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.

31. Unforgiven

R: Ultra Evolution

Book 31: Unforgiven

The club were on their way to an LFD event in Massachusetts, and with Astrid and Freja both the apple of their master's eye, Jade was trying to build fences with Belle. 'Must be difficult with Freja and Astrid both under like that huh?' 'Not really' she replied calmly 'Gives me an excuse to listen to music.' Curious, Jade gestured towards one of Belle's earphones, and briefly got a glimpse of her world.

'What the hell is that noise?' 'Oh, it's Whale music, it sounds stupid but it drowns the voices out. Just about the only thing that does at times.' 'Don't know how you even cope with it.' 'Honestly, you just do. You find ways. Not being funny, but there isn't some formula to cope, you find ways.' 'Sorry, I wasn't meaning to suggest anything.' 'You didn't, no problem. You don't get Schizophrenia like I don't get being a Wolfblood or a Lesbian, doesn't mean we don't understand the issues. As for those two, I've spent plenty of time with Freja since it happened.'

Flashback: Two days earlier, in the base library

Away from the hustle and bustle of the the base, Belle was trying her best to teach Freja about spelling, by producing some colourful flashcards. 'Where did you get those?' 'Found 'em online. Right, you've got some cards here with letters on, can you spell "they're", as in "they're chasing us"?' After much debating, Freja arranged the "th", "ei" and "r" cards together, before going 'It's not right, is it?' Belle just kindly shook her head, and Freja headbutted the desk, surprising Jana who was sat reading quietly, before she asked 'Going to guess it's not going too well?'

Belle though, was busy trying to reassure Freja. 'Look, you're going to get the hang of it, you're already improving. All you need to do is take a breath.' 'But I'm just not getting anywhere, I still can't do this.' 'Yes, you can. Look, you're already making a start, but it's going to take time.' 'Hopefully not as long as it took me to forgive you. Look, I'm really sorry for everything.' 'It's not a problem, honestly, I wouldn't have forgiven me.'

This was when Freja had a surprising question. 'I know this is, like properly cheeky and really I don't deserve it, but is there any chance of you becoming my sister again, you know like we did in Paris?' Shocked, Belle stumbled over telling her 'I… I'd love to… I'd absolutely love to.' ' Brilliant. I've been thinking of going back under with Phil, at least for a few days.' 'Lydia hitting you hard?'

'It's just the things she said about Maddy on her way out, just when you think you know somebody and all that, and she's my sister, I can't believe she'd actually be that cruel.' 'Honestly, I don't think she meant what she said, and she'll be sitting somewhere in Ibiza right now regretting what she said. But if going under and if me being your sister are what you need to cope, then I'd be more than happy to help.'

While Freja smiled, Belle switched her attention back to the English work. 'How do you spell "Waist" as in "Phil has a 40 inch waist"?' Caught by surprise, Freja immediately pulled out the letters "W", "ai", and "st", as Belle tapped her on the back. 'Told you that you were improving.' 'What - I got it right?' 'Yeah, turns out you just needed to switch your brain off and do it. Have a little bit of faith in yourself.'

Present day

While Belle reflected on her and Freja's improving relationship, Phil was briefing Astrid on her main event. 'Caleb will do everything in his power to knock you off your stride. He will say whatever he thinks will get under your skin, he will do whatever will rile you up, he will play at a pace that will annoy you. You playing that stun deck again?' 'Yes' was the simple and effective reply.

'So I need you to be as focused as you can be, play the board, not Caleb. If you play him' 'If you play him then you've already lost. But it's all a facade, even he can be cracked.' 'And you have the tools to do that.' He then passed her a bundle of cards. 'If it starts to slip, or if he's keeping you hanging on, you have the tools necessary. Stay focused, and you've got this.' 'I'm more focused than ever, Caleb doesn't stand a chance. I am your instrument of destruction, and he will be your latest victim.'

As she continued to walk, Phil looked over to Hannah, and quipped 'I've excelled myself this time, and I didn't even mean to.' She responded with a death glare though, before stating 'I still don't like this situation.' 'I know what I'm doing' was the composed response. 'When Maddy is back, or when she knows how to cope, there won't be any need anymore. Until then, she chose this, I am only giving her what she requested.'

When they arrived at the stadium, Astrid was immediately being heckled by the gathering crowds, not that she could have been paying less attention to this, instead walking straight through with her plait affixed and her LFD Atlas belt on her left shoulder, with Belle and Freja flanking her. Phil was somewhat further back, preoccupied by talking to Blair, who was focused on her own career.

'So are you ok with this whole thing of me not going after titles?' 'Look, it's your career' 'I know I know, but you know that I value your opinion and advice.' 'I do know that, but this is your decision, if you want to go after the money matches then I'll try and arrange the biggest matches I can for you. Because when you win, I win.' 'You get your name up in lights, Phil Robinson, the Manager of Champions.' 'I like that moniker' he mused, as they passed Kris just as he was being interviewed, but Blair's face soon dropped as she saw a message on her phone.

'Kris Travis here, we know about your relationship with Astrid Hofferson, just to ask you about her recent behaviour and her alliance with the Dynasty?' 'Me and Astrid haven't been an item for months, so you want to get your information right. And while you're at it, you can ask me about my duelling, because I'm taking Johnny on, and I'm going to beat him, because I didn't join the Renegades, break up a team that had lasted years, to be treated as a novelty. And when I beat him, I'm coming for it all.'

While Kris was muddying the waters with where his loyalties actually lay, Blair was questioning Sakura's, as they had a heated debate over the phone. 'As I have already explained, I am following the guidance of your GP.' 'I feel absolutely fine, great even, or at least I did, until you told me I couldn't duel him! You're denying me the opportunity of a lifetime!' 'And as he told you yesterday, he wants the duel as much as you do. So much so that he's clearing out an entire week of his schedule just so he can have this duel. Besides, you signed a contract, Phil's been looking over it, it's all good.'

'Not the point.' 'Exactly the point. Right now you need to make sure you're looking after yourself, because the end of the story is, you're not cleared, you've been medically advised to rest, and Declan has already moved your duel, meaning he probably won't be there anyway. Now I'm not arguing over this, either you accept it or you don't, either way I'm not changing my decision.'

Sakura then hung up, as Blair kicked the ground in anger, only to quickly be comforted by Rio. 'Just take a breath B, it's all ok, I get why you're upset but getting like this isn't going to change anything. I rang Jaden up earlier, he's coming back from Kansas City tomorrow, and he's really eager to duel you again, he said he's feeling sharper than ever. And I spoke to Sak, she said she's happy for you to duel in the arena if she's there.' Understanding the quality of her potential opponent, Blair smiled to her best friend, and took a breath, starting to calm herself down.

This process wasn't helped, however, by Claude walking up to them. 'Hey you lot, I want a title shot.' Immediately, Astrid smiled, and sashayed up to him, before telling him 'You're a talentless hack who has a big mouth and no ability, and facing you would achieve nothing.' Rio then gently pushed Astrid out of the way, to ask Claude 'When's the last time you actually did something of note? You've done absolutely nothing to earn a title shot except for irritate us, and in the Dynasty, you have to earn it. Now shove off, we've got actually important things to do.' As they pushed past him, Claude looked back, and issued a warning. 'Don't worry, I'll do more than earn the shot. I'll take what I want by force.'

In the arena

After a glossy video highlighting Astrid as an intruder into LFD and Caleb as a conquering hero, the show opened with Aster Phoenix making his way out, returning after a substantial absence. 'The following is your opening duel of the day. Introducing first, coming to us from the City of Angels, the Phoenix has landed - Aster Phoenix.' Aster walked out in his usual sharp suit, extremely confident, as the fans booed him lightly, and he lapped it up, reaching the zone where he spread his arms out like an eagle, before straightening his silver duelling suit out.

Shay then entered, with Crow watching on but leaving him to his work. 'And introducing his opponent, from Omaha, Nebraska, Shay Obsidian.' The young and ambitious Shay walked down with little to no bother, and very few theatrics, instead looking totally at ease with the occasion. Entering the zone, he eyed Aster up, and without any words, activated his duel disk. 'No trash talk?' Aster enquired, only to be informed 'I don't need to, my actions talk for me.'

