"Now is the moment of truth. Judgement," declared DieselFukaiKenji.
"The Iron Flamer has prepared four attacks on his competitor,
while the challenger served up a gut-busting twelve entrees. The challenger
seems pretty confident as the judges sample his presentation."
"I tried to vary my assaults. I didn't want to overdo it with
just one flavor," explained SL4ever.
"Mmm. I kind of liked the Dollar Auction substory. Maybe the extra
storyline reminded me of my soap opera; I dunno. It provided a little
break and some humor," opined Asako.
"I can tell the challenger really wants it. Really, really, really
wants it. God, how many more of these do I have to read?" replied
Brand_Korn.
"Next up, the Iron Flamer Blinker. Known for his precision and
tactical strikes, he has prepared only one third of the dishes his opponent
threw out," said DFK.
"I could have beat him with one, but this is pageantry after all,"
declared the Iron Flamer.
"Hee hee. Flaming is funny," said Cassie. "Did I mention
I'm in a movie? It's called Sub Rosa. What do you mean this isn't a
junket?"
"The Iron Flamer has once again prepared a masterful mound of
words for us to feast upon. It doesn't take a fortune teller to predict
how this will turn out. But seeing as that's my job..."said Kazuko.
"OK, the judges have completed their scoring and the Chairman
has moved to the center platform to announce the verdict!"
Chairman Kaga strode to the main stage as the lights dimmed, the judges
trailing behind him.
"Our competitors battled well today. Alas, only one can be named
the winner. And now, the verdict."
[Cue A Zed and Two Naughts, Tracks 6 and 11. ]
"The Challenger SL4ever bombarded Iron Flamer Blinker, hoping
to beat him into submission. Blinker, in an unusual move, abandoned
his straight Msting technique and agreed to get down and dirty with
SL4ever. Did SL4ever trick the Iron Flamer into playing his game? Did
Blinker rise to the challenge? Whose flame regime will reign supreme?"
Chairman Kaga says, "The victor is IRON FLAMER!"
"Blinker has won! The Iron Flamer has dispatched with his latest
opponent, keeping his winning streak intact. Let's see the scores.
10-9, 10-10, 9-8, 9-8, 8-9, and 8-7, a near sweep for the Iron Flamer.
But as you can see, it was a close battle. In the end, SL4ever's deluge
could not overcome what was perceived as a lack of laugh out loud moments.
Quantity does not necessarily equal quality."
The Chairman shook the hands of both his champion and his most worthy
challenger. "SL4ever...you dared oppose my Iron Flamer and were
defeated. Now for the ceremonial extinguishing of your flame."
"Kaga has doused SL4ever with the Fire Extinguisher of Shame!
This brings our show to an end. For the Iron Flamers, I am DieselFukaiKenji.
Good night!"
------
Congratulations on our two fighters for a game well played. It's a
shame one of you has to go. Blinker, your opponent in the final round
is RMScream, a foe you have previously vanquished. Take him lightly
at your own risk.
The tourney will continue...
R317