Yugioh: A New Generation

by Iroa19

As years pass, a new generation of duelists will rise. And with these new duelists will come new challenges. As time passes, the objective still remains the same. It everything relied on a single draw, would you take it? Would you risk all you had on that one draw to turn the tide? So... here we are. And so it begins... again. (Sequel to Yugioh: Worlds Collide)

96. Chapter 96: Super Showdown Pt 4

A backstage camera shot showed Caelus sitting on some equipment boxes. The young upstart rookie was still nursing his battle wounds from his duel with Shining Armor. He held his side as he sighed heavily, lulling over his moment with someone of Shining's caliber. He lifted his head and, standing just off to the side before getting into the shot's frame, was the said duelist. Shining Armor looked at his foe, which he had just beaten, as the rookie got off and confronted his foe. The experienced duelist looked at the young duelist as he put his hand out. Caelus looked at it before putting his hand in Shining's as they gave a firm grip and shake.

"Head up, kid. Good job!" said Shining, giving a hard pat on the rookie's shoulder.

Caelus grunted and nodded before he walked away to head to the trainer's room, leaving Shining to pose a smile as the camera shot faded to black.

---

"Well, ladies and gentlemen, it has been a tremendous night in Las Vegas, home of Super Showdown. And… it's finally time—the moment we've all been waiting for—the main event," said the lead commentator, his voice filled with anticipation and excitement, mirroring the audience's feelings.

"Absolutely right, bud. There, we see both competitors," said the other commentator. On the screen, for all to see, were side-by-side shots of Isaac and Applejack in their separate locker rooms, moments away from facing each other. "To think, three hours ago, they were thrust into an impromptu team and captured the Tag Team Medallions. And now, they are ready to tear each other apart, a fascinating transformation that has the entire wrestling world intrigued."

Applejack was in her locker room as she was shown strapping on her boots and adjusting the leather customized vest that Rarity made her. In Isaac's locker room, the World Champ was currently having Twilight massage his shoulders as she relieved some tension that she could feel from her husband.

"Isaac has been at the top for quite a while. But today might be his biggest challenge to date in his current reign. His kingdom is under attack, and Applejack is storming the castle and looking to seize his throne."

Twilight looked at the camera as the red light turned off to indicate it was off, and they cut to commercial. The card designer looked down at her husband as she ceased her massage and sat on her husband's lap.

"Honey, you know that I'll always pick your side. Any decision you make, any choice you choose, I will be by your side. It's not because I'm obligated to as your wife and as a mother of our two beautiful kids. It's because I love you. Our promise during our wedding was to always be there for the other. Ride or die. I'm with you."

"I appreciate that, honey," responded Isaac as he captured Twilight's lips.

"Now go do what you do best. Show them why you're the best in the world. Show them… why they need you more than you need them!" said Twilight, as she motivated her husband.

That small speech worked as Isaac began to focus and center his mind. He tightened his grip on Twilight and pulled her in for a rather passionate kiss. When it came time, Juniper arrived as Isaac picked up his cards and put them together.

"Let's go," said the World Champ.

"Right. Oh, uh, this came for you."

Juniper handed another red envelope similar to the one that was delivered to him this morning. Isaac looked at the thing as he opened it, and like the one he got this morning, it was empty. He looked at the red thing; the only thing different was that there was a drawing of some sort of phoenix on it. The World Champion put it out of his mind as he had to focus on the challenge before him.

---

Everyone was getting their bathroom breaks and concession stands in the arena one final time. They knew once the main event started, there would be no getting up because they knew it would be a can't-miss. Mario leaned back in his chair, taking a moment to look around the stadium. He saw many signs with his father's name and signature monster and could only stare at them. From the corner of his eye, he noticed some stage crew working on something just a few meters behind their row. The boy raised an eyebrow as he could only question what kind of entrance his father might be planning.

"We want to give a big shoutout to all the fans, both here in attendance and at home, watch live; thank you for making this PLE one of the biggest in Duel Monsters history!" said the lead commentator. "But the question is… are you ready?"

"Am I ready? Of course, I'm ready! Is everybody else ready!" shouted the second commentator as the crowd made some noise.

"Then let's get to it. It's time for the main event: Isaac vs. Applejack. The finale of this trilogy saga ends tonight. Let's show you how this all went down!" said the lead commentator as they pointed to the main screen, and everybody turned to watch the intense hype video package.

---

(Video Package)

The first encounter…

The words flashed on the screen as they showed the events that led to Isaac and Applejack's first confrontation.

"Welcome to World Collide. Eight of the best duelists have been invited to compete to win a shot at getting a future title shot against the World Champ!"

"Applejack looking to start the event off."

Applejack was shown early on as she was deemed one of the front runners for the invitational tournament. The scene then shifted to show Isaac's match, which was on the same card as he had his title defense. After a grueling bout, Isaac retained his championship status.

"And Isaac beats Walter. The Prince stands tall!"

The video flashed forward to the final duel of the tournament, showing Applejack beating Rainbow to win the #1 contender spot!

"Applejack has outlasted the competition!"

The country gal stood tall and proud as she ran the gauntlet and was awarded her contract. In his private skybox, Isaac was shown as he applauded the farmer's efforts. It didn't take long as she called out the champ immediately to get it signed and showed their fierce debate.

"Everybody thinks because I'm the World Champion, it's so luxurious. Yeah, it comes with perks! But with perks come responsibilities."

"Sugarcube, do you know how many times in my life I've been told that I can't do something?! It was a hell of a ride to get here, but damn it, I set up shop! City slicker, do you know how many years I've turned doubters into believers? I will not fail anymore!"

"A piece of advice, Aj. Don't go chasing waterfalls. Stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to, cowgirl!"

The scene then flashed to the Crown Jewel PLE as Aj and Isaac finally had their scheduled duel.

"It's now time. Applejack vs. Isaac. The World Championship is on the line. Are we going to see a new champion crowned?!" echoed one of the commentators in the video package.

Highlights of the duel were played, and shots were freeze-framed to emphasize how hard-hitting the affair was between the two. The duel continued, and the final result showed both duelists being flung back, ending in a draw.

"Ladies and gentlemen, that was the most incredible fight! I repeat, a FIGHT! That I have ever witnessed!"

"It was a brawl. Whatever you want to call it. That was no ordinary duel; that was a street fight and then some! We need more duels like this one!"

Isaac and Applejack were shown being helped to the back as they glanced back to eye each other from afar, knowing they would tango again. And it wasn't long before the two were going against each other. And just like their first bout, they tore the house down again. Yet, in this duel, Applejack managed to drop Isaac's Life Points to zero, but through a technicality card, Isaac managed to stay in and beat Aj, leaving the country gal more pissed off than ever. The scene then changed to the fallout from that match.

"After 15 years, for the first time, I questioned: Is this all worth it? Chasing this dream, traveling the world, doing whatever we can to make it happen. Sacrificing every single week and sacrificing that time with our family… sugarcube, look me in the eye. I don't want yer title. I need yer title. I need that validation; I have to know all these sacrifices were worth it."

"Applejack, there's one thing about you that I've always respected. It's your honesty. And I have to be honest with you… I believe a couple of people might deserve a title opportunity a little more than you."

"Please, Isaac, I'm begging you. Just give me one more match."

"Here's the thing, Aj. I want to take it to heart. I want to believe you, but lately, your actions haven't really lined up. So, I don't know whether to believe you or call you out on your BS. As much as you need this match, what makes you think the outcome this time will be any different?... Applejack, I pity you. My answer to your challenge… is no."

The scene replayed as Isaac began to walk past Aj after rejecting her. She quickly decked the World Champ from behind, and he tumbled to the floor. The country gal then got on top of her friend as she grabbed him by his shirt.

"I know I can beat you, Isaac. I know I can. I deserve one more match! And I want it at Super Showdown! I'm taking everything from you!"

The scene changed as Applejack walked away with a small smirk. Isaac got to his hands and knees and scowled at the country gal from afar. The video continued to play as it showed the two signing the contract.

"At Super Showdown in the main event, it'll be Isaac versus Applejack!"

"Just so you know, Isaac. I had the board put in a clause. And that states if I get screwed over in our match, I automatically receive a rematch. I refuse to be screwed over again! I know I can beat you even when nobody else thinks I can't."

"There's a reason for that!"

"You shut up! The Duel Monsters brass can't save you anymore because yer their golden boy! The truth is that you can't beat me."

"You know, Aj. There was a time, back when this all started between you and I, where I actually enjoyed dueling against you. We had a great duel. We had another epic match, and I won. And the more I beat you, the more you beg for "one more match." But now… it's starting to piss me off. But understand that a lawyer isn't gonna make you World Champion. You're gonna have to beat me, and that… will never happen."

"You don't get it! I want to be World Champion for one reason only. And it's to prove that when I step foot onto this field, there is nobody better than Applejack!"

"What a main event this promises to be!"

Music began to play to accompany the rest of the video package and relay the emotions of the two duelists.

