[The Gate Master]

The contestants are about to walk through the gate chosen by Scouse Mac, when suddenly.

"Wait." Says Bwind22

"What?" Replies Scouse Mac, looking puzzled.

"We both know what's going to happen when we go through there. I have no defense. You have superior weapons. I'm going to die, and you're going to kill me."

"You knew from the beginning that you might die. Why suddenly now are you worrying?"

"I'm not. I just don't want to be saying all of this whilst I'm dying. I've always wanted to die fighting."

"And what makes you think I'll help you with that?"

"Because you know what it took to get this far, and you know that you'd want your death to be worthwhile."

"Is there a point to all of this?"

"I just want to take this opportunity to say...good work."

Scouse Mac hesitates for a moment, then replies.

"You too, man."

"Thanks...let's go through. But the second we do...things are back to normal. This is just...another round."

"I wouldn't expect it any other way."

They walk through the gate and arrive in a large hall of dark stone. They are in the Black Realm. They walk over to the holes in the wall and speak their weapon choices, then walk slowly back to their places. For a moment, their bloodshot eyes meet, and both simultaneously wonder; was it all worth it? But then, the lighting strikes them both.

When it clears, Scouse Mac is holding the Scepter, the jewel tipping it now a deep black colour to match the walls around it. The jewel reflects the light of the flames and momentarily shimmers on Scouse Mac's face, highlighting the bruises covering it.

Opposite, Bwind22 is holding the Longsword, it's blade glinting menacingly in the light of all of the torches. He clutches the handle so tightly that veins rise to the surface of his skin and his hands turn a deep red colour, like the blood stained clothing he and Scouse Mac wear.

"FIGHT!"

Instantly, Scouse Mac Points the Scepter forward and the energy, a black swirl traveling up the handle rushes from the jewel at the end, much larger this time, coming out as a wave of what looks like both liquid and gas. At the same time, Bwind22 swings the sword and throws it, directly at Scouse Mac.

The energy reaches Bwind22 and suspends him in mid air. The mist pounds into him, stripping the skin from his body, working like a massive sand storm. His eyes are ripped to pieces and his throat tears apart. His fingernails are torn off and his muscles shred. As that happens, the sword spins through the air and the blade moves in such a way that it smashes into the gap between Scouse Mac's neck and his collar bone, then continues moving, tearing at Scouse Mac's neck which spurts blood. He yells in pain as the sword leaves his body and fizzles into black sparks.

As his wounds heal and he painfully pulls himself to his feet, he looks up to see Bwind22, still hovering in the air, the energy is gone, and he appears to be healed. But then, his body repeats the process of being ripped apart. His face is contorted in anguish. Scouse Mac is puzzled, then, steps backwards as a familiar sight appears in front of him.

The swirling ball of energy which took him to The Gate Master's realm is there. Somebody steps out of it. Scouse Mac gasps. It's him! He frowns in disbelief. It is definitely him. The only change is that he is wearing a strange red robe.

"I am The Gate Master..."

"I gathered that!" Replies Scouse Mac. "What's the matter? Will your true form kill me if I see it, or are you just not very inventive?"

"True form? I have no true form. I take the shape of the most powerful creature in my surroundings, and currently, that is you. You've won, my friend."

"I'm no friend of yours..." Scouse Mac glares at The Gate Master who merely smiles back.

"Well, you certainly did pull a number on him!"

He turns to look at Bwind22, still being ripped apart by the invisible energy.

"You certainly chose the right realm! Boosted the power of that scepter!" He chuckles.

"What's happening to him?" Questions Scouse Mac.

"Oh, he didn't win, so I'm afraid he is forced to relive his death. I will move him to the same dimension as our friend Papillon Noir. Of course, their paths will never meet! But there, he will live for eternity." The Gate Master shows no emotion for Bwind22.

"Now..." The Gate Master steps to the side, to show that he was standing on a trap door. It opens, and a bright light shines through. There are stone steps leading down into it. "You are free to go."

"What?"

"You may leave, if you so wish. I recommend you do. I will let the creatures in to clear up the blood from the realms soon. And they don't tend to leave any scraps uneaten."

"No...that's it? I just leave?!"

"Yes." The Gate Master nods.

"All those people have died, I nearly died, I endured all of that CRAP and I just leave? Nothing for me at all?!"

"Well of course there is. I didn't tell you? As soon as you leave, you have the power to move freely from dimension to dimension. I'd be careful of some of them though. The green ones usually have some nasty creepy crawlies!"

Scouse Mac turns to look at Bwind22, nods and repeats their earlier words.

"Good work."

He then takes a last look at the halls where so much has happened, then, walks down the stairs into the light, which engulfs him as he is sent back home.

The Gate Master walks over to Bwind22 and looks straight into his eyes.

"You've got an appointment in limbo. Don't be late..."



Scouse Mac used the Scepter to inflict 6 points on damage on Bwind22, killing him.

Bwind22 used the Longsword to inflict 4 points of damage on Scouse Mac

Scouse Mac: 1/25 Health


Ceremony to follow...