Chapter 17: The Finale

                                    

                                          
               The sound of metal clashing echoes through the arena, the battle already in full swing. The man in pajamas, confident and deceptively calm, effortlessly dodges every one of Check's attacks. Their movements are lightning-fast, a blur to the eye, as the guards stand at the edges, rhythmically tapping their chests in time with the music. The guards' synchronized beats, blending with the intense music, create an atmosphere thick with tension and bloodlust.
               Check's strikes are sudden, precise, but the pajama-clad fighter seems to anticipate every move, countering each attack with ease. Then, with a swift counter, the pajama man lands a hit. Check's hand is slashed, blood dripping onto the floor, staining the silver blade red. Despite the wound, Check soldiers on, his resolve unwavering. The pajama man licks the blood off his sword with a twisted smile. "It's sweet," he mutters. "The angrier a man gets, the more his blood pumps. The meat tastes better that way."
               His words are deranged, unsettling, and it's clear he's enjoying this macabre game. The fight intensifies, the music growing more frenzied, as both fighters push each other to their limits. Check's hands are bleeding profusely, but he keeps going, refusing to back down. The pajama man switches his grip, feinting to one side before stabbing Check in the belly. The room seems to freeze for a moment, my heart dropping. I ready my rifle, finger tense on the trigger, prepared to fire if he strikes again.
               I motion to Tiago to move away from me, creating space between us. If a firefight breaks out, I don’t want him caught in the crossfire. As a scientist, his survival might be their only leverage; they might not see him as a threat. I prepare myself, but the guards’ drumming beats speed up, heightening the tension. Check grips his stomach, blood flowing from his wound. The pajama man circles him, savouring the taste of blood again. "It tastes good," he taunts. "Get angrier."
               The swords clash again, the sound ringing out amidst the guards’ rhythm and the escalating music. It's a fearful scene, the air thick with anticipation and violence. I can see it in everyone’s eyes—they’re waiting for the killing blow. The pajama man is clearly in control, his movements swift and deliberate. Suddenly, white hair falls to the floor. It takes a moment to realize what has happened. The pajama man’s hair has been cut—a surprising move by Check.
               The guards stop cheering, the room falling into a tense silence, but the music continues in the background. The pajama man’s face is unreadable, his expression flat. His eyes turn red with fury as he commands, "Start again." His posture shifts, serious now. The fight resumes, but it’s clear the pajama man’s demeanour has changed—he’s angry, more focused. In a flash, he strikes Check again, this time hitting his chest. Blood pours out, faster than before, and Check’s strength seems to wane.
               I tighten my grip on my rifle, knowing I have to act soon. The pajama man’s eyes widen in delight at the sight of the blood. The guards’ chanting grows louder, “Kill… kill… kill…” The air is thick with murderous intent. Tiago looks terrified, unsure of what’s next. I have no plan, but I need one fast. The pajama man’s fighting style has changed, more aggressive, more lethal.
               In a split second, the pajama man lunges at Check, his sword aimed to finish him off. I fire my rifle, the shot hitting his sword instead of his head. The pajama man stares at me, surprised, but his expression quickly turns into a menacing grin. The sword is knocked from his grip, clattering to the ground. The guards open fire on my position, bullets tearing through the barriers. I signal Tiago to move, and we dive behind a stack of large crates just as the barrier disintegrates under the onslaught.
               The shooting stops abruptly as the pajama man commands them to hold fire. He slowly walks towards the destroyed barrier, his steps measured and confident. I glance at Check; he’s down, bleeding heavily, but still alive. The pajama man picks up his sword and says, "I know you’re hiding somewhere. If you don’t come out, I will kill your friend now."