Chapter 21

After making sure we were a safe distance from the city and away from any prying eyes, Flash and I flew back up to the ship after I transformed back into a winged human. When we arrived, everyone was surprised to see the amount of bits Flash won during his little game and Zephyr even tried to ask Flash to loan him a few bits. My apprentices, Alpha Squad, the Wonderbolts, even Rainbow Dash and I were all in the Captain’s quarters and I had just got done relaying all that had happened in Las Pegasus during our recon.

“Flim and Flam? The con ponies?” Zephyr asked.

“No way!” Rainbow butted in. “Those stallions are nothing but trouble! Do you have any idea what they did to AJ and her family during cider season?!”

“Yes I do.” I said, crossing my arms. “But it’s as I said, they’re not traitors. I had the chance to kill them both but they proved me otherwise, much to my admitted surprise. And if what they said about this tournament is true, then we can maybe forgo the plan to bombard the city with cannon fire. If I can win this tournament, I’ll be able to win back each and every slave that’s being held captive there. I’ll even be able to get close to Gladmane, it’s the perfect opportunity.”

“But what if it’s not? Gladmane sounds like he’ll cheat at the game of poker, even any of those other games you’ll play. Besides, Flash already knows where to attack in order to throw them off guard. Why do something completely different than what was originally planned?” Big B questions.

“Because the risk of hurting brainwashed and slaves would be decreased drastically if we can get the mares and brainwashed out of the city first. Personally, I could care less what happens to the city itself and I think this is our best bet.”

“What about Flim and Flam? With a rep like theirs, it’s highly doubtful that they’re good for their word.” Wild Ace asks. “What if they conned you as usual and this whole operation is a total bust?”

“They wouldn’t lie, not while I’m around.”

“And you’re sure this all is legit?” Swift Snow inquires. “I’ve been to Las Pegasus a few times. It’s known to have certain ponies who like to try and take advantage of the games being played and cheat.”

“An astute observation Swift, but you have nothing to worry about. I also was skeptical about participating because of that, but apparently they’ve taken this tournament very seriously. It’ll be on close watch so there won’t be any unnecessary complications like cheaters.”

“Do you even know how to play poker?” Spitfire asks.

“Once, a long time ago with a friend. I’m a bit rusty but once I get into it I’ll be playing circles around them.”

“You sound confident.” Soarin chuckles.

“It’s just poker, how hard could it be?” I shrug.

“So you’re really doing this?” Shadow Star asks.

“Yup, and just so you all don’t get too worried, I’ll hold on to this.” I said as I pulled out a small device from my pocket.

“What’s that?” Shadow wonders.

“It’s a small radio that’s connected to The Prometheus’ alarm system. If at any time I feel under threat or if my cover is compromised, I’ll just hit the button and we’ll go back to the original plan. That way, we can still liberate Las Pegasus with the help of the intel Flash got for us. Also, those 5 ships that Flash won? I’d like Soarin, Thunderlane, Wild Ace, Cloud Jumper, and Big B to enter on the other side of the city so you can pick them up and fly them up here where The Prometheus is hiding.”

“Do we have to?” Thunderlane whines.

“Yeah, I’m with Thunder. Even before the Fall, I always hated Las Pegasus.” Big B snorts.

“Yes you do, because we’ll need those ships in case things go south. And just to make things interesting, consider this an order from your Captain.”

“Knew you were gonna play that card…” Ace grumbles.

“Look, all I’m asking is for you all to trust me on this. Once Soarin and the others fly the other ships up here, the rest of the crew will help operate them properly.”

Everyone was still a little hesitant until Flash stepped forward.

“Let’s do it, this is as good a opportunity as any to get it done without things getting too violent. I’ll be with Captain Lock and making sure things go right.” Flash said.

“Well…ok. If the boss says it’s a sure thing.” Soarin said. “Then I’ll believe him too.”

“Oh what the hay, I’m for it as well.”

“Same.”

“Personally, I’d rather blow stuff up. But I guess being discreet is smarter.”

I smiled as my crew were all for the new plan as I tucked my little radio in my pocket. Rainbow and Zephyr, however, were still unconvinced.

“Boss, no offense, but you seem to be taking more of a risk than you’re asking for.” Zephyr said.

“Yeah! If you know what those two con ponies have done, then why trust them at all?! They’re a couple of swindlers! And they messed with one of the greatest things I enjoy in life!” Rainbow argued.

“I understand you two have your concerns but you need to trust me. Not as your Captain, but as your friend.”

Both of them look at each other for a moment and look back at me as I stare back at them. They both sigh and nod reluctantly which makes me smile and nod back.

“So now that we’re all in an agreement, let’s play some cards.”

Later that Evening

I spent the rest of the day practicing with my crew mates by playing poker and polishing off my skills. The sun was just starting to set and Flash and I were making our way back to the city with the sack of bits Flash won. Soarin and his group flew off in the other direction to enter the city from the other side so they could get the other ships after I gave him the deed and key. I hope they don’t do anything stupid to compromise their cover, we’ll need those ships if things go south. Once we landed in the same spot as before, I furled my wings and retracted them into my back as I transformed back into a Caribou and we walked the rest of the way.

“Are all those bits gonna be enough?” Flash wonders.

“Yes, I’ll only be playing with about 200,000 bits which is more than enough. Plus, I’m saving these for the finals.” I said as I pulled out the small pouch I showed the guard from before.

“What’s in that?” Flash asks as I handed him the pouch.

“Open it and find out.”

Flash opens the pouch and reaches inside. He then pulls out a small blue gem that’s about the size of a half-dollar coin but shimmered in the light.

“Whoa…what is this thing?”

“That, my friend, is a blue diamond.”

“Blue diamond? So it’s not just a regular diamond?”

“In a manner of speaking, it is, but these diamonds are very very special. I found them in the safe in the Captain’s quarters, probably from Wind Rider’s private funds. I was a little surprised to find them there and figured they’d come in handy one day so I decided to keep them.”

“And how special are they?”

“There’s about five of them in there, right? Last I checked those things are worth about…3.93 million per carat.” I said, making Flash almost trip and fall flat on his face.

“WHAT?!” Flash yelped but quickly caught himself from yelling any more. “Th-That’s so bucking insane! Why are they worth so much?!”

“Because it’s one of the rarest gemstones in the world. Not sure how or where he got them, but I did a little digging and found out that they’re only found deep in the core of large mountain ranges. Not only that, but top collectors always go in an all out bidding war for these things. Wind Rider must’ve paid a pretty bit to get his hands on these gems, but now they’re gonna be used to serve our purposes.” I said as I took back the pouch and tucked it back in my pocket.

“Are you sure you wanna wager those gems? You’d be set for life and the next life over if you sold them to the right pony.”

“Well it’s too bad I’m now ageless and have no interest in wealth. To me they’re just pretty rocks with an over exaggerated reputation and a good bargaining tool.”

Flash didn’t say anything more as we approached the entrance. This time, the guards didn’t stop us and actually welcomed us in. Most of the stallions and Caribou seemed to be making their way to the casino area, probably to witness the tournament. We came across two entrances, one for the audience and one for the participants, which meant this is where Flash and I must part ways.

“This is where we split, keep your head on a swivel and don’t draw attention to yourself.”

“Yes sir, good luck.” Flash said as he walked away.

I walked to the participant entrances and a guard approached me to meet me halfway.

“Good evening sir, are you a participant?” The stag asks.

“Indeed, I have my proof right here.” I said as I handed him the sponsorship. He takes the envelope and opens it to read the contents and arches an eyebrow and looks up at me.

“Mr. Flim and Mr. Flam sponsored you? You must be someone quite important to get something like this.” He said.

Oh buddy, if only you knew. “Let’s just say they owed me a favor and I decided that this was an appropriate way to settle things between us.”

“I see. Very well, your name please?”

“Bond. Orrin Bond.”

“Thank you, Mr. Bond, you may proceed. Here is your participant number and good luck to you.” The stag said as he handed me a small card.

I nodded to him and made my way towards the tournament area. I flipped the card over to see my number was 24 and I tucked it in my pocket. I arrived in a large ballroom with many different stags and ponies all around. In the center were 25 poker tables in rows of 5, all with 5 seats on each table. Surrounding the room were bleachers that seated the crowd and a large screen in the middle of the ceiling that acted as a sort of jumbotron to keep track of the players and how they were doing. Some of the participants looked all fancy, others looking like nobles, and most of them had a slave or two beside them walking on all fours which irked me but I suppressed my feelings for the moment. I looked over to a counter where the participants were exchanging their bits for poker chips so I walked over to exchange my bits.

“Hello sir, I’d like 200,000 worth of chips please.” I said as I handed him the large bag.

“Sure thing, be right back.” The stallion said as he took it walked off. As I waited I scanned the audience for Flash and found him at the edge of the bleachers to the east side of the room. He spotted me and gave a mock wave as I only nodded in response and the stallion returned with a tray of my poker chips.

“Here you are, sir, 200,000 in playing chips.” He said.

“Thank you.” I said as I took them and the sound of a microphone being turned on filled the room. Everyone turns to the balcony overlooking the poker arena and sees Gladmane holding a microphone with the pop star mares next to him. Beside him were the Flim Flam brothers and they were scanning the arena for me, while trying to not look suspicious.

“Good evening everypony, welcome to the Las Pegasus Casino Royale.” Gladmane announces, earning a round of applause. “Thank ya, thank ya very much. Now then, for those of you who aren’t familiar with how this shindig works, let me break it down for y’all. As y’all can see, there’s a total of 25 tables for our many participants ready to throw down, as it were. 5 participants per table, 1 dealer for each table, and 3 rounds in total. Each game is over when there is only one participant left on each table who had not been busted out of their currencies. Each row of 5 tables shall procure 5 winners in the first round until there’s only 25 players left, then comes the second round where those winners shall face each other until there are 5 players left, and in the third and final round those players shall battle it out to see who is the winner and shall face yours truly in an all or nothing game where they can bet anything they want, no questions asked. And as a stallion of my word, I promise to allow any wagers to be made.”

