After a very successful Super Showdown PLE, Isaac entered through gorilla with Twilight by his side and was welcomed to a warm round of applause. Juniper was the first to congratulate him as she hugged her client. She then spoke with Isaac about tomorrow's appearance, a moment filled with anticipation and excitement. Despite finishing their biggest show of the year, the business kept moving. Tomorrow, he and Applejack would need to appear for a TV taping they would broadcast here in the stadium as the brand-new tag team champs.
"Are you gonna stare at that thing all night?"
Isaac looked at the medallion he had won with Applejack as he sat on his hotel bed. The World Champion's wife was putting on her nightgown as she entered the room and saw her husband looking at his shiny trinket since they returned to their hotel.
"Sorry, it's just… I don't think it's hit me yet," confessed the duelist.
Twilight entered the bedroom and looked at her husband. She approached the bed and slid up against him to share a kiss. Isaac smiled before putting his arms around his wife. The pair leaned back and looked at the medal he was holding, their shared joy radiating in the room.
"I'm glad you and Aj could work it out."
"I am, too," smiled Isaac.
"And congrats on still being champ."
Twilight looked at her husband as he set the medal on the nightstand and grabbed his wife. He positioned her to straddle his lap as she grabbed his face, and the two pressed their lips against each other. The two lovers soon settled in for a celebratory, passionate night, their intimacy a testament to their deep connection.
The morning came as the teens gathered in the hotel's dining room. Pipp was on her phone as the many photos she took and posted to her socials had received thousands of likes and taps. It amazed the social media girl just how many new followers she had received in the last 12 hours, as Mario's father was a gold mine for clicks.
"Check this one out!" said Pipp as she slid up on Mario's side.
The girl showed off the cool shot she got of the boy's father when he did his zipline entrance.
"You think your father can do a couple more photos for me to get more followers? Or maybe show up on my livestream?" asked the social media girl.
"I don't know, chica! Why don't you ask him yourself?!" said Mario as he scoffed at the girl and returned to eating his meal without hearing his father's name being mentioned.
"That was so cool!" said Zipp as she looked at her phone and browsed the net to see the many threads that had emerged following the World Champion's duel with Aj.
"Congrats to your father, by the way," said Sunny as she addressed Roll.
"Thanks, but maybe you should say it to him."
The girl used her eyes to look around Sunny. The girl turned as entering the dining room was Roll's parents. The kids looked as Isaac came around to his kids and hugged his daughter before rubbing Mario's hair, which the boy just scoffed as his father and mother sat down. Isaac could see what the kids wanted as he pulled up and showed off the shiny medallion he won along with Applejack. His kids' friends looked at the medal as he passed it to Sunny.
"Wow…" said the girl, holding the medallion in her bare hands. She brought a hand up and traced it along the shiny surface, seeing her reflection. She then passed it over to allow others to see it.
"So shiny," said Izzy as she admired her reflection and how bedazzled the medallion glowed.
"So, did you kids enjoy yourselves?" asked Isaac.
"Hell yeah! That was so cool how you came down from the rafters, and then everybody shouted and sang along!" said Zipp, going on a tangent as she let her inner fangirl come out. The heiress then looked about as everyone looked weirdly at her. Zipp realized how she acted before turning red and slumping herself in her chair.
Isaac soon got rid of his look and let out a small chuckle. It was clear the heiress had a tough, tomboyish demeanor she had to put on for others, but deep inside, she was a fan through and through. Kind of like a certain chromatic-haired duelist, he knew.
"So I hope you kids aren't too worn out from last night. Because… there are still some activities I have planned for you all. And apart from tonight's appearance that I have to do, I'll be having more free time on my hands. And I should also mention that your mother is on her way, girls."
Hearing Isaac say their mother was on her way made Zipp slump in her chair even more. The heiress knew she would be in big trouble from the stern lecture her mother would give her. In addition, she still had to deal with the punishment that Isaac was in charge of, as she was not looking forward to that.
"In the meantime, I've compiled a list of activities that I'm sure you all will enjoy," said Isaac as Twilight began to hand out brochures that the hotel had. The brochures were filled with cool stuff and events the kids could do, apart from the gambling, which was reserved only for people of age.
The kids began to embark on their fun voyage as they did all their possible activities, from go-kart racing to an obstacle course to even a jazz club room where they all listened to lively music. Twilight was with the teens, listening to jazz, while Isaac was in another part of the hotel room. The World Champion was engaged in a game, but it wasn't Duel Monsters. The World Champion was attending one of his duties as Juniper had scheduled him to compete in a Pairs game. The tournament was a charity event, and Isaac, the media guy, had no problem participating.
