Chapter Text
“My friend, the game has already begun...”
“Allow me to make you an offer-”
As Aventurine approached Caelus, a golden coin glimmered in his palm, bridging the gap between them to a distance beyond what could be deemed "comfortable." An insidious smirk adorned the IPC’s senior face, a display of triumph akin to that of a haughty peacock, parading its feathers.
Their first encounter, devoid of any external interference, unfolded in such a manner. The golden coin rolled effortlessly in Aventurine's hand, his gaze fixed upon Caelus as if he were a coveted prize placed on the gaming table.
“…one you can't refuse.
No reason to choose otherwise…”
How had that golden coin materialised in Caelus's hand? Like a magician performing sleight of hand, Aventurine effortlessly conjured the stake from his open palms into Caelus's. Clad in black gloves adorned with golden rings and gems, he extended his hand to Caelus in an inviting gesture.
“And no other choice.”
The silver-haired man should have known from the moment he opened the VIP room door to meet with the sight of the expensive fur and golden hair lightly swaying, the IPC senior was sitting there - waiting for him. Waiting for Caelus to approach with a greeting, to engage in clever banter filled with teasing schemes.
Waiting for the Trailblazer to slowly unveil secrets of the ‘real’ Penacony.
Aventurine had waited long enough, and the Trailblazer had journeyed far enough for their paths to intersect once more. As Caelus spun on the roulette table, Aventurine's dice were gradually cast, ricocheting between red, black, and white. His applause reverberated like the pop of a bottle of Stellar champagne, the taste of victory effervescing with froth spilling from the bottle's mouth, sparkling like countless stars cascading into a gleaming glass, clinking and clashing in jubilation. His laughter resonated in the grand hall, drawing Caelus deeper into the vast sea of Penacony's tumultuous world.
Amidst that vast navy sea, Robin's fragile figure had transformed into sea foam, akin to the true ending of the fairy tale of the Little Mermaid. As the scene ended in front of horror eyes, the Dreampool still held traces of its mystical rainbow glow, but now its colors only left vigilance inside Caelus.
One day in and Death had claimed two lives. Caelus knew he could never fully grasp the elaborate words that rendered his mind a cacophony of white noise in the presence of those with expansive vocabularies. Much like March 7th, who recoiled uncomfortably whenever flowery words escaped Dan Heng or Prophet Fu Xuan: "Those who enjoy riddles should get lost!”
Ah, if Dr. Ratio were here, he would surely use his heavy codex to hit Caelus on the head and call him stupid. But Caelus knew he would turn around and scold those others, saying: "Stop it, do you really think this idiot would understand what you're saying?"
Caelus felt extremely pitiful, longing to run back to the crew or anyone familiar and tell them that he was being bullied.
However, the immediate matter at hand demanded his attention, he ruminated silently as he lifted his gaze to meet the slightly imposing yet captivating eyes before him. The alluring multi-colored gemstones adorning the handsome visage possessed the power to ensnare individuals within their depths. The mentioned man arched an eyebrow, awaiting Caelus's response, a hint of a smile gracing his lips.
Aventurine was also one of those who left Caelus with the impression of being "fond of puzzles and drama" from their very first meeting. If described in Dan Heng's words, the IPC's senior would be called "a cunning capitalist". Their initial impression wasn't entirely favourable, even when he deftly transferred a massive amount of credits to initiate their "friendship."
Being himself, Caelus accepted the credit without hesitation, for money was money, after all.
Yet, this did not imply he wouldn't exercise caution. He might be naive in many respects, but he was neither rash nor foolish. Aventurine's repeated utterance of the term "friends" coupled with the chime of his phone notifying him of the transferred sum left the young vessel deeply unsettled, despite his playful banter with Aventurine regarding the considerable sum he had received.
This man has been secretly stalking him, even if it was solely through Miss Black Swan.
Both Himeko and Welt had taught him that stalkers are either perverts or suspicious people. In short, people with no good intentions.
Caelus's hand still remained in Aventurine's, yet his train of thought led him to maintain this stance, rendering him as motionless as a statue, to the extent that Aventurine began to feel a twinge of... remorse.
