(Flashback)

" Today's dinner is steak and then a cake that's yummy yum... Now it's time to fill my tummy tummy tum...

" Oh, this mountain of sweets and treats that I long to eat... Oh, stacks of steaks and cakes and crumbs and yums...

Dahlia was working on the flowers near the school's gardening section. The girl sang a song she often sang to the flowers to help them grow; however, on this day, the teen failed to realize someone else had appeared. It wasn't until she heard footsteps that she quickly turned around to gasp at who had heard her.

"I hope I'm not interrupting," remarked Mario.

"Mario! You weren't listening, were you?"

"I heard enough to know you're hungry."

"No! I mean… Well, yes. At least tell me you didn't see the dance?"

"You have nice footwork," the boy said nonchalantly. Get something to eat. I can take over watering the plants."

"..."

"..."

The two teens just stood there as neither said anything. On Dahlia's face, the girl tried to hold in her outburst, but it proved hard with Mario's stone-cold straight face as she blurted it out.

"YOU'RE EVIL, MARIO!"

"And you're shouting," stated the boy.

"You can't just spy on people while they're singing without even saying anything! It's not right!" stated Dahlia.

"I actually did call out that I was coming in. It's not my fault you didn't hear."

"Well… You need to speak louder, then! Ugh, this is so embarrassing…" said the girl as she feared what the boy might do or say to others around the school. "And, of course, I was singing some silly food song I made up. I should have been signing about… bears! Or swamp beasties!"

"I didn't realize there were songs about bears and swamp beasties," remarked Mario. "That food song seemed to be close to your heart. Your stomach isn't far from your heart, after all."

"Oh, you are the worst!" complained Dahlia at how Mario made jokes at her expense.

The girl then ran away, not wanting to be embarrassed anymore. Mario just turned to see Dahlia leave, confused about what had gone down.

"Huh. What was that about? I'd better water these plants. I don't want them to get thirsty, or they might start singing, too, " the boy said as he got to work.

(End of Flashback)

Mario was in a classroom, and Dahlia stood before him. The girl had managed to find the boy and was blocking his way from escaping, wanting to confront him about their sudden interaction the other day.

"Hello, Mario. So, uh, I heard it was your turn to clean out the greenhouse, right?"

"Yeah."

"Well, I went ahead and took care of it. I also cleaned up the beakers in the science lab."

"Why?" asked the boy.

"I just wanted to… help you out… so that…" the girl blushed from embarrassment as she played with her fingers while trying to avoid the cold stare that Mario was giving. Eventually, it became too much for her to handle. "Ok, fine! I'm bribing you. So you'll forget it!"

"Forget what?"

"Are you really gonna make me say it? Before! In the greenhouse. I want you to forget what you saw and heard. If you agree to forget about it, I'll do your biology homework. Do we have a deal?"

"No, thanks," responded the boy.

"No?! But that's not OK! You have to forget about it! Right this moment!" stated Dahlia.

"I can't. It's permanently etched in my memory. A mountain of sweets, as well as steaks and cakes. Stacks of them, apparently. I'm also intrigued by those bear and swamp beasties songs you mentioned. Ah, and I've been meaning to ask about the move that went along with "crumbs and yums." Was that fencing footwork?"

"Stop it, Mario! You're a villain!" Dahlia said, feeling like the boy was mocking her even though he wasn't.

"Hm?"

"You think you're so funny? Keeping a straight face while mocking my singing and dancing! Well, you have to forget about it. Please! What if I make you a nice steak dinner?" offered Dahlia in an attempt to get the boy to forget the whole ordeal. "You like steak, don't you, Mario? It'll be yummy."

"This isn't about steak. I just-"

"Fine, be stubborn! Tell the whole world for all I care! I'll just learn to live with the funny looks I'll get from everyone. They'll all say, "There goes that, Dahlia, the girl with funny ideas about food!" You're just the evilest of villains, Mario! I'll hate you forever and ever!" declared Dahlia as she abruptly left.

