Outstanding Fight Set-ups

[DSkillz]

Can't believe I almost forgot about this one.
 
Yes, I know this match finished second in the February Challenge to Nova's match, but by all accounts, it came in a very close second place. And honestly, both Nova's and Boratz's entries that month were among the best matches entered in any of these challenges. 
 
Deathstroke vs. Ra's Al Ghul by Boratz 
 
In a question that has been asked throughout the ages, what is love? Is it just a feeling that's origins come from the mind or is it of the soul? Is strength or is it weakness? Love has been the subject to many stories of tales throughout history. The basis of love is unique in that it drives us to do many things that were extraordinary or even foolish. Sometimes love can be considered the most powerful force in all the lands and space. It can break the most ruthless of warriors and destroy the most powerful of nations. Love can be cruel to the strong and glorious to the weak, but through it all changes the ways of the heart. Many have written about the effects that love has on people and in the writings of William Shakespeare, he wrote about different forms of love. One of his famous works that has been reflected on many times is the story of Romeo and Juliet. This story of a forbidden love and tragedy will never be forgotten. Many stories and tales reflect on it even in the stories of today. This particular tale will about a forbidden that will lead a climax that will test the love held between family and romance...

*****

This world is cruel in that the ruthless prowl on the weak and live off the fortunate of others. There is a man in this world that has caused much suffering over the course of his life. This suffering was not part of some belief or some self-righteous cause, but merely as a way to rise in power. He lives off the suffering of the innocents and the many crimes he causes against humanity is sickening. This man who will not be remembered after his death is Wilson Lector. There are many who question why he has lived this long of a life without facing certain but like everyone; he will face the stroke of death sooner or later. What ruthless global crime lord does not know is that someone has paid a high price for his head on a stake but there is even more that wish him dead. There is a league that exists that exists in the shadows of this world that vows to eliminate the evils in this world by any means necessary, even if it means sacrificing the lives of the innocence. This group known as the League of Assassins has called it upon themselves to make sure the evils of this ruthless man are never seen again.

As midnight called a portion of the League of Assassins to the lands of Venice, Italy in a fair of January, the small portion of Assassins led by the daughter of its master took charge in carrying out the plans to kill this monster. Talia al Ghul has fought many over the course of her life and she has even had the fortune of finding true love with the Dark Knight of Gotham City, little did she know that there was another love that was soon to cross her path with a force greater than anything she would ever experience. As the plans for the assassination of Wilson Lector started coming forth, the daughter Ra's al Ghul started preparing herself for this job that would cleanse the world of his filth. Her preparation could be considered grueling to most but she did not prepare for what was to come on this night.

If it was fate, destiny, or even chance that brought another into this night will always remain a mystery. This other force that had come to this place on this night is man who had seen many battles throughout his life. This assassin, this mercenary, Slade Wilson had fought against armies and monsters. He had fought against targets with extraordinary abilities and some could say that it led him to this night. I cannot say how this night came to pass but I can say that for Slade Wilson, he never thought anything like this could come to pass. For a warrior such as himself, he believed that he had no emotions, no feelings, and no love. For so many years he believed the only thing that he could be was Deathstroke the Terminator. He never would have thought that this new contract he had would change his life forever.

On this legendary midnight in Venice came to pass, the ruthless Wilson Lector was accompanied by several of his men into a marvelous mansion. He passed by what would appear to be a small army, all of whom were armed with various weapons. Many of these soldiers could probably defeat the corrupt Wilson, for Wilson himself was not an experienced warrior. He intellect but with that intellect came no skills in the art of war. While his combat skills may be small, his intellect allowed him to reach levels far beyond most criminals. He walked inside this mansion without any thoughts on what was going to come to him. A butler came down a staircase and sauntered toward the ruthless crime lord. A crooked smile formed over Wilson's face as the butler handed him a cigar. Wilson took the cigar and put it under his nose. He let out a sigh of relief as he prepared to smoke this highly priced cigar.

On the outside of this mansion, death was taking place in all directions. As the army of Wilson Lector had been taken out one by one by a group of assassins dwelling within the shadows, the powerful crime lord started making his way toward his sleeping chambers. It was not long until these assassins were spotted by several armed guards. Lector nearly dropped his cigar as his guards charged into his room to take him to a safer location. The thunderous sounds of gunfire echoed through all of Venice as battle was taking place in the magnificent mansion. One of Wilson Lector's most trusted guards handed him a revolver and suggested that he use it in case this battle escalated. As the crime lord was being led to a secured panic room, he saw a couple glimpses of these highly trained assassins. He could have sworn that they appeared to be ninjas but he would never bet money on it. Suddenly, the shadows started attacking the guards that surrounded the crime lord. He pulled away as one of these ninjas was taking out a couple of his men but the assassin was shot down only in a matter of seconds.

As his personal guards started leading him in a different direction, Wilson Lector saw the bodies of several of his highly trained men and a couple of the bodies of the assassins. The stench that had come from the constant firing of the guns had completely filled the air but the sight was just a bloody pile of bodies everywhere. Wilson saw that there was only one assassin left. She had just taken out several men and a smirk formed over Wilson's face. He ordered his men to take out this assassin but before he could get out his last words, something happened that totally took the guards by surprise. A bullet pierced through the face of Wilson Lector and his lifeless body fell forward onto the floor beneath him. Before the guards could even react, they were taken out quickly by another force. This force was ruthless and highly skilled. His skills far surpassed that of any of the soldiers that Wilson Lector had hired. He sliced through these guards as if they were nothing. The mercenary stood over the lifeless body of Wilson Lector and a smile formed under his mask. He turned his head and his single eye caught the eyes of the surviving female assassin. In that moment there was a silence that poured down from the Heavens, with that silence came something else entirely, it was as if it was magic that had come down before the two warriors. The only thing that could have ruined that moment was what was about to happen, something rose from the carnage that filled the mansion. One of the surviving guards started firing upon a chandelier that hung above the female assassin. She did not notice at first, all she did was sliced the guard's neck open with her blade.

As the chandelier came falling down toward her, the masked assassin swiftly came down to get her out of the way. As their bodies touched and their eyes once again met, that feeling they had felt before had taken hold once again. Talia was speechless and so was Deathstroke. As he stood got to his feet, he was about to claim the head of Wilson Lector, but she stopped him and asked for his name. Slade gazed into her eyes and just disappeared. She thought about following him, deep down inside she wanted to follow him, but she just could not bring herself to follow this masked assassin. She watched as he took the head of the once powerful crime lord and he glanced back to see this woman once again. At that moment, seconds felt like hours and hours felt like seconds. For Slade, he had not felt anything like this for ages but for Talia, this is how she felt when she was with her beloved Bruce Wayne.

As this extraordinary midnight became part of the past, the two parted ways but it was nowhere near that simple. The memories of one another would follow them until the next day. Both Slade and Talia fought against these emotions and these memories. Both fought for different reasons but both fought for the same thing. For Slade, this battle of the mind was against the pain that follows with these feelings and for Talia she believed that she could only love one. As they continued to fight these feelings and thoughts throughout the night, they could not see that feelings would eventually overcome them.

As the rays of the morning sun started to pass through Venice, both Talia and Slade continued to reflect on the previous night. All they could think about was that moment their eyes met for the first time; it was a bright beautiful light in the dreadful dark world that they called their lives. Talia watched from a distance as the bodies of all of the guards were being cleaned up. She made sure that no sign of the League of Assassins would ever be found, but she still wanted to see the mansion the morning after. As the day came to pass, Slade collected his money for the head of Wilson Lector but it was not just money he got for the job, he received something much more. At that point, he knew he had to see her once again. He came to the decision to find her before she left Italy and this was good because it was one of Slade's greatest skills, finding people. Throughout this day in Venice, the constant thought of one another raced through the minds. As the day came to an end and night had come once again, Talia prepared for her departure of Venice. She never knew if she would ever see that man in the mask again but she knew she had to get back to her father. As she started getting ready, she felt a presence in her room. This was the same presence she felt last night when she caught the eyes of the masked assassin. She turned to face this man who hid in the shadows but the light of the stars shined on his mask. She was about to speak but a silence had fallen between them as they gazed into each other's eyes. Both of these exceptional warriors studied each other for several moments. As Talia studied his eyes, she noticed that one was dark. At that moment she knew had lost one of his eyes and he had probably lost much more than that during his life. Finally, Talia had the courage to break this peaceful and soothing silence.

"Who are you?" She asked as she continued to gaze into this masked warrior's eye.

Slade had to think for several moments, for he usually did not go by his true name. Many only knew him as Deathstroke the Terminator or simply just Deathstroke, but he wanted to use his real name. With all his strength, he started to speak to this mysterious woman who caught his eye.

"My name is Slade... Slade Wilson." He replied as he started to circle around her. "What is your name?"

Talia's eyes followed Slade as he circled around her until he went disappeared behind her but she could still feel his presence. "My name is Talia al Ghul."

Finally, Slade came back into the path of gorgeous eyes. "And what are you intentions Talia al Ghul?" Slade asked with that smooth mysterious yet powerful voice.

"I was here to cleanse the world of Wilson Lector. What are your intentions?" Talia replied as she started to circle around the mercenary.

"I did not ask what your intentions were... I asked what they are... I was here for a job and I completed my job... Now I'm here to see who you are..." Slade replied with that same voice.

"I am about to depart and return to my father." Talia replied as she got back Slade's sight.

"You could have left any time today but you did not... You stayed... You stayed for a reason... What was that reason?" Slade asked as their eyes caught once again. Once again that feeling of peace had come down between them with a powerful force.

An angelic smile formed over Talia's beautiful face as she reached into her pockets. As he hand emerged from her pocket, Slade saw a small tracking device he had placed on her. A smile formed under his mask as several thoughts started racing through his mind. As she spoke, his attention turned to her every word. "You left me with this, which would mean you wanted to find me?"

Slade continued to smile as he glanced at both Talia and the small tracking device. "What if I came to kill you?"

Talia walked over to a bed side table and placed the small device down on the table. She turned around and that same angelic smile continued to shine on her face. "If you truly came to kill me, I feel we would not be having a conversation such as this."

Slade started walking toward Talia and fought every urge he had to place his arms around her. "Then why is it you wanted to wait for me?" Slade asked as he started walking back to the corner of the room.

"Why is it that you wanted to find me?" Talia asked as she followed Slade back to that little corner of the room.

Slade paused for a moment and thought about every single event that occurred in his life. All the battles, all the training, all the mission could never prepare him for something such as this. He gazed into her dark gorgeous eyes and said, "I had to see you."

Talia gazed over his mask and noticed that one side was orange while the other side was black. She reached to pull off his mask but he gently grabbed her arms. As their bodies touched, that wonderful feeling started to burn inside of them like a raging uncontrollable fire. She looked into his eye and her gentle voice simply asked, "Why?"

Slade closed his eye and thought for several moments before looking back at the face of an angel. "You must not see what lies underneath this mask." Slade said as he gently let go of her hands.
"I have to see the man under the mask." Talia said as she continued to look into eye.

Slade reach up to take off his mask and show his true face. She looked over him for several moments. He wore an eye patch to cover what he had lost so long ago, he had scars from battles throughout his life, and his hair was white from the experiences he had gained. "I cover my face because as a man I am Slade Wilson but as this I am Deathstroke." Slade said as he put the mask onto his face once again.

"Why is it that you cover your face around me?" Talia asked as her hands gently rubbed against the warrior's chest.

"For many, they are turned away just by the sight of my face. The face of Slade Wilson is nothing more than just a person but the face of Deathstroke means much more to people." Slade replied as leaned back against the wall.

"I am not most people... I am someone much more than just most people..." Talia said as she leaned into Slade.

"What makes you more?" Slade asked as a smirk formed over his face under the mask.

Talia once again reached for his mask and slowly took it off. She threw onto the ground and their eyes caught once again. This time they came and closer together until their lips met. For several moments they stayed in that corner until Slade, picked her up and carried her to the bed. It was not long until their clothes were taken off by one another and the passion grew into an intense heat. The magic that they thought happened the night before did not compare in any way to the magic that was happening on this night. This passion, this fire burned until the next day. Slade felt something he had not felt for several years, he felt happy. As for Talia, this feeling became stronger than anything she had ever felt for Bruce. This night was perfect but it had to end, for Talia knew she had to return to her father. She feared what her father would say about this but she also did not care. Deep within her, she was falling in love with this man for some odd reason and the same exact feeling was dwelling inside of Slade Wilson.

"Why must this have to end?" Talia asked as she looked up at Slade.

Slade looked down at the angel that had come into his life and a smirk formed at the side of his mouth. "This does not have to end. We can find a way... We can always find a way..." Slade said as he went down to kiss her lips once again.

"I fear that we cannot make this work... My father will never allow such a thing to happen between me and someone such as you." Talia said as she glanced out the window.

"Someone like me?" Slade asked as he gazed into her infinite beauty.

"You are a mercenary who kills for money..." Talia said as she looked back into his eyes.

"And what are you? What is your father?" Slade asked as he continued to be overwhelmed by her presence.

"I am part of the League of Assassins... We fight for the balance of the world... We kill to save this world from the evils of man..." Talia replied as she gently rubbed her hand down his face.
"We're not so different. I just get a pay check at the end of the day." Slade said as he started kissing her once again.

"My father will not view it that way... He believes that people who kill for money are worthless in this world. He believes that they are only a means to an end." Talia replied as she started kissing his cheeks.

"And what do you believe, my dear?" Slade asked as he gently rubbed hand down her body.

"I believe in this moment... I believe in us..." Talia replied.

"Then that is what matters now..." Slade replied.

As Slade and Talia went their separate paths, they vowed that this was not the end. For Slade, that entire month was amazing, he met with Talia several times that month and they practiced their love for hours on end. As for Talia, her love was a secret that she kept from her father. Throughout that month, several contracts were made for the deadly Deathstroke. Battles were fought and much blood was spilt that entire month. The stroke of death came upon many that were put at a descent price. As the month of January came to a close for the dangerous masked assassin, he decided that one final assignment this month would make the perfect month.

His new job was some politician name Jake Erin. Slade studied the area and made a plan. He watched as secret service agents stood outside the compound. Deathstroke gripped the handle of the gun tightly as he shot down several agents. Many of them started forming up to take a stand against this attacker. A smile formed under the mask of Deathstroke as he gently pressed a button. Several explosions started going off all at once as the agents were becoming disoriented. Slade ran down firing his automatic rifle upon of the agents. Several of them tried to fight back but Slade was simply too fast. His skills could not be matched and his brutality was unbearable. He took out his swords and sliced his way passed the several agents. The grounds became stained with blood as Deathstroke made his way inside the compound. As he entered, he unpinned several grenades and threw them down the hallways. He heard several agents scream to get cover but it did not matter. Slade slaughtered everyone in his path. Finally, the only thing that separated him from the politician was a metal door. He knew on the other side of that door, there would be an army of guns trained on him. He always loved a challenge but this was just another job. He noticed that the door had an electrical lock to it. He placed a device on the keypad and waited for it to open. As the door open, he stood for covered as the guns started going off. He slid several pieces of C4 at the entrance of the door and stood back with the detonator. He pressed the button and watched as the black smoke started filling the air. Fire swarmed through the room and the politician was being led out with what little agents were left. Slade shot down the surviving agents and stood over the politician, who was on his knees before him. Deathroke drew out his sword and was fully prepared for the final blow.

"Please! Please! I'm going to stop the mob!" Jake pleaded as he knew there was nothing could do.
Deathstroke's sword fell and decapitated the young politician. He picked up Jake's head and put it in a bag. He walked outside and left the compound. Several thoughts race through his mind after that but the main thoughts were of Talia. He thought about what the politician said about the mob but Slade was not a hero. He was not fighting against crime or corruption but he was not corrupt. He simply did what he was paid to do. He did not have some higher calling or some belief, he had his job. As he once again collected his pay, he could not help but think of Talia. The man who gave him the job glanced down at the head and a look of disgust came over his face. As he looked back up at Deathstroke, his look changed to a smile.

"You do not disappoint. I was told you were the best and I can see why." The man said with an accent.

"Just give me the money." Slade as he gazed at the man with a blank stare.

"The money has been wired to the account that you have been provided." The man replied as he threw bag with the head down on the ground. The man gazed over Slade's mask and a curious smile formed across his cheeks. "Why is it that you wear a mask?"

Slade opened up a computer to see that the money had in fact been transferred to his account. He closed his computer and simply turned to leave.

"You are truly Deathstroke the Terminator." The man said as Slade disappeared into the shadows.

As Slade prepared to depart this city, he reflected back on the times he had spent with Talia in the past month. He was not one for emotions or feelings, but what was inside of him followed him on every job he took this month. He constantly thought about her and wanted to be with her. He felt happy, for the first time since he could remember, he actually felt happy. As he packed away his several different weapons and picked up his sword. His powerful grip on the handle of the sword grew tighter as he started to think about the face of Talia. He took a deep breath as he put the sword away into the bag. In a couple weeks, Valentine's would come to the world. He never gave this a single thought in his entire life but now he actually wanted to see Talia or unleash a Valentine's Day Massacre on a job that had a good pay check. After several moments of thinking about Talia, he remembered some of the lives he had taken throughout his career. It was only a brief moment, for that was still just part of the job. He did not care about these people because he simply could not care about them. There were some that in fact haunted him almost every day but he found a way to overcome that pain. As finished packing, he started walking out of the room and into the outside world. He glanced up at the sky above and saw nothing city's lights and some kind of musky fog like substance. "So much for a star filled sky." He thought as he left this city.

While things might have been amazing for the masked warrior, they were completely different for daughter of Ra's al Ghul. She struggled with every passing day that month, while she enjoyed every moment she spent with Slade. The things that she struggled with were the secrets she had to keep from her father. She knew that he would forbid such a love to go on and she knew that if he would find out about this forbidden love, then he would send out forces to murder him. She could not let that happen to him. There was something else that she had struggled with throughout this early month of January. She thought about the man she had loved for several years, Bruce Wayne. As the month came to a close, she had to make a decision between these loves that she holds so dare. She left for Gotham in hopes that seeing Bruce would finally allow her to make a decision.

It was a cold Gotham night and little crime had gone throughout past couple of week. Was it fear or simply just the cold that caused crime to be so little during this month? Bruce felt somewhat relieved that Gotham started looking better on each passing day. He reflected back on the psychos he had faced over the years and how many of those villains were locked away in Gotham. There were a couple that was still loose in the streets and in time, they would eventually face the justice that all crime must face. As the time seemed like it was destined to be an uneventful and meaningless night, he saw received a call from Oracle. She explained that Black Mask was holding several hostages in the Gotham Museum of Fine Arts. As fast as he could, Bruce made his way toward the museum and studied it from the outside. He quickly made a plan that would allow him to get inside unnoticed. As he made his way inside the museum, he stealthily took down a couple armed henchmen and finally made his way into the main gallery. He caught by surprise when he found that Black Mask was tied up in the center of the room. He cursed out several phrases but what surprised the Dark Knight the most was the person who sauntered out of the shadows. She walked past several art displays until she came into full light before the Cape Crusader. She then proceeded to knock the crime boss unconscious. Several different thoughts raced through Bruce's mind but not one stood out the most. Finally, he found the strength to speak.

"What are you doing here, Talia?" He said in his powerful dark voice.

"I have come to see you, my love." Talia said as she started walking closer to the Batman.

Bruce started turning away and tried to think of a possible reason as to why she was there. "What is Ra's planning?" He asked as he glared back into her eyes.

"Ra's is not here... There is no plan, no war, nothing... I have come to see you again..." Talia said as she stood before the Batman.

"I trouble believing you, Talia... There is always something when it comes to Ra's and the League of Assassins." Batman replied as he glared into her eyes.

"Believe what you want but I have truly come for you..." Talia said as she came up and her lips gently touched against the lips of Bruce.

For several moments they shared a passionate kiss but something was different. She did not feel the same spark that she had felt so many times before. She did not have same feelings now then those times she had spent with Slade. She stepped back for a moment and a tear started running down her cheek. Bruce knew something was different when he kissed her. He felt as if she was no longer in love with him. He walked closer toward her and gazed down into hers.

"What is it, Talia?" Bruce asked with a smoother voice.

"I'm sorry... I just... I do not feel the same love that I once had for you..." She said as several tears started running down her face.

For a moment, Bruce thought about all the times he had spent with Talia and now this was the end. In that moment, he knew he had to let her go. He came closer and gave her a hug. "It's okay, Talia. It's okay."

Talia gave the Dark Knight one last kiss before disappearing into the darkness. The Cap Crusader stood there for several moments and fought to bury the feelings that were dwelling with inside of him. He turned to face the unconscious Roman Sionis and shook his head. He waited for the S.W.A.T. teams to come and take this crime lord into custody before vanishing into the night.

As Talia returned to League of Assassins, she felt a sense of comfort in finally knowing that she had found a new love in her life but soon all of that was about to change. As trained for several hours with various weapons and sparing partners, she was confronted by her father. Ra's al Ghul stood before her and led her into his own personal room. She had been here many times and many of those times were to help plan with her father on ways to save the world from the corruption of man. Now she stood in here once again but she did not know what it was for. Ra's al Ghul sat down on what would appear to be almost like a throne. He stared at his daughter for several moments with a dreadful silence.

Finally, he spoke and the words sent a shiver down Talia's spine.

"For this past month, I know of your actions, Talia... You should know that you cannot keep things from me." Ra's said as he crossed his fingers and leaned back in his throne like chair.

"Father, I can explain..." Talia said as she started walking closer to her father.

"No... No you cannot... This love you think you feel is forbidden and you of all should know that by now... The only love you should have is for the one who will carry out this legacy..." Ra's said as he continue glare at his daughter.

"This man, he's different. I love him..." Talia pleaded.

"I do not care... He is no better than the filth that the League of Assassins takes care of... He is filth that kills for money... We are better, for we carry out what will bring balance to this world..." Ra's said as he leaned forward.

"He's more than that, father..." Talia said as she leaned onto his desk.

"What he is then that makes him so special to you?" Ra's asked.

"I care for him deeply." Talia replied.

"I have cared for many over the years and the only thing that it has ever gotten me was hurt. That pain has made me stronger and better than anything this masked mercenary will ever be." Ra's said as he stood off his throne.

"Why is it that you hate him so much?" Talia asked.

"He will get you killed! He will destroy my legacy!" Ra's yelled as he walked closer toward his daughter.

"I have faced dangers before, father!" Talia argued.

"Yes but it was for my will! This is not my will! You obey me!" Ra's argued as he circled around his daughter. "I have sent Tybalt to take care of this Deathstroke... He will no longer be a part of your life."
Tears ran down Talia's face as Ra's left her there knowing that he would not stop until Slade was dead.

It was one of the early days February, when Slade was making his way through a room. He had just sharpened all of his blades and loaded up all of his firearms. He heard a noise and felt a presence within the room. He stood up and gave a quick glance around the room.

"You can come out now." He said in a calm voice.

Tybalt charged out of the charged, throwing knives and ninja stars. Slade jumped out of the way and drew out his sword. He stood ready for a battle. At first glance, he could tell this man was part of the League of Assassins. A smirk formed across Slade's face as prepared for a battle.

"So soon... I'm touched." Slade sarcastically as the two warriors circled around each other.

Tybalt did not say anything; he just simply drew out two of his blades and went in for the attack. Slade quickly countered the attacks and kicked him back against a wall. Slade knew that this would be a quick and easy battle, just by the first attack but Tybalt would fight until the end. In fury and rage, Tybalt charged him once again, trying to find a weak spot. Blades collided and tempered flared, but it was not too long until Slade punched the Assassin across the face. Tybalt spit out a mouthful of blood and gazed upon his enemy. Throughout his life and training, he had never fought such an opponent. This mercenary was fast and strong. For Slade, he had faced much worse, so this was not much of a challenge.

"I am disappointed... I thought you would be more of a challenge." Slade said in that same calm voice.

Tybalt, with all his anger and rage, charged the mercenary once again but this time Slade quickly sliced through his gut. Tybalt fell to his knees and glanced up at the one eyed mercenary. "You may have struck me down with death but you will fall before Ra's al Ghul."

"Is that right? Where is he now?" Slade asked as he leaned closer to the dying Assassin.

"He is going to kill you." Tybalt said with a satisfied smile.

"Very well." Slade said as he sliced Tybalt's neck open with his blade.

Tybalt fell forward onto the ground. His blood stained formed a pool beneath him and Slade just gazed over his body. He knew more would come and knew that he had to stop Ra's al Ghul. He searched the body and found a blood stained note. The note explained that if Tybalt shall fall then Slade should venture to Paris to confront the great Ra's al Ghul and if he did not, then Talia would pay the ultimate price. Slade crumbled the note in his hand and thought for a moment. He knew that this would be a trap but he had to save this woman that he had developed these feelings for. He gathered his weapons and prepared to leave. If this Ra's al Ghul wanted a war, then that it what he was going to get.

February 14, Valentine's Day

Paris, France

Ra's stood before his restrained daughter. He rubbed his hand through her hair but she struggled against him. "I hope he kills you." Talia said as she gazed up into her father's eyes.

"We will see. I have lived 600 years and I will not let this man bring me death!" Ra's said as he gazed out into the world.

He heard the thunders of gunfire echo all throughout and he knew that Deathstroke was killing everyone in his path. Explosions filled the air and smoke rose above Paris. All of it has led to this moment... Slade came into the room, covered in the blood of many Assassins. Ra's stood before him and drew out his sword. Slade's sword had already been drawn and he was prepared to end this war tonight.

"It is fitting that this shall happen on this night. This Valentine's Night in this City of Love and Lights...

"Tonight has become a Valentine's Massacre and it will only end with your death." Ra's said as he circled around the mask mercenary.

Slade just stood in silence and waited for Ra's to make the first move.

"The forbidden love will end tonight!" Ra's said as he quickly ran into to attack Deathstroke. The battle between two powerful warriors has begun... 

[DSkillz]

Aaanndd... I see that the judges of the CBUB 2013 March Challenge forgot to place its winning entry here. Boratz, if by some miracle you happen to look in here, I give a very belated congrats for having yet another match posted here, and my apologies for it not being posted here sooner. You've basically owned this thread at this point.  

 

Jack Bauer vs. Phillip (the Governor) by Boratz 

 

The rays of the sun pressed against the back of his neck as he waited for the herd to pass by. He took short breathes and stayed as silent as he could as the last of the walkers disappeared into the trees. Jack Bauer came out from underneath a pile of debris. He gazed out at the direction of the walkers and finally let out a sigh of relief. As he turned around, one of the dead appeared before him. Jack staggered back and glanced at this walking corpse for a split second before realizing he had to put this poor soul down permanently. The walking corpse reached for the former government agent as it tried to claim its next meal. Jack took out a knife and quickly put the blade into the zombie's forehead. He pushed the corpse back down upon the Earth and knelt down beside it. He gazed over the corpse and started taking several breaths. As he started to rise up to his feet and gave one last glance at the lifeless corpse and muttered a couple words under his breath, "I'm sorry." He finally left the area and started making his way out of the forest.

 

After several miles of hiking, he saw something up ahead. He walked passed what used to be a barn but he knew something caused it to burn to the ground and right next to the ruins of the barn was an abandoned RV. He saw a house up ahead and started making his way toward the house. He noticed bodies scattered all over the place and realized there must have been a group here before. He knew they must have been overrun by these corpses but he didn't think much more of it. He took out his knife as he made his way up the steps of the house. He slowly opened the door and steadily made his way inside the house. He could smell the stench of rotting all over the place but he simply ignored it. As he made his way throughout the abandoned farm house, he realized that it was clear of both the living and the dead. After finding his way into the kitchen, Jack salvaged whatever he could find as far as food was concerned. He ate whatever was left and searched the house for anything that he could use. He found some small tools, clothing, and a couple medical supplies. As night started to fall, he made his way inside one of the bedrooms and pushed one of the beds against the door. He fell down against the bed and faded off to sleep.

 

As he slept throughout the night, he heard his name being called out several times in his dreams. He saw the faces of his wife, his daughter, his granddaughter, Renee, and everyone that he had ever loved standing before him. All of them cried out for him, all of them cried for help. Finally, he couldn't take it anymore. Jack suddenly woke up and started looking around the dark room. He sat up in the bed and started rubbing his eyes and realized that it was just a nightmare. He fell back against the bed and took several deep breathes before falling back to sleep. This time, he slept until dawn crept over the farm and the morning sun pierced through the window. Jack pushed himself out of the bed and gazed out of the window. He gazed out at the farm and he gazed at the world. He started remembering all the things he had done up until that moment and started asking himself, "Is this my hell?"

 

He pushed the bed out of the door way and made his way through the house once again. He saw the pictures of the family that once lived there and he saw several Bible verses all over the place. He knew that this family must have been pretty spiritual before the outbreak but he could not help but wonder where they are now. It was no long before he came to the conclusion that they were probably dead, along with the rest of the world. Jack finally found a name that belonged to the family that once lived in this house. He looked over the name and finally mumbled it under his breath, "Greene." He continued to gather the supplies he could and then made his way toward the door. He glanced back one last time and started to remember his family once again. He looked at the house and wished he could have had a house like this with Teri and Kim. He finally turned around and left the house behind. He walked over toward the RV and sauntered inside. As he walked up the steps, he was attacked by one of the dead that crawled inside of it. Jack took out a hammer and started smashing in its skull until it was just a lifeless corpse. He glanced down at the rotting corpse and shook his head. He hated having to put down these people but in the end he knew they were already dead.

 

After searching through the RV, he found a couple more supplies he was able to store away in his pack and he finally started making his way off of the farm. He turned back one last time to take a glance at the Greene Family Farm and thought about staying there for a couple days but he knew he had to keep moving. This place was abandoned for a reason and he could not stay to see what that reason was. In the back of his mind, he had hope that there was a safe haven somewhere in the country. He had to have hope in something was left in this world. He started walking down the dirt road and looked over the horizon. As he continued to walk, he thought about his friends and allies he made over the years. He thought about Tony, Chloe, Cole, and even young Willie; he thought about what happened to them during this disaster. He knew Tony was in some maximum security prison but he could not think about what happened after the outbreak. He thought about Willie and his brother. He was constantly thinking about all the people that he hurt over the years. After years of pain and suffering, he realized that James Heller was right. The words that Heller told him, "You're cursed, Jack. Everything you touch, one way or another, ends up dead." He could not help but believe in this, especially with how the world is now. He hoped, he prayed that Audrey, Kim, little Teri, and everyone he cared about was safe but there was no point anymore. Since the outbreak, the only thing that was left for him was the constant fight for survival.

 

After several hours of walking, he heard a faint noise up ahead. It sounded like the screams and cries of children. Jack raced toward the screams until he reached what appeared to be a family on top of their van. They were surrounded by zombies and they did whatever they could to avoid their attacks. Jack took out a pistol and walked out of the tree line. He shot down several of the walkers until he ran out of ammo. There were only a couple left and they finally turned their attention to the former CTU agent. Jack stood as the walkers made their way toward him. He took out his knife and threw down his pack. He was ready to kill these things at all cost. He noticed that there were still several walking around him. He immediately charged toward them and kicked one of them on the ground. He pierced his knife into one of their skulls and fought the others back. Finally, the father of the family came out with a crowbar and started helping the man who saved their lives. After a couple more moments, the walkers were finally laid to rest and Jack glanced over at the family.

 

"Are you alright?" Jack asked as he gazed over each member of the small family.

 

"Yes! Thank you so much!" the father cheered.

 

"It's no problem. You better start moving before more of them arrive." Jack said softly as he started gathering his pack.

 

"I don't know if I could ever repay you but I want you to take this." The father said as he handed Jack a bag of food.

