Tales of The Symphonic Abyss: Dawn of The Second Descendent
All content belongs to its original creators.
Chapter 19: The Battle Of Wits! Enter D'Arby The Gambler!
Michael couldn't believe what he was hearing. Could this guy really help him find his sisters? But then again, something about D'Arby was giving him a bad vibe.
Michael – "Why do I have a bad feeling about this guy?"
D'Arby – "So do we have a deal?"
Michael glared at D'Arby.
Michael – "What proof can you give that you'll keep your word?"
D'Arby – "How about this then. We play a game. You win, I'll give you all the info you want. However, if I win, then you give me whatever I want."
Michael pondered for a sec.
Michael – "Fine."
They went to the back courtyard, which was much bigger than the front courtyard. D'Arby sat at a table.
D'Arby – "So who's first?"
Sheena – "I'll go first. So what's the game?"
D'Arby – "Take a look at that wall over there. Do you see that cat?"
D'Arby grabbed two pieces of dried fish that were on a plate in front of him and threw the pieces out in the open.
D'Arby – "So. Two pieces of dried fish. Question is, which of the two will the cat eat first? The right one, or the left one? I must say, there's something thrilling about its simplicity."
Sheena – "Hey! I've had just about enough of your games! So take the money and tell us what we want to know you bastard!"
Legretta – "Take it down a notch Sheena. That's not the way you ask someone for a favor."
D'Arby chuckled at Sheena losing her cool.
Sheena – "Fine! If it'll make you shut up, I'll take the bet! The cat will choose the piece of fish on the right!"
D'Arby – "Okay. Now it's getting interesting. I'll be placing my bet on the left."
Legretta – "Sheena…"
Kyoshi walked over to Michael.
Kyoshi – "Say Michael. Are you…getting a strange feeling from him?"
Michael – "I am. He might be an enemy Stand User. That or, he could just be a compulsive gambler."
Kyoshi – "If he does anything at all that seems suspicious, you should attack with Soul."
Michael – "Understood."
Michael flagged Arietta over.
Arietta – "What is it Michael?"
Michael – "When that cat leaves, I want you, Mieu, and a few of your animal friends to follow and corner it. Don't be afraid to use force if you have to."
Arietta – "Okay. But why?"
Michael – "Something tells me that cat is gonna screw Sheena over big time."
Arietta – "Right."
Arietta quickly walked back over and asked Luke if she could borrow Mieu for a bit. She then waited in placed for the cat to leave.
Sheena – "Let's say I lose. It's fairly obvious that I'll own a hefty amount of money, so would 10,000G do?"
D'Arby – "I have no use for money. But what would you say to giving me your soul? That should do just fine."
D'Arby lightly chuckled as Sheena was starting to get fed up with his games.
Sheena – "Now the bastard thinks he's a comedian! I wish we could get the hell out of here and away from this freak!"
D'Arby – "Well…"
Sheena – "Yeah, yeah. That's fine with me. We'll do things your way."
D'Arby gave another short chuckle. Then the cat jumped down from the wall.
D'Arby – "Ah. It appears the cat has taken notice of the fish."
Sheena – "Like I thought! He's going after the one on the right. If I were a cat, I'd take the bigger piece of meat. And lucky for me that's the piece on the right."
Everyone watched in anticipation as the cat moved closer. Arietta, however, was waiting to make her move on the cat. Just as the cat was in front of the right piece of dried fish, it turned towards the left one. Sheena was completely floored. The cat then took both pieces and ran, with Arietta and Mieu closely behind it after a slight nod from Michael.
D'Arby – "And there you have it. Our feline friend took the left and the right and ran. I win this round ladies and gentlemen."
Legretta – "Boy. You've outdone yourself this time Sheena. I hope you're thrilled. How exactly are we supposed to get information on the cavern's whereabouts out of him now?"
Sheena was now kicking herself for being so stubborn.
D'Arby – "Well, if there's nothing else, as per our agreement, it's time to pay up."
Sheena – "Pay? With what?"
D'Arby – "Your soul, of course."
Sheena couldn't believe what she was hearing.
D'Arby – "Surely you didn't forget our wager Sheena. I want your soul, as I'm a Stand User who prides himself on stealing them. I find that it's far easier to take a person's soul when they lose it in a bet, which is when my Stand's power activates and collects what's mine."
Sheena suddenly felt the life leave her body. Then D'Arby's stand appeared holding Sheena's soul.
Michael – "Sheena!"
D'Arby – "Now, now. I wouldn't be so quick to lash out if I were you. I know you desperately want to kill me, but if I die Sheena will meet the same end."
Kyoshi – "Sheena!"
Legretta – "N-no!"
Kyoshi – "S-she has no pulse. She's dead."
D'Arby's Stand then started mashing and kneading Sheena's soul together, ending with the Stand clapping its hands together and turning Sheena's soul into a poker chip.
Legretta briskly walked over to the table. She then knocked everything off with her left arm and placed a bottle of booze and a single glass on the now empty table, followed by filling the glass up to the very top and placing a small pile of coins around the glass as well.
