[IC] The Legend of Heroes: Tales of the World

[Taerinn]

Los Paraísos: Pellagio Casino: Texas Hold’em Poker Table


Lisette waved back cheerfully to Xan, although she was somewhat disappointed that she wasn't staying to see if Marcus won.

She stood watching, intrigued by the different demeanors of each player. Marcus, of course, was calm as usual, while she could tell from the man, "Kenny's", shoulders and back muscles that he was quite confident and relaxed. The female player pursed her lips and ran her long nails across the edge of the card she was looking to discard. And the other two players were sweating a bit, tensed up and looking back and forth between their cards and the pot in the center.

Kapi scurried out of Lisette's arms suddenly and climbed on top of her head, getting his little clawed feet tangled a bit in her thick, frizzy hair.

"Ow, Kapi...!" Lisette winced, trying to pay attention to the game.

Unbeknownst to her, that was exactly what Kapi was doing as well; from his vantage point atop his owner's head, he could see over Kenneth's shoulder and at his cards. He sniffed for some reason; it wasn't clear if it was out of approval or disapproval.

---

Los Paraísos: The Pellagio

Selan shook her head, clearly amused at the idea that their youngest member had seemingly developed a gambling addiction.

Lucien came along just then, waving to the two of them. "Whoa, you're a real good gambler. Did you teach her? Teach me too, yeah?"

Selan's hand rushed to her mouth to cover her laughter. "Of course not, I was just about to pull her away from this thing. Come on Trixie, I'll buy you some apple juice if that's what you want. We can trade in your winnings, too..."

Selan moved to pluck Trixie off the stool, but suddenly the trickster tensed up and clung onto the lever. "No, noooo! Just one more! Just one more and I'll kick the stuff for good, I swear!"

"Trixie, I think you might have a problem..." Selan said as delicately as she good, folding her arms.

"I don't have the problem, you have the problem! You just want my apple juice, don'tcha?" Trixie was so wound up that she wasn't even putting coins in anymore, instead just pulling the lever over and over again.

"Alright, here we go..." Selan muttered, feeling an exasperation that she usually only felt when dealing with Don or Trent. "Help me?" she said to Lucien, who smirked and threw her a Don-esque thumbs up.

The two of them lifted Trixie off the stool completely, causing her to bicycle her legs wildly in the air. Coins spilled from her pockets and bounced and rolled across the floor in different directions, leaving a trail behind as they led her away.

[Bunanigans]

Los Paraisos: Pellagio Casino - Blackjack table
Idiot. He was an absolute idiot. Surely he must have got at least a rough grasp of the game by now? Moira crossed her arms, watching as the next cards were dealt out. At least he had it now, right?

Syed continued to watch quietly, keeping himself to himself. He thought he about had this game figured out until he'd noticed one of the other players on the table had split their hand. Geez, there were more rules than he had thought! Still, he was about there by now. Not that he'd want to give it a go himself - he didn't really want to embarrass himself too.

"HOLD!" Don yelled, looking very pleased with himself. Hold? HOLD?!

"WHAT THE SHIT?!" Moira screeched, grabbing hold of the edge of the table, her knuckles going white. It seemed to be taking her all she had to try not to flip the thing over - her hands were shaking, small cracks appearing around her tightly gripping fingers. The chips on the table began to rattle and slide about a little. "YOU GOT A FUCKIN' FIVE!" Her rage could practically be felt seeping from every pore, her hair getting buffetted by the power of her fury. A few of the spectators closest to her backed off a little. She threw her head back in the most rediclous, over the top fashion. "A FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVEEEEE!!!!!"

Serena calmly asked Moira to release the table, causing the Berserker to seem to catch herself and release it again. Oh... oops. Instead she clenched her fists at her sides. Must not hit him, must not hit him, just don't!

Syed nearly did a spit-take, although he saved himself just in time and ended up doing a bit of a dribble back into his glass instead. Auurgh that was embarrassing, he quickly turned around to try and scrape back together what little dignity he had. Once he recovered, he looked back to Dylan. "He... he does know the rules, right? Someone has explained them to him, haven't they?"

Syed looked at the cards thoughtfully, although he wasn't really focusing on them. This situation, Don's actions... they reminded him of something. He passed Moira her drink back.

"Don..." he said slowly, placing his hand on his bro's shoulder and leaning forwards to mutter into his ear - quietly enough to not be overheard by anyone else, but loudly enough for Don to hear him over the din. "If you've having trouble understanding the cards, I can help you. I won't tell anyone if you want."

"I think you need to try another game," Moira scowled, folding her arms. "One what doesn't need you to know what the fuck you're doing."

She then chugged her beer as fast as she could.

[Rexcalibur]

Los Paraisos: The Pellagio - Casino

Amy nearly dropped her mug the first time Moira let out a howl, but then she slammed the table and shouted even more. Luckily her beer was already finished when the mug came shattering on the floor, otherwise Don would probably have two angry woman right behind his back. "Holy fuck."

Twitching her lips, Amy casually sidestepped away from the mess and nudged the shoulder of a waitress passing by to alert her about it. Then she looked back to the redhead to catch her chugging her beer effortlessly. Yeesh. Moira wasn't a berserker for nothing. Her outburst practically erupted from nowhere - well, close enough to just that, but Amy couldn't quite tell whether she felt daunted or intrigued. Yeah, she herself would get angry and possibly slap-happy at times, but powerful outbursts like this? Oh, what she could do with that kind of intimidation.

"You have to teach me how to shout like that sometime, Moira." She shot the berserker a wink, not entirely sure whether she was paying attention or not, though that wasn't important.

Amy looked back to Syed and Don, twitching her lips again. Seems like the show-offy pig had already splurged enough of his time and money at a game he obviously didn't understand, judging from the way Dylan cried to them earlier. Granted, Amy understood nothing of it until Moira's easy explanation, but at least she had enough common sense to not embarrass herself like this. Volleyball game aside. Stupid pig.

"Does he even have enough money to try another game?"

She stole a quick glance at some of the machinery and other tables behind her as she made her last statement, pondering about her own expenses. They... they definitely still had two hours left... and she's always wanted play her luck at a casino. At least with slot machines she wouldn't have to look so stupid for not understanding how any of these games work. ... But she would look just as dumb if she wound up like Don and casting away money without winning anything back.

