(Nix)"Yo, have you noticed something...odd?"

(Pepin)"What do you mean?"

(Nix)"We've been looking around for a few minutes now, but I haven't seen a single woman, not even some little girl or...even one of those Okama guys."

(Pepin)"Okama?"

(Nix)"Yeah, they have an entire island to themselves, and they just like to dress up as women. I read about in school."

(Pepin)"Oh...cool."

(Nix)"But still, we have a better chance finding Marcus ourselves than seeing some chicks."

There was an audible growl from both of their stomachs.

(Pepin)"We've been searching for a while now, I say we take a lunch break."

(Nix)"Sounds good to me! Mawgona probably found him by now."

They walked into a nearby bar, and it looked like it was ripped right out of Gunsmoke. (Love that show.) Men with big hats and a revolver or two sat around eating, drinking, gambling around the larger tables, it was a cowboy's paradise.

To their relief, the person at the counter was female, which at least let them know that they weren't all dead or something. But the waitress had an "I'll act happy to be here, but I'm actually terrified" expression, and she wore this strange looking metal thing on her neck.

(Waitress)"Welcome to our perfect little island, how may I help you two men?"

(Nix)"Uh, that's weird/ We'll take a couple drinks, and get us whatever food's good here."

(Waitress)"What a fantastic choice! I'll have that ready in just a moment!"

As she went to the back room, the duo shared an awkward star at each other.

(Nix)"Did you hear the way she spoke? Like she was held a gunpoint. It may be a hunch, but I got a bad feeling about this place."

(???)"Your feeling ain't wrong."

(Nix)"Huh?"

The man sitting next to him had a shiny gold badge on his chest, a brown mustache, and eyebrows so big you couldn't see the eyes underneath.

(Bill)"You boys must be new around here. I'm Bill, the Sheriff of Viva-La-Vaego. And to answer your question, yes, things are not right with this place."

(Pepin)"What exactly?"

(Bill)"A few years back, everyone was equal, man and woman. But then Marcus, as well as his two partners stole ownership of the entire island from the mayor. He's basically made everyone of the female gender a slave, doesn't even count them as Human beings."

(Bill)"And that collar on that girl's neck? It's rigged to explode the second she tries to leave this island."

(Pepin)"The hell? What's his deal with women?"

(Bill)"Nobody knows, maybe something happened to him with some girl, could be anything. Things are pretty bad, but there is one way all this can be fixed. That Marcus is a man of his word, and he said that if anyone beats him in a bet, then he'll leave this place forever."

(Bill)"Unfortunately, he said that about 8 years ago, and nobody has beaten him ever since."

(Nix)"Well let me tell you this, our Captain is the guy you've been waiting for! I've seen him gamble, and he's damn good at it! Even if he doesn't win, I'm sure he'll just beat the hell outta him!"

(Bill)"I hope you're right about that, I've seen too much pain and sorrow in the eyes of the locals for too long."

(Meanwhile)

(Mawgona)"This must be where Marcus is hiding."

(Zant)"Kinda obvious if you ask me. Like finding a sheep in a pillow factory. Let's go inside."

The interior of the building was filled with bright lights and the sounds of men arguing over who won or not. The faint scent of cigar smoke filled the air, and an entire row of drinks at the bar cheered for a woman singing on a stage, who also had an explosive collar on her neck.

(Mawgona)"The place is bigger than the outside would make you think, the Grand Line is getting stranger and stranger by the second."

(Zant)"Where do you think he'd be?"

(Mawgona)"Let's check the back, the popular games are always in the back."

They made their way to what looked to be a semi-outdoor cafe area, with small groups around tables drinking or enjoying what is known as a hookah.

(I don't even know what a hookah does. I only know about it from Alice in Wonderland.)

(???)"Looks like I win again!"

(Zant)"Hey, did you hear that voice?"

(Mawgona)"Yeah, knew he was in here. I think I see him over there!"

