Island Serapis

[Sea]

Serapis #39
@Gambit ​

The words from the maid have put his thoughts and his experience beforehand – words and self-reflection would follow suit, but for the maid it would seem that she wasn’t really that interested in his words as her focus seemed mainly on the pot and its contents, though Gambit’s words are loud enough for her to casually listened in. From an outside perspective it would seem like Gambit is merely rambling away his thoughts, but Gambit’s thoughts are however of importance to him. His fate, his destiny seems to be well-connected with Hades. His fears are well-founded. A man whom is seems strong on the outside usually shows a more vulnerable interior. By the time Gambit’s reminiscence and ramblings are done. The maid would have seemed to be not in response to his words, would suddenly spoke – her voice changed, her tone changed from a carefree-like attitude she sported just before into a serious yet calming personality, in fact one may feel ‘coldness’ from her – as if she sported different personalities.

“Not afraid of anything huh?”

“Humans. Always acting strong yet they quietly hide away their fears. Can’t blame them, it is a weakness that they need to hide.”

Fear. No human being, no matter how strong they are, whether the most powerful pirate or marine will always have some form of fear, some form of vulnerability they hide. La Spada, Landayan, Kallavan or even people like Leo or Sasaki – they all hide their fears, their vulnerabilities in some ways. However, whether Gambit would agree to her words is of no relevance nor concern to her. She isn’t here to comfort nor babysit the Prince, but her words would strike Gambit’s exterior, his mind that believed that he knows no fear, as if she read his mind. But that is not true. She has no ability to read his mind like Thanatos did.

“However. Fear is necessary to achieve evolution. Without fear, there is no way to face your fear and seek hope. Without fear, we cannot call the act of walking onwards ‘courage’.”

“Fate! Destiny! Whether you think your life has been set up from start to finish is irrelevant! What is important, is the measure of life! What do you believe in? Little Prince!?”

Once again, a sudden change of tone from the perceived cold yet serious personality into a warm-hearted one, one of more casual and joyful tone. The maid however, not once did she looked into the direction of what seems to be a depressed Prince. She would continue to pour liquid into a measuring cylinder before pouring into the pot, the aroma would subtlety change but it would not be a concern for the Prince as he seemed to be given a counterdrug of sorts to temporarily deal with it. The Prince could continue to reflect upon himself, his fears but he could also work on trying to acquire her identity. Or he could come back later, though by then the maid might be in a different place.

 

[Gambit]

The prince looked back at his past, what he was when in his younger years, and what he feared the most. Landayan is always depicted as one of the strongest men of the era but deep inside, a lonesome wolf howls underneath the moon. The lady before him would try to connect her ideologies about fear as he reflected on them. She spoke about its relevance to one's being and how it pushed them to even mature.

"You're right.", he said.

"It's like my mother always says, I was born weak and will forever be, but embracing the fact and looking forward will push me to be stronger. Acknowledgment of one's weakness is the higher road take. And from there, you will be able to see the tracks you took and rewrite your fate."

Gambit puffed his cigar and now pushed his back against the wall he was leaning at, prompting him to move toward the maid near the olden furnace. And he would continue to reason with her as she spoke about walking onwards courage, fate, destiny, and the measure of life. The latter would force him to narrow his eyes.

"Fear is necessary, I agree. I have evolved from a young man nurtured by fears to a fearless man. And as I abandon my fears, I was able to see the path I wanted to be on."

"For I have become a wolf trailing a pack of wolves. An alpha who braves the seas and dances on the embers of life.", he added as he stared at the flaring coals.

And as the maid has done pouring the last ingredient of the potion or whatever it was she was preparing, he held her shoulders and turn her around. Facing her, Gambit would once again hold her hands. He looked into her eyes with utmost sincerity.

"You seem to value one's life the most, rather than its both ends. I would love to stay here with you but it's about time to find the other two."

The Vampirate Prince would move his head gently forward as he tried to pull her in closer. His lips would slowly kiss the other. "Lachesis, thank you."

