The Butterfly Inn- Part 2 [Gabe/Deshi]

A few hours passed since Gabe met with Spinx and the woman who ran the place, Calabus. He thought that those individuals were good people, it was just hard for someone to take in the good with the bad. The yin and the yang, which doesn't necessarily mean that it was bad. At best, it could be considered as "different" Maybe i should order some room service or go downstairs? It is noon afterall..........." Though, before Gabe decided to get something to eat, he kind of wanted to be a little social and head on downstairs first.

Heading downstairs in a robe with some slippers, Gabe realized that he forgot his glasses. "Well, maybe i dont need them for now...

From a lazy morning to a chaotic afternoon, the pair went.

For Sphinx that meant the meeting with the spirits ended up turning into a run for his money as the twin spirits that resided there decided they were not going to get along with one another. With the pair angry at one of another, a visit that should’ve lasted 30 minutes or so ended up turning into a few hours of playing peace maker between the two. While he had managed to get the whole deal squared away, the event had been exhausted the odd young man and so he was looking forward to resting; however, as soon as he was back outside and his connection with the world clear once more…he got the unfortunate memo.

The afternoon desk worker – yeah that chick- she was calling in sick yet again, leaving him or Calabus to take care of front desk. No. No. Correction just him since he could sense his boss with a rather picky customer at the moment. Yeah…that customer wasn’t going to let her go any time soon, so with an annoyed yet low growl, Sphinx had gone back inside to take care of the afternoon guests.

From there things became a blur with the only interesting thing rolling across the desk was the strange lady that came to visit Calabus. Outside of this, it was wave after wave of people and directing said folk to where they needed to be. It was exhausting to be sure, but Sphinx did what he could to keep up with the pace.

Meanwhile Calabus had her own issues as she had to work double time after her meeting with Touko to aid the kitchen who was running low on ingredients and staff. Having to change out of her usual oriental robes and into something more comfortable, the young woman had played waitress until the crowds mellowed down enough that she could actually step away from the job to check on things elsewhere.

As she stepped back into the main lobby, her eyes would drift over to the front desk where her partner in crime was getting swamped by a family that had 50 questions. She kind of felt bad for him considering he was literally running off of steam at this point, but what was she to do when people decided to be unreliable? She would have to cut the girl after this one though considering she was getting paid to be here and Sphinx was volunteering. She found it down right annoying that the volunteer pulled his weight while the hired help made up excuses as to why she could not be there. This made the third time she had pulled a stunt like this, so this was the end for her. No more free money. It would suck sacking the help, but Calabus needed someone more reliable in this line of business. For now, the current crew, herself, and Sphinx would have to make do.

In any case, her eyes would wander from the front desk back to the main lobby where the guests milled about in various dress wear. Moving through the crowds, her eyes would land on a familiar form dressed in a robe and missing the glasses he had come in with earlier. Oho. Well, well. Look who was being on the bold side today.

While it was true some guest did walk around in pjs and what not, they typically had something to hold her back from playing with them - age, family, not being human to begin with, etc. It was a rare occasion, she got a loner to play with, especially one that had looks to draw the eye. And let me tell ya, pretty boy had the looks.

So it was with a playful air that she approached the stairs and leaned against the railing as she let the other pass her. She would take a good look at his back side, enjoying the view before actually speaking up.

“Are you going to make it a habit of walking around like that?” she would ask as she gave the other a grin. “Not a problem on my end if you do decide to make it habit. I could get use to the view.” She would finish it off with a playful wink before falling silent to see just how he would react to such play.

It was quite the hectic moment downstairs, Gabe had a bit of a worried face as soon as he walked downstairs. He figured that he was wearing something that matched the specific culture or attire of what people would wear usually for a hot springs spot. Though, Gabe was here for the lunch right about now. "Is everyone just so happened to be hungry or something at the same time?" Gabe was rather relaxed and wondered if people were just agitated for some reason. This was a vacation plac e for relaxation. Some yoga would do them some good.