They could see the young man at a table with two men side by side. The first was an older man with a clean white shirt and black vest, and the other one had his entire body concealed by a leather suit covered in hearts, spades, diamonds and clubs.

(Man)"I-I can't believe it! I...used all of my life savings, and it was all for nothing!?"

(Marcus)"And since you have no money to pay off this little debt, I think you know what's left. Kingsley?"

(Kingsley)"I hear you loud and clear, Boss!"

He got behind the man, and to the duo's surprised, his hands phased straight through his back, and ripped out a strange...object. It was the size of Kingsley's hand, and was a purple heart (♥). Immediately after this heart was removed from his body, the man fell to the floor, dead as a doornail.

(Kingsley)"Another one for Gohma...a lovely price this'll be."

(Zant)"Hey! The hell did you do to that guy!?"

The man in leather unsheathed two blades from his wrist, and charged towards Zant. But if you were expecting a fight, the man was immediately cut down like he was made of tissue paper.

(Zant)"Whoa! These are lighter and sharper than I thought! Guess that old man wasn't kidding..."

(Casino Employee)"Hey! You can't be doing that kind of thing he-"

(Marcus)"Let it go, there was no REAL harm done. He's a Cyborg, we'll just fix him up later. So, Dark Soul, I hope you didn't have much trouble finding this place. I DID give you a map."

(Mawgona)"That's not important, where's my Eternal Pose?"

(Marcus)"Don't worry, it's safe and sound. Now, I can tell by that expression that you really want it back, but I need it just as bad. So, we're going to compete for it."

(Mawgona)"You want to fight for the Pose?"

(Marcus)"Oh, of course not! I've seen what you're capable of, I'm smart enough to know that I'm no match for you in a fight. Instead, we'll compete in a game of wits."

(Mawgona)"Oh?"

(Marcus)"You see, I'm quite the gambling man, never lost a single game. But I'll give you a chance. If you can beat me in any sort of bet, I'll return the Eternal Pose to Alabasta, as well as leave this island."

(Mawgona)"How do I know that I can trust you?"

(Marcus)"My other associate, Kingsley. He ate the Bet-Bet Fruit, it allows him to make any bet possible. What that means, is that if you bet anything, literally anything, he can collect it. Take that man's soul for instance."

(Marcus)"We agreed that if he lost all his money gambling with me, he would give up his soul. If you want to know what we'll do with it, there's this Pirate called Gohma, and he pays a large sum of Beli for these things. Don't know what he does with them, but money is money."

(Zant)"If it's gambling, then I'll go first!"

(Mawgona)"Zant, are you sure you want to do this?"

(Zant)"Trust me, I got a game that's never failed me once!"

(Marcus)"If you're serious, then you'll have to say it out loud. That's the only why Kingsley's ability works."

(Zant)"All right, I'll bet my soul for the Eternal Pose!"

(Marcus)"Wonderful, now what game shall we be playing?"

The gray man took a bottle of whiskey and a small cup.

(Zant)*Filling the glass* "Know anything about surface tension?"

(Marcus)"I believe so. It's when a liquid reaches the absolute limit of a cup, but doesn't spill unless disturbed."

(Zant)"Then you should know the rule to this game. We'll each take turns placing a 1 Beli coin until one of us spills the contents of the cup. You go first."

(Marcus)"Ok, am I able to use any number of coins at a time?"

(Zant)"Sure, just drop them in all at the once."

With the pile of Beli on the table, he took out a stack of five coins.

(Mawgona)"He's going to use five right from the start? What's he thinking?"

Gently placing them in the whiskey halfway, he dropped them at the same time. The liquid moved for a few moments, but eventually stabilized once again.

(Marcus)"Whew, that was close. It's your turn."

(Zant)"That was a bold move, so I'll play it safe with a single coin."

As he was about to drop his coin in, Mawgona had noticed something with his enhanced eyesight, thanks to his Zai-Zai Fruit. Zant, at some point, had a small piece of gum on the opposite side of the 1 Beli coin. And by squeezing it, a small about of whiskey was added, right before he dropped it in.