“Sounds simple enough.” I said to myself.

“So without further ado, let us begin the tournament! Direct your attention to the screen and find your given number and which table you will be playing at. Best of luck, enjoy the show, and may the best player win!” Gladmane said as he set aside the microphone and stepped back to sit on his chair. All eyes turned to the screen as the slots for each table began to spin numbers. After a minute of waiting, the slots stopped all at once and the numbers were on display. I quickly found my number and made my way to my designated table along with everyone else.

“Table number 17, row 4.” I thought aloud.

I made my way to my assigned table and took off my jacket and draped it over the chair and sat down with my playing chips. Two Caribou and two stallions later arrived and took their seats, each with a collared mare or two at their side. The dealer was a young looking stag wearing a neat looking vest and overalls as he shuffled the deck and we waited patiently for him to finish.

“Evening gentlemen, if you all are ready, we shall begin.” The stag said. “My name is Ludin and I shall be your dealer for the first part of the tournament.”

“I am Guthorm.” One of the stags says.

“My name is Engli.” The other stag said.

“Name’s Steel Mark.” The earth pony stallion said.

“I’m Dapper Crunch.” The unicorn stallion said.

“Bond.” I said. “Orrin Bond.”

“Good to meet you all, let’s start with the blinds, shall we?” Ludin said to me and Guthorm. We both nod and I place 4,000 in the pot while Guthorm places 8,000.

12,000 in the pot already.

Ludin then begins dealing two cards to each of us and we all discreetly check our cards. I have a queen of diamonds and an ace of spades, not a bad hand to start things off.

“I fold…” Engli said bitterly, pushing his cards away.

That was quick.

“I’ll raise, 14,000.” Steel said as he placed his chips in the pot.

“Yeah? Well I’ll call, 22,000.” Dapper said.

My hand’s already a pretty good one already, but maybe it’s best I play it safe.

“Call, 18,000.”

“I shall call as well, 14,000.” Guthorm said.

After our bets were made, Ludin starts dealing more cards and presents an eight of spades, queen of spades, and two of diamonds while another card is off to the side faced down.

“Hmm…check.” I said, tapping my fingers.

“Way to go out on a limb there, captain courageous.” Steel snorts sarcastically but I ignored him.

“Easy for you to say, I too shall check.” Guthorm said while also tapping his fingers.

“Sucks for you two, I’ll be betting, 24,000.” Steel said, putting in his chips.

“Well I ain’t risking it, I’m folding.” Dapper said as he pushed away his cards.

“Suit yourself, but I’m gonna call again, 24,000.” I said.

“Again? Hmm…” Guthorm hummed as he glanced at the cards displayed and checked his own. “Perhaps next time, I fold.”

Ludin drew more cards and put down a king of spades and another card face down on top of the other.

128,000 in the pot, and it’s only the first round.

“Check.”

“Me too, check.” Steel said.

Checking now, huh?

Ludin once again draws cards and puts down a three of hearts, for a change, and another card face down on the others.

Alright, let’s kick it up a notch.

“Bet, 87,000.” I said, surprising Steel.

“You sound confident, Mr. Fancy Pants.” Steel accuses.

“It’s Bond.” I correct.

“Hmph, let’s see how you like this then.” Steel proclaims as he pushes in all his chips. “I’m all in, 154,000, and I’ll even throw in my two sluts here as a bonus!”

“Pfft!” Engli snorts.

He’s that full of himself that he’d go all in? Big mistake.

“Not bad, not bad. Guess I’ll meet you halfway, I’m also all in, 67,000.”

“Damn…” Guthorm said.

“Who in the what now?!” Engli yelped.

“Nice bet.” Dapper said.

“Show your hands, gentlemen.” Ludin said.

Steel smirks and shows his cards, ten of spades and ten of diamonds which was a pair, but I just sighed and presented my hand.

“Next time, maybe don’t go all in on the first round, kid.”

“Mr. Bond has a pair of queens, and Mr. Steel Mark has a pair of tens. Mr. Bond wins the hand and the pot with the higher pair.” Ludin said.

“What?! You had a queen and an ace right off the bat?!” Steel shouts.

“Now, now, let’s not be a sore loser. You made your choice and lost, not my fault you suck at poker.” I said as I pulled in the pot.

Steel was about to say something else but noticed a few stags were keeping watch nearby, eyeing him. Steel scowled bitterly and threw the leashes of his slaves down and huffed off. The two mares crawled over to me and knelt beside me while giving me sultry gazes.

“This slut greets you, new master~.” The unicorn mare cooed with a bow.

“Would you like us to suck you off while you play?” The other pegasus mare offered while pushing up her breasts.

“No, just sit there and shut up.” I said plainly, to which they obliged and sat on their knees.

As Ludin prepared to deal more cards, I noticed Guthorm staring at me.

“That was quite a hand you played, I am glad I did not continue on like that fool had.”

“When you have the right hand, you can do a lot of things. But knowing when to call the appropriate bet is key in this game of wit and bluffs.”

“Agreed.”

After Guthorm and Engli threw in the blinds of 12,000, Ludin picked up more cards and began dealing them to the rest of the players. Once he tossed my cards to me, I peeked under them to see I received a king of diamonds and an ace of clubs.

Another good hand, I must be lucky.

“Call, 8,000.” Dapper said.

“Call, 8,000.” I followed up.

“I call, 4,000.” Guthorm said.

“Check.” Engli said, tapping his fingers.

At least he’s not folding this time.

Ludin begins putting down the cards on the table and presents a four of diamonds, six of clubs, and a five of spades while placing a card face down to the side.

“Hmm…I check.” Guthorm said.

“Me too, check again.” Engli said.

“So will I, check.” Dapper said.

All of them are checking?

“Well, if you can’t beat them…check.” I said.

Ludin nods and deals more cards. He draws a six of spades and places it next to the others and another card face down on the other.

“I shall bet, 28,000.” Guthorm said.

“One of these turns…I fold.” Engli sighed as he pushed away his cards.

“You know, I feel a tad lucky so I’ll raise, 46,000.” Dapper said.

Quite the change of pace.

I checked my hand again and pondered my next move. I would call bet but they probably have better hands and I don’t feel like bluffing, even if my hand’s pretty good.

“I fold.” I said as I pushed my cards away.

“Not so good a hand this time, eh?” Dapper mocked.

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” I shot back.

“Well if he’s folding, then so shall I.” Guthorm said.

“Then I believe Dapper Crunch takes the pot.” Ludin said.

“Well that was easy.” Dapper smirked as he pulled in the chips.

Hmph, the night is still young. And I plan to come out on top.

Half an Hour Later

To my admitted surprise, the game continued on until it was just me and Dapper Crunch left. I expected to be facing off against Guthorm since he seemed like he knew what he was doing, but Dapper managed to bust him out since he had a higher pair with a queen kicker. I busted Engli out when I had a pair of tens and he had an ace high. The cards presented on the table were a seven of spades, two of hearts, three of diamonds, jack of spades, and once the ten of diamonds was drawn, the game was over for Engli.

Thanks to my constant wins, I had a bit of an advantage over Dapper since I had 894,000 bits on my side while he only had 106,000 bits. Not only that, but I also managed to win Guthorm and Engli’s slaves who were sitting around me and giggling every time I won a hand. Some even tried to coax me into letting them service me but I always turned them down since I wanted to focus on the match. I got the feeling that this was going to be the last hand played as Ludin prepared to deal out the cards. Dapper’s confident attitude had been sent flying out the window. He looked nervous since I hadn’t faltered once during this match, nor did I bother to bluff any of my cards.

“The blinds are now raised to 8,000 and 16,000.” Ludin said.

I threw in my 8,000 while Dapper tossed in his 16,000 and Ludin dealt our cards. I now have a queen of spades and a four of diamonds, an average hand to say the least.

“I call 8,000.” I said, starting off small.

“Buck it! I’m all in, 90,000, including my sluts!” Dapper snapped as he shoved his chips in.

“Someone’s reckless.”

“Shut up! I know what I’m doing!”

“If you say so, but I’m afraid I’m gonna have to call you, 90,000.”

Dapper harrumphed and slapped his cards down, a nine and six of spades, while I calmly presented mine.

Ludin nods as he starts drawing cards as Dapper was on the edge of his seat, meanwhile I was just lounging on my chair. Ludin presents a five of spades, five of clubs, and ten of hearts.

“Come on…come on!” Dapper grumbled.

Ludin reaches over to the deck and draws another card and presents it, a ten of diamonds.

“Com on…!”

Ludin reaches for the final card, and presents an eight of hearts, making Dapper’s face go pale.

“Mr. Crust has two pair and Mr. Bond also has two pair. Mr. Bond wins with a queen kicker.”

“How’s that for an ironic twist.” I chuckle.

“Mr. Bond wins the first round and moves on to the second round, congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

Dapper hangs his head and just walks off as his slaves crawl over to me. I then realize that I now have a million bits and a handful of slaves around me which wasn’t a bad take in the first match. As the rest of the first round was finishing up, I walked over to the side of the room where the other winners were awaiting the next round. Some eyed the slaves around me while others just ignored me as I found a small table to sit and wait patiently. The slaves around me sat on their knees and watched the rest of the matches while also giving me seductive looks by biting their lips, pushing their breasts together in front of me, and sticking their rears in my direction with their bits on display. Some even got frisky and rubbed my leg as a way to seduce me, but ignored all their advances.

This might be more difficult than I thought.

“My my, Dimitri, I knew you’d be popular with the mares sooner or later but I did not expect you to have your own group of slaves.”

Lucifer appears beside me in a puff of flames with a bit of an annoying looking grin under his hood.