Amy sighed, rolling her eyes as she returned her attention to the game before her, crossing her arms. What do, what do.



Lucien found the duo soon enough as well and was astounded with how disturbingly well the minor was doing. But enough was enough for Trixie, and after some resistance Selan managed to successfully pull the girl from Pandora's Box of gold and loot. And no juice.

Unfortunately, even after they managed to pluck Trixie off the machine for good, one of them had to carry her even further away as her bicycle kicks continued for quite sometime as she was desperate to return - for some odd reason even she couldn't comprehend. The kicks made a good enough bumper to scare people out of the way while they escaped the devil's machine, at the very least, and it wasn't until a small walk later that she finally ran out of juice and stopped kicking.

She plopped to the ground and made a deep sigh. "Well. That was weird. Gotta show that to Amy sometime." She turned to Lucien, pouting playfully at him. "It actually didn't have any drinks... either that or I was doin' it wrong. I mean they had cherry juice in there somewhere, I was so sure they'd have apple juice and some of that bubbly stuff you like too!

"Anyway, yeah Miss Pretty. I'm really thirsty and some apple juice would be--oh, oh butterballs, guys look! A spinning ball!"

Her winnings from the slot machine jingled loudly in her belt pouches as she took off again, this time towards a roulette table. With grabby hands.

[Pachamac]

Los Paraisos: Pellagio Casino: Blackjack Table

Moira’s explosive anger took Don, Serena, and everyone else completely by surprise, making them all recoil in fright and for Don to emit a high pitched ‘Eeep!’ Her anger would have no doubt blown up to mammoth proportions, her fist flying out and smacking Don straight in the kisser, were it not for Serena warning her to step down and step back. It was only when Moira remembered where she was that she came to her senses, although she was still livid. Livid at the disbelief with how anyone could possibly be this stupid.

"Don..." Syed started to comfort. "If you've having trouble understanding the cards, I can help you. I won't tell anyone if you want."

"I think you need to try another game," Moira scowled, folding her arms. "One what doesn't need you to know what the fuck you're doing."

"Does he even have enough money to try another game?" Amy added, mimicking Moira’s arm folding as she looked over the blackjack table scene. At first it was interesting to watch the man flail and lose despite his best attempts to appear suave and cool, but now it was just embarrassing. She started to understand how Dylan had felt.

But Don… Don couldn’t take it anymore. He couldn’t take the doubt… the lack of faith in his companions. And so!

“Of course I have money!!” Don screamed, suddenly pulling out of his suit’s inner pocket the sum total of the savings he had accumulated through his time with the Pride so far. Savings that he had actually been building up to pay back Marise with, now being exchanged with Serena for more chips.

“Er, big bro, do you… do you really think…?” Dylan tried to step in, but the transaction happened far too soon for him or anyone else to interfere. Although Serena did it begrudgingly, she had no choice but to comply- if it was what the player wanted, then she had to accept. The house certainly wouldn’t look on her favourably for turning away Don’s money, and it would be her job on the lifeline.

“I BET ALL OF IT!” Don suddenly threw back all the chips Serena had exchanged his gald for, pushing the rainbow spectrum of plastic back forward. “LET’S GO!!!”

“I… I can’t watch!” Syed covered his eyes.

“Oh Aislin!”

“I need another drink. No, two. No wait, three.”

“YOU FUCKING IDIOT!” Moira bellowed. “YOU STUPID, FUCKING IDI-”

And out from the deal came an Ace and a King. 21. Blackjack.

“Woohooooo!!!” Don bounced into the air, kicking his stool away to the thunderous applause of everyone around him. Hitting blackjack netted Don back 1.5x his bet. In this one hand, he had made back everything he had betted so far… and actually made money.

Don scrambled onto the table, suddenly reaching forward and without warning gripping Serena in an unexpected kiss, before jumping back and spinning in the spot, kicking his leg out and finishing in a stylish pose, flicking and pointing his finger into the air.

“OH YEAH! DON CAPUELLO, GAMBLING P(B)RO EXTRAORDINAIRE!! WOOHOO!!”

“I… I don’t believe it…” All four of his companions echoed in unison.

Don then raced forwards again, leaning down and scooping his gigantic haul of chips into his arms and turning to skip onwards… taking Moira’s advice of playing a new game of chance.

“C’mon bros, sis’s! The night’s still young!!”

(It wasn’t night time.)

[Pachamac]

Los Paraisos: Pellagio Casino: Texas Hold’em Poker Table

“I see your raise… and raise you again.” A twinkle flashed from Kenneth’s eye, and the man re-centered himself, in an effort to make himself even more comfortable. Mordie leaned on his arm, curious to see how the game would turn. Kenneth’s free arm pushed his entire stack of chips forwards. The stack was enough that Marcus would also have to bet all of his chips to call. “All in, little doggy.”

All eyes darted across the table to Marcus. He kept his jovial smile, and pushed the rest of his chips forward.

“Certainly, I’ll call.”

A loud gasp of murmurs from everyone watching arose, as the tension started to build, and build, and build. Clive eyed the many stacks of poker chips placed on the table, a thin trickle of sweat sliding down the base of his neck. He sure hoped one of the two guys with the big, equal stacks won, because if any of the other three people did then dividing everything up would be a real pain in the butt…

“Weee-hell now! This is what I’m talking about!” Kenneth whooped and hollered, his grin stretching even further. For the first time throughout the whole game, he was now genuinely excited. “C’mon, son!” The gambler turned towards Clive, ushering the dealer to continue. “Don’t leave us all in suspense! Deal the last two cards! We need to cut this suspense, ‘bro’!”

“Ah, right, right,” Clive nodded, taking a massive gulp. His hands focused on the deck of cards in his hands again, and he slid one off, placing it down in the ‘burn’ pile, before then taking the next card, and flipping it to join the King, Jack and Ten on the table. Everyone’s body started to tilt towards the table, angling more and more for as good an angle as they could, before Clive’s hand dramatically laid the card down. So far, the odds looked to favour a royal straight, and now…!

A two!

