Post by jenson on Jun 5, 2016 15:23:10 GMT -6
This week's RP was a joint effort with Bonnie, Polar, Teddy and I. Some parts of the RP share dialogue. You have been warned.
Everything was perfect. Perfect skies, perfect temperature and perfect day. So when Teddy Sol suggested to Andre Jenson they go to the renaissance fair called Wibbly-Wobbly-on-the Waterfront AJ was all ears. AJ suggested they take the helicopter from Kem, the place was just outside of Chicago so it wouldn't take too long to get there. Amy also decided she too wanted to go to this faire, as from what she heard about it the production values were fantastic.
Amy called ahead to make sure there was a place to land and was pleasantly surprised when she found that yes there was, and that they were expecting them to show up by helicopter anyway. Apparently the most well known LARPer in the western civilization was a little predictable. But what the hell, that's one bit of a logistical nightmare overcome.
When they landed, AJ and Teddy were given the guided tour, the place clearly had spared no expense. AJ was particularly impressed with just how authentic the smells were. Only to be told that they didn't do anything special with that. It's just an inordinate amount of dwarves had managed to show up today.
AJ and Teddy soon found themselves in a petting zoo, Teddy had particularly bonded with a llama.
"Do you think they'll let me keep this one?" asked Teddy Sol, scratching behind the llama's ears.
Andre Jenson barely heard him, locked in a contest of wills with one seriously ill-tempered avian.
"You think this bird is actually a druid? I do. He seems to be trying to cast some sort of shapeshift spell."
"Hold up," Teddy said. "It's the Guardians."
"Nah, don't think so, just a regular druid or something, definitely not skilled enough to be a Guardian," AJ assured him.
"No. There." Teddy pointed.
"That's a llama," said Andre.
Gently, Teddy Sol turned Jenson's head toward the approaching Bonnie and Phantasm. "The other there."
"Oh, those guys!" Andre shook his head at Teddy. "Why didn't you just say so?"
In unison, the pair greeted the Guardians. "Hi, guys!"
"Howdy, y'all," Bonnie said, giving both men her patented dazzling smile.
"I'm kinda jealous," Polar said, looking at the menagerie. "I like your fan club way more than ours; so far it's just awkward pictures my mom sends us of the neighborhood kids wearing Guardians t-shirts."
"What fan club? I thought I disbanded the official LARP fan club of Kem thanks to the Hyrule incident in the Fourth Age of Molt." Jenson seemed genuinely puzzled.
"I always preferred the Third Age, myself," opined Teddy.
Andre scoffed. "Nah, too many baubles. The Fifth age worked though. I loved the sepia colour."
The Polar Phantasm cleared his throat in a not-so-subtle way.
"I think he meant the animals," Teddy told him.
AJ pointed at the bird he'd been staring at. "That one's a druid."
Everyone just stared at him for a moment, uncertain how to respond, until Teddy tactfully changed the subject.
"Anyway, what's up, Guardians?" he asked.
Andre smiled warmly at Bonnie. "Lady Blue," he said, nodding. "And Mr. White. A pleasure to see you. We were here checking out these animals for spells and other such things of importance. Definitely not merely petting, especially not the Llama."
"Definitely not the llama, no. Indeed."
"Quite."
But Cameron, at least, wasn't listening. His attention had been diverted by a litter of baby bunnies that had hopped into the enclosure.
"Is there any way we can continue this discussion while cuddling these bunnies?" Polar asked. "I know I'm supposed to be intimidating and stuff right now, but- christ, just look at them. Those bunnies need love. I'm going to love these bunnies right now."
"Careful, now," AJ warned. "I've seen Monty Python..."
"Those things can eat your heart out. Attack, just like that!" Teddy added enthusiastically.
With extreme caution, Bonnie set down the little rabbit she'd just picked up, entirely unaware that she was being fucked with.
"It's OK, Lady Blue. This one is mostly harmless. I'm sure we will not have any issues today," AJ reassured her.
"Not today anyway," added Teddy. "We need to make sure that this bunny is away from the arena on Sunday."
"Sunday?" echoed Andre, confused.
"Yes. Remember what's happening Sunday?"
"Nope."
Teddy nodded toward the Guardians, trying to spark some recollection in his partner. "The match..?"
