R:Ultra Evolution

by Primal WolfBlood

Follow the Renegades as they continue their quest for fixing the world, taking on all comers, including fellow revolutionaries Junction 7 led by their unhinged leader Rhydian, and the sinister Style Council, led by the devilish Caprice. To survive in this cut-throat world, they will have to evolve their power even further beyond. It's a battle for success and survival.

35. Consequences Greed

R: Ultra Evolution

Book 35: Consequences Greed

Coffi Baedd Du, Cardiff

Over a coffee in Cardiff, Phil was catching up with Blair and Rio on the current state of play in the Dynasty. Somewhat hostilely, Blair asked 'So what the heck's going on with Astrid, I thought you were totally out of that game now. What's the deal?' Calmly, he explained 'I thought I was out of that game, and I intended on being out of that game. But there are a few things that you need to know about Astrid.'

'Firstly, this is not the first time she's tried this. While Maddy was under control, Astrid signed an agreement wanting to be… tranced by me. She made the decision that she couldn't cope without Maddy being around, she couldn't cope with feeling like she failed Maddy, and she made the decision that that was the only way.' 'And something similar happened this time?' Rio enquired, connecting the dots, as he nodded in affirmation.

'Yes, she came to me, and asked if I could do that for her. I have a recording on my phone of her specifically stating that it was her decision, we had a conversation about it, she knew exactly what she was asking and why she was asking it. I am not 100% comfortable in the situation myself, but she is part of our family as far as I am concerned, and if this is what she needs for the time being, then I will do that. I've had numerous conversations with Hannah and with Freja about it as well. We're working on it, but I can't tell you any more than that.'

This appeared to calm Blair down, as he turned his attention to Rio. 'So champ, you wanted to talk, what's bugging you?' Sighing, Rio admitted 'I'm struggling. The demand of being champion with all the interviews and all the media stuff is something I just don't… get almost, and I feel like I'm struggling for form, like I was duelling Astrid in the arena last week, and she totally destroyed me like I wasn't there.'

Understanding the frustrations, Phil just took her hand, and spoke to her calmly. 'Duelling Astrid in the arena like that is exactly what you need to be doing. You need to remember, Astrid has a heck of a lot more experience at this level than you do, she has been battle hardened over the course of years, and she is arguably as good now as she has ever been. She is a champion for a reason, but you are also a champion for a reason, and that is because you never give up, when the chips are down, you stick to your game.'

'I know, but… it really hurt when that happened.' 'Any defeat hurts, especially when you don't know what you did wrong. I think what you need is to get back out there and battle away. So I have arranged for you to have a title defence here tomorrow against an opponent who I have flown in at decent cost specifically for this. Because I want you to prove me right, her right, and yourself right, when we say that you are world class and amongst the best we have to offer. I have faith in you, but you need to believe in yourself.'

As she took these wise words on board, he turned his attention to Blair, who was quietly sat with her coffee. 'And you, how's the prep for Declan going?' 'Yeah, pretty good, I wish I could actually be out there competing at the moment, but I'm simulating all I can, I'm studying all his lines, and I've been working on new builds of my deck.' 'To be fair, every time I see your deck it's changed' Rio pointed out, making Blair laugh and somewhat embarrassedly scratch the back of her head. 'Well you might have a point there, I do tinker with it a bit.'

Phil appeared happy for this to be the case though. 'There's no harm in that as long as you understand what every single part of your deck does. Someone like you with your meticulous understanding of combo lines and small synergies, that is absolutely fine. I wouldn't get away with that myself, because that is simply not how I operate on a personal level, and this is something I need you to understand Rio - it's understanding how you work on a personal level. So take this opportunity to figure that out. I'll be in Dublin tomorrow for this hearing, so obviously I won't be with you, but I have faith. And Blair, I know you don't need telling to take Astrid seriously.' 'I'll help her, I promise.'

24 hours later, in Cardiff

Rio's music opened the show, with the crowd erupting as they heard the now familiar chords play out, and she entered like a champion, wearing sunglasses and a flashy blue and pink sports jacket, as the announcer got spoken to by a producer. 'I have just received word that your opening duel here is an Open Challenge for the WDC Championship. Introducing first, representing the Dynasty, from Twin Falls, Idaho, she is your reigning and defending WDC Champion - Cold Blooded Rio Kastle.' Rio looked to be relaxed on her way down, as she did a circuit of the entire arena, posing for pictures with a number of fans along the way, before entering the zone, and raising her title to a rapturous reception.

While she was doing this, Jaden's old music started, and he entered, dressed in all red, to a buzzing reception himself, the twice World champion having not duelled professionally in some time. Quickly acknowledging the fans before entering the zone, he and Rio faced up to each other. 'You know, when I heard you were champion I couldn't believe it, no offence but you just never seemed at that level.' 'Well now you can believe it' she responded confidently while taking her glasses off. 'Because this is mine. If you want it, you'll have to rip it from me.'

WDC Championship: Rio Kastle LP:8000 vs. Jaden Yuki LP:8000

(Rio hand: Floowandereeze and Robina, Floowandereeze and Toccan, Floowandereeze and the Dreaming Town, Imperial Custom, Gozen Match)

Rio: 'I'll start off, summoning' 'Robina!' came the cry from the crowd. 'Ok, if you're sure (Atk:600). Then I'll use Robina to add' 'Eglen!' Rio responded looking to the crowd and asking 'You sure?' As they burst into cheers, she added Eglen, before summoning it (Atk:800). 'Question for you all now!' she grinned, enjoying the atmosphere. 'What's black, white, and is really annoying to face? Apart from Phil's wardrobe that is.'

As the cry of 'Empen!' roared from the crowd, Rio added the penguin to her hand. 'Now I'll tribute both of my monsters to summon Floowandereeze and Empen (Atk:2700). On summon, Empen will add Floowandereeze and the Unexplored Winds to my hand, while both Robina and Eglen flock back to my hand. Then I'll activate Winds, using it to place Toccan and Eglen on the bottom of my deck to draw two cards. I'll activate The Dark Door, and end my turn setting two.'

(Jaden hand: Miracle Fusion, Polymerisation, Elemental HERO Shadow Mist, Elemental Hero Clayman, Elemental HERO Neos, Fusion Recovery)

Jaden: 'I'll draw and start fast with Polymerisation, fusing Elemental Heroes Shadow Mist and Clayman to Fusion summon Elemental Hero Sunrise (Atk:2500). For each Attribute I control, Sunrise gains 200 Attack, making it as strong as your Empen (Atk:2500-2700).' 'Yeah, and you know what happens when you attack Empen don't you?' This made Jaden re-think his strategy, as he adapted on the fly.

'I'll use Shadow Mist's ability from when I Fusion summoned with it, adding Elemental Hero Liquid Soldier to my hand. I activate Fusion Recovery next, adding back Shadow Mist and Polymerisation, so I can use Poly again, fusing Neos and Liquid Soldier into Elemental Hero Flame Wingman - Infernal Rage (Atk:2100). Infernal Rage's ability will add Favourite Hero to my hand. But I'm not done, because I can still use Liquid Soldier's ability to draw two cards and discard one.'

'Now I'll activate Miracle Fusion! This fuses the Infernal Rage on my field with the Neos in my graveyard, banishing them both so I can summon the Elemental HERO Shining Neos Wingman (Def.:2500). And when it's summoned, it destroys cards you control, equal to the amount of Attributes on the field. I count' 'One, I activate Dimension Gate. This banishes Empen from my field.' Surprised, Jaden declared 'I'll go after your face-down on the left.'

As Neos Wingman's shining glare melted Rio's Gozen Match, Jaden revealed his plan. 'Now I'll activate R:Charge, which will switch my Neos Wingman back to Attack mode. And I didn't mention, but Neos Wingman gets 300 Attack for each monster in my graveyard (Atk:3100-4000), and I'll equip it with Favourite Hero. Then I'll go to battle, and Favourite Hero allows me to activate the Field spell Skyscraper from my deck.' As the high-rises flew up at an alarming rate, Rio casually responded to the sight, stating 'I'm not sure I'd trust the build quality on those.'

'I don't really care' Jaden grinned in return 'Because having a Field Spell allows my Neos Wingman to gain Attack points equal to its Defence (Atk:4000-6500). Now attack with Shining Flare Flash!' Jaden sniffed an opportunity at the title, but Rio was ready to snuff his hopes out. 'No chance, I activate Dimension Gate. When I'm being attacked directly, I can send Dimension Gate to the graveyard and summon the monster it banished. Appear, Floowandereeze and Empen (Atk:2700).'

Put in a difficult position, Jaden decided 'I'm just going to attack anyway.' 'And I activate Floowandereeze and the Dreaming Town. This allows me to Normal summon even in your Battle phase. I'll summon Floowandereeze and Robina (Atk:600), and use it to add Floowandereeze and Eglen to my hand. Then I'll summon Eglen (Atk:800), and use it to add Mist Valley Apex Avian to my hand. And I'll summon Apex Avian, but because of my Unexplored Winds, I can tribute your Neos Wingman as well as my Eglen (Atk:2700).' Without his key monster or another attack due to Rio's Dark Door, Jaden ended his turn, shaking his head.