Eyes rolled and disappointed grunts were aplenty. For some, even, a mild breath of relief. It was still possible for one of the players to have already hit a straight, owing an Ace and a Queen, or a Queen and a nine. But at this stage… anything was possible.

One more card before the river was complete. Clive’s hands moved, burning another card first and then… slowly… laboriously, the final card turned in midair, lowering itself down onto the table’s green felt… the card which could determine everything…

A king.

A… king?

“YES! YES I GOT A STRAIGHT!!” Shouted out one of the men, throwing his hands in the air and dancing for joy. The other man and woman muttered low grumbles and obscenities, throwing their cards back to the dealer and leaving the table. The man equally reached out, ready to scoop the prize…

Before his wrist was suddenly gripped, and all movement throughout his body was paralysed.

“Now now, cowboy. You’re getting ahead of yourself.”

Kenneth’s face filled the gambler’s vision, a look of fierce, scary determination. It was frightening. And then it shifted, turning into a cocked smile. Kenneth’s cards flicked up before everyone. Two kings.

Marcus’ brow twitched, and his fingers drummed atop his cards held face down on the table. For a brief second he flashed his eyes towards Aria.

“Four of a kind, hose. Sorry, fella.”

The man crumbled to his knees, crying. Kenneth shook his head and coyly laughed, winking towards Mordie for a hand in scooping up the chips.

“W-wait!” Estelle slammed her hand on the table. “Hold it!”

Kenneth and Mordie stopped, looking out the corner of their eyes to the young fiery redhead.

“You haven’t seen Marcus’ cards yet! And his are the best! That money is-”

“Kenneth’s,” Marcus interrupted, holding Estelle’s hand and calmly bringing her back to sit down on her stool again. “His four of a kind is the best hand possible. He won.” Marcus explained, smiling all the while. A slow turn towards Kenneth beget an even wider smile, and a reach of his hand out over the table to shake the blonde gentleman’s hand. “Well played.”

Kenneth firmly shook the hand, and nodded back. “You too, pardner. I don’t know what your cards were, but you played yourself well. Hopefully we can play again sometime.” He bent down briefly to pick up one of the nearby placed buckets to help scoop more of the chips in. “Besides… looking at you and all the ladies you have hanging around you, I’d say you’re a winner.”

“C’mon, doll, let’s go cash these in and buy you something nice, huh?” Kenneth turned and spoke to Mordie, laughing as he and his partner carried away their haul.

“Maaaaan… that sucked… right, Lisette?” Estelle collapsed on the table, struggling to lift her downtrodden eyes in her friends direction, to the return of Lisette nodding and Kapi blinking. Aria stood to Lisette's side, her own shoulders sagging somewhat.

“That’s okay,” Marcus replied. “I wasn’t playing to win any money.”

“You… weren’t?” Lisette looked confused.

“No, I had a more important reason. I was playing because… I wanted to talk to you, Clive.”

“Huh?”

“Hmm?”

"What?"

*blink*

“...Bro?”

Huh?



“You wanted to talk to me? Bro?” Clive blinked, lost in brief confusion after all eyes suddenly turned on him. The dealer’s shuffling of cards and packing away of the table’s equipment led to him pointing at himself and blinking intermittently.

“Don’t you remember me, Clive?” Marcus smiled, laughing again.

Clive simply blinked, struggling to search through his memories for the answer to the question. Did he… did he know this man…?

“Wait… wait… you’re not…!”

“Hang on… the 'bros'…” Estelle groaned. “Don’t tell me this is another of…”

“MARCUS-BRO!!” Clive shouted, climbing up and over the table and grabbing the wind mage in an impromptu brotherly hug. “IT’S BEEN SO LONG!!”

“…Don’s bros…” Estelle slapped her forehead. She hopped off her seat, arching over to look at the fallen and trapped Marcus. “Marcus, what’s going on?”

“Hahaha… looking for information, of course. I’m guessing Clive’s been working here for a while… and so he might know something that could help with our mission…”

"Our mission?" Aria's finely shaped brow perked up. "He might know something?"

Estelle froze… and then a sharp stab of realisation struck her mind. "AH!!"

They could have asked Josette too!!

---

Los Paradisos: Pellagio Casino: Security Room

“Hey Josette, what are you doing?”
“Your next shift isn’t until tomorrow, is it?”

The blue haired woman walked into the Casino’s security room, nodding with a small smile to the two Casino security guards, Andy and Andy, whom were lying back in their seats with their feet on their desk, happily munching away on some sprinkled donuts.

“I’m not, I just wanted to check out the monitors real quick.” Josette replied, leaning with her hands rested on the desk to inspect each of the many monitors projecting the camera feed from the number strategically placed cameras discreetly hidden around the casino. Her goal, to find Marcus!

“What’re you looking for?” Asked Andy, leaning back in his chair to inspect Josette’s shapely rear.

“Yeah, maybe we could help?” Asked the other Andy on the other side, mimicking his partner’s action to also pay respect to that most lovely of rumps.

“Just a friend of mine I lost, I… ah!” Josette’s expression suddenly turned sour. She found Marcus, but at the same time… also found that everyone else had found him too! “GOD DAMNIT!” Josette kicked the desk, the shockwave upsetting the two Andy’s chairs and making them fall to the ground.

[Dannyel]

Los Paraísos: The Pellagio: Blackjack Table

Dylan turned away, literally unable to watch Don’s new strategy. The man was truly an idiot. The rules were fairly simple, even a non-gambler like Dylan wouldn’t have nearly this much trouble. He hit his drink hard, waiting for this endless stupidity to blow up in Don’s face...which didn’t take long.

“I BET ALL OF IT! LET’S GO!!!”

“Oh Aislin!” He turned back around to watch the train wreck, only to see Don be served an Ace and a King. “Blackjack? I...don’t believe it...” The odds of such a thing were staggering, that the gods favored this simple man so much that they saved him from ruin.

“C’mon bros, sis’s! The night’s still young!!” Don ran off with his massive collection of chips in his hands, headings towards the games of chance.

“I don’t know if that’s better or worse,” he said as he reluctantly followed his Bro. “At least he can’t mess up the rules, right?” He leaned against the slot machine, facing out to see the rest of the group. “So how was the bars?”

