Fight One
 

The two remaining challengers look at each other for a moment. Their eyes, which had begun the ordeal of the realms sure and hopeful were now grim and hardened. They nod at each other, but there is no compassion in the greeting. Scouse Mac looks to the top of the room and shouts out;

"White four!"

The stone gate shudders slightly, possibly from the damage done to it in the destruction of the realms, but then the familiar swirling vortex appears, sending a slight jolt of nostalgia through the two contestants. They step in together and come out in...the purple realm. They each think for a moment, then walk up to a hole in the wall each and speak their choice of weapon. The Gate Master's voice rumbles through the purple realm.

"FIGHT!"

From the ceiling, both are struck by a bolt of purple lighting. When the light disappears they are both holding their chosen weapon. Scouse Mac is holding the Warhammer. He holds it out in front of him and stares dead into the eyes of Bwind22, suddenly feeling some fear as Bwind22 is also holding the Warhammer. However...he is wearing the Plate Armor. Bwind winks at Scouse, who in a sudden move of urgency and worry darts forward and swings the heavy hammer. It connects precisely with Bwind's chest, throwing him backwards against the wall. As it does so, the hammer also disintegrates in a few sparks of purple.

Bwind pulls himself up and looks around. He spots Scouse Mac, now even more worried. Scouse puts his hands out in a plee for mercy.

"I didn't want to hurt you...it's just the rules of the game!" He cried.

"I know...so is this!"

He runs at Scouse Mac, who sensing the hopelessness of the situation merely closes his eyes and sits down. Bwind raises the hammer high and slams it down onto Scouse Mac's head, which instantly crushes and spreads along the floor. The Hammer and Armor disappear in the purple sparks. He looks at his feet and the blood splattered up them.

"I...I won!" He yells.

"Not yet..." replies the deep voice of the Gate Master.

The Purple sparks reappear, this time all over the remains of Scouse's head. Within seconds they have darted back together and he is good as new, albeit with a few bruises still remaining.

"What the hell?" Scouse says, as he looks around.

"That's not fair. You made him invincible! YOU CHEATED!" Screams Bwind22.

The voice of the Gate Master sounds once more.

"The wounds will heal but his life will not...you have weakened him. As has he, you. Now...let the next round commence!

Bwind22 used the warhammer to inflict 3 damage on Scouse Mac.

Scouse Mac: 22/25 Health.

Scouse Mac used the warhammer to inflict 3 damage on Bwind22. But as Bwind22 was wearing his armor, it only did 1 damage to him.

Bwind22: 24/25 Health.


Now, Bwind, select the gate you wish to travel through, and both of you send me your weapon choices for the next round. You have until 12:00pm EST Sunday. Remember, you need to post the gate, and both of you must send me your weapons of choice.

Very cool. I'm interested to see how this turns out. :)

Gate 4.....

I have just noticed a significant hole in one of the rules.


The rule stating that you may use two weapons together twice, had a flaw. Bwind22 chose to use two together in the first round. The rule stated that in the first five turns, if this is done, at least one weapon must have not been used before. This means, that by his forth turn, Bwind22 will have used up all of his weapons making the fifth turn impossible, as there would be no new weapons for him to use. Anyway, there are several solutions to this, but I will need approval from both contestants.

The five turn rule could be changed to four turns for both of you.

Bwind22 could be allowed to use one weapon twice in the first five turns, with some kind of compensation made to Scouse Mac.

Or, any other solution that either of you decide on. When a decision has been made, we will continue the fights.

This seems like the most logical solution with the least effect on anything.

Scouse Mac, do you agree?

Thats fine by me

So just to clarify... I can't use my other double weapon turn until after the first 4 turns? Because if I did, that would move me down to only 3 turns of unique weapons? Is that right? I'm just a tad confused.

Thats the way Im reading it.

You will have to wait until round five for another weapon double

I will now give you both the option to change your choice of weapons this round. Bwind, I'm afraid you will have to as your choice didn't comply with the rules.

You gave me the same weapon twice. If I'm not allowed to use it twice, then I'll only have 3 unique weapons.

Humblest apologies Bwind22, I made a mistake.

No problemo. I'll leave mine as is.

Fight Two
 

Both contenders glare at each other, the true nature of the round sinking in. There could be no remorse. Bwind22 looks up and shouts out

"GATE 4!"