(Rio hand: Dimensional Barrier)

Rio: 'I'll draw and attack your Sunrise with Empen. When I do, I can banish the Dimensional Barrier from my hand to halve Sunrise's Attack points (Atk:2700-1350).' Empen hit in with a wing as stiff as steel, snapping Sunrise almost in half (Jaden LP:8000-6650). 'I end my turn.'

(Jaden hand: Miracle Fusion)

Jaden: 'I'll draw and activate Miracle Fusion' 'No Miracles today Jaden, I activate Apex Avian's ability, returning itself to my hand and negating your Miracle Fusion.' Once again, Jaden was forced to call time on his turn.

(Rio hand: Mist Valley Apex Avian, Floowandereeze and the Magnificent Map)

Rio: 'Just keep it going, I'll tribute both my baby birdies to summon Mist Valley Apex Avian (Atk:2700). Empen, swing in.' Another slash with its sharp and firm wing saw Empen reduce Jaden's points below half in what was quickly becoming an academic total (Jaden LP:6650-3950). 'I end my turn. If you can beat me, I suggest you do it soon.'

(Jaden hand: Marriage at Burial)

Jaden: 'I don't think I'm doing that today' Jaden dryly admitted as he drew. 'I'll activate Marriage at Burial' 'That's just going to be negated.' 'Thought as much, I'm done for the turn.'

(Rio hand: Mist Valley Apex Avian, Mist Valley Falcon)

Rio: 'I draw and I'll summon Mist Valley Falcon (Atk:2000).' As she did, Jaden saw the writing firmly etched on the wall, and encouraged the crowd to applaud Rio on her victory lap. 'Mist Valley Falcon, attack. When Falcon attacks, it has to return my Dark Door to my hand.' Jaden just nodded as he took the slicing attack (Jaden LP:3950-1950). 'Empen, give him a hero's send-off. Polar Panic.' This time, Empen spun itself up to speed, and crashed into Jaden, completing a total shutout for the champion (Jaden LP:1950-0).

After her comprehensive victory, Rio celebrated by running the arena, and slapping hands with all the fans there, as Jaden watched her while smiling, and the announcement was made 'Your winner and still the WDC Champion, Rio Kastle.' When she was done (and slightly gassed), she returned to the zone, and offered Jaden a handshake. He accepted, and whispered something to Rio, which appeared to shock her, but she smiled, and tapped him on the back of the head as he passed by her. While he left, Jaden looked to be waving goodbye to the crowd, with an awkward smile on his face.

Backstage, Jaden quickly found himself passing by Blair. 'I take it you're going to ask me what I said there?' Surprised, she responded 'No? I was waiting for Rio, her mate Calley's here and she'd driving me insane so I wanted to palm her off on Ri. Why, what happened out there?' 'You weren't watching?' 'No, I've been trying to find somewhere quiet to work on my deck.' 'I got whitewashed. Badly. I went full combo but she picked me apart.' 'Yeah, I forgot to warn you that her deck does that.'

'No, I knew what it was capable of, but facing it down is something totally different. The amount she's improved in a couple of months is insane.' 'It's not her skills that need work, it's her confidence. I've challenged her like 4 times since she became champion, I don't even want a title shot, just a friendly duel, and she's refused every time because I'd crush her, which isn't even true.'

'I don't know' Jaden laughed 'You do get pretty competitive in "friendly" duels. You've been like that since you were a kid back at Duel Academy. But if that duel didn't give her confidence, I don't know what will.' 'What's next for you then? Barely seen you recently.' With total honesty, Jaden told her 'I think I'm done. I'll probably stay on till Worlds, but apart from that, I've just not got the level.'

With a lump in her throat, a slightly emotional Blair touched his heart, and responded 'You're serious this time, aren't you?' He smiled to her, and told her 'It's not been a bad career.' 'I mean I knew this time was going to come at this point, but… it just feels weird after everything you've done for me, I can't imagine pro duelling without you.' 'It feels strange to me as well, but it feels right. I see the level you're at right now, Astrid's at right now, Rio's at, hell Caprice is at, Rhydian's at, and I realised something - I'm never going to reach that level. The competitive edge just isn't there anymore. It comes for us all.'

'So what's the plan then, move back to Minnesota permanently?' 'Eh, I'll talk to Phil, see if he's got something for me in the Arena, and if he doesn't, I might try going into coaching myself. One thing's for certain though - I'm never going to be far away from you. I just look at how you've grown from the first time I met you, how you've constantly honed your skills and accepted this identity all your own. You're amazing, and you're only getting better. My place isn't in the field anymore.' The two of them hugged, as Rio returned, and Blair filled her in on the conversation.

In Dublin

Phil walked into the foyer of the offices, and quickly met up with Frances. 'So how are things looking?' 'Tough to say at the moment, he's here which is more than I expected from him. I've already signed us both in, you'll just need to get your temporary badge and then we'll be ready to go in.' As he went to do so, a young woman approached him, with wire-frame glasses and a sharp blazer. 'Mr. Robinson?' 'Yes, who's asking?' 'Hi, I'm Lisa, Mr. Maxwell sent me to invite you all in.' 'Thanks.'

After collecting his badge, he walked into the clinical boardroom, and saw Michael sat opposite him. 'Take a seat Mr. Robinson. Now how this will work is that we will invite Mr. Adams to explain his actions, and then we will give you the opportunity to respond to him. Afterwards, we will consider how best to proceed. Mr. Adams, please will you explain your view on the situation with Ms. Maddy Smith.'

Standing up and straightening his suit, he responded 'I have done nothing wrong. All I have done from Day 1 is to do my job as commissioner and as a member of this fine Board to uphold order in our company, and to look out for the best interests of the World Duelling Corporation as a company. That includes being able to identify opportunities for growth and people whom we can rely on as long-term prospects.'

'Now from the moment I first saw Ms. Smith duel, and the moment I saw the natural connection she has with the crowds, I was fully convinced, rightly or wrongly, that she was not just a future star, but one who was highly marketable. She is a unique star with a unique charisma about her, and therefore, I approached her early in the season with the proposition for her to become the face of the company, and told her that we would do everything possible to ensure her continued success.'

'And how did Ms. Smith respond to this?' 'She seemed interested, but it is my firm belief that being associated with Mr. Robinson and his wife dissuaded her from pursuing this. I did talk to her, and she did strongly suggest that they were pulling her back, giving her… shall we say orders, to not take the opportunity to spread her wings. And throughout her time here, particularly as WDC Young-Gun Champion, she has been permanently antagonistic to myself in particular, and to the company in general. She has been acting like a ruffian, when she could have been so much more.'

As Phil shook his head, Clark asked 'Your response?', and he stood up himself. 'Maddy rejected your ideas a number of times. You approached her on more than one occasion telling her that if she continued to associate with the Renegades, you would ensure that she does not claim success in the company. You sent her a number of threatening emails, telling her to reunite with Rhydian, because, and I quote, "her stupid cult is not going to get in the way of a reunited natural love storyline". Quite honestly, you were trying to turn her life into a soap opera, and because she didn't want it, you became bitter. You ignored her requests, and that is why things end up the way they did.'

In Cardiff

Through a slightly dodgy microphone, Astrid was being interviewed, her hair braided and wearing a stone grey Dynasty shirt. 'Astrid, I think it goes without saying that the history with yourself and Blair is storied beyond belief. Why would you accept this duel now, and why are you not defending your title?' 'I'm not defending my title because Blair specifically stated for it to be a non-title duel. And I would accept a challenge from Blair at any point, duelling her is the ultimate test.'

'Now for anybody who hasn't seen a duel between the two of you before, what can we expect?' 'High quality duelling between two high quality duellists, there is not much else to say. We both have infinite respect for how good one another are, and we both have the expectation that the other will bring their "A" game. It comes down to motivation, and I simply have more, because one of us has a point to prove and it's me.'

'People talk about who's going to be the next world champion, people talk about who's a future legend, people talk about who the best in the world is. Blair is always in the conversation, and she always deserves to be in the conversation because she is amongst the greatest in the world, even on a bad day she can blow anybody away. But you never hear anybody say the name "Astrid Hofferdottir". And I don't consider myself having an ego, but that hurts. To know how good I am, that I can live with the greats, beat them even, but nobody will ever consider me one of the best because unlike Blair, I have an impossible legacy.'

'I take it you're talking about your Uncle, Fearless Finn' 'I don't need to hear his name, it follows me around like an unwelcome specter. It doesn't matter how good I am, I will only ever be measured in the realm of being Finn's kid, his relative. This is where I change that. This is my opportunity to prove I am a true great, one of the Alphas, that I can be the one they talk about, they talk about Blair, they talk about Phil, they talk about Rhydian, they talk about Maddy, they talk about Caprice, and they talk about Astrid Hofferdottir. Blair is a worthy opponent, but I am on a new level and I refuse to lose.'

In the duelling field, Brooke walked out for the next door, getting a huge reaction from the crowd as she did in her home country. 'The next duel is under WDC Standard Rules, introducing first, from Corwen, Denbighshire, Magic Miss - Brooke Angharad.' Brooke walked down swiftly, with a plastic jacket on, the elongated hood hiding her face. In the zone, she jumped up and threw the jacket off simultaneously, as a small collection of fireworks burst into life.