The World Champion was engaged with someone as they were about to start their game. Pairs (also known as Concentration) wasn't hard to play in cards. Several V.I.P. guests had gathered in the High Rollers' Lounge to watch Isaac and his opponent play. They would use two decks of playing cards, and because they were, they had to match both numbers and suits. There would be twice as many cards as usual, but for each card, only one matched. And if there was only one matching pair, the odds of picking them by pure chance was 1 to 104, which meant their only hope was to memorize which cards had already been flipped. And if they got a match, they kept going.
Isaac pulled out a roll of twenties that totaled three hundred dollars. His opponent seemed satisfied with that, as she, too, put that same amount on the table and began.
"Ladies first," offered Isaac with a gentlemen's courtesy.
The woman flipped over the Four of Hearts and the Four of Diamonds. Although they shared the same number, it wasn't a match under the rules, as mentioned earlier. Isaac didn't find a match on his first draw, either. After finding a King of Diamonds, an Ace of Spades, and a Two of Hearts, Isaac found the first pair: Four of Diamonds. Then he flipped the Seven of Diamonds and the King of Clubs- not a match. The woman remembered seeing the King of Clubs earlier and found the other. She then matched up the Two of Spades, the Queen of Clubs, and the Six of Diamonds. After ten minutes of playing, Isaac had 18 pairs to his opponent's 22.
Isaac then matched up the Five of Hearts. It was a very close game. In terms of memory, Isaac and the woman were almost equal. At this point, it was a contest of luck: who would be the first to flip a card they'd already seen? Isaac had 36 pairs, the woman had 40, and only 28 cards remained. It was still too close to call. But things were about to get intense- the fewer cards left, the easier to match them. The lady got five more matches, putting her in a ten-card lead over the World Champion.
"Your turn," the lady said after she missed, "Go ahead and take your best shot!"
Isaac took a deep breath as he drew. In a surprising twist of fate, along with a cocky smile on his face, Isaac flipped over the remaining 18 cards, putting him at 54- over half the deck- and he won.
"Looks like lady luck was on my side," said Isaac, holding his cocky smile. He stood up and offered his hand to the woman. "Good game."
"Same to you," said the woman as she shook the hand of the World Champion and walked away.
Isaac engaged in more casino games for the charity as Twilight was with the kids, taking them on a tour. After going down the Strip, the group returned to the hotel for ice cream. They noticed some hotel employees standing on the curb as they approached the front doors. A truck sound was heard as it backed up slowly toward the group of employees on standby. The words written on the side of the truck read: Pillars Tour.
"What do you think is going on over there?" asked Zipp.
"I'm not sure. Come on, kids. Let's go see," instructed Twilight.
"Aw, but I wanted to upload my latest photos to my drive!" said Pipp as she wanted to return to her air-conditioning room to spend more time on her phone. The social media girl groaned before catching up with her friends.
"Okay. Back it up slowly. Right there, don't drop it!" said the group employee in charge of unloading the stuff off the vehicle.
"Excuse me," said Twilight as she made her presence known. "What is all this?"
"Glad you asked, ma'am. This is to be the hotel's latest attraction for the guests. The Pillars Tour!"
"The Pillars Tour? What's that?" asked Hitch.
The group was led to the back of the truck as it opened. Upon seeing it open, the kids were amazed by what they saw. Tons of rare and extremely valuable artifacts were shown in glass cases, and they seemed to be historical and legendary from the aura they gave off. The hotel staff then unloaded the artifacts, and the teens and Twilight saw the stuff, which caught their attention, especially the card designer, who nearly lost her mind.
"Somnabula's blindfold… Commander Hurricane's armor… Flash Magnus shield… Mage Meadowbrook's mask… Princess Platinum's crown…" said Twilight as she saw several famous artifacts she knew pass her by.
"It's so beautiful," said Pipp as she saw the crown and imagined herself wearing it.
"What are these?" asked Zipp as she looked at the artifacts.
"Some of the most legendary artifacts that have ever been known and studied in history!" said Twilight, letting her inner fangirl and bookworm emerge. She then looked at another podium and spotted a shovel on a marble column. At the bottom, it read: Rockhoof. "Applejack would die if she saw this."
Soon, the group's attention was caught once more. A large glass display case rose through an opening in the trailer's floor. A small portion of the trailer's back wall spun around to reveal another marble pillar. The glass case slid along the floor and was hoisted by mechanical hands to the top of the pillar. The motor hummed for a minute more as the metal arms retreated into the metal floor, and the wall spun back into place. The kids and Twilight looked into the heavy glass and saw a worn, black leather tom on a red velvet pillow.
