rio's brother" and "We want your sister" at him, chants that were both, unsurprisingly, started by Rio's own fan club, eager to punish him for his lack of assistance or compassion.

While he went off to argue with the Ice Bank, Caprice and Myka entered, with the South African wearing clearly extremely pricey sunglasses while Myka had adopted a stylish-looking green crop-top and a gem-adorned purple hood. 'Introducing their opponents, representing the Style Council, they are the team of The Storm, Myka Grainger, and the Style Icon, Caprice Morris.' The two quickly made their way down, and entering the zone, Myka ripped her hood off as Caprice removed her glasses, and the sprinklers fell. After an all-too-brief confrontation, the teams began their duel.

Junction 7 (Nash/Kieran Byrne) vs. Style Council (Caprice Morris/Myka Grainger)

(Kieran hand: Superheavy Samurai Monk Big Benkei, Superheavy Samurai Blue Brawler, Superheavy Samurai Magnet, Sekka's Light, Superheavy Samurai Motorbike)

Turn 1: Kieran: 'I'll open this up. I'll discard Superheavy Samurai Motorbike to add Superheavy Samurai Prodigy Wakaushi to my hand. Wakaushi goes into the Pendulum zone, then I'll use the effect of Wakaushi to place Monk Big Benkei in my other scale, then summon Wakaushi (Atk:1000). Monk Big Benkei effect to add Superheavy Samurai Soulpiercer to my hand. Soulpiercer then equips to Wakaushi, and I'll send Big Benkei from my deck to the graveyard and summon Monk Big Benkei from the hand (Def.:3500).'

'Sekka's Light to draw two cards, in exchange I can't activate Spell or Trap cards for the rest of the duel. Now I'll Synchro with Level 4 Wakaushi and Level 8 Monk Big Benkei to Synchro summon Superheavy Samurai Brave Masurawo (Def.:4000). Now I'll summon Magnet (Atk:900), and use its effect to summon the Superheavy Samurai Drum from my hand. Level 1 Drum tunes Level 4 Magnet to summon the Superheavy Samurai Swordmaster Musashi (Def.:2300). Musashi adds Wakaushi back to my hand, and the turn's done.'

(Myka hand: Hand Destruction, Kozmo Tincan, Kozmo Dark Destroyer, Back to the Front, Psychic Feel Zone)

Myka: 'I'll draw and activate Hand Destruction, discarding everyone's hands so they can draw anew.' As this happened, Caprice showed her plans. 'Droll and Lock Bird, now neither of you can draw again until the end of Nash's turn.' Myka then stared at her for a moment, before telling her partner 'You're not going to need that, they're not making it out of this turn. I'll summon Psychic Processor (Atk:0).'

As he stared at what was essentially a floating circuit board, Nash asked 'What the hell is that?' 'Your worst nightmare' she responded snappily, before explaining what it did. 'By banishing Processor, I can summon two Psychic and/or Machine monsters from my hand, and they can attack directly this turn. I summon Kozmo Dark Lady and Kozmo Dark Eclipser (Atk:2000,3000). And then I'll add on a Limiter Removal to double the Attack of Dark Eclipser (Atk:3000-6000). Now attack.' Dark Lady released a blast of dark light from her evil wand, while Dark Eclipser shot a single eviscerating laser, ending the duel after barely three minutes (J7 LP:8000-0).

After the swift win, the Style Council lauded it over their opponents, with Caprice taunting them as 'Useless and fake champions', before the two departed, putting their glasses and hood back on respectively. Meanwhile Kieran looked shocked, and Nash went straight over to the Ice Bank, getting embroiled in a fierce argument with Jade over her presence there, leading to Jade standing up and flipping him the bird, before security guided him away from the situation.

Backstage, Rhydian was being interviewed, looking menacingly directly at the camera, his camo jacket being a signature, and his snake's head gleaming atop his head. 'Coming up shortly we have a real fairytale moment if Rio Kastle can beat my guest at this time, the WDC Champion, Rhydian Morris.' He immediately snatched the stick, and proceeded to run down Rio's chances and story.

'The famed fairytale. Real cute, how you've fought back from all this oppression, you've fought back from James shooting you in the back of your head. And now after all of that, you've arrived here, and because you've fluked a win at International Panic because I was forced into an event I had no interest in, and placed in a six-way duel where everyone was attacking me, you now think it's time for your fairy story to be completed.'

