"How is he?" asked Twilight.

"He's calm now, sis. I got him not to find Sunset and kickstart their match already," said Shining Armor as he was on the phone with his little sister.

After seeing her husband and Applejack lose their medallions, Twilight wanted to call her to check on him. But she got no response and was worried, so she called her brother. Sure enough, he managed to restrain Isaac from acting out. However, it was clear the main event couldn't come soon enough.

"Alright, thank you," said Haven as she hung up her call before entering the living room to address the kids. "I just got off the phone with your father's agent. It seems he's being asked to stay in his locker room for the rest of the PLE until his match."

In the background, the TV continued with the PLE as the next match rolled on. After hearing that from the woman, Roll was relieved to know her father was alright. However, she also knew that if he were asked to stay in his room like a caged animal, it would only fuel his anger regarding his duel with Sunset. The teens returned to watching the rest of the PLE.

"How is she, Doc?" asked Isaac as he was in the trainer's room.

"She'll be fine. A sprained wrist," responded the medic as Aj was leaning on a table, getting her hand checked. "Though, I recommend a few weeks of rest, Ms. Applejack. Don't want to put too much strain on your wrist."

"I will, Doc," responded the country gal as he left to fill out the papers and get some bandages while giving the farmer an ice pack.

"You gonna be good to sit out for a while?" asked Isaac as he put the ice pack on Aj's wrist.

"Sugarcube, you know I'm tough. It takes more than a sprained wrist to knock me down."

"Listen, Aj… I'm sorry. I'm sorry I left you…"

"Sugar…"

"But I promise. I'm gonna make this right. I'm gonna end Sunset."

The World Champion left with a determined look as Aj could only watch on. It was clear her former tag partner was long gone, and his sole focus was this duel with their bacon-haired friend. Neither of them would stop till the other was beaten to a pulp. The farmer looked at the monitor playing in the trainer's room as the latest duel was wrapping up.


"Ladies and gentlemen. It is time. The main event! We have waited for this!"

"Years in the making. And tonight, this bitter rivalry between two friends and rivals comes to a close."

"Let's show you how this all came to be."

With that cue from the commentators, everything went black as the screens on the video walls began to play the promo for Isaac and Sunset's duel.

(Hype Package)

Four years ago…

"Is this Sunset's moment?"

"Reach up and go for it, Sunset!"

The video began as it showcased when Sunset first won her World title. The bacon-haired duelist stood in the middle of the field, raising her hand as the new champion. Confetti rained down as the crowd applauded her efforts.

"The dream of Sunset has come true! It is her time!"

Five days later…

"I just want to come out here and say thank you. Thank you to you all!" said Sunset as she was shown five days later, taking her victory lap and addressing the Duel Monsters universe. "I've been waiting ten long years to do this. I've dreamed about this moment, but those dreams pale in comparison to the feeling I have standing here as your brand-new World Champion."

"Hold on just a minute, Sunset! There's a decision to be made about who's first in line to challenge you."

One by one, several duelists appeared as they stared down Sunset. Among the group who looked to get the first crack were Rainbow, Sugarcoat, Fleetfoot, and Lightning Dust. Soon, one final person decided to make their presence known as Sunset, and everybody else looked at him. Isaac was shown coming out, as it was clear he was the fan-favorite everyone wanted to see go up against Sunset. The two locked eyes as they knew it, too.

"It's official. Sunset vs. Isaac for the title of World Champion… tonight!"

That announcement surprised both competitors, but they soon nodded, indicating they were on board. Isaac had now cut the line before the other duelists as he and Sunset shook hands. Later that same night, in the main event, the two went at it. Highlights of their duel showcased each trying to gain the advantage.

"Sunset right now has to focus. She's gonna get all the doubt in her head out and think: 'I don't want to lose something that took me eleven years to capture.'"

"Oh, the adrenaline rush; Isaac's got Sunset right where he wants her. He's going in for the kill!"

"And Sunset stays alive!"

Isaac hit his latest move, yet Sunset survived. It amazed the duelist as he nearly lost it with the official as he thought he had won the duel. Sunset took that moment to take advantage as she gained the upper hand, and the two were back to dueling tennis. Nearing the end of the match, Sunset weathered the storm of Isaac and was going in for a hail-mary ending move when… out of nowhere, Isaac surprised Sunset and hit her with a move she didn't expect. When she hit the ground, the sound of glass shattering was heard as she lay there unconsciously while an announcement rang out for all to hear.

"And we have a new champion!"

Isaac was shown standing tall with his arms raised. The crowd erupted in shock. Isaac's fans applauded him as he took in the moment and let it sink in.

"The celebration of the new World Champion, Isaac. The despair of the once champion, Sunset Shimmer. The Cinderella story… is over!"

"... Is over… is over… over… over… over…"

Those words echoed for all to hear as Isaac was shown leaving the dueling field; he gave one last look to the fallen Sunset and smirked before walking to the back. At that moment, Sunset came to realize the situation. She sat up and looked about as the expressions on some fans' faces told it all. She nearly broke down in tears but held back to avoid crying on TV, but it proved hard. With reality sinking in, she slowly got up and stumbled off the field as she was forced to take the walk of shame to the back. All in her mind, she knew… she was no longer World Champion.

"Becoming World Champion was the greatest moment of my life. It took me eleven long years to reach the top. And in five days… Isaac took that away from me. But… I'm looking forward to our rematch because I have a feeling that things will turn out differently. A 100% prepared Sunset Shimmer can, without a doubt, beat Isaac."

But… to Sunset's aspirations, she never got her rematch. For two years, she never got it. For two years, she was forced to work her way back from the bottom. For two years, she had to prove her worth… again. At the same time, Isaac remained at the top and didn't look back at her.

One year ago…

The video showed Isaac and Sunset sitting in separate rooms, with a TV standing before them.

"Roll the footage!" demanded Sunset.

The TV came on for both competitors, who were now watching their duel from a year ago at Heatwave while offering comments about it and certain spots in the match.

"Going into Heatwave last year, I didn't underestimate Sunset. I knew exactly what I was stepping in the ring with," commented Isaac.

The two watched their duel as they came to a certain part of the match where Sunset was hit by one of Isaac's attacks and landed awkwardly on her side. She cringed a bit upon seeing the impact on which she landed.

"I was walking that off for weeks, and it felt like he went right through me. But after that bump, I couldn't let him get away, so I applied a move to choke and force his options to play to my strategy. And yet he still got out of it. I can't believe it!" remarked the bacon-haired duelist as seeing the next turns play out angered her.

"The problem for Isaac is when the stuff you normally do that will finish a duel isn't working, you start wearing down. You start wondering what it's gonna take to put this person away. And I saw that look in Isaac's eyes!" said Shining Armor as he was part of the video package, having a sit-down interview as he was asked about his opinions on their duel from last year.

"Sunset said that her conviction would be her biggest strength. I felt that conviction's force, power, and speed firsthand."

"Empathy, sympathy, everything goes out the window. Respect, pff! No, it's killed or be killed when facing Isaac," said Sunset, staring intensely at the huge haymakers she was giving her opponent on the replay.

"And Sunset is looking for the kill shot! She connects!... We have a brand new World Champion! Isaac has been dethroned!" yelled the commentator on the tape as the bacon-haired duelist let out a victory cry over the body of her fallen foe.

"The dream is a reality once more!"

Sunset soaked in the moment as Isaac was shown getting off the field. The now former World Champion sat up against the field with his hands to his mouth. He was in disbelief that Sunset had beaten him, as he couldn't accept the fact. Eventually, while Sunset sat on her knees and relished the moment, he got up with his head hung in shame and began to walk. He took a moment to look at Sunset as she turned to lock eyes; now Isaac was the one who felt sadness as tears ran down his face.

"Congrats. You deserve it," mouthed Isaac while crying before walking to the back.

Sunset thought nothing of it, as this was her time. In the back, Isaac approached his wife, wrapped his arms around her, and let loose the tears he had held back.

"I'm sorry, honey. I'm sorry I failed you."

"It's okay. It's okay," cried Twilight, holding her husband after his devastating loss.

"I failed you. I failed the kids. I'm sorry," apologized Isaac, as he was no longer the top star.

When Isaac saw the tape of that moment from a year ago, he felt a different emotion. He was almost disgusted that he had been that weak in front of his wife, as if it had disrespected him.

"But falling down is how we grow. Staying down is how we die. And I'm not dead!" stated Isaac before the video went black momentarily.

When the video came back, it now showcased highlights of Sunset's title reign following her win against Isaac. Some rock music played to accompany her dominant run.

Sometimes love is pain

Yeah, it hurts for a little while

Some things you can't change

You're preaching to the choir

"I am now the most dominant champion in all of Duel Monsters! This is my division now, and you're lucky you're living in it!" stated Sunset.

"There is no doubt about it. Sunset has proven why beating Isaac has made her a star!"

"This may well be her year!"

More highlights played of Sunset's reign as World Champion after beating Isaac, as she held a firm grasp on the division, knocking some of the best competitors to step up and challenge her.

And the truth is

If it doesn't hurt at all

Then it doesn't mean a thing

I never knew that I

Could feel this way

If it doesn't hurt at all

There's nothing left to save

'Cause holding onto to hope is

A different kind of pain

The song abruptly ends with a visual of Sunset in pain. She was helped to the back by some doctors as it was clear there was a problem.

"Sunset Shimmer has suffered a broken tricep. Torn off the bone from her latest duel. As such, she's being forced to relinquish her title status and will be out of action indefinitely!" said a voiceover.