Hello
Let me introduce you to the characters
In the show
One says yes, one says no
Decide
Which voice in your head should keep you alive

Dramatic shots of Isaac and Applejack were shown in dark rooms highlighted in grey, looking outward. The camera shifted to show Aj running up some stairs while Isaac was shown with his head down before lifting it to look directly at the camera.

Even in madness, I know you still believe
Paint me a canvas so I become what you can never be

I dare you to tell me to walk through fire
Burn my soul and call me a liar
I dare you to tell me to walk through fire
I dare you to tell me, I dare you to

Applejack was shown standing in front of a massive screen as she watched past the Super Showdowns, which showcased Isaac. The country gal watched intentionally as Isaac's many entrances and special moments in his past eleven appearances irked the farmer.

"Just once, I want a taste of that success! I want to be on that mountaintop. You don't understand that!"

Hello
Are you still chasing the memories and shadows
Some stay young
Some grow old
Come alive
Their thoughts aren't clear
You can never hide

The many shots and slow-motion capture footage of Isaac walking down the ramp at the greatest spectacle while Aj's spoken line rang in her ears while watching the screens. Seeing the special treatment Isaac got as she wanted, she hungered for that main event spot—to be seen on the same level as the World Champion. She brought her fist down on the panel and smashed it before turning around. Isaac was walking through fire, staring her down.

"You are red hot right now. But you will always have critics. You should be proud of every single thing you've accomplished. But you should be smart enough to know I am proud of what I've done here. I am proud of who I am!"

"I want to be the best!"

"You're hopefully on your way to greatness, but I can't put you in that class because you don't belong in that class."

"You… don't… respect me! How could you understand the hunger, understand the desire that I have for being World Champion just once! ONCE! Because for you, this is just another paycheck, but for me, this is the biggest duel of my life!"

"I didn't think my most honest friend would become a whining, crying, moaning little bitch!"

Even in madness, I know you still believe
Paint me a canvas so I can become what you could never be

"The fact is, Isaac. You're the champion, and I want to beat you."

"I will give you every ounce of sweat, every ounce of blood, every ounce of energy I have. You will get the absolute best of me at Super Showdown."

"There can only be one, Isaac. And that will be me! With all due respect!"

I dare you to tell me to walk through fire
Burn my soul and call me a liar
I dare you to tell me to walk through fire
I dare you to tell me, I dare you to

"This is gonna be baptism under fire for you! You're just not good enough to be World Champion in the same business as Applejack!"

"Yeah, I don't know how you can say that shit, Aj, when I'm standing before you as the freakin' World Champion, you dumb blonde hillbilly bitch!"

I dare you to tell me, I dare you to

The music picked up as it alternated between highlights of Isaac and Applejack being dominant on the field. Each showcased their strengths and performances, and it was clear both had their fair share of fans who wanted to see them win.

"There's no way in hell, I'm losing my title."

"I finally get my moment!"

"Nobody beats the dueling machine!"

"I'm gonna send you home to Twilight!"

"If you come for the Prince, you'd best not miss!"

I dare you to tell me, I dare you to
I dare you to tell me, I dare you to

The final still image of the video package showed a split screen of Applejack and Isaac as they looked dramatically at the camera with focused and intense looks. Each portraying their emotions and feelings as they prepared for the biggest fight of their lives.

(End of Video Package)

---

The first thing that was shown once the video package ended was Applejack. The country gal was walking in the back as she marched toward the entrance. Compared to her previous attire, the new one that Rarity made matched her personality, hat, and lifestyle. Starting with the red neckerchief around her neck seemed to hold green vine-like curls that trailed near its edges. A green and white shirt plaid long-sleeved cuffed shirt, the back of it was of an entirely different design that resembled a saddle that reached to just before her waist but had fringes that came off it and covered the upper parts of her legs. The plaid shirt, however, did not reach as far as it ended, where a pleather edge wrapped around the stomach and looked like it connected to the saddle-like back part of the outfit. To add to this ensemble, she wore boots on her feet that were the same material as the saddle part of Aj's shirt. The bottoms seemed to be encased in some sort of metal; a green strap buckled around the ankle part and at the front of the zipper that reached from the buckle to the top. The top edge seemed to extend upward away from the top of the zipper as it wrapped around the leg. It looked like her regular cowboy boots, but with those metal plating on the bottom, they'd do a lot more damage if she decided to kick something.

The country gal took deep breaths as she tried to center her mind and block out all doubts. She reached for her hair and began to tie it up in her signature look before she paused just as she pulled it out. The camera following her then rotated to show her point of view as standing just a few meters before her was the farmer's family. She sighed before she slowly approached them.

"Sis!"

"Apple Bloom!"

The younger sister rushed towards her elder sibling as Aj smiled and hugged her little sister.

"Thanks for being here," said Aj to her brother and grandma, as her older sibling nodded. "Granny…"

"Save it, sugar. You got this. Now go out there and show 'em what we Apples are made of!" the elderly woman said as she gave her granddaughter a pep talk. "Give that city slicker hell!"

"I will."

"We'll be cheering you on!" said Apple Bloom as she broke the hug from her sister.

Applejack smiled as she saw her family before her big match, which fueled her. It filled her with warmth and passion as she was more determined to become World Champion. Big Mac then presented his sister with her hat, which she grabbed and placed on her head. She traced it along its rim and tipped it toward her family before walking away. The country gal's family watched her as they were proud of her and fully supported her in her match against Isaac.

Applejack approached gorilla, took a deep breath, and stepped through the curtain. Out in the arena, some Applejack fans cheered and rooted for her after seeing that small moment of her and her family. Some music played, and a video played on the screen.

What's that metronome I hear
Perhaps the end is drawing near
You never hear the shot that takes you down

The screen showed a small seed planted as it fell and landed in the dirt. It then began to crack open and slowly grow as it transitioned to a castle and a medieval soldier riding on a horse as they led an army to storm the castle in the distance. It changed to show highlights of Applejack's career, from early on when she joined the pro scene to where she was now.

Out of time, so say goodbye
What is yours, now is mine
And I dream broken dreams
I make them come true

Images of Applejack's monsters from her deck flashed for all to see as the medieval knight leading the charge broke down the wall to the castle. The seed from before was now even bigger as it bloomed into a sapling before growing into a giant apple tree. The castle was in smoke before someone was shown from their lower half. The camera slowly raised to show them holding a banner as it was implanted on top of the castle. The apple tree had reached its peak as it loomed over the hill overlooking the ruined structure. The knight then took off their helmet, which revealed Applejack's face.

I make them for you
I make them for you…

The girl's armor disappeared, and she stood in her attire and planted a foot on the wall. She leaned her head back and screamed as it echoed for all to hear, with her apple banner fluttering in the wind. Behind Aj, the sound of a sword being sheathed was heard. Swords and monsters circled her, and she gave a determined look and nodded. The entrance video did a good job of emphasizing Applejack's aura as the crowd cheered for it.

Pyro went off as another music soundtrack began to play. Applejack came out to the stage. She stood in the center of the stage and looked about.

What you say is what you get
And I don't care if you get all of it
What you see is what you get
And I don't care if you get all of it

The country gal's fans cheered as loud as they could when they saw her. Applejack was still looking about, scanning the entire stadium full of people. She didn't feel it earlier, but emotions hit her. It finally struck her that she was here. She was in the main event. She didn't know why, but she recalled something Isaac told her before their tag match.

"Soak in the moment. Take it all in."

The country gal took a deep breath and did what her teammate said. She soaked in this exact moment to remember. She closed her eyes and let it wash over her, tunning her mind as her focus was even more intense. She opened her eyes and put on a stoic face before stomping her left foot and slamming it on the stage to set off pyro shooting up behind her. She smirked at the camera in front of her as she began to walk down the ramp. On the ramp were people dressed as soldiers with swords held high above and touched tips. As Applejack walked under them, they slowly put them down once she passed.

Ascending to the sky
My mind is on me
Never saying die
As they fall to their knees
I took it every side
Who's it gonna be

Applejack was halfway on the ramp as she took another moment to take in the moment. She turned around as on the back of her jacket vest that Rarity made her were her initials embedded with studded small diamonds that shined brightly in the spotlights. The country gal came full circle before heading toward the field. She got on it and was now in the stadium's center before the screaming fans. She glanced around and even caught sight of Isaac's kids and their friends as she smirked in the blink of an eye. She then turned to face the stage entrance as she bounced in place, awaiting for her opponent.

Everybody waited for Isaac to make his presence known, and they couldn't wait to scream even louder for the World Champion. Moments passed, and Isaac still didn't show up; the World Champ was playing mind games with the country gal as he made her wait. It worked about halfway as Aj was annoyed at Isaac taking his sweet time but kept her focus and calmed her mind. At that moment, the video wall began to play light beep-bop music, and what came on the screen caused the country gal to raise an eyebrow. Sunny and the others turned their heads to look at the stage, as did everyone in the stadium, as they witnessed what Aj was seeing.

A deck of cards appeared on the video wall as it lay there. The view then switched to show the deck from the top-down point as the first card of said deck was pulled and flipped over. On the card was a picture of Sugarcoat, whose name was spelled with the font in the middle of the card, which was her photo. Then a voice played over it.

