[_____V_____]

Rewinding the clock back to earlier in the gloomy, overcast day. Cut to a scene inside the "Masque Inn" bar, in the centre of Drongo Pass town. The bartender, Flayed One, whistles as he polishes another glass and puts it on the shelf behind him. He then looks at the scene in front of him.

All the bar tables are empty, except the one in the center. A big group has gathered around it, and they are murmuring excitedly to each other while looking on. A game of poker is in progress, and the person with his back to Flayed One, checks his cards in absolute glee. He is PR3SSUR3.


PR3SSUR3 (with a wicked smile): 25 grand...and I raise you 25 more!

Player 1 (throwing his cards in): Too big for me.

Player 2 (doing the same): Me too.


The other 2 players sitting on the other side look at the stranger sitting in front of PR3SSUR3. He has his hat low down, covering almost all of his face...a rather handsome chin can be seen though. He throws a bag into the big pile of money in the centre and speaks.


The Stranger (with quiet confidence): 50,000...and raise 50 more.


The other 2 players look at each other, then chuck their cards in...sitting back and looking at PR3SSUR3. His smile is frozen in his face like a half-smirk of a dumbwit, and his brains tick furiously thinking of a response to react.


PR3SSUR3 (with utter disbelief): I-I-I think you are bluff-ffing-g-ggg...

The Stranger (lifting head and looking straight at PR3SSUR3): There's only one way of knowing that, isn't it?


The Stranger is revealed to be Massacre Man.


PR3SSUR3 (deciding something): Hey Flayed, gimme some more money! I'll hand it back to ya in a couple minutes!

Flayed One (negatively): You already have taken enough. No more!

PR3SSUR3 (whirling around furiously): JUST GIVE ME THE FUCKIN' MONEY, OR I'LL BUST YOUR HEAD IN!!

Flayed One (looking forward with a straight face): Don't you dare yell at me, fiddlenuts! You'll have it. (murmuring to himself) Just wait till I get it all back, you no-good SOB...


Flayed One hands a sheaf of green bills to the person in front of him, who walks over to PR3SSUR3 and hands it to him. PR3SSUR3 throws it carelessly into the pile in the center, and looks up at Massacre Man.


PR3SSUR3: I call! Let's see what you got, horseface!

Massacre Man (leaning forward): You go first.


PR3SSUR3's face breaks into a wide, evil grin...which reveals two gold teeth in front. He looks at his cards with smug satisfaction, then reveals them one by one slowly.


PR3SSUR3 (savoring each moment): An Ace...and another Ace...with a King...another King...and...there's another King. Fuckin' boat!

Massacre Man (looking at the cards): That's all?

PR3SSUR3 (with an incredible look): That's...the game, asswipe!! Beat that if you can, motherf-!

Massacre Man (with sudden savagery): Shut your trap!


Massacre Man flips his cards around and puts them down on the table in a neat line in front of him. Everyone watching let out surprised groans, with some of them clicking their tongues sympathetically. A sudden, overpowering silence envelops the air.


For the cards are 2, 3, 4, 5, 6...of hearts. A Straight Flush!


Massacre Man (quietly): You lost.


PR3SSUR3 looks at the 5 cards with his eyes bulged out. His mouth is dropped open and he looks at Massacre Man, totally shocked. Massacre Man stands up and leans forward towards the pile. PR3SSUR3 comes back to his senses, and decides in his mind. Flayed One is watching on, and he senses something. His hands tighten on the shotgun under the cabinet in front of him.


PR3SSUR3 (with a low growl): You can't have that, butthead!

Massacre Man (looking up): Says who?

PR3SSUR3: Me.


PR3SSUR3's hands grab his guns tightly, and they are out in a flash. Massacre Man has a glimpse of steel in front of him, and takes two quick, sudden steps back. PR3SSUR3's fingers tighten on the triggers...and just then, 4 shots echo around the bar in rapid succession. PR3SSUR3 turns at the entrance, with a surprised look on his face. Then he looks down at the gaping holes in both his hands...the guns dropping from them onto the floor. He sinks heavily on top of them, feeling the stinging pain from his hands and thighs...and lets out a series of loud moans.

Massacre Man looks at PR3SSUR3, and whirls at the entrance doors at the same time everyone does. Flayed One looks too, and nods approvingly. Massacre Man realises who is standing there, and smiles.


___V___ (putting his guns back in): You will live...till the next time. Pick up your money, Massacre Man.