'It's sweet, but here's the thing: Fairytales are just that - they aren't real. The truth is that you can't handle what you've got yourself into, no matter what your genius of a manager who I beat twice says. I went to so much trouble to liberate Maddy, the amount of money I had to pay Bolton to do what I wanted, the amount I had to pay Akiza, you'll never know. And then you sweep in, and you help to steal away the love of my life. So tonight I'm going to repay the favour, and because you stole the love of my life, I'm going to cut out the middleman, and steal your life. You either live a champion, or die a loser.'

Before the main event, a lengthy video package played over some reflective music, consisting of pictures and videos of Rio after the shooting and her road to recovery. It started out with images of Rio unconscious on life support, and then switched to Rio in a dark room, saying 'When I was there, all alone, I saw a light. It just wouldn't stop glowing, it was… beckoning me. Telling me to just give up, like I would have done, just call it a life, you'll have better luck next time. And I believed it. So I tried to follow its orders, but… she stopped me. Because when I stopped believing, Maddy didn't. One day the story will come out, but… she made me believe again.'

The package then switched to her awake in hospital, then falling when she stood, then starting to walk with help, and finally learning to do it herself with people applauding. Back in the room, Rio explained 'I can't explain it, but I finally just said "No". I was going to fight this time, and I was going to fight with everything I had. I wasn't giving up on this, on what I'd worked to have. Even if it was only a chance I would still fight. I didn't know what, but I still had something to fight for. Maybe this was it.'

After this pictures of her on her release from hospital and in the base in the days and weeks afterwards were shown, with her enjoying life and building up her strength. 'Every single step felt like a marathon the first few weeks, going up the stairs was like climbing a mountain, walking out of the house was like walking across America. I couldn't walk the two metres from my bedroom to the toilet without nearly collapsing. But I knew that if I stopped, then my fighting would have been for nothing. It would have been wasted effort.'

Finally a replay was shown of her returning to the WDC at Desert Storm. 'I'd only been out of the house half a dozen times before that, it was the first time I'd even looked at a plane, never mind been on one. I had to be taken to the plane in a wheelchair, Phil had to carry me back up the stairs after we'd won. On the outside I just looked thin, but on the inside, I was still as frail as you can imagine, I was barely holding myself together, I was a wreck and I wasn't ready. But that forced me to be ready, and he carried me through all that.'

Replays of Rio talking about her diagnosis were shown next, but instead of Rio talking about it, the picture melted in flames as Rhydian appeared from behind it. 'It's a lovely story, but I don't care about lovely stories. I only care about (taps his title on his shoulder) winning.' Rio's interview then continued with her saying 'That day, I thought my world was over. I thought "That's it, that's how the story ends, I'm just going to fade away, nobody will notice". But the truth is, I'm not. Because that's just not how it was ever meant to be. This was given to me as a challenge, another obstacle to overcome.'

It then bounced back to Rhydian. 'I did whatever I had to in order to get this title. You have to understand, they ripped my life apart, and when I got it back, they got into everyone's heads, manipulated them, and tore it up again. I shouldn't have any regrets over what I've done, I did what they didn't think of, wielded power they couldn't dream of, and, oh yeah, I've got this title to prove that I'm the best.'

There was then a time skip to Rio outsmarting Rhydian and Maddy's freeing. 'Maddy never gave up on me, so when she needed us, I never gave up on her. I stepped away from duelling, I was willing to give that up for her, because I knew I needed to put all my energy and effort into planning, because I knew we'd have one shot, and when we did, I needed everything to be ready. And we won.'

Finally, highlights of International Panic were shown, as Rio explained 'I went out there, and my target was always clear - I wanted to beat Rhydian Morris. He was the aim, he was the target, and I took him out by myself. Nobody else touched him. That was all me. I've played his little games, we all have. But tonight is my opportunity to end the nightmare. Rhydian, you've never faced anything like me, because I'm not scared of anything, I'll happily use my entire life as a weapon for the revolution. Rhydian, be prepared for the fight of your life.'