"And in my yard, we don't bark! We bite!"

The voice that was heard was that of the World Champ. It was a recording of a promo line that he said when he took on Sugarcoat, his first opponent during his latest reign. The card moved to the side as the next card on top of the deck was pulled and revealed. Like before, it showed a picture of someone, this time Indigo Zap, as her name was in the middle, and another line was played over the speakers.

"How you gonna do a shoey over my body when I put your shoes in the powerlines!"

The card of Indigo Zap disappeared, and the next card pulled from the deck was Lemon Zest.

"And still!"

The trend continued as a new card was pulled from the deck individually. It had photos and images of all of Isaac's big-time opponents he'd faced after becoming World Champion in his current run. Applejack and the crowd watched and listened to the snippets of promo lines that Isaac said in each current build as if to put together a story. The deck started to thin out as it signaled the tail end of Isaac's run.

Soon, a card was pulled, and the Rainbow's image was on it. It was a callback to his duel with her late last year, as the snippet Isaac had told her in their build played.

"I respect all the great legends that came before me. But there is a difference. I am the most dominant champion of all time."

Rainbow's card was put to the side, and the next card flipped over and read Walter, reminding people of his brutal fight.

"Truth is, I am an addict. Day by day, I have earned my life! Do you know what being a World Champion symbolizes to me? That's my way of telling my kids that I will provide and be there for them. I'm going to tell them that I love them. When I step onto this field, yeah, bro, I am addicted. I'm addicted to the high that I get from them! I'm addicted to the Do-Or-Die feeling, holmes! I'm an addict, and I'll do anything and run over anybody that gets in my way of being World Champion!"

The emotion in those snippets of lines resonated throughout the stadium. For Roll, she nearly burst into tears hearing her father say those three words. The next card pulled got Applejack's interest as it was revealed to be her. However, compared to all the previous ones, this one had her name on it and a number next to it. The card with the photo of the country gal with her name in the middle read: Applejack 1. Followed by a snippet of a voice line.

"Don't go chasing waterfalls. Stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to, cowgirl!"

The card vanished as another card was pulled. Like before, it had her photo followed by a number reading Applejack 2.

"And for one of us, it's going to be champaign. And for the other, it's going to be just pain. Do I think you could be World Champion? Absolutely. But do I think you can be World Champion better than me? Absolutely not!"

The last card of the deck showed another photo of Aj, and the number next to it appeared and glowed: Applejack 3… as if to tell the country gal that she was going to fail again and be just another notch on Isaac's belt as champion.

"I didn't think my most honest friend would become a whining, crying, moaning little bitch!"

The card vanished from sight as all the cards pulled from the deck were spread out for all to see. They were then gathered back up into the deck as the video ended. Everything went dark before the lights came back on in the stadium, and the crowd made some noise after seeing that.

"Hey, yo!"

A loud voice was heard, and everybody in the arena heard it. Applejack and the kids heard it as they looked around, trying to spot where that shout came from. Some muttering from the crowd was heard as Aj picked up on that and looked upward; southeast of her position, all eyes turned. A spotlight was shown, and standing at the very top of the stadium roof was none other than the World Champion. Nobody could believe what they saw as phones were pulled and pointed at where Isaac was.

"What's he doing up there?!" asked Rarity as she watched the broadcast with Twilight backstage.

Twilight just smiled as she kept watching the screen.

"Super Showdown!" shouted Isaac into the mic he had on him. The World Champion got a reaction from the people down below as he smirked. "Let's go!"

On his cue, his music hit. The crowd entered it as more spotlights shone on Isaac, who now showed that he was attached to a zipline.

Adrenaline in my soul
Every fight out of control
Do it all to get them off their feet
Crowd is here, about to blow
Waitin' for me to start the show
Out the curtain, lights go up
I'm home

"WHOA!" said Isaac, putting his arms out on top of the stadium. The crowd shouted that part as loudly as they could to reach the World Champion from where he was.

Pyro went off on the stage and around the top of the field, where the video screens were to hype up the crowd.

My father said

"Boom!" said Isaac, fist-pumping the ground to set off the next pyro set.

The World Champ began to walk off the edge as he was now ziplining down to the stadium, making the crowd even louder.

"Your father is crazy!" said Roll, as they couldn't believe Isaac was making that kind of entrance as he soared above the crowd.

"It's Super Showdown. You go big, or you go home for your entrance," commented Roll as she saw her father zipping down.

Isaac held onto the zip line with one hand, using his free arm to encourage the crowd to get even rowdier. The commentators couldn't believe what they saw and had to stand up and relay what was happening into their headsets.

"That's gotta be a hundred feet in the air! Isaac showing why he's called Mr. Super Showdown!"

"There's only one so-called Prince in Duel Monsters. Look at that!"

"Unbelievable!"

"That's the World Champion, people!"

"You're a crazy son of a bitch, city slicker," muttered Applejack as she admitted Isaac caught her off guard with that kind of entrance. She couldn't help but produce a small smile.

Isaac was now reaching the end of his zipline as he got lower and closer to the crowd. He put his free hand out and gave passing high fives on his way down. He soon landed on the area where Mario glanced over. It was clear to the boy that the men were setting up part of his father's entrance earlier. Isaac landed in the landing zone right on the mark as the stage crew began to unhook the World Champion from the equipment. The crowd was still singing along as Isaac fired them up while they removed the equipment from him.

Lights go down, I'm ready now
Tear this roof off for the town
Gonna give 'em what they came to see

Once Isaac was removed from the equipment, he was presented with his attire. The World Champion grabbed his cap and put it on before grabbing the new attire that Rarity made for him. The World Champion stood wearing a red jumpsuit with a long zipper running through the middle. He wore a chain on the left side of his shorts and a loosely worn blue belt. Over his jumpsuit, Isaac wore a black hoodie that was blue on the inside and black on the outside with white sleeves ending in gray edging. He wore fingerless dueling gloves with blue, black, and yellow straps. Once he was set, he began to walk down the aisle between the section of chairs with fans.

Hear the crowd, on their toes
Ready for me to start the show
Out the curtain, lights go up
I'm home (whoa)

Isaac was heading toward the barricade as his kids and their friends leaned over as he came down by their side. Isaac stopped just before the barricade. He looked at the teens right next to him before jumping over, and he was now on the other side. The World Champ looked at Applejack as she told him to get in so they could start. Isaac took a moment to turn his attention toward Sunny and the gang as he began to give each of his kids' friends high fives. He turned to his daughter as Roll stood up and hugged her father, with him returning the gesture. The drones captured the shot of the girl hugging her father, broadcasting the event worldwide to people watching. Twilight nearly cried as she saw her daughter and husband sharing a special moment. Once they separated, Isaac kissed Roll's head before looking at Mario, who stood up to confront his father. The tension and pressing issue between the pair remained as the others sensed it and looked on in their seats. Isaac then raised his fist to his son.

"Give your dad some love, son."

Mario just stared at the fist his father made; the boy knew what he wanted to do and brush his father aside. But with the many drones flying about broadcasting at that moment, he knew many would see it. He also knew his mother was backstage watching as he thought of what she might say or do. With a heavy sigh, the teen made his right hand into a fist as he bumped it against his father's, wishing him luck. Isaac smiled as he reached over and rubbed Mario's hair.

"I love you, Mario. You know that," said Isaac as he turned.

Now watch me as I take my throne
And rule my kingdom

You took it all away, I give it all away
Can't take my freedom
Here to change the game, a banner made of pain
I built my kingdom

Isaac stepped onto the field as he passed by Aj to address the crowd with his back turned to the hard cam. They cheered before Isaac turned to face the hard cam; he did the same with the other side of the stadium, as he got a slightly bigger reaction. Sunny and the gang cheered their hearts, seeing the World Champion before he turned to look at Applejack. The two duelists looked at each other as the official and announcer were in the middle. A bell rang to get everyone's attention as the announcer stepped forward.

"The following duel is for the title of World Champion!" shouted the announcer as she got the crowd to cheer. "Introducing first, the challenger… she is one half of the World Tag Team Champion… Applejack!"

The country gal stepped forward and turned her back to the hard came, showing off the backside of her jacket with her initials. She flipped her head quickly to her left as her ponytail swayed, showing her confident smile before tipping her cowboy hat and stepping to the side. The crowd made noise for her as Isaac got down on one knee.

"And her opponent. He is one half of the World Tag Team and World Heavyweight Champion… The Prince… Isaac!"

Isaac was pounding his fist on the ground as he listened to the stellar intro the announcer gave him. He looked at her as she said his name, egging her own to give it some oomph to get the crowd into it. She poured her heart and soul into saying his name as the entire stadium also said his name when she announced his. It got the World Champ all fired up as he stood up and put his arms out to the side, soaking it all in before turning to look at the farmer.

"For the first time in Super Showdown history, Tag Team partners will square off against each other in the main event—never before, never again!"

