Isaac was shown exiting his car, where he grabbed his backpack and looked up. The World Champion stood before the arena where they would broadcast tonight's show as he headed toward the backstage entrance. Once he passed security, the World Champion headed to his private locker room to prepare. Upon entering, he found a fruit bowl and some bottled water already prepped for him. He also saw a gift basket delivered by Juniper as he read it. The duelist then pulled out his phone as he made a call.
"Play ball!" shouted Spitfire.
The coach blew her whistle as it served as the signal to spread and start. Zipp stood in the left outfield as she adjusted her baseball cap and spat out her spit; on the pitcher's mound, Mario was shown tossing the ball up and down before lifting his head, his eyes focused as he looked at his target. Stepping up to the plate was Hitch as the boy held a baseball bat. He adjusted his helmet before lifting his bat and propped it against his shoulder. Mario looked at his friend as he wasn't gonna take it easy because they were bros. Mario got into position and lifted his leg before throwing the ball as hard and fast as possible. Hitch swung his bat as he initially missed.
"Eyes on the ball, sheriff!" shouted Spitfire as the catcher threw the ball back at Mario.
The boy smirked as he looked at Hitch, who took a deep breath. Mario decided to show his friend some mercy as he threw a slightly slower but still effective throw. Hitch saw the ball coming, so he focused and swung his bat as it made contact with the object. The ball soared through the air as Hitch began to run the bases while keeping an eye on the ball. Zipp spotted the ball coming toward her as the heiress began to chase after the object; it flew over her head as she approached the fence. Zipp pushed her legs to run even faster before jumping up as she extended her arm. The girl was shown having climbed up the top of the fence as she leaned over it. She climbed down and opened her catcher's mitt before showing she managed to catch the home run that Hitch hit.
"That's it!" said Spitfire, calling for everyone to unite.
"Oh, man," sighed Hitch as he didn't feel good.
Spitfire gathered all the students as she went down the line and told them who had made the cut and the positions they would be assigned. The woman then approached Hitch as he feared the worst; Spitfire looked at her clipboard before finding the boy's name and shifting her eyes to him, making him gulp.
"Come on, Hitch. Take it easy!" said Zipp as the heiress tried to calm her friend's nerves. "Shortstop is still a pretty good position."
"It's not the position that I'm worried about. I barely made the team!" expressed the boy as he was shown walking alongside his friends, having the most nerves after they left tryouts.
"It's in the past, bud. Plus, look at the bright side. You can tell Sunny she's dating a baseball player. That's sure to shoot up your popularity." smirked Mario as his comment worked to ease Hitch's nerves and put a cocky smile on his face, thinking about Sunny and how he could be even more popular among his peers.
"Nice one, lover boy," smirked Zipp as she gave a playful punch to Mario's shoulder for playing up Hitch's ego.
"You two just make sure you can catch the balls after I pitch them, alright," said the boy as he had secured the most crucial position of the team.
The trio arrived at Mario's dorm. When he opened the door, a wave of confetti blasted above them. Inside were the rest of their friends and a handmade banner that Izzy had made. The girl in question was shown standing on the couch as the others were gathered around it.
"Congratulations!" said the girl, celebrating her friends for making the team.
"Izzy!" yelled Mario. He didn't like the girl standing on his couch with her shoes on, which were covered in glitter.
Hitch and Zipp smiled as they followed Mario, hoping not to let the boy kill the girl for messing up his living room.
Isaac was shown in his private locker room as he sat in a chair. The World Champion was deep in thought before a knock on his door interrupted his train of thought. It opened as Juniper entered and eyed her client.
"Ready?"
"Ready!" barked Isaac as he grabbed his hoodie.
The two exited as Isaac walked toward the entrance, walking past some backstage crew. The World Champion banged his head with his hands as he psyched himself and growled before approaching the curtain. As he passed gorilla, the crew started the music for their World Champion. The crowd cheered upon seeing the duelist as he walked to the field with a purpose in his step, flanked by Juniper. As he entered, Juniper grabbed a mic before the pair stood in the center of the field while pyro went off on the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… your World Champion! The Prince! Isaac." said Juniper, giving her client a stellar introduction before handing the mic off to Isaac.
