"Ladies and gentlemen, and new… Intercontinental Champion, Ms. Rainbow Dash!"
A screen showed Rainbow standing tall as she had just won the duel and was now the Intercontinental Champion. Confetti came down around her as the screens around her lit up, showing the many jerseys of her opponents as they hung in the rafters for all to see.
Watching the screen from the Sweet Shoppe cafe was Zipp and Mario as the pair sat at one of the booths. It'd been a few days since Dash had left, and during that time, Zipp had slowed down on how many duels she engaged in as she was trying to refocus her mind following her loss to Rainbow. The pair looked on to see Rainbow's victory, which made the boy smile slightly.
"Looks like that's another accolade for her," said Zipp.
"Yup. Another jersey for her to hang in the rafters" stated Mario. "So you ready to get back to dueling?"
"Yeah. I just… needed some time to reevaluate myself," said the girl. "And hey, thanks for sticking by me during this small phase. Hope I wasn't too much of a burden, lover boy."
"Eh, it's whatever, rich girl."
"Here you go. Two hot chocolates," said Mrs. Cake as she brought the teens their drinks.
"Thanks," stated Mario as he tipped the married woman.
The two teens lifted their cups and smiled at each other before taking a sip.
Across the pond, as they say, Isaac was shown in the back of a cab as the World Champion was heading to a press conference for his big duel with Applejack tomorrow, the final day of the UK tour. His conversation with the country gal in the pub had been at the forefront of his mind following his last appearances. He couldn't get it out of his mind of how Aj went about getting herself the rematch with him. Eventually, the cab stopped as it snapped the World Champion out of his thoughts. Isaac sighed as he adjusted his cap and exited the cab.
Many reporters were already gathered in the main hall of the building as camera flashes went off. Small chatter was heard as Juniper came out and sat in the chair in the middle as she slid the microphone stand closer to her and cleared her throat.
"Good afternoon, everyone. I thank you all for gathering for this press conference. Today we will have both duelist speak on their behalf regarding tonight's major duel. Now let be the first to welcome, the challenger, Ms. Applejack."
Some clapping followed as Aj made her way out and sat on Juniper's left.
"And please welcome, the World Champion, Isaac."
Isaac came out as he, too, received a warm response before taking a seat on Juniper's right and scooting the chair.
"Now then, you two. Tonight is sure to be a historic night. The last time you two faced each other was back at Crown Jewel. And that duel resulted in a draw. Now, I think both of you are hoping we get a clear winner this time around. Now then, Ms. Applejack, since you personally asked for this match, I want to ask, what are you thinking heading into this second duel with Isaac? Will we see anything different than your last match?" asked Juniper as she turned it over for Aj to speak her mind.
"Is this the part where I'm supposed to say that I look forward to facin' you again, Isaac? And that I'll say somethin' to you along the lines that I'm gonna give it mah all and become champion? That what you want me to say?" stated the cowgirl with some vigor in her tone.
"If there's one thing I've proven these past months, Aj, is that I can handle my business. On my own," said Isaac as he interrupted Aj and looked at her sternly. "The question is, are you handling your business on your own, or… have you enlisted some help?"
"I think everybody knows that Applejack handles her business on her own. Clearly, you've got something on yer mind, sugarcube. So care to share with the class?" taunted Aj.
"Indeed I do. And it has to do with how you went about getting this rematch? You went to the board of the Dueling Committee and demanded them to give you a rematch when all you had to do was confront me and ask me. And I would have given it to you. So why did you do it?"
"First of all, it's none of yer business that I went to the board for this match. And you needn't worry about anything else. The only thing you need to worry 'bout sugar is me takin' yer title of World Champion."
"Well, thank you so much for clearing that up. And since you cleared that up, let me make something clear to you. Nobody is taking my title from me! Especially you!" shouted Isaac as he pointed at the country gal. "Now I get it. The past couple of months for you have been a hell of a journey. It's been eatin' at you. You've gotten alot of big opportunities, a lot of big duels, and just when you needed success, you've had a lot of big failures. And you're so freaked out by failing again that you've had to get political. Let me tell you something, that's not gonna work out the way you think it is. It's a slippery slope you don't want to go down."
Applejack smirked as she looked at her friend.
"You sound a little rattled, champ. And you should be! The last time we faced, I came this close to beating you. Closer than anybody has ever been in your latest title run. I don't need anybody to fight mah battles for me. I don't need any politics." stated Applejack. "You like being World Champion, don't you, sugarcube? Thousands of people screaming your name, sing your song every time you come out, huh? I could go get a catchy song as well, but I don't need that crutch. I have a dream as well! And that's being World Champion. Being at the top. Now I've managed to catch lightning in a bottle for a second time, and you'd best believe I'm not gonna let it go to waste. I'm not gonna squander this opportunity! So you're gonna have to think long and hard how you'll back bounce for the 100th time after I beat you and take your title!"
"Applejack, nobody understands what you're going through better than I do. I know how difficult it can be to get yourself back to the top of the mountain. I spent four years digging and clawing my way back to the top of the mountain, and I freaking did it!" stated Isaac as he spent the past four years trying to find his way back, and it resulted in his latest title reign. "But all I'm hearing from you is a bunch of excuses. You're pointing fingers, you're making excuses. And I promise you, that's not gonna get you where you want to go. I am gonna beat you, and I promise you it will be the best thing to ever happen to you."