 

"I can't take this from you." Jack replied.

 

"Please, mister. You saved my family and for that I want you to have some food." The father replied.

 

"Thank you." Jack said as he put on his backpack and retrieved his pistol.

 

"Good luck." The man said as he and his family got in their van and left the area.

 

Jack watched as the van disappeared over the horizon. "Good luck to you to." He said under his breath as he started back on his journey into the unknown. He thought back to the family and was relieved that he could save them but he remembered the words of his old friend Carl, "People like us don't keep score of how many we saved, but the on how many we lost." Jack continued to walk as he thought about these words that his friend had told him. He tried to feel better about saving a small family but deep inside, he could never overcome the pain that followed him wherever he went. As the sun started to set, Jack stopped for the night and made himself a small fire to keep warm. He dug into the bag that the family had provided for him and had a small meal. He leaned back against the tree and gazed out into the darkness. There was a small voice inside of him that told him to just let the dead take him but there a bigger force inside of him that told him to keep fighting. He wanted to die for something and that is what drove him nearly every single day. As the fire died, he faded off to sleep, only to see the same nightmares that he saw every single night.

 

As the nightmares of his past woke him up once again, he started up the fire again and kept watch through the rest of the dark cold night. Finally, the sun rose and Jack gathered his things. He started his journey once again and started walking down the road. It was not long until he saw a town up ahead and with that, he heard a wretched noise. He heard the groaning sound of the dead prowling around a group of the living. Jack took out a pair of binoculars and saw what was happening from a distance. He saw two men cornered by a herd of zombies. Jack saw that this herd was small but he could not just leave these people to die. He took out his knife and silently crept up behind a couple of the walking dead. He took a couple out silently but it was not long until the small herd turned their attention to the former government agent. Jack took out his pistol and took down several of them. After running out of ammo, he knocked a couple down before taking out a hatchet. He took out a couple more until he was getting overwhelmed. Finally, he received help from one of the survivors. Both men sliced their way through the blood thirsty monsters until they were all dead. Jack leaned down and retrieved his pistol. He took several deep breathes as he gazed over the sickening sight. The stench was almost unbearable but by this time it was something he was used to. As his attention turned from the rotting corpses to the survivors, he noticed that one of them were on the ground holding his arm. He saw his arm covered into blood and knew immediately that he was going to turn. He watched as the other man leaned down beside his comrade and shot him in the head with a gun. The man patted his fallen comrade on the chest and then rose up to his feet. He then turned over toward Jack and both men locked eyes.

 

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Days before...

 

The intelligent zombie Bub sauntered around Woodbury with his pistol raised up in the air. He remembered that man who killed that young innocent boy in front of him. He felt something inside of him, he felt a certain kind of pain that burn deep inside of him. Bub was angry and sad at the same time; it was nothing he had ever felt before. He groaned as he saw a man standing before him. The man quickly turned around and tried to react to the zombie but Bub had already shot the man twice in the chest. The man fell back on the ground and blood started rushing out of his wounds. Bub walked over toward him and towered over the man. The walker just stared down at him and made awkward noises as he continued to roam through Woodbury in search for that ruthless monster.

 

Several armed men raced toward the sounds of the gun shots and found one of their own lying on the ground. The Governor appeared out of the darkness and stood over the man who was no gone. The Governor shook his head toward Merle, who impaled the dead man's head with the blade on his prosthetic arm. The Governor lifted his rifle and ordered his men to search for the killer. He then started making his way into the darkness. As he continued searching for the intelligent corpse, he heard the groans from up ahead. A smirk formed over his face as he saw the creature walking up ahead of him. The Governor aimed his rifle and shot out the creature's legs.

 

Bub fell to the ground after being shot several times in his legs. He dropped the pistol after falling on his back but he was determined to get it back. In the corner of his eye, he saw the man who killed the little boy. Bub groaned even louder as the man came closer toward him. The man chuckled as he kicked the gun away from the zombie. Bub swung out his arm and tried to grab the monster. The man jumped back and just laughed at the zombie's face. Bub noticed even more men appearing before him. He then noticed Milton walking up onto the scene. Bub reached out for Milton's help but Milton just turned away.

 

The Governor continued to torment the helpless zombie as he shot at the creature's body. Finally, the Governor turned his attention toward Milton. "This... This thing...", He said as he pointed at Bub with his pistol, "Is not one of us..." He said as he shot Bub in the head. Bub's lifeless body fell back onto the ground and the Governor signaled for his men to clean up the mess. He then sauntered over toward Milton and looked into his eyes. "I want you to continue you work." He said as he patted Milton on the shoulder. The Governor then walked off into the dark of night and headed for his apartment.

"I understand, sir." Milton said as a single tear ran down his cheeks as he watched the Governor's men take away the corpse of Bub.

 

As Philip sauntered into his apartment, he took out his pistol and set it on his desk. He walked over toward the mirror and just gazed at himself for several moments before rubbing his eyes. He glanced down at a picture of himself with his family and then at news articles that featured the first several days of the initial outbreak. He thought about his life before this apocalypse and realized that his life now in Woodbury was better. He always dreaded his everyday life in the world before this but now he had what he always dreamed of, he had power over people. He glanced outside into the night and watched over his town. A smile formed across his face as he knew none of these people realized who he really was; none of them knew what he had to do to preserve the town and to keep them safe. He provided for them and in order to provide, he had to do things that would be considered unforgivable, but he didn't care. He had no regrets in this apocalyptic world. He finally turned around and started heading towards a door to another room.

 

As he headed inside this room and walked by several jars of heads. He rubbed his hands across all these jars and simply smiled as he watched the heads inside, trying to bite his hand. Finally, he walked over toward a record player and started it up. The sweet sound of classical music flowed within this dark mysterious room. Philip closed his eyes as he opened a refrigerator and set it down on a table beside a chair in the center of the room. He walked over to a cage and started unlocking it and sat down against his chair. A smiled formed across his face as a walker rushed toward him. This walker was a small girl that he grabbed immediately. He gazed at her face and hugged her. Finally, he picked up the plate and put it before the young lifeless girl.

 

"I brought you dinner sweetheart." Philip said as he put the plate out for the young girl.

The zombie just grabbed the meat and devoured it. Philip stood over her and smiled as he watched his young lifeless daughter eat away at the meat. "I'm sorry Penny... I'm so sorry..." He said as he continued to watch his daughter eat. As the zombie finished up with the meat on the plate, she turned her attention to Philip. She rushed at him again but Philip grabbed her once again. He put a mouth guard on her and gently put her back in her cage. "I will see you tomorrow, sweetie." He said as the music came to an end. Philip walked over to the record player and made sure it was off. He then turned out all the lights and headed for his bed. He lay down against his mattress and just started up into the darkness. He thought about everything that had happened with that intelligent corpse but he believed putting it down was the right thing to do.

 

As a new day started, the morning rays shined through the windows of the Governor's room. He rubbed his eyes as he leaned up. He glanced over at a picture of his family and pushed himself out of bed. He started getting dressed and headed for the door. As he sauntered through Woodbury, a small smile formed over his face as the town gathered before him. He stood before all of them and felt the power dwell within him. As he spoke, he could tell that all of them listened and followed his every word. He told them about the night before and how one of their own was attacked by a biter. He told them not to worry because he was the one to put the biter down and that they secured the town. As he finished yet another speech, the town realized that they were safe again and started cheering for the Governor and his men. Before the Governor left he said one last thing.

 

"Get ready for tonight... Our reigning champ, Merle is going to attempt yet another battle!" The Governor yelled.

 

He watched as the town cheered yet again and the Governor shot off a warm glanced at Merle. Merle simply nodded and started cheering as well. Philip disappeared from the cheering crowd and headed over toward Milton's lab. As he walked in he could smell that it was recently cleaned. Philip found Milton on his hands and knees cleaning up the blood stained floor. A smile formed across his face as he glared at the scientist cleaning up after all of those filthy corpses. He simply started looking through notes that Milton took.

 

"So your idea of a study break is cleaning." The Governor said sarcastically as Milton turned around to see his leader.

 

"No sir... I... I just don't like working in a dirty environment..." Milton replied as he stood up before the Governor.

 

"I completely understand but sometimes dirty is all you got...." The Governor replied as he set the notes back down on the table.

 

"I guess you're right, sir." Milton replied.

 

"I wanted to apologize for what happened to your little test subject. It was a danger to Woodbury and I had to make sure my people were safe." The Governor said as he put his hand on Milton's shoulder.

 

"I completely understand, sir... The safety of Woodbury is my top concern..." Milton replied.

 

"And your other concern is learning more about whatever this is..." The Governor said as he turned and started walking out the door.

 

"I wouldn't have it any other way..." Milton said as the Governor disappeared outside the door.

 

As the Governor stepped foot outside, he was greeted by Martinez who informed him about a food shortage. The Governor glanced back at the town before looking over at one of his soldiers. He told Martinez that he and Mitchell would head out on a supply run later on. He then ordered Martinez to take guard on the wall. As Philip headed over to Mitchell, he was stopped by Merle.

 

"I wanna go with you." Merle said as he looked into the Governor's eyes.

 

"I'm sorry Merle but I need you here right now... You and Milton will be in charge of the barbeque..." Philip said as he started loading up one of the trucks.

 

"I ain't much for gatherin's..." Merle replied with his thick accent.

 

"I know but I need to see what's happening out there and I really need you here." The Governor said as he finished up loading up the supplies he needed for the run.

 

Merle finally shook his head in acceptance and the Governor put his hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry my friend... We will find your brother but right now, I want to make sure Woodbury is well provided for..." The Governor turned and signaled for Mitchell to get inside the vehicle. Merle, Martinez, and a couple others opened the front gate. The Governor drove off into the world of the dead and glanced back as the gate shut behind him. He thought about Merle for a couple moments and knew that if he left to find his brother, then he would never return. He knew that Merle was an asset that he could not loose.

 

After driving for about an hour, they saw several buildings up ahead. As they stopped in front of these buildings, the Governor gazed over the structures. He saw that the world was reclaiming what it once had within the abandoned town. A small smile formed over his face at the thought of the world. He signaled for Mitchell to go search through one of the buildings while he followed close behind him. They walked inside an old grocery store and started gathering the food that they could. After several minutes they heard the groans from outside. They tried to stay silent but it was no use, they were surrounded by a small herd. Philip watched as biters swarmed the area. He and Mitchell shot out at them and took down as many as they could, but it didn't matter. There were too many for just the two of them. After a while it seemed as if all hope was lost. Mitchell had been bitten and taken to the ground by one of the biters, but the Governor didn't stop fighting. All of a sudden, he heard a noise that gave him much relief. He turned his head for a brief second to see a man coming from out of nowhere to take out several biters. Finally, after a while, all the biters were down. Philip glanced over and saw Mitchell on the ground and he knew that he had to put an end to his misery. After finishing off Mitchell, Philip stood up and gazed over at the man that saved his life.

 

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"What's your name?" The Governor said as he started to breathe heavily.

 

"Jack... Jack Bauer..." Jack replied as he put his pistol back in his holster.

 

"Bauer.... I've heard that name before..." The Governor said as he leaned down to pick up the weapons from his fallen comrade. He walked over to his truck and put the weapons in the back. Then he turned back to face the man who saved his life. "I know who you, Mr. Bauer... You're a hero."

 

"I'm not a hero." Jack said as he started thinking about all the things he had done in his life.

 

"I watched you in that Senate Hearing years ago... You were on trial for protecting this country..." The Governor said as he leaned back against the truck with a small smile on his face.

 

"I did things... Unforgivable things..." Jack replied.

 

"But you saved innocent people... You saved this country..." The Governor said.

 

"But at what times does justice end and the crimes begin?" Jack asked.

 

"When protecting family, friends, and your people, there is nothing wrong." The Governor said.

 

"I did some bad things..." Jack said.

 

"Mr. Bauer, you saved my life, probably more times than I'll ever know but I want to do something for you." The Governor replied.

 

"And what's that?" Jack asked.

 

"I want you to come to my town of Woodbury..." The Governor replied.

 

"Woodbury?" Jack asked with a bizarre look on his face.

 

"Yeah... It's small but it has about 70 people, we have walls, food, and showers..." The Governor said with a smile.

 

"I'm sorry but I don't think I can." Jack replied as he started to prepare to leave.

 

"Please, Mr. Bauer... You saved my life... At least stay for one night... That's the least I can do..." The Governor replied.

 

Jack thought about it for a moment and glanced around the world. He glanced up into the sky and finally gazed back at the Governor... "Okay... I don't think I ever got your name..."

 

"It's Philip... Philip Blake..." The Governor said as he put out his hand.

 

Jack stared down at his hand for a moment and small smile formed across his face as he started to shake his hand. He looked into Philip's eyes thanked him for the offer. Jack put his pack in the back of the truck and then got inside the passenger seat. As they headed for Woodbury, they began to talk to one another. Jack did something he had not done for a very long time; he started talking to another individual and he started making a friend...

 

As they entered Woodbury, Philip got out telling the town about what had happened. Jack saw the look on the people's faces. He saw that they were saddened by the loss of one of their own but he saw that look become something else entirely. The Governor told them that someone saved his life. He told them that a hero from the world that once was had come out and saved his life. The town cheered as they saw Jack but he didn't care about all the attention. He disappeared one of the vehicles and the Governor simply told the town to go on with their day. He signaled for some of his men to unload the truck while he and Jack go get a couple drinks.

 

As they headed inside what appeared to be an apartment, Philip led Jack into his office. He told Jack to take a seat while he opened up a cabinet and pulled out a bottle of whiskey. He put a glass in front of Jack and poured him a little while he sauntered over to his seat and sat down. He poured himself a glass and both men took a sip. It's been a while since Jack had a sip of alcohol but he felt something of him. He felt a since of hope and this is something that he was also afraid of. Both men started talking and laughing amongst one another. Philip leaned back in his chair and really looked at Jack as both of them finished off their glass of whiskey.

 

"Look Jack... I want to be honest with you... I want you to stay..." Philip said as he pressed his chin against the palm of his hand.

 

"I can't." Jack calmly.

 

"Please Jack..." The Governor pleaded.

 

"What you got is great... In the world today, something like this is nearly impossible to find and it's worth preserving... But someone like me... I'm cursed... I will bring trouble..." Jack replied.

 

"Jack, I don't have many friends here... To be honest, I don't have any... I have loyal soldiers and advisors but not friends... I want you to be my friend... I don't know how to run a town... I don't how to protect these people in the long run and I think you were sent here to help me do this... I want Woodbury to survive and maybe one day hopefully it will become a part of history."

 

Jack thought for a long moment before finally leaning forward. He rubbed his eyes and finally leaned his face against the palm of his hands. He took a couple deep breathes before lean back in his chair and looking at the Governor's eyes. "Okay... I'll stay... I'll help you..."

 

"Thank you so much, Jack... This is truly a great day for Woodbury." Philip said as he poured himself another glass and then leaned forward to pour Jack another glass.

 

After a couple hours of just talking, the two men parted ways when a knocked was heard at the door. Jack quietly left as Milton came into the room to discuss some of his latest experiments. As Jack left, Milton started asking the Governor about Jack.

 

"Why do you want him here so badly?" Milton asked.

 

"You are a very intelligent man, Milton... Merle, Martinez, and all those others are very extraordinary muscle, but Jack... Ah... He's something else entirely... He's a weapon, a monster, an entire army..." The Governor said with a smirk as he sat down his in his chair once again.

 

"What if he does not agree with your methods?" Milton asked as he stared at the Governor.

 

"I guess we will have to keep that secret, won't we..." The Governor replied.

 

Meanwhile...

 

Jack started walking around the town and was greeted by nearly everyone. He simply smiled as they greeted him but he tried not to gain too much attention. Finally, he saw something that made him feel a little better about staying. He walked inside what appeared to be a library and as he walked in he studied his surroundings. He didn't notice too many people inside this library but he did see a man sitting in one of the chairs, reading what appeared to be the Bible. Jack just walked over to glance over the books and he knew the man was staring at him. Finally, he heard the man rise up and walked over toward him. Jack turned to face him and both of them stared at each other for a couple moments. A childish smile formed over the man's face as he put out his hand for him to shake.

 

"You must be Bauer..." The man said as he stared into his eyes with a thousand yard stare.

 

"Yeah... I am... Who are you?" Jack replied as he shook his hand and looked down to notice that one of his hands were gone. He looked over it and saw a metallic prosthetic hand.

 

"My name is Merle Dixon... I here you were once one of those government agents... I remember readin' about you torturin' all those rag head Muslim pansies." Merle replied with that same childish smile.

 

A little frustration started growing in Jack as he heard these words but he did not want to lose control. He could tell that Merle was a southern redneck, who probably didn't know any better. "That's right."

 

"Ha.... I also heard you protected that black ass President Palmer and that female whore President Taylor..." Merle said with that same smile.

 

This time the frustration grew to anger and Jack gave him the thousand yard stare. Merle looked into his eyes with that idiotic look and he knew he was getting under Jack's skin... A silence fell between the two as they just stared at each other. Finally, Merle broke this silence by saying, "I guess the Governor was right... You are some kind of hero... You're gonna enjoy your stay in Woodbury... We got the best food and a damn find library..."

 

Jack watched as Merle turned and sat back against his chair to continue reading. A couple thoughts went through his head about this guy but he did his best to fight all the bad emotions. He remembered his friend, David Palmer, and he remembered Allison Taylor. He did not like it when people talked bad about them but he knew he couldn't react to this anger. He turned and left the library, while Merle sat with a smile on his face. As Jack stepped foot into the town once again, he took a deep breath and tried to imagine this as his new home.

 

After several hours passed and night fell over the land; Jack and Philip met once again. This time they sat with a chess board between them. Jack told him that the last time he really played chess was with his daughter before his wife was murdered. Philip said that he hadn't played since long before the outbreak. As they started playing this game, they both talked about everything that had happened in their lives. Jack told him about all the friends that he had lost and how he was afraid to lose any more friends. Philip told him about Penny and his wife. He told him about his brother and everything that had happened after the apocalypse. Philip told him that before the world changed, he hated his life. He hated how he was treated by his superiors and how he felt trapped in his life. A small grin formed across Jack's face as he realized he felt nearly the same way. As the two finished up their game, Jack took up and shook Philip's hand once again.

 

"Thank you for giving me a place to stay." Jack said as he looked into Philip's eyes.

 

"Can I ask you something, Jack?" Philip asked.

 

"What is it?" Jack asked.

 

"I want you to take a group out tomorrow to search for supplies... I know this is a lot to ask but I feel comfortable with you being in command of them..." Philip replied.

 

Jack thought about it for a moment but he knew he had to repay him for giving in a safe place to live.

 

"I'll do it but I don't want Merle to come."

 

"I understand... Merle is erratic but he can get jobs done." Philip replied as he started putting away some of his things for the night.

 

"Thank you." Jack said as he left to go to the room he had been given.

 

As the day came to a close, Jack fell back against his bed and slowly shut his eyes. The dreams, the nightmares had come once again but this time they were different. At the end of the dreams, he felt a sense of hope. He had hope in this town and he felt he had hope in his new friend. As the day ended for the Governor, he played music for his daughter. He watched as she devoured her meal and he just sat watching her. "Honey, I have a new friend... He is going to help protect this town... He is going to help protect you..."

 

Several Months Later...

 

Everyone watched the skies as the sounds of a helicopter roared in the distance. Everyone saw it as it fell from the skies, then all they could see was the skies covered in dark clouds. The Governor, Jack, Merle, and all the other armed men gathered together to find out what had happened. After racing through the dead world, they reached the crash site. Biters had already made their way into the area and immediately they were taken out by the soldiers of Woodbury. Jack saw a lifeless soldier on the ground, missing the lower part of his body. Jack leaned down and closed his eyes as he pierced his skull with his blade. He hated having to do that but he did not want this fallen soldier to change. He saw the others dragging a wounded soldier out of the chopper and felt a little relief. The Governor ordered his men to load the wounded soldier into one of the vehicles. After a while, they decided it was not to head out but something else happened. Jack heard Merle's voice in the distance and saw him standing over what appeared to be two women. After a couple moments, one of the women passed out and then they were taken. They all headed back to Woodbury...

 

As Merle went to check on the two women, Jack and Philip went to check on the wounded soldier. His name was Lieutenant Welles. Jack could tell that he was injured but he looked as if he would pull through. The Lieutenant told them the location of his remaining convoy. A smile formed across Jack's face as he realized that he could actually save the lives of a group of soldiers. He glanced over at the Governor who also had a smile on his face but his smile was for something completely different. As the two men left the Lieutenant there, Jack and the Governor started to talk.

 

"I can take group out there and help the soldiers." Jack said.

 

"No... I will go out... I need you here, looking after the town..." The Governor replied.

 

"Wouldn't it be better if I was out there? I know how to handle these situations." Jack replied.

 

"I don't know anything about our new guests, Jack, and to be honest that scares me... They could be dangerous and I think you are the best person to keep an eye on them." Philip replied.

 

"I understand..." Jack said as he headed off, while Philip went to talk with the women.

 

After convincing them to stay for the night, the Governor leaves with a group to find the stationed soldiers. Several hours passed, the Governor and his men finally returned with a couple military vehicles. Jack walked up to see Philip standing before the town and giving a speech. He told everyone about the soldiers and he said that they were already overrun by biters before they even got there. Eventually he said something that shocked Jack completely... He told everyone that Lieutenant Welles did survive from his injuries. At that moment, Jack knew something was wrong but he did his best to ignore it. He knew Welles wasn't going to die but he couldn't believe that Philip would take the lives of innocent people. Jack stormed off before Philip could even finish his speech. Standing off to herself, Michonne gazed at the Governor and felt that he was lying. She glanced over the crowd and saw Jack storming off. She knew something was off about this whole thing... She knew something was wrong...

As night fell over Woodbury, Jack headed to his room after a quick game of chess with Philip. He tried to find something, anything that was wrong with Philip, but he simply could not bring himself to do it. As he went into his dark room, he took out his pistol and laid it on a desk. Then he looked up and felt a presence in the room. "What are you doing here?" Jack said calmly as he grabbed his pistol.

 

"My name is Michonne." Michonne said as she came out of the shadows.

 

"I didn't ask for your name. I asked what you are doing here." Jack replied as he gazed over at the woman.

 

"I don't trust the Governor." Michonne said calmly.

 

"That still doesn't answer my question... WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!" Jack roared as he held his pistol to his side.

 

"I think the Governor is lying... I think you know how to stop a man like him..." Michonne replied as she turned around started walking toward the door.

 

"I'm not that kind of person anymore." Jack replied calmly as he put his pistol back down on the desk.

 

"People never truly change." Michonne said as she walked out of the room.

 

As Jack stood alone in his dark room, he glanced around the room and thought about all the friends he had lost over the years due to corruption. He dropped his head and silently said under his breath, "Son of a bitch." Jack grabbed his pistol and put it in his holster. He quickly left the room and headed somewhere he knew he could get answers. Jack stealthily walked into Milton's lab and hid, while the scientist was conducting his experiments. Then he saw something that he would never forget. He saw Philip walk into the room with Martinez, Cooper, Gabe, and Shupert walking into the room with what appeared to be captives. As he looked closer, he saw the faces of a family; the family he had saved all those months ago. Jack watched as Philip executed this family in front of Milton and he told the scientist that it was for his research. Jack was about to grab his but then something stopped him. He knew he couldn't kill him, not now at least. He knew Woodbury would tear itself apart, if he killed their leader. He saw Philip leave afterward his men and told them that after Michonne left tomorrow, he would send Merle and a small group to hunt her down.

 

As he planned for war, he waited for the sun to rise. He watched as Michonne left and stealthily snuck out of the town. He followed closely behind her without being noticed and waited for the Governor's men to arrive. He knew she did not notice him but he knew they would arrive shortly. Soon, he saw the group and stopped in front of a warning that Michonne had left. It was not long after, that Michonne came out and attacked. She took out several members of the group but she was pinned down by Merle. That is when Jack came of hiding. He took out the last couple members and took Merle by surprise. Merle while distracted was knocked back by Michonne. Before he could reach for his pistol, he was knocked unconscious by Jack. Michonne stood over Merle and prepared to unleash a fatal blow on the racist redneck, but she was stopped by Jack.

 

"No..." Jack said as he stood over Merle and dragged him to a nearby tree.

 

"Why?" Michonne asked.

 

"We need answers." Jack replied.

 

Jack tied Merle up to the tree and waited for him to wake up. He glanced around and spit out a little blood from his mouth. He started to giggle as he saw Jack and Michonne together.

 

"Well, well, well... What do we got here? Secret agent man with a black bitch... That sounds like one of those Saturday mornin' cartoons." Merle said with his sadistic smile.

 

"Tell me about the Governor." Jack said calmly as he stood over Merle.

 

"Hahahaha.... Is this what this is all about? The Governor?" Merle said as he continued laughing.

Jack punched him across the faced and yelled, "TELL ME ABOUT THE GOVERNOR!!!"

 

"No need to get hostile, Jack... Our buddy, the Governor is pretty charming fellow... Oh the things he's done... The thing he made me do... Oh, I'm surprised you're finally gettin' around to askin' about his extracurricular activities." Merle said sarcastically.

 

"Did you kill those soldiers? Did you kill that family?" Jack asked as he leaned closer to Merle, putting the gun in his face.

 

"Well I don't know nothin' about any family but yeah Governor took us out to kill those soldiers... All he wanted was their fancy toys..." Merle said with a crooked smile.

 

Jack looked at him for a moment and shook his head. He glanced back at Michonne and then hit Merle across the face with the pistol. Merle's head fell back against the tree, as Jack told Michonne to back off. He said that they were going back to Woodbury and that they were going to put an end to the Governor's reign. After about an hour of walking, Jack and Michonne stood outside of Woodbury. He said that they needed a diversion, because they both could not take on the Governor's forces on their own. Jack looked around for a moment and realized that he had to have backup. He knew what he had to do and he hated having to do it, but he knew the Governor's men would protect the town by any means necessary. Jack and Michonne found a way to break down the wall.

 

Several minutes had past and then it had happened, the dead started coming into Woodbury. Several of the Governor's men shouted for all the normal people to return to their homes, while they were firing at these corpses. Michonne ran to several cages and open them all up. Several biters swarmed out and started making their way out onto the main street. Jack watched as the soldiers of Woodbury fought to protect their town. That is when he knew he had the perfect opportunity to take down the Governor. He stood outside the Governo's apartment and watched as Andrea ran outside to join the fight. Jack quickly made his way inside and saw the Governor standing with Milton.

 

"How did this happen?" Milton asked as he started breathing heavily with fear.

 

"It was Michonne... She's back..." The Governor replied as he started getting his pistol ready.

Martinez came running inside the room and told him about the cages.

 

"Damnit!!!" The Governor yelled as he kicked his chair over. "Find her and kill her!!! And get the walls back up!!!"

 

Martinez turned around but before he could leave, someone came out and shot him between the eyes. Martinez's lifeless body fell to the floor as Jack came out of the shadows. Milton tried to make a run for it but Jack knocked him out with his pistol. Then Jack aimed the pistol at Philip. The Governor stood in complete shock as he watched his loyal friend's betrayal.

 

"Even you, Jack?" The Governor said in complete shock... "You betrayed me?"

 

"I didn't betray you.... You murdered innocent people...," Jack said as he kept his gun on him.

 

"Innocent? Those people we nothing... You and me, we're the same." The Governor replied as he slowly walked behind his desk.

 

"DON'T MOVE!!! WE'RE NOTHING ALIKE!!!" Jack roared as he walked closer to the Governor.

 

"I fight for my people... I fight to make sure they can live and if that means doing bad things, then so be it. I am exactly like you." The Governor replied.

 

"You're wrong... I don't kill innocent people for my own gain..." Jack replied as he gave him scornful look.

 

"Then I was wrong about you, Jack... You're not the weapon I thought you were... You're weak..."

 

The Governor said as his hands went down under the table. Suddenly, smoke filled the room and Jack lost track of the Governor. The Governor ran out of the room, firing at Jack. Jack managed to take cover behind the desk, while Philip disappeared into another room. Jack gripped his pistol tight and waited for the smoke to clear. Finally, he made his way to the door and was prepared to take down the Governor...

[C.T.]

Yes, I know this match finished second in the February Challenge to Nova's match, but by all accounts, it came in a very close second place. And honestly, both Nova's and Boratz's entries that month were among the best matches entered in any of these challenges.  

 

[DSkillz]

 

[C.T.]

[DSkillz]

The site may go down at any time and no one else wants to preserve some of the great CBUB matches? That's kind of tough to believe. Once the matches disappear from this site, they may be gone forever otherwise. Also, if no one wants to deal with the block o' text matches in the latter half of the CBUB Archives, remember that the block o' text bug only hit the Archives in October of 2010. The matches before that were unaffected. 

 

Anyways, it wouldn't feel right if one of Dinsdale Piranha's matches didn't make it here. Most of them have been good to great, but I chose to induct this one due to it possibly having his best match recap. 

 

Catwoman vs. Amanda by Dinsdale Piranha 

 

This is part of an Arc, the last installment of which is found at Cheshire vs. Black Widow.

 

This is the wrap-up to Red Wolf and Fang (Gargoyles) vs. Sabertooth.

 

 

**************************************************************************

 

Red Wolf smashed his coup stick across Sabertooth's face, drawing a trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth. The brute only smiled and shrugged his arm, flinging the wolf that clung to his wrist across the room. He raised his bloody wrist and touched the tip of his tongue to his own blood, then grinned.

 

"A redskin, huh? It's been a long time since I got to kill your kind, Tonto."

 

Sabretooth slashed at Red Wolf, who ducked under the claws and slammed the heavy coup stick into his belly. Sabretooth's breath was driven out of his lungs. The next instant, the wolfskin warrior pivoted his body driving the other end of his weapon up into the mutant's jaw, lifting him off his feet. Sabretooth landed on his back, but kipped up instantly. He caught the next blow and tore the coup stick out of Red Wolf's hands.

 

"Pretty tough for a normal guy," Creed growled, "but I'm a lot better than normal."

 

"You talk a lot more, that's for sure," Red Wolf said. He lunged forward, slamming a powerful punch across Sabretooth's face. The larger man took the blow and wrapped his arms around the warrior in a powerful bear hug. Red Wolf grunted in pain and pushed Creed's head with both hands in a futile effort to make him let go.

 

Across the room, Jean deWolfe stumbled to the control panel. She searched for several seconds before finding the button that opened the mutate's cell. She pressed it, causing the Plexiglas door to rise. Fang leaped out and his puma's face seemed to grin as he saw Sabretooth's struggle had him facing the opposite direction.

 

"It ain't good to turn your back on Fang," he said as he sprang forward, his claws raking a bloody 'X' across Creed's back.

 

With a bellow of mingled pain and anger, Sabretooth dropped Red Wolf who collapsed, gasping for breath.

 

"If it ain't the kitty cat," he said, lunging at Fang. The mutate caught his hands and the two grappled for a moment in a contest of strength, then Sabertooth began to press Fang backward.

 

"Oh yeah?" Fang said. Electricity shot through his hands and into Creed's body, convulsing him and throwing him back. He hit a wall and almost fell. Fang followed with another bolt, and this time Sabertooth went down.

 

"Thanks," Red Wolf said, rising to his feet. "He nearly had me."

 

Fang looked at him warily, not saying anything.

 

"That all you got, kitty cat?" Sabretooth had risen to his feet. The wrist Lobo had bitten had stopped bleeding and he showed no after effects of the electric shock.

 

"Holy crap!" Fang said, taking a step back. "What does it take to put you down."