Kyoshi – "What is this Legretta? What are you trying to accomplish?"
Legretta – "I'm curious. Do you have any idea what surface tension is 'Barbie'?"
D'Arby – "My name's D'Arby. You know it's not Barbie. And I assume you're referring to how the liquor appears to almost overflow but stays in the glass. So, is there a point to all this build-up?"
Legretta – "We're playing a game. The rules are simple. We take turns dropping coins into the glass. Whoever makes the liquor spill loses."
Michael – "Legretta."
Kyoshi – "Legretta, you're not going to…"
Legretta – "Exactly right! I'm going to bet my soul!"
D'Arby – "Ok."
Kyoshi – "You've Got To Be Kidding! You can't go through with it Legretta! This guy is a good-for-nothing cheat!"
Legretta – "He won't cheat me this time. I decided on the rules myself so I'll be fine. Michael. You and Soul watch for funny business."
Michael watched through Soul's eyes.
D'Arby – "Ok. Since you're so determined, I'll accept your conditions. However, before we begin, would you mind if I inspect the glass and coins?"
Legretta – "Sure. Have at it. You have the right to ensure I'm playing on the up-and-up."
D'Arby did a short check of the glass and coins, seeing that there was nothing wrong with them.
Legretta – "A question. What guarantee do I have that you'll return Sheena's soul if you lose the game?"
D'Arby flicked a coin into the air, then quickly grabbed it and held between two of his fingers, along with holding the liquor-filled glass in the air.
D'Arby – "You have my word as a gambler that I'll keep my promise. If I lose, I'll assure that I'll pay in full. And I won't lose."
D'Arby put the glass back on the table.
Legretta – "Well in that case you can go first. Go ahead and drop a coin in."
Kyoshi – "Please Stop!"
Legretta – "Just leave everything to me."
Legretta removed her right glove.
Legretta – "The old coin-in-glass is one of Joseph's specialties. Surface tension is a surprisingly strong force. There's room for at least eight or nine coins in the glass. I just have to stay calm and make sure my fingers don't shake."
D'Arby – "Is it alright if I drop in more than one coin at the same time?"
Legretta – "As long as they all go in at once."
D'Arby – "Well then."
Kyoshi – "What?! Five coins?!"
Legretta – "Hey that'll create a wave on the surface."
D'Arby – "Quiet Please!"
D'Arby inched the coins towards the glass as slowly as he could.
D'Arby – "Take your hands off the table."
Legretta did as D'Arby asked. After a few tense moments, the coins touched the surface of the liquor. D'Arby then dropped the coins in. This caused a small wave to form, but nothing serious happened.
D'Arby – "It looks like it's your turn."
Legretta – "It takes nerves of steel to put in five coins at once. I think I'll go with one coin. It's too close to call."
As Legretta placed the coin over the glass, something caught Michael's eye.
Michael – "Typical girl. She's squeezing a cotton ball between her finger and the coin to leak liquid into the glass. So that's how she's gonna make the glass overflow. And she told me to watch for cheating. Clever girl. Not bad."
Legretta dropped the coin in. D'Arby growled in annoyance.
Legretta – "Hahahaha! The glass has reached its limit! One more coin and the booze will spill! Victory is mine! Haha! It's like he said, we'll see which dance partner cries first! Man that was a close one! I thought it was gonna spill for sure! Well! It's your turn! Good luck Obi!"
D'Arby grabbed Legretta by the wrist.
D'Arby – "It's D'Arby! Don't make me say it again! I told you my name is D'Arby! Understand? Not Obi. Not Barbie."
Legretta – "Apologies. But I'd at least thought that you'd show more respect to a lady."
Michael – "She's screwing up his name on purpose to get him riled up and throw off his game. I gotta hand to Legretta. She's a natural."
Legretta – "So what do you say we keep playing? I believe it's your turn to drop a coin in 'D'Arby'."
D'Arby was eating some chocolate to calm his nerves due to Legretta's taunting. He then stood up from his chair.
D'Arby – "The shadow makes it difficult to see from here. I'll lower the coin in from the right side of the table."
Legretta – "Drop it in from whatever angle you like. What he doesn't know is that the glass is already at its limit thanks to my little trick. There's no way the liquid can take another coin. Even the slightest touch will cause it to spill over. Hehehehehe."
D'Arby – "You're probably thinking that the glass has reached its limit. That dropping in another coin would be impossible."
Legretta stared questioningly at D'Arby.
D'Arby – "Well you'd be wrong about that."
Legretta's face went pale. D'Arby then dropped the coin with little problem.
Legretta – "There's No Way?! How The Hell Did He Do That?! Why Didn't It Spill Over?!"
D'Arby – "Your questions confuse me. What do you mean 'Why didn't it spill?'? You saw the result with your own eyes."
Legretta turned towards Michael looking for an answer.
Michael – "As far as I know he didn't do anything devious. I was watching him with Soul. I'm sorry Legretta. I know it's hard to believe, but he dropped it in fair and square. There's no doubt."
