Yugioh: Worlds Collide

by ShootingStar25

Chapter 78: The Announcement

Morning came and the sun rose over Canterlot. The last bit of warm weather served as the precursor of autumn and the finale of summer. Despite that it was also that time of year where all the students would be heading back to school to continue their education. Especially for a certain individual who knew what it meant. Soon he awoke to the rays of sunlight that peaked into his window as it awoke him along with his alarm.

"Another day, another year." said Isaac as he let out a yawn. "Well the good news is that not much is changing." Isaac then got out as he took a shower to get ready for school. He then put on his signature look along with his necklace and cap. Isaac then put his duel disk inside his backpack as he put his deck into the the box on his belt clip. With that he headed downstairs to make some quick breakfast as he said goodbye to his parents and then started walking on his way to school.

Along the way, Isaac was walking on the sidewalk when he noticed Rainbow Dash riding her skateboard. "Hey Dash."

"Sup, geek. Ready for me to whoop your butt today?" said Dash as she was feeling confident.

"As if I'd lose the first duel of the new school year." said Isaac.

"Then you better hurry, slowpoke." With that Dash took off as Isaac began to chase after her as they had a little competition between them on their way to school.

Almost all the students were arriving as they were talking amongst each other about the things they did during the summer. Some were excited that school was starting while others were dreadfully of another school year. The Canterlot group were out on the front steps as they were talking with each other as they began to discuss with each other of what they expected the school year to bring.

"Well girls, hope that this year will be better than last year." said Sunset.

"Indeed darling, despite their being a few magical incidents, last year at CHS did provide us with some memorable moments."

"You're tellin' me, not to mention it's also been a full year since you know who arrived."

"Speaking of that, has anybody seen Isaac or Rainbow Dash for that matter?" asked Fluttershy.

"Incoming!" shouted Dash. She was currently skating as she turned the corner and was heading for school statue. Not far behind her was Isaac who despite running was able to catching up with her and was now neck and neck with her.

Both weren't giving up an inch as they wanted to win this little race between the two of them, on their way to school, they had run into a couple of obstacles. Rainbow had no problem with as she was able to do a couple of tricks with her board as she evaded them with ease. Isaac on the other hand had to use a bit of parkour to help avoid them, but was able to land on his feet. Now they were turning the last corner as both Isaac and Dash saw the finish in sight. The girls were cheering the both of them as they put all the energy they had into the final stretch of the race and they touched the statue at the same time.

"Got it!" they both shouted as they put their hands on the thing and both collapsed on the floor.

"I... beat... you... you know." said Dash.

"Please... I... won... Right, girls?" panted Isaac.

"Let's say that you both tied." said Sunset.

"Tied!?" shouted Isaac and Dash.

Soon the rest of the girls just laughed. Pinkie Pie then helped Rainbow up while Twilight offered her hand to Isaac. Isaac grabbed his girlfriend's hand as he dusted himself off.

"You ready?" asked Twilight.

"Of course," said Isaac. He then leaned in and gave Twilight a quick kiss, "I have you by my side, what more could I ask." Twilight just simply smiled. "Now then let's go."

With that the entire group all entered the building to start their new school year. They all received their schedules for the year as well as their lockers. Isaac still had all of his classes with Twilight, not to mention that he had a special class on his free period. Apparently, Celestia had created a class that had Isaac teaching the basics of Duel Monsters to some new beginners. Thankfully, Celestia had allowed Twilight to be an instruct with him as she felt like it would allow the two of them to spend sometime with each other given how they were inseparable. The other girls all had at least one class with Isaac, not to mention that some of them were taking some advanced courses this semester. Once the schedules had been handed out, all the students started to make their way to their classes.