The moment Isaac held the mic, aura spilled out of the man. The crowd made noise as Isaac looked about the arena, soaking it all in as he relished it. He took a moment to close his eyes as he let the crowd chant his name speak for itself. The atmosphere surrounding the World Champion was unmatched; if it hadn't been for Isaac raising his hand to signal the crowd to quiet down, they would've gone all night just chanting his name or singing his theme. As he brought the mic up to speak, he was then interrupted. The person who interrupted him was someone he hoped coming out was none other than Sunset. True to her word, she would confront the World Champ and say what she wanted to his face. The two duelists stared at each other as neither seemed relatively happy.
"I said a lot of things about you. Some of them were harsh, but all of them were true. At least this time, you showed up instead of sending your agent for your rebuttal."
"Juniper… has nothing to do with this. This is between me and you, Sunset," said Isaac as he defended the woman who'd been by his side for most of his career.
"Seems I was right… you really are a bitch," smirked Sunset making Isaac scrunched up his nose.
It seemed things were about to get red hot when, at that moment, they were interrupted by the number one contender for Isaac's World title. It seemed Gilda didn't appreciate her moment being taken away from her as she came out abruptly to make her presence known in the rivalry between Isaac and Sunset.
"If you two morons are done trying to out-troll each other, then you seem to be forgetting something. Someone who has got next for that World title. So, Sunset, get to stepping to the back of the line!" stated the duelist as Sunset found it amusing that Gilda was trying to come out here and tell her to get in line.
"And Isaac…"
"Gilda, why don't you shut the hell up for once!" yelled Isaac. He didn't let the woman speak her peace, as the crowd loved it. "I ain't forgot about you, but why don't I do all of us a favor? Why don't you get your bitch ass down here, strap on your duel disk, and we can have our championship duel right now! Because I didn't come here to talk; I came here to fight!"
The intensity of Isaac's voice could be felt as if the crowd loved it. Gilda stared down her opponent as she so badly wanted to take his title away from him. Meanwhile, Sunset was just off the side, smiling as she loved what she saw.
"I would love nothing more than to come down there and beat your ass to take your title away from you," said Gilda. "But here's the thing, Isaac. I waited patiently to earn that opportunity to face you. I can wait a little longer. Now I look into your eyes and see you don't like me too much, and you think I hate you, like Sunset. And maybe at one time I hated you, and maybe some issues need resolving, but no, as if right now, I don't hate you, Isaac. You complete me."
"Everybody, just boo her ass!" said Isaac to the crowd as they did just that. "You tell her who you paid to see!" Isaac commanded the crowd and reminded everybody that he was the reason every seat was filled in the arena. This place was sold out because of him.
"Hear me out, Isaac…" said Gilda as the crowd didn't let her speak and continued with the boos.
"I can't hear a word you're saying; why don't you come here and say it to my face! Come on, you coward!" yelled Isaac as he incited Gilda to confront him. All the while, Sunset was just enjoying the mess she created with a smile.
"All I'm saying, Isaac, is that you shouldn't be concerned with Sunset since I'm gonna be the one to take your title before she ever has a chance. And as for you, Sunset. You don't get to make decisions about the World title scene when you're not even in it!" stated Gilda as she immediately lost her mocking smile and turned to glare at Gilda with a growl for making that comment. Now Isaac smirked at Sunset being mocked.
"Hey, Gilda. I have a great idea for you and Isaac; why don't you two sit at commentary during my match against Rainbow this weekend and get a sneak peek of what I'm capable of? Because understand this, this isn't the return of Sunset Shimmer on a dueling field. It's the starting point of getting back what I never lost, and that's being World Champion!" stated Sunset as she peered over at Isaac, eyeing the duelist. "And I guarantee you I will do something that you, the lips in your boots, the stupid cap you wear, Isaac, your wife, and your kids…"
Isaac glared at Sunset for bringing up his family in her comment.
"My ten-month absence from here could never do… is make you both interesting!" stated Sunset, getting in the face of Isaac. "Now hit my goddamn music!"
As if on cue, Sunset made her final point. She glared at Isaac before leaving, and Gilda slowly approached the field the whole time. Neither was happy with what Sunset said as she slowly went up the ramp when Gilda entered the dueling field behind Isaac and spoke.