D'Arby returned to his seat while Michael was talking.
Legretta – "But… How did he do it? I'm positive I added enough liquid to the glass and one more coin would've made it spill! I don't get it! There's no way it shouldn't have spilled! What's going on?!"
D'Arby – "Make your move. It's your turn, Legretta. Hurry it up already. Or are you trying to wait until it evaporates?"
Legretta sat back down and went to put a coin in, but her mind just didn't want to work. Her body was shaking uncontrollably, her breathing was ragged, and every time she moved the coin in her hand towards the glass, she second-guessed herself.
Legretta – "No! No this can't be happening!"
Soon her soul emerged from her body.
Kyoshi – "Legretta!"
D'Arby – "Deep In Her Heart Of Hearts, Legretta Had Already Come To The Realization That She Had Lost This Game! That Is Why her Soul Emerged So Easily! I D'Arby Have Won This Bet Like All The Others!"
The liquid finally started leaking from the glass.
Legretta – "Sheena! I… I failed you! And I'm sorry to everyone else, but I've let you all down!"
Kyoshi – "Legretta!"
Michael – "Legretta no!"
Legretta's soul was soon turned into a poker chip like Sheena's. D'Arby held them up mockingly.
D'Arby – "Two down. Now let's continue where we left off. That is, unless you two have decided to abandon your loved ones and slink away with your tails between your legs."
Michael glared at D'Arby, then he took an odd glance at the glass. He then noticed something about the glass and picked it up. On part of the bottom of the glass was some kind of brown substance. Michael then realized his oversight and looked at the chocolate bar that D'Arby was eating earlier during the game against Legretta, while it was now on the ground.
D'Arby – "You noticed it too late Michael."
Kyoshi – "What? Something's wrong with the glass?"
Michael – "This is the reason the coin didn't make the booze spill over. If you look at the bottom of the glass, you'll see that there's a tiny bit of chocolate on it. He must have found a way to stick it on when he was inspecting the glass and coins at the very beginning of the game."
D'Arby – "Surely you know the rules by now. It doesn't count as cheating if you never get caught in the act."
Kyoshi – "What? I don't understand? How can a piece of chocolate allow him to put in an extra coin?"
Michael – "Well at this point it's melted, but it used to be a solid chunk stuck to the bottom of the glass. Just enough to slightly tilt the glass, but not quite enough for us to notice a change. Once the chocolate started to melt, the glass came to be level with the table. With the glass leveled out, the booze began to settle, which make enough room for another coin."
Kyoshi – "Wh-What The Hell?! But-But That Doesn't Make Any Sense! How Could He Have Known The Chocolate Would Melt Right When He Needed It To?!"
Michael placed the glass back on the table.
Michael – "He influenced things by using the sun. It slipped my notice. When he moved to the right side of the table, he allowed the sun to shine directly onto the chocolate. Thereby melting it."
D'Arby stood up and dusted himself off after Kyoshi knocked him with a tackle for taking Legretta's soul.
Michael – "Alright… D'Arby. Get your cards, cause we're playing my game. Hope you're ready for some poker."
Kyoshi – "Say what?! Michael!"
D'Arby – "Interesting. You couldn't have possibly known this, but poker is my absolute favorite game."
Kyoshi – "Are You Out Of Your Mind?! You're playing poker with a man that outsmarted Legretta! It's too dangerous!"
Michael – "Yeah. I know. Even though he doesn't use physical strength, he's the most dangerous opponent we're ever faced. So now…there's no turning back and we're playing for keeps!"
D'Arby places a pack of cards on the table.
Narrator – "The Security Seal. An unbroken seal is an irrefutable confirmation that the deck has not been tampered with in any way."
Michael broke the security seal on the box. While Michael was pulling the deck of cards out of the box, D'Arby opened a book to his right to a random page and started flipping through the pages without looking. Michael then spread out the deck on the table.
Michael – "So there's only one Joker here. Don't see anything unusual here. It's a normal deck."
D'Arby stopped flipping pages.
D'Arby – "The page number is 538… 540… No, page 556."
He had the correct page number. Michael then started to shuffle the deck.
D'Arby – "I've still got it. My ability to discern page numbers by touch is as sharp as ever. It's true that Michael's Soul Platinum has incredible visual prowess, but I can remember the placement of anything simply through the use of touch. Shuffle them all you want, I still know the exact location of every card."
Michael placed the deck back on the table.
D'Arby – "OK. Open the game."
Michael and D'Arby picked up part of the deck to see who would deal.
D'Arby – "Looks like it's the 10 of Hearts."
Michael – "I drew the 7 of Clubs."
D'Arby – "Then it seems like I'll be dealing. Alright. I need to shuffle so Soul Platinum can't see."
D'Arby finished shuffling and placed the deck back on the table.
D'Arby – "If you would cut the deck?"
Michael picked up the top half of the deck, placed it down, then placed the other half on top of it. D'Arby then grabbed the deck.
D'Arby – "Thank you, and now I'll deal. One for Michael. One for me. One for Michael. One for me."