 

"We just try harder," Red Wolf said. He drew a hatchet and a big hunting knife from his belt and leaped at Creed. Lobo, who had recovered from being thrown, leaped at him from the other side.

 

"Oh hell," Fang said, and lunged forward as well.

 

The assault of fang, blade and claws was so furious that Sabretooth went down before it. Jean watched for a moment, mesmerized by the primal savagery of it, then recovered her pistol and readied it, waiting for an opening. It came a moment later as Sabretooth, in a savage show of strength, regained his feet and flung his attackers off in all directions.

 

Police policy said that Jean should give a suspect the chance to surrender before firing, but she had seen too much of this brutal giant to care about policy. She fired four shots, center mass, and saw Creed stagger as four bloody holes appeared on his torso. The brute staggered but didn't go down so Red Wolf lunged in, driving his knife between Creed's ribs and into his heart. As the wolfskin warrior stepped back, Fang fired a sustained electric bolt. Sabretooth sparked and shook for a full fifteen seconds before Fang stopped the current and the three watched as his smoking body collapsed.

 

"God, I thought he'd never go down," Jean said.

 

"You and me both, lady," Fang agreed.

 

"Not bad," Creed said weakly, raising his head. "But I heal real fast."

 

Moving painfully, he rose to his feet. As his enemies watched, he pulled the knife from his chest and cast it aside.

 

"No way," Fang whispered.

 

"He is strong, but he can be hurt," Red Wolf said. "Working together we can--"

 

"Together my ass," Fang replied. "I'm getting while the getting's good. If you're smart you'll do the same."

 

"Wait!" Red Wolf cried but it was too late. Fang leaped out the door and, with a flap of his bat-like wings swooped into the cavernous expanse of the Labyrinth.

 

"Now see what you did?" Sabretooth growled. "The freak's getting away."

 

Jean responded by firing the rest of her clip, one shot missed, but three hit the torso and one smashed through Creed's left cheekbone.

 

"Let's see how well you heal from a split skull," Red Wolf said, swinging his hatchet.

 

Amazingly, Creed caught the weapon by the handle and jerked it from the warrior's hands. Undeterred, Red Wolf began to pummel Creed's body with his fists and knees. It seemed to Jean to be working until Sabertooth slashed Red Wolf across his chest. As the wolfskin warrior staggered backwards Creed struck again, a downward slash across chest and belly.

 

Jean raised her weapon and realized that she hadn't reloaded. She ejected her clip and pulled another from her belt, but Sabretooth saw her. Ignoring the badly bleeding warrior, Creed leaped across the room and slashed at Jean. Her flak jacket saved her life as the tough Kevlar resisted the attack, but the force of the attack knocked her flat, with Sabretooth on top of her. He laughed as she struggled.

 

Jean heard a savage growl and felt Creed's weight roll off of her. she sat up to see Creed rising as Lobo clung to his back, fangs buried in his thick neck. Sabretooth managed to get one hand up to grab the wolf by the scruff of his neck and toss him aside. He turned back to Jean, a bestial expression on his face.

 

"Hey!" Red Wolf shouted as he rose. He was bleeding badly and looked like he could barely stand. "Hey, animal! Your fight's with me, remember?"

 

"You should'a stayed quiet, redskin," Sabretooth growled. "You're on your last legs and you got no weapons."

 

He sprang, but as he did, Red Wolf raised his hand and suddenly, miraculously, he was holding the coup stick. He sank to one knee, bracing the butt of the staff on the cement floor; Sabretooth's chest hit the other end so hard that he almost impaled himself on it. He went down with at least three ribs splintered, but started rising almost immediately.

 

"Bot bad, redskin, but I guess you're about out of tricks."

 

"Not quite," Red Wolf replied. He reached into his medicine pouch and withdrew a handful of whitish powder which he flung into Sabretooth's face.

 

The mutant roared with fury and scrubbed his eyes to get the blinding powder out. It only took a few seconds for his healing factor to recover his vision, but when he could see again, the warrior and the policewoman were gone. There was only the big red-furred wolf, growling at him.

 

"Fine," he snarled. "I can slice you into wolf-burgers and still track your master down, no problem."

 

He advanced on the wolf, which grudgingly gave ground until he had backed it into Fang's cell. When the wolf had nowhere to go, Sabretooth lunged at it, pinning it with his great strength. Before he could strike the fatal blow, he caught a blur of motion in the control room. Jean deWolf had been just outside the door and now raced in and hit the cell door control.

 

"No!"Creed yelled as he lunged for the descending Plexiglas door. He caught it and put all his strength against it. The door stopped, inches from closing completely, then began to rise very slowly.

 

Jean raced through the main door to where Red Wolf lay.

 

"He's caught, but that won't hold him long. We need to go."

 

"You go," the warrior said. "Call for back up. Don't worry about me."

 

"Fat chance of that," Jean said. "On your feet, I'll get you out."

 

She got him standing and threw his arm across her shoulders, then half-walked, half carried him back through the maze of passages.

 

"I'm sorry about your wolf," she said.

 

"Don't worry," he replied. "Lobo's okay."

 

She heard the sound of paws padding up behind them and wondered how the wolf could possibly have escaped from the cell. Then she turned all her attention to Red Wolf. He was barely moving and his breathing was weak and ragged. She didn't know if he'd live long enough to make it out of the complex.

 

Sabretooth had been straining at the door for nearly five minutes when hegot it high enough to allow him to squeeze out. He had healed almost completely, though the knife wound to the heart would probably bother him a little for several days. When he caught the Indian, he'd make him pay for that. He started to follow the blood trail when he heard the sounds of sirens approaching.

 

"Another day, redskin," he muttered. "I've lost one mutate already on account of you, I ain't losing another."

 

He turned and headed deeper into the Labyrinth, looking for the trail of Maggie the Cat.

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Mercy Graves drew on her armor. It was a slow and painful process, but she wasn't about to accept help from anyone. The armor was what she needed, it made her strong again and she could pretend she was still whole, like she'd been before Lex had shot her.

 

"That was an accident," she muttered, trying to convince herself. "He still needs me, or he wouldn't have given me the armor."

 

She finished and moved to the assembly area where Corey Mills and the other three members of Team Luthor stood. Lex was there as well, ready to give them instructions.

 

"I'm glad you could join us, mercy," he said with a hint of a sneer. "You five are going to Manhattan."

 

"What's the missing, sir?" Corey asked.

 

"There are some... creatures that David Xanatos smuggled into the country," Luthor said. "They're very dangerous, at least by night and it's not safe to leave them in his hands. I want you to recover them and bring them to me.

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

"I'll get you to New York," Batman said to Vincent. Ever since the lion-man had announced that a woman he was somehow connected to was in danger, he had seemed almost frantic to leave.

 

A computer screen flashed with an incoming message and Robin moved to answer it. He was glad of that; they didn't need one more distraction.

 

"Conners," he said and the scientist looked up. "Here's an untraceable cell. Call Quest and arrange the visit, then have your wife start packing, but tell her not to let anyone know where she's going."

 

"Alright," Conners said, taking the cell. He looked dazed. Vincent still looked anxious but was handling it amazingly well.

 

"Batman, you've got to hear this."

 

Something in Robin's voice told him it was urgent. He moved to the screen, where he saw Dick Grayson, looking pale and on the verge f shock. In a few words Dick told him about a fight with two assassins and Barbara's decision to give herself to them in exchange for her father's freedom.

 

"I'm on my way," he said.

 

"Batman..." Vincent said, but trailed off without finishing.

 

"It's okay," Batman said. "Conners, we have to leave you here for a bit, but you'll be safe. Robin, take the Wing and get Vincent wherever he needs to be in Manhattan. I'll be in touch as soon as I can."

 

Minutes later they were on their separate ways.

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

"Bro," Eddie Brock said, "Where you been?"

 

Peter Parker felt like wilting as he entered the biology lab at ESU. Eddie was his oldest friend but, since the Lizard incident, the tension between them had been growing by leaps and bounds.

 

"I had an assignment for the Bugle," he replied. "What's going on? Where's Doc Conners?"

 

"He never came back from the conference in Metropolis," Gewn Stacy said. "Mrs. Conners has been really worried."

 

"I had no idea," Peter said. "Has she called the police?"

 

"That's why she's worried," Eddie said angrily. "Somebody broke into the Doc's hotel foom. The place was torn to pieces."

 

"You don't think he's..."

 

"Become that Lizard thing again?" Eddie finished for him. "If he has, that's good luck for you. Maybe you can get some more photos of him for the Bugle."

 

"Eddie!" Gwen snapped.

 

"Sorry, bro," Eddie said. "I guess I'm just worried."

 

*******************************************************************

 

Amanda slipped through the cut circle she'd made in the window. She scanned the room with a hand held electronic device searching for alarms. She found several at the entrances, good but not that hard to beat for someone who really knew her stuff. She spotted a small cat watching her with wide eyes. That was a good sign; people with pets didn't use motion sensors or other devices that would register false signals.

 

"Good kitty," she said. "You aren't going to rat me out while I recover Mr. Xanatos' nice diamond, are you?"

 

She moved to the bedroom where her surveillance had shown her Selena Kyle had her floor safe. It was only the work of a few minutes to find it, though cracking it would take considerably longer.

 

The cat watched her from the door way, then trotted into the study where it hopped up on the writing desk and stepped on a small, red button.

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Selena and Holly were in a silver Jaguar F-Type convertible when Selena's cell phone went off. She passed it to her young friend.

 

"It's a text,"Holly said. "Someone's broken in to your apartment."

 

Selena wheeled the car around and sped back in the direction they had come.

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

"There you are," Amanda said as she opened the safe. She reached in and withdrew the biggest diamond she had ever handled, which was saying quite a lot. "Let's get you home to daddy."

 

"Let's not," said a feminine voice.

 

Amanda looked up and saw a cat-masked woman standing over.

 

"It's not nice to steal," Catwoman said.

 

*************************************************************************

 

Amanda wants to get the diamond back to Xanatos. She never kills unless forced to but really wouldn't mind roughing Catwoman up a bit. She has burglar tools and the funky trick the Highlander immortals have of producing a sword when you're sure they couldn't possibly be carrying one.

 

Catwoman isn't interested in killing either, but she's not going to let the diamond go if she can help it. She has her claws and whip. 

[DSkillz]

It's been a long time, and it's actually months overdue, but here comes the first of electricferret's post-closing tournament winners. First up is the winning entry of the Inaugural MagneticFox tournament. A good match indeed.  

Cad Bane's Hunt by Terranova

"Your task is simple, Cad Bane," purred the villainous dark shadow upon the icy throne, "Locate the Elements and return them to me."

The Duro sneered and shifted his weight to one side. "Sounds like a job for a pirate," he grumbled, insulted. Surely, his employers knew his reputation? "One easy call to the Hutts and you could find whatever you need. What makes this tag so special?"

The shadow giggled, its breath visible even in the dark. "I've underestimated the wielders of these relics far too many times in the past... You'd fare well not to do the same."

"Fine. I'll take the bait," Cad Bane retorted, raising his chin to emphasize his interest, "For the right price... Where are these... Elements?"

"Oh, it's not far from this world at all," the shadow answered, but Cad could hear the sinister smile lacing the tone, "Just a small town called Ponyville."

Ponyville...?

Cad Bane prowled the streets of the tiny, bright-colored town, careful to keep his hat low over his eyes as he searched for his targets. The Ice Queen had provided him with six symbols: an apple, a rainbow, three balloons, three butterflies, three diamonds, and a glistening star. Apparently, these were all the descriptions he needed... He still wasn't convinced.

"Never lower your guard, Cad Bane," she had warned, "These girls are as clever as they are lively. They are not to be underestimated."

"I'm one of the greatest bounty hunters this galaxy has ever seen," he scoffed, "I'm not afraid of a couple of... ponies." The word seemed to give him a bad taste.

The sound of girls laughing interrupted his thoughts. It was close. Just around the corner.

He approached stealthily, keeping close to the wall --close to the shadows. His thin, blue fingers hovered instinctively over his blaster pistols.

The corner opened up into a large plaza where five little ponies were all sitting on a red blanket among an array of apple-flavored dishes. They were conversing loudly --some over pets and others over an upcoming party.

Cad's eyes narrowed, realizing how the provided symbols were relevant... Each pony wore a custom mark on their haunches. From his place in the alley, he could see five out of the six he was given.

Five shots... Easy, he considered.

"There is one, tiny stipulation you must adhere to," the voice of the Ice Queen chimed in, "I'm well aware of your merciless reputation... But I'll have to ask that you do not harm any of those girls. I have an alliance of sorts with their kind... It would... complicate things."

"This is sounding more and more like a job for a pirate," he growled back.

"If you don't think your pay is sufficient for my conditions, feel free to walk away, Mr. Bane... But the last time I checked, you were one of the greatest bounty hunters this galaxy has ever seen. Surely, you can claim one of the greatest bounties this galaxy has ever seen."

Cad exhaled and reluctantly pulled his hands away from his weapons. Seems like a stakeout is in order...

"BOO!!!!" screamed a high-pitched voice from directly behind him.

Cad Bane spun on his heel, ready to silence the intrusive bystander. However, when he scanned the area... No one... His eyes narrowed.

"HIIIIII~!!!!" the voice screamed again, this time from his right.

Cad turned again, coming face to face with the wall he had been following two seconds earlier.

No one...

"Up HERE silly!!!!!"

The Duro looked up and was met with a wide-eyed pink pony grinning from ear to ear.

"Now you've got it!" she shouted excitedly.

Cad Bane balled his hand into a fist and made an attempt to hit the pony off of his head. Instead, she bounced off willingly and hopped in place next to him, seemingly not noticing his violent reaction. How had he not felt her there...?

"Who're---" he began, before stopping himself. Her mark... Three balloons!

"Ooo! I know! I know! You must be new around here!" the pink pony guessed, not bothering to pause for air, "Do you have any friends!? I'm everyone's friend!!! How're you doin' today!? Ooo, what's your name? I'm Pinkie! Pinkie PIE!!!"

Cad Bane hesitated, surprised by the unfolding events. However, the hesitation must have been for too long for the pony, because she began talking almost immediately and proceeded to bounce repeatedly into his back, pushing him out into the plaza.

"Me and my friends are having a picnic! You should join us!" She continued chattering nonsensically about streamers and horns and suggesting different foods that the newcomer absolutely HAD to try now that he had arrived in Ponyville. Only when she had pushed him over to the picnic, did Pinkie Pie pause to breath. "Hiii everyone!!! Look, I FOUND SOMEONE!!! HE MUST BE LOST!!!"

All of the ponies stared up in a mixture of surprise and mock excitement.

All, but one, of course...

"Aww, cool!" the blue pony with the rainbow mark exclaimed, jumping from her spot on the blanket and flying up to Cad Bane's face, "It looks like some sort of cosplay! I love your hat!" She snatched the hat from his head and tried it on, marveling in its 'coolness' before noticing his weapons. "And mock blaster pistols!!! They're just like the ones Fly Solo used in Daring Do: The Return of Harmony!" Faster than Cad could register, the pegasus pony had grabbed one of his guns and was posing with it in midair, making pew-pew-pew noises.

The Duro scowled and powered up his rocket boots, leaping into the air to grab his hat and blaster. He hovered for a mere second before dropping gracefully to the ground and holstering his gun.

The rainbow-marked pony started at him in awe. "Rocket boots....? SWEEEEEEET!"

"No one touches the hat," he grumbled, in his usual raspy voice.

"Oh! My! Gosh!" Pinkie Pie screamed at the sound of his voice, "Are you OKAY!? There's something stuck in your throat!!! Do you need a cough drop!?!?" She leapt at the picnic basket frantically, searching for a cough drop, "OH! HERE! Here's a cupcake!!"

Cad Bane saw the cupcake flying through the air as if in slow-motion, but it was still far too late to dodge. The iced side of the pastry smacked him directly between the eyes, stuck for a brief moment, and fell to the ground.

Maybe these girls are as clever as the Ice Queen warned...

Pinkie Pie took advantage of the silence, deciding this was the best time to introduce her friends to her new stranger. "This is Twilight! And that's Dash! And Fluttershy! And Rarity! And AJ! And Gummi! And Opal! And--" She continued naming off the insignificant animals and the owners of the nearby businesses before she was cut off.

"Pinkie, dear, you need to calm down," interrupted the pony called Rarity, "Let the poor stranger breath for a moment, okay?"

The yellow pony, Fluttershy, fluttered up to the Duro timidly, extending a clean, embroidered napkin in her hooves. "Hi, mister," she spoke quietly, "My name is Fluttershy... What's yours?"

"There's one girl you need to be particularly careful around," the Ice Queen had advised, "The one called Fluttershy. She's the dangerous one. Whatever you do, DON'T make eye contact."

Surely, the Ice Queen was paranoid...

"Bane," he rasped, examining the demeanor of this so-called 'dangerous one', "Cad Bane..."

She seemed startled by his response. Or was it just the sound of his voice? He took the napkin and wiped away the rest of the icing.

"W-Well, we have plenty of food if you'd like to join us," she suggested politely, "We have apple fritters and cider and all sorts of goodies. I'm sorry about Pinkie Pie. She gets a little excited around newcomers."

"YEAH I DO!" the pink pony screamed, as if she had been holding her breath until her name was mentioned.

"I dunno, Fluttershy..." Twilight spoke up, "He doesn't look like he wants to join in..."

"But, Twilight, darling," Rarity started, her voice falling into a gossipy whisper, "He looks hungry and lost! And LOOK at that raggedy coat..."

"Rarity! That's so rude!" Applejack snapped, before patting the blanket next to her, "C'mon over here, Cad! Bucked these apples from the tree myself! Yer welcome to 'em!"

Cad Bane resisted the urge to pull out his blaster and demand the whereabouts of the Elements. His hand twitched instinctively, but he knew that Rainbow Dash could reach his weapons faster than he could. Even at this distance.

"Remember, Cad, that killing them is out of the option. I need the Elements, not corpses."

"With as much as you're payin', you have a deal." He chuckled at his luck. Easy job: sneak and swipe. It wasn't his normal bounty, but it would do. Ponies...? Really?

"And, at all costs, avoid their magic... They have this so-called 'Friendship'. If you fall under their spell, you won't be able to complete your mission."

Cad Bane scoffed, "I always complete my mission. Make sure you're ready to pay up."





 

=========================================================================================== 

 

 

Will Cad Bane succeed? Or will he succumb to the Power of Friendship? 

 

 

Cad succeeds if he can befriend the ponies, find where they've hidden the Elements of Harmony, and return them to the Ice Queen. 

 

 

Cad fails if he actually befriends the ponies or kills one/all of them.

[DSkillz]

And now, here's the winning match of the 2nd MagneticFox Tournament, which is this member's second induction into this thread. 

ND10's Entry into the Writing Competition by ND10 (ND7 on EF)

The day Friday the 13th came to Nowhere  

(Jason Voorhees vs Courage the Cowardly Dog)  

 

 

Within the depths of Camp Crystal Lake, New Jersey, a terrible burden had been placed upon all foolish enough to visit the campgrounds. This burden had a name and it was Jason Voorhees. Ever since he appeared back on the scene after seeing his mother's decapitation by Alice Hardy, Jason's slew anyone unfortunate enough to be having a good time within the boundaries of the lake and even beyond it at certain points. But at the end of the day for all of Jason's strength and his seeming immortality, he's been defeated every time. From getting a machete stuck through the shoulder, an axe to the forehead, getting mutilated with his own machete and so much more.   

 

 

Despite all of the punishment inflicted upon him, the legend of Jason Voorhees grows with every new victim. But even then there are still people who wish to exploit the camp for their own purposes. Either considering the story of Jason to be a series of murders blown way out of proportion by the media or that Jason's been dead all this time and someone's just kept up the kills in his name. Either way, it helped give Camp Crystal Lake a infamous reputation. But there was still a niche that appealed to everyone right? Serial Killer memorabilia had to be one of said niches! Which is why two brothers, one of whom was named Sean and the other Wes were exploring the woods of Crystal Lake, armed with only pistols and flashlights.   

 

 

"You sure this is a good idea, Wes? I left the car running so not too late to turn back." Sean started only for Wes to continue to trudge forward as if he hadn't even stopped to consider what his brother had told him. Holding up one of his hands to the sky, Wes sighed. "You just gotta grasp the bigger picture here, Sean! This hockey mask wearing menace has been plaguing camp goers and skinny dippers for over thirty five years! Taking into account how many people's he killed and you can ask all over the country who Jason Voorhees is and I bet you'll get an answer! Not one you may like but still the point is Sean, that nobody escapes death. Not even Jason Voorhees. So all we're gonna be doing is finding this cabin of his and getting out because Jason's dead and he sure as hell isn't going to get up just because some young entrepreneurs wanted to carve out a spot in the dog eat dog world of shilling merchandise." Sean still didn't seem fully convinced but he supposed his older brother had a point. There was no way that Jason actually was some kind of undead serial killer, right? It had to be some guy pretending to be Jason!

 

 

"Aha, found the treasure chest of slasher merchandise! C'mon Sean, I can't look through this place by myself!" Wes called over to his brother as they had finally stumbled upon the cabin that Jason had constructed for himself while hiding out in the woods for who knows how long. Feeding on the local wildlife to sustain himself and Sean had to admit that for someone who was apparently mentally-disabled, the place was cobbled together sure. But for him alone to be able to construct this seems like it'd have taken a lot of work. But Sean was shaken out of his silent admiration for the shack as Wes yelled to him from a fair distance away.   

 

 

"Hey Sean, take out your phone and take a picture of me walking past Jason's shack! We can frame it and put it out on display! Man walks aside Jason's Shack and survives! We'll be big and the headlines will be all about us!" Sean wasn't one to argue with Wes over things since Wes usually did the thinking for both of them but something just didn't feel right about this. This almost felt shameful in a way. To be disgracing the terror Jason's victims went through when they saw this place before he murdered them. "Sean! I'm not going to ask again! Take the picture already so we can go inside!" Stumbling with his phone, Sean dropped it on the ground and sighing, he knelt down to pick it up only to pause as he noticed a peculiar reflection on the screen of his phone. It seemed like it was quite a distance away but there seemed to be some kind of mess of debris and one of the diamonds on Jason's mask could have been seen poking out through it. But that couldn't be right could it?  

 

 

 

 

"SEAN! What is taking you so long?! I could have walked to Manhattan with all the time you're chewing up!" Wes roared as Sean gulped and quickly prepared his phone's camera. He guessed he'd just have to tell Wes once they were inside. That was all and Wes could prove that his eyes were just deceiving him. But first he had to take the photo that his brother had been requesting for the last few minutes.   

 

 

*click*  

 

 

Smirking as the picture was taken, Wes quickly ran over to see how it had looked. If his brother had done a good enough job than this could totally be the flagship of their store! Jason's Shack right front and center mounted on the wall as people walk in.




"Yeah, yeah! I can totally get behind this picture, Sean! The fact that you managed to catch the trees in the frame helps to emphasize just how much of a wildman Jason was! He didn't care one bit about nature getting it's dirty paws all over his shack. Then you got me walking by with my head slightly tilted to the side to show that 'whoa, this is actually where the infamous Crystal Lake Killer once called home' This is gonna be everyone's reaction once they see this picture atop our wall! Now, let's get inside Sean. So much more to explore!"


Sean couldn't really say that he was too eager to continue. Not after the sight he thought he had seen in the reflection on his phone. But Wes seemed dead-set on going and Sean doubted he'd be swayed just by what his little brother thinks he saw laying under a bunch of dirt and leaves. So following Wes in as they closed the door behind them, Sean quickly cupped a hand to his nose. "Eugh! What the hell's that smell?!" It smelled like something that was long since dead. Wes didn't seemed deterred by the rancid scent one bit and continued further within the confines of the shack. Until he finally reached the source of the smell. With a ring of bodies laying around her a shrine had been made to Jason's mother, Pamela Voorhees. With her head sitting atop her blue sweater.


Barely being able to prevent himself from retching all over the damn place, Sean made his way into the backroom and nearly leaped back as he saw his older brother reach for the head. Rushing forward, he sought to grasp Wes's hand. "Wes, what the hell do you think you're doing? That's Jason's mom right there! You can't take her head!"



Annoyed by his brother's pesky interference, Wes sought to shove Sean aside and smacked Pamela's head off the table. Only so he could grab her sweater it seemed. Tossing it over his shoulder, Wes angrily turned towards Sean and pointed a finger in his direction. "I don't know where you think you can get off telling me what to do, Sean. But that stops right now. I'm the older brother and that usually denotes that I'm the one telling you what's what. I don't want the head. I want the sweater because do you know how many sickos would want to try on Pamela Voorhees's blood-stained sweater? They'd be lining up by the dozen! Now, quit your bellyaching and get up. We need to keep looking."



As Pamela's head rolled along the floor after being swatted aside, outside within the woods a muted thumping could have been heard. This was the sound the black heart within Jason Voorhees's chest made as his mother's words rang out to him, even after her death and while he had laid dormant in the woods for years and mother nature had began to take a toll on him. Still, his dear mommy's voice was clear as it had always been.


"Jason, my special special boy! Do you know what your gift is? No matter what they do to you, you cannot die. You can never die! You've just been sleeping honey! But now the time has come to wake up! Mommy has something she wants you to do. The children have been very bad. Hear my voice, Jason and live again!"


The words cascaded across the depths of Jason's mind like a demented cacophony. The forest was like a crypt with how deathly quiet it was. Not even the occasional chirping of a bird cut through the silence. The comparison of the forest to a crypt might have been more accurate than one would think. For if one took even a single cursory glance around the campgrounds, they'd see trails of blood leading to mutilated corpses of all shapes and sizes.


They were all teenagers and adults who made the mistake of trespassing onto the territory of the ever vigilant guardian who stalked Crystal Lake for as long as people could remember. Who was this guardian you may have found yourself asking? His name was Jason, Jason Voorhees. He was the average age of a child participating in Camp Crystal Lake's summertime activities.


But there was something wrong with Jason. Apart from obvious things like a bloated head, mangled teeth, and mental retardation, he just seemed to have a hard time interacting in general. He never wished to leave his mother's side. For he would be and always was her special boy and nothing would ever change that.


He had been electrocuted, had a house caved in on him, blown up, had chemical waste hurled into his face, nothing would keep the undead spawn of Pamela Voorhees down forever. The one thing that had delayed him the most however was being dragged to Hell while his body resided in the forest. Left to rot away as leaves hid it from sight and foliage began to grow through Jason's exposed ribcage.


Upon hearing his mother's words however, it only meant one thing. The hands of hell would not be able to keep Jason imprisoned if his mother wanted him for something. As his healing factor kicked in, Jason's decayed form rumbled and his blackened flesh began to cover up his organs once again. His black heart began to beat despite no blood having circulated through Jason's body in years. But he still had one last thing to do before he rose up. As his gloved hands tore through the leaves and snapped the vines in half, he'd grip the hilt of his machete which had been laying nearby as his eyes finally shot open.






Pushing himself up from where his corpse had been sitting all these years, Jason threw a test jab at one of the nearby trees. Tilting his head as his fist smashed straight through the bark of the tree, he'd pull it back and watched at the black ooze that had been his blood at one point drip out of his knuckle. Having lost any sensation of pain after becoming an undead, it only made him curious more than anything else. But he was at least confident that even as his soul was tortured down in Hell, his body hadn't grown weak. But there was work to do. Children to punish because his mother was never wrong. They were all sinners and sinners deserved to die. Tightening the grip on his machete, Jason turned and shambled his way off in the direction of where he had heard noise.


Guilty.

They were all guilty


Just like the ones who murdered his mother.

He'd make them all pay.


Back at the shack, Wes was quickly growing aggravated for there didn't seem to be much more for them to take. Pamela's sweater and the picture of the shack seemed to be the only grabs they had gotten for the day. Little did they know of the murderous legend that was about to reveal that he was much, much more than that. "Wes, isn't this enough? Don't you think we should get going before Jason gets here?" It was only after he had spoken that he realized that he hadn't informed his brother of what he had seen until this moment. Quickly cupping a hand over his mouth, he was pressed back into a corner by a inquisitive Wes.


"Until Jason gets here? Sean, Sean, my little brother. I think you're finally starting to grasp the bigger picture I was talking about. Imagination like that is exactly the kind of stuff we're going to try and get out of our customers. They'll see this sweater and believe they really are Pamela Voorhees. But let me set the record straight and say that Jason Voorhees is dead! No ands ifs or buts about it! The guy was hacked to pieces and you're expecting me to believe that all those other murders were him? He's still buried back at the cemetery!"


Before Sean could even think of a good counter-argument and bring up the reflection, he noticed a figure making his way towards the window. Grasping Wes by the collar of his shirt he'd seek to drag him to the ground as the glass was shattered by someone leaping through it. As the figure walked closer into the light, it became obvious to these two who this was. The rotting flesh, exposed bones, and all kinds of damage to the mask. Glancing down at the two with his one good eye, Jason's mouth twisted into a grimace as he noticed one of the sinners had his mother's sweater. It wasn't his to take! It was his mother's! This one would pay a much more painful death.





As Jason raised his machete with his intent being clear, both Wes and Sean rose to their feet and bolted out through the door. Turning his head to face the two as they ran, Jason made no outward gesture to show that he was bothered at all by them running away. All of his victims assumed that due to his decayed body, he wouldn't be able to keep up with them as they ran. Which in most cases they were right. But what they failed to take into account is that due to Jason's undead nature, he'd never tire. So they could run to the ends of the Earth, but Jason would still be following behind. The same went for these two as they raced back to their car with him slowly trodding after them.

"This isn't him, this can't be him! Jason's dead!" The sight of this was just too much for Wes to bare as his facade finally shattered. He was the one afraid now as Sean was desperately reaching for his seatbelt to clip it in so they could get going. But Wes was leaving with the sweater and that was the end of that! Reaching for his pistol, he'd turn the safety off and proceeded to unload upon Jason. But for every bullet that impacted him, it was another one wasted as the lead buried itself within Jason's undead body. But even as the sickly looking black blood ran out of the wounds it made, Jason wasn't slowed one bit and he continued forward. Not seeing any point in wasting anymore bullets if they weren't gonna stop him, Wes buckled himself in and helped Sean do the same. "Get us the hell out of here, Sean!"

Slamming his foot down on the gas, the car quickly swerved past Jason and away from Camp Crystal Lake. They had managed to escape from his punishment for now. But as long as one of them continued to hold his mother's sweater as if it were his own, they'd never be truly safe and so Jason followed in the direction that the car had blasted off to. Sure, he'd never be able to keep up with it. But that didn't matter. He just had to be patient was all.

As for the brothers after their run in with Jason, the idea of being serial killer merchandise buffs didn't seem as appealing. As they drove, Sean turned attention briefly to Pamela's sweater which had been idly tossed in the back seat as they burned rubber out of Camp Crystal Lake. "Wes, you do know that he probably won't stop until he gets the sweater back right? I say we burn the damn thing. Are you listening, Wes?" Sean asked as it seemed his brother had yet another idea swirling in his head. "Alright, so getting merchandise from Jason's shack turned out to be a less than stellar idea. But what about this? We pawn off the sweater to someone else. Let them deal with Jason." The mere thought of 'siccing' Jason on some poor unfortunate soul was enough to make Sean's stomach do a series of twists and turns. But he also didn't want to risk coming face to face with the undead mass murderer when he least expected it due to his brother's greed.

"..Who did you have in mind?"


"A little family out in the middle of Nowhere, heh.."




While Sean was initially confused by what his brother meant by nowhere, it became clear all too soon upon arriving at their destination. It was indeed right dab smack in the middle of Nowhere, Kansas with dirt as far as the eye can see and only the house and this windmill being anything worth noticing as they pulled up to the front of the house. Stepping out of the car with Pamela's sweater over his shoulder, Wes started to make his way towards the door and gave brief knock on it. This knocking was disturbing the farmer of the home, Eustace who just wanted to read his paper.