"Since we need a new World Champion. We're gonna crown one. Sixteen duelists will battle in a one-night-long tournament, with the winner named… World Champion!"

"Here are the participants!"

Fifteen individuals appeared on stage before a crowd as they looked to claim their stake.

"Who's number 16?!"

Everyone turned, and to everyone's shock, Isaac emerged, having returned to reclaim his status as World Champion. Immediately, he became the fan favorite as the tournament kicked off with him. The music from before kicked up and continued as it narrated Isaac's journey in the tournament.

We all got vices

We all got choices to make

It's hard to stay and hard to walk away

You lied to me

Spinning in the dark

It took me years to see

That you had sucked the life out of me

The montage played before showed Isaac winning duel after duel as he reached the finals and managed to win the whole thing, becoming a World Champion again.

"This is bullshit!" mumbled Sunset as she was in the back watching on the day that event took place and stormed out the building in anger after seeing the person she just beat to be World Champion win it back.

"The man has come around once again, and I can confidently say that at this very moment, I'm the best I've ever been!" declared the duelist as he reclaimed what was once rightfully his.

From then on, during the next ten months, Isaac continued to reign at the top of the division as his fifth title reign began. It showcased highlights from all his duels, including his duel with Rainbow in the fall and leading up to the trilogy match with Applejack that culminated at Super Showdown a few months ago. All the while, in the background, Sunset had a driven fire and desire to get back as the sight of Isaac being on top made her sick. Soon, it flashed to the night after in Vegas. She made her return and stared down Isaac, throwing her challenge down.

"I didn't make history by dodging anybody. I made it by beating everybody!" stated Isaac.

And the truth is

If it doesn't hurt at all

Then it doesn't mean a thing

I never knew that I

Could feel this way

If it doesn't hurt at all

There's nothing left to save

'Cause holding onto hope is

A different kind of pain

"I came back for 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!"

"The thing you need to understand, Sunset, is that when people believe in me, I am good. But when people doubt me, I am GREAT! So… if it has to be me against the whole world, well, the whole world doesn't stand a chance!"

Knives in the back

Knives in the back

Knives in the back (sometimes love is pain)

Knives in the back

"Behind every great man, there is a greater woman!" remarked Sunset.

If it doesn't hurt at all

There's nothing left to save

'Cause holding onto hope is

A different kind of pain

"I have made a career by knocking people off their top spot."

"I am walking in and out as the most dominant World Champion to hold a championship within this business!"

"Can you imagine what it's gonna be like at Heatwave when these two are fighting over the World Championship status?" said the voice-over of the main commentator.

"You want my opinion on this match? Isaac vs Sunset… it's a little too close to call!" commented Shining Armor during his sitdown interview segment. "If Sunset defeats Isaac and gets her title back, it's a redemption story. If she loses… it's a tragedy. That's not what she came back for."

"I've proven myself time and time again that I am the best duelist in the world."

"You're full of shit!" remarked Sunset.

"You can never be at the top like me, Sunset! Because you're weak!"

"I promise you that I will satiate that addition 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!"

"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 to send you home in a box!"

"I'm scared because what's gonna have to happen now is that we're gonna see a Prince go savage. We're gonna have to see a violent Isaac. So, Isaac… you are gonna have to show up at Heatwave and be a Prince like never before. 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… 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… Isaaaaaaaaaaaaac!"

The last voice-over of Juniper echoed for all to hear, and the final image was that of Isaac and Sunset staring face-to-face.


The time was now. Sunset and Isaac were shown walking to the field as the time for their fight had come. The crowd lost their minds upon seeing the two in the side-by-side split before the entire arena went black. Soon, a single spotlight shined down on the stage. On the video wall, a forest was shown before a bird flew over it and landed on the tallest tree. Soon, it all caught on fire and burned down with intensity from the bird spreading its wings. At that moment, part of the stage also caught on fire, and smoke amazed everyone watching, both in the arena and at home. Rising from the smoke was someone donned in a short black jacket similar to her leather one, whose sleeves reached her elbows and stood at her chest. Sunset wore a red buttoned-up blouse with her sunmark emblazoned on the front and center. Above her exposed midriff, she wore a yellow sash wrapped around it, fastened by gem-like materials that matched her mark. She wore some tight leather pants, and her shoes had red trimmings along the sides with a sun pattern in the color of brilliant amaranth with light apple green stripes that matched her hair. But what caught everyone's attention were the wings on her jacket, which were phoenix wings.

Sunset smiled as she stood there, soaking in the moment before her outfit lit fire. The added effect caught everyone's attention. She smirked before walking down while still on fire, leaving a trail behind her while music played.

Go!

If you close your eyes your life, a naked truth revealed

Dreams you never lived, and scars never healed

In the darkness, light will take you to the other side

And find me waiting there you'll see, if you just close your eyes

If you just close your eyes

"The question has always been, are you willing to give up who you are for what you will become? For the challenger, Sunset, that answer is obviously yes. She has already messed with her friends, she's already screwed them tonight. And more importantly, she's in the head of the World Champion."

Deceived by my eyes and all I was told I should see

Opinions not mine, the person they taught me to be

One night in the dark, a vision of someone I knew

And then in the darkness I saw, the voice say, I'm you

Inside me a light was turned on, Then I was alive

"But when discussing this match specifically, remember that Sunset has beaten Isaac before. She's one of the few that holds a decisive victory over the man. How many can say they've beaten a dominant duelist as Isaac?"

If you close your eyes your life, a naked truth revealed

Dreams you never lived, and scars never healed

In the darkness, light will take you to the other side

And find me waiting there you'll see, if you just close your eyes

If you just close your eyes

"I'm not arguing with you. Sunset holds a win over Isaac, and it's what made her a major player. But the way she's been lurking around, she's like a snake you trust. A snake you can trust to bite you."

Hearts uninspired, trapped inside somebody's dream

Too close to the fire, yet cold and so numb with the pain

But the fever has broken and the river has run to the sea

Washed to the ocean, and saved by a voice inside of me

Inside me a light was turned on, Then I was alive

Sunset stood dead in the center as she bounced up and down on her feet. It was clear she was ready for this fight as she looked to claim what she never lost. It didn't take long before the lights dimmed, and her opponent made his entrance. Compared to how he normally was, Isaac didn't smile. The World Champion came out in his attire, with his hood over his head, covering his eyes. He didn't play or pander to the crowd like usual, as his only focus was Sunset. The bacon-haired duelist was the only thing he saw in his mind, as everything else was nonexistent.

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

"WOAH!" said Isaac, putting his arms out. The crowd shouted that part aloud with the World Champion as pyro went off.

My father said

"Boom!" stated Isaac, fist-pumping the ground to trigger more pyro.

He got up from dropping to a knee and stood at the top of the stage. He then reached for the zipper of his long trailing jacket as he was left in his usual attire. Isaac tossed back the hood to reveal his head and was shown pulling out his duel disk to strap it on. It was clear what Isaac was doing as once he slotted in his deck, he began to book it down the ramp to fight Sunset. Sunset was ready to brawl as she took off all the junk she was wearing, strapped on her duel disk, and stood her ground, egging Isaac on as he closed in.

"Activate the field now!" yelled Shining Armor in the back as the producers and engineers quickly got to work.

Isaac hopped onto the field and continued to charge at Sunset as she lunged at him, both ready to throw fists. The ref got off the field at the last second as the two duelists were pushed back. The Action Field tech took effect as a giant stone wall appeared between Sunset and Isaac. Soon, the entire field began to change for all to see as, within seconds, a life-like augmented reality castle with a battlefield before it was displayed. Isaac and Sunset took a moment to take in their surroundings as they turned to look at each other. Their duel disks activated and projected their respective card trays.

"He's not 100%, but he's medically cleared to compete as long as he can tolerate the pain. But even you can see, this is not the same joyous, happy-go-lucky champion we are used to. He's here with a purpose."

"He's medically cleared, and that means alot to Isaac. He's not 100%, but he is still here!"

The two commentators were putting over the fact that Isaac wasn't healed up fully as he was still willing to face Sunset, even if he had a broken arm. This issue with the bacon-haired duelist was so personal that he didn't feel any pain he might have suffered from his tag duel with Applejack earlier. The only medicine he needed was putting Sunset down for good. The two duelists didn't even wait for the announcer to give their introductions as they linked up.

"Opponent detected. Streaming data. Duel mode set. Initiating. Commencing duel." said their duel disk.

"Actions Cards… disbursed!" said the AI tech of the special field.

Above the pair, a ball of flashing cards with the letter A on the back of them was disbursed and scattered among the entire field in their destination spots.

Isaac's Life Points: 8000-

Sunset's Life Points: 8000-

"Let's duel!" shouted both rivals with bitterness.

"Here we go!" said Roll as the kids all had firm eyes on her father's match.

"Be careful, honey," said Twilight from her bedroom, watching the fight about to go down.

Isaac and Sunset stood there like two vigilantes about to do battle. In the blink of an eye, the two took off running. Everyone watching saw the two duelists heading into the nearby forest of the Action Field as they were jumping over low branches and shrubbery while running side by side. The two didn't dare take their eyes off each other as they continued moving about the forest.

"What are they doing?" asked Zipp, her eyes glued to the TV, watching Sunset and Isaac do some parkour.

"They're testing each other," explained Roll.