Bonnie and Polar exchanged an uncomfortable glance, as it dawned on Jenson what Teddy was talking about.
"AH! THE MATCH! Completely forgot. It will be a great honour to step into the ring with you once again, Lady. Last time I was a little out of sorts as you know so I didn't really get the chance to give you my best efforts."
Bonnie smiled at him again. "Lookin' forward to it, Sugar..."
Teddy shot AJ a quizzical look.
"Oh, yeah, I was somewhat possessed by an inter galactic space faring demon virus thing that had a blood lust for death and destruction and really hated Lady Blue here," he explained.
Bonnie nodded her agreement. "It got pretty weird. Not in the fun way."
"Oh, yeah," Teddy replied, with nonchalant shrug. "Happens."
"Rest assured," Jenson added, "I am no longer possessed. I am in charge of my own faculties. More so than that druid there, that's just taking the piss now."
He gestured toward the bird, which was hopping on the perch, pulling desperately at the straps securing its legs. Meanwhile, the llama had begun spitting at random children.
"Llama seems to be enjoying himself, though," Teddy observed.
"Listen, y'all, for what it's worth -- I'm glad we got you two this week. I've always been a big fan of Teddy's work, an' AJ... man, you're one of the best I ever stepped into the ring with. Gonna be a real pleasure doin' this without any distractions this time around."
Andre performed a theatrical, sweeping bow. "I thank you for those kind words Lady Blue. Mr Phantasm, I wish you the best of luck."
With impeccable timing, Amy hurried over to collect Jenson, explaining that he was required on the stage. Catching sight of Bonnie, she smiled.
"Hey, girl, whatup?" Bonnie greeted.
"Hi, Bonnie! Glad you could make it out this weekend! I'd stay and chat, but... well, we're in a little bit of a hurry."
“OK, I have to go. Nice catching up with you, Guardians. Hope you have a lovely time here. I know there is an amazing selection of old time snacks over in a tent that way. You won't regret going there!” Was what AJ wanted to say, before being shooed away by Amy as quickly as anything, leaving the guardians and Teddy Sol to stand there looking at each other. As it was, he couldn't say anything.
AJ points over to a part of the faire that looks like it may well be a re-enactment of medieval London. Complete with people throwing buckets of some yellowish liquid from the upper floors and others cackling maniacally because, well, why not?
Bonnie and Polar look at each other, then back at AJ who was scurrying away with Amy as fast as he could go.
The stage was highly elaborate. It was based on the statue that appears in the halls of the ministry of magic in the Harry Potter franchise of books and other associated media. If you don't know what the statue is then a: Where have you been? And b: it's basically a statue of some wizards standing on a platform being held up by a few thousand normal people, or muggles, as they are called.. The stage was a lot like that, the platform itself was being held up by a thousand dwarves, all of which were chained to the floor and unable to move. Naturally, they weren't real dwarves, just stone statues, but still the point was there, dwarves are scum according to the people who ran this show.
This simple faux pas from the event organisers soon snowballed throughout social media and other forms of communication where people tend to get up in arms over things that are largely irrelevant and pointless. It snowballed to the point that the movement #freethedwarves happened and roughly 50% of the people who turned up to the faire dressed as dwarves and threatened to dismember people with their axes if they found out they were anything to do with the choice of staging or even remotely part of the company that set up this thing in the first place. So the atmosphere, as they say, was toxic in terms of the entertainment tent. Imagine 10,000 pissed off sweaty, hairy, drunken men and women standing in front of you, giving you death glares as soon as you got on stage. That's how AJ was going to feel soon. Yes, he was going to feel like Nickelback. Chad Kreuger in fact.
The host, a veteran of different geek festivals, such as Blizzcon, Comicon, Wrestlecon and other events ending in con was on the stage, waiting for the band “Elite Tauren Chieftan” to leave the stage. He had a mic in his hand. He was confidence personified, he knew his crowd and, well, they were a bunch of pissed off dwarves apparently. He didn't know this was going to turn into Dwarfcon, but there you go. A good announcer rolls with the punches, a good announcer knows what to do. This guy was PRIMED.