The pair kept staring at each other as the silence that followed added to the building tension. Juniper noticed it and took that as her cue to move things along and wrap it up to avoid any confrontation as she pulled the contract out.
"Alright, I think it's time we get this contract signed," said the woman as she opened up the envelope to reveal the piece of paper and pen inside. Juniper slid it over for Aj to sign first as the cowgirl licked the pen and looked to put her name on the dotted line when she halted.
Everyone waited and wondered what was happening with her; Aj smiled as she set the pen down and pulled the microphone to her as she had a bit more to say to her friend.
"You see, sugar. You just explained yerself in front of me, and that hurt, right? And I can clearly see that you struggle outside your comfort zone of your own confidence. So, tonight in our duel. You will know real unbearable pain when you face this dragon spitting fire-"
"Hey, hey!" shouted Isaac as he cut off Aj with intensity in his voice. "You talkin' about me struggling with my confidence? You know what, okay! I struggled with my confidence, but only briefly because I checked myself! But you want to talk about unbearable pain. Unbearable pain is you believing your own hype. Your own hype that you beat me last time when everybody knows you didn't!
"These people know! Everybody else knows! And more importantly, you know as well as I do that I did. And tonight, it's my destiny, and I won't stop! But let me ask you this, city slicker? What do you do when you throw everything at me… and I don't stay down? What happens when you shoot your best shot, and you miss? Did you prepare yourself to answer these questions?" asked Aj.
"Well, country gal. The reality is being World Champion, it's not about how much pain you endure. It's not about how many veins you can make pop out of your head. It's about being undeniable. It's about being the best in the world!" emphasized Isaac. "And one thing I want you to realize Applejack, is that I'm not like any other duelist you've beaten before. I'm not Sugarcoat, I'm not Rainbow Dash! I will be the one to push you to your limits because I'm the World Champion for a freaking reason! And tonight we do all those what ifs!"
Applejack stood up after hearing Isaac's proclamation as she grabbed the pen aggressively and scribbled her name on the contract. She closed the envelope, but instead of handing it to Juniper, she began to walk around the table and came in front of Isaac as he continued to look at her. Instead of handing the contract to her friend, she slammed it before him while staring him down.
"You will do nothing because you can do nothing!" said Applejack as she spoke into the microphone in front of Isaac with fury. "I'm finished with lettin' destiny slip through my fingers. So you want to push me to places beyond mah limit, sugarcube? Great! Because everything you will find there is a nightmare you won't forget for the rest of yer life! And when I get crowned the new World Champion, you will realize that your dynasty has fallen."
The farm girl kept an intense stare at her friend.
"Yee-haw, bitch!" shouted Applejack slamming her hand on the contract, which prompted Isaac to stand up as he had enough.
Juniper put her hands on Isaac's chest to settle him down, but he swatted them away as he grabbed the contract and pointed at Aj before opening it and signing his name on the dotted line before throwing the piece of paper away and stepping to his friend with intensity and fury on his face.
"Applejack, now that I've signed that contract. I want you to realize something. This title, it's bigger than you and I. When I carry the title of World Champion, it represents a beacon of hope for kids that look like me. For anyone who shot their shot in the dark and prayed it went in! Do I think that you can become a World Champion and carry this and all its responsibilities? Absolutely. But do I think you can do it better than me? Absolutely… NOT!" said Isaac. "You think I don't feel the weight of this responsibility and what it means to represent not just this brand but this game?! You think I don't feel the animosity from all of my peers?! You think I don't feel the criticism of the world just because I hold this title?! Aj, I feel everything! And you and me, it's gonna be a fight! I know that, and everybody knows that! But there is nobody more qualified to face me than you. So understand, I plan on remaining World Champion for a long time. And when it rains, it pours. And by the end of it all, for one of us, it's gonna be champagne, and for the one… it's gonna be… just pain."
The two duelists continued to stare at each other as tonight's duel had even more meaning. It was one duelist's destiny versus one duelist's dynasty.
Thousands upon thousands of people were shown packing into the enormous stadium. The many sounds that echoed throughout this thunderous chamber served as the precursor for what was to be an intense duel. In their respective locker rooms, Applejack and Isaac were getting ready as they could hear the crowd due to how loud they were. For the pair, this duel was very different compared to their last one, as how it came to be was at the forefront of their minds. Nevertheless, the stage was set as the performers now needed to deliver another classic for the people not only in the arena but those watching at home.
At CHS, nearly the entire student body was gathered as they were all watching the duel. Celestia and Luna were also present as they hoped both alumni of CHS would put on a show for their students. However, they weren't the only ones.
"According to this ancient text, the evil one planned to raise an army of shadows to help her conquer. To do this, she selected certain individuals who harbored some deep dark desires and convinced them. The protectors of the light battled these dark individuals in an all-out war that devasted the land. This was merely the first step between the battle of light and darkness." read Twilight.
"Here's something, Madam," said Owyloysius as the AI presented Twilight with something new.
The businesswoman adjusted her glasses as her AI projected a symbol. The symbol was that of a violet-magenta horn- -rhombus alongside- two cyan-blue flames on the side resembling wings.
"This is the mark of the evil one. All her subordinates born the mark as well," stated the AI.