Isaac and Sunset continued to move about the forest as something caught their eye. There was an Action Card on a branch, and both honed in on it. The two ran as fast as they could, but Sunset arrived first. She swung on the tree branch and pulled herself up to stare at her opponent.

Turn 1: Sunset (Hand 6)

"My move, Isaac!" shouted Sunset as she drew her opening card. "I activate the spell card, Cards of the Red Stone. So by sending one Level 7 'Red-Eyes' monster from my hand and one from my deck, I can draw two cards!"

Sunset sent her two cards away and then picked up two new cards to replace them.

"Next, I activate the continuous spell card, Flame Swordsrealm! Once per turn, I can send one monster from either my hand or graveyard to special summon a 'Flame Swordsman' monster from my Extra Deck. So, I'll discard my Black Stone of Legend to bring out my Ultimate Flame Swordsman(2800/1600)!" A warrior in orange and blue garbs appeared, swinging his sword with flames around it before it died out.

"Then I'll activate the effect of my Black Stone of Legend. Since it's in my graveyard, I can shuffle one Level 7 or lower 'Red-Eyes' monster back into my deck. So I'll take back my Red-Eyes Black Dragon. Then I can add my Black Stone back to my hand." Sunset's duel disk ejected her two cards; she took one before placing the other on her deck as the auto shuffler kicked in.

"I then sent one card facedown and end my turn!"

Turn 2: Isaac (Hand 5)

"Let's see what you got, Isaac!" shouted Sunset.

The World Champion growled as he took off deeper into the forest. Sunset smirked as she gave chase along with her monster.

"Never thought I'd see the day your father would run from a duel," said Zipp.

"He's not running. He's looking for an Action Card to help him potentially," Roll explained.

Isaac was running among the forest grounds as he looked at his surroundings. He could hear Sunset and her monster closing in behind her as he looked for an Action Card to deal with her potentially. He turned directions as his eyes seemed to catch a glimpse of a card in a nearby bush. The World Champion closed in as he looked to grab said card but was halted in his tracks by a sword being thrown before him. He halted and skidded to a stop as Sunset's monster stood between him and the card. Sunset appeared behind her opponent as it was clear she wouldn't allow Isaac a chance.

"So much for that plan," said Sunny, watching what happened.

"Alright, then. I don't need an Action Card. I draw!" said Isaac, willing to fight while surrounded. "I summon Magician's Rod(1600/100) in defense mode! Next, I'll trigger my monster's ability. When I normal summon it, I can add one spell/trap card that mentions 'Dark Magician' in its text. So I'll add this: the field spell Magician's Salvation! Then I'll play it!"

Sunset held a cocky smirk as she wasn't intimidated by Isaac's move.

"When I activate my field spell, I can set one Eternal Soul directly from my deck. I'll also throw this down and call it!"

Turn 3: Sunset (Hand 4)

"My move! I summon my Black Stone of Legend(0/0)."

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.

"Then I'll tribute it to summon a Level 7 or lower 'Red-Eyes' from my deck. Now rise… Red-Eyes Black Dragon(2400/2000)!"

Fire erupted from Sunset's duel disk as it shot upwards above the girl. It took shape and formed into the outline of a dragon before it died down, and there stood the duelist's beast as it roared.

"Next, I'll activate my Ultimate Flame Swordsman's special ability. By targeting one monster you control, I can deal you 500 points of damage!"

Sunset's monster aimed its sword as a pillar of fire headed toward Isaac, who covered up from the intense flames.

Isaac's Life Points: 7500-

"Now… Red-Eyes, attack his Magician's Rod!" instructed Sunset.

Isaac saw the dragon preparing to fire, and he quickly acted. He ran toward Sunset's other monster and slid under its legs before popping up and reaching for the Action Card in the shrub. He quickly looked at it before rolling through onto a knee.

"I just found the Action Card: Evasion! So thanks to this, I can dodge your attack!" stated the World Champion.

"Yeah, that's not happening!" said Sunset, reaching for the Action Card she kept. "I'm activating this! No Action! So, due to this action card's effect, your action card is canceled. So there's no avoiding this attack. Red-Eyes! Inferno Fire Blast!"

Sunset's dragon had a fireball form in its mouth before it fired it. Isaac could only watch his monster be destroyed as he raised an arm to cover up while his monster burned up.

"And now that you have nothing to protect you, Ultimate Flame Swordsman, strike him down!" commanded Sunset. The warrior picked up his sword as he swung it at Isaac.

The World Champion turned and began to book it. He ran as fast as Sunset's warrior struck the ground, and fire erupted from the blade's tip. The flames from the attack reached Isaac as he was pushed forward and tumbled along the ground hard, resulting in bruise marks appearing upon impact. The duelist rolled to a stop as he lay on the ground. Sunset smirked as her warrior put its sword on its back while she approached her rival. Isaac began to stir as he grunted in pain before getting to a knee. He glanced over at Sunset as he held a defiant look.

Isaac's Life Points: 4700-

"I activate my facedown! Dark Horizon!" yelled Isaac as he touched his duel screen. "I may have taken damage, but that allowed me to summon my dear friend. Dark Magician!"

Emerging from a portal was the World Champion's top magician. He came to the aid of his master and stood before Sunset and her two monsters.

"I end my turn," Sunset responded.

Turn 4: Isaac (Hand 4)

"My move. And now I'll activate my Eternal Soul and use its first effect to add the spell card, Thousand Knives, to my hand." Isaac's duel disk ejected the card as he grabbed it before holding it between his fingers. "Then I'll play Thousand Knives to destroy one monster on your side of the field. And I choose your Ultimate Flame Swordsman!"

Thousand of tiny magical daggers appeared before they all flew forward and slashed at Sunset's monster before it vanished.

"Then I'll play the spell card, Magic Formula, and equip it onto my Dark Magician to raise his attack points by 700. Now… Dark Magician, attack Sunset's Red-Eyes Black Dragon. Dark Magic Attack!"

Isaac's wizard had its staff power up before it unleashed a devastating attack that made contact with Sunset's dragon, who roared before exploding into nothing. The bacon-haired duelist covered up as she was pushed back before skidding to a halt, leaving a dirt trail in her wake.

Sunset's Life Points: 7200-

"I then set one card facedown and end my turn."

Turn 5: Sunset (Hand 4)

"Finally…" said Sunset, wiping her mouth with her hand. "I thought you were being pathetic. Now I know."

"I meant what I said, Sunset. I won't stop till you're on your knees, begging me for mercy. Begging me to stop. And even then… I'm not gonna show you mercy till I put an end to you!" growled Isaac as he was gonna make Sunset suffer.

"And I'm gonna make you bleed, bitch," stated Sunset as she drew her card. "And it starts with this! I activate my facedown, Red-Eyes Spirit! So I revive my Red-Eyes B. Dragon. Next, I play the spell card Inferno Fire Blast! Now I can dish out damage equal to my Red-Eyes' attack points. Feel the heat!"

"I activate my facedown, Nutrient Z. Now, when I'm about to take 2000 points of damage, this trap automatically gives me 4000 Life Points!" stated Isaac as he touched his duel screen.

Isaac's Life Points: 8700-

"Either way, half of those are gonna burn really quick!"

"Oh, yeah!" countered the World Champion as he looked to his side and saw something. He quickly rolled to the left, grabbed a card on the grass, and rolled onto a knee. "I activate the Action Card, Acceleration! So I can accelerate myself out of your spell's effect!"

In the blink of an eye, Isaac moved so fast that he was now nearly 50 meters away from where Sunset's fireball hit. The crowd was into the duel as they saw some classic Duel Monsters tennis, given that neither duelist was giving an inch.

"And since you used your spell, your Red-Eyes can't attack this turn," stated Isaac as Sunset gritted her teeth.

"What a move!" said Pipp, amazed by the skills Roll and Mario's father had.

"He's the World Champion. That's not a statement; that's a fact," said Roll as her father evaded Sunset's move; predicting it and then being able to take the lead spoke volumes about his talents as a duelist and as an individual. "Nobody can touch my father. Nobody can beat him. He's that damn good."

"I see why," responded Hitch. "By the way, what is your father's win-loss record? Overall?"

"Both on the record and off the record. My father has 8569 wins to 5 losses."

"Holy shit!"

"Zephyrina! Language!" shouted Haven, as she didn't like hearing her daughter cuss since it wasn't ladylike.

"8569 wins?" said Izzy as she couldn't believe there was a number as big as that.

"Only five losses," said Sunny.

"Obviously, four of them are from when he dropped the title. Two of his losses are to my uncle, one to Sunset, one to a seasoned pro during his third title reign, and the last to another duelist he faced early on in his career," stated Roll.

While Roll amazed her friends with statistics about her father, Mario focused on the duel before him. Seeing Sunset and his father go at it, the boy was focused on the battle, which would have much more meaning.

"So, what else you got, Sunset!" barked Isaac.

"I end my turn with a facedown."

Turn 6: Isaac (Hand 3)

"My move! I draw! Dark Magician, destroy her Red-Eyes once more!" commanded Isaac as his wizard fired a powerful attack from his staff; it took out the creature for the second time, resulting in Sunset covering up again.

Sunset's Life Points: 6400-

"I reveal my facedown, Time Machine! Thanks to this trap, I can bring back one monster destroyed in battle. So my Red-Eyes is back again!" stated Sunset as her dragon reappeared.

"I end my turn."

Once Isaac ended his turn, he then turned and ran with his Dark Magician, who followed close behind as it levitated.

