The Royal Flush

    By José Manuel

    The Royal Flush cover image

    23 Feb, 2024

    a woman is flying through the air on a rope with a rope in her hand and a sky background, sots art, concept art, Clint Cearley, magic the gathering artwork

    With a quick nod, Lynn vaulted towards the rope, propelled by the Eight of Spades. Her sports gear jingled as she swung through the air, a fierce battle cry escaping her lips.

    a woman in a blue shirt and jeans is walking through a living room with two men in the background, symbolism, a poster, Ada Gladys Killins, promotional image

    In the meantime, Lori hurried to rally the boys, her voice echoing through the chaos. Her eyes darted around, spotting Lincoln and Clyde, who were hiding behind a couch.

    a kitten sitting on a wooden floor with a toy in front of it and a wooden floor mat with a toy on it, ascii art, computer graphics, Daniel Lieske, award-winning photograph

    The Kitty, stunned by the abacus thrown by Lisa, shook its head. Its eyes narrowed on Lisa, the fur on its back bristled, ready to pounce again.

    a woman in a green sweater and black skirt petting a cat in a room with a table and chairs, photorealism, a computer rendering, Claire Falkenstein, promotional image

    Lisa, unfazed, smirked at the Kitty. "Your move, furball," she taunted, amusement glinting in her eyes. She was ready for another round.

    a girl in a red cap is holding a cat in a forest with a log and a red backpack, aestheticism, a photorealistic painting, Atey Ghailan, ultra realistic digital art

    Lana, however, had a different approach. "Let's settle this peacefully," she cooed, extending her hand towards the Kitty. Her eyes were filled with affection, despite the situation.

    two little girls wearing overalls and hats with their mouths open and looking surprised at something in the distance, hyperrealism, concept art, Bob Byerley, vfx

    Suddenly, the Kitty shrank himself, disappearing into Lana's body. "Lana?!" Lola cried out, her eyes wide with shock and concern for her sister.

    a cartoon character with a red hat and a red shirt and overalls and a red cap and a red and white striped shirt, photorealism, a comic book panel, Cliff Childs, unreal engine 5 quality render

    Lana's voice came out, but it was different, deeper. "Yes, now I have your Royal Flush suit," it echoed, causing everyone to freeze. The Kitty was now in control.

    three girls running down a trail in the woods together, one girl is wearing a blue shirt and the other is wearing a green shirt, antipodeans, a stock photo, Daniel Lieske, promotional image

    Lori sprang into action. "We need to get Lana back," she declared, determination etched on her face. The other siblings nodded, ready to fight for their sister.

    two women in green shirts and glasses standing next to each other in a room with people in the background, photorealism, concept art, Eve Ryder, ultra realistic faces

    The group split up, each focusing on a different task. Lori and Lynn worked on distracting the Kitty, while Lisa and Lola focused on finding a way to get Lana back.

    a woman and a cat are running in a room with a door open and a woman in a blue coat is looking at the cat, kitsch movement, a poster, Felix-Kelly, promotional image

    Lori and Lynn darted around, their movements swift. They kept the Kitty on its toes, confusing it with their unpredictable movements.

    a woman and a girl sitting at a table with a book and pen in front of them, writing, academic art, a comic book panel, Anne Said, promotional image

    Meanwhile, Lisa and Lola were huddled over a blueprint. They were brainstorming, Lola's creative mind and Lisa's scientific knowledge combining to form a brilliant plan.

    a woman holding a cat in her hand and looking at the camera with a serious look on her face, furry art, a poster, Armin Hansen, promotional image

    Lori and Lynn's distraction was working. The Kitty was growing increasingly frustrated, its attention entirely focused on the two older siblings.

    a couple of women standing next to each other in front of a crowd of people wearing glasses and sweaters, antipodeans, concept art, Ada Gladys Killins, promotional image

    Lisa and Lola finally had a plan. With a nod, they split up, each of them going to execute their part of the plan. The rescue mission was underway.

    two little girls walking down a brick path in a garden with flowers and trees in the background and a sun shining on the ground, kitsch movement, a stock photo, Daniel Lieske, cinematic photography

    Lola's task was to get close to Lana. She approached her carefully, her heart pounding. She had to do this right for her sister.

    a woman working on a computer with a lot of wires and wires attached to it and a circuit board, purism, a computer rendering, Artur Tarnowski, promotional image

    Lisa, on the other hand, was busy preparing a device. Her fingers moved quickly, adjusting wires and buttons. She was confident their plan would work.

    a cartoon girl with glasses and a red cap standing in a room with other children and cats in the background, sots art, a character portrait, Ada Gladys Killins, promotional image

    The moment came. Lola reached Lana, while Lisa activated the device. An energy pulse swept through the room, causing the Kitty to yowl in surprise.

    a little girl holding a cat in her arms on a street corner with people walking by and a building, photorealism, a photorealistic painting, Daniel Lieske, ultra realistic digital art

    Suddenly, Lana's body convulsed and the Kitty was ejected out of her. It hissed, its eyes wide with surprise. Lana collapsed, her body returning to normal.

    a group of three girls wearing baseball caps and overalls, one with glasses and the other with a baseball cap, fantastic realism, a photorealistic painting, Artgerm, ultra realistic digital art

    The siblings cheered, rushing over to Lana. She woke up, looking around in confusion. "What happened?" she asked, her voice back to normal.

    two young girls sitting on a couch wearing overalls and hats, one of them is wearing a baseball cap, northwest school, a picture, Elinor Proby Adams, promotional image

    "We saved you from the Kitty," Lori explained, patting Lana's shoulder. Lana looked surprised, but then smiled. "Thanks, guys," she said, grateful for her siblings.

    a group of cats walking across a stone walkway next to a building and a barn in the background with a red door, rayonism, a detailed matte painting, Anne Said, promotional image

    The Kitty, now back to its normal size, gave a defeated meow. It walked away, leaving the siblings alone. They had won the battle and saved each other.

    a little girl wearing a green dress and a tiara in a living room with other children in the background, magical realism, a renaissance painting, Christopher Williams, promotional image

    The Loud family's house was once again filled with laughter and chatter, the incident with the Kitty now a thrilling tale of their teamwork and courage.

    a couple of women standing next to each other wearing glasses and a hat on their heads and one wearing a green shirt, photorealism, a photorealistic painting, Eva Frankfurther, ultra realistic digital art

    The day ended with them gathered around the living room, recounting their adventure. They had faced a challenge, but they had overcome it together, as a family.