Isaac, Twilight and Sunset were currently walking into their advanced mathematics classes. The teacher told them that for the rest of the semester, everybody would be working together in groups to learn the homework and the lessons that were going to be discussed. So before Isaac could move, both Twilight and Sunset grabbed his arms as they dragged him to table as they made sure to mark their territory. During their lecture, Isaac was thinking about something. He had expected something to have happened due to what Celestia had said to him a month ago. He was expecting some grand big announcement to be made but that didn't happen. He figured that sooner or later Celestia would find him and they could discuss what she meant. With that he continued on his classes, thankfully Twilight was able to help him understand the material. Isaac always considered himself an honor roll student, but with Twilight's help, he may finally get a chance to get all A's in his classes.

Soon it was time for his special class so he and Twilight arrived to the classroom where they would be teaching. They entered the room and found it to be empty; Isaac looked at his watch and saw that they were a bit early as it allowed them a chance to get ready. Twilight began to pull out some supplies and notes that she wanted to go over, while Isaac just stared out the window.

"Okay, I think I have all the things I need." said Twilight as she mentally went over her checklist.

"Did you remember to bring the flashcards?" asked Isaac.

"The flashcards!? Oh, how can forget about the flashcards?" Twilight began to frantically search her backpack for her flashcards.

"Relax, Twilight. They're in the front pouch of your bag." said Isaac as he took a seat in the main chair.

Twilight then looked in her front pouch and found them. "Got it." said Twilight.

She was glad that she didn't forget them as she was scared that the lesson she had planned would be ruined. She then looked at Isaac who was sitting down while he had his hand on his chin with his eyes closed. Twilight could tell he was thinking about something so she decided to see what was on his mind.

"Mind telling me what going on?"

Isaac just let out a deep breath as he leaned back. "I'm just thinking about something."

"There comes a time where you're thrown into an uncomfortable situation and it's these kinds of test that determine what a person is truly capable of. Isaac, we have invested everything in the future. We've invested everything in you and sometimes in life you just have to take a step back and look at your investment and decide, is this investment truly going to pay off? Or is this investment just some cost? If you want to know what you have with a lump of coal, you stick it under immense pressure. That pressure does one of two things: the pressure either causes it to crumble and turn to dust and render it useless, or that pressure turns it into the diamond that you always hoped it could be. Isaac, the question now is: do you crumble or you do become the diamond that me and Luna have invested in? Because Isaac, the pressure is on!!"

Isaac didn't tell any of the girls about what Celestia had told him. He felt from the way she was talking it seemed like something that she didn't want others to find out, so Isaac kept that to himself. It still pained him that he couldn't tell his girlfriend given that they both promised to be honest with each other and not hide any secrets.

"Well what it is, just know that you won't have to go through it alone. You have our friends to help you," Twilight then grabbed Isaac's hand, "including me."

Isaac then pulled Twilight into his lap as he held her in his lap. "When you put that way, I guess you're right."

Isaac was staring deep into Twilight's eyes as she grabbed his face and pulled him into a deep kiss. Isaac just held Twilight as he returned the kiss. It didn't last long as they heard the door open and Twilight immediately got off of Isaac's lap while trying to make herself look presentable by straitening her skirt. Soon the kids all took their seats as Isaac and Twilight introduced themselves to the special class and told them what the purpose of this class was. The kids were happy to find out that the champion of the school would be teaching them as well as Twilight. With that Isaac and Twilight began to go over their first lessons as co-teachers and it proved to be a success as Isaac let Twilight take majority of the reigns to see how she could handle teaching to which she was a naturally.

After that it was time for lunch as Isaac and Twilight told their friends about their first class teaching. Seems the girls were happy for the couple as Isaac made a promise that he could allow them to join in on their sessions whenever they had some free time on their hands. The rest of the day went by as it was getting closer to the end of the school day, which meant that everybody would be rounded up in the auditorium to hear from Celestia about the first day and what she had planned for not just the rest of the semester but for the entire school year. Isaac felt like this was where he could get some answers on some questions that he had. He found himself sitting with his friends as they all waited to see what was going to happen, thankfully they didn't need to wait too long. Luna then made her way into the room but Celestia was nowhere to be seen.