Turn 7: Sunset (Hand 3)

"It's my move." She then hopped onto her creature's back as it flapped its wings and took the skies. "You can't run, Isaac!"

Sunset was now in hot pursuit of her rival as she and her dragon flew into the air and chased after the World Champion and his magician. The drones followed the duelists. One camera angle showed Isaac running deeper into the forest on the ground, and the other showed Sunset looming above in the air as she was on the back of her dragon. She zoned in on Isaac, who was on the run as it appeared from her point of view, but for the World Champion, he was looking for a little bit of insurance by finding an Action Card.

The World Champion emerged from the forest as he came to a clearing. Sunset was shown flying above as she spotted her target.

"I play the spell card Red-Eyes Fusion, so I can conduct a Fusion Summon using monsters in my deck. So I'll combine my Meteor Dragon Red-Eyes Impact with my Red-Eyes Soul to create a fierce creature!" Sunset's two monsters appeared before they entered a swirling vortex that appeared and halted Isaac in his tracks. "Dark dragon of crimson eyes; fiery dragon that fell from darkness. Come together to burn away those in your wrath. I Fusion Summon! Meteor Black Comet Dragon(3500/2000)!"

Isaac and his magician came face to face with Sunset's newest dragon as it roared. A dragon larger than life appeared; its scales were black and cracked, flames escaping from them and licking the tips of its many horns.

"Now, to taste the pain you deserve for thinking you had a chance in hell of beating me!" screamed Sunset. "When this monster is fusion summoned, I can send one 'Red-Eyes' monster in my deck to the graveyard to deal damage equal to half of that monster's attack points. So I choose Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon to deal 1200 points of damage!"

A volley of fireballs aimed at Isaac from the beating wings of Meteor Black Comet Dragon. The World Champion covered up as the fireballs impacted him; the power behind them was a bit more than he expected, and they knocked him to the ground.

Isaac's Life Points: 7500-

Sunset landed before Isaac as she hopped off her Red Eyes. The World Champion began to stir as he lifted his head and stared at his opponent, who held a cocky villainous smirk. Seeing him in pain brought joy to Sunset as she was determined to rid Isaac of Duel Monsters.

"Meteor Black Comet Dragon attack Dark Magician!" commanded Sunset.

Another set of fireballs was launched as Isaac's wizard was easily removed.

Isaac's Life Points: 7200-

"Now… Red-Eyes, attack him directly!"

Sunset's other dragon fired its fireball, which hit Isaac dead in the chest. As he got back to his feet, he was tossed back to the ground. The World Champion tumbled and hit hard as his clothes were now singed with scorch marks to match his bruises. He lay there for quite a moment as he didn't move; Sunset watched in glory at the sight of her opponent being down before Isaac began to stir. To his kids, more specifically, Roll, the girl was covering her mouth after seeing her father in such a beaten state as it worried her. Her worries subsided a bit when she saw him starting to stir and get back to his feet.

Isaac's Life Points: 4800-

"When you destroyed my Dark Magician because he was equipped with Magic Formula, I get a thousand life points back!" stated the World Champion.

Isaac's Life Points: 5800-

"I end my turn."

Turn 8: Isaac (Hand 4)

"Eh, my move," responded Isaac as he momentarily clutched his left shoulder before drawing his card. "I activate Swords of Revealing Light!"

Isaac held his card up high as three light swords appeared and surrounded Sunset and her two dragons, immobilizing them.

"With this card in play, you can't attack for three turns."

"If that doesn't scream desperate, I don't know what does," barked Sunset.

"Next, I'm summoning this. Making her grand debut, please welcome Chronicle Sorceress(1250/1250) in defense mode!"

A white portal appeared and out came a magical girl. She wore a magical girl attire featuring a black and pink color scheme. She wore a long, flowing black dress with a high collar and a pink sash tied around her waist. The dress was adorned with various magical symbols and designs. She also wore black boots and a pink witch's hat with a star on top. Her right hand had a pink spellbook with magical runes on it.

"That's new," commented Sunny.

"My mom actually finished the card," gasped Roll.

"What?" said Izzy as her response didn't go unnoticed by the others.

"One of my mom's tasks is to take cards released overseas and try to release them to the general public. That card is one of those exclusive rare cards that have yet to see the light of day. So if my father is using it, she finished working on it." explained Roll.

"That's cool!" said Zipp, impressed after hearing about Roll's mother.

"I activate Chronicle Sorceress' ability. Since I have a 'Dark' attribute monster in my graveyard, I can send a 'Dark Magician' related card from my deck to the graveyard!" stated Isaac as he touched his duel screen and began to look at his options. Once her made his choice, the card slid out for him to grab as he sent it away.

"Not much of an effect," responded Pipp, as she expected more when bringing out a newly debuted monster.

Mario concentrated on his old man and the new monster his mother had created as he tried to figure out his plan.

"I end my turn."

Turn 9: Sunset (Hand 3)

"Not much of anything," remarked Sunset as she drew. "First, I'm gonna activate the effect of my Black Stone of Legend from my graveyard. So not only do I get to add it back to my hand, but I get to shuffle one Level 7 or lower 'Red-Eyes' monster back into my deck."

Sunset's cards ejected from her duel disk as she took one to add to her hand and placed the other on her deck with the auto shuffler kicking in.

"Next, I'll equip my Red-Eyes with my Black Metal Dragon. Doing that gives my beast 600 extra attack points!" stated Sunset.

A long, thin dragon appeared, looking more like a machine than a monster. Its almost black chrome-like body shined brightly under the arena's lights while its tail was covered in long spikes, three of them on every segment.

"Either way. You still can't attack," stated Isaac.

"Your spell is only temporary. What happens when I break free?" smirked Sunset as Isaac felt a bead of sweat roll down his face. "I end my turn."

Turn 10: Isaac (Hand 3)

"My move. And I activate my Chronicle Sorceress' ability again. So I'll send another 'Dark Magician' related card to my graveyard from my deck."

"What's he doing?" mumbled Sunset as she didn't quite see why Isaac had gotten rid of his cards.

"Next, I'll summon Berry Magician Girl(400/400)." A small baby magician appeared wearing a light green dress adorned with various berries. Over the dress, she had a short white apron, white gloves, and small, delicate wings that sprouted from her back with a pacifier in her mouth.

"Now for my Berry Magician's effect. I get to add a 'Magician Girl' from my deck to my hand," stated Isaac as his baby magician sat on his shoulder.

The World Champion touched his screen as he looked at the options he had before him.

"Your call, Berry?" asked Isaac as he showed his screen to his baby magician.

The toddler gave a sucking sound as she looked at her master's screen before figuring out which big sister she wanted.

"Chocolate," answered the tiny magical toddler.

"Alright," smiled Isaac as he gave his baby magician a tickle of her tummy before he touched his duel screen to confirm his choice. "I'm adding my Chocolate Magician Girl to my hand. Next, I'll play Pot of Greed to draw two more cards. With that… I'll end my turn."

Turn 11: Sunset (Hand 4)

"My move. I summon my Black Stone of Legend to tribute it to special summon my Red-Eyes Alternative Black Dragon(2400/2000) from my deck!"

From above their heads appeared another dragon, which landed on the field. While it was similar to the original dragon that Sunset was currently riding, there were some differences. It was thicker, more muscular than its original counterpart, and had a more V-shaped head.

"I then play the spell card, Dragon Shrine. This card allows me to send one dragon from my deck to my graveyard. So I'll send another Red-Eyes Alternative Black Dragon. With that done, I now activate the spell card Return of the Dragon Lords. This allows me to revive the Red-Eyes Alternative Black Dragon I just sent to the graveyard. Now I have two!" stated Sunset as a copy of her beast rose on the other end of her original Red-Eyes.

With the three beasts, plus the smaller one attached to her original Red-Eyes and the dragon behind Isaac, the World Champion, and his magicians were surrounded on all ends. Sunset jumped off the back of her original Red Eyes as she took a step forward.

"I now overlay my two Level 7 Red-Eyes Alternative Black Dragons to build the Overlay Network!" Sunset's two dragons turned into orbs of light that 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.

"As long as my monster has Xyz materials attached to it, it can't be destroyed, and every time you activate an effect or card, you take 500 points of damage!" stated Sunset as she tightened the pressure on her opponent. "So make your last move, Isaac. Because I'm ready to take you out for good!"

Turn 12: Isaac (Hand 5)

"My move!" said Isaac as this was his final turn to prepare for when Sunset's turn came around, and she was free to attack. "I'll start by playing Dark Magic Inheritance. So, I banish two spells from my graveyard to add one 'Dark Magician' related spell or trap card to my hand."

"Well, that's gonna cost you!" stated Sunset.

Smoke and fire began to pour out the exhaust pipes of her dragon. The smoke moved across the field toward Isaac, causing him to cough violently for a moment before yelping in pain as ashes hit his exposed skin and almost made him drop to his knees. The World Champion held strong and tried to ignore the searing pain as he stared down Sunset. Isaac touched his duel screen as he scanned his deck to determine his desired card. Once he chose, the card slid out for him to grab.

Isaac's Life Points: 5300-

"Next, I'm activating my Chronicle Sorceress' ability. So I send another 'Dark Magician' related card to my graveyard."

Isaac's Life Points: 4800-

"Again?" muttered Sunset as she felt Isaac was getting rid of his options by sending them away. Not to mention, he was chipping away at his own life points.

"Then I'll summon my Magician's Valkyria(1600/1800) in defense mode."