Shay Obsidian LP:8000 vs. Aster Phoenix LP:8000

(Shay hand: Raidraptor - Bloom Vulture, Raidraptor - Fuzzy Lanius, Raidraptor - Mimicry Lanius, Raidraptor - Vanishing Lanius, Life Force)

Shay: 'I'll start us off.' Smirking, he looked at his hand, and just set a card, before ending his turn. 'It's your go, make it count.'

(Aster hand: Destiny Hero - Dark Angel, Double Fusion, Destiny Hero - Dunker, Destiny Hero - Denier, Destiny Hero - Drilldark, Destiny Hero - Fear Monger)

Aster: 'I'll draw and activate the Spell card Double Fusion. I'll pay 500 of my precious points (Aster LP:8000-7500), and Fusion summon twice this turn. So I'll fuse Destiny Hero - Dark Angel and Destiny Hero - Drilldark to Fusion summon Destiny Hero - Dystopia (Atk:2800). 'When I summon Dystopia, I can target the Drilldark in my graveyard, and inflict you with damage equal to its Attack points.' Dystopia created a black and purple ball of energy, and fizzed it across the ground to Shay, creating a plume of smoke and dust. When it cleared though, he just brushed off the attack as the fans cheered relentlessly to him (Shay LP:8000-6400).'

'Now I'll summon Destiny Hero - Dunker (Atk:1200), and use it to deal you with 500 points of damage.' Dunker picked up a stone, and living up to its descriptive name, dunked it like a basketball straight onto Shay, who barely acknowledged the second hit (Shay LP:6400-5900). 'And thanks to Double Fusion, I can now fuse Dystopia with Destiny Hero - Denier to Fusion summon a mightier hero, a different class if you will - meet Destiny Hero - Dusktopia (Atk:2900).'

Shay just laughed the threat off though. 'Funny you say "meet" your Dusktopia, you know I beat it last time. So unless you've got some amazing new move, why don't you just go and attack me?' His pride insulted, Aster tried to come up with a response. 'I activate Dusktopia's effect, which will Fusion summon again. I fuse Fear Monger and Dunker to Fusion summon Destiny Hero - Dominance (Atk:2900).'

'When Dominance hits the field, he can rearrange the top five cards of your deck. Not that it's going to matter when I go and attack!' 'I'll activate Life Force, by paying 400 Life points for each attack, I'll take no damage (Shay LP:6400-5600).' This caused much frustration for Aster, who ended his turn, as Shay prepared to take full advantage.

(Shay hand: Raidraptor - Bloom Vulture, Raidraptor - Fuzzy Lanius, Raidraptor - Mimicry Lanius, Raidraptor - Vanishing Lanius, Raidraptor - Glorious Bright)

Shay: 'Time for you to fall. I'll start with Raidraptor - Bloom Vulture. Because I find my field empty of monsters, I can summon it and Mimicry Lanius (Atk:300,1100). Now I'll summon Vanishing Lanius (Atk:1300). And because I control a Dark Winged Beast, I can add Fuzzy Lanius to my flock (Atk:500). Now I'm going to Link off Mimicry and Fuzzy to summon Link 2, the brains of the flock, Raidraptor - Wise Strix (Atk:1800).'

'Now I can use the effect of Fuzzy Lanius in the graveyard, adding a 2nd Fuzzy Lanius to my hand. And with the ability of Vanishing Lanius will summon that Fuzzy (Atk:500). And when I summon Wise Strix, it summons a Raidraptor from my deck but disables its effects on the field. I choose Raider's Wing. It doesn't have Raidraptor in its name, but it's always treated as one, and that's an effect which can't be negated (Atk:1600).'

'Then I can overlay Raider's Wing and Vanishing Lanius to Xyz summon Raidraptor - Force Strix (Def.:2000). I'm not even bothering with its stat boost, because it won't matter. I detach a material from it to add Raidraptor - Singing Lanius to my hand. The fact a Raidraptor Xyz used its effect triggers Wise Strix's other effect, allowing me to add Rise Rank-up-Magic Raptor's Force to my hand.'

'Now I'll summon Singing Lanius because I control a Raptor Xyz (Atk:100), and overlay it and Fuzzy Lanius to Xyz summon the Raider's Knight (Atk:2000). And this black knight only brings doom for you, because by detaching a material, he can summon a Raidraptor Xyz of one Rank higher or lower. So I'll rebuild the network with him and summon Raidraptor - Brave Strix (Atk:2000). When Brave Strix is around, I can detach a material to add Raidraptor - Call to my hand.'

'But that won't matter when I enact the masterplan that is Rise Rank-up-Magic Raidraptor's Force! This allows me to Xyz summon by using Xyz monsters on my field or in the graveyard as materials, summoning an Xyz of their combined Rank. So I'll use Rank 4 Force Strix and Rank 5 Brave Strix on my field, and Rank 4 Raider's Knight that I just detached, to summon the doom bird that will eviscerate all those who oppose the revolution - meet Rank 13, Raidraptor - Rising Rebellion Falcon (Atk:4000).'

'The effect of Brave Strix as a material will give my Falcon 100 extra Attack for each Rank it has (Atk:4000-5300). And by Xyz summoning this with three or more Raidraptor Xyz monsters as materials, I can nuke your entire field, and your monsters' combined Attack points come out of your Life points. Enjoy the barrage!' Rising Rebellion sung a highly-pitched note as its wings crackled with electricity, and it directed an immense amount of power and voltage into Aster's field, as his monsters burst into flames (Aster LP:7500-1700). 'Rising Rebellion, you know what to do.' Shay's mighty bird soared once more, and a single bolt of electricity sealed the destructive victory for him (Aster LP:1700-0).

As the duel ended, a shocked Aster slunk away, while Shay raised his arm in success, but before he could have a victory lap, the Dynasty's music started, and Phil walked out, flanked by Astrid, Freja and Belle. 'Look, I don't know why you're out here, but if you want a fight, I'm all up for it. Princess Pretty can even put her title on the line, because I don't like an invader having our title.'

Phil just laughed to himself, responding 'Astrid is no invader, she is here because she won that title fair and square, and now she's here to show everybody why she's the best kept secret. As for your title shot, why don't you go and wait in line with the other nobodies who want the chance to be graced in her presence?' 'Did you see the way I just dismantled Aster Phoenix? THE Aster Phoenix? Or were you too busy with your little groupies?'

'Groupies, good one, five stars for creativity. As for beating Aster, anybody can do that, that's not impressive. I could do that seven days a week and twice on Sundays. Now if you really want to be a star, and I can tell from this aura you have around yourself that you do, you're going to listen to the offer I make you now closely. This is a chance for you to join the Renegades, join the Dynasty, and I can take you to the next level, because I will give you all the credit in the world for being a huge talent.'

The enticing offer didn't interest him though. 'Yeah, thanks but no thanks, I tend to work alone in my business, and I sure as anything don't need somebody to tell me how to duel better.' 'That's not a very wise decision Shay.' Sensing trouble, Shay waited for Phil to give the nod to Astrid and Freja, and then dashed into the crowd, making it impossible for them to get to him, as he watched them, and shouted at Astrid 'I'm coming for you and that title!'

Backstage

The cameras were browsing the backstage area when Michael was caught in the middle of a conversation with Declan. 'Look, you know that I hate asking for help, but since it's your show, I just want a little bit of backup here.' Declan smiled, pushed his red-rimmed glasses up the bridge of his nose, and calmly told him 'If what you were doing was above board in any way, then you wouldn't need my help. Now I suggest you do what you need to and hope that they aren't around.'

In the duelling zone

The show was having a brief intermission from the action when Michael walked out to a muted reaction, with many of the crowd collecting refreshments. In the zone, he collected a microphone, and immediately made a brief statement. 'Ladies and Gentlemen, as the Commissioner of the World Duelling Corporation, it is my unfortunate duty to deliver difficult news from time to time. And this is such an occasion.'