"No! She doesn't get the last word. Cut the damn music!" ordered Gilda as Sunset paused and turned as she was halfway up the ramp to look at what Gilda had to say. "She's not even important to our match. You don't get the last word, Sunset. I want to clarify that the only thing I'm obsessed with is winning and becoming World Champion. You, Sunset, are obsessed with me. You think about me all day long, you watch me on social media, you watch me on TV because I am living your dream. You're my number one, Stan, write me back just to chill, truly yours, your biggest fan. This is Gilda."
At that moment, Isaac had enough as he turned and threw his mic into Gilda as she went down. Everybody cheered as they appreciated the World Champion dropping his next opponent to silence her.
"Hit my music!" ordered Isaac, reminding everyone who was really in charge around here.
As if on cue, his song began to play as he got the final word between Sunset and Gilda. He proceeded to get off the field and walk back up the ramp with Juniper accompanying him. Sunset was still standing halfway up the ramp when Isaac purposely bumped and shoved her out of the way as he showed disrespect to her. Sunset kept her head down and smiled as she enjoyed the fun between them.
The weekend soon arrived, as it was time for the next Duel Monsters PLE. Despite Isaac not being booked for the show, the World Champion made it a point to inform everyone on his social media that he would be at the arena in a private skybox to watch Sunset, who was performing in the main event. This would be her return debut in over ten months, and undoubtedly, such a return required a big opponent. And Rainbow wasn't one to shy away from a challenge as she stepped up to the plate.
The Intercontinental Champion arrived, and the crowd cheered her on while she made her way to the field. Isaac and Juniper sat back from his skybox as they were prepared to watch and study Sunset's moves. Backstage, watching from a monitor, Gilda also paid attention to this duel. Sunset then appeared as the crowd went wild; having been away for ten months, it got to Sunset as she was reminded what it felt like performing in front of fans. Taking a moment to let it sink in, she shifted her focus to her opponent, who was waiting for her, and proceeded down the ramp. Rainbow was doing some last-minute stretching, splitting in the middle of the field just as Sunset got on. She rotated her body to stand up as she came face to face with her friend; the two duelists locked eyes before the official appeared beside them. Giving the two the rules, the pair bumped fists on top of each other and split, taking their respective positions.
Sunset pulled out her duel disk and strapped it on. She then pulled out her deck, slotted it in as it came online, and projected a red card tray.
"Opponent detected. Streaming data. Duel mode set. Initiating. Commencing duel." said both devices.
Rainbow and Sunset drew their opening hands as their portraits appeared on the screens all over the arena.
Rainbow's Life Points: 8000-
Sunset's Life Points: 8000-
"Let's duel!" said both competitors.
The eyes of Isaac and Gilda were on this duel for their respective reasons. Rainbow's portrait was highlighted as she was given the first move.
Turn 1: Rainbow Dash (Hand 5)
"Let's kick things off, Sunset! I draw! And I'll begin by activating the field spell, U.A. Hyper Stadium!" A column of light burst up from behind Rainbow and split, fanning in a circle around her and Sunset. In its wake appeared the walls of a massive sports arena, glass windows framing spectator boxes and rows of seats. As the circular energy met again and finished forming the field, a large ring appeared floating above them and activated in rows of blue lights, holograms projecting displays and statistics of the duelists.
"Now my field spell allows me to add a 'U.A.' monster to my hand when it activates. So, I'll add my U.A. Midfielder(1200/1100), but he won't be staying in my hand for long because I then summon him!" stated Rainbow as she slammed her card on her tray, a light lit up as her monster appeared. "Then I'll switch out my Midfielder for something with just a little more power. Come on out… U.A. Dreadnought Dunker(2500/1800)!" A muscular basketball player in dark blue and black pants and a thick silver and orange chest piece appeared.
"I'll lay facedown and call it!"
Turn 2: Sunset (Hand 5)
"It's my move then," said Sunset, as it felt good to be back. "I play… this monster in defense mode." A card appeared sideways before Sunset, and it remained hidden.
"I end my turn."
"Huh?!" said Rainbow, which made Isaac's eyes widen.
Sunset just held a sly smirk. She didn't seem bothered by the fact that this was her return duel, and in her first move, she just… played one card.