"What is with all these marks?" wondered Twilight as she tried to wrap her head around the seven marks of the protectors of light and now this evil one. She was trying to understand what this all meant.
"Nearly everybody is ready to see this duel happen!" said the broadcast table.
Twilight turned as she looked at the TV on the wall. She had the broadcast feed of Aj and Isaac's duel on as she lifted her glasses to rub her eyes. She, too, was curious as to why Applejack had done what she did to get a rematch with her husband. The card designer hoped that by the end of this duel, things could go back to normal as she had enough on her hands.
The lights dimmed as everybody knew what that meant. A second later, some music began to play as smoke appeared near the stage entrance, signaling the arrival of the Prince.
[Isaac emerged through the smoke with a smile on his face. The World Champion took a step forward but immediately backed at the sound of the crowd signing. He didn't expect the fans to sing as loudly as they did, but hearing that showed that they did indeed know who he was. He looked at the crowd as they sang along with his song, almost making him tear up. He egged them on to sing louder as they did just that, causing his smile to grow bigger.]
Adrenaline in my soul
Every fight out of control
Do it all to get them off their feet
Crowd is here, about to blow
Waitin' for me to start the show
Out the curtain, lights go up
I'm home
"WHOA!" said Isaac as the crowd shouted that part as loud as they could with their arms out. Pyro went off behind the World Champion as he stood in the middle of the ramp walkway.
My father said
"Boom!" said Isaac, fist-pumping the ground to set off the next set of pyro and continued to talk toward the field.
When I was younger
Hard times breed better men
(Better men)
You took it all away, I give it all away
Can't take my freedom
Here to change the game, a banner made of pain
I built my kingdom
Now you bow to me
You took my dreams but not my name
You'll follow me until the end
I am my kingdom
"70,000! I repeat, 70,000 fans on their feet, screaming and singing as the World Champion makes his way to the field!" said the lead broadcaster.
"Even in the UK, they know of him. They sing his praises, and tonight, he looks to pay them forward with a great match!" said the broadcaster partners with an English accent.
"There's a very controversial aura surrounding this duel. But tonight, Isaac looks to silence those doubts. The Prince looks to keep his kingdom intact."
Lights go down, I'm ready now
Tear this roof off for the town
Gonna give 'em what they came to see
Hear the crowd, on their toes
Ready for me to start the show
Out the curtain, lights go up
I'm home (whoa)
"WHOA!" said Isaac and the crowd as they let out another one, triggering the fireworks and pyro atop of the arena to go off for him.
The World Champion looked about, taking in the scene before him. The smile on his face never wavered as he stopped by some kids in the front row holding some homemade signs. He smiled before taking a marker and autographed it along with some of the stuff they brought; he then tossed the marker into the crowd as people went crazy for it and tried to get it for themselves. The World Champion smiled before getting on the field and turning to look at the ramp, awaiting his opponent.
Silence came over the arena as some rock music began to play. At the entrance, a projection of a kingdom came on the titration and on the LED boards surrounding the dueling arena as they were part of this massive kingdom that was formed. A second later, the music played, and Applejack came out.
[Applejack appeared as she held something in her hand and stood before the crowd. The farm girl was holding a torch as she took in the atmosphere before her and looked at Isaac, who was waiting for her.
What you see is what you get
And I don't care if you get all of it
What you see is what you get
And I don't care if you get all of it
I'm the baddest that you've ever seen
I eat sleep breathe win everything
[The farm girl turned to look at the screen behind her showing the castle of the kingdom. She smirked before turning to look back at Isaac as she lit the torch on fire. The country gal then held the lit torch up high for all to see while keeping her gaze on the World Champion.]
Ascending to the sky
My mind is on me
Never saying die
As they fall to their knees
I took it every side
Who's it gonna be
I'm your weakness
Mastered secret
I won't lose it's time
I'm a student to the game
Applejack then lowered the torch to the ramp as for a second, the screen behind her showing the castle became engulfed in flames. Soon the fire and magma spread from where Aj touched the ramp as the LED boards all turned red and began to flow toward the kingdom where Isaac stood as it, too, set on fire. The country gal dropped the torch as she walked down the ramp with purpose in her steps.
"How symbolic. Pomp and circumstance, and yet she did it all with just a simple gesture." said the lead broadcaster at how Applejack did just as grand of an entrance as Isaac did without all the excess theatrics.
"You talk symbolic. Let me educate the viewers at home. The torchbearer was used to show when the King or a ruler has died. Applejack is showing and letting Isaac know that not only has his kingdom been burned to ashes, but that she's saying his time as the Prince has come and passed," explained the English broadcaster. "This warrior bows to no Prince."
Applejack approached the field as Isaac tightened his cap. The country gal got in the face of the World Champion, the two duelists pressing their foreheads against each other as they both took steps to the side as the other followed. It was clear the issue between the two friends was deep and personal as they didn't dare get out of each other's faces. The referee tried to get in between the two to separate, but Isaac and Applejack weren't doing that. Eventually, more officials came and managed to break the two while still staring down.
"Alright. You know the rules. You may shake hands if you will." said the ref.
Neither Isaac nor Applejack extended their hands out to show respect as they turned and made their way to their side of the field. The two duelists strapped on their duel disks and activated them as they projected their card trays.