'Therefore, I am going to now announce that due to being unable to defend her title in a timely manner, Maddy Smith is being stripped of the WDC Young-Gun Championship with immediate effect. A new champion will be announced in due course.' He then made a beeline for the exit, only for Belle and Freja to walk out of one side, and Astrid the other. And while they boxed him in, Phil walked out in his sharp attire with a microphone.

After waiting a moment, he took the microphone, and spoke with calm consideration. 'You really have a very high opinion of yourself, you appear to believe that karma won't catch up with you. Well I have a little newsflash for you: karma's a bitch. The only reason that you're not being torn to shreds right now is that I have these three all on my leash, so you need to thank your lucky stars that I'm not letting them off, because I could easily do that.'

'Now for someone whose job is supposedly on the line, you're throwing your weight around a lot, so I need to make something clear to you; if you try to take Maddy's title off her for a situation that you caused, a life that you were complicit in wrecking, then I am promising you this: I will take you and this company to court, and I will take you to the cleaners if I have to. I helped to build this company, and I will destroy it if I have to. Girls, let's go.' The three followed him out, as Michael looked somewhat frightened.

Backstage

As the Dynasty returned from confronting Michael, the backstage interviewer ran up to them. 'Phil, we just heard you talking to Michael Grey Adams, the Commissioner of the WDC' 'Yeah, get on with it, I'm a busy man.' 'Well you were saying that he was complicit in wrecking Maddy's life, what did that even mean? We know Maddy's not been around since the WDC's Boiling Point event, where is she?'

Before he could manage an answer, Claude turned up and snatched the microphone. 'Who cares where that stupid moron is, she's gone and that's all that matters. A bit like this little friend of hers.' Standing up to him, Astrid asked 'Which friend?' 'The dog' he responded, before spitting in Astrid's eye and palming her in the face to try and rub it in. Astrid went to hit him in response, only for Phil to hold her back as Claude walked off laughing. 'Leave it for the duelling zone.'

In the duelling zone, Rhydian was out first for the following duel. 'The following duel is a Grudge Match. Introducing first, from Llanfair PG, Wales, he is the Cobra - Rhydian Morris.' Rhydian walked down menacingly, eyes flashing and teeth bared, but it wasn't his recent defeats to Rio that were on the forefront of his mind, as footage on the screens dotted around the arena showed the revelation of Lukas abusing Maddy.

While Rhydian ripped his camo jacket off in the zone, his opponent made his way out, looking totally unrepentant. 'Introducing his opponent, from the Bishop and Clerk Islands, Tasmania, Australia, he is the Cursed Thorn - Lukas Chipperfield.' The now ex-Junction 7 member walked down calmly, and in the zone, stepped up to Rhydian and told him 'Everything was fine until she arrived. So I was doing us all a favour. And if you're not careful, I'll do the same to your next bit on the side.'

This was enough to find Rhydian's flashpoint, and he ran at Lukas, who quickly dodged out of the way, and with the arena's entire security detail focused on holding Rhydian back, the Australian took the opportunity to dash away, narrowly avoiding the Junction 7 leader as he burst through the guards and gave chase, swiping repeatedly to no avail, until a crossroads, where Lukas dashed one way, inadvertently ripping his blue overcoat as he did, the scrap of fabric making Rhydian go in the other direction, until he heard a significant thump from the other direction.

Rhydian ran towards the noise, but put the brakes on as he came to an opening where Lukas was being beaten to a fine pulp by Belle and Freja, with Jana repeatedly kneeing him in the gut to prevent him gaining any momentum to try and escape, and Astrid simply supervised their work. All the while, Rhydian stood there in shock, but at no point did he attempt to intervene in the violence, nor did he attempt to assist when they placed his head against the wall, and let Astrid kick it into the wall, knocking Lukas out.

Astrid then saw Rhydian stood there, and told him 'Watch this, you're next!', while Jana revealed a body bag, and Freja and Belle eased Lukas' prone body into it, before zipping him tight inside, having to lift the bag upright to finish slotting him in. Astrid then twisted her long blonde locks before folding them inside the hood of her jacket, and reached into her pocket, pulling out a lighter and casually dropping it onto the bag, setting it alight as the four of them left. In a moment of conscience, Rhydian quickly looked around, and found a fire extinguisher, putting his enemy out before walking away.

Nearly everyone totally unaware of this, the show continued on with Kris coming out, now sporting a white lycra jacket with a popped-up collar. 'The show continues with a standard duel, introducing first, representing the Renegades, from Salem, Massachusets, the One and Only - Kris Travis.' As he entered the zone, he flung his jacket off, revealing a tight-fitting vest, as he shouted 'Hear that? One and Only!'

While he continued to shout at… something, Johnny made his entrance with his usual fire and anger. 'Introducing his opponent, from Glasgow, Scotland, he is the Glasgow Gladiator - Johnny McGregor.' The small but mighty Scot was intense on his entrance, slapping hands with fans in the front couple of rows, before entering the zone, and having a face-off with Kris, both looking incredibly intense as they began.

Kris Travis LP:8000 vs. Johnny McGregor LP:8000

(Kris hand: SPYRAL Super Agent, SPYRAL Tough, SPYRAL GEAR - Big Red, SPYRAL GEAR - Drone, Machine Duplication)

Turn 1: Kris: 'I'll start off with SPYRAL GEAR - Drone (Atk:100), and its effect will scan the top three cards of your deck, then let me put them back in any order.' As Drone hovered over Johnny's deck, a green light descended from the base of it, and showed Kris what he was working with. 'You'll be glad to know you've got good cards, but they're not helping you.' After adjusting the top of his foe's deck, Kris continued going to work steadily.

'Now I'll use the effect of the Super Agent in my hand. I just have to correctly inform you about the Supertype at the top of your deck, then I'll summon Super Agent. It's a Trap, by the way.' As the Trap card Gladiator Beast War Chariot was revealed, Super Agent swung onto the field with his briefcase (Atk:1900). 'And then I can Link off both of them to summon Link 2, SPYRAL Double Helix (Atk:1900). Double Helix, I'll declare Trap. With that formality out of the way, I'll summon SPYRAL Master Plan (Atk:1200).'

'Master Plan's effect, I'll add SPYRAL Mission - Recapture to my hand. Then I'll Link off Double Helix and Master Plan to Link summon Link 3, Tri-Gate Wizard (Atk:2200). Now I'll use Master Plan's effect in the graveyard, to add SPYRAL Resort and SPYRAL GEAR - Last Resort to my hand. After, I can activate Resort.' No sooner had the computers and large spy screens started to appear, then Kris utilised them.

'With the effect of this, I can add SPYRAL Sleeper to my hand. And I can summon it by banishing three SPYRAL cards from my graveyard (Atk:2800), before I equip SPYRAL GEAR - Last Resort from my hand to it, making it indestructible, and you can't use card effects to target it either. I end my turn right there, and due to Resort, I'll shuffle back Master Plan.'

(Johnny hand: Pot of Avarice, Polymerisation, Gladiator Beast Andabata, Gladiator Beast Noxious, Gladiator Beast Vespasius, Gladiator Beast War Chariot)

Johnny: 'I'll draw for me turn and activate the old Polymerisation, fusing Gladiator Beasts Andabata, Vespasius and Noxious, summoning out the mighty Gladiator Beast Domitanus. Domitanus, attack his Sleeper.' Domitanus lunged in with his short sword, but was unable to penetrate the heavily-armoured Sleeper (Kris LP:8000-7300). 'Anything equipped with Last Resort becomes indestructible in battle.' 'Yeah, I know, but now you've got to get rid of my Domitanus. I'll just end my turn and see you struggle.'