"Oh?" Gabe was then approached by the owner of the place, Calabus. " Bold? " Gabe chuckled a little at the remark and ruffled his here just a bit. "I guess you are seeing me in my most natural form for the time being. Hair isn't combed, i even forgot my glasses, but i can see without them. I honestly thought this was the culture of the springs, so i figured people would dress like that normally after i saw you for the first time. " Gabe was honest atleast. "Come to think of it, this outfit suits you too." She did look rather attractive, but respectfully, Gabe didn't stare for long. "Being an owner must make you a superwoman of some sort of you can handle this without breaking a sweat, is it always busy in the afternoon?

Chaos was indeed a word to describe the scene. People were everywhere, dressed as they wanted to be dressed. Some wore robes, some wore more formal wear, and some wore even less if it so pleased them. So while Gabe was not out of place in a place of the oddly dressed, the fact remained that Calabus found him a nice target to play with and test just how far that good nature of his went. Besides, she didn’t exactly get to fully chat with the other that morning on a more casual scale. It had all been business more or less and even then she had been pulled away. She had to make it up to him somehow and she could not deny that what she had heard earlier made him curious of him.

In any case, to her approach and words the man was indeed smooth. He didn’t crumple or get flustered like some. He didn’t try to back off or try to downplay his looks. He simply rolled with it. That whole hair ruffling thing he did was just icing on the cake. Did this mean she was head over heels for the guy? Nah. It simply meant she enjoyed a fellow who could play back a bit.

Her grin would remain as she gave the other a nod of approval.

“In your natural form, huh? Well to be honest, I prefer this form better than what I saw earlier. You look good in a suit, but this view is even better,” she said with light chuckle of her own before becoming a bit more serious about the clothes comment.

“For the most part it is. People will wear what they are going to wear and quite frankly this is the only place where you could probably run around nude and no one would care. So you don’t have to worry about trying to follow some form of dress code because outside of the staff we don’t really have one,” she would say in friendly tones. She would remain friendly and even seem to become smug about the comment given to her about her own clothing.

Not one to bore an audience, she would push herself off the railing as she placed her hands on her hips, turning from side to side like a model as she watched the other with a suggestive look.

“Mmm. Do you really like what you see, Mr. Gatsby?” she would tease in a husky tone before pulling out of the play as she gave him a mischievous grin. She apparently liked yanking chains, but how would he handle that in the end?

She would calm after a moment as her grin soften into a gentle smile. “But seriously thanks for the compliment. I appreciate it,” she would tell the other honestly, showing that despite her nature she wasn’t trying to take for granted what had been given. Her attitude would further mellow out as the other mentioned the business and her ability at keeping it afloat.

“Nah. I am no superwoman,” she began her tones humble. “I may be able to run the place, but to be honest it is my small staff that keep it afloat. If it weren’t for them, I am not sure where I’d be today,” she would say as she looked around her inn with an appreciative eye. This inn and the people in it. Without the people that went above and beyond, her establishment could’ve survived, but it wouldn’t have gotten this big or strong. She couldn’t say how much she appreciated the few she had, even with all their quirks. In the end, they were the ones that made the place tick. As for that last question, playful dark eyes would return to the man with her.

“It typically gets more and more crazy as the time ticks on and usually does not settle until later at night; however, today it is extra busy. I guess everyone heard about the kitchen’s famous meatloaf and decided to pile in with the usual crowds that come for the baths,” she would say with a chuckle and then becoming slightly serious she would tilt her head at the other as she gazed at him with a curious eye. “So tell me, outside of just looking good what do you plan to do for this afternoon?”

Full nude? How lewd…” Gabe then chuckled to himself. “Hey, that actually rhymed….. “ Though, he wasn’t too sure how to react to someone who wanted to appear in the area with no sort of clothing on whatsoever . “It is said in biblical times that we had no sort of clothing before the forbidden fruit. It was a playful jest right back at her. When she asked if he liked what he saw, Gabe maintained his original smile and composure. “ Of course, if you were out to steal my heart tonight, you have a good strategy going for you at the time being….fair maiden. “Well, that was handled accordingly in the way that only Gabriel knew to handle it. At most, he almost always shifted with the waves of the water.

“Hmm…” Gabe looked around the hardworking staff and nodded his head. “That’s the makings of a true leader, the queen of the establishment. “ Simultaneously, as Gabe said that, Gabe extended his wrist and showed a queen of hearts to her. It was almost as natural as raising his hand, Gabe was never without some sort of card tricks at his disposal. “ Always a love and appreciation of those who stay with you, admirable, brave…very brave in fact that you are able to handle yourselves accordingly with such a small number of staff.”