"I-Is that all?" asked Rainbow hesitantly, feeling like Sunset might have made a mistake and was willing to let her restart her turn.
"What's the matter, Dash?" responded Sunset with her sly grin.
Turn 3: Rainbow (Hand 4)
"Alright then, I gave you a chance," said Dash as she drew before looking at her card. "Dreadnought Dunker, take out her monster!" The muscular basketball player put his hands together to form a blue orb before shooting it outward, and it collided with Sunset's card, resulting in smoke.
"Now my Dreadnought Dunker's ability activates. Since it destroyed your monster while in defense mode, the difference is dealt to you as damage!" stated Rainbow.
Sunset's Life Points: 6600-
Sunset stood there as her bacon-colored hair fluttered in the wind before it died. Her monster was shown for a moment before it vanished, and a prompt came on her duel screen before she thrust her hand out.
"I now activate the effect of my Mystic Tomato(1400/1100). When it's destroyed in battle and sent to the graveyard, I can special summon a Dark monster from my deck with fewer than 1500 attack points in attack mode. And I choose this… The Black Stone of Legend(0/0)!" Sunset held her card high as it shined. A black rock appeared on her field before part of it chipped off to reveal a red crystalline structure in the middle, which gave off the same color glow.
"That's not good," mumbled Rainbow as she knew what Sunset was plotting in that mind of hers. "I'll place one card facedown and end my turn."
Turn 4: Sunset (Hand 5)
"My turn. And I now activate the effect of my Black Stone of Legend. By tributing it to the graveyard, I can special summon one Level 7 or lower 'Red-Eyes' monster from my deck. And what better monster than my trusty partner? Appear… Red-Eyes Black Dragon(2400/2000)!" Fire erupted from Sunset's duel disk as it was set ablaze. The fire then began to take shape as it formed the outline of a dragon; a roar was heard before the flames burst apart and died out as standing there was not only Sunset's ace monster but an iconic one at that.
The crowd took in Sunset's monster as they were in awe. Isaac had a different expression than everyone else, as he was the reason Sunset had that monster. After her incident and reformed during their Fall Formal incident, he gave the girl that monster as a sign of not only her second chance but to showcase the untapped potential that burned deep within her. Since then, she had made that monster her own and had lived up to her burning passion.
"That's not all. Next, I play this. Polymerization! So I fuse my Flame Manipulator and Misaki the Legendary Swordsman from my hand to bring out another favorite of mine. I Fusion Summon… Flame Swordsman(1800/1600)!" A warrior in blue and orange garbs appeared, swinging his sword with flames around it before it died out.
"Next, I equip my Flame Swordsman with this… Salamandra Fusion! It gives my monster an extra 700 attack points. Now… Flame Swordsman, take out Rainbow's Dreadnought Dunker!" commanded Sunset as her warrior leaped into the air.
She must be planning something. Our monsters have the same attack points. Either way, I'm not gonna let her.
"I activate my facedown! Negate Attack!"
Sunset's monster halted as it stopped its blade just inches above her monster's head before it jumped back.
"Heh. Like that matters," smirked Sunset as she picked up another card in her hand. "I place one card facedown and end my turn."
Turn 5: Rainbow (Hand 4)
"My draw here goes! I play the spell card, Tuning!" stated Rainbow as she slid a card into her duel disk. "This allows me to add a 'Sychron' monster from my deck to my hand at the cost of sending my top card to the graveyard. So I'll take this monster: Quickdraw Synchron(700/1400), but he won't stay in my hand for long. Now, I discard one monster from my hand to summon it! Then I'll also bring out Level Warrior(300/600)!" Rainbow slapped a card onto her tray as a blue portal opened. Leaping out was a bipedal creature covered entirely in a suit of red spandex, with a cape and stars emblazoned on its chest and face.
"Now I tune Quickdraw Synchron with Level Warrior!" declared Rainbow as her two monsters leaped into the air; her tuner turned into five giant green rings that circled its comrade, who turned into three solid white stars that lined up before a yellow light surged through. "I Synchro Summon! Rise, Colossal Fighter(2800/2000)!" The light receded, revealing a massive figure in thick beige armor. It stood up, light gleaming off a green visor over its eyes, and crossed its arms.