Before D'Arby could deal Michael his third card, Soul broke his right index finger.
Kyoshi – "I-I-I don't understand?! What happened?! Michael! His finger! Why the devil would you use Soul to break D'Arby's finger?!"
Michael – "Like I said. You're not gonna cheat when you're playing against me!"
Kyoshi – "Huh? He tried to cheat? But he was only dealing the cards, wasn't he? I didn't notice him do anything suspicious!"
Michael – "That's what he wanted us to think, but take a good look at the cards in his left hand."
Kyoshi – "I see now! The second card is sticking out!"
Michael – "That's the card he tried to deal me. The entire time he was pretending to deal the top card, but the truth is he was dealing me the second card from the top. That being the case, it means the top card would've gone to him. If he had gotten his hands on it, the cheating bastard would've had a total of three 10's!"
Narrator – "This maneuver is known as the Second Deal. A devious slight-of-hand technique involving the dealer drawing out the second card from the deck, instead of dealing the top card as one would expect. When the technique is executed by a professional, the cheat is almost undetectable to the naked eye. And if that wasn't enough, D'Arby can discern the location of every card in the deck by touch."
D'Arby – "You…brutish imbecile! How dare you break my finger?!"
D'Arby then saw the 10 of Diamonds embedded into the table right in front of him, due to it being thrown by Soul.
Michael – "I was playing nice with that attack. You should count yourself lucky I didn't rip it off. Oh good grief. I guess I can't let you cut the deck anymore."
He then looked towards a knight that was juggling a ball with his feet.
Michael – "Someone else is gonna do it from now on. That knight over there looks up to the job."
D'Arby – "Have it your way."
Michael – "Hey Kyoshi. Ask him over."
Kyoshi – "Right away."
D'Arby – "Most impressive. Successful cheating requires the element of surprise. And it takes more than sharp eyes to prevent that. It appears I underestimated you as you saw through my second deal. I'll accept my fractured finger as proper punishment. But from here on out I'll devote my full concentration to winning the game. Michael. I've not done so since my colossal gamble on May 17th, 1986. I was playing against a Japanese man known as Shozo Mayama. As the victor, my spoils included his eight Tokyo properties and his soul. I will say this for Mayama. Wealth didn't dull his gambler's instincts."
D'Arby then threw the chips holding Legretta's and Sheena's souls into the air.
D'Arby – "It's Only Fair That I Warn You! I'm Not Here On Behalf Of Lord Rensho! I Am Here Due To The Simple Fact That I Am A Born Gambler!"
D'Arby's Stand started moving its hands around the chips.
Kyoshi – "Wh-What Do You Think You're Doing?! Those Souls Are Legretta's And Sheena's!"
The Stand first hit Sheena's chip, making a second one. Then it kept doing that till there were six chips of each soul on the table.
D'Arby – "I've done nothing more than split their souls into six chips each. I'm sure you know this, but in poker, if you're on the verge of losing its perfectly acceptable to fold. However, if you use up all the chips for the ante, there's no way to bet and the game doesn't work. To put it plainly winning back six chips is the equivalent of winning the soul of one of your fiancée's. Makes sense. Alright then Michael. If you still want to play you'll have the opportunity to win back the chips. But before that I need to hear you say the words."
Michael placed his left hand in front of his chest.
Michael – "With pleasure. I'll bet my soul on the game's outcome."
D'Arby – "OK."
Kyoshi – "Michael!"
D'Arby placed a stack of six white chips in front of Michael.
D'Arby – "The pure white chips in front of you are a physical representation of your soul. Once I've procured all six of those chips, your soul will be added to my collection."
Both players were then given their first starting hand.
D'Arby – "For my opening action, I shall bet one chip of Sheena's soul."
Michael followed with a chip of his own soul.
D'Arby – "Let's begin."
Narrator – "When beginning a new game of poker, each player is dealt a total of five cards. Players can improve their hand by swapping out cards. Though it seems straight forward on the surface, it's the betting aspect that makes poker a game of determination and psychology."
D'Arby – "Now then. What to do? I know. I think I'll raise."
D'Arby tossed down another Sheena chip, along with two cards.
D'Arby – "Michael. You should bear in mind that those six chips beside you are your soul. Make sure you think carefully before making a move."
The knight looked at D'Arby questioningly. Kyoshi then put a hand on his shoulder.
Kyoshi – "Listen. It's okay if you don't understand what's going on. Don't worry yourself. You just focus your attention on cutting and dealing the cards alright?"
Knight – "Yes Lady Kyoshi."
D'Arby – "How could I forget? I'm not only dealing with a Masi, but a Bradshaw too."
Michael – "Give me three cards."
Michael raised a second chip of his own soul as well.
D'Arby – "Would you look at that? Such a serious glare. Behind it must be an outstanding hand. I suppose I'll play it safe for now and bet one more Sheena."
Michael – "Call. One."
Kyoshi – "If you don't fold, you'll need three chips per game at the very least."
D'Arby – "Alright. Bring it on. Michael."
Michael laid down his hand.
Michael – "Two pair, with 8's and 9's."
