“Button! Where are you? Button!? BUTTON!?” Twilight called out frantically. It had been a mess of a morning. She was quite rudely woken up by the returning troop of Royal Guards that were investigating the incident last night, only for them to inform her of a secondary matter had cropped up beneath her snout. Much to her eternal chagrin, the Castle of Friendship, her own HOME, had been broken into as evidenced by the damaged lock on the front door and the common room she had let Button Mash stay in. Worse, Button was missing from said room, which put the former student of Celestia into full panic mode. As she ran from room to room, frantically looking for the young stallion-to-be, she did take solace in the fact that the perpetrators of the trespass had been very quickly caught. However, the circumstance of their capture was quite... alarming.
It was then she came to the Cutie Map Room and, upon slamming the doors open, found the little Button Mash sleeping rather peacefully upon the unlit map’s surface, his bag of stuff tucked under his barrel and clutched by his hooves. He coiled against himself involuntarily from the sudden explosion of morning light pouring in from the door frame, but remained mostly asleep. Twilight breathed a sigh of relief as she slowly and silently approached her ward at the time, noting that he seemed to be alright. I’m just glad they didn’t try to take him, she thought solemnly. Her thoughts briefly thought back to what one of the guards told her, chills running up her back from what she was told. They were apparently found in the middle of town, huddled together and screaming incoherent nonsense. Was there really that much screaming? She shook her head, dispelling the imagery, and focused her attention on her unfortunate guest.
“Button?” she gently whispered, trying to coax him out of his sleep. The boy stirred for a moment, groaning in protest before blearily raising his head and gazing back at Twilight with the groggiest eyes. “Good morning. You weren’t in the room I left you in last night, and I got worried. Are you alright?”
“Uuuuuuuuuuugh,” he moaned in discomfort, “do I really need to go to school, mom?”
Twilight was taken aback by the sleepy comment, mixing feelings of slight embarrassment for the accidental parental title and sadness for Button’s situation. “I’m not-” she started, before deciding to take on a different approach, trying to stay as gentle with the poor boy as possible. “Not today, you don’t. You can go back to sleep if you want. I’ll come get you when breakfast is ready.”
“Oh... ok...” With that, his head lowered back down as he curled up once again, still clutching his bag.
She debated for a moment on whether or not this was a good idea, but decided that he had enough disturbing him, and a few more moments in dreamland might ease his heart a bit more. She then backed out of the room, and closed the doors just enough to darken the room but leave a little light to seep in.
Button himself slept soundly, forgetting the intrusion on his rest and easily returned to the realm he had dived deep inside. A world of wonderful adventure where he was a brave hero, righting wrongs and saving others from danger. With a trusty sword at hoof, glittering in the light of the daylight, he swung with expert care and definitive power that none could contest. He would find the villains of the world and slay them in the name of justice. Before he would march forth in conviction, however, the once lush landscape around him was suddenly bathed in a great red fire, as shadowy figures loomed from behind the flickering flames. They stood tall in darkness, with only their sinister smiles somehow cutting through the silhouette to terrify the boy, imposing a truly evil visage. He could then hear a scream, one from a voice so very familiar to him. “MOM!” he cried out, eyes tearing up.
Then, there was a sudden gust of wind, forcing him to cover his eyes as the shadows and flames dissipated all around the colt. All that was left behind was a charred land, sand, and a clear hot sky. Then, Button heard the sound of what seemed to be a pebble skipping along the road he was walking along. Only, it wasn’t actually a pebble when he managed to get a look at it, but a single die. Button raised an eyebrow in confusion, as he watched it bounce lower and lower before rolling to a stop at his hoof. It stopped at a two, giving the wanna-be-hero the strangest of chills. He then looked up to a burnt tree nearby, and noticed a shadowy figure just behind the charred remains. He could feel the shadow smile within the shade, as flaming white eyes glared at him.
He panicked, taking a step back in fear, before he spun around, ready to high-tail it out of there. However, as soon as he turned around, he came face to face with the silhouette that was just behind the tree, now with the sun’s light casting him in the shadow rather than just the shade of a tree-trunk. He fell back from the surprise. It was then that a different, third eye opened at what he could only guess was the figures forehead and stare directly at him. For the second time in his life, not even a day after that traumatic event he hoped to escape through his dreams, he felt truly helpless and terrified.
=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=
Button woke up with a start in the dark, kicking his bag away from him from the sudden jump. He had just barely managed to hold back a harrowing scream as tears threatened to stream down his face and his heart pounded like a thundering drum in an extreme rock concert. He took a moment, catching his breath as best as he could, trying to control himself until he began to feel calmer.