(Mawgona)"Amazing, he was ready to cheat from the very start, before he knew what was going on. You're truly an interesting man, Zant."

(Zant)"There we are. Your turn again."

(Marcus)"I believe I'll go with a single coin as well."

(Zant)"Go on, then./ But no matter which way you drop it, it's curtains for you! With that extra whiskey I secretly added, anything else will spill it the moment it's touched! It may be cheating, but it doesn't count unless you're caught!"

Unfortunately, his assumption was proved to be false, and Marcus's coin fell in without a single drop leaving the cup.

(Zant)"Wh-What?! But, it should've spilled on the next coin!"

(Marcus)"What do you mean? I clearly didn't spill it, so I haven't lost yet. Now hurry up and take your turn, before the heat evaporates it."

Zant was trembling, he had bet everything on that trick. Each time he's used it, he never lost, but seeing it fail broke his confidence into a million pieces.

(Zant)"I...I-I can't believe it!"

Before he could add another coin, he collapsed, leaving dark red heat floating in his place.

Zant...has died.

(Mawgona)"ZANT!"

(Kingsley)"In his mind, he admitted defeat! That's why his soul left his body!"

(Mawgona)"There's no way, Zant just...died?! ...Wait a minute."

He noticed some...distortion underneath the cup, in a rectangular shape. He reached out to grab what felt like a playing card, which had the same green color as the table.

(Mawgona)"So it was this that caused Zant to lose! Somehow, you did something with this card that allow you to place another coin in without the glass spilling!"

(Marcus)"Hehehe, looks like you figured it out."

(Mawgona)"What's that supposed to mean?"

(Marcus)"You see, many years ago, I ate one of those Devil Fruits, mine was a Special Paramecia that allows me to creat any type of card I want. I can make them change color, or becoming razor sharp. Normally I would use them to cheat in card games, but you tend to find other uses for this ability."

(Mawgona)"...Whatever! It's my turn now, we'll play Poker for the Eternal Pose, and Zant's soul!"

(Marcus)"Didn't you just hear me? I told you that my ability allows me to win in any card game."

(Mawgona)"That's why we're going to handicap ourselves! The use of Devil Fruit abilities will be forbidden!"

(Marcus)"Hmm...now that you mention it, we DO have that kind of handicap. Kingsley, break out the cuffs!"

The man then pulled out two gray bands.

(Mawgona)"What are those?"

(Marcus)"These cuffs are made out of Sea Prism Stone, solidified ocean water. If a Devil Fruit User comes into contact with this material, they'll lose their strength and control of their ability as if they fell into the sea. These are made of weaker Sea Stone, so they won't affect us too bad."

(Mawgona)"But they won't allow either of us to use our powers?"

(Marcus)"Exactly."

(Mawgona)"Then it's settled, I'll bet my soul on this game!"

(Marcus)"Wonderful,"

Kingsley pulled open a drawer from under the table and took out a fresh pack of playing cards. The seal on both ends was a clear sign that the cards within weren't tampered with. As Mawgona took it upon himself to check each card, Marcus placed his hand on a large dictionary.

(Marcus)"...The page I'm touching is...353, 357? No. It's 356."

He looked down, and he was right. The page number was 356.

(Marcus)"I still got it. I heard through the grapevine that this Mawgona had eyesight better than a hawk's, but I can tell each card from each other by simple touch."

For those wondering, Poker is played by each participant having a "hand" of 5 cards in total. They can replace any number of cards to improve their chances of winning. Whoever has the stronger hand is then the victor.

After shuffling the deck, Kingsley gave each of them their starting hand.

(Marcus)"Oh, I almost forgot."

He got out three stacks of 6 poker chips.

(Marcus)"As you can see, each stack of chips represents the prizes of this game. The gray ones are for Zant's soul, the brown ones are for the Eternal Pose, and the pure white chips represents your soul."

