In an opulent room, a group of men, women, and other transdimensional beings sat in chairs around a giant monitor.
A silhouette appeared on the monitor, and a modulated voice began. "As the other two fights close for the night, we have a bonus match! A grudge match!" Two muscular Greek men had bows drawn and were reaching into their quivers.
"As we know, violence is discouraged on the premises." Both Greeks lowered their weapons. "In lieu of that, another contest!"
A simulated slot machine, the three reels of which each suddenly began to spin rapidly, appeared on the screen. Despite being obscured by the slots, the modulated voice continued.
"First, the battle location!" The first reel slowed to a stop, settling on an abandoned Scottish church. "St. Andrews Cathedral!"
"We're going to move this along to keep blood off our carpets! First combatant!" The second wheel began to slow, and it was evident it was covered with all images of griffins. "Apollo's champion, Tharraleos Polemistis!"
"And now for his opponent!" The third wheel began to slow, and again it was filled with a single symbol: a cherub. "And Eros' champion, Adonis Windsor!"
"With no further ado, and hopefully no bloodshed, let us begin the match!" the announcer went on, and then the audio live from the desert battlefield was patched through the image. The gamblers knew the drill; the previous introduction was meant solely for them, but all future commentary would be audible to the champions, as well.
Overlooking the sea, the ruins of St. Andrew's chapel stood testament to medieval engineering. Some time ago, the central tower had crumbled, and the north wall opened to the sea breeze. The salty air of the North Sea permeated the setting. The old, weathered stone structures littered the area, providing ample cover opportunities.
This stage was well-curated for a battle between two skilled archers. And who should appear? A giant of a creature, bearing the head of an eagle and body of a lion appeared in the belfry of the old church. And a bow-wielding angel appeared in the nave.
A modulated voice boomed from the sky. "Lady! Gentleman! Welcome to your personal battlefield! We have hand-chosen you from your respective realms and now you will make battle for the enjoyment of our patrons. We will not force you, of course, but after one hour the battle will be over. If there is no clear victor by then, you will both be removed from existence! However, at the end of that hour, the winner will be rewarded with a trip back home!"
The announcer's voice paused for effect, then proceeded. "Let the battle begin!"
A silhouette appeared on the monitor, and a modulated voice began. "As the other two fights close for the night, we have a bonus match! A grudge match!" Two muscular Greek men had bows drawn and were reaching into their quivers.
"As we know, violence is discouraged on the premises." Both Greeks lowered their weapons. "In lieu of that, another contest!"
A simulated slot machine, the three reels of which each suddenly began to spin rapidly, appeared on the screen. Despite being obscured by the slots, the modulated voice continued.
"First, the battle location!" The first reel slowed to a stop, settling on an abandoned Scottish church. "St. Andrews Cathedral!"
"We're going to move this along to keep blood off our carpets! First combatant!" The second wheel began to slow, and it was evident it was covered with all images of griffins. "Apollo's champion, Tharraleos Polemistis!"
"And now for his opponent!" The third wheel began to slow, and again it was filled with a single symbol: a cherub. "And Eros' champion, Adonis Windsor!"
"With no further ado, and hopefully no bloodshed, let us begin the match!" the announcer went on, and then the audio live from the desert battlefield was patched through the image. The gamblers knew the drill; the previous introduction was meant solely for them, but all future commentary would be audible to the champions, as well.
Overlooking the sea, the ruins of St. Andrew's chapel stood testament to medieval engineering. Some time ago, the central tower had crumbled, and the north wall opened to the sea breeze. The salty air of the North Sea permeated the setting. The old, weathered stone structures littered the area, providing ample cover opportunities.
This stage was well-curated for a battle between two skilled archers. And who should appear? A giant of a creature, bearing the head of an eagle and body of a lion appeared in the belfry of the old church. And a bow-wielding angel appeared in the nave.
A modulated voice boomed from the sky. "Lady! Gentleman! Welcome to your personal battlefield! We have hand-chosen you from your respective realms and now you will make battle for the enjoyment of our patrons. We will not force you, of course, but after one hour the battle will be over. If there is no clear victor by then, you will both be removed from existence! However, at the end of that hour, the winner will be rewarded with a trip back home!"
The announcer's voice paused for effect, then proceeded. "Let the battle begin!"
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