"Huh. I was just trying to be nice. "Funny ideas about food." Even the bullies in her head are ridiculous. I really don't understand that girl." said Mario as he just left, hoping to forget about this weird meeting with Dahlia.

"The biggest match to date in Duel Monsters. Isaac v. Sunset. Everyone is talking about it!"

"Heatwave is gonna cook!"

"The Prince's kingdom may burn to the ground!"

"Is it possible that Isaac fears Sunset from their last encounter?"

"My money is on Sunset Shimmer!"

"Sunset is the one…"

"... she's the one…"

"She is the one to take down the Prince!"

Sunset was shown rolling around in her car with a huge smile. As she got out, the woman pulled up into the arena and tossed her keys to the valet parked outside the entrance for the talent.

"Don't have too much fun," said the bacon-haired duelist as she had confidence in her strut.

People were talking about her and Isaac all over the news and the media. She not only jumped the World Champion and fired the first shot in their heated rivalry, but many said she was in a prime position to take the title away from the man. Hearing the outpour from fans and people on social media backing her up made her smile as she enjoyed watching Isaac navigate the murky waters. Juniper was working overtime, trying to do damage control as she was so busy that she wasn't with Isaac for tonight's show. The World Champion announced publicly that he would not only say what was on his mind but address Sunset.

When Isaac arrived at the arena, he didn't wait for the cameras to start following him or for anyone to tell him when his segment would be on. He was already heading straight for the arena as he walked past so many talent and staff as they watched their World Champion who was steaming. He passed gorilla as he didn't bother for the sound crew to play his music and walked out to the crowd's roar. He didn't even do his theatrics and stormed down the ramp. He was handed a mic and got on the field to address everyone.

"Juniper isn't here, so I'm calling the shots!" yelled Isaac. "Not only that, I'm telling everybody right now. You want something viral? Hit record now!"

"Oh, Isaac, what are you doing?" muttered Shining Armor as he saw his brother-in-law on the screen, fearing that he might go off script and put them all in hot water.

"You guys want to hear me talk, right? Alright, I'll talk! Here's the truth: everybody except me was handed a ticket to this place! See I had to write my own, and boy, do I have good penmanship because I created moment after moment after moment for this business and this game! Nobody is on my level! No one! Everything I touch turns to gold! There is nothing I can't do! Every time I come out here, I am not expected to hit home runs, I am expected to hit grand slams, and I do that shit on a daily basis! See, everybody else in that locker room, all the boys and girls back there, they're fine settling for being great; I have to be perfect! See, I'm the one who's constantly held under a microscope because I'm the only person who is capable of carrying this business on his back as I have for the past 15 goddamn years of my life!"

Isaac's response got a mixed reaction as he got some cheers but also some boos from the fans.

"Everybody in the back wants my spot, well guess what! You want my spot, take it! Because I guarantee you this, there is no one! NO ONE…! Who can lace my boots! No one who is on my level because I am just that damn good! Not even my own brother-in-law!"

Isaac was firing shots not only at his fellow coworkers but also at his own family member.

"I am the best in the world! I'm the only person who makes you feel, and unlike everybody else back there, I don't got to do a bunch of bullshit to get you there! I am a generational talent! I've busted my ass since day one to be here! And the fact that Sunset here thinks she can waltz up in here and take my spot without me getting pissed off is a slap to my face. Hey, Sunset… news flash, bitch! You want to know why you're not World Champion right now, why you're not in the marque, because when the pressure was one, you choked! You fumbled! You couldn't hack it, pendaja! That's why you took a cheap shot at me! You took your ball and went home, and you should've stayed there because by being back, I'm gonna…"

Isaac's mic was cut off as it seemed the producers didn't want him to speak anymore. The crowd reacted to that as Isaac slammed the mic on the ground, and Shining Armor was coming out with some security. The World Champion saw his brother as he knew the higher-ups told him to go calm him down and escort him out of the building to avoid making more of a scene by going into business for himself.