“My Dwarven brethren!” He began, because why not make out that you're related to these freaks? “We are so glad you could make it here today!” He continued with unflappable confidence, noticing the distinct lack of jumping up and down from the people in front of him. Unperturbed, he had to continue, he was the best in the world after all! “And now, for the man of the hour!” He applauded, just as AJ got to the side of the stage. AJ looked at Amy, having ran all this way he was pretty flustered. “Man of the hour?” He asked. Amy looked away.
“Erm, yeah, I need to explain to you..” Amy was interrupted by the booming voice of the host.
“Here he is, the man, the myth, the legend, the man who made all this happen! ANDDRRRREEEEEEEE JENNNNNNNSOOOOOOOOOOOON”
AJ cocked his eyebrows as he felt the trepidation that comes from having to go on stage in front of 10,000 angry people who hate the event that you're apparently hosting. Amy cringed.
“I'm hosting this?” He asked
“I'll explain later, just go up, it's been set up by the company in your name and, well we didn't know until now. Say a few things and I'll be here to go through it with you.”
AJ sighed a moment and just merely shrugged, going up to the stage, looking the least amount of flustered he could manage. He was met by a wall of silence. With the exception of one solitary voice in the background shouting “YAY” and applauding maniacally until at least they realised they were alone.
He took the mic off of the announcer, who was safe in the knowledge that he did a good job and he got paid. He was soon to be on a plane to host Wizardworld or some shit. He left AJ to the mob.
“Hi” Said AJ to the crowd. “I'm Andre Je” He was cut off by a heckler. “WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE! RACIST FILTH” Shouted one of them. “WHY NOT TAKE YOUR HUMAN PRIVILEDGE SOMEWHERE ELSE” Shouted another. “FUCK YOU AND THE HORSE YOU CAME IN ON!” Shouted a third. It was starting to get out of hand a little bit.
“Look” he started “I don't know”
“YOU DON'T KNOW!?” Came a voice “THAT'S THE PROBLEM WITH YOU HUMANS, RICH ONES ESPECIALLY” “YEAH, WALK A MILE IN OUR SHOES, BUDDY”
There was a swelling murmour of assent from the crowd. AJ wasn't equipped to handle this at all.
“I don't think they'd fit me,” He started to say and immediately regretted it. The noise sounded like a swarm of bees as the crowd started to boo AJ with the best of their ability. AJ had to dodge a few objects being sent his way. There was some rotten fruit, a couple of eggs, a live chicken, a clock and more than a few hammers being thrown on the stage in his general direction. AJ decided to bail. It's one thing randomly pissing some people off, it's another thing entirely to get hit by chickens and hammers. He left the stage as quickly as he could and almost clattered over Amy as he did, who was standing to the side.
“What in the blazes was that about?” He asked her, while she started to check him for damage.
“Apparently they are a little annoyed about the stage area.” She replied. “It's OK, we can speak to the dwarven king tomorrow and get it straightened out.”
“What about the stage?” He asked.
“Oh, you didn't see it? It's kinda offensive to dwarves.”
“Is it?”
“Yup, it's the statue from the ministry of magic, without the wizards and replacing humans with dwarves.”
AJ groaned. “You have to explain a lot of things while we get out of here.” He said to her while grabbing her hand and escorting her to the closest exit. Luckily he had arrived in his helicopter today.
“What about Teddy?” Amy asked, as they got to the helicopter – the pilot immediately starting his blades as soon as he saw AJ running towards him.
“He'll understand on this one! Trust me!” AJ shouted to try and make himself heard over the rotor blades.
They piled into the helicopter just as the horde of dwarves rounded the corner. Apparently they didn't like the fact he ran away from them on the stage and now were hunting him in perfect formation. They saw his helicopter starting to rise and each one of them roared in anger, throwing more objects as hard as they could at the machine which was now climbing rapidly as a rather nervous pilot tried to get away as soon as practically possible.
AJ and Amy put on their helmets and AJ quickly texted Teddy to let him know what had happened and that he'd send him a car asap to pick him up.
“OK Amy” He said across the comm system to Amy “What was that about?”
“OK, well the faire today was devised and planned by a subsidiary of one of your companies from what I can gather. They decided that in order to promote a new MMO they are going to release in the next few months they'd set up a renaissance faire for people to enjoy and the big reveal was going to be the new game.”
“That doesn't explain the dwarves.” He said, rather grumpily.