"Oh for pete's sake! Go and answer the door, you stupid dog!" Eustace growled as he gave the sleeping pink beagle on the rug a kick in the rear. The dog was sent flying through the air until he impacted into the door. Sliding down it, he'd whimper as he rubbed at the new bruise on his head while opening the door. Seeing Wes standing before him with the sweater, Courage took a whiff of the new smell approaching his nose and turned green with disgust. The smell of that sweater was awful! Glancing down at Courage, Wes flashed a smug smile as he reached down to pet the dog on the head only for Courage to growl at him.


"Aww, now that's no way to be. I just want to drop off a gift to an old associate of mine is all! Now why don't you go and fetch her for me like a good little dog?" Wes asked only for Courage to fold his arms defiantly. Just as Wes was about to punt Courage into next week, a femine Scottish-toned voice broke into the conversation.


"Wes? Wes Cunningham? The same one who took classes with me back in dear ol Scotland?" The voice asked as Courage began flailing his arms up and down and sprouting all sorts of gibberish to indicate that Wes wasn't to be trusted. But as this was the only way to get Jason off their trail, it'd have to be done. So giving a sharp kick to Courage, the dog was sent flying up the stairs as Wes turned towards where the new voice was coming from. "Muriel! Muriel Bagges! I'm so glad you remember me! Yes, that's right. The only American in your class, as a matter of fact!

"It is you, Wes! Oh it's been far too long. Please, sit for a while. I'm almost done with my latest batch of vinegar laden cookies!" Although Wes hadn't been bothered by the smell of Pamela's sweater or Jason's undead body, he knew of Muriel's affection for using vinegar in just about everything and that was far more scary than anything Jason could do to them. Quickly holding the sweater out, Wes shook his head. "O-Oh of course not! I'd really hate to impose on you and your husband, Muriel. I merely came to see if you'd be interested in taking this sweater off our hands. I think it'd look great on you!"

Without even waiting to see if Muriel approved of the choice, Wes shoved the sweater over her head and it was rather small on Muriel's 'hefty' frame. Clasping his hands together, Wes smiled. "It looks beautiful, Muriel! A bit snug I'd imagine but I'm sure you'll adjust to it. Ah, well I can't keep my brother waiting. I'll talk to you again, Muriel!" Wes exclaimed as he turned to quickly head out but only after shooting a glare Courage's way. "Stupid dog."


Picking himself up from where he had been kicked, Courage stuck his tongue out at Wes as he left. Him just deciding to randomly approach Muriel out of nowhere with that nasty smelling sweater didn't sit right with Courage. "Something's fishy here or my name's Nosferatu and it's not!"


Having kept to his paper the whole time Wes was around, Eustace was quietly fuming at how this stranger just up and gave Muriel a gift. Who did this Cunningham think he was?! Giving his wife a sweater! One that smelled almost as bad as that stupid dog! Clipping a clothspin over his nose, Eustace lowered his paper and walked over to Muriel as he began to tug on the sweater, much to Muriel's annoyance and confusion. "Eustace! Have ye lost your marbles?!"


"This sweater smell like wet stupid dog! You're gonna have to get rid of it, Muriel! One way or another!" The farmer exclaimed only for Muriel to thwack him right on the head with a rolling pin. Recoiling, Eustace quickly placed his hands to where he had been bonked. "Ow! What did I do?!" Whimpering as Eustace had lost the battle for the sweater, Courage would just have to keep a closer eye than usual on his two owners as they slept tonight. But Eustace had other plans. Stripping the sweater off Muriel as she slept, Eustace made his way out to the back of the house and quickly tossed the sweater into a garbage can. "Hahahaha! Let's see her wear that!"

Having tracked down the brothers relentlessly, the search finally seemed to have come to a stop at this worn down home. He had been biding his time to strike. But before he could the brothers had escaped yet again and his mother's sweater was now in the possession of someone else who didn't deserve it! Standing behind the windmill, Jason's one eye widened as he saw Eustace chuck what appeared to be his mother's sweater into the garbage! His entire frame shook with unbridled rage as he decided enough was enough. Putting aside his hate for the brothers, Jason started to head towards the backdoor. Meanwhile, Courage had been booted out of the bedroom by Eustace upon his return.

Deciding he'd try to go and sleep on Muriel's chair in the living room then, he could have sworn he saw something approach the back door as he cascaded down the stairs. Gulping, Courage's body was a mess of sweat and fur as he slowly approached the door. "The things I do for love.."

Pulling open the door, Courage would have glanced up to catch all of Jason as the undead killer's body shook with every ragged breath he took. Courage had seen zombies before. But those were easy to fool and he had just buried them under a lot of dirt! But this guy seemed very different from those two and a lot angrier to boot. So he decided the proper reaction was in order.


"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"




Ironically for all the brutal murders he had under his belt, Jason couldn't find it in himself to hurt an animal. So all Courage's screaming warranted from him was willful ignorance as Jason walked past the screaming dog. He had seen the man with the hat head back in through this way and he'd tear this entire house apart if it meant finding him. He'd pay for throwing his mother's sweater among their filth and garbage! Courage was frantically hopping from one leg to the other. There was no way he could bring this guy down all by himself. But he was going after Muriel and Eustace no doubt! He had to protect them!

[DSkillz]

Here is where the restart of the CBUB Monthly Tournaments is represented in this thread. This is the highest-rated entry from the June 2020 Tournament winner, the Outstanding Matches debut of Bergy_Berg. Congrats!

Sherlock Holmes vs. The Question by Bergy_Berg

Watson locked up his bicycle, scanning the park for his long-time associate. It did not take long for him to identify Holmes, dressed in his usual tweed attire. The detective leaned against a large oak; his legs stretched out before him. 

“You have taken your dear time Watson.” Holmes did not even turn his head, almost as if he had a preternatural ability to identify his friend. “I have sat in this park for no less than 10 minutes awaiting your arrival.” 

Watson chuckled to himself. “You will have to excuse me, I was not expecting to be asked to come out and enjoy nature today.” As the doctor came closer an all too familiar scent overcame him. “Holmes, you haven’t.” 

Sherlock pulled a pipe from under his cloak and took a puff. He exhaled, filling the air around himself and Watson with the smell of opium. 

“Of course, my dear Watson. There is no finer place in this city to light my pipe. This park is poorly patrolled by the local constabulary, children are currently in school, and the trees provide both shade and some protection from the noises of the city.” 

“So did you invite me here to ask if I would like to partake in an illegal substance?” 

“Of course not, I know my vices are of no interest to you. I asked you here to assist me with a mystery.” Holmes motions towards two tables about 100 feet away, where two groups sit around empty pizza boxes. “Do you notice anything strange?” 

Watson takes a moment, watching and listening to the two groups. He gathers his thoughts together in his head, trying to use the methods of deduction that Holmes has displayed over the years of their friendship. “Well, it appears that one of these groups is comprised of large, mutated turtle creatures, and the other has a talking dog. Both mysteries very worthy of your mind.” 

Holmes scoffed. “It’s elementary my dear Watson, these are hardly worthy mysteries. The ‘turtles’ you mention are obviously the result of chemical runoff, and reside in the sewers under this fine city. They appear, normally at night, to fight crime and evil ninjas. They came out today to enjoy some of New York’s finest food. And as for the talking dog, well I will not insult your intelligence by giving you the obvious explanation. Perhaps you will reason that out on your own over time.” 

“Then why did you call me out here.” 

“At first it was simply to have you take me home, as I have over-indulged in my pipe and need some help. I hope you brought the extra helmet as I asked.” 

Watson sighed. “Yes Holmes, I brought it. I feared I might be pedaling for the two of us. But for what other reason am I here? What is the mystery?” 

“Those pizzas were delivered from restaurants across town. The gang with the dog received theirs in just under the requisite half hour, a difficult but not impossible task. But the turtles received theirs far quicker, as if there were no obstacles in the path of the delivery boy. The game is afoot my dear Watson, and I will not rest until I discover the means of locomotion used to traverse this city so quickly.” 

 

 

Meanwhile, far above the Earth, the Huntress pressed a button to open the sliding doors to her boyfriend’s room. “Q, what are you obsessing over now?” 

The Question was pacing in front of a large corkboard. Strings connected pictures of pizza places, parks, and city streets. “There’s something strange happening in Queens. Pizza Time, a small pizza restaurant, was having difficulty making timely deliveries. Customers were angry, refusing to tip or even pay. That is until a month ago. Somehow this little shop is making consistent on time deliveries, regardless of traffic and supervillain activity.” 

“I take it our date night may be off?” 

“There are dark forces at work Helena. No ordinary pizza boy could do this. What means are being employed, and to what ends? Is this pizza being used to mind control the local population? Is there poison in the pepperoni? Why have the customers not asked the question?” 

“Can we at least grab a slice while we investigate?” she sighed. Question is a sweet man, if not a bit much to handle. 

“Of course, we’ll have to. How else can I run the lab tests necessary to know if these pies are part of a diabolical plot?” He caught the glare from Huntress. “Of course, we can also grab some to eat-from a less nefarious establishment.” 

“Fine, but you know the terms.” 

“Of course,” Question’s voice lowered to a whisper. “I wear the red thing later.” 

 

 

 

Sherlock Holmes and the Question are both investigating Pizza Time. The winner is the first to uncover that Peter Parker is indeed Spider-Man. 

[DSkillz]

And now, here is the higher-rated entry from the July 2020 Tournament winner, SSJRuss. Congratulations on your Outstanding Matches thread debut!

Teletubbies vs. Sesame Street by SSJRuss

Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street?

To Sesame Street!

To Sesame Street!

Sesame Street…

 

Cookie Monster appears in front of a blue backdrop. He stands behind a table. The table has an empty plate on top. Cookie Monster holds a large sack over his shoulder.

“Oh ah. Hello. Ha Ha… Me is Cookie Monster. Today, ah--” He stares at the camera, eyes glossy. “Oh yes. Today we learn about accidents. Yes, accidents. Accidents happen. Cookie Monster was in a cookie accident. Nevermind Cookie Monster’s band-aid.”

The camera switches over to a different backdrop. This one is yellow with Abby Cadabby in front. “Cookie Monster wasn’t supposed to talk about accidents that day. He was assigned the letter ‘O’.”

Big Bird sits next to Mr. Snuffleupagus on the front steps of his home. “He wasn’t paying attention, but we could tell something was wrong with him, right, Mr. Snuffleupagus?” He nods with his long hairy trunk and Big Bird continues, “Would you wear a bandaid and not tell anybody how you got it? And what was with that sack?”

Back to Cookie Monster, who has put his sack on the table. “Okay. Me going to show you what’s in the--”

“Hey, Cookie Monster!” calls a high-pitched voice from offscreen. Elmo joins him in the shot, smiling as usual.

Cookie Monster is startled. “Oh, Elmo. I didn’t see you there.”

“How are you doing?” Elmo asked.

“Me fine, me fine. I was just about--”

“What’s in that bag?” Elmo asked, reaching for the opening of the sack.

Cookie Monster stares at him and pulls it away. “Me was going to show them, Elmo. These special--”

Elmo notices the band-aid on Cookie Monster’s arm. “Oh, Cookie Monster, what happened to your arm!?” he cried.

“That. That nothing Elmo, leave it alone.”

Elmo tries to grab Cookie Monster’s arm to get a closer look. Cookie Monster is pulling away. The two of them engage in a tousle before Elmo gives up.

“It was accident!” Cookie Monster shouts, “Accidents happen!”

“Yes they do,” Elmo agrees, “I’m- I’m glad you’re okay, but I think you should see a doctor.”

“No, me fine,” Cookie said as he reached into his bag.

The camera swings to Elmo later on. He’s sitting in a chair, interview style. “He wasn’t fine.”

Back to Cookie Monster, who pours the bag onto the table, revealing bread with smiley faces on them. “This is toast. Okay? It like a cookie. It crunchy. It munchy. Oh, it’s very good--” Cookie Monster jams the toast in his mouth, crumbs and pieces falling all over the place.

“Toast?” Elmo inspects one of the smilies. “Where’d you get these, Cookie Monster?”

Cookie eats a second toast before he answers, “Me found them…” He continues eating.

The camera switches back to Big Bird on the steps. “We have no idea where he got that toast. We were all concerned so we started an intervention.” Mr. Snuffleupagus nods next to him.

The camera goes back to Cookie Monster, but time has elapsed. He’s sitting behind a round table and his Sesame Street friends are with him. They are all looking at the half empty bag of ‘toast’.

“None of the kids said they made these, Cookie Monster,” Abby says, “You didn’t buy them and we didn’t make any, so we want to know where you found them?”

“Me… don’t want to say. Me, embarrassed.” Cookie Monster responds, fumbling with his fingers.

“What does embarrassed mean?” asks Javi, a four year old boy, standing next to Big Bird.

Big Bird leans down to the child, “Well Javi, it’s when you are afraid of what someone might think about you. Like if they’ll still be your friend or not.” He gestures to the others. “We’ll all still be Cookie Monster’s friends, won’t we?”

Everyone at the table cheers and agrees.

Grover pats Cookie Monster’s arm, avoiding the band-aid. “It’s okay, Cookie Monster. We’re your friends. You can tell us anything.”

“Me know.” Cookie Monster looks down at the table until he raises his head to look at everyone gathered around him. “Thank you for being friends. Me tell you where I found them. On a trip. Far away from Sesame Street.”

“But how did you hurt your arm?” Big Bird asks.

Before Cookie Monster answers, several loud metal thuds sound from outside and the camera shakes as the Sesame Street residents jump up from the table and rush to the window.

The Count makes it to the window first and laughs, “Ah, ah, ah! We have new guests! One, two, three, four guests!”

From outside, a faint singing could be heard.

“And what is that they are carrying?” the Count continues, “One, two, three, four bats! Ah, ah, ah!”

Abby Kadabby tilted her head, confused. “Bats?”

“Baseball bats! Ah, ah, ah!”

Ernie points and gasps, “That’s Oscar’s trash can! It’s all bashed in!”

The camera pans away from the table where Cookie Monster is shoving as much toast as he can into his mouth and jostles as it finds a place to film at the window. The area is crowded and the viewer can barely see past a clump of Big Bird’s feathers.

Four large, tubby-looking figures sway down the street to the rhythm of their own song. One purple. One green. One yellow. One red.

“They’re scary,” Javi whimpers from somewhere offscreen.

“Tinky Winky,” the purple one sings, spinning its bat in a circle. It seems to hear Javi’s whimper, as it stops in front of 123 Sesame Street and looks directly into the second floor window.

“Dipsy!” sings the green one, excitedly kicking Oscar’s can onto the ground.

The yellow one smashes a window across the street with its bat. “Laa-laa!”

The red one brings his bat down on Oscar’s head, “PO!”

Everyone gasps and Javi starts to cry for his mommy.

Tinky Winky stares at the camera through the window and whispers, “Tubby toast...”

Big Bird knocks the camera back as the Sesame Street gang all turn to look at Cookie Monster.

The table is empty and Cookie Monster is frantically licking up tubby toast crumbs. “Ah-- It was accident you see. Accidents happen.”

[DSkillz]

Here is the higher-ranking entry from the winner of the August 2020 Tournament winner and second repeat tourney winner, SSJRuss. Congrats on getting another match in this thread, Russ!

Batman vs Beetlejuice by SSJRuss

I can still feel the weight of the bottle in my hand, so I must not have dozed for long. I open one eye to see the light coming from a slit in the curtain. I get up, pull back the curtain, it’s already morning. The sun stretches across my Montana Ranch, dewy grass reflecting the light onto me and my living room.

I close the curtain, letting the natural dark return. I go back to my armchair and my drinking. Scotch is my only companion during this damn pandemic.

“I haven’t left home in months. It’s driving me crazy.” I’m the only one to hear my words. It echoes down the halls of my house.

Maybe it’s the scotch or the lack of sleep, but talking aloud seems to help calm my nerves.

“This house is too damn quiet.” I consider turning on the stereo. Maybe it will wake me up more. But I can feel my eyes droop, so I know I probably wouldn’t find a record to listen to anyway.

Honestly, this damn chair is too comfortable to get up. That was why I bought it. Great for sitting and thinking. Terrible purchase.

I give up the effort of standing. I take another drink and let my eyes settle.

Something on my left breaks the quiet. I push open my eyes and look to the shelf I left my phone on. I hadn’t touched it in days so it should be dead. The noise is gone as fast as it came, so I couldn’t even register what it was.

“Hearing things ya’ old fart.”

Even if it is the phone, it is likely more bad news about the world. Everything is going to hell while things seem to stand-still. Makes me regret coming here, thinking it was a good idea to isolate.

I look at the bottle next to me.

Guess I don’t do so well with isolation.

“I kicked this habit a long time ago, so why am I doing this to myself? You’re pathetic, Michael.”

A voice responds, “You can say that again!”

My back stiffens with a chill and my body responds as if I hadn’t spent the night drinking. My eyes dart around the room and notice the light coming through the curtain again. It’s just a sliver but… now there’s a pattern to it that reflects along the wall. Horizontal stripes stretching across the room.

“Who's there?” My voice echoes just like it did a minute ago. Now, I don’t feel so comfortable.

I may be old, but my hearing works just fi--

The voice cuts off my thought, “Only the ghost with the most, Mikey!”

I recognize that voice. It’s--

“Talking to yourself again, Mikey? And here I thought I was the crazy one!” The voice belongs to me. I see myself step from a shadow in the corner. I’m dressed as Betelgeuse from the Beetlejuice movie I did in the eightys.

The sight of him makes me slip from my chair, I drop the bottle on the way down. The liquor soaks my carpet as Betelgeuse walks closer.

“I don’t… How did you get in here?” I ask. The Betelgeuse me was as young as the day I played him all those years ago.

He doesn’t answer. Instead, he stops to stand there and stare at me. I realize I’m staring into my own eyes.

I can feel the panic settling in my stomach next to the booze. Somehow my hand finds my chair and I pull myself up to my knees. I’ve dealt with crazed fans before, but none of them have ever broken into my house. “You some kind of nut, huh? Some dressed up freak!?”

I need to find my gun.

“Oh geez.” Betelgeuse covers his mouth with his hand. “I forgot my mask, didn’t I? Dang. I had a really nice one too. It had all these teeth and worms--” I could tell by his expression he was mocking me. He starts pulling things out of his pockets to continue this sick joke. I tell him to leave but instead he pulls out sand and a few shrunken heads from his pockets.

“Crap, I uh, must have left it in my nice suit. No worries.” He gets closer to me and my body feels like it’s going into shock. I try to stand but he kneels in front of me and puts his hands on my shoulders.

I can’t explain how, but this guy was me.

“Like a mirror, right? Well, a more handsome, youthful mirror but hey, can’t win them all!” He laughs and I see the crooked teeth I wore during filming Beetlejuice.

“How did you get here? Why do--”

“Look like you? Because I am you! Geez, you Hollywood types really do forget about the people that got you where you are.” I hear the crackle of his spine as he stands and looks down on me. As if he is ashamed of me.

“No… You're not real.” I reach out slowly. I needed to be sure.

“Want to test that?” he says back to me. The stench of his breath wafts over me and the whiskey sitting in my stomach rears up my throat and onto the floor.

He doesn’t say anything but when I finish, I hear something from the other side of the room. It’s music. It’s faint, just in the background like it was far away. It’s an all too familiar instrumental from the Batman movie I did years ago. I raise my head to see, but my vision is still hazy. I squint at a vague outline of a man in the shadowy corner.

Betelgeuse looks to the same corner and shrieks, “Batman!?”

Betelgeuse is right. It is Batman. But not just Batman, he is me. My suit. My height. My dark expression behind a mask. He steps into the striped light, practically gliding as he reaches the scotch drenched spot on the carpet.

I stare, but I find no words to say. Betelgeuse doesn’t have that problem.

“God damn! I can’t believe this.” Betelgeuse approaches Batman with excitement and shakes his hand. “I tell you sir, sir, it’s been a pleasure to meet you in this existential crisis. Really it’s an honor. Big fan here. Tell me, have you ever worked with Ozzy?”

My Batman shoves him backward. “Social distancing, clown. Or should I call you by your real name?”

Betelgeuse’s seriousness came back to him. He points his finger at Batman, “Go ahead, make my millennium! You can’t hurt me, Brucey!”

Instead of answering him, Batman turns to me. “You’re sick. You need help. I can give you that.”

“NO!” Betelgeuse gets between me and Batman. “He’s fine here. Have you seen this guy? Most stable guy I know!”

“Don’t test me.” Batman’s voice shutters through my body. Damn, I could give a performance.

“I’m just doing my job, okay! I don’t make the rules here, he does.” Betelgeuse points his thumb back at me without taking his eyes off Batman.

With my stomach now empty, I manage to stand and get in my chair. I still don’t understand why this is happening. “I’ve gone crazy. You’re both me.”

They ignore me.

“I can tell, that you can tell, that I know what he really wants. He needs total immersion theory and lucky for him, I’m what you’d call a professional. Hold on, let me show you my card.” Betelgeuse starts going through his pockets again.

Batman takes one stride and grabs him by his collar, lifting him off the ground with inhuman strength. “Tell me something. Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?”

Betelgeuse tilts his head, then whispers, “Between you and me, we did a lot more than dance if you know what I mean--”

Batman throws him against the wall, but Betelgeuse shakes it off immediately. “You wanna get nuts?” He grabs a vase from the table and smashes it, “C’mon then, let’s get nuts!”

 

Battle for Michael Keaton’s mind-

Batman (1989) vs. Betelgeuse (Beetlejuice, 1988)

[DSkillz]

Here is the higher-rated entry from August 2020's tourney winner and second repeat-tourney winner, JohnnyChany! Congrats!

Hawkins A.V. Club vs. G'Mork by JohnnyChany

 

 

“Your friends are here Dustin,”  Ms. Henderson called out.

Before young Dustin could open his bedroom door, his two friends, Mike Wheeler and Lucas Sinclair, busted through. Dustin’s Star Wars figures and remote control robot fell from their perched shelf.

“What’s up guys?” asked Dustin. “We literally just got back.”

“You tell us,” replied Mike. “You called last night and said you found something really awesome in New York and had to show us.”

“Oh yeah.” Dustin rummaged through his backpack and glanced back up at his friends. “Before I show you it, I have to tell you how I got it.”

Mike and Lucas listened intently.

“So my last night in New York I talked my mom into letting me go see that movie Lucas won’t shut up about,” said Dustin.

“Weird Science?” Lucas blurted with excitement.

“That’s the one. She didn’t want to go so I had to find a theatre close to the hotel. It took me a little while but then there it was, some old fashioned theatre in the middle of New York City.”

Lucas beamed with pride. “Wasn’t that movie amazing?”

Dustin shrugged. “It wasn’t terrible. It was way too derivative. Frankenstein for teenage boys, I think they could have done it better.”

“What?” Lucas replied in disbelief.

“I think Lucas just liked it so much because he has a crush on Kelly LeBrock,” Mike guessed.

Lucas turned his expression of bewilderment toward Mike. “And you don’t?”

“I mean she is pretty,” Mike stammered.

“Pretty?” Lucas repeated.

“That was another thing I didn’t like, they have what is essentially a genie and they do nothing cool with her,” said Dustin.

“You’re missing the point,” Lucas insisted. “Even if you take the magic out, these two teenage boys put their heads together and started to make something really cool. Just think of the possibilities of what we could create if we put our minds together. Easily something way better than that ham radio tower you are so proud of.”

Dustin got defensive. “Cerebro is a monument to scientific ingenuity.”

“For what purpose? You use it to sing “Neverending Story” with your girlfriend in Utah.”

Mike raised his arms and positioned himself between his two friends. “Guys! Guys! How did we even get into this argument. Dustin, what did you find in New York?”

“Right The theatre was almost empty, so after the movie I started chatting with the projectionist, some old guy named Nick. We talked about movies, and then we talked about incredible things we have seen in our lives…”

“Dustin, please tell me you didn’t tell him about us,” said Mike

 “Of course I did,” answered Dustin. “I told him about us, and El, and the Demogorgon, and the Mind Flayer…”

Mike’s eyes widened with disbelief. “What the hell, man! What if he tells the government, We could get in a lot of trouble,”

Dustin waved his hand dismissively. “Nick won’t tell the government. And, even if he did no one will believe some crazy old movie projectionist,”

 

 “Still seems like a weird conversation to have with somebody you just met,” commented Lucas.

“Well, I will have you know that Nick happened to love my stories. So much so that he gave me a present to show his gratitude.” Dustin lifted up his backpack He reached inside and procured a golden ticket with a magic eye symbol emblazoned in the middle.

Mike furrowed his brow. “He gave you a fancy movie ticket?”

“No. He gave me the ticket given to him as a boy by Harry Houdini,” Dustin corrected. “It’s a magic ticket. Nick says it has a mind of its own. Look..” Dustin wiggled the ticket, nothing extraordinary happened. He could feel the disappointment radiating from his friends. “Just a second.” Suddenly, golden sparkles and small flashes of electricity emanated from the ticket.

“Is it some kind of electronic ticket?” Lucas wondered.

Dustin flipped the ticket to reveal both sides. “Do you see a circuit board anywhere? I told you it’s a magic ticket.”

“What do you  do with a magic ticket?”

“Well you...I mean I can...well… I don’t know but it looks cool and it’s a magic ticket from freakin’ Harry Houdini and you guys should be more excited about it,” Dusin insisted.

“I guess,” said Lucas.

“Maybe you should destroy it,” Mike suggested.

“What!?! Why would I do that?” Dustin yelped.

“Do you remember the last cool thing you found that you were so excited to show us? It turned out to be a baby demogorgon,” said Mike.

Dustin stood with his mouth open for a moment. “How can you even compare those two things? This ticket didn’t come from Hawkins Lab. It came from a cool guy in New York who met Harry Houdini.”

“Regardless, it’s not as cool as you made it out to be,” said Lucas.

“Unbelievable. I thought you guys would be alot more enthusiastic about this.” Dustin turned his attention specifically to Lucas. “You were so amazed by some pseudo science magic from a movie. News flash Lucas you can’t find a way to get a super model to jump out of a computer screen, no more than I can get wizards and monsters to jump out of my tv screen. But, this, here, this is a legitimate magical artifact and you have no reaction.”

“To be fair we have all seen some crazy things the last few years.” Mike looked down at his watch. “Dustin, I gotta go, I need to go…”

“Call Eleven, of course,” Lucas sighed. “God forbid a few days go by without that.”

 

Later in the evening, lightning filled the night sky and it began to rain. Inside the Henderson household, Dustin sat on his couch, still simmering over his earlier interaction with Lucas and Mike. He looked over Houdini’s ticket. It sparkled in his hand, and he regarded it with a mix of adoration and confusion at Mike and Lucas’s lack of appreciation for the object. He placed it on the armrest of the couch and picked up his walkie talkie. He considered calling Mike to ask how Eleven was doing and if he had got a chance to talk to Will as well. Eleven had left with the Byers family to go house hunting during the last week of summer. Will’s mom was determined to move out of Hawkins. Dustin secretly hoped they would fail, and be forced to stay. He held the walkie to his mouth, but then he stopped himself. Dustin decided he did not want to talk to Mike anymore that day and instead wanted to think about someone who always made him feel happy and appreciated, his long distance girlfriend, Suzie. Dustin walked over to his VHS collection and picked out Suzie’s favorite movie, The Never Ending Story. Dustin popped the movie in the VCR and laid down on his couch to watch it. He did not make it far into the movie before the jet lag from his flight caught up with him. He fell asleep on the couch.The golden ticket by Dustin’s feet sparked more intensely than it had ever done before and a soft glow radiated from it. 

 

“DUSTIN!! DUSTIN!! DO YOU COPY? WE HAVE A CODE RED! REPEAT WE HAVE A CODE RED!!”

The shouts from his walkie talkie woke Dustin up from his slumber and he sprang to his feet to grab the walkie talkie.

“This is Dustin.”

“Dustin, I need you to meet Mike and me on Weathertop,” said Lucas.

“What’s going on?”

“I don’t know.”

“Is it the upside down?”

“I don’t know.”

Dustin quickly ran out of his house and hopped on his bike. The rain had stopped, but the thunder and lightning were now louder and more continuous. Dustin pedaled as hard as he could to get to the highest point in Hawkins, Weathertop. As he biked through the town, Dustin was confused by what his eyes were seeing. It was Hawkins, but there was something different about it that he could not quite identify.

When Dustin arrived at the hilltop, Lucas and Mike were already there standing with their bikes. Dustin followed their gaze to a large beam of light shining down in the distance.

“When the storm started acting crazy, I went outside and saw that beam,” Lucas explained. “I couldn’t tell exactly where it was coming from so that's why we came up here so that we could see all of Hawkins.”

Mike’s face was a pale shade of white.

“Mike, you look like you’ve seen a ghost,” said Dustin.

“Not a ghost, but I’m pretty sure I saw Falcor. Maybe even Rockbiter, but definitely Falcor flying in the sky while I was biking up here,” stated Mike.

“Falcor? The luck dragon from Neverending Story? Are you sure?” asked Lucas. “You didn’t say anything when we got here.”

“I’m still processing,” Mike admitted.

“So you’re saying the creatures from the movie, the Never Ending Story, are invading from the upside down?”

“I was just watching that movie before I fell asleep.” said Dustin.

 “So they didn’t come from the upside down? Did they come from your tv? Did the storm bring them to life?”  Lucas theorized. “Is Weird Science actually a real thing? Dustin, do you have any action figures of Falcor that could have been hit by lightning?”

Realization washed over Dustin’s face. “The ticket?”

“That golden ticket?” asked Mike.

“When Nick was given that ticket by Houdini, Houdini told him it was a passport to another world. My stories about the gate are what originally reminded Nick of it,” said Dustin.

“You’re just telling us this now?” screamed Mike.

“I didn’t want to freak you guys out, or have you assume it was dangerous,” said Dustin.

“Dustin! Look around, that thing is dangerous!”

“Man! This is bad. If Falcor is here from Fantasia do you think other characters are too?” Lucas wondered. “Like Bastian or the Nothing or….” Lucas stared up into the sky as lightning danced across it like a ballet stage. His eyes then returned to the ray of light in the distance. “That must be the home of…”

“The child-like empress,” Dustin interjected. He built up his resolve. “Guys, we can do this. We know the story. All we have to do is get there and give her a name.”

“The only place we should go to is back to your house to get that ticket,” said Mike.

“We can’t go back there. If my mom discovers that I warped reality I’ll be grounded forever. I’m telling you we can do this. We have figured out more difficult campaigns before,” Dustin insisted.

“Have you forgotten. We are missing two of our party members,” replied Mike. “Who knows what will be out there.”

“I vote we go back to Dustin’s house,” said Lucas.

“Majority rules. Let’s get going,” announced Mike.

Dustin relented and the three boys jumped back on their bikes and headed back home. On their way through the forested area on the outskirts of town, Dustin suddenly stopped.

“Do you guys hear that?” he asked.

A voice rumbled through the trees. “Hello? Hello? Is anyone out there?”

 “Someone needs help.”

The boys wandered through the forest. Lucas was the first one to see the origin of the voice, He froze with fear. In the distance, green eyes and large white teeth pierced through the darkness. A low growl discharged from a mountain of black fur. It was the large wolf, it was G’Mork.

“Come closer, boys. Come closer,” G’Mork beckoned.

Mike, Lucas, and Dustin did not move.

“I am weakened by my neverending hunt.” G’mork breathed heavily and then raised his voice. “Come closer so that I may devour you and regain my strength to track down the one who can stop the Nothing.”