You know as well as I that’s not the case, so don’t spout stupid shit like that.

“Are you sure? These mares are literally throwing themselves at you.”

They’re slaves, Lucifer, mentally tortured to serve these bastards. I may look like a Caribou, but that doesn’t mean I have to act like one so don’t you fucking forget it.

“I see, you’re quite the loyal to the one who you gave your heart to.”

You question my loyalty to the one I love?

“I heard about your little conversation with Princess Cadenza a while back. I must say you seem to have gotten upset over nothing.”

Don’t tell me you believe what she accused?

“Accused he says, Dimitri you seem to be taking this a tad too personally than you should. I may be the Devil, but that doesn’t mean I don’t believe in healthy relationships.”

I do not love anyone else besides Twilight. I thought sternly.

“And again, you are being overzealous about all this. Tell me, why do you believe it is so wrong to be with more than one woman? Especially in this world where the practice of having multiple lovers is a common norm?”

I’m not saying the ponies of this world should stop what they believe is normal, I’m just saying that I don’t have to be the one who has to indulge in it as well. Besides, me having multiple partners by myself? How would that even work? I would have to make sure they all get the same amount of attention as the others while also making sure no one else’s feelings get hurt. Twilight and I have something special, and I don’t want to risk ruining that. Not to mention I can’t help but feel like I’d be cheating on her if I was in love with anyone else.

“I’m sure she would understand, she’s a bright mare after all. I doubt something like this would sway her heart. I’m even confident enough to say that she would even welcome the idea if you explained to her properly.”

It’s a matter of principle, Lucifer, I just don’t see how it could work.

“Even if you are already in love with another mare?”

What are you on abou-

“What was that old saying back in your world again? Denial is not just a river in Egypt. You cannot fool me, Dimitri, I know who it is you have been secretly visiting from time to time. And I am also aware of how you subconsciously look forward to each and every visit.”

But I-

“I am not finished.” Lucifer said as he walked in front of me and stared into my eyes. “The heart and soul may work in tandem sometimes, but they each differ in many ways. You may deny these allegations all the livelong day, but the longer you do the more you hurt yourself. Not to mention you are doing the one thing you always proclaim to never do as my Hand: which is lie, and to yourself. You should not be ashamed of having these feelings, Dimitri, if anything you should feel content in knowing that there’s a high possibility that she feels the same towards you. I’m not insinuating that you run to her and sweep her off her hooves right now, but to just accept these feelings for what they are instead of burying them deep within your heart. You may not believe it, despite your military past, but you are a good man deep down.”

I was silent as I listened to his words. The image of Nightmare’s smiling face came to mind, her beautiful eyes gazing at me lovingly and Twilight standing next to her also smiling. It was a dream I didn’t think would be possible, two completely different mares who used to be enemies with one another. I barely managed to convince Twilight she wasn’t a threat, but would the others feel the same way? Not to mention that there’s also the matter of how I’d explain this to the Princesses. If anything they’d probably want to destroy her instead of hearing her out, no offense to Nightmare, I couldn’t really blame them. But the thought of Nightmare, Twilight, and I, all happy together as a group relationship, or herd as it is called, sounded too good to be true. However…it all honestly didn’t sound half bad.

I don’t know Lucifer, you and everyone else make it sound so simple.

“That is because it is simple. I meant what I said about you being a good man, because you are. Just because you are the Hand of the Devil, doesn’t mean you are an evil being. You are a necessary evil to combat the true evil of this world, never forget that. And if I were to be so bold, I’m sure your old comrade, Joshua Clay, would be saying the same thing to you.”

Heh, that kinda does sound like something he’d say.

“Exactly, think on my words, my faithful Hand, you deserve all that you receive even though you may think you don’t deserve it.”

Lucifer disappears in a puff of flames and I’m left to my thoughts. At first I wanted to keep denying all these feelings, but maybe Lucifer and even Cadence had a point.

“Attention, the first round has officially come to an end. Everyone please clear the center of the ballroom so we may adjust for the second round.”

I’ll have to think about this later. Right now, I still have a city to liberate.

One Hour Later

“YOU MOTHER BUCKING CHEATER!” The Caribou named Brusi roared as he slammed his fist on the table.

Meanwhile I had an unamused look plastered across my muzzle as the whole room fell silent at Brusi’s outburst. The second round was going by smoothly since there were only five tables with five players each. My table was the last to finish up before the tournament would enter the final round and I had just won the game and another million bits and handful of slaves. However my opponent Brusi wasn’t too happy about it since I managed to pull a higher pair than him.

I glanced down at the cards our dealer, Eskil, had played along with our own cards. A three of spades, ace of hearts, queen of diamonds, two of clubs, and an ace of clubs lay in front of Eskil. Brusi had played a two of diamonds and a four of hearts and I played a seven of hearts and a seven of diamonds.

“I don’t see how it is that I cheated.” I said calmly. “I obviously had the higher pair which means it’s my victory.”

“And I’m saying you cheated!”

“Sir, please calm down.” A Caribou guard said. “You lost the match.”

“How dare you?! Do you know who I am?! I am Brusi Alf Stonehoof! I share our great King’s blood and I refuse to be talked down to by some mere grunt! Especially this son of a bitch, all night he-, check check check! He trapped me!”

“Well you’re feeling satisfied now, Brusi? Cause I can go on busting you up all night.”

I noticed his personal thugs were about to move in on me but Brusi held up his hand.

“No! No…you have the nerve to speak to me in such a way. And your method of playing, how is it you never bluffed once?”

“I never was much of a bluffer, nor do I see myself as a liar. You just got overconfident in your plays, or maybe you thought no one would notice that you were counting?”

Brusi’s expression turned from anger to shock as all eyes fell on him.

“Sir, what is he talking about?” Eskil asked.

“You’re a pretty decent counter, Brusi, but I saw past your façade right at the start. That’s why I folded and checked most of the time, cause I would’ve been caught in your little spider web just like you did the others. All I had to do was bide my time and wait to trip you up.”

“H-How dare you?! You accuse me of counting?!”

“I do, but that doesn’t matter now, does it? I won, and I’ll be taking my winnings and slaves with me to the finals.”

“You think I’ll stand for this?! I will go to my King myself and demand for your head!”

“Honestly, what’s the great Lord Dainn gonna do? Clean up after you because you suck at poker?”

The last comment earned laughs from all around, making a vein on Brusi’s head pop. He was about to shout at me again but I held up my hand.

“Tell you what though, since I’m in a good mood from winning I’ll offer you one last game. That is of course.” I paused looking up to the balcony where Gladmane was gazing down at us. “You’ll allow it, Mr. Gladmane?”

“Hmm…” He hummed while scratching his chin. “Oh what the hay, tonight’s been a fun night so I’ll allow it.”

“Hah! I’ll make sure you regret those words! Play the cards, dealer!”

“Now who said we were going to play poker?” I ask as I reached into my jacket and pulled out one of my six shooters I brought with me. Everyone gasped but before anyone could make a move, I flipped open the cylinder and emptied the bullets on the table.

“What are you doing?” Brusi inquired.

“Upping the stakes. This is a little game I like to call Roulette of Risk. It’s quite simple.” I said as I picked up a single bullet and placed it back into the cylinder. “One shot, six chances. We each take a turn taking a shot. The one who hits the bullet, loses.”

“Are you mad?! You’re asking to play with our lives?!”

“Well how’s this to convince you?” I said as I pulled out the pouch I showed Flash. I reached in and pulled out one of the blue diamonds, making everyone go slack jawed.

“How…wh…those gems…”

“I’ll throw these little beauties in the pot, along with my slaves and ships I won earlier tonight. I’m putting everything on the line for this one game, so what do you say? Winner take all Brusi, so what do you wager?”

Brusi looked up to Gladmane to see if he would reject the idea, but he just smirked down at us and let things transpire.

“Grr…fine!” Brusi said as he snapped his fingers. One of his thugs walks over and hands him a document and a briefcase.

“Mr. Gladmane may run Las Pegasus, but I own the ports of this city. Docked there are a fleet of my own personal warships, all armed to the teeth with weaponry and my own personal trove of merchandise. This contract has my seal of approval and this case holds priceless gems that are worth millions of bits! I refuse to be outdone by the likes of a no name like you, so I shall even wager higher than you and those stupid gems of yours!”

“If that’s what you wager, then so be it.” I said as I flipped the cylinder back into place and swiped my hand on it. The cylinder spins for a brief moment before I slap my hand on it, halting its spin. I grin as I place the weapon on the table and slide it towards Brusi.

“You first, Lord Brusi Stonehoof.”

Brusi sneers at me and grabs the gun and holds it up to his head. He pulls back the hammer and loops his finger in the trigger guard, ready to pull the trigger itself. Everyone was silent as Brusi glared at me and his finger squeezed the trigger.

CLICK!

Everyone visibly relaxed since no shot came and the cylinder rotated to the next chamber. Brusi grinned as he pushed the weapon towards me and I picked up without breaking eye contact with him. I held it up to my head and pulled back the hammer.

CLICK!

Another blank, two down and four to go. The stakes were rising by the second as I pushed the weapon back to Brusi. Now he looked a little nervous as he picked up the gun. There was a 50/50 chance this one would be the one to kill him, but all I could do was watch and wait. Brusi picked up the weapon and held it up to his head. He pulled back the hammer as he hand trembled a bit.

CLICK!

A deep exhale escaped his lips as he pushed the gun back to me. I stared at the gun for a moment before slowly picking it up. Three empty shots, and only three remain. From what I know about this game, the fourth shot is usually the one that ends it all. As I lift the gun up to my head, I slowly close my eyes. This game was meant to end sooner than later, yet I somehow ended up putting my life on the line. I didn’t fear death since I’ve experienced it so many times during my service, even before that when I was very young, when I was with…that man and woman. Besides, why should I fear something that’s bound to happen sooner or later? Even if I’m ageless thanks to the Devil Fruit? When that happens you begin to lose your fear of death, and this moment was no different to me.