[Bunanigans]

Los Paraisos: Pellagio Casino - Blackjack Table
Wh... what?! What just happened? Moira stared, wide eyed at the cards that laid before them all. H... how? That was probably... the luckiest thing she had ever seen. Well, bar all the times they narrowly escaped death anyway.

“C’mon bros, sis’s! The night’s still young!!”

"Don! Don't do that again!" Syed shouted sternly after him as they hurried to keep up. Who knew if Don was listening. "You're supposed to be saving up, remember! Always save yourself a budget for this sort of thing, don't bet everything!" All he could think was along the same lines as Dylan - thank the Gods that they decided to spare him from losing everything.

Well, Moira couldn't blame Don if he chose to ignore that lecture. She heaved a great sigh. Her beer was gone, she had downed it all after the stupid hold incident. She could do with some more, and a cigarette too. If they went into one of the smoking areas she could probably just try and have everybody's second-hand smoke, but with just her and Don as the smokers in the group she wasn't sure if they'd be going that way. Whatever.

"So... what are we gonna do next?" Syed asked with more than a little trepidation. His nerves were already wrecked. He didn't know how much more of this he could take. It wasn't even him gambling!

"I got an idea," Moira shouted, jogging a little to catch up with Don. "Best thing? You don't need to know any rules. Just put your money on what you want, sorted."

She steered him off in a seemingly random direction, the others trailing behind. Past rows and rows of slot machines, before she finally stopped them at a table. On top of the plush green table cover sat a magnificent gold, red and black machine, spinning around seamlessly as a ball rattled around inside. The ball finally came to a stop in one of the squares, the machine still spinning at a much slower pace.

"32 black!" the dealer announced.

"Trix!" Syed exclaimed, clapping his hands together with joy at the sight of the dimunitive trickster. Although... he wasn't sure she should be hanging around in a casino. She definately couldn't be old enough, unless the laws in Los Paraisos were different from Artar. "You're here too! Is everyone here then? Sorry I didn't get to come with to the waterpark."

“So how was the bars?” Dylan asked, leaning against one of the nearby slot machines.

"They were shit!" Moira exclaimed with a scowl, turning away from the waiter she had just ordered from and rooting around her purse. "They didn't even have any seats!"

"We had a pretty eventful time though," Syed grinned. "Played some volleyball, went to a parade. Got called demons and chased around with paddles. You know, nothing unusual," he winked. "What about you guys?"

"Here we are!" Moira exclaimed, slapping a little gald on the table to be exchanged for chips. "'Ere, Sy, what rib is it again?"

"What? 9th..."

"Ok, 9 red it is," she stretched her arms out before her and cracking her knuckles. "No way in hell am I missing out on roulette."

"...You're such a dick, Moira."

[Crescendo]

Los Paraísos: The Pellagio

Aria herself was starting to feel nervous from the heavy atmosphere surrounding the table, hands fiddling with a glossy black feather on her scarf. She could hardly believe that the entire table had gone all in, especially since Pretty Boy and the other man would be losing quite the substantial amount of gald if either of them were to lose this hand.
Neither of the two men seemed to be feeling the pressure however, with Pretty Boy sporting a steady smile and Rugged Man cheering excitedly, urging the dealer to deal the next card. Aria tiptoed to get a better look, like the rest of the crowd watching the game. A dealt two gave rise to some disappointed mumbles and sighs, but the tension was thick as ever as the last card was dealt.

A king.

A cry broke the thick silence that had enveloped the table, with one of the men proudly proclaiming a Straight before being stopped in his tracks by the blond rugged man who had somehow managed to score a four of a kind. Aria looked down to Marcus just in time to see his eyes flicker away. Did he need something?

The red-headed girl was less than pleased with her friend’s loss, but was quickly calmed by the blond guilder. The illusionist merely tilted her head, slightly disappointed with his loss but otherwise nonplussed as she watched the man leave with his spoils. What was truly unexpected was Pretty Boy’s declaration of his intentions of joining in the poker game.

Aria raised an eyebrow in interest. “Our mission? He might know something?” The unassuming looking dealer could have had the information they needed? It was true that being a staff member in the casino no doubt Clive would have access to a lot of gossip floating around. Ignoring the redhead’s sudden outburst she touched a finger to her chin in thought, scrutinizing the man who still had Pretty Boy trapped in his grasp. He could have the lead they were looking for!

“So, when do you get off work?” She finally asked. “If you really do have information we need, we’re going to find somewhere better to discuss matters.” A grin lit her face. “Maybe you could join us for dinner? The more the merrier, right?” No doubt it would annoy Chirps too; that was always a plus.

[Taerinn]

Los Paraísos: The Pellagio: Roulette Table

"Trixie, wa--"

"And there she goes again." Lucien said out of the corner of his grin. He followed after the spritely girl nonchalantly, putting his hands behind his head as he walked.

"... Hm." Selan mumbled to herself, following after them both.

"Come on everybody, we got an open table! Whoa there Lassy, kids can't play down here," the man at the roulette table cautioned to Trixie, holding up his palms. No way was he going to get in trouble again for another underage player! No way, no how. He had a wife and kids to feed, and when this job was good, it was gooood. But he looked further down the aisle where the girl had skipped from, and a glint shone in his eye. "But, ah, your parents are more than welcome to play..."

Trixie plopped down on the stool. "Yeah sure, whatever Mister." she said, staring at the numbers and colors on the wheel and table and tapping her hands on the surface.

Selan and Lucien caught the tail end of the man's words and, with a quick exchange of glances, decided to play along. Whatever kept Trixie happy and in the vicinity, after all.

Their presence attracted a few more players, and soon enough, the game began. The three other players placed their bets on the table: Red 27, "17 Black", and Black 03.

"Trixie, bet for me, will you? Choose whatever you like." Selan offered.

[Rexcalibur]

Los Paraisos: The Pellagio - Casino

Trixie jumped as Don and his crew arrived, returning Syed's greeting with an abrupt hug. "Heeey! You guys made it, awesome!" She pouted playfully at him and the others the moment a parade was mentioned, and spoke as she returned her attention back to the roulette table. "A parade!? What, that's so much cooler than a water park. Pffft! I bet Amy just sat down and watched or something."