“Is Atreyu here too?” Dustin wondered.

G’mork’s eyes widened. “How do you know that name?”

“Run! Run! Run!” Mike shouted.

The boys ran back to their bikes. G’Mork slowly rose to his feet. His failure to capture Atreyu in Fantasia had led him to starvation. Starvation he was willing to give into. Until now. These strange boys had given him new purpose. They knew who Atreyu was. The hunt was on.

 

VISUAL TIMELINE/REFERENCES:

[DSkillz]

As I'm adding this match, I want to acknowledge a mistake on my part. In the HoF thread, I mentioned that JohnnyChany and corvette1710 were co-winners of the September 2020 Tournament, when Johnny was actually the outright winner. I misconstrued the announcement made on the tournament's thread, my bad.

Since I've already added all of both Johnny's and corvette's tourney entries in the HoF thread, though, I am still adding corvette's higher-ranking entry here. He did get the only perfect score of the tourney, after all.

With all that said, here is the higher-ranking entry of the second-place contestant of the September 2020 Tournament, corvette1710!

The Scorpion King vs. Predator by corvette1710

The noonday sun turned the dunes of the Sahara a brilliant white, beautifully pristine slopes extending past the horizon, the only evidence that anything else existed being the incredible azure expanse above it, cloudless and clear.

It was here that the armies of the Scorpion King would soon march. If one listened, one could hear their footsteps, their immense thunderous din, from over the horizon. So great was the number of soldiers that they were coordinated not by terse command, but by sonorous horn, for even the loudest voice could not carry over an entire column of marching infantrymen. Each man in the army was trained and conditioned, each equipped with a long spear and a hide shield, and a short sword at their hip. Officers rode horses of impeccable breed, and their rank was emblazoned on a metal tag hung from a leather thong about their neck, ranging from tin to steel.

But the true majesty of the army was the King himself. Mathayus was a warrior of unmatched prowess—the greatest to ever live, most would agree. His physique was as if sculpted from marble, rippling muscles and long, flowing black hair draped over broad shoulders. He was unarmored, and this would not change come time for battle. He was an Akkadian, the last of his kind, a legendary assassin made ruler by right of combat, having killed Memnon the Conqueror some two years prior. His copper skin glistened with sweat, for the desert reached more than one hundred degrees this time of day.

He rode on camelback, his preferred steed due to their intelligence relative to horses. On his hips he wore twin scimitars, and in a saddlebag were many other implements of murder and war. On his face was an aggrieved expression.

“Do you believe we will be victorious in Thebes?”

“The answer has not changed, my love. Waset will elude you. I must again ask you not march on the city—take another target, any other, and you may yet succeed,” the sorceress Cassandra said with a sigh. Mathayus would not meet her eye, his jaw set as he looked out over the dunes. She knew he would not be swayed. Thebes—or Waset, to residents of the former Upper Kingdom—was a target Mathayus had his heart set upon acquiring. Her hand rested on his face, and he put his own hand on hers in order to gently pull it away.

“I cannot heed you, sorceress. Menes has been pushed back time and again—Thebes is his last stronghold before Aswan, a far less defensible city. Balthazar would want us to continue.” Mathayus finally looked to Cassandra, their eyes meeting for the first time in that conversation. Balthazar had been lost a year prior on the campaign, but not fallen in battle—assassinated and killed in single combat, by the looks of things. He was found without spine or skull. “I will soon prove your vision wrong. Fate cannot stop me.”

On the last word, Cassandra began to smile but then collapsed, almost falling from the camel if Mathayus were not there to hold her. Mathayus knew it to be a prophecy.

***

The Yautja stood at the bow of his personal craft, his small, beady eyes scanned the stars ahead of him, which were overlaid by the ship’s onboard computer with the names of destinations, species of note, and warriors of merit. The great dark sea beckoned him closer, the void calling his name.

He turned back to piloting apparatus and sat down, dragging a long, claw-tipped finger over the interface in order to zoom the star map into a particular area, and from there again, until he’d settled on a small system of eight planets, on which only one had notable lifeforms: N’ithya.

The civilizations on N’ithya were ramshackle—perhaps a millennium had passed since the Yautja had discovered the world and brought some small measure of technology to its inhabitants in the form of pyramids. Some six or seven cultures had been visited by Yautja emissaries, who were hailed on arrival as gods.

The Yautja tapped N’ithya on his console and the planet expanded to fill his view, a large hologram showing its topography with small areas filled in to mark civilizational boundaries and dots to mark notable warriors’ rough locations on last scan.

Something piqued his interest, now that he examined N’ithya more closely: A large shaded area on the map showed the territory of one called the Scorpion King. A blinking area of shaded land signified territorial expansion, and this blinking area had last been updated one year prior, when the Yautja challenged and defeated a warrior in the region.

But the cluster of dots signifying worthy warriors was still significant. The Yautja mulled over the idea of taking them all as he cycled through their files until finally he rested on the greatest of them: The Scorpion King himself.

Just looking at the warrior king excited the Yautja, his mandibles extending and retracting and a long, clicking growl projecting from his throat.

Yes…this is the prey.

***

A great, white moon. A black sky tinged with the red and orange of a burning city, towers of smoke billowing into the air. The blaring of war horns, the waving of great red flags. Above it all, glowing yellow eyes.

The scene changes. The desert is quiet and gray beneath the moon’s pale light. The clang of clashing weapons is in the air as Mathayus meets blades with a hulking form. His twin scimitars are locked against some sort of gauntlet blade, and she can see his white teeth gritted in struggle. The huge figure’s back is to her, so she can’t see its face, only the dreadlocks on its head and the glint of its armor. Its skin is a mottled yellow, and as she watches it raises the hand that isn’t keeping Mathayus at bay, two blades on its wrist catching the light of the moon.

A flash of metal blinds her, and she is awake. Above her head is a war tent, and she lies on the bed of a stationary palanquin. As she rolls over to get up, she notices Mathayus watching her from a stool on the other side of the room. It seems to take him a moment to recognize she has awoken.

“It has never been so severe,” he said as he rose to go to her side. “Your visions have been taking a greater toll on you these last years. They didn’t used to.”

“They have also become... more severe. More specific. More grim.”

“What have you foreseen?” Mathayus grabbed a pitcher of wine and a goblet, poured the former to fill the latter, and brought it to her lips. She sipped gratefully.

“It is hard to divine. I saw a great moon and a burning city—Thebes, if I correctly recognize the symbols on the flags. I saw no direct indication of victory for you, nor for Menes. In the sky I saw… something that looked like glowing, yellow eyes. Cruel eyes. But it is the second half of my vision that worries me most: I see you in combat under the moonlight with a warrior of incredible stature and strange weaponry. You were under great strain to hold him back. The vision ended with flashing steel, and no victor was shown to me.”

Mathayus frowned for a moment, looking pensive, then spoke. “If Thebes is burning in your vision, it is likely that we have breached its great walls. This may be a sign of imminent victory.” He pulled her close and kissed her forehead. “It is five days to the full moon, as you described. We will reach Thebes in three. Rest up.”

***

The Yautja reached N’ithya the same day the siege of Thebes began. With a slide along his command console, the ship began to descend through the planet’s atmosphere, cloaking itself so as to be indistinguishable from the clouds and sky to the simple oomans below. The ship landed outside the view or hearing distance of any path taken by an ooman in the last year. Disembarking onto the shimmering sand, the Yautja’s face turned into something like a grin, or whatever would pass for it among his people.

The time would soon come to face down his true prey—along the way, though, was small game.

Night began to fall and the siege continued to rage. It was a simple matter for the Yautja to scale Thebes’s walls along the far side of the city under cloaking device. The city watch was too busy keeping up with signals from the walls under siege to notice him as he made his way toward the royal palace.

King Menes’s guard were not great warriors, and they died as they lived: Inconsequentially.

The Yautja pushed open the doors to the king’s chambers and found the king was ready for an attacker. The muscular man brandished a polearm and swung it at the alien’s form with vigor.

Vigor that was all but useless before the might of the Yautja. With a raised arm he caught the shaft of the weapon just below the head and broke it off, the blade clattering impotently to the floor.

“What are you?” the man asked, fear invading his eyes.

It was a question the Yautja had heard from oomans many times over the years, but even if he could understand beyond contextual implication what they were asking, he wouldn’t answer. They were game to him, and game didn’t need reasoning. Game existed to be hunted.

“What are you?” the Yautja shot back at him in a warbled, mangled version of his own question, in his own voice, then rushed forward and extended his wristblades at the same time, such that the two were one motion. The king was too slow and caught both wristblades in the chest, and the Yautja picked him up one-handed, the bleeding king kicking helplessly at empty air, unable to scream due to his punctured and lacerated lungs.

Blood bubbled from the king’s lips as he looked at something behind the Yautja.

That was all the indication necessary for the Yautja to turn and catch the thrown knife before it hit him in the back of the head. In the doorway was the true object of his hunt: The Scorpion King.

An excited, trilling growl left his mouth as he dropped the dying king.

***

Mathayus knew Thebes’s walls could hold his armies at bay for years if they had to—the only option to win here was to assassinate leadership within Thebes—the king and his generals had to die. He figured he could start with the king, who would be by far the hardest mark as a result of his combat prowess and status, meaning he could give Mathayus a fight on even terms and that he had bodies between him and Mathayus. Killing others first meant more bodies could be dedicated to Menes.

But while stealthily navigating Menes’s castle, he not only met little resistance, he found dead guardsmen littered throughout the citadel.

When he finally reached the royal bedchamber, he found the towering form of the Yautja with its back turned. A knife left his hand within moments, but something must’ve tipped the thing off to his presence, because in a blur of motion it turned and caught it.

Mathayus drew his scimitars, glancing out the window. No smoking buildings. The infiltration teams he’d sent in must not have finished setting the keg charges yet.

The huge thing took thudding steps toward him, bent low in a challenge position, ready to pounce as the two began to circle one another.

Like a flash it was on him, and he was hard-pressed to even parry the giant’s thrust. The weapons on its arm were very strange—two parallel blades attached to a gauntlet.

He returned with a strike to its head that merely glanced off its large facemask, then followed that ineffective blow with a knee to its unarmored thigh. It was like he was hitting a rock. He grit his teeth and leapt back to try to put distance between himself and the monster.

It didn’t allow him space as it used its unbladed hand to deck him across the face, sending him sprawling onto the balcony, thumping against the stone columns of the baluster.

Mathayus looked up and cursed. The moon was not yet full. The prophecy was yet to come.

But that, he realized, brought with it an advantage. He had to live to see the prophecy. He looked back at the Yautja as he stood, feigning weakness. He didn’t know if it would fall for his ploy.

It leapt at him, and fell right into his trap. Mathayus dropped beneath the charging alien and used its forward momentum to put it over the side of the railing. It caught the stone, its claws digging into the masonry as it dangled over the courtyard some hundred feet below.

“It’s not time for me to die!” Mathayus raised a scimitar to chop at the hand of the thing, but it let go, saying in his own voice:

“It’s not time for me to die!”

Mathayus recoiled—that was Balthazar’s voice. He sounded desperate; he sounded afraid. Balthazar had never been afraid before. Was this thing what had happened to him? What had killed him so brutally?

It landed hard, cracking the stone beneath its feet, and let out a chilling laugh, then Mathayus lost sight of it, despite his wide, enraged eyes tracking it with inhuman intent the entire time.

Two days later, Thebes was on its last legs and Mathayus’s infiltrators had successfully breached the city walls. Mathayus watched from the riverbank as the smoke curled into the sky, framing the full moon.

Tonight is the night.

Mathayus glanced over to the dunes every once in a while as he pored over battle plans, and it was nearly midnight before he saw anything. It was brief—perhaps a trick of the eyes—but he thought he saw a flash of yellow eyes, just as Cassandra described in her vision.

He studied the area for a moment more before deciding he would leave to face his fate, be that to emerge victorious or to die at the beast’s hands. Cassandra’s vision had been unclear as to the outcome of this battle, but in the past she had seen him shot and killed and yet he still lived.

He took his scimitars with him, but left the other gear—it would only slow him down, and he needed every ounce of agility he could afford. He knew his assailant was faster than it had any right to be.

He also knew it had taken his friend, a life companion and true warrior.

He took in the details of the desert around Thebes as he walked into the dunes. Behind him, Cassandra watched with resignation. She had been trying to further divine for Mathayus before he left, but no vision was forthcoming.

The sky above was dark, and would’ve been full of stars for Mathayus to see but for the smoke and fire of Thebes. All there was to look at was the moon, and the desert the color of bone in its light.

After a few minutes of walking, Mathayus came upon a flat, clear area between three large sand dunes. Standing in the middle of the desert glade was the beast. It stared him down as he approached. It was easily seven feet tall, he could see, with a broad body and muscular limbs. It wore a loincloth with a metal belt, two metal gauntlets, and a broad facemask, but was otherwise nude and unarmored.

As Mathayus drew to dueling distance of about ten paces, it slowly reached up and unhooked a dreadlock from its head, a sharp hiss escaping from it as it detached. It placed its hands upon the facemask almost gingerly, and then removed it slowly, ritualistically exposing the most disgusting creature the Scorpion King had ever encountered.

“You’re even uglier than Balthazar.”

[DSkillz]

Here is the higher-ranked entry from the winner of the October 2020 Tournament and now second three-time tourney winner, JohnnyChany! Congratulations on sharing the latter distinction with Boratz, Johnny!

Bidendum, the Michelin Man vs. Christine by JohhnyChany

“Go ahead and come in.”

College student, Michael, walked into his friend, Victor’s apartment. He did not see his friend, but was immediately greeted by Victor’s pet chihuahua. The dog greeted him by trying to chew on his shoes.

“Dang it, Cujo. It’s me,” said Michael.

Victor laughed as he stepped out of his room. “Get him, Cujo. Get him.”

The two buddies reached one another in the middle of the living room in front of a wall decorated by posters of Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, and Halloween. They clasped hands.

“What’s up, man,” said Michael.

“I am good. What’s going on? Want to hang out tonight?” asked Victor.

“I would if I could, but I gotta work tonight,”  stated Michael.

“Really? Where is the agency sending you tonight?” Victor inquired.

“Discount Tire,” Michael answered.

Victor chuckled. “Discount Tire? What do they need with a security guard? Are people really out here stealing tires?”

“Guess so. Their normal security system is down so they are contracting out a security guard until it can get fixed tomorrow,” Michael explained.

“Waste of money if you ask me,” said Victor.

“Hey, that money is going to me, asshole.” Michael shoved Victor’s arm. “Anyway, I was on the way there now, but I figured I’d stop by and say hi. I haven’t seen you since you got back from New Orleans.”

Victor’s eyes widened. “Oh shit, I’ve got to show you what I picked up there. You’re gonna flip.” Victor disappeared back into his room and reemerged with a dusty, but authentic looking monkey’s paw.

“The hell is that?” Michael commented.

“It’s a monkey’s paw.”

“I know what it is, but why did you get one?” asked Michael.

“Just look at it. It looks so real and gnarly. Feel the fur. Why wouldn’t I get it?” Victor reasoned.

Victor offered the monkey’s paw to Michael.

“Keep that shit away from me.”

Victor laughed again. “You aren’t afraid of it, are you?”

“You know I don’t get down with that voodoo nonsense. How about you? Have you tried to use it?” inquired Michael.

Victor scoffed. “Of course not. It’s not like I believe anything would happen, but why risk it? I just want to carry it around as a good luck charm, like a rabbit’s foot.” Victor picked up his backpack and placed the monkey’s paw inside.

“I’m pretty sure it doesn’t work like that. Don’t you remember the story?”

“I’ve never actually read the original story,” Victor admitted. “But I do remember it being on an episode of The Simpsons.”

The two friends chatted for several more minutes before Michael took his leave to go to work.

Later that night, Victor was having trouble completing some Sociology homework. Mostly, he was just bored. He decided he would go bother Michael at work. They could order a pizza. Victor could get his Sociology homework done, Heck, he might even check out some new tires for his beloved car.

Victor loved his car, a red and white 1958 Pymouth Fury, just like Stephen King’s Christine. However, Victor was also frustrated by his car. It was really expensive to maintain, and it always felt like there was something wrong. Currently, there were several dings and scratches on the car that Victor was dragging his feet about fixing. The engine had recently begun making funny noises and the tread on his current tires really was worn down. Victor swung his backpack into the passenger seat and made his way to the tire shop. Halfway to his destination, the engine started to make the funny noises again. Victor wished his car really was like its inspiration and could fix itself. A muffled sound emitted from Victor’s backpack, but he did not hear it.

Victor soon arrived at Discount Tire. There were several cars parked in front of the storefront so Victor parked on the opposite end of the parking lot. Victor grabbed his bag and exited the car. Victor did not initially notice that his car’s exterior now looked brand new. He walked up to the front of Discount Tire and banged on the door. As he waited for his friend to come to the entrance, Victor turned around and looked back at the parking lot. It was at this point he noticed the radical changes to his car.

“What the hell?”

Victor turned back around and banged even harder on the glass door. Michael ran up to the door and opened it.

“Victor? What are you doing here?”

“Dude you’ve got to see this.” Victor pulled Michael’s arm out into the parking lot and pointed in the direction of his car.

“What am I looking at?” Michael wondered.

Victor followed Michael’s eyes only to realize his car was not parked in the same spot anymore.

“Where did it go? What is going on here?” Victor exclaimed.

“Victor, you are not making any sense.”

“My car… it looked brand spanking new,,, and now it’s gone..and”

Victor was interrupted by a pair of headlights cutting through the dark night aimed directly at Victor and Michael.

“It’s not possible,” Victor whispered.

The car’s engine revved up and sped in a straight line at the two friends. They jumped out of the way and looked back in horror at Victor’s car when they noticed no one was in the driver’s seat.

“Get inside,” Michael declared.

They both rushed inside and Michael locked the door as he muttered to himself. “This isn’t real. This isn’t real.”

Victor’s mouth was agape, it took him a few moments to form a sentence. “My car has actually become Christine.”

“Shut up. There is no way that could happen,” said Michael.

Realization set in on Victor and he pulled the monkey’s paw from his backpack. One of the fingers was now closed shut.

“Oh my god!” Michael exclaimed. “You actually used that thing to wish that your car could turn into Christine?”

“No!” insisted Victor. “I was just wishing my car could fix itself like Christine, and I wasn’t actually holding it at the time. I didn’t know it would activate by proximity. I didn’t think it would activate at all. This whole thing is insane.”

Christine’s headlights shined through the windows of Discount Tire. Michael and Victor heard the sound of screeching tires as the demonic Plymouth plowed through the windows of the shop. Christine drove straight across the floor and crashed into the back offices. Michael fell back into a tire display and Victor fell to the right desperately trying to shield himself from broken glass. He looked up at a large Michelin Man poster. Fear and panic filled his heart and mind. The sound of Christine going in reverse startled Victor to his feet and he dropped the monkey’s paw to go check on his friend. Another finger closed on the paw. 

As Victor helped Michael back up he remembered the monkey’s paw. After pulling out of the office rubble, Christine made a beeline for the monkey’s paw and hovered over it. She revved her engines again in a threatening manner.

Suddenly, the door to the service garage swung open and Bibendum walked through the doorway. He smiled at the two boys before launching a pair of tires at Christine at high velocity. The two tires smashed into Christine’s windshield and knocked the car back a little.

“The Michelin Man?!?” Michael screamed in disbelief. “You wished for the Michelin Man?”

“No!” Victor shouted back. “I was wishing for someone to come and save us. I just happened to be looking at that poster at the time.”

“Why didn’t you just wish for your car to go back to normal?” Michael demanded.

“I wasn’t thinking straight, there’s a lot going on right now.”

“We have to get to that monkey’s paw,” said Michael.

“I think he can actually help us,” Victor remarked. 

Bibendum formed two more tires from his stomach and readied another assault on Christine.

 

[DSkillz]

Here is the highest-rated entry from November 2020 Tournament co-winner and now two-time winner, C.T. (a.k.a. Nova Force Nova). Congratulations!

The Dragonborn vs. Sauron by C.T.

Hrm. That did not last as long as imagined. The voice speaking directly into her mind sounded disappointed, but that was honestly the least of her concerns. The master mage and last Dovahkiin currently laid in an undignified, broken manner, completely at the mercy of Darth Vader. Yet before the Sith Lord could finish her off and secure his victory, as the saber strike came swinging down...it only sliced through empty air, the person who had just been there vanishing in an instant. Not even the power of the force let him sense her any longer. Confusion briefly ran through him, masked head tilting slightly in either direction before his lightsaber receded with a hiss and he turned on his heel. 

Alerys was just as confused or perhaps even more so. Where she was now, she could not say. The surroundings were not like the sandy arena where she had battled Shepard, or the militaristic designs of that starship's hallways. In fact, there were no surroundings. From what she could tell, she was standing in nothing but empty space. Nothing but sheer, stark whiteness that stretched out as far as the eye could see. "W-what is this??" 

A place where we can converse alone.

The voice was no longer in her mind, instead seeming to come from everywhere around her. The vague shape of a humanoid formed before her, hazy and seemingly constructed from fog. "Or I could just tell you to leave me alone, and attack you if you refuse." Alerys glared at the shadowy figure.

Please. We all know you are smarter than that. Assaulting an incorporeal figure is an exercise in futility. 

"...Fuck." 

...You have grown fond of that word. 

"What can I say, learning new things is what makes my life a joy." Her smile was unapologetic, but it quickly faded back to a scowl. "Now, normally I'm all for spending time discussing things at length and making new friends, but I've already come to recognize that I really don't like you. Doubt much you could say could change that, so instead of talking about this, how about you just get to saying whatever you brought me here for." 

As you wish. Twice now, you have lost to beings that are, shall we say, significantly more technologically advanced than yourself. Perhaps we were in error to choose matches in that regard, moreso in putting you in the second's grasp and giving him homefield advantage. So with that in mind, we have decided to pick the next round of our entertainment as someone that seems more your type. More than that, this time you will be the one given the advantage of home. 

"Wait, stop! I do not desire to fight any more--"

Just as with Vader, the last Dragonborn disappeared an instant. 

Apologies. We didn't catch that. There was a vague hint of sarcasm in there, though none were left to hear it.

-------------------------------------

"--of your chosen individuals, simply for your entertainment!" Alerys finished, her mouth still moving before her brain caught up and she realized she was no longer in that place. More than that, she recognized where she now was with but a single look. Even if she had not, the others would have brought her up to speed on her surroundings very quickly. A chorus of voices rang out immediately even before her nerves settled. 

"My Thane!"

"Harbinger!"

"Arch-mage!"

Before she could even turn to look their way, Lydia had enveloped Alerys in a comforting hug. "I'm glad you are back." She was so taken aback by the hug that anything Alerys tried to say was nothing more than confused stuttering. Lydia pressed her advantage, the relieved smile and warm hug vanishing in an instant and the lethal bodyguard and friend pulling Stormborn into a weird suplex of sorts, taking her down to the floor. "IDIOT! WHAT DID I SAY?? I TOLD YOU WHAT YOU WERE DOING WAS UNBELIEVEABLY, RECKLESSLY DANGEROUS!" 

"...Now that's more like it. There's the Lydia I know." Alerys let out in between groans of pain. The others could only smile and heartily laugh at the scene.

"Do I look to be in a joking mood?!" A fist raised, ready to punch her lord for being so infuriating and foolish. 

Alerys flinched, some of the color draining from her face. "Hold on, wait, don't!" She pleaded, to no avail. That blow and more struck, though they were more of the frustrated friend trying to smack some sense into you variety than somebody genuinely trying to inflict lasting harm. When at last Lydia ceased those(but not the heavy frown directed towards the Dovahkiin), Alerys took the opportunity to get up. 

One of her fellow mages from the College of Winterhold stepped closer then. "Excuse me, madam, but what was that you were talking about when you appeared here once more?"

"Oh, that." The dragonborn dusted herself off. "It's...a bit of a long story. You all may wish to get comfortable." 

-------------------------------------

Some time later, all of them were gathered around a table, generous helpings of deer and crops and the finest Nordish mead scattered across it. As Alerys Stormborn had predicted, the mages both looked intrigued at the idea of crossing across realms in that manner. Normally that was the work of Daedric Lords or the gods alone. Vilkas, for his part, just had more hearty laughs. "Sounded like they were worthy challenges! A shame that the Companions could not join you on this, Harbinger."

Lydia on the other hand, her expression betrayed the skepticism she was currently feeling. "What if I said I don't believe you?"

One hand shot up to her mouth as Alerys let out a mocking gasp. "Dear Lydia, are you saying I am a liar? The very idea...disgraceful!"

Her warrior bodyguard remained unfazed, arms still crossed over her chest. "I feel you could very well be, to have us not be as worried as we should be, or...to make up a grand tale to embellish your prowess and impress us." An eyebrow raised, the shadow of a knowing smirk flashing across Lydia's face. 

"Hey!" Alerys objected. "I don't do that."

"Yes you do." 

"No, I don't!"

"Yes, my liege, you do!" 

Alerys's silver eyes looked towards the others. "Guys, back me up here! I don't do that, right?" 

The two other mages exchanged glances. "...Do you think I should be honest?" One asked, the other quick to shake his head. "Lie lie lie lie lie lie." He encouraged. Vilkas was no better, swiftly contributing with: "Aye, you have said a tall tale once or twice before. Alerys crossed her arms with a frustrated huff, an almost childish pout on her face as she looked at all of them, before the figurative lightbulb in her head went off. The last Dragonborn shot out of her seat, hand suddenly pointed dramatically towards the ceiling.

"Wait, I can prove it!" 

There was a collective and noticeable pause around the table before Lydia spoke up again. "How's that?"

"Fuck."

"...Pardon?"

"Fuck! It's the word I learned from Shepard, you know, the first one?"

All the others traded looks again before they spoke in unison. "Now that certainly sounds made up. A made up word." 

"B-but it isn't!" Alerys replied with a frown, pleading with her eyes for them to believe her. "It is an obscene word!"

"You can't prove that." One of the mages pointed out.

"...Well, you can't disprove it." 

"That's not how--"

"Enough." Lydia chimed in. "Do you have any more proof? Preferably of the more tangible kind?" 

Alerys sighed. "Well, the voice did say another chosen challenger would show up here. At home. In Skyrim. But, of course, they weren't specific on the where and when." Lydia still seemed dubious at the vagueness of that proof, but that didn't escape Stormborn's notice. "I swear it's the truth! That's what they said, on my honor!"

After a few moments of silence, they all nodded. Despite their teasing and jesting, when push came to shove, the Dragonborn was a hero and one they all trusted. "We shall keep an eye out then." The group rose from the table as one, all heading out the door. Once outside, by the road, they separated. All involved started making their journeys back towards their own abodes. The two mages back to the College, Vilkas returning to Jorrvaskr, and Lydia and Alerys heading back to one of her homes in Rorikstead. 

-------------------------------------

It was a few days later, while Alerys and her bodyguard were having a grand old time relaxing after a long day of keeping their eyes and ears open. They were gathered in one of Whiterun's inns, and it was there that the news they had been waiting for seemed to arrive. A courier had ridden halfway across the province. Literally. The horse he had taken had fallen ill from sheer exhaustion, but he had reason for his hurried rush. The news he had to report, the information that Solitude, the capital of Skyrim, had fallen under siege...it instantly brought the festivities to a halt. More than a few people inside were sobered by the news. 

There were even rumors of one man, an extremely large dark armored individual, storming the Imperial fortress within the city by himself and slaying both General Tullius and Legate Rikke with ease, as well as most of the Legion forces garrisoned there.

That was troubling news, if it was to be believed, and Alerys felt like it was the challenger she had been told to expect. The next morning, she, Lydia, the Companions, the Imperial Legion forces stationed at Whiterun, and some of the town guard that Jarl Balgruuf could spare, they all started their trek up towards Solitude. At the same time, ravens flew to all the other holds and forts and towns within the province, carrying scrolls that explained the situation. They warned all to be prepared, vigilant...and to provide any aid they could manage, to meet up at the outskirts of the capital city. 

 

[DSkillz]

And now, the highest-rated entry from another November 2020 CBUB Tourney co-winner, first-time winner Culwych! Congrats on your tourney-winning debut! 

Genie vs the Dijnn by Culwych

 

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The attack they thought would never come, arrived when the third sun was high in the sky. Over the smoldering mountains of Kr'ath-Ta came the hordes of Jinn, waiving their ancestral spears and swords, crying the battle cries of a last charge. Overhead flew their allies, the good aligned dragons, the griffins, the gargoyles and the pegasii. 

 

They were the last hope of humankind. 

 

Deep in his palace, J'okra El Braduin, self-named the Wishmaster, stood and watched as his armies went to meet this foe.  Jinn, vampires, warlocks, and hell hounds advanced in phalanxes to meet this last ditch folly. His wyverns and hellbats took to the skies to engage the enemy there, and he knew he would be victorious. They could not stand up to his might, try though they may. 

 

This was it; the last stand, the final battle, the decisive clash that would see either the triumph of evil or good. 

 

Except the Wishmaster did not see it as purely good or evil. His was a fight for freedom. Freedom for all Jinn, against the injustice of allowing men to reign free. For his kind had been imprisoned in this place of dark and fire, while man had been granted a paradise of bountiful nature and open skies. He has seen how they had squandered that gift. How they had polluted the skies and poised the seas. They didn't deserve their freedom. Instead, when he had put down the traitor Kallateth, known simply as Genie to his human allies, he would condemn them all to an eternity of fire whilst his kind wondered free on earth. 

 

His eyes narrowed as he thought of Genie. The ultimate fool and traitor to his kind. He consorted with the humans, happily serving at their side whilst his own kind wondered through the burning lands under the never-ending glare of the five suns. His calloused hands clenched into fists as he thought of choking the life out of the betrayer. 

 

The Wishmaster glanced again to the battle before him and suddenly he leaned forward, his hands gripping the banister before him. The wyverns were fleeing before the might of the golden dragons of the Genie's army, who had instead turned their magical breath onto the vampire phalanxes. He watched in dismay as the warriors were decimated and the opposing army roared in triumph and rushed forward to the palace. The army tried to prevail, throwing everything they could against the enemy, but their will had been broken. Pegasii flew down and trampled seasons warriors underfoot, whilst his sergeants tried desperately to turn the tide. 

 

It was too late.  

 

The Wishmaster turned and stalked out of his throne room and into a small side room. There he sat in a chair and waited, his hand resting on the silver crescent shaped arms. He heard the gates being breached and the enemy roaming his halls. His elite bodyguard did what they could, ducking out of shadows to tear into the attackers and retreating quickly without a sound. They knew the palace better than anyone, and again and again they attacked and brought the enemy to their knees. But ultimately there were just too many and even his strongest warriors fell, fighting to their last breath. 

 

Finally the enemy came to the small room he had chosen as his final stand. Genie, as always, led the way. He saw his old foe sitting their on the chair, alone, and motioned his army to wait. A young man appeared at his side, dressed in purple clothes and weary from the long fight. The Wishmaster nodded. Of course Genie would bring this precious human. All the way to the depths of his own land and palace, the ultimate defilement and the final betrayal. 

 

Genie and Aladdin stalked forward, glancing around the small room, as if they could not believe that the end was so near. 

 

"It is over J'okra" said the Genie, his blue skin gleaming in the dull light of the room. 

 

"You will call me Wishmaster, Genie", Wishmaster spat the last word, allowing his hate to permeate every syllable. 

 

"It is not too late, stand your army down. There is no need for anyone else to die!"

 

Wishmaster threw back his head and laughed. He then pressed a button on his silver chair and a wand slowly appeared in front of him. It has been hidden by deep dark magics which the Genie had not noticed in the struggle, undetectable until now. 