Gambit would finally take the form of purple mist, vanishing from the kitchen. And as he went by, his fate or purpose in life suddenly became clearer.

 

[Sea]

Serapis #40
@Gambit ​

The conversation continued as Gambit continue to reminisce his past – but he would soon come to the conclusion that he has evolved past fear. However, he has seemed to mistaken the maid’s words that the eventual conclusion of humanity is to be beyond fear. While fear is an obstacle to overcome, it is not something to be removed – fear is a basic human instinct, a basic emotion about one’s survival in danger. It is what makes someone… a living thing. But for now, Gambit would make his path clearer by seemly abandon a part of his human’s instinct. Regardless of the path he takes, he could find that fear will never necessarily be gone, and soon he may learn of that. Gambit having seemly gotten what he wanted would finally decide take his leave, but not before trying to get intimate with the maid once more, even attempted to try and go for a kiss – sexual harassment at its best.

Gambit would call out that she is Lachesis due to her disposition towards life – but whether that is true would remain to be seen but he would find his flirting tactics not as welcoming as he thought so. ‘Lachesis’ would instead push the Prince’s face away immediately as she quickly slipped out of Gambit’s grasp.

“Now little one, off you go!”

Speaking to Gambit as if a little kid, it is obvious that the maid doesn’t seem to care about romance, or that she simply sees Gambit as a little kid. Which also makes sense, considering if she is truly a Fates, then her age is far beyond any humans could imagine, thus any humans are nothing but mere children in her eyes. With that said, is Gambit that confident in his answers? He would disappear into the mist but where is his next destination?

OOC: Since it takes too long for me to post, just make a short one and I will update it again asap.

 

[Gambit]

The prince confidently foretold who he thought to be the maiden in front of him. He went, seemingly wanted to seal the deal with a kiss. He didn't succeed. A playboy forlife, being rejected in every attempt, but that's how he rolls and will always be.

"Off you go", he heard from Lachesis and so he did.

Gambit took the mist to wander elsewhere. Back in the corridor, he went by, looking around. Past the windows where a garden lied beyond, he would find the same hallway. Left or right, he took the latter.

"Hmm. I should've asked where the other Fates are. Fool me, always getting ahead of myself."

"I really wanted that kiss, she's so endearing.", he continued, aloud. His voice resonated across the hall.

"Everything she said makes sense. But I don't fear anyone nor death. Needless to say, you Hades."

 

[Sea]

Serapis #41
@Gambit ​

The Prince would take retrace his steps back to the previous corridor as it has been an interesting turn of events for the Prince, for this time he seems to have an upper hand in regards to game plan for the second game that Thanatos has set. But perhaps that this seems less of a game about winning and more about discovery for Gambit, so far at least. As Gambit moved towards the other side of the corridor, taking his turn right from where he stood. A further hallway and corridor would extend further. But as Gambit continues to explore around his side of the mansion, he would soon find a variety of doors, each door would seem to be of various kinds but mostly seemed to be storage area – nothing of interest so far that might immediately catch the Prince’s attention, paintings, furniture, tools and such are all kept in such rooms, even some random weaponries are stored around the place. Though given that regardless of how Gambit feels about Thanatos and his mansion, it seems to be treasure trove of artefacts and secrets, all that it requires is perhaps a bit of luck and effort. Are there really treasures hidden in these rooms? No one else seems to have been located.

The great fragrance that emanates from the dinner room starts to become weaker and weaker, as Gambit slowly moves away from the dinning room. Should Gambit continue his journey on this side of the mansion or would he choose to search elsewhere in the mansion? For a mansion, having only the possibility of only 4 people in residence of this room, and that there are still 2 person left in this mansion means the chance of encountering them in this area may not be as high as the Prince might thought so.

 

[Gambit]

Gambit continued to walk the hallway, seeing luxurious decorations after decorations, ornaments after ornaments. The smell coming from the kitchen would soon fade away as he did so. Now back at the center of the foyer, the prince had the option to take the stairs and head to the second level.

He lit a cigar, thinking. The second maid should be upstairs, cleaning the closets or the master's bedroom. I should go there.