"Opponent detected. Streaming data. Duel mode set. Initiating. Commencing duel." said their duel disks.
Isaac's Life Points: 8000-
Applejack's Life Points: 8000-
"Let's duel!" shouted both duelists.
Their portraits appeared on the screens as it highlighted Isaac's, signaling he got the first turn.
Turn 1: Isaac (Hand 5)
"It's my move! And I'll begin by discarding one card to special summon my Apprentice Illusion Magician(2000/1700)!" stated Isaac as his magician girl appeared and twirled her staff. "Next, her effect activates, which allows me to add my Dark Magician to my hand." His duel disk ejected his card for him to grab as he added it and looked at Aj. "I set one card facedown and end my turn."
Turn 2: Applejack (Hand 5)
"My turn!" shouted the farm girl as she wasn't going to hold back. "I activate Polymerization!"
Isaac's eyes widen at how Applejack was already fusion summoning off the bat.
"I fuse my Predaplant Byblisp and Chlamydosundew!" Applejack's two monsters swirled together in a vortex of green light. "I combine my carnivorous reptile and venomous predator and let a vicious new plant bloom!" Applejack took the card, her duel disk ejected as she held it up high. "I Fusion Summon Predaplant Chimerafflesia(2500/2000)!" A large coil of vines burst from the chasm and splayed out on the field. A large circular mouth ringed with teeth and surrounded by plump pink petals was at the end of the largest of the vines, and two smaller mouths rose beside it on smaller vines.
"I activate my Chimerafflesia's ability! Once per turn, I can banish a monster on the field with a level equal to or less than it. So yer magician is gone!" exclaimed Applejack as her Chimmerafflesia lashed out its two-mouthed vines toward Isaac's monster and destroyed it. "Now, you're defenseless, Chimerafflesia, attack him directly!"
The plant lashed out its vines at Isaac as then hit him in the chest, and tumbled him to the ground. The World Champion grunted as he sat up and looked at Applejack as she held a cold expression.
Isaac's Life Points: 5500-
"Thanks… I activate my facedown. Dark Horizon!" shouted Isaac. "I may have taken damage, but that has allowed me to summon my… Dark Magician Girl!" Isaac's top female magician appeared, spun her staff, and gave a wink before striking a pose.
"Hmph. When my Predaplant Byblisp is sent to my graveyard, I can add a 'Predaplant' monster from my deck to my hand. I place one card facedown!" scoffed Aj.
Turn 3: Isaac (Hand 5)
"My move," said Isaac as he drew his card and looked at his hand. The World Champion looked at his female magician as she turned to her master and nodded. Isaac gave a nod as he picked a card from his hand. "I activate the spell card, Sage's Stone! Since I control my Dark Magician Girl, I can summon my Dark Magician!" A portal opened as out came the duelist's ultimate wizard; he summoned his staff with his open hand and it appeared.
"Next, I play the spell card, Thousand Knives, to eradicate your weed!" stated Isaac as thousands of tiny magical daggers appeared beside his two magicians before they all flew toward Aj's monster, which was shredded to pieces, leaving her defenseless. "Attack my magicians, Double Dark Magic Attack!"
Both spellcasters had their staffs charge up before leaping into the air; the pair pointed and fired their attacks as it headed toward Aj, who covered up and tanked the hit. Her hat blew off, but she grabbed it and planted her feet firmly to stand her ground and not budge from the powerful attack.
Applejack's Life Points: 3500-
Once the attack ceased, Applejack dropped her arm to look at Isaac. The World Champion held a stern expression as he wasn't showing any mercy to his friend. Both duelists growled like wild animals fighting for territory.
"That all you got, hillbilly?!" taunted Isaac as he disrespected Aj by calling her.
"I'm gonna kick yer ass!" stated Aj.
"Yee-haw, bitch!" said Isaac as he threw Aj's own taunt in her face before setting a card facedown.
Turn 4: Applejack (Hand 3)
"My move. And first… I use the effect of Chimerafflesia in my graveyard. The turn after it gets destroyed, I can add a Fusion card from my deck to my hand." She touched her screen, knowing which card she wanted from her deck, and clicked on it without looking as it slid out for her to grab. "I'll then play this, Fusion Recovery so that I can get my Polymerization and Predaplant Byblisp back into my hand. Then I'll summon Predaplant Ophrys Scorpio(1200/800)!" A black scorpion appeared before Applejack, roots on its back running up to a plant sprout behind its stinger tail.
"Now the effect of my Scorpio activates. When he's summoned, I can send one monster from my hand to the grave, and in exchange, I can special summon one 'Predaplant' monster from my deck. So I send my Predplant Byblisp once again. And remember, Byblisp's own effect means I can add a 'Predaplant' monster from my deck to my hand. And as for my Scorpio's effect, I'm bringin' out my Predaplant Flytrap(400/800)!" The ground in front of Applejack cracked open. A small spindly vine with hand-like leaves and a pair of jaws formed from two large leaves grew up from the crack.
"I then activate my Flytrap's ability and place a Predator Counter on yer monster!" Flytrap opened its jaws and shot a glowing purple seed at Dark Magician. The seed landed on Dark Magician's shoulder and sprouted into a tangled mass of green and purple vines, a growth in their center pulsing with purple light. "Now yer monster's level drops to 1. Now, attack!" Applejack pointed as her monster lowered to the ground and slithered like a serpent toward Isaac's monster.