“Just a dream, just a dream, just a dream,” he chanted, trying to collect himself, pawing at his body. It was then that his hoof touched the completed puzzle that hung around his neck from a string. He looked down at it, only just able to see a part of its outline shimmer from the sliver of light that was allowed in. It glittered a lovely gold, giving him a sense of calm he couldn’t reach on his own. It was then that he realized the string that allowed it to hang from his neck wasn’t something he put on it. Where did that come from.
Sorry, but I could not have you losing it after your efforts. It would be such a waste.
Button shot up on all fours, looking around frantically in the dark and swiveling his ears. He then turned to the light, used it to see where the table ended, leaped off the edge, and galloped to the doors. Once he reached them, he whipped them open and bathed the room in light, showing off every beautiful detail, nook, and cranny. Not a soul was in sight.
“I’m... just imagining things.”
I hate to disappoint, but you are not imagining anything.
Button’s blood went cold as he gazed about the room, even looked behind himself, trying to find the somepony or something that is talking to him. Then, for whatever reason, his gaze was drawn to the puzzle that gently rocked against his chest, twisting and untwisting the string as it remained hung from his neck. He then brought one hoof up and pushed it up to eye level, gazing at its own center eye.
May I help you, Button?
“AHHH!!” He then ripped the puzzle and its string from his neck, and threw it into the room out of panic as it bounced a bit, hitting one of the chairs and rolled back a little, resting at the side, eye still facing him. He stared at it for a moment, frozen stiff, not entirely believing what was going.
Oh, you better believe it. By the by, that was quite rude, throwing me like that. You could have smashed the puzzle!
“Wh-wh...” is all he could mutter before he swallowed hard. “Where are you?”
Down here, where you threw me.
His gaze was drawn down to the puzzle. He stared at it long and hard for a moment, before the voice returned.
Good, now that you see me: Pick me back up, tie me back around your neck, and let us trot off to Canterlot.
“Wh-... What?”
Come on, we don’t have much time to lolly-gag. I have a few... personal matters to sort, and I need your help.
Button then just sat down, stunned and utterly flabbergasted. The gold puzzle he put together, the seemingly inanimate object, was talking to him. He was either in another dream, or he had lost his mind. At least, that’s what he thought.
I know what you are thinking, and no, this is no dream, and your head is still safe and sound.
There was a pregnant pause, as if the voice was waiting for a response.
Would it help if I introduce myself? Perhaps that would at least cut the tension... Button Mash, at your most esteemed service for the time being, my name is Atem Gah’mes, spirit of the Millennium Puzzle.
“Millennium... Puzzle?” Button parroted.
Yes. As in, a very ancient, very delicate, rare, valuable, stunning, beautiful, charming... uh, ahem, prized artifact housing my spirit. For who so ever solves the Millennium Puzzle shall be granted its untold powers... and so on and so forth.
Button stared at it for a moment. “You... you were...”
Yes. Passed down through generations of thick headed dreamers after my last true owner dismantled-
“You were that voice that claimed to be my fairy godfather.”
... Excuse me?
“Yeah, when I was hiding, I heard a voice, saying it was my fairy godfather, and that it would make the nightmares go away! You were that voice, weren’t you?!”
Oh, right... that. Listen, I may have-
“Please, just tell me, do you know what happened to my mom?”
There was an awkward silence for a moment, as Button stared at the innocently glittering puzzle that sat motionless against the cold, hard crystal floor.
“... Is she... d...dea...”
Button could hear a sigh, kicking him out of the grim conclusion he was about to draw for himself.
No.
“Wh... what?”
Well, not really, at least. To those fools, she will most certainly only look dead at first glance. I’m sure, when they look closer, they shall sing a different tune.
“She’s alive?!”
Well, uh, not really...
“Wha-?”
The one’s responsible for this mess, including the two that tried to foalnap you last night, they have the rest of her.
“The rest of her?”
I was still in pieces at the time, but I could feel a very distinct type of magic being cast. An ancient, cursed spell that draws the souls from their bodies, leaving a barely living empty shell.
“N-no...”
All isn’t lost. What was stolen can be returned, Button. Her soul is in their hands, and we can get it back. But, we have to hurry. We only have ninety days from the initial reaving. Eighty nine now, if we want to err on the side of caution.
“We can... get her back?”
Yes. We can save your mother, Button. However, we must act fast. And the first thing we must do is go to Canterlot.
Button was shocked. Not only was his mother not deceased like he thought, but he could bring her all the way back. He could have his life again. There was, however, one issue.
“I... don’t know if I’m cut out for something like this.”
... Excuse me?