And with that, Gambit puffed his cigar and started taking the steps. Would he encounter the second maid there? Or another surprise awaits his journey?

 

[Sea]

Serapis #42
@Gambit ​

The Prince took a stroll, exploring the more ‘kept away’ sections of the mansion from public eye, not so secretive but they definitely have this part of the mansion mainly to store things away from showing the messy side of the mansion. But what secrets and what hidden treasures that the Thanatos has hidden away, Gambit wasn’t interested. He kept true to his objective, to find the Fates. He has seemly found one. But whether or not she is one remains to be seen. But for now, the Prince would leave the section of the hallway and back to the foyer. A cigar is lit, the Prince decided on going the other direction of the second level, having already knew the other direction and what it is. Each steps the Prince took as he walked up the stairs could be heard rather loudly – it is not the fault of the Prince however, no matter how light-footed he is, the general silence of the mansion means even the smallest squeak of noise is amplified.

As Gambit reaches the second level, or in the process of doing so – he would notice green orbs and swirling light started to gather and move in various direction towards every part of the mansion, what is it? Gambit could take a guess but the answer would be obvious. The mansion seems to be getting more active in a sense. The Prince would continue his way – taking the other direction on the second level. On the second level however, the section seems to be built to show comfort – warm red architecture seems more pronounced than the areas which Gambit have explored. And soon, the Prince would find a door-less corridor. Peering into this would show it is not actually door-less but that the door opens inwards – perhaps to account for the smaller hallway. But regardless, what Gambit would see is a large library – though not incredible well-maintained, as despite the large collection of shelved books, there are even more bunch of books laying around the tables. And by the single long table a familiar figure sat, reading a book of sorts.

Sporting black short hair, Gambit would recognize her easily given her early appearance alongside Thanatos before the games.

 

[Gambit]

The Lord of Blacksmiths paved his way to the second level, wandering like a lost traveler in the vast desert. Green orbs started to manifest and lit the way, leading him to move forward. And from there, he reached the library. A figure emerged across the long table.

Gambit stopped for a while, feeling the surrounding. He took a single puff of his cigar, before resuming his catwalk.

"Hmm. It seems I am not alone on this floor after all.", he spoke, addressing the figure he sensed there.

"I am in search of something. Someone."

He took another puff. Acting as if he was trying to search for a random book as he stood in front of a bookshelf situated at the right panel, cascading book after another.

"I am looking for a book called '10 Ways to Mate a Random Woman'. Is there any chance, it's available here?"

What Gambit said might be taken as a jest but for someone who barely talks, it could be offensive. However, the prince wouldn't care less.

"Or something like, 'The Ultimate Way to Kill Hades'", he continued.

What would be the outcome of this event in the library? Did Gambit finally locate the second Fate? Fate knows.

 

[Sea]

Serapis #43
@Gambit ​

The Prince continues to walk, eventually finding his way into the library. He would continue to take a puff from his lit cigar, before he finally spoke – addressing to the other person that he found, a maid that he had recognised from before. But his words would seem to fall upon deaf ears that the maid did not seem to respond to Gambit’s comment at all, not even once looking upon his way. As Gambit continues to speak, looking from someone, something to looking for books with strange titles – yet the maid continues to uninterestedly continues what she has been doing the whole thing, reading a book. And then, she finally spoke.

“The romance section is at the back of the library to the left. Mythology section is just on your right.”

A cold tone – one in which she sounded as if she is being bothered by the fact that Gambit came into the library. But regardless, she would at least be revealed to be a librarian, or at least takes care of the library to a large extent, considering she knew where are the sections of the books. More importantly, a book to kill Hades? Does that truly exist? A book that mates with strangers? Is this how romance works?! Yet no matter, Gambit would find from her tone that he isn’t really welcomed. Perhaps with enough luck, more information on Hades would be useful for him – considering that perhaps such a book exists. But before Gambit would continue his next step – the maid would speak in yet another cold tone, sharp and straight to the point.

“Put out your cigar. The ashtray is on the table.”