"It's all to do battle for the richest title in Duel Monsters. To claim that spot on the top of the mountain. Applejack is looking to usurp the throne from Isaac and have his head on a silver platter. Isaac wants to prove that the Prince is the measuring stick and his decree is final!"

The ref told the two about the standard rules as neither Isaac nor Applejack listened. The two were so fixated and concentrated on each other that they didn't take their eyes off each other. The crowd was at an all-time high, and the sight of these two about to fight could power all of Las Vegas with their noise. Each duelist turned slowly to both sides of the crowd as they soaked in this humongous moment. For Sunny and the gang, watching in the front row, they too could tell how big of a spectacle this was before their eyes.

Five minutes… ten minutes… fifteen minutes passed, and all Isaac and Applejack did was stare at each other. Even the crowd was still going strong as they kept chanting, "Let's go, Aj!" and the other half chanting, "Let's go, Isaac!". It was surreal to think that the crowd was eating this up as the duel had yet to start.

"Are they going to duel or what?" asked Zipp, getting slightly impatient.

"Don't rush it, Zipp. This, right here, is a true experience," said Roll as she understood why her father and her aunt weren't starting as they were creating something of a lost art.

Another ten minutes passed, as it'd been over half an hour since the two started staring. Yet, to them, it didn't feel that much time had passed. The crowd didn't stop; they got louder and continued to cheer. Nearly every other duelist that participated in the show was watching from backstage as they awaited to see the two go at it. Shining Armor smirked from his private locker room with his family as he could tell his brother-in-law and the country gal was already setting the tone for their match, and they had yet even to draw the first card.

Neither knew who moved first, but Applejack and Isaac eventually turned and returned to their positions. The two reached into the deck box on the side of their belt and pulled out their decks. Both turned to face each other simultaneously and slotted in their decks. Their devices came online as Applejack's duel disk projected a green card tray while Isaac's device emitted a gold card tray.

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

Isaac's Life Points: 8000-
Applejack's Life Points: 8000-

"It's time to duel!" echoed Aj and Isaac as that rang throughout the stadium, getting a pop.

Their images came on all the video walls around the stadium. Applejack's portrait was then highlighted, indicating she would take the first turn.

Turn 1: Applejack (Hand 5)

"I'll kick things off!" proclaimed Applejack as she drew, and the crowd went nuts for her to draw her card. "I summon Predaplant Ophrys Scorpio(1200/800)!" A black scorpion appeared before Applejack, roots on its back running up to a plant sprout behind its stinger tail. "Next, I activate the effect of my monster. I can send one monster from my hand to the graveyard when he's summoned. In exchange, I can special summon a 'Predaplant' monster from my deck. So I'll get rid of my Predaplant Byblisp to summon my Predaplant Darlingtonia Cobra(1000/1500)." A snake with a body like a plant vine slithered in front of Aj, its jaw patterned like flower petals.

"Since I summoned my Darlingtonia Cobra from my deck, I can use its ability. Now I can add a 'Polymerization' or a 'Fusion' spell card from my deck to my hand." Applejack's duel disk then slotted out the card for her to grab.

"She already has Polymerization in her hand. She must be planning a fusion summon already!" stated Hitch as he watched Applejack closely.

"Now, to activate the effect of my discarded Predaplant Byblisp. I can add a 'Predaplant' monster from my deck to my hand. With that, I'll end my turn."

"She didn't play anything facedown. Interesting," said Sunny as the others thought the same.

Turn 2: Isaac (Hand 5)

"Mmm."

Isaac stood there and analyzed Applejack's field. She only played a single monster but had added a Polymerization to her hand. He could only guess she must be planning to fusion summon something powerful. He recalled that triple behemoth she used earlier in their tag match, as he wanted to avoid facing that thing.

"Your move, sugarcube!" shouted Aj.

"Alright then!" declared the World Champ as he drew and glanced at the card he drew.

She wanted me on offense. Then she's gonna get it.

"First, I play the spell card, Dark Magic Veil! By paying 1000 Life Points, I can use this spell to summon my Dark Magician(2500/2100) from my hand!" In a flash of light, Isaac's ultimate wizard appeared as he took his position with his master.
Isaac's Life Points: 7000-

"And Isaac already has his ultimate monster out!"

"The World Champ isn't wasting any time!"

"Next, I play the spell, Bond Between Teacher and Student! Now that the teacher is on the field, his student will follow. So with this spell, I can now summon my Dark Magician Girl(2000/1700)!" stated Isaac as his top female spellcaster appeared and took her position alongside her master and mentor.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Isaac brought his top headliners to his deck, and they're ready to do battle."

"Next, I'm activating this. Dark Burning Magic! With this spell, I can wipe out every card on your field since I have both magicians out!" Both of Isaac's magicians aimed their wands as they blasted Aj's field clean of everything, making the country gal look away. "Now… go my magicians. Attack Applejack directly! Double Dark Magic Attack!" Both spellcasters leaped into the air as they put their staffs together and fired a massive concentrated beam at the farmer. Applejack covered up and willed her to stand her ground. She buckled a bit and skidded back a bit but refused to go down as the attack died down, and she panted heavily.
Applejack's Life Points: 3500-

"What a hit by Isaac! He's almost depleted all of Applejack's Life Points in one shot!" said the lead commentator as some of the crowd gasped.

"And yet Applejack didn't go down!"

Isaac stared a hole directly at Applejack. The country gal had her arm raised as she lowered it and smirked. The expression on Aj's face was not what Isaac expected, as the farmer wanted him to do what he did.

Turn 3: Applejack (Hand 6)

"My turn!" said Applejack as she continued as if nothing had happened. She looked at what she drew before the smirk on her face grew even bigger. "Get ready, sugar, because I'm about to take this duel up a notch. So watch as I set the pendulum scale!"

"What?!" gasped Isaac.

"With these two cards! Scale 0 Predaplant Bufolicula and Scale 8 Predaplant Triantis!" stated Applejack as she showed off her two special cards before placing them on the far ends of her duel disk. The word pendulum was spelled out in between as her monsters emerged in her field in columns of light with their respective numbers in front of them.

"Ms. Applejack has pendulum cards as well?" said Sunny as she and the others were surprised that the country gal had those specific cards in her deck.

"She must really want to win," responded Izzy.

"With my pendulum scale set, I can now summon monsters between Level 1 through 7 all at once!" said Applejack as a portal opened above her and two lights emerged. "I Pendulum Summon… Predaplant Banksiogre(2000/100) and Predaplant Drosophyllum Hydra(800/2300)!" Aj's two monsters appeared as they stared down Isaac and his two magicians.

"Well, I'll admit this, Aj. I didn't see this coming," said Isaac, as he didn't expect the country gal to use Pendulum summoning so early on in their duel.

"Well, then, you won't see this coming! Because I now activate the pendulum ability of my Predaplant Bufolicula! It lets me fusion summon without Polymerization by combining monsters from my hand or field! But I'm not gonna fusion summon just yet. Because I now play this card, Fusion Armament."

"What is that card?" asked Pipp.

"This spell lets me reveal a Fusion monster from my Extra Deck, and in turn, I can summon one of the fusion materials mentioned on it from my Extra Deck or graveyard. So I reveal my Predaplant Triphyoverutum and bring back my Darlingtonia Cobra!" Aj's snake-like monster slithered onto the field as each of the country gal's monster glowed. "Now… I combine all three of them!" Applejack's three monsters entered a swirling vortex that emitted purple and orange lights. "I Fusion Summon Predaplant Triphyoverutum(3000/3000)!" Applejack's monster emerged from the ground, stood on its hind legs, and roared with all three heads while spreading its wings for all to see.

"Great," muttered Isaac as he knew that monster meant trouble.

"Oh, my monster ain't just the only issue, sugar. Because the ability of my Predaplant Baksiogre activates, when it's sent from the field to the graveyard, I can place a 'Predator Counter' on each of your monsters and drop their levels to 1!" stated Aj as small seeds attached to Isaac's magicians with their levels changing.

"Oh, that's not good," stated Sunny.

"And now… I activate my Predaplant Triphyoverutum's ability! It gains the attack points of all your monsters with a Predator Counter!" declared Applejack as her monster's strength shot up through the roof.

"7500!" shouted Sunny and the gang at how powerful Aj's beast was.

"Predaplant Triphyoverutum, attack his Dark Magician!" shouted Applejack. Her three-headed beast opened its mouths and fired a tri-attack. It headed toward Isaac's wizard as he tried to hold on before being engulfed by the attack.

"Dark Magician!" yelled Isaac as he covered up before he was blasted into the air and crashed on the ground in pain.
Isaac's Life Points: 3000-

"And Applejack drops the World Champion with a hard-hitting attack!" yelled the lead commentator as everyone gasped even more.

"Dad!" said Roll as she was worried for her father.

Isaac grunted as he got to his hands and knees and clutched his side. He looked at his duel disk and saw how many Life Points he had left from Aj's sole attack. The World Champ willed himself to get up and push through the pain he was experiencing from Aj's attack; Isaac's Dark Magician Girl looked at her master as she was concerned for him. She wanted to help, but he put a hand up to stop her and got to his feet. The World Champ dusted himself off and looked at Aj.