As I felt the cold sensation of the gun’s muzzle press against the side of my head, I started thinking about what would happen once I’m gone, the ponies I’d leave behind…and Twilight…even Nightmare. I opened my eyes slightly to see Flash stare at me with a few tears in his eyes and looked as if he was about to burst towards me but I shook my head ever so slightly, which he seemed to notice and obeyed my command. I never got to find out who or what that monster was, how things would turn out if I continued to liberate Equestria, maybe even…have some kind of a future with the mare I love. I couldn’t help but smile a little after a certain someone’s face came to mind.

Guess I’ll be seeing you sooner than I thought…Joshua.

…

…

…

…

…

…

CLICK!

It’s as if my heart had briefly stopped and started up again at the sound of the clicking of the empty chamber from the gun. I opened my eyes to see I was still in Las Pegasus, still a Caribou, and still alive. Brusi was silent at first, but then grinned manically as I remained silent and pushed the gun towards him.

“Haha…hahahaha…AHAHAHAHA…HAAAAAAAHAHAHA!! YOU UTTER FOOL! YOU SHOULD HAVE NEVER PLAYED WITH YOUR LIFE! THIS GAME IS MINE! THE HONOR OF THE STONEHOOF NAME REMAINS UNSULLIED! NOW YOU GET WHAT YOU DESERVE BY PAYING WITH YOUR-”

BANG!

Brusi’s head jerks to the side as part of his head bursts open as blood and brain sprays out on the floor and anyone nearby. His eye twitches and both roll back as he falls backwards and on the floor. The whole room was silent as the Caribou twitched a little before going limp and dying. I slowly stand up and look to Eskil who had a horrified expression after seeing someone die in front of him.

“Excuse me.” I said, gaining his attention. “You see that stallion over there?” I said, pointing to Flash and he nods. “I want you to give this deed to him and tell him to go to the ports and prep my new ships. Also tell him to take my slaves with him as well.”

“Y-Yes of c-course.”

I nod as I walk around the table and take my six shooter from Brusi’s body and wipe the muzzle off his shirt. I then pick up the bullets I emptied and reload them in the cylinder and tuck the gun back into my jacket along with my little pouch of diamonds. With that, I turn and walk away to a private area and wait for the final poker match to begin, all the while ignoring the stares I felt pressed on my back. Once I was in a room by myself, I sat in a chair and leaned back as I thought about what had just transpired.

You never cease to make things interesting. Lucifer said gleefully in my head. Just when I think things cannot get anymore entertaining with you, you go and pull a spectacular performance such as that. I am so very proud I was able to choose you as my Hand, Dimitri, not many humans share your atypical sense of will. I can only begin to imagine what else you have in store for me as time goes on.

Ignoring Lucifer’s little cheer, I reached into my dress shirt and pulled out a small chain I kept around my neck. Hanging off the chain was my old military tags, along with two other pairs. One of the pairs I scowled at, but the other one I gazed at with an apologetic smile.

“Sorry Josh, I’m afraid you’re gonna have to wait just a little while longer. I’m not ready to see you yet, and I have a feeling that neither are you.”

Two Hours Later

It took quite a while for things to calm down for the crowd after Brusi lost his life after the game of Roulette, more so for the ones that had to clean up the mess he left behind. I made my way back to the main ballroom and saw that there was only one table in the center. Sitting at the table were four Caribou and one brainwashed unicorn stallion, the stallion being the dealer. As I made my way towards the table, the crowd all looked at me with a mix of expressions of uncertainty. Some looked at me with looks of slight fear, some unamused, some angry, some blank, some incredulous, and some who were actually kinda smirking at me. Once I made it to the table, I sat down while draping my jacket over my chair. I glanced at my opponents who all seem to occasionally give me the stink eye but also were slightly anxious of me. Not that I could blame them since they just witnessed one of Dainn’s blood shoot himself and I didn’t give a slightest but if a reaction. I sniffed the air a bit and could still smell the scent of iron in the air, no doubt the others could smell the blood still lingering and I could visibly see how uneasy it made them.

“Ahem, good evening gentlemen. Welcome to the finals of the Las Pegasus Casino Royale. My name is Spade Flush and I shall be your dealer for this round.” The stallion said.

“Bond, Orrin Bond.”

“I am Solvi.”

“Vifil.”

“I’m Eid.”

“Berg…”

As Spade starts to shuffle his cards, I look over to a waiter nearby and wave him over. He flinched at my response but walked over to me.

“May I help you sir?”

“Dry martini, please.”

“Of course.”

“Wait…three measures of gin, one of vodka, half a measure of wine, shake it over ice and add a thin slice of lemon peel.”

“Um…yes sir.”

“You know, I’ll have one of those.” Solvi said.

“So will I.” Eid said.

“Certainly, gentlemen.” The waiter said as he walked away.

“My friend, bring me one as well, keep the fruit.” Berg called out and the waiter nodded.

“That’s it, hm? Anyone want to play poker now?” Vifil asked.

“Relax, it’s just a drink. No need for hurry.” Berg said.

“Now then, we’ll start with the small and big blinds of 40,000 and 80,000. Unlike before, the buy-in is now 2,000,000 bits and you are all free to wager whatever else you desire. However, the rules are the same regarding elimination: once you have been busted out of your funds or have nothing else to wager, you are out of the match. Any questions?”

None of us say anything as Spade deals our cards and Eid and Berg pay the blinds into the pot. I check my cards to see I have a three of hearts and an ace of hearts. I glanced up at my opponents and Vifil seems to be flipping his chips in his hand, as if it’s something he does to help him focus.

“Call, 80,000.” I said.

“Me too, 80,000.” Solvi said.

“As will I, 80,000.” Vifil said.

“Same, 40,000.” Eid said.

“Not me, check.” Berg said, tapping his fingers.

Spade takes some cards and places three face up and one face down to the side. A nine of spades, seven of diamonds, and jack of spades are on display for all to see.

“So…you don’t seem bothered that one of the Stonehoof clan’s blood members took his own life, Mr. Bond.” Eid accused as he bet 380,000.

“I fold.” Berg said.

“It was a real shame, don’t get me wrong. I simply offered to play the game of risk and he was over-presumptuous and was blinded by his own pride.” I said as I folded.

“I suppose, but our great King will not take too kindly to the knowledge that now two of his kin are dead.” Solvi said as he folds.

“Two?”

“You didn’t hear? The red winged devil, also known as the Hand, attacked San Pranciscolt some time ago and made off with the slaves, ponies, even some of our brethren.” Vifil said as he folds and continues to flip around his chips in his hand.

“Mr. Eid takes the pot.” Spade said as Eid pulled in the chips.

Spade then took back the cards and dealt out new ones to each of us while Berg and I paid up the small and big blinds. I now have a king of clubs and a three of diamonds. The waiter returns with our drinks and hands them to each of us one by one. I take my glass and give my drink a little sip. It has a strong sweet aftertaste, and as I swallowed it burned in my throat a bit and boiled a little in my stomach, making me lick my upper lip.

Mmm, almost like melted gold. Not half bad, might have to think of a name for it.

“Indeed, Orest Van Stonehoof was his name, and he left the city a complete mess. When the armies were sent to clean up the mess, they could not step a single hoof within the borders. There was some kind of barrier left surrounding the whole city and no matter what they tried, they could not break through.” Solvi said as he called for 80,000.

“I fold.” Vifil said.

“I’ll call, 80,000.” Eid said.

“Call, 40,000.” Berg said.

“You sure it was the Devil? Cause I think differently.” I said as I checked.

Spade draws cards and plays a four of clubs, eight of hearts, and six of clubs while placing a card face down.

“What do you mean, Mr. Bond?” Berg inquired as he checked.

“Well the reports say that this attacker abducted ponies and Caribou? That sounds nothing like the Hand.” I dismissed it as I checked.

“Bet, 300,000.” Solvi said.

“Call, 300,000.” Eid said.

“Maybe he’s trying a different approach, to try and use whoever he’s taken as a sort of bargaining chip.” Berg guessed as he folds.

“Unlikely.” I dismissed as I folded and took another sip of my drink. “The Hand wouldn’t just change his entire approach on a whim.”

Spade draws two more cards, one he placed face up with the others which is a four of spades and another card face down.

“What makes you assume this?” Solvi asks as he bets 520,000.

“I’m not assuming anything, it’s just a fact.”

“You might want to be more specific, Mr. Bond.” Eid insists as he folds.

“Mr. Solvi takes the pot.” Spade said. The cards are dealt and I have a five of diamonds and a nine of clubs. Solvi and I throw in the small and big blinds.

“I fold.” Vifil said.

“I’ll call, 80,000.” Eid said.

“I as well, 80,000.” Berg said.

“Ever since the Hand has appeared in these lands, he has done nothing but slaughter our brethren and has shown no remorse whatsoever to any stallions who willingly joined our cause.” I explain as I raised 310,000 and took another sip. “I can only imagine what he’s done with those slaves he’s taken for himself and the stallions who were forced under our control. With that being said, it’s highly unlikely it was the Hand who attacked San Pranciscolt.”

“You make it sound like there’s more than just the Hand who dares stand against us.” Solvi said as he called 310,000.

“Not to mention the reports of some unknown creature reeking havoc on our transports.” Eid adds as he folds.

“It seems there have been a number of those who don’t abide by the new world order these days.” Berg sighed as he called 310,000.

Spade draws his cards and plays a seven of diamonds, seven of clubs, and eight of diamonds while placing a card face down.