Sure enough. There is indeed an ashtray right in front of Gambit, just by the edge away from the maid. With a literal wealth of information right in his doorstep, what would Gambit choose to do? Although she seems very particular about the cigar being safely put out, it is something of a common sense after all. For fires in a library would be disastrous.

 

[Gambit]

The prince pressed his feet toward the library and from there, a maiden was attending. He talked strangely while puffing his cigar like a belching vehicle. Pretending he's looking for some books while continuously talking nonsense, the maid finally broke her silence.

"Romance section. I changed my mind. I am more interested in determining one's existence in this world. Perhaps there's a book about that?"

Gambit heard the maid's assertion about his cigarette, something he would obey sooner but one more long puff. Afterward, he headed to the table where the ashtray was in. Magically, Gambit did not notice this when he came in.

"You ladies have distaste about my cigar.", referring to the first encounter back in the kitchen. He patted the excess ash at the end of his cigar, grinding it totally into the tray.

Once done, he approached the woman as he sat at the table, then stared at her endlessly. Smiling, he said, "the other girl says she's prettier than you."

"I would like to reject that notion."

 

[Sea]

Serapis #44
@Gambit ​

The Prince would continue to make a nuisance to the maid as he quickly changes his mind into a different genre of books, he would notice the random appearance of the ashtray – something that the Prince seemed to have noticed despite never noticing it as he entered it. Did his attention to detail failed him for a moment? Regardless his quick thoughts seem to have grant him some form of clarity that ‘strangeness’ is happening, in senses when he would not have paid attention to perhaps? But whether the Prince himself would eventually notice this or not remains to be seen. Regardless of this minor detail, the Gambit continues to talk, this time trying to rile the maiden up. Sitting down onto the table, before he would eventually pat the remains of his cigar – the library is no longer in threat of getting burn down thanks to the possibility of carelessness. The Prince quickly attempted to both insult her and flirt with her at the same time – yet his words did not seem get through the maid whom continues to ignore the man in front of her, only attempting to focused on her book. At this point the Prince would have to eventually catch on to the fact that he might not be as charming of a person as he thought to be. Finally, as the Prince continues to smile and stare, the maid would finally spoke without turning her eyes to meet Gambit’s – like she did before, maintaining a cold demeanour towards him.

“The book on your right, the top stack.”

Sure enough, if Gambit were to actually turn his attention to the stack of books on his left, the book right before his eyes would be what he is looking for, titled ‘Existential Crisis: A Life's Worth’. A sheer coincidence? It’s as if the book is left on purpose in regards to where Gambit would eventually find it, though that would mean that Gambit sitting on that very specific part of the table is already known beforehand. It is as if Fate and Destiny itself is mocking the Prince. That said, like the maiden before her, he would find this particular maid to be even less willing to initiate any form of conversation, continuing to be cold towards the Prince. But considering her tone towards the Prince, he might not have much time before she would attempt to drive him out of the library. After all, the library etiquette would tell you to be quiet when in the library, and the Prince isn’t keeping those etiquette like a noble would.

 

[Gambit]

Gambit still flirts with the maiden. She's like the space our worlds float into. Cold but full of wonder. The prince was amazed. He pouted his lips before flicking them, smiled, and quickly raised and rest his eyebrows. He validated her response about the book.

"The book on my right. Top rack."

And the prince just did go in that corner. There was a pile of books in that panel and to his wonder, the book he was looking for emerged right before his eyes. He got to think, How could this be possible? What is going on here?

He had to verify this series of magical coincidences. As he held onto the book entitled ‘Existential Crisis: A Life's Worth’ and quickly ran the pages, he would find some interesting facts about human existence. He read an excerpt.

“Count your blessings. Once you realize how valuable you are and how much you have going for you, the smiles will return, the sun will break out, the music will play, and you will finally be able to move forward with the life that God intended for you with grace, strength, courage, and confidence.”

He chuckled at the fact that God was mentioned in the book. A person like Gambit who detested the gods because of their attempt to interfere with their own will. The fact they always destroy the world because of their jealousy of the mortality of men. Humankind for the prince is the most valuable piece of the world, yet he also considers this as the most insignificant. Humans are both expendable and valuable. And that's the balance that has to be restored in his own opinion.