"Thanks to my monster's effect, he gets an extra 100 attack points for every Warrior-type monster in the graveyard. And I happen to have two right now. So it has 3000 attack points!" stated Rainbow, her monster strengthened with power. "Now, Dreadnought Dunker, take out her Red-Eyes Black Dragon!" The muscular basketball player put his hands together again and shot out another blue orb that collided with Sunset's dragon, taking it out.
Sunset's Life Points: 6500-
"Colossal Fighter, take out her Flame Swordsman!"
Rainbow's other monster jumped and descended, slamming a massive fist onto Sunset's remaining monster. It jumped back after delivering its attack as Rainbow looked at the explosion cloud. An outline was shown as it belonged to Sunset, but another shadowy outline soon accompanied her. The smoke cleared as Sunset's Flame Swordsman remained on the field.
Sunset's Life Points: 6000-
"Alright, Sunset, what did you do?" asked Rainbow.
"My Flame Swordsman was equipped with my Salamandra Fusion, and I can save my monster from being destroyed by getting rid of it. I still take damage, but my monster is sticking around!" declared Sunset.
"I see. Alright, I'll admit that was good."
"And if you thought that was something, check this out. I activate my trap, Sixth Sense! Now, I declare two numbers from 1 to 6. Then you roll a die; if it lands on either of those numbers, then I draw that many cards. If not, I must discard cards based on whatever number it landed on from the top of my deck."
"A gamble, huh? I like it," smirked Rainbow, as she was all for a bit of risk. A die appeared in her hand as she grabbed it. "Call it then, Sunset!"
"I choose the numbers 5 and 6!" declared Sunset.
Rainbow threw her die as it got bigger and bounced on the field. The die continued to roll before it stopped and showed the number. Sunset smiled as the six lit up.
"Lucky me!" stated the bacon-haired duelist as she grabbed a stack of six cards from the top of her deck and fanned them out before adding them all to her hand.
"Nice to see some new moves from you. But I'm not losing this duel. I set one card facedown!" stated Rainbow.
Turn 6: Sunset (Hand 8)
"My move. I draw!" said Sunset as she picked up another card before looking at her massive hand and began to form her plan. "First, I'll equip my Flame Swordsman with this monster: Salamandra the Flying Flame Dragon(700/1600)!" A pillar of fire in the shape of a dragon's head appeared before it entered the warrior, who let out a battle cry that screamed with his burning passion and infused his sword. "Thanks to my monster's effect, he gives Flame Swordsman 700 extra attack points. Next, I summon my Red-Eyes B. Chick(800/500)!" A black egg appeared before it cracked open, and a small black dragon resembling Sunset's Red Eyes appeared; it made a cute sound and spat out a small fireball that vaporized.
"But he won't be staying around for long. Now, I'll sacrifice my adorable little hatchling to grow him up. I banish my monster to bring out… Red-Eyes Metal Darkness Dragon(2800/2400)!" The small hatching inside his egg was dragged into a void as something much larger appeared. It towered Sunset, casting a long shadow in which Rainbow was trapped. The chromatic-haired duelist could see thin red lines across the dragon's metallic black form and red gems in its wings. Its wings were like three blades fused together to create claws due to its lack of arms.
"And it doesn't stop there. Next, I send my Red-Eyes Archfiend of Lightning from my hand to the graveyard so that I can summon this… Red-Eyes Alternative Black Dragon(2400/2000)!" From above their heads appeared another dragon, which landed on the field in front of Sunset; while it looked similar to Sunset's original dragon, there were some differences. It was thicker, more muscular than its original counterpart, and had a more V-shaped head.
"Next, I use the effect of my Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon. I can special summon one dragon from my hand or graveyard. So my Red-Eyes Black Dragon rises again!" stated Sunset as her monster appeared. "Then it's time I up this duel. I overlay my Red-Eyes Black Dragon and Red-Eyes Alternative Black Dragon!" Sunset's monsters turned into orbs of light as they hovered in the air. A dark vortex appeared as it sucked in both orbs with red twinkling lights with a pillar of light emerging. "Twin Red-Eyes, combine your legendary might! Coated with steel and burning with blazing power unlike ever before to serve me! I Xyz Summon! Red-Eyes Flare Metal Dragon(2800/2400, OLU: 2)!"