Going on to what he was going to do for the rest of the night, Gabe would put the card away all the same and rub his stomach. “I’m here for the meatloaf, and to be around the people of course. I was planning on taking a nice soak to conclude my night as well, no night is complete without a stay at the springs. I would ask you to join me, but it seems like you have your work cut out for you at the moment. “

Calabus would give the other a grin at his joke as she nodded. “Most people use common sense out in the open, but there are few that just wander like that. Luckily, most are sleep when they do decided to wander in the more open places such as the lobby or halls. Besides we have our limits. One or two nudists are fine here and there, but too many and we start to take action. Thankfully, it hasn’t been a problem. The baths on the other hand are a different story. While some will keep their towels on in there, there are some due to culture or maybe just confidence that will wear their birthday suits and not give a hoot who is watching. You’ll find these events alot in the separate bath areas more often than the mix baths, but that is just the way things work there and something we don’t lock down on too much in that area as long as you behave,” she would say. Yes, her inn was probably the most open it could get as far as dress wear went; however, there were unspoken rules everywhere. Rules that ran off common sense and respect mainly, while others were simply learned. The open and accepting ways of the inn/bathhouse kept the guests comfortable and those that couldn’t be themselves elsewhere coming back. It was a nice balance, leaving the air around the place welcoming and warm to all.

“Forbidden fruit?” she would muse. “Well not much is forbidden here, so maybe you’ll see some miracles here if you stay around long enough,” Calabus would poke back seeming to enjoy the play. And would you look at him go? He even knew how to play with flattery and this in turn made Calabus beam with delight and mischief.

“Oho. You like playing with dangerous waters I see. So let’s see if the siren who calls you destroys you or delivers you some place wonderful today,” Calabus would say back to the other giving him a Cheshire Cat grin that would leave one wondering what she meant by such words. Regardless, she would not explain as she took to studying the man before her. He was a good sport, but she wondered if he could really stay in the game if the rules changed and became more of a gamble. A game of chance that could land you in delight if played right or misery if played wrong. His flattery seemed smooth yet gentle, his responses well played, but could this smoothness save him when the siren bared her fangs and decided to play? Hehe. She would have to see, right? She loved those sort of games after all, but no. It was too early for that. For now, she would just test the waters to see how he did.

Regardless of where that led, the conversation would eventually mellow out as the situation turned to her staff. As she returned her eyes back to the man with her, she would see his nod of agreement and hear his words as he performed the trick. Unlike Sphinx who was easily amused by such plays, the trick would only cause the woman to raise her eyebrows slightly as a small smirk on her lips. Her dark eyes would study the man for a bit before she gave a light snort.

“If I was Queen the world wouldn’t be as stable as you think,” she would say with a genuine laugh before calming once more as she beamed at the other. “Say what you want, I just think we bounce off of each other well enough. After all anyone, Sphinx doesn’t chase off seems to make the best sort of staff,” she said as she glanced over the guy behind the counter. It seemed that he had managed to send the family away happy, but now someone else was bothering him. Heh. Sphinx may have had some bad traits, but then again it was those bad traits that kept only the best around. She would look back at the other. “And also the best sort of company,” she would finish as she gave the other a genuine smile; however, the smile would fade a bit as he spoke his last words. Thinking, she would fold her arms as she looked up at the ceiling.

"Your plan sounds like a good one. So I can't argue with it. As for me joining you. Well..." she would level her eyes on him again. "I may be on the clock, but if you want company for lunch or even a bath that is part of the job too, you know. After all, we are here to pamper and cater to our guests. All you have to do is make a request,” she would say and then leave it to the other to interpret that the way he wanted. From there she would simply wait to see what happened.