"Isaac, just calm down! You need to leave, bro! This is not a good image for you!" said Shining Armor as he told the security guards to stay back while he dealt with his brother-in-law in this state.

"I'm not leaving till I get my hands on Sunset, Shining. You know that!" barked the World Champion at his wife's brother.

"I understand! But this is not the way to do it! Come on, let's be professional here!" said the man to his family member. "Let's just go."

"I'm not leaving," scowled the World Champion.

"Isaac, please. I'm asking you nicely. Leave."

The World Champion was dead set on not moving, as Shining Armor had no choice. As he stepped to the side, he signaled for the security guards to surround his brother-in-law. Isaac looked about as he growled before reluctantly agreeing. He slowly walked past his brother-in-law as the crowd booed as they wanted action. Isaac kept looking about. He took a moment to pause and look at Shining Armor. It seemed like everything would be handled smoothly until one of the guards put their hands on Isaac's shoulders as they shoved him forward to keep moving. At that moment, Isaac smirked as he turned to face the guard.

"Isaac, no! Don't…"

It was too late. Isaac swung at the guard, who shoved him as all the others began to pile on him to restrain him. Shining Armor knew the guard had made the mistake of putting his hands on his brother-in-law during his irate state of mind as he and the other guards were now going to pay the price. He simply put his hands on his head as he grimaced, watching Isaac toss around the security. The World Champion was now beating up the security guards who were trying to escort him out as they focused their intention on restraining him as they couldn't really defend themselves. The crowd cheered for the brawl as Isaac tossed people left and right as they groaned in pain. The last guard stumbled as Isaac looked at him before extending his leg to kick him square on the chin and knock him down. He stood there definitely before running a hand through his hair as everybody in the crowd loved that he beat up some security.

Shining Armor got off the field and approached his brother-in-law, walking side by side with the former, still trying to make sense to his family member. They made it to where Isaac's car was as Shining Armor was still trying to be the sane one.

"Isaac, you know the consequences of what you did."

"Yeah, send me the bill!" remarked the World Champion as he got in his car and slammed the door. He backed up aggressively and zoomed out of the arena, leaving tire marks on the pavement.

"Twily… talk to your man," remarked Shining as he knew his brother-in-law's mindset as he had his fair share.

Sunset Shimmer was shown looming in the back as the duelist had a smirk on her face. Seeing Isaac spiral out of control and go on a shoot promo was almost satisfying.

It didn't take long for the news and media outlets to pick up on the shoot promo that Isaac delivered, as it was the talk of the town. On the one hand, the board was glad for the publicity they were getting in building toward Sunset and Isaac's match; they knew it wouldn't be good if this meant that any of the talent could go out there and say whatever they wanted without repercussions. Juniper did her best crowd control as she persuaded the board not to suspend the duel between Isaac and Sunset but simply for him to take the week off to cool down. Yet, that didn't stop the media from getting what they wanted, as Isaac was now doing an interview.

"Ladies and gentlemen, with me right now is a very special guest. Live from his home, it's the World Champion, Isaac."

"Pleasure to be here," remarked the World Champ.

"Now, I'm gonna get right into the matter at hand. Many are calling what you said the pipebomb heard around the world. A sort of peeling back of the curtain, just ever so. Do you… regret anything you said in your promo?"

"I don't regret anything, alright. They wanted me to speak, and I spoke about what was on my mind. And I meant it! No duelist can take my spot, which many people are hungry for. I've been here, I'll always be here. You're gonna have to kill me to be here. Next question."

"Well, okay. In regards to your next opponent. Many are calling this rivalry between you two simply… brutal. Inner turmoil. What beef do you have with Sunset that has driven you to this state of mind?"

