Chapter Text
Kotone could hardly believe her luck at finding such a perfect treasure stashed in one of the café's storage closets. With a glance to make sure Misyr was still contently installed in his usual seat at the counter, Kotone set the box down on a table and removed the lid.
There's a certain joy to be found in opening a favourite old board game after many years. The smell of paper bills sent a rush of nostalgia through her, transporting her for a moment back to the times she'd played the classic board game in the past.
Unfolding the board, Kotone smiled to herself and made a silent wish that she could help her café regulars experience that same sense of camaraderie and wholesome fun.
The stairs creaked and she glanced up to see Canus.
“Good evening, Kotone,” he said as he moved to stand beside her. "What is this object that has so captured your attention?”
“It’s a game,” Kotone explained as she arranged the play money into neat stacks. "I was thinking you might all enjoy playing it together."
“Oh, I love games!” Il’s voice came an instant before he swooped down gracefully from the second floor, bypassing the stairs entirely and shifting into his human form as he landed. “Is there a romance in it?”
“It does not appear to be that sort of game,” Canus said, arms crossed as he observed the table.
“Well what sorta game is it then?” Ignis asked, descending the stairs two at a time.
Kotone set the playing pieces in a pile. “It’s called Monopoly. It’s a well-known human game. I used to play it with my parents when I was young."
Misyr rose from his usual seat at last and sauntered over to join them. He rubbed a hand along his chin and considered the board. "How long will a round take? I can stay for a few more hours."
Kotone nodded and finished arranging the event cards. "That should work."
The bell on the front door jingled, and Rindo came to stand with the gathered group.
He looked at the table and grinned. “What’s this? Is Café Enchanté a board game café now?”
Kotone returned his smile, placing the dice at the centre of the board. “I thought this might make for a new and fun experience. If you'd like to try it, I'll take your orders and bring your drinks as you play.”
"Woah, no way!" Ignis slammed a hand down on the table, sending the pieces rattling against each other. "You gotta play with us too. No fun playing a game with just a bunch of dudes."
"You are the one who suggested it, after all," Il agreed, turning his pleading, angelic gaze to her.
Kotone hesitated, but faced with the expectant looks of her beloved regulars she could only nod reluctantly. "Let me get us all something to drink at least." With a sigh, she handed the instruction booklet to Il. "Read this to everyone and I'll be right back."
Before anyone could argue, Kotone retreated behind the counter and set to work.
She'd just finished grinding the coffee when she heard Ignis crack his knuckles. “You’re all going down! I’m gonna win this for sure.”
"Lucky for me," came Rindo's voice, "this sort of game is based on chance and strategy, not pure strength."
"It says we need a banker," said Il. "Someone trustworthy to keep and distribute the money and properties. Canus, perhaps?"
"It would be an honour to serve in such a role." Canus's voice was as serious as if he'd been given a responsibility of utmost importance.
"Hey! Kotone!" Ignis called over to her. "What piece do you want?"
She looked up from the coffee siphon to find them all watching her. "Whichever."
"The little dog is cute," Il offered with his usual gentle smile. "Do you want that one?"
"Yes, that's fine." She nodded and turned her attention back to her task, only vaguely listening as they divided up the remaining pieces.
"I call the boot! Cause I'm gonna stomp you all so hard."
"The race car is mine. A bit dated in its looks but -- no, Misyr, don't comment on that."
"If we are selecting pieces based on hobbies, then the wheelbarrow is most appropriate for me."
"I'll take the top hat, unless you want it, Il?"
"Thank you, Misyr, but I will be pleased to take whichever piece is left."
Finally finishing up the last of the drinks, Kotone returned to the group. After handing out the cups, she settled into a free chair between Canus and Rindo.
Seeing the smiles of her regulars around the table, Kotone began to relax. While she hadn't expected to play, this was still what she'd hoped for: all of them gathered together, faces smiling, differences forgotten as they anticipated good fun in good company. Yes, this would be an enjoyable evening indeed.
Across the table, Misyr caught her eye, gave a mischievous grin, and winked.
Kotone took a deep breath.
"Let's begin," she said.
---
An hour later, Kotone stared at the board of the most unusual game of Monopoly she'd ever played.
"One hundred, one hundred and fifty, two hundred." Canus counted out the play money with more gravity than any bank teller she'd ever seen. "And an additional twenty dollars for your community chest card."
"Thank you, Canus." Kotone accepted the bills as he formally presented them to her with both hands.
"C'mon, hurry up and roll!" Leaning his elbows on the table, Ignis yawned wide. "I've been waiting forever for my turn."
