The Blade's Edge (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders x Male O/C)

Chapter 36: Finding the Gambler's Breaking Point

Raymond POV

"Now then, what shall we play?"

I sat back down at the table as D'Arby got to his feet before joining me. He eyed me sceptically before asking "Do you have a preference? You know what I'd suggest." I thought for a moment before nodding.

"Very well, poker it is. However I should warn you. I'd also like to put my own 'edge' on the game." This caused D'Arby to raise an eyebrow and ask "What did you have in mind?"

I said "Just a spin on the rules, something to ensure you don't try to cheat me. Jotaro, come over here please." I gestured Jotaro closer before saying summon your Star Platinum but don't attack."

Turning back to D'Arby I asked "Are you left or right handed?" D'Arby paused for a moment before raising his right hand in the air. I said "Alright, place your left hand on the table like this."

I pressed my own left hand with my fingers splayed out. Seems my rules were confusing D'Arby as he asked "What is the point of this?" 

Jotaro called forth Star Platinum as I called Ace of Swords. I had my Stand summon a knife which I handed to Star Platinum. As long as another Stand held the knife, it wouldn't vanish. Jotaro did ask "What are you doing?"

Growing annoyed with the questions, I sighed. "We shall be playing poker, but as this game goes on, I want you to stab this knife in between our fingers. Y'know that little game, try and not hit our fingers? After each round, go faster. And faster."

This reveal clearly shocked D'Arby as he stammered "W-what? You want to threaten me? It's clear Jotaro will just favour you with this!" I spoke "He won't, because if he does I will admit defeat and just like that, you've got another soul for your collection."

Leaning forward, it seemed he still hadn't bought the idea. He asked "And why would you even suggest this then? Seems like you don't gain much from it." At this, my expression changed, it looked almost maddened as I said. 

"Quite the contrary, there is plenty of room for injury from this. Let's see how well you play, how well you CHEAT, when your hand is on the line."

D'Arby thought this over for a moment, I half expected him to deny it. But I knew better, I knew D'Arby. He wouldn't resist the chance to gain a new soul. He was fully confident he could still win. That was his mistake! 

And sure enough he said. "The terms are fair. I accept your challenge Gladius. But it will take more than a cheap trick to scare me." We seemed ready to start, however there was one last thing.

I scowled, I knew his plan. But if I wanted him to agree, I had to give him the illusion that he was in control. I ended up agreeing. "Fine, but at the first suspicion of cheating, there will be consequences and we'll find another to deal for us. I should warn you, between Jotaro's Star Platinum and my own perception, you won't find it so easy to cheat."

At this D'Arby seemed anxious, but he kept calm. Instead he said "Deal. Sounds good to me. Now then are there any more interruptions? More last minute rules you want to add?" I pointed "Get out a new deck. I don't want one you may have tampered with."

D'Arby just said "Done." And pulled a new deck out of his pocket, seal and everything. I even handed the deck to Jotaro to inspect. One Joker card, all seemed normal. I shuffled and cut it before placing it back down in front of me.

We each picked a card from the top to decide who would deal. D'Arby held his card, announcing "Ten of hearts!" I looked at what I'd got and narrowed my eyes before showing it and saying "Five of spades."

D'Arby said "Then I'll deal." I nodded saying "Very well." I studied his movements, one for me, one for him. He didn't last long though as Jotaro got my attention. I turned to him and he gave a simple nod. I knew exactly what he meant and didn't even give D'Arby a chance to make an excuse.