Meanwhile Rhydian had his own bunch to say. 'Did she fluke a win at International Panic? Yes. Did she end my long undefeated streak? Also yes. Does that mean she's better than me?' He just looked at his title again, and laughed. 'No.' After some more laughing, he spoke again. 'Rio is not a threat. If I can beat her master three times, I can sure as hell beat that little runt of the litter. When I'm done with her, she's going to wish she never came back. Because what I'm going to put her through, is much, much worse than lying in a hospital bed with a bullet in your head. I'll end your title dreams, I'll end your career, and if you really push me, I might just end your life.'

In Rio's private dressing room

Rio was making final preparations ahead of the main event in the dressing room with Phil watching on, when she had a knock on the door. Thinking it was Blair, she shouted 'Come in!', but they both got a surprise when Maddy sheepishly walked in under a hood. 'Maddy, you're… not supposed to be here. What's going on?' Quietly, she asked 'Phil, can we… have a minute? Please?' Phil looked at Rio, who nodded, and he vacated the room, saying 'Game time 5 minutes.'

With him gone, they spoke. 'So… what brought you here?' 'I saw your interview. And I just wanted to tell you not to do it for me. I want you to win for yourself, because you deserve it. I'll be cheering you on but don't do it for me, I don't deserve it and you don't deserve that pressure.' 'Maddy… don't talk about yourself like that' 'Just promise me that you'll win for you. This is your moment.' Understanding, Rio nodded and agreed 'This is for me, for you, and for the Renegades. I won't fail.'

In the duelling zone

As the lights went down, the announcement came 'The following is a duel under Lockdown Rules and is for the WDC Championship. No individual aside from the champion and challenger will be allowed in the duelling zone from the moment the challenger enters until the main event has concluded. There will be no disqualifications or countouts, there must be a winner. If Rhydian Morris leaves the venue, he will forfeit the WDC Championship.'

Rio's music then hit to one of the loudest reactions the company had ever heard, and after a momentary delay, she walked out, in an ice blue and purple bodysuit, split into two tails at the bottom. Phil was stood at the entranceway with her, and he gave her one last pep talk before waving her off, but still watching as she briefly greeted the Ice Bank, slapping hands with all the fans she could reach there, before slowly walking to the zone, her gaze fully focused. As she arrived, she raised the red right hand, and was showered with streamers, as she screamed 'This is MY TIME!'

Shortly afterwards, Rhydian's music started, and he walked out in his familiar garb, looking nothing but annoyed and supremely confident, as he stormed down with a vengeance to the zone, flashing his eyes and teeth gritted, his hair cut to be halfway down his neck. As he entered the zone, he raised the title in front of Rio, telling her 'I'm better than all of you and you know it!', to which she snapped back 'Prove it!', as the regular announcer and DJ Tanner entered the zone to make the introductions.

'The following duel is your main event here in Long Beach, California, and is a Lockdown Rules duel for the WDC Championship. As per the decree from the Board of Directors, there MUST be a decisive winner; in the event of a draw, the duel will be restarted.' DJ then stepped forward, proudly declaring 'Introducing first, the challenger, representing the Renegades, from Twin Falls, Idaho, she is the Baltic Champion, and Top Contender to the WDC Championship, Cold Blooded Rio Kastle.' Rio raised her right hand and the crowd erupted once more.

'And now introducing the champion, representing Junction 7, from Llanfair PG, Wales but fighting out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, he is the reigning and defending WDC Champion, the Cobra - Rhydian Morris!' Rhydian raised his arm, flipping off the crowd in the process, and they responded by hurling empty plastic cups and food boxes and wrappers at him, all while giving him absolutely earth-shaking boos.

The two then faced off again, but the face-off was interrupted when Meghan (who was in the crowd under the cover of a hat) shouted 'Rio saved Maddy!', leading to duelling chants of "Rhydian's an asshole" and "Rhydian sucks", as well as the crowd chanting Maddy's name in unison, all of which annoyed the champion even more, and grabbing a microphone, he shouted 'You asked for it! Tonight is now A FUNERAL!'

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

(Rio hand: Floowandereeze and Robina, Floowandereeze and the Advent of Adventure, Blizzard Thunderbird, Swallow's Cowrie, Solemn Warning)

Turn 1: Rio: 'The moment is now! I'll start with Floowandereeze and the Advent of Adventure, banishing Floowandereeze and Robina from my hand to add Floowandereeze and Eglen to my hand, then gain 500 Life points (Rio LP:8000-8500). Then I'll summon Floowandereeze and Eglen (Atk:800), and use its effect to add Floowandereeze and Empen to my hand. Meanwhile, Robina will add itself to my hand. Then I get another summon, so I'll bring out Robina (Atk:600), use it to add Stri to my hand. Now I can tribute them both, so Floowandereeze and Empen can fly onto the field (Atk:2700). Empen adds another Advent of Adventure to my hand, and I'll end my turn setting two cards.' As she did, the crowd roared her on, which Rhydian sneered at.