"Hahaha. That's rich. Grace? Courage? Confidence? Non-sense!"

"I wasn't born with such grace. My parents dropped dead before they could even hold me, dear, for the first time."

"Confidence and Courage? I grew up fearing most of the things in front of me. But I decided to face all of that and became the fear itself."

"Strength? I was gifted with such talent. In fact--"

Gambit looked back into his past once more and remembered how he overheard the conversation between General Magiting and King Sapiro of Hiraya.

Magiting: "My King, the prince won't learn the way our finest warriors quickly learned how to wield weapons. Could it perhaps be because of the lack of nourishment he should have received from his mother's grace?"

King Sapiro: "I don't think so, my friend. People vary in terms of natural talent. If he's weak physically, then we will push him further to unleash whatever extent of power he could muster. If he's of an average fighter, then we will equip him with something else to be relevant."

Magiting: "His body won't respond to the tests My Lord. He gets exhausted quite easily, he nearly fainted when he tried to run 1000 meters. The average kid would survive tens of thousands of meters. That's how people in our kingdom are built."

Magiting: "And he's very coward. He couldn't be a warrior."

King Sapiro: "Was it a mistake keeping him alive? Saving him from those beasts in the forest?"

Magiting: "I will talk to the Royal Blacksmith."

King Sapiro: "Aragorn?"

Magiting: "He might have an answer to this."

Since then, the young prince stopped training with the army. In lieu, he became a student of the Kingdom's 12th Royal Blacksmith. Aragorn of the Mighty Forge. There, he learned new things, gained wisdom, and excelled at something he naturally has. He learned by virtue of Science and Philosophy how to attack things and conquer them. Though hard, he persevered.

"I will gods for I believe that humans are the ones to control their life. Not Hades, not even Zeus, nor anyone these pirates worship. It's about time we sent them to their own doom."

"Has it been written how they'd die in our hands? Tell me."

"And if I burn this library right now, what are the chances that both of us would survive? Will you eventually fall in love with me?"

Those were Gambit's words after reminiscing his dreaded past. What would be the turn of events after the maiden heard all that? Mocking the gods and all. Gambit for what it's worth, has always been true to his words.

 

[Sea]

Serapis #45
@Gambit ​

Gambit’s bewilderment at the coincidence of the book he so desired to be just beside him essentially. The Prince would actually bother to read the book – using the knowledge of the book to enrich himself, or at the very least answers his question. Words would continue to pour out of Gambit’s mouth, continuously making comments about the ridiculousness of the book’s content. Once again not showing etiquette for someone that considers himself to be a Prince. But regardless, it seems to be tolerated enough for the librarian to continue ignoring the Prince, leaving the man to reminiscence further on his life teachings.

After a few short moments, as Gambit finishes his reminiscence, he would comment further on fate and destiny, but unlike the other maid – she offers no insight to it despite the question very obviously posed to her. Yet her reactions did not change – for only when Gambit started his final sentence the librarian’s demeanour changed completely, not even allowing Gambit to as far as to finish his own sentence.

“And if I burn this library right now, what are the chances that both --”

Gambit’s words would stop – not because he would be interrupted, but the Prince would find a primal force beyond him would prevent him from doing so – his mouth would not move. As if time has stopped, the librarian, dressed much like a maid would looked dead into the eyes of the Prince. In a split second, the maid could be seen close to him, a scissors raised up into his neck – a speed seemly unfathomably fast. His body would completely freeze up – as if someone thrown him into a frozen hell. Gambit may be fearless but he himself may not have truly stared into Death. After all, he is still alive. The primal instinct of all living beings that no matter how fearless one may be, or pretend to be – in the face of possible Death, Gambit would not be able to move – even if he would try and find the courage to move, he would find his body unresponsive, as if his body is ‘already dead’. Her eyes, completely black, with no iris to show even a possibility of a humanizing factor in her facial expression. Her words would finally respond, dead cold – even her breath emanates cold yet she managed to spoke with formality. She would gently open up the scissors she wields, slowly as she starts to threaten the Prince.