Out came a magician girl in a striking and elegant ensemble. Her outfit was predominantly blue with yellow accents. Her skirt featured a layered design in purple and pink hues. She wore a matching hat adorned with feathers and arm and leg protectors that complimented the overall aesthetic.

"And as long as I have Magician's Valkyria out, you have to go through her first if you want to get to my other monsters. I then set two cards facedown!"

Isaac quickly slotted said cards into his duel disk as they materialized before him and disappeared in the blink of an eye.

"I end my turn."

When Isaac finished his turn, the swords on Sunset's field disappeared as she was now free to strike.

Turn 13: Sunset (Hand 2)

"You always like to have your harem of magician girls, Isaac. Let's see how well their master can protect them against my army of dragons! I draw!" stated Sunset. "Now, Red-Eyes Flare Metal Dragon, take out his Magician's Valkyria!"

Sunset's dragon opened its mouth and shot out a fireball that made contact with Isaac's magician. It made her flinch before she burned up.

"Red-Eyes, take out his Chronicle Sorceress!"

Sunset's other dragon fired a fireball that took out the second of Isaac's magicians as the World Champion held fast.

"Now… Meteor Black Comet Dragon… take out his Berry Magician Girl."

"I activate my Berry Magician Girl's special ability!"

"That doesn't come without a price!" shouted Sunset.

Smoke emitted from her metal dragon that singed Isaac even more, to the point he screamed and fell to a knee. The World Champion was shown in a state like never before, tired, exhausted, and worn out from Sunset's tactics. Despite all that, Isaac pushed through the pain to stand up and yell defiantly.

Isaac's Life Points: 4300-

"Yeesh, that monster is a cancer," said Hitch, "Your father's already lost 1500 Life Points in the last eight minutes."

"Come on, Dad. You can do this. Please." mumbled Roll under her breath as she put her hands together as if praying to the heavens to let her father win.

"Since you targeted my Berry Magician Girl for an attack, I can use her special ability. First, she switches into defense mode. Next, I summon a 'Magician Girl' from my deck to the field. So I summon… Dark Magician Girl(2000/1700)!"

A flash of light appeared as out came Isaac's top female spellcaster. A beautiful blonde, green-eyed female appeared wearing a blue and pink floor-length dress with a high collar and long, flowing sleeves. The dress had touches of yellow accents; her hat was a pointed witch hat with a wide brim and a golden band; tall, blue boots with a pointed top at the end of her boot reaching her knee; and long, blue gloves that reached to her elbows with silver accents, a choker necklace with a pendant was around her neck, and lastly, her signature wand that she held upon appearing.

"So your magical girlfriend side piece is here, big whoop!" barked Sunset as she'd seen this move a thousand times and wasn't amused by Isaac's plan. "Either way, your Berry Magician Girl bites the dust!"

"My Berry Magician Girl may be gone, but she's more than upheld her task. Thanks to her, I brought out my Dark Magician Girl, and her arrival allows me to trigger the effect of my field spell! Since I summoned my Dark Magician Girl, I can now revive my Dark Magician from my graveyard!"

Soon, Isaac had both of his top spellcasters out before him, and Sunset bit her lip, feeling slightly worried at the sight before her.

"Well, don't forget, that cost you some points!" barked the bacon-haired duelist.

Once more, smoke emitted from her monster and flooded Isaac and his magician as the World Champion coughed. He took a deep breath as his vision faded and became blurry. It was clear he wouldn't last long, but he needed to tap into his reservoirs of incredible stamina if he wanted to continue and win this vicious duel against Sunset.

Isaac's Life Points: 3800-

"I end my turn."

Turn 14: Isaac (Hand 3)

"My move. I activate Dark Magic Twin Burst!" said Isaac. Smoke surrounded him as he fought through the searing pain. "Now my Dark Magician gains a power boost equal to my Dark Magician Girl's attack points. Which means he now has more than enough to take down your dragon!"

Isaac's Life Points: 3300-

"Now… Dark Magician, take out her Red-Eyes Flare Metal Dragon! Twin Dark Magic Attack!" shouted Isaac as his two magicians leaped. The pair put their wands together, forming a massive energy ball that pulsed with fire.

"Do it, you two!"

At the command of Isaac's call, the two magicians fired their collective attack as it headed toward Sunset and her dragon. The bacon-haired duelist noticed a card in the nearby tree as she went for it. However, just as Sunset leaped up to grab it, the attack from Isaac's magicians made contact and exploded her monster upon impact. The force of the attack was so strong that it created a powerful wind that blew over the entire field and pushed Sunset away from the tree; she could not grab said card to help her and tumbled hard to the ground.

Sunset's Life Points: 4700-

"Nice! Now he can play as many cards as he wants without worrying about hurting himself!" stated Sunny as she admired Isaac's skill and courage. Silently, Roll had a smile at seeing her father mount a comeback.

Sunset began to stir as she grunted in pain. She got to her hands and knees and now had her share of bruise marks. Her hair was messy as she lifted her head to look at Isaac. The World Champion saw the killer look of his rival through her hair as she was now demon-possessed.

"Now that your monster is gone, I'll take advantage of playing any card I want like this. Next, I summon my Chocolate Magician Girl(1600/1000) in defense mode."

Another magician girl appeared, with a charming appearance that matched her personality. She had a chocolate-theme magician girl outfit, predominantly brown and white, resembling chocolate and cream. Hair long and flowing and styled in loose curls adorned with ribbons. She wore a tall, pointed witch hat with a wide brim adorned with a chocolate-colored ribbon. She had a long, elegant, flowing dress with a sweetheart neckline and puffy sleeves decorated with lace. She also had a short apron skirt tied around her waist and carried a staff topped with a star.

"Damn, how come your father's magicians make me so… hungry?" said Hitch.

"What did you just say?!" exclaimed Sunny as she got in her boyfriend's face and glared at him.

"I'm just saying. I'd like some chocolate or something sweet," the boy told his girlfriend.

"O-oh, that's what you mean," said Sunny as she suddenly felt embarrassed and backed off. The girl grabbed a pillow and hid her face behind it as she wanted to forget that she jumped on the gun, thinking her boyfriend was eyeing some side candy.

"Then, I'll activate her ability to discard one spellcaster in my hand to draw a card. I'll then play the card I just drew. Card of Sanctity! Now we each draw till we're holding six cards in our hands!" stated Isaac as he quickly replenished his hand. "Next… I'll set the pendulum scale using these two cards. My Scale 1 Sorcerer Swordsman and Scale 8 Mirage Magician! I'm taking control of this duel, starting now!"

Isaac placed his two cards on the far ends of his duel disk, with the word 'pendulum' spelled out in rainbow coloring in between. The two monsters appeared and rose in columns of light as their respective numbers appeared in front of them.

"What a combo," responded Zipp as Isaac was back in control in one turn.

"I end my turn."

Turn 15: Sunset (Hand 6)

"I've had enough, Isaac! I've had it!"

Sunset stood up as her anger fueled her and gave her strength. Like a demon-possessed, Sunset's fury boiled with hate, staring down the person who ruined her life.

"After I left, I was left with nothing but pain! Over the past few months, while I was gone rehabbing, guess how many people checked on me? One! Just one. Over the years, I was led to believe that we're all one big happy family in the back. We're all brothers and sisters; we travel the world together, performing for these people. We spend more time with each other than with our actual families… well… apart from one person!"

Sunset was shown pointing at Isaac as, unlike everybody else, he had the special privilege to go home whenever he wanted while on the road, and he wouldn't get in trouble for it.

"But it's all bullshit! You believed in me when I became World Champion, and everyone forgot about me the second I was gone! The truth is… the real villain in all this is you, Isaac! You took a break, the fans cheered for you when you came back, you snapped your fingers, and they were all by your side once again, and it's pathetic!"

"You want to talk about the ten months you were gone, Sunset. Let me tell you straight, pendaja! I've been in this game for over a decade and a half! Everything you've talked about, I've gone through it, even as the top star of this business. With the amount of work I've put in these years! You want to talk about loss! I've had losses, trust me! I've had to put that aside and go to work the same week! The sacrifices you're talking about: the weddings, the birthdays, the anniversaries, the little league games, the funerals that you should've been at it, I get all that! I've put unnecessary stress on Twilight, and for god's sake, she's one crazy lunatic to love me still and be with me after all these years when she could've walked out and taken the kids with her for a new life. I applaud her for sticking by my side and putting her through hell when she has her own busy life! I applaud her for loving me! Because I love her!"

The crowd reacted to Isaac's passionate speech as a loud applause could be heard. Twilight was in a sea of happy tears at home, and hearing her husband speak as if he was directly talking to her filled her with so many emotions and a smile.

"And I know we don't like to use the word 'love' around here because it doesn't make us 'look tough,'" said Isaac, doing air quotes with his fingers. "Please, I'm a grown-ass man! I can say and do whatever the hell I want, and I don't give a damn what anybody else thinks! I put stress on the most important people in my family, too; you know why!? Because this is the life that I chose! Because this is how I provide for my kids. To give them the life they always wanted. To make sure they don't go one day without asking when our next meal is! To put a roof over their heads, clothes on their backs, get the education they need! I do it because I Love My Kids! We are duelists! And we are lucky to be duelists! And you think that this is just your story or my story? You know who else has stories like this?"

Isaac then pointed, looking at everyone in the audience and spinning to take it all in.

