Post by Flip Fortuna on Jan 12, 2023 23:19:50 GMT -5
Thread PL: 20,000. Currently 500 due to Poker Face.
The night was young, the music echoed around the place, and both liquor and money flowed like water. It was another bustling evening in the Midas Lounge, and Flip Fortuna couldn't be happier. The man was in an especially good mood as of late. Business had been booming and hotel's owner felt like celebrating.
And it wasn't just his casino that had been doing so well as of late. Though he kept these ventures hidden, Flip was also in charge of a rather sizable protection racket, and the businesses under his protection had been doing pretty well as well. And that, of course, meant more money in his pocket.
Right now, Flip was sitting in a comfortable booth in the hotel's bar, a woman on each arm as he was treating all the patrons to a drink. It was always a good time when the drinks were on the house. "Drink up folks!" Flip laughed, leaning back and taking a sip of his cocktail, "Even if you lose your money at the tables, tonight we're all winners here!" Well, not really. If you lost your money, you clearly weren't winning. But as long as said loser left the establishment satisfied, that was all Flip cared about. The bar's patrons gave a cheer in response before chugging down their free booze.
Word Count: 221
Last Edit: Jan 12, 2023 23:20:07 GMT -5 by Flip Fortuna
Post by Cherry 'Plant' Boxer on Jan 14, 2023 19:06:51 GMT -5
[attr="class","shinigami"]
"I'll do whatever I can--and then do better! And you can't stop me!"
It'd been a while since Cherry had felt so small.
The Saiyan was no stranger to finding herself lost; ever since she'd learnt how to fly, Cherry made it a quest to explore as much of the world as she could get away with. Such locales included mysterious towers, perilous deserts and a dinosaur forest—yet she stared through regardless, with a winning smile and auspicious optimism. But here, though?
'Just what convinced me to come here anyways?' she thought rather painfully, trying to wade through the crowd in search of, well, anything that could distract her. Cherry could practically smell the debauchery oozing throughout the room (that, or just plain ol' beer), made a dozen times worse by just how many people were around. It all merged together into a stupid, stuffy feeling: one of the few times in a while that she felt like an alien.
Needless to say, she stuck out rather dramatically from the usual Midas Lounge patrons—before the tail, that is. A small commotion was forming over this oddly-placed newcomer; mostly at her expense, because it was pretty funny to watch from afar. She wasn't gonna spend the night looking like an idiot, though; Cherry was determined to make something of this place. 'Okay...okay! Cheer up. Maybe I can talk to someone. How about...'
Her head tilted curiously in Flip's direction. Just from a glance he seemed to be the one in charge; encouraging all the people present and...further encouraging the women next to him. Not normally the kind of guy she'd gravitate towards, but she didn't have lots of other options. And hey, he seemed kind of cute.
"Uh...hi! H-hello." Cherry said with an incredibly nervous smile, oblivious to any potential casino-lingo. "I'm, uh...I have no idea what I'm doing here, haha. You got any ideas for me? Also," she said with a finger gun in his direction, "nice hat. The name's...Cherry!"
Post by Flip Fortuna on Jan 14, 2023 22:18:20 GMT -5
Flip blinked when he heard a voice address him. It wasn't the raucous voice of a drunk, thanking him for the free drinks, or the more serious, professional tone of one of his employees. This one was more quiet, nervous. Flip looked over, seeing what had to be a curious young woman standing there, a nervous smile on her face.
She seemed meek and demure, at least from a first glance. But Flip hadn't gotten to where he was if he had simply followed first glances. There was something much more to this woman. Behind that slim frame and cute face, there was something much more. A sort of inner strength lurking. Ah yes, between that, the pointed ears and the long, monkey-like tail coming from her rear, this was indeed one interesting woman.
The women beside Flip were looking her over as well, though they were being much more critical. These two were rather proud of their appearances. Their hair, their figures. To them, this strange looking woman didn't even compare. They looked at her like she was an insect of some sort.
