Chapter Twenty One - Campaigns and Captives
Aug 19, 2017 16:03:11 GMT -5
Eden Morgan, Zane, and 1 more like this
Post by Engine of Chaos on Aug 19, 2017 16:03:11 GMT -5
One thing Gabriel Baal could always been confident in, was his ability to know just what dose of any serum he required. It was the one thing he was able to calculate precisely. It was a fine art that balanced constitution, weight and timing. It was easy to paralyse someone. It was easier to knock someone out, but the real trick was managing to calculate the precise dose required to make someone wake up at the exact moment he required. He stood back and watched as one by one, each of his three guests slowly began to open their eyes.
"Ladies and gentlemen…" He began with a smile across his lips. "I’m so glad you could join me,"
He looked into one of the cells – the cell of the man who, just six weeks ago, had shown him thanks for his incarceration. The man snaked his hand out and reached towards Gabriel who took it.
"Soon." He said quietly. The man gripped him tighter to convey his understanding, and pulled his hand back inside the cell. The slight smile was a grin now. And a tear ran down his face.
Groggily, Lilith turned her head this way and that. She clearly recognised the atrium – she had looked out upon it for the last month from her cell. She’d began to notice the shapes that the lights played against the ground. She’d been able to spot the patterns that the guards moved in. She’d noticed almost everything that this atrium had to offer – but never before had she seen a table and three chairs.
"A few weeks ago, a good friend of mine… Well… A friend of a friend, I suppose… She came to me and wept. The tears that slipped down her face and dripped into her lap were caused by the three of you – and I just can’t have that."
"What… The fuck… Are you talking about?" Asked Rogan.
Rogan had been bundled into a van, god knows how long ago. His head hadn’t been covered, but he couldn’t recognise the journey. The van had stopped outside of the facility and he’d been pulled outside. He’d heard talk of Demonsacre since the burning of Angelfields in December. He’d expected a tunnel to lead underground or some kind of airline hanger – but instead, he’d been faced with the unnerving sight of sophistication and beauty. It was an architectural wonder, with curving walls and sweeping ceilings. Soon after, however, he felt the needle pressed into his neck and all had gone dark.
"She told me that one of you would beg my forgiveness and swear never to leave my side. One of you would come with glad tidings and refuse to acknowledge my slight." Gabriel said moving his eyes from Lilith to Rogan. "And one of you would offer a return to former glory."
Uriel’s eyes flickered open and closed – he was the last to come around. He was the only one of the three to come to the facility voluntarily. Gabriel had contacted him to further discuss his return to The Order. Uriel had accepted an invitation on the proviso that he would be able to bring some of his men. They had been quickly subdued by The Façade and Uriel had been captured.
"What… What’s going on? Gabriel? Where are we?" He asked, starting to look around. He attempted to stand up but found his feet bound to the chair. "What is this? I came here in good faith…"
"You came here to seal a deal that would lift you above the reach of my capabilities." Said Gabriel with a smile. "You’re all here because you wanted something from me. Redemption, forgiveness, acceptance."
As he spoke his eyes darted between the captives. Lilith’s eyes were swimming with tears. Uriel’s were filled with fear – Rogan’s, however, were turned to the ceiling, almost bored.
"Alright, this has been real funny – but I think the joke has gone far enough, don’t you?" Said Rogan, looking around as if expecting someone to wander in with a video camera and a microphone.
"This is no Joke, Rogan." Gabriel said as he began to slowly walk around the table. "Do you know your part in this?"
"I’ve done nothing!" Rogan exclaimed – but his declaration wasn’t filled with anger, or fear… More a mild exasperation. "You’re fucking mental, mate."
Gabriel smiled as the sound of metallic clicking rang through the air. The grinding of metal upon metal cut through the moment of silence that hung between them.
"You’re all here because you were chosen. Not by me, no… Not at all… But by fate." Said Gabriel. "And tonight we fulfil the prophecy made to me several weeks ago."
"By Samantha?" Said Lilith, fighting back the tears. "Is that who you’re listening to now? Ichabod’s sage? Ichabod’s sorceress? Ichabod’s…"
"Enough!" Growled Baal, stern enough to stop her in her tracks. A tear slide from her eye down her cheek, the fear of his retribution dawning upon her. "You do not speak ill of Samantha or Ichabod in my presence."
"I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…" Lilith began, but Rogan cut across.
"Samantha? She told you to bring me here?" Said Rogan letting out a chuckle. "Jesus, you two really did feel butt-hurt when I left, didn’t ya?"
"Wait, who is this Samantha?" Said Uriel, who, up until this point had remained uncharacteristically quiet.
"She’s something different to everyone she meets." Said Rogan, with a smile curling her lips.
"To me, she was someone I could talk to. Who would listen and make me see the truth of things. To Ichabod, she’s a ward and a friend. She helps him to see the path less trodden. To Gabriel, though… She’s always acted as something of a prophet. And it looks like he’s finally setting store by her divination."
Gabriel smiled at Rogan – he’d always understood Gabriel more naturally than Holden or Ichabod. Whilst he’d been away, Ichabod had likely grown to know Gabriel better than almost anyone, but Rogan had always been able to see right through to Gabriel’s core. He wasn’t sure he liked that. He broke eye contact as he continued to walk.
"Samantha merely shone the spotlight – it was each of you who stepped into it’s beam." Said Gabriel, looking down to Lilith now.
"And is that what this is?" She asked. "Another one of Gabriel Baal’s shows? Over a month ago I was in this room, sat in a chair just like this one while you told me of how much you wanted to watch Eden Morgan burn. How you would be her downfall? You told me that I had betrayed you and you dragged me into that cell. All for the benefit of those who watched form their cell. Gabriel Baal’s circus of horrors. Starring Lilith?"
"How much he wanted to watch Eden Morgan burn?" Scoffed Rogan. "Well isn’t that ironic. What’s the plan, Doc? You going to wine and dine her to death?"
Lilith looked up into Gabriel’s eyes, a touch of sadness… Maybe even jealousy there. He tilted his head as he watched her and allowed himself to smile just a touch. She’d seen that Gabriel was capable of the great and the terrible. She had known his wrath, she had known his love. She had suffered at his hand, and craved it’s gentle touch. She knew his heart – and all of it’s shades of grey. Right now, she was wondering where it truly lay.
"Eden and I have managed to come to a mutual accord. In the afterglow of my victory last month, I came to realise that everything I had said was true. We would come together or we would die fighting. Deep down, I didn’t want to see either of us come to that end so… We agreed that the two of us could find common ground. It’s not that difficult when we try. We have some similar traits – there was a reason I chose her all those months ago."
"And you trust her?" Asked Uriel, almost mockingly. "You realise that she tried to kill you, old boy?"
"Yes." Said Gabriel with a serpentine hiss. "And I’m also aware with whom she sought to plot."
Uriel shifted uncomfortably in his chair.
"Now, Gabriel, we’ve talked about this. She wanted to kill you but I refused. I had no intention… I would never." Uriel was stuttering. He’d never been truly impressive.
"No, you wouldn’t." Said Gabriel stopping to keep eye contact. "You would merely choose to cut me off from all that were close to me, by killing those who they found to be important."
"But they didn’t die." Said Uriel, gripping on to this sliver of hope with both hands. "So I couldn’t have tried very hard, now could I?"
Gabriel watched Uriel carefully. This man who had killed, David, the man he loved to prevent Gabriel from being able to use him as leverage. This man who had ousted him from the very Order he had helped to overthrow. This man who had killed Gabriel's childhood best friend. Uriel knew Gabriel’s ability to seek revenge, to plot and plan. Uriel knew the danger that lurked behind crossing him, yet he’d done it anyway. There was something in that. Something… Brave?
"Someone died." Gabriel said quietly. "Someone who was dear to me."
The mood quickly changed in the room – Rogan’s mockery seemed to ebb away, and Lilith’s jealousy slowly turned into pity. Uriel, however, merely sank deeper into fear.
"But fear not, Uriel. If I can forgive a plot to kill me, then why would I not forgive the plot to kill another mortal less than myself. No – I do not measure your transgressions by what they’ve cost, but by how much the betrayal meant to me."
He looked at them each as the metallic grinding started again.
"Lilith broke my heart. Rogan broke my heart. Uriel broke my heart. Time and time again, my heart was broken and every time I expected it to hurt a little less. It did not. Every… Single… Time I died just a little bit more." He said as he continued to pace around them. They were not at equal distances from one another. Uriel faced Rogan, directly across the table. Lilith sat opposite an open space. Gabriel reached this position and stopped.
"We’re going to play a little game." He said with a smile across his face.
He slammed his hand on the table, and the source of the metallic grinding was suddenly brought into sharp relief. A revolver. Five empty chambers and one filled. Gabriel smiled as he looked from one to the other.
"Shall we die, just a little?" He asked.
Donovan Hastings was a great man – a great competitor. A man who struck fear into the heart of all those who faced him. A multi-time World Champion. A multi-time Co-Operative Champion. A man whose skill within that ring often stood unsurpassed.
Donovan Hastings helped to create The Puppet Masters. Donovan Hastings helped to make UGWC what it is as the first UGWC World Heavyweight Champion. Donovan Hastings is a true legend of this business.
But he is not the man to face Gabriel Baal at In Your Hands.
Let us look at the facts.
Donovan Hastings has been largely unsuccessful in recent years. His Lord of Pain campaign on the recent edition of UGWC 2K17 boasts no matches at all between June of 2015 and July of 2017… Where he beat Gabrielle Montgomery. Yes – I know you don't care about that. No-one does..