“Why do you think I’m in this tournament? Why do you think I’m trying to win and become as wealthy as possible with ships and slaves under my belt? No offense to our great King Dainn, but these individuals who have been rebelling against us might be only just starting in their endeavors. We took this kingdom, no, this world, with ease and thought nothing of the consequences because we believed there wouldn’t be any. Yet here we are, living on edge because we are unsure of when and where the Hand and who or whatever else may attack. I once knew someone in that old desert town, Appleloosa. Next thing I know it’s almost completely destroyed because the Hand came and crushed everyone. And the King Pony? He’s probably quaking in his hooves trying to figure out how to deal with seemingly unstoppable forces that have arrived in this world, especially what Lord Lust will do once he finds out how poorly he’s dealing with the situation. I was confident that we’d all live privileged lives, bucking any slut we set our eyes on, gorging ourselves on the spoils we took, all this without a care in the world. But now I see…” I said as I gazed at my opponents with a piercing gaze. “Now I see it was all never meant to be, that we were all fools to think we would get away with all we had done to the ponies and other kingdoms of this world. In my opinion, we should have stayed in our homeland where we belonged. Which is why as soon as I win, I’m taking my slaves, wealth, and ships to somewhere no one will find me, not even the Overlords that are spread throughout the kingdoms. If any of you have any sense and value your lives, I highly suggest you do the same. I bet, 800,000.”

The whole table fell silent after my proclamation, all were stunned at my words and including the large bet I just threw down. Solvi and Berg both look at each other and back to me as I calmly take another sip of my drink.

“I, erm…I fold.” Solvi said with his head hanging low.

“I too fold…” Berg mumbled.

“Mr. Bond takes the pot.” Spade said.

I pulled in my chips as Spade deals the next batch of cards. All the while I feel eyes on me from all around which meant my words didn’t just affect my opponents but the others as well. I got a feeling in my gut that I might have said too much, given the fact that I’m still a Caribou and they all probably think I’m some kind of would be heretic. Solvi and Vifil pay the blinds while I take a look at my cards, a queen of clubs and a four of diamonds.

Lucifer.

Present.

Since Zephyr ate the fruit, he can interact and talk with you like Flash can, right?

Indeed, why do you ask?

I need you to tell him to inform the crew and the others to be in high alert. I soon might need some kind of diversion once this match is over, cause I think I may have blown my cover slightly without even revealing myself. Also, I need you to go tell Flash to inform Soarin and the others who are at the ports to fly the ships back to The Prometheus.

You simply voiced your opinion, Dimitri, I do not see why you would need to be so cautious.

Yeah? Well tell that to the multiple eyes burning holes all around me.

Hmm, I suppose I see your point. Very well, I shall inform them both. But do not fret, my Hand. Just continue to keep of this little act of yours and try not to say too much anymore.

“Hey, you dumb pony, what’s the deal with these shitty cards you’re giving me?” Eid snorts.

“You trying to sabotage us after his little rant?” Berg accuses.

“I apologize sirs, but I simply shuffled the deck. The cards you get are not by choice.”

“Humph, sure they aren’t.” Eid sneers as he folds.

“If the next hand sucks, I’ll be holding you accountable.” Berg warns as he too folds.

Keep calm and keep playing, Lock, keep calm and keep playing.

“Call, 80,000.”

One Hour Later

“Mr. Vifil has a flush, and Mr. Berg has three of a kind. Mr. Vifil wins the pot and Mr. Berg has been eliminated from the game.”

“Shit…”

As Berg left the table in a bitter mood, Vifil brings in his winnings as it’s now just me and him left in the game. Eid and Solvi were eliminated later on by me since I beat Solvi with a straight flush and Eid with a pair of kings. I had just witnessed Vifil eliminate Berg since he had the better hand. On my side of the table, I had 5,940,000 bits worth of chips along with a handful of mares at my side and Vifil has 4,060,000 bits worth of chips.

This is it, all or nothing.

“Gentlemen, we have now reached the final faze of the game which means no more buy-ins. The blinds shall now be raised to 120,000 and 240,000.” Spade announces. He deals the cards and we pay the blinds. I have a king of hearts and a four of hearts.

“Call, 120,000.” I said.

“Raise, 660,000.” Vifil said.

Hmph, show off.

“Fold.”

“Mr, Vifil steals the blinds.”

After we pay the blinds again, the cards are dealt and I’m given an ace of clubs and jack of clubs.

“Call, 120,000.” Vifil said.

“Check.”

Spade plays an ace of diamonds, nine of spades, and ten of diamonds while placing a card face down.

Play it safe, don’t rush.

“Check.”

“Check.”

Spade draws and plays a five of clubs and another card face down.

“Bet, 1,240,000.”

“Getting back at me, huh?” Vifil scoffs as he folds.

“Mr. Bond takes the pot.”

Blinds are payed and cards are dealt. I have a six of clubs and two of clubs.

Damn…

“Fold.”

“Mr. Vifil steals the blinds.”

“That’s twice, you feeling alright Mr. Bond? You seem to be losing your edge.”

“I’m quite fine, thanks.” Dick…

Next hand is a jack of diamonds and seven of hearts.

“Call, 120,000.” Vifil said.

“Check.”

The cards played are a king of diamonds, seven of clubs and four of spades.

“Check.” I said.

“I check as well.”

A two of hearts is played with the others.

“Check.”

“Check.”

Spade draws and plays a king of clubs.

Let’s try something a little different.

“Bet, 1,030,000.”

“Is he that confident?”

“There’s no way, that’s a pretty high bet.”

“Hmph he’s been lucky so far, maybe he’s actually bluffing this time.”

“You seem sure of yourself, Mr. Bond.” Vifil smirks. I say nothing and just look at him with a blank expression. “Call, 1,030,000.”

“Gentlemen, show your hands please.”

Vifil flips his cards over and reveals a ten of diamonds and an eight of diamonds. I flip mine over which causes him to frown and look up at me.

“Mr. Vifil has a pair of kings and Mr. Bond has two pair. Mr. Bond wins the hand.”

“You were saying, Vifil?” I said as I pulled in the pot.

“Grr…don’t get cocky, brat…” Vifil sneers.

“He wasn’t bluffing again?”

“I don’t understand it, how is it he’s not bluffed a single time throughout this entire night?”

“Every hand he’s played or folded were noting but the truth.”

“No one should be that fortunate, especially at this type of game.”

The rest of the game is like ping pong between the two of us, each of us betting, calling, and playing hand after hand, coming up with different ways to outbid the other. Vifil is a very skilled player, I’ll give him that, but he seems to always forget that I haven’t bluffed once and always thinks I am. It’s now down to probably the the last hand to be played since Vifil is now showing his anxiety, despite his efforts to keep a straight face. I now have 3,200,000 bits and Vifil has 1,400,000 bits and there’s 5,400,000 bits in the pot. No one in the room was able to say a word as Spade waited patiently for Vifil to make his move. I glanced at Vifil so see him pressing his finger against his temple as to try and suppress the supposed twitch he’s been trying to hide. I then looked down at the cards Spade presented, an ace of hearts, eight of spades, six of spades, and four of spades.

“Mr. Vifil?”

“Hm? Erm yes, check.”

“Mr. Bond?”

“Check.”

“Both check.” Spade said as he drew another card and placed an ace of spades on the table.

“Check.” I said.

Vifil then stacked a few large stacks of chips and pushed them into the pot, earning gasps and murmurs from all around.

“Raise, 1,200,000.” He said as he went back to flipping his chips in his hand.

“Is he mad? That’s almost all his bits.”

“Vifil must have a good hand.”

“But Bond still hasn’t done anything yet, he’s only checked so far.”

Vifil and I stared at each other as we ignored the whispers from all around, all the while he continues to flip around his chips in his hand. The look in his eye told me he was confident, but also a tad nervous. Neither of us blinked for over a minute, as if we were trying to see who’d crack first. I’ll admit, there’s a lot riding on this hand, the cards faced up are only good for a few good high hands. I adjusted my chips and fiddled with them a bit before making my move. Just when I was about to, a creepy smile dons Vifil’s muzzle and he chuckles to himself.

“Hmhmhmm…Mr. Bond, you truly are an interesting Caribou. First you seem to have come out of no where, you managed to slink your way in this tournament, and you made my brother kill himself in a foolish game of risk. Not that I’m complaining since I never liked that bucking fool, but as a matter of principle he was still my brother.”

“Your brother? You mean Brusi? But that makes you a Stonehoof.”

“Indeed, Vifil Alf Stonehoof, and unlike my late fool of a buck that was my brother, I am the more professional of the two of us. As my brother had flaunted before his untimely demise, we ran the ports together. That also means we’re in charge of the slaves that come in and out of the city.”

“What about Gladmane? I thought he ran things around here?”

“Gladmane…” Vifil said as he glanced up to the stallion who gulped at his gaze. “Is just the middlestallion of what goes on here. We Stonehoof’s are the true masterminds. All Gladmane is good for is keeping the guests entertained and keeping tabs for the King Pony, who I still do not understand why Lord Lust appointed him as his right hand stallion. Anyway, you’ve done well to make it this far, despite your questionable playing strategies and even more questionable view of our place here in these lands. Nevertheless, I’m still intrigued.”

“Well thank you, Mr. Vifil, I’m pleased that-”

“Even if you thought us for a bunch of fools you believed wouldn’t see past your farce.”

I paused for a moment and looked back at Vifil.

“What do you mean?”

“I know who you are. Mr. Bond. And I know what you are.”

No fucking way…

“I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean.”

“Playing coy? Very well, why don’t we ask your associate?”

From the crowd, Flash was shoved through and was held at gun point.

Shit…

“You always seem to favor conversing with this young stallion.”

“And? It’s as you said, he’s just an associate of mine, nothing more.”

“Come now Mr. Bond, if that is your real name, you cannot fool me.”

The Caribou raises his weapon to Flash’s head and pulls back the hammer.

How…how did they know? I thought as I reached in my pocket for the little radio.

“You…are a survivor of that extinct clan.” Vifil accuses.

Guess I have to- wait, what?