"Flytrap's ability destroys any monster it battles with a lower level!" The country gal's monster stopped before its target, raised and opened its jaws. The Predator Counter on Dark Magician glowed brighter and exploded in a cloud of green spores. The spores fell around Flytrap, taking on the same glow as the counter. Flytrap grew taller and bigger until it towered over its target, and its jaws were as large as a person. It dove down and snapped its jaws over Dark Magician's head. The monster convulsed and exploded in a spray of purple and green spores.
"When Flytrap destroys a monster with that effect, its level increases by its level. So my Flytrap is now Level 9."
"Yeah, well, by destroying my Dark Magician, my Dark Magician Girl now gains 300 extra attack points because he's in the graveyard!" stated Isaac.
"I place one card facedown and end my turn," stated the country gal.
Turn 5: Isaac (Hand 2)
"It's my turn! I draw! I'll play the spell card, Magic Formula, to raise my Dark Magician Girl's attack points by 700!" stated Isaac as his monster's strength rose to 3000. "Dark Magician Girl, destroy her Flytrap!"
"I reveal my facedown, Fiendish Chain!" stated Applejack as her card flipped up, and four black chains appeared. They wrapped around Dark Magician Girl as she tried to free herself but couldn't. "Now yer girlfriend can't attack, and her effects are negated! Let's see you save her this time!" Isaac gritted his teeth at Applejack, stopping his move. He looked over at his magician as she tried to free her limbs but couldn't.
"I end my turn!"
Turn 6: Applejack (Hand 4)
"My move! And I'll use Flytrap's ability to put a Predator Counter on yer Dark Magician Girl!" commanded the country gal as her monster fired a purple seed and landed on the spellcaster's shoulder before wrapping her in vines as well. "Now, Flytrap, destroy her!"
The small monster slithered toward Isaac's Dark Magician Girl; a second later, she burst into an explosion, causing Isaac to cover up with his arm.
"I'm sorry, Mana," said Isaac to his Dark Magician Girl as he apologized to her.
"Scorpio, let him feel it!" shouted Applejack. Her monster leaped onto Isaac's hand and stung it, causing the World Champion to feel pain before flicking it away as it landed.
Isaac fell to a knee as he held his left hand where the sting left a red mark. He shook his hand as the red spot faded away, and the pain began to cease.
Isaac's Life Points: 3300-
"That makes us near even!"
"Not for long. Because of my Magic Formula's effect, when it's destroyed, I gain 1000 Life Points!" responded Isaac.
Isaac's Life Points: 4300-
"Well, I ain't done. Because from my hand, I'm activating the quick-play spell, Predaprime Fusion! So now I combine both of my monsters!" Aj's two monsters were sucked into a vortex as green and purple lights emitted. "I Fusion Summon, Predaplant Ambulomelides(1000/2500) in defense mode!" A roar was heard as a plant-like dino appeared with a fern on its back, and its tail was also spiky with ferns. "When my monster is fusion summoned, I can add a 'Predaplant' monster or 1 'Preda' spell/trap card from my deck, graveyard, or Extra Deck." Aj touched her duel screen and took the card she wanted. Her duel disk ejected the card from within her deck as she looked at it.
"I set it facedown!"
Turn 7: Isaac (Hand 2)
"My move," said Isaac as he was trying to find a way to break through.
"Come on, city slicker! Make me feel pain!" shouted Applejack.
"I summon Berry Magician Girl(400/400)! And since I summoned her, I can now select a different 'Magician Girl' to add to my hand." A tiny baby magician appeared as she landed on Isaac's shoulder and sucked on her pacifier. "Alright, Berry. Your call."
The tiny baby looked at the duel screen of her master's as she was wondering which of her big sisters to select given their predicament.
"Chocolate," responded the toddler.
"Alright, then," smiled Isaac as he made his selection and grabbed the card that his deck ejected. "I'll then end my turn!"
"I hate to say it, but I think your father is struggling," said Sunny as the crew were all watching in the massive viewing room.
It was clear that compared to their last duel, Applejack was more in control this time around, as Isaac was struggling even to build a good foundation to counterattack.
Turn 8: Applejack (Hand 4)
"My turn. And I play the spell card, Predapruning. With this, I can revive my Predaplant Chimerafflesia!" stated Applejack as she had another deadly monster on her field. "And then I play Polymerization to fuse my Chimerafflesia with my Predaplant Cordyceps in my hand!"
"She's fusing a Fusion Monster?" said Pipp as she was curious about Aj's move.
"I Fusion Summon, Predaplant Dragostapelia(2700/1900)!" A dark cloud appeared before a growl was heard as eyes pierced through the dark mist. Soon it parted, and a dragon stood as it spread its wings and landed in front of the country gal before roaring once more.
"That's not good," said Sunny.
"I activate my Dragostapelia's effect, it allows me to put a Predator Counter on yer monster and drop its level to 1. Furthermore, any of yer monsters with a Predator Counter have their effects negated. Next, I activate my Byblisp's effect from the grave. Since there's a monster with a Predator Counter out, I can revive it, but it's banished when it leaves the field. Then I'll activate my Ambulomelides' effect, so I can tribute any monster with a Predator Counter on it to summon a 'Predaplant' monster from my deck. So I'll tribute yer Berry Magician Girl to bring out my Predaplant Darlingtonia Cobra(1000/1500)!" A snake with a body-like plant vine slithered in front of Applejack, its jaws patterned like flower petals.