Donovan Hasting’s greatest role of the last two years has been “That guy that Travis Roberts used to talk to. No, not the muppet, the other one. The one when Roberts was the World Champion. No, that’s Vain that you’re thinking about, I mean the other one.”
Donovan Hastings has unsuccessfully targeted every single World Champion since his good friend Travis Roberts was defeated. Every one. Mil Vidas… Unsuccessful. Eden Morgan… Unsuccessful. Gabriel Baal… Unsuccessful. What? He will be.
He didn’t target his good friend Travis Roberts… Interesting, no? Perhaps his reach to be taken more seriously couldn’t extend to a man with whom he shared so much time. Perhaps he was unsure on how to defeat the man he spent so much time with. Perhaps he didn’t have the heart to unsuccessfully challenge a friend. #Friends.
If you google image Donovan Hastings, you are presented with several images of a basketball player, and a stoner before you get to see his cum face. Shortly after, you see Jet Somers… Sans the magnificent hair.
If you legit google Donovan Hastings you find a create-a-wrestler version of Donovan Hastings wrestling against a man in a skeleton suit. Must have been one of the Kobra Kai. It’s incredibly accurate. Donovan loses.
In short, Donovan Hastings is man with history, and pedigree. However, despite said pedigree, it’s about time that he continued to fade into history. There can only be one alternative.
When you cast your vote for Number One contender, Vote for Zane Scott. It’s the only way.
"You have no choice." Said Gabriel, not taking his eyes off Lilith.
"Please – we always have a choice." Said Uriel. "And I choose not to play anymore of your fucking games. She’s right – this is all fucking theatre to you."
"You will play – because not playing will mean worse than potential death." Began Gabriel, a slight smile crossing his lips. "You see, three of us will survive this game. One of us will not. One of us will feel the retribution that was foretold."
"Wait." Said Rogan, turning his head to the right. "You said three of us… You mean that you’re playing?"
"What kind of host would allow his guests to take risks with their own lives, and not be willing to take part themselves?" Asked Gabriel. "I’m not a monster"
"Could have fooled me." Said Lilith, her eyes burning now.
"That’s the spirit, love." Gabriel said with a smile. "Now, there are rules. This is not traditional Russian Roulette. There are four of us, which means that those who go first are offered a double-edged sword. They would have the least chance of death in the first round, but by the time the revolver returns to them there are merely two chambers left."
"You can’t be serious, Gabe?" Said Rogan. Gabriel ignored him.
"You have a choice – you can aim the gun at yourself or at someone else." He said.
"Wait? So you’re saying I never have to aim the gun at myself? Where do I sign up?" Said Uriel with a brief smile.
"Well, yes." Said Gabriel, looking towards Uriel now. "But lest we not forget – you have to take a life. With your own hands. Not with the hands of the faceless acolytes that you command. And of course, should you aim and your shot not be fatal… What choice do you think the person on the opposite side of the gun will do when it’s their turn? And there’s more chance of death?"
Uriel’s eyes opened wide momentarily.
"The point is moot – we can all refuse to play and your game is over. What more can you do to us? We live. No matter what you do, we live."
"Not quite." Said Gabriel with a flicker of something that look like sadness. "Either three of us leave this room today… Or… None of us do."
He looked at them one by one.
"I didn’t create this game because I wanted you all to prove you have what it takes to put a gun to your own head. I created this game because someone has to pay for what they did to me. But Samantha was wrong – there were always more than three choices. I may have to pay for that which I have done to myself."
He lifted the gun and placed the barrel against his skull.
"To be clear. Anyone who refuses to play will die anyway. Whether it be slow and painful, or quick and painless… Death will come." He smiled. "There’s no fighting it."
And he pulled the trigger. Lilith jumped, and Rogan lurched forward as if to try and stop him. Uriel, however, merely looked disappointed when Gabriel pulled the gun away from his head and leaned forward to place it in front of Rogan.
"Hold on. Why do you get to go first? That means if it reaches me, I have a one in three chance of death." Blustered Uriel.
"That is correct, but take solace in the fact that if you survive… For me it’s a fifty-fifty shot. And given that I couldn’t choose one of you before, you don’t think for a second I’d choose one of you now."
Rogan looked down at the gun, and seemed momentarily lost for words. His look was almost longing.
"Chaos." He said, so quietly that anyone in the room would have been forgiven for missing it. He shook his head. "Gabriel come on… You don’t want to do this. I know you better than that."
Gabriel smiled and reached down under the table. A few seconds later, he pulled back with a dark bottle and four shot glasses.
"Shall we partake in a little dutch courage, my friends? Rum." He asked as he placed a glass in front of each of them. He uncorked the bottle and began to pour out each drink one by one. "Russian Roulette was used by Officers in the Russian army to cause fear in those they would command. Their version was a little different, though – five bullets and one empty chamber."
"Why are you telling us this?" Lilith asked. "What difference does this…"
"I’m telling you because that could have been the game. I could have taken one bullet out and let you fight it out between you. I could have tossed you in here with a single bullet and a single gun and said whoever is the strongest and fastest will survive. I’m offering you all choice. You choose to take the gun and you choose where to aim it. If you survive this, then you’re going to be forgiven. If you don’t well…" He paused for a moment. "But if I don’t survive this – then, my forgiveness doesn’t matter. My people have been instructed to allow you to walk away."
"And why wouldn’t we all just aim the gun at you?" Asked Uriel, with a satisfied smile.
"Because there’s every chance I’ll survive. And what do you think I’ll do to those who tried to kill me?" He asked.
"Take them to fucking dinner." Sneered Lilith.
Gabriel chuckled. He couldn’t help himself.
"Fuck it." Said Rogan, picking up the glass and shooting down. He slammed the glass on the table and picked up the Revolver. He pressed it against his temple and pressed the trigger. The click made Lilith jump, and again, Uriel looked disappointed. Gabriel smiled as Rogan took a deep breath and placed the revolver in front of Lilith.
"Gabriel please." She said, with tears stinging her eyes. "Can we not do this?"
"It’s inevitable, my dear." Said Gabriel with a smile that was almost kind.
Lilith’s hand shook as she touched the gun but pulled her hand away.
"Why?" She asked. "What did I do that you haven’t done to others?"
Gabriel leaned forward with the tips of his fingers pressed against the table.
"I’ve never betrayed anyone, love." Said Gabriel.
"Not true." Said Uriel. "You betrayed Michael. You betrayed The Curator."
"It’s funny how perspective skews. They betrayed the Order. I merely stepped in to steady the ship – but you, Uriel. You betrayed everyone, so how about you wait… Your… Turn?"
Uriel quailed in the look that Gabriel gave him and shifted in his seat.
"After everything you’ve done to me? You think you didn’t deserve what I did?" She said, with a fight he’d not seen from her in a long time. "You commanded me to do things. You forced me… You made me…"
She was overcome with emotion.
"You turned me into this." She said, looking down at her hands in disgust. "And I’ve hated you for it for so long."
"Then pick up the gun, point it at me and fire." He said with a smile. "You never know – you might get lucky."
She snatched the gun up and aimed it at Gabriel’s face. The tears were streaming now. She was angry and hateful. She was… Spectacular.
"But remember this, love… You came to find me. You heard rumor and wanted a release from control. Twice I allowed you to walk away and twice you came back to me. Whatever it is that you think I’ve done to you, you’ve given me the tools to do it." He said taking a deep breath. "Whatever you hate about me… About what I’ve apparently done to you, then you have to hate about yourself."
She looked down at the gun, and then up into Gabriel’s face. She closed her eyes and with a long, shuddering breath she calmed herself.
"You… You’re right." She said. "You’re always right."
She didn’t open her eyes, she merely lifted the gun to the side of her own head. She held it there as her eyes started to open.
"Please, stop me." She said. "Please."
"Bottoms up, love." Said Gabriel as he lifted his glass to his lips.
As one final tear dropped from her chin, she pulled the trigger.
Uriel was disappointed once more.
She dropped the gun to the table, where it span. Gabriel reached out and placed his hand on top of it, sliding it slowly across the table in Uriel’s direction.
"Very good, love. You’ve survived… For now." He said as she quickly took a shot of the rum.
Uriel looked down at the gun.
"You think I’m going to do this? That I’m going to aim that fucking gun at my own head? No, never." He smirked. "I’d take great pleasure in taking all of you down with me."
"Perhaps." Said Gabriel. "But who looks after your precious Order once you’re gone?"
Uriel rolled his eyes.
"And why would I care about that when I’m gone? Why would I care what happens to that fucking Order once I’m dead? You know as well as I do, the Order is no calling – it’s a means to an end. A path to a power that few could unlock." Uriel said.
"Whatever you think of the Order Uriel, your grip to power dissipates significantly once you’re dead. And there’s a chance that you may surprise yourself. Walk out of here. Continue to hold onto the power that you so greedily sought."
Uriel turned his head. He looked at Lilith. He looked at Rogan.
"You know, Gabriel, I think you underestimate just what I’m capable of." He said, with a glint in his eye.
He reached out and picked up the gun.
"Do you think I wouldn’t point this at your muse?" He said as he lifted the barrel to aim it at Lilith. "You said it yourself. I killed the man I loved, with the vial I found by your dead father, for no other reason than to stop you from being able to use him against me. Why do you think I wouldn’t kill the woman you loved?"
He slowly moved the gun towards Rogan.
"Or perhaps your little protégé. Or brother. Or Agent of Chaos, whatever he is these days. What makes you think that I wouldn’t just fire?" He added.