While she chatted away in Welsh to someone in the front row, Rhydian's music started to play. But it quickly became obvious that he wasn't showing up, as the entire track of his theme played through, with nary a sign of him nor an explanation as to where he was. As the theme started playing again though, it wasn't Rhydian who entered, but Johnny, and Brooke grabbed a microphone.

'You don't exactly look like Rhydian' 'Yeah, he ain't here, sorry to be a party pooper, but I don't think he's even in Wales, nobody's seen the lad. I came out here because I wasn't lucky enough to get booked here, funny I'm on every show here this year and then the moment that the girlies decide they want the spotlight I'm totally off' 'Well if you want to continue your hot streak, I'm right here. Come and get me.' Not refusing the invitation, Johnny ripped off his headband and started the duel.

Brooke Angharad LP:8000 vs. Johnny McGregor LP:8000

(Brooke hand: Dark Magical Circle, Soul Servant, Dark Magician, Eternal Soul, Dark Magic Attack)

Turn 1: Brooke: 'I'll start by activating Dark Magical Circle.' As a circle of runes appeared all around her, the home favourite looked confident. 'I'll end my turn with two face-downs.'

(Johnny hand: War Rock Fortia, War Rock Dignity, War Rock Generations, Reinforcement of the Army, War Rock Bashileos, War Rock Mountain)

Johnny: 'Let's rock! War Rock that is, as I activate the Field spell War Rock Mountain.' A large cliff-face in the shape of a lion's mouth rose up from the ground, thrilling the fans. 'If it's hardcore battlin' you guys want, that's what you get. When my Mountain rises, I can add War Rock Orpis to my hand. Now I summon War Rock Fortia (Atk:1700). And when I summon an Earth attribute Warrior, War Rock Gactos invites himself to the party (Atk:1900). Then I'll go and attack!'

'As you're ending your Main Phase, I'll use my face-down Eternal Soul, to summon Dark Magician from my hand (Atk:2500). And that triggers my Dark Magical Circle, to banish your Gactos.' A rune-laden circle appeared underneath Gactos as it was raging, ready to attack, and made it vanish in an instant. 'That's fine lassy, I'll attack your Magician with Fortia. When I do, I can add War Rock Mammud to my hand through her effect.' The amazon-like Fortia ran straight into battle, swinging her short sword, but was easily slain by Dark Magician (Johnny LP:8000-7200).

'When Fortia is destroyed, she replaces herself with a monster from my deck. I summon War Rock Meteoragon (Atk:2600). And when she's destroyed, another War Rock comes out from my hand. He's big, he's bad, he's War Rock Bashileos (Atk:2700). Meteoragon, attack Dark Magician. When it does, Meteoragon's effect gives all Earth Warriors on my field 200 more Attack points, while Bashileos can do the same (Atk:2600-3000;2700-3100).' Meteoragon charged in with its two giant swords, lifting Dark Magician up with them, before slamming it down on the ground (Brooke LP:8000-7400). 'And Bashileos can also swing in.' One huge axe swing later, and Brooke was left with barely half of her original total (Brooke LP:7400-4400). 'That's the turn, after I set two.'

(Brooke hand: Dark Magic Attack, Super Polymerisation)

Brooke: 'If it's a rumble you want, it's a rumble you'll get, because this girl from the valleys is more than happy for some rough and tumble! I use Eternal Soul to summon back Dark Magician (Atk:2500), enabling my Circle to banish Bash.' As the heavyweight Bashelios vanished in the circle, Brooke smiled, and declared 'I activate Super Polymerisation.' Johnny laughed in the face of her powerful card, telling her 'Let's dance!' 'If you like. This will discard Dark Magic Attack from my hand to fuse my Dark Magician with your Meteoragon.'

A swirling vortex appeared in the middle of the field, and from out of it, a dark clad horse and rider emerged at a canter. 'Surge onto the battlefield, Dark Cavalry (Atk:2800). For each Spell or Trap on the field or in the graveyard, Cav gains 100 Attack (Atk:2800-3400). Dark Cavalry, attack him directly with Leaping Lance Lunge.' A rather poetic Brooke saw her monster strike Johnny's Life points comprehensively, almost evening the scores (Johnny LP:8000-4600). 'Your go.'

(Johnny hand: Reinforcement of the Army, War Rock Mammud, War Rock Big Blow)

Johnny: 'I'll draw and activate Reinforcement of the Army, to add War Rock Gactos to my hand (Cavalry Atk:3400-3500). Then because I don't control any monsters, I can summon War Rock Mammud with no tributes (Atk:2000). And he's going to be joined by Gactos (Atk:1900), he calls himself out if another Earth Warrior is summoned. Mammud, attack Dark Cavalry!' The life-risking attack from Mammud saw him sling a ball of chain into the Cavalry, only for it to be deflected back at him (Johnny LP:4600-3100).

'You know, there are easier ways of hurting yourself' 'I know lassy, that's why I'm doing it so that I can use the effect of Mammud. After damage calculation, he can destroy a Spell or Trap on your field. And I'm targeting' Brooke then realised his play. 'Eternal Soul!' But there was nothing she could do as the mortally wounded warrior smashed through her Trap card, causing her Dark Cavalry to also destroy itself. 'And now Gactos gains 200 Attack points (Atk:1900-2100), before attacking directly.' Gactos' second attempt at hitting Brooke was far more successful than the first, getting a clean attack in (Brooke LP:4400-2300). 'I'll set another one and end my turn.'

(Brooke hand: Magician's Salvation)

Brooke: 'I draw and I'll activate my own Field spell - Magician's Salvation.' As she did, the Dark Magical Circle she possessed glowed a shining gold. 'This lets me set Eternal Soul directly from my deck, which I'll then activate to summon Dark Magician (Atk:2500). Then I'll activate Eternal Soul, which will summon back Dark Magician (Atk:2500). And my Magical Circle will banish your Gactos.' For the second time in the duel, Gactos was enveloped by the magical veil of the circle, and disappeared, not to be heard from again.

'Bet you weren't expecting THREE of your monsters to be banished in this one.' 'I don't know, you expect the unexpected' he laughed in response, clearly far happier with his new deck. 'Then I'll use my face-down Soul Servant. It lets me place a monster that mentions Dark Magician in its text on the top of my deck, like Palladium Oracle Mahad. Then by banishing Soul Servant from the grave, I can draw a card, and when Mahad is drawn, he summons himself (Atk:2500). Now both of my monsters can unleash a double dose of magic devastation!'

'Not so quick, first of all if I control nothing, War Rock Mountain hears my call and scrambles a hunter from my deck, like Fortia (Atk:1700). And then I have a Trap that really unites a tribe - War Rock Generations! Because I have less monsters than you do, I can summon a War Rock from my deck, and you're only allowed to attack it this turn. I summon War Rock Bashileos (Atk:2700).' 'I think I'll pass on attacking thanks. I end my turn.'

(Johnny hand: War Rock Medium)

Johnny: 'Suit yourself, I draw and activate War Rock Medium. Once per turn, this lets me set a War Rock Spell or Trap from my deck, and the one I'm grabbing is War Rock Ordeal. Now Fortia can attack Dark Magician.' 'Another suicide mission?' Brooke questioned as Fortia lunged in with her sword, only to be beaten back. 'When a War Rock would be destroyed, my Mountain can take the hit instead.' As the grand Mountain crumbled, Johnny took minor damage but looked not the least bit concerned (Johnny LP:3100-2300).

'Scores are even.' 'Not for long, because now Fortia gives both my monsters 200 Attack and adds War Rock Mountain to my hand. Meanwhile Big Bash over here gives both 200 and here's the kicker - he can now bypass your monsters and hit you where it hurts, directly (Atk:1700-2100;2700-3100). 'Bashileos, finish her!' Bashileos showed incredible agility for his size in leaping clean over Brooke's monsters and delivering some mortal combat to her (Brooke LP:2300-0).

After the duel, Johnny punched the air repeatedly in victory, jumping up and down and shouting about it like only he could. After a shell-shocked Brooke took a moment to process the frantic contest, she offered her hand, and Johnny responded by slapping it, before offering a fist-bump which was warmly accepted. He then leant into her, and told her 'Don't think just because you're a fun means that I'm not keeping an eye on all of you. If you've changed, I want to see it.'

As he returned backstage, Johnny hollered one of the camera operators over, and started physically dragging them all across the arena, looking for Rio, and eventually locating her coming out of the toilets. 'Oi you, where's yer boss.' 'Pardon?' came the surprised reply. 'Yer boss, the big guy, the World Champion.' Annoyed at being confronted in the way she was, Rio got in his face.

'Right first of all, I am the WDC Champion, so show me a little bit of respect. Secondly, if you want to talk to me, don't confront me coming out of the bathroom, and thirdly, I don't have a boss. Phil is my manager, we discuss deck builds, we discuss tactics, and we discuss financial matters. Nobody tells me what to do. Now if you would like to talk to me, you can address me as "Ms. Kastle" or "Your WDC Champion".'

'I dunno who you think you are but from where I'm standing, he's the one who wears the troosers, when you have to get his permission to make title matches' 'I don't get his permission, he just has to be legally notified about duels when they're made official. Now did you want something or did you drag a camera all the way to the girls' toilets just to start spying on me while I'm doing my business?'