(Kris hand: SPYRAL Tough, SPYRAL GEAR - Big Red, Machine Duplication, SPYRAL Master Plan)

Kris: 'I'll draw and summon SPYRAL Tough (Atk:1900). Then I'll activate SPYRAL Gear - Big Red, using it to revive SPYRAL GEAR - Drone (Atk:500). Now Drone can once again sort the top of your deck.' This time, Kris was even less enamoured by the choice, but keeping his head, he stated 'You can have this one, like I care if you resolve it. Now I'll use the effect of SPYRAL Sleeper to destroy your Domitanus and my Sleeper. Except' 'Save the explanation, I know what yer cards do matey. I'll just use Domitanus here, negating the effect of your monster.'

This was fully expected by Kris, but he appeared to have forgotten the other card on his opponent's field. 'Now I'll use SPYRAL Tough's effect, and I'm calling Spell.' As the correct supertype was again revealed, Johnny was the happier. 'Awesome draw, thanks matey. As for yer Spy-boy, it's not lasting long when I have Gladiator Beast War Chariot. It negates and destroys.' As his monster fell, Kris nodded, realising his misplay too late. 'I'll end my turn, shuffling back Double Helix like I should have done. You got me there.'

(Johnny hand: Pot of Avarice, Pot of Extravagance)

Johnny: 'Here we go because from where I am, I've got more pot than a 4:20 smoker! I'll activate my Pot of Extravagance, banishing six random cards from my Fusion deck and drawing two.' Confused, Kris told him 'Yeah, don't know where you've been the past 15 years, but they call it the "Extra Deck"' 'I don't care if you call it Janey, all I care about is the effect. Especially when they include the Cosmic Cyclone, by paying 1000 big ones (Johnny LP:8000-7000), I can banish a Spell or Trap on your field. And the one I've got my eyes on is your Last Resort, soon to be more dead than a three week holiday to Forest Lawn. See, I know shit outside of Glasgow.'

With the strange storm removing Last Resort, Kris knew he was now in a spot of bother. 'And I'm going to get rid of yer Sleeper while I have the chance.' The powerful attack from Domitanus was enough to penetrate the armourless Sleeper this time, with Kris only being able to watch his mighty monster fall (Kris LP:7300-6600). 'I'll end me turn there setting one.'

(Kris hand: Machine Duplication, SPYRAL Master Plan, SPYRAL Quik-Fix)

Kris: 'I'll draw and summon SPYRAL Quik-Fix (Atk:500). And by summoning it, I can add a SPYRAL GEAR card from my deck to my hand. Resolving?' Johnny just nodded, clearly having in mind what he wanted to negate. 'I'll add another Big Red. Now I can activate Machine Duplication, to turn one Quik-Fix into THREE (Atk:500x2). And they both can add a GEAR as well.' Still Johnny waited, having somewhat anticipated this move, allowing Kris to add 'Fully Armed and Utility Wire.'

'Now I'll Link off two Quik-Fixes to summon the DNA that leaves you DOA. Unravel him, SPYRAL Double Helix (Atk:1900). Double Helix, activate your effect.' 'And that's where you get the Domitanus negate.' Having to think on the fly, Kris found a path. 'I'll use the effect of Quik-Fix in the graveyard. Because I control Super Agent, Double Helix is always classed as him, I can summon Quik-Fix for the low cost of a discard (Atk:500).'

'Now, about that card I discarded, it was a little monster' 'Master Plan? Figured so, you didn't seem too cut up. So reviving it with Big Red? (Atk:1200).' 'With Master Plan, I can add SPYRAL MISSION - Assault to my hand. I'll also use SPYRAL MISSION - Recapture, activating it to steal your monster until the End phase.' Eager for his monster to not be taken, Johnny pulled out 'Interdimensional Matter Transporter, I'll banish Domitanus until the end of the turn.'

Seeing this, Kris decided to simply attack. 'Go all my monsters.' The damage stacking up, Johnny was left significantly behind (Johnny LP:7000-2900). 'I end my turn with three set.' 'And as you do, my monster returns (Atk:3500). 'You're never being rid of this, as long as I have Life points the old girl's going to be a workhorse. You know, yer not dissimilar to me, we're not fashionable, but we get the old job done.' 'Sounds about right' Kris mused in return.

(Johnny hand: Pot of Avarice, Gladiator Beast Lanista)

Johnny: 'I draw and summon Gladiator Beast Lanista (Atk:1800). And I'll use it to attack your Quik-Fix.' Lanista flew in with a sharp spear, which effortlessly breached Quik-Fix, slaying the genius (Kris LP:6700-5400). 'And I can get rid of yer Double Helix by attacking with Domitanus.' Domitanus getting rid of the Link monster made the situation very close, with Johnny now close on points, if not on field presence (Kris LP:5400-3800).

'After the Battle phase, I'll use the effect of Lanista to tag itself out for a Gladiator Beast in my deck. So put your thumbs down for Gladiator Beast Vespasius (Atk:2300). Then I can contact fuse Vespasius and Domitanus to Fusion summon Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor (Atk:2800), and use it to summon back Domitanus from the Extra deck (Atk:3500). I end my turn.' As he did, Johnny shook his head, clearly unhappy about something with his deck.

(Kris hand: SPYRAL GEAR - Fully Armed, SPYRAL Super Agent)

Kris: 'I draw and I'll summon SPYRAL Super Agent (Atk:1900). And I'll activate my face-down Big Red to revive Double Helix (Atk:1900). Now I'll activate Fully Armed, equipping it to my Double Helix, giving it 1000 more Attack points (Atk:1900-2900). Double Helix, attack Tamer Editor.' The tamer cracked his whip several times, clearly ready for battle, but the utility gauntlet on Double Helix proved to be a difference maker, as a hook shot from it and ripped Tamer Editor's soul out (Johnny LP:2900-2800).

'And that's where yer attacking ends bud.' 'And that's where Fully Armed triggers because I destroyed your monster in battle, banishing Tamer Editor alongside Domitanus. I don't even need monster effects. And that leaves the board right open.' As the attacks came in, Johnny appeared to accept his defeat, and a hidden truth (Johnny LP:2800-0).

After the duel, Kris continued to shout to the crowd, but when he turned around, Johnny offered him a handshake, and pulled him in close to inform him 'Tell Rio she wants to stay with your lot, but I want contact with her.' Unimpressed at being used as a go-between, Kris snappily told him 'Tell her yourself, you've not been shy in doing that.' The winner then walked off, with the defeated duellist following him back.

In interviews backstage, Johnny was highly reflective. 'Aye, I could have won that one, but the cards fall how they fall. I think I'm putting the old girl on the backburner though (tapping his deck all the while), I think she's had her day.' As Johnny walked off, Kris was approached himself for a chat. 'Kris, great win, but we've not seen you too much. What's next for you?' 'The top' he replied swiftly. 'I'm coming after everyone. I don't care if you're a Hammer, I don't care if you're a Phoenix, I don't care if you're a Blackbird, I don't care if you're some great cackling manipulator, some greased-up Gladiator, or even if your attitude is Naturally bad, if you're around and you're in my way, then your card is marked. Because the One and Only will be at the top of the tree.'

Following his rather explosive interview, Kris walked away, but this didn't appear to be what the cameras were interested in. Instead, they zoomed in on an image in the deep background, which turned out to be Celina having an extremely warm conversation with Nash backstage. Little could be heard of the conversation, but their body language spoke volumes, with Nash visibly texting someone when she left for her duel.

In the zone, Celina walked straight out from her conversation, doing a picture-perfect 360 spin and backwards pose as she appeared, before walking down, a face of confidence on her. While she walked down, the crowd applauded her, but there was a discernibly more muted reaction than normal. Reaching the centre, she posed, with the spotlight on her, and performed a pirouette as her opponent waited in the zone.

Celina LP:8000 vs. Crow Hogan LP:8000

(Celina hand: Lunalight Yellow Marten, Lunalight Purple Butterfly, Lunalight Black Sheep, Luna Light Perfume, Lunalight Kaleido Chick)

Turn 1: Celina: 'Let's dance. I'll summon Lunalight Kaleido Chick (Atk:1400). Using her effect, I'll send Lunalight Emerald Bird to my graveyard to copy its name. Now I'll use the effect of my Black Sheep in hand, discarding her to add Polymerisation to my hand. I'll follow up with Luna Light Perfume, to revive Emerald Bird (Atk:1200). And by summoning Emerald Bird, I can discard a Lunalight monster to draw a new card.'