"Or perhaps." He said slowly turning the gun on Gabriel. "Perhaps I’ll just let your friends sit back and watch as I fire every last shot until this bullet tears your fucking black heart out."
Gabriel merely smiled.
"I don’t fear you Uriel, no more than I fear death. It’s an inevitable end." He began. "But if you break the rules of this game, my friends will ensure you suffer for the rest of your days – and I can assure you they will be few."
Uriel let out a burst of mirthful laughter.
"Yes. You’re right." He said with a grin. "Best to cripple you with your own game. Nothing has ever been served by your death. Your agony is all I’ve ever wanted."
He pointed the gun at Lilith once more.
"Eeny…" He said as he pointed the gun at Lilith.
"Meeny…" He added as he moved towards Rogan.
"Miney…" He grinned at Gabriel as he moved back to Lilith.
"Mo." He said with a finality as he pointed the gun back at Rogan. "Apologies, Mr, MacLean – it’s nothing personal. Besides – you have a one in three chance of survival."
The click signaled Uriel’s failure. His eyes opened wide as he realized the error of his move.
"Wait…" He said, the gun hanging limply in his fingers. "I didn’t… I knew. One in three was a fantastic chance… I knew you weren’t going to get hurt."
Rogan continued to stare a hole in Uriel.
"I’d suggest Uriel." Said Gabriel with a smile as he looked at the vein pulsing in Rogan’s temple. "That you hope for a better result with the next attempt."
What is a true challenger? A real contender? An opponent of such great magnitude that they are a force to be reckoned with? What makes the man who has everything it takes to face Gabriel Baal?
Look no further than one Zane Scott.
Take away a weed whacker and Zane Scott would never have had to defeat Gabriel Baal at the Massive Melee – he would have been the Cross Hemisphere Champion walking into that self-same event. Take away Zane Scott’s victory at the Massive Melee and Gabriel Baal may never have won the event that would lead him to face Eden Morgan.
Yes – Zane Scott created the Champion he seeks to face at In Your Hands.
But in Gabriel Baal we have a World Heavyweight champion who has everything it takes to move this company and his Championship to the next level. In Gabriel Baal we have a Champion whose every movement oozes class and sophistication. A Champion who belays the rot that once formed around men like Travis Roberts and Mil Vidas Jnr. In Gabriel Baal we have the one true savior of our business.
Zane Scott is the man who could ruin everything.
You see Zane Scott has Gabriel’s number – we only have to look back at their last one on one meeting – and let’s be honest, you’re only as good as your last performance. Zane Scott soundly defeated Gabriel Baal. There can be no hiding away from that. Zane Scott defeated the man who is now the biggest name in our industry. Zane Scott defeated your friend and mine – “The Serpent” Gabriel Baal.
And he did so with aplomb.
Of course Zane Scott could defeat our Champion – he’s done it before and he could do it again. And whilst our glorious Champion has busied himself with matches that have allowed him to rely on others week in, week out… Ichabod, Lucy Wylde, Eden Morgan… Zane has defeated Gabrielle twice and Donovan once. A month that most would declare to be the perfect preparation for a match with the World Heavyweight Champion.
To beat a World Heavyweight Champion.
And whilst Gabriel did indeed find himself on the winning side of the contest that took place involving both of them this month, it was their partners that were involved in the fall. Yes, our illustrious Champion merely distracted Zane to prevent the inevitable insertion into the match that would have seen Lucy Wylde not defeat Gabrielle Montgomery. Zane’s huge boot was the catalyst for Lucy and Gabriel’s victory… Not Gabriel himself.
Another feather in Zane’s cap.
Yes, friends, you have a choice to make this month – do you choose Donovan Hastings or Zane Scott. You have read our evidence and you must heed our advice. The choice is a simple one to make. Vote Donovan Hastings as number one contender. Not because he is better than Zane Scott. Not because Donovan is the rightful heir to the throne. Vote for Donovan Hastings to protect our Champion and ensure a brighter future for one and all.
Vote Hastings… For a future that is shaped by Gabriel Baal.
Gabriel poured himself another drink as he picked the gun up and held it in his hand. He took a shot of the rum and tilted his head as he looked around the room.
"You know, at one point or another you all meant more to me than anything I could have imagined." He said with a slight shake of his head. "One year ago, you three were so important to my life."
He poured himself another drink.
"Rogan – you and I started the Engine of Chaos together. Sid…" He paused, waiting to see if there would be a reaction. "Sid and I realised the potential of what you and I could achieve together. It is a shame that our paths moved us in different directions."
He took another shot as and poured himself a third, clearly building the kind of courage he needed.
"Lilith – you gave yourself to me. You and I had a bond that I have had with few others. There are few that I control because they choose for me to control them. I believed you to be truly under my spell which, I suppose, is where my mistake lay. I mistook your submission for loyalty. I took your willingness to be governed as love. I believed that we had something that would never be tested."
He slowly turned his head to Uriel.
"Uriel – you were there at the beginning, when my father chose me to succeed him. You were there when I forced the hand of the Order to choose me as his the man to follow him. You were there when I punished those who sought to usurp me and you were there when I was finally ousted. There was no reason for what you did to David. I told you that he was safe from me. You had won my loyalty."
"Until when?" Said Uriel, through his fear. "Until I displeased you? Until I disagreed with you? And then what… You wouldn’t suddenly have him in captivity?"
"I am many things Uriel, but please do not doubt that I am a man of my word. I told you he was safe. I told you that I would protect him."
Gabriel shook his head.
"People always misunderstand me. Am I a man capable of doing terrible, horrific things? Of course. I’m human, we all have that capacity. But I also have the capacity for love. For loyalty. For friendship. I’m no more black and white than anyone else – anyone who claims to be good or evil in totality is a liar or a fool." Gabriel said. "And I am not a fool."
"I am a healer." He said quietly, to no-one but himself. "And I seek to punish those who have done ill in this world. I have done bad things to bad people. I have done bad things to good people. I have done good. I have done what is right yet the world only wishes to see my hardened face. They believe the good is a falsehood – designed to ensnare. You amongst them all, Uriel. You should have known better."
He took a deep breath.
"And so I must make the only viable choice." He said, pointing the gun once more against his temple.
"Gabriel." Said Rogan, quickly. "Don’t do this. You don’t need to do this – we can all walk away. Just put the gun down,"
"This is the game, Rogan." Gabriel said with a hint of emotion. "This is my choice."
"Please, Gabriel." Said Lilith, leaning forward in her chair. "Please don’t do this, I don’t want to see this. I don’t want you to… I don’t want you to go."
"This is the game, Lilith." He said again, in almost perfect repetition. "This is my choice."
"There has to be another…" Started Rogan. But Uriel cut in.
"Shut up!" He said with frustration. "If this is his choice, allow him to make it. If he dies we all live – isn’t that what we all want?"
"Not at the expense of this!" Said Lilith. "That makes us no better than he is."
"Newsflash, darling." Said Uriel. "I’m no better than he is and I’m happy to admit it."
"You’re fuckin’ coward." Said Rogan, his accent becoming more thick with the mix of shots and anger. "If you were so fuckin’ happy for him to die, why not aim the gun at him yourself?"
Uriel had no answer to this – he opened and closed his mouth like a fish out of water.
"That’s what I fuckin’ thought." Rogan added. "Look, Gabe. I know you… This isn’t…"
Click.
Lilith wailed as the gun failed to discharge. She opened and closed her eyes as she let out a burst of laughter at his survival. Gabriel too, smiled… But only for a moment. The lack of a gun shot meant one thing.
"My turn." Said Rogan quietly.
Gabriel paused for a moment, hesitation at the potential of what could follow. He looked from the gun, to Rogan who held out his hand.
"My turn." He said again.
Reluctantly, Gabriel reached out his hand and released the gun into Rogan’s hand.
"Fill her up." He said with a smile, looking at the glass. Gabriel did as he was asked.
"So let me get this right – six chambers, five empty." Said Rogan looking down at the gun. "Which means, the next shot fires the bullet?"
Gabriel nodded, apparently lost for words.
"Lilith." Rogan said. "No matter what, you’re walkin’ out of here today. Congratulations sweet heart."
He turned to look at Gabriel.
"You too big man." He added with a smile. "But you deserve a fuckin’ bullet for puttin’ me through this."
"What about me?" Asked Uriel, with urgency in his voice.
"I’ve not decided yet." Said Rogan.
"Rogan." Said Gabriel, walking around the table and standing behind his former Engine of Chaos colleague. "You need to think very carefully about what you do next."
"Don’t worry, Gabe, I am. Either I die or I murder. Not a decision someone wants to take lightly." He said, trying to sound confident. "But I don’t want to die, and I don’t want to live with takin’ another mans life."
He took the shot, and Gabriel poured out two more.
"I’m with you my friend." He said as they drank together.
This time, Lilith reached out with her glass.
"Me too." She added, placing a hand on top of Rogan’s and squeezing.
"Rogan… Can I call you Rogan? Take it from someone whose been there. Killing another human is something you can never forget. I have nightmares. I still dream about it."
"Then perhaps you’d rather go and not have to live with the guilt." Said Rogan.
"No!" Replied Uriel quickly. "Please, no."
"Then shut your mouth, and stop trying to tell me you’d rather be killed than kill." Rogan said.
For a moment that felt like a lifetime, no-one spoke. Gabriel, Lilith and Rogan took another shot. Uriel’s still stood in front of him, untouched.
"I don’t want to be a murderer." Rogan said finally, lifting the gun and placing it to his temple.