Luna then grabbed a microphone as she cleared her throat. "Greetings, students. I'm sure you're wondering where my sister is, but fear not she'll be joining us momentarily. For now I wanted to talk to you'll about some things. I'm sure all of you are aware of Duel Monsters and the impact it has had since it was first introduced a long time ago." Luna then pulled out a remote and with it a giant screen came down as the projected turned on. "Throughout the history of Duel Monsters there have been many people who strived to be the best, not to mention the many new techniques that have allowed this game to reach new heights." Luna pushed another button rolled as a video package started to play as she talked over it. "It all started with the one they called the King of Games who was the best of his time period to ever pick up a deck as he soared to greatness. The next person to revolutionize the game was a boy who was said to see Duel Monster spirits as he took Fusion Summoning to a whole another level. The next to etch their name into the history books was a man known as Satellite's Shooting Star who ushered in Synchro Summoning and became the Fortune Cup Champion. And the last known method of summoning was Xyz, who thanks to a young boy that held a special key was able to help a lost spirit retrieve his memories and in the process pave the way with his incredible Xyz summons."

Everybody watching Luna's presentation was amazed at the people they saw. The girls knew about them as Isaac would offer refer to them as the big 4 of Duel Monsters and dueling in general. But other than seeing the picture of Isaac's biggest inspiration, they didn't know what the others looked like. They also knew that Isaac also looked up to the other members besides his role model. Soon the video ended as Luna began to speak once again as it showed different pictures of other duelists, some of them were the friends of the big 4.

"Since then, Duel Monsters has become a game that almost everybody can enjoy. It has also allowed us to honor those who have achieved greatness and over time the Duel Monsters committee has created a Hall of Fame to honor, not just the legends of the past, but the great individuals of today." Luna then pushed another button as that video ended and a picture was shown but it was all blacked out and only shown the outline. "So it is my honor and my privilege to present to you students the inductee into the Duel Monsters Hall of Fame and more importantly, she's my big sister. Principal Celestia!" said Luna as the door opened and in walked Celestia.

Everybody was surprised at the announcement that their own principal would be inducted into the Hall of Fame for Duel Monsters. They all remained seated as they gave a hearty round of applause to Celestia. Luna was so happy for her own sister that for the first time in front of the students, she broke character and gave her older sibling a hug as she cried. Celestia just hugged Luna back as she congratulated her on this historic accomplishment; it was something that both dreamed of since they were little and got first involved with the game. Celestia then took the microphone from her sister as she began to address her students.

"Thank you. Thank you all." Celestia still had tears in her eyes. Celestia then began to speak, "As you all know that I've recently been contacted by the dueling committee and they felt after all I've done not just as a principal but from my time in the pro circuit that I should be rewarded for all my hard work. So with that they contacted me and told me about it." Celestia had a smile on her face as she was about to realize her dream. "However, I was also informed about something from someone. That person was none other than Superintendent Discord." Celestia then began to tell her students the whole story as she flashed back to a couple of years ago.

(Flashback)

"My, my. Celestia that was one of your best wins yet. Oh wait, you lost again." said Discord as he laughed at Celestia who was standing in front on him with a sad look on her face.

"Please, Discord. I've just been in rut as of late."

"That's not the only thing in a rut." Discord then pulled out a file that was the size of a textbook that was filled with lots of paper and reports. "Not only have you've been on the decline in the past year or so, your school is certainly suffering from not having a principal there for most of the time. Not to mention that Luna is starting to take a heavy toll from her sister always being away, students failing classes, school funding not on par with the state regulations. Oh, and excessive bullying/hazing from the students. All this and not one person they can turn to for moral support. I dare say your school is becoming a success." said Discord with a sarcastic tone. "Why we just celebrate now knowing the world has at last found world peace. Pray to the heavens, everybody. This day has finally come!"

"I know... I know the school is going through a bit of... a rough time. But I assure that what I'm doing is to help the school make enough funds." said Celestia as she now had pleading in her voice.

