Boscha sat silently as the girl across from her at the table quietly sipped her tea. The teen that most kids at school had affectionately nicknamed "Moon Girl" looked up occasionally at her classmate's odd wings and antennae but kept her mouth shut about them at Boscha's demanding. Mrs. Hasdrubal had been kind enough to leave the two girls alone to have whatever little chat that Celine had come to have. Despite this, the red-haired girl seemed more invested in her checking the latest updates than having a conversation. She cleared her throat and put on a small nervous smile as she placed her teacup down. "So … I like your mom. She's really nice and she makes great tea as well."
"Cut to the chase." Boscha said as she rolled her three eyes in annoyance. This little meeting was getting in the way of her work, not to mention she had to make a remedy for her current predicament on the off chance this was permanent. "You didn't come here to shoot the breeze and sip tea. Spit it out."
Celine straightened herself as she tensed up a bit from her captain's harshness even in this relaxed setting. "Oh well, um, I just came by to see if you would like to accompany me to an … activity."
Two of Boscha's eyebrows raised. "An activity? That's the best you got?" The bit of annoyance in her voice was apparent as she hadn't even looked up to the other girl.
"Well, I mean, that's the innocent way of putting it." Celine's words caught the three-eyed girl's attention as she looked up with a bit of curiosity.
"Come again." Boscha said as Celine now wore a small smirk on her face as she realized that she had caught the girl's attention.
"Oh I was just planning on doing something a little risky tonight and thought you might be interested." Her small smirk soon grew into a rye smile as Boscha looked to her with even more interest.
"Tell me more." Boscha said with a coy smile of her own.
It wasn't long before the two had left the house, Boscha excusing herself for a "sleepover" with her classmate. In truth the two were headed to something far more entertaining than gossip and late night snacking. After leaving the house, they stopped just outside their destination in Latissa, courtesy of Maya and got dressed for the occasion. Boscha was outfitted with a beautiful red and gold sari style dress, with a bare midriff with matching red flats while Celine had chosen a lovely silver evening gown. "Take this." Celine handed her a small concealment stone and brought out one for herself. "Keep it out of sight and we should be fine."
"I wouldn't worry about it. I doubt anyone will take it." Boscha smiled as she placed it in her navel. "Perfect fit."
"Uh-huh." Celine said with a brief blush before she placed hers in a watch on her left hand. "I'll also have to keep this covered up as well." She put a small spherical gem that she embeds into a overly decorative golden necklace and placed it into a asymmetrical spot inside opposite another stone of the same look and color. The duo made their way out to the streets as the stones activated and disguised their forms. Both looked physically older as Boscha's hair was now black and went down to her mid-back, her skin a shade darker and her eye color changed from gray-blue to gold. Celine's appearance was now thinner, and now sported a rather stylish eye patch over the left side of her face where another eye would have been.
As they walked, Celine explained the plan. "Now these are all high stakes games in this place. Hexes hold'em, ghoulette and battarat tables, you name it. The house always has the edge. Well almost, and that's why oracle coven members aren't allowed anywhere near the place. But that shouldn't be a problem." Celine took a small vial from Boscha as both rubbed the liquid contents on their right wrists and a construction and potion sigil appeared on the spot, respectively. "Got the cover names memorized?"
Boscha nodded. "I'm Tressa, a reclusive member of my family and highroller and you are Luna Eclipso, my steadfast aid." The two got their stories down and proceeded onward. They made their way down the street to a back alley and arrived at a large steel door.
"Just remember I'll be away from the tables for the most part but I'll be just close enough to use my oracle abilities to see the outcomes and give you tips." Celine instructed before tapping the door three rhythmic times. "If everything works out we'll walk away with a chunk of change for our work."
"I have to say, this was the last thing I had in mind when you showed up." Boscha had to admit.
"I might have a few more surprises up my sleeve." A slot in the door opened as a pair of eyes looked through and at them. Celine leaned forward and whispered something to the doorman before the slot slide shut and the door opened to reveal a large red oni wearing a black suit.
"Welcome, ladies." He said simply as he gestured inside and they walked passed him. They walked down a long hallway devoid of doors and only dimly lit by the few lights above them. Reaching the end of the hall was a dead end only for the wall to slide away as the other side opened up into a large well lit room with activity all over. There were game tables all over the floor as well as a large stairwell that led to game tables on a second level that overlooked the room. On either level were bars serving drinks as well as a grand chandelier that hung in the center of the room that brought the majority of the light.
Both girls eyes opened wide in amazement as they scanned the area. "Wow." Was all Boscha could manage at the moment as she took in the wonder of the place before Celine snapped her out of it and gestured towards a corner of the room where some large potted plants sat. They made their way over and began to scan the area.
"Alright, so we'll want to hit the smaller tables first and work our way up." Celine suggested.
"Right, no sense in giving ourselves away." Boscha agreed as they looked at the first floor tables. "Hexes Hold'em might do some good. Maybe lose a few before we start a win streak. How much you got?"