"Every single person sitting these stands. Every single person watching at home. The kids who struggle at school, the people who struggle at work, they struggle economically, physically, they have their sacrifices! But they still get up every day and do what they have to do to soldier on and get through the day without pointing their fingers at everybody else!"

Sunset's growling got even louder as Isaac held his defiant look while running her down.

"And you want to point the finger at them and say they forgot about you? Sunny, they didn't forget about you? They made you!" responded Isaac confidently.

"Damn, your father cooked!" reacted Zipp after hearing Isaac speak.

"I got news for you, Sunset. Just because you're mad doesn't make you special. And now you want to think that what everybody else does is tied to you? What Gilda does has nothing to do with you? What Applejack does has nothing to do with you? What I do has nothing to do with you!"

"You wanna know the truth? It isn't just anger. My anger comes from a place of pain. And I don't doubt everything you just said is your truth. And there was so much passion in it, but it's not the filter. You have a way of spinning things. You can go home anytime you want to your family, Isaac… but what about those who can't! The people in Baltimore will stay here and be with their families 24/7, but what about those who can't go home to their loved ones?!"

The two were so content in their arguments that they didn't dare look away from the other.

"I know Twilight is watching right now. I know your kids are looking at you right now, Isaac. I suggest that they look away and turn off the TV right now… because I'm gonna make you bleed."

Sunset drew her draw with a flourish as she was determined to make good on that promise she just declared.

"First up, I'm activating the effect of my Black Stone of Legend to return it to my hand, and shuffle one of my Red-Eyes Alternative Black Dragons back into my deck!" stated Sunset as her cards ejected, adding one to her hand and placing the other on top of her deck before the auto shuffler kicked in.

"I then summon Red-Eyes Baby Dragon(1200/700). But he won't be around for long because I'm going to banish him to summon an even more powerful dragon. I summon… Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon(2800/2400)!" The small dragon was dragged into a void before something far larger landed on the field.

It towered Sunset, casting a long shadow in which Isaac was trapped. The World Champion 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 to create claws due to its lack of arms.

"I now use the effect of my monster to summon one dragon from my graveyard. So my Red-Eyes Alternative Black Dragon is back and ready to fight!"

Upon seeing Sunset bring back her dragon, Isaac turned and booked it. The World Champion and his magicians moved with him as they trailed their master. Sunset didn't hesitate as she got back on her Red-Eyes' back and took the air.

"Run, Isaac! It makes it more enjoyable for me!" growled Sunset as she took to the skies with her dragons, following their mistress into the hunt.

Isaac was running through the rest of the forest as the sounds of the dragons overheard were heard. The World Champion was being hunted as he exited the forest and came to a clearing of an open prairie. He looked back for a moment and didn't see Sunset or any of her dragons; he turned back to look ahead as a massive castle was before him. Seeing the building, he figured he might find an Action Card or two inside to help him turn things around. Just as he was approaching the drawbridge, a sound caused him to skid to a halt and almost fall on his behind. Isaac's three magicians present all stood before their master to protect him as Sunset's Meteor Black Comet Dragon hovered before the castle and guarded the entrance to the castle. At that moment, Sunset and her remaining dragons appeared behind him and closed in quickly.

"What do we do?" asked Chocolate Magician Girl to her teacher.

"Protect the master at all costs," answered Isaac's Dark Magician.

"Take aim and fire!" shouted Sunset as she got closer and closer.

Her Meteor Black Comet Dragon opened its mouth as it prepared to blast its prey. Isaac turned back forward as he touched his duel screen.

"I activate my facedown, Spellbinding Circle! Now, not only does it stop your monster's attack, but it loses 700 attack points!" said Isaac as he jumped to the side and avoided the attack from Sunset's beast.

He continued to run as he ran past the dragon and got on the drawbridge; once he got into the castle, he quickly flipped the drawbridge switch as it began to rise. Sunset and her remaining dragons raced forward as they failed to get inside at the last second and quickly ascended straight upwards. They were now high above the structure as Isaac was inside and could catch glimpses of him through some windows.

"Time to storm the castle, Prince!" yelled Sunset.

Her dragons opened their mouths and began unleashing a barrage of fireballs on the castle walls and the structure itself. Inside, racing upstairs, Isaac fell from the initial shock. He quickly turned, looked out of a small window, and saw Sunset attacking the walls to destroy them. A small fireball was heading toward the window, so he quickly got up and continued to run. Just as the fireball pierced the window, it destroyed the section of the stairs he was just on.

Sunset continued to decimate the castle as part of the wall was destroyed. She caught sight of Isaac, and as she turned her attention to her Red Eyes, she was on and pointed. Her dragon fired several fireballs as she tried snapping Isaac out of the building. Isaac was doing well as he kept ahead of Sunset's attack, making contact, leaving a trail of destruction behind, and opening the tower more. The World Champion knew if he slowed down for even a second, he'd be mincemeat.

"Red-Eyes Alternative Dragon, take out his Chocolate Magician Girl!" commanded Sunset.

Sunset looked to her left as she gave her dragon its orders. The beast followed the command of its mistress without hesitation as it got a clear shot at Isaac and his magicians before firing its attack. Isaac's magician turned and saw the attack as she did her job while spinning her staff.

"Since you targeted my Chocolate Magician Girl, I can activate her special ability! I can target one spellcaster in my graveyard and summon it. So I'm bringing back my Berry Magician Girl!" stated Isaac as his toddler magician appeared. "Then your attack is changed to her, and your monster's attack points are cut in half!"

"Even with half its strength, my dragon beats your toddler magician!"

"Well, guess what, I'm not done. Next, Berry Magician Girl's effect kicks in. And you know what it does, Sunset. It switches her into defense mode; then I can summon a 'Magician Girl' from my deck. So I'll summon my Apple Magician Girl(1200/800)!" said Isaac as his tiny toddler magician was blasted, and he avoided it by making a big leap forward and continuing to run up the stairs.

An apple with wings appeared and flew toward to catch up with Isaac as it glowed. When the glow died down, hovering alongside her master and comrades was Isaac's new magician girl. A young woman with flowing red hair styled in a sleek bob appeared. She had a long, flowing red dress with a high collar and puffed sleeves, while her magician attire had apple motifs. She had a red, pointed hat with a wide brim, a choker around her neck, matching thigh-high boots, and a belt. She had large, feathery wings to add to her elegant presence.

"Well, I got more dragons! Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon, take out his Chocolate Magician Girl!"

The dragon fired its attack as it took out another one of Isaac's monsters, but he kept running. As he neared the top, a door was shown ahead as Isaac picked up the pace.

"Red-Eyes, attack his Dark Magician!"

The dragon she was on roared before it created a powerful fireball. The attack was fired as Isaac was getting closer to the door. He put his hand out as if to reach for the handle. The fireball sailed toward him as the World Champion's Dark Magician did his duty by taking the attack full on to try and shield his master.

"Ahh!" yelled out Isaac's wizard as he perished.

"Mahad!" shouted Isaac at seeing his most beloved monster be destroyed before his eyes.

Isaac's Life Points: 2800-

The attack continued as it pushed toward Isaac, who reached the handle and was pushed through it. An explosion was heard outside the castle, and everyone watching had open mouths. The smoke cleared as Sunset moved in with her dragons. The large hole that was created contained tons of rubble inside the large room the door led to. A pile of debris was shown before it began to move. Emerging from the rubble was Isaac, who winced in pain and crumpled to the floor. He coughed and took deep breaths; the World Champion's remaining magician girls looked concerned for their master as they used their magic to remove the rubble from him.

Isaac felt pain as he clutched his side and tried to stand up. Upon getting up, he yelled loudly before he collapsed back on the ground, making his monsters worry. The World Champion felt his sides shooting with pain, which didn't allow him to stand. Watching from the cameras and drones, the producers and Shining Armor eyed Isaac in his critical state.

"Call the medics. We have to call it off."

"No!" said Shining Armor. "Remember, the duel doesn't stop for anything," reminded the man as he gave his brother-in-law the request he wanted.

"But, sir!"

"He'll be fine," said Shining Armor as he told the medics not to go out and call off the duel.

Everyone hesitated about Shining Armor's decision but decided not to push it. Normally, he would agree to make that call if it were anyone other than Isaac. But again… if it were anybody else other than his brother-in-law. He knew his greatest rival wouldn't let some pain like that keep him down. While Isaac lay there to the people watching, the World Champion saw through his eyes, his magician girls tending to him and casting some magic to heal his wounds. Eventually, they finished, and he felt the pain fade away.

"Thanks, girls," said Isaac as he sat up and looked at his Apple and Dark Magician Girl.

The two magician girls smiled, knowing their master was okay. They each kissed his cheek as the sound of footsteps was heard. Sunset casually and villainously walked toward her opponent as a drone finally caught up to them. It relayed and projected the image so that the crowd and everyone watching could now see the two duelists about to engage. Isaac sat up and still held his side as he looked to continue to fight.

"Oh, we're not done. From my hand, I'm activating Dragon's Fighting Spirit!" said Sunset, holding her card between her fingers as it glowed. "This gives my Red-Eyes an additional attack for every monster you have out!"

Sunset's dragon appeared and opened its mouth to fire a fireball at Isaac's Dark Magician.

"Since you destroyed my Dark Magician, my Dark Magician Girl gains 300 extra attack points since he's in the graveyard. Then, I'll discard my Kiwi Magician Girl to activate her ability. Now all my 'Magician Girl' monsters gain 300 extra attack and defense points for every 'Magician Girl' I have on my field and in my graveyard. So since I have five 'Magician Girls,' both of my monsters gain 1500 extra attack points until the end of the turn!"