"Please, Rogan… Think about this." Said Gabriel. "He tried to kill you. He pointed that gun at you and pulled the trigger."
"Are you choosing me over him, Doc?" Said Rogan with a smile.
"Yes." Said Gabriel. "As I should have done from the beginning."
Rogan bit back a reply and lowered the gun from his head.
"What should I do?" He asked.
"Aim across the table, and pull the trigger." Said Gabriel, the smile on his face not hidden. "Kill him."
"No!" Shouted Uriel. "Rogan, don’t listen to him please. He wants you to do it so he doesn’t have to do it himself. Please."
"Is that right, Gabriel?" Asked Rogan. "You want me to shoot him so you don’t have to?"
Gabriel paused for a moment as the smile faltered on his lips.
"Yes." He admitted, with honesty. Uriel looked victorious. He looked positively elated.
"Your wish is my command." Said Rogan.
The bang was explosive. The scream was worse. The sound as Uriel’s chair fell back and cracked against the floor chilled to the very core.
We fade in to Gabriel Baal sat in front of a video camera, dressed in his usual suit. He’s sat on a stool, but not fully – his right foot supports him on the ground as his left is on the cross bar of seat. He’s smiling, but not naturally. Forced.
"Friends... Romans… Countrymen… Lend me your ears." He begins, but someone cuts him from off camera. "What?"
"You can’t use that… It’s been used before." Said the unseen producer.
"So has Gabrielle, but she’s still hanging around." He said, not quite quietly enough.
"Gabriel, you’re still rolling." The producer added.
"And whose fault is that? I’m not the cameraman…" Gabriel said, picking some lint off his shoulder.
"Oh… Right… Cut."
The screen cuts out and returns again.
Gabriel has since changed positions, this time sat straight, his eyes focused deep into the camera.
"I have a dream…" He says.
"Woah, woah, woah… cut!" Shouts the producer. "No, you can’t say that."
"Why?" Asked Gabriel, his brow furrowed.
"Because it’s… You just can’t." He says as he moves back behind the camera again.
We cut back out and in again, once more.
"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages…" Began Gabriel.
"Cut. I can’t even begin to tell you how no this is." Said the producer.
"Oh for f…"
Cut. And fade back in.
The camera suddenly drops, showing only Gabriel’s feet.
"Fucking cut." Said the exasperated producer.
"Friends – I can only assume you’ve grown frustrated with our bumbling attempts to send you a message. And you would be correct – you can only accept so many wasted opportunities, fuck ups and failures before you want to stop handing out chances. And that’s my point. Can anyone in their right mind tell me why Gabrielle Montgomery was ever offered this chance?"
The camera fades into Gabriel stood looking into the camera with a smile upon his face.
"I honestly struggle with the concept of Gabrielle Montgomery being selected as number one contender. Her hardly stellar record taking only further damage by not only losing to Donovan at Wrestlestock but by being soundly defeated by Zane Scott on Synergy just weeks ago. Yet here she is, one vote and one match away from being called the greatest that our company has to offer."
Gabriel shakes his head.
"Zane Scott and Donovan Hastings are hardly perfect, but to even consider Gabrielle to be on their level is tantamount to slander. To suggest she belongs upon any plateau that I inhabit is insanity at it’s most intrinsic. Gabrielle Montgomery is not worthy to be called a number one contender. I have no problem with stating that."
He offers a tilt of his head.
"Gabrielle seems to want to keep her career in soft core pornography away from her in ring career. The irony of that fact is that she’s spent more time on her back in UGWC than she has in her Z list movies. The stench of defeat follows her around and taints her more than any horrendous movie that she’s starred in. I have no problem with Gabrielle Montgomery’s choice of alternative career, whether anyone else does or not. I have a problem with what a terrible fucking wrestler she is."
He reaches up and scratches his jaw.
"Her claim to fame is running CJ Wylde out of UGWC – but she can’t even claim that now that he’s managed to untuck his balls from between his legs and pick a fight… With Dave Rydell… So what is it that you can honestly say you’ve achieved Gabrielle? Anything of any note? Anything of any worth? Or perhaps you’re going to talk about your previous runs? Because you’ve done nothing to deserve to stand between the men whom with you are competing and you sure as hell haven’t done anything to deserve the chance to compete with me."
Gabriel smiles into the camera.
"A vote for Gabrielle is a guaranteed vote that Gabriel Baal remains the World Heavyweight Champion. And whilst I would appreciate an easy night, I’m not sure it’s what was intended when this vote was set up."
His smile fades.
"It’s time you packed up your fake tits and went home, Gabby. Leave the business of performing in that ring to men and women who have what it takes. Vote for Hastings, Vote for Scott – I couldn’t give a fuck. Just don’t vote for Gabrielle fucking Montgomery. Anyone but her."
Without further word, Gabriel pulls the microphone from his lapel and stands up leaving the scene with a hashtag.
His head was pounding. He felt sick. He felt cold. He could feel the trickle of blood down the back of his head and the pain in his ankle was seering.
Uriel opened his eyes and the brightness of the lights outside the door made his brain hurt. He could see figures moving in front of him.
"You were quite right, Ichabod, this really was fun." Came the voice of Gabriel Baal.
"What… What’s going on?" Asked Uriel. "What happened?"
"Looks like you pissed yourself, lad." Said Rogan with a laugh.
"I don’t… What…" Started Uriel. His brain was filled with fog. Had he imagined the gun shot? But he’d felt pain… And then everything had gone black.
"How hard did he hit his head?" Asked a voice Uriel hadn’t heard before.
"It was pretty hard. Threw his arms up like he could bat away the bullet and fell backwards, cracking his head on the ground . Think the chain broke his ankle too." Said Gabriel, with a hint of amusement.
"Where… Where did It hit me?" Uriel asked. "Am I… Am I dying?"
They all began to laugh together, except one who stood just inside the doorway in a white night dress. She didn’t laugh. She merely smiled.
"It was a blank." Said Gabriel. "You were never in any danger."
"What?" Said Uriel. "Then what was this all ab…"
Lilith cut in…
"And is that what this is? Another one of Gabriel Baal’s shows?" Said Lilith, repeating her words from earlier. "I even told you what this all was… But Uriel wouldn’t listen."
"Very funny." He said, whilst noticing he was still tied up. "So this was all just one big lie just to fuck with me."
"Weeeeeeeeeeeell…." Said Gabriel. "Not entirely. You see Samantha did warn me I would have to make a choice. And she’s right, I could really only forgive two of you. And it was always going to be Rogan and Lilith. But Ichabod suggested that your punishment be a little more complex than merely locking you away."
"Fine." Said Uriel. "I’ve been punished. Now let me go."
"No, you misunderstand… More complex than, but also including, me locking you away." Gabriel said with a grin. Uriel rolled his eyes.
"Oh for goodness sake, do you honestly think I never planned for that? The Order is tracking me, they’re probably already on their way." Said Uriel with an overconfident air.
"Yes." Said Gabriel. "In fact, they’re already been. And have since left."
Uriel blinked, trying to clear the fog. He couldn’t really have heard that the Order had been to collect him and since left, having not retrieved him.
"What?" Said Uriel. "You’re lying."
"Am I?" Said Gabriel. " You see, it’s interesting. When you’re a Psychiatrist, you get used to recording your sessions on something like this…"
He pulled out a Dictaphone and smiled. He pressed the play button.
"Why would I care what happens to that fucking order once I’m dead? You know as well as I do, the Order is no calling – it’s a means to an end. A path to a power that few could unlock."
Uriel’s eyes widened as he realised the mistake he’d made. He’d underestimated Gabriel Baal again.
"The Order and I have come to an arrangement – they remove you from power and I keep you down here. Locked away. Where you can’t cause any trouble."
"Fuck you." Said Uriel. "You think you can break me? You think this will break me. I’ve been through worse, remember."
"You and me both, my love." Came a voice from the shadows. Uriel froze, his eyes widening with fear. The man, who earlier had reached out and touched Gabriel’s hand, stepped out of the shadows into the light.
"Uriel… You remember David." Said Gabriel with a smile.
"No… No, you’re dead." Said Uriel.
"Clearly not, my sweet." Added David, standing by Gabriel’s side.
"How is this possible?" He asked, his eyes manically moving from one to the other.
"The vial you found by my father was a much weaker solution. I had hoped you would examine it and decide it was not the cause of my father’s death, therefore exonerating me and my friend. Instead, you used it to try and kill the man you loved. Thankfully for us, when you sent the Order’s clean up team to do your bidding, they contacted Solomon. Interesting thing happens when you put a military man in charge – they're able to form bonds of loyalty with those they command. Your army of problem solvers weren’t happy with what you did to us… They brought David to me. I was able to save him. Protect him" Gabriel leaned towards Uriel and whispered in his ear. "Just like I promised you. I made sure he was safe."
Gabriel stepped back as a tear began to roll down Uriel’s face.
"Now David is in my employment – safe from your clutches. He’ll come and visit you from time to time… Make sure you’re alright. Because Uriel… You need to understand… You’re going to be in here for a very, very long time."
One by one, they each turned to leave. One by one, they each left Uriel to scream and shout. As the door closed behind them, David looked back, a solemn look upon his innocent face.
"I’m sorry, David." Said Gabriel. "There was no other way."
"I know." He sighed in reply, turning to face Gabriel. "I just hate endings."
"It’s not an ending, my friend." Said Gabriel slapping him on the shoulder. And with a tilt of his head and a smile, he continued with an air of contentment. "I have a feeling this is only the beginning."