D'Arby – "That's too bad."
D'Arby then laid out his hand.
D'Arby – "Two pair. Jacks and Queens."
Kyoshi – "Oh no."
D'Arby – "My, that was a close one. I was on the verge of a crushing defeat. But as it stands…"
D'Arby ended his own statement by slamming his arm on the table and taking the six chips he won with a smirking laugh. Kyoshi then looked towards Michael.
Kyoshi – "He-He only has three left. Michael. What are you…"
Michael – "Okay. Next game. Deal the cards."
Michael bet one of his three remaining soul chips. D'Arby then bet with one of Michael's three that he took. Both players were soon given their second starting hand.
D'Arby – "You should be careful what you wish for. The next game may well be your last."
D'Arby's hand was three Kings (Clubs, Diamonds, and Hearts), 5 of Spades, and 3 of Spades. He then threw down another of Michael's taken chips.
D'Arby – "I'll change one card."
Michael, however, didn't even bother to pick up his own hand.
D'Arby – "What's the problem Michael? Hurry up and check your hand so you can make a decision as to whenever you're gonna change or fold."
Kyoshi – "Hey! Michael?"
Michael – "No. It's fine. These cards will do."
The others couldn't believe what they were hearing.
D'Arby – "So sorry. Come again. There must be some confusion. Perhaps I misheard you. I could've sworn I heard you say 'These cards will do'."
Michael – "No. You heard right. I'm fine with these cards. I'll play the round with this hand."
D'Arby – "Obviously! What I'm Trying To Ask Is Do You Intend To Play Those Cards Without So Much As Glancing At Them?!"
Michael – "These cards will do."
Everyone else shared a chuckle as D'Arby went on another tyrant at Michael.
D'Arby – "Enough Subterfuge! Answer Me! How Can You Play A Round With Any Sort Of Confidence Without Looking At The Cards In Your Hand?!"
Michael instead ignored D'Arby and turned towards Kyoshi.
Michael – "I need a favor. You in?"
Kyoshi – "Favor? Of course. But answer something first. Why are you hell bent on not looking at your cards?"
D'Arby – "Damnit Michael! I Demand That You Answer Me!"
Michael – "Let's see now. Raise you another two."
Michael then put down a second stack of white chips.
Michael – "And while I'm at it, I'll throw in Kyoshi's soul!"
D'Arby – "What?!"
Kyoshi – "I admit. You're an impressive opponent D'Arby. Sure, you're no match for Soul or the rest of us physically, but under pressure you can be amazingly calm and clever. Suffice it to say, I'm not much in terms of being a gambler. It'd be easy for you to read me like a book. So I could never defeat someone like you. But I have the utmost confidence in Michael. I don't know why he won't look at his cards, but that's none of my concern. If he asks for my soul, I won't hesitate to put my life on the line. My soul is in Michael's more than capable hands!"
D'Arby – "So that's how we're playing this."
Kyoshi sat in a chair next to the ones that Legretta and Sheena's soulless bodies were in.
D'Arby – "It's become apparent that the two of you have succumb to the pressure of our little game. You there! I believe you owe me another card! Hurry and deal me!"
Knight – "Y-Yes sir!"
D'Arby got the fourth and final King. The knight then gave a small smirk.
Knight – "I've dealt just as you asked Master D'Arby. His hand is worthless. There's no doubt about it. My skills as a dealer never fail. You've won. I know you have."
D'Arby – "Michael's under the assumption that the knight has nothing to do with this. But little does he know that he and a few others in the surrounding area works for me. No matter what I can't fail. As my directive is to make sure that Michael's hand is weak. Still, not looking at the cards was a bold move. He caught me by surprise, albeit briefly. It's clearly a bluff. How dare you bluff against me? Does the fool really think ill lie down and fold? Very well. If that's your game, I'll match you with six Sheena's. And, I raise you Legretta's soul! What do you think? 15 chips total!"
Michael and Kyoshi were shocked at the sudden move.
Kyoshi – "What?! Hold on a minute! That's not fair! How can you raise your ante when Michael doesn't have any more chips?"
D'Arby – "He's out of chips, you say? There's an easy way to fix that."
Kyoshi – "What do you mean?"
D'Arby – "Rectifying your chip conundrum is simple as long as my Stand has a written contract. Once the deal is done, it'll have confluence to take a soul."
Kyoshi – "And exactly whose soul are you talking about?"
D'Arby – "Velvet's back in her home world of Desolation. Why don't you simply bet her soul?"
Kyoshi – "What?!"
D'Arby – "Panic fool. Show me your doubt and fear. Let me see you lose that cool composure. How dare he try to bluff me? After I'm finished with him, that poker face will be a contorted ball of anguish and misery."
Michael – "Sounds like a plan."
Michael placed a third stack of white chips on the table.
Michael – "I'll see your bet with Velvet's soul!"
D'Arby faltered. Michael then wrote out and signed the contract.
Kyoshi – "Wait, Michael, you can't! Betting a person's soul without their knowledge is so uncouth!"