'Now I'll activate Polymerisation, fusing together the Emerald Bird and Kaleido Chick masquerading herself as another, to summon the graceful and gorgeous Lunalight Cat Dancer (Atk:2400). When Emerald Bird goes to the graveyard, she can revive a monster from my graveyard, and I'll choose Lunalight Kaleido Chick. And when Kaleido Chick goes to the grave, she adds Polymerisation back to my hand (Atk:1400).'

'Kaleido Chick's effect will let me send Lunalight Panther Dancer to the graveyard, and copy her name. Then I'll set Lunalight Tiger in the Pendulum scale, and use its effect to revive Lunalight Yellow Marten (Atk:800). I'll use Polymerisation again, fusing my Kaleido Chick, Yellow Marten, and the Purple Butterfly in my hand to summon the lionhearted leader of the troupe, ready to dance away with your Life points - Lunalight Leo Dancer (Atk:3500).'

'Now I'll use the effect of Yellow Marten because she was sent to the graveyard by a card effect, to add a Lunalight Spell or Trap to my hand directly from the deck. I'll choose a copy of Lunalight Fusion. Afterwards, Yellow Marten's effect will bounce Lunalight Tiger back to my hand to summon herself (Def.:2000). Meaning I can re-scale Tiger, and then use it to revive Kaleido Chick, then link them off for Link 2, Fire Fighting Daruma Doll (Atk:1600). For each Beast, Beast-Warrior or Winged Beast on the field, he gains 100 Attack points. I end my turn (Atk:1500-1800).'

(Crow hand: Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind, Blackwing - Kris the Crack of Dawn, Blackwing - Aurora the Northern Lights, Black Whirlwind, Blackwing - Simoon the Poison Wind, Blackwing - Jetstream the Blue Sky)

Crow: 'I'll draw and activate Blackwing - Simoon the Poison Wind in my hand. If I control no monsters, I can banish a Level 1 Blackwing from my hand, like this Jetstream the Blue Sky, then place a Black Whirlwind on the field and summon Simoon. How about that for a troupe? (Atk:1600). And because Simoon was Normal summoned, Black Whirlwind will add Blackwing - Auster the South Wind to my hand.'

'Now I'll summon Blackwing Auster (Atk:1100), and use its effect to retrieve the Jetstream the Blue Sky that I banished, while Black Whirlwind will add Blackwing - Oroshi the Squall to my hand (Jetstream Atk:100). And since they all flock together, they're making room for Oroshi the Squall summoning itself from my hand (Atk:100). Now Level 1 Oroshi tunes to Level 6 Simoon so I can Synchro summon Blackwing - Chidori the Rain Sprinkling (Atk:2600). I'll also tune Level 4 Auster and Level 1 Jetstream, for the single shining light, Blackwing - Gram the Shining Star (Atk:2300).'

Ready for his ultimate play, Crow raised his hand and the fans started cheering him on against his divisive opponent. 'Now I'll tune the Level 7 Synchro-Tuner Chidori the Rain Sprinkling to Level 5 Gram the Shining Star. Get ready to feast your eyes on a thundering display of power and might that will have you quaking in your ballet shoes! I Synchro summon! Fly forth, Assault Blackwing - Onimaru the Divine Thunder (Atk:3000).'

Unconcerned, Celina helpfully informed Crow 'Good luck, you're going to have to get past Leo Dancer and her crew to get to me.' 'Not an issue, because Onimaru was summoned with only Blackwing Synchros as material, it gains a nifty little 3k boost to its Attack when it goes to battle. I'll also summon Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind for an additional boon (Atk:1300).' 'If you're planning on targeting Leo Dancer, don't bother, she's untargetable.' 'That's fine, I was going to target your Daruma Doll (Atk:1900-950).'

'Now Onimaru, attack Leo Dancer with Thundering Thrash!' Onimaru flew around the frisky feline dancer while building its power (Atk:3000-6000), and withdrew a ridged sword, which sliced through Leo Dancer, electrocuting it on contact as well (Celina LP:8000-5500). 'And Gale the Whirlwind will deal with your Daruma Doll.' Gale flapped around, and flew head-first into Daruma Doll, which was unable to light Gale up with its flaming club (Celina LP:5500-5150). 'I end my turn.'

(Celina hand: Lunalight Tiger, Luna Light Perfume)

Celina: 'I'll draw, and I'll set Lunalight Tiger in my Pendulum scale, using its effect to revive Lunalight Panther Dancer (Atk:2800). Then I'll use my face-down Lunalight Fusion, to combine Panther Dancer, Cat Dancer, and through Lunalight Fusion's effect, because you control a monster summoned from your Extra deck, I can use the Yellow Marten in my deck as well, that's so I can summon Lunalight Leo Dancer once more (Atk:3500).'

'You've got high hopes, but you still need to get rid of Onimaru, and don't forget its Attack boost when it's in battle.' 'I won't, because I have one more card in hand - Luna Light Perfume, which will bring back my Blue Cat (Atk:1600). When Blue Cat is summoned this way, she doubles the Attack of a monster on my field. So Leo Dancer, time to whip up a storm of your own (Atk 3500-7000). Now attack with Full Moon Cresta, and use your effect to destroy all Special summoned monsters on his field.'

Leo Dancer's effect saw it impale Gale with a sword, before landing a wicked blow of a kick right into Onimaru's head (Atk:3000-6000; Crow LP:8000-7000). 'And Leo Dancer can attack twice, so I'd call this game.' Crow simply looked on in shock, having thought that his turn one play would leave him home and hosed. Instead, he was on the wrong end of a damaging defeat (Crow LP:7000-0).

On the conclusion of the duel, Celina briefly posed for the crowd, as flash photography went off. Kieran then approached her, and after they shared some warm words, she left with him, putting her arm around Rhydian as he approached her, their body language speaking where their words didn't need to. Elsewhere, Crow thanked the crowd on his way out, but it was clear that he was frustrated at his own situation.

While this was going on, Astrid was warming up for her duel, but as she zipped up her new entrance gear which consisted of a blue and golden-yellow full-body armour, styled to resemble a dragon's scales, Kenzie approached her. 'Hey cool gear.' She just looked down at her gauntlets and gloves in response, musing 'Took weeks to make this. Not to mention a hefty air fare. Now what did you want?'

'Who made it? It's so realistic.' 'My mother started it off, Katie finished it off, she's a friend of Phil's. Now I'm guessing you didn't come over because you heard about the battle armour?' 'No, sorry, I was just coming to ask if you could be some kind of mentor to me, I'm trying to improve, and… honestly I just think you're totally incredible.' Smiling at the thought of someone seeing something in her, Astrid quickly told Kenzie 'Absolutely, just go to Phil, tell him you want the same as me.' 'Ok, thanks.' The young Scot then ran off, while Astrid went to meet back up with Belle and Freja.

As preparations continued, she passed a television, where an interview was being conducted with Celina in the car park. 'Great win for you Celina, but I think the bigger question is: what's the story with you and Junction 7?' 'The story is that Maddy is a liar, and everything the Renegades have said about Rhydian is absolutely wrong, Rhydian is the most caring guy you could ever imagine, and they're all just jealous.' Kieran then approached her, and asked 'You coming to the condo?', to which she enthusiastically agreed, her ponytail thrashing about as she ran after them.

Before the main event, the commentators briefly discussed the interaction between Astrid and Caleb at State of the Art, only to then get distracted when they noticed that Finn was stood in the rafters, as usual wearing a seafaring jacket in lieu of a shirt, and he was just watching on sternly, yet somehow still impassively. Several fans tried to get a picture with him, but he showed zero interest in this, his focus clearly on the main event and, presumably, his niece.