"Since I summoned Darlingtonia Cobra from my deck, I can use its ability. So I add one 'Polymerization' or 'Fusion' spell card from my deck to my hand. Then, I summon Predaplant Pterapenthes(300/2100)!" A small cubby plant-like pterosaur appeared as it screeched.
"She's not gonna…" said Hitch as everybody in CHS was in disbelief at Applejack having an entire field full of monsters and having a Fusion spell currently in her hand. Their suspicions were confirmed as Applejack took the Fusion spell she received and held it out.
"I play Polymerization! And fuse my Pterapenthes, Darlingtonia Cobra, and Byblisp! Yee-haw, bitch!" shouted Applejack as she held the card up high. Her three monsters were sucked into a swirling vortex, and her hair began to flap in the wind as green and purple lights appeared. "I Fusion Summon, Predaplant Triphyoverutum(3000/3000)!" Applejack slammed the card her duel disk ejected from the Extra Deck compartment onto her card tray. It shined with a bright purple light as the monster descended. The three heads of the beast roared while standing on its hind legs, spreading its wings and toppling its comrades.
"No freaking way!" shouted the teens, apart from Mario.
In the blink of just one turn, Applejack had filled her field at one point full of monsters, got rid of Isaac's small magician, leaving him defenseless, and now had three… count'em. Three fusion monsters on her field. In the arena, Isaac stared down Aj's army of plants as they looked ready to tear him to shreds. Applejack was smiling up a storm as she had her foe right where she wanted.
"I told you, city slicker. I can beat you. All I needed was one more match." smiled the country gal. "Now, Triphyoverutum, attack!" The three-headed beast opened all of its mouth as it looked to deliver a tri-attack energy beam attack.
"Let's hope this works," said Isaac as he touched his duel screen to activate his facedown. "I reveal my trap, Nutrient Z. Whenever, I'm about to take 2000 or more points of damage, this card lets me gain 4000 Life Points!"
Isaac's Life Points: 8300-
The tri-attack was fired as all three beams concentrated into one; Isaac put his arms up to defend himself, trying to stand his ground. The World Champion managed to hang on as the attack ceased. He then dropped to a knee as he rested his arm on it.
Isaac's Life Points: 5300-
"Dragonstepelia!"
Isaac looked up as Aj's second monster was flying toward him as its mouth was open. It fired another attack as he wasn't prepared to cover up and was knocked back by the attack. The World Champion crashed onto the floor as he tumbled. His cap was knocked off and laid before him as he grunted.
Isaac's Life Points: 2600-
"His trap saved him," said Roll.
"Yeah, but barely," responded Sunny as Isaac got to his feet and had scuff marks along his body.
Applejack kept her stare at her friend who started to approach his cap slowly. Isaac picked up his cap and lifted it to his face to look at it. He then put it on his head and looked at Aj. The World Champion gave a deep breath as he looked at the country gal.
"Yer move!" remarked Aj.
Turn 9: Isaac (Hand 3)
"My move," said Isaac as he placed his two fingers on top of his deck. He took a deep breath as he hoped to draw something to turn this duel around. "I play Graceful Charity. So I draw threw cards and discard two." Isaac picked up his three cards as he looked at one of them. "One of the cards I drew was my Palladium Oracle Mahad(2500/2100). And I draw Mahad, I can summon him!" Out came a spellcaster wearing golden Egyptian garments as he stood before his master. "Next, I play this. Card of Sanctity. Now we each draw till we're holding six cards in our hands."
Both duelists drew their cards as they replenished their hands. They each took a moment to look at their hand as each had a different look.
"Now, Mahad, attack her Predaplant Dragonstepelia! When Mahad battles a Dark-type monster, its attack points double!" stated Isaac as his magician leaped into the air and twirled his staff. Aj's dragon took flight and looked to intercept its target before the magician thrust his staff into the dragon's neck it caused a massive light show to appear and resulted in the dragon's destruction.
Applejack's Life Points: 1200-
"I then place two cards facedown!"
Turn 10: Applejack (Hand 6)
"You may have taken down my monster, sugar. But yer spell gave me ammunition," smirked Aj as she looked at her hand. "My move! I draw. And I'll start by placing these two cards, my Scale 0 Predaplant Bufolicula and Scale 8 Predaplant Triantis in my Pendulum zones!"
"She has pendulum cards as well?!" said the main 5.
Applejack placed her two cards on the far ends of her duel disk as the word pendulum spelled out in between. The two monsters appeared in columns of light as their respective numbers appeared before them.
"Next, I activate my facedown, Predaplanning! So I send a 'Predaplant' monster from my deck to my graveyard to place a Predacounter on your Mahad!" stated Applejack as a purple seed landed on the magician's shoulder and wrapped him in vines. "Now yer monster's level drops to one. And more importantly, my Triphyoverutum's ability kicks in. It gains the attack points of yer Mahad since it has a Predator Counter on it. Now attack!"
"Remember, my Mahad's attack points double when it battles a Dark-type monster!" stated Isaac as he managed to avoid taking serious damage. Aj's monster had no trouble laying waste to his magician as it was gone.