The monster that emerged from the vortex was more machine than dragon. It had the form of a dragon, but its scales looked like they had been plated with black metal once again with exhaust pipes, spewing flames out of its wings. Its front claws were larger than normal, like giant shovels ready to impale its opponent, and its tail had so many spikes that Rainbow lost count.
"Now, Red-Eyes Flare Metal Dragon, attack her U.A. Dreadnought Dunker!" commanded Sunset as her dragon opened its mouth to shoot out a fireball that made contact and burned up Rainbow's monster, making her flinch.
Rainbow's Life Points: 7700-
"I now activate the effect of my Black Stone of Legend in my graveyard. I can add it to my hand along with shuffling a Level 7 or lower 'Red-Eyes' monster back to my deck. So I choose my Red-Eyes Archfiend of Lightning!" stated Sunset as she tapped her duel screen, and her two cards ejected from the graveyard slot of her device. She grabbed her first card before placing the second one on her deck, and the auto shuffler kicked in.
"I then place one card facedown. Your move!"
"Sunset really turned it around," commented Juniper as she and Isaac watched the duel intensely.
"Her Sixth Sense card was able to help her accumulate cards and string along her plan. I wouldn't be surprised if Rainbow is gonna struggle now just to keep up with her," remarked Isaac as he leaned back and rubbed his chin.
Turn 7: Rainbow (Hand 1)
"My move! And since you sent my Dreadnought Dunker to the graveyard, you made my Colossal Fighter another 100 points stronger!" stated Rainbow.
"And you triggered my Red-Eyes Flare Metal Dragon's effect!" stated Sunset. Smoke and fire began to pour out the exhaust pipes of her dragon. The smoke moved across the field toward Rainbow, causing her to cough violently for a moment before yelping in pain as ashes hit her exposed skin.
Rainbow's Life Points: 7200-
"As long as my Red-Eyes Flare Metal Dragon has at least one Xyz material on it, you get burned for 500 Life Points for every card or effect you activate!" said Sunset as Dash gritted her teeth, knowing she was in a bind.
"Colossal Fighter, take out her Red-Eyes Flare Metal Dragon!" commanded Rainbow as she looked to get rid of the menace before it became a problem. Her monster reeled back and threw a punch out that collided with the metal beast and exploded.
Sunset's Life Points: 5600-
"If you think my dragon is gone, think again. I activate my trap! Red-Eyes Spirit!" said Sunset, touching her screen as her set card flipped up. "This allows me to target one 'Red-Eyes' monster in my graveyard and special summon it. So my Flare Metal Dragon is back!" Beams of ruby red light began to shine out of Sunset's card, nearly blinding Dash. When it died down, there stood her dragon without its overlay units.
"I end my turn."
Turn 8: Sunset (Hand 4)
"My move. And I summon my Black Stone of Legend. Then I activate its ability, so I tribute it to bring out a different 'Red-Eyes' from my deck. And I choose… another Red-Eyes Alternative Black Dragon!" stated Sunset as another dragon appeared on her field. "Next, I play the spell card, Cross Xyz. It lets me Xyz summon using a monster with a level instead of a rank, so I'll overlay my Level 7 Red-Eyes Alternative Black Dragon with my Rank 7 Red-Eyes Flare Metal Dragon!"
"No way!" said Rainbow.
"I Xyz Summon… Red-Eyes Flare Metal Dragon!" shouted Sunset as she brought out another copy of her previous monster.
"Just great," groaned Dash as she dealt with a second copy of Sunset's dragon.
"You didn't think you could escape my Flare Metal Dragon, did you?" smirked the bacon-haired duelist. "Now… I activate my monster's ability. By using one overlay unit, I can target one 'Red-Eyes' Normal monster in my graveyard and summon it. So my Red-Eyes Black Dragon returns!" The beast rose as it let out a fierce roar.
"Next, I activate the effect of my Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon. I can special summon one 'Red-Eyes' monster from my hand or graveyard. So, my Red-Eyes Alternative Black Dragon is also making a comeback! But I'm far from done!"
"Oh, boy!" said Rainbow.