“Clan? What clan?”

“The rebels?”

“There was one survivor left?”

“That’s surprising, last I heard they were torn to shreds right at the beginning of our invasion.”

Vifil sighs and nods the the Caribou who then bashes Flash in the head with his gun, making me tense and clench my fists.

“You best not lie to me, Mr. Bond. Lord Dainn saw to it personally that those rebels be put down and the heretic that led them fall by Lord Dainn’s own hand. He wiped that clan out and left no survivors, or so he thought. Who would’ve guessed a lone survivor would be joining us tonight?”

I see, he thinks I’m someone else, not who I actually am. Whoever this “other clan” he’s talking about was must’ve been another group of Caribou who actually didn’t agree with Dainn’s regime. Surprising, and a bit of a shame since I’d’ve liked to meet them but I can’t dwell on that now. Let’s see if I can keep this charade going.

“…They deserved better than death.”

“So the truth comes out! And you’re wrong, they got what they all deserve and so shall you.”

“Are you saying you’re not a Caribou of your word?”

“What do you mean?”

“This is still an active game, is it not? You swore to play by the rules and honor the game, as will I. I meant what I said before, that I only wish to run and hide away after I win.”

“You don’t wish for revenge?”

“What’s the point? I’m a lone survivor in the face of an entire country of my enemy. I may have managed to cull a couple stallions here and there, but that’s only because I offered them a better future besides continuing to live here. My clan has been exterminated, I have only this game left, and that little private match against Gladmane? I don’t want it, cause after I win I’ll be more than set for whatever years are to come.”

“So you’ve abandoned your clan’s name, just how much more dishonorable can you get?”

“Who gives a shit about honor anymore? You bastards already threw it out the window the moment you signed up with those demons of sin and invaded these lands. So are we gonna finish this or not? It’s still my turn.”

Vifil’s goons were about to move in but Vifil held up his hand.

“If we were to continue, I wish to raise the stakes.”

“Sir, what are you saying?” One of his goons asks.

“Silence! If I win this hand, you must surrender all the winnings you have accumulated and give yourself up. You shall also be publicly executed for your blasphemy and heresy and I shall deliver your head to King Dainn himself.”

“Hmm, fine. But I want to raise the stakes as well.”

“What do you have in mind?”

“Let’s be honest, given who and what I am my fate is sealed and I’m not walking out of here alive. But my fate does not have to be his fate.” I said gesturing to Flash. “My conditions are if I win this hand, you surrender all the slaves and even the stallions who are under the Crystal Cock’s influence in Las Pegasus to be loaded onto my ships and be sent away.”

“You’re honestly more mad than I thought. Why would I-”

“You will also take my head.”

“No!” Flash cried.

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me: I win, all the slaves and brainwashed stallions, those mares up there on the balcony included, and even the Flim Flam brothers are free to go but you get my head. You win, you get all my winnings and my head. Either way, you still get to stick my head on a pike. So what do you say?”

“Why the Flim Flam brothers?”

“Does it matter?”

Vifil scratches his chin for a moment but chuckles as he leans back into his chair.

“Either you’re mad or just too smart for your own good.”

“Do you agree?”

“Hmm, why not?”

“N-now see here, Mr. Vifil!” Gladmane said as he leaned over the balcony. “Y’all honestly think I’ll allow this?! I’ll just tell the King Pony what you did and he’ll tell Lord Lust! This is my city, ya here?! And I ain’t about to let some stupid poker game take away all that I’ve built! So y’all can just forget about this bet since I declare this game be-”

BANG!

“…o…ver…?”

In Vifil’s hand was a smoking pistol that was aimed at Gladmane. Right in between Gladmane’s forehead was a bullet wound as blood leaked out of it. As Vifil placed his weapon back down on the table, Gladmane leans forward and falls off his balcony and hits the floor with a loud crash. Flim and Flam, who were standing beside Gladmane and the pop star mares, were frozen in complete shock.

“I honestly found that fat bastard to be quite insufferable. The King Pony will simply have to settle for his other two lapdogs.”

So much for getting close to Gladmane.

“So do you swear?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Say the words.”

“Hmph, fine. I swear to keep my end of the bargain so long as you keep yours. I swear on my name as a Stonehoof.”

Nodding my head, we both resume the game and I make my move.

“3,200,000, my slaves, ships, and my blue diamonds, all in.” I announced as I push in my chips and pull out my little pouch full of gems and place it in the middle.

“Holy Dainn! There must be at least hundreds of millions worth of bits in that pot!”

“And all those ships full of slaves and merchandise, you’d be set for life five time over.”

“There’s just no bucking way.”

“I agree, he has to have bluffed this time, no pony would make such a ridiculous bet.”

“I hope he loses, I’ve got too good a slaves to give them up!”

“Why can’t we just kill him now?”

“It is Lord Vifil’s word to keep this game going, we can’t interfere.”

Vifil smirks and looks at the cards presented and looks all around him as if my move was a joke. He then peeks to looks at his cards as he tried to suppress a laugh.”

“Ahem, well I think I will call you on that one. All in, plus a few extra million from my private funds.” Vifil said as he snapped his fingers.

A few Caribou come from the crowd and place large sacks of bits around the table. I took the opportunity to add up the funds so far. My bits, gems, his bits and whatever else he bet…

A little over 115,000,000 in the pot.

“Um…gentlemen, show your hands please.” Spade nervously said.

Vifil flips over his cards to reveal an ace of clubs and six of hearts.

“A high full house, aces full of sixes.”

“I’m afraid the game ends here, boy.” Vifil said.

“Mr. Bond?”

I said nothing as I slowly slide my cards out in front of me. I grasp both cards and flip them over to present them both, making everyone gasp and Vifil glare at them and me.

“Oh my…a five and seven of spades, a straight flush, four to the eight, a higher hand, Mr. Bond wins the tournament.”

Vifil slams his fist on the table and seethes at me as he stands straight up.

“You…mother…bucker.”

“I told you, and you don’t seem to listen or pay attention. I don’t bluff, nor do I lie.”

Multiple Caribou draw their weapons and aim at me but Vifil slams his fist again.

“NO!!!”

“No?! What do you mean no, sir?! Let’s just take him down already!”

“I SAID NO!” Vifil roared. “Do not touch that Caribou, not yet. He beat me, straight up. Pay him, pay that Caribou his money and load all his winnings on his ship.”

“May I say a few words to that stallion before I meet my end?”

“Make it quick…”

Flash stands up and walks over to me with a dejected expression.

“You…this is…”

I cut him off by hugging him and slip something in his pocket while not one was looking.

“Dum spiramus tuebimur.”

I step back and Flash looks at me confused until he notices what I slipped in his pocket. I winked at him which seemed to have gotten what I silently told him to do and he nods as he walks away.

The moon was still high in the sky and I was stripped of my gun as I stood on a wooden stage with a noose hanging in front of me. The crowd was filled with nothing but hateful glares and spiteful words were heard every now and then. They handcuffed me in metal shackles as Vifil approached me from the small steps. I glanced up to the sky to see the ships still flying away. Some of them were fairly average sized ships with broadside cannons on each side. They were the ones Flash won earlier on.

But most of the other ships were by far the most impressive, almost as big as The Prometheus and looked like they were a formidable force. Guess Brusi wasn’t kidding about these ships, even if he was a fool.

Vifil turns to face the crowd as he raises his hands to calm them down.

“Look at this.” He begins. “Look at what we have built together. The slaves we could buck anytime we wanted, the shows they put on for us with our War Beasts and monster plants, the endless supply of narcotics that made us feel more pleasure as we were serviced. All of it, gone…BECAUSE OF THIS BUCKING TRAITOR!”

WHACK!

I wince as Vifil spins around and backhands me across the face, earning cheers of detest and hate.

“Hang him by his entrails!”

“He deserves to be burned alive!”

“I had a good pack of whores with me, now they’re gone because of him!”

“Brothers! brothers, I know it is infuriating that this…blasphemer tricked us, tricked me, into surrendering all we took for ourselves. But-”

“Tricked you? Not my fault you suck balls at poker.”

WHACK!

“SILENCE YOU CUR!”

“Erf! Oh…I’m sorry, I meant to say you suck dick and balls at poker. You probably like it up the ass just as well.”

WHACK! SMACK!

“YOU WILL BITE YOUR TONGUE BEFORE I HEAR ANOTHER WORD OUT OF YOU!”

Blood trickles out of the corner of my mouth as Vifil glares at me. I smirk and spit on his hoof, making a vein pop on his head.

“I’ve got plans for you Vifil, big plans for when you get to Hell after I kill you.”

“Hmph! We’ll see about that.”

Oh we sure will, very very soon.

“My brothers! I must offer my most sincere apologies to you all! Had I known of this wretched traitors’ blood, I would have lynched him the moment he stepped through the gate! He abused my honor and used it against me, but fret not! Once this wretch is swinging and dead, I shall cut off his head and send it to the King Pony, Mr. M, and he shall reward us by compensating all we have lost! I am even confident that he might send over a batch of bitches from the Crystal Empire!”

Mr. M? That’s his other alias?

“The Crystal Empire?!”

“Aw sweet! Those bitches are top quality!”

“That means we’ll get to buck bitches that Lord Lust bucks!”

“I was tired of my old bitches anyway!”

Come on…any time now.

Vifil signals for a stag to come forward wearing a black hood. A traitor stallion walks up with him with a drum and begins to beat it at a rapid pace. The hooded stag grabs the noose and ties it around my neck arms walks over to the release lever. My eyes trail up to the sky and I see a huge cloud hovering over us making me smirk.

“BROTHERS! LET THIS BE A DAY NOT OF LOSS, BUT OF GAIN! LET THIS BE A REMINDER TO ANY WHO DARE CHALLENGE US, AND A MESSAGE TO THAT ACCURSED HAND OF THE DEVIL AND ANYONE ELSE, THAT WE SHALL NOT BE BROKEN!”