"About four hundred snails. We'll gain some momentum and once we get some decent cash we'll hit the big games."
"Can I offer you ladies some horderves?" A young man with tanned skin and brown hair wearing a waiters outfit approached the two with a plate of miniature foods.
"Do you mind?" Boscha said to the man. "We're trying to have a conversation."
"Sheesh, I was just doing my job. Bite my head off, why don't you?" He said in frustration.
Boscha cocked her head slightly and looked at him with squinted eyes. "Wait a minute. I know that whine. Mattholomule?" She said before Celine grabbed the two and they moved behind the potted plants.
"Shh. It's alright, Matt's with us. He conned a job here so he could scope out things for us." Celine explained. "So what do you have for us Matt?"
Mattholomule's eyes shifted around the room. "Well there's plenty of big games on the floor down here but the biggest payouts are from the ghoulette tables. High risk, high reward stuff. Not that that should be hard to overcome with what we're bringing to the table. I also got some news from some of the kitchen staff that there is a big time game going on in one of the rooms upstairs but that's real hush hush stuff. Invite only it seems."
"Well we'll see if we can't change that." Boscha said slyly. "I guess we'll keep with the plan. Win the low games and work our way up."
"Sounds good. Well I better make myself scarce." Matt made sure his disguise was still holding up before taking his tray and heading out to the floor. The two girls made certain their guises were intact as well as they moved out towards the first table of victims.
"Ready for this?" Celine asked as she straightened her dress.
Boscha looked back to her and smiled. "Let's do this."
Things were soon in full swing as the plan had begun just the way they had intended. Boscha in her guise of Tress Hasdrubal had been on a winning streak. With Celine doing her thing, Boscha went from one table after another, conquered, collected her winnings and moved on to her next challenge. Everything seemed to be going the duo's way as they took a break at the bar where Matt was restocking the appetizers on his tray.
"Apple bloodtinis for the ladies complements of the gentleman over there." The bartender said as he placed two drinks in front of them. They slowly picked up the glasses and looked at the sparkling nectar inside before looking to one another.
"I don't think we're old enough to drink this." Celine whispered as they looked over to a man in a black suit with pale skin and swept back blonde hair who purchased the drinks.
"I won't tell if you won't." Boscha said with a smirk as she raised her glass. Her partner in crime reciprocated the gesture and both slowly sipped the drinks, taking in the new sensation. Their mysterious new friend soon made his way over to the duo.
"Evening ladies. I must say you seem to be having a rather lucky night. Miss …"
Boscha extended her hand to him. "Hasdrubal. Tressa Hasdrubal." He took her hand and planted a kiss on it.
"Hasdrubal? Now that is a name I've not heard in a while. My name is Dieter. I thought that, with your streak of good fortune you might be interested in a private game a few of my associates are holding across the hall. A high stakes game of hexes hold'em. Seems to me like something a lady like yourself might be interested in."
"I must admit, you have me intrigued." Boscha admitted with a raised eyebrow. "We'd love to …"
Dieter put up a hand to pause her. "Forgive me, but the offer is just for you I'm afraid."
"Meh, go have a good time. I'll just be here, enjoying another one of these." Celine said as she tapped her finger on the counter top to get the bartender's attention.
Boscha gave a nod, knowing that the plan would still work as long as they stayed within range. She flashed a charming smile and daintily placed her hand in his. "Lead the way." The two arrived at the door that Matt had pointed out earlier that had an elaborate golden inlay within a dark red frame. The door opened to a small gathering of players around a center table. Among them a heavyset blue skinned humanoid with a long black ponytail who wore a blue and silk outfit with long red sleeves. He nodded in acknowledgment of the new arrival as did the others in the game.
"New player everyone. Should make things a bit more interesting." Dieter said as he slid a chair out for her.
"Interesting is definitely one word for it." The nasally voice came from a diminutive, bespectacled pig creature that Boscha instantly recognized. She'd seen him pawning his often overpriced wares at the market place. Tabbles? Toby? Whatever his name she reasoned he must have a bit of money if he is in here playing with the high-rollers. The casino had done her the pleasure of bringing her chips in and placing them on the table, the large amount was surely impressing the other players, even if it was a silent and stoic kind.
With Celine still able to aid her even from the other side, Boscha was racking up quite the sum, although it seemed that the small pig thing that had introduced himself as Tibbles was having his fair share of luck as well. The two were soon engaged in a heated battle for supremacy as they were the only ones remaining in the game after several hours of heated play.
Tibbles looked over his cards to decide what his next move should be. "So Tressa," He spoke up. "I've done business with your family for years and I have to say I never knew Hana Hasdrubal had any other relatives in Latissa."
Boscha didn't even look up from her cards to give a response. "And I wasn't aware they allowed pets into the casino, so this has certainly been a surprising night for the both of us it seems." The small shot shut him up as he huffed and went back to playing. According to Celine, Boscha had him right where she wanted him. Or rather she would as Celine complained of some sort of interference in reading Tibbles. The two became quite shocked as he began to make a comeback that threatened to wipe them out.