“While you were on the stage, I spoke to the president of said company. It turns out that in the new game the dwarven race were to be a sub-species of slaves and thus inferior to the rest of the races in the game.”
“That's not wise.”
“Not at all, nor was the idea to go on all social media platforms in character as one of the slave masters and start to denigrate all dwarven kind. I mean serious levels of hate here, like Nazi levels. All in character of course. However it managed to rile up a few people. Which you saw today.”
AJ groaned again.
“We're going to have to speak to the dwarven king tomorrow.
“Yes, well, i'm already working on that.” She replied. “In the meantime, it was nice to see Bonnie today. You didn't tell me you were facing her though! I could have done with a little chat, woman on woman, it's been too long.”
“Ah, yes, I neglected to mention that to you. Hopefully the match shall be competitive. We know so much about each other and she is one tough cookie to crack. It didn't help that last time we also had that other chap trying to fight us at the time. I'd have loved to see how things would have worked one on one with us. She is but a formidable foe!”
“Who was the other fellow?” She asked
“Polar Phantasm is his name. They are part of a team called 'The Guardians.' He's some sort of ice god. Pretty cool guy from what I can see.” AJ chuckles at his own pun. Amy doesn't.
“Anyway, yeah, Teddy and I are facing them on Sunday. It should be a good match. I mean we're friends and all but if the last match with Bonnie has any indication, we should be quite evenly matched. At least this time – especially now without that alien infestation and with Teddy by my side.”
“Do you think he's going to be ok with you bailing on him right now?” She asked.
“Yeah, he's a good guy. I really had no choice. You saw the dwarven horde out there. They were out of control. I hope he got away OK.”
Just then, AJ's iPhone buzzed and he saw he had a text message.
From: Teddy
No problem! I kinda managed to hitch a ride with their warband. They don't know I know you and they're trying to find out where Kem is. I'll get dropped off at the warehouse. See you later.
“Seems he did.” Chuckled Amy.
Everything was perfect. Perfect skies, perfect temperature and perfect day. So when Teddy Sol suggested to Andre Jenson they go to the renaissance fair called Wibbly-Wobbly-on-the Waterfront AJ was all ears. AJ suggested they take the helicopter from Kem, the place was just outside of Chicago so it wouldn't take too long to get there. Amy also decided she too wanted to go to this faire, as from what she heard about it the production values were fantastic.
Amy called ahead to make sure there was a place to land and was pleasantly surprised when she found that yes there was, and that they were expecting them to show up by helicopter anyway. Apparently the most well known LARPer in the western civilization was a little predictable. But what the hell, that's one bit of a logistical nightmare overcome.
When they landed, AJ and Teddy were given the guided tour, the place clearly had spared no expense. AJ was particularly impressed with just how authentic the smells were. Only to be told that they didn't do anything special with that. It's just an inordinate amount of dwarves had managed to show up today.
AJ and Teddy soon found themselves in a petting zoo, Teddy had particularly bonded with a llama.
"Do you think they'll let me keep this one?" asked Teddy Sol, scratching behind the llama's ears.
Andre Jenson barely heard him, locked in a contest of wills with one seriously ill-tempered avian.
"You think this bird is actually a druid? I do. He seems to be trying to cast some sort of shapeshift spell."
"Hold up," Teddy said. "It's the Guardians."
"Nah, don't think so, just a regular druid or something, definitely not skilled enough to be a Guardian," AJ assured him.
"No. There." Teddy pointed.
"That's a llama," said Andre.
Gently, Teddy Sol turned Jenson's head toward the approaching Bonnie and Phantasm. "The other there."
"Oh, those guys!" Andre shook his head at Teddy. "Why didn't you just say so?"
In unison, the pair greeted the Guardians. "Hi, guys!"
"Howdy, y'all," Bonnie said, giving both men her patented dazzling smile.
"I'm kinda jealous," Polar said, looking at the menagerie. "I like your fan club way more than ours; so far it's just awkward pictures my mom sends us of the neighborhood kids wearing Guardians t-shirts."
"What fan club? I thought I disbanded the official LARP fan club of Kem thanks to the Hyrule incident in the Fourth Age of Molt." Jenson seemed genuinely puzzled.
"I always preferred the Third Age, myself," opined Teddy.