“YEAH!”

“WE SHALL NOT BE SILENCED!”

“YEAH!”

“AND WE ARE THE TRUE MASTERS OF-”

SHUNK!

THONK!

THONK!

All immediately went silent as three objects fell from the sky. Two of them were a pair of swords, one red that had embrs dancing off it and the other with ice shards sticking out from the blade. The third object was a duel bladed staff that had impaled itself through Vifil’s chest. The force of the weapon’s descent was strong enough to rip his organs out, which killed him instantly. While everyone was still in shock, I reached up and pulled the noose off my neck and gazed at Vifil’s body and nodded my head.

“Not exactly what I had in mind, but I’ll take it. Must’ve been Lucifer’s doing somehow.” I said as I pulled apart the chains and snapped them apart.

Indeed, I had Flash drop them from above. Quite nice, don’t you agree?

Very accurate, Lucifer.

I faced the crowd and activated my power. The flames danced around my body as I was completely enveloped in fire. My face returned to normal, my ears returned to the side of my head, and my antlers disappeared as my hair grew back to normal. My clothes also burned away as it was replaced with my new armor. As the flames began to dwindle, I reached into my coat and put my mask on along with pulling over my hood. To finish off my dramatic entrance, I summoned forth my wings, making flames fly out every which way around, giving my appearance a more frightening look. I ripped my staff from Vifil’s body and holstered it on my back as I then grabbed Surtr and Ymir.

“Look at you.” I said, making everyone start to tremble in fear. “A bunch of bucks and colts, about ready to piss themselves at the mere sight of me. This city was dirty before, but now it stinks so much I wanna vomit. You had no idea that I was sitting right next to the lot of you. And now, it’s time I do what I should’ve done earlier on this night.”

“Oh…oh no.”

“I-it’s…”

“IT’S THE DEVIL OF THE CARIBOU!”

“YES! AND NOW YOUR LIVES ARE FORFEIT!”

I raise Surtr in the air and fire a ball of flames through the sky. All of a sudden, loud horns from the sky blair from within the clouds. All the Caribou and stallions look up to see a few shadows, one being larger than the other two, fly through the cloud to reveal The Prometheus and a couple of the other ships. I smile darkly as I pull out my smartphone and scroll through my playlist and put in my earbuds.

“What the buck is that?!”

“YOUR GUIDES TO THE INFERNO!”

I flare open my wings and fly up in the air. Once I’m high enough, I fall back down and hold out my swords. I crash into the crowd of enemies, causing them to go flying everywhere and start tearing my way through the lot of them. A few Caribou come at me with swords and axes and try to box me in but I lean back to avoid their strikes. I plant a foot on the ground and use my other foot to spin my in place as I hack my attackers in two. More come at me from both sides but jump up and flick my wings out and fling feather blades at them, hitting them all, all over their bodies.

Sounds of guns firing are heard as bullets whizz by me. I look to see multiple enemies aim at me with their rifles and they’re all riding War Beasts. I cartwheel to the side and sprint away while hacking all in my way as the War Beasts fire balls of flames at me, a wasted effort since I just swat them away. A War Beast charges at me from in front and opens its jaws to try and bite down on me but I jump forward and flip onto its back while kicking its rider off in the face. I twirl my swords around and stab the beast through the head and pull backwards as blood sprays from its body and it collapses in heaps of blood and gore. I then hear a static sound come from my ear buds and I reach up to tap them.

“Captain! Are you there?!”

“Took you long enough, Flash! Now get your ass down here!”

“Yes sir!”

“Soarin! Are the guns ready?!”

“Soarin here! Locked and loaded Captain!”

“Then mount up, the lot of you!”

“Yes Captain!”

“Alpha Squad, your time to shine!”

“Bout time!” Big B said.

“I’ve been waiting for this!” Wild Ace said.

“Let’s do this!” Swift Show said.

“Time to buck some shit up!” Cloud Skipper said.

“I’ll make them all suffer!” Shadow Star said.

I unfurl my wings and fly forward to flip and twist my way through the crowd as I’m still being fired upon. Some bullets graze me, making me grunt, but keep my assault. Suddenly, an orange blur flies down from the sky and starts mowing throughout the army of enemies and right next to me to reveal Flash.

“Glad you could make it!”

“No offense sir, but you’re an absolute bucking moron!”

“I’ll take all the criticisms you and anyone else has for me later! Soarin, you ready?!”

“Yes Captain! Let’s drop some lead on these mother-!”

“FIRE!”

A volley of cannon fire fired and rained down upon the city. Fire and explosions erupted all around us along with the screams of pain and horror from the Caribou forces.

“WHERE THE BUCK DID THEY COME FROM?!”

“WE’RE BEING TORN TO PIECES!”

“WHERE’S THE LEADER?!”

“MY ARM! MY BUCKING ARM IS GONE!”

I smiled as I planted my feet on the ground and spun around to meet our pursuing enemies.

Never done this before, but let’s see how the skills of Lucifer plays out!

I then did something that was quite odd to me but at the same time felt natural due to my newfound knowledge. I planted Ymir on the ground and unsheathed my staff. The bottom half of my mask opened up to reveal my jaw and I placed my staff in between my teeth and bit down hard as I picked Ymir back up. As my enemies neared I crossed my arms to my sides and bent my legs and spread my wings out wide.

“THREE-SWORD STYLE, HELL DEMON SLASH!”

I shot forward like a missile and swung my swords to the side while swinging my staff to the left and right. The group of Caribou, stallions, and War Beasts were all butchered at once as I flew past them. When I reached the other end of the group, dozens of enemies fell to the ground in a bloody heap as more explosions echoed throughout the kingdom.

“Captain! What the buck was that?! Why do you have your staff in your mouth?!” Flash asked.

“Been saving this little trick for a while now, I figured now’s a good time as any to bust it out.”

“Captain! We got anti-air guns aiming at us!”

“Shit, get the ships out of there Soarin!”

“I got it!”

“What the…Zephyr?!”

Before I could order him to fall back, a huge gust of wind picked up and from the sky a large tornado spun around and impacted the outskirts of the city. The tornado blows towards the walls of Las Pegasus and sends everything in its way flying through the air, along with any unlucky enemies caught in that monster of winds. I looked up to the skies to see Zephyr himself with his arms held outward as he was actually controlling the tornado and made it continue to tear through all in its path.

Heh, that kid.

“Well let’s not give Zephyr all the glory! Soarin, reload the cannons for another volley!”

“Yes Captain!”

“Let’s do this Flash!”

“Right!”

Flash runs off as more enemies try to charge at me or fire their guns. I rush towards the group and lean toward the Caribou with my swords raised.

“THREE-SWORD STYLE, HELL BLADE WOLF STREAM!”

Using two of my swords, I block my opponents’ attacks while twisting my body around as I continuously move to approach and dodge other attacks while cutting through each of their stomachs with both sides of my staff. Blood and gore litter the ground behind me as Flash and I don’t relent, even Zephyr kept his tornado flowing which demolished everything in its wake. As I fought, I saw Alpha Squad and a large number of my crew all fighting together against the enemy forces. Wild Ace and Cloud Skipper flew through the air and were armed with rifles as they picked off any snipers. Big B and Swift Snow stuck to the ground as they worked in tandem with their swords and shields. Shadow Star had her horn lit up along with a few other unicorns as they kept a shield up and protected the troops from any stray that got past her while also blasting anyone with her magic.

“Captain! The second volley is ready to go!”

“Time to end this! Everyone, take cover! Zephyr, get out of the sky!”

“YES SIR!”

Zephyr, Flash, and I make our way towards the shield with Alpha Squad and the others and dive in.

“Shadow, full power on the shield!”

“Yes Captain!”

“BRING THE RAIN!!!”

Once again, another huge volley of explosions blast through the area, obliterating everything around us. Shadow and the others unicorns power the shield up as much as possible as the blasts go on. After about a minute of explosions, the smoke clears to reveal nothing but devastation as the song from my ear buds end. As Shadow drops the shield, we all take a moment to collect ourselves and look around. There was still fire burning and wounded enemy troops around us as they desperately tried to gather themselves. I sighed as I sheathed Ymir and took my staff out of my mouth and holstered it on my back while moving my jaw around.

“We’re not done yet.” I said as I walked forward. “No mercy for any of them, search and kill them all.”

For the next two hours, my crew, Alpha Squad, my apprentices and I took our time making our way through the area and picking off any stragglers we came across. During which, I kept rubbing my jaw since it ached a bit after pulling off the three-sword style.

“Still can’t believe you managed to actually use your staff and your swords boss.” Zephyr said.

“Yeah well I certainly can’t believe you were able to pull off summoning a freaking tornado.”

“Heh, what can I say? I know you said for me to hang back but I wanted to help more than that.”

“You do realize that tornado most likely killed anyone it tore through, right?”

Zephyr was silent for a moment as he frowned and looked away but he then shook his head and looked back at me with a stern gaze.

“I know, and I’m fine with that. I know what I signed up for, I have no regrets.”

“Atta kid.” I said, ruffling his mane.

“We seriously did a number on this place.” Shadow Star said as she walked a little ahead of the group.

“Good riddance, I always hated this city…” Cloud Skipper scoffed.

“Don’t stray too far Shadow, you never know what’ll jump out at you.” I warn.

“Oh please Captain, what’s the worst that can-”

Suddenly, an arm shoots out from the darkness of an alleyway and grabs Shadow in a headlock. A stray Caribou came out with a gun pointed at Shadow’s head. Blood dripped from his head since an antler was ripped off and his leg was twisted a bit since it looked broken.

“The fuck?!” I reached for my gun but he pulled back the hammer on his.

“Don’t move or I’ll blow her bucking brains out!” The Caribou moves the barrel of the gun to Shadow’s forehead. “Now all of you stay back!” He demanded as he backed away.