His friend's face has turned pale.
"My friend? Are you alright? A penny for your thoughts?"
With a slightly playful tone, he employed his other hand to tenderly caress Caelus's fluffy grey locks.
Caelus's tense posture relaxed suddenly at the gesture.
Ah, it seemed this friend took pleasure in receiving affectionate pats on the head. Had he endured too much, thus instilling a profound sense of fear within him?
It was mere speculation, yet Aventurine continued to stroke his head until Caelus freed himself from his tangled thoughts and met his gaze.
His face was sullen as if about to burst into tears, but he remained silent. After a while, Aventurine heard him mutter: "How can I trust you?”
He then pulled Aventurine's hand out of his head.
Understandably so, as Caelus's first impression of the gambler hadn't been entirely favourable, and having been deceived numerous times had left him exhausted. Caelus had never encountered a setting where he felt intellectually bullied to such an extent. Even though Herta criticized him frequently, she did so with honesty - a trait indicative of her character, as she told him. Another instance was Dr. Ratio; despite the doctor's repeated labelling of Caelus as an "idiot," he never exploited the gap in their knowledge or information for personal gain. A true scholar and educator, indeed.
Caelus's smouldering anger at being manipulated had surfaced only a few times prior: first, when Ruan Mei of the Genius Society drugged him during her visit to the Herta Space Station, and second, when Dan Shu attempted to lure him into the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. Both had been forgiven by Caelus in different ways, with one having departed from this world upon fulfilling her purpose.
In comparison to these examples, the distinguished guests of Penacony harboured even more motives and schemes upon setting foot in the Dreamscape under the Family's watchful gaze. The elegant Memory Keeper of the Garden of Recollections. An Emanator hidden under the name of the ‘Galaxy Ranger’ Acheron. Firefly, a young woman who illegally crossed the border to enter the Dreamscape. The Stellaron Hunter known as Sam. The masked woman in the crimson gown, perhaps coming from the same place as Sampo, one of the Tavern's Masked Fools.
And then there was Aventurine, one of the Company's Ten Stone Hearts. The individual who extended an invitation to Caelus to partake in his games, his honeyed words masking the tartness of lemon within the syrup and the pungency of liquor in the aroma. Though the Dreamscape lacked alcoholic drinks, the IPC employee exuded an intoxicating energy that clouded others' minds, with smooth words, a hand decorated in golden charm, and eyes as resplendent as the finest peacock feathers.
"No need to fret, my friend. Doesn't trust always take time to establish and thoroughly consider?"
With a pleased grin, Aventurine pulled out a business card with ease from his furred coat and gave it to Caelus. A name, a few phone numbers, and other contact details across multiple digital platforms were imprinted in golden font on the black card.
"My good friend, here is a business card with my contact details. Speak to your Express's navigator; with her wisdom, she should be able to decide on this partnership for you."
The gambler seemed reasonable in his speech, so the Trailblazer did not refuse his business card. He scowled as he dialled the card's first number, and they were connected within a second. With a sigh of relief, Caelus assumed it was over when Aventurine waved and turned to head out.
After making sure the other person was out of sight, he went back to the Golden Hour, his phone constantly buzzing with incoming messages.
[Aventurine]: Here's a small something for our upcoming partnership.
[Account transferred 100,000 credit points]
Caelus chuckled slyly, half satisfied that he could take the money after being pushed around, the other half feeling the urge to say something to mock or irritate the IPC’s senior. Therefore, he answered:
[Caelus]: That's it? That doesn't seem like much.
[Caelus]: Gimme another 100k, rich boy. Lemme see what you've got.
But soon after sending it, he began to regret acting unethically. He enjoyed those credits for sure, but he felt extremely anxious about credits that just seemed to rain out from the sky—no, from the capitalist—without any tasks given.
"No, no, that guy is more of a villain than me, I'm just regaining my rights!" Caelus pounded his chest with self-assurance.
This is how a Trailblazer's courage must be!-
Ting ting!
[Aventurine]: Oops. I pressed send too early.