"Why don't you ask Sunset yourself, huh? She comes in, gets in my face, and demands that I give back what's rightfully hers. I'm the World Champion. I ain't ever owed anybody a damn thing in my life. And I sure as hell won't start now."

"Well, speaking of Sunset, if you'll allow me to. She had some comments following your promo a few days ago. Let's roll the footage, shall we?"

The interviewer pointed to a video wall off to the side, and Isaac leaned back and listened to Sunset.

"I heard what Isaac had to say, but I also heard about the repercussions he had. And guess what? He doesn't have any, and you people want to know why! Because he's Isaac. He's the golden boy around here; he gets away with whatever he wants. If he doesn't want to show up to work, that's fine because he still gets paid. Whereas everybody else back there, if they don't show up, not only do they don't get paid. They'd get suspended. They'd get fired! They'd be let go, but not Isaac. What I'm saying is the truth! And Isaac, I know you're sitting at home, licking your chops because you can't wait to get your hands on me. I meant what I said when I returned. I want my title back!"

The interview cut back to Isaac as he let out a deep huff after taking in what Sunset said.

"If I may, what is your response to that?" asked the interviewer.

"I'll answer that!" said Juniper as she stood behind Isaac and didn't let her client speak. "First of all, my client is not anybody's boy. He's his own man. As far as him disrespecting either Sunset or anybody else, he has no intention of that. That's not the case. Now… does Isaac have certain privileges because of who he is and his contract? Yes, but he's more than earned those special privileges. One of the few things that my clients respect is competition, both in and off the dueling field, and I'll be it; sometimes talent does take advantage of those privileges, wouldn't you? But I assure you this: Isaac will compete against Sunset at Heatwave. And as far as my client is concerned, we'll be at the next show, where we will sign the contract for this match. Now then… we're done with this interview."

Isaac got up, and he walked away with Juniper.

The announcement of Isaac being present and the contract signing between him and Sunset was a can't-miss show. Everybody who was anybody was tunning into the broadcast as they wanted to see what the two rivals would say to one another weeks before their scheduled match. Upon arriving at the arena, Sunset was instructed to wait in a private room as they didn't want her appearance to invoke Isaac before their scheduled contract signing. Sunset just smirked as she obeyed; when Isaac and Juniper arrived, a sea of security was already awaiting him in the backstage parking lot along with Shining Armor. The World Champion approached his brother-in-law with a defiant scowl.

"What? Ten more security guards, you think that's enough to stop me?" remarked Isaac.

"Isaac… you're my brother. You're my family. What you do reflects on me as well. Look, all I'm asking is that you and Sunset try to be civil. Say whatever you want to her, but please be civil. Don't add fuel to the fire; save that for your duel. That's all I'm asking, bro."

"Alright, but if any of those bootleg bodyguards get in my way, I'm not gonna be held accountable for another beatdown," stated Isaac.

"Fine," agreed Shining Armor as he stepped to the side with his hands up. "You're on, next."

Isaac walked, Juniper following, as the security guards looked at the man, awaiting the instructions he had received from the producers.

"If things get hairy between them, separate them," ordered Shining Armor as he had to preserve the main event of Heatwave.

The table was set up, and several other security bodyguards stood on the field. Isaac made his entrance as the crowd made noise. The fans had greatly missed his week's absence, so he saluted them before continuing to walk toward the field. He approached the table, picked up the contract, and looked at it; he then grabbed the pen and signed it before handing it to Juniper, who also had a microphone in her hand as she was going to speak.

