finalgambit | evocate inbox.

Oh no, it's lucky in another way. You'll see soon enough, I'm sure.

And you're right, the Paragons still loyal to her will be doing that with their Ceremonies. Sadly, there isn't much to be done about that now besides counter with our work.

…mm, alright then.

And what about my cornerstone?

I will work on acquiring it for you. I'll have to locate it and . . . hm, sneak it in, more or less. So it will take a bit of time.

But I promise that I will get it to you.

...mm, alright. [ a bit of time is not specific enough for aventurine, but he supposes he can't rush him, and he's thankful he's going to be getting it at all. he'd like full access to all of his powers, no matter how watered down they'll be. ] Well I appreciate it.

Back to the game? I have a few more questions, like... has everybody been contacted by one of you guys or just us incredibly special folks?

Edited 2025-12-08 20:58 (UTC)

Oh, that one you needn't play for. Only a few have been contacted by paragons, though besides the one I mentioned to you, I've no idea who the others are.

Is there a reason for that? What makes some of us 'special'... [ lucky or, perhaps, unlucky. ]

[he taps the Jack of hearts]

Higher or lower?

No more freebies. [ he laughs, but he gets it. this is all a part of their little game, and he's still happy to play along. ] Lower.

Edited 2025-12-10 21:15 (UTC)

[6 of diamonds]

There is something we have in common - something significant. For us, it's a bit obvious as to what that might be. [he nods down to the cards] But that doesn't necessarily mean it's the only thing.

That doesn't apply to all Paragons, mind you. But for a majority of us, that's how it is.

[ he tilts his head, ...confused. ] Do you mean there's something special about you all that you, in turn, see in us? I was asking about what makes me, for instance, more special than one of the other abducted. I can't imagine we've all been contacted. [ but, mm, that was good to know~ ]

You haven't. I contacted you because it's like I said - we have something in common. And that commonality is significant enough - strong enough - that I chose you.

That's how it makes you "special".

Gambling?

I don't know exactly what it is~. Or do I?

[he chuckles, gathering up the cards]

But for now, I think we've played long enough. Wouldn't want to push your luck, right?

…one last time, for a decisive answer to that question. But we play my game.

[tilts his head]

Ohh? I'm listening.

[ this is all assuming death is not permanent, but even if it is, well, ...he's had a good run. ] A loaded gun, please, with two blanks and one live round.

[a slow smile spreads across his face and with a wave of his hand, the gun appears]

You're free to check it, of course.

[ he does check it and then he gives the barrel a spin. ] If it's a draw, then you can decide whether or not to answer. But if I win you answer the question. If you win, well... is there anything you want from me?

[he makes a thoughtful little noise]

If I have the answer, then I will gladly give it to you if you win.

And . . . hmm. You will owe me a favor, should I win. Fair?

[ aventurine takes the gun and puts it to his own head. ] Of course, but if you don't have it, then I expect the answer if and when you find it. [ he pulls the trigger... and a blank. his smirk broadens as he sets the gun down and slides it toward obverse. ] You have a 50/50 shot. Are you willing to take it?

[there's no hesitation when he picks up the gun and puts it to his own head]

When I find it, it will be yours.

And I am always willing to take the gamble. No reward without the risk, after all.

[he pulls the trigger—]

[the gun goes off, passing right through his temple and ripping it's way out the other side of his head in a spray of blood.

His gun clatters to the floor as he slumps forward, face down on the table. A pool of blood immediately begins to form underneath his head and spreads out, staining the fabric.

He's still smiling, even as his eyes glaze over]

[he's still]

Edited 2025-12-18 21:29 (UTC)

[ he nods and folds his hands in his lap... waiting. he doesn't flinch when the gun inevitably goes off, but instead sits there for another couple of minutes to see if something happens. when a few minutes pass ( and nothing ) he rises to take the gun. a blank shot is still valuable. nobody else has to know. ]

[ as for his friend... well, he takes a seat beside him to wait. it's not like he has anywhere else to be at the moment. ]

[nothing.

The blood on the table spreads, reaching the cards they'd be using earlier and staining the edges of the bottom of the deck. It reaches the edge of the table and begins dripping down and that's the only sound for a good five minutes.

A long five minutes, with only the sound of trickling blood and Gambler's breathing]

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cw: blood and shooting yourself in the head

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