“The final
vote has been cast. Lifeblood must be spilled for the group to pass.
Sekinj,
do what you must. You are all in for a turbulent experience. Until next time, adieu.”
As the sound fizzled out, the electric light sources affixed to the stone walls dimmed, the area of illumination receding so that the arena lay predominately in shadow. A lone spotlight shone down on a pedestal laced with gold, revealing the menacing device that rested upon it: a single pistol with a single bullet. The gun shimmered menacingly in the dazzling light, its barrel seemingly searching for its prey as the trigger dared to be pulled.
The group looked about slowly. Everyones’ muscles tensed, ready to spring into action if the need arose. Their senses heightened, veins bulged and muscles rippled in anticipation. The majority had voiced their desired kill, and now all the power resided with the executioner,
, who stood in statuesque repose. If looks could kill, he would have been struck down on the spot from the venomous glances cast his way. Each person attempted to mask their fears, but some squirmed, their countenances betraying their efforts . . .
, glanced through the throng of faces, lone beads of sweat running down his haggard face.
He tried to assure himself as he located his prey, locking onto his silhouetted frame. His eyes shimmered, and he slowly leaned forward, preparing to pounce upon his victim.
Shadow Girl
instantaneously recognized the shift in
posture, and hastily slid out of his path, gliding silently behind
, as if to serve as a barricade. To ensure there was no means of escape.
Tovarish
watched took several confident strides towards
, though his face was blank as the marble upon which he trod. he too took up position behind
on the opposite flank. he folded his hands behind his back silently, and nodded to
letsbefriends and Manu_Ku
kept to the shadows, unable to contain themselves. Both breathed heavily and held themselves tightly, unwilling to take any part in the carnage that was about to ensue. Their attention snapped to the faces of all those who had began to form a blockade about
, who, by this time, was all too aware that he had been chosen.
Then there was
Empking
, who was determined to be an instrument of dissent and chaos. As everyone began to migrate towards
,
Empking
stealthily made his way towards the center of the arena,
brushing past the pedestal
before joining the congregation. No one noticed the gun disappearing. No one saw
Empking
slide the gun into
back pocket. he then closed off the last open space, cleared his throat, and waited calmly.
was pleased to see that the majority was on his side. This would make the burden of his duty much more easier, or at least that is what he kept telling himself. His eyes scanned the congregation one last time before, without any warning,
leapt into the air, spiral swiftly toward’s
.
His hands shot outward in mid flight, daggers rocketing out from within his long sleeves and gliding through the air with an echoing whistle. The projectiles had reached their target by the time
once again set foot on the ground, but had not served their purpose. One blade slid past
right arm, grazing it ever so slightly. The other fell short, crashing into the stone flooring before sliding into the darkness.
The many onlookers sprung into action as well, dodging out of harm’s way as
loosed another volley of throwing daggers that spun rapidly and shimmered in the meager light.
{Player A
{himself/herself out of the way as
stumbled backward with a gasp. he had attempted to deflect the blades, only to leave himself open to many more than he had intended. Two blades dug deeply into his gut, and another hit him in the shoulder, tearing tendons, ligaments, and other fibrous muscle away from the bone. Blood erupted from the wound almost immediately, shooting into the air and raining down upon those who held their position. Stomach acid and more blood began to seep through
shirt, hissing, burning, and flowing freely.
continued to stagger backwards, shocked into temporary silence. Eventually, he came into contact with the wall of bodies, many of whom pushed him back into the open, where he then stumbled face-first to the ground.
An eerie moan passed through his lips, followed quickly after by a blood curdling cry of agony and horror. The severed muscles dragged on the ground as blood and body fluid began to pool around him. The hilts of the daggers buried deeper into
body, the tips of the blades protruding through his back.
writhed in pain on the floor, hopelessly incapacitated upon the initial onslaught. he provided no resistance to his fate, and was now about to die.
shuffled closer, one grotesquely wicked blade glinting in his firm grasp. With his free hand, Sekinj the Executioner reached down and grabbed
by the collar, pulling him up into a limp standing position. His arms wrapped around
upper torso, the dagger pressing against his jugular.
wheezed pitifully, struggling for breath and consciousness. Blood began to splatter upon the floor, flowing more rapidly now that they had slid about within his innards.
An acrid stench filled the air. The salty metallic scent of blood mixed with acidic fluid wafted about the onlookers.
eyes fluttered open and closed as the struggle to keep his heart beating and his brain functioning became more of an uphill battle. he gagged at the sight of his own blood, then vomited noisily all over, tainting not only his own clothes, but also those of Sekinj and all within the proximity.
hands fell weakly to his side, where they brushed against the pockets of his pants . . .
Insert dramatic music as Part II is posted
