Chapter 4

.

It seemed that Ross had lost. The sheriff was about to be crowned by this executioner, while two of his zombie guards were holding Sophie against her will. Once this loser became king, Sophie feared what he would do to her, as his "queen". But then Ross showed up, and he had a new weapon. It was only a water gun, but it seemed to work. Ross squirted the zombie's and the executioner, and they disintegrated. This made about as much sense as anything else in this crazy little world. The shriff knocked the water gun out of Ross' hand, but Ross had a second hidden water gun. He killed the sheriff with it. Sophie kissed her champion knight. She then sat down on the throne as Ross officially crowned her. But if Sophie hoped that this would free them, or make her some kind of queen, she was sadly mistaken. She still found herself in the deserted mall. Sophie ran until she found Ross, but Ross was just as confused as she was. To her shock, she could see mr Olson in the sky, and there appeared to be some kind of giant pinball at the top of the escalator.

.

Sophie: What is this place?

Ross: As near as I can tell it's a giant pinball game. Mr Olson is some kind of wizard or whatever. I know why I'm here, I screwed up and broke his trust, why are you here?

Sophie: You know my music box I tried to get from the store?

Ross: Yeah.

Sophie: It wasn't exactly mine. I do that all the time, I use my youth and good looks to steal and worm my way out of it.

Ross: I don't remember dying, but could this be a version of Hell?

Sophie: I didn't exactly pay much attention when my parents dragged me to church. But, if we stole, hurt people, sounds like we might have been sent to Hell. But I thought if we won we'd be free.

Ross: So did I.

Sophie: So what happens if we die in this game?

Ross: I don't know. But I fear we'll find out soon.

.

Gary: The end, for now.

Kristen: You can't end the story now.

Frank: Yeah, what happens to Ross and Sophie after this, do they ever get out?

Betty Ann: And what about the Sheriff, and the Witch? I mean, were they real characters, or just manifestations created by Mr Olson?

.

Gary couldn't help but smile. He had given them a story that not only captivated them, but got them to demand more. This was every storyteller's goal.

.

Gary: Those are all good questions, but they'll have to wait for another night. But for tonight...

.

Gary began pouring water over the fire to put it out.

.

Gary...I declare this meeting of the Midnight Society. Until next time, pleasant dreams everyone.

.

Note: Kristen, Betty Ann, and Frank made valid points. If I get enough positive feedback, I might continue this story. Perhaps from some other characters' perspective, perhaps we'll find out what eventually happens to them. So, want to read more?