"Ladies and gentlemen…" He began with a smile across his lips. "I’m so glad you could join me,"
He looked into one of the cells – the cell of the man who, just six weeks ago, had shown him thanks for his incarceration. The man snaked his hand out and reached towards Gabriel who took it.
"Soon." He said quietly. The man gripped him tighter to convey his understanding, and pulled his hand back inside the cell. The slight smile was a grin now. And a tear ran down his face.
Groggily, Lilith turned her head this way and that. She clearly recognised the atrium – she had looked out upon it for the last month from her cell. She’d began to notice the shapes that the lights played against the ground. She’d been able to spot the patterns that the guards moved in. She’d noticed almost everything that this atrium had to offer – but never before had she seen a table and three chairs.
"A few weeks ago, a good friend of mine… Well… A friend of a friend, I suppose… She came to me and wept. The tears that slipped down her face and dripped into her lap were caused by the three of you – and I just can’t have that."
"What… The fuck… Are you talking about?" Asked Rogan.
Rogan had been bundled into a van, god knows how long ago. His head hadn’t been covered, but he couldn’t recognise the journey. The van had stopped outside of the facility and he’d been pulled outside. He’d heard talk of Demonsacre since the burning of Angelfields in December. He’d expected a tunnel to lead underground or some kind of airline hanger – but instead, he’d been faced with the unnerving sight of sophistication and beauty. It was an architectural wonder, with curving walls and sweeping ceilings. Soon after, however, he felt the needle pressed into his neck and all had gone dark.
"She told me that one of you would beg my forgiveness and swear never to leave my side. One of you would come with glad tidings and refuse to acknowledge my slight." Gabriel said moving his eyes from Lilith to Rogan. "And one of you would offer a return to former glory."
Uriel’s eyes flickered open and closed – he was the last to come around. He was the only one of the three to come to the facility voluntarily. Gabriel had contacted him to further discuss his return to The Order. Uriel had accepted an invitation on the proviso that he would be able to bring some of his men. They had been quickly subdued by The Façade and Uriel had been captured.
"What… What’s going on? Gabriel? Where are we?" He asked, starting to look around. He attempted to stand up but found his feet bound to the chair. "What is this? I came here in good faith…"
"You came here to seal a deal that would lift you above the reach of my capabilities." Said Gabriel with a smile. "You’re all here because you wanted something from me. Redemption, forgiveness, acceptance."
As he spoke his eyes darted between the captives. Lilith’s eyes were swimming with tears. Uriel’s were filled with fear – Rogan’s, however, were turned to the ceiling, almost bored.
"Alright, this has been real funny – but I think the joke has gone far enough, don’t you?" Said Rogan, looking around as if expecting someone to wander in with a video camera and a microphone.
"This is no Joke, Rogan." Gabriel said as he began to slowly walk around the table. "Do you know your part in this?"
"I’ve done nothing!" Rogan exclaimed – but his declaration wasn’t filled with anger, or fear… More a mild exasperation. "You’re fucking mental, mate."
Gabriel smiled as the sound of metallic clicking rang through the air. The grinding of metal upon metal cut through the moment of silence that hung between them.
"You’re all here because you were chosen. Not by me, no… Not at all… But by fate." Said Gabriel. "And tonight we fulfil the prophecy made to me several weeks ago."
"By Samantha?" Said Lilith, fighting back the tears. "Is that who you’re listening to now? Ichabod’s sage? Ichabod’s sorceress? Ichabod’s…"
"Enough!" Growled Baal, stern enough to stop her in her tracks. A tear slide from her eye down her cheek, the fear of his retribution dawning upon her. "You do not speak ill of Samantha or Ichabod in my presence."
"I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…" Lilith began, but Rogan cut across.
"Samantha? She told you to bring me here?" Said Rogan letting out a chuckle. "Jesus, you two really did feel butt-hurt when I left, didn’t ya?"
"Wait, who is this Samantha?" Said Uriel, who, up until this point had remained uncharacteristically quiet.
"She’s something different to everyone she meets." Said Rogan, with a smile curling her lips.
"To me, she was someone I could talk to. Who would listen and make me see the truth of things. To Ichabod, she’s a ward and a friend. She helps him to see the path less trodden. To Gabriel, though… She’s always acted as something of a prophet. And it looks like he’s finally setting store by her divination."
Gabriel smiled at Rogan – he’d always understood Gabriel more naturally than Holden or Ichabod. Whilst he’d been away, Ichabod had likely grown to know Gabriel better than almost anyone, but Rogan had always been able to see right through to Gabriel’s core. He wasn’t sure he liked that. He broke eye contact as he continued to walk.
"Samantha merely shone the spotlight – it was each of you who stepped into it’s beam." Said Gabriel, looking down to Lilith now.
"And is that what this is?" She asked. "Another one of Gabriel Baal’s shows? Over a month ago I was in this room, sat in a chair just like this one while you told me of how much you wanted to watch Eden Morgan burn. How you would be her downfall? You told me that I had betrayed you and you dragged me into that cell. All for the benefit of those who watched form their cell. Gabriel Baal’s circus of horrors. Starring Lilith?"
"How much he wanted to watch Eden Morgan burn?" Scoffed Rogan. "Well isn’t that ironic. What’s the plan, Doc? You going to wine and dine her to death?"
Lilith looked up into Gabriel’s eyes, a touch of sadness… Maybe even jealousy there. He tilted his head as he watched her and allowed himself to smile just a touch. She’d seen that Gabriel was capable of the great and the terrible. She had known his wrath, she had known his love. She had suffered at his hand, and craved it’s gentle touch. She knew his heart – and all of it’s shades of grey. Right now, she was wondering where it truly lay.
"Eden and I have managed to come to a mutual accord. In the afterglow of my victory last month, I came to realise that everything I had said was true. We would come together or we would die fighting. Deep down, I didn’t want to see either of us come to that end so… We agreed that the two of us could find common ground. It’s not that difficult when we try. We have some similar traits – there was a reason I chose her all those months ago."
"And you trust her?" Asked Uriel, almost mockingly. "You realise that she tried to kill you, old boy?"
"Yes." Said Gabriel with a serpentine hiss. "And I’m also aware with whom she sought to plot."
Uriel shifted uncomfortably in his chair.
"Now, Gabriel, we’ve talked about this. She wanted to kill you but I refused. I had no intention… I would never." Uriel was stuttering. He’d never been truly impressive.
"No, you wouldn’t." Said Gabriel stopping to keep eye contact. "You would merely choose to cut me off from all that were close to me, by killing those who they found to be important."
"But they didn’t die." Said Uriel, gripping on to this sliver of hope with both hands. "So I couldn’t have tried very hard, now could I?"
Gabriel watched Uriel carefully. This man who had killed, David, the man he loved to prevent Gabriel from being able to use him as leverage. This man who had ousted him from the very Order he had helped to overthrow. This man who had killed Gabriel's childhood best friend. Uriel knew Gabriel’s ability to seek revenge, to plot and plan. Uriel knew the danger that lurked behind crossing him, yet he’d done it anyway. There was something in that. Something… Brave?
"Someone died." Gabriel said quietly. "Someone who was dear to me."
The mood quickly changed in the room – Rogan’s mockery seemed to ebb away, and Lilith’s jealousy slowly turned into pity. Uriel, however, merely sank deeper into fear.
"But fear not, Uriel. If I can forgive a plot to kill me, then why would I not forgive the plot to kill another mortal less than myself. No – I do not measure your transgressions by what they’ve cost, but by how much the betrayal meant to me."
He looked at them each as the metallic grinding started again.
"Lilith broke my heart. Rogan broke my heart. Uriel broke my heart. Time and time again, my heart was broken and every time I expected it to hurt a little less. It did not. Every… Single… Time I died just a little bit more." He said as he continued to pace around them. They were not at equal distances from one another. Uriel faced Rogan, directly across the table. Lilith sat opposite an open space. Gabriel reached this position and stopped.
"We’re going to play a little game." He said with a smile across his face.
He slammed his hand on the table, and the source of the metallic grinding was suddenly brought into sharp relief. A revolver. Five empty chambers and one filled. Gabriel smiled as he looked from one to the other.
"Shall we die, just a little?" He asked.
The following message was paid for by the friends of Gabriel Baal.
Donovan Hastings was a great man – a great competitor. A man who struck fear into the heart of all those who faced him. A multi-time World Champion. A multi-time Co-Operative Champion. A man whose skill within that ring often stood unsurpassed.
Donovan Hastings helped to create The Puppet Masters. Donovan Hastings helped to make UGWC what it is as the first UGWC World Heavyweight Champion. Donovan Hastings is a true legend of this business.
But he is not the man to face Gabriel Baal at In Your Hands.
Let us look at the facts.
FACT!
Donovan Hastings has been largely unsuccessful in recent years. His Lord of Pain campaign on the recent edition of UGWC 2K17 boasts no matches at all between June of 2015 and July of 2017… Where he beat Gabrielle Montgomery. Yes – I know you don't care about that. No-one does..
FACT!
Donovan Hasting’s greatest role of the last two years has been “That guy that Travis Roberts used to talk to. No, not the muppet, the other one. The one when Roberts was the World Champion. No, that’s Vain that you’re thinking about, I mean the other one.”
FACT!
Donovan Hastings has unsuccessfully targeted every single World Champion since his good friend Travis Roberts was defeated. Every one. Mil Vidas… Unsuccessful. Eden Morgan… Unsuccessful. Gabriel Baal… Unsuccessful. What? He will be.
FACT!