"I now play another Polymerization, and this time, I fuse my Red-Eyes Black Dragon with the Summoned Skull in my hand!" Sunset's deck began to glow bright red as the cards were ejected while another portal opened above her. "The cruelty of the demon combines with the might of the dragon! Their powers combine to force all to bow in its presence! I Fusion Summon! Archfiend Black Skull Dragon(3200/2500)!"
Red lightning began to strike the ground behind Sunset, revealing her monster. From what everyone could see, it was standing in the field behind her, so only its upper body was visible. Red sinews of flesh were exposed and bound tightly while bits of black dragon scales formed the skeleton over it. Flames were shooting out around its long neck as it looked at Dash.
"Now… Archfiend Black Skull Dragon, attack!"
The flames around Archfiend Black Skull turned orange to black as its mouth opened. The black flames poured out of the dragon's mouth before it shot forward and melted away Rainbow's sole monster. Then, the flames exploded as she was pushed back and skidded to a halt.
Rainbow's Life Points: 7100-
"Now, I activate the effect of my Archfiend Black Skull Dragon! Once the battle is over, I can return one 'Red-Eyes' Normal monster in my graveyard to my deck to burn you for the same amount of damage as its attack points!" stated Sunset as her duel disk ejected the card for her to grab before slotting it into her deck and the auto shuffler did its thing.
Rainbow watched another torrent of flames come toward her with such force that it knocked her off her feet and onto her back, rolling backward for a moment or two. Dash was panting hard when the flames subsided while on her hands and knees.
Rainbow's Life Points: 4700-
"I now activate the effect of my Colossal Fighter! Since you destroyed him, I can revive a Warrior-type monster in my graveyard. So I'll bring him back!" stated Rainbow.
"Well, it's gonna cost you. Remember my Red-Eyes Flare Metal Dragon's ability? You take 500 points of damage for activating that effect!" said Sunset as a fireball shot forward and collided with Dash, who covered up.
Rainbow's Life Points: 4200-
"I set one card facedown and end my turn."
Turn 9: Rainbow (Hand 2)
"My move! I summon Speedroid Maliciousmagnet(0/0)!" said Rainbow as her magnet monster appeared. "I now activate its ability! Now I can use one of your monsters and my Maliciousmagnet to Synchro Summon a Wind Synchro monster. So I'll take your Red-Eyes Alternative Black Dragon!"
"Well, that's gonna cost you!" said Sunset as her dragon fired another fireball toward her opponent.
Rainbow's Life Points: 3700-
"Now… I tune my Maliciousmagnet with your Red-Eyes Alternative Black Dragon!" declared Dash as her monster turned into a single giant green ring that circled its comrade, who turned into seven white stars lined up with a yellow light surging through. "Watch as the essence of that monster takes shape! Watch as it is forged by raw power! I Synchro Summon! Take flight, Crystal Wing Synchro Dragon(3000/2500)!"
"Impressive, but my Archfiend is still the stronger monster!" said Sunset.
"For now, but first things first, Colossal Fighter… take out her Red-Eyes Flare Metal Dragon!" commanded Dash as her monster jumped into the air, brought its fist down on the metal beast, and exploded.
Sunset's Life Points: 5200-
"Crystal Wing, your turn. Take aim at her Archfiend Black Skull Dragon!" commanded Rainbow as her dragon soared upward. "Due to my monster's ability, it gains the attack points of your monster when it battles!"
"Yeah, but Archfiend Black Skull Dragon's effect activates when it battles. So you can't activate any card or effects until the end of the battle. So your dragon won't be getting its boost."
"I'll see your counter and raise you with one of my own, Sunset! Crystal Wing's special ability activates! Not only can I pump the brakes on your monster's ability, but I can destroy it altogether!" commanded Dash as her dragon had its wings shiny before emitting a particle shower that rained over Sunset's monster, making it vanish. "And then Crystal Wing gains the monster's attack points, which it negated and destroyed. So now… it has 6200 attack points. Now… take out her Flame Swordsman! Crystal Cataclysmic Strike!"
Rainbow's dragon roared as it began to zigzag all over the air and zoomed toward Sunset's field. The bacon-haired duelist raised her arm to cover herself as Rainbow's dragon made contact with her monster. She managed to stand her ground as she fell to a knee and panted heavily once the attack died down.
Sunset's Life Points: 1500-
"So, how'd you like that, Sunset?" taunted Rainbow.