“I’m not some brave adventurer. I mean, sure, I play plenty of video and table-top games that let me do that, but that’s a game and this is real life. I’m just a kid. I don’t even have my cutie mark, or emblem, or whatever other stallions call it these days.” He gave a sigh. “I think I should just give you to Twilight and let her handle it, or something. She’s used to saving other ponies.”
That isn’t going to work, Button.
“What?”
For who so ever solves the Millennium Puzzle shall be granted its untold powers. Did I not just say that?
“I think so, but-”
Those rules are rather iron clad. Only those that are capable of solve the puzzle are granted its power and my guidance.
“But, Twilight is an Alicorn Princess. I think she would have been easily able to solve you just by thinking about it. If she needs to just solve you, I could take you apart right now and-”
Not going to work.
“What do you mean?”
As long as you’re alive and I’ve not managed to accomplish my unfinished business, we’re stuck together. As in, either I succeed in my business, or you die.
Button’s spirit fell as he heard the last word ring through his mind. He either goes on this adventure, probably get himself into stupidly serious trouble for his actions, among other things, in order to possibly save his mom, or stay home, let his mother wither away, and be stuck with a voice in his head for the rest of his miserable years.
“Can’t we just tell Twilight? She might be able to track him down and stop him.”
It won’t work either. HE has many eyes around the land. The two that tried to take you were just a small fraction of his many pawns. Some of them are not as overt as they were. Even if you get Twilight involved, there is no telling what he’d do to flip the situation.
“Who’s HE?” Button questioned.
It is quite the long story. Allow me to just say this started before my puzzle was found by Golden Trail.
“Wait, my great grandfather?”
The very same. Poor twit almost died due to his nature. It was such a good stroke of fortune that he managed to get to me before he was removed from the scene permanently. I’d say he owes me his life, but that’s long past... There was then a lengthy silence, before a low chuckle could be heard. I mean, on technicality, we could also say that you wouldn’t be around either if it wasn’t for my intervention. Really, you owe me too.
“Th-That’s not fair!”
It isn’t. Be thankful that I don’t need it as much as I need you to go off on this brave adventure for me. You manage to help me do this task, not only will I help you get your mother back, but I’ll let you off the hook of your debt to me.
“You’re a jerk.”
Never said I wasn’t.
The sound of hooves cantering up to the chamber doors could be heard just before said doors were slowly pushed open. Standing there at the frame was Twilight, who held a warm and friendly smile. “Button,” she announced, “Breakfast is ready. Are you going to come down and eat?”
Button stood in contemplation for a moment. The voice, Atem, remained silent, leaving him to decide for himself. Then, his belly grumbled irately. “Yeah, sure, I’ll be down.”
“Great. You know where the dining room is?”
“Yeah, I think so.”
“Alright, but if you get lost, there’s a map in the front.”
“Thanks.”
With that, Twilight left without another word. Button, alone once again, heard the intrusive voice pipe up once more.
I suppose that was Twilight?
“Yeah,” Button replied.
I can understand why you have so much faith in her abilities. I can definitely feel a strong power within her. Still, I strongly suggest we do this ourselves. Despite her strength, her assistance won’t amount to very much with what I’ve told you.
“I’m still not sure about this.”
Well, you have all day to think it over. Tonight, we shall board the train!
“I don’t have money for tickets!”
We won’t need them. We’ll board the midnight train, and once we’re close enough, we’ll walk the rest of the way to Canterlot.
“Wait, WHY?!”
We don’t want to answer a bunch of questions if we arrive via train. It’ll be far too much of a hassle.
“This sounds like a really bad idea. I’m just a kid!”
Think it over. I promise, though, we WILL get your mother back. You just have to take this first step.
Button grimaced. He felt like he was just being used, especially with the prospect of saving his mom being dangled before him. However, considering he was almost foalnapped until the haunted puzzle saved his flank through mysterious means, he had a bit more reason to trust it.
His stomach rumbled again.
“Breakfast first.” With that decided, Button left the chamber and sought out the smell of pancakes.
=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=
Midnight approached as the sleepy citizens of the little town cast themselves into the beautiful sea of dreams to forget their troubles for the day. However, not all had departed to slumberland, as a few Royal Guards stood vigilantly around the town, acting as steadfast vanguards until the recent troubles proved to finally be over. Such a prospect tended to take months of occupational assurance before they could be recalled, but no one seemed to mind too much. A fair number of them stood near Twilight’s Castle, aiming to make sure the events of last night wouldn’t repeat themselves again. While the intention was out of safety for the castle’s monarch and the few residents that dwelt within, it certainly presented itself as a detriment to a little form that peeked out of one of the windows. Surveying the ground level, doing his best to remain out of sight otherwise, Button did what he could to find a blind spot in their patrols.
