March 10th, 2016; 9:00 pm: Milena Seble
It's arguably true that two individuals with distinctly similar personalities would have many disputes. It also seems reasonable that two fates could collide over the scarily similar games of Texas Hold'em and Poker.
The sound of killing is heard outside the door. Kol sits in a backroom, fingers dancing over a keyboard. His eyes are glued to a bright computer screen, its shiny surface reflecting rapt attention. He's conscious of the sound of footsteps behind him, but makes no indication of that till it stops right behind him and leans forward over his backrest.
"G'day, Princess," he says.
Zahra whacks him on the arm. "Idiot. I don't even know what you're doing here, we're supposed to be outside." There's a pause as Kol's eyes remain fixated on the glowing screen. Zahra peers at it. "What are you doing?"
"Shh," he whispers, glancing down at his keyboard and then up again.
Zahra bristles. "Answer m—"
"Shh."
"In my country—"
"You talk too much so be quiet for a sec, would ya?"
As expected, Zahra is visibly pissed.
Kol turns his head towards her ever-so-slightly, eyes still on the screen, and says, "I have an idea, and it's actually good."
Zahra looks apprehensive. "I doubt it."
"There was always one thing we never figured out, that thing we never told Marty Mort we weren't done with. The death toll. While all of you were outside merry-making I decided to compute them and turn them into...this." Kol closes a few tabs and moves some scraps around, revealing a collage of faces made by no amateur. The death montage. Five faces, five dead to a game of Blackjack. All the result of an Ace's creation.
Carrot Cream Bagels
Dia Monde
Dr. Henry West Jr.
Havarti Fontina
Acantha Embry
"Fancy."
"The way Marty wanted it."
"The one thing we shoved under the rug and you picked it up. Who would've known?" she comments, regrettably sounding a little impressed.
Kol smirks. "I can't think of a comeback," said Ray.
~~~
"Alright guys, what a lovely game of blackjack that was, yes? Well, I hope you guys still have some energy to play my favorite game: Strip Poker."
Zahra swings an arm into Kol's stomach. "What he means is that we're playing a game of—"
"Come on, Z, you know you enjoyed that game we had last Wednesday."
Zahra coughs. "Well we are playing a game of Texas Hold'em," she says.
Kol shrugs. The audience looks on in confusion. "Anyway," he says, placing his palms on the table in front of him. "Two teams: my team, and the losing team."
Zahra scoffs. "You mean my team and your trashy team."
A grin. "Did you not hear me, Z? I think you've gotta get your ears cleaned."
"Just shut up, Kol."
"Anyway, let's pick them." The death montage flashes across the screen behind him. Five faces. He scans the crowd, and so does she.
"Fifteen left, which means seven for me and eight for you?" Zahra suggests.
Kol shakes his head. "You can have eight. You'll need it."
Zahra stares back, offended. "The hell is that supposed to mean?"
"Exactly what you think it does, love. I've beat you before, and at least this time you'll have an advantage so—"
"God so help me I'll—"
"That's settled then. I want the depressed-looking one, the wrinkly old ladies and the pretty boy over there."
"But he's a Clubs and I want the Clubs."
"Nah Z, I'll take the pretty boy and you can have the leftovers."
"What do you even want him for?" she asks in exasperation.
"He's too pretty to be with that ugly one on your team."
"I swear I'm going to kill someone."
"Be patient, Zahra, you'll get to do that later on." Seeing the tomato shade on Zahra's face, Kol smirks. "Red was never your colour, darling, but you can have one of my Spades in exchange."
"Old joke, but fine. I'll take that orange beard guy."
"Sorry, he's mine."
"Whatever. Whoever wins gets the guy. Scissors, paper, stone."
"I win."
Zahra seethes. "I'm taking that serious blonde over there then."
"Fine by me."
They exchange a last hard stare before breaking the gaze and finally acknowledging the presence of their players.
Kol clears his throat. "Once again, welcome to Texas Hold'em. Here's how it go—"
"I don't trust you anymore, Kol, I'm taking it from here." Zahra shoves him back and pushes him into the nearest chair, dusting her hands as she turns back towards the players. "Firstly, get seated round the table. All of you. Presto. Here are your teams..."
THE TASK
Welcome to Zahra and Kol's Poker task! Seems that Ray and Lindsay got a little carried away. Here we'll be playing Zahra's game of specialty—Texas Hold'em. If you're unsure of how to play this, we've prepared an entire chapter dedicated to explaining the ways of Hold'em, as well as linked a video. If you have any questions, please do ask!
Firstly all of you will be split into two teams as follows:
Kol's Team (Team Cinnabun)
Aoife Callahan (Diamonds)
Rafael (Diamonds)
Dawn Everhart (Diamonds)
Milo Periander (Spades)
Addilyn Devella (Spades)
Coraline Keller (Spades)
Ren Cayse (Clubs)
Zahra's Team (Team Cinnamon Roll)
Florence French (Hearts)
Blorange Orange (Hearts)
Sushi Wasabi Salmon (Hearts)
Cupcake Maybelline Sprinkles (Hearts)
Adam Burke (Clubs)
Garson Blake (Clubs)
Valentina Daley (Clubs)
Emma Smith (Spades)
The players from both teams will play a game of Texas Hold'em together, with every player being given a thousand dollars for betting. At any point during the game, the players can fold, also known as a forfeit. However, this comes with a price. Folding means that you will have to come clean about something you've never told anyone, be it the reason you came here or the fact that you murdered someone. Alternatively, you can continue playing, though this increases the risk of something else...
At the end of the River (or fourth and final) Round, one player will be the winner. Every member in the winner's team remains safe. However, the players from the losing team who are still in the game will face death. If you don't fold before a winner is decided, you are at risk of dying if the opposing team wins. If you have decided to fold earlier on, however, you aren't safe yet! To top it all off, the winning team gets to pick one other player (who has folded earlier on in the game) from the losing team to die. If you happen to be picked, so long...
The game can go however you'd like, with as many people from each team living or dying as you see fit. You can fold and own up to something, continue playing, do whatever you like. Your team could either lose or win. Your entry can be the full game, or just a certain section of it. With so many ways this game could go, we want you to unleash your creative juices and have fun mixing and matching!
SLOT MACHINES: Open. In case you missed it, the fee for slot machines has been reduced to 1 point instead of 2!
KILLS: 2 ballots and maximum 5 in-entry. 3 will die, leaving 12 of you to continue.
WORD LIMIT: 2500
DEADLINE: Sunday, May 22nd, 1 PM BST
RANDOM FUN THING: The team that loses fewer members through voting is (unofficially) crowned winner. So get writing! Go Team Cinna— *shuts up*