(Rhydian hand: Snake Rain, Snake Rain, Monster Reborn, Ogdoadic Water Lily, Rise of the Snake Deity, Viper's Grudge)

Rhydian: 'This lot aren't going to power you through this, your only chance of survival is a miracle, and guess what - miracles are like fairytales, they don't exist! I'll start with Snake Rain, discarding Viper's Grudge to dump four Reptiles in my graveyard. I'll send Vennominon, Ogdoabyss, Nunu and Nauya.' Immediately as he did this, Rio's muscles tensed up, and she prepared to respond to a potential Water Lily activation. But Rhydian was clearly after a decisive victory.

'While we're at it, I'll activate another Snake Rain, discarding Rise of the Snake Deity, because I don't even need Vennominaga to beat you. I don't even need to take my jacket off to beat you in fact' he boasted, still wearing his camo jacket and snake's head. 'With this Snake Rain, I'll send Amunessia, Keurse, Aron and Nephilabyss. Now I'll activate Ogdoadic Water Lily' Without hesitation, Rio responded 'I'll activate Solemn Judgement, paying 2000 Life points (Rio LP:8500-6500), to negate and destroy Water Lily.'

'Yeah, whatever, Monster Reborn' he responded with the most casual of reactions. Summoning Ogdoabyss (Atk:3100). Ogdoabyss' effect, to send your Empen to the graveyard.' Ogdoabyss swung its tail around like a boat in a storm, and slammed Empen, leaving Rio exposed. 'Ogdoabyss, attack that stupid bitch directly.' As Ogdoabyss attacked, Rhydian turned around and gestured to the crowd, raising his arms to them and having another round of cups and napkins launched at him.

He then made a sleep gesture to them, but turned around to see Rio stood staring at him (Rio LP:6500-3400). 'Well credit where it's due, you took a hit and you're not lying dead on the ground like you were back then, so you're doing something right. Of course it's not going to matter, soon I'm going to make you wish you did die. So if you don't want little Ally to grow up without her big fake sister, then you might want to just turn your little arse around and walk straight back up there. That's my turn done by the way, not that it matters.'

(Rio hand: Blizzard Thunderbird, Floowandereeze and Stri, Floowandereeze and the Advent of Adventure, Double Summon)

Rio: 'Ally already understands the situation, and she's far more grown up about it than you are. I'll summon Floowandereeze and Stri (Atk:700), and use it to banish Nunu from your graveyard.' This seemed like a strange choice, but as the Ice Bank watched on, it was clear to them that Rio had a plan. 'While I do that, I can add back both Eglen and Robina. Now I'll summon Eglen (Atk:2800), and use it to search out Floowandereeze and Empen. Now I'll tribute Eglen and Stri for Empen (Atk:2700). Empen searches out Floowandereeze and the Unexplored Winds.'

'Empen, attack his Ogdoabyss. And when it does, all I have to do is banish my Blizzard Thunderbird to halve the Attack of your monster.' Empen pushed its stubby wings forwards, blowing ice particles as it did and cutting the Attack of its serpentine opponent (Atk:3100-1550), before slamming a wing as solid as steel into it, smashing the partially frozen King and knocking Rhydian's snake head off his head, smashing it (Rhydian LP:8000-6850). 'I'll end my turn.'

As she did, Rhydian looked at his broken headwear, and flashed his eyes angrily. 'You might think Maddy's the only powerful Wolfblood around, but she's got nothing on me! She was perfect, thinking of me' 'She wasn't thinking! She was being beaten black and blue' 'No, THAT'S WHAT YOU DO!' he angrily returned. 'You're the ones torturing her, I was SAVING her!' 'If that's what you call it. Because in my book, creating a shrine to yourself and making the supposed love of your life worship at it isn't saving her, it's being a total creep.'