He didn’t target his good friend Travis Roberts… Interesting, no? Perhaps his reach to be taken more seriously couldn’t extend to a man with whom he shared so much time. Perhaps he was unsure on how to defeat the man he spent so much time with. Perhaps he didn’t have the heart to unsuccessfully challenge a friend. #Friends.
FACT!
If you google image Donovan Hastings, you are presented with several images of a basketball player, and a stoner before you get to see his cum face. Shortly after, you see Jet Somers… Sans the magnificent hair.
FACT!
If you legit google Donovan Hastings you find a create-a-wrestler version of Donovan Hastings wrestling against a man in a skeleton suit. Must have been one of the Kobra Kai. It’s incredibly accurate. Donovan loses.
In short, Donovan Hastings is man with history, and pedigree. However, despite said pedigree, it’s about time that he continued to fade into history. There can only be one alternative.
When you cast your vote for Number One contender, Vote for Zane Scott. It’s the only way.
#VoteZane
"Are you insane?" Asked Uriel, his eyes wide. "You think for one second I’m going to play?""You have no choice." Said Gabriel, not taking his eyes off Lilith.
"Please – we always have a choice." Said Uriel. "And I choose not to play anymore of your fucking games. She’s right – this is all fucking theatre to you."
"You will play – because not playing will mean worse than potential death." Began Gabriel, a slight smile crossing his lips. "You see, three of us will survive this game. One of us will not. One of us will feel the retribution that was foretold."
"Wait." Said Rogan, turning his head to the right. "You said three of us… You mean that you’re playing?"
"What kind of host would allow his guests to take risks with their own lives, and not be willing to take part themselves?" Asked Gabriel. "I’m not a monster"
"Could have fooled me." Said Lilith, her eyes burning now.
"That’s the spirit, love." Gabriel said with a smile. "Now, there are rules. This is not traditional Russian Roulette. There are four of us, which means that those who go first are offered a double-edged sword. They would have the least chance of death in the first round, but by the time the revolver returns to them there are merely two chambers left."
"You can’t be serious, Gabe?" Said Rogan. Gabriel ignored him.
"You have a choice – you can aim the gun at yourself or at someone else." He said.
"Wait? So you’re saying I never have to aim the gun at myself? Where do I sign up?" Said Uriel with a brief smile.
"Well, yes." Said Gabriel, looking towards Uriel now. "But lest we not forget – you have to take a life. With your own hands. Not with the hands of the faceless acolytes that you command. And of course, should you aim and your shot not be fatal… What choice do you think the person on the opposite side of the gun will do when it’s their turn? And there’s more chance of death?"
Uriel’s eyes opened wide momentarily.
"The point is moot – we can all refuse to play and your game is over. What more can you do to us? We live. No matter what you do, we live."
"Not quite." Said Gabriel with a flicker of something that look like sadness. "Either three of us leave this room today… Or… None of us do."
He looked at them one by one.
"I didn’t create this game because I wanted you all to prove you have what it takes to put a gun to your own head. I created this game because someone has to pay for what they did to me. But Samantha was wrong – there were always more than three choices. I may have to pay for that which I have done to myself."
He lifted the gun and placed the barrel against his skull.
"To be clear. Anyone who refuses to play will die anyway. Whether it be slow and painful, or quick and painless… Death will come." He smiled. "There’s no fighting it."
And he pulled the trigger. Lilith jumped, and Rogan lurched forward as if to try and stop him. Uriel, however, merely looked disappointed when Gabriel pulled the gun away from his head and leaned forward to place it in front of Rogan.
"Hold on. Why do you get to go first? That means if it reaches me, I have a one in three chance of death." Blustered Uriel.
"That is correct, but take solace in the fact that if you survive… For me it’s a fifty-fifty shot. And given that I couldn’t choose one of you before, you don’t think for a second I’d choose one of you now."
Rogan looked down at the gun, and seemed momentarily lost for words. His look was almost longing.
"Chaos." He said, so quietly that anyone in the room would have been forgiven for missing it. He shook his head. "Gabriel come on… You don’t want to do this. I know you better than that."
Gabriel smiled and reached down under the table. A few seconds later, he pulled back with a dark bottle and four shot glasses.
"Shall we partake in a little dutch courage, my friends? Rum." He asked as he placed a glass in front of each of them. He uncorked the bottle and began to pour out each drink one by one. "Russian Roulette was used by Officers in the Russian army to cause fear in those they would command. Their version was a little different, though – five bullets and one empty chamber."
"Why are you telling us this?" Lilith asked. "What difference does this…"
"I’m telling you because that could have been the game. I could have taken one bullet out and let you fight it out between you. I could have tossed you in here with a single bullet and a single gun and said whoever is the strongest and fastest will survive. I’m offering you all choice. You choose to take the gun and you choose where to aim it. If you survive this, then you’re going to be forgiven. If you don’t well…" He paused for a moment. "But if I don’t survive this – then, my forgiveness doesn’t matter. My people have been instructed to allow you to walk away."
"And why wouldn’t we all just aim the gun at you?" Asked Uriel, with a satisfied smile.
"Because there’s every chance I’ll survive. And what do you think I’ll do to those who tried to kill me?" He asked.
"Take them to fucking dinner." Sneered Lilith.
Gabriel chuckled. He couldn’t help himself.
"Fuck it." Said Rogan, picking up the glass and shooting down. He slammed the glass on the table and picked up the Revolver. He pressed it against his temple and pressed the trigger. The click made Lilith jump, and again, Uriel looked disappointed. Gabriel smiled as Rogan took a deep breath and placed the revolver in front of Lilith.
"Gabriel please." She said, with tears stinging her eyes. "Can we not do this?"
"It’s inevitable, my dear." Said Gabriel with a smile that was almost kind.
Lilith’s hand shook as she touched the gun but pulled her hand away.
"Why?" She asked. "What did I do that you haven’t done to others?"
Gabriel leaned forward with the tips of his fingers pressed against the table.
"I’ve never betrayed anyone, love." Said Gabriel.
"Not true." Said Uriel. "You betrayed Michael. You betrayed The Curator."
"It’s funny how perspective skews. They betrayed the Order. I merely stepped in to steady the ship – but you, Uriel. You betrayed everyone, so how about you wait… Your… Turn?"
Uriel quailed in the look that Gabriel gave him and shifted in his seat.
"After everything you’ve done to me? You think you didn’t deserve what I did?" She said, with a fight he’d not seen from her in a long time. "You commanded me to do things. You forced me… You made me…"
She was overcome with emotion.
"You turned me into this." She said, looking down at her hands in disgust. "And I’ve hated you for it for so long."
"Then pick up the gun, point it at me and fire." He said with a smile. "You never know – you might get lucky."
She snatched the gun up and aimed it at Gabriel’s face. The tears were streaming now. She was angry and hateful. She was… Spectacular.
"But remember this, love… You came to find me. You heard rumor and wanted a release from control. Twice I allowed you to walk away and twice you came back to me. Whatever it is that you think I’ve done to you, you’ve given me the tools to do it." He said taking a deep breath. "Whatever you hate about me… About what I’ve apparently done to you, then you have to hate about yourself."
She looked down at the gun, and then up into Gabriel’s face. She closed her eyes and with a long, shuddering breath she calmed herself.
"You… You’re right." She said. "You’re always right."
She didn’t open her eyes, she merely lifted the gun to the side of her own head. She held it there as her eyes started to open.
"Please, stop me." She said. "Please."
"Bottoms up, love." Said Gabriel as he lifted his glass to his lips.
As one final tear dropped from her chin, she pulled the trigger.
Uriel was disappointed once more.
She dropped the gun to the table, where it span. Gabriel reached out and placed his hand on top of it, sliding it slowly across the table in Uriel’s direction.
"Very good, love. You’ve survived… For now." He said as she quickly took a shot of the rum.
Uriel looked down at the gun.
"You think I’m going to do this? That I’m going to aim that fucking gun at my own head? No, never." He smirked. "I’d take great pleasure in taking all of you down with me."
"Perhaps." Said Gabriel. "But who looks after your precious Order once you’re gone?"
Uriel rolled his eyes.
"And why would I care about that when I’m gone? Why would I care what happens to that fucking Order once I’m dead? You know as well as I do, the Order is no calling – it’s a means to an end. A path to a power that few could unlock." Uriel said.
"Whatever you think of the Order Uriel, your grip to power dissipates significantly once you’re dead. And there’s a chance that you may surprise yourself. Walk out of here. Continue to hold onto the power that you so greedily sought."
Uriel turned his head. He looked at Lilith. He looked at Rogan.
"You know, Gabriel, I think you underestimate just what I’m capable of." He said, with a glint in his eye.
He reached out and picked up the gun.
"Do you think I wouldn’t point this at your muse?" He said as he lifted the barrel to aim it at Lilith. "You said it yourself. I killed the man I loved, with the vial I found by your dead father, for no other reason than to stop you from being able to use him against me. Why do you think I wouldn’t kill the woman you loved?"
He slowly moved the gun towards Rogan.
"Or perhaps your little protégé. Or brother. Or Agent of Chaos, whatever he is these days. What makes you think that I wouldn’t just fire?" He added.
"Or perhaps." He said slowly turning the gun on Gabriel. "Perhaps I’ll just let your friends sit back and watch as I fire every last shot until this bullet tears your fucking black heart out."
Gabriel merely smiled.
"I don’t fear you Uriel, no more than I fear death. It’s an inevitable end." He began. "But if you break the rules of this game, my friends will ensure you suffer for the rest of your days – and I can assure you they will be few."