Isaac's Life Points: 2100-
"Now Mahad's other effect activates. When he's destroyed, I can replace him with my Dark Magician from my graveyard!" stated Isaac as his ultimate wizard appeared.
"I told you, sugar, you wanted to push me beyond my limits. It was gonna be a nightmare. And look at you now. I'm gonna burn yer kingdom to the ground!" proclaimed Applejack.
Turn 11: Isaac (Hand 4)
"It's my move. I draw! And I'll summon my Chocolate Magician Girl(1600/1000). Then I activate her ability, by sending one spellcaster in my hand to the graveyard I can be able to draw one card. Next, since I control a Level 4 or below monster, I can summon my Mage Annette(1300/1700)." A brunette-haired girl appeared as she held a book in her left hand and a wand in her right. She wore glasses and a white shoulderless dress as she twirled about in a circle with magical particles emitting from the bottom of her garment.
"And when I summon my Mage Annette, I can draw another card. I now play the ritual spell card, Chaos Form! So by offering my Dark Magician as tribute, I can perform a Ritual Summon. Appear, Magician of Chaos(2500/2100)!" stated Isaac. "I then play one card facedown and end my turn."
Turn 12: Applejack (Hand 5)
"My turn, and I play Predaplast! So I reveal my Predaplant Squid Drosera, Spinodionaea, and Sarraceniant! By doing that, I can now place a Predator Counter on all of yer monsters!" stated Aj as three purple seeds appeared and latched onto Isaac's monsters. "Goodbye, sugar. It was nice knowing you."
"Aj…" said Isaac softly as he saw the stone-cold expression on the country gal.
"Yee-haw, bitch! I play Fusion Recovery, which allows me to grab a Polymerization along with my Predaplant Flytrap from my graveyard. Then, I activate the Pendulum ability of my Predaplant Triantis, so now, when I conduct a Fusion Summon, I can use my Pendulums as fusion material. So I play Polymerization and combine both of my Pendulums!" stated the country gal as the two monsters holding her scale broke it and were sucked into a swirling vortex that emitted green and purple lights.
"By craftin' these ravenous plants together, I'll create a botanical nightmare. You'll never look at greenery the same way again! I Fusion Summon! The vicious, voracious, and venomous Starving Venom Fusion Dragon(2800/2000)!" Applejack slammed her card on her duel disk, the card tray lighting up purple.
The ground shook as a massive plant bud grew behind Applejack and rose into the air. It shone purple and burst apart, a dragon flying out of it and circling the field. Its body was lithe and green, armored in hardened purple growths with thorns emerging from them. Orbs of orange light lit up its claws, shoulders, and wings, pulsing with energy. The dragon stopped its flight above Applejack, a vine-like tail lashing the air, and roared.
"Since I fusion summoned my dragon, he gets an attack boost equal to all of yer special summoned monsters!" proclaimed Applejack as her dragon's strength shot up to 6600. "Then I activate my dragon's ability, so I negate your Magician of Chao's effect and use it as my own for this turn. Next, I discard my Squid Drosera, so now my dragon can attack all of yer monsters with Predator Counters on them. And because my dragon has yer magician's effect, since I activated an effect, I can destroy one card on your field. So I'll get rid of yer Chocolate Magician Girl so you can't use her effect!"
In the blink of an eye, Isaac lost his magician as he could only look on.
"Starving Venom Fusion Dragon, wipe out his monsters and end this duel!" shouted Applejack.
Starving Venom Fusion Dragon swooped down and flew forward. The orbs covering its body sent energy streams curling into its mouth, assembling into a large fireball. The fireball launched and engulfed Isaac's field, a plume of smoke shooting into the air. The World Champion looked away, teeth gritted, as his monsters melted and exploded. The chain reaction caused a huge smoke cloud to appear.
Silence filled the arena, and everyone was watching at CHS as they all had their mouths open. Mario looked on with a curious look. The smoke remained for a few moments as Applejack was shown panting heavily; the smoke showed a figure as it disappeared, and there was Isaac. The World Champion fell to a knee as he, too, was letting out deep breaths while having his arm resting on his knee. However, the screen with their portraits was shown as Isaac's Life Point counter flashed red.
Isaac's Life Points: 0-
Applejack nearly dropped to the ground when she saw this.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new World Champion!" said the lead broadcaster as he was in a state of disbelief while standing up from his chair.
"I don't believe it," added the English commentator.
"I did it! I did it!" said Applejack as she could feel herself starting to burst into tears.
The referee was by Isaac's side as he checked on the former World Champion. He showed his duel screen as the referee saw it and then went to the announcer to inform him of something. Meanwhile, Applejack was in high spirits as she finally accomplished her mission. She was about to take a victory lap with her monsters when the ref whispered into the announcer's ear and informed him. He nodded before clearing his throat and spoke into his microphone.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I have just been informed. That this duel… is not over!" said the announcer.
"What?" muttered Aj as she looked on in disbelief.
The screen showed the replay as just before Aj's attack hit, Isaac touched his duel screen to make the facedown card he had flip up. It caused some muttering among the people in the arena and at CHS, as they were wondering how Isaac was still able to duel with his Life Points at zero.
"You son of bitch! What card did you activate that…" Applejack gasped as she now put together what card Isaac played to keep this duel going. And it was a card she had plenty of experience with.