“Siren? Can anything good come from one? Sirens would sing upon the rocks of a shore, their sweet voice driving all of the sailors to their doom to crash upon the rocks and drown. A wonderful place they can only experience if they can swim in the first place. So naturally, the situation turned out to be a sink or swim moment. “ Atleast Gabe was showing that he was well aware of the fact that comes about answering the call of a siren. When It comes to stories like those, he seems to be quite full of them, believe it or not. “Ahh yes, Spinx seems to unconsciously attract a sense of good character out of people. “ Those with patience have high virtues afterall.
“A request is all I need? Alright, Ms. Calabus, I request you tonight at the mixed hotsprings. I would go in alone, but since this is my first night, It would make me a lot more comfortable if my invaluable host could spare a lite moment of her time in order to accompany me. As well as a bottle of soju, if alcohol is allowed. I’d say that around this time, there is a strong drinking culture. If only for a moment.” Giving her that to think about, gabe would shift over on the line so he could get some food.

The man was well versed in his books, but books only held so much knowledge and so when she opened her mouth next, it was to tell the tale of the sirens in different fashion.

“For the sailors of old, the sirens were indeed creatures of doom and death, but much like the world so too have Sirens changed. They still sing and lure many to their shores, but instead of drowning them, they let the sailors come to their home and from their judge the ones beckoned. Through harsh trails, the beckoned must go to reach the home of the sirens that rests deep within the deadly isle. If one survives, then that survivor is truly worthy of their grace and power and granted entrance to Paradise; however, the island is covered with bones more so than victors. The path is still death, but in another form,” Calabus would finish as she glanced back at the other with her smile still in play. As for his other words, she would let out an amused snort.

“Good character? Hehe. I would think he was better suited to pull the worse out of people with his attitude in all, but even so he does some how weed out the bad from the good. Not sure if he is aware he does this or not. To be honest, I am not sure if he would care either. He’s gonna be a loose cannon no matter which way you look at him.”

Sphinx was a professional asshole for sure, but under that was a guy that was reliable and more selfess than he seemed. In a nutshell, he was a wonderful partner to run a business with. Even so the conversation would move on as they headed to the lunch line. Before Gabe actually got in line, Calabus had made her comment about requests and when the other respond back, she would fall silent as if she was in thought as she let him get into line and only when he had his food would she drift back over to him to respond.

“You’re cute with your flattery; however, I don’t mind a meeting in the mix baths. Consider it a done deal. As for your drink request, I’ll have the kitchen staff look into it. I know we keep sake on hand along with a wide selection of other drinks, but Soju is a bit less commonly requested. Still for you, I am sure we can come up with something to get what you want.”

She was pretty confident in her staff’s ability in securing what her guest wanted, so she had no worries there and it seemed that even as owner of an establishment, she was not afraid to personally pamper guests if requested to do so. And why should she be? Wasn’t happy guests the key to success in any business?

"Ahh, maybe i wasn't fully educated as to how the story went after all. You seem to be well versed, have any more surprises for me? Folklore isn't exactly my strong suit, but children like to refer to me as the mad hatter at times. " She caught Gabe's interest a bit with her knowledge. If death was all the same, Gabe would rather take his paradise on earth then. "Sometimes being a loose cannon is what you need, someone who either doesn't follow or acknowledges the current system in place. Not necessarily acting or fueled by emotions, but objectively solving a problem as it stands, in a way that people might or might not agree with. " Gabe realized that he was trailing off and smiled. " Look at it this way, is it exciting to know what happens before it does?"

That wasn't fun at all. After Gabe went and got his tray and placed a mixture of pasta, vegetables and baked chicken on his plate, he would give Calabus a wink. "It's a date, see you tonight. Oh and if you have a moment to spare, tell Spinx that im waiting for him after i eat. They did have a deal ...afterall..

“I don’t think it is an education matter, but rather who tells you the story and how they once heard it too. As for surprises,” she would give him a mischievous grin as she folded her hands behind her head. “Well, they would’t be surprises if I answered that now would they?”

She would fall silent after that remaining mischievous for only a moment longer before settling back into semi-seriousness. “I adore folklore and fairytales. They are my favorite kind of read. As for being called the mad hatter, well he is certainly an interesting character from one of my favorite books. So I wonder if the nickname reflects something about you in turn, Mr. Gatsby. In any case, maybe we can swap some tales later,” she’d say with a light nod. She loved a good story and so wondered what sort the other could tell her if they did decide on a story swap. Interest aside, Calbus’s smile would become slightly more serious as he spoke about loose cannons. To his words, Calabus would eyes would narrow as her voice became lower than usual.