The stone archway shudders, then the familiar swirling begins once again.

"After you..." Says Bwind22, calmly. Scouse Mac glares at him, then walks through the gate, followed closely by Bwind22. They are in another hall. The Grey Realm. Both of them repeat the same process as before and speak their chosen weapon into the hole in the wall. They step away from the wall and stare at each other.

"FIGHT!"

The bolts of lightning, now Grey, shoot down from the ceiling and, when cleared, the two have their weapons in their hands. Scouse Mac is brandishing the Mace, holding it behind him, ready to swing over his shoulder. Bwind22 is once again holding The War Hammer. He winks at Scouse Mac and steps slowly towards him, ready to swing the hammer down on his head once again.

Scouse Mac slowly walks backwards, as though in fear. Bwind22 smiles, swings the Hammer high and is bringing it down when the mace slams into his ribcage, slamming him backwards and cracking a few of his ribs. The Mace disappears in sparks and there is the sickening sound of ribs refusing. Bwind22 stands up, full of anger, and runs as Scouse Mac. He swings the Warhammer and it misses. He swings it again, sideways this time. Scouse Mac tries to run but the Hammer follows through and collides with his back, launching him into the wall. His spine crunches back into place as the hammer disappears.

Scouse Mac used the Mace to inflict 4 damage on Bwind22.

Bwind22: 20/25 Health

Bwind22 used the warhammer to inflict 3 damage on Scouse Mac.

Scouse Mac: 19/25 Health


Scouse Mac, if you would, please post your gate of choice, and both of you send me your weapons as usual. You have until Friday at 12:00pm EST. Don't be late...

Gate Grey 4

Fight Three
 

The two contestants waste no time.

"GREY FOUR!" Shouts Scouse Mac, and the gate swirls open. The two of them walk through, Scouse Mac limping slightly. They arrive in a large hall made of red stone. They are in the Red Realm.

Scouse Mac and Bwind22 walk over to the small holes in the wall and speak their choices very quickly. As they step back to their places in the room, Scouse Mac smiles malevolently and Bwind22 suddenly feels a shiver down his spine.

The bolts of lightning come down and strike both of them, and when they clear, Bwind22's mouth drops open in shock and fear. Scouse Mac is holding the Crossbow and has three bolts in a small pack on his back. However, not only is he holding that but he is also holding the Scepter. The small ruby on the end of it is glowing slightly.

Bwind22 is holding the Halberd, it's silver blade glinting slightly in the lights thrown from the torches along the walls.

"FIGHT!"

Bwind22 runs at Scouse Mac, but he isn't fast enough and Scouse Mac holds the Scepter forward. A red trail of energy shoots up the scepter's engraved shapes and flies from the end of the jewel, traveling at immense speed. It smashes into Bwind22's chest, and when the energy has disappeared, A large hole the size of a dinner plate is left in his chest, smoldering. The edges of the hole glow red and it repairs itself. He groans painfully, then makes another run for Scouse Mac, who's scepter disappears in red sparks.

Scouse Mac reacts too fast for him though and quickly loads the crossbow, firing it into Bwind22's leg. He stumbles and falls to the ground. As he gets up, another bolt smashes through Bwind22's collar bone. He yells out in pain but uses the halberd to help himself up. As he does so, he's thrown backwards by yet a third bolt into his ribs. The bolts, like the scepter, disintegrate into red sparks, and the wounds heal.

Bwind22 gets to his feat, furious and in pain. Ignoring his still hurting leg, he rushes at Scouse Mac who, is far at the other end of the hall. Bwind22 keeps running at Scouse Mac who at the last second tries to run to one side. Bwind22 swings the Halberd which promptly decapitates Scouse Mac. Bwind22 spits angrily at Scouse Mac's twitching body. The neck and head both let out sparks and rush towards each other, joining.

"I would say don't lose your head so much, but it would be a bit hypocritical of me." Says Scouse Mac, smirking. Bwind22 holds up his middle finger.

"I'm cooking something up, be sure of that..." he replies.



Scouse Mac used the Scepter and Crossbow to inflict 8 points of damage on Bwind22.

Bwind22: 12/25 Health

Bwind22 used the Halberd to inflict 3 points of damage on Scouse Mac.

Scouse Mac: 16/25 Health


This has certainly changed the bookie's estimates. However, things have a way of changing at the last minute. Bwind22, please choose a gate, and both of you please send me a private message with your weapon of choice. Remember, this is the last of the starting period. After this, you can use each weapon once every two turns.