This brought Johnny straight to his point. 'See lassy, I want your title, and I get it, you like fighting champions, you like your challengers to earn a shot and I respect it. But if I make a challenge to another one of you, is that earning enough?' 'Just get to the point already.' 'I'm challenging yer big boss, me vs. Philli and the winner gets a title shot against you.' 'I'll happily give whichever one of you wins a title shot. But don't call me "Lassie" ever again, because I am nobody's dog.' Satisfied, Johnny walked away.

In Dublin

The disciplinary hearing was continuing, and now was starting to grow very bitter. 'I am not responsible for the actions of a stupid and impressionable child who has fallen in with an incredibly dangerous cult. The path that she was on was chosen by her from the very beginning, and I should not be looked at as guilty for trying to take her away from there. I am not in the wrong for seeing potential in her, as none of us would be.'

As the board appeared to nod in agreement, a cheshire cat smile spread across Michael's face. Phil then stood up, and angrily pointed out 'All she asked was to change the world' 'All of us want to change the world, it's just the way she wants to change it is disgusting and disfiguring, like it's some kind of dystopia. She wasn't willing to do what was needed, so we had to look at alternative ways to persuade her.'

Intrigued, Clark asked him 'And what was your vision? You've referenced a certain kind of plan or pathway, what was that?' 'Build her up, she would win the Young-Gun title like she did, and valiantly defend it. After some time, she would inevitably lose it with her experience level, but we would be fine with that, because shortly after, she would be entered into a tournament to crown a Top Contender for the WDC Championship, beating Phil in the final and shedding this "Renegade persona" she had in the process, becoming a hero to many, before winning the title at the Anniversary Show.'

'That's interesting' Clark responded. 'Now would you be able to explain what happened with Akiza?' Having apparently been refused the chance to further his own point, Phil sat back, as Frances talked him down from boiling point. 'It must have been at some point before the Anniversary Show, Bolton approached me and informed me that he had been talking with Akiza about a way to get Maddy to, as he called it, "play ball" with our plans. For context, I told Bolton the same things I told you about the vision.'

'And?' 'And I told him that he should be careful, but he insisted that Akiza would lure Maddy in, and then would be able to persuade her that being this Renegade self wasn't right for her, because she and Maddy have been historically very close to the point whee Akiza was a mentor for much of Maddy's earlier career before she and the Renegades turned on Akiza for the sake of a power struggle.'

'Interesting, only that isn't what we've been told. See, one of my personal assistants managed to speak with Ms. Izinski last week, and she told us the following: "While it is true that most of my dealings were with Bolton, my initial point of contact with him was through Michael Adams. I approached him after I first had contact with Rhydian about the situation with Maddy, as I was blinded by the desire for revenge for the way she removed me from the Renegades, and I told him that together, we could get Maddy to turn on the Renegades and become the star he wanted. He was all for it, and told me to do so by any means necessary."

"A couple of weeks later, I approached him again through a burner email account he operated which no longer appears to be functional, and told him that I had the means with which to enchant Maddy, and make her follow any script he desired. All I needed him to do was to keep booking Maddy in duels to make her increasingly tired and angry. He responded that "When he said any means necessary, he meant it", and that he would "rather see Maddy brainless than with the Renegades"."

"Now I had no intention of actually helping him, as at this point Rhydian was the one I was working alongside, and I didn't even have many intentions of helping him. Michael arranged for me to meet Bolton in New York to discuss operations, and that is where I paid Bolton the sum of $80,000 in order for his cooperation. Michael was made fully aware that Bolton was being paid for their help, and while he initially attempted to pull the plug as he "has no intention of losing his career over some stupid baby-faced girl next door nobody", but after much discussion, myself and Bolton were able to make him see the opportunity he was missing, and he reluctantly agreed."

"When he saw the state Maddy was in after my enchantment however, Michael started to have reservations. Of course, by that point it was too late to do anything about it. I don't believe he ever saw any of the money I gave to Bolton, nor do I believe he wanted any of that money. Michael is simply about the glory: he wants to be paraded through the streets, have statues etc., he expected that by doing what he was doing he would be hailed as the saviour of the company I don't regret what I did, nor do I regret the outcome."

Seething with rage hearing this, Phil had to once again be talked down by Frances, who told him 'Give them a minute to play this out', as Michael suddenly looked sheepish. 'Come on Clark, I know you're on my side here.' Shaking his head, the head of the board informed him 'I do not take sides here, my job is to be completely impartial. Not being would be betraying my role. Mr. Robinson, your thoughts?' Slowly standing up, Phil closed his eyes while clenching his fists, and told the board 'All that we just heard? That is why Maddy's not here right now - she isn't "ill", she tried to take her own life!', which stunned the entire board, and Michael.

Back in Cardiff

Blair was being interviewed ahead of her main event, but looked significantly uncomfortable, as she struggled to make eye contact with the camera throughout, even through her heavily amber-tinted sunglasses. 'Blair, first of all, we know that you were due to duel Declan in Poland, that duel was called off late on, how are you now?' 'I'm fine, I'm fully cleared to duel, it was nothing serious, just a precaution. All's fine.'

'Now you're facing Astrid Hofferson here, and I don't think that any self-professed duelling fan can claim that they don't know the level of history between you both. From being rivals to being allies, you have experienced so much together. Can you describe what this is going to be like to somebody who has never seen you compete against each other before?' 'It's simply magic, when myself and Astrid get together like this, we bring another level out of each other, because we both hate to lose, especially to each other.'

'Now as we have seen recently, Astrid has been in excellent form, and she is the LFD Champion. Do you think you can keep up with her evolution?' 'Astrid's not the only one who's evolved. The reason that I challenged Astrid and I challenged Declan is because I have evolved my skills, and I am now seeking out the strongest opponents I can in order to prove and hone my skills. And Astrid is the absolute peak of opposition, she is a rival like no other.'

In Dublin

Phil was talking about Maddy's suicide attempt, as the board listened on in a mixture of shock, horror and regret. 'Maddy is in a mental retreat right now, having therapy multiple times a week because she is absolutely traumatised at what they made her do. And Michael had the power to stop that, he knew what was coming, he knew what Akiza and Rhydian had planned. I don't believe for a moment that Michael wasn't able to do anything about it.' With all their evidence, Clark and the board invited everyone else to step out, as they discussed their findings.

Around 20 minutes later, they were invited back in. 'To sum up our findings briefly, and a full report will be sent to Ms. Bishop as well as Mr. Adams or his legal representative. We have concluded that Mr. Adams was fully willing and in fact on several occasions did attempt to manipulate the outcome of duels and events in order to favour or disfavour Ms. Smith. This amounts to a severe abuse of power and office in our organisation.'

'Additionally, we acknowledge that Mr. Adams was aware of not only the actions that Ms. Izinski and Mr. Morris intended on taking, but also of the reimbursement that Mr. Bolton Andrews was receiving for his actions. However, we accept that even had Mr. Adams objected as soon as he was aware of the situation, there likely was only a limited amount he himself could accomplish to prevent the situation from unfolding similarly.'

'Therefore, the decision has been made that Mr. Adams cannot continue as a member of the board at this time. He will therefore be relieved of his position with immediate effect, and be demoted to a junior position within the organisation. Additionally, he will not be allowed to reapply for his position within the board or a comparable position for the term of 18 months. As for Mr. Andrews, just to clear up any confusion, a statement is to be released in due course confirming that he has been permanently barred from holding any position, competing or otherwise in the World Duelling Corporation, on counts of Corruption, Bribery, Wilful Negligence and Obstruction of an Investigation.'

Michael was obviously unhappy at this, but he was less happy when he saw his replacement walk in, in knee-high cowboy boots, hair tight in a long and high ponytail. 'Hannah Cummings has been agreed by the board to be his replacement on the Board. Her official role will be decided in due course, but she has agreed to come onto the board in exchange for ceasing legal action against the company. We will be releasing a public statement apologising for this situation, and we will give Ms. Smith a further 30 days to defend her title before we crown an Interim Champion whom she may unify her belt with upon her return. Any relevant announcements will be made within seven days. In the meantime Michael, please will you hand your badge in at reception.'

In Cardiff

After significant build-up, the lights dimmed as the announcer tried to whip the crowd up into a total frenzy. 'Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, you are about to witness a main event like we have never seen before, as two of the greatest duellists in the history of our profession will once again do battle for supremacy. So let me ask you all just one simple question: ARE… YOU… READY!?'

With the crowd suitably buzzing, Astrid was out first, looking completely focused and dialled in, her heart rate slow and steady, her steps sure-footed, her gaze permanently locked on the zone. While she walked, the fans were shouting and hollering for her, and chanting her name. Entering the zone, she held her arms feigning the shot of an arrow, as sparks fell from the ceiling, before she dropped to a knee and said a solemn prayer.

Blair then walked out, sporting a special yellow entrance mask with the Welsh dragon crudely drawn on by Ally. As she entered though, she realised her normal music had been replaced by some joke music. So she turned around, and muttered 'You are SO dead when I get hold of you Rio.', before regaining her focus, and walking down, the crowd giving her almost an equal reaction to her opponent. She too, looked laser-focused, her posture strong and steady, her body language telling its own story of her confidence. In the zone, she held up a diamond with her fingers, as silver sparks fell for her.