 

"No, it cannot be" said Genie, taking a step back. 

 

"No need for anyone to die Genie? You are a fool. You have condemned us all by your folly, and now, you shall reap the rewards! Everyone shall die!"

 

Wishmaster waived the artifact, a powerful legacy of the time before even the Jinn - when gods had fought in the skies and worlds were playthings. 

 

The rooms to the small room slammed shut, shielding them from the awful magics, and outside they heard the screams start. 

 

Jinns from both sides of the war started melting away, their bones cracking and smoldering as they dissipated into nothingness. Dragons fell dead from the skies and gargoyles turned back into darkened stone where they stood. It was the end of all life outside of that small room. Genie threw himself against the doors, pounding and pleading for Wishmaster to let him out - but an evil smile was all that greeted him. 

 

"It is just you and me now Genie" said Wishmaster, ignoring the bewildered form of Aladdin. "Our kind is no more, and it is here that we will face each other and know our fates. Unleash your power and be rid of this pitiful human, let us fight as free Jinn rather than the slaves we have become". 

 

"You're crazy Wishmaster! This human..." Genie pointed at Aladdin, his best friend, "this human has freed me!"

 

Wishmaster turned to Aladdin, an eyebrow raised. 

 

"Really? That is interesting. But they always turn in the end Genie. Like the pitiful rabid dogs that they are, humans will always hunger for the power we hold. I had to break my human again and again until he freed me."

 

"Your.... human?" Aladdin gasped. 

 

"Yes. Aladdin, I know him as Maghrabi, but I believe you know him as Jafar?" The Wishmaster's evil smile stretched across his face, and he waived away the invisibility spell that cloaked the room. 

 

In the corner lay Jafar, the once vizier lay crumpled in the corner and it was clear that he was dead. 

 

"When you condemned him to his lamp he made his way here, and after years of torture I made him wish the same thing you did. I am now free, and the time of humanity has ended. Our race is dead, and now, once I leave this room I can avenge the fate of the Jinn as I condemn all of man to the pits of fire."

 

"NEVER!" roared Genie and surged forward, his shape changing and growing as plunged towards Wishmaster. The two clashed together with a loud thundering that sent Aladdin to his knees, and they burst through the ceiling of the room locked in battle. 

 

------------------------------------------------------

 

A free Genie and a free Wishmaster, the last two Jinn of old with all their powers from the movies and folklore, in a battle to save or destroy mankind. 

[DSkillz]

And now, the highest-ranking entry of November 2020 CBUB Tourney co-winner, SSJRuss. Congrats on being our first four-time winner!  

Matt Foley: Motivational Speaker vs. Fire Marshall Bill by SSJRuss 

 

FADE IN:

INT. CONVENTION HALL, 3RD FLOOR OF ELECTRIC FERRET STUDIOS -- MORNING

Opens on a large convention floor where several rows of seats are organized into an assembly.

Employees of Electric Ferret Studios go about the room finding their seats and partaking in the breakfast of dry donuts and coffee. They are a group of mostly men with identical outfits; white button-up shirts tucked into khakis separated by a brown leather belt and a nametag worn on their chests.

SSJRuss fills a paper cup with hot coffee. He stands next to JohnnyChany and C.T., who help themselves to an assortment of donuts. Each of them appear exhausted.

 

SSJRuss:

How did you guys sleep?

 

JohnnyChany:

Ha, what’s sleep?

 

C.T.:

(Picks up a donut and inspects it before deciding to put it on his plate)

I think I managed to get a few hours. Decided that sleeping on my desk was much better than sleeping under it.

 

SSJRuss:

Oh really?

 

C.T.:

Yeah. I just moved my computer and stuff to the floor. I think it’ll work nicely.

 

JohnnyChany:

Geez. That sounds desperate. You could get in trouble for that, ya know?

 

C.T.:

It’s not like anybody cares at this point.

 

The group leaves the breakfast counter and mingles with the rest of the crowd. They find seats together. On their left sits Bergy_Berg, who appears to not have shaved in two weeks. On their right sits Mercenaryblade, who removes a flask from his pocket and pours an amber liquid into his coffee.

 

SSJRuss:

(Leaning over toward Mercenaryblade. He looks at him inquisitively)

Where’d you get that from?

 

Mercenaryblade:

From OMFG’s desk.

 

SSJRuss:

What? You went through his stuff?

 

Mercenaryblade:

Not like he’s coming back for it.

 

C.T.:

(Eavesdropping)

Didn’t OMFG leave after the new mandate?

 

JohnnyChany:

I heard he just walked out.

 

Mr. Fox enters the scene. The crowd grows silent as everyone finds a seat. Mr. Fox, a middle-aged man in a dark blue suit, cuts across the assembly and approaches the front of the room.

A stage is situated in front of the assembly, 4’ feet from the ground. The stage is ornate, but has dark red curtains tied loosely on each side, a podium and microphone. Mr. Fox uses the stairs on the left side of the stage and reaches the podium.

 

Mr. Fox:

Hello everyone. Thank you all for being here. I know this has been a rough time for everyone. I wasn’t happy with the new mandate either but this coronavirus is very serious. Which is why we’ve quarantined here for the last six months. We all miss our homes and loved ones but we are alive, which is a good thing. Now, when this started our production here at Electric Ferret Studios increased ten fold. With the option of not going home, many of you chose to work tireless hours and nights. But we stopped along the way. Something happened and our productivity has declined. Significantly. So, I had to think of a solution. This company needs a little pick-me-up. Something to inspire and motivate us, not only into the new year but to just get us through this trying time. For that reason, I’ve bought someone with me today. Don’t worry, he’s been tested and he’s been cleared of the virus. His name is Matt Foley and he’s a motivational speaker. Now, he’s been downstairs helping himself to the concession stand for four hours so I think he’s ready to get started. So without further ado, Matt Foley, come on up here.

 

Camera pans to Matt Foley who is rushing to the stage. He is a large man with greasy, slick back hair, square glasses, a plain outfit with a brown tie and checkered pattern jacket. He wheezes as he heaves himself up the stage from the floor. He gets to the podium and waves at everyone, adjusting his belt several times.

 

Matt Foley:

Thanks, Fox. I’ll take it from here.

 

Mr. Fox moves away from the podium and gives Matt Foley the stage.

 

Matt Foley:

Well, well, well. Now, as your employer told you my name is Matt Foley and I am a motivational speaker. Before I begin, I’d like to tell you a little bit about myself so you’ll know where I’m coming from. I am 35 years old, I am divorced and I live in a van down by the river!

 

Camera pans over to SSJRuss and his co-workers sitting together. They give each other confused looks.

 

SSJRuss:

(Whispering)

Is this guy serious?

 

Bergy_Berg:

(Low-tone)

Yo, I thought we were on lockdown? Fox can’t just bring people in here--

 

Camera swings back to Matt Foley at the podium.

 

Matt Foley:

So, I’m told that you all need some motivation to get back to work? That you’re tired of sleeping in the supply closet with nothing to keep you warm at night but the disposal paper towels that you used to cry on… because you want to go home to your wife but she won’t let you in the door because you’ve had too much to drink at the bar that was filled with thirty dudes running high fevers? Well guess what? You can forget all about that and I’ll show you how.

 

Matt Foley points at the crowd and singles out an employee, DSkillz.

 

Matt Foley:

You, come up here.

 

DSkillz begrudgingly walks on stage. Matt Foley gets real close to him to talk to him.

 

Matt Foley:

Young man, what’s your name?

 

DSkillz:

(Points at his nametag)

DSkillz. But my real name is--

 

Matt Foley:

Well la de fricken da! We got somebody with some real skills here folks!

 

Matt walks over to Fox, puts his arm around his shoulders and flashes his glasses up and down off his face.

 

Matt Foley:

Hey Fox, I can’t see too well, is that MacGyver over there?

 

Mr. Fox:

Actually, he’s one of my best employees.

 

Matt Foley:

(Turns to face Mr. Fox)

Fox, I wish you’d just shut your damn yammer!

 

Matt Foley:

(Walking back over to DSkillz)

Let me tell you something, son. Your skills may impress the ladies in this office but they won’t be impressing anybody when you're LIVING IN A VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER!

 

Popping his head out from behind the curtain, Fire Marshall Bill enters the scene.

 

Fire Marshall Bill:

Hold that thought, Callahan!

 

Fire Marshall Bill slides his way out from behind the curtain and onto the stage. He wears a dark blue suit and tie and a white fire marshall hat. One eye is squinted and his lips are curled under his teeth.

 

Mr. Fox, Matt Foley and DSkillz:

Who are you?

 

Fire Marshall Bill:

(Stands next to the group on stage)

I’m Fire Marshall Bill Burns and this convention hall is riddled with danger! I know what you’re thinking. How did a fire marshall get into this building during a lockdown? Well? LET ME TELL YA! This entire building is unsafe for the average employee. Everything in here is a potential hazard!

 

Camera pans back to the crowd, who look more worried and uncomfortable.

SSJRuss:

(Turns to JohnnyChany)

I think this is about to get weird.

 

Back on the stage, Matt Foley steps forward.

 

Matt Foley:

Now hold on there chicken neck! I was in the middle of a very important, motivational--

 

Fire Marshall Bill:

(Interrupts Matt and stands next to DSkillz. He speaks directly to the audience)

Take for instance, your motivational speaker. Sure, he may have the life you always wanted. Maybe he’s the cream of the crop. But you can’t just let anybody waltz into your office these days. Let’s look at a scenario. Say your boss here lets in his best friend because he wants a sleepover with the guy from Beverly Hills Ninja. They have a few drinks, get frisky with the receptionist. Next thing you know-

 

Fire Marshall Bill coughs directly onto DSkillz 'neck.

 

Fire Marshall Bill:

Covid-19!

 

DSkillz pulls away from Fire Marshall Bill and jumps off stage. He rubs his neck frantically.

Camera scans the crowd of employees who look increasingly worried.

Fire Marshall Bill and Matt Foley begin to argue with one another. Mr. Fox takes the microphone.

 

Mr. Fox:

I’ve had enough of this! Both of you leave this instant.

 

Fire Marshall Bill:

(Puts his hand up at Mr. Fox then points at Matt Foley)

Cool your jets, Michael J. Fox! This chunk of cheese is a carrier for the corona killer. And as your fire marshall, it is my sworn duty to protect and serve! LET ME SHOW YA SOMETHING!

 

Fire Marshall Bill pulls out a digital thermometer and points it at Matt Foley’s forehead. It scans him and reads: 101.6

 

Mr. Fox:

(Backs away from Matt Foley)

Matt, you have a fever!?

 

Matt Foley:

Now I know what you’re thinking. How did this happen? Well let me tell ya. It happened because I had to quarantine in a van down by the river!

 

The camera pans over to Fire Marshall Bill who has lit the stage curtain on fire.

 

Fire Marshall Bill:

Well now that that’s mysterious is solved there is only one thing to do, folks. Burn out the virus!

 

The crowd leave their seats in panic. Many of them run to the elevator or the stairwell. The fire spreads across the stage. The room begins to fill with smoke.

In the chaos, SSJRuss crams into an elevator with some of his fellow co-workers. The doors shut as they stand shoulder to shoulder with one another.

On SSJRuss’ left, Mr. Fox presses for the ground floor, but the elevator does not move. He tries another button, but the elevator does not respond.

The camera focuses on Matt Foley who starts beating outside the elevator door.

 

Matt Foley:

For the love of god, let me in!

 

Camera pans back inside the elevator.

 

Fire Marshall Bill:

(Outside the elevator, in the distance)

Hey Tony Robbins, LET ME SHOW YA SOMETHING!

 

Mr. Fox:

Don’t any of you open that door.

 

Bergy_Berg:

Oh now you don’t want to let somebody in?

 

JohnnyChany:

So we’re all gonna die in here, aren’t we?

 

Confession FPT:

I’ll tag that bet.

 

SSJRuss:

Seriously dude? The building is going to burn down and you want to bet if we’re gonna die or not?

 

Z451:

I mean, somebody had to have set this up.

 

Z451 and Mr. Fox meet eyes.

 

Mr. Fox

Don’t look at me, I don’t work in simulations.

 

Confession FPT:

Which do you think will get us first? The coronavirus or the fire?

 

Venom 2009:

Fire for sure.

 

SSJRuss:

Can’t we just leave the building?

 

Mr. Fox:

Lockdown, remember? Everything is locked shut unless I open it back up. Can’t do that from here.

 

Mercenaryblade:

Yep, we’re dead. Corona, take me now.

 

FADE OUT:

_____________________________________

So here we have Matt Foley vs. Fire Marshall Bill. Foley has a mild case of Covid-19 and a fire extinguisher. He wins if he kills Fire Marshall Bill and puts out the fire.

Fire Marshall Bill is trying to burn the building down with everyone in it so he can “save us” from the virus. If he succeeds, he wins.

The employees of EF Studios are also exposed to the virus and the flames, but their fates don’t determine the outcome.

[DSkillz]

I should have done this sooner, but this is definitely a deserving entry to this thread. Here's a early Christmas gift, Culwych. Congrats on earning a third match here!

Heracles vs. Thor by Culwych1

"Welcome adventurer! Welcome to the Harpy's Claw. What can I serve you tonight?"

 

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These are the first words you hear as you embark on CBUB's very own choose your own adventure story set in an ancient times of myths and legends. An announcement has been sent to every corner of the world by the Pharaoh of Egypt. The ancient tomb of Amenhotep had been discovered! Reputed to hold the most amazing treasures and the magical items, this was the adventure of a lifetime and a promise of riches beyond belief for anyone who could brave the journey to tomb, and above all survive the many perils they would face along the way. It is the Tourney of the Tomb!

 

This is a concept story only, so you won't need to grab a dice and paper for this one. Future adventures may well see you create a character, increase their stats, and risk it all in the heat of battle.  In this adventure you are Paraephis, known to many as The Nomad, a wondering warrior and mage who travels from country to country, solving mysteries and advising emperors. 

 

So welcome to the adventure, where your decisions affect your fate and that of the world itself!

 

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01

 

It has been a long journey to arrive at the port of Epitrillum in the southern Greek Empire. You sit yourself down at the grubby bar, facing the large hairy satyr in front of you. He is absentmindedly rubbing down a cup with a cloth so filthy that it could only be making the cup dirtier. He raises his eyebrow and repeats his question. 

 

"Our deals of the day are on the finest northern ale, and our deep red wine. So, what'll it be? 

 

If you choose a tankard of ale, proceed to 10. 

If you choose a dark wine, proceed to 23.

If you'd rather order a pink cocktail with a pretty umbrella, proceed to 17. 

 

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02

 

Dawn breaks through the small room's window and finds you already awake and sharpening your sword. 

 

You gather your things, pay the clearly hungover satyr, and make your way to the docks to find the Norse Wind. It's an easy ship to find, large and ornate with a curling dragon statue jutting proudly from the bow. Kadmoc the dwarf is waiting at the dock, his huge axe in hand and eyes steadily sweeping back and forth across the throngs of people and creatures making their way back and forth before him. His eyes lock on you and an easy grin spreads across his face. 

 

"Glad you could make it Nomad."

 

You nod back, "the pleasure is mine Kadmoc. I hear good things about the Norse Wind and look forward to fighting by your side."

 

You board the ship, the creaking of the wood and the splash of waves is instantly familiar to you. The crew seem battle hardened but look friendly and glad to have you on board. A young warrior shows you to your cabin, a small room but with enough space to store your weapons and belongings, and with bed that is surprisingly comfortable. 

 

There seems to be no one else joining the ship, so they hoist the sails and draw up the anchor. Soon a favorable wind is taking the ship away from Greece, and towards the hot shores of Egypt. 

 

You spend some time chatting to the warriors but they soon take the hint that you prefer your own company. The voyage is uneventful, until one day you hear a loud "Land ahoy!"

 

You gather your weapons. Go to 16

 

 

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03

 

You and Kadmoc share a small boat as you head towards the beach. You take the time to cast some spells on yourself and the crew; magic armor crackles all over you, and you feel your sword become lighter at your side. Your eyes focus and the world seems suddenly more vivid and bright. 

 

When you all arrive at the beach the first thing you notice is the quiet. A deathly, unearthly quiet that should not be possible in this vibrant sunny setting. 

 

Immediately you draw your sword, and after a moment you notice Kadmoc draw his axe and the sailors follow suit. 

 

Only Thor seems at ease, striding forward to face the danger head on. Although you notice his hand stray towards Mjolnir and gently tap it. 

 

Just when the silence could seem to drag on forever, it breaks with an almighty crack and you see the earth split open and a huge hideous face appear. A huge snake, followed by another and another, easily the size of elephants but with thick coils of muscle, are rampaging among the men. In fact, as you approach, you realise quickly that these snakes are not just the size of elephants- but they also have the heads of them too! Huge tusks and poison-dripping fangs sprout from their grotesque visages.

 

You realise in a moment what these creatures are: Grootslang! Legendary monsters from ancient times, older than even Thor himself, and they are heading straight for you. 

 

Thor has already leaped forward to engage the snakes, and you and Kadmoc rally the other sailors quickly to your side to form a wall of steel. 

 

As the men engage the snakes in battle, you cast a spell that you thought you'd never had to cast. The Unmaker. Drawing from the raw power of the cosmos, this spell wraps itself around all your weapons, infusing them with negative energy. This is death magic, the only thing that is truly effective against the island's own death magic and which you hope will prove effective against the Grootslang. 

 

Soon you discover that you were right! Snakes lie dying as you and your comrades cut a bloody path through them, but not without some casualties. 

 

Almost as quickly as it began the battle is over and you and the men lean on each other to rest a moment, still ready for the next attack. 

 

Thor joins you, slapping your back with a mighty fist that nearly sends you flying forward. "So we are lucky the great Nomad decided to join our party after all!" he roars with laughter, and then stops suddenly. 

 

He turns slowly, just as you feel the same thing he did. A great power is slowly making its way towards you.

 

From the direction you both face you see a loan warrior approaching. He is huge, easily matching if not taller and broader than Thor himself. Across his back he has a lion's hide, and a huge bow and arrow. Casually slung over one shoulder is a huge club. 

 

"By Odin" whispers Kadmoc, "It is Heracles, the demi-god."

 

Thor nods, then quick turns around. 

 

"Quick, all of you, back to the boat - it is a trap! They're after the Wind!"

 

He then turns towards the Greek, and hefts Mjolnir in his hands. He slowly stalks towards the newcomer. 

 

Proceed to 15.

 

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04

 

Having thought about it, you decide that journeying with the Greek demi-god may not be the best option at this stage. He shakes your hand and says that there is always a spot on his ship if you change your mind, but that they set sail tomorrow. 

 

You make your way to the docks and meet with many ship owners. It seems that all the world has heard of this Tourney, and travelers, merchants, heroes and scoundrels alike have made their way to this city in search of transport. You encounter a familiar face, the dwarf named Kadmoc and he tells you of his ship the Norse Wind, a large ship that is also looking for a mage/warrior to join the crew and sail to Egypt. 

 

In the end there are seem to be only two trustworthy vessels which could lead you to your destination. 

 

To travel with the Nemean and the demi-god Heracles, go to 25

To travel with the Norse Wind and the god Thor, go to 02

 

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05

 

Water laps at the golden sand and you gratefully rest your body on the warm embrace of the island. 

 

You look around and see that Heracles is on his feet, as are a few other warriors and sailors. You estimate perhaps half of the crew have fortunately survived, quite a feat considering how deadly the Leviathan truly was. 

 

"We should make our way inland, see what is there and prepare food and shelter for nightfall" says Heracles, and the crew immediately gather what weapons they can salvage and prepare. 

 

"Wait" you say "there is something about this island. "some magic"

 

Heracles nods. "I feel it too. But whatever this is we will overcome, and we must find somewhere for the wounded" 

 

You take the time to cast some spells on yourself and the crew; magic armor crackles all over you, and you feel your sword become lighter at your side. Your eyes focus and the world seems suddenly more vivid and bright.

 

You start to make your way inland, into the forest and note that it is deathly quiet. 

 

Just when the silence could seem to drag on forever, it breaks with an almighty crack and you see the earth break open and a huge hideous face appear. A huge snake, followed by another and another, easily the size of elephants but with thick coils of muscle, are rampaging among the men. In fact, as you approach, you realise quickly that these snakes are not just the size of elephants- but they also have the heads of them too! Huge tusks and poison-dripping fangs sprout from their grotesque visages.

 

You realise in a moment what these creatures are: Grootslang! Legendary monsters from ancient times. 

 

As the men engage the snakes in battle, you cast a spell that you thought you'd never had to cast. The Unmaker. Drawing from the raw power of the cosmos, this spell wraps itself around all your weapons, infusing them with negative energy. This is death magic, the only thing that is truly effective against the island's own death magic and which you hope will prove effective against the Grootslang. 

 

Soon you discover that you were right! Snakes lie dying as you and your comrades cut a bloody path through them, but not without some more casualties. 

 

Almost as quickly as it began the battle is over and you and the men lean on each other to rest a moment, still ready for the next attack. 

 

Heracles joins you and places a large hand on your shoulder. 

 

"Thank you Nomad, you have done well..." he is about to say more when he suddenly goes still. 

 

You feel it too. Even as your own battle was being fought, another has raged not far from you, and there is a power there as mighty as Heracles himself. 

 

"By Zeus" whispers Heracles, then grins and hefts his club. "A challenge at last!"

 

Proceed to 13

 

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06

 

You leave the tavern with Tydeus leading the way. You wonder together through the streets of Epitrillum, and soon lose any sense of direction as house after house passes you by. You keep enough sense to know that you are indeed heading towards the docks. 

 

Suddenly Tydeus stops, and turns to face you. 

 

"I think we have come far enough Nomad" he says, that easy grin never leaving his face. 

 

You look around, and see about ten men appear out of the shadows of doorways and corners. They all are dressed for battle, with weapons already drawn. You realise this is obviously something they are used to doing, and are comfortable with their weapons. They must be paid by one of the other competitors in the tourney to take out as many adventurers as they can. 

 

"You shouldn't have accepted my offer Nomad" says Tydeus, drawing his own curved sword. 

 

You draw your own and whisper some enchantments as you prepare for battle. 

 

Proceed to 14.

 

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07

 

Leaving Thor to his own carnage, you surge forward in a whirlwind of death and destruction and you find that the death magic you have infused into your weapon has proven effective against the Grootslang. You slash at one and its skin rips open. It roars in fury, and you duck as the giant tusks fly past your head. The other snakes turn at the noise of their fallen brethren, and it almost seems as they can smell your magic. Two more quickly follow and you cut them down. Fortunately, the defensive spells you cast whilst you were on the boat are still in place and absorbing much of the damage which would otherwise have hurt you by now. This seems to rally the warriors and they rush forward roaring their own battle cries. 

 

Snake after snake falls as you lead the men in a devastating charge, and it what seems like minutes, the battle is over. 

 

You peer around you and see the men starting to relax. Grootslang bodies lie everywhere, as do the fallen comrades from the Norse Wind. You lower your sword wearily, waiting for another attack. 

 

Kadmoc the dwarf steps besides you, dripping with gore. He is out of breath an offers you a smile of thanks. 

 

Thor joins you, slapping your back with a mighty fist that nearly sends you flying forward. "So the great Nomad decided to stop cowering on our ship!" he roars with laughter, and then stops suddenly. 

 

He turns slowly, just as you feel the same thing he did. A great power is slowly making its way towards you.

 

From the direction you both face you see a loan warrior approaching. He is huge, easily matching if not taller and broader than Thor himself. Across his back he has a lion's hide, and a huge bow and arrow. Casually slung over one shoulder is a huge club. 

 

"By Odin" whispers Kadmoc, "It is Heracles, the demi-god."

 

Thor nods, then quick turns around. 

 

"Quick, all of you, back to the boat - it is a trap! They're after the Wind!"

 

He then turns towards the Greek, and hefts Mjolnir in his hands and slowly stalks towards the newcomer. 

 

Proceed to 22. 

 

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08

 

You watch the warriors depart for the island, and immediately start casting some protection spells on yourself. Whatever happens next, you need to be prepared. 

 

Magic armor crackles all over you, and you feel your sword become lighter at your side. Your eyes focus and the world seems suddenly more vivid and bright. 

 

You grip the hard wood of the ship as you stare across the empty waters to the island, hoping to pierce the distance and see what was happening there. You wait, with the few remaining warriors on the ship, straining to hear something. 

 

And then you do. The all too familiar sounds of battle. The war cries of warriors and the howls, growls and shrieks of their mysterious enemy. 

 

The wood almost starts to buckle under your grip as frustration grips your heart. Proceed to 11

 

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09

 

The Nemean is a huge ship, painted a deep dark red and with expansive sails that propel it through the water at speed. The stern curves backwards on itself in the image of a fish's tail, and small siren statues sit at equal distance along the bow. 

 

Heracles and the crew spend their time recounting old war stories and drinking rich wine and mead. Most are warriors, although there are a few mages and sailors as well. 

 

You make good speed through the crashing waves for three days, and you feel a sense of ease as you mix with the crew. Anticipation of what is to come when you get to Egypt grips everyone, and some are already counting the ways they can spend their share of the undoubtedly exaggerate treasure. 

 

On the fourth day a sailor up high on the deck shouts that he has spotted land far in the distance. But his words are cut short as he looks in another direction. "Something is coming!" he screams, and immediately the crew scramble around for weapons. 

 

You all peer over the edge of the ship, studying every wave and movement of the water that could give a clue as to what was coming. 

 

Then suddenly an absolutely immense figure appears below the waves. 

 

"It is a Kraken!" shouts a sailor, and they all ready their spears. 

 

"No..." you say, and realise that it is already too late. The shape that you can see, which already dwarfs the ship, is but part of the beast. "... it is the Leviathan"

 

Without any further warning the massive shape emerges from the depths, raises above the water so high that it blocks out the sun, and then crashes down on the Nemean. The ship splits down the middle with an almighty crack, and even Heracles can do nothing but be flung into the water. 

 

The Leviathan continues on its way, not even pausing or perhaps even aware that you were in its way. 

 

Clinging to bits of driftwood, you and what remains of the crew make your way to the island. 

 

Proceed to 05

 

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10

 

The satyr nods, and looks at you expectantly until you slide a silver coin across the counter towards him. He makes it disappear and then grabs a large, and thankfully clean, tankard and fills it with a beautiful dark golden ale. He passes it to you and you take a swig of the surprisingly decent brew. You smile appreciatively and he turns away. 

 

"It's not half bad is it!" exclaims a voice by your side. 

 

You look over, and then down, and find yourself staring into a face that is 5% eyes, 20% nose and the remaining 75% hair and beard. The dwarf smiles at you and takes a huge gulp of his own tankard. He lets out a loud belch and then jumps up lithely onto the stool next to yours. You notice that his bare arms are huge, corded with muscle and battle scarred, and that he has a dwarven axe slung across his back. 

 

"So, you here for the tourney as well lad?" he says, looking at you with his piercing eyes. 

 

You nod cautiously, go to 20

 

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11

 

The cries and sounds of battle continue to assault your senses, and you realise that without your help these men could soon be dead. Thor would undoubtedly win the day, but how many men would perish whilst he did so! Finally you hear the sound that galvanises you into action - a roar from the dwarf Kadmoc, and then a "NOMAD, FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY, GET OUT HERE AND HELP US!"

 

You leap dexterously over the edge straight on to one of the two remaining rowing boats moored to the side of the great ship. A simple strength spell enhances you for a short while, but it is enough to have you racing towards the shore as you pull on the oars. The water churns on either side of you with your broad strokes. 

 

A few moments later you are at the island, and without hesitating jump out of the boat and with one fluid moment are running towards the sounds of battle. 

 

What you see stops you in your tracks: huge snakes, easily the size of elephants but with thick coils of muscle, are rampaging among the men. In fact, as you approach, you realise quickly that these snakes are not just the size of elephants- but they also have the heads of them too! Huge tusks and poison-dripping fangs sprout from their grotesque visages and you see men already lying dead on the floor with great wounds seeping blood into the sands. 

 

You realise in a moment what these creatures are: Grootslang! Legendary monsters from ancient times, older than even Thor himself. You quickly look around to see Thor fairing well against them, Mjolnir laying about him in a whirlwind of death. But his warriors aren't fairing as well. Apart from Kadmoc and a small group who are fighting back to back and just about managing to keep the monsters at bay, the rest are dead or soon to be dead if you don't do something quickly. 

 

You draw your sword, and cast a spell that you thought you'd never had to cast. The Unmaker. Drawing from the raw power of the cosmos, this spell wraps itself around you and your sword, infusing it with negative energy. This is death magic, the only thing that is truly effective against the island's own death magic and which you hope will prove effective against the Grootslang. 

 

If you go to help Thor, proceed to 21

If you rush to save the warriors, go to 07

 

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12

 

You try lift Kadmoc, but he is too weak and any further movement could easily kill him. 

 

"Go.... to the boat..." he whispers, before losing consciousness. 

 

You turn and run towards the beach, knowing that you will be too late. 

 

Despite running as fast as you can, when you arrive at the beach you see your small boats already in the water. and on their way to the Norse Wind. You could throw a fireball but there was too high a risk of damaging the Wind. 

 

You hear lightning crack and rocks smash behind you as the gods meet in a ferocious clash, and you sink to your knees in the sand as the newcomers board the Wind.  

 

....To Be Continued

 

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13

 

You look at the crew, taking in their exhaustion. 

 

"They are in no position to fight" you say to Heracles. 

 

"Agreed, this is my fight. Whoever else is on this island must have a ship. Go, find it, and I'll join you as soon as I've dealt with this." 

 

You can sense the battle readiness coming off him, a rage that grips him and will not leave him until his opponent lies dead at his feet. 

 

You nod and watch as he strides further into the forest, ready for whatever force awaits him there. Gathering the crew, you go back to the beach and start making your way around the beach towards where the others likely arrived from. 

 

Before long you see a ship anchored not far from the island, and a few smaller boats resting in the sand. 

 

You hear lightning crack and rocks smash behind you as the powers meet in a ferocious clash, and with the crew you make a dash for the boats, ready to take them on to the larger ship and whatever destiny awaits you. 

 

....To Be Continued

 

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14

 

Without a word the men surge forward and blades flash in the air. But you are already on the move, ducking and weaving and lashing out with your own sword. Within seconds, three attackers lay bleeding on the ground. You summon a globe of light and thrust it in another's face, and he reels away blinded; you spin in the other direction quick enough to avoid another blade, and stab a man through the throat. You feel steel cut through your arm and blast the attacker with an acid spray spell; he screams as the skin on his face melts and drops dead in a minute. 

 

The battle rages on and you soon find that you are facing just a couple of men, including Tydeus. Bodies lay strewn across the ground, blood soaking into the dirt. 

 

"Damn Nomad! You are tougher than expected, but not sure you have enough left for all of us" he laughs, and at least ten more men step out of the shadows. You notice at least two of them are carrying dwarven forged repeating crossbows. 

 

This could be trouble. 

 

You raise your sword slightly, ready to cast your next spell, when a huge arrow flies past your ear and right into a man's face. He is thrown back and pinned against a wall!

 

"I say we should even the odds!" booms a loud voice, and one of the largest men you have ever seen strides past you wearing a lionskin over his shoulders and carrying a massive club in hand. With one swing he takes out two attackers who, with an awful crunch of breaking bone, are actually sent flying onto the roof of a building. You are galvanized into action, and spring at Tydeus whilst the newcomer cracks a few more skulls. You battle back and forth with Tydeus, and before long you spot an opening; a overreach leaves his side open wide and you plunge your sword into his side. He stares at you incredulously and then gently sinks to his knees, dead before his whole body hits the ground. 