Canus obligingly picked up the dice, gave them a solid shake, and let them tumble onto the board.
"An acceptable roll," he decreed, his flames going green as he picked up his pewter playing piece. "One, two, three…" He tapped the miniature wheelbarrow against each square as he went.
"Finally," said Rindo. "That'll be a hundred dollars. Pay up."
Canus handed over the cash. "I commend you on your strategic acquisition of railways."
"Thank you, Canus." Rindo gave him a nod, before frowning down at his few properties and dwindling stack of bills. "It's one of the few things I have going for me this game."
Misyr gave a sly grin. "Didn't you say this was a game of strategy? It must be true what they say about human cognitive decline in old a--"
"Okay!" Kotone interrupted quickly. "Ignis, it's your turn."
"Ha! You'd all better get ready!" With that, he threw the dice so hard they skidded off the table and onto the floor.
Kotone peered down at them before scooping them up and depositing them back on the table. "You rolled a seven," she barely had time to say before Ignis let out a triumphant yell.
"Hell yeah, Illinois Avenue!"
"Well rolled," said Canus as he solemnly handed over the deed in exchange for Ignis's fistful of bills.
With all three red cards in front of him, Ignis reached across the board and snatched up the solitary house that graced Baltic Avenue, placing it on one of his own properties.
Rindo shot him a glare. "Hey! You can't just take other people's houses."
"In Bestia you can!" Ignis threw his arms wide in challenge, one of his hands narrowly missing the face of the pleasantly smiling Il beside him. "You wanna fight me for it?"
Kotone held her breath, her mind racing to find a distraction.
"Well… no," conceded Rindo. He sighed, resigned. "But that was my only house..."
Misyr plucked the dice from the table. With a kindly smile, he held them out to Il. "Your turn.”
Il nodded and gently tipped the dice onto the centre of the board.
"Chance!" His expression brightened. "Oh I hope I get something good!"
He selected a card and his heavenly face fell in tragic disappointment.
"It says 'Pay poor tax of fifteen dollars'." He stared at the card, confusion gradually lining his perfect face. "But I have the most money out of anyone, why would I need to pay a poor tax?"
"Why don't you choose another card?" Kotone offered, before she could stop herself. Misyr nodded in agreement while Ignis gave a loud, exasperated groan.
"Thank you, Kotone, you are too kind," Il's beautiful features settled back into happiness and Kotone had the distinct sensation that the world was right again. "How wonderful! A get out of jail free card." He added it to his impressive collection of money and properties. "Although to be honest," he continued, "I had hoped to acquire one of the remaining available properties this turn…"
Misyr quickly handed over a card. "No need to be sad. You can have one of mine."
Il thanked his friend graciously as Ignis rolled his eyes. "Are you kidding me? You've coddled him the entire game!"
Misyr waved a hand, dismissing Ignis's objections while at the same time sending the dice magically rolling for his turn.
Rindo broke out in a grin. "Ha, snake eyes! Enjoy your one-way trip to jail."
Entirely unphased, Misyr waved his hand again and both dice tipped on their sides.
"Boardwalk!" Il put a hand to his chest, evidently impressed. "You are very blessed this evening, Misyr."
"He cheated, you mean," muttered Rindo, even as Canus solemnly handed over the coveted deed.
Misyr gave his signature laugh. "Of course I cheated! I am the Demon King, after all."
With another wave of his hand, a hotel appeared on the square. Ignis turned a distressing shade of red as the air began to feel quite warm.
"Alright!" Kotone clapped her hands together, drawing everyone's attention to her. "That's the end of the game for tonight. Who wants more coffee?"
"But Kotone," said Il, perpetually oblivious, "the rules say the game continues until all but one player is bankrupt."
"House rules," she said firmly, a smile plastered across her face as she began gathering up the money.
Misyr smiled benignly at his friend. "Congratulations, Il. You have the most money, so you win."
As Il preened and Ignis grumbled, Rindo rubbed at his chin in thought. Leaning towards her, he pitched his voice conspiratorially low. “You know, that wasn’t as much of a disaster as it could have been.”
Overhearing his words, Canus turned towards them. “Yes, the evening was a success. We should do this again.”
Much to Kotone's dismay, his strong, confident voice carried through the room.
Il beamed in delight. "I look forward to playing again with you all."
Ignis rolled his eyes. "You look forward to everyone spoon-feeding you again, you mean. And no way am I playing next time if Misyr keeps cheating!"
Misyr grinned, eyes twinkling, and sipped at his now-cold coffee. "There's no need to be a sore loser."
As the group descended into chaotic squabbling and speculation as to the outcome of future games, Kotone gave a strained smile and began to pack up.