"Is that want you call it!" shouted Discord. "From from where I'm sitting it seems like you're just chasing after one last run at nostalgia. You've been competing in the pro circuit for a long time, Celestia. And in that time, you've seen multiple people who are hungrier, faster, and flat out better than you rise to the top. You know the old saying, Celestia. In this industry just like in life, everything evolves. You see, and if you don't have what it takes, you will be left behind. So if you wake up one day, and you're laying in a hospital bed, and you're all beat up and you're wondering to yourself what in the hell happened, then there is just one answer for you: Evolution has just passed you by." said Discord with a chaotic smile on his face.

Celestia took those words in and fell on her knees as she put her hands together. "Please Discord. Reconsider this decision, I beg of you."

"You've had your chance, Celestia! But you rather waste it on chasing one last run because you know that your time is coming to an end and nobody seems to remember just who you are. You are a forgotten relic of the past, Celestia. So move over and let the present pave the way for the future." Discord was about to put his stamp on the file, as Celestia was now on her hands and knees begging Discord to rethink his decision. She was pleading like her life depended on it as she let tears of legit sadness run down her face as she tried reason with him. It took a while but Celestia was able to get Discord's attention. "Very well, Celestia."

Celestia was a bit happy that she was able to keep her job as principal, but Discord had other plans. "However, there is one condition. Seeing as you love dueling and it seems to be something that you don't want to give up. I'll willing to allow you to keep competing on the pro circuit and be the principal of your school... as long as you keep on winning."

Celestia was a bit confused and scared at Discord's preposition. Discord on the other hand was just chuckling to himself. "What did I just say?" said with a sly smile. "As long as you keep on winning; that's exactly what I said, Celestia! Your career will continue on as long as you continue to win. Because the first duel that you lose, Celestia. Your dueling career is over!" Discord now stood up as he bent down to Celestia and grabbed her chin while looking dead at her eyes, "You understand me. You understand what I'm saying! I don't care if you win by interference, or if your opponent's duel disk malfunction or they don't show up! It doesn't matter to me! The next time you lose a duel, your dueling career is over!!!" Discord then let go of Celestia's chin as she was left stunned and processing the consequence. "Celestia's long and illustrious career is over. Good luck, Tia." Discord then left through the door.

Celestia was then left on the floor crying as she hugged herself at the stipulation that was thrown in her way. Celestia even told her sister about her meeting with Discord, so Luna came up with an idea to have Celestia and her compete in the tag team section of the pro leagues to ensure that Celestia would have a chance at retaining her career. It worked as the first two years, Luna made sure to cover for her sister as she did everything to ensure that Celestia didn't lose. After a while, Celestia told her that she needed to focus on the school so she made the decision to be a part-timer duelist in terms of competing in the pro leagues as it allowed her the time she needed to run the school.

(End of Flashback)

With that Celestia finished telling her tale as all the students began to murmur. They couldn't begin to imagine what must be going through her mind let alone be in her position. To think that your next duel would be your last and it would force you into retirement. Celestia then began to speak as she tired not to cry, "So that being said, I'm honored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. However, I also feel that my time is very fast approaching. See when I was competing on the pro league, I was known by the name as 'The Queen'. Due to how everybody who saw me duel said they were in the presence of royalty. Not to mention that was very dominant on the dueling field while wearing some regal attire as my outfits."

The thing that really shocked everybody was they knew about someone in the pro circuit of dueling that was referred to as that name. What they didn't expect was that same person was none other than their beloved school principal. Seems this development caught everybody by surprise as they heard tales about her being one of the best female duelist to ever compete at a national level.

"So that brings me to why I've called you here. And that's to inform you about my Hall of Fame induction and the Fall Formal." Celestia then looked up at the crowd. "So if the champion would please join me right now."

With that Isaac raised an eyebrow at this as he stood up and began walking towards Celestia. Nobody, not even Isaac, knew what was going on. The announcement that Celestia would be going into the Hall of Fame was groundbreaking enough, but to find out that Celestia's career was coming to an end possibly sooner it just made everything feel uncertain. Isaac had finally made his way to Celestia as she looked at him as she let out a deep breath.