“I will admit chaos and unpredictability is the best things in the world when compared to the scripted; however, to hear someone agree with that sort of method openly is a bit odd considering most try to shy away from such topics, preferring to play “neutral" to appease the powers around here,” she would say the words not seeming to be bothered by the fact that said words could be trouble if the wrong person were to hear her. Remaining fearless she would continue, “I wonder if you’d follow such philosophy if it meant breaking the law. Would you stand against the very foundation of this city if it meant solving a problem?” she her voice only dropping lower as she gave him a cat like stare. From here, she would fall silent and see how the other reacted to such words. She was sure, the words he had said were harmless enough, but she wanted to see what he would do if they were twisted in another fashion…in a fashion that could truly break someone in this world. Could he stand under the pressure?

She would wait and see.

Regardless of what happened there, her observation would eventually end as she went back to her normal smiling self. When Gabe left to get his food, she would linger about for a bit and then follow him to a table. To his wink, she gave him a playful smirk. “I look forward to it then,” she would say and then hearing his next request, she would give a thoughtful frown before reaching into her pocket and bringing out a strange bell.

“I won’t have to. All you have to do is ring this bell when you want him to come and he will do so,” she would say and then giving the guy a bow she would move away from the table as a chef gestured for her to come help with something. As she left, the silver bell would remain on the table for the other to use; however, if picked up and examine one would notice the bell did not have a knocker within to make a sound. So how was a bell that made no sound going to help in summoning someone? In fact, how could a bell even be heard over the noise of people? Was Calabus pulling a prank on him or what? What a strange thing to leave behind and to make matters worse was Calabus had disappeared into the kitchen making questioning her impossible at the moment….

"Fair enough...." Gabe would say, looking even more forward to the suprise if that was the case. " Ahh, swapping fairytales, that seems like something i would like to do around a small camp fire while making smores. Forgive me if its a little subjective, but something akin to that nature would add to the.. moment..if you will. "There is nothing like it, telling stories in that nature. Even if that situation could be fabricated with a small light and smores made by the kitchen, that would do.What matters is the experience felt at that moment, thats what he wanted to share with her on top of those stories.

"Neutral? A side that picks no answer to seemingly stagnate throughout the middle ground? A choice is always made, and when you dont make it, you forgfeit your ability to make one, and then someone makes it for you. Once we gove that away, we can never get it back. Which is why i am a high believer of "Choice" , if i must say." There is something you choose, no matter what. " With your latest comment, i would like to reference Mount Vesuvius, best known for its eruption in AD 79 that led to the burying and destruction of the Roman cities of Pompeii. An unimaginable city known for its worldly pleasures, slaves, gladiators, what was great, considered as ...foundation... was toppled by the natuaral occurence of this very planet, the will of the world that we all submit to whenever it rains, snows, or worse. This city is no exception if nature decides to take its course. " Sublimibal at best, but adding history took the load off a bit.

After she left and gave Gabe the bell, he stared at it for a moment. "Hmm?" Gabe lifted it up and looked under, noticing the bell wasnt there. "hmm...." Thinking about it, Gabe would eat his meal and come back to it 30 minutes later. " Nice prank.." Gabe would say as he shook the bell back and forth in a ringing motion. " I wonder if she knows this one broke?"

A playful smirk would cross Calabus’s lips at the short answer from the male when it came to surprises. She was amused that he did not pry and instead decided to play the game which would allow him to discover the various secrets about herself and maybe even the inn itself. She liked the fact, he chose to discover for himself rather than have someone tell him all the details. Liked the fact he was not a bore.

The guy seemed fun enough despite his oddl ways and also seemed to be the one for mood setting if what he said about fairytales was anything to go by. She would raise her eyebrows at this.

“I suppose it would depend on what sort of story it is, but I do admit fire and good food is always a bonus in the case. Also very soft music. Though around here we’d have to improvise a bit, but maybe your setting could be duplicated to some degree,” she would begin as her mind wandered briefly to the various ways a story could be effected by real settings. Sometimes it took a stage and at other times the simplest of things such as a small room, low lighting, and a soft song. Each situation could add onto the mood, making a story epic or subtle just like that. It was an interesting fact of stories and life in general that location always made a difference in these matters.