Isaac stood up as he rotated his right arm before thrusting his hand out.
"Relay Soul!" declared Isaac as his trap appeared for all to see. "I can activate this card when my Life Points reach 0. Now, I special summon one monster from my hand. Then if that monster is destroyed, I lose the duel. So my fate rests with this… my Palladium Oracle Mana(2000/1700)!" said Isaac as his monster appeared.
The crowd roared as they were amazed by Isaac's insane move of being able to hang on and keep dueling. Applejack felt a sense of anger and fury beginning to boil inside of her as she hated that her friend managed to find some BS to keep fighting.
"Wow!" said Zipp, as she couldn't believe what she was watching.
"So, what happens now?" asked Izzy.
"Well, the duel continues as planned. So it's still Applejack's turn, and she still has a monster to attack with," explained Roll.
"Predaplant Triphyoverutum wipe out his Palladium Oracle Mana!" instructed Applejack.
"I activate the effect of my Electromagnetic Turtle from my graveyard. By banishing it, I can end the battle phase!" shouted Isaac as his small turtle appeared and let loose all the electricity inside of it. It caused all of Aj's monsters to suffer paralysis as they were stunned.
"I gonna make you pay, sugar!" threatened the country gal.
Turn 13: Isaac (Hand 2)
"Alright then," said Isaac as he turned his cap backward to show he was serious. He placed his hand on top of his deck and took a deep breath. "I draw! I play Magicalized Fusion. I can conduct a Fusion Summon by banishing monsters in my graveyard. So I banish Chocolate Magician Girl, Berry Magician Girl, Apprentice Illusion Magician, Mage Annette, and Mystical Elf. Together these five magicians will form an even more powerful one!" stated Isaac as the spirits of his five spellcasters appeared and were sucked into a swirling vortex. "I Fusion Summon, Quintet Magician(4500/4500)!" Emerging from the vortex was a powerful spellcaster with golden hair who wore a deep purple outfit with shades of violet and indigo blended in.
"And because I summoned my Quintet Magician using five different magicians, I can destroy all monsters on your side of the field!" proclaimed Isaac. His magician put his arms out to his side as he made magical portals appear from above Aj's field and rain down a massive blast of magic.
"Well, my Starving Venom Dragon has one more effect. When it's destroyed, all of yer special summon monsters are also destroyed. Therefore, your Palladium Oracle Mana is gone, and you lose the duel when she leaves the field!" shouted Applejack over her monster's destruction.
In the blink of an eye, Isaac's magician was gone.
"Palladium Oracle Mana may be gone, but her second effect activates. When she's destroyed, I can replace her with Dark Magician Girl from my hand, deck, or graveyard. So rise, Dark Magician Girl!" said Isaac as his top female spellcaster appeared. "And therefore, the effect of Relay Soul now transfers to her."
Applejack had her eyes widen as her monsters were gone. She looked to see Isaac's magician above her with his staff in hand.
"Quintet Magician, attack!" commanded Isaac.
His monster powered up his staff before aiming it at the country gal. The attack was shown in Aj's pupil before it made contact. A giant magical explosion occurred as it covered the field. Once it died down, Applejack was shown standing tall as she refused to go down. She was covered in similar marks to Isaac as her hat laid by her feet. The country gal breathed heavily before she fell to the ground.
Applejack's Life Points: 0-
Winner: Isaac
"Ladies and gentlemen, you're winner. And still World Champion… Isaac!" said the announcer as the duel was over.
The crowd cheered as Isaac raised an arm and soaked in the atmosphere. Coneffi was fired as it began to rain down as a celebration for the World Champion. At CHS, the students all had a tingly feeling as they couldn't believe the amazing duel they saw.
"Wow! Lover boy, you're dad's something else!" said Zipp, as she praised Mario's father.
The teen merely looked away as he saw the image of his father having his hand raised as the victor. Isaac waved to the crowd as he thanked them; Applejack was shown spread out on the ground as she looked up at the sky.
"No… no," muttered the country gal.
Soon a hand came into her field of vision. She lifted her head to see Isaac was over her and offering a hand. The country gal looked at her friend as he had a smile on his face.
"Good game," said Isaac.
Applejack looked at her friend as she quickly swatted away his hand. It made Isaac gasp as Aj tried to stand up. Isaac approached her and put his hands on her shoulder as she was getting up, but Applejack just shoved her friend back. It made Isaac wonder even more as the farm girl had a furious look with a set of eyes as if she was about to cry. Before he could get anything out, Applejack turned and quickly left the field, with Isaac putting a hand out as if to call out for his friend, but she was long gone.
Applejack walked past the curtain and backstage as she refused to speak to anybody or make any eye contact. The country gal made her way to her locker room and shut the door to not allow anyone in. She immediately threw her hat off and punched the wall as let out an angry shout of frustration. Soon, she broke down as tears began to fall from her cheek, and she slumped against the wall.
Author's Note: So we finally got the rematch between Applejack and Isaac. And Aj came so close... so close. But unfortunately, close just isn't good enough when it comes to this type of situation. And it's clear the result of the duel is affecting her bad. Being able to capture lightning in a bottle a second time and being a bit more dominant in this duel compared to their last and it just slipped through her fingers by that much. Hurts. Now the question is... what happens next? All I can say is... this isn't over just yet.