"You are absolutely incredible." said Celestia which caused Isaac to smile. "You took this place and made it into something wonderfully. This place used to be filled with sorrow and despair, but then you came along and in one year's time you changed this place. You changed it to where everybody remembered what it means to be a duelist, what it means to play the game, what it means to have fun. So from the bottom of my heart and from everybody else, I thank you." The crowd then began to clap as they proved Celestia's point by saying thanks to Isaac.

Celestia then cleared her throat as she continued to speak. "This undoubtedly is a highlight of my career. A magical weekend that will come. And there's only one thing, there's only one thing that can make that weekend more magical, only one thing in the world that could make Celestia's career even bigger, and that would be to duel against the man whose name is synonymous with Duel Monsters. I'm talking about 'The Showstopper', Isaac." Everybody was in silence at what they heard, even Isaac began to shake his heard as soon as he heard it. "I want to duel you at the Fall Formal."

"Celestia, you know, how I feel about you. You know what I say about you, I mean every word of it, but you also know that several years ago, Superintendent Discord made whatever it's called an edict. Whatever that means, but I know that it means this, the first duel that you lose, you're done. You have to retire. But I told you before there are things that I'm proud to have done so far in my life, but I cannot ever in my life imagine a day in this industry without you, Celestia." Isaac was trying to do his best to decline. "I'm willing to take on just about anything, but I am not gonna be known as the guy that ended Celestia's career. I can't take that and I don't want it."

Celestia just shook her head in disappointment as she began to address Isaac. "Isaac, that isn't where I was going with that. End my career? If I duel you, is that a given?" said Celestia as she felt a bit disrespected by Isaac.

"That's-- that isn't-- that isn't-- that isn't the way that I meant it. I mean it's..." Isaac was trying to ease the tension of Celestia being disrespected.

"No, no. Hey, let me make it more-- let me make it more clear. All the respect that you paid me, every word that has ever come out of your mouth about me and what I've been and who I am means nothing if you don't give me an opportunity to have the greatest duel of my career on the grandest stage of all." Celestia was really staring down at Isaac. "The grandest stage of them all, the Fall Formal. All the respect means nothing. Celestia versus Isaac, that's really cool."

Isaac just put his head down for a bit as he thought it over really hard. So many things were running through his head that he couldn't think straight. So much so that he couldn't speak, so Isaac's mouth moved on its own. "It would be my honor to duel against you at the Fall Formal." With that Isaac extended his hand out to which Celestia did the same as she shook his hand. The crowd cheered a little as they were still processing what was had happened.

---

The rest of the day was a bit hard to get through, especially for a certain someone. Isaac just couldn't figure out what to do, on one hand he really was looking forward to facing against Celestia but on the other if he won then Celestia was forced to retire. Right now he was in the library along with Twilight, Aj, and Sunset as they were currently working on some homework. Well at least the girls, Isaac was on the sofa next to their table as he had his hands on his head. The girls saw how stressed Isaac was, so Twilight tried to get him to relax. Isaac was so lost in his mind that when Twilight put her arms over Isaac as she hugged him behind, he didn't even bother.

"Everything, okay?" asked Twilight.

"Not now, Twilight." said Isaac with a stern voice.

Twilight was surprised at Isaac's sudden tone that she broke free. Isaac realized what he did as he turned to look at Twilight.

"Sorry, Twilight. It's just that... I'm under a lot of stress." Isaac was trying to apologize to Twilight.

Twilight could see that Isaac was being sincere as she gave Isaac a kiss as a way to help let out some of his frustrations. It worked as they broke apart and Isaac had a smile on her face. "That help?" she asked.

"Yeah." Isaac then wrapped Twilight into a deep hug as he just held her.

"We get what you're goin' through, sugarcube. Believe me, neither one of us want to see Celestia's career end. But you have to face the facts, there comes a time where you can't go on livin' forever. Granny Smith always said: You know when it's time to hang it up, cause the youngsters will tell you."

"Applejack has a point." said Sunset. "All good things come to an end, even someone's dueling career. As much as we love Celestia and thank her for all she's done, we know that she can't go on dueling forever. Even the greats knew when to call it quits, even your idol."