Colors and numbers were being shot out left and right. It was great that the dealer let her join in on the fun, although she truly had no idea what any of this meant, or why she wouldn't be allowed to be there on her own. She was just amused from all the loud shiny things all throughout the golden palace. It was like a playplace for adults with money.

As others made their bets following Moira's call, Selan spoke up from behind the prankster, this time with an offer as opposed to pulling her away again. "Trixie, bet for me, will you? Choose whatever you like."

"Ehh!? Uhhh." She held her hands out before her, staring quizzically at her palms as she bent her fingers one by one. "... one, two three........ 07... Blue? No wait I want the same color as Sparky. 07 Red. ... This is how you bet, right? I have no idea what's going on."



Amy meanwhile had totally wandered off on her own while Don and the others moved onto a new game. The temptation was too great.

Cling. Clunk clunk clunk. Brrrrrrr.

"Just... one... more..."

[Pachamac]

Alveare no Bruce



Los Paraisos: Pellagio Casino: Roulette Table

“Ooh, ooh! What game’s this?!” Don screamed, spinning around and cutting up the Pride’s conversation by butting himself in-between Dylan, Moira, Syed, Trixie, Selan and Lucien. Small bits and pieces of his hulking stack collection trailed and spilt along the floor, when then, all of a sudden, Don suddenly plonked the whole massive stack onto the table, pushing it forward.

“I know this one! This is called… er… rulers, right?” Don grinned.

“Roulette, you idiot!” Moira huffed again.

“Roulette! That’s it… oh! Selan! Littler Bro! Little Missy!” Don eyes suddenly lit up once he noticed his friends had arrived, and Don lunged forwards for a powerful hug of Selan. Whatever negative feelings he felt concerning himself and his similarity to his father during the events of Vandrell had all been momentarily discarded, lost as he was instead of the rapture and fun of the Pellagio casino. In contrast to the slow, agonising month prior where Don had tried his best to keep his distance from Selan, now… just seeing her lit up his world far brighter then any of the flashing slot machines. And with Selan dressed and looking as she was, she was simply gorgeous- with no man possibly being able to resist. It was as the saying went: “Time and distance made the heart grow fonder.” For Don, at least.

Selan, however, sidestepped it quite effortlessly, and instead Don ended up headbutting and tackling poor Lucien to the ground, the two men lying in a messy pile on the floor.

“Ah, your bet, sir?” The Roulette dealer asked, the ball already in process of spinning.

“Ah! Cleric Sis!!” Don screamed. “Red or black?!”

Amy, transfixed as she was by the spinning images before her with every tug of the lever next to the machine, didn’t even look to Don. The answer was of course obvious from her.

“One… more… go… red… one… more… go…” Cling. Clunk clunk clunk. Brrrrrrr.

“RED!” Don’s fist shot into the sky, the only thing visible over the edge of the roulette table to the dealer.

“Red it is then,” The Roulette dealer nodded, using one of the casino’s crutches to position the giant pile onto the red betting section. “Betting is now closed.” The dealer waved his hands over the betting area, confirming that no more new bets could be made, before standing back up with his hands clasped behind his back.

“You pillock!” Moira screamed again at Don. “You just won all that and now you’re betting it all?!”

“I’m with my friends!” Don smiled back from off the floor, Lucien still trapped and dazed underneath. “I’m feeling lucky!”

“It’s stopping, it’s stopping!” Trixie bounced up and down. And sure enough it was, the metal ball slowing down in its rotation around the roulette wheel. What was originally a blur of red, blacks and golds now became clearer and clearer, the numbers marked on each segment of the wheel now coming into focus. And the roulette ball… slowing down even further…

“RED 7!” The dealer called out.

“Woohooooooo!!” Don screamed again, now having twice the number of chips he originally had. Trixie and Selan’s own eyes widened in disbelief as they saw their bet return 35-1 of the original bet.

“I’m putting it all in again!!” Don suddenly pushed his gigantic stack forward onto the table again, the towers of chips leaning over and collapsing, spilling everywhere. “Selan, Selan! What number should we choose?!” Despite Trixie being the one to choose the number, it was made on Selan’s behalf, so Don considered it her bet. Whilst a certain other player…

“FUCKING BOLLOCKS!” Moira screamed. Red 7? Red 7? Why the fuck not Red 9?? What the fuck?!

[Taerinn]

Los Paraísos: The Pellagio

Selan tiredly sidestepped Don's attempt at a hug, in a movement as effortless as breathing. Don sailed past and headbutted Lucien, and suddenly the two men were splayed out on the ground.

She narrowed her eyes somewhat, wondering how it would have turned out if she hadn't evaded just in time. Considering the sharp-toothed comb firmly embedded in her hair, she imagined it probably wouldn't have ended all that well, causing her to shudder involuntarily.

At the very least, she wasn't as mad as she was earlier. The seasickness and panic attacks probably accounted for more of it than she initially thought, and she appeared to be back at her "default" level of patience with Don. That is, she still found his antics tiresome, but at least they were slightly amusing again.

The wheel spun and spun, and the group braced themselves in anticipation. Would it be Red 9? Or Red 7? Moira's fists were clenched so hard her knuckles were turning white.

And in a miraculous turn of events, Trixie's bet actually won...

... And then Don shoved the stack back toward the dealer.

Selan, Selan! What number should we choose?!"

"Me...?" Selan blinked. No pressure or anything. "Hum... We should... Split it. 17/20 Black." If it were up to her, she would have suggested leaving with their winnings intact, but in some odd way, she enjoyed seeing how happy carelessly throwing away their money made her friends.

[Dannyel]

Los Paraísos: The Pellagio: Roulette Table

Was that Trixie? And Selan and Lucy? He couldn’t help but smile at the sight, watching as Selan “bet” on Trixie’s behalf. It was rather cute. But then Don tried to tackle Selan, who deftly sidestepped and let Lucy take the brunt of it. “Easy there, Bro,” Dylan said with a chuckle, turning to watch the spinning table. Just how did this game work?

Apparently Don, Selan, and Trixie all knew how it worked since they won. Especially Selan and Trixie, who had a ridiculous return on their bet. “Damnit, Bro, you have the golden touch!” It was incredible that Don hadn’t bankrupted himself yet.