The two competitors then walked to the centre of the zone, and faced off. They just stared in each other's eyes for a minute, but they were then both distracted as the crowd started chanting 'We believe in Astrid" and "Who the Fuck is Finn". So, determined to enjoy herself, and bring Astrid out of herself at the same time, she sat on the thin crowd barrier, and joined in with the chants. And while she didn't say a word and remained stoic, it was clear that Astrid appreciated the thought.

Blair then hopped back into the zone to continue her face-off, as camera flashes went off. This continued for a number of minutes, before Astrid offered a fist-bump, a gesture that was quickly reciprocated by Blair, who told her foe 'May the best champion win', and Astrid responded swiftly with 'I hope you brought your "S" game, because your "A" game won't be enough. You're not in the minor leagues anymore.' 'I'm up against one of the greatest ever.'

Blair Flannigan LP:8000 vs. Astrid Hofferson LP:8000

(Blair hand: Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus, Magical Meltdown, Awakening of the Crystal Ultimates, Helshaddoll Hollow, Kuji-Kiri Curse)

Turn 1: Blair: 'I'll start by activating the Field Spell card Magical Meltdown.' As the wicked red square opened up, Blair was on her haunches, ready for battle. 'With that I'll add to my hand and then summon Aleister the Invoker (Atk:1000), to add Invocation to my hand. Now I'll Kuji-Kiri Curse, which will send Helshadoll Hollow to my graveyard and draw two cards. And Hollow's effect in the graveyard will send the top card of my deck to the graveyard, because there's only one attribute on field right now.'

'The card I milled was Shaddoll Beast, meaning I can draw a card. Now I activate Flock Together, which will place Crystal Beast Rainbow Dragon from my deck in my Spell and Trap zone as a Continuous Spell. Then I'll use another Spell card' 'You're a fan of your Spells today aren't you? What trick do you have next?' 'It's a little thing called Awakening of the Crystal Ultimates. This lets me choose from one of two effects, and I'm getting the one which summons Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus directly from my deck (Atk:1800).'

'On summon, Sapphire Pegasus will place Crystal Beast Amber Mammoth face-up in my Spell and Trap zone. Now I'll use my Invocation, and fuse Aleister with the Helshaddoll Hollow in my graveyard, to summon Invoked Purgatrio (Atk:2300). I'll set a card and then end my turn. I don't want to duel the Astrid who's a limited shadow, I want to duel' 'The real Astrid?' she interjected, before calmly stating 'Don't worry, you got her.'

(Astrid hand: Aleister the Invoker, Harr, Generaider Boss of Storms, Dovelgus, Generaider Boss of Iron, Generaider Boss Stage, Valkyrie Sigrun, Runick Allure)

Astrid: 'I'll draw and activate the Continuous spell Runick Allure.' 'Thought as much' Blair mumbled, before Astrid surprised her. 'Then I'll send it to the graveyard to Special summon Valkyrie Sigrun (Atk:2200, Purgatrio Atk:2300-2500). Afterwards, I'll Normal summon something you might recognise, because what better way to prove I'm better than you by beating you with your own strategy? I summon Aleister the Invoker (Atk:1000, Purgatrio Atk:2500-2700).'

Seeing this, Blair smiled, and shouted 'Welcome back!' 'I never went anywhere! But you've never truly been under so you'd never know. With Aleister, I'll add Invocation, and then set Link arrows with Sigrun and Aleister. Appear from your wretched mind, Link 2, the cursed alchemist, Aleister the Invoker of Madness (Atk:1800). Now I'll use Invocation, and you can't stop it because of your own Field spell. I'll fuse together the Sigrun and Aleister in my graveyard to Fusion summon Invoked Mechaba (Atk:2500).'

'Because I did that, I can now use the effect of Aleister the Invoker of Madness, adding The Book of the Law to my hand. I'll then use the effect of Invocation to shuffle itself back into the deck and add Aleister back to my hand. Mechaba, attack.' Knowing what Astrid had in her hand, Blair patiently waited for the move that she knew was coming. 'I'll then activate Aleister's effect in the hand (Atk:2500-3500).' Astrid then waited for Blair to try and do the same, but she held off (Blair LP:8000-7200). 'I'll end my turn setting one card.'

(Blair hand: Shaddoll Fusion)

Blair: 'I'll draw and activate Shaddoll Fusion, and you can't negate this even if you want to.' 'I know' Astrid responded while rolling her eyes. 'I know how your Meltdown works.' 'I know, I'm trying to educate everyone else.' 'If they want an education they could just watch.' 'True. But I believe in hands-on practice, like this - I'm going to combine Shaddoll Beast and Helshaddoll Hollow to Fusion summon El Shaddoll Apkallone (Atk:2500). When it's summoned, Apkallone will put your Mechaba's effects on ice, and that's chaining on top of Beast and Hollow's effects. With Hollow, there are two Attributes on the field, so I'll mill a further two cards.'

Having done so, Blair looked to press the advantage. 'Now I'll banish Rainbow Dragon from my deck to summon Malefic Rainbow Dragon (Atk:4000).' 'Well you'll have no problems with a Field spell being on the field.' 'Didn't think so somehow. I'll go ahead and attack your Mechaba with Apkallone.' 'And I'll activate The Book of the Law, to swap out Mechaba for another Invoked monster. I summon Invoked Augoeides (Def.:2800). And when I do, your Dragon goes boom.'

'That's fine by me' Blair responded, seeing her dragon make an early exit due to a circle of light being shot at it by Astrid's Augo. 'Because I'm not nearly done. See, one of the cards I milled was Rainbow Bridge of Salvation. And I can banish it from my graveyard to add Crystal Beast Ruby Carbuncle and Ancient City - Rainbow Ruins to my hand. Now I'll activate Ancient City, I'm sure you'll like it, you used to be a fan of old things.'

The incredible-looking ruined city started to materialise around them, thrilling the already excited crowd. 'And now I'll use Flock Together's effect in the graveyard. If there are at least 10 cards on the field, like now when there are exactly that number, I can banish it from my grave to place another monster from my deck in my Spell/Trap zone. I'll place an Amethyst Cat. But I think I'll end my turn there.'

(Astrid hand: Harr, Generaider Boss of Storms, Dovelgus, Generaider Boss of Iron, Generaider Boss Stage)

Astrid: 'I'll draw and just end my turn.' 'Well that's not very interesting.' Smiling, Astrid told her endless rival 'You should know me by now, I don't come to be interesting, I come to win. Being interesting's just the bonus.'

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

Blair: 'I draw and I hope you've been enjoying my Spellcasting showcase, because I'm about to slam down another spectacular spell - Rainbow Bridge of the Heart.' 'Well if you lose this, you've always got a second career as a performance poet. As soon as you get over your fear of public speaking.' 'I mean do I look scared now?' 'No, it's only when you're in interviews that you look like you'd rather be anywhere else.'

'Yeah, whatever' Blair responded, shutting down Astrid, knowing she was right. 'Right, Rainbow Bridge of the Heart' she somewhat frantically turned her attention back to, but was distracted again by Astrid laughing. 'What now?' 'You are so easy! One little comment about public speaking and suddenly you're all over the place mentally.' 'Hang on, are you trying to play mind games with me? No fair.' Still in fits of laughter, Astrid replied 'I don't need to try, you make it so ridiculously easy.'

Her blood starting to simmer, Blair kicked back into competitive mode, and told Astrid 'Right, you're done for now. Rainbow Bridge of the Heart, I'll destroy the Sapphire Pegasus on my field, encasing it in crystal, to add Crystal Bond.' 'Aww, it looks like you and Ally' Astrid immediately responded, momentarily taking Blair aback, before she smiled and responded 'Or you and Sky.' 'Maybe when he's a little older… and poos a bit less. Anyway, you were saying?'

'Yeah, so I'm going to use the effect of Rainbow Ruins now. Since I have four Crystals in my backrow, I can draw a card. And then I'll tear down my City, to build it right back up again, because I just drew a second.' As the City crumbled down and cmae straight back up again, Blair was preparing a big combo. 'Now I'll use the effect of Crystal Beast Rainbow Dragon in my backrow. I can send it to the graveyard to summon Crystal Beast Cobalt Eagle directly from my deck (Atk:1400), but it has its abilities disabled, and then I can add a certain you know who to my hand.'

'Now I'll activate Crystal Bond, to place Emerald Tortoise in my backrow, and summon a second Sapphire Pegasus (Atk:1800). Using its effect, I'll place Crystal Beast Topaz Tiger in my Spell and Trap zone. And I'll summon Ruby Carbuncle (Atk:300). Now using your effect, release Topaz Tiger and Sapphire Pegasus from their crystal slumber. Ruby Flash!' The light on Ruby Carbuncle's tail shone a brilliant red as she leapt into the sky, and the rays rained down on the encasings of the two Crystal Beasts, summoning them (Atk:1600;1800). And Sapphire Pegasus will place another Crystal Beast Rainbow Dragon there. Now my crystals, show your magic!'