Honestly, this ended up being a fair bit harder than it seemed. He had looked out through multiple windows (at least those he could get access to) at various different levels of the castle that he could reasonably climb out of. After doing this for the fifteenth time, he finally found his blind spot, but the timing was exceptionally short. Luckily-
I’ll keep an eye out for them... heh, get it? Because, I kinda look like a giant-
“Ugh, it wasn’t funny the first time you said it, why would it be funny the seventh time?” Button groaned in a hushed voice.
You’re no fun.
Button watched as the patrol moved into the position that presented the blind-spot, and upon seeing it, slowly began to lower down a rope made of sheets tied together firmly. As soon as the tail end was close enough to the ground, he fastened his saddle-pack, which now was resupplied with snacks and an assortment of stationary upon Atem’s request, climbed out of the window, and carefully shimmied his way down. It didn’t take him long to reach the bottom, and before he took off into the darkness of the night, he tied a rock to the tail of the rope and pitched it back through the open window. The throw was solid enough that it went through and took most of the sheet rope with it, leaving only a little bit dangling from the window’s sill.
Clever.
“They might find out I’m gone anyway, but at least this won’t make it immediately apparent,” Button reasoned in a whisper. He felt in his heart that this whole stunt was a very bad idea, and he could get into some serious trouble if he ever got caught, but he couldn’t just sit on his hooves and wait for somepony worse to try and get at him, not if he could still rescue his mother, if the puzzle spirit was telling the truth.
With that, after waiting for another blind spot, Button bolted into the darkness and headed for the train-yard. It didn’t take him long to reach it, and sure enough, the midnight train was already making its final preparations. Steeling himself for the chance to board, he waited in the shadows until it was ready to move, before he jumped into the most suitable boxcar he could find. All boxcars that were currently part of the midnight train had supplies in them, but very few of them actually had more empty space than supply and merchandise crates, usually to act as a precautionary measure for when they need room for any pickups along the scheduled line. The harsh darkness cast by the solid wood frames and the brilliant moon made it hard to see exactly what sat in the car, but it also made it easy for one to hide in if they needed to. Button, thankfully, was able to select one of the more vacant boxcars the first time around out of a sheer stroke of luck. With that, he settled in to his temporary lodgings for the path forward.
Slowly and surely, the train pulled out of Ponyville and began the journey to Canterlot. Thankfully, the ride was only supposed to be a few hours long, so it’d be a relatively short trip. Button had made sure to have a decent nap before this escapade, just so he wouldn’t make any mistakes while attempting something so foolish as escaping the castle unseen and illegally boarding a midnight train. However, this meant he would be wide awake for the time being. He gave a listless sigh, pulled off his saddle-pack, took the orb off of his neck and set it to his other side, and decided to pull his JoyboyTM from its resting place. Turning it on, he slumped back into some hay that laid haphazardly on the car’s floor.
So, you enjoy games?
Button ignored the spirit, trying to concentrate on his game. It was one of his recent favorites: Curse of the Moon. An action platformer about a young stallion armed only with a whip that had come to stop the evil Nightmare Moon from bringing forth an eternal night to the land while battling her army of darkness that guarded her castle halls. While the story was based off of the legend which had long since turned out to be a little closer to fact with a bit more of a happy ending in the end, making the original inspiration seem a bit outdated, the core idea of a mad magical monarch obsessed with jealousy and revenge over a world that shunned her wasn’t at all something that could be discarded. It still left room for expansion and intrigue, if done right, and the gameplay itself could lead to interesting twists and improvements.
How good are you at playing this one?
Button ignored it once again. It was odd, really, as any other pony showing interest in what he was doing would immediately have him describe the game and how much he knows about it before it would throw him into a full on speech about how much he loves his hobby by the end of it. However, after the recent events that had weighed heavily on his soul and this dark feeling he had that told him not to get too close to the strange spirit that lived in his puzzle, all he wanted to do right now was just try to forget the traumas and feelings by losing himself in the game. Problem was, every time he would get close to doing so-
Do you know of any games that require a second player in a competitive nature? I’d certainly be happy to fill in that role. It has been ages since I’ve done that for fun. Maybe we can make a little bet of it to make it more exciting!?
Button groaned and furrowed his brow a bit more, staring harder at the screen of his JoyboyTM as he whipped zombies, ghosts, and demons in the face with expert positioning and timing in a world he knew full well he could win against. It was a small fact that held a sense of comfort that he could rely on when the world seemed too tough. Now, more than ever, especially in these uncertain and critically risky times, did he need that little bit of his world. If only to give him some reprieve.
We aren’t alone.