"I hereby swear and affirm, to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me, God. It's the truth: before Super Showdown, I told you all that my client would beat Applejack and remain World Champion. I told you all that it wasn't a prediction; it was a spoiler. Which means it was the truth. And then… what happened? Isaac beat Applejack at Super Showdown. Now… at Heatwave, just like last year, it'll be Sunset vs. Isaac again in the main event. And everyone acts like it's fait accompli that Sunset Shimmer's destiny is to dethrone Isaac and become World Champion, as if that's not a prediction, as if that's a spoiler. And you can't help but be blunt in telling the truth, but be impressed with Sunset Shimmer. You have to respect her intentions. You have to respect her string of victories. You have to respect her badasssery. But the truth is, ladies and gentlemen, Isaac will beat Sunset and put her down at Heatwave. One, two, three. And that's not a prediction; that's… a spoiler. It's the truth. As a matter of fact, it's understated because my client feels there's not one member of that locker room who can hold his spot! So… Sunset, your only choice come Heatwave is to accept defeat because it's easy to make choices when you have no options, and Sunset, your options are like your ass! They're both owned by the Prince himself, Isaac! So here's how it goes. Sunset, you think you're gonna have a victory party? You're gonna home, depressed, overcome with guilt and defeat, and you're gonna have to say, 'I got beat by Isaac. I got victimized by Isaac. I got conquered by Isaac!' Because the truth, as I swear and affirm, is Sunset, not against Isaac, you ain't the big dog. This ain't your yard, and you're only gonna be another notch on Isaac's belt. Oh, come on, the truth is, Sunset… you're just Isaac's bitch."

At that moment, Isaac turned toward the stage, and sure enough, Sunset stormed out. She had heard enough and decided to make her presence known. Isaac sat down as security kept their distance and put their hands out as they warned Sunset not to put her hands on her opponent. She scowled as she stared down her rival and his agent before sitting opposite the World Champion. Juniper returned the contract on the table and slid it over for Sunset to sign. She didn't even look at the contract as she was so focused on Isaac; the fire that burned between them was getting even hotter by the minute as they couldn't wait to get their hands on each other.

"Before I sign anything, I got a couple of things I want to get off my chest. The main reason is you, Isaac. See, understand this: I came back for one reason and one reason only. To beat you, reclaim my World Title, and shove down your throat that I am the best in the world! I've proved it! I've claimed it! I. AM. IT!" yelled Sunset, her eyes burning with heated passion.

She then flipped open the contract, grabbed the pen, and signed her name on the dotted line. With the contract now signed and their match made official, Sunset slid it back to Isaac, who handed it off to Juniper.

"You want to talk about disrespect, Isaac? The biggest disrespect that I've ever had in my career was you! Juniper made a point: since we were in high school, your desire to be the best, to be the top duelist, was unmatched by anybody. But here's the kicker! This level of disrespect didn't start with me returning; it started four years ago! Four years ago, I had my first World Title opportunity. After ten long years, I finally got my chance. And I became World Champion. I was on cloud nine, living my dream. Then… five days later, when I'm taking my victory lap, I'm told I'll have my first title defense after I just won. And who did the people pick to be my first challenger… it was you."

Isaac stared down at Sunset as, in the back of his mind, the memory from four years that Sunset was talking about came to his mind.

"Five days after I became World Champion, I defended against you. And what happened? I lost. I lost… to you! And you became a three-time World Champ. You ended my dream! You ended my Cinderella story!" yelled Sunset with fury. "If that wasn't bad enough, I never got my rematch. For two years! Two years! I was put through hell and trying to prove I deserve another World Title run while you were at the top, not even looking down at the people you stepped on to get there."

"Oh, two years? Two years? Cry me a river, Sunset! You think because you had to wait two years before you got another shot to be World Champion, go in the back right now and find someone who hasn't had a World Title shot their whole career! Go in the back and find some retired duelists who never had that opportunity because I guarantee you will find someone! You want to claim that your two-year drought is the end of the world! News flash, get better, bitch!"

"I never thought you'd be someone on deaf ears!" barked Sunset. "Two years… two years, I busted my ass just to get another shot. And I did last year at Heatwave when I finally got my revenge. I finally returned what I so desperately desired… and did what so few have done in this business. Beat you. And I don't know if you remember this, but when you began walking up that ramp after you lost, you saw me on my knees with confetti raining down to celebrate my win. You cried. You cried because you lost. You cried because you knew… you weren't the top guy anymore."