[Aventurine]: Here's a little extra just for good luck with this new gig.
[Account transferred 100,000 credit points]
"..."
Caelus recounted the credit points he had, instantly feeling a surge of joy as his inner peace was restored. Despite his apprehension, the arrival of money reassured him, compelling him to accept it.
Simultaneously, a series of frantic messages filled the Astral Express group chat, with March 7th desperately looking for him and Dan Heng volunteering to drop off the Express. There was no signal where he was, despite the crew's best efforts to reach him for hours. The signals resurfaced only when he returned to the hotel lobby, but by that time, Caelus' attention had been entirely taken by Aventurine, and so the boy had forgotten to check his phone.
Caelus finally found genuine peace as he glanced down at the words from his family, which were full of concern, love, and compassion. The little grey racoon's uneasiness subsided.
He reassured everyone that he was fine and quickly headed to gather in the hotel lobby.
…
“Our Caelus is being bullied! We can't just let this slide, can we!?”
“Well, I did gain some benefits so it's not a big deal!”
“That's still not okay!”.
At this point, March 7th was as protective as a mother hen, upset as she listened to the entire story from beginning to end. Himeko and Welt were each on one side, rubbing Caelus on the head and reassuring him, the young lost ‘child’ who had only joined the Astral Express for less than a year but had already encountered plenty of difficulties.
But it was rather overwhelming this time. Since they had split up to explore, none of the team members were there to accompany Caelus, leaving him without guidance. Unbeknownst to them, in just a matter of minutes out of sight, Caelus had stumbled upon the covered peril lurking beneath the Charmony festival. Perhaps even earlier, the moment Aventurine greeted the entire Astral Express crew, Caelus had unwittingly become a pawn in IPC's larger scheme, especially targeted by Aventurine from the company's Strategic Investment Division.
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation in Penacony, they started contemplating strategies for managing the various factions they had encountered and collaborated with.
On the side of the Garden of Recollections, Black Swan received a vote of trust from Himeko.
With The Family being the faction that extended the invitation to Penacony, their motives remained unclear. Despite this ambiguity, coupled with a puzzling invitation from the Watchmaker, both parties retained a degree of trust, especially since the Express's crew was tasked with aiding in resolving the murder cases.
As for Acheron the Galaxy Ranger, whom Aventurine is suspected of targeting, everyone agreed to meet her first and study her before drawing any conclusions.
Finally, Welt advised Caelus to accept the invitation from Aventurine. Regardless of his goals, there is no doubt that he remained the safest faction in relation to the Nameless.
Before breaking into two separate units to investigate two murder cases, the team advised Caelus to stay in his hotel room and recuperate for at least one night.
Although seemingly unwell, Caelus made an effort to convince everyone that he was okay and could still go and collect more information. His explanation, unsurprisingly, failed to persuade the Express's parents and March. As a result, the Trailblazer encountered a more challenging situation.
He couldn't sleep.
Caelus felt mentally drained, unable to find rest despite lying on the comfortable bed for more than 20 minutes per system hour. He meticulously counted each passing minute, observing the clock's hands swinging and listening to the rhythmic tick-tock. The persistent sound of the clock in the quiet night unsettled him, prompting him to sit up, switch on the room's music box, and select a song from the disc list.
The enchanting melody, infused with a touch of vitality, danced on the vinyl record; the singer's melodious voice akin to that of a nightingale in a gilded cage, blending seamlessly with the orchestra's accompaniment. Caelus found himself once more sinking into relaxation upon the soft, warm blanket, shifting and turning a few more times before he bundled up in the thin white sheet, resembling an ice cream roll sold outside.
He was feeling compelled to take action amidst the turmoil that unfolded with two lost souls before his very eyes, as well as the clandestine schemes of those who had entered Penacony. Various echoes of laughter reverberated in his subconscious, intertwining with the music and the bustling sounds of the streets. Firefly's laughter sparkled like a delicate snowflake, imbued with the innocence of her youth. The masked lady, who had impersonated Sampo, teased and expressed her disappointment through giggles as she playfully ensnared Caelus with an illusion of those mischievous velvet fishtails swaying gently in the air. Black Swan and Acheron, though never prone to boisterous laughter, sympathetic gazes fall upon him as Caelus struggles with quickened and painful breaths, their smiles conveying a sense of measured, mature, and comforting understanding.