The little colt raised an eyebrow to this and looked about. His eyes strained after watching the bright screen for so long, and because of it, he couldn’t see anyone in the shadows. With a growl of frustration, all he did was inwardly curse that the spirit was distracting him so much from his game. Atem repeated himself, further asking if he heard him, which caused Button to finally speak.
“I wish you would quit botherin’ me.”
“Whassat, you little rat?!” a rather scratchy, rather grouchy voice called out from the shadows.
Button gasped, dropping his JoyboyTM in the hay, completely caught off guard from the fact that there was indeed someone else in the boxcar.
“I uh... I didn’t mean-” Button stammered.
“Stupid kid, in MY cart, of all things. Ya better git out before I batter you senseless and kick you out m’self,” he said, slowly entering the moonlight. He was a relatively large stallion, awash in a dark brown and splotched tan coat, with a stringy black mane, unkempt scruff upon his chin, and obvious discoloration in one eye.
A vagrant claiming ownership of a public train car. I’ve seen worse, honestly.
“Would you shut up?!”
“Badmouthin’ me, eh?” the vagrant pony spat, “I’ll teach you a thing or-” He noticed the open saddle-pack, and saw the snacks and games tucked away inside. “Tell ya what, kid. If ya give me that saddle-pack of yours, I won’t beat you up before I toss ya out, heh heh heh.”
“I-I... I need this,” he whimpered, now grabbing his pack and pulling it close to him. “I-I-I’m just g-going to Canterlot. I’ll g-get off before we get there. P-please, just, let me ride the car until then.”
“I ain’t playin’ around, kid. Gimme the pack!”
Button, let me take over.
“No!” Button shouted, clutching his bag tighter.
“You little-!” It was then the train hobo swiftly encroached upon button, pushed him down hard with one hoof, and pinned him. “I’ll teach you!” With that, he lifted the colt up, and threw him against the wooden wall, causing a loud CLACK to ring out and the poor child’s own cry of pain to escape him. He then fell back down into the pile of hay, causing it to kick up everywhere and soon bury Button as it settled back to the car’s floor. “Eh, stupid kid... lessee what he’s got.”
Oh, you useless, stubborn thing. You don’t have much of a choice now, do you? Well, neither do I...
“I... I...” was all Button could utter as the considerable amount of pain was too much for the boy. The last thing he could see was his puzzle start to give off a dull, golden glow. Soon after, It was then that suddenly everything went dark.
“Eh, bloody train tunnels...” the train hobo grumbled. The sound of rushing wind could soon be heard as a sense of vertigo consumed the vagrant for a moment, making it feel like he was tripping over himself from a sudden shift. “What in Tartarus?”
“You know, it’s not exactly nice to hurt a child, let alone steal from one...”
All at once, the moon’s light finally returned, and the stallion realized he was now on the roof of his boxcar, hooves still digging through the little colt’s belongings. Looking about, he soon saw a young, lanky unicorn with a similar color scheme as the kid he tossed about, with the exception of the odd golden bangs. Eyes as intense as the sun gazed back at the vagrant while a smile that could chill the bones of a killer manticore was split across his face.
“Who... who are you?” the train car hobo managed to utter at first, “What do you want?”
“What do I want? Why, to play a game, of course. I’ve been dying to do so after my last, rather disappointing one.”
“A game, eh?” he replied. “Not interested.” He breathed a sigh of relief after he looked over the new pony once again. Despite the intense eyes and maniacal smile, his form didn’t seem too threatening or powerful. If anything, he could give the stupid unicorn a solid right hook and tear his head off in the process if he wanted.
“Are you sure? Not even if I gave you something if you won?”
“Just robbed a kid of his food and junk that I could probably sell fer a quick few bits. I don’t really need anything else.”
“Not even this?” he said, holding up the little golden puzzle orb with a free hoof. “This is one hundred percent pure gold. Play my game, win, and I’ll give it to you.”
He stared at the golden treasure for a moment. A little prize like that could send him to Las Pegasus for a month. He drooled at the prospect and possibilities, but snapped back to the current reality to consider his next move. Just wants to play a game, eh? “Fine, I’ll give it a go, but I get to pick the game we play!” he bellowed.
“That is quite alright by me. So, what do you suggest?”
“Blackjack. Best of five hands,” he declared with confidence.
“A classic. Excellent. Switching dealers every round?”
“Yeah, yeah,” he waived. Truth be told, he’d prefer to remain as dealer, so he could control the flow of the game, but he felt extra confident tonight.
“Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Atem.” He then approached his opponent slowly with a confident stride, before sitting down before him.
“We gonna play or not?” the vagrant grumbled as he too sat down and pulled a deck of cards from his tail.