"I remember that," growled Isaac as that moment was engraved in his memory.

"After that match, I got some ovation after I walked back through that curtain. But I also had some people approach me and say, 'Oh, I could've beaten Isaac.' My response was: 'So why didn't you?' Simple. Because they were all wannabes. I'm not a wannabe. I'm the one who put down the Prince. After two years of hell, I'm the one who showed they bet on the wrong chip. I'm the phoenix rising from the ashes and will burn down everything you hold so dearly!"

"Oh, is that so, huh, Sunset? Let me drop some knowledge on you. That night, yeah, I'll admit, you were the better duelist. You want your flowers, well guess what, you got them. But how long did that honeymoon period last for you? Three months. That sounds about right. I was set to take a long vacation when I lost to you. Twilight was so excited and you caused her disappointment. Because you got hurt, and I had to step up. They called me and said, 'Isaac, I know you wanted to take a vacation, but we need you to return. We need a new World Champion to be crowned. We need someone who can actually carry this business on their back.' So I did my job, something you couldn't live up to! You realized that your arms are just a bit too short to box with God!"

Sunset growled as she despised Isaac's continuing to disrespect her.

"You want to blame me for your past two title reigns? Look in the mirror, Sunset. And you'll realize that everything that's happened to you is divine intervention. It proves that you don't have what it takes to be at the top because if that were the case, they wouldn't have to rely on me. I'm the one who puts people in these arenas! I'm the one whose name is mentioned when they hear Duel Monsters! I have more talent in my pinky than half the people in that locker room, including you! This title is mine, and I'm gonna smash you at Heatwave and right the biggest wrong of my life from a year ago! And it's not even your fault, Sunset, because you have no chance against me! This is my yard! This is my place! I run it and own it all! This is my field! This cameraman, right here, he works for me! I own it! I'm the biggest draw box-office attraction, not you! These people are mine! These commentators they work for me because they brag and talk about me! I RUN IT ALL! I'm the main eventer! Here's the truth, Sunset. It pains me to say, but someone has got to be the realist in this situation. I want you to soak all this in because, for you, this is the best it will ever be. Cause next to me, you will always be a B+ player!"

Sunset slammed her hand on the table, which caused the security guards to move a bit. She feared she might lunge over the table to get at Isaac.

"For months, you've been astounding us with your skills as champion, and we've all been proud of what you've done. But now it's time for you to stand there, shut the hell up, and let me educate you! You became World Champion, and I watched that. No, not as a bystander. No, no. I watched it; I observed it. I watched it, I understood it. Here's the thing, I'll cut to all the chase, I'll cut through all the bullshit. Everything that I've experienced in my life has led to this moment! It's all led to this, Isaac. I see it in your eyes, man. I can see it by the way you tremble when I'm on the dueling field with you. I can see it by the mind games that you're trying to play. You know that I am ready!"

The crowd made huge noises as they got into the confrontation between the pair.

"Applejack couldn't get the job done, Rainbow Dash couldn't get the job done, Gilda couldn't get the job done because they were all but a foregone conclusion. But you know… that I'm the biggest threat to your kingdom and throne. I'm the one who actually has the biggest chance of taking you down! I'm the one who you can't bury! The one thing we have in common is the one common thread to this story. Is that you know what all this feels like; you know what all this feels like. The atmosphere, the roar of the crowd chanting your name, them rooting for you! The pressure that is on your shoulders to deliver and give it your absolute best! You've been in this same position. And you're scared as hell! And you should be because you know what comes next! What comes next is at the Heatwave; I beat you! And I become World Champion for a third time! Keep that seat warm for me, Isaac… because at Heatwave, a new ruler will be crowned."