“Be careful with your words. Prince of Hiraya. I would advise that you act your age and around your social environment.”

Words are spoken, and whether or not the Prince would take it to heart would not matter to the librarian, she would back off from the man before her as she twirls her scissors before slinging back onto her maid apron pocket as she picks up her book once more. From there, Gambit would find his body warmed up, as his body became almost immediately responsive, movement resumes should Gambit attempt to move. A very dangerous situation to be in, but it would be likely that the Prince have purposefully provoked her into a reaction, even if it were meant a bluff – the librarian shows dead seriousness to his words.

Spoiler

OOC: Since this is something more controlling of your character, making this post would constitute a rule break - But I do want to enact something like this for this particular game in general. So I hope you don't mind me doing this for a bit for this round.

 

[Gambit]

The Prince of Hiraya continued to play around inside the library. Having read an excerpt from the book he sought, he ridiculed the very substance of it. But all of that was a facade for what was written there further ignited the long-lasting ember of his dreaded life. It allowed him to travel back in time when he was still learning in the kingdom's luxurious yet treacherous accommodation. A past he detests the most for it was the reason why everything changed in him. In the midst of it all, he couldn't wrap up what he intended to do for the maid who knows a lot about life's worth, existence, and fate, suddenly drew herself behind him, taking him into a near-death phenomenon; a dimension where he felt death for the second time around.

He thought This is the same feeling when I ate my devil fruit. I died the moment I devoured it and became Undead. Did she finish me off? How? What is happening?

Gambit continued to experience such mystery inside this mansion and these experiences kept on taking him back to his life. It is as if, these moments, the ones he tried to rest beneath the pit holes are rolling back in purpose. Like they are trying to remind him of what he truly was. Of what he never really is.

Indeed, Landayan Morrow has not been acting like he once was of noble stature. When he became a famed assassin on Poker Island, the island he discovered after being cast away from Hiraya, it transformed him into a blood-hunting criminal, paid by the brokers and mafia family to clean whatever threat was imposed on them. He never failed to kill but his beginnings were like just anybody else. Until.

BRIEF FLASHBACK
Written in Merveille

"This man is dirty!"
"He would do everything to win, regardless of the situation."
"For just a small amount of money, he would kill?"
"He is slowly rising as one of the famed assassins of the underworld."
"The suppliers love him."
"That's right! Right now, he is also becoming a force in gambling."
"That man has a sleight of hand! I know he's hiding cards, underneath that suit!"
"But you can't prove it!"
"We can't kill him!"
"Why?"
"He's got the NBA superstars backing. And on top of that. He's got KG on his back. You wouldn't dare to fight the Big Ticket right?"
"And the Illuminati?"
"Kobe, Lebron, Kidd."
"He's like a Robinhood of the poor. Built an orphanage alongside Kobe to launder their money..."
"How did he do that?"
"An offer they couldn't refuse..."
"Who is he again?"
"Nobody knows where the hell did he come from... But know this... You touch him, you touch everything supporting him."
"An informant talked to me, they call him, The Gambit. Lord of Assassins!"

The Gambit and the Lord of Assassins back in the North Blue started off as an assassin when a member of the Underworld recognized his presence and offered him this job. Since then, his name rang across the sea, and his actions came to fame. He would leave a distinct image of his fatality - a metal poker card ingrained into the flesh of his assignment. He would become a VIP in every casino, fighting rings, domes, and even nightclub. When he played poker, he always won, taking away all the table chips and every high-end lady. Every night, this had been the cycle of his life. Until he desired to go big. "I want to sail the seas... I want to build an empire of my own... So rich and strong that the land I came from would look just a minuscule fragment of my abundance..."
END OF FLASHBACK

A nobility has long gone. Infamy was born in blade and gun. Eventually, he sought the seas and drew the card of the reaper. He blended well in the house of the criminals. And just like what he did back in Poker City, he quickly rose to the ranks and eventually became the Lord of all Vampirates. He didn't need the touch of a humble prince nor the delicacy of being next to the throne, he made a throne for himself where everybody could be equal regardless of their ranks.