"Is that all you got!" shouted Isaac as the crowd roared.

"Holy shit! This duel is way different!" said Zipp as their previous two bouts against each other had nothing on how the beginning of this one started.

"They went for their biggest hits right off the bat," commented Hitch.

"Sugar… I ain't even close," remarked Applejack as she picked up a card from her hand. "I place one card facedown and end my turn! Top that, city slicker!"

Turn 4: Isaac (Hand 3)

"Then it's my move!" said Isaac as he drew and felt some pain as he winced.

Master, are you okay?

Isaac heard the voice of his Dark Magician Girl; he knew she was concerned for him about taking a rough bump.

I'm fine, Mana. Now… let's get back into the game.

Isaac assured his monster that he was okay as he proceeded with his turn. "Since my Dark Magician is in my graveyard, my Dark Magician Girl gains 300 extra attack points. Next, I'll reveal the card I set with my Bond Between Teacher and Student from the last turn! Reveal… Dark Burning Attack!" Isaac touched his duel screen as his facedown turned over. "With this spell, since I have Dark Magician Girl out on my field, this allows me to destroy all your monsters!"

Dark Magician Girl had her staff glow with power before she aimed it and blasted Aj's three-headed behemoth off the field in one fell shot. Once again, Isaac and Applejack were blowing everyone's mind as they went blow for blow.

"Not bad, sugar. But you know my monster ain't going down so easy!" declared Applejack as she stomped her foot intensely on the ground. It began to crack open as a kaiju-like screech was heard. Emerging from the ground was her winged three-headed beast reappeared.

"How did she do that?" wondered Zipp.

"Surprise, city slicker. Well, I activated my Call of the Haunted trap. So my monster rises back in attack mode! And don't forget, since your Dark Magician Girl still has that Predator Counter on it, her attack points boost my monsters!"

"Hmm," said Isaac as he looked at his hand.

"So what does your father do now?" asked Sunny, as Applejack clearly had the upper hand.

"I set one card facedown."

Turn 5: Applejack (Hand 1)

Now it was Applejack's turn to be guessing what Isaac might have set. This duel was a true game of back and forth as both duelists used everything they used from their previous encounters and knew that the tiniest bit of error could result in losing.

"My turn. First, I activate the effect of my Predaplant Byblisp from my graveyard. Since you have a monster on your field with a Predator Counter, I can revive it. But that's not all; since you have a monster with a Predator Counter on it, I can revive it by tributing a monster with a Predator Counter on it. And it doesn't matter whose monster it is. So if you were planning on saving your Dark Magician Girl, think again!" stated Applejack as Isaac's sole monster vanished and Aj's two creatures rose.

"This is it, folks! All Applejack has to do is call her attack, and we'll crown a new World Champion!" said the lead commentator.

"This is the exactly same position she found herself in last time. That slight hesitation in delivering the final blow to Isaac cost Aj the duel last time. But this time, she's not gonna hesitate. She's not gonna show mercy to her opponent. Applejack wants the Prince's head on a platter, and she's gonna go in for the kill!"

"This is it! Predaplant Triphyoverutum, end this! And make sure you hurt him!" commanded Applejack, as she wasn't going to show weakness and was willing to pull the trigger on her teammate.

The three-headed beast heard its master's command and fired a tri-attack beam. The attack was coming at Isaac, who had widened eyes.

"Isaac!" shouted Twilight as she was concerned for her husband.

"New champ! We're gonna have a new champ!" said the commentator.

Isaac's hands picked a card and slotted it away. The attack made contact as he was hit, causing a giant light screen to cover him. The people near the field turned and looked away while Applejack kept looking at the bright light. When the attack died down, the World Champion stood with both arms up as he panted before putting them down. However, the important thing was when Aj looked at her duel screen and saw that Isaac's Life Points didn't change.

"How did your father survive that?" asked Izzy.

"Figures," remarked Aj as she knew how Isaac survived.

As if on cue, Kuriboh appeared before Isaac and the World Champion saw his small furball. He smiled at his cute monster, and Kuriboh also smiled with his eyes.

"Thank you, Kuriboh," said Isaac as his monster disappeared. He closed his eyes, grateful that he was still in it due to his most valuable monster in his deck.

"What did your father just play?" asked Hitch.

"His saving grace. Kuriboh," answered Mario, as he knew all too well that the tiny monster was the key to his father's survival.

"By discarding that monster, my father doesn't take any damage from Aj's attack," answered Roll.

"That small hairball saved you back when we were in high school, and it's still saving yer ass, sugarcube!"

"You know as well I do that Kuriboh is vital not just to me but to my deck," remarked Isaac.

So if Isaac was planning to save himself with Kuriboh… then what the hell is his facedown?

Applejack glanced over at the set card before Isaac as she thought about what kind of card he might have set.

"I end my turn."

Turn 6: Isaac (Hand 3)

"It's my turn, I draw. First, I activate my spell card, Soul Servant. This lets me place one card on top of my deck that mentions 'Dark Magician' or 'Dark Magician Girl' in its text." Isaac then tapped his duel screen as he scanned his deck to see which card he wanted. Once he made his choice, he clicked confirm as the card ejected from the deck for him to grab and placed it at the top of the stack. "Then I activate the second effect of my Soul Servant. By banishing it from my graveyard, I can draw cards up to the number of 'Dark Magician', 'Dark Magician Girl' or 'Palladium' monsters from my field and graveyard. So, since both of my magicians are currently laid to rest, I can draw two cards, including the one I put at the top of my deck!"

"What a clever move," said Sunny as she was impressed by Isaac's skills.

Isaac drew his top two cards as he glanced at them before touching his duel screen again.

"I now activate my facedown, Eternal Soul! With this continuous trap, I can use it to revive my Dark Magician!" A stone tablet appeared, and on it was a hieroglyph of Isaac's monster before his wizard appeared.

"So your facedown was a bluff, huh?" retorted Applejack. "Even if I had brought out another monster, you would've used your facedown to block it with your magician."

"A double standard, wouldn't you say," smirked Isaac as Aj wasn't amused.

"Either way, my Predaplant Triphyoverutum is still the strongest monster and can wipe out the rest of your Life Points with one blow."

"Then it's good that I drew the card I need to get rid of your beast once and for all. I play Thousand Knives!" said Isaac as he showed off his card and many magical daggers appeared by his monster. "With this, I can tear apart your three-headed beast. Time to slice and dice!" Dark Magician commanded the daggers as they flew forward; the daggers began to tear into Aj's beast as it roared before disappearing.

Applejack growled even more as Isaac managed to get rid of her powerhouse of a monster.

"That's one monster I won't miss," taunted Isaac. "Now, Dark Magician, attack her Predaplant Drosophyllum Hydra!" At Isaac's command, his monster put his hand out to fire his spell and took out Aj's small monster. "And don't forget, because of my Eternal Soul in play, my Dark Magician is safe from your card effects. So you won't be placing Predator Counters on him for your own use."

"Yeah, but if I remove your Eternal Soul, it destroys every monster you have out on the field. So it's a double-edged sword, sugar."

"Then what are you waiting for, cowgirl? Hit me with your best shot!" shouted Isaac angrily as he set a card.

"Alright, then! Yee-haw, bitch!" yelled Applejack.

Turn 7: Applejack (Hand 2)

"My move! I activate my Predaprunning spell card. This lets me revive a 'Predaplant' monster in my graveyard. So welcome back… Predaplant Triphyoverutum!" Once more, the ground cracked open, and Aj's three-headed beast appeared.

"I really hate that thing," muttered Isaac as he again dealt with this powerful beast.

"Now… Predaplant Triphyoverutum, attack his Dark Magician."

"If you want to destroy my Dark Magician… you'll have to find him first!" said Isaac as the crowd lost their mind and cheered when he said. They knew what the World Champ meant by that as he touched his duel screen. "Go, Magical Hats!" Four top hats with question marks appeared, and one by one, they covered Isaac's wizard before spreading out in a row.

"Let's see if you're lucky, Aj!"

"Your carnival tricks ain't gonna work this time, sugar! Predaplant Triphyoverutum, attack the Dark Magician underneath the second hat from the left!" commanded Aj. Her beast fired its attack and decimated the hat, leaving only ash and smoke. However, three other hats remained.

"Looks like my carnival tricks still work after all these years, cowgirl!" taunted Isaac.

"You can't hide forever, city slicker! I end my turn!"

Turn 8: Isaac (Hand 3)

"My turn. I play the continuous spell card, Shining Sarcophagus!" A golden Egyptian resting tomb was shown as it glimmered brightly. "Now I activate its effect. Once per turn, I can add a card to my hand that mentions 'Shining Sarcophagus' from my deck."

"What are you getting at, city slicker?" wondered Applejack as she didn't see the appeal of Isaac's strategy.

Isaac touched his duel screen as he looked at the contents of his deck. He made his choice as the card ejected from his deck and grabbed it.