"Over my dead body!" growled Isaac as he stared down Sunset, who also did the same. "For what you did to me after my duel with Gilda, I should've dropped your ass like a mix-tape. But I learned one thing: You're desperate!"

"Maybe… or maybe that's what I want you to think, Isaac. You might know me as a duelist, as an artist, as a streamer… let me tell you something, Isaac. Me and you, we've had different paths. I never had people mentor me. I never had staff on site 24/7 to pamper and cater to me. I never had the greatest minds in Duel Monsters to coach and advise me, prepping me for a top position in this business. Isaac… I had to go through hell to get to where I am, and you know that firsthand."

"Sunset, I get it. You and I have different stories. But I won't let you shame me because I'm blessed."

"Oh, you get it? Isaac, that line alone tells me you don't get it. Let me ask you a question: Have you ever had to assemble a 30-foot mural in one hour by yourself? Better yet, have you ever tasted your blood and sweat and got that… copper and salt that makes everybody else a bit uneasy and queasy, but have it happen so many times that eventually… you started to like the taste of it!"

"I understand, Sunset. You've been through a lot; I'm just glad you're used to it because I'm gonna bust your ass at Heatwave!"

"There he is. The silver-tongued, smooth-talking, dressed to the nine, 5 time World Champion, Isaac!" remarked Sunset as she mocked her opponent. "All-flash and fake confidence. That's why I jumped you at the end of your duel to give you a glimpse of what's gonna happen. I mean, look at you, dressed out, with not a single hair in place. You look immaculate. Hell, you've even got every skill you need to defend your title at Heatwave. The only thing, Isaac, is you don't have what I have in me. And that's the devil, pal! I have that devil inside of me. You don't."

"You're stupid as hell, pendaja! What you think I'm not tough! What, you didn't see me go to war with Aj three times? You didn't see me go to war with Rainbow? You haven't seen the bitter rivalry I've had with my brother-in-law?"

"Hold on, hold on, Isaac. You actually think that those individuals are as savage as me! Do you actually think that Applejack sat at home and thought of every single way to inflict pain on you, every single option she had at hand? Do you actually believe that, Isaac? Do you actually believe that any individual you've faced has thought of ways to make you regret ever being a pro duelist?!" yelled Sunset, cutting her opponent off. "At Heatwave, you'll see a version of me that you've never seen, nor has anybody else."

"Sunset, you've been talking since you came back. That's all you've been doing! You've done everything to get under my skin, and even when you were champion both times, you couldn't even carry the business on your back before it gave out! It just shows that you ain't it, girl! You can never be at the top because you're weak! And, like I said before, you're desperate. You're trying to do everything you can to stay close to this title reign, but it's not gonna happen for you."

"Isaac… Does this look like the face of a desperate person? Good. Because I am desperate! And you're 1000% right! Listen to me what I'm saying, Isaac! It took me eleven years to even become World Champion once! And after I got a taste, I became addicted. And I promise you that I will satiate that addiction at Heatwave when I get back what's mine! Isaac, we are… about to play in the devil's playground. For the first time in your career, someone's actually gonna make you walk through hell! And we're about to play by the devil's rules, also known as my rules."

"Well, I'm looking forward to it," responded Isaac.

"I can see the hatred burning through you; maybe you got nothing more to say. But I'm glad, once upon a time, I wasn't even a blip on your radar. You hated me, and I HATE you! You taught me how to hate; there was a time when I had no time for hate in my life, only love. Surround yourself with people you love, do what you love! But hate, you taught me, is a powerful weapon. It's a powerful weapon if you use it correctly, but it's dangerous as it stays with you long-term. That's why it's lucky for me, at Heatwave, that HATE will die with you!"