This angered Rhydian no end, but the final straw was when the crowd started chanting "Creepy bastard" to him, and this made him respond in pure fury. 'Your body is fragile… your life is fragile. Maybe it's time I made a point of ending it, like you ended my perfect life. You took away my queen, who I had so carefully sculpted into being perfect in every way, you needed to corrupt her, so now you'll have to pay the death penalty!' he snarled as Rio ended her turn.

(Rhydian hand: Pot of Extravagance)

Rhydian: 'I'll draw and activate Pot of Extravagance. I'll banish six random cards from my Extra deck to draw two cards. One of which is Ogdoadic Water Lily, to put another Nunu in the graveyard, then revive Ogdoabyss once again (Atk:3100). Ogdoabyss, use your effect' 'While Empen's in Attack mode, you're not allowed to use the effects of your Special summoned monsters.'

'But you let me use it the first time…' 'That's for you to wonder' Rio responded, clearly playing on the mental advantage she had in the contest. This time though, Rhydian had drawn into an answer. 'I activate my Grief Tablet, and equip it to your Empen.' An old, dusty stone tablet appeared behind Empen, and two skeletal hands grasped onto it, pinning it to the tablet. 'This negates your monster's effects, as well as preventing it from being tributed. Ogdoabyss, attack.' The winged snake slammed its long, slithering tail straight through the trapped Empen, and as Rhydian flashed his eyes again, the attack connected directly with Rio's legs, wiping her out (Rio LP:3400-3000).

Rhydian then gloated, and stood over Rio, stating 'I was always going to be better than you, you're absolutely nothing but a lame sewer rat. Stay down, stay dead, the world doesn't need you anymore.' He even gave her a sarcastic tap on the crown with his foot. This is when she started to stir, and spurred on by the crowd, battled back to her feet, blood dripping from her mouth, giving her rather a vampiric look.

'You should have stayed down while you were alive' Rhydian bemoaned, but Rio laughed this off. 'You're real cocky considering you haven't beaten me.' 'Face facts, you're dying, you should be making the most of your limited time.' Rio though, responded with an intriguing point. 'I am dying. We're all dying. It's just my clock's probably got a shorter lifespan. For all we know, one of us could get hit by a meteorite tomorrow. All I know is that as long as I'm here, I'm continuing to give everything I've got.'

Rhydian laughed this off though. 'Some of us are immortal, we don't need to worry about things like death, because we're going to live forever. Maddy could have done that with me' 'Trust me, if you knew the full truth about Maddy, you'd keep her name out of your mouth. But you seem to have forgotten one slight thing - she's not your opponent, I am. And the longer you refuse to think about me, the closer to defeat you come.'

Still not listening to the very plausible advice, Rhydian continued his turn. 'When Grief Tablet goes to the graveyard because the monster equipped with it did, you take another 500 damage.' The tablet appeared from the grave, and fired out rocky shards into Rio, battering her more as she defiantly spat blood out of her mouth (Rio LP:3000-2500). 'I end my turn. If you're stupid enough to try and continue, then take your last pathetic turn.'

(Rio hand: Blizzard Thunderbird, Floowandereeze and the Advent of Adventure, Double Summon, Floowandereeze and Eglen, Floowandereeze and Robina, Floowandereeze and Stri)

Rio: 'Why's it my last turn, you think I'm going to beat you right now? No, I'm going to make you feel it. I summon Floowandereeze and Robina (Atk:600), using it to add Toccan. Now I'll summon Floowandereeze and Eglen (Atk:800), using it to add Floowandereeze and Snowl.' Seeing this, Rhydian decided to wipe the board. 'I'll activate the effect of Ogdoabyss, to wipe out every monster not summoned from the graveyard.'

This might have been a death knell for most competitors, but Rio's consistent deck meant that there was always another play. 'I might not have access to Eglen and Robina right now, but I do have Floowandereeze and Stri (Atk:700), and its effect which will banish my own Robina from the graveyard, then allows me to summon Floowandereeze and Toccan (Atk:500). Toccan adds back the Robina I banished, then I'll tribute Stri and Toccan for Floowandereeze and Snowl (Atk:2900), then add back Eglen and Robina. I end my turn.' 'Too chicken to attack now?' 'Maybe' she responded cattily. 'And maybe you should go after me, after all I'm showing weakness, that's what it is, isn't it?'