The seven Crystal Beasts gathered together, some in their crystallised shells, some not, and each glowed brightly in their respective colour, before disappearing in beams of light, each one flying into a black jewel on the towering dragon behind them, lighting each jewel up. 'Prepare to be dazzled and illuminated! When seven become one, the power of the earth and sky will reveal itself! Be born in brilliant light, the ultimate gem god, Rainbow Dragon (Atk:4000).'

Seeing this threat, Astrid steeled herself. 'Bring it!' 'Ok, you asked for it. Rainbow Dragon, attack Invoked Augoeides with Rainbow Refraction!' As Rainbow Dragon reared for an attack, seven discs of light in the colours of the rainbow appeared in front of its mouth, and from there, a blinding stream of pure light and good blasted out, razing Astrid's monster. 'Topaz Tiger, attack Aleister the Invoker of Madness with Topaz Bite.' The white and black striped tiger nodded to Blair as if alive, and pounced on the twisted Invoker, savaging him with razor-sharp fangs and dealing the first damage after eleven pulsating minutes (Astrid LP:8000-7800). 'And now Apkallone, Wave Mirror!' True to its attack name, the puppeteered rider on the top of Apkallone held up a mirror, and a wave came out of nowhere, washing away more of Astrid's points (Astrid LP:7800-5300). 'I end my turn.'

(Astrid hand: Harr, Generaider Boss of Storms, Dovelgus, Generaider Boss of Iron, Generaider Boss Stage, Pot of Desires)

Astrid: 'I'll draw, and it's just like old times. I'll start with the Pot of Desires, banishing 10 cards off the top of my deck to draw two cards. Now I'll summon Tanngrisnir of the Nordic Beasts (Atk:800), and then I'll use it to Link summon. Holy maiden who was burned thrice, return to the fight to claim me victory! I summon Link 1, Gullveig of the Nordic Ascendant (Atk:800). And by banishing three cards from my hand, I can banish three cards from my hand to summon three Nordic monsters from my deck - Tanngrisnir, Nordic Beast Gullinbursti, and Nordic Smith Ivaldi (Def.:1200,100;700).'

'Now I can use Ivaldi's effect to add Nordic Relic Laeveteinn to my hand. Then I can use Gullinbursti to return Tanngrisnir from the graveyard back to my hand, and now Level 3 Gullinbursti, tune to Level 4 Ivaldi and Level 3 Tanngrisnir.' She then dropped to a knee as the fans waited with baited breath, and said a prayer. 'Odin, asernes far, jeg ber deg komme ned fra ditt udødelige rike, vise gudenes største makt! (Odin, father of the Aesir, I ask you to come down from your immortal kingdom, show the greatest power of the gods!) I Synchro summon! Descend from the heavens, Odin, Father of the Aesir (Atk:4000).'

As she did, the two mighty monsters faced off, as they had so many times before. After staring at each other for a moment, Blair smiled, and told Astrid 'The floor's yours.' She grinned, and declared 'Odin, I ask of you to go into battle, leave nothing behind. The doors of Valhalla await! Sacred Scepter Slash!' 'Rainbow Dragon, prove that you are mightier than all. Rainbow Refraction!' The two attacks came in at the exact same moment, meeting in the centre of the zone as their two commanders watched on, and a huge explosion occurred, with no sign of either monster left afterwards.

This didn't deter Astrid though, as she still had a plan. 'Now I'll activate Generaider Boss Stage.' Blair was initially surprised at this, but quickly realised 'Would have got negated otherwise. I see where you're coming from now.' Brimming with confidence, Astrid declared 'End of turn, Nemeses Keystone returns to my hand. How's your Rainbow Dragon now?' 'As good as your precious god' Blair responded in kind, with the crowd alternating in chants of "Hof-fer-son" and "Fla-nni-gan".

(Blair hand: Crystal Boon, Golden Rule)

Blair: 'I draw.' 'Time for Boss Stage, who are you facing today?' As she posed the question, the stage lit up, and Mardel, Generaider Boss of Light rose up on a platform as the floor of the stage split in half before reforming afterwards (Atk:2400). When she's summoned, she'll add Generaider Boss Loot to my hand, while Boss Stage gives me Tokens (Atk:1500x4).' 'And I'll activate the Spell card Golden Rule. I take two Crystal Beasts from my deck, encase them in precious crystal in my Spell and Trap zone, then summon a different one from my hand or graveyard. I'll place Cobalt Eagle and Amber Mammoth, then summon back Sapphire Pegasus (Atk:1800).'

'Sapphire' 'I know what it does, everyone in the world knows what it does' 'Ok, keep your hair on, it's your best quality after all' 'Gee, remind me never to come to you for compliments on my personality.' 'You're welcome. Anyway, I'll use Sapphire Pegasus to place Amethyst Cat in my Spell and Trap zone. Now with four Crystals in there, I can draw a card off my Field spell. I'll set that along with another card and then attack Mardel with my Apkallone.' Apkallone unleashed another wave, chipping Astrid's points (Astrid LP:5300-5200). 'And Topaz and Sapphire can also attack (Astrid LP:5200-2900). 'I end my turn.'

(Astrid hand: Nemeses Keystone, Generaider Boss Loot, Token Stampede)

Astrid: 'I'll draw and use the effect of Nemeses Keystone in my hand. By returning a banished monster of mine to the deck, it can summon itself. So Harr is returning to wait for more action (Def.0). Then I'll set a card and end my turn.'

(Blair hand: The Book of the Law)

Blair: 'If you think I'm going to let up now you're on the ropes, don't believe it for a second.' 'On the ropes?' Astrid responded in surprise. 'Hardly. And it's not like you to get a big head when you're in the lead.' 'Big head? Not a chance.' 'Well if you think I'm on the ropes, you'll have to contend with Boss Stage.' This time, it wasn't Mardel that Blair was expected to face down, but the mighty Harr instead (Def.:3000). And I'll get my three Tokens this time (Atk:1500x3).'

'Well now you've done that, I'll use the effect of my Rainbow Ruins to draw a card.' 'That will trigger Harr, so now one of those cards will be discarded at random.' 'That's fine, it's a 50/50.' Harr raised his arm and pointed his finger at the card on the left of Blair's hand, which she then discarded. 'I'm going to guess Book of the Law was the bad hit for me. Well, can't win them all.' 'That's what you're going to be saying when I beat you. Topaz Tiger, attack a Generaider Token with Topaz Bite.'

'In the Damage step, I'll trigger my face-down, and it's one that young Blair would be familiar with, because this is the card that you used the first time you beat me.' Shocked, Blair stated 'Token Stampede?' 'Got it in one!' Astrid beamed, clearly having shaken off the shackles of her emotions. 'This gives all Tokens on the field an extra 1000 Attack points, and stops them being destroyed in battle.'

This left the surprised Tiger suddenly biting into something it couldn't chew (Generaider Token Atk:1500-2500x3), and being destroyed. 'It's not much, but once per turn I can halve the Battle damage I take through Rainbow Ruins' second effect (Blair LP:8000-7750). After that, I'll end my turn.'

(Astrid hand: Generaider Boss Loot, Metaverse)

Astrid: 'I'll draw for my turn and I'll switch Harr to Attack mode (Atk:3000), before attacking Sapphire Pegasus with it.' 'Once again I'll use the effect of Rainbow Ruins, cutting the damage I take in half.' This didn't save her white steed though, which got electrified by the powerful magic emanating from Harr (Blair LP:7750-7150). 'I end my turn setting two.'

(Blair hand: Shaddoll Schism, Rainbow Gravity)

Blair: 'I draw and' 'Not so fast, you've got another boss coming. This fight's starting to look out of even your league.' As the floor opened once more, Utgarda, Generaider Boss of Delusion appeared (Def.:2700). And I'll also get two Tokens, both of which gain Attack (Atk:2500x2). And I think I'll choose to get rid of them both immediately to use Utgarda's effect, and banish your Rainbow Ruins. I'd never be able to destroy it, so this is the next best thing.'

As the field slowly faded as if it never existed to begin with, Blair was now the one in a tricky position as the duel ticked towards the 30 minute mark. 'To free up space, I'll use Rainbow Bridge of the Heart's effect, destroying the Cobalt Eagle in my backrow.' Not wanting to tribute her two remaining monsters, Astrid let the effect go, which Blair gave an understanding acknowledgement to. 'I'll add Crystal Raigeki to my hand. Then I'll use Crystal Beast Rainbow Dragon's effect, sending itself to the grave and summoning Crystal Beast Emerald Tortoise (Def.:2000). I'll set two and end my turn.'

(Astrid hand: Generaider Boss Loot, World Legacy Monstrosity)

Astrid: 'Another draw, and it's about time we turned this up a notch.' Eager as ever, Blair responded 'All here for it.' 'I'll switch Harr and Utgarda to Attack (Atk:3000,2200), and attack yor Tortoise with Utgarda. Delusion Domination!' Blair considered responding here, but decided to keep her cards close to her chest, letting her Tortoise be overwhelmed by the power of the lurking castle, walking straight towards it as it turned into a vicious black monster at the last moment, gobbling it up whole.