“Before we do,” Atem started, “Shall we make the game a bit more... interesting?”
“Ya already promised me that purdy gold trinket if I win. What else you wanna give me? You’re life?” He then began laughing at the dark bit of sarcasm.
“Heh heh, indeed. What I suggest is we add an extra rule, considering where we are.”
“Eh?”
“The next tunnel will be approaching us soon. I don’t know exactly when, but that’s not important. What IS important is that it gives us a golden opportunity to play chicken.”
“Chicken, really?”
“Certainly. If we don’t manage to complete our best of five round game before we reach the tunnel, the last to duck it and keep their head is the winner.”
“WHAT? That’s crazy!”
“But isn’t it exciting!?”
The vagrant thought about it for a moment. He knew he was good at card games, especially games like poker, because he knew himself and how hot tempered he was regardless of the situation, and how he could use such introspective knowledge to throw off his opponents. He’s won many-a-game against others, stealing the last of their bits and leaving them in the dust because of it. Then again, that was years ago, long before the return of the Moon Princess. Truth be told, the extra rule did seem somewhat enticing, and considering his opponent was sitting a little further up, he would have to duck the tunnel first regardless. For all intents and purposes, even though he hasn’t played for such high stakes in years, he had the advantage on this twerp.
“Fine, I’ll bite. Let’s play chicken too. Yer funeral, though.” Really, what was honestly more concerning was that the lanky unicorn would even suggest it. Playing such a dangerous game, even for a seemingly cheap thrill, just creeped him out more than anything. He hazarded a glance at Atem’s eyes, and noticed this strange presence behind them. On the one hand, the eyes themselves seemed almost innocent, like a child’s. However, the way they seemed to stare back had this inherent madness about them. He’d need to keep his wits about him if he wanted to win.
“Cut to determine first dealer, highest number wins. Aces both high and low.” Atem stated, “Then, we can start.”
“Yeah, yeah, hold yer fetlocks, kid.” The vagrant took the deck of cards and began to shuffle. That’s weird, he thought, why’s the wind not blowin’ em away? And, why can’t I hear the wind? ... eh, whatever. After shuffling to satisfaction, he took half of the deck, and turned it over to reveal the card on the bottom of what he had. It was a nine, which was a reasonably high number. Atem drew an Ace. “Gugh...”
“I guess I’ll be second to deal.”
“Wait, what?”
“Aces are both high and low. So, I have the choice to deal first or second. I choose second.”
The unkempt stallion stared at him for a moment, before shaking his head. “Fine, I guess I’ll start.” He collected the cards and gave them a good shuffle, keeping in mind the subtle sensations of the shape of the cards. They were old and beaten, but familiar to him. He knew thirteen of the cards in the deck due to very slight deformities, and decided to test to see if he remembered which ones were which. After he was satisfied, he began to deal, one at a time, back and forth, until he and Atem had two cards. I knew it, he thought as he noticed he had a six of spades and four of hearts, and his opponent had a two of clubs paired with a three of diamonds. He felt that six and two, and was more than happy to realize he shuffled correctly and gave himself the starter advantage.
“Hit,” Atem declared.
A card was then placed down. A five of hearts, totaling in ten.
“Hit”
Another five, this time it was for clubs. He had fifteen now.
“Hit”
The next card wasn’t a ‘marked’ card, so he had no idea what he’d be getting. He looked to Atem and gave a wry smile. “Little bit risky there, eh? Sure you don’t want to rest on this for now?”
“I won’t mind taking the gamble for the time being.”
The card drawn was a four, totaling nineteen.
“Stay.”
“You’re pretty lucky that weren’t a seven ‘r somethin’,” he chuckled with fake, chivalrous concern while he shuffled the cards. He could feel some of the deformed cards settle in new places, with one sitting on top. He had ten points, and if his memory was correct, either the top card was either a ten or a nine. Drawing the card, he revealed a ten. “Guess I win round one.”
“Congratulations. Two more, and you get the the prize.” Atem claimed with a grin, showing off the puzzle sphere again.
To the homeless pony, there was something off about that cocksure smile he held, but he couldn’t quite pin what it was. Never-the-less, the cards were collected, and round two started as he passed the deck over to him.
“Hmmm,” Atem started, “These are certainly well worn.” He then began shuffling them by hoof with the expertise of a seasoned card player.
“Had ‘em fer as long as I could remember.” He watched his opponent shuffle his cards very carefully. “Heh, you’re pretty good at that.” He then looked up at his horn, and noticed no glow. “Kinda funny you ain’t usin’ magic to shuffle ‘em, though.”