(Rhydian hand: Nauya, the Ogdoadic Remnant)

Rhydian: 'I'll draw and summon Nauya, the Ogdoadic Remnant (Atk:0). Then the effect of Nauya will add Ogdoadic Daybreak to my hand. Now Daybreak will be able to tribute Nauya, to summon an Ogdoadic Token for every two Levels it has (Atk:0x2). And by tributing both, I can summon Aron, the Ogdoadic King (Def.:2800). Ogdoabyss, attack Snowl.' 'I'll use Snowl's effect to banish Robina and flip your monsters face-down.' Without any other plays, Rhydian ended his turn, while the crowd roared Rio on, sensing that she was at least matching her opponent.

(Rio hand: Blizzard Thunderbird, Floowandereeze and the Advent of Adventure, Double Summon, Floowandereeze and Eglen, Heartfelt Appeal)

Rio: 'I draw and I'll summon Floowandereeze and Eglen (Atk:800), using it to add Dark Simorgh to my hand, while also returning Robina to my hand. Now I'll summon Robina (Atk:600), and use it to add Floowandereeze and Stri to my hand. Now I'll tribute both my monsters for Dark Simorgh (Atk:2700). Say goodbye to your field now - Snowl attacks Aron.' Snowl flew in with a sharp beak, piercing right through the Ogdoadic King (Def.:2800), and dealing minor damage (Rhydian LP:6850-6750).

'Now Dark Simorgh, destroy Ogdoabyss.' Rio's Simorgh flapped its wings, and jet black feathers rained down onto the Overlord (Def.:2200), pulling the scores ever closer (Rhydian LP:6750-6250). Before his monster fell though, Rhydian had a surprise. 'I activate the effect of Ogdoabyss, because I can do that at any point on your turn, even when you're about to luck past it. Now you lose all your monsters.' With her field cleared, Rio paused for a moment, before declaring 'I'll set two and pass.'

(Rhydian hand: Viper's Rebirth)

Rhydian: 'I'll draw and activate Viper's Rebirth, which will revive a Reptile from my graveyard, but destroy it during the End phase. Return, Ogdoabyss (Atk:3100). And my mighty monster will spell the end of your pathetic struggle!' He then smirked, and told her 'For ruining my life, this is the KILLSHOT!' As the raging attack came in, Rio stood up to it stoutly, and declared 'Advent of Adventure, banish Blizzard Thunderbird, add Robina.' Straight after, she got slammed by a brutal attack, with Rhydian's own weaker primal powers allowing him to manipulate his monster into slamming Rio several times, her quick actions just securing her survival (Rio LP:3000-3500-400).

There was a moment of concern from the crowd, as Rio lay motionless. But after a few seconds, she started twitching, and as her fanbase shouted for her, she slowly stood up, getting even bigger cheers from the crowd, as she wiped away blood from her nose and mouth, before spitting in Rhydian's direction. 'I'm a Renegade, it takes more than that to destroy us, and I've got at least one more turn. I activate Heartfelt Appeal! I know you wouldn't know anything about this because you don't have a heart, but your monster does, and because it hurt me with its attack, now I take control of it until the end of your turn.'

This left Rhydian, although hugely ahead, in a significant bind. 'Because I control no monsters, I'll revive Nunu from my graveyard (Def.:0). Then I'll tribute it to summon Keurse from there (Def.:2400). Keurse's effect then allows you to revive a monster from your graveyard without its effects.' 'Sure, I'll revive Robina (Def.:1200).' 'Well now through Keurse I also get to revive something. I'll choose Nauya (Atk:0). And it gets to add Ogdoadic Calling to my hand. Now I'll Link off Nauya and Keurse to summon Link 2, Reptilianne Echidna (Atk:200).'

'When it's summoned, Echidna reduces the attack of the Ogdoabyss you stole to 0 (Atk:3100), then because you control a monster without Attack points, I can add Zohah the Ogdoadic Boundless to my hand. I've not Normal summoned this turn, so I can bring Zohah straight out (Atk:1800), and use its effect. You get to draw a useless card, and I get an Ogdoadic to my hand. I'll add Nunu the Ogdoadic Remnant, and now we both have to send a card from our hands to the graveyard.'

Rhydian immediately sent his Nunu, while Rio paused briefly, before throwing out Rank-up Magic Renegades Unite, shocking everyone. 'I don't need that to best you. I'm going to win.' 'I would say that was your only chance, but not even that would have helped you. Now I'll Link off Zohah and Echidna to Link summon Link 3, Cosmic Slicer Zer'oll (Atk:2600). Zer'oll's effect on summon adds Planet Pollutant Virus to my hand. I end my turn.'