"Next, I'll set this under one of my Magician Hats!" said Isaac as his facedown appeared before the three remaining hats concealed it, and they all spun in a circle before straightening out in a row. "Now you have to think twice about your decision."

"Does it look like I'm scared!" barked Applejack as Isaac's mind tricks weren't fazing her.

"No, but maybe this will. Since I have my Shining Sarcophagus out, I can summon this monster. Dark Magician the Magician of Black Magic(2500/2100)!" A monster similar to the champ's Dark Magician appeared, and this one had bits of darkish purple with yellow underlines on its clothing. "Now, while my monster is on the field, it's name becomes 'Dark Magician'. With that, I'll set this card and end my turn."

Turn 9: Applejack (Hand 2)

Applejack stared at Isaac's field as he had just given her a predicament. He now had two monsters, essentially weaker than her three-headed beast. But he hid one of his facedowns under his remaining hats as she had to contend with that. And another facedown that wasn't hidden. From that alone, the facedown that Isaac didn't hide was one that she wouldn't worry about since it wouldn't be any danger to her monster. It was the one hidden that she had to be cautious.

"My move," said the country gal as she drew and looked at the card she got before smirking. "I told you I ain't scared, and I can prove it with this card. I play Super Polymerization!"

"Oh, no," said Isaac, as he didn't expect that card from Aj.

"So by discarding one card from my hand, I can perform a fusion summon using monsters from either side of the field. And that includes your hidden Dark Magician!"

The hats on Isaac's field began to dispel as his magician was revealed. His monster glowed, as did Aj's Predaplant Drosophyllum Hydra; both monsters then entered a powerful swirling vortex, emitting orange and purple lights.

"I Fusion Summon! Predaplant Chimierafflesia(2500/2000)!" A large coil of vines burst from the chasm and splayed out on the field. A large circular mouth ringed with teeth and surrounded by plump pink petals was at the end of the largest vines, and two smaller mouths rose beside it on smaller vines. Applejack then pointed at Isaac's remaining monster.

"Predaplant Triphyoverutum, attack his monster!" commanded Applejack.

"I reveal my facedown, Spellbinding Circle!" said Isaac as he touched his duel screen. "Not only does it stop your monster's attack, but it loses 700 attack points! Now… Dark Magician the Magician of Black Magic, counterattack!" The sorcerer had his staff glow with power before he aimed his staff and fired back at Aj's beast to blast it off the field.
Applejack's Life Points: 3300-

"Next, I activate my other facedown! Future Silence! This spell lets me add a monster that mentions 'Shining Sarcophagus' from my deck to my hand. Then, since I activated this card during the Battle Phase while I have my Shining Sarcophasgus out along with a monster that mentions it on my field, we both draw till we're holding six cards!"

"Fine by me!" said Applejack as she refilled her hand.

Isaac touched his duel screen again, selecting the card he wanted from his spell.

"Thanks for the free cards, sugar. Now I have more ammo in the chamber! Now, I use my pendulum scale to pendulum summon Squid Drosera(800/400) and Predaplant Spider Orchid(0/0, Level 1, Scale 8) in defense mode. Then I play this, my Ivy Bind Castle!" Vine appeared as they began to wrap around Isaac's monster and his Eternal Soul card. "Thanks to my spell, I can negate the effect of all other faceup cards you control. Also, your monsters can't attack!"

"That's not good. Looks like your father is in uh… a bind," said Izzy with a smile as the others rolled their eyes at her pun.

"With that, I end my turn!"

Turn 10: Isaac (Hand 6)

"My move!"

"And now my Ivy Bind Castle puts the squeeze on you!" growled Applejack. "During your Standby Phase, I can inflict 800 points of damage for every monster you control!"

The vines from her card began to wrap around Isaac as they squeezed him tightly. The World Champion couldn't move as he felt Aj's vines doing their job and trying to crush him. Everybody could only watch on as Isaac was being tortured before his kids, who were watching their father suffer from the country gal.

"Applejack, come on, let him go!" pleaded Twilight as she looked at the screen to see her friend hurting her husband.

Applejack released her hold on her opponent as Isaac fell to his hands and knees. The World Champion panted heavily as he tried to get some air back into his lungs. His vision blurred when he lifted his head to look at Aj and her beasts.
Isaac's Life Points: 2200-

"Get up!"

Isaac rubbed his eyes as his vision cleared, and he saw Applejack and her stout expression.

"Get up! I want you to look me in the eyes when I kick your teeth down your damn throat and take your title!" demanded Applejack as she yelled at Isaac to stand up to do more damage to him.

"My turn… and I play Emergency Provisions! So, for every spell or trap card I destroy, I regain 1000 Life Points. So I'll get rid of my Shining Sarcophagus and Eternal Soul!" stated Isaac as the two cards that Applejack negated vanished, and he replenished his points.
Isaac's Life Points: 4200-

"By getting rid of your Eternal Soul, you destroyed your monster!" said Applejack as Isaac's only monster vanished.

"Why did your father do that? What the hell is he thinking?" asked Zipp as she didn't know why Mario's father made such a stupid move by taking out his cards.

"Next, I play Graceful Charity. So I draw three more cards and toss out two," said Isaac as he drew his card before looking at his entire hand and selecting the two cards to discard.

"Is Isaac running out of options?" asked Rarity, feeling that, given Applejack's situation, what she was watching showed Isaac's desperation.

"I hope not," said Twilight, praying her husband had something.

"I play a monster in defense mode and place one card facedown."

Turn 11: Applejack (Hand 3)

"My, my, sugar. I expected more," mocked Aj as Isaac gritted his teeth, not a fan of the country gal taunting him. "To keep my Ivy Bind Castle in play, I must destroy a 'Predaplant.' Luckily, I got plenty to spare. So I sac my Predaplant Byblisp to keep it around. Next, I'll have my Predaplant Chimerafflesia attack your monster!"

Aj's monster lashed out its vines and, in one fell swoop, took out Isaac's monster he had defending his Life Points, which was revealed to be Gamma the Magnet Warrior.

"Then, I summon Predaplant Flytrap(400/800)!" The ground in front of Applejack cracked open. A small spindly vine with hand-like leaves and a pair of jaws formed from two large leaves grew up from the crack.

"I won't be looking at plants the same again after seeing Ms. Applejack and her army of petunias," said Hitch. Seeing how Aj handled her plant monsters made them appreciate that they didn't have to fear the flowers at school.

"I end my turn!"

Turn 12: Isaac (Hand 4)

"My turn!" stated the World Champion.

At that moment, Aj's spell triggered as vines appeared and wrapped around Isaac's, trapping his arms as he couldn't move. Applejack smirked as her vines then began to lift Isaac into the air. Gasps were heard as they saw the World Champion suspended while being crushed.

"How's the view up there, city slicker? Maybe you'll like it better on the ground!" said Applejack as she slammed her hand on the ground.

The vines heard her command as they slammed Isaac on the ground, making the World Champion wince in pain. Twilight looked away when she saw Applejack drop her husband hard on the field. Rarity pulled her friend in to pat her back and assure her that her husband was okay. Isaac let out a painful cry as he tried to sit up, but his side hurt for a moment. He clutched it before looking up. He saw one of the vines that grabbed him before it smacked him. He turned from the impact as shown he got from the sharp thorns. Isaac raised his hand to feel the cut on his cheek as it seared with pain.
Isaac's Life Points: 3400-

"Applejack staring a hole at her opponent. She wants to be World Champion. She's willing to go to any lengths to win."

"This Super Showdown. You want to be at the top. You have to be willing to do anything. You hit your best shot and then some! Applejack wants her name to live on forever; this is the place. Careers are made, legends are defined, moments are forever! Put Isaac down, and that's the biggest accomplishment one can have in this business!"

The commentators were putting over Applejack's ruthlessness as she was looking to line the kill shot to take out Isaac. The World Champion was getting to his feet as everybody watched him struggle. Eventually, Isaac stood up and kept a defiant look before drawing his card.

"I play Premature Burial. So by paying 800 Life Points, I can revive my Dark Magician!" said Isaac as his star monster reappeared.
Isaac's Life Points: 2600-

"Making it that much easier, sugar," muttered Aj.

"I place one card facedown!"

Turn 13: Applejack (Hand 3)

"My turn. And now I'll sac my Predaplant Spider Orchid!" stated Applejack as she got rid of her monster. "But since my Spider Orchid is a pendulum monster, it goes to my Extra Deck instead of my graveyard. So long as I got my Pendulum Scale set, I can keep resummoning it and sacrificing it to keep my Ivy Bind Castle to put the squeeze on you!"

Isaac gritted his teeth as he didn't like what he heard.

"Now, I activate the effect of my Predaplant Chimerafflesia! I can target any monster on the field with a lower or equal level to my monster and banish it!" Chimerafflesia lashed out its two-mouthed vines toward Dark Magician. The vines wrapped around Isaac's monster as it struggled.

"I activate my facedown… Destined Rivals!" said Isaac as he touched his duel screen. "Since I control my Dark Magician, this trap allows me to negate all your monsters' effects until the end of the turn!"

