AiE Chapter 7: A Game Of Chance

>>(Greed (gr d) n. An excessive desire to acquire or possess more than what one needs or deserves, especially with respect to material wealth).

Far away from the golden city called Canterlot a town resides by a large desert called Dodge Junction; it was a small town that resembled a western setting complete with wooden built houses and cactus plants.
There wasn't a single pony out as a large yellow and purple train pulled up to the town's platform; Shining Armor emerged from the train accompanied by a lieutenant royal guard and two recruit royal guards.
As they walk through the town small fillies could be seen peeking through the wooden windows of their homes, staring at the stallions dressed in gold Armor.
>Lieutenant(L): "Captain Shining sir, you still haven't told us what we're supposed to be doing out here so late."
>Shining Armor(Sa): "According to princess Celestia there have been reports of a strange neon colored cloud hanging in the sky over the desert; the cloud is casting an ominous light and frightening the townsfolk."
>L: "So we're going to investigate it?"
>Sa: "Yes, and if it looks like it might be a problem I will erect a barrier around it and decide what to do from there. If it's beyond my ability to remove by myself, I will contact the princess for further instructions."
>Recruit 2(R2): "But sir... aren't magical anomalies common in Equestria? I mean I could see if a cursed beast were to be summoned from Tartus, but this is a cloud that shows multicolored lights. Is it really so harmful?"
>Sa: "While it is true that random magical occurrences happen in Equestria we can't simply ignore this; that would be putting the safety of the townsfolk in jeopardy."
Suddenly a large thunderous noise erupted from the sky, followed by a large burst of light from the neon colored cloud. It lit up the night sky with a bright, white flash of light; temporarily covering the moon and stars in its essence.
>Recruit 1(R1): "Captain! Something is happening to the cloud ahead!!"
As Shining Armor looked up in the sky the stallion spots a large hole opening up; a large orb of light came shooting out from the cloud and crashed into the heart of the desert.
The impact from the large orb created a large explosion of neon colored lightning; the force from the blast made a large gust of wind that rushed past the squadron of guards.
>L: "What in the name of Celestia was that!?"
>R1: "Sir! It appears that a large white ball of some sort has crashed into the middle of the desert!!"
>Sa: "I can see that! Now let's get a move on stallions. We have to see what landed!!"
>"Yes Sir!!" The lieutenant and recruits said in unison, and without a moments waste the group of soldiers took off towards the desert to investigate the crashed object.
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>The group of guards led by Shining Armor stampeded through the desert; kicking up large waves of sand behind them. The moon provided excellent lighting through the open canvas of sand as the guards headed toward the crash site of the large mysterious orb.
>Lieutenant(L): "Captain! What are your orders for when we arrive at the crash site?"
>Shining Armor(Sa): "We spread out and surround it; we don't know if whatever is inside is even alive or not, but in the event that it is a hostile creature we have to stop it all costs!"
>Recruit 1(R1): "Aww man, I was NOT prepared for this...I didn't even say goodbye to my special somepony before leaving."
>Recruit 2(R2): "Pffft! sucks to be you! I got me some flank before I--"
>L: "Focus on the task at hand!! We mustn't let whatever is in the orb become a danger to the citizens in town!"
>R2: "Please excuse my actions sir..."
>R1: "Sorry sir.."
>Sa: "Ready yourselves stallions! Were closing in on the crash spot!!
>As the crash spot came into view a large cloud of smoke prevented a view of what had landed; however, a slight shuffling can be heard from the spot.
>Sa: "Positions stallions!!"
>"Yes sir!" Replied all of the guards behind Shining Armor, as they formed a circle around the crater that was spewing smoke into the night sky.
>Coughing could be heard from inside of the cloud of smoke, along with the sound of footsteps.
>The guards readied themselves upon hearing the noise; each one took an offensive stance as Shining Armor approached the object.
>Sa: "Show yourselves to us creature! We have you surrounded!"
>A shadow appeared in the cloud of smoke as a black figure began to walk forward, whatever it is it was coughing frequently.
>???: *cough* Geez! Freaking kid said it would a paradise, and I land in a god forsaken desert..."
>As the figure emerged Shining Armor and company were shocked to see what emerged from the smoke.
>A tall man with brown hair and emerald green eyes emerged from the cloud; he wore a black and gray fedora hat with a long sleeve button up white shirt that was tucked into a nice looking pair black dress pants, and a pair of brown loafers that still shined from being polished.
>He was fanning smoke away from his face and coughing; not taking a notice to Shining Armor and the guards who had him surrounded.
>L: "It's...another human.."
>R1: "Aren't they supposed to be extinct?"
>Sa: "No... haven't you seen the human named Anonymous? A lot of ponies have already seen and talked to him."
>R2: "Yeah, the captain even fought him!!"