“Regardless if we get the mood right or not, I am always up for story swapping, so come find me if you are ever interested in doing such a thing.”

She would finish what she had to say as she gave the other a gentle smile. Stories were always nice and held a nostalgic meaning to her; however, why that was she would not say as she instead flowed easily from gentle to mischievous in a blink of an eye. To her prying the man would answer and the cat like woman would listen. As he finished, she would close her eyes with a serious expression on her face as she thought for a moment and then settling on something, she would look back at the other.

“Mmm. Choice…That is a good answer; however, while it is true when we walk the neutral path most submit and just float along with the flow too afraid to be something different, it is also true that sometimes those in the neutral boat simply need to be offered something delicious to make them either sink or rise in the world. The neutral path is grey and safe while choosing a side is rather risky. I think the majority don’t like that risk at all. They rather be the puppet rather than the master. It is sad really, but that is the world in a nutshell. As for bowing to nature,” she would pause as a smirk filled with defiance came to her face as she watched the other. “I will not allow nature or destiny to dictate to me my course in life. If the weather changes and becomes hostile, I choose to stand and face it. Fight back or do something about the situation rather than let it take its course and determine my path in life; however," the fire would burn down in her eyes as she seemed to settle a bit with her light sigh. “I digress. In any case, I need to go. The kitchens call. I’ll see you around, Mr. Gatsby,” the woman would say and then shifting her weight, she'd move off to go to aid the kitchen staff who beckoned her to come. It seemed she would let the other mull over that one on his own.

In any case, after she left the other with the bell, the hum of people would surround the other as he ate. The atmosphere would remain normal and welcoming all the way up until the man decided to mess with the bell. When he decided to “ring” it there would be no sound and at first nothing would seem to happen, but then slowly the world would seem to slow and stop as a heavy air filled the spot around him and absorb the area.

The area would become darker and the people blurred as Gabriel would find himself in a strange bubble that he could break easily enough by simply standing to leave; however, if he remained in his chair, he would find that in the spot across from him the young man known as Sphinx would be sitting in that empty chair.

Sphinx appeared to be as he was before, a human with pale skin and strange eyes; however, this time around as he twirled a strange chess piece in his hand, a twin set of golden colored horns could be seen in his hair, but why he had horns was a mystery.

Regardless of the odd situation, Sphinx seemed to be calm as his eyes slid over to the other in his usual moody fashion.

“So she allowed you to summon me. Well then, this had better be good,” the young man would say his voice nonhostile and montone as he leaned forward slightly and placed the chess piece on the table. It was a warped Queen. As he set the Queen on the table he would take the bell back in his hands, the item seeming to disintegrate as he leaned back crushing it; however, the “young man” did not seem to react this strangeness as he kept his strange eyes on the other, waiting to see what he may say or do now that he was here.

The Demand::

Ringing the bell was definitely a strange turn of events. The world feeling a little distorted, the fact that Gabe almost thought that his food was poisoned, leading to a heavy complaint to the chef if that was the case in any regard. if anything was to happen, Gabe wasn't completely defenseless He could have moved, but he didn't know what would happen if he did. Maybe at most, he did feel a little naked and revealing with his robe, and the fact that something strange was going on made him sigh that it happened, while he was in his pajamas in some degree.

"Summon? So you come when people call you? Never even thought that such a thing could exist for you. " No, Spinx seemed too rebellious. "So.... first things first... how about a riddle? Remember, i told you that we could have fun with your name. But i didnt mean it in a teasing remark, you even brought some good cosplay with the horns. " Gabe would say with a smile. " In Greek legend, the Sphinx devoured all travelers who could not answer the riddle it posed: "What is the creature that walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon and three in the evening?" The one person who guessed it was opedius. Since you haven't heard the riddle before, i wonder if you could solve it.

The creature known as Sphinx wouldn’t react to the oddness of the area because to him this warped and strange world was home. He was comfortable in his zone, but perhaps the man across from him was uneasy with the situation. He could sense discomfort around the other and the sigh he could hear leave the other only made the energy clearer. Even so, the creature did not dismiss the strange zone or try to bring the human back to a familiar plain. He did not try to make the human comfortable for he did not see a need to do that for while the man was indeed kind to him, Sphinx did not see him as friend just yet a fact proven by his next words.