"No way!" muttered Twilight appreciatively.
"What is it, Mom?" asked Roll.
"It's just an old book," remarked Hitch.
"Just an old book?!" the card designer responded to the boy, who was now slightly scared as if he hadsaid the wrong thing. "That's Starswirl the Bearded's journal! He was a legendary wizard back in ancient history. He wrote tomes and spells that some considered the greatest magic. Even moreso than Duel Monsters!"
"Really?" Sunny said, intrigued by what Twilight had mentioned about the famous wizard.
"Each of his books and tomes were over a thousand years old- each worth over five million dollars!" informed Twilight.
At that moment, Twilight fell to her hands and knees in reverence.
"I am not worthy! I am not worthy!"
"Ooh," said Mario as he covered himself with his hands at his mother, making a fool out of herself in front of his friends.
It didn't take long for word to get out about the artifact show posted online. Reservations at the hotel the group was staying at tripled. It seemed everybody who was anybody wanted a chance to see some valuable and legendary artifacts from some famous people in history. The hotel staff had moved the artifacts into the ballroom for safekeeping until the exhibit was open. With some help from the kids and Twilight, she was given free tickets, which she was gleeful about.
Nighttime had fallen upon the city as Isaac was in his hotel room. The World Champion is getting ready to head over to the TV taping as he would need to appear with Aj, as they have become new Tag Team Champions. Even moreso, the World Champ was scheduled to compete against Sour Sweet. For Applejack, she was looking to be in Isaac's corner to give him support and encouragement during his duel.
"So, did you see the artifacts?" asked Isaac to his wife.
"I wanted to read Starswirl's journal, but I was declined. Said it couldn't be exposed to open air or dust of any kind," responded Twilight as she put on a pouting face and crossed her arms.
"Aw, come on, honey. Don't be like that," said Isaac as he hugged his wife from behind and began to platter her neck with kisses.
Twilight chuckled and giggled as she brought an arm up to grab the back of her husband's head before she turned her head and captured his lips. He then grabbed his wife and laid her down on the bed as he was on top of her. The two continued kissing each other as they held the other in their arms. They soon broke apart as their foreheads touched.
"I'll see you in a few hours."
"Tell Aj I said good luck."
Isaac smiled before capturing Twilight's lips once more and got off. He approached the door and left as he began to head over to the arena. It was nearly an hour before showtime, as in the locker, Shining Armor was doing his job as the locker room leader, running down the card to all the duelists performing and telling them their match order. Back at the hotel, Twilight had invited her kids and their friends to her room to watch the TV show to be broadcast. The World Champ was in his private locker room as he was shining up his medallion and looking at it. A knock was then heard.
"Come in!" responded Isaac.
The door opened, and someone he'd figured might want to see him came in. Applejack stood before her teammate as she had her medallion around her neck. Isaac leaned back in his chair as he looked at his partner.
"Listen, sugarcube. I just wanted to come in and say something," said Applejack as she grabbed a chair leaning against the wall and turned it around to sit and face her friend. "I know we didn't get a chance to talk last night after Super Showdown, but I just want to say. Thanks. Thank you."
"You did it yourself, Aj. You should be proud. And I know this isn't over for you. You're gonna find your way back to the World title scene. You proved you belong in the main event." Isaac smiled.
"I'm glad to hear that. And I know if I start from the bottom again to get another shot at you, I'll do it. But right now… we're partners. We're teammates. We're Tag Champs. For now, let's go out and show them why we're gonna be the best team ever to hold these!" said Applejack as Isaac nodded, keeping his smile.
"I'll see you out there, Jacklyn."
"See ya, city slicker," responded the country gal. "Oh, this is for you."
The country gal pulled out another red envelope and presented it to Isaac.
"Another one?" said the World Champ, as this was the third one he'd received.
It was just like the other two he received. One before his tag duel with Aj and the other before his one-on-one duel with Applejack. And now he received a third one, but the country gal was delivering it this time. He looked as it was red like the others, and when he opened it, it was empty like the others. Isaac looked at it as the front of the small envelope had a symbol. Compared to the last one with a phoenix insignia, this one… there was a sun emblem.
Showtime soon came as the arena was filled with fans. Some from the day prior and some who couldn't afford to attend could come out tonight. With Super Showdown now in the rear mirror, it was time for new storylines to be told. At the hotel, Mario, Roll, and their friends were in their mother's room, watching the broadcast on the giant TV as they listened to the commentators.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Super Showdown has come and gone. We now look forward to what the next year of Duel Monsters has in store."