>Sa: "I told you already that I don't remember doing any of that; that whole day is a complete blur to me."
>???: "What the hell is this? Talking horses? I mean, I was told that I would be an alien; but, I thought he meant legally..."
>Shining Armor turned his attention back to the man; who had taken notice to the fact that he was surrounded by armored, talking ponies. Shining then stepped forward and looked at the man; deciding whether the human was hostile or not.
>Sa: "It's a good thing you can talk; it makes the process a little easier. I am Shining Armor and you are in Equestria; a land ruled by more of our kind, may I please have your name?"
>The man thought about it for a second; then made a small smirk before speaking.
>???: "I don't see why not; I haven't done any crimes...yet. My name is Mark Vinnie, and from what I can see you all are gonna arrest me?"
 >Sa: "You seemed to be capable of understanding so level with me; you are an unknown entity that just crash landed near one of our towns. In order to ensure the safety of our ponies we have to make sure you aren't a threat to anyone."
Mark: "Sounds fair enough; so, I guess my next question would be what you plan on doing with me?"
>Sa: "Don't be mistaken, we aren't trying to hold you against your will. We simply want you to accompany us to our capital; where your memories can be searched for--"
Mark: "Whoa, whoa, WHOA, what the fuck? You're gonna try and search my memories? What kind of bullshit are you all on? I'm not going anywhere with you guys because I have my own agenda."
>Sa: "I can't allow you to just leave right now, after princess Celestia deems you safe you are free to go wherever you like. This isn't a hostile place; we simply want to see if you're a threat or not."
Mark: "Look pal, I don't even know this princess of yours, and I'm sure as hell not gonna let her search my memories. Though that doesn't mean I'm not an unreasonable guy; so how about we make a deal?"
>L: "How dare you try to make a bribe with the royal guards!? We wouldn't dare put the safety of our ponies over a few bits!!"
Mark: "I didn't mean a bribe; I  meant a challenge."
>Sa: "What kind of "challenge" did you have in mind?"
Mark: "Here's the deal, you take me on in a one on one match with no killing; if I knock you out, you and your men or ponies or whatever let me go on my way."
>Sa: "And if I win?"
>R1: "Sir, you can't seriously be considering this barbaric game could you? We should just contain him and be on OUR way."
>Sa: "And have what happen? All of us get hurt? I'd rather it just be me to be honest; besides he challenged me, and I have my pride as captain too."
>L: "But sir, how do we even know he would keep his word!? He could simply be lying and fooling us all!"
Mark: "Well if you don't believe me thats just fine; but, if you can't be trusted you cant make deals, and deals are something I make all the time."
>Sa: "...."
>L: "Sir, don't do it; he can't be trusted."
Mark: "Like you said...Shining Armor was it? Anyways like you said; I seem capable of understanding, and I obviously have the intelligence to keep bargains and deals. So why wouldn't I be able to keep my word? Plus if I was so "hostile" as you keep mentioning, wouldn't I have attacked you like a wild animal instead of calmly talking to you like this?"
>L: "THAT PROVES NOTHING YOU--"
>Sa: "Mark makes a point."
>The lieutenant and recruit guards were shocked at Shining Armors statement; for a few minutes only the sound of the wind rushing through the desert could be heard.
>R2: "Ummm, what did you say sir?"
>Shining Armor looks towards Mark before continuing.
>Sa: "It's just like Mark said, if he were as hostile as we all claim him to be then wouldn't he have attacked on site? Instead he's doing the same thing we are...trying to find a compromise for both sides. I know our princess does not condone violence unless the situation calls for it, but this way is fair for both parties since the loser has agreed to the terms of the winner."
>Shining Armor then steps up to Mark; putting on a serious, unemotional face.
>Sa: "Listen stallions, if I lose this challenge do NOT touch Mark Vinnie the human. He is free to go wherever he pleases."
>L: "SIR THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS--"
>Sa: "That's an ORDER lieutenant!!"
>L: "......yes sir..."
>Sa: "Thank you, I won't lose though."
>The lieutenant and recruit guards then stepped back and watched as Shining and Mark stepped towards each other; they stopped about five feet away from the other before Shining Armor spoke.
>Sa: "Mark, do I have your word that you won't harm a single pony if you win? And that if I win you will come with me peacefully to Canterlot?"
Mark; "You have my word."
>Sa: "Then I, Captain Shining Armor of the royal guards.accept your challenge Mark Vinnie!"
Mark: "Alright! The fun begins now!!"
>Mark suddenly dashes at Shining Armor; kicking up a large cloud of sand.
>As Mark went in for a left punch Shining slides slightly to the far left; having Mark's fist barely make contact with the stallion's face.
>"Your back is exposed." Shining Armor said while grabbing Mark's shirt with his mouth; Shining then threw Mark off his feet as he slung him into the air.