Caleb walked out first for the main event to a hero's welcome from the partisan crowd. 'The following is your main event, and is for the Leo Federation of Duelling's Atlas Championship. Introducing the challenger, from London, England, he is the top contender to the LFD Atlas Championship, Caleb Hayes.' The confident Caleb made his way down, soaking in the adulation of the crowd as he did, and even briefly singing along to his theme music, before walking into the center zone, brimming with excitement and determination, all the while exuding his palpable charisma arena-wide. In the zone, he dropped to his knees, and put his hand together, before posing with his arms outstretched to rampant applause.

Astrid then entered to some brand-new music, Freja and Belle with her. 'Introducing his opponent, representing the Dynasty and the Renegades, and accompanied by the WDC Tag-Team Champions, Belle Draper and Freja McKinna the Bad Breed, from Alta, Norway, she is the reigning and defending LFD Atlas Champion of the world, The Natural - Astrid Hofferson.' In her first title defence, Astrid walked out carrying both tag titles on one arm, and her Atlas title on the other. On the stage, she paused, and took aim with her arms as if they were a longbow, releasing them in perfect time for a shower of sparks. She walked down purposefully, without paying hide nor hair to the rampant boos she received, and walking straight down.

She and Caleb got into each other's faces as she arrived, and in an early sign of the mind games he intended to utilise, Caleb pointed out 'You know your dear old Uncie Finn's up there', to which she immediately responded 'Why would I care if some irrelevant old man is watching? This is about you and me, and this title, which you're not taking off me, not in a million years. Now let's begin.' Caleb obliged, but appeared to be impressed with her growing mental resilience as he looked back at her while they walked.

LFD Atlas Championship: Caleb Hayes LP:8000 vs. [c] Astrid Hofferson LP:8000

(Caleb hand: Dogmatika Alba Zoa, Dogmatikaturgy, Nadir Servant, Dogmatikalamity, Dogmatika Ashiyan)

Turn 1: Caleb: 'Time to do the lord's work! I'll activate the Spell card Nadir Servant, which will send Titaniklad the Ash Dragon from the Extra deck and add a weaker Dogmatika monster to my hand. I'll choose the saintly Dogmatika Ecclesia, the Virtuous, before I summon her (Atk:1500). When she's summoned, Ecclesia will add Dogmatika Punishment to my hand, but your punishment has only just begun, for I'm now activating Dogmatikalamity, tributing my saint and her personal assassins of the sinful Dogmatika Ashiyan, as they become the offering for something far greater!'

Caleb then laughed manically, his rounded face and thick beard adding to the aura of insanity as he did, and he declared 'I summon the mighty priest prepared to make you fall and pray, Dogmatika Alba Zoa (Atk:4000).' As he continued to laugh, Astrid just stared at him dispassionately, and asked 'Is that really it? I thought you were doing something interesting.' Caleb continued to laugh, telling her 'If that wasn't enough for you, I'll have to use Alba Zoa's effect. So for every two cards in your Extra deck, one goes to the graveyard.' While Astrid calmly sent these cards, Caleb tried to play mind games with her by ending his turn suddenly setting a single card. Once she was done sending them, Astrid had a surprise.

'I'm going to guess you didn't think I'd expect this. Well bad news, I did. One of the cards I sent was Garura, Wings of Resonant Life, and when it goes to the graveyard, I get to draw a card.'

'You can draw all the cards you like, but it does you no good when you can't use any of them. I have an effect of my own though - Titaniklad can add Dogmatika Fleurdelis the Knighted to my hand.'

(Astrid hand: Runick Fountain, Barrier Statue of the Stormwinds, Cyber Dragon, Runick Dispelling, Runick Destruction, Fossil Dyna Pachycephalo, Runick Golden Droplet)

Astrid: 'For the glory of the Dynasty! I draw and I'll activate the Field spell Runick Fountain.' As the Fountain constructed, Caleb laughed. 'Bring it on, your deck will be no match for the servant of god!' 'Well I hope your stupid god can protect you, because mine has empowered me. Not that you're going to get to see that, not unless you happen to actually prove a challenge to me. And I don't think you've got it in you.'

'So you're trying the mind games now?' 'I'm not trying anything, I'm stating the truth. I'm one of the most talented and dedicated duellists in the entire world, and you're some religious freak who wants to tell me that I won't be able to do anything against you, and that my best friend is dead? I don't think it's even a competition. I'll show that with my Runick Golden Droplet. This rune being embedded into my Fountain represents a power which allows you to draw a card, and then banishes four from the top of your deck.'

'And while that's happening, I'll use Runick Dispelling. Because you just drew a card outside of the Draw phase, I can discard a random card from your hand, then you lose two from the top of your deck.' As he banished six cards, Caleb confidently declared 'Did you think I wouldn't see this strategy coming?' 'Why don't you go and ask Caprice and Myka how well knowing my strategy went for them? Because that's why I've got double gold.'

'Talking of doubling up… or should that be tripling up, I'll activate Runick Destruction to destroy your face-down, then banish 4 from the top of your deck. Enjoy playing with of a deck.' Still relatively unconcerned, Caleb laughed her threat off. 'Do whatever your heart desires.' 'My cold heart desires nothing but to destroy you on behalf of the Dynasty to prove our superiority. And my Fountain will assist in that mission by shuffling back my three runes into the deck, and granting me three new cards. I end my turn by setting a monster and a Spell/Trap.'

(Caleb hand: Dogmatika Nation, Dogmatikacism)

Caleb: 'I'll draw and activate Dogmatikacism, equipping it to my Alba Zoa and giving it 100 more Attack points multiplied by its own Level (Atk:4000-5200). And now it will crush your puny defence.' Alba Zoa created a ghostly scythe, and sliced through Astrid's Fossil Dyna (Def.:1300), making him know what was coming next. 'When flipped up, Fossil Dyna destroys all Special summoned monsters on the field. Your Alba Zoa isn't immune to this.'

Correctly identifying that Alba Zoa's protection only extended to monsters from the Extra deck, Astrid's plan had suckered Caleb in, and saw his mighty priest fall. Not that he appeared especially concerned. 'When a monster equipped with Dogmatikacism is destroyed, sending this to the grave, its effect sends a monster from my Extra deck to the graveyard. I'll send another Titaniklad, then I'll end my turn and use Titaniklad's effect to add Ecclesia to my hand.'

(Astrid hand: Barrier Statue of the Stormwinds, Cyber Dragon Nachster, Pre-preparation of Rites, Runick Golden Droplet, Trap Stun)

Astrid: 'I'll draw and activate Runick Golden Droplet, summoning Sleipnir the Runick Mane from my Extra deck (Atk:1500). Then I'll summon Barrier Statue of the Stormwinds (Atk:1000), and go to my Battle phase, which is skipped through my Runick spells. Therefore my turn ends.'

(Caleb hand: Dogmatika Nation, Dogmatika Ecclesia, the Virtuous, Dogmatika Punishment)

Caleb: 'So you're going to be tricky to break down? I should have expected nothing more, a nervous champion is one who won't go down quickly.' 'Whatever you say, because while you talk, I'll use Sleipnir's effect when you draw to summon a Runick Token (Atk:1500).' 'I'll summon Dogmatika Ecclesia, the Virtuous (Atk:1500), and my saint will find a Dogmatika Encounter. I'll set both and end my turn.'

(Astrid hand: Cyber Dragon Nachster, Pre-Preparation of Rites, Runick Flashing Fire)

Astrid: 'Nervous? Nuh-uh. Confident, yes. I draw and I'll use the effect of Sleipnir to banish itself and Ecclesia until the End phase.' 'And I will use Dogmatika Punishment when you do, to send Granguignol the Dusk Dragon and destroy a weaker monster, like your Barrier Statue.' 'I activate Trap Stun, to freeze your Traps this turn. So your Dragon still goes to the grave, but you get nothing out of it. And with your monster out of my way, I can attack.' The stoney statue summoned a powerful wind which spurred the equine Token onwards to slam into Caleb with force, as he gritted his teeth (Caleb LP:8000-5500). 'I end my turn, and our monsters return. They aren't summoned though, so don't get any ideas about Ecclesia's effect (Atk:1500x2).'