Flip, however, didn't see it that was. As she nervously complimented his hat, he gave a small chuckle. "Why thank you kindly Miss. You're quite a cute little curiosity yourself. Come, have a seat. Ladies, make some room for our guest." The ladies looked surprised and almost a little offended. The two got up and left the table. Flip watched them leave, giving a small shrug before turning his attention to his new guest.
"The name's Flip Fortuna. I'm the owner of this fine establishment. A pleasure to make your acquaintance Miss Cherry. Can I offer you a drink?"
Post by Cherry 'Plant' Boxer on Jan 15, 2023 8:38:53 GMT -5
[attr="class","shinigami"]
"I'll do whatever I can--and then do better! And you can't stop me!"
The odd look or two from strangers wasn't foreign to Cherry—it was pretty much packaged with her spiky ears and tail—but the gals sitting next to Flip were practically staring daggers at her. She wondered if they were doing that out of some sort of jealousy ('Oh come on, they can't be that petty.') or concern ('I do have a strong aura, hehe!'). Either way, she met their aggressive gaze with a thumbs-up; a meek, yet genuine attempt at pacifying them. Turns out, though, she need not worry...
"Cute?" the Saiyan admonished with a chuckle, rolling her eyes while trying not to smile. "That's, uh, kind of ya! Although I'm not that short. I'm like, I dunno," she muttered with a flustered expression, "5'7 or something...which is pretty short. But thanks for the seat."
Cherry seemed to be slightly more comfortable when she was actually talking to people, evidently not the type for betting or playing poker. She sat down barely an inch from Flip, mostly to get away from the rest of the Lounge. Mostly. "I am not gonna get blackout drunk in a random casino-hotel, no thanks. But yes," she said with a sly grin, "I'd like a drink. And it's a pleasure to meet you too, Flip. Just wonderin'..."
"What's up with this place?" the saiyan asked in a quiet-but-not-properly-quiet voice. "Don't get me wrong, it seems wickedly cool, I mean you've got guests to prove it. You've got some good reviews online, too. But for some reason, I'm not feelin' it." In spite of how trivial the matter seemed, Cherry was actually somewhat bothered by it. "Which is stupid, ya feel me? Because I've punched a dinosaur in the face. This shouldn't be too hard—"
"—oops." She cut herself off mid-sentence while blushing a little bit. "Went on a bit of a rant. I talk a lot, haha!"
Post by Flip Fortuna on Jan 15, 2023 21:25:56 GMT -5
Flip couldn't help but give a small chuckle as she seemed to take his 'little' statement literally. Still, he wasn't going to correct her. She was cute when she got flustered. He shifted lightly in his seat as she sat down, putting herself really close to him, though it seemed she was less trying to get close to him, and more her trying to get away from everyone else. He never expected a Saiyan to be shy. That was, assuming she was a saiyan. The tail was a giveaway, but the ears, did Saiyans normally have pointed ears?
As she accepted his offer for a drink, he waved one of the servers over, ready to take whatever order she wished.
Her next question caused Flip to raise an eyebrow, not entirely understanding what she meant. What was up with this place? "This place? Why, my dear Cherry, this is one of the biggest hotel and casinos on Papaya Island! We've got some of the finest food and drink, nightly shows for our customers, and always the chance to win your fortune!" Maybe she wasn't the gambling type? She didn't seem the type to drink either. Which begged the question why she was even here.
When she mentioned about punching a dinosaur in the face, Flip gave a smirk. He should have figured. Saiyans were the sort to want a good fight. "Ah, a bit of a fighter are we? Well, you're in luck," he leaned in, smiling, "We have a little bit of a fight night going on down stairs, if you're interested of course."
Post by Cherry 'Plant' Boxer on Jan 16, 2023 9:48:53 GMT -5
[attr="class","shinigami"]
"I'll do whatever I can--and then do better! And you can't stop me!"