“Selan, Selan! What number should we choose?!”

"Me...?" Selan blinked. "Hum... We should... Split it. 17/20 Black."

Dylan sidled over to Syed. “Erm, what’s going on here? I don’t really get this one.” He gave a sheepish grin. “Never really got into gambling.”

[Pachamac]

Los Paraidos: Pellagio Casino: Texas Hold'em Poker Table

“So, when do you get off work?” Aria finally asked. “If you really do have information we need, we’re going to find somewhere better to discuss matters.” A grin lit her face. “Maybe you could join us for dinner? The more the merrier, right?”

“H-h-huh?” Clive stammered, looking straight up from Marcus towards the radiant beauty towering overhead. Clive’s cheeks quickly turned red, and steam poured out of his ears. He leapt straight back up to his feet again. “D-d-dinner? You’re asking me t-t-t-to go out on a date, sis?!”

“Oh brother,” Estelle slapped her forehead.

“I’D LOVE TO!” Clive shouted out, bouncing on the spot in absolute joy. He didn’t understand how on Ddaear this came to be, but he wasn’t going to stop and ask. He figured that this was simply the magic of the casino at work again, and why he loved to work here. Big winners were born here. And now… now he was one of them. But then suddenly…

“B-b-but I’m at work until midnight… siiigh…” Clive’s crestfallen shoulders sagged immensely. “W-what about tomorrow? I get off at 5! We could go see a movie too?”

“Oh brother!” Estelle repeated again. Clive turned quizzically towards her after picking up the sound of ‘bro’.

And then the ground began to rumble and shake. Everyone’s ears pricked up at the sound of something very loud and odd, drawing closer and closer.

“What is-”

“MARCUS!!”



The wind mage was bowled over to the ground again, after already being in mid effort to stand again. This time he crashed on the ground, with Josette lying atop him, her hands gripping his cheeks and already in the middle of a full on smooch. Estelle, Aria and Lisette could do nothing but watch in amazement, and growing embarrassment…! As Kapi continued to just blink. Clive stared transfixed, before giving Aria a quick glance, runaway thoughts in his head of her doing the same to him. It was such a pleasant image.

“What the hell are you doing?!” Estelle yelled, snatching the back of Josette’s collar and throwing her off. “Where the hell do you get off?!”

“Ah, sorry Marcus…” Josette apologised with a sly wink. “I just couldn’t help myself!”

“Hey Big Sis,” Clive nodded to the Capuello brothers’ leader.

[Bunanigans]

Los Paraisos: Pellagio Casino - Roulette Table
FUCK!

Moira seethed, her eyes fixated on her admittedly small pile of chips as it was taken away to be sorted into winnings. It was just two numbers higher, just two, and not far apart from one another on the wheel! And the same colour too! It was like a kick in the teeth. "Well what did I fuckin' think would happen!" she bellowed to nobody in particular, giving a glare so fierce it was like she was trying to burn a hole into the roulette machine. She then span to glowered at Syed. "Shoulda known you'd fuck it up!"

Syed rolled his eyes. Oh yes, because it was totally his fault. All he did was respond to her question! "Sure," he said simply, his voice dripping with sarcasm. She didn't pick up on it, and he didn't carry it on further.

He soon became aware of Dylan shuffling up next to him. Seemed the artist was trying to keep a bit of a low profile. “Erm, what’s going on here? I don’t really get this one.” He gave a sheepish grin. “Never really got into gambling.”

Syed sighed as he turned away from his partner, before giving Dylan a sympathetic smile in return. "It looks like guessing what number or colour the ball's going to land on to me," he said with a shrug. "Nothing like throwing your money away on a whim, huh?"

He couldn't help but resent how things were turning out. Moira always looked after their money, it wasn't just her money she could be gambling away if she got carried away. And much like Dylan, Syed didn't gamble either - or at least not the sort of values being exchanged here. Rather than excitement, he couldn't help but be filled with a sense of dread every time more chips were put on the table by any of the group. Even with Don seemingly on a big-win streak, he was just waiting for the moment where it would all go wrong. He hoped it wouldn't. He wished and pretty much prayed it wouldn't. But he couldn't help but be convinced it would.

Moira was rooting through her purse again. Damnit, she was going to get it this time. She had to. She had to! She grabbed some more gald, slamming it onto the table. If an exact bet wasn't going to work, it looked like she would have to broaden her scope. Her eyes drifted over to Don, Selan and Trixie. Her competative streak was surfacing again. So they were all winners, huh? Enjoying their winnings, huh?! WELL LET'S SEE HOW LONG THAT LASTS!

"I bet on an even," she said somewhat dangerously, her pale eyes still locked on the trio. Now that wasn't a look you'd want to see in a dark alleyway. Yes. Yes let's see how this turns out now!

"Moira, can I have my share of our money?" Syed asked her quietly. He had enough. He wasn't going to watch her throw it all away, especially when she was such a tight arse that half the time he had to ask to buy himself a damned cup of tea. It wasn't fair, and he wasn't going to have it anymore.

"Yeah, make your own bets, good idea," Moira said dismissively, grabbing a portion of their money without actually looking and shoving it roughly into his hands. She wasn't paying attention once again, her focus entirely on the game and her opponents. "Keep your damned shitty luck away from me."

Syed seemed a little shocked by the lack of fight back. Quickly shoving the money into his pockets, he backed off again and shrugged to Dylan. "Well... I'm not going to argue." After a brief moment, he spoke up again. "So you don't fancy giving anything a go? I wouldn't mind putting a couple of gald on maybe one of the slot machines, but, you know..." he gave a lop-sided smile, flicking his head towards his partner. As close as the slot machines were, they were only just out of his reach.

[Fox of Spades]

"Rulers...rulers? Really?" Lucien broke into a grin before he let out a snicker. "Yeah, yeah, that's what the game is called, bro." The summoner's smile turned devious but before he could enjoy the little game Moira butted in an corrected Don. The man was ecstatic and he ran to greet Selan but the songstress sidestepped him and before Lucien knew it he was tackled to the ground in a hug. The wind was knocked out of him and he fell to the ground with a thud.

