I can’t believe it. After hosting this poker game for the last 85 years, it’s finally coming to an end tonight. Looking down at the poker table, cards lined the table. I would be the dealer for this game, which I didn’t mind because it was my usual role.
Usually, it would just be me and my childhood friends. But my last living friend died last week. Oh, the precious memories we all shared here. I remember them all like it was yesterday. But alas this last game will be held with all new faces. Then the room will never be touched again, and it will collect dust until I too meet my end.
Walking over to the bar, and I started to look over to the drinks and ingredients. I’d given up drinking years ago, but my friends insisted that I be the maker of the drinks. Afterall four people RSVP’d, I would be a terrible host if I didn’t have enough options for my guest. The under the counter dishwasher chimed and the glasses were cleaned. I grabbed a towel and started to clean the cups. When I finished the last cup the doorbell chimed, the first guest was here.
Walking upstairs, on the other side was a man and a woman. The man had a nicely trimmed beard and long flowing jet-black hair. He wore a black cloak with gold trim around the outer edges. There was a distinct dark presence to him, that sent a shiver down my spine as I looked at him. Next to the man was a woman with long jet-black hair. She wore a multi-colored flowy dress and flowy top that didn’t cover her midriff, leaving her belly button exposed “Hello, Odysseus, thanks for having us over.” The man in the cloak said extending his hand to shake mine.
“I am so excited to play I haven’t played poker in centuries!” the woman said clapping her hands and bouncing in place.
“Thank you so much for coming, this is my first-time hosting for people that are not my friends so please speak up if you need anything.” I said. Great. I can’t believe my last game would be with a bunch of weirdos. Haven’t played in centuries? They must be doing some dumb role-play. Wait…How did he know my name?
“Oh, this is no role-play Odysseus, we are eternal beings. Also, I simply looked at your memories to find your name” the man in the cloak said.
The women slapped the man on the arm, “Toshihiro, its rude to enter a person’s mind without them knowing. I do it all the time but at least I don’t tell them.” the women flicked her hair from her shoulders and continued. “I apologize we should have introduced ourselves, my name is Naomi, the Spirit Monarch. This gentleman is Toshihiro he is the Shadow Monarch.”
Toshihiro nudged Naomi. “It’s his first-time meeting anyone divine, its better we are up front with these kinds of things. We don’t want to accidently smite him for not reason.” Toshihiro said as they both laughed, “Now Odysseus, can you take us to the poker table.”
It was pretty clear these people were not ordinary guest so I better be very respectful, or I might join my buddies in the grave sooner than I thought.
Downstairs in the basement, each guests took a seat across from each one another across the table. I walked over to the bar. “Can I get either of you anything to drink?”
“I’ll take a Manhattan,” Naomi said, she opened her palm and there were two red and blue spirits doing the waltz in her hand.
“I’ll take a water, thank you. Also, don’t worry we won’t smite you; we’ve come to have fun tonight. Just treat us as you would any other guest.” Toshihiro said.
Handing each of them their drink, there was another ring at the doorbell. Making sure my guest was taken care of for the moment, I went back upstairs to answer the door.
Opening the door, there was a young man standing in front of the door with both hands in his pockets. “Hey what’s up kid. Are you the host of the poker game tonight?” The young man said. His hair was trimmed with a fade on each side, his face was bear with no sign of facial hair. He was wearing a t-shirt, black jeans and black combat boots. But he looked slightly annoyed that he was here.
Although a bit rude, I’m glad this one is normal. “Yes, sir, right this way. Although you look to be a bit young to be calling me a kid.” I laughed, I extended my hand to shake his, “My name is Odysseus, what is your name.”
“My name is Kevin, also I could be old enough to be your ancestor.” he said, Delusional but aren’t we all at his young age. As we made our way to the basement, I could hear Toshihiro and Naomi talking. It sounded like they were bickering, but it was in an unfamiliar language, so I couldn’t understand what they were saying.
“You two should reframe from speaking Latin in front of the younger generation. They consider it a dead language.” Kevin said walking in.
They both turned towards our direction as we entered the room. “Look who it is! The newest monarch on the block.” Naomi said clapping her hands and bouncing in her seat.
“Ah there’s my boy, I’m so glad the Monarch of Sorcery was able to find time for us in his busy schedule.” Toshihiro said, patting the seat next to him. Lovely, he is actually far from normal.
“Believe me dad I would rather be anywhere else, but Ivar insists I spend more time with my father. Speaking of which can we hurry this along I need to get back to my castle. Me and Ivar are working on a new set of spells that will change the entire transportation industry.” Kevin said, taking his seat.
Before I could ask Kevin what he wanted to drink, I heard the doorbell ring again. “Make yourself comfortable, Kevin. I will grab you a drink after I answer the door.” I said, walking back upstairs to answer the door.
Opening the door, there was a man that towered over me. He wore a black suit with red outline on the coats trim. His red tie shined bright against his black shirt. His hair was blood crimson red and it flowed down his back. The red of his hair starkly contrasted his pale skin. When our eyes meant I could see the two tiny black holes trapped inside his head, it felt as though the two red circles surrounding his pupils were pulling me closer. “Mortal, is this where the poker game is being held.” The man voice boomed with authority, causing the hairs to stand up on my neck.
“Uh… let me guess, another monarch? I said no longer phased by the oddities of my guest.
“That’s correct!” the man, smirked “You’re a fascinating mortal it usually takes your kind some time to process my presence. But that’s enough chit chat take me to the game, Odysseus” The man said.
As we reached the basement Kevin was the first to turn to see us walk in. His face somehow soured even more, and he shot up and pointed at the man behind me “What is he doing here!”
“Ah Kevin, what a pleasant surprise. Mother, Toshihiro it's good to see you both as well.” The man said taking a seat next to Naomi.
“Valentin I am so glad you made it; don’t mind my son he has spent too much time with mortals, so he still grieves for the dead.” Toshihiro said. Then his eyes narrowed “But I will have no fighting today we are guests in this man’s home. You both will behave, isn’t that right.”
Kevin slowly sat back down in his seat not taking his eyes off Valentin “Yes sir.” He said.
“Isn’t this lovely to have both the Monarch of Sorcery and Monarch of Sovereignty in the same room not trying to kill each other! This was a great idea to invite them both Tosh…whoops I said to much ha-ha” Naomi laughed.
I’m glad this is the last game I’m hosting. I can only hope they don’t start a supernatural brawl in my basement.
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