(Rio hand: Blizzard Thunderbird, Double Summon, Floowandereeze and Robina, Double Summon, Pot of Bravery)

Rio: 'I'll draw and activate my Pot of Bravery! This halves my Life points to give me two cards (Rio LP:400-200). And those were just what I asked for - I activate Seventh Tachyon!' As she did, seven pink lightning bolts emerged from thin air, and met each other in the centre of the zone. 'The power of this allows me to reveal Ragnafinity in my Extra deck and summon a monster of the same Attribute as it and whose Level equals Ragnafinity's Rank. I summon Zereort Migrator (Atk:1000). Now I'll summon Golden Flying Fish (Atk:1700), and because I control a Winged Beast and a Fish, I can summon Sirenorca (Atk:2200).'

'Now because of Migrator, Flying Fish is treated as a Level 5 monster, so I'm overlaying three Level 5 monsters!' As she did, a harsh pink light enveloped her, and she had to grit her teeth. 'I gave up your power to save a friend, so to use it now, I accept the risks.' She then screamed, but not in pain but fury, as she was powered on by 6000 fans. 'Please appear, Chaos Number 103, the infinite power that can freeze even time, the funerary maiden with a heart of ice and a scythe of steel, Ragnafinity (Atk:2800).'

This move surprised Rhydian. 'You had the nerve to turn your back on family, and yet you're still abusing the power that he gave you?' 'Get off it, we gave him plenty of chances to see what we're doing, but he refused out of his own ego. There's so much that you don't know, but in time, you're going to learn EVERYTHING. Right now though, all you need to learn is that Ragnafinity is destroying your Zer'oll.' Silent but deadly, the scythe swung and cut through the air before descending through the Slicer, cutting it clean in half (Rhydian LP:6250-6050). 'I end my turn.'

(Rhydian hand: Ogdoadic Calling, Night Sword Serpent)

Rhydian: 'I'll draw.' Clearly under pressure, Rhydian started to revert to a more defensive mindset. 'I set a monster, set a face-down and pass.'

(Rio hand: Double Summon, Floowandereeze and Robina, Harpie's Hunting Ground)

Rio: 'I'll draw, and summon Robina (Atk:600).' 'That little thing's getting really annoying now.' 'That's the idea' she responded as she erupted into a nosebleed. 'Robina's effect adds a Level 4 or below Winged Beast to my hand, so I'll get The Cuckoo Commanded to Croon, while Eglen adds itself back to my hand. Now I'll summon Eglen (Atk:800), and it's adding Simorgh, Lord of the Storm to my hand. Then I'll tribute Eglen and Robina for Simorgh, Lord of the Storm (Atk:2900), and Robina returns to my hand.'

'Ragnafinity, attack his face-down monster.' The frosty maiden swung her weapon straight down like an executioner's axe, destroying Night Sword Serpent (Def.:600). 'And now Simorgh will attack you directly.' Simorgh flapped its magnificent wings to create a massive storm, lowering Rhydian's advantage as he tried to look confident, but only showed concern (Rhydian LP:6050-3150).

At the commentary station, the commentators were getting increasingly hyped as the gap closed. 'What a brave effort this is!' Brad Bird declared, his powerful New York accent resonating to the Ice Bank who started cheering even louder, with Kalin adding 'Few would have given Rio a prayer going into this, but she's leaving it all out there.' He then saw Rio start to sway slightly, and concluded 'Maybe too much.'

Seeing this, Rhydian resolved to take his time with his next turn, while Rio took a moment to gather herself again, before she ended her turn. 'Looks like you're about to go down over there. Well when you do, I'll be more than happy to make sure that you never wake up again, because the only punishment for you is the death penalty, and I'll be the one to end your futile and pathetic revolution.'

(Rhydian hand: Card of Demise)

Rhydian: 'I'll draw and activate Card of Demise, which lets me draw three cards. You're lucky that I can't Special summon or deal damage this turn. I'll set a monster and two face-downs and end my turn.'