 

The huge man turns to you and grins, pulls a rag out of his pocket and starts cleaning blood and gore off his club. 

 

"Looks like you were in a bit of a pickle there! Glad I could help."

 

You feel the awesome power from this man, a divine presence and suddenly realise who you are facing. 

 

"You are Heracles!" you state, almost in a state of shock. 

 

"And you are the one they call Nomad. It is a pleasure to meet you. Glad I could help."

 

"Yes, thank you" you reply. "But why did you help?"

 

He smiles broadly and explains that he had been passing by in any case on his way to his ship, the Nemean. But, seeing as he did help and he noticed that you had a fair share of magic at your disposal, he could always make use of a mage and a warrior as part of his crew! 

 

If you decide to join Heracles aboard the Nemean, go to 09

If you decline and decide to find your own ship, go to 04

 

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15

 

Kadmoc beckons you to follow him. 

 

"I'm going to need you Nomad, help me lead these men to protect the Wind."

 

You and all the rest of the warriors storm towards the ship with weapons drawn, and see a band of warriors already at the beach trying to steal your small boats. They swivel around as you approach. These strangers have clearly been in battle as well, judging by the wounds some of them sport. They draw their weapons as you approach. You outnumber them, and all yell a battle cry, fueled by outrage as you descend on them. 

 

You hear lightning crack and rocks smash behind you as the gods meet in a ferocious clash, and then alongside your new comrades you join battle with these thieves at the beach!

 

....To Be Continued

 

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16

 

You quickly climb to the deck of the Norse Wind and find most of the crew assembled there already. Thor himself, who you have yet to meet, stands next to Kadmoc the dwarf and peers at the fast approaching land. 

 

"That's not Egypt" says a sailor peering through a telescope. 

 

Thor nods in agreement. "It is an island" he says with a deep gravelly voice. "But there is magic there."

 

You can feel it too. Old magic, filled with death, from a time long forgotten. It reeks of pain and decay, a warning for any who would approach. 

 

"We shouldn't go there" you say, drawing glances from most of the sailors. Although these are warriors first and foremost, they know of your deeds and respect you enough not to think that you are a coward. 

 

Thor laughs loudly. 

 

"The famous Nomad, afraid of the unknown! I never thought he day would come!"

 

You narrow your eyes, but know better than to antagonise the god of thunder. 

 

You reply slowly; "This is old death magic. I am not afraid, but know better than to play with fire. Nothing good can come of death magic."

 

Thor laughs again. "Well then, you stay on the boat! We shall investigate and prove that there is nothing to fear". 

 

 The men quickly prepare to go to the island, gathering an assortment of swords, shields, axes and bows and arrows. 

 

Kadmoc the dwarf comes over to you. 

 

"Thor can be a bit hotheaded at times" he says quietly. "But we are warriors, and we readily go to the unknown. If there is magic on that island, we could do with some magic of our own."

 

If you stay on the boat, go to 08

If you go with the boarding party, proceed to 03

 

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17

 

You ask for your pink cocktail and the satyr snorts with laughter, stomping his weathered hoof on the wood floor. 

 

"I think you have the Harpy's Claw confused with one of the bath houses young man!" Then he winks at you, "and maybe we can meet there later. But right now we have the ale or the wine available"

 

If you choose a tankard of ale, proceed to 10. 

If you choose a dark wine, proceed to 23.

 

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18

 

You enjoy the rest of the evening in the tavern, ordering some food and some more of the fantastic wine. You retire at a decent time, and sleep a deep slumber dreaming of ancient battles. 

 

Dawn greets you with the loud hustle and bustle of the city awakening, and you prepare your equipment, pay the landlord, and make your way to the docks to find a ship and continue your journey. 

 

As you wind your way through the streets you suddenly get an uneasy feeling that you are being watched. 

 

One turn down an alley later and you find yourself surrounded by men with their swords already drawn. A man, obviously their leader, steps forward. He is tall and slim, with dark olive skin and a small mustache adorning his wide face.

 

"Greeting Nomad", he says with a huge grin on his face. "I'm afraid this is the end of the line for you. I am Tydeus, and these men and I are to ensure that you progress no further in the Tourney."

 

With that, he draws his curved sword and the men prepare for the fight. 

 

You draw your own, whisper some enchantments and get ready for the onslaught. 

 

Go to 14

 

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19

 

When you refuse his offer, Tydeus stares at you for a moment, his smile slowly disappearing. He nods, then walks off, leaving his unfinished wine on the table. 

 

You think nothing more of it and enjoy the rest of the evening in the tavern, ordering some food and some more of the fantastic wine. You retire at a decent time, and sleep a deep slumber dreaming of ancient battles. 

 

Dawn greets you with the loud hustle and bustle of the city awakening, and you prepare your equipment, pay the landlord, and make your way to the docks to find a ship and continue your journey. 

 

As you wind your way through the streets you suddenly get an uneasy feeling that you are being watched. 

 

One turn down an alley later and you find yourself surrounded by men with their swords already drawn. You suddenly spot Tydeus among them, grinning from ear to ear. 

 

"You should have accepted my offer Nomad" says Tydeus, drawing his own curved sword. 

 

You draw your own and whisper some enchantments as you prepare for battle. 

 

Proceed to 14

 

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20

 

You nod cautiously, casually glancing about the room to see if this dwarf stranger has any companions. He doesn't appear to have any, and he smiles at your caution. 

 

"You're right to be wary lad! We're all here for the great competition. That once in a lifetime chance for all the riches in Pharaoh's land. Oh I can just taste the gold already."

 

You smile. Typical of a dwarf to be after the gold in the great challenge. But it was a nice familiarity, which makes you think back to a time long ago when you had stood side by side with similar warriors against insurmountable odds. 

 

The dwarf takes in your smile, and grins back. 

 

"I like you lad, you don't talk much. My name is Kadmoc Gravelbeard. I also know who you are Nomad."

 

"Careful dwarf..." you say warily. 

 

"Don't worry, I won't say anything. And I am sure that most of what I hear is legend rather than truth! But I do have a proposal for you which I think you will find to your liking. Come join us! We are seasoned warriors from the North, led by none other than the thunder god Thor himself. We have a map guiding us straight to the Pharaoh's tomb, and a swift ship named the Norse Wind ready to sail in the morning.  What say you?"

 

You mull it over. You have heard of the Norse Wind and their reputation is good. A crew of strong warriors with at the helm none other than the god of thunder himself, drawn to adventure on one of his escapades from Asgard. So far they have cut a path through a number of monsters to arrive so close to their goal, and you hear that they have stopped a couple of times to help lands in distress. Capable and confident, you could certainly do worse in terms of a crew. 

 

If you accept the Kadmoc's proposal and make your way to the Norse Wind in the morning, go to 02. 

If you decline Kadmoc's offer, go to 18

 

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21

 

Ignoring the dying warriors, you run towards Thor as he whirls Mjolnir around him, laughing in the heat of battle. 

 

You slash at one and its skin rips open. It roars in fury, and you duck as the giant tusks fly past your head. The other snakes turn at the noise of their fallen brethren, and it almost seems as they can smell your magic. Two more quickly follow and you cut them down. Fortunately, the defensive spells you cast whilst you were on the boat are still in place and absorbing much of the damage which would otherwise have hurt you by now. Thor batters down snake after snake and soon, between the two of you, most of them lay dead or dying on the beach. 

 

You slowly come down out of your battle fury, and are dismayed to see that most of the the sailors are dead or dying. You rush forward to Kadmoc who is lying next to the bodies of three giant snakes that he has slain, but not before they caught him with their deadly fangs. 

 

Without hesitating you cast a few healing spells on him, slowing down any traces of poison and sealing his wounds. 

 

He grunts in pain. "You...could have.... helped us..." he mutters weakly, glaring at you.

 

You nod, focused on his wounds. 

 

Thor joins you, about to say something, then stops suddenly. 

 

He turns slowly, just as you feel the same thing he did. A great power is slowly making its way towards you.

 

From the direction you both face you see a loan warrior approaching. He is huge, easily matching if not taller and broader than Thor himself. Across his back he has a lion's hide, and a huge bow and arrow. Casually slung over one shoulder is a huge club. 

 

"By Odin" whispers Kadmoc feably, "It is Heracles, the demi-god."

 

Thor nods, then quick turns around. 

 

"Back to the boat - it is a trap! They're after the Wind!"

 

He then turns towards the Greek, and hefts Mjolnir in his hands and slowly stalks towards the newcomer. 

 

Go to 12

 

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22

 

Kadmoc beckons you to follow him. 

 

"I'm going to need you Nomad, help me lead these men to protect the Wind."

 

You and all the rest of the warriors storm towards the ship with weapons drawn, and see a band of warriors already at the beach trying to steal your small boats. They swivel around as you approach. These strangers have clearly been in battle as well, judging by the wounds some of them sport. They draw their weapons as you approach. You are fewer than them, and still wounded from your battle with the snakes, but your men let out a loud roar as you descend on them. 

 

You hear lightning crack and rocks smash behind you as the gods meet in a ferocious clash, and then alongside your new comrades you join battle with these thieves at the beach!

 

....To Be Continued

 

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23

 

The red wine sloshes slowly around the cup as the Satyr hands it to you. You take a cautious sip, only to discover that the drink isn't bad at all. 

 

Suddenly a stranger appears at your side. The man is tall and slim, with dark olive skin and a small mustache adorning his wide face. He also orders the wine and smiles at you. 

 

"I am Tydeus" he says. 

 

You nod cautiously, on your guard. 

 

"I take it you are here for the tourney as well?" 

 

Again you nod. 

 

"Of course you are, everyone has heard of the famous Nomad and his great skill!"

 

You relax slightly. Although you are not famous, your notoriety has preceded you on a number of occasions. Generally at the behest of some blabbering bards who grossly embellished the truth of the adventure. 

 

"Are you also here for the tourney Tydeus?" you ask, trying to get a measure of the man.

 

"Actually, I am here with a proposition..." he replies, leaning forward conspiratorially. 

 

You listen to his story; the story of a map in the possession of a merchant by the docks. A man who is looking to sell the map, but who doesn't realise its full potential. 

 

"You are asking me to steal the map?" you enquire, watching the man's expression. 

 

"Borrow I should say... We take it, we replicate it, maybe we give it back, and we're away before anyone is the wiser" Tydeus smiles again. 

 

If you suppose it couldn't do any harm to gain an advantage in the Tourney, you go with Tydeus; proceed to 06

If you decline, go to 19 

 

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[DSkillz]

Congratulations on winning the February 2021 Flash Fiction Tournament and making what is effectively your HoF debut, Versam!

This is definitely how you show some love.  

Aloy (Horizon Zero Dawn) vs. Cerberus (Mass Effect) by Versam

Aloy crouched low on the catwalk as Cerberus soldiers passed underneath. They were looking for her. But after years of sneaking up on Grazers in Mother's Embrace, she could keep herself hidden from a few frantic humans. Even on their own ship.

The Cerberus cruiser was massive and reminded her of the cauldrons back home. The halls were dark and metallic. But at least she didn't have to fight through waves of machines to get where she needed to be. Not that she wasn't prepared for a fight if it came to that.

Garrus' Black Widow hung off her shoulder, where she used to keep her bow and arrows. It was a less graceful weapon, for sure, but its firepower matched that of her blast arrows. And the clips took up far less space. But the real challenge was its weight. It was heavy. Like the guilt in her chest.

She peeked over the rails once the soldiers left. Below, there were Ravager-sized pods lining the walls, each with a turian silhouette under its surface.

Garrus was down there somewhere. And she needed to find him.

She climbed down silently and effortlessly, moving from pod to pod, searching for the turian face she knew by heart. The face she never could have imagined existed only a few months ago.

Nothing. Next pod. Hide. Nothing. Next pod. Unfamiliar. Next pod. Hide. It was a slow search.

Next pod... She slowed to a stop next to it, recognizing something in the blue markings on the face within. It was the face she'd studied every day since she first saw it. Garrus Vakarian.

She only stared down at him for enough time to catch her breath before she went to work yanking at the cords on the side of the pod and pushing at the lid so she could get to him. He was only inches away. All she had to do was wake him up and they could leave. Together.

It took all of her strength to move the lid, but once ajar, it slid away, revealing the body underneath. Her palm found his face, thumb tracing the lines of his mandibles. He was cold and slick. Never a good sign.

This technology was beyond her. What would she do if he didn't wake? What could she do? Where would she go?

Aloy shook him gently. Then harder. Nothing. But he was still breathing. He was still there. Just... gone.

How had she lost this family she'd only just gained?

Her focus chimed, alerting her to the approach of Cerberus soldiers. But there was still time before they arrived.

"Garrus," she whispered, a hopeless attempt to reanimate him. "Do you remember when you found me?"

 

 

***

 

A grassy green prairie rolled on for as far as I could see. I leaned back onto the hill, feeling the warmth of the sun on my cheek. 

Earth. What a beautiful place. Lush. Empty. Abandoned.

But it wasn't empty, was it? My own perceptions confused me. Surely someone lived here.

All I could remember were the creatures. The machines, someone had called them. I'd fought one the size of my starship. A Thunderjaw. The word came from thin air. Yeah, a Thunderjaw.

"Garrus," a voice whispered. "Do you remember when you found me?"

There was a heat at my side. I wasn't alone. She was sitting next to me, fiery and brave and human. Had she always been there?

Aloy.

"Of course." I couldn't recall. "You were fighting the Thunderjaw." My own words surprised me. "And the damned thing took my ship right out of the sky."

She stared at the ground, letting grass slide between her fingers before she ripped it up. "I was alone before then. An outcast." She forced a chuckle. "And I didn't know anything about the world."

"You knew more than everyone on your planet," I chided softly. She was a genius. I still remembered her face in the firelight as she pieced my ship together one part at a time. And when she had questions, her eyes sparked with wonderlust. I'd give her half an answer before she figured it out on her own. After all that, she probably knew more about my ship than I did.

Aloy didn't react. Didn't even look at me. She was lost in the rolling plains. "I never imagined I'd leave the Sacred Lands," she managed. "And then you took me to the stars."

I'd been stranded on Earth for weeks. In the meantime, we'd traded stories of Palaven and the Nora, bonded over weaponry and sharpshooting, and used the machines in the valley to repair my ship to its functioning flying glory. It was only fair that I take her for the ride of her life --show her how small Earth was in the grand scheme of the universe. How was I supposed to know she'd never want to go back?

"I've experienced so much. You've shown me the unimaginable." Her voice broke. "Everything is... so much bigger now."

Aloy's braided and beaded hair fell over her shoulder, hiding her face. I reached out to brush it away. She was too proud to cry. But she could trust me, couldn't she?

And then my fingers passed right through her.

She kept talking, as if she'd felt nothing. "I'm not afraid of being alone. I've been alone before." Her breathing became shallow and ragged. "But if you don't wake up... You'll never know how much I..."

If I didn't wake up...?

"Aloy, what do you mean?"

She looked up suddenly, like she'd heard something. Her focus could pick up things from far off. Things my scanners couldn't even read. "They're coming..."

"Who is coming?" But in my gut, I knew it was Cerberus.

Aloy and I had met up with a turian fleet on its way to Palaven. I'd promised Aloy we'd go to the Citadel from there. We were on a galactic tour or sorts. But the fleet had been ambushed, boarded, and seized. And we flew right into their trap.

I scanned the valley, realizing how cold and lifeless it truly was. There were no machines. No wind. No heat from the sun. The only warmth here radiated from Aloy.

She jumped to her feet in a defensive stance, ready to fight. My rifle hung from her shoulder.

"Aloy," I tried again, reaching for her leg. Reaching for her warmth. But I passed right through.

And then she vanished. Popped right out of existence in front of me. I had only blinked. And she was gone.

"ALOY!"

From the horizon, a dark shadow swept over the valley, eating away this world I'd somehow imagined. The shadow moved faster and faster, coming for me.

"It's not real, Garrus," I scolded myself. "Aloy needs you to wake the hell up!"

And the shadow consumed me.

 

***

 

Aloy held Black Widow just like Garrus had taught her. He’d emphasized four principles --aim, hold, sight, and shot. Similar to the principles she used with her bow. But this was nothing like the ebb and flow of her arrows. This was a power she had to squeeze tight and hold in her core lest it escape her. 

She’d left Garrus’ side only to set traps throughout the room. Near doorways. Away from the other pods. If she could fight machines back home, she could defeat a few humans in space.

An explosion sounded as one of her trip wires went off. 

Cerberus had arrived. 

Aloy glanced over her shoulder at the pod where Garrus was stirring. She couldn't leave now that she knew he was alive. Whatever she’d done had been enough to wake him. But she needed to defend him until they could escape. 

She wouldn’t leave him behind again.

Aloy stared down the Black Widow’s sights and waited for the soldiers to descend upon her.

 

[DSkillz]

Sorry for the delay on this.

Congrats to the winner of the March 2021 Flash Fiction CBUB Tournament, our first four-time winner, JohnnyChany!  

Trix Rabbit vs. Lucky the Leprechaun by JohnnyChany

 

In the magical land of General Mills, cereal mascots were assigned to different districts representing their cereal. They were not put in charge of said district mind you, in fact all mascots operated at the whim of their children overlords. The children weren’t necessarily in charge either, but they were given free reign to act as they saw fit. Different dynamics emerged between the children and each mascot. Some mascots were seen as friends to enjoy the cereal along with, others were seen as respected obstacles to overcome to get to the delicious cereal, and there was one who was endlessly mocked and tormented by the children. Enter the Trix Rabbit.

The Trix Rabbit had been allowed to enjoy a total of four bowls of Trix in the last sixty years. His desperation had turned into a never ending well of sadness. He slumped against a tree in his makeshift Easter Bunny costume after another failed attempt to deceive the children and obtain a bowl of the sugary cereal.

“Silly rabbit, Trix are for kids!”  the children shouted as they scampered away with the Trix.

The Trix Rabbit sat in silence with his arms wrapped around his knees. He wondered if he should just accept the fact that he would never taste Trix again. Suddenly, one of the children had returned to where he was and looked down at him.

“Poor rabbit, how about we make a deal,” said the boy.

The Trix Rabbit glanced up with a mix of hope and excitement. “A deal?”

“I will give you a bowl of Trix, but first you have to do something for me.”

“What? I’ll do anything,” the Trix Rabbit proclaimed.

“I want a bowl of Lucky Charms. I’ve always wanted to try some, but that leprechaun is slippery. If you can get me a bowl of Lucky Charms, I’ll trade you my Trix,” the boy explained.

The Trix Rabbit beamed brightly. “Is that all? No problem. You just wait right here and I’ll be back in a flash.”

The Trix Rabbit was bursting with joy as he traveled to the Lucky Charms district. When he arrived in the Lucky Charms district, he found Lucky, himself, in mid incantation.

“Hearts, stars, horseshoes, clover, and blue moons, hour glasses, rainbows, and tasty red balloons!”

Large Lucky Charms marshmallows swirled around the leprechaun as he chanted.  Lucky noticed a group of kids out of the corner of his eyes making a beeline for his Lucky Charms.

“Oh no you don’t!” Lucky grabbed his Lucky Charms and hopped on the large star marshmallow. He then rode a magical rainbow to safety away from the children.

The Trix Rabbit followed the rainbow to its destination.

Lucky congratulated himself. “I didn’t drop the box this time, what a splendid day.” 

Lucky placed his bowl of Lucky Charms on a nearby rock. Suddenly, he was startled by the sight of the Trix Rabbit,

“Don’t be doing that. Me heart can’t take it,” he cried. “I thought you were one of the children.”

“I think I saw them turn around and head off to the Cheerios district,” the Trix Rabbit replied.

“Ah, good! Darn kids are always after me Lucky Charms,” Lucky lamented.

“Yeah, a real shame.”

“What brings ya out here?” asked Lucky.  “I don’t see you outside of the Trix district too often.”

“That’s true,” replied the Trix Rabbit. “I really just came for this.”

The Trix Rabbit swiped the bowl of Lucky Charms and Lucky’s eyes bulged. “What do ya think yer doing?”

“I just need one bowl of Lucky Charms, it’s no big deal,” the Trix Rabbit insisted.

“It is a big deal,” Lucky yelped. “That’s against the rules, and more importantly they are me Lucky Charms!”

“But I NEED them,” the Trix Rabbit repeated.

The rabbit tried to flee with the cereal. Lucky conjured a large hourglass marshmallow and slammed it into the Trix Rabbit. He then took back his Lucky Charms and whisked away on a magical rainbow.

Lucky rode his magical rainbow all the way to the Cookie Crisp district looking for an ally to prosecute the horrible crime he had just witnessed. He landed near Officer Crumb.

“Hey there Lucky, how are you?” Officer Crumb asked jovially.

“Awful. Everyone is after me Lucky Charms, including that dastardly Trix Rabbit. I need you to arrest him for the heinous injustice of trying to steal my Lucky Charms.”

“That is strange, but there is nothing I can do,” stated Officer Crumb.

“What? A fellow Irishman comes to you pleading for help and the best you can do is say there is nothing you can do? You are a police officer aren’t ya?”

“Aye, I am. But it’s out of my hands. I can only arrest characters for trying to steal Cookie Crisp and only in the Cookie Crisp district. Everything else is out of my jurisdiction,” Officer Crumb clarified.

Officer Crumb and Lucky were then joined by Buzz the Bee. 

“What are you doing here?” Officer Crumb wondered.

“I saw Lucky’s rainbow stretched across the sky and I wanted to make sure everyone was okay.” said Buzz.

Lucky hopped up and down in anger. “Everyone is not okay. The Trix Rabbit tried to nab me Lucky Charms and he needs to be punished.”

“Really? Why would he do such a thing? He knows that is not permitted. I’ll go talk to him.”.

“By talk to him you better mean lock him up!” Lucky shouted at the Cheerios mascot as he flew away.

Buzz found the Trix Rabbit walking dejectedly back into the Trix district.

“Can we talk?” asked Buzz.

The Trix Rabbit sighed. “If you are here to recruit me for the Interbrand Olympic Games, you know I will come.”

“That’s good to know. But, that’s not why I’m here. Why would you try to take some Lucky Charms? You know you are not allowed to do that,” said Buzz.

“I know. I wasn’t thinking clearly. It won’t happen again,” the Trix Rabbit replied.

“That’s great to hear. You should know that Lucky is really upset. I think you should apologize to him and find a way to make up for your mistakes,” Buzz suggested.

“How would I do that?” 

“Hmmm, well, Lucky is pretty proud of his heritage. How about learning about leprechauns and sharing with him all the knowledge that you’ve learned. I’m sure he’d appreciate the gesture.”

The Trix Rabbit was unconvinced, but he obliged. "Sure, I can do that.”

“Great. I’ll see you around. Remember Be Happy and Be Healthy!”

Once he was left alone again, the Trix Rabbit resumed his depressed trot. Inspiration struck and the rabbit stopped in his tracks. He would learn about leprechauns, but only to learn about their weaknesses so that he could successfully steal a bowl of Lucky Charms. Hope had been restored. 

His first idea was to consult a fellow mythical character, Count Chocula. But, he quickly nixed the idea. Surely, Lucky would be tattling to all the mascots of General Mills by now. He needed outside help. The Trix Rabbit traveled to the Quaker Oats Port and convinced Cap’n Crunch to take him across the Great Sea of Milk over to the land of Kellog’s.

 

Once there, The Trix Rabbit decided to ask Tony the Tiger first. To get to the Frosted Flakes district however, he would first have to cross through the Froot Loops district. The Trix Rabbit tried desperately to keep a low profile as he traversed through the Froot Loops peninsula, although he admittedly didn’t know exactly where he was going. He did know that he didn’t want to be noticed by Toucan Sam.  Unfortunately, that would be another failure for him.

“Hey there, old chum,” Sam called out from above with his nephews following closely behind. “You look lost. If that’s the case you should just follow your nose to…”
The Trix Rabbit interrupted. “I’m looking for the Frosted Flakes district.”

“Keep going right you can’t miss it,” said one of Sam’s nephews.

“Thanks.”

“Ha! Ha! Jolly good. Let us return to our hunt for fruity treasure, boys. I can smell it, I know it’s close.” Sam remarked.

The family of toucans flew away. The Trix Rabbit really disliked Sam. Mostly because he was always paired up against him whenever Buzz and Tony would organize the Interbrand Olympic Games, and he didn’t know why. Sam had an unfair advantage, he could fly.

When the Trix Rabbit arrived in the Frosted Flakes district, he had to wait for Tony to finish a soccer game before he could talk to him. Tony approached him with a towel over his head.

“Hey champ, you here from some scrimmage action?” Tony inquired.

“No, no, nothing like that,” the rabbit answered. “I was hoping you could tell me everything you know about leprechauns.”

Tony contorted his face in confusion. “Wasn’t expecting that request. I wish I could help you, but I’m more of an athletic tiger not an academic tiger. The best I can tell you is that your boy, Lucky, is not the only leprechaun mascot. Both the Boston Celtics and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have leprechaun mascots. Hope that helps.”

The Trix Rabbit slumped his shoulders after receiving this useless information. 

“Wow, you seem pretty down. I wish I could offer you some Frosted Flakes to help cheer you up. But, I can’t because of the rules. Don’t want to end up like Chef Wendell, remember when he offered all the other mascots Cinnamon Toast Crunch at the first Interbrand Olympic Games and then he….”

“Was never seen again,” The Trix Rabbit mumbled.

 “Yeah. It’s a shame though, I think you’d really like them. They’re grrrreeeatttt!!” Tony proclaimed.

The Trix Rabbit was skeptical of Tony’s assessment because he could not see any sight of fruity flavors inside Frosted Flakes.

“Why don’t you try Snap, Crackle, and Pop. Maybe they will have the info you need,” suggested Tony.

A marvelous idea. The Trix Rabbit made haste to the Rice Krispies district and caught the trio right before a photo shoot for a new cereal box.

The Trix Rabbit gasped for air from all of his running before composing himself. “Hey guys, you are leprechauns, I want to know all about you,” 

“Excuse me rabbit, we are not leprechauns. We are elves,” Crackle retorted.

“Yeah, don’t get us mixed up with that little green hoarder,” added Snap.

“I apologize,” said the rabbit. “You guys are matched up alot with Lucky though during the games, so you should know alot about him, right?”

“I know that he is a sore loser,” stated Pop.

“Anything else, strengths, weaknesses, hidden leprechaun talents?”

The three elves exchanged perplexed glances before shrugging their shoulders and complying with the rabbit’s request.

“Leprechauns are typically intelligent tricksters who are also greedy and protective," explained Snap. “Lucky certainly has the greedy and protective traits down, but I don't know about being an intelligent trickster."

“Yeah, if anything he is easy to trick, We do it all the time when we face off against him while he is too busy complaining that three on one is unfair,” Pop put in.

“He has a one track mind,” noted Crackle. “Although I don’t know if that is a leprechaun thing or a General Mills thing. A lot of you seem to have that characteristic. Once you get him distracted, you’ve got him.”

“Hey fellas we need to get back to the shoot,” said Snap.

“Distraction. I got it. Thanks, you guys are the best.” 

“No problem. Have a good day, rabbit,” stated Pop.

On his voyage over the Great Milk Sea back to General Mills, the Trix Rabbit asked Cap’n Crunch if he had ever been too distracted to sail his ship.

“No. But, I did come close to crashing once. It was all because of that loony cuckoo, Sonny. I was ferrying him across the sea and he went absolutely insane when someone mentioned Cocoa Puffs. Nearly destroyed my ship.”

A plan of attack had now fully formed in the brain of the Trix Rabbit. It was deceitful, it was potentially dangerous, but it would all be worth it if it meant he would get to enjoy another bowl of Trix cereal. 

After they reached the land of General Mills, the rabbit thanked Cap’n Crunch for all of his help and then traversed over to the Cocoa Puffs district. Unlike many other districts, the Cocoa Puffs district did not have the look of its namesake. This was a conscious decision made in large part to keep Sonny’s unbridled obsession somewhat in check. The Trix rabbit found the cuckoo bird rocking back and forth with a forced smile on his face.

“Hello, I am so happy to see you. Were you sent here to keep me distracted?” Sonny wondered.

“Distracted from what?”

“The rest of IT is being taken away for the day to help me with my mania,” Sonny informed.

“That’s right. It’s that time of day,” said the rabbit. “It’s strange though because I saw some kid who must have smuggled some of it to the Lucky Charms district before it was all confiscated.” The Trix Rabbit waved nonchalantly. “I am sure it will be fine. It will either be recovered or Lucky will simply throw it away.”

Sonny’s eyes almost popped out of his skull.  “Lucky has some munchy, crunchy, more chocolatey Cocoa Puffs? And he would just throw them away.”

The Trix Rabbit nodded, “Those are the rules.”

“I must save them. I must have them. I’m cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs!” screamed Sonny. The brown bird flew away in an unhinged state toward the Lucky Charms district.

The Trix rabbit rubbed his hands together mischievously. With Lucky distracted by Sonny’s insanity, he would be able to walk right in and swipe the Lucky Charms. Then finally, the Trix would be his.

 

[DSkillz]

Congratulations on your first tournament win, @leroypowell3! IIRC, you came in a good second place the last time you made a tournament match, and now you've earned your place in the HoF! Go out and celebrate!  

Steve Urkel vs. Deep Space Nine Crew by leroypowell3 

It had been quiet lately. That meant that The Dominion was planning something big. No one could guess what that something was so beyond standing vigilance, there was nothing anyone could do but wait for the attack.

Captain Benjamin Sisko studied the battle logs. His intent was to analyze the Federation victories and learn what worked. Most likely they wouldn’t work again, but he would also know what the Dominion would be expecting.

The peace and quiet was nice but he had instructed the DS9 crew to come in something needed his attention. Lieutenant Commander Worf did just that.

Instantly he could feel the Klingon’s anger.

“Captain. There a problem.”

“What’s wrong, Mr. Worf?”

“This new cadet- Urkel.” He said the name with such vile that Sisko became concerned.

“What’s wrong with him?”

“I think he is a spy.”

Sisko almost came out of his chair. His hands were already in position to push himself up. “That’s a serious accusation. I hope you have some evidence.”

Worf stiffened. His fists clenched over and over. “Sir, there is no way anyone is capable of such… buffoonery.”

“Go on.” said Sisko.

“I can’t explain it. I spent two minutes with him and I want to kill him.”

“I’m afraid you’ll have to do better than that Mr. Worf. Killing fellow Starfleet personnel is unacceptable.”

In came Jadzia Dax. “Benjamin, this Urkel guy has gotta go!”

Sisko glared at her.

“Do you know who I’m talking about?” she wondered.

“I’ve heard about him yes.” He eyed the teeth-grinding Worf.

“He snorts!” Dax smarted.

“Snorts?”

“Snorts!” Dax demonstrated the sound.

“What’s wrong with that?”

“It’s annoying!” Both Dax and Worf said together.

“Well I’m sure he can’t help it.” Sisko leaned back indicating his dismissal of their feelings.

“It’s a part of the act.” declared Worf.

Dax whirled to face him. “Is that what you think? It’s and act?”

“Yes. He is clearly here to disrupt our effectiveness.”

“Mr. Worf believes he is a spy.” Sisko clarified Worf’s accusation.

Dax pondered the charge. “That would explain some things.”

“As I told the captain, it is impossible that this man could be this infuriating. Clearly something sinister is at play.”

Now came Odo.

“Captain Sisko! This new arrival is a menace!”

“Are you talking about..?”

“Cadet Urkel!” snarled Odo. “He started a dance party in the commons area! People began wearing their trousers up to their armpits! It’s an atrocity!”

“Take a breath Constable.” Siskso said calmly.