Isaac's Dark Magician Girl raised her wand as the spirit of her sisters empowered her. She fired an attack as it collided with the fireball before it pushed back and pierced through it toward the sender. Red Eyes roared as it felt the attack and exploded, making the destroyed tower even more destroyed. Sunset had covered up as she held a defiant look.

Sunset's Life Points: 3900-

Once the attack died, Sunset lowered her arm as she stared down Isaac.

"Since my Black Metal Dragon was sent to the graveyard, I can use its effect to add a 'Red-Eyes' card from my deck to my hand. Next, I'll set two cards facedown and end my turn!"

Turn 16: Isaac (Hand 3)

"My move. Now, I'll activate the effect of my Eternal Soul to bring back my Dark Magician from the grave. Next, I'll play this. The spell card, Dedication through Light and Darkness! Now, by offering up my Dark Magician as tribute, I can be able to summon from my deck my Dark Magician of Chaos(2800/2600)!"

This one male, a new magician, wore dark, flowing robes with intricate gold and purple accents. The robes were long and loose-fitting, with a high collar.

"When I summon my monster, his special ability allows me to add a spell card from my graveyard to my hand. So I'll take back my Card of Santity. Next, I'll use my Sorcerer Swordsman's pendulum ability! Now, I can add monsters from my graveyard to my hand if their levels fall within the scale I set. So I'll take back my Dark Magician and Chocolate Magician Girl. Then… I'll pendulum summon!"

A pendulum appeared between Isaac's two cards as it swung back and forth.

"Swing far, pendulum. Carve the arc that will lead me to victory!" shouted Isaac as he thrusted his arm upward. A portal opened as two lights shot out. "It's time to go God mode on your ass, Sunset. So let's do it! I pendulum summon… my Dark Magician and Chocolate Magician Girl!"

Isaac's two monsters appeared as they joined their comrades before the many dragons and Sunset.

"I then activate the spell card, Graceful Charity. So I draw three cards and discard two!" stated Isaac as he picked up some cards before deciding which ones to get rid of. "Next, I play my Card of Sanctity once again, so we draw until we hold six cards."

"What's he doing?" asked Sunset as she didn't see Isaac's plan.

"By replenishing my hand, countless strategic opportunities are available now! I then play my Chaos Form! So I'll tribute both my Apple and Chocolate Magician Girl so that I can perform a ritual summon!" stated Isaac as his two magician girls entered a portal as their energies were being used. "I Ritual Summon! Magician of Chaos(2500/2100)!"

"Cool trick, but he's still weak compared to my other dragons!"

"Well, check this out! My Magician of Chaos is considered a 'Dark Magician' on my field or graveyard. I then activate the spell card, Dark Magic Expanded! First, this triggers my Magician of Chaos' ability. Since an effect was activated, my monster can target and destroy one card on the field. So I'm taking out your Meteor Black Comet Dragon!"

Isaac's monster grabbed his staff and took out Sunset's monster without effort. Sunset covered up as she was down to one dragon.

"Now, to use the effect of my Dark Magic Expanded. Since I have at least three monsters that are either 'Dark Magician' and/or 'Dark Magician Girl' on my field, I can activate all the effects of my card. First, my Magician of Chaos gains 1000 extra attack points until the end of the turn. Second, you can't activate any cards or effects in response to my own, nor can yours destroy them. And finally, all my Dark Spellcaster-type monsters are unaffected by your cards until the end of the turn. Sunset… game over!"

The bacon-haired duelist gasped as she realized what this meant.

"Magician of Chaos! Destroy her Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon!" commanded Isaac.

"And the Prince just entered God mode!" said the lead commentator as Isaac was about to showcase his dominance.

Isaac's monster twirled his scepter as it overloaded with power. He aimed and fired at Sunset's remaining dragon. She turned and noticed an action card nearby stuck on the floor. As she went for it, the attack from Isaac destroyed her dragon. She couldn't grab it in time and was pushed back by the attack. Sunset sailed through the air and tumbled on the floor as it gave way and collapsed. Isaac stood at the edge of the hole he created with his magicians and a scowl before he jumped down after Sunset. Sunset was falling as she managed to grab some nearby rope. She slid down with her hands, giving her a slight burn rope. She reached the end of the rope and jumped as the momentum caused her to tumble into the center of the castle's main room.

Sunset's Life Points: 3200-

Sunset ached in pain as she dusted her leather jacket off. Footsteps were heard as she turned to the center stairway, and walking down was Isaac menacingly. The World Champion had his magicians appear by his side as they awaited their orders from their master. Sunset turned around and scooted back as Isaac was now the predator stalking his prey.

"Isaac… hold on," said Sunset, putting a hand out as if trying to reason with her friend.

"I said when you were locked in combat with you, you weren't going to be praying to some God or devil. You were going to be praying to me! Pray to me!" shouted Isaac. "Beg me to stop! Beg me for mercy! Pray to me!"

Isaac growled like a feral animal as each step he took closer toward Sunset gave her fear. The duelist was now at the mercy of her rival and the hell she put him through. Isaac bawled his right fist as the wedding ring on his finger glistened a bit from the light of the castle's chandelier.

"Alright… alright. I'm sorry!" said Sunset as Isaac stopped before Sunset's feet.

Sunset shifted to her knees and looked at her opponent. She held both hands out to keep Isaac at bay and looked guilty.

"Pray to me!" ordered Isaac to Sunset.

"I pray to you," responded Sunset.

"Beg me to stop this violence!" demanded Isaac.

"Please… no more… please, Isaac," pleaded Sunset, putting her hands together and asking for some mercy on her soul.

"Pray to me!" yelled the World Champion.

Sunset had a frightened look as Isaac stepped closer to grab a hold of her when, at that moment, she made her move. As Isaac look to give his remaining monster their orders to finish Sunset off, Sunset executed a low blow to Isaac using her arm. The World Champion gasped when he felt the sudden hit to his groin as he hunched over instinctively Sunset's shoulder. Sunset's face was shown as an evil smile appeared, showing she had no remorse for the underhanded tactic she used.

"Sunset goes lows!" said the lead commentator.

"It's all legal. No holds barred!" reminded the other commentator.

Isaac then fell over as he lay on the floor and clutched his jewels while wincing in incredible pain. Sunset stood up with her smug, cocky grin as she was proud of her work.

"Oh, Isaac. You're so gullible and stupid! All these years, you still want to play the good guy. That might be your greatest strength, but it's also your greatest weakness!" stated Sunset as the World Champion began to crawl away while still clutching his pained area.

Isaac's monsters looked at their master as if he were vulnerable.

"Attack!" shouted Isaac, over the pain.

The remaining magicians took off individually as they looked to finish the job. Sunset turned to see Isaac's servants trying to give her a receipt for what she did as she touched her duel screen.

"I activate my facedown. Negate Attack! Now the battle phase ends and your attacks are canceled!" shouted Sunset as all three magicians stopped dead.

Sunset smirked as Isaac's monsters were forced to stand down. She turned her attention to her foe, who had made his way to the stairs and rested his hunched-over body against it, trying to catch his breath and numb some of the pain.

"I… set a card," Isaac gasped through deep breaths.

Sunset appeared over her hunched-over friend/enemy. She grabbed his chin tightly and brought him closer to a drone.

"Hey, Twilight. How's the view?" taunted Sunset through the camera, addressing her friend. "Don't worry, Twi. I'm gonna make sure he stays home. Kids… Daddy is coming home real soon. Then maybe you can fix your relationship with him when he has nothing else to live for."

Sunset then let go of Isaac before delivering a quick kick to his side; Isaac let out a yelp before rolling over to clutch his side.

Turn 17: Sunset (Hand 6)

"My move!" shouted Sunset as she did her turn while Isaac tried to recover. "First, I activate Monster Reborn to return my Red-Eyes Black Dragon. Then I'll play this card, Change of Heart. Now, I can take control of one of your monsters. And I'll choose your Dark Magician!"

Isaac's most faithful servant now appeared on Sunset's field as it stood on the back of her dragon.

"Next… I fuse them with Polymerization!"

"No!" shouted Isaac, as she didn't like what Sunset would do.

"Long live the Prince," stated Sunset as she and Isaac's top monsters entered a swirling vortex that emitted dark red colors.

"NO!" said the World Champion as he could do nothing.

"I Fusion Summon!" yelled Sunset as the castle rocked. Everyone watching waited to see what creature she was bringing out. "Appear… Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon(3000/2500)!"

A monster so fearsome appeared that the sight of it alone would give nightmares to little kids. A muscular, draconic monster appeared as its body was adorned with dark, crimson scales. Its eyes glowed with an intense red light, reflecting its destructive power. The wings on its back were huge, exuding an aura of power and dominance.

"What… is that?" stated Hitch as, despite watching from a screen, the monster on it gave him chills down his spine.

"A living nightmare," mumbled Roll as even she was scared of Sunset's monster.

Like his daughter, Isaac was in a state of fear upon seeing Sunset's powerful creature. Sunset grinned as she was excited by the sight of her rival being terrorized by her new monster.

"I now activate my monster's special ability! Now, I can destroy one monster you control and inflict damage equal to its original attack points. So say goodbye to your Dark Magician of Chaos!" said Sunset as she pointed at Isaac's monster. Her creature had one of its claws glow with power before it thrust it forward and easily took out the World Champion's wizard.

"You lose, Isaac!"