(Rio hand: Double Summon, The Cuckoo Commanded to Croon, Floowandereeze and Robina, Blizzard Falcon)

Rio: 'I draw, and I'm going to summon The Cuckoo Commanded to Croon (Atk:800). And it has three effects, but I'm going to choose the one that destroys it so I can draw a card. Now I'll use Double Summon, so I can summon Robina (Atk:600), and it can add Stri while Eglen adds itself back. Summon Eglen (Atk:800), use it to add Snowl to my hand. Now I'll tribute them both for Snowl (Atk:2900). And Snowl attacks your set monster.'

As its attack came towards Rhydian, he had just the response. 'I activate Defence Draw, which will negate the damage and draw me a card.' This allowed him to not lose anything as Zohah the Ogdoadic Boundless was destroyed. Rolling her eyes, Rio knew her chances of beating him had gone for a turn, but lined up a further onslaught. 'Lord of the Storm, attack directly.' 'You just triggered my Power Wall' he gloated as Rio's gaze remained steady and her breathing exhausted but still regulated. 'This allows me to avoid the damage by sending one monster from my deck to the grave for every 500 points of damage I'd be taking. So with 2900, that's five monsters.' As he sent them, Rio ended her turn, as her vision started to blur slightly, and she breathed heavier and heavier, but she gritted her teeth.

(Rhydian hand: Effect Veiler, Nunu, the Ogdoadic Remnant, Amunessia, the Ogdoadic Overlord)

Rhydian: 'I'll draw for my turn, and activate the effect of Nunu the Ogdoadic Remnant, discarding it to send Zohah the Ogdoadic Boundless from my deck to the grave.' Seeing Rio struggling physically with the beating he was handing out, Rhydian laughed to himself. 'You're absolutely pathetic, so it's about time I ended your pathetic struggle. I'll activate Ogdoadic Calling, and because I have 8 Ogdoadics with different names in the graveyard, I can summon two Reptiles from my graveyard instead. Return, Amunessia the Ogdaodic Overlord and Vennominon the King of Poisonous Snakes (Def.:3100; Atk:7000).'

As Rio sighed, Rhydian gloated once more. 'The King and Queen together, this is how it always should have been. But you had to interfere, you had to take my queen away and corrupt her when I had her perfectly created! For destroying my creation, you will pay WITH YOUR LIFE! Vennominon, ATTACK!' As the attack came in, Rio waited until the last moment, then smiled through blood and buckling knees. With the last of her strength, she declared. 'Idiot! Ragnafinity's effect works in both players' turns!' Bloodied and battered, she slumped to the ground, and didn't see Rhydian develop the coldest sweat he had ever developed, or him get knocked flat on his back by the blast of the scythe (Rhydian LP:3050-0).

There was a moment's hesitation after the duel, as everyone looked on with confusion, before Rio's music played and the fans erupted in chants, the Ice Bank launching streamers into the zone, and Rhydian shaking his head in disbelief and devastation, refusing to accept the result. As her music reached the end of the track and continued to play again, Rio started to move, as medics checked on her.

As the gates then opened, Blair immediately ran down at top speed alongside Phil and Jade, and grabbed the WDC title. A moment of madness occurred as she grabbed the title and looked around dizzyingly, before taking the title into the duelling zone, and slowly tucking it into Rio's grasp as she slowly came to her senses. She looked around, confused, looked down at the title, and buried her face in it crying. All the while, Rhydian was sat, absolutely stunned at his long unbeaten streak with the title ending.

The shocking announcement then came through from DJ, who sounded stunned herself. 'Your winner… and the new WDC Champion - Cold Blooded Rio Kastle!' The word "new" produced a deafening reaction from the crowd as they realised what had happened. The new champion was helped to her feet by Phil and Jade, and held the title up, as the fans went ballistic, while her manager and friends kept her upright.

Meanwhile Rhydian just stared on, still completely in shock and denial. As she finally regained all sense, she limped over to Rhydian, and held the belt up in front of him, before spitting her own blood at him. 'Better than you and you know it!' She then hobbled over to the Ice Bank, and held the title up in the middle of the section, and taking pictures with every single member, signing autographs for them, before returning down to the zone, as the rest of the Renegades waited, lifting her up on their shoulders as the show concluded, the balance of power having shifted once more.

Next time: As Rio cherishes her title, Maddy cherishes time with her little brother, but when routine surgery reveals a devastating diagnosis, will she see no way out? R: Ultra Evolution Book 25: The Edge of Madsness