Is this what his life is made of? Is this his destiny? In all honesty, he himself does not know it yet. And if the will of the Gods is to turn him into a substance of balance, what does it have to do to him? And why him?

As this all came crashing back, the maid still held onto her blade against the prince's neck. He finally responded, "Do it! But I know you're going to. That of course if what Thanatos said about myself is true. I can't die here with you. And you know that of all people, don't you."

After he reasoned that, the maid recalled her disgust toward the prince and reverted to her prior activity.

"What you do in life echoes in all eternity."

"That's one of the few things I can still recall from that Kingdom you called me a prince of."

"After all, it appears I am on my way to that eternity."

Gambit retraced his steps back to the entrance of the library before he stopped. He then stared back at the maiden who at this point, he knew who she is. And what her role is. She's unturnable. True to her metaphor she has always been. he mumbled before heading straight back to the corridor.

 

[Sea]

Serapis #46
@Gambit ​

Perhaps getting more than what he hoped for, the Prince started to reflect upon himself, nobility and infamy. What did Gambit desire more? His reminiscence would seem to only tried for a certain point of middle ground somewhere. But this did not matter to the maid, for he is not a companion of the Prince, only that his attempt to try and antagonize her succeeded, but perhaps puts him into a near-death situation, further making it much more dangerous to play with Death generally speaking. The Prince have concluded his analysis of her, seeing her reaction and powers seems to allow him to conclude her identity as he decided that his time in the library is done for now. Regardless of which, his parting words seem to have little effect on her, just as with the other maid before. Neither of them is truly interested in Gambit, only to work on what they have always been doing – their own activities as they seem to be more contend being left alone.

Gambit left the library, turning straight into the corridor, a sudden whisk of wind would blow towards the back of his neck, which if prompted by it to turn around, he would find the door magically closed. Any attempt to open the door would be met with futility. But as Gambit seems to have gathered what he wants, based on what Thanatos mentioned – should he have concluded on their identities, he would know the identity of the missing one, that he no longer is required to locate the third maid based on his own conclusions. That is of course, if Gambit is confident in his own answers – for the third Fate is still somewhere in the mansion. Regardless of his actions, Gambit has all the time in the world, presumably – to get his answers.

 

[Gambit]

Gambit left the librarian, a cold one. A surreal temperament of death itself. But before he ventured into the corridor, he concluded who she represents in the trio of Fates - Atropos, the inflexible of all. Conjuncting his initial conclusion of the first one he deemed to be the Apportioner, Lachesis, the prince would conclude that the missing piece of the puzzle would be the spinner of life, Clotho. And just as soon as he found resolve as he walked the lobby, a sinister wind blew past his back, prompting him to turn around. A mysterious door would abruptly shut.

"?!!"

"I see, another trick from the hands of fates."

"I know somebody is in there. Reveal yourself."

He said, inviting the guest if there really was someone lurking around. Waiting for the next turn of events, Gambit drew another cigar. He lit it and extended his awareness across the hall.

 

[Sea]

Serapis #47
@Gambit ​

Returning into corridor, the sudden changes to the wind has create a concerning situation for Gambit, though the library door closed shut with no way to open it – Gambit should have settled what he needed from the library thus it is inconsequential of not being able to get back into the library. At least for the time being it will likely stay that way. Gambit however feels like something is following him or at least around him, prompting him to conclude a trickery of the Fates. Mantra is even used, though he would definitely felt presence around – yet those are weak. Souls. As you may recall, live in Serapis after all.