“I like to get a good feel for the deck at least once a game.” He riffles the cards before going into a bridge, making rapid fire ‘thwaping’ sounds, “Every worn deck has a story to tell; A history.” He performs a kenshi shuffle, “Wins, losses, close calls... accusations and cheats.” He ends with an over hoof shuffle before planting the deck between himself and the owner of the cards. “A lot can be told by the deck of a seasoned gambler... you are a seasoned gambler, correct?”
“What’chya gettin’ at?”
“Nothing, really. I’ve already said these cards are worn, and am only really curious if gambling was the reason. Though,” he started with a slightly puzzled look, “There seems to be a fair few cards in the deck that are a little more beaten than the rest. It certainly happens after years of play with the same set, no doubt, as the luck of the draw and circumstances sees that a card is much more used and abused than the others. Have you noticed?”
The vagrant crossed his forelegs with a scowl, “No. I haven’t.”
“Really? It’d be a good way to keep track of the deck without predicting the probability of the next drawn card.”
“Just deal,” he said with a sneer, starting to get a little annoyed and agitated.
“As you wish.” Atem quickly dealt out the cards, two for each of them, and waited, watching as his opponent turned up his own hand.
“Ain’t ya gonna look at the hand ya got?”
“Oh no, I don’t need to yet.”
He leered at his opponent for a moment before returning his gaze back to the cards. It was a nine of clubs and a four of hearts. He looked back at the deck and noticed the next card was a bit on the rough side.
“Hit.” It aughta be a six, he thought. Atem deals him the new card, and sure enough, it was a six. He gave a smirk, then thought about his options. He has no clue as to what cards the lanky unicorn had currently. He glanced at the deck his opponent had his hoof on, and noticed the shape of the next card to be drawn. “Stay”
“You sure?” Atem asked, “Nineteen is awfully short changed.”
“Willin’ to take the risk.”
“Very well.” Atem flipped over his own cards, revealing a ten and a five. The train-car hobo choked a bit at how high the base hand was, but calmed down when he remembered the incoming bust will net him the win. Sure enough, Atem pulled a seven, pushing him over the edge.
“Oh, tough break there, pardner.”
“Indeed. I’ve taken the risk, and lost.” Atem chuckled.
The vagrant raised his eyebrow and leered at the unicorn. “You seem rather cheerful, there.”
“To be fair, it’s customary for the dealer to draw a card if their hand is already below their opponent’s total.” He gathered the cards, re-shuffled them, and handed them back to the owner. “Besides, doesn’t this make it much more exciting? You are at the cusp of victory, while I’m at the edge of defeat.”
With eyes narrowing, he slowly reclaimed his cards and began to shuffle them. What is this kid’s DEAL? He acts like he’s the one about to win, and he’s still in the hole. He looked him over for a moment. Maybe he’s hiding somethin’. Maybe he’s actually cheating, and I just can’t see it. Furiously and rhythmically shuffling, he continued his train of thought before stepping back to the obvious. Nah, it couldn’t be. I’ve been watchin’ him quite close. He’s lost both hands. There’s no way he’s cheating. I mean, even if he were, he’s doin’ quite a terrible job at it. After arriving to the conclusion, he dealt out the necessary cards, and planted the deck.
Atem checked his hand for a moment before flipping it over. It was a ten and a two. “Hit.” The next card was an seven, making the total nineteen. The box car hobo winced. “Stay.”
Grumbling, he checked his own cards and discovered he had a five and a seven. He had some wiggle room for sure, but it would be hard to beat the hand before him. Pawing at his deck, he couldn’t feel a familiar card, so the next one to draw would be blind luck. He clicked his tongue, held his breath, and drew. It was a ten. “Dang.”
“That was a close one.”
“Shut it,” he snapped, before pushing the cards back to Atem. My fault for gettin’ cocky, but I’ve got two more chances to win this. The unicorn gathered the cards, and began to shuffle, but this time used his magic. “Hey, I thought you were gonna stick to shufflin’ by hoof?”
“I shuffle by hoof to get a feel for the cards. Remember that I said I do it at least once? I never said anything about sticking to that method.” With his magic, Atem started by performing a riffle with a cascade, before flipping them upside down, float the deck above both of their heads, spread and mix them up as if performing a corgi shuffle, push them back into a deck neatly, before pulling it back down and right-side up and doing one last cut, putting the bottom half on the top. “Besides, I get to have a bit more fun with magic than with just my hooves. Better dexterity.”
“Just draw.”
He sighed, “As you wish.” Atem then drew the necessary cards and planted the deck. The vagrant flipped his cards, coming up with a natural nineteen.
“Looks like I might win this one. I’ll stay,” he said with a wry smile.