>Mark held a confident smirk as he fell through the air; he then landed on his hands before flipping backwards onto his feet.
Mark: "Not bad, but I've been thrown alot worse than that."
>Sa: "Don't boast about your fighting ability, is it really so great being able to harm other being?"
Mark: "Don't be so uptight, in some worlds fighting is the only way to survive!"
>Mark then started charging at Shining Armor again, dragging his feet along the sand before bringing his right leg up above Shining's head. Shining Armor quickly evaded between Mark's legs; Mark had expected this however as he grabbed Shining Armor's red vest and lifted him off the ground.
>Mark then slung Shining Armor through the air before slamming him onto his back.
>Sa:"Gah!"
Mark: "It's not over yet!"
>Mark hadn't let go of Shining Armor's vest as he picked the heavy stallion up and started swinging him around in circles, Mark then threw Shining into the air and spiraling into the sand; causing a huge cloud of sand to go up in the air upon impact.
>R2: "Captain!!"
>"Im fine!" Shining Armor yells while galloping at full speed out of the cloud of sand, Shining then closed up on Mark at full speed.
>As Shining got in Mark's guard the stallion quickly shifted his weight to his front hooves and then launched his back hooves at Mark.
>Mark then quickly crossed his arm in an "x" like guard.
>Shining Armor smirked at how severely his opponent just miscalculated.
>Shining then bucked Mark at full force; creating a huge explosion of sand. Mark went soaring in the air about thirty feet before crashing into the sand; Mark wasn't as quick to get up as he was before.
>It was evident Mark was injured as he struggled to his feet, with a badly bruised left arm and a bleeding right Mark got up. He still wore a confident smirk, but his eyes had a much more serious glare than earlier.
Mark: "I see... I can't believe I have to get serious over a horse, but to be honest you are pretty skilled at combat."
>Sa: "You don't become captain of the royal guards by being a pushover; it's earned through good deeds, and many hours of training and service."
>Mark then stepped forward with his right leg, he then bent his knees slightly while holding up both arms.
>Marks fists rested at eye level, and were placed side by side while keeping his head bent forward.
Mark: "Okay, let's try this again."
>Shining Armor looked at Mark; who was shifting constantly before speaking.
>Sa: "Your stance changed; I assume this is a fighting technique of some sort?"
Mark: "It's called "boxing", but I'm only using the basic form for now."
>Mark then charged up to Shining at a heightened speed; causing the stallion to flinch backwards in shock.
>Mark then sent a barrage of left punches to Shining Armors chest, causing the stallion to topple to the ground in pain. Mark sent his right right fist down at high speed to Shining Armors face, but the stallion rolled out of the way just before the fist hit him.
>As soon as Mark's fist hit the ground a large wave of sand towered to the sky; the armored guards that saw this were in shock.
>R1: "Just how much strength does this human have!?"
>L: "I'm not quite shure, I find it amazing that this "Mark" fellow is able to fight on equal ground with our captain."
>R2: "Well yes, physically fighting they are on equal ground. However if Shining Armor were to use magic it would be over in a heartbeat."
>L: "It's only a matter of time..."
>R1: "What do you mean sir?"
>L: "Just look at the both of them. The human named Mark is very used to fighting; his breathing may be uneven, but he is far from falling. Our captain however, is trained in using magical and physical combat, although his weakness would be leaning on one solely."
>R2: "So basically our captain is losing more energy physically fighting than the human."
>R1: "So why doesn't he just use magic?"
>L: "....He's probably waiting to be backed into a corner before using it."
>As Mark and Shining stand a good distance from each other they are both huffing and puffing. Mark is covered in bruises and has a medium sized cut on right arm; while Shining Armor has a badly bruised front hoof and a red patch of fur on his chest from Mark's assault.
Mark; "*huff*...Isn't this fun? I love a challenge!"
>Sa: "I don't find this "fun" at all, but I will admit you are a worthy adversary. *huff*..*huff*... I'm afraid I'm gonna have to get serious as well, because at this rate you really might just win."
Mark: "Well thanks for the compliment, but I--"
>Mark was cut short by a white glowing chain that wrapped itself around his leg, Mark then looked up to see the chain coming from Shining Armor's horn.
>Before Mark could speak Shining wipped his head around and drug Mark off his feet and into the air.
Mark: "What the fuck is this!?"
>Sa: "It's called magic! I didn't want to use this, but you have forced my hand!!"
>Shining Armor continued to swing Mark around in the air before slamming the man into the ground, knocking the air out of Mark.
Mark: "Auuugh!!"
>Sa "Admit defeat yet Mark Vinnie?"
>The instant Shining Armor stopped moving his head Mark rolled into his feet and grabbed the white chain with both hands.
Mark: "Lets see how YOU like it!!!"
>Mark then pulled the chain and started dragging the stallion along the sand, with another heave from Mark, Shining Armor was thrown into the air and slammed the same way Mark was earlier.