'I activate my face-down, Rainbow Gravity! Because I have seven Crystal Beasts resting peacefully in my graveyard, the force of this Gravity pulls an old friend back to the field - Rainbow Dragon (Atk:4000).' 'Fine, I'll cancel my attack. After my Battle phase is over, I can use these two Generaiders to Xyz summon Laeveteinn, Generaider Boss of Shadows (Atk:2500). Laeveteinn can use its ability to tribute itself, and summon Jormungandr, Generaider Boss of Eternity (Atk:0). And he looks small now' 'Small? He looks at least 30 foot long' Blair refuted at the sight of the giant serpent slithering around Astrid.

'In Attack power though, he's' 'Weedy, no offence.' 'None taken' 'I was talking to the serpent.' 'Well he won't take offence, just your Rainbow Dragon and your face-down.' 'Fine, take Crystal Raigeki (Atk:0-2000).' 'Thanks, I'll then detach a material to use his effect, and we both draw a card, then both of us will attach a card to him as a material from our hands. I'll attach this Generaider Boss Loot.' 'And I'll give him this Omega Summon.' 'Thank you, I'll end my turn there.'

(Blair hand: Shaddoll Schism, Shadow's Light)

Blair: 'I'll draw' 'And I'll summon another Generaider from deck.' Once again, Harr was the one to rise, followed swiftly by three Tokens (Atk:2500x3). 'Thanks for giving me what I needed back, because now, I can banish Rainbow Dragon along with seven Crystal Beasts in my graveyard, to summon the perfect gem god.' Blair screamed as she summoned her ace monster. 'Consider yourself honoured to have faced Ultimate Crystal Rainbow Dragon Overdrive (Atk:4000). Because when it's summoned, if I have seven or more Crystal Beasts banished, it gains 7000 Attack points.'

As the large gems on the dragon's body glowed brilliantly, its power increased drastically and a harsh white light glowed all around it (Atk:4000-11,000). You are FINISHED! Attack Jormungandr with Rainbow Ruin Refraction!' 'Life's all about sacrifices, and now I must make one. I activate my face-down Metaverse! This will let me sacrifice my Boss Stage so that I can activate Chicken Game from my deck!'

As the devastating attack roared through the field, the tribal head of Astrid's new Field spell opened its mouth and swallowed the whole of the damage. 'While this is up, whoever has fewer Life points takes no damage. And you'll find that right now, that's me. And don't forget, I know that your Dragon can't now clear the field. When you fight in combat with somebody, you learn so much about their strategies. I have infinite respect for your monsters and what they did. Which makes it even more imperative that I win.'

Deeply impressed, Blair closed her eyes and smiled. 'You got one over on me there. But that doesn't mean that I'm done yet. I'll activate the effect of Chicken Game, to pay 1000 Life points (Blair LP:7150-6150), and draw another card. Now I'll activate Shaddoll Schism.' 'And I'll use the ability of Harr, tributing both of my monsters to negate and destroy.' With no ability to stop this from happening, Blair sat back and saw Astrid sacrifice both of her monsters to be rid of Schism before it could do anything. 'I end my turn.'

(Astrid hand: World Legacy's Monstrosity, Monster Reborn)

Astrid: 'I'll draw, and use Chicken Game's effect to pay 1000 Life points (Astrid LP:2900-1900), and draw a card. I'll then use Monster Reborn, to revive Harr (Atk:3000), before using World Legacy's Monstrosity.' 'I'll use Overdrive's ability now, to tribute itself and shuffle as many cards as possible back into the deck.' Overdrive rose into the sky like a certain christ before it, and shone in all the colours of the rainbow, before bringing down a purifying veil of light onto the field, which eviscerated everything.

'Now I can bring back as many banished Crystal Beasts as possible. Return, Crystal Beasts Sapphire Pegasus, Amber Mammoth, Cobalt Eagle, Topaz Tiger, and Amethyst Cat (Atk:1800,1500,1400,1600,1200). Top that.' 'If you really want me to, then I'll oblige. With this - Red Reset. This Trap can be activated from my hand if I have at least 2000 less Life points than you and control no cards. It lets me shuffle every card on the field back into the deck, then for each one, I regain 500 Life points (Astrid LP:1900-4900). Now I'll end my turn. Looks like we're back to square one.'

(Blair hand: Shaddoll Dragon)

Blair: 'I draw and I'll set a monster before ending my turn.'

(Astrid hand: Guldfaxe of the Nordic Beasts)

Astrid: 'I'll draw and summon Guldfaxe of the Nordic Beasts (Atk:1600). Guldfaxe, stampede!' The noble horse galloped straight over to Blair's Shaddoll Dragon (Def.:0), destroying it. 'When you flip my Dragon up, its effect will send your Guldfaxe back to your hand.' 'Fine, I'll end my turn.'

(Blair hand: Naelshaddoll Ariel)

Blair: 'I'll draw and again I'll set a monster before ending my turn.'

(Astrid hand: Guldfaxe of the Nordic Beasts, Nobleman of Crossout)

Astrid: 'I'll draw and summon Guldfaxe again (Atk:1600). You know what to do boy.' Guldfaxe galloped into battle once more, but this time came across an impenetrable wall for it (Naelshaddoll Ariel Def.:1800, Astrid LP:4900-4700). 'Naelshaddoll's effect will summon a banished Shaddoll face-up or face-down. I'll bring back Helshaddoll Hollow, and he's face-down.'

'That was a mistake on your part, I'll activate Nobleman of Crossout, which not only banishes your monster, but all other copies of it from your deck.' 'There's one more for you' Blair responded while banishing the second Hollow, as the duel reached 40 minutes, the crowd a deathly silence, but not in tension, nor in boredom, but rather in complete engrossment, fascinated to see what the two great gladiators would do next.

(Blair hand: Pot of Avarice)

Blair: 'I draw and activate Pot of Avarice, to shuffle five monsters from my grave back into the deck, and draw two cards. Two cards which I'll set and end my turn.'

(Astrid hand: Pot of Avarice)

Astrid: 'My go. You know, I really liked your play there.' 'You going to copy me?' 'I wouldn't call it copying… more emulating. I activate my own Avarice, shuffling back five to draw two. One of which is Aleister the Invoker (Atk:1000). By summoning him, I get the chance to add Invocation to my hand, and then activate it.' 'When in Rome and all that.' 'You got it. I'll banish Aleister and send Vala, Seidhr of the Generaider Bosses from my hand to the graveyard and summon Invoked Purgatrio (Atk:2300-2900). Now attack Ariel.' Purgatrio's ghostly flaming skulls danced a dance of death around Ariel, before viciously yet mischievously boiling her alive (Blair LP:6150-5050). 'I end my turn.'

(Blair hand: Needlebug Nest)

Blair: 'I'll draw, set another card and end my turn.'

(Astrid hand: Pot of Duality)

Astrid: 'I think I can go without Special summoning this turn, so I'll activate Pot of Duality.' Excavating three cards, she found World Legacy Monstrosity, Loptr, Shadow of the Generaider Bosses and Overlay Network. 'I'll add Loptr to my hand.' 'Overlay Network? Wouldn't be you without some off-beat choices.' 'But what if I really want to use Vala again? I'll summon Loptr and then attack you directly with him.' Blair stood silently for once and took the hit, looking incredibly calm as she did (Blair LP:5050-3550). 'And I'll then hit in with Purgatrio.' 'I activate Draining Shield, so thanks for the 2900 Life points (Blair LP:3550-6450).' 'You're welcome' an undeterred Astrid told her valiant foe. 'Over to you.'

(Blair hand: Shaddoll Fusion)

Blair: 'I'll draw and activate Needlebug Nest, to mill the top five cards of my deck.' 'Always a fun time when you open the nest.' As she sent her cards (Wulf, Lightsworn Beast, End of the Storm, Final Destiny, Felis, Lightsworn Archer, Crystal Aegis), both seemed satisfied. 'I get to summon Wulf, Lightsworn Beast and Felis, Lightsworn Archer (Atk:2100;1100).' 'Could have been way worse than two monsters.' 'I'll then overlay them both to summon Bagooska, the Terribly Tired Tapir (Def.:2000). While it's in Defence, all other monsters on the field are forced into Defence as well (Purgatrio Def.:2000, Loptr Def.:1500). Also, other monsters can't have their effects activated. I end my turn.'

(Astrid hand: Dovelgus, Generaider Boss of Iron)

Astrid: 'I draw and since I can't really do anything with Bagooska, I'll just pass my turn back.' Passing the 50 minute mark, and with only 10 minutes left before the time limit, still no winner was emerging as the two doughty warriors continued to clash, the crowd no less invested than they had been nearly an hour before, and the competitors no less focused than they had been when fresh.

(Blair hand: Shaddoll Fusion)

Blair: 'I draw and during my Standby phase, I have to detach a material from Bagooska. I'll just set this card and pass, I wouldn't be surprised if you tried to rip it out of my hand.' 'I wouldn't get violent with you. Well… apart from that one time' 'Yeah that was my fault, I shouldn't have told you that you weren't built for fighting. I sure learned that lesson hard.' Seeing Blair laugh at this made Astrid burst into giggles as well, as she mused 'I remember your face when I had you on the floor. Security didn't need to come there, I'd proved my point.'

(Astrid hand: Dovelgus, Generaider Boss of Iron, Call of the Haunted)

Astrid: 'I'll draw, and since you've still got the hammered Herbivore over there, I'll just pass.' 'Herbivore?' 'Thank Maddy for that one, you don't get many Tapirs in Alta.' 'Wouldn't have thought so honestly. What do you get up there?' 'Arctic Foxes, Reindeer, Beluga Whales' 'You ever seen a Polar Bear?' 'A couple of times, but you don't usually see them, you run away when you hear the warning shots.'