"Well Ms. Hasdrubal, it seems that fate has shone it's glorious light on …" Before Tibbles could finish a large commotion was heard outside as the guard went to check and the group saw the still disguised Celine wrestling with a waiter that was soon revealed to be Mattholomule as his concealment crystal had popped off. Additionally, an oracle gem fell out of his pocket as well as he squirmed in the girl's arms.
"He's cheating. I caught him with an oracle stone helping that pig monkey." said Celine.
"He offered me thirty percent!" Matt cried out as Tibbles looked around nervously.
"I am shocked." Boscha played it up as if she had not just been doing the same thing. "How could you sully this noble game with the likes of …" She too was cut short as Matt managed to knock away the set of stones Celine was hiding as well and she began to chuckle nervously.
A scuffle ensued that saw Boscha and the other offenders make a break for it with as much money as they could carry while fighting off the guards. It didn't take long however for them to get overwhelmed and eventually Boscha found herself apprehended and handed over to the local coven unit and placed in a cell. The other three had managed to escape in the chaos of it all, Celine even managing to fly off with Maya.
This was not the night she had planned. Well, it wasn't her plan to begin with but this is definitely not how she expected it to go. Abandoned yet again and left to rot, only this time she was even without her palisman companion and all she could do was wait for the authorities to contact her mother. She grumbled to herself for having trusted Celine and figured she'd get even with her just like she would everyone else.
"Hey kid, your mother's here to get you." A coven scout said as he opened the cell door and took the red haired girl down the hall and passed the cells that housed other prisoners. She was soon whisked into the main lobby of the building where she then spotted the disappointed scowl of her mother by the front desk. She was in the midst of signing paperwork that would release her daughter back into her custody. After she was done, Boscha was brought over to her.
"I can't believe this!" She shouted as she caught the attention of some of the nearby guards. "Do you have any idea how embarrassed I am right now? My daughter in jail? We are going to have a long talk about this, young lady!" Boscha hadn't seen her mother this worked up in a long time. If she was being honest, it was actually kind of inspiring seeing her back to her old self. She was less enthused when two fingers pinched her left ear and dragged her out of the station by it.
"Now get on this palisman and let's go." Hana ordered as she held Maya in staff form. Boscha silently obeyed and got on as the two flew off towards home as the sun was just beginning to appear on the horizon. "Now then …" Hana reached down and removed a familiar looking stone from around her neck as the truth was now apparently clear.
"Celine?" Boscha said in shock.
"Yep. Sorry for taking so long. I had to come up with a cover story for why your mom was there in the first place before they called." The crescent headed girl continued on as Boscha held onto her. "I owed you for kind of blowing or cover but Matt made a separate deal with Tibbles to get a portion of his winnings and ours. I'll deal with him later, but for now we should get home before my mom or yours figures out that we aren't at the others house."
The rest of the ride was relatively silent until Boscha cleared her throat. "So, real talk. What was this all about? I know you aren't some super adventurous risk taker looking for the next thing to get your adrenaline fix. So what gives with this whole plan?"
Celine looked away a bit embarrassed at being found out. "Was it that obvious?" She got a confirming nod as an answer before taking a deep breath. "I really like playing on the grudgby team with you, but our team synergy is … well to put it nicely, garbage. I guess I was just hoping us working together on something like this, something risky that seemed right up your alley could help with our dynamic as a team. I know we aren't Skara or Amelia but … "
This honest response caused the three-eyed girl to blink several times in silence before responding. "I know I can be … a little much in the grudgby department, but it's my passion. It's what I'm the best at. That's why I push everyone on the team so hard." She stopped to think back about all the hard training she pressed on her former team members: The late hours, the intensive workout regiments, the outright dangerous practices and how all that ended.
"But, maybe I went about it the wrong way. You're right, you aren't my old team so maybe I shouldn't treat you all the same. I have to hand it to you, they would have never had the guts to try something like this." The two shared a small laugh as Boscha had to admit she enjoyed herself.
It wasn't long after that they reached Bonesborough and she dropped Celine off at a local shop for breakfast at her request. Boscha declined the offer for now, preferring to go home and get some much needed sleep as her mother was certain to be cooped up in her workshop at this time and would be preoccupied for several hours. She quietly crept into the house from the back door, an act which was meaningless as Hana wouldn't have heard her anyway in her soundproofed work space. Boscha entered the kitchen and placed Maya on the counter top before making a beeline for the refrigerator. She stuck her head in and rifled through the various food stuffs, grabbing a handful of things that she planned to mix into a meal.
"All that excitement really works up an appetite, huh?" A voice said from behind her.
"Oh you have no idea …" Boscha said absentmindedly as before her eyes opened wide. She spun around, her arms still filled with ingredients as she was greeted by Dieter and the large blue skinned fellow she had played cards with at last night's game. She was frozen in place, nervous sweat rolling down her face as the two seated at her kitchen table smiled at her.