Michael – "Well it is kinda selfish."
Michael lit a fake cigarette with Cynder's help, then took a puff of it.
D'Arby – "Hey Michael! What Did You Just Do?!"
Michael – "What did I just do? What do you mean by that?"
D'Arby – "You lit a ciga-"
D'Arby was starting to lose his cool.
Michael – "What's wrong with you? Not feeling well or something?"
D'Arby – "Impertinent. Why is he so confident? Could he have…could he have used Soul Platinum to swap the cards without my knowing?!"
D'Arby was starting to shake, thinking that the worst possible scenario for him to be in right now was actually becoming a possibility. There was also the contract for Velvet's soul, which stated: I, Michael Masi, agree to surrender the soul of my fiancée Velvet Crowe in the event that I lose. –Michael Masi. The knight then gave a worried glance at D'Arby.
D'Arby – Stupid brat! What are you thinking? Don't look at me with that worried grimace! If Michael finds out you work for me I'll murder you!"
D'Arby then started to panic.
D'Arby – "Compose yourself. I have four Kings. The only hands that can beat me are Four Aces, a Queen-high Straight Flush, or a Joker-led Five-Of-A-Kind. In order to get his mitts on any of those hands, Michael would have to switch all five cards! A challenge indeed! With Soul Platinum's speed, there's a chance he could've switched a card. But five? Could he really do that? Right under my nose? Impossible! There's no way I could've missed him replacing all five! I'm The Great D'Arby! The King Of Games! Master At The Art Of Gambling! I've Had Enough Of This Michael! You're Time Has Come! He Lit That Cigarette To Psych Me Out! So Now I Know He's Bluffing!"
Soul then brought over a drink to Michael, who took a sip of it.
D'Arby – "You're Kidding Me?! You Got A Drink Too?! When did you have a chance to-You Bastard! How Dare You Make Fun Of Me! Let's Finish This! My Hand Is Unbeata-"
Michael – "Hold It!"
D'Arby froze.
Michael – "Why are you jumping the gun when I haven't raised the pot yet?"
The complete shock of everyone was even greater than before.
D'Arby – "RRRRRRRRRR-RAISE THE POT?! NO! YOU DON'T HAVE ANYTHING TO RAISE IT WITH!"
Michael slammed a fourth stack of white chips on the table.
Michael – "That's where you're wrong. I'll raise you with my sister Akira's soul!"
D'Arby – "WHAT?!"
Kyoshi – "Are You Out Of Your Mind?! Michael! Why Would You Bet Your Sister's Soul?!"
Michael stood up from the table and glared at D'Arby.
Michael – "Beside Legretta, Sheena, Velvet, you, and Soul. Akira is the only other person I know of that has the utmost faith in me."
Kyoshi – "But she didn't give her consent to-"
Akira – "I did!"
Kyoshi looked towards Akira.
Akira – "When Michael and I finally reunited with each other at Daath Bay, I was gonna make sure that I was always there to support him however I could. That includes giving my soul here to help him kick D'Arby's ass! Besides. What kind of sister would I be if I didn't have absolute faith in my brother?"
Michael – "So then D'Arby. For your sake, I hope you have something to bet that matches my sister's soul. I know. For your ante, I want you to tell me the secret of Rensho's powers!"
D'Arby fell out of his chair onto the ground, panting heavily. The knight and even Kyoshi were panting heavily as well due to how tense the situation was.
Kyoshi – "Judging from his reaction. He indeed knows Rensho's secret. Unfortunately for him, Rensho doesn't take treason laying down. If he tells us the information we want to know, he's as good as dead. Michael. If you're confident enough to bet your sister's soul, you're sure your hand will win, aren't you? You wouldn't let us down, would you? You've got the winning hand, right? Michael?!"
D'Arby continued to panic. Michael then finally spit out the fake cigarette.
Michael – "COME ON! ARE YOU GONNA CALL MY BLUFF OR FOLD?! DECISION TIME, SPIT IT OUT ALREADY! D'ARBY!"
D'Arby crushed the cards in his hand as his panic started settling in.
D'Arby – "I'll say it… I'll Say It Damnit!"
D'Arby slammed his fists on the table.
D'Arby – "I'LL SAY IT! I'M THE WORLD'S GREATEST GAMBLER! I Can Do This! I'LL CALL!"
D'Arby goes to speak, but nothing comes out of his mouth.
D'Arby – "Ca-Ca-Ca-Ca-Ca-Ca-Ca-Ca-Ca-! I'M GOING TO CALL! CALL!"
D'Arby kept trying, but his fear was still stopping him. Meanwhile, his hair was turning from black to gray due to all the stress.
D'Arby – "I CAN'T DO IT! I'M PETRIFIED! I'M TOO TERRIFIED TO SAY THE WORDS!"
D'Arby's hair was now pure white.
D'Arby – "I Can't-I Can't Breathe!"
D'Arby finally fell unconscious.
Kyoshi – "That's unbelievable! His eyes rolled into the back of his head!"
Knight – "How is it possible for someone to faint while they're on their feet?"