"Besides, you should be honored that Celestia is choosin' you to potentially be her final opponent before she enters the Hall of Fame. Why if that were me, sugar? Ah definitely want to face someone whose considered the best. Besides, ah figured you might want to see this, partner." Applejack then opened up her laptop as Isaac and Twilight began to walk over to see what she wanted to show him.

Even Sunset was intrigued by what Applejack wanted to show them. Apparently, Applejack had managed to find some photos and old videos of when Celestia was in her prime competing on the pro league along with Luna. Seems that when she and Luna would team up they were an unstoppable duo as nobody could touch them. They even got to see a little documentary that detailed Celestia and Luna's life as it talked about them growing up, to their journey on the pro circuit. One thing that really got everybody's attention, especially Isaac, was that Celestia and Luna had actually faced off against Isaac's idol in one of his final duels before he disappeared. Both Luna and Celestia also had a chance to meet with some of the great duelist of the past and even face them before they all retired or passed on their legacy.

"Wow." they all said.

"Seems Celestia and Luna are no pushovers." stated Sunset.

Twilight then began to type something into Aj's laptop as she was able to extract some useful info. "Says here she's competed all over the world and has used multiple decks. Lightsworn, Wave of Light, Burning Abyss, Lost Sanctuary, Fairy, even Spellcaster." said Twilight.

The rest of the time was spent with all four of them watching some old videos of Celestia dueling as they were intrigued to see how well she handled herself in her younger days. Isaac still couldn't believe that both Celestia and Luna not only got to meet each member of the Big 4 at some point in their life, but that they actually got to duel against his idol. Safe to say that Celestia wasn't going to be no pushover.

Meanwhile, Celestia was in her office as she sat down in her chair as she looked at Isaac's school profile and then at a couple of pictures. "I can only imagine what Isaac's reaction would be if he found out that I dueled against one of his idols when I was a bit younger." Celestia then began to close her eyes and think about what had happened. Truth be told, she knew Isaac was the right person for this job as he continued to lead this school in terms of Duel Monsters. So if anything, she felt like he was the only person who deserved a shot at "The Queen".

"Seems you're content with Isaac being your opponent at the Fall Formal." said Luna as she too was in the room.

"To think that at the Fall Formal, it will be one year since Isaac became champion and changed this place for the better. He was able to help Sunset Shimmer turn over a new leaf and became the flag bearer in having CHS be recognized by other schools." Celestia was happy of all the things Isaac had done in the past year, she felt like a proud mother. "He took the torch and ran with it, he didn't wait for anybody to just hand it over, he did it on his own accord. And for that I couldn't be more prouder."

"Yes, he has done a lot. So then shall I continue on with the next part of your plan?" asked Luna.

"Yes." stated Celestia. Luna then simply nodded as she exited the room. Celestia then opened a drawer and pulled out what appeared to be a letter of sorts as she read through it. She had also pulled out a Duel Monster card and looked at it once she finished what she was reading. "Well better make sure that I don't have any ring rust before my match with Isaac. Not to mention that it's been too long since we last saw each other old friend."

---

Isaac was currently lying down on his bed as he was thinking about all that had happened in school. Ever since Celestia made her announcement that she wanted to face Isaac at the Fall Formal just a day before she would be inducted into the dueling Hall of Fame still played on his mind. Isaac never backed down from a duel, but this was a different duel than he had faced in the past. The stakes were different because it could potentially see the end of someone's career. Not to mention someone who was like a mother figure in his life; after Applejack had shown him the video, Isaac thought back to when he was growing up and how he heard from time to time about Celestia competing on the pro circuit. He did admit that when Celestia was in her prime, he did watch a couple of her duels based on how talented she was. So in a way, Isaac didn't want to be held responsible for killing such a legend that many people probably looked up to. With so much on his mind, Isaac needed to talk to someone and he wasn't talking about his magicians.