Atem flipped his cards, gaining a two and a three. “Oh well, you gotta work with what you got, I suppose.”
“Good luck,” he chuckled. It’s in the bag. Atem then drew a four, making it nine. Alright. Next better bust. Atem drew a five. No... No, it can’t be. Bust dangit! Atem then drew a six.
“That’s twenty. I win this round.”
The box car hobo seethed, glaring at Atem with utter contempt. How could this unicorn get such a lucky draw?
“Dangit. GIMME THAT!” He shouted as he snatched the cards and deck from Atem and began to furiously shuffle. I’ll fix you, you dad-gum kid. He then dealt out the cards and slammed the deck between him. Looking down, he noticed that the two cards that he’d get were relatively high level. With a knowing smile he dealt out the required cards, and eyed his opponent. His grin soon began to wilt as Atem sat there saying nothing. “Well, ain’t you gonna look at what you got?”
“I think I’m good this time. It’ll be more exciting for me to see what you have first.”
“FINE!” He growled with impatience, before he then flipped his cards and sure enough, he got a natural twenty from a princess and a queen he knew he dealt himself. “HAH! Now, show me yer losin’ hand!”
Atem laughs once, before flipping his hand over, causing the vagrant’s face to fall in shock. It was a natural blackjack, with an Ace and Jack of Spades. “Looks like I win. And that’s game.” Atem’s horn flared, returned his cards to the deck, and attempted to reclaim the bag. The hobo then suddenly stood up and grabbed the bag, yanking it back. However, Atem’s magical grip was surprisingly strong, so the aggressive pony’s attempt failed quite immediately as the bag returned to the winner’s side.
“NO! You bloody kid, I shoulda won that!”
“Because you dealt yourself a winning hand? Or, because you thought you dealt me a bum hand.”
The temperamental hobo sputtered at the implied accusations. “Sh-SHUT UP! You can’t prove nothin’! Now, gimme that bag!”
“How about we play one more game. I’m feelin’ generous,” the unicorn smiles as his eyes seemed to light up with sinister glee. “All we have to do is draw a single card higher than their opponent. Winner take all.” Atem gripped the cards with his magic, and shuffled them between himself and his foe. “Just one card.”
“Just one card, eh?”
“I’m a colt of my word. You’ll get exactly what you deserve.” The drifter pony reached forth towards the floating deck and grabbed a card, just as Atem grabbed his own. Atem smiled. “I hope you can match this,” he declared, as he flipped it towards his opponent, showing off an Ace of clubs, “Otherwise, you lose. And remember. Pay attention.”
Card still face down in the flat of his hooves, the hobo slowly turned it over, only to be met with a two.
“Game over.”
Something inside the vagrant pony snapped as he suddenly chucked the card off to the side, and punched away the floating cards in frustration, glaring daggers at the unicorn before him. Atem simply sat and smiled.
“YOU THINK YER BETTER THAN ME!? I’LL KILL YOU IF YOU DON’T GIMME THAT STUFF RIGHT NOW, YOU-”
“Uh oh. Looks like we’re headed for a penalty game.” He then ducked down, covering his head with his hooves.
“Penalty game? I’LL SHOW YOU A PENALTY-” was all he managed to shout just as an incoming tunnel suddenly slammed into his face, taking it and the rest of what it was attached to clean off. Then, everything went black.
=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=
Button woke up with a start. He frantically looked about, eyes still blurry as he slowly came to terms that he was no longer on the train. Further still, he was somewhere soft and cool, underneath a makeshift shelter. Rubbing his eyes, he finally confirmed the former to be true, and realized where he was exactly. Beneath a tree, under a makeshift lean-to constructed from sticks and leaves, seemingly just outside the borders of Canterlot. The sun was just starting to peak over the horizon, signalling the new morning. He checked himself, and found that everything, including his pack full of games and supplies were still there. He gave a sigh of relief, but scratched his head in confusion.
Good morning, Button. Sleep well?
“What happened? How did I end up here?”
You don’t remember?
“I remember getting thrown by that thug, but...” He pawed at a sore spot at the back of his head that was thankfully going away.
Don’t worry about it. That pony most certainly did not have a good head on his shoulders, but he’s gone now, no longer a bother for any of us.
Button relented. He didn’t know what happened after he blacked out, and he honestly didn’t want to know. He was relatively safe and unharmed, near Canterlot, and he still had his things. He went to grab his saddle-pack when he noticed little red dots along the side. “What the-”
We should probably make our way to the city. We’ve got some things to do.
Button’s stomach growled, making the little colt feel just a tad sheepish.
Such as getting you some breakfast. You had a long night, after all, and I know a good place to start our morning.