The vines begin to lose their power as Isaac's magician breaks free from them, and they revert to Aj's beast. The country gal didn't like that her opponent managed to slip through her grip as she was all set to end him.

"I end my turn with a facedown!" said Applejack.

Turn 14: Isaac (Hand 3)

"My turn!"

"And time to lose even more points!" shouted Applejack as her Ivy Bind Castle activated, and several vines came at Isaac.

"Not this time! I reveal my facedown! Dark Illusion!" said Isaac as his facedown flipped up. "Now, not only is your spell card negated, but it's also destroyed!"

The vines shattered as the power of Isaac's trap card was too powerful. Applejack covered up as a mighty wind blew over her field, taking out her spell. The country gal growled as she didn't appreciate what her opponent just did.

"And with Ivy Bind Castle no longer in play, I can do whatever I need. Like this… I play the Eye of Timaeus!" Isaac held his card up high as it glowed, and the spirit of the dragon emerged. "Now, Timaeus, fuse with my Dark Magician!"

The dragon and wizard began to combine into one in front of a swirling portal that disoriented reality.

"Come forth… Dark Magician, the Knight of Dragon Magic(2900/2400)!" A dragon appeared, and on its back rode the ultimate wizard himself, his robes fluttering in the wind.

"I knew he had something!" said Twilight as she didn't give up hope for her husband.

"Now… attack Predaplant Flytrap!" commanded Isaac as his monster raised its wand, and the dragon opened its mouth to fire a dual attack that converged into one and left nothing of what used to be Aj's monster. "And remember my monster's ability. When it attacks a monster in defense mode, the difference in their points comes to you as damage!"

Applejack covered up as she felt the attack. She willed herself not to be shaken and held on. However, she skidded back and dropped to a knee before she panted heavily.
Applejack's Life Points: 1100-

"And my monster's additional effect means you get slammed with Predaplant Flytrap's attack points!" stated Isaac.
Applejack's Life Points: 700-

Applejack looked up and saw the tail make contact her with as she fell to the ground and was covered in battle bruises. The country gal lay there as she didn't move for a bit. Isaac kept his defiant scowl as Aj willed herself to get up.

"I can't lose… not now… not when… I'm so close," muttered Applejack, knowing her family was watching and wanted her to win.

"With that… I end my turn with a facedown."

Turn 15: Applejack (Hand 3)

"It's… my draw!" said Aj as she drew with slight hesitation. "Now… I use the pendulum ability of my Predaplant Triantis! So I can perform a fusion summon using monsters in my pendulum zones! So I combine Triantis and Bufolicula!" Aj's two monsters entered a swirling vortex, emitting purple and orange lights. "I Fusion Summon! You'll never look at greenery the same way again! The vicious, voracious, and venomous… Starving Venom Fusion Dragon(2800/2000)!" She slammed her card on her duel disk, the card tray lighting up purple.

The ground shook as a massive plant bud grew behind Applejack and rose into the air. It shone purple and burst apart, a dragon flying out of it and circling the field. Its body was lithe and green, armored in hardened purple growths with thorns emerging from them. Orbs of orange light lit up on its claws, shoulders, and wings, pulsing with energy. The dragon stopped its flight above the country gal, a vine-like tail lashing into the air, and roared.

"Now, since I fusion summoned my dragon, he gets to increase his attack points by your monster's points!" said Applejack. An aura of purple energy lit up Isaac's field, and trails of it swirled into Applejack's dragon. The orbs on its wings grew brighter, pulsing with power.

"5700 attack points!" said Hitch as they saw Aj's dragon grow.

"It's over! And to make sure, I'm activating Dragon's Mirror!" A large mirror appeared in the air, the wings, claws, and tail of a dragon carved from its frame. "This lets me banish the fusion parts needed to summon a Dragon-type Fusion monster from my graveyard and summon it. I banish Predaplant Flytrap and Triphyoverutum!"

The mirror pulsed and glowed purple, its surface cloudy. Applejack reached to her duel disk, fingers poised. "I combine my botanical nightmare and carnivorous predator to bring out a toxic terror like no other!" The mirror cracked down the center, the image of glowing purple eyes appearing in either half. "I Fusion Summon! Greedy Venom Fusion Dragon(3300/2500)!" The mirror shattered, and a massive dragon flew out of the frame. Its serpentine body was glowing blue, purple, and yellow, with streaks of light along its limbs. Wings like the growths of a plant spread behind it, crackling with energy. It circled to float in front of Applejack, roaring down at Isaac.

"I now activate Greedy Venom Fusion Dragon's ability! So I target your monster and strip away its effects and attack points!" Isaac's monster felt its power being sucked away as it entered A's beast and also pulsed with power.

"Starving Venom Fusion Dragon, end this duel and take out his monster!"

"And Applejack is going in for the kill shot!" yelled the lead commentator.

"The Prince is dethroned!"

The country gal's dragon took to the sky, swooped down, and flew forward. The orbs covering its body sent energy streams curling into its mouth, congregating into a large fireball. The fireball launched toward Isaac's field.

"I activate my facedown, Defense Draw! Now, all the battle damage I would've taken becomes zero. In addition, I draw one card! And since my monster is destroyed, his effect activates. Now I can summon my Dark Magician and Gaia the Dragon Champion(2600/2100)!"

"You just sealed your fate, sugar! From my hand, I play the spell card, Dragon's Fighting Spirit!" shouted Aj as the card she had in between her fingers glowed. "This lets my Starving Venom Fusion Dragon get an additional attack for every monster you have on the field."

"That means she can use it to attack again!" said Sunny.

"Now, Predaplant Chimerafflesia, attack Gaia the Dragon Champion. And then… I activate its effect. So that means your monster loses 1000 attack points while mine gains 1000!" stated Applejack as her monster lashed out its vines and removed Isaac's monster, making the World Champion cover up before being knocked down.
Isaac's Life Points: 700-

"They're tied!" said Zipp.

"Get up! Get up!" yelled Aj as she taunted Isaac on the ground.

The World Champion grunted as he struggled on the ground. He turned over to be on his hands and knees, as his cap had been knocked off. He grabbed it and put it on before he started to will himself to get up. Aj lined Isaac up, his back turned to her, as she raised her right hand and put three fingers up.

"Three…" counted Aj.

Isaac got to a knee and took a deep breath before pushing up.

"Two…" counted Aj as she put a finger down.

Isaac got to his feet and stumbled as he began to turn around, a bit dazed, unaware of the killing shot Aj was about to deliver.

"One…!" yelled Aj, put down another finger.

"Isaac, look out!" yelled Twilight at the screen as if warning her husband.

"Greedy Venom Fusion Dragon, finish it!" shouted the country gal.

Her dragon obeyed and didn't hesitate to fire its attack. The orb traveled with such speed that Isaac turned around and didn't have time to react as the orb made contact with his field. A massive light show happened as it made everyone look away. The kids put their arms up to shield their eyes.

"The Prince has been slain!" yelled the lead commentator.

As the attack continued, an electric pulse was heard. Soon, electricity sprouted out from the impact of where AJ's attack made contact. The country gal looked on as there, through the attack, was Isaac, now covered with massive bruises and bumps as he breathed heavily. His Dark Magician was also there, and he appeared unharmed. The country gal looked at her dragon before it pulsed with electricity, as did her other monsters, who were now paralyzed.

"The Prince isn't out yet! He's still standing!"

"But how?!"

Nearly everybody was thinking the same thing as they wondered how Isaac survived. Applejack gritted her teeth as the electricity surrounding Isaac's field, then conversed as a magnetic turtle had appeared before the World Champion.

"You son of bitch!" muttered Aj.

"What did your father do?" asked Pipp.

"He used his Electromagnetic Turtle's effect. By banishing it from his graveyard, he can end the battle phase!" explained Mario.

Isaac collapsed to the ground as he held his side. The World Champ had somehow survived Aj's final shot as he could only look on.

Turn 16: Isaac (Hand 3)

"It's time to say goodbye, Aj," grunted Isaac as he pushed through the pain and got up. "I… draw!" He drew with a mighty flourish as he looked at the card he drew. "I play Dark Magic Inheritance! So by banishing two spells from my hand, I can add one spell or trap card from my deck that mentions 'Dark Magician' or 'Dark Magician Girl'!"

"What's your father cooking up now?" asked Izzy.

"We'll just have to wait and see," answered Roll.

"Next, I activate Spider Web. It allows me to take one of the cards you sent to your graveyard last turn and place it directly into my hand. And the card I choose is…" A string of web shot out and attached to Aj's duel disk as it began to reel out a card, which she could only watch as it snapped back into Isaac's hand. "Dragon's Fight Spirit!"

"Huh?" said Aj as she didn't know why Isaac chose that card.

"Next, by discarding a card, I can summon this… Timaeus the United Dragon(2800/2000)!" Out came the World Champion's dragon as it roared and spread its wings. "Then I activate Timaeus' ability. It lets me fusion summon using monsters on my field without Polymerization. So I combine my dragon with my Dark Magician for one final fusion!"

A bright light occurred as everyone looked up.