"Tonight, we begin the next chapter. The question is: Who's looking to write it?"
The show went on as the duelist who performed gave one hell of a show. As the show began to wind down, two hours later, it was time for the main event duel of the show. On the screen, it showed Sour Sweet's photo, which she would be taking on one-half of the new Tag Team Champions in Isaac. Isaac was shown walking backstage alongside Applejack, heading out to the field where Sour Sweet and Sugarcoat awaited them. They cut a promo for all to see and listen as they walked.
"Sugarcoat, Sour Sweet. Last night, my partner and I beat you and took your precious Tag Team Medallions that we hold right now. And I know you two are gonna watch your rematch clause soon, but understand this. We are not gonna let these things go so easily! And for anybody who doesn't know who the hell I am, let me introduce myself. My name is Applejack!"
"And I'm Isaac! We will become the greatest tag team ever to hold these medallions. Last night at Super Showdown, we went to war with each other. And through that war, Aj and I became stronger together. Now we're a team, but for tonight, Sour Sweet, you're gonna find out, as one half of the new World Tag Team Champion, just how good you really are compared to me. Now then, Las Vegas… let's freaking go!" yelled Isaac to the camera as he knew the crowd heard him and got a loud pop.
He and Applejack then stepped through the curtain past gorilla as they made their way to the stage. At that moment, some music hit, but it wasn't Isaac's usual song.
We are
We are
We are
DIY
Yeah we're on top
Only way to live it
And we won't stop
Not until we get it
Livin' on top
That's the way we do it
It's our moment
Applejack and Isaac came out as they panned to the crowd who erupted for the new champs. The two exchanged looks before trading side fist bumps and began to walk down the ramp together.
Yeah we're on top
There's nothing you can't be
Just od it yourself
Watch the world see
Livin' on top
That's the way we do it
It's our moment
"And making his way down the ramp… he is one half of the World Tag Team Champion and World Champion, representing Team DIY, the Prince… Isaac!" said the announcer as she gave one hell of an introduction for the World Champ.
"Team DIY. Do it yourself. That's the best way to describe both Isaac's and Applejack's success. Both individuals who take their futures and careers into their own hands and put forth results!"
"As catchy as that team name is for them two, tonight is not a tag team duel. Tonight is a one-on-one duel. Isaac vs. Sour Sweet. Aj will stand on the sidelines and be in her partner's corner for support. But let's not forget that these two won the medallions to open the show and then closed out an amazing Super Showdown. These two put their hearts and souls out in an epic final match!"
Isaac and Applejack got on the field and looked at Sugarcoat and Sour Sweet. They knew the sting of losing their precious trinkets stuck with them, and they were looking forward to their rematch when it happened. The new champs then raised their newly won prizes high as they played to the crowd, who went crazy and showed their appreciation for them and their victory from last night.
Isaac and Sour Sweet then locked eyes with their respective tag partners behind them. Both duelists were ready to throwdown following their chaotic tag match. The ref stood on the side, informing Sugarcoat and Applejack to get off the field and go to their respective partner's side, leaving Isaac and Sour Sweet to stare down the other. Once the rules were explained, the pair turned to take their positions.
"Send a message to them," stated Sugarcoat to her partner before getting off the field.
"I got your back, sugar. If she or Sugarcoat tries anything, I'll jump in," responded Applejack.
"Got it," said Isaac, exchanging a fist bump with his partner as she got off the field to stand behind her partner and cheer him on.
Isaac and Sour Sweet activated their duel disks and slotted in their decks. Each projected their respective color card tray as they prepared to battle.
"Opponent detected. Streaming data. Duel mode set. Initiating. Commencing duel." said the duo's duel disks.
Sour Sweet's Life Points: 8000-
Isaac's Life Points: 8000-
Their portraits appeared on the video walls, and Sour Sweet's was highlighted to indicate she would take the first turn.
Turn 1: Sour Sweet (Hand 5)
"Ladies, first. I draw!" Sour Sweet drew her card and looked at her hand before smiling. "I'll start by playing Amazoness Chain Master(1500/1300). Then, I'll activate the effect of my Amazoness Baby Tiger(500/500) from my hand. Since I summoned an 'Amazoness' monster, I can bring out my adorable little pet… in defense mode!" Out came a tiny tiger, and out came a cute little roar that was both intimidating and adorable.
"I then set one card facedown."