(Blair hand: Crystal Beast Amber Mammoth)

Blair: 'I'll detach Bagooski's last material.' 'Did you… just give him a pet name?' Blair smiled and responded in the affirmative. 'Yep.' Astrid's confusion quickly turned to smiles however, as she told Blair 'It's a cute name. I'm going to call mine Goosks.' 'I like it' she replied, clearly having lots of fun, while still taking the duel as seriously as could be. 'I'll set this and end my turn.'

(Astrid hand: Dovelgus, Generaider Boss of Iron, Call of the Haunted, United We Stand)

Astrid: 'My go again and I'll quickly end it with a set card.'

(Blair hand: Crystal Beacon)

Blair: 'I'll draw and in the Standby phase, Bagooska' 'Finally passes out' Astrid responded, seemingly having grown fond of her opponent's "Bagooski". 'Exactly, he had a little too much and needs a nap.' With the Tapir now gone, Blair sprung back into action. 'I activate Shaddoll Fusion, so thanks for leaving your Purgatrio' 'His name is Purge-y.' 'I'm so sorry Purge-y. Thanks for leaving Purge-y on the field, because now I can fuse Shaddoll Beast and Nibiru the Primal Being' 'How desperate are you if you're fusing Nibiru for Construct?' Being open, Blair responded 'Desperate enough that it's the only Light monster left in my deck.'

'Fair enough.' 'You got it though, summoning El Shaddoll Construct (Atk:2800). On summon, Construct will send Shaddoll Hedgehog to my graveyard, while Beast draws me another card. Then new chain, Hedgehog will add Shaddoll Dragon to my hand. Now I'll summon Dragon (Atk:1900), and go to battle, where Construct will destroy your Purgatrio.' The wired wonder pierced straight through Purgatrio with its strings, destroying it through its effect. 'And now Shaddoll Dragon can attack.'

'And I'll activate Call of the Haunted, to summon Mardel, Generaider Boss of Light (Atk:2400). Mardel's effect will add Boss Stage to my hand.' Unable to conquer the boss, Blair took a moment, before ending her turn.

(Astrid hand: Dovelgus, Generaider Boss of Iron, United We Stand, Generaider Boss Stage, Runick Dispelling)

Astrid: 'I draw and I'll activate Runick Dispelling, to summon Sleipnir the Runick Mare (Atk:1500). Then I'll overlay Sleipnir and Mardel to summon something that I'm sure you'll agree is a real superSTAR - Unfold, Number 9, holy canopy star, Dyson Sphere (Atk:2800).' 'Seriously? You're going to use that against me?' 'If it makes you feel better, it's his spare one and I bought it off him. And that was way before all this anyway. I do have some good news though - because I used Runick Dispelling this turn, I can't attack. So I'll activate Boss Stage and end my turn.'

(Blair hand: Crystal Beacon, Crystal Bond)

Blair: 'I draw and I'll activate another Crystal Bond.' 'Still totally adorable.' 'A bit like you thinking you'll beat me' Blair responded, the fighting talk somewhat surprising Astrid. 'Hey, I was nice to you there as well.' 'Yeah, that's after you pointed the f*cking death star at me.' 'I'll make it invisible for you next time. Now are you using your Bond or what?' 'I'll place Cobalt Eagle in the Spell and Trap zone, before summoning Crystal Beast Amethyst Cat (Atk:1200). Construct, attack.' 'I'll activate Dyson Sphere's effect, it ends the battle before Construct can use its ability.' 'Yep, that's my turn. By the way, why didn't you activate Boss Stage?' Astrid thought for a moment, before telling her 'I guess I'm having too much fun.'

(Astrid hand: Dovelgus, Generaider Boss of Iron, United We Stand, Reload)

Astrid: 'I'll draw, and activate Reload, to shuffle back my hand and draw two new cards. Now I'll set a card and attack your Cat with Dyson Sphere.' 'When you do, I can activate Crystal Boon. This summons two Crystals from my Spell and Trap zone, and give me back Life points equal to their combined Attack. Release from your cages, Crystal Beast Cobalt Eagle and Crystal Beast Rainbow Dragon (Atk:1400,3000, Blair LP:6450-10,850). Try beating me now Astrid.'

'Ok, well I'll start by pointing out you're a total doofus that forgot Dyson Sphere can now attack you directly. Strålende Bombardement!' As she declared attack in her native tongue, Astrid's Dyson Sphere rained down meteors, dropping Blair's mammoth total back down (Blair LP:10,850-8050). 'How's that? You might have more Life points, but I have the power of a star on my side, while you've got a puppet that looks worryingly like a risque sculpture, a mini dragon, and some random cat. I'll end my turn, come and get me if you think you're hard enough.' Astrid then posed for the crowd, holding up a diamond shape to a beloved reaction, which even made Blair smile.

(Blair hand: Effect Veiler)

Blair: 'I'll draw.' 'Boss Stage effect before I forget again, summoning Vala (Atk:2500). And' 'Veiler so you don't use Vala's effect.' 'Fine, I'll still get those Tokens though. And I'll add on the Trap card Token Stampede (Atk:1500-2500).' 'Very good' Blair responded, clearly impressed. 'I'll attack your Vala with my Crystal Beast Rainbow Dragon.' The miniature version of Rainbow Dragon unleashed a smaller rainbow beam from its attack, but still crushed through Vala (Astrid LP:4700-4200). 'I'll end my turn there, there's no point attacking with Construct because it will just destroy your Token before dealing any damage.'

(Astrid hand: Red Resurrection)

Astrid: 'I'll draw and set this card before attacking directly with Dyson Sphere. Strålende Bombardement!' The attack with meteors squealing through the sky once again came down, dropping Blair's Life points further away from the heady heights they had reached not long before (Blair LP:8050-5250). 'I'll end my turn there.'

(Blair hand: Crossed Souls)

Blair: 'I'll draw and activate Crossed Souls, then attack with Construct into Dyson Sphere.' 'It doesn't matter, I'll use Dyson Sphere to detach its other material.' 'Fine by me, because Crossed Souls' effect now activates. Because our monsters have even Attack points, neither of them can be destroyed in battle, nor can they use their effects. Additionally neither of us can attack except with those monsters so long as they both remain on the field. I end my turn.'

(Astrid hand: Warning Point)

Astrid: 'I'll draw, and attack Construct with Dyson Sphere. Strålende Bombardement!' As Astrid grinned, the meteors came down, and this time were swatted away by Construct's wires. 'Keep up the onslaught!' 'Never back down!' Their rallying cries could be heard for miles, and still neither would back down. As the clock ticked down, their seconds were elapsing as Astrid declared 'Your turn.'

(Blair hand: Shaddoll Schism)

Blair: 'I draw.' 'I'll trigger Boss Stage, summoning another Vala (Atk:2500). And she's bringing back Harr (Def.:3000), then I summon two Tokens (Atk:2500x2).' 'Construct, attack Dyson Sphere. String of Lament!' Construct's wires came flooding out in their thousands, all headed for the sun at the centre of Dyson Sphere, and the canopy responded with solar flares and meteors, each one cutting through the wires, leaving the attack impotent, as the two great duellists continued to clash, their version of a gripping, engaging dance, their routine feeling choreographed, and yet so natural. Blair set a card, ending her turn, as the one minute warning blared in the arena.

(Astrid hand: Warning Point, Ookazi)

Astrid: 'I draw.' 'I activate Shaddoll Schism, to banish Shaddoll Dragon and Naelshaddoll Ariel from my graveyard for El Shaddoll Winda (Atk:2200). And Winda will banish Harr.' Astrid could have chosen to negate this, but instead, knowing it made no practical difference, she let Blair have her prey as a dark rift appeared above Harr, removing it from the game. 'I'll activate Ookazi, dealing you 800 damage (Blair LP:5250-4450). 'Now Dyson Sphere, attack!' Once again the two equally footed monsters did battle, with still neither coming out favoured, a reflection of their controllers' equal skills. 'I end my turn.'

(Blair hand: Shadow's Light)

Blair: 'I'll draw' 'I activate Generaider Boss Stage, to summon Dovelgus, Generaider Boss of Iron (Def.:2500). And what I'm not doing next is summoning Tokens, because Winda won't let me.' 'Correct. So what's going to happen is I'm going to shock everyone, and attack.' As they both smiled at each other, the timer went off. 'The result of this duel is a 60 minute Broadway!'

Hearing this, Astrid and Blair looked at each other. 'One more round?' Astrid asked, and Blair responded 'It would be my honour.' They then continued to go back and forth, as the crowd groaned, not because of their actions, but because they were being ushered out of their seats as the gripping action continued. Long after they had left, the lights in the arena all went out, and yet still, Blair and Astrid continued to wage war, throwing in attack after attack in the pitch black, both while having the time of their lives. They were born to be forever rivals, and even better friends.

Next time: Blair and Jade celebrate the start of a new chapter with a housewarming party, but will a surprise guest cause celebrations or turmoil? R: Ultra Evolution Chapter 36: New Beginnings