"I Fusion Summon… Dark Magician the Dragon Knight(3000/2500)!"

The two monsters had merged. On Timaeus's back was the Dark Magician, who traded his robes for a set of magical armor and had a magical sword instead of his staff.

"And my monster has some unique special abilities. For one, while it's on the field, its name becomes 'Dark Magician'. In addition, you can't target any of my spells or traps with card effects, nor can they be destroyed. Now… I activate your card, Aj. Dragon's Fighting Spirit! Now, my monster gains an additional attack for every monster you have out on the field."

"But only one of Ms. Applejack's monsters is weaker than his monster. Why have it attack several times if it will lose?" asked Sunny.

"Dark Magician the Dragon Knight, attack and destroy Starving Venom Fusion Dragon!" commanded Isaac as his dragon opened his mouth and fired a beam.

Aj's dragon fired back on its own in an attempt to hold it off, but the power was too great, and the attack by the plant-like dragon was pushed back. It took out the country gal's monster as she covered up before being taken off her feet and hit the ground.
Applejack's Life Points: 500-

Applejack lay on the ground for a bit as she willed herself not to stay down. She felt her body starting to reach its limit as the sense of exhaustion settled in. She lifted her head to look at Isaac as the face on him told the whole story.

"I can't… I can't lose… sugar… I need yer title. I need to win," said Applejack as she struggled to get up but fell back down as her body told her she couldn't go anymore.

"Aj, just stay down. Let me put you out of your misery," said Isaac.

"No!" said the country gal as she began to crawl.

It pained Isaac to see the country gal in such a state that he began to approach her.

"You're done, Aj."

"No!"

"It's over!"

"No!"

The country gal was defiant as she knew her story couldn't end this way. She needed to win to know all her sacrifices were worth it. She needed to win to have that taste of success in her life finally. No matter how hard Applejack tried to yell at her body to get up, it didn't respond. Isaac stood a few meters before the country gal as she continued to crawl before coming right before her opponent's feet. The World Champion looked at his former friend in pain as she was like a sick animal, trying to go on when it would be best to put it down.

"I'm sorry, Aj. But I gotta do what I gotta do. … don't make it any more painful than it needs to be. Save yourself some embarrassment. Just let it go. Stay down!" said Isaac.

Applejack grabbed his leg, and slowly, inch by inch, she used his body as a support. The country gal began to pull herself up very slowly as the sign of exhaustion and fatigue had come over her. Both duelists were covered in bruises as the duel had taken a toll on them both physically and emotionally, as well as psychologically. Isaac looked pitiful, as he felt Applejack was making things worse for her, and she just needed to be put down. The country gal grabbed his shirt as she stared into his eyes. The will of rebellion on the farmer was strong, and her expression matched it.

"Aj, what's it gonna be?" asked Isaac as he flipped over the card he still had and showed it off to her.

The country gal saw that his Dark Magic Expanded, allowing Isaac to give his monster an extra 1000 attack points. Since he had two more attacks ready to go, all he would need to do was give the command, and he would win. But at this moment, Isaac was showing some mercy on the country gal, giving her a choice of whether to go out peacefully or be put down like a sick animal for all to see.

Applejack gazed back into Isaac's eyes as she was still benign propped up by leaning onto him for support.

"You… can kiss… my ass!" yelled Applejack defiantly, as she wasn't going to listen to Isaac.

Isaac just sighed as it seemed he had no choice. With the last bit of strength she could muster, Applejack did something very drastic and outspoke. The country gal raised her right hand, and as hard as she could, she slapped Isaac across the face as he turned from how hard the impact was. Nearly everyone gasped as what Aj just did meant she signed her death warrant. Isaac's felt his face before his eyes glowed with rage as he turned to Applejack like he was the grim reaper, coming to collect her soul.

"Applejack just told Isaac if she's going out, she's going out on her own terms. As defiant as ever!" said the lead commentator.

"That look of disbelief on Isaac's face just turned into a look of rage!" said the other commentator.

Isaac forcefully grabbed the back of Aj's hair as he made her look into his seething eyes. A growl was heard as he brought his thumb up and slit it across his throat as if to signal to his monster to kill Applejack with the final blow.

"Dark Magician the Dragon Knight, end her!" commanded Isaac with a loud rage in her voice.

Without hesitation, the World Champion's monster fired his attack as he took out Aj's remaining monster as they burned up from the attack. A massive light occurred as it caused everyone to cover their eyes or look away. In the middle of the light, Applejack soon fainted and began to fall forward. Isaac soon caught her with one arm as her head rested on his chest. The World Champion held a scowl and defiant look before shifting his eyes to look at the girl in his arms.

"Rest in peace, Applejack," whispered Isaac as that was the final message said to her. He looked at her before planting a kiss on her cheek.
Applejack's Life Points: 0-
Winner: Isaac

The explosion soon died down. On the field, Isaac was kneeling on one knee, and Applejack lay on the ground. The video wall showed the final results, and the crowd made noise and lost their minds. Isaac looked at the crowd as he smiled before his music hit.

"Here is your winner…. And… still World Champion… Isaac!" said the announcer with great emphasis.

Adrenaline in my soul
Every fight out of control
Do it all to get them off their feet
The crowd is here about to blow
Waiting for me to start the show
Out the curtain, lights go up
I'm home

"Whoa!" said Isaac and the crowd as he stood up and leaned back with his arms out.

Sunny and the others all stood up and applauded with some of the crowd as they witnessed an amazing duel.

"Now that was something!" said Zipp.

Isaac played and panted to the crowd before turning to the stage and smiling. Twilight was shown coming out as she walked down the ramp and applauded her husband. Isaac got off and put his arms out. When Twilight got closer, she jumped at her husband, who caught her and spun her around. The two smiled and relished their celebratory hug before he grabbed her face and pulled her in for a kiss. The crowd made even more noise when they saw the couple kiss before they pulled apart, kept their foreheads touching, and gazed into their eyes.

Applejack was shown stirring as she sat up and rubbed her neck. She looked about and looked at her surroundings. She then looked at Isaac holding and talking with Twilight as she heard his music playing. It then clicked in the country gal's head what was going on as she was hit with emotion. As she burst into tears, it registered to the country gal what this meant. Isaac turned to look back at the field as he and Twilight sat Aj up and began to cry. The World Champion then got back on the field as he held Twilight by her hand and guided her toward their fallen friend.

"I'm sorry… I'm sorry, Granny. Big Mac… Apple Bloom… I let you down. I'm sorry I couldn't be the big sister you could look up to," cried Applejack as her dreams of being World Champion had just been crushed. "Mom… Dad… your daughter is a failure."

"Applejack…"

Isaac stopped his wife from speaking as he approached the country gal and bent down as she continued to cry. The farmer was heartbroken as she put her head in her hands and cried. Isaac was shown putting his hand on her shoulder and gently patting it. Aj felt her friend's touch, and she could tell he was trying to comfort her. She then felt Isaac grab her hand and pull her to her feet. He got her to look at him directly in the eyes as he turned so they could face the hard cam before lifting Aj's arm and pointing to her. The crowd knew what Isaac was doing as they began to applaud even louder for the farmer as they showed her the respect she deserved.

Applejack had even more tears falling down her face, as they were no longer tears of sadness but gratitude. The two duelists spun around to look at the entire stadium, with Isaac still holding Aj's arm, giving her the attention she wanted. The country gal simply nodded her head ever so slightly as she appreciated the admiration and praise she got from the crowd. Twilight smiled before approaching Aj, and the two friends hugged each other. Twilight patted Applejack's back as she assured her friend that things would be alright and that she had proven she belonged in the main event scene.

With that, Isaac grabbed Twilight as they got off the field and let Aj have this moment to herself. The country gal looked about the crowd as she waved to them, still having tears in her eyes. Isaac was walking up the ramp with Twilight, hand in hand, as the two reached the top and turned. The World Champion faced the crowd, raising his arms high and taking his victory lap. Twilight clapped as pyro and fireworks went off on top of the stage; the camera on the ramp quickly got in position. They got an amazing shot of Isaac standing before the stage with the fireworks going off, which was the final image to go off the air.

"No need to hang your head in shame, Aj. You gave it your all and then some!" spoke the second commentator.

"An amazing match to close off an epic night of dueling! We thank you, everyone, for joining us. Good night, everybody! We'll see you next time!" said the lead commentator as Isaac stared into the camera until it turned red, signaling the end of the broadcast before he grabbed Twilight's hand, and the two disappeared behind the curtain.

Author's Note: What a match! What an ending! A main event that lived up to the hype and then some. The final duel between Isaac and Applejack has ended, and it seems the two were able to finally repair their friendship and move on. No shame toward Aj, she brought it to Isaac and gave him a fight of a lifetime. While their feud may be over now, it's no doubt, Applejack has proven her worthy to not only gain the respect she's wanted from Isaac and more importantly, to everyone else. And who knows, maybe sometime down the line we might see Aj and Isaac run it back. Only time will tell. But at the end of the day, the Prince stands tall and defends his kingdom and his throne.