“You really don’t wanna do this buddy…” I hiss as we stayed put. “Look around you, you’re probably the only one left. Let her go, and I might just spare you to escape with whatever’s left of you.”

“You’re in no position to give demands! I barely got away with my life after your monster attacked my squad!” He growled back pulling Shadow with him so we couldn’t surround him. “I’m leaving this city alive, and unless you want a bullet through your friend here you’ll back off now!”

“You leave her the buck alone!” Wild Ace snaps.

Shadow’s horn was about to light up but the Caribou smacked her on the head.

“You bastard!” Zephyr snarls.

“Wait, monster? You mean the one that’s been popping up everywhere?”

“Don’t act coy with me!” He shouted as he continued to walk back with Shadow. “You sent that damn thing after us when we tried to flee the city!”

“We didn’t send a fucking anything after you!”

“Captain?” Shadow yelped with tears in her eyes.

“Keep your eyes on me, Shadow.”

The Caribou glanced down at Shadow and smiled a sickening smirk as his hand began to trail downwards.

“YOU MOTHER BUCKER! KEEP YOUR DIRTY HANDS OFF SHADOW STAR!” Big B roars.

Just as they were going to walk back into a pitch black alley there was a sound. It sounded like a rattle snake and there was a low growl with it. The Caribou’s eyes shrunk to pin pricks as the color left his body. He suddenly turned around and threw Shadow to the floor before pointing his gun towards the alleyway. There was another sound, a wet smacking sound followed by a loud sizzling.

“AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!” The Caribou screamed as he fell onto his back clutching his eyes. He was writhing in agony as he tried to wipe a black tar off his eyes that was smoking. As I was about to aim my gun toward him, a large black clawed appendage slowly crept out from the darkened alleyway and grabbed the Caribou’s leg.

“No…NO NO NO!!!” The Caribou panicked as he tried to kick the claws off with his free leg. But his efforts were in vain as he was slowly dragged away. He tried to dig his fingers into the concrete floor to keep himself from being pulled in but to no avail.

The sick sounds of flesh being ripped apart along with the Caribou’s screams could be heard from the alleyway. All we could do was stand completely still as we listened to the grotesque noises from the darkness. Soon the screams and tearing of flesh stopped which snapped me out of my daze. I drew Surtr and ran past Shadow in the darkness to try and brighten my surroundings, but soon regretted it at the sickening sight. On the ground laid the Caribou’s body and only one thing was missing, his head.

I looked around for anything else but all I saw was lots of blood and strange claw marks on the walls. It was staggering to think something so large could do this and just disappear. I had no choice but to slowly back away and rejoin the others.

“C-Captain?”

I looked up to see Shadow trembling and the others with very uneasy looks in their faces.

“W-Was…was that?” Zephyr muttered.

“Yeah…that was him. The monster, he was right in front of us.”

“Look!” Swift shouted, pointing in the distance up on a still standing building.

Perched atop the edge was a darker figure. It was too dark to properly make out anything and I could barely make out it's outline. The only thing I did see were it’s red glowing eyes staring down at us.

“What…the Tartarus is that?”

“It’s like it’s…stalking us.”

“I’ve never seen any creature like that before.”

The creature stared at us for a few moments before moving away and out of sight.

I was about to go after it but Flash grabbed my shoulder.

“Wait, I don’t think we should pursue it.”

“Why the hell not, Flash?! That’s obviously the monster we’ve been looking for so why not now?!”

“Captain, with all due respect, but we’ve all done enough tonight. We succeeded in what we came here to do, we liberated Las Pegasus. Going after that thing now is just too much trouble. Please Lock, if not for me, for your crew.”

I gazed at my crew and noticed Shadow was still shaken up after all that had happened. I knew Flash was right, but I also knew this would leave a bad taste in my mouth.

“Fine…” I sighed. “There’s no one left in the city anyway. Gather the troops and fly back to the ships. I’m gonna take a look in one of the main buildings, see if there're any survivors.”

“Need any help?”

“Nah, I got it.”

As the others returned to the ships, I was left to my thoughts after tonight’s events and entered one of the main buildings of the city. It was the town hall and the whole place looked turned upside down and completely abandoned. I know I said I wanted to look for survivors, but mainly I wanted to be alone to think about what I had just witnessed. That monster, it was right in front of me, and I just stood there. I pulled off my hood and took off my mask and pinched the bridge of my nose. This was probably the craziest night I’ve ever experienced that led from one thing to another.

“What a mess…”

I resumed walking through the town hall when I noticed one of the doors was still shut while the others seemed to be wide open. With curiosity getting the better of me, I reached to open it only to find that it was locked.

“Now why are you locked while the others are wide open?”

I decided to investigate so I gripped the handle while also placing a hand on Ymir’s grip and yanked the door open off its hinges. When I stepped inside, I was met with a putrid stench of rot. I then held up my hand and snapped my finger to hold a small flame on my thumb to see better. Inside was a sort of cell with a barred door and inside I could make out a figure laying on its side. He looked like a stallion and there were wounds that littered his extremely lethargic body, it’s as if they hadn’t fed him for several months. His white fur had blotches off dirt and grime and I could barely make out what color his mane and tail was.

CRACK!

When I stepped through and stepped on something made of glass. I looked down to see I had stepped on some kind of eyewear. When I bent down to pick it up…my heart stopped. It was a monocle…which made me gasp and look up to the unmoving stallion.

“Fancy…Pants?”

The stallion weakly grunts and slowly turns over so I can see his face. Sure enough, Fancy Pants stared back at me with glazed eyes.

“FANCY PANTS!”

I grabbed the bars and ripped the door off its hinges and stepped over to the kind noble. He coughed and was about to say something but I bent down to pick him up.

“Stay with me Fancy, you’re ok, you’re going home!”

I draped the cloth he was laying on over his waist and tucked my hands under him and picked him up. I left the room and straight out of the building so I could get a proper look at him. He’s in worse shape than I thought and his breathing was laboring.

“Hang on Fancy, I’ll save you!”

I laid him down on a nearby bench and clapped my hands together. Hellfire ignites my hands and I place them on Fancy’s chest. His breathing seems to be stabilizing, but something’s wrong.

“The hell?”

I put more energy in my healing which seems to close his wounds but I can feel his heartbeat laboring with each passing moment.

“What the hell?! Hey come the fuck on! Heal him damnit!”

I grunted as I put more energy into my Hellfire, making the flames flow brighter but it’s doing little to help him.

“COME ON! COME ON FANCY! NOT YOU! NOT YOU TOO HELL DAMNIT!”

“Mortal.”

I looked up to see Lucifer stare down at Fancy with eyes of pity.

“His condition…is mortal.”

“The fuck is that supposed to mean?! I can regenerate the horns of unicorns and heal any wound but I can’t heal Fancy?! Zephyr was the same way and I managed to heal him just fine!”

“That is because he was fed and nourished more than this stallion. He looks like he was never even fed a single crumb of sustenance. The healing flames of Hell can do many things such as heal any wound and repair what is broken. Such as mend bones, heal blade wounds, and even grow horns back. But afflictions such as direct damage to major organs such as the heart and brain, or prolonged starvation, especially when using one’s own life force to keep a shield up for months on end without rest, that…that is mortal.”

“Those…sick…fucks!” I growled. “Fancy? Fancy! Fancy look at me!”

Fancy opens his eyes but barely as he looks to me.

“There is not much you can do, Dimitri.”

“GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!”

“Very well…”

“Y…you…”

“I’m here Fancy. It’s nice to meet you, I’m Dimitri.”

“Di…mi…tri…”

“That’s right, just hang in there, ok? I’ll have you right as rain in no time.”

“M…ma…ne.”

“What?”

“M…my…m…mane.” He croaks as he points to his head.

I looked to his mane and turf to find whatever it was he wanted. I then noticed something tangled deep within his dirty hair. I gently reached over with my left hand and untangled it to reveal a beautiful diamond ring with a rose gold band. He weakly placed his hand on mine as he stared at the ring.

“Fl…eur…”

“This is hers?”

“Pro…p…prop…”

“Propose? You were gonna propose to her.”

“F…find…her.”

“I’ll find her, I promise I will. We’ll find her together.”

“Th…thank…”

“It’s ok, don’t talk. I’ll have you better in-”

SLUMP

I froze as Fancy’s hand slipped off mine. I turned to see his face had a weak smile and his eyes were closed. The flames from my Hellfire slowly snuffed out as I continued to stare at Fancy.

“Fancy…?”

He gave no response. Fancy Pants, the most kind noble ever known…passed away in my arms. I grit my teeth and hung my head as I kneeled on the ground. Twice, twice I had to see this happen, where a noble pony had passed on and I couldn’t do a thing to stop it.

“UuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRHHHHHH!!!”

As I roared in pure distress in the shadow of the night, a bright light appeared behind me but I was too distraught to care. When I finished screaming, I felt a hand on my shoulder. It felt comforting and warm, which made me stop screaming for a moment to see who it was.

I slowly looked up to see a human man wearing a long grey hooded coat with silver pauldrons, white undershirt with a black tie hanging loosely around his neck, black pants with silver knee guards, and black silver toed boots. On his back was a pair of large white feathered wings, the end of the feather tips shining a golden color. His face was a face I didn’t think I’d see in this world, how his hair was dark brown and was long enough to reach his shoulders, he had a goatee that covered his mouth and chin. But the eyes, those pale blue eyes and that voice were all I needed to know who he was.

“Hello Lock, it’s been some time…” He said with a sad frown.

“…Phill?”

Author's Note

Another city freed, but another noble soul lost…
The Devil meets the Angel at last.

Side note, I must’ve watched multiple poker movies and irl card games to get the poker games right. I hope I did well and if there’s anything you’d all like to comment about it, let me know!

Hope you all enjoyed!

~WurkyWilk has left the building…