Uriel let out a burst of mirthful laughter.
"Yes. You’re right." He said with a grin. "Best to cripple you with your own game. Nothing has ever been served by your death. Your agony is all I’ve ever wanted."
He pointed the gun at Lilith once more.
"Eeny…" He said as he pointed the gun at Lilith.
"Meeny…" He added as he moved towards Rogan.
"Miney…" He grinned at Gabriel as he moved back to Lilith.
"Mo." He said with a finality as he pointed the gun back at Rogan. "Apologies, Mr, MacLean – it’s nothing personal. Besides – you have a one in three chance of survival."
The click signaled Uriel’s failure. His eyes opened wide as he realized the error of his move.
"Wait…" He said, the gun hanging limply in his fingers. "I didn’t… I knew. One in three was a fantastic chance… I knew you weren’t going to get hurt."
Rogan continued to stare a hole in Uriel.
"I’d suggest Uriel." Said Gabriel with a smile as he looked at the vein pulsing in Rogan’s temple. "That you hope for a better result with the next attempt."
The following message was paid for by the friends of Gabriel Baal.
What is a true challenger? A real contender? An opponent of such great magnitude that they are a force to be reckoned with? What makes the man who has everything it takes to face Gabriel Baal?
Look no further than one Zane Scott.
Take away a weed whacker and Zane Scott would never have had to defeat Gabriel Baal at the Massive Melee – he would have been the Cross Hemisphere Champion walking into that self-same event. Take away Zane Scott’s victory at the Massive Melee and Gabriel Baal may never have won the event that would lead him to face Eden Morgan.
Yes – Zane Scott created the Champion he seeks to face at In Your Hands.
But in Gabriel Baal we have a World Heavyweight champion who has everything it takes to move this company and his Championship to the next level. In Gabriel Baal we have a Champion whose every movement oozes class and sophistication. A Champion who belays the rot that once formed around men like Travis Roberts and Mil Vidas Jnr. In Gabriel Baal we have the one true savior of our business.
Zane Scott is the man who could ruin everything.
You see Zane Scott has Gabriel’s number – we only have to look back at their last one on one meeting – and let’s be honest, you’re only as good as your last performance. Zane Scott soundly defeated Gabriel Baal. There can be no hiding away from that. Zane Scott defeated the man who is now the biggest name in our industry. Zane Scott defeated your friend and mine – “The Serpent” Gabriel Baal.
And he did so with aplomb.
Of course Zane Scott could defeat our Champion – he’s done it before and he could do it again. And whilst our glorious Champion has busied himself with matches that have allowed him to rely on others week in, week out… Ichabod, Lucy Wylde, Eden Morgan… Zane has defeated Gabrielle twice and Donovan once. A month that most would declare to be the perfect preparation for a match with the World Heavyweight Champion.
To beat a World Heavyweight Champion.
And whilst Gabriel did indeed find himself on the winning side of the contest that took place involving both of them this month, it was their partners that were involved in the fall. Yes, our illustrious Champion merely distracted Zane to prevent the inevitable insertion into the match that would have seen Lucy Wylde not defeat Gabrielle Montgomery. Zane’s huge boot was the catalyst for Lucy and Gabriel’s victory… Not Gabriel himself.
Another feather in Zane’s cap.
Yes, friends, you have a choice to make this month – do you choose Donovan Hastings or Zane Scott. You have read our evidence and you must heed our advice. The choice is a simple one to make. Vote Donovan Hastings as number one contender. Not because he is better than Zane Scott. Not because Donovan is the rightful heir to the throne. Vote for Donovan Hastings to protect our Champion and ensure a brighter future for one and all.
Vote Hastings… For a future that is shaped by Gabriel Baal.
#VoteHastings
Gabriel poured himself another drink as he picked the gun up and held it in his hand. He took a shot of the rum and tilted his head as he looked around the room.
"You know, at one point or another you all meant more to me than anything I could have imagined." He said with a slight shake of his head. "One year ago, you three were so important to my life."
He poured himself another drink.
"Rogan – you and I started the Engine of Chaos together. Sid…" He paused, waiting to see if there would be a reaction. "Sid and I realised the potential of what you and I could achieve together. It is a shame that our paths moved us in different directions."
He took another shot as and poured himself a third, clearly building the kind of courage he needed.
"Lilith – you gave yourself to me. You and I had a bond that I have had with few others. There are few that I control because they choose for me to control them. I believed you to be truly under my spell which, I suppose, is where my mistake lay. I mistook your submission for loyalty. I took your willingness to be governed as love. I believed that we had something that would never be tested."
He slowly turned his head to Uriel.
"Uriel – you were there at the beginning, when my father chose me to succeed him. You were there when I forced the hand of the Order to choose me as his the man to follow him. You were there when I punished those who sought to usurp me and you were there when I was finally ousted. There was no reason for what you did to David. I told you that he was safe from me. You had won my loyalty."
"Until when?" Said Uriel, through his fear. "Until I displeased you? Until I disagreed with you? And then what… You wouldn’t suddenly have him in captivity?"
"I am many things Uriel, but please do not doubt that I am a man of my word. I told you he was safe. I told you that I would protect him."
Gabriel shook his head.
"People always misunderstand me. Am I a man capable of doing terrible, horrific things? Of course. I’m human, we all have that capacity. But I also have the capacity for love. For loyalty. For friendship. I’m no more black and white than anyone else – anyone who claims to be good or evil in totality is a liar or a fool." Gabriel said. "And I am not a fool."
"I am a healer." He said quietly, to no-one but himself. "And I seek to punish those who have done ill in this world. I have done bad things to bad people. I have done bad things to good people. I have done good. I have done what is right yet the world only wishes to see my hardened face. They believe the good is a falsehood – designed to ensnare. You amongst them all, Uriel. You should have known better."
He took a deep breath.
"And so I must make the only viable choice." He said, pointing the gun once more against his temple.
"Gabriel." Said Rogan, quickly. "Don’t do this. You don’t need to do this – we can all walk away. Just put the gun down,"
"This is the game, Rogan." Gabriel said with a hint of emotion. "This is my choice."
"Please, Gabriel." Said Lilith, leaning forward in her chair. "Please don’t do this, I don’t want to see this. I don’t want you to… I don’t want you to go."
"This is the game, Lilith." He said again, in almost perfect repetition. "This is my choice."
"There has to be another…" Started Rogan. But Uriel cut in.
"Shut up!" He said with frustration. "If this is his choice, allow him to make it. If he dies we all live – isn’t that what we all want?"
"Not at the expense of this!" Said Lilith. "That makes us no better than he is."
"Newsflash, darling." Said Uriel. "I’m no better than he is and I’m happy to admit it."
"You’re fuckin’ coward." Said Rogan, his accent becoming more thick with the mix of shots and anger. "If you were so fuckin’ happy for him to die, why not aim the gun at him yourself?"
Uriel had no answer to this – he opened and closed his mouth like a fish out of water.
"That’s what I fuckin’ thought." Rogan added. "Look, Gabe. I know you… This isn’t…"
Click.
Lilith wailed as the gun failed to discharge. She opened and closed her eyes as she let out a burst of laughter at his survival. Gabriel too, smiled… But only for a moment. The lack of a gun shot meant one thing.
"My turn." Said Rogan quietly.
Gabriel paused for a moment, hesitation at the potential of what could follow. He looked from the gun, to Rogan who held out his hand.
"My turn." He said again.
Reluctantly, Gabriel reached out his hand and released the gun into Rogan’s hand.
"Fill her up." He said with a smile, looking at the glass. Gabriel did as he was asked.
"So let me get this right – six chambers, five empty." Said Rogan looking down at the gun. "Which means, the next shot fires the bullet?"
Gabriel nodded, apparently lost for words.
"Lilith." Rogan said. "No matter what, you’re walkin’ out of here today. Congratulations sweet heart."
He turned to look at Gabriel.
"You too big man." He added with a smile. "But you deserve a fuckin’ bullet for puttin’ me through this."
"What about me?" Asked Uriel, with urgency in his voice.
"I’ve not decided yet." Said Rogan.
"Rogan." Said Gabriel, walking around the table and standing behind his former Engine of Chaos colleague. "You need to think very carefully about what you do next."
"Don’t worry, Gabe, I am. Either I die or I murder. Not a decision someone wants to take lightly." He said, trying to sound confident. "But I don’t want to die, and I don’t want to live with takin’ another mans life."
He took the shot, and Gabriel poured out two more.
"I’m with you my friend." He said as they drank together.
This time, Lilith reached out with her glass.
"Me too." She added, placing a hand on top of Rogan’s and squeezing.
"Rogan… Can I call you Rogan? Take it from someone whose been there. Killing another human is something you can never forget. I have nightmares. I still dream about it."
"Then perhaps you’d rather go and not have to live with the guilt." Said Rogan.
"No!" Replied Uriel quickly. "Please, no."
"Then shut your mouth, and stop trying to tell me you’d rather be killed than kill." Rogan said.
For a moment that felt like a lifetime, no-one spoke. Gabriel, Lilith and Rogan took another shot. Uriel’s still stood in front of him, untouched.
"I don’t want to be a murderer." Rogan said finally, lifting the gun and placing it to his temple.
"Please, Rogan… Think about this." Said Gabriel. "He tried to kill you. He pointed that gun at you and pulled the trigger."
"Are you choosing me over him, Doc?" Said Rogan with a smile.
"Yes." Said Gabriel. "As I should have done from the beginning."
Rogan bit back a reply and lowered the gun from his head.
"What should I do?" He asked.
