Vanitas let out a quiet huff as he studied his hand. This game had been stacked against him from the start. Looking across the table he glared at his opponents. He had been talked into a poker game against Jack Sparrow, Luxord, and a pair of men he didn't recognize.
"Alright boys place yer bets," Jack mutters
Vanitas watched as the stranger in a green jacket grinned. It was only the ghost of a grin but he saw the man's poker face crack. With a lazy toss, he dropped a pile of gold into the center.
The other stranger kept his face stone. With a flick, he dropped a pile of his gold. His gaze traveled around the table as he stayed silent.
"Man you guys are fun at parties," Vanitas grumbled placing his bet
The pile was full of various gold and silver. Among the coins sat a sprinkling of gemstones and crystals. Atop the horde sat a map and a strange keychain. The medallion was a simple crystal bobble with a metal chain.
"Man do you always talk this much."
The warrior of darkness spun on his seat. He came face to face with the speaker. If he remembered correctly this guy said his name was Jim Hawkins. Claimed he was from a world called Montressor if such a world existed.
"I've met spirits who talk less than you." The other guy added
"Now now let's not be hostile it's merely a friendly game," Luxord announced
With a flourish, The Gambler of Fate spread out his hand. Before laying a Royal Flush in the spade suit. At the sight of the hand, Jack sat up straight glaring at the gambler. Resting a hand on his pistol slowly stood.
"Mate this is the last time you'll cheat me!" Jack spat
Luxord sprang up scanning the tavern around him. Letting a loud whistle he caught the attention of Demyx. The Melodious Nocturne stood At the whistle turning to his cohort.
"Demyx we're leaving grab your tip jar!" Luxord yelled
With a nod, the sitar player snatched up a jar at his feet. In a whirl of black, the pair had vanished. As the gambler depart cards hit the ground where he sat. With a growl, Jack slammed his fist on the table
"I knew that blaggard was cheating," Jack hissed
With a huff the pirate composed himself. Turning back to the trio he found them waiting to divvy up the pot. Looking among the group Jack's eyes landed on Jim. Smiling faintly he asked the question on everyone's mind.
"Mind tellin' us what you plan to do with yer share mate?" He inquired
"I'm gonna rebuild my mom's in it was destroyed in a bad fire," Jim whispered
A sad look crossed Jack's face at his words. Dropping the last of his gold on the pile he moves away from the table. The others at the table stared at him in shock. Jack Sparrow had given up a chance at the treasure.
"Argh, my hand was garbage anyway!" The green-clad warrior sighed
As he tossed the last of his money he stood. Walking out he met Shelke who was sitting at the bar. The laser sword wielder took his hand as they walked out. From the bar, Evie watched the pair leave. Slowly she turned back to watching her new companion.
As she turned Vanitas stood from the table. He tossed a keychain in his hand as he walked over. One of the men he'd been playing poker with was mere steps behind him. As he reached her his mischievous smile returned.
"Good news princess I got us a ride to the next world, right Jimmy?"
"Jim. Jim Hawkins and I are taking you to Montressor that was the deal." Jim corrected
"Alright, I want you to hit me with your best shot."
Spinning her Stormfall Aqua prepared for an attack. On the far side of the Mystic Tower lawn, Duncan stood. His eyes closed in intense focus. In his palm, an orb of black flame began to form. With a gasp, Aqua rushed her son halting the spell.
"Where did you learn that?" She questioned looking into his eyes
"Learn what?" He asked innocently
She watched as his eyes flashed from gold to normal. With a stern glare, she placed a hand on his chest. Letting out a slow breath she sent a pulse of light magic through him. As it rippled a chuckled echoed in the air.
"Perceptive as always Master Aqua."
A chill traveled down the master's voice at the voice. It had been over a decade since she last heard that man. The man who sought to plunge every world into darkness. She watched Master Xehanort floated eerily behind her son his being translucent almost spectral.
"Get away from him!" She snarled
As she prepared to strike the spirit Merida caught her arm. Turning to the warrior princess she was met with a glare. The glare was directed toward the fool spirit. Stepping back she waited for the Princess to speak.
"Ye won't be doin' damage with that he's a wraith." She muttered
The Spirit made no to attack them as he floated. He stood watching the far side of the lawn. Suddenly a snap caught both the phantom and his host's attention. They found themselves looking into the eyes of Aqua.
"What are you doing here I thought you died years ago." Aqua snapped
"I am merely an echo of what was Master Aqua, I am a mere fragment." The phantom stated
"A shard I want back!"
Across the lawn, a Dark Corridor formed. As the portal opened a hooded figure appeared. As he strolled closer The Gazing Eye appeared in his hand. A single golden eye glowed from under his hood. With a chuckle, he spun his blade resting it on his shoulder.
"You can't escape me, kid."