Turn 2: Isaac (Hand 5)
"My turn! And I summon Breaker the Magical Warrior(1600/1000)!" Out emerged a magical warrior wielding a sword and shield. "Then I'll equip my monster with this. Bound Wand! Thanks to this spell, my monster gains 100 attack points for each level it has. Since Breaker is a Level 4 monster, he gains 400 more attack points. On top of that, when Breaker is summoned, he gains a counter, which gives him another 300 points, so his total strength is 2300." Isaac's monster now had an energy surrounding him as he powered up.
"Breaker, attack her Amazoness Chain Master!" commanded the World Champ. The warrior raised his sword and brought it down on the muscular female warrior.
Sour Sweet's Life Points: 7200-
"I'll then place one card facedown."
Turn 3: Sour Sweet (Hand 3)
"My turn. To start, I'll activate the effect of my Amazoness Chain Master. When it's destroyed and sent to my graveyard, I can pay 1500 Life Points to look at your hand and select one monster to add to my hand."
Sour Sweet's Life Points: 5700-
Sour Sweet's monster appeared in spirit form as it threw its chain at Isaac's hand and yanked it back as it projected Isaac's cards for all to see. The cards Pot of Greed, Thousand Knives, and Apprentice Illusion Magician were in Isaac's hand. Once Sour Sweet saw her options, she made her decision.
"Not bad cards, but seeing as you only have one monster in your hand, I'll take your Apprentice Illusion Magician." With that, Isaac took his card and slotted it into his duel disk, which transported it to Sour Sweet, who took it and added it to her hand. "Thanks for the gift, sweetie. I'll make sure to treasure it always." She now had a cheery smile as she looked at Isaac.
"Yeah, I wouldn't expect to get too comfortable." Isaac had a smile on his face as Sour Sweet lost that fake smile on her face. "I'll reveal my facedown Reverse Spell. Thanks to this trap, I can reverse the effect of a card. So, since your card allows you to take a monster from my hand, I can now turn back the hands of time and use the ability myself. So I'll take back my Apprentice Illusion Magician. In addition, I can draw one extra card from my deck."
Sour Sweet gritted her teeth as she couldn't believe what was happening. She then slotted the card into her duel disk, which was transported back to Isaac as he grabbed it and added it to his hand. "Thanks for the gift, sweetie. I'll make sure to treasure it always," said Isaac as he mocked Sour Sweet's comment.
The Crystal Prep alumni growled as she turned a new shade of red from how Isaac embarrassed her in front of the fans.
"I'll play my Amazoness Fighter(1500/1300), and then I'll play the spell card Amazoness Call. Now I can target 1 'Amazoness' monster from my deck and add it to my hand." Sour Sweet then touched her screen and began to select the monster she wanted. It then slotted out, and she added it to her hand.
"I'll then end my turn."
Turn 4: Isaac (Hand 4)
"My turn, and I'll begin by playing Pot of Greed. So I can draw two more additional cards. Then I'll activate my Breaker's ability! By removing his spell counter on him, I can destroy one spell or trap card on the field. So I'll get rid of your facedown!" Breaker then pointed his sword at the facedown on Sour Sweet's field before it was sliced in half and vanished. "Next, I activate the spell card, Ancient Rule! This allows me to summon a Level 5 or higher normal spellcaster from my hand. Make way for my most loyal companion! Dark Magician!"
A bright light shone from Isaac's card as he held it up high. Out came a magician who wore purple garments and wielded a staff. It twirled its staff around before striking an intimidating pose.
"Next, I'll play the spell Thousand Knives; now, I can destroy one monster on your side of the field. So, time to shred away your Amazoness Fighter!" With that, Isaac got rid of Sour Sweet's monster and looked poised to strike. "Now I'll have Breaker take out your Amazoness Baby Tiger!" The magical swordsman then leaped into the air before coming down with its sword on the small cub.
"Dark Magician, attack her directly!" Isaac's wizard raised his staff and fired off his attack that made contact with Sour Sweet. She covered up as the attack pushed her back and stood her ground.
Sour Sweet's Life Points: 3200-
"I end my turn."
Turn 5: Sour Sweet (Hand 3)
"My turn, I draw! I play the field spell, Amazoness Village!" A large jungle of trees sprang up from the ground around Sour Sweet. Branches and grasses on the ground around her joined together to form a circle of huts and tents. "Thanks to my field spell, all my 'Amazoness' monsters gain 200 attack points. Next, I'll summon my Amazoness Blowpiper(500/1800) in defense mode. Then I'll place one card facedown and end my turn!"