"Aim across the table, and pull the trigger." Said Gabriel, the smile on his face not hidden. "Kill him."
"No!" Shouted Uriel. "Rogan, don’t listen to him please. He wants you to do it so he doesn’t have to do it himself. Please."
"Is that right, Gabriel?" Asked Rogan. "You want me to shoot him so you don’t have to?"
Gabriel paused for a moment as the smile faltered on his lips.
"Yes." He admitted, with honesty. Uriel looked victorious. He looked positively elated.
"Your wish is my command." Said Rogan.
The bang was explosive. The scream was worse. The sound as Uriel’s chair fell back and cracked against the floor chilled to the very core.
The following message was paid for by the friends of Gabriel Baal.
We fade in to Gabriel Baal sat in front of a video camera, dressed in his usual suit. He’s sat on a stool, but not fully – his right foot supports him on the ground as his left is on the cross bar of seat. He’s smiling, but not naturally. Forced.
"Friends... Romans… Countrymen… Lend me your ears." He begins, but someone cuts him from off camera. "What?"
"You can’t use that… It’s been used before." Said the unseen producer.
"So has Gabrielle, but she’s still hanging around." He said, not quite quietly enough.
"Gabriel, you’re still rolling." The producer added.
"And whose fault is that? I’m not the cameraman…" Gabriel said, picking some lint off his shoulder.
"Oh… Right… Cut."
The screen cuts out and returns again.
The following message was paid for by the friends of Gabriel Baal.
Gabriel has since changed positions, this time sat straight, his eyes focused deep into the camera.
"I have a dream…" He says.
"Woah, woah, woah… cut!" Shouts the producer. "No, you can’t say that."
"Why?" Asked Gabriel, his brow furrowed.
"Because it’s… You just can’t." He says as he moves back behind the camera again.
We cut back out and in again, once more.
The following message was paid for by the friends of Gabriel Baal.
"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages…" Began Gabriel.
"Cut. I can’t even begin to tell you how no this is." Said the producer.
"Oh for f…"
Cut. And fade back in.
The following message was paid for by the friends of Gabriel Baal.
The camera suddenly drops, showing only Gabriel’s feet.
"Fucking cut." Said the exasperated producer.
The following message has been paid for by the friends of Gabriel Baal.
"Friends – I can only assume you’ve grown frustrated with our bumbling attempts to send you a message. And you would be correct – you can only accept so many wasted opportunities, fuck ups and failures before you want to stop handing out chances. And that’s my point. Can anyone in their right mind tell me why Gabrielle Montgomery was ever offered this chance?"
The camera fades into Gabriel stood looking into the camera with a smile upon his face.
"I honestly struggle with the concept of Gabrielle Montgomery being selected as number one contender. Her hardly stellar record taking only further damage by not only losing to Donovan at Wrestlestock but by being soundly defeated by Zane Scott on Synergy just weeks ago. Yet here she is, one vote and one match away from being called the greatest that our company has to offer."
Gabriel shakes his head.
"Zane Scott and Donovan Hastings are hardly perfect, but to even consider Gabrielle to be on their level is tantamount to slander. To suggest she belongs upon any plateau that I inhabit is insanity at it’s most intrinsic. Gabrielle Montgomery is not worthy to be called a number one contender. I have no problem with stating that."
He offers a tilt of his head.
"Gabrielle seems to want to keep her career in soft core pornography away from her in ring career. The irony of that fact is that she’s spent more time on her back in UGWC than she has in her Z list movies. The stench of defeat follows her around and taints her more than any horrendous movie that she’s starred in. I have no problem with Gabrielle Montgomery’s choice of alternative career, whether anyone else does or not. I have a problem with what a terrible fucking wrestler she is."
He reaches up and scratches his jaw.
"Her claim to fame is running CJ Wylde out of UGWC – but she can’t even claim that now that he’s managed to untuck his balls from between his legs and pick a fight… With Dave Rydell… So what is it that you can honestly say you’ve achieved Gabrielle? Anything of any note? Anything of any worth? Or perhaps you’re going to talk about your previous runs? Because you’ve done nothing to deserve to stand between the men whom with you are competing and you sure as hell haven’t done anything to deserve the chance to compete with me."
Gabriel smiles into the camera.
"A vote for Gabrielle is a guaranteed vote that Gabriel Baal remains the World Heavyweight Champion. And whilst I would appreciate an easy night, I’m not sure it’s what was intended when this vote was set up."
His smile fades.
"It’s time you packed up your fake tits and went home, Gabby. Leave the business of performing in that ring to men and women who have what it takes. Vote for Hastings, Vote for Scott – I couldn’t give a fuck. Just don’t vote for Gabrielle fucking Montgomery. Anyone but her."
Without further word, Gabriel pulls the microphone from his lapel and stands up leaving the scene with a hashtag.
#VoteAnyoneButGabrielle.
His head was pounding. He felt sick. He felt cold. He could feel the trickle of blood down the back of his head and the pain in his ankle was seering.
Uriel opened his eyes and the brightness of the lights outside the door made his brain hurt. He could see figures moving in front of him.
"You were quite right, Ichabod, this really was fun." Came the voice of Gabriel Baal.
"What… What’s going on?" Asked Uriel. "What happened?"
"Looks like you pissed yourself, lad." Said Rogan with a laugh.
"I don’t… What…" Started Uriel. His brain was filled with fog. Had he imagined the gun shot? But he’d felt pain… And then everything had gone black.
"How hard did he hit his head?" Asked a voice Uriel hadn’t heard before.
"It was pretty hard. Threw his arms up like he could bat away the bullet and fell backwards, cracking his head on the ground . Think the chain broke his ankle too." Said Gabriel, with a hint of amusement.
"Where… Where did It hit me?" Uriel asked. "Am I… Am I dying?"
They all began to laugh together, except one who stood just inside the doorway in a white night dress. She didn’t laugh. She merely smiled.
"It was a blank." Said Gabriel. "You were never in any danger."
"What?" Said Uriel. "Then what was this all ab…"
Lilith cut in…
"And is that what this is? Another one of Gabriel Baal’s shows?" Said Lilith, repeating her words from earlier. "I even told you what this all was… But Uriel wouldn’t listen."
"Very funny." He said, whilst noticing he was still tied up. "So this was all just one big lie just to fuck with me."
"Weeeeeeeeeeeell…." Said Gabriel. "Not entirely. You see Samantha did warn me I would have to make a choice. And she’s right, I could really only forgive two of you. And it was always going to be Rogan and Lilith. But Ichabod suggested that your punishment be a little more complex than merely locking you away."
"Fine." Said Uriel. "I’ve been punished. Now let me go."
"No, you misunderstand… More complex than, but also including, me locking you away." Gabriel said with a grin. Uriel rolled his eyes.
"Oh for goodness sake, do you honestly think I never planned for that? The Order is tracking me, they’re probably already on their way." Said Uriel with an overconfident air.
"Yes." Said Gabriel. "In fact, they’re already been. And have since left."
Uriel blinked, trying to clear the fog. He couldn’t really have heard that the Order had been to collect him and since left, having not retrieved him.
"What?" Said Uriel. "You’re lying."
"Am I?" Said Gabriel. " You see, it’s interesting. When you’re a Psychiatrist, you get used to recording your sessions on something like this…"
He pulled out a Dictaphone and smiled. He pressed the play button.
"Why would I care what happens to that fucking order once I’m dead? You know as well as I do, the Order is no calling – it’s a means to an end. A path to a power that few could unlock."
Uriel’s eyes widened as he realised the mistake he’d made. He’d underestimated Gabriel Baal again.
"The Order and I have come to an arrangement – they remove you from power and I keep you down here. Locked away. Where you can’t cause any trouble."
"Fuck you." Said Uriel. "You think you can break me? You think this will break me. I’ve been through worse, remember."
"You and me both, my love." Came a voice from the shadows. Uriel froze, his eyes widening with fear. The man, who earlier had reached out and touched Gabriel’s hand, stepped out of the shadows into the light.
"Uriel… You remember David." Said Gabriel with a smile.
"No… No, you’re dead." Said Uriel.
"Clearly not, my sweet." Added David, standing by Gabriel’s side.
"How is this possible?" He asked, his eyes manically moving from one to the other.
"The vial you found by my father was a much weaker solution. I had hoped you would examine it and decide it was not the cause of my father’s death, therefore exonerating me and my friend. Instead, you used it to try and kill the man you loved. Thankfully for us, when you sent the Order’s clean up team to do your bidding, they contacted Solomon. Interesting thing happens when you put a military man in charge – they're able to form bonds of loyalty with those they command. Your army of problem solvers weren’t happy with what you did to us… They brought David to me. I was able to save him. Protect him" Gabriel leaned towards Uriel and whispered in his ear. "Just like I promised you. I made sure he was safe."
Gabriel stepped back as a tear began to roll down Uriel’s face.
"Now David is in my employment – safe from your clutches. He’ll come and visit you from time to time… Make sure you’re alright. Because Uriel… You need to understand… You’re going to be in here for a very, very long time."
One by one, they each turned to leave. One by one, they each left Uriel to scream and shout. As the door closed behind them, David looked back, a solemn look upon his innocent face.
"I’m sorry, David." Said Gabriel. "There was no other way."
"I know." He sighed in reply, turning to face Gabriel. "I just hate endings."
"It’s not an ending, my friend." Said Gabriel slapping him on the shoulder. And with a tilt of his head and a smile, he continued with an air of contentment. "I have a feeling this is only the beginning."
2013, '18, '23 
2013 