There's another individual who has never held back his laughter as the Goddess of Victory showered blessings deeply into every golden strand of his hair, sparkling whether in reality or dreams.
Recalling one person to another, Caelus idly scrolled through his contacts, pausing at Aventurine's profile. The presence of a green dot beside the profile picture signified his activity, while the message history showed the recently completed transaction.
Caelus was suddenly struck by the realization that he had been paid over 200 thousand credits by Aventurine. As this sank in, his own weary and uncertain voice echoed in his ears, accompanied by a sudden pang of hunger from his empty belly and restless limbs.
The raccoon desired to alleviate stress by indulging in plentiful food and numerous games instead of resting.
His cravings included Soul Glad beverages, multi-layered Star Gazer cakes, Floatdisc Burgers, and Clockie Pizza.
He's perfectly fine with using up all his Aideen coins on the slot machine, having already collected every Origami bird he could find.
Acting on his thoughts, Caelus swiftly snatched his jacket, preparing to slip out of the room unnoticed. However, just as he moved, a persistent knock on the door caught him off guard. Upon recognizing the voice behind it, his racing heart steadied, though a few green veins appeared on his forehead in irritation.
"Greetings, my friend, are you still up?"
"…"
Speaking of the devil, he had appeared.
As the door swung open to greet Aventurine, a tousled Trailblazer stood before him, with hair unkempt and his clothes wrinkled. However, these imperfections did little to diminish the grey-haired overall charm; if anything, they softened his appearance, lending him a cute and quirky air. Aventurine inwardly nodded in approval, briefly glancing downward before abruptly halting, breaking into a warm and welcoming smile.
Caelus’s off-shoulder shirt slipped down a bit, revealing his neck and collarbone.
"Are you laughing yourself silly?"
"Oh no, not at all, I just happened to be passing by for a visit and I'm quite pleased to see that you’ve seemed to be better. Well… a bit."
Caelus's face wasn't as pale as when they exchanged words in the VIP room where Aventurine recreated the crime scene for them to see Robin's case. But just by glancing at the still unenergetic eyes with the melancholic appearance of the grey-haired person, Aventurine immediately knew that he hadn't slept a wink on the bed.
"But it looks like you still have something on your mind. Poor boy, couldn’t sleep?"
After uttering these words, the grey raccoon standing before him quickly withdrew two meters away. Its golden eyes peered up from beneath its clasped hands, fixating on him as though he were an alien.
"My feelings are hurt, friend."
"Do you possess hidden telepathic powers?"
They both spoke simultaneously, and Aventurine shook his head, replying, "Not at all. I too am unable to find rest, thus seeking some diversion to while away the time."
"Since we've just started collaborating, I was wondering if you'd be interested in taking a stroll together. Perhaps it could tighten our relationship."
Caelus felt surprised once more. Following their less-than-amicable exchange earlier, Aventurine sensed his hesitation. A myriad of thoughts raced through the mind of the grey-haired boy, yet, as always, Caelus's decision was quite straightforward.
Caelus desired an outing to unwind. He yearned to indulge in food and wander through Aideen Amusement Park, seeking anything that might help their mind, filled with a jumble of colourful boxes containing various emotions, to find tranquillity again.
Therefore, he looked at Aventurine's face that reminiscent of a cunning fox, and remarked:
"Your treat."
"Of course," the golden-haired man retorted sarcastically. "Any particular place you have in mind?"
Caelus shook his head wearily. Witnessing Firefly's death had cast a shadow over some places he had planned to visit, imbuing them with a sombre atmosphere. The boy had no desire to even taste the girl's favourite cake roll and had only stopped by the Secret base that she had shared with him earlier in the day. Caelus didn't linger there for too long either, as while the loss of a life saddened him, he was not one to dwell excessively on sorrowful thoughts.