Turn 6: Isaac (Hand 3)
"My draw. Breaker… attack her Amazoness Blowpiper!"
"Not this time, Mr. Champion! I activate my facedown! Amazoness Onslaught!" stated Sour Sweet as she touched her duel screen to activate her card. "Now, once per turn, during the battle phase, I can special summon 1 'Amazoness' monster from my hand, and it gains 500 attack points until the end of the turn. Appear Amazoness Queen(2400/1800), now thanks to her ability, all Amazoness monsters can't be destroyed in battle. So my monster isn't going anywhere." One of the huts behind Sour Sweet cracked apart and fell open, revealing a large wooden throne decorated with animal skulls. Sitting on it was a blue-haired warrior clad in armor of animal hides. A large curved sword with a spiked guard rested between her legs, her hands on the end of the hilt.
"Mmm. I place one card facedown."
Turn 7: Sour Sweet (Hand 1)
"My turn. And now I activate the effect of my Amazoness Blowpiper! During my standby phase, as long as my Blowpiper is out on the field, I can lower the attack points of one monster by 500 until the end of the turn. And I choose your Dark Magician!" A female warrior blew into her wooden pipe as a dart shot out. It penetrated the robes of the wizard as he lost some strength.
"Next, I play the spell card Card of Sanctity. We both draw till we're holding six cards in our hands," stated Sour Sweet as she and Isaac drew their respective cards. "Then I play Polymerization to fuse my Amazoness Tiger with my Amazoness Archer!" The two monsters flickered and were drawn up into the vortex. Sour Sweet held her hand up. Her card was ejected from her duel disk, and she snatched it up to slap it on it. "I Fusion Summon Amazoness Pet Liger(2500/2400)!"
A pillar of dark red light burst out of the trees behind the Amazoness Village. The earth shook, and the trees parted, revealing a massive liger, pale beige with black stripes. Armor plating with spikes covered its shoulders, gleaming blue against the dark orange of its mane. It prowled up next to Sour Sweet, glaring at Isaac with one red eye, the other closed by a jagged scar, and roared at her.
"Thanks to my field spell, all my monsters gain 200 attack points, making them strong enough to take out your monsters. So first, I'll have my Amazoness Queen attack your Breaker!" The queen warrior leaped into the air, bringing her sword down on Isaac's warrior.
Isaac's Life Points: 7400-
"Then my Pet Liger will take out your Dark Magician. My Liger has an ability where he gains 500 more attack points during the damage calculation, so his total rises to 3200. Now feast my pet." said Sour Sweet as her Pet Liger was getting to pounce on Isaac's Dark Magician.
"I reveal my facedown! Magical Hats!" Four top hats with question marks appeared as they covered Isaac's monster before spreading out in a row. "If you want to destroy my magician, you'll have to find him first."
"Like that's gonna help you… Pet Liger, take out the farthest hat on the right!"
Sour Sweet's monster pounced on the hat she selected, and it exploded into a puff of smoke. When it died down, there was nothing.
"Strike one," smirked Isaac.
"I end my turn."
Turn 8: Isaac (Hand 6)
"It's my turn now. I draw. I'll play Graceful Charity to draw three cards and discard two!" Isaac picked up his cards before looking at his entire hand and selecting which two to get rid of. "Then I'll set two cards facedown."
Turn 9: Sour Sweet (Hand 3)
"That's all?" mocked Sour Sweet as she drew. "First, I'll activate my Blowpiper's effect again, which means your Dark Magician loses 500 points again. Now he's reduced to 2000 attack points, so it's time to find him. Go, my Queen, take out the middle hat!" Amazoness Queen raised her sword and brought it down on the middle hat, which exploded into smoke, but nothing was there.
"Strike two. Your luck is failing you."
"On the contrary, my odds of finding him have drastically increased. Now Pet Liger… take out his magician hiding under the hat on the right. As you know, my Liger gains 500 more attack points during battle." Sour Sweet's Liger then pounced as it took out the right hat.
Everybody was leaning in to see if Sour Sweet had actually taken out Isaac's Dark Magician. Amazoness Pet Liger looked around, expecting something; just then, an object began to fly towards Pet Liger, making contact and preventing him from moving.
"What's happening to my monster!?" screamed Sour Sweet.
"That's strike three. As a result, you triggered my trap, Spellbinding Circle. Now, my circle uses its magical properties to bind your Liger so that it can't move or change battle positions. In addition, your Pet Liger will lose 700 attack points, bringing him to 2500, but he'll soon lose the extra 500, bringing his true total to 2000 points."