Serapis being in the land of the dead of sorts also lends credence to these cold dreaded wind that Gambit sometimes would feel. Some play tricks, some are murderous. Luckily for Gambit, these souls are nothing more than pranksters at best. Though it is unlikely a soul of these level of ‘presence’ is capable of anything more than simple pranks. The ability to downright prevent a door to be open by someone as powerful as Gambit is unlikely to be something of a mere soul could do. Yet no matter how he tries to sense them, he could not sense what seems the Fates and Thanatos in general. Whether because they have power beyond humanity or a trick in Serapis is unknown. But for now Gambit would find no other presences near him. Seconds pass, then minutes pass. Nothing happened. Is this a trick pulled by someone? Or did Gambit really got spooked by the land of the dead? Feelings. Instincts. The man is honed in any form of circumstances, and it has shown that even the little things would put him into a cautious state of mind – a mind-set worthy of an Assassin.

 

[Gambit]

Gambit continued to stand still in the corridor, feeling the surroundings. Cold and old they were. Odd and bold they dared. Unsettling, he would finally decide to cross the hallway, walking fast as if he's in a hurry. And then he would eventually run passing through the stairs and down to the base he would be, at least what intended to be.

On the ground level, he would continue to puff his cigar, steadily placed between his lips. And from the same location underneath the grand chandelier, he would try to pass the same door he entered after receiving the instructions for the second game.

Regardless if it's close or not, Gambit would resort to something else he did when leaving the kitchen in order to pass a shut portal. From his human form, he would take the form of purple mist, locating even the slightest of holes or passage in order to sneak out. And like a fog, he would vanish and re-emerge to the other side.

The prince was seemingly being lured to an elaborate attempt of assassinating him. Indeed, a defining moment to unravel the mystery in the land of dim. Is this a foolish action to enter the realm of grim? Or is this the only path to conquer that ultimate dream?

Spoiler: Technique Used

Dark World: Gambit can summon a dark mist that shrouds him and the battlefield for a few turns by combining his natural misting ability with Navigation. He can see through this mist using echolocation, but his opponent cannot, normally. Also gives him access to places that are hard to secure or reach.
- Unranked, requires 61 Mastery, 61 Navigation

 

[Sea]

Serapis #48
@Gambit ​

Unsettled by the changes of a quiet mansion – the activity of the mansion has dramatically risen – not to the point of bustling with… life per se. But the effects of the souls now moving around the mansion has unsettled Gambit, becoming less comfortable with the idea of exploring the mansion comfortably alone. Such is the dreaded atmosphere of the land of the dead. Putting one at unease is a common thing in such places. It’s like taking a walk in a haunted cemetery in the middle of the night alone. Yet the belief that the Prince held onto has forced him to head to the first level and back to an area of perceived safety – the kitchen area.

Transforming himself into a purple mist – the Prince seeks to head back to the kitchen regardless of whether or not he could open the door. He would find his objective however to be easily achieved. For the Prince would find himself back into the dining area, but this time the kitchen is no longer emanating any form of aroma. No sounds of boiling water. Quiet. Perhaps the maid before has left the area, cleaning up the place. Silence took place around the dining room, the Prince is the only one around.

 

[Gambit]

The prince, seemingly vexed inside the mansion tried to get back to where he played the Rocks Papers Scissors with Thanatos and the Ghost. However, when he used his mist form to get past the door, he was fazed to re-emerge in the kitchen, an area he didn't plan himself to be at.

"What?!", he said after setting feet in this same room he left Lachesis at.

This is not the room I expected myself to be in.

Did the mansion shapeshift once more and shuffled all the rooms?, he continued thinking, looking around. No one else was there nor the scent that made him hallucinate earlier. What sorcery is this?!

A little concerned, he resorted to puffing his cigar, magically alive even after turning into a purple mist. He tilted his head to the side and his eyes followed as if he was trying to talk to someone or to something.

"Thanatos, I know you're listening. What's next? I already identified who the two Fates are. It's natural for me to guess who the third one would be."

"If nobody will show up in a minute or two, I will blow this entire mansion up. I don't need your scythe to conquer this realm."

"For I, The Prince of Hiraya. Lord of all Royal Blacksmiths has figured a way to defeat your Lord Hades!!!"

Gambit drew a rod from his right holster. Then, he swung it across the ground only to change its length to about 2 meters. What is he going to do? Will he really blow this place up? How?