Those who tread upon the path of Trailblaze, the Nameless Guests who live by their titles, are merely Guests and nothing more. Through tears and blood, sweat and smiles passing through, all the tales of civilization they preserved under the quill and memory will shine brightly with a colourful brilliance. Yet, until the final moment, they will hastily depart, no matter how radiant the stories, as it's difficult to hold onto a true Trailblazer's heart.
Caelus will seize the lively night of Penacony to momentarily overshadow all worries. Tomorrow, however, their journey will resume, as the invitation from the Watchmaker unveils an adventurous path for them all.
"You decide," he offered Aventurine the chance to choose. He wasn't familiar with the preferences of the affluent man, but his intuition suggested that Aventurine would present a favourable option for the evening.
Aventurine rested a hand on his chin, tilting his head to gaze beyond the railing, where a floating theatre illuminated the sky, each beam of light pointing towards the North. Towering buildings sparkled with lights and fireworks, casting a distant golden glow over the architecture. Aventurine nibbled on his lip, a luxurious smile graced his face as he suggested:
"I'm a fan of high risk... Have you ever experienced the thrill in the casino?"
(Casino?)
"People often advise against getting involved in games based on luck like gambling."
"Is there really any difference from your gacha games or putting coins into slot machines?"
"At least I stay true to being a f2p and don’t spend real money!" Caelus proudly declared. "While playing at a casino involves real money."
"Fair enough," Aventurine conceded, gently patting Caelus on the head. "I'll just play alone then."
He squinted, fingers tapping on the railing. Caelus heard the clinking of coins in the man’s hand, it seemed like Aventurine had a habit of fidgeting with coins in his free time.
"But you'll be my lucky charm. Let's make it more exciting, shall we? Alright, let's wager on whether I win every game we play this evening."
Caelus considered stopping Aventurine from patting his head, but he found himself oddly comforted by it, so he let the IPC’s senior off the hook for now. "Sure. I doubt you can win every game anyway."
"With a good friend like you as my lucky charm, I might just surprise you."
Aventurine winked playfully at him, earning a teasing tongue from the grey-haired individual.
(Oh, having doubts in me? Well, you'll see.)
"I always have the Goddess's favour on my side."
With this thought, the Stoneheart’s smile momentarily stiffened, but the awkwardness quickly dissipated as the sound of coins falling captured his attention, drawing his gaze back to the palm of his hand.
Caelus keenly observed those fleeting moments, wondering if he had unintentionally touched on an unpleasant topic for Aventurine. Up until now, Aventurine had tailored his gestures and expressions to match those of a seasoned professional gambler in front of Caelus.
Although Caelus felt a sense of accomplishment in momentarily catching glimpses of this side of the gambler, something felt amiss. Being the kind-hearted Trailblazer that he was, Caelus swiftly decided to don his coat once more, took Aventurine's hand, and adopted a warmer demeanour towards the blond man.
This gesture also seemed to win over Aventurine, as Caelus noticed his relaxed expression, showing no resistance as Caelus guided him through the bustling crowd.
"My dear friend, you're suddenly brimming with energy. I'll make sure to provide you with complete entertainment, ensuring tonight will be unforgettable."
He continued his effusive chatter all the way, but Caelus didn't mind. He didn't require those empty words echoing in his ears; he was content as long as Aventurine felt at ease.
Aventurine's mood significantly improved, partly due to the person beside him emitting the comforting scent of a Sunshine bouquet, warmed by the Stellaron hidden within a kind-hearted core. It seemed he had recently showered, and his clothes carried the fresh fragrance of laundry detergent, albeit somewhat feminine. Aventurine couldn't help but speculate that the grey-haired might use the same brand preferred by the pink-haired girl always at his side, or perhaps even the elegant Navigator Himeko.
Though the young man might not place much importance on appearances, he was always surrounded by a large family who closely tended to him, ensuring every strand of hair and speck of dust on Caelus's clothes was attended to, fearful that he might encounter trouble or cause any.