"I'm sick and tired of your tricks! I'll end my turn."
Turn 10: Isaac (Hand 5)
"My turn. I play Bond Between Teacher and Student! Since I have Dark Magician out, I can summon his greatest apprentice. Appear… Dark Magician Girl!" The World Champ played his card on his tray as his top female spellcaster appeared. "Next, I'll equip her with Magic Formula to raise her attack points by 700."
"As long as my Amazoness Queen remains on the field, my monsters can't be destroyed."
"But I can still deal damage! Dark Magician, attack her Amazoness Pet Liger!" commanded Isaac as his top wizard fired his staff, with the feline flinching but standing his ground.
Sour Sweet's Life Points: 2700-
"Dark Magician Girl, attack her Amazoness Queen!" The female sorcerer aimed her staff before pointing it and aiming at her target. The magic attack made contact with Amazoness Queen, who used her sword to block and hold back the attack, but Sour Sweet still felt the effects.
Sour Sweet's Life Points: 2600-
"I end my turn!"
Turn 11: Sour Sweet (Hand 4)
"My move… to start, I'll use my Blowpiper's ability to lower your Dark Magician Girl's attack points by 500 until the end of the turn. Then I summon my Amazoness Princess(1200/900)!" A small, dark-skinned warrior woman in red and purple armor landed from a portal in the air before Sour Sweet. She stood up, smirked, and lifted a spear from her back, twirling it to point it toward Isaac. "Since I summoned her, I activate her ability. I can add one 'Amazoness' spell/trap from my deck to my hand. I'll then play the card I got, which is Amazoness Spellcaster. With this spell, I can switch the original attack points of my monster to one of yours until the end of the turn; since your magician started with 2500 attack points, that's how strong my Princess is, while your monster only has 1200."
"That's not good," commented Applejack as she watched her partner's facial expression.
"Furthermore, when my Princess declares an attack, I can send one card to my grave to special summon another 'Amazoness' monster from my deck in defense mode. Next, I'll play the ability of my Amazoness Spy. By revealing my Amazoness Tiger in my hand, I can summon it to the field." Now Sour Sweet had nearly a full field of monsters as they looked to take out Isaac and his magicians.
"Now… Amazoness Queen, take out his Dark Magician Girl!" commanded Sour Sweet as her monster slashed and destroyed Isaac's spellcaster with one swing.
Isaac's Life Points: 6800-
"Since my Magic Formula was sent to the graveyard, its additional effect allows me to gain 1000 Life Points!"
Isaac's Life Points: 7800-
"Oh, you'll need them for what I'm about to do. Next, from my hand, I'll activate my Mystical Space Typhoon to take out and destroy your Spellbinding Circle, freeing my Pet Liger! Then… Amazoness Princess, take out his Dark Magician!" Amazoness Princess hefted her spear and charged across the field. The small girl then threw its weapon as it made contact with Isaac's ultimate wizard and vanished, resulting in him covering up.
Isaac's Life Points: 6100-
"Amazoness Spy, your turn!"
The female cape-wearing amazoness quickly disappeared before reappearing before Isaac. The World Champion noticed the monster as he brought his duel disk up to block the blade and was pushed back.
Isaac's Life Points: 5100-
"And now… Pet Liger, sick him!" smiled Sour Sweet.
The feline growled before it charged forward. The giant cat leaped into the air as Isaac looked up and was pinned by the tiger. He growled in the face of the World Champion before lifting a claw and swiping at his face, leaving scratch marks. Everybody in the arena and watching all flinched and turned their heads away. Pet Liger off the World Champ and ran back as Isaac sat up and was shown with the claw marks on his face.
Isaac's Life Points: 2600-
"Ohh, that's gonna leave a mark," said Izzy.
"Come on, sugar. Get back in there!" shouted Applejack as she pounded the field.
The country gal began to pound the field arena with both hands as she stomped her left foot. She then turned to the crowd and clapped her hands as if to get them to help her motivate and fire up her partner. It worked as the crowd followed her lead and motivated Isaac to stand up and fight back. The World Champ heard clapping as he got off and shook himself as the claw marks on his face disappeared.
"I end my turn."
Turn 12: Isaac (Hand 4)
"My turn. I draw. And it's time for me to win." said Isaac, shifting his eyes to look at Applejack and smiling as if saying thanks for the support of his teammate. "Now… reveal my facedown, Eternal Soul. So now I bring back my Dark Magician from the graveyard!"