(Marcus)"In order for you to win, you have to take all 12 of my chips, but if I get all of yours...you can kiss that soul goodbye!"

(Mawgona)"Ok then, let's begin."

(Marcus)"Such a cool and collected tone for a high stakes bet like this. All right, open the game!"

To start the game, they each threw in one chip. Both men looked at their cards carefully. It was complete and utter silence for a good 10 seconds, until...

(Marcus)"AH!!"

A metal arm emerged from Mawgona's shoulder, and snapped Marcus's pinky finger.

(Kingsley)"Wh-What the hell!? What was that for!?"

(Mawgona)"You two really thought you could cheat against me?"

(Kingsley)"U-Uh what do you mean?"

(Mawgona)"For one, these cuffs are made of normal metal. I could feel it. And because of that..."

He reached into King of Cards' sleeve, and took out a card with a single heart.

(Mawgona)"He made a card, then tried to conceal the other one by letting it fall into his big sleeves."

(Marcus)"Y-You brute!"

(Mawgona)"Hey, be glad I only broke your finger, had half the mind to rip off your entire hand. Now, get some real Sea Stone cuffs, or I'll just kill you both."

Marcus could tell he was serious, especially after what he saw back at WP. This time they got the REAL Sea Stone cuffs. Mawgona could tell because when he touched them both, he felt a little weak for a moment.

(Back at the Iron Maiden)

(Bui Bui)"And because my tribe only eats fruits and vegetables, our guardian deity gifted us with the ability to talk to animals. That's how I can talk to Chopper and Carue."

(Vivi)"Oh, that sounds like a wonderful way to live. If only more people could be like the people on your isla-"

Out of nowhere, all the Shadow Pirates collapsed.

(Vivi)"Are you all okay?!"

(Barry)"Y-Yeah, just got a little dizzy, that's all..."

(Terry)"That Marc guy must have some skill to make us feel it."

(We now return to Sandy Oasis)

(Marcus)"Congratulations, you're the first man in a long time to see through my cheating. I'll accept my broken pinky as proper punishment, but don't think this damages my pride! Even if I lost all my limbs, I could still beat anyone who dares to challenge me!"

(Mawgona)"If you're done boasting, let's start again."

(Marcus)"As you wish...I'll raise two Zant chips."

(Mawgona)"I'll match you with two Mawgona chips. *To Kingsley* Give me three cards."

(Marcus)"Can't get over that emotionless face of yours. You must have a good hand. We'll find out now, Call!"

(Mawgona)"Two Pair, with 8s and 9s."

(Marcus)"...Too bad, Two Pair, with Jacks and Queens!"

(Mawgona)"..."

(Marcus)"That was close, you almost got me."

Three chips, if he wants even a chance to succeed, he'll need to bet those last chips.

(Mawgona)*Throws a chip* "Next game."

(Marcus)"No idle chitchat, huh? Fine by me. Next game then, although it may be your last. Kingsley, give me one card."

(Mawgona)"We'll see about that."

(Kingsley)"Hehe, this fool has no idea. Even without a Devil Fruit ability, I too have a way of telling each card from the other. No matter what you do, I'll always give you a bum Hand. Doesn't matter who it is, Marcus NEVER los-huh?"

For whatever reason, Mawgona had his deck face down on the table

(Marcus)"Uh, 'gona? Aren't you going to check your hand to see if you'll change or Fold?"

(Mawgona)"...These cards will do."

(Marcus)"Huh? I'm sorry, but did I just hear you say, 'These cards will do?'"

(Mawgona)"That's right, I'll play with these."

(Marcus)"What I'm trying to ask is why aren't you at least looking at them first?!"

(Mawgona)"These cards are fine, so I'll use them. But I do intend to Raise."

(Marcus)"...And just what are you betting?"

(Mawgona)"I'd like to raise my last two chips, and I'll throw in Pepin's soul, the Fishman of my crew!

(Kingsley)"S-Seriously?! He's not even here!"