It was truly enviable. Just look at this young man, smiling brightly with rosy cheeks, eyes crinkled alongside his lips as if anticipating a sunrise after the eternal night of Penacony. While his smile next to Aventurine might not be as radiant and natural as when he was with his crewmates, a part of Aventurine felt content. They moved through intersections and crowds, disregarding the gazes directed at them, confidently strolling along a path illuminated by countless flashing lights.
However, Caelus's fiery energy waned quickly upon entering the casino. As Aventurine presented a membership card to the service staff, the two were warmly welcomed with a barrage of flattering smiles and empty compliments.
The casino was bustling with activity, adorned with golden accents on every tile, gleaming walls, intricate columns, and sculptures. The air carried a mixture of smoke and perfume, with women clad in opulent dresses with precious stones and feathers, wrapped in silk embroidered with expensive gold threads. Men, meanwhile, all put on their lustrous suits, bow ties or neckties, and shiny leather shoes as they tread upon marble floors. Cheers erupted for big wins, juxtaposed with the frustration of those losing all their assets.
Caelus stumbled slightly, casting hesitant glances around the establishment renowned for its association with money laundering. His brows furrowed, feeling out of place under the crystal lights illuminating the space.
He doesn't belong here, having neglected the need to tidy himself up before leaving the hotel. Conversely, the lavish, money-scented decor of the casino seems to suit Aventurine perfectly.
Caelus pulled back and clutched Aventurine's sleeve tightly, seeking comfort in the presence of the most familiar figure amidst the overwhelming wealth. Aventurine, almost instinctively, gently strokes the boy’s back, his hand moving rhythmically to drown out the noise and chatter around them. It was a somewhat intimate gesture given their limited interaction, but... when was the last time Caelus truly interacted with anyone for more than a few hours since arriving in Penacony?
It felt surprisingly comforting, reminiscent of how Himeko always rubbed his back.
Allowing Aventurine to remove his expensive furred coat and drape it over Cealus shoulders, letting the coat’s collar to be meticulously adjusted with a pair of black gloves, ensuring the furs on it fit snugly against his exposed collarbone due to the off-shoulder design of his shirt. The gambler led him deeper into the hall, where groups of people gathered, seated on crimson C-shaped benches around green tables, elongated or round depending on the game being played.
"Excuse me, everyone, just passing through, alright?"
Aventurine guided Caelus through the excited crowd, prompting onlookers around the large table to disperse upon noticing Aventurine.
(This person is quite well-known too.)
"Stay close to me, my friend. Does the air conditioning feel suffocating to you?"
Caelus shook his head. He wasn't one to be overwhelmed by a breeze, yet he felt a bit uneasy. However, upon hearing the gambler's words, he silently moved closer to Aventurine for reassurance, one hand holding on to the outer coat collar to prevent it from slipping off his shoulder.
On the round table, numerous brightly coloured chips were stacked in front of them, with red and black swirling in the centre like a giant spiral.
A sudden clap snapped Caelus out of his thoughts, realizing that he had zoned out again. Aventurine was addressing him:
"Come on, Caelus, be my lucky charm today... Even or odd, choose your favourite."
The IPC’s Stoneheart eagerly clutched the chip in his hand, his eyes following the spinning red and black wheel along with the amused whispers of the spectators.
"Odd?"
Caelus blurted it out without much consideration. Not fully understanding the rules, so he chose to watch whether Aventurine would indeed win every game as he had wagered.
But Aventurine's next words widened his eyes.
"All in."
The grand hall reverberated with excitement as Caelus tensed, his eyes fixed on Aventurine's every move. A towering stack of chips was effortlessly pushed into the centre, cascading down like a line of falling dominoes.
Without uttering a word, Aventurine's gaze locked with Caelus's, his smile resembled that of a cunning fox, his bright eyes shining beneath the shadowy glasses that accompanied him everywhere.
Truth be told, those glasses seemed rather futile. Caelus could sense the intensity in Aventurine's eyes as if they were about to pierce through him, a vivid spark igniting between blue and pink orbs.
"Odd, as my friend wished."