You have until Sunday at 12:00pm EST. Don't be late...

gate 3....

Fight Four
 

The two contestants don't even acknowledge each other as they step through the third gate, walking one after the other. They arrive in a bright room where the torches on the walls are barely needed. The are in the White Realm.

They both walk straight to the holes and speak their weapon of choice, which is the last of their five. They step back to their positions with scowls on their faces. The familiar lightning bolts strike them both and as they fade they both hold their weapons.

Bwind22 is holding the Longsword. He holds it in both hands and smiles as he looks across at Scouse Mac who is brandishing, like Bwind22 did last round, the Halberd. Neither of them even jump when the voice booms down on them.

"FIGHT!"

Both of them run at each other, letting out war cries as they do, the ferocity they had been keeping down for fear of losing their concentration set free. They both swing their weapons. The long sword slashes across, cutting off millimeters of Scouse Mac's hair. The Halberd blade then comes in, but Bwind22 ducks and it soars over his head.

Bwind22 pulls the Longsword back, then drives it directly into Scouse Mac's heart. He yells out in pain and drops the Halberd. Bwind22 pulls back the sword just as it dissolves into sparks of white. He leans down to Scouse Mac's body and wipes his hand across the wound. He smiles as he wipes the blood over his forehead and licks his fingers.

As the wound in Scouse Mac heals, Bwind22 quickly reaches for the Halberd, but as he touches it, a flash of white sends him one hundred feet into the air, straight to the ceiling. He grabs onto an ornate carving of a demon's face set into the ceiling by one his fingers and dangles there, barely holding himself up. Scouse Mac gets to his feet and looks around him. He looks up at the sound of Bwind22's struggles and smiles. He picks up the Halberd and holds it at the ready.

His fingers weaken and Bwind22 falls from the ceiling, flailing around as he does. Just as he nears the stone floor, Scouse Mac swings the Halberd up vertically and it cuts Bwind22's torso and head in half from groin to head. The two pieces slam down to the floor in a bloody mess of bones and guts. They glow white and all fit back together. Bwind22 winces in pain as he moves and Scouse Mac winks at him.

"NEXT GATE, SCOUSE MAC!"


Bwind22 used the longsword to inflict 4 damage to Scouse Mac

Scouse Mac: 12/25 health

Scouse Mac used the Halberd to inflict 3 damage to Bwind22.

Bwind22: 9/25 health

Same as before, can I please have the gate and your weapon choices. Remember, you may now use each weapon once every two turns. You have until 12:00pm EST on Tuesday. Don't be late...

White 1......

Once again, no pleasantries or even jibes are exchanged as the two contestants limp through the first gate. They appear in the room of blood red walls. They are in the Red Realm.

The two of them are reminded by the booming voice of the rules and walk over to the holes in the walls where they speak their choice of weapons. They each laugh to themselves slightly as they walk back to their spots, proud of their decisions. Confident. The bolts of lightning strike them both.

Bwind22 is holding the longsword, his hands clutching the handle so tightly with anger that they have a slight purple tinge to them. But not only is he holding the Longsword, but he is wearing the solid silver Plate Armor.

Scouse Mac looks back at him holding similar looking objects in both hands. In his right he holds the Scepter, it's golden handle and ruby red stone glinting in the light of the torches. In the other, he holds onto the Mace, it's dull grey color not matching the other weapon.

"FIGHT!"

Before Bwind22 can even run two steps, he is launched backwards by the red energy expelling from the ruby tip of the scepter. He smashes hard into the wall behind him. There is a hole in his chest one more, but it appears the metal armor took a lot of the impact, it's dented front painfully digging into Bwind22's chest. The hole heals and Bwind22's eyes open.

Scouse Mac laughs and runs to Bwind22's body as he is still getting up. He flails the mace up high to swing it down but as he stands over Bwind22, who is still hunched down, the longsword drives up into the bottom of his jaw. Taken aback, he drops the mace.

"Not...that...EASY!"

He puts a bit more force behind the longsword and it painfully jabs at Scouse Mac's brain. A slight tear drops down Scouse Mac's cheek, then Bwind22 thrusts the sword up through his skull, and no sooner has it broke through the bone than it fizzles out into red sparks. Bwind22 gets to his feet and spits on Scouse Mac's body. The wound glows red, then heals.