Twilight was busying doing some extra credit on her laptop when she heard something. She looked to see a small pebble hit the frame of her window. She opened up her window as she was introduced to a cool breeze; Twilight looked to see what was the cause of the ruckus as Isaac was standing outside her house waving to her.

"Hope I didn't come at a bad time." said Isaac.

"Well seeing as how I was formulating the quantic mechanics of card creating, I think I'll forgive you for interrupting me." giggled Twilight.

Isaac then started to climb the tree as he made his way to the branch that was directly next to Twilight's window. Twilight opened her window a bit more as she sat on the edge while Isaac sat on the end of the branch as he was now sitting shoulder to shoulder with her. "Care for a drink?" said Isaac as he pulled out a can of soda and offered it to Twilight. Twilight accepted his offer as he pulled one out for himself as they began to talk.

"So you're trying to figure out if what you're doing is the right thing?" said Twilight as she listened to her boyfriend's dilemma.

"Yeah," Isaac held his drink as he contemplated his duel with Celestia. "I mean Celestia is someone we all adore and respect, but to think that she wants to duel me and possibly have her last match against me. I just don't know what to do." Isaac let out a deep breath. "Sometimes I just wish this was all just a dream and that I can wake up from all this."

Twilight smiled as she leaned into Isaac looking at him. "Even me?"

Isaac just laughed back as he captured Twilight's lips with his. "I can never imagine you as a dream. Why, because you're real and I would go to the ends of the earth just to be with you." Isaac then put his arm around Twilight as she placed her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. They stood in silence as they enjoyed each other's presence.

After a while Twilight opened her eyes as she pulled Isaac in for another kiss as she cusped his face. She broke apart as she grabbed Isaac's cap and put it on her head. "Just know that whatever happens, I'll always be here. No matter what, I will always stand by your side."

"Then I guess I know what I have to do." Isaac just booped Twilight on the nose as he undid her ponytail and looked at his girlfriend. In this moment, nothing else mattered as he just looked at how beautiful she was. Isaac then brought Twilight in for one final kiss as he wrapped his arms around her as she did the same.

Their moment was interrupted as Twilight's mother was knocking on her daughter's door calling her name. Twilight then told Isaac that he needed to leave; she then gave him back his cap as she snuck in one final kiss. Isaac said good night to Twilight as he started to climb down from the tree. Twilight had just barely closed her window and got back into her chair when her mother entered the room. Velvet had wanted to check up on Twilight and inform her that she needed to get some sleep. Twilight looked at her alarm clock and saw that it was getting late, so with that she shut off her computer and got ready for bed.

The next day was filled with many speculation, due to many students already talking about the matchup of Isaac v. Celestia. Some were looking forward to it, while others were skeptical about it. One thing was for sure it that they didn't know what to expect. Especially with Luna having everybody attend a mandatory meeting as Celestia had something to address, more importantly to her opponent. All the students were now seated as Celestia stood in front of them with Isaac soon entering the room as Twilight trailed behind him. Their friends were already seating as they watched Isaac make his way to Celestia.

"I'm going to get right to the point, Isaac. You must be feeling all sorts of emotions ever since I announced my induction and choose you to be my opponent at the Fall Formal. And I understand that all this must be hard to take in, but know that my decision is final." said Celestia.

"Don't worry, after a talk with someone." Isaac quickly looked at Twilight who smiled and grabbed his hand. "I've come to terms with what you said."

"Good." smiled Celestia. Soon that expression changed in a second as she begun to get serious. "However, there are some things that you said yesterday that need to be addressed. Yesterday, you looked me in the eye and said that you didn't want to face to me at the Fall Formal. You said that you didn't want to be the one to end my career. You even had the audacity to go further and say that if I pushed the 'Showstopper', the showstopper would stop my show." Isaac had a uncomfortable expression as Celestia was speaking her mind. "Well, with all due respect, and I mean I have more than enough respect for you. But I got something I got to tell you. This is real important." The atmosphere suddenly changed as Celestia now looked down at Isaac as she stared at him.

