Setzer Gabbiani -

Are you a Gambling Man?

Two men sat across from another. A table separated the two, a deck of cards gracing the surface of the polished wood. Chips of crimson and onyx hue lay before the two men. They each held a hand of cards.

The two men looked to be complete opposites, look wise. One was dashing, debonair, suave. He looked as if this were his profession, and nothing would stand in his way of succeeding at each and every hand he played, dice he rolled. He had one true love; her name was Lady Luck.

His appearance projected this demeanor; his black trench coat, classy boots. Even his silver hair, which would usually look odd was appealing to others, as he had it tied back in a long ponytail. His ocean eyes were filled with carefree ambition, which only grew with every game he played.

His opponent, on the other hand was a wreck. He looked unconfident, unnerved and as if this were his first game of poker. His face was slim, his chin sharp. His eyes were an emerald shade. His thin hands shook his hand of cards. His sweat streamed onto the thick paper. He breathed heavily, his skinny frame shaking slightly with every breath.

The more confident of the men looked at his opponent slyly. He knew the man had already lost his bron and was soon to crack under pressure.

"Do you wish to concede Mr. Alani? After all, this isn't exactly your forte. Perhaps you should stick to your trade of jewelmenship, it doesn't put you at such high risk."

The small crowd who looked upon the game snickered. Mr. Alani furrowed his brow.

"I'm not afraid of this game Mr. Gabbiani. We shall proceed with our hands as follows. One million gold isn't a lot to lose for me, but perhaps it is for you. I will allow you to save face if you desire to concede." The man retorted. Confidence slowly crept into his tone, but it still shook slightly.

The lookers-on didn't notice Mr. Alani's fearful disposition, but Mr. Gabbiani did. After all, he had been the master of his trade, gambling since he was 14 years of age. He knew a fearful man when he saw one, and knew exactly how to pounce when they were weary.

He had dealt with men like this in his past; men that got in over their heads, betting far more then they could afford. Alas, these men were always cowards, but they just always had to be proud. To save face, they would bet a great deal, and they would always lose.

At this point in the game Mr. Gabbiani had Mr. Alani right where he wanted him. After all, Mr. Gabbiani didn't need the money; no, what he wanted, was much more from this pitiful little man. What he desired was far more valuable then any amount of gold.

"I would rather not concede Mr. Alani," the silver haired man spoke. His tone was smooth, confident. "If you feel as you are saying, why don't we up the anti?"

"…I…beg your pardon?" Mr. Alani responded. He tried to keep his voice from cracking.

"Up the anti. You know, raise our bets. I think it would make the game far more interesting."

"I…" Mr. Alani was now openly showing his cowardess. Mr. Gabbiani was hooking the man now. He had fallen into the gambler's ploy.

"Unless you are uncertain of your hand Mr. Alani. I keep my first option open for you; you can merely concede. Then you would only lose one million gold. A jeweler from Jidor would have no problem making that back."

"I…what else do you want?"

"Let's see…" Mr. Gabbiani placed his cards onto the table. He tapped his fingertips together, as if he were pondering what he wanted from the man.

Mr. Gabbiani waited a few moments before speaking; just to see his opponent sweat. When he was satisfied with seeing the man stew, he voiced his request.

"I hear you have a lovely statuette made of the finest jewels in all the land. I believe it depicts the lovely Maria. I would like that as my prize."

"N-no!" the man shot out of his chair. "That was made especially for the Impressario! I can't give it to you, he would have my head. Not to mention how much it cost to make such a statuette!"

"So I take it that you've not the proper hand to win this wager. Very well. Since we are playing with such high stakes, I as the dealer will let you exchange two more of your cards. Now I'm being generous, considering the time for that is over. So what do you say Mr. Alani, are you a gambling man?" Mr. Gabbiani's sly smile graced his lips.

Mr. Alani scoffed. He pondered for a long while.

"If I am to wager such a gem, you must do the same." He said slowly.

"Of course. I wouldn't have it any other way. What do you wish to have of mine?"

"This vessel. If I win, then you have to give me the flying machine we are currently aboard." Mr. Alani grinned as if he had this bet in the bag.

Mr. Gabbiani looked as if he were startled.

"My pride and joy? Oh Mr. Alani, how cruel. You know the Blackjak is to me as your daughter is to you. But…I suppose if you wish for this to be my wager…then I have no choice." His face fell before returning to its usual cheerful disposition.

"Well then, why don't you sit down and we can begin."

Mr. Alani obeyed. He picked up his hand of cards once more.

The jeweler analyzed his hand painfully as if it were a matter of life and death. He placed two cards onto the table face-down.

Mr. Gabbiani looked at the two cards with interest. He took them, placing them onto the bottom of the deck.

The gambler dealt the jeweler two cards. Mr. Alani took the cards with vigor.

Mr. Gabbiani scanned his hand. He looked up at Mr. Alani, who was doing the same, with far less confidence in his features.

"Are you prepared to reveal your hand Mr. Alani?"

The man shook his head wearily.

"You go first. After all, I have far more to lose."

"F-fine."

Mr. Alani laid his hand facing up, so his opponent could see his draw. Mr. Gabbiani's eyes focused on the cards.

"A strait. Not bad Mr. Alani. If you were facing any other, you might have won. But you aren't as fortunate; not when you are facing the man who's dearest friend is Lady Luck."

He laid his hand on the table as well.

Mr. Alani released a howl of pain. He pounded the table, totally releasing any dignity he had left.

Mr. Gabbiani smirked.

"Royal Flush Mr. Alani. So, when can I claim my lovely statuette?"

Mr. Alani composed himself. The crowd looked at the jeweler with mixed looks of shock and indignence.

"I'll get it for you when we land." He muttered harshly.

Mr. Gabbiani chuckled.

"Very well Mr. Alani. I'll fly to Jidor right now. If you'll excuse me."

He stood. The young gambler walked to a hatch which led above deck. He climbed the ladder, disappearing from view.

"Damn!!" the man shouted. "Now what will I do. Impressario is going to have my head!"

---

"Here we are Mr. Alani. I'll be waiting right here."

The airship had landed outside of Jidor. Mr. Alani, along with the small crowd filed off of the flying machine.

A few moments later, The jeweler arrived with a package in hand. He outstretched it to the gambler who stood on the ladder.

"Here." He spat. Mr. Gabbiani took the package. He opened it, assuring himself that his treasure was aqquired.

"A pleasure doing business with you Mr. Alani. Perhaps we can do this another time."

The man climbed up the ladder. He went to where the captain stood. He fiddled with some levers until the ship took off.

Mr. Alani stood, watching the ship ascend. He scowled.

"Damn it. Curse that man!"

A girl walked behind the man. She placed a hand on his shoulder.

"There there Daddy. You can make another. But I warned you before you left."

"I know, I know. You don't have to remind me."

"Oh, but I do." The girl said with glee.

"You should know, never to mess with Setzer Gabbiani."