Mark: "*huff*...*huff*...*huff*... Weren't expecting that were ya!?"
>Mark looked into the cloud of sand to see a bright glowing orb; Shining Armor had a barrier around him that glowed a bright red light.
>Sa: "You truly are skilled to have pushed me so far...but it's game over for you. This barrier I have around me is impenetrable; you won't be able to touch me."
Mark: "*huff*...Well I wont win if I don't try something."
>The chain around Mark evaporated onto thin air as Shining Armor's barrier shined brighter.
Mark: "Looks like you can't use your weird chain and barrier at the same time."
>Sa: "Correct, I also cannot move with the miniature barrier on; however, you cannot hurt me either."
>Mark then charged at full speed at Shining Armor, he then bashed his right fist into the barrier, only to be shocked and sent flying backwards by red lightning.
Mark: "Gah! What the hell!?"
>Mark's fist had been burned by the barrier, the electric current also had a numbing effect; making Mark's hand red and trembling.
>Sa: "It's time to end this Mark, I give you until I finish charging my spell; after that you'll take a nice long nap, and awake when we get to Canterlot."
>Shining Armor then concentrated from behind the barrier; creating a small white orb on the tip of his horn."
Mark: "Shit, this is bad... I can't touch him, and he's getting ready to hit me with that hocus pocus crap; I gotta think of something..."
>???: "Do you desire my assistance?"
>Suddenly Mark's diamond ring started glowing green as a deep voice erupted from it.
Mark: "The hell?"
>???: "You are doomed to fail as is, you cannot win without magic."
Mark: "Look, I don't know how my ring suddenly can speak, but I've been in messier situations than this."
>???: "Foolish human; you cannot counter this magic with any possible physical movement."
Mark: "Oh yeah smartass? How about dodging?"
>???: "Even if you were to miraculously evade the attack, what could you do? The unicorn is inside of strong magical barrier; you would only injure yourself further if you tried to assault it."
>Mark weighed his options as Shining Armor was concentrating on his spell, building power every second before unleashing of upon Mark.
>Mark knew he was losing badly, it wouldn't be long before he was completely exhausted.
Mark: "So what exactly did you have in mind?"
>???: "Mark Vinnie the human, would you like to play a game of chance?"
Mark: "Like I have a choice..."
>The ring glowed a bright gold light before producing a deck of gold and black playing cards; they shined in the moonlight as they floated into Marks hands.
Mark: "What's this?"
>???: "In this deck contains fifty four playing cards; some will help you in this situation, and some won't."
Mark: "So what's the gamble?"
>???: "You may only draw one card at this time."
Mark: "I see..."
>Sa: "Prepare yourself Mark!!"
>Shining Armor then dropped his barrier and fired a large white beam of light that shot across the desert at Mark.
>Mark quickly drew a card from the top of the deck, he then held the ring up with the card in hand.
Mark: "What do I need to do to make it work!?"
>???: "Concentrate on the card!!"
>As Shining Armor's spell reached Mark it created a large white explosion; the blast casted a blinding light as it lit up the desert. As the sand fell and the cloud of dirt cleared the lieutenant and recruits see Mark holding an oversized golden shield; the shield was in the shape of a spade with a large golden "A" in the middle of it.
>Shining Armor laid in the center of a large crater, the stallion was breathing but unconscious.
>???: "A human who draws an ace of spades on his first try?...Interesting."
Mark: "Game, Set, and match. I will keep my word, and not touch your ponies or whateve--"
>Mark didn't complete his sentence as he collapsed into the sand, the quiet breeze rushed passed the two unconscious opponents as the guards stand in awe.
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The Armored royal guards began to tend to the wounds of both captain Shining Armor and Mark Vinnie; giving both of them first aid and bandages.
When they finished the lieutenant guard began carrying Shining Armor away as the recruits set Mark against a nearby rock.
>Recruit 1(R1): "Ummm...sir? Is it okay to just leave him like this?"
>Lieutenant(L): "It'll have to be, we can't move him from this spot or we would be breaking our orders from the captain."
>Recruit 2(R2): "I still don't get why captain lost though..."
>L: "That shield the human summoned has reflective magic, and captain Shining Armor let his barrier down as he was attacking."
>R2: "So he was hit with his own spell? ... that's kind of...lame."
>L: "Silence you fool! It was an even match and they both fought honorably, I may not know that Mark fellow, but I respect his power."
>R1: "Aww man, princess Celestia is NOT gonna be happy about this."
>As the squadron left the desert Mark is left resting against a large rock; his diamond ring was glowing in the light of the moon as the gold deck of cards he used is laying in his lap.
>???: "Mark Vinnie the human....what an interesting fellow; I'll be keeping an eye on you..."
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End Of Chapter 7: A Game Of Chance