Michael – "He's completely lost it. The pressure was too much."
D'Arby's body soon fell over, taking the table with it. The chips fell at Kyoshi's feet, before Legretta's and Sheena's souls flew out of the chips and back to their bodies.
Kyoshi – "Legretta and Sheena's souls are returning to their bodies! Thank goodness!"
Both women clutched their heads in slight pain.
Michael – "Mentally he's already forfeited the game. Deep down he knew he had lost. That's why the souls were released."
D'Arby's hand was now exposed on the floor.
Kyoshi – "F-Four Kings?! Are you telling me he had four Kings all along? Michael I have to know what cards you had in your hand to inspire such confidence."
Kyoshi went to grab Michael's hand, which should've been stuck in the table when it fell over due to D'Arby's body falling down, but it wasn't there.
Michael – "Looking for these?"
Michael was holding his own hand.
Kyoshi – "How did you-"
Michael – "Soul quickly grabbed them for me just before the table started flipping over. And besides…"
Michael showed his hand to the others, who were completely stunned at what it was.
Michael – "…I sure that D'Arby would've lost either way."
Kyoshi – "A Queen high Straight Flush?! But how?!"
Knight – "You Weren't Supposed To Have That Hand!"
Michael and the others looked towards the unknown knight, who was covering his mouth after quickly realizing what he just said.
Michael – "Funny. From what you just said, you make it sound like that I was supposed to have a "bad" hand. In fact, I've been suspicious of any outside help for D'Arby ever since his game with Sheena."
Mieu – "We're back!"
Arietta walked back over with Mieu on her head, along with a Liger carrying an important cargo in its mouth.
Sheena – "Wasn't that the same cat that was a part of my game earlier?"
Arietta – "The exact same one Sheena. Before your game with D'Arby started, Michael asked me to take Mieu and a few animal friends of mine and chase after the cat once the game was over. Mieu and I kept following it into an alleyway, while the Liger found a way to hide. Once the cat was trapped, we caught it due to the Liger freaking it out. After a while, the cat finally admitted to D'Arby giving it a life of luxury in exchange for screwing his opponents over."
Sheena was completely livid. She wanted to kill the cat right then and there. Legretta and Kyoshi were quickly able to calm her down.
Michael – "By the way Soul. What was my "bad" hand supposed to be?"
Soul – "Let's see. The 10 of Hearts was already in there. So the other four cards were the 8 of Diamonds, 6 of Spades, Ace of Hearts, and Jack of Clubs."
Cu – "But that's such a weak hand! Just your bluff and intimidation alone would've been needed to win that round!"
Michael – "True. But I had another factor in my favor."
Legretta, Sheena, and Kyoshi knew the answer imminently.
Legretta/Sheena/Kyoshi – "Soul's ability!"
Michael – "Exactly. When our little friend here put the deck on the table to wipe his hands clean, I whispered to Soul to use her ability. While it was activated, I switched out the cards of the would've been "bad" hand for my current hand."
Knight – "And just how did you do that?! None of us even saw you move!"
Michael – "That's the thing. Compared to Rensho, and even Dio, Soul and I have already mastered the power to stop time at will."
The knight went completely pale. The fact that someone mastered the power that Lords Rensho and Dio haven't even had a chance to master yet was completely unheard of to him.
Medusa – "Wait! Michael. Are you saying that this knight is actually an undercover spy for Rensho?!"
Michael – "Yes Medusa. That's exactly what I'm saying. And how do I know that? Because I used my communicator to look up info on him while Kyoshi brought him over to be the new cutter and dealer."
Iskandar – "And what did you find out?"
Michael – "This!"
Michael jabbed the chest piece of the knight's armor. Everyone watched as the Masi family's insignia on the armor changed to a reverse one colored dark red.
Michael – "Of course that just has to be Rensho's insignia."
Emiya – "What do you mean Michael?"
Michael – "Due to still feeling that he was wronged out of the power of the Fonic Dragons that my family were given the right to protect and control. Rensho decided to try and steal our insignia and make it his own."
Medea – "And?"
Michael – "He succeed. By causing nothing but mass death and destruction in his wake."
Everyone went white as ghosts. Even the servants.
Michael – "My family did everything they could to seal him away forever. And it seemed like it worked. However, on the day that I was born through fomicry, Rensho broke free from his sealed prison."
Legretta – "And it wasn't until a week before your eighth birthday that he first attacked you."
Michael – "That's right. That especially included putting you girls, even Soul, in harm's way. But I swore that I'd give my life as many times as it took to stop him."
(Insert Music: Fate/Zero OST - The Sword of Promised Victory ~Fate/Zero ver.)
He then turned back towards the unnamed knight.
Michael – "As for those that support him…"
Michael then drew his sword, before changing it into Artoria's blade.
Michael – "…They Have No Right To Live!"
Michael then pointed his blade skyward as light started to gather around it. The others watched in complete amazement.
Michael – "Please Artoria. Let me borrow your power once again."