Twilight tighten her grip around his hand to show that Isaac didn't need to be afraid. She was showing her boyfriend that she was there for him and that he wasn't alone. Isaac was looking up at Celestia with a straight face as he listened to what she was saying.

"When I started in this business, the word 'sympathy' did not exist. That's right. And the word 'sympathy' in my vocabulary, the word 'pity' does not exist now. And yesterday, I felt the respect but I felt a little sympathy for me." The crowd was now starting to create some chatter. "Let me explain it to you, I am The Queen, I am Celestia!!" Celestia's voiced boom around the room. "And if I can't compete with the best, and that would be you, then I don't want my career to continue. I don't want people running down here and saving me. I wanna be a flagship player for the greatest game in today's society and that's Duel Monsters! I want to stand on my own two feet! I want respect because I've earned it, not sympathy, not pity!! And I wouldn't expect anything less from you. So it's as simple as this, Isaac. If I win at the Fall Formal, it's because I'm the man/women." Isaac for a while had a small smile on his face.

"If you beat me at the Fall Formal, you have beaten the man/women, and I'm not delusional. I'm not dreaming. I'm telling you, I know that my career could come to an end, but I also feel that on a real good day because of you, because of our friendship, because of what I feel inside, if I have a good day, a real good day, I could catch one on you and my career could go on forever." Celestia now had a smile as it matched that of Isaac's. "I'm asking you in front of your fellow peers and in front of the world. To give me-- to give me 'The Showstopper' Isaac at his very best! I want a hundred percent commitment from you right now!!"

Isaac then had his smile disappear as he looked at the crowd of students. They were chattering amongst themselves as they waited for his response. Once Isaac collected his thoughts he then turned back to address Celestia to say what was on his mind.

"I never meant to show pity. When I told you that I loved you, I meant it and there is no pity in love. So, let me put it to you like this, Tia. If I have said it once, I have said it a thousand times, I am Canterlot High's duel champion! In this game, I revolutionized what it means to show the passion of your play, I've defended my title for over a year, I've made CHS undergo a renaissance phase, and I've been in some of the greatest duels/moments in my life." Isaac had a small smirk on his face. "You said, to be the man, you've got to beat the man. Well, at the Fall Formal, I am the man!! And you need to understand something, Celestia. I don't have any control over it. When that day rolls around, something comes over me, you bet I am the showstopper but I have never said it's something that I can control. I can't help it. It just happens!"

Celestia could tell how fired up Isaac was becoming. This was wanted she wanted, this was the individual she wanted to face at the Fall Formal.

"So guess what, Celestia, whether your show gets stopped or whether your show goes on, there is one thing that I can tell you without a shred of uncertainty. Between you and I, the show is gonna get stolen. Let's do it!" said Isaac as he extended his hand out.

Celestia then did the same as she quickly hugged Isaac while Twilight watched on with a smile. Everybody else felt more comfortable with this situation as they were all now looking forward to what was going to a duel that they all wanted to see. So with that both individuals had given their word and were now set on a collision course that would culminate at the biggest events of Canterlot High: The Fall Formal.

Comments

[mistercokehold8]

Hmmm, some parts of this chapter give me the urge to go 'Wooooooo!'

[Fluffy-Boi]

OH SHIT!!! This is gonna be amazing!!

[Vakama95096]

Isaac vs Celestia? This is really going to be the Duel of a century.

[nightshroud96]

Since Celestia was inducted into the duel hall of fame, would Luna be too at some point? Or is this sadly a case of Luna is ultimately in Celestia's shadow? It already felt like she's in Celestia's shadow due to Celestia apparently got to meet the "Big 4" and even duel Yugi before he disappeared.
While I am not much into human-Luna(due to the writers did Luna's human counterpart dirty and missing many things that made us like Luna), I feel like Princess Luna gets the short end of the stick by proxy due to it shows in any universe, Luna is always in Celestia's shadow..

Had to get that off of my chest too..

[ShootingStar25]

10720834
Just to clarify when I said Celestia got to meet the "Big 4", I just forgot to mention that Luna was there also.

[nightshroud96]

10720839
I see..