“Do not let my words fool you, Mr. Gatsby. While I do work for this inn and cater to the customers, I do not bow to every beck and call. In fact, I can be very cruel if I wanted to be. I just choose to play nice; however, summoning bells are something I cannot ignore. I had thought I had gotten rid of all she had on her, but it looks like she had one last one at her disposal. To think, she’d hand it to you. She was gambling high today if she decided to play with lives. If I was in a worse mood and we did not have a deal, I could’ve mistaken you for fish. Snapped you right up,” he would say as he gave the other a grin that revealed sharp fangs. The grin would linger a bit before fading as the other spoke.

To his words, the creature would growl lowly at the comment about his horns. “As if I'd play dress up like that,” he would say displeased with the comment; however, in the light of a game the agitation seemed to disappear for a bit as his strange eyes took on a strange glint as he raised his eyebrows slightly at the other.

“Do I get to devour you if you disappoint?” he would ask giving the other an innocent grin…or rather as innocent as a Cheshire Cat grin made of fangs could get. Was he actually playing with the other, or did his creature actually mean what he said? It was a hard thing to answer, even more so with that grin in play; however, the creature’s face would become neutral once more as the other spoke and gave him a riddle. To his words, he would get a blank expression from the male.

“You assume much, but I am not as naive as you think. The answer is man,” he would say as he stretched a bit and yawned before slouching in his chair, tossing one arm over the back of it as he watched the other with attentive eyes, waiting.

The Gauge Box:

Something of hers, and she giving Gabe the very last one.Why would Calabus do something like that? Wouldnt it of been something of great importance to hold on to instead of wasting it on a guest? Unless she didn't see him as any other guest? Sure, Gabe can be charming and nice, but he didn't outwardly describe himself as some sort of terrorist did he?"......So it's like that? Ok.... just for you then .....Spinx" Gabe was quiet for a moment, going through a numerous amount of scenarios in his head to be exact. " Mistaken me for fish? Ahh, well thats unfortunate, to eat something raw without the proper seasoning. I did call you here to the "cafateria for a reason."

Fine... Gabe will play then. Reaching into his pocket, instead of taking out a regular deck of playing cards, he would actually take out his soulbound deck of playing cards. This actually settles for more control when it comes to these tricks of him, and he wasn't sure if the person known as sphinx would notice or not. "Right now, i'm here to feed your curiosity . If i fail to do so, maybe this means i am on the menu after all for wasting your time. But that wont happen..." Gabe would say as he started shuffling." You figured out the riddle so quick, must of only took a little speck of your witt. Quite impressed. So lets see if i can impress you this time. "

It was a game, he was playing for his life again, just like he was with unknown, a game he is still playing with her still this day. That dangerous round of Russian roulette. Though, Gabe wasn't going to lose, he couldnt allow himself to. The great game, but when things gets so dire. "Show must go on..." Now then. "Lets get started. Hold this, and remember your card." Gabe would draw a card from the deck and hand it over to Spinx. After Gabe gave him a good while, Gabe took the card back without looking and shuffled. After that, Gabe openly went through the deck in front of spinx. "Just double checking, no sense of foul play here, one of a kind. "

Gabe then shuffled the deck and fanned out five cards on the table. Then Gabe would cut the deck. " It all seems pointless doesnt it, that one thing in your life you come face to face with, and afterwards, it gets lost away with the other things that comes to pass. " , Gabe then simply dealt off six cards. "Form a fist about a waist high, i'll be placing some cards between your fingers." Gabe Placed the first card between his first and second finger. It didnt have to be in tight, but tight enough that it won't fall out Gabe placed the othr cards one by one on top of the chosen card. After all was in place. Gabe would then lightly slap at the cards so they fell through, all of them fell but the card that was shown to Spinx immedately, a card that gabe didnt know he had by the logic of gabe not seeing it.

But it was his soulbound, he knew what it was. " But, it catches up to you, no? But i guess you had enough of my pep talk." Was this really Gabe right now?


strength

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