Hercules – "The light…"
Akira – "His sword shines, a dream that all warriors scattered in battle, past, present, and future, hold and mournfully exalt as their final moments approach. He carries their will as his pride, bidding them to remain steadfast in their loyalty. Now, the undefeated king sings aloud the name of the miracle he holds in his hands."
Michael stepped forward as the energy surged around him.
Akira – "Its name is…"
Michael – "Ex…calibuuurr!"
The wave of energy hits the knight with such force that he's knocked off his feet right away.
(Music Ends)
Sylvia – "No way…"
Largo – "This is…"
Natalia – "A Noble Phantasm's true power."
(Insert Music: F/GO OST - Goddess of Rhongomyniad Artoria Lancer)
Michael then put away his sword as the smoked cleared, showing that the knight was heavily injured. He then brought out a pure white lance.
Michael – "Holy Lance, removing restraints!"
Everyone watched as the lance glowed brightly.
Michael – "Releasing light from the end of the world… That which pierces the sky and connects with the earth! Anchor of the storm! Rhongomyniad!
(Music Ends)
Michael twirled Rhongomyniad in the air, then threw it at the knight, piercing him through the heart. He then walked over and kicked the knight's body off Rhongomyniad before making it disappear. The knight then laughed manically.
Knight – "Don't Tell Me That's The Best You've Got?!"
Michael just said nothing.
Knight – "What's Wrong?! Afraid That I'm Telling You The Truth?!"
Michael – "Not really. Besides, despite how much people like you worship Rensho. There's only so much damage a Spirit Demon's physical body can take before it gives out."
Knight – "And just what makes you say that?"
(Insert Music: F/EL OST – Noble Phantasm)
Michael – "Simple. Soul And I Will Be The Ones To End His Life, No Matter How Many Tries It Takes!"
Michael brought out his sword again.
Michael – "Let's go! Soul Queen of Dragons! Embrace the holy light that shall never fade and glowing colors of infinite changing form. Show the proof of your everlasting power as you carve your legends into this blade! Dragon Joyeuse Ordre!
(Music Ends)
The ten dragon-like beams of light hit the knight, killing him instantly. His body then disappeared in a flash of black and dark red sparks.
Michael – "Good riddance."
The others were complementing on Michael's victory along with making sure that Legretta and Sheena were okay. the women also apologized for shamefully losing to a cheater. Kyoshi and Akira consoled them saying that D'Arby would've cheated against all of them if not for Michael and Soul's superior eyesight.
Lancelot – "Guess that's the one good thing about having a Stand. They let you have an unseen advantage against your opponent."
Gawain – "Agreed."
Suddenly, a cloaked figure invaded the manor and tried to attack Michael. Another six figures closely followed the first one, almost as if they were trying to stop the attacker.
Legretta/Sheena/Kyoshi – "Michael!"
Akira/?/?/?/?/?/? – "Brother!"
Just before the single cloaked figure could strike Michael, Michael chuckled at the attempt on his life.
Michael – "You're that much of a fool…Hassan-I-Sabbah."
Hassan froze for a millisecond, then continued his attack on Michael.
Michael – "Good grief. Guess it seems like you and Zouken haven't learned anything about Stand Power yet. And now to make you both pay for your mistake. Soul Platinum! The World!"
Time stopped for everyone besides Michael and Soul.
Michael – "Soul Platinum!"
Soul – "ORAORAORAORA! ORA!"
Soul gave Hassan a few good punches to the face.
Michael – "Time has begun to move again."
Time resumed, with Hassan being flung across the ground due to Soul's punches. The group of six cloaked figures then walked over to Michael.
? – "Sorry about not stopping him Michael."
Michael – "Don't worry about it. You six tried the best you could. Hassan was just too quick for ya. Eh, Artoria?"
The one woman pulled her hood down, shocking everyone when it was revealed that she was in fact his eldest sister Artoria herself. The others then pulled down their own hoods, revealing Mordred and Hilda, along with three others, one of which Michael quickly remembered.
Michael – "Is that you Azura?"
Azura – "Yes little brother. It so good to see you again."
Michael – "Likewise sis."
Mordred – "And this is Jeanne and Alice, our remaining sisters."
Jeanne/Alice – "Hello dear brother."
Michael – "Same to you dear sisters. Our other sister and my twin Akira is over with everyone else."
They then noticed Hassan getting up.
Michael – "You girls go to the others. You don't have to join the fight unless you truly believe you have to."
Artoria – "Right. Let's go you five. And Michael."
Michael – "Yeah?"
Artoria – "Please be careful."
Michael – "I can't keep any promises."
Michael watched as his sisters joined up with the others.
Michael – "To think that I have not one, but SEVEN sisters. I'd better find a way to make it up to all of them for us being separated from each other for so long."
Michael quickly turned his attention back to his opponent.
Michael – "Hassan-I-Sabbah of The Cursed Hand. I already know for a fact that Zouken Matou sent you to have me killed due to taking my cousin Sakura away from him and leaving a fake in her place ten years ago. Just remember this. I WILL win this fight, and completely DESTROY you in the process. Don't you dare disappoint me here?"