Caelus was still processing when the clatter of the roulette ball ceased, replaced by enthusiastic cheers and hearty pats on their shoulders, indicating Aventurine's triumph.
A significant victory indeed. The number of chips on the table had multiplied fourfold from the initial amount, all neatly stacked by Aventurine into a colourful tower on his left hand. Aventurine refrained from boasting, emitting only a few playful chuckles. It appeared as though he had foreseen the outcome long before they even sat down to play, regardless of whether Caelus had chosen odd or even.
Caelus swallowed the stifling lump in his throat, his gaze fixated on the number 7 where the white ball had landed. A friendly pat on the shoulder redirected his focus to today's fortunate gambler.
"Care for a change of game, my friend? If sitting around bores you, I can take you over to the slot machines."
Caelus blinked in confusion: "I thought you'd invite me to play cards."
The slot machine could be found right outside Aideen Park, so it's nothing new. They were in a casino after all, so Caelus never expected Aventurine to go along with his initial idea.
“You're feeling bored, aren't you? Indulging in the game yourself is much more enjoyable, right? I'll teach you the rules of Poker later, but for now, let's pull the lever three times to get your luck flowing, shall we?”
Caelus couldn't discern any slightest flaw from Aventurine in his performance tonight, so he refrained from further comment, simply nodding in agreement.
Sitting for too long could make his hands itchy, and pulling the Slot Machine was the only game he knew how to play.
What followed left everyone astonished as Caelus secured two second prizes and one first prize.
When the number 777 appeared amidst the sound of falling gold coins, the raccoon started to question life himself.
(I wasn’t that lucky when playing at Aideen Park.)
Aventurine was undoubtedly the favoured one here. Caelus wasn't his lucky charm; it was quite the opposite.
It was terrifying!
Facing the incredulous stares directed at him as if he were an abnormal creature, Aventurine could only offer the Trailblazer a few words of consolation, which Caelus would likely brush off: "I don't always win; trust me."
The IPC’s senior triumphs always came at the greatest possible cost. All in, risking everything. Only when he laid everything on the line, whether it was a crucial business deal, encountering a promising potential partner, or merely constrained to dull card games... Mother Gaiathra permitted his luck to conquer all obstacles, especially when faced with life-or-death situations.
When he had told Caelus that he was his lucky charm today, it had merely been a jest to entice the Stellaron boy to accompany him. Injecting a bit of intimacy to smooth their collaboration and justify the daring wagers. And perhaps, if Caelus truly was a lucky charm hanging in the balance of the bet, Aventurine would gladly welcome that change.
Because besides gaining an additional companion, perhaps he also wants a chance of luck supported by the smallest possible price.
And gazing into those gleaming golden eyes, brighter than the stacked coins on the table... isn't that the colour of luck after all?
“Don't be mad, my friend, I'll teach you how to play Poker. Shall we crush the remaining players together?”
He straightened Caelus's coat before guiding him to the table. A Dreamjolt Troupe's Spring Loader had taken over as the game's host, holding a deck of red and black cards. Each person was dealt two cards, as Aventurine coached Caelus attentively, their proximity decreased and they ended up sitting hip-to-hip.
It seemed that no one questioned or minded their close seating arrangement, considering there were women directly sitting on men's laps while watching the game. They were adorned in glamorous makeup and extravagant dresses under the sparkling crystal lights and shiny gold mirrors. Compared to them, Caelus only had Aventurine's fur coat as the expensive item on him, yet he felt comfortable.
Aventurine's instructions were detailed and thorough, solely focused on teaching Caelus how to play without concerning himself with the quality of their hands. His touch was never intrusive, merely offering gentle pats on Caelus's back, akin to how friends would reassure one another. At that moment, the gambler appeared more and more like a close companion.
Gradually, Caelus relaxed and tuned out the surrounding noise; the murmurs and chip sounds on the table became insignificant. He found himself enjoying the experience with a newfound acquaintance, helping him forget many of his worries.
Aventurine bet only a quarter of his chips this time.