"Throughout my career, people have called me many things. Now… I have nothing to say to a piece of shit like you! Except, I am filled with," Isaac gritted his teeth as he continued to look at Sunset, "... SO MUCH rage when I look at you! I can't go home. I've been living in a hotel for weeks because I will not subject my wife to the man all of this has turned me into! YOU, you son-of-a-bitch, YOU... have turned me into the fictitious boogeyman that my harshest critics accuse me of being, and that's exactly who I need to be in our duel to send you home in a box! I want you to remember and never forget that you prayed for all this, and it happened. And at Heatwave, when you are locked in combat, and I have taken EVERYTHING from you, and your fears subside, and you're gripped with nothing but panic, on your hands and your knees, crawling, begging, you will look up and I will wipe blood from your eyes so you see me and it's not a GOD you're praying to, it's not the DEVIL you're praying to, YOU will be praying to ME!"

The two began to trade barbs within each other's vicinity as the crowd saw them move their lips. Sunset then suddenly flipped the table over as it landed on Isaac while she stood up. At that moment, the security did their job and restrained Sunset just as Isaac got back up. The World Champion was seething as he began to charge at his opponent, being held back but was pulled back by the other half of the security. The image of the two duelists being held back was a sight to behold as they continued to shout insults at one another. At that moment, Isaac began to toss around the security guards holding him, Sunset also did the same as the two were now going through the bodyguards Shining Armor had put in place to avoid this turning out. As Isaac finished tossing around the last security guard, he turned to see Sunset, who had decided to dip and was now standing on the ramp, mocking her opponent from afar.

"Time's up, Isaac!" mouthed Sunset to her rival at Heatwave.

Juniper appeared and grabbed a microphone as she had one last thing to say.

"I've had just about enough of your disrespect to my client, Sunset. I've had it! You know what the problem is… the problem is you! Isaac is the greatest of all time. In an era where no one can hold on to a reign like his. A 5x World Champion. The longest reigning champion of the past 35 years, but here's the problem: You don't respect that. See, this is your last chance, Sunset. You have one final chance against my client. And when my client is cornered, he's at his most dangerous. Then the question becomes this: Who is in a do-or-die situation? Who becomes an obscure reference in history, a footnote in the annals, or in the chronicles of the Prince, Isaac?... Or who ends this all? I'm scared. I'm scared because what's gonna have to happen now is that we're gonna have to see a Prince go savage. We're gonna have to see a violent Isaac. We're gonna have to see the Prince smash this so-called Phoenix because beating you, Sunset, for a decisive victory is one thing, but putting you down for good is a whole different story. So, Isaac… you are gonna have to show up at Heatwave and be a Prince like never before. The greatest performance in the history of your illustrious and legendary career. The most violent, the most diabolical, the most dangerous. A phoenix slayer, a conqueror's conqueror, the GOAT of all GOATs, so that they say at the end of the match, 'Ladies and gentlemen, your winner, and still World Champion… the ultimate needle mover, the Head of the Table, the Tribal Chief, The Best in the World, The Phenomenal One, The Modern Day King of Games, in GOD mode himself, the Prince… Isaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaac!"

Juniper delivered one hefty mic drop as she tossed it to the crew. She then got down on her knees and put her hands together as she acknowledged her client and praised glory to him like a god to emphasize the point she just delivered.

"That's why Isaac pays Juniper the big bucks. He pays her to be his hype man when needed," said the main commentator as Juniper continued to praise her client like the god he was.

Isaac stood there, keeping his eyes on Sunset as if showing her what would happen to her during their match. She would submit to his reign as the Prince and finally end this year-long rivalry that had been building up.

Author's Note: Get your plates ready, everyone. 'Cause this chapter cooked and then some! We finally got to dive into this personal feud between Isaac and Sunset as well as all the surrounding history that has intertwined them up to get to this point. The shots and jabs that were taken by both duelists, speaks massive volumes. The question is... for Sunset, will she win and this turn out to be a redemption story arc... or... for Isaac, will he win and this turns into a tragedy story arc for Sunset. This match can't come fast enough, and so... which side are you rooting for? Who will reign supreme: The Prince... or the Phoenix?