"'Win your fortune'? Yeah, right," Cherry joked. "I'm not too picky about liquor, Flip..gimme whatever ya think a Saiyan would like. And don't get any ideas: if I feel even a little odd, I'll kill ya." Given her upbeat voice and humorous tone, it was impossible to even be the least bit intimidated by that warning, but she meant some of it all the same. 'Flip could be a creep.'
"...Anyways, I'm not one for finding treasure 'n' glory through chance in an admittedly nice hotel. I prefer to find it, no matter where it is or whose guarding it!" The Saiyan became rather inspired while explaining her motives, giving off that signature grin of hers, at least for a moment. "At least, that's what I say. Definitely wouldn't mind a shortcut every now and then...nice place, by th' way. Even if mega-hotel-casinos aren't my style, it's...impressive. Plus!"
"I-it helps that you are," Cherry said with a wink. She was a bit hard to figure out; definitely on the shyer side, but with the occasional streak of wit and boldness.
"A brawl? Here?" She couldn't help but find it a bit out of place—weren't these supposed to be fancy establishments? 'Didn't even sense these fights from th' outside, they must be hidden well. Sounds waaay too close to a gladiator fight, ugh.' In spite of these thoughts, the earlier excitement Cherry got returned back to her in a hurry—no matter how lost she was, Cherry loved a good fight. "Not gonna lie, usually I'd be already there sluggin' it out, but this seems a little weird. Like...are people watchin'? Is it safe for them to watch? Do ya have senzu beans and a medical crew on board? Are you guys killing each other?"
Midway through her sentence, Cherry got flustered again, feeling incredibly self-conscious over how many questions she asked...but she asked them anyways. Cherry loved fighting, but had little appreciation for violence.
Post by Flip Fortuna on Jan 20, 2023 16:56:06 GMT -5
Flip waved a small hand to the server. "Get the young lady here something nice. Bartender's discretion. I'll have another Mint Julep myself." As the server walked away, he turned his attention back to Cherry. So, she wasn't really the gambling type. He could respect that. Wanting to build up your own fortune through hard work was admirable.
"A fine frame of mind, if I do say so myself. Believe it or not, I started off with nothing myself. All of this," he gestured around him, "Was built up through years of blood, sweat and cunning." he gave a small shrug, "But, there are plenty who would prefer a shortcut. I offer that shortcut for them, but it comes with great risk," he gave a small smile, "And certainly a lot of fun."
He figured the fighting ring would get her attention, followed by a torrent of questions. She seemed a little embarrassed by it, but Flip couldn't help but chuckle. "Oh, do not worry. We make sure to have all things covered. And no, these aren't fights to the death. Come, I'll show you."
Flip would show Cherry to the elevator, heading down to one of the sub levels of the hotel. Down below, there was a crowd of gamblers, drinkers, and general fight enthusiasts, surrounding a steel cage in the center of the room. Within the cage, two men were going at eachother, wrestling, punching, kicking, and just doing their hardest to beat eachother down. Meanwhile, the crowd cheered, placing bets and overall enjoying the brutal sport.
Oct 20, 2024 18:31:30 GMT -5
Marimba: Yep. Better than ever too.
Oct 20, 2024 21:26:39 GMT -5
Rhuba: I wish I saw Marimba talk more in the Discord.
Oct 21, 2024 16:21:05 GMT -5
Yakito: Marimbus will perish by my hands.
Oct 22, 2024 2:13:57 GMT -5
Chomei: Marimbus will persevere by my hands.
Oct 22, 2024 4:38:31 GMT -5
Rhuba: Why is he preserving your hand?
Oct 22, 2024 15:18:52 GMT -5
Pom: Maybe he likes it?
Oct 22, 2024 17:04:34 GMT -5
Marimba: It'll come in handy some day
Oct 23, 2024 12:26:15 GMT -5
Mister Steel: Chomei's estate is vast, and marriage into the family can only benefit Marimba with access to cattle, pasture land, and much grain to feed his armies.