A Challenge From the Black

by Jason Spade Tue Jan 30, 2024 9:26 pm

Sabanto kneels in front of a ritualistic altar, arms spread wide in prayer as he whispers into the darkness. The only light is from the candles on the altar, casting the pitch dark room in an eerie orange glow. Sabanto finishes his prayer and stands up, back to the camera.

"I am not so arrogant to claim that victory is always certain."

He turns, his dark eyes further obscured by the shadows.

"My demon, my AKUNIN, is powerful... Far more powerful than me, and far more powerful than any normal man. But you, YAMASHITA... You are no normal man. Strength, resilience, all of these things are what put you above the dregs of society that I have come to loathe. You are a shining example of this industry, and a role model for those in our homeland, but our shared nationality will not save you from my wrath.

Japan, America, Australia, they are all the same... Festering pools of degeneracy, fit only to rot away into nothingness. And though you may be a cut above the rest, you are still one of them, and you will rot too... AKUNIN is not finished with you, YAMASHITA. Defeating my beast has only made it angrier. It will come for you, eventually- not even I can stop it- so I offer you a challenge."

Sabanto pauses.

"Regicide approaches. I propose one final match... By my count, you are both 1-1. At Regicide, face my demon once more, and if you win, the beast and I will move on. But if you lose... Well, that is enough for me. For both of us."

Sabanto smiles. A noise comes from the darkness; a deep rumbling, like a sleeping lion.

"Oh, yes, and one more thing... This match will be a Demon's Domain match. Face us, if you dare... If not..."

A massive shadow that can only be AKUNIN steps from the darkness, completely obscuring the light of the altar, sending the scene into pitch blackness.

"We will find other ways to get the blood you owe us.