(Marcus)"Oh! Now this is an interesting move! Seems like you've finally succumbed to the pressure of this game. Kingsley, I said give me another card!"

(Kingsley)"Y-Yes, Sir!"

(Marcus)"If that's the case, then I'll match with six Zant chips...and, I Raise you the Eternal Pose! 15 chips in all!"

(Mawgona)"Wait a second, isn't it against the rules to raise more than I have?"

(Marcus)"I don't see any issue, you still have some chips."

(Mawgona)"And just what do they represent?"

(Marcus)"Easy, you have the princess right on your boat. Just say the word and your chip shortage will be solved."

(Mawgona)"..."

(Marcus)"Come on, now. This should get you panicking this time. I'll admit, not looking at your cards caught me off guard, that was just a bluff! You have a weak hand, and you tried to scare me into submission!"

(Mawgona)"...Sounds reasonable, I'll see your bet with Nefertari Vivi's soul."

He blew some cigarette smoke after placing a new stack of chips on the table...wait, cigarette smoke?

(Marcus)"Mawgona! What did you just do?!"

(Mawgona)"What do you mean?"

(Marcus)"You got a cigare-argh!"

(Mawgona)"What's the problem, you feeling okay?"

(Marcus)"For a moment, I thought I saw something gray light it for him! C-Could he have used his Zai-Zai Fruit?! No, he couldn't have! These cuffs are the real deal! But if he got a cigarette without my noticing...could he have switched his hand?"

To make things even more bizarre, Mawgona now had a cup of some blue drink.

(Marcus)"What the?! You got some juice now?! That's it, we'll finish this game! My hand is unbeata-"

(Mawgona)"Hold it. You're about to jump the shark before I raise the pot."

(Marcus)"Rrrrrrrraise the pot!? Don't be retarded, you have nothing else to raise it with!"

(Mawgona)"That's where you're wrong, I'll raise with the souls of my entire crew."

(Marcus/Kingsley)"WHAAAT!!?"

(Mawgona)"There's a good chance that Baroque Works is tracking us down after you stole my Pose, my friends might not stand a chance if I'm gone. So, I hope you have a something worth that of the Dark Soul Pirates. I know, the entirety of Viva-La-Vaego Island...as well as eternal servitude to Nami, since I get the impression you hate her."

(Marcus)"A-AHHHH!!!"

He fell back, right out of his seat. Everyone in the casino was on the edge of their own, sweating bullets.

(Mawgona)"Well?! What's your next move? Will you Call or Fold?! Hurry up, Marcus!"

(Marcus)"I...I'm gonna say it! I'll Call! I'm the greatest Gambler in the 10 seas, I CAN'T LOSE!!!"

(Marcus)"C-Ca-C-C-C-Ca-Ca...!"

(Marcus)"I-I can't! I keep trying, but I'm too damn scared!"

The stress was too much to bear, and to everyone's shock, he passed out standing up. And because his lacky admitted defeat in his own mind, the soul of the man and Zant returned to there bodies.

(Kingsley)*Fainting* "The...Pose is in his left pocket..."

(Mawgona)"Damn, good thing my bluff worked. My hand was utter shit. And with that cigarette and drink, the thing he didn't know is that everything I create with my ability still functions even if I'm weakened. I simply used a small piece of metal to bring that stuff to me as quickly as possible."

(Zant)"Ugh...the hell happened...?"

(Mawgona)"Oh, nothing much. All that's important is that we won."

(Zant)"I can see, looks like you have them quite the scare."

(Mawgona)"Now we have the Eternal Pose once again, as well as this strange remote..."

(Zant)"What do you think is does?"

(Mawgona)"I have one guess..."

(Back at the Bar)

(Waitress)"Sorry for such a long wait! Here's your-"

Suddenly, the explosive collar fell off her neck.

(Waitress)"I, I'm free? I'm free!! Oh, I'm so happy I could...I could....DANCE!!!"

(Nix)"...Did we miss something?"