(Caleb hand: Dogmatika Nation, Dogmatika Theo, the Iron Punch)

Caleb: 'I draw and I'll' 'Summon another Runick Token (Def.:1500).' Taking a moment to compose himself, Caleb declared 'I summon Dogmatika Theo, the Iron Punch (Atk:1800), and attack your Barrier Statue with Ecclesia.' Without even considerment, Astrid let the attack go through, losing her Statue (Astrid LP:8000-7500). 'And I'll then use my Dogmatika Encounter, to summon a Dogmatika from my graveyard. Rise again, the sadistic priest, Dogmatika Alba Zoa (Atk:4500).'

'As soon as he arrives, he falls once more, because even gods must obey the laws of runes!' she fought back, before declaring 'Runick Flashing Fire. This destroys your monster and then banishes 2 from the top of your deck.' A single blinding flare of flame was launched from the ancient Fountain, and Alba Zoa was swallowed up in it, and when the embers cleared, was no more. Still keeping calm, Caleb rewound.

'I'll attack Sleipnir with Theo the Iron Punch.' 'And I'll immediately banish them both with Sleipnir's effect. Try all you might, you just can't escape the shackles. Your god is no match for a daughter of Odin and Thor with a will of thunder.' Still trying to mock her, Caleb responded 'Two male gods? An interesting thought.' 'It is allowed. Besides, we are mere servants to our gods, who are we to judge them?' Caleb laughed, and responded 'You may have a point.'

(Astrid hand: Cyber Dragon Nachster, Pre-preparation of Rites, Runick Smiting Storm)

Astrid: 'I'll draw and switch my Runick Token to Defence mode (Def.:1500), and go to my Battle phase, then skip it immediately because of Flashing Fire, ending my turn.' 'Rough hand I take it?' Caleb taunted, but his apparent mind games weren't working like they had in their previous confrontation. 'You keep talking, I'll keep duelling, we'll both do what we're good at.' The roasting comeback shocked Caleb and briefly shook him, before he took a breath, and got his head together.

(Caleb hand: Dogmatika Nation, Dogmatika Nexus)

Caleb: 'I'll draw.' 'I summon another Runick Token as you do (Def.:1500).' 'I don't really care!' a delighted Caleb beamed. 'Because I can banish four Extra deck monsters from your graveyard, and summon Dogmatika Nexus (Atk:3200).' 'I'll just use the effect of my Sleipnir again, to banish your Nexus. It's all well and good having something powerful, but if you can't use it, then what's the point?'

'You can make big statements as much as you like, but you're forgetting I still have monsters around. And with my Dogmatika Nation Field spell, every time a member of my saintly squad battles with one of your monsters, your monster is destroyed instantly after battle.' 'Well while you're messing around with that, I'll activate Runick Smiting Storm from my hand, which will summon Geri the Runick Fangs from my Extra deck (Def.:1000).'

Seeing the new monster made Caleb smile. 'Ah, the wolf watches over you always, whether near or far, home or away, you will never be able to escape that overwhelming pressure.' Unimpressed, Astrid once again bit back. 'Actually the pressure inspires me, it creates diamonds, it makes you tougher. You only wish you had the pressure of people to impress, people to serve, instead of your false prophet.'

'So you think my god is a false prophet just because you're a non-believer? Well maybe, just maybe, I'll have to show you what a god can inspire. I'll use my Dogmatika Ecclesia to destroy your Token, this isn't a game which will be decided by my life force.' As he sent his saint in, her hammer glowed a piercing white, and it made the equine token disappear into the winds (Caleb LP:5500-5300). 'And now Theo will take away another one of your Tokens.' As it did so, Astrid looked as calm and focused as ever. 'I end my turn.'

(Astrid hand: Cyber Dragon Nachster, Pre-preparation of Rites, Runick Tip)

Astrid: 'I'll draw and activate Runick Tip. This adds any Runick Quick-Play I desire from my deck to my hand. And the one I'm going to grab is Runick Flashing Fire. Now I'll activate Flashing Fire, and when I do, I can also place back three Runick Spells from my grave onto the bottom of the deck and draw three cards.' Another blistering blast of fire shot out, and Caleb found his mighty Nexus being disposed of rather easily, without having ever done much.

'You'll pay for that!' an increasingly rattled Caleb declared, as it became clear to Astrid that his facade was cracking ever so slightly. 'I'll set two cards, then go to my Battle phase, which is skipped through my Runick Flashing Fire, and my turn ends. It looks to me like you've had enough.' 'Far from it' Caleb responded, regaining himself once more. 'You can say that you've not, but behind your mask and your speeches, you're falling apart. It doesn't matter how long it takes, I will beat you and prove that you're not at this level.'

(Caleb hand: Fallen of Albaz)

Caleb: 'I'll draw.' 'And I'll summon a Token (Atk:1500).' As he drew, Caleb laughed hysterically. 'And it's time that you fell to pray. I summon Fallen of Albaz (Atk:1800). And when he's summoned, he can fuse with one of your monsters, and your Sleipnir can't do a thing about it.' 'Maybe, but even the fallen must answer to the Emperor. I activate By Order of the Emperor. Whenever you activate a monster effect on Normal summon, I can negate it, but you get to draw a card.'

Once again finding himself being ground down, Caleb looked to force some form of advantage. 'I'll activate Dogmatikaturgy in my graveyard, banishing it to target two Dogmatikas of different Levels and summon one of them, placing the other on the bottom of my deck. I'll place Ecclesia at the bottom, and summon once more, the sadistic priest, Dogmatika Alba Zoa (Atk:4000). Alba Zoa's effect activates now, and your Emperor trap won't do anything about it.'

'You're right there, but Effect Veiler will, I'll send it from my hand to negate the effect of your Zoa. Then as soon as you go to battle, I'll just banish Alba Zoa, and the process will repeat itself to infinity.' Utterly perplexed as to his situation, Caleb ended his turn, with not even the crowd roaring him on helping. Meanwhile Astrid briefly stepped out to gulp down some water provided by Belle, before she took her 6th turn.

(Astrid hand: Cyber Dragon Nachster, Pre-preparation of Rites, Runick Tip, Inspector Boarder)

Astrid: 'I'll draw and activate Runick Tip, to add Runick Flashing Fire to my hand and then banish another card from the top of your deck.' So preoccupied by his field situation was Caleb that he hadn't noticed his deck gradually get shaved down to a mere 9 cards after Tip. 'And then I'll Flashing Fire to destroy Alba Zoa, then banish another two. And I'll also place back three Runick spells with Fountain to draw 3 cards. I end my turn with another face-down.'

(Caleb hand: Pot of Avarice)

Caleb: 'I'll draw and activate my Pot of Avarice to return five cards from my graveyard to my deck, then draw two. Then I'll summon Fallen of Albaz (Atk:1800), and use it to fuse with your Sleipnir.' 'I'll activate the effect of By Order of the Emperor.' 'And I'll use Twister, it costs 500 Life points (Caleb LP:5300-4800), but destroys your Trap. Meaning that Albaz's effect resolves.' Finally, Caleb gained some momentum as he removed the irritant that was Sleipnir from the field. 'I'll summon Mirrorjade the Iceblade Dragon (Atk:3000).'

'And I'll meet it with Torrential Tribute, which wipes the board.' As the torrent of water swept every monster away, Caleb appeared calm. 'Soon enough, your points, just like our monsters, will be history. I end my turn for now.' 'You talk a big game but you're not exactly delivering it right now. I'd be disappointed but I know nothing can live up to a servant of destruction. If this is where you fall, just know your god will be proud of you, because you did the best you could. And it wasn't enough.' With these fighting words, Astrid took her turn.

(Astrid hand: Cyber Dragon Nachster, Pre-preparation of Rites, Inspector Boarder, Runick Slumber, Runick Slumber)

Astrid: 'I'll draw and activate Runick Slumber, to summon Freki the Runick Fangs (Atk:2000). And I'll attack with it, because while no battle damage is inflicted when it battles, it does banish two from your deck.' With the mystical wolf-like Freki charging in to no effect, a golden hue came over Caleb's deck, and a further two cards vanished. 'I end my turn.'