The summoner opened his eyes only to see the bright lights above him. They looked pretty neat, and for a moment he just stared. "Ey, ey, bro, would ya mind getting off?" Lucien gave Don a half smile before escaping the man's grasp and staggering to his feet. He dusted himself off then offered his friend a helping hand. Then the bet was cast and Don actually got lucky? Against all odds, he actually won. Lucien stared at the man with wide eyes before he rushed up to Don and slapped him encouragingly on the back. "Holy...you're amazing." Lucien then looked around and noticed that the others were there as well. "Oh, hey, Dylan, Syed, boss!" He greeted with a wave before returning his attention to the game. The stakes were a lot higher now and watching everyone just enjoying the night felt nice, it made him pretty happy too.



Perhaps leaving to look for the others hadn't been the smartest decision. They still had two hours to go, and the place was pretty packed, after all. Besides, if any of them wound up lost, they knew where the meeting place was. Still, she hoped Trixie had found someone...last she had checked the girl had been alone. Xan strode past the slot machines, vigilant, and businesslike. The day had been an enjoyable one, but she hadn't forgotten, they were on a mission. She turned right before familiar voices reached her.

Ah, there they were, gathered around the roulette table. She made her way towards them, an amused smile tugging on the corners of her lips. They looked like they were enjoying themselves, that was nice.

"Oh, hey, Xan." She turned her head to see Lucien grinning and waving a hand.

Xandra gave him a wave then returned the greeting. "Things look like they're getting serious."

"Mhm, you should have seen Don. He was on a winning streak." Lucien was still grinning from ear to ear. He was the same carefree person from back in the day.

Xan chuckled, "alright, just make sure to watch your money." she wasn't into gambling, but they were enjoying themselves and being surrounded by so many carefree people made it hard not to relax and just enjoy the day. "We'll be meeting up with Thunderhawk in two hours." She gave Dylan and Syed a wave, they were only others who didn't seem engrossed in all the betting. The metallurgist noticed Trixie then let out a sigh of relief, there was no need to worry after all.

"You're just as uptight as I remember, Xan." Lucien laughed, a glint of mischief, evident in his gaze. "And, sure, sure, but for now, live a little!"

[Rexcalibur]

Los Paraisos: The Pellagio - Casino

Totally not understanding anything that was going on at all, Trixie watched with wide deer-in-headlights eyes as Don screamed something about winning then threw back in everything he was given. Is that... is that how gambling works? That's more risky than anything she could imagine! Apparently Dylan understood none of it either, so (after seeing Xandra approach and shooting her a sloppy wave hello) Trixie tugged his shoulder with one hand and cupped her other over her mouth as she leaned in towards him. "It's okay Doctor, I don't get it either. Just say random numbers and start jumping up and down if Superbro gets something back. That's what I'm doing."

Syed popped in and offered his word on how the game works too. Yeah. Betting everything on a whim? Pretty much exactly what it looked like. However Trixie nearly deflated upon hearing that; she had thought there was something really complicated but really cool that went on with these kinds of games. The fact that her forced super cute naivete with pretending to understand the game actually being the real deal was... something she admittedly was not proud of.

As Boss ranted and raved about her loss, Trixie flicked her eyes between the berserker and the jubilant ex-bandit. Oh, she was making another bet separate to Don? Wow, more and more money being cast into this game of chance in just seconds... Hmmmm.

"Waaaait a second," she piped up, raising her hand. "I have a bunch of these coiny things too! Gimme a sec."

In an instant she ripped off the double-pouched belt around her waist and propped it on the edge of the roulette wheel before her. She plucked one of the pouches' flaps open and... a whole horde of coins poured into the wheel, after which Trixie jumped in reaction to gather everything fallen into her two tiny hands. "So - so - if I use these coiny things and win too, do I get more back? Cuz, cuz if that's how this works, then..."

Oh. Wait. Oh no. She can't choose between helping Superbro and Miss Pretty or helping Boss. Well, she could with Superbro because he's Superbro but that'd be totally unfair to Boss because Boss is really cool but Superbro has super in his name and--

"AHHH I PICK-- I WANT ALL THE BLACK ONES."

Oh please oh please mister dealer, please let her play this game. She has 'money' too. And if Amy's right, then that's all that matters in this world of pig men. Money and boobies. Whatever 'boobies' are. She has the 'money' bit though so she should be okay.

[Pachamac]

Los Paraidos: Pellagio Casino: Roulette Table

“Selan, Selan! What number should we choose?!"

"Me...?" Selan blinked in surprise at the sudden question. No pressure or anything. "Hum... We should... Split it. 17/20 Black.” The beautiful songstress replied, looking over the board and the way the numbers were split up and distributed. Was that the first number to come into her mind, or perhaps it had some sort of personal connotation? Either way…

“All on 17/20 Black!!” Don bellowed, shoving the massive stack of chips over the board, obscuring every single number and making a terrific mess of the entire thing until the dealer shook his head and pushed the chips to the side and clearing the board for everyone to see, whilst making a mental note of the gentleman with the funny hair’s bet.

"I bet on an even," Moira said somewhat dangerously, her pale eyes still locked on the trio of Don, Selan and Trixie, not wanting to be outdone by the group and for her to turn the tables on them and win her bet whilst they lost… lest she were to turn the table literally. Her own chips were piled onto the ‘Even’ section, were she to win she’d make the amount of her bet back.

Hushed commentary befell Syed and Dylan, who watched over the proceedings with curious bewilderment, not sure what to think or do and being far more protective of their own money then their friends were. Lucien too was laughing, filled with joy at seeing his friends return and having as much fun as they were. Whilst deliberations continued, Xandra arrived with a pleasant wave towards everyone, happy as well that everyone seemed to be in contentment. Although the beautiful blonde who stood sat in front of a slot machine with an almost hypnotic fixation on the machine was a tad bit worrying.

"AHHH I PICK-- I WANT ALL THE BLACK ONES." Trixie started pushing all of her chips forward too, the plastic scattering about in every direction and even into the wheel as well! The dealer shot her a quick scathing glance, before looking back up to Selan and the dopey Lucien, whom were meant to be Trixie’s ‘parents’. Selan sighed, and repeated Trixie’s request herself, making the bet for her. And as the chips were cleared out of the wheel itself, the metal ball and roulette wheel were spun, and the game was on!