"Caelus, Poker isn't solely reliant on luck like Slot Machines," he explained, pointing to the two community cards on the table. When all five cards were revealed, they held 3 Aces and 2 Kings, a beautiful hand of cards set against the green backdrop.
"Look, Caelus. This is a Full House, 3 of a kind."
"Woah!"
Caelus exclaimed as the crowd cheered and congratulated enthusiastically. Having listened to the lecture, he understood that their hand was superior to the others.
This time, the feeling of winning wasn't as distant as before, when Aventurine had only asked him one question and bet everything, seemingly not needing anything else in the world. There were no forced laughs, no traces of challenge in his eyes as he looked down at Caelus, still wearing his tinted glasses.
Aventurine's eyes shone with an unusual brightness as the Trailblazer burst into praise, leaving nothing to hide for him as the glasses were pushed aside, and entrusted to Caelus to hold. Every sharp edge of Aventurine softened as the grey-haired man celebrated their success at the table, laughing alongside the enthusiastic crowd.
Caelus was simply a young man who found joy in others' happiness.
This purity intrigued Aventurine. Not the innocence born of inexperience, but the kind with bright eyes and goodwill towards the world. Caelus was the favorite on the Astral team, Aventurine already noticed this during their initial meeting at the reception table. It was understandable that everyone indulged Caelus to some extent though; his childlike temperament combined with a sense of responsibility was rare, and no one wished for it to change.
(In life, some people naturally draw others closer with their energy.)
"Should I go All-in next round, my friend?" Aventurine asked, nervously clutching a couple of gold chips.
Caelus raised an eyebrow in response, countering with a question: "That's your money, why would you need my permission?"
"You seemed uncomfortable earlier."
"Hmm..."
Caelus was surprised by Aventurine's observation, though not entirely, as he always seemed to see through others and discern their intentions. It was simply part of his profession; Aventurine needed to understand the emotions of customers and partners.
With that being said, Aventurine was much gentler in front of Caelus now, shedding the facade and smoothing out the rough edges. Even if it was just for a few minutes, Caelus was grateful that Aventurine noticed such small details.
"Things were different back then... You seem genuinely happy now, so do as you please."
Aventurine was momentarily speechless at the response. He attempted to adopt the same tone and smile from their first game of Roulette, then erupted into laughter, sounding unusually triumphant.
"All in."
"I'll wager everything and secure the victory just for you."
He declared solemnly, courteously, and respectfully, causing Caelus to blush from head to toe.
The game concluded with a winning number as dazzling as Aventurine himself.
[10, J, Q, K, A hearts]. Royal Flush.
Basking in the admiring gaze of one person, the gambler felt more fulfilled than with any consecutive winning streak, each All-in move on the green table feeling more significant.
_____
As Aventurine escorted Caelus back, exhaustion settled in from their games. Caelus leaned on Aventurine's shoulder, drifting off to sleep as they finished one last card game.
The Stellaron vessel wasn’t on his guard.
That being said, yet Aventurine was confident that with Caelus's combat instincts, just a hint of ill intention and Caelus would spring into action, wielding that silver baseball bat to smash their heads, helping them wake up from the Dream Realm to reality.
On the car ride back to the hotel, Aventurine gently stroked Caelus's head, his sleeve still held tightly by the sleeping figure.
He wondered, was Caelus dreaming within the Dream Realm?
Since stepping into this place, he's been dreaming about many things. Like his sister reaching out to touch his hand and calling him Kakavasha.
Or the days when he fought with 34 other slaves, followed by his redemption through a significant bet.
(But Aventurine himself would not dream. The dreamer was a boy in tattered clothes, with eyes still shining with the light of the sun and sand, following his older sister through the desert bathed in golden light.)
The car gently shook as Aventurine adjusted Caelus into a more comfortable position, quietly observing the young man's peaceful expression. He didn't know what occurred when someone dreamed in the middle of the night inside Penacony’s Dreamscape, nor what tomorrow's hand of cards would reveal.
But for now, he stacked chips of thoughts on new encounters, finding courage in the sincere words exchanged during the seven card games, hoping his hand would tremble less when pushing all in for himself the next day.