"Not if I discard my Clear Kuriboh from my hand. Doing that allows me to negate the damage from your monster's effect!" said Isaac.

"Too bad, it won't work! By discarding one card from my hand, I can negate your Clear Kuriboh's effect and destroy that card. Furthermore, my Dark Dragoon gains 1000 attack points. Like I said, you lose!" stated Sunset.

"No…!" Isaac was shown touching his duel screen. "I activate my trap! Magicians' Defense! Now, as long as I control a spellcaster, any damage I take is cut in half!"

The World Champion braced himself as he got up, put an arm up, and took the damage head-on.

Isaac's Life Points: 1400-

"Well, it's not over just yet. Since I used two normal-type monsters to bring out my Dark Dragoon, I can use its effect again. So say goodbye to your Magician of Chaos!"

"Well, I'll chain your effect with mine. So I'll use Magician of Chaos to destroy your Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon!"

"No, you won't! Because my Dark Dragoon can't be destroyed nor targeted with card effects. So it's immortal to your pathetic magician's tricks!" stated Sunset. "Him, on the other hand… too bad!"

"I still have one last attempt. I activate my facedown, Magicians' Combination! Now, once per turn, when a card or effect is activated, I can tribute a 'Dark Magician' or 'Dark Magician Girl' monster to bring out the other one from my hand or graveyard. So I'll tribute my Dark Magician Girl to bring back my Dark Magician; by doing so, I can negate your effect. So your Dark Dragoon won't be destroying my Magician of Chaos! And since Dark Dragoon's negate ability can only be used once per turn, you can't do anything to stop this!" stated Isaac.

"Heh, lucky break," said Sunset as Isaac managed to avoid losing another monster and the duel. "But it's game over! Dark Dragoon, take out his Magician of Chaos!"

"My Magicians' Defense is still in play, so the damage I'll take is cut in half!" stated Isaac.

The monster fired a fireball from one of its claw hands as it took out Isaac's monster. The fireball continued toward the World Champion as he was awkwardly knocked back. He tumbled to the ground and lay on his stomach.

Isaac's Life Points: 650-

Isaac lay there as he didn't stir for quite a while. He then began to move as he lifted his head. Isaac then was forcefully grabbed by his shoulder and flipped over as Sunset had her boot on his chest. The World Champion stared at his rival as she pinned him down. The bacon-haired duelist was looking at her opponent as the sight before she spoke volumes. There was a slight cut above Isaac's right eye as he got it when he hit the ground a bit too hard that it busted him open. The drone positioned above the pair got the footage, and everyone gasped when they saw Isaac sporting a bit of a crimson mask as it slowly dripped down the side of his face. For Twilight, she had to instinctively cover her mouth from seeing Sunset bust open her husband to the point he was bleeding a bit.

"Aw, man. I need a moment," said Pipp, uneasy just from seeing the small bleeding cut.

"Awesome!" said Zipp, as she was all for some bloody theatrics.

"Zephyrina!" shouted Haven for cheering this sort of behavior and violence.

"Dad…" muttered Roll, the girl concerned for her father as she'd never seen him in this state in his entire life.

Sunset stared down Isaac as he tried to wiggle free from her, pinning him down.

"I said I was going to make you bleed," growled Sunset as she got closer to Isaac and spoke to him in a sultry tone. "And I also meant when I said I would take everything away from you…"

Isaac stared at Sunset as she reached down to grab his right wrist. Sunset then spotted Isaac's wedding ring. She forcefully yanked it off his finger, making the World Champion yell. Sunset pulled off his ring and took some skin off. Isaac's finger momentarily twitched in pain as Sunset held his wedding ring. As if she couldn't do any more disrespect, Sunset took it to new heights as she spat on the World Champion's ring before tossing it to the floor and stomping.

At that moment, time slowed down as Sunset seemed to enjoy what she did. In one instance, Isaac's attitude changed. Instinctively, he shifted his body's position and lifted his foot to kick Sunset below the belt. This time, she felt it, and everyone was shocked by what they saw Isaac do to the woman. To Isaac, it was a previous receipt, as he had fury in his eyes. He didn't want just to hurt Sunset; he wanted her to bleed as well. Sunset fell to her knees as Isaac grabbed hold of the back of her head and made her stare directly into his rage-fueled eyes.

"Payback's a bitch, bitch!"

Isaac then headbutted Sunset as hard as he could as she fell back. She immediately grabbed her nose as bits of red dripped from it. She felt it, and sure enough, she now had a broken nose from the impact of Isaac's headbutt.

"This shit rocks!" said Zipp as she was into the violence before her.

Turn 18: Isaac (Hand 2)

Sunset lay there as Isaac went to his feet, with the blood on his face smearing to his skin. Even then, he didn't stop as he looked to end this phoenix.

"My… move!" yelled the World Champion as he was in killer mode. "I summon Palladium Oracle Mahad(2500/2100)!"

A tall, imposing figure with flowing white hair and a long white robe appeared before the World Champion. His attire was elegant and mystical, with intricate golden patterns adorning it. He also wore a golden circlet, symbolizing his oracle status.

"When I draw Mahad, I can summon him. Now… Mahad, attack! Destroy Sunset's Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon!" commanded Isaac as his monster leaped into the air and launched a powerful attack. "When Mahad battles a Dark-type monster, its attack points double!"

The oracle then fired its attack as Sunset's monster tried to push it back, only for it to bite the dust.

Sunset's Life Points: 2200-

The attack caused a huge magic explosion, making it hard for some people to see. While the explosion went off, Sunset touched her duel screen, bloody nose and all.

"I activate my facedown! Red-Eyes Burn! When a 'Red-Eyes' monster is destroyed, we both take damage equal to its original attack points!"

"That… means," gasped Isaac as he realized what that meant.

The magic explosion became ten times bigger when it reacted with Sunset's trap, causing a second explosion. The two explosions combined caused a huge chain reaction, which caused all the drones trying to record their duel shootout to self-destruct. The feed was lost to the producers and crew backstage as the systems began to go haywire.

"What's happening?" asked Shining Armor.

"I'm not sure, sir! The whole system is overloading from their chain reaction!" said a producer as an explosion occurred on the console, making them jump back.

"Shut it down, quick!" shouted Shining, but it wouldn't do any good.

The Action Field began to fizzle out in the arena as Isaac and Sunset were tossed back from the chain reaction, and the entire duel field shut down. Everyone gasped in the arena as the lights went dark. The backup generators came on as many backstage crew rushed out to check on the equipment and duelists.

"Somebody get the damn paramedics!" shouted Shining Armor as it was clear both Isaac and Sunset needed to be checked on.

Haven and the kids only saw a static transmission as they lost signal when the two explosions reacted. They were concerned about what was happening in the arena, as they had no clue what happened. Twilight was holding her breath as she stared at her screen. Seeing her husband caught in that explosion as the system shut down worried her.


Isaac was shown stirring as he opened his eyes, but his field of vision was blurry. He closed his eyes briefly before opening them again, but they were still blurry. The World Champion could hear faint voices but couldn't understand what they were saying.

What was happening was that Shining Armor had paramedics rush out to check on his brother-in-law and Sunset. It was clear at this moment the result of the duel didn't matter as both needed serious medical attention. Upon being found, Isaac had dried up blood smeared above his right eye as they got to work on cleaning it and sealing it up. He was then brought a stretcher as the medics were careful in moving his body, given the pain and hell he put it under during the duel. Everyone in the arena held their breaths and murmured to each other what they were seeing live before their eyes. Phones were pulled out and recorded what they saw before Isaac was stretchered out. Shining Armor quickly made a pass at his brother-in-law, tapping his hands and putting his wedding ring into Isaac's hand.

"You're going to be fine, bud," assured the duelist to his sister's husband as he left and went to check on Sunset.

The people in the front row clapped as the stretcher Isaac was on rolled to the side of the ramp. They all shouted and encouraged Isaac to get through this. An ambulance was shown in the back as the medics and the people inside were preparing to load the duelist and take him to the hospital for any serious signs of injury. However, at that moment, Isaac began to stir and regain consciousness.

"Guys, I'm fine," said Isaac as he sat on the stretcher.

"Isaac, don't sit up!"

"I said I'm fine!" responded the World Champion to the medics' pleas.

Isaac began to untie himself from the straps as he shoved the medics away. He got off the stretcher only to immediately fall to the ground. The medics rushed to help him, but Isaac refused their help and got up on his own.

"Isaac, please. Let us take you to the hospital."

"I said I'm good!" barked the World Champion as he didn't need to go get checked on.

He gave the medics a death glare before walking away slowly. As he walked away, Isaac clutched his side as he felt some slight pain but knew it would pass. He passed by some crew as they couldn't believe their eyes. The fact that he was busted open, had bruise marks, scorched clothes, and even survived an explosion overload, and after all that, refused medical help and chose to walk it off amazed them. To everyone who watched Isaac past them, they felt like he wasn't normal as nobody could just walk away from something like that. Isaac didn't care for the looks he was getting as he made his way to his locker room and closed the door behind him.

To be continued…

Author's Note: Everyone knew this duel was gonna get physical. And you don't get as physical as what Isaac and Sunset just went through. You talk about bloody, you talk about violence. Both tried to almost end the other's career. However, it seems we didn't get a clear winner in all of this. So what does that mean? More importantly, are Isaac and Sunset ever going to be the same after the hell they just went through in this brutal war to the point that Isaac refused medical help and wanted to walk out on his own two feet.