“No more bets, please,” The dealer waved his hand over the table, confirming no new adjustments to the board and betting were allowed to be made.

On and on it spun, a continual blur. All eyes transfixed on the wheel. Syed and Dylan continued to talk, with Syed asking Dylan about perhaps trying the slot machines before Moira loudly shushed at him and told him to be ‘fucking quiet’. She, Don and Trixie all leaned closer, and closer to the roulette wheel. It had to be it. It had to be that number. It just-

“Black, 17.”

“WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!” Don’s arms were thrust into the air, an unbelievable cheer echoing throughout the whole casino. Don had just made back seventeen times his already considerable bet. He was… he was rich!!! And Trixie, she too hopped up and down in joy! The pair of them were on a winning streak like no other.

But Moira…

“We did it, Selan! We did it!!” Don whooped and hollered, jumping off his stool and running about in a clear space on the flooring, suddenly grabbing Xandra’s metal hand by surprise and twirling her on the spot, making her fall and land effortlessly in his arms in a righteously sweet pose, before lifting her back up and continuing his triumphant dance.

“We did it, Clericsis! We did it!!” Don sauntered over to Amy and her slot machine, leaning down low and giving her a quick peck on the cheek before continuing to spin and sway off, back towards the group.

“One… more… go… One… more… huh?”

Spinning and spinning and spinning. On, and on he spun, just like that glorious roulette wheel. Spinning back to the table. Spinning to-

“Selan we did iiiiiiiiiiit!!!!” Don screamed, picking her up from underneath her arms and lifting her in the air above him, a jubilant smile stretching from ear to ear, tears streaming down his eyes. Now, he had to have enough money to pay Miss Marise back... and enough money to give to Selan too! “We’re rich! We’re rich!!”

After much bewilderment and protestation, Don lowered her back down, to sit on the stool Don had been occupying, before spinning back out into that open space of the casino, coming to a complete stop and posing, his head turned to the side. As if from out of nowhere, either the light above him got brighter and all the others dimmed, and music... soft music started to play...?

Don's eyes flashed open. He kissed his hand and extended it open, high, high into the air as he gazed at the bright lights in the sky.

Victory Theme!!

I've paid my dues
Time after time.
I've done my sentence
But committed no crime.
And bad mistakes ‒
I've made a few.
I've had my share of sand kicked in my face
But I've come through.

(And I need just go on and on, and on, and on)

We are the champions, my friends,
And we'll keep on fighting 'til the end.
We are the champions.
We are the champions.
No time for losers
'Cause we are the champions of the world...

Moira just silently stared at the table...

[Taerinn]

Los Paraísos: Pellagio Casino: Texas Hold’em Poker Table


Lisette covered her mouth in shock at the sight of Josette splayed out on top of Marcus's dazed body. A blush crept up on her cheeks. You can't do stuff like that, can you...? Not to someone else's...!

Not on Estelle's watch, apparently. Her friend snatched the back of Josette's collar and yanked her away from him, positively fuming. Her cheeks and ears were turning just as red as her hair.

Josette didn't seem to mind being pulled away, and gave Marcus a wink with her lips pursed into a cat-like grin. "Ah, sorry Marcus... I just couldn't help myself!"

Estelle looked ready to say something she couldn't help herself, and Lisette quickly tried to change the subject. "So um, Josette, would you like to come to dinner with us?" she asked, hoping the offer would be okay with everyone. "I think you might be able to help us with something, and we'd really super appreciate it!"

---

Los Paraísos: The Pellagio

"I can't believe it." Selan murmured quietly to herself, as Don's raucus cheering overtook the sound of her voice, as well as everyone else's at the table. He half-danced, half-marched around, twirling Xandra, giving Amy a very unwise peck on the cheek, and finally came back, spinning like a top as he bet it all once more.

A worrying feeling in the pit of her stomach grew and grew as the wheel spun. At first she didn't care very much whether they won or lost everything, but this... this was stressful now! This had to be the last one, she didn't know how she would react if they lost it all now, or if they bet again and lose, or if they bet again and lose...

"Uwaaaaah!" She had barely heard the dealer call the number when she felt herself being swooped upward. She looked down at Don's blissfully smiling face, with teardrops falling from each eye and hitting the carpet below. "Put me down...!" she protested, not feeling comfortable in the least, and she looked from side to side. The initial lifting sensation reminded her of Trent's hover board, and even the mere thought of it made the alcohol in her stomach threaten to come back up.

Don thankfully lowered her down onto his stool, and spun away to strike a victory pose. Curious tourists looked on at the man and the sizable mountain of chips that presumably belonged to him.

[Crescendo]

Los Paraísos: The Pellagio
\
Aria blinked down at the dealer as his face began to inexplicably redden. Was he ok? She opened her mouth, about to ask whether he was feeling well before he managed to stammer out a sentence.

“D-d-dinner? You’re asking me t-t-t-to go out on a date, sis?!”

Wait, what?

She took a few steps back as the man leapt up and practically bounced in joy, trying to figure out exactly how a dinner invitation to discuss business had suddenly turned into a date offer. Before she could correct the poor guy, however, she was distracted by the ground suddenly starting to rumble and shake. A sudden blue blur sped past her with a scream, bowling over poor Pretty Boy- or Marcus, as the blur suddenly reminded her.

Aria just stared as the blur revealed herself to be a girl who had taken the opportunity to plant a giant smooch on Marcus’ lips before being quickly dragged off by Redhead. And she was Clive’s big sister? She shook her head in amazement. What a family.
Turning back to Clive, Aria was about to correct him before pausing. She didn’t quite have the heart to reject him outright, so instead just sighed and smiled. A date could be a pretty fun idea after all.

“How about I get back to you on that?” After all, tomorrow’s schedule hadn’t been set yet and it would hardly be appropriate to set a date now only to cancel it at the last moment especially considering how happy the man had seemed at the prospect of a date. They were running out of time in the casino after all, so she'd think it over a bit more before giving the man a definite answer. Perhaps consult Chirps as well- If he objected, there would be no reason not to go have a fun night at the movies now was there?