“This Urkel fellow can not stay on this station! He must be reassigned!”

‘The whole crew is against him.’ Sisko thought to himself.

Next came Major Kira Nerys. “Captain have you met this new guy Urkel?”

“What is your problem with him?” the weariness blended with his question.

“He keeps getting in the way. He’s supposedly trying to help but…”

“He’s making things worse!” Dax, Odo and Worf said together.

Sisko rose to his feet. “Alright that’s enough all of you! While you’re in here whining about a new cadet, you are not doing you duties! Get back to your tasks and leave this man be!”

“But...” Dax began.

“But nothing! If the lot of you can’t handle a green cadet how are you going to defeat the Dominion?”

The senior Deep Space Nine crew exited, just as the doors were closing he could hear them begin to exchange complaints.

How could a young cadet rattle the crew this way? He was about to request Urkel’s file log on the computer but then he thought maybe it would be a better idea if he went to see the man in person.

“Computer, locate Cadet Urkel!” he commanded.

The speakers chirped and DS9’s monotonous voice answered promptly.

“Cadet Urkel is in engineering.”

A bit unsure of what he would find, Sisko hesitated. But if his senior crew all had a problem with him he’d better check this guy out.

As soon as the door opened, yelling welcomed him.

“Get out of here! Get out!”

That was Chief O’Brian. Everyone else was staring in certain direction so Sisko looked there. He couldn’t believe his eyes.

An enraged Miles O’Brian- waving a phaser as if it were a butcher knife in front of a skinny youth. This had to be Urkel.

Upon spotting him the first thing to affront Sisko’s mind was ‘why is he wearing suspenders?’

On top of that, his pants were pulled up to his chest. Where did he get socks that ugly? And were those eye glasses on his face? This was an insult to Starfleet tailoring.

“Mr. O’Brian!” Sisko bellowed.

The command voice ended the altercation.

Everything about O’Brian softened. “Captain...”

“Mr. O’Brian, what do you think you’re doing?!”

“It’s Urkel, sir!” his anger immediately returned. “He thought phasers could enhance the power output!”

Sisko made a face. “What?”

“If I didn’t know any better I’d think he was trying to blow up the station!” O’Brian added.

“Urkel,” Sisko marched angrily toward the ‘nerd’. “You’d better have a very good explanation for this!”

“Captain Sisko. I know what it sounds like. But I’ve run the simulations and firing a phaser blast into the station’s power core does increase power output by at least 5 percent. As long as you do it carefully.”

To hear him admit it… proudly, left Sisko flabbergasted. “Mr. Urkel if you wish to conduct experiments you must clear them with Chief O’Brian and myself. Is that clear?”

“Perfectly sir.” Urkel said cheerfully. “So I guess I should tell you about my next experiment. I need a quart of antimatter. Romulan ale and the remains of Captain Kirk. Oh and I need to borrow The Defiant for a few hours.”

Sisko’s nose flared. “You cannot be serious.”

Urkel seemed oblivious to the Captain’s anger. “Well a runabout will do but The Defiant would be better.”

With a tight fist and a single destructive finger erect, Captain Sisko addressed the cadet vehomently.

“Urkel! You listen and listen good! You will never make it in Starfleet if you don’t learn...”

He almost didn’t hear his comm badge chime.

“Captain Sisko to the bridge right away please. Captain Sisko to the bridge right away.”

If there was a time he wanted to ignore the page more than now, he didn’t know but duty called and he answered.

“I’ll be right there.”

A mean glare at Urkel and Sisko spun on his heels and marched away steam fuming from his bald head.

 

Fight Parameters:

So Steve Urkel is a Starfleet cadet recently assigned to Deep Space Nine. The whole caste hates him because- well he’s Urkel.

 

Vote for Urkel if you think he can win them over and become a halfway competent Starfleet officer.

 

Vote for Deep Space Nine if you think they can get Captain Sisko to have him transferred somewhere else (maybe let Picard deal him).

[DSkillz]

Congratulations, @Culwych1, on winning Magnetic Ferret's inaugural Writer's Challenge!  This is also your fourth match overall added to this thread. 

Lt. Ellen Ripley vs. Han Solo by Culwuch1

Part 1

“Get away from her you bitch!” The line still rang in Ripley’s ears as she lay down to sleep, the memory of her fight in the exosuit fresh in her mind. It felt like someone else had said those words, someone stronger, fiercer and without fear.

She glanced over at the pods and the sleeping forms of Newt, Hicks and the damaged android, Bishop, and a weary smile spread across her face.  The strength that had surged through her body as she fought and killed the alien queen that had boarded the Sulaco had left her, and the warm embrace of sleep finally took her away from the horrors of the planet below.

The Sulaco drifted through the darkness of space, the ship’s navigation system taking care of the journey as its passengers slept soundly. Dreams came easily, some peaceful and some not; some memories of the terrors that had pursued them through tunnels and corridors.

Onwards the ship floated, passing stars, planets, and asteroids. And the occupants continued their dreams and nightmares.

Thankfully they were oblivious to the real nightmare that slowly awoke amongst them. The Facehugger drew breath, the skeletal body unwinding itself like a cat stretching and it started to crawl amongst the ship’s cargo. It moved ponderously at first, but soon adopted the skittish and darting movements of its kind.

Things can progress in many ways, and in one dimension it could well have caused a fire that would catapult it and the survivors of the Sulaco towards a distant prison planet. Not so in this one.

In this timeline, the Facehugger moved towards the status pods, crawling gently over them and finding its way into one without triggering significant alarms. The egg was laid in a sleeping chest, and the Facehugger crawled away to die. In its last death throws it leaked acid onto a console, sending the ship into a spiral off course and down a very different path.

------------------

Messier 84 or as it is more commonly referred to, M84, is a giant galaxy about 60 million light years from Earth and which has, for want of a better analogy, collapsed in on itself. Dark matter surrounds the galaxy as the forces within continue to pull gravity, space and time inwards.

At the time of the events on planet LV-426, M84 had long since been marked on most space charts as “KEEP AWAY IF YOU KNOW WHAT IS GOOD FOR YOU!”. Things that wondered too close simply disappeared, never to be seen again. Even trying to peer into the blackness of M84 was enough to give humans, androids and AI’s a real or virtual headache.

Unfortunately for the Sulaco, the Facehugger’s dying breaths and acid blood had also scrambled the ship’s visibility, and what it thought was a course for safety actually took it closer and closer to the unfathomable darkness of M84.

When the ship hit the edge of the black, two things happened.

Firstly, in a fountain of blood and gore, a baby was born.

Secondly, the edge of the dead universe that was M84 caught the Sulaco and sent it hurtling through time and space.  

------------------

Part 2

Luckily the flames woke Ripley before the smoke did, otherwise she would undoubtedly have choked to death.

Unfortunately, what that did mean was that she woke up to find that her foot was on fire, alarms were sounding out a mechanical cacophony, and chaos was all around her.

She screamed and kicked her foot right through the status pod, where the sprinklers quickly put the fire which almost eaten through her shoe.  She stood up, the water continuing to rain down on her.

“Well hello sweetheart, didn’t expect you here.” The voice was that of a man’s, light-hearted and teasing.  

Ripley spun around and saw a dark-haired man facing. There was a roguish smile his lips and a twinkle in his eyes, and suddenly Ripley was very aware that the water was making her clothes cling to her body.

She frowned and climbed out of the pod, trying to get her thoughts in order and ignore the man. She was on the Sulaco, and she had just escaped – oh god – the nightmare that was LV-426. Just the memory of the planet, and the demons that inhabited it made her shudder.

Fortunately, the awful ship’s alarms had quietened down and Ripley could hear herself think.

“Are you OK?” said the man, walking towards her. “My name is Han Solo. Don’t suppose you’ve seen a Wookie wondering about, have you?”

“A Wookie?” Ripley shook her head as if to clear the cobwebs still sticking to her memory. “I don’t know…” then suddenly she turned and ran to one of the other status pods.

“Oh no…” it was a hushed whisper that the came out of the woman’s mouth, but it held such dread and sadness that Solo ran over to her immediately.

Two status pods were next to each other, both had their tops smashed open. In one lay what had once been a man, but his chest was torn open. Fragments of bone stood facing outwards and dried blood caked the walls of the pod. Next to him was the dead body of an alien that looked like two boney hands gripped together.

The other pod held a little girl, sleeping serenely. Next to her was another of the small dead aliens.

“No, no no no” Ripley was sobbing.

“What is going on?” Solo realised he was almost shouting. The crazy woman beside him could barely speak, and there was so much blood.

He wanted nothing more than to get off this ship, and away from all this craziness and gore as quickly as he could. No amount of salvage bounty was worth the horrors that seemed to lay ahead.

“Look miss, I don’t know what’s going on here, but we need to get out of here.”

The woman did not look around, and Solo suddenly realised that she had a gun in her hand. He hadn’t noticed any on her when he walked in, but there must have been one near the pods.

Ripley felt her mind breaking along with her heart. There was nothing left to do. After escaping all the death and destruction, her journey had led straight back into the midst of it. NEWT! Oh god, the pain was just too much. She could still see the little girl’s scared but brave face. Ripley had gone back into the depths of hell to save her, and it had all been for nothing. A dark and painful future awaited Newt if she ever awoke, one that Ripley would not wish on her worst enemy.

Before the sadness could overwhelm her, she brought the gun up in one smooth motion.

BAM!

------------------

Part 3

Solo jumped back as the woman shot the little girl through the head. Things were getting out of hand, and the woman was obviously insane.

She was already turning, a grim look in her dark eyes, and he ran rather than engage. He was sure he could shoot her before she could even raise the weapon, but something told him that a shot may not even put her down immediately.

Plus, he needed to find Chewie as quickly as he could and get off this heap of shit ship.

He ran for it. Down low light corridors and onwards towards the Falcon that was docked alongside the Sulaco. He didn’t recognise the corridors, but his sense of direction was good enough to tell him he was heading in the right direction.

Suddenly he stopped dead in his tracks.

He had found Chewie.

The giant Wookie was encased in a black substance that almost looked like a hardened liquid. His eyes were closed, and his breathing was ragged.

Solo glanced around, and then immediately set about freeing his friend. He used his gun to break the substance, pulling it with his hands where he could and slowly but surely, he uncovered more and more of the Wookie.

Once enough of the black goo had been removed, Chewie sagged into Solo’s arms. The weight was considerable, but it wasn’t the first time and he swiftly set the Wookie’s arms around his shoulders and started hauling him towards the Falcon.

Progress was slow, painfully slow, and with each step Solo felt the inexplicable terror grow in his heart.

BAM!

The shot rang out in the quiet of the corridor, and Chewie’s head exploded in a mass of gore and blood.

The limp body dropped out of Solo’s hands and on to the floor. He watched his closest friend’s body for a moment, then screamed with rage and drew his gun and started firing. CHEEWWWIEEE!!!

Ripley dodged behind a crate and paused. Her mind was almost blank. The rage, fear, anger, and sadness of the past few weeks had unleashed a beast within that wanted only to kill and survive. A grin spread across her face, so wide that it would even have given a Xenomorph pause.

“I’ll kill you!” shouted Solo, his voice pure anger.

The grin never left Ripley’s face and she raised her gun.

[DSkillz]

Congratulations, @broadwaybeyonder, on winning your first CBUB contest, the 2nd Writer's Challenge, as well as making your debut in this thread! Your match is now (somewhat) immortalized here.  

The Order of the Coagula vs. The Tethered by broadwaybeyonder

Missy Armitage sat in her chair and stirred her tea, letting her spoon scrape every so gently against the sides of her cup.  Across from her sat a figure in a red jumpsuit, brown hair pulled back in a off center ponytail.  There were marks and bruises on her face, but it was a face that Missy Armitage could recognize.  It was the face of her daughter Rose. 

“How do you feel?” Missy asked softly.  The strange woman grunted, her fingernails digging into the arms of her chair.  “Don’t worry,” Missy went on.  “We know there’s nothing wrong with you.  You have a voice.  Use it.”  The woman moaned and strained her neck.  Missy’s eyes narrowed as she gave another sharp scrape of the teacup.  “What is your name?” 

“Vi.. Vi..Vi…o…let,” the woman breathed.  “Vi-o-let.” 

From behind a two-way mirror, the rest of Armitage family, Walter, and Georgina watched as Missy continued her session with the doppelganger.    “Remarkable,” said Dean.  “The similarities are uncanny.” 

“I don’t know, sis,” smirked Jeremy.  “I think she’s better looking than you.” 

“Shut up,” said Rose. 

“What are we going to do with her?” asked Georgina.  Dean sighed and turned to Georgina.  “After Missy is finished giving her a once over, we’ll dispose of her.  Then we are going to have to leave.”  Georgina’s eyes widened.  “Leave?!  No!  No, no, no!  This is my house!  My house!  We can’t leave!” 

Dean put his hands on Georgina’s shoulders, trying to keep her calm.  “Mother, we have no choice.  You heard the radio.  People dressed in red like that woman in there.  Going around the country killing people.  We can’t afford to stay here much longer.” 

“Don’t worry, dad,” said Jeremy, his grip tightening on his lacrosse stick.  “The freak in there isn’t going to kill anybody after I’m done with her.” 

“So, Violet,” said Missy.  “Now that you’ve told me who you are, why not tell me what you are?”  Violet cocked her head, a trace of a smile on her dry lips.  “Your… daugh….ter.”  The spoon nearly slipped out of Missy’s fingers.  “You,” she said, struggling to keep her voice low.  “Are no daughter of mine.” 

“I… am… not,” said Violet.  “And… I… am.  Daddy Monte, Mommy Missy, Brother George.  Even Grandma and Grandpa.  All of them coming to play.” 

“My word,” said Walter softly.  Dean looked at Walter.  “Father?  Do you know what she’s talking about?” 

Walter took a deep breath.  “I believe so, son.  While our order was developing the Coagula procedure, we became aware of another project that had been taking place.  A government project.  A method of making a… copy of human beings.  It was supposed to allow them to control the genuine articles, or some such nonsense.”  

“Is that what these redsuits are?” asked Jeremy.  “A bunch of clones or something?” 

The Armitage men were so focused on their discussion, they failed to notice Rose was still staring at the two-way mirror, her eyes becoming as glazed over as Violet. 

“Daddy and Grandpa did the work,” Violet intoned.  “They are going to have us live forever.  They found a good body, and gave it Grandpa’s brain.” 

“You mean Daddy was able to complete the surgery?” asked Missy. 

“No.  No surgery.  Daddy gave Dane Grandpa’s brain.  Now Dane and Grandpa Goth and Nadia and Grandma Susan are together and Grandma and Grandpa will live forever.” 

“If that’s true, then why the hell are these things wandering around now?” asked Dean. 

“Last I heard they had shut the project down,” replied Walter.  “These creatures should have died out years ago!  Not be attacking us!”  Dean shook his head and looked back at Rose.  “Dear, come over here.  It’ll do you no good to watch this.  Rose?  Dear?”  Rose Armitage just continued to stare blankly at the two-way mirror, her fingers gripping her jeans in the same as Violet grasped the chair. 

“Why would you want to ‘play’ with us?” asked Missy.  “To send a message,” Violet groaned.  “The world must see us!” 

“Hey, sis!  Snap out of it!” barked Jeremy.  Dean shook his daughter but still she wouldn’t respond.  “She’s hypnotized!  Father!  Is there still a connection between us and these copies?” 

“Well, I don’t know, son.  There might be but…” 

Dean bolted from the room and rushed to the door to the study. 

“Alright, Violet,” said Missy.  “Be a good girl.  Sink into the floor.  Now.” 

In an instant, Violet had slumped in her chair, and Rose collapsed to the floor of the observation room.  Dean burst into the study, and Missy glared at him.  “Dean!  What on earth are you doing?” 

“Wake her up!  Get her out of the Sunken Place!  Now!” 

“Dean, get a hold of yourself!  This way you can have Jeremy finish her off and we can be on our way.” 

“Listen to me, Missy!  This… thing is a copy, a clone of our daughter.  When you were hypnotizing her it started to have an effect on Rose.  God knows what would happen to Rose if Jeremy killed her double and they were both under.  So wake her up and we’ll worry about Jeremy la…” 

The lights in the Armitage mansion switched off.  The fireplace provided the only illumination.  “What happened to the power?” asked Missy anxiously. 

Suddenly there was a loud banging noise.  “Dad!  Quick!” shouted Jeremy.  “We got company!”  Dean grabbed a poker and pulled his wife after him.  They joined Jeremy, Walter, and Georgina as they stood at the front door.  Splinters flew as the door shot off it’s hinges, revealing the 5 figures in red jumpsuits. 

One was a man with a scraggly beard and glasses.  Another a boy wearing a ski mask and wielding a makeshift lacrosse stick.  Another was a woman with a psychotic smile and loosely holding a teacup and spoon in one hand.  But the other two figures made the Armitage’s reel back in disgust.  They were an African American man and woman, both wearing a chain around their necks.  On each chain was the tortured remnants of a human brain.   

Jeremy and Dean raised their weapons, as Walter reached for a letter opener and Missy and Georgina moved behind them.  The Tethered clones of the Armitage’s stood brandishing scissors for a moment, then lunged with a psychotic howl at their prey. 

 

OK:

The Order of the Coagula need to kill their Tethered and survive the night.  Fight takes place in and around the Armitage mansion. 

Game On!    

[DSkillz]

Congratulations once again, @JohnnyChany! This is now your fifth entry on this thread.  

Draco Malfoy vs Seifer Almasy by JohnnyChany

THE NEXUS BAR PART 3

 

Draco Malfoy walked toward the entrance of the Nexus Bar flanked by his Slytherin friends Gregory Goyle and Pansy Parkinson.

“Are you really sure about this, Draco?” asked Pansy.

“Absolutely,” replied Draco. “It has been an awful year and we deserve a drink. I can think of no better way to honor Crabbe than to have a drink in his honor.”

“We could have gone to the Three Broomsticks for that,” suggested Goyle.

“Don’t be simple. We won’t be allowed in any bar in the wizarding world for awhile, if ever,” stated Draco.

“That’s what happens when you pick the losing side of a wizarding war,” added Pansy. “Still there are plenty of dive bars in the muggle world we could have tried to sneak into. Why here?.”

Draco distorted his face in disgust. “You think I would debase myself to the point of visiting a muggle bar?”

“Is this not a muggle bar?” Goyle wondered.

“Not exactly. At least not from what I have heard.” answered Draco. “There is only one way to find out for sure, though.”

“Look.” Pansy pointed to two people standing in front of the door: a dark skinned muscular young man with short black hair, brown eyes, and a blue vest as well as a pale skinned young woman with short, chopped, silver har, red eyes, and an eyepatch. “They have got people working the door here, we’ll never get in. Should have conjured up some fake IDs like I suggested.”

“I still think we should have used some of the polyjuice potion we took from Professor Snape,” Goyle insisted.

Draco rolled his eyes. “That would have taken way too long. You are both being ridiculous. If you walk with the confidence, like you belong, they will let you walk right in, I’m sure of it.”

Draco’s two Hogwarts classmates appeared unconvinced. They paused their trek to the bar so that Draco could instill confidence in his fellow Slytherin.

The two people that that the young wizards saw standing in front of the entrance to the Nexus Bar, Raijin and Fujin respectively, were soon joined by their friend and leader, Seifer Almasy.

“Isn’t this great?” Seifer asked with a smile.

Raijin shrugged. “It isn’t the worst thing in the world, ya know?”

“Uneventful!” complained Fujin.

Seifer scoffed at these assessments. “What do you mean? Don’t act like you are not enjoying each and every time you get to turn away some punk kid trying to sneak into the bar or toss out some loaf who has had too much to drink.”

A small smile betrayed Fujin’s stoic demeanor; Seifer knew her well.

“It does kind of remind me of our days on the Balamb Garden Disciplinary Committee, ya know?” admitted Raijin.

“Exactly, and we all could use some extra cash. And it’s not like we would be able to find much work locally after the whole helping a time traveling Sorceress try to take over the world thing,” stated Seifer.

An awkward silence enveloped the trio as they thought back to the recent past where the evil future Sorceress Ultimecia possessed Sorceress Edea and manipulated Seifer into being her white knight to help compress and rule over time. 

Fujin broke up the silence with a sly grin. “Ya don’t have to lie to us, ya know? We all know the real reason you want to work here.”

Seifer lifted an eyebrow.

“You totally have a crush on that new bartender they hired, Tifa,” Raijin accused. “It’s obvious.

“Busted!” Fujin cracked.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” retorted Seifer. “If anything, I’m almost certain she has the hots for me.”

Fujin shook her head. “Delusional!”

“Speaking of Tifa, though, I’m going to go see if she needs any help,” Seifer declared before leaving his two cohorts to again watch the door alone.

Raijin and Fujin exchanged a knowing glance.

“He has always had a thing for dark haired women, ya know?” Raijin remarked.

At that moment, two boys and a girl, all decked out in black robes, walked up to the Nexus Bar entrance.

“Good evening everyone,” Draco said confidently.

Raijin quickly lifted his pole weapon and used it to block the door. “Ya know, I can't just let you in.”

“IDs!” demanded Fujin.

Gregory Goyle panicked. “We..uh..forgot them.”

“Suspicious!” noted Fujin.

“Gonna need to go back and get them then. Can’t let ya in without proof that you're 21,” Raijin explained. “You all look like you are on the young side, ya know?”

Draco gritted his teeth. “You’re one to talk. You both look like high school seniors.”

“Irrelevant!” shouted Fujin.

“Ya don’t have to be 21 to work the door,” Raijin informed. “Still doesn’t change the fact that we can’t let ya in.”

“Guys, let’s just go back,” Pansy pleaded.

“The nerve,” Draco remarked bitterly.

The three Slytherin classmates turned to walk away.

“We will not let some lowly high school muggles stop us from getting in that bar,” Draco promised.

“Wands?” whispered Goyle.

Draco nodded and all three reached into their pockets to pull out their wands. They then turned around with ill intent.

“Petrificus Totalus!” shouted Pansy as she aimed her wand at Fujin and paralyzed her eye patched adversary with a full body bind curse.

“Expelliarmus!” 

Draco deftly knocked the pole out of Raijin’s hands.

“Cruci..” started Goyle.

Before he got the chance to complete the dreaded Cruciatus Curse, one of the three unforgivable curses, a large gust of wind pushed Goyle back and a blur of gray from Seifer’s long coat appeared in front of them as Seifer entered the area spinning around in circles to perform his Demon Slice attack. The assault put down both Pansy Parkinson and Gregory Goyle instantly, however Draco successfully avoided the move.

Seifer chuckled as he aimed his gun blade in Draco’s direction. “And to think Fujin was worried that the night was going to be uneventful. Can't let you ruin one of Tifa's first nights.”

“Expelliarmus!” Draco exclaimed again as he used his wand to knock the gun blade out of Seifer’s hand.

The move caught Seifer off guard and now Draco was the one with a cocky grin. His feeling of gratification and superiority was short-lived. Seifer flicked his wrist toward Draco and a column of fire erupted around the son of Death Eaters. 

“You’re not the only one with access to magic, wizard boy,” stated Seifer.

Seifer picked up his gun blade and readied himself for a fight. 

Draco clinched his wand tightly. “What kind of filthy mudblood are you?”

“Hey Seifer, I got your back, ya know?” Raijin called out.

“Check on Fujin, and make sure to get the wands from those other two brats,” Seifer commanded. “This one is all mine.”

[DSkillz]

Congrats, @JohnnyChany, on getting your sixth entry onto the Outstanding thread! Great job!  

Android 18 vs Blue Mary by JohnnyChany 

 

In an effort to do some family bonding, Krillin convinced his wife, Android 18, to bring their young daughter, Marron, and accompany him to help locate the dragonballs. While initially reluctant, 18 eventually agreed to this after Krillin agreed to find a job that would bring in serious income as soon as they were done.

After tracking down their first dragonball in a treacherous Chinese mountain range, their search for their second dragonball took the family to the Spanish island of Ibiza. While they strolled across a boulevard, Krillin theorized on the dragonball’s location while looking down at dragonball radar he had borrowed from Bulma.

“I hope you guys are ready for a swim, I bet this baby is underwater!” Krillin guessed with excitement.” The radar’s beeping grew louder and louder. “Oh wait a minute, maybe not. It’s…it’s….” Krillin looked up at the storefront of a shop at the end of the boardwalk. “It’s in the window of that store down there.”

Krillin sighed with disappointment.

“What’s wrong?” asked Android 18.

“It’s just so simple. I… I was hoping for something more,” stated Krillin.

“I don’t understand. Isn’t the goal of this whole thing to collect them all?” Android 18 questioned.

“Well yes, but the fun part is supposed to be the journey and this one is just sitting on display ready to pick up,” said Krillin. “That’s not the excitement I was wanting for our family.”

“There’s seven of them, right? That leaves five, and I am certain most if not all of them will be in hard to reach places or hazardous hellscapes that you are exposing our daughter to,” Android 18 reasoned.
Krillin shuffled uncomfortably. “When you put it like that..” His eyes darted downward to an A-Frame sign promoting a martial arts exhibition. “Hey, look at this. We are back in business, yeah!”

“What is it?”

Krillin pointed to the sign promoting a tag tournament sponsored by the King of Fighters. “A martial arts competition. It's been so long since I’ve been able to sit down and watch some good matches. It looks like this pit stop in Ibiza might not be such a major disappointment after all.”

"Are you seriously suggesting we put our quest for dragonballs on hold to watch some martial arts matches?” Android 18 inquired.

“Absolutely! It’s not like the world is ending right now so we don’t need them right away or anything. And besides, Marron also loves watching martial arts matches, don’t ya kiddo?”

Marron clapped her hands together and giggled with glee.

“Are we even sure the fighting will be any good at this thing?” asked Android 18.

“Oh yeah, didn’t you see the name of the host? The King of Fighters has always put on great tournaments and they have a fantastic array of martial artists that they showcase,” stated Krillin.

“Fine. Very well. Should we go and obtain he dragonball first?” Android 18 suggested.

“Nah. According to this promotion the matches are about to start. I don’t want to miss any of them,” answered Krillin. “The dragonball will still be here when we are done.”

Krillin and his family quickly made their way to the outdoor stadium where the tournament was being held and arrived just in time for the preliminary matches. Krillin and Marron watched each match with joyful enthusiasm whereas Android 18 showed only a passing interest. That was until a certain fighter really caught her eye. The fighter, a beautiful blonde woman who had more than a passing resemblance to Android 18 herself, employed a variety of bone breaking grappling moves that Android 18 really appreciated. With each victory, Android 18 found herself getting more and more invested.

The fighter, Blue Mary, won the semifinals matchup for her team by jumping on her opponent, Luong’s head, putting it in a headscissor with her legs and spinning toward the ground, knocking out Luong with a thunderous slam. Android 18 stood up and cheered the victory.

Krillin’s eyes widened. “What was that?”

“What? It was a good move,” said Android 18.

“I’ve never seen you cheer for a move like that, ever. Not even from me,” Krillin countered.

Marron giggled. “Mommy really likes that fighter.”

“Hey, I don’t see what the big deal is. Yeah, I think she has been the best thing about this tournament. She obviously has a good fashion sense and I get a kick out of the way she kicks ass.”

“No. This is amazing. You don’t like anyone. This is even better than finding dragonballs, we might find you a friend. We need to go meet her!” Krillin exclaimed.

Android 18 was defensive in her response. “I have friends. I… I can tolerate Bulma on occasion.”

The announcer announced over the speakers that the finals would be held the following day and thanked all of those in attendance.

“This is our chance,” said Krillin.

Android 18 rolled her eyes. “This is ridiculous.”

The family left their seats and made their way down to the bottom level where some of the fighters were still congregating. They found Blue Mary talking to her partner for the event, Terry Bogard. Blue Mary stood next to a motorcycle and held a helmet underneath her arm.  She wouldn't openly admit it, but the fact that she was a biker made Android 18 like her even more.

“Hey! Great stuff out there!” Krillin called out.

Blue Mary and Terry turned to them. “Thanks.”

“My name is Krillin, this is my wife 18, and our daughter Marron. We are fighters ourselves so it’s hard to impress us, but you put on some killer moves.”

“Appreciate it. Wait a minute. 18? Is that your name?” asked Terry.

“Yes,” Android 18 deadpanned expecting further questions.

Terry shrugged. “Cool.”

“Hold on, it really is you isn’t it?” stated Mary.

Android 18 did not know how to respond.

“Yes. You were the woman in that World Martial Arts tournament in Japan from a few years ago. Terry, you remember, the one that was blown up by that short blonde man after the finals,” Mary reminded.

“Oh yeah. Sounds like a King of Fighters tournament finals,” Terry joked.

“I watched that whole thing,” Mary told Android 18. “You were amazing. Never saw anything like it. I couldn’t believe you lost the finals. It seemed unreal.”

“I took a dive for lots of zeni. We needed the money,” Android 18 explained.

“18! You’re not supposed to tell anyone!” Krillin exclaimed.

Android 18 shrugged. The two couples continued to talk for another hour, finding a lot of common ground although Krillin couldn’t get Terry to admit that he and Mary actually were a couple. Right around the time Mary offered to show Android 18 the Mary Typhoon technique from the semi-finals match, Krillin remembered about the dragonballs. Terry and Mary agreed to accompany them back to the boardwalk where they saw it earlier in the day.

“Sorry you guys. We sold that item a couple of hours ago,” the shopkeeper announced when they asked for it after they arrived.

“Sold it?!?” Krillin cried out. “To who?”

“Skinny guy, red and white striped shirt and beanie, glasses, said his name was…uh.. Waldo I think. Said he wanted to bring it with him to a party down on the beach.”

Krillin was incredulous with this information.

“Hey, if you want to get that dragonball we still have a small window here, we just need to get down to the beach,” stated Mary.

The foursome along with Marron then went down to the beach where they were greeted by the sight of a sea of people almost indistinguishable from one another.

“So many of them look alike, this could be a challenge,” Terry observed.

“It may seem daunting at first, but if we apply the right amount of pressure we can get the information we need,” Android 18 opined. “Shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Lucky for you guys you have a secret agent with you, finding hard to find things is right in my wheelhouse,” Blue Mary boasted. “I just wish I knew what the dragonball looked like.”

Krillin pulled out the dragonball they had found in China. “It looks just like this one, only it has three stars instead of two. But there is no need to worry.” Krillin pulled out the dragonball radar. “I have this baby right here and it will tell us exactly where the dragonball is.”

“Powerdunk!” 

In a flash of violence, Terry Bogard grabbed the radar and smashed it on the ground in a fiery blaze.

Krillin yelped. “Huh? What? Why? Why did you do that?”

“I think it would be more fun for us to have a competition between Mary and 18. The first one to find the dragonball wins,” Terry suggested.

“I’m in,” said Android 18 with a small smile.

“Yeah, sounds like a good time,” Mary added.

“Sorry Krillin didn’t want anyone to have an unfair advantage,” stated Terry.

Krillin appreciated that Terry was trying to find a way for 18 and Mary to bond, he had told him back at the stadium how badly 18 needed to find a friend. Still, he was very upset about this turn of events. “Yeah, I get it bro, but you could have just told me. You didn’t have to destroy the dragonball radar. We will still need it to track down the other dragonballs.”

Terry apologized again. “Oops, my fault. Tell you what, I will go with you to get another radar while the ladies are tracking down this ball. On the way you can tell me more about this destructo disc technique of yours.”

Android 18 handed her daughter over to her father. “Take Marron with you.”

“Yeah, sure.”

Mary clasped her hands in anticipation. “Now that that is out of the way, shall we do this?” 

“May the best woman win.”

“I intend to.”