"I felt you'd pull out your big guns, Rainbow. Now… I activate my facedown. Call of the Haunted! With this trap, I can bring back a monster in my graveyard, and I choose my Archfiend Black Skull Dragon!"
"Well, enjoy it while it lasts, 'cause I'm gonna destroy it on my next turn!"
"There's more. Since you destroyed my Flame Swordsman while my Salamandria, the Flying Flame Dragon, was equipped, its effect activates. Since it was sent to the graveyard, I can add one 'Salamandria' spell or trap card from my deck to my hand." Sunset touched her duel screen as she scanned her entire deck before making her choice and clicking confirm. The card slid out for her to grab as she took it.
"I end my turn."
Turn 10: Sunset (Hand 2)
"It's my move, so stand back! I draw! I play the continuous spell card Flame Swordsrealm. Next, I'll summon this little guy. Rocket Warrior(1500/1300)!" said Sunset as her monster materialized before her. "Then I'll attach my Archfiend Black Skull Dragon with this… my Black Metal Dragon(600/600)!" A long, thin dragon appeared that looked more like machine than monster. It's almost black chrome-like body shined brightly under the lights of the arena while its tail was covered in long spikes, three of them on every segment.
"By attaching my Black Metal Dragon to my monster, it gains 600 extra attack points. Now, Rocket Warrior, enter Invincible mode!"
Sunset's monster began to pull in its arms and limbs as it became a rocket. With her command given, the rocket rushed forward toward its target. Rainbow's monster put its hand out as it came in contact with the tip of the rocket, holding it back.
"Now I activate the effect of my Flame Swordsrealm! Once per turn, when a monster declares an attack, I can target one Warrior monster I control and until the end of the turn, it loses 1000 attack points, but in return, all my other monsters gain 1000 extra attack points. So my Rocket Warriors is gonna take one for the team. Because due to its effect, not only does he survive the battle during my turn, but I won't take any damage!" said Sunset as her monster was pushed back by Rainbow's giant and landed back on her field before it popped out its limbs and head, holding its sword and shield. "And there's more, any monster my Rocket Warrior attacks, it loses 500 attack points till the end of the turn."
Rainbow's Colossal Fighter felt some of its power being zapped away as it was the beginning of the end for Dash.
"Now… Archfiend Black Skull Dragon, take out her Colossal Fighter!" shouted Sunset as her monster fired a stream of black flames that made contact with the warrior and exploded.
Rainbow's Life Points: 2100-
"And now… the effect of my Archfiend Black Skull Dragon activates. So I can shuffle my Red-Eyes Black Dragon from my graveyard back to my deck and deal you damage equal to its attack point," smirked Sunset as she held her card for Rainbow to see.
Fire erupted from her card and took the shape of a dragon before spreading its wings out. Rainbow could only look onward as it headed toward her. She stood her ground and tried not to be pushed back, but the power of the fire was too much and was taken off her feet. Rainbow crashed to the floor and tumbled backward before coming to a halt.
Rainbow's Life Points: 0-
Winner: Sunset
"Ladies and gentlemen, your winner… Sunset Shimmer!" said the announcer.
Sunset's portrait appeared on the video wall for all to see as she stood tall and proud with a confident smirk. Her dragon roared behind its mistress before disappearing; she turned in the direction of where Isaac's skybox was and looked up at the World Champ. Isaac could feel Sunset looking at him as he stood up from his seat and a spotlight shined down on him, revealing his position for everyone in the arena. As the two eyed the other, Gilda came out on the stage as it got the attention of everyone. The duelist who would be Isaac's next challenger appeared as a spotlight came down on her; she pointed at Sunset and mouthed some words to her from afar before looking up at Isaac in the rafters. From the sight, it was clear these three duelists were intertwined for the moment as all three wanted the same thing and that was to be World Champion.
Author's Note: What a way for Sunset to come back and showcase that she ain't rusty since she's been gone. If anything, not only has she gained some new tricks, but she might be stronger than before with her Red-Eyes. But also, it's clear that despite Gilda being his current challenge, the issue that is between Sunset and Isaac has only barely started to cook. Regardless, of the outcome between Gilda and Isaac when their duel happens, he's coming after Sunset next. We won't have to wait long to see that it seems.