Bwind22 calmly sits down, knowing that there is no other alternative than to accept the pain that is about to consume him. He closes his eyes as the sound of the mace being picked up echoes through the halls. "Scum." Says Scouse Mac bluntly, then the sound of whooshing slightly, and Bwind22's brains are scattered all over the floor. They glow red and piece back together,

"NEXT ROUND!" Says the voice of The Gate Master.


Scouse Mac used the Scepter and the Mace to inflict 5 and 4 damage to Bwind22, however the plate armor reduced these amount to 3 and 2.

Bwind22: 4/25 health

Bwind22 used the Longsword to inflict 4 damage to Scouse Mac

Scouse Mac: 8/25 health


The next round could be the last...make it memorable. You both know the drill by now. Bwind22, it is your turn to choose the gate. Remember...your choice may benefit you in this last round. And both weapons to me. The deadline is Sunday at 12:00pm EST. Don't be late...

The deadline has long since passed and I have yet to hear from Bwind22. I will warn you now, you have until 12:00pm EST tomorrow or I will be forced to choose a random gate a weapon for you. This will be the last warning I give on lateness.

I was out of town all weekend (I mentioned it in the Franchise GPA thread.)
Thanks for waiting. I'll send it right now.

A random gate is chosen...RED 2

The two contestants limp painfully through the gate. Bwind22 is clutching at the side of his head whilst Scouse Mac is coughing up small amounts of blood. They appear in the Blue Realm. The dark walls are cracking slightly, and don't look nearly as strong as they had before. The sounds of the creatures outside, scratching, are also audible.

They walk over to the holes in the walls and speak their weapon choices. Then, as usual, they step back to their positions and the blue lightning strikes them both. As it clears, they are each holding their chosen weapons. Bwind22 is holding the War Hammer. It is obviously heavier to him now than when he started.

Scouse Mac is holding the Crossbow. Before Bwind22 can react, Scouse Mac fires a bolt straight through his groin. He staggers backwards and yells in pain, then another bolt shoots through his neck. He moves his arms to try and clutch the wounds but then the third bolt pierces through his skull, just above his eyebrows. His body falls limp to the floor, and the bolts spark, and disappear.

The wounds heal and he stands up, holding the warhammer.

"You know what's coming..." Says Bwind22, walking toward the stationary Scouse Mac.

"Go fu-" The hammer smashes straight into Scouse Mac's crotch. Scouse Mac's eyes widen and he lets out a blood curdling cry of pain.

"Yeh...and that didn't kill you did it. You're gonna have to take that pain. And then.."

The damage obviously begins to heal, and Scouse Mac screams in even more pain as his body painfully corrects itself. He stands up painfully and both men glare at each other.

"NEXT ROUND..."


Scouse Mac used the crossbow to inflict three points of damage on Bwind22

Bwind22: 1/25 Health

Bwind22 used the War hammer to inflict three points of damage on Scouse Mac.

Scouse Mac: 5/25 Health
You both know what to do. It is Scouse Mac's turn to choose the gate, and of course, both send your weapon choices in. Remember, speed is going to play an important part in this...

You have until SUNDAY at 12:00pm EST. Don't be late...

gate 3........

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...

Congratulations and Goodbye...
 

As my Alter Ego said, Thankyou all those who participated. I had fun, I hope you did too.

Wow. Champion of the Realms AND Battle Royale Champion? Hail to the Blue Wolf!

And good show, Ferret. Sorry I couldn't stick around longer in it.

Good job Scouse!


Thanks FC! Cool Game!

Congrats to Scouse Mac.

Well done Ferret!

Thanks for everything you've done in creating this tourney, FC! I appreciate the time and effort you put in in creating and marking the challenges.

Special nod to Bwind & Papillon Noir who got through to the final stages, I really enjoyed reading your challenge entrys and you both ensured the competition was especially tough!

Thanks again Ferret.

Whew! I'm sure glad I didn't get second place! ;)

Congrats Scouse! This sure is your year. :) Congrats to Bwind as well since this was a very close competition between the two of you towards the end.

Thank you Ferret for a very enjoyable and interesting competition! Can't wait to see what you do with it next year! :)

Your all very welcome, but as I said, it wouldn't have been possible without you all taking part as well. Thankyou. And The Gate Master will return next year!