"Making one last stand with your magician, well, good luck. Because my monsters outnumber him!" stated Sour Sweet.
"Maybe, but… I now reveal another facedown. Dark Magic Twin Burst! Now, my Dark Magician gains attack points equal to my Dark Magician Girl in my graveyard! Then I play this… Diffusion Wave Motion! So I pay 1000 Life Points, which allows me Dark Magician to attack every monster you have on the field!"
Isaac's Life Points: 1600-
"Oh, shit," muttered Sour Sweet, as she knew what that meant.
"Dark Magician, end this duel! Dark Magic Attack!"
Isaac's magician then pointed its staff in the air as a powerful ball of energy began to manifest. It shot it towards Sour Sweet's field. The orb traveled and engulfed Sour Sweet's field as she covered up before being taken off her feet and tossed back.
Sour Sweet's Life Points: 0-
Winner: Isaac
"Here is your winner… the World Champion… the Prince… Isaac!"
Isaac stood tall as he soaked in his victory. Applejack was excited as she got on the stage and tackled her partner to the ground in a surprising hug. Aj's actions caught Isaac off guard as the country gal allowed her friend to get up. He dusted himself before looking at Aj, who grabbed his arm and held it up high, panning to the crowd. Sugarcoat had gotten her teammate as she put her arm over her shoulder to lead her to the back. The pair were in the aisleway, looking at Isaac and Aj as they had scowls.
"We're coming for our medallions soon! Keep them nice and warm for us!" said Sugarcoat as she and Sour Sweet were determined to get their trinkets back.
"Try and take these!" shouted Applejack as she held her medallion up high as if making the statement that she and Isaac wouldn't lose them so soon.
"How do you stop a team as strong as Isaac and Applejack?" said the lead commentator.
"I don't think you can. We may be looking at a team with an iron grip on the tag division!" the other commentator responded.
"You good, sugarcube?" asked Applejack as she turned to Isaac, who bent down, taking some deep breaths.
"Yeah, I'm alright," responded Isaac before putting his hands on his hips.
"Let's get out of here!" stated the country gal.
The World Champ nodded as Aj began to get off the field. Isaac was given his medallion, grabbed it, and started to follow his teammate. At that moment, the entire stadium went dark. Isaac and every fan in the arena noticed it as something played on the video wall above the stage. Fire and flames engulfed the video wall before it circled the arena on the other screens.
"What's going on?" Sunny asked as the kids watched this happen and wondered what it meant.
Isaac was also confused, as he didn't know what to make of this. He turned back to the stage as a red envelope appeared. It was exactly like the ones he'd received so far; it turned around to show the front, on which was an emblem of a phoenix and a sun insignia. The two merged into one symbol as it was plastered on the envelope. Soon, a roar was heard as the envelope burned, and the fire on the video wall ceased. The lights came back in the arena as Isaac stood in the center. He was still trying to figure out what he saw when the crowd made noise.
The camera was focused on Isaac from the front, but it was positioned where you couldn't see behind him. At that moment, the World Champion sensed something behind him, and a small smirk formed.
"What took you so long… Sunset!"
The camera quickly turned after Isaac said that, sure enough, behind the World Champion was a red-headed woman in a black leather vest with angrily crossed arms. The person was a foe that Isaac knew all too well. The crowd and the audience watching at home lost their minds as Isaac turned to confront her.
"Holy shit! That's Sunset Shimmer!" said the lead commentator as he couldn't believe what he saw.
"We haven't seen Sunset Shimmer in months! She's been off rehabbing an injury, but she's back now! What a surprise return!" said the other commentator.
Sunset didn't waste any time making her intentions known as she stepped to Isaac, staring into his eyes with passion and fire in her eyes. The two foes gazed at the other as it was clear what this was all about.
"I want my title back, bitch!" yelled Sunset to Isaac's face.
Isaac scrunched his nose as he wasn't intimidated or backing down from the bacon-haired woman.
"You want some… come get some!" responded Isaac.
The final broadcast image showed Isaac and Sunset staring each other down, as it seemed Isaac's next challenger had already been decided.
Author's Note: Talk about shocking the system! First, Isaac and Applejack being able to reform their friendship falling their match as they are not only focused but are now a team and their team name being DIY, which is very fitting considering the two. But of course, the biggest talking point that everybody's attention was caught by... and that's the appearance of none other than everyone's favorite bacon-haired girl, Sunset Shimmer. And it seems she isn't wasting any time when it comes to the World Title scene. Perhaps there might be one person who could be a huge threat to Isaac's kingdom as World Champion. Maybe...