(Caleb hand: Dogmatika Adin, the Enlightened)

Caleb: 'You can continue to insult me, because it's only yourself that you're insulting. Every word that comes out of your mouth reminds me that you're little more than a delicate wallflower, fighting desperately to prove that she is more than she believes. So carry on insulting, because it's only your truth you're hiding. I can only imagine the dark places you've been to in order to become this person, and I can only imagine the dark places you've been to in order to receive the power you hold.'

'I'll draw and I summon Dogmatika Adin, the Enlightened (Atk:1000). I'll attack into your Freki, and as you said before, no battle damage may be inflicted.' 'That may be, but two more cards from your deck are lost.' Adin tried to calm the beast with a blue pulse from his hand while his voice echoed, only for Freki to reflect it and destroy Adin. 'When Adin is destroyed, I can call out another Dogmatika from my deck. I'll summon Dogmatika Fleurdelis, the Knighted (Atk:2500).'

'Now Fleurdelis can attack, gaining 500 Attack points as it does (Atk:2500-3000).' This was enough to destroy Freki, but at the cost of four precious cards. 'When Freki is destroyed, I can return a Runick Quick-Play spell from my graveyard to my hand. I choose Slumber.' 'Your only choice, is it not? I will end my turn there. You may be proving to be a tough opponent, but I have overcome challenges before, and you will be no different.'

(Astrid hand: Cyber Dragon Nachster, Pre-preparation of Rites, Inspector Boarder, Runick Slumber, Runick Slumber, Kuribandit)

Astrid: 'I'll draw and activate Runick Slumber, to summon Munin the Runick Wings (Def.:2000). Then I'll summon Kuribandit (Atk:1000).' 'You're just full of the surprises, aren't you? Well it's not going to work, I'm still going to win.' What this told everyone else was that Caleb still had his resident confidence. What it told Freja and Belle was that he was starting to get disspirited at the lack of progress.

'I'll end my turn, and the effect of Kuribandit will excavate 5 from the top of my deck, and I'll add a Spell or Trap to my hand.' As she excavated (Runick Slumber, Extra-Foolish Burial, Barrier Statue of the Drought, Runick Fountain, Synchro Zone), she had a simple decision. 'I'll take Synchro Zone.'

(Caleb hand: Dogmatika Maximus)

Caleb: 'My turn again and I will banish Mirrorjade from my graveyard to summon Dogmatika Maximus (Atk:1500). Fleurdelis, attack Munin, and give all my monsters 500 more Attack (Atk:3000-3500; Maximus Atk:1500-2000).' Fleurdelis' spear dug right into Munin's thin body, and essentially gored it, leaving the way open. 'And now I'll attack directly with my Maximus.' Maximus raised its arms, and a roasting light emerged from the heavens, directed at Astrid, dealing her damage after nearly 35 minutes of play (Astrid LP:8000-6000). 'I end my turn.'

(Astrid hand: Cyber Dragon Nachster, Pre-preparation of Rites, Inspector Boarder, Runick Slumber, Synchro Zone, Threatening Roar)

Astrid: 'I'll draw and set two cards before ending my turn.' 'You're on the run now, the moment you took damage you completely disintegrated. Some champion you are.' 'More of a champion than you'll ever be' she struck back, before informing him 'I could have chosen any deck, but I chose this specific one. You know why? Because I want to see you squirm and suffer. I want everyone to suffer until they bow down and recognise our superiority, until they acknowledge my superiority. I will dominate you and I will destroy you for the glory of his revolution.'

(Caleb hand: Necroface)

Caleb: 'I draw and I'll summon the ghastly Necroface (Atk:1200). When it's summoned, I can return every single banished card to the decks, undoing all your hard work. And for each card, it gains 100 Attack points (Atk:1200-5100).' 'While you're adding all that up, I'll make it totally irrelevant with Synchro Zone. This stops any monsters from attacking apart from Synchro monsters.' Unable to muster continued pressure, Caleb ended his turn, now looking incredibly fed-up at the situation, while the impatient crowd started shouting "boring" and booing Astrid heavily.

(Astrid hand: Cyber Dragon Nachster, Pre-preparation of Rites, Inspector Boarder, Runick Slumber, Cyber Dragon)

Astrid: 'I'll draw and summon Inspector Boarder (Atk:2000). I end my turn.'

(Caleb hand: Dogmatika Fleurdelis, the Knighted)

Caleb: 'I draw and I'll just end my turn.' Desperate to induce a reaction, Caleb probed further. 'Do you really think your gods would be proud of you for trying to win like this? Do you think they'd consider you a suitable servant?' 'I receive the guidance to honour them, if they have an issue with how I do it, a sign will make itself clear. And right now it hasn't, so I take it that they are appeased.'

(Astrid hand: Cyber Dragon Nachster, Pre-preparation of Rites, Runick Slumber, Cyber Dragon, Soul Charge)

Astrid: 'I'll draw.' As she did, her eyes glazed over, as she revealed what she had hidden all along. By discarding Cyber Dragon, I can summon Cyber Dragon Nachster (Atk:200). When Nächster is summoned, it revives the Cyber Dragon I just discarded (Atk:2100).' 'So you're serving another overlord? No wonder you seem so content on their pride.' 'Say what you like, but he's taken me to the next level, before I was strong, but mentally, I was weak.'

As she took her next card, she proudly declared 'Now I am not weak, now mentally, I am strong! I activate Pre-Preparation of Rites, to add a Ritual Spell to my hand, then add a Ritual monster that is mentioned on that Spell. And I'm going to add something that you might have heard of, but you certainly will never have faced - Five Star Twilight.' These three words made Caleb stumble back in shock. 'No shot he gave you this.'

'What can I say, he trusts me to do the right thing. I activate Soul Charge now, to revive Munin at the cost of 1000 Life points (Astrid LP:6000-5000). And I can activate Runick Slumber to obtain the final piece of the puzzle, Hugin the Runick Wings (Atk:0). Now I will activate the Ritual spell Five Star Twilight! I have to tribute monsters of Levels 1-5, so I sacrifice Level 1 Nachster, Level 2 Hugin, Level 3 Geri, Level 4 Boarder, and Level 5 Cyber Dragon. When these five stars align, the ancient dragon of wonder will shine, I summon Twilight Dragon.' She declared this, and a large pair of wings coloured dark purple with a constellation-like pattern displayed, and after that, its long body materialised, a sky blue dragon with a magnificent plume (Atk:3000).'

No sooner had she summoned the Dragon appeared though, then Claude ran out brandishing a large block of wood, and smacked Astrid in the back with it, before doing the same to Caleb, who looked poised to try and help her out. Freja and Belle both tried to help, only for the rest of Junction 7 to jump them, with Rhydian and Celina holding them back. Claude then placed the wood on top of Astrid's throat, and started to suffocate her.

Rio then ran out, and started to fight back, only to quickly be overpowered by him, and pushed to the ground. He then turned back to Astrid, only for Rio to shout 'You want your title shot, you got it. Because I'm going to make an example out of you.' She then charged again, only to be met with the same block straight to the face. Claude looked down at the fallen Renegades, and then briefly looked up to where Finn stood in the rafters, nodding approvingly, and the great Dane took Rio's title belt before leaving with it.

While this happened, Rhydian grabbed Belle, and started trying to drag her away, only for her to swiftly duck under and smack him in the face with a forearm. Roy and Donny then walked out, but this proved to merely be a diversion, allowing a hooded figure to come from behind, wielding a crowbar, and smack Rhydian several times with it, running off, but turning around for long enough to let everyone see that it was Sean, now sporting a thin moustache and a long scar down his right cheek. As the show went off the air, he took his hood off, and shouted 'That one's for Maddy you son of a bitch!', before being led away by security.

Next time: Astrid faces uncomfortable truths, Freja tries to help Belle's mentality, and Blair and Jade receive life-changing help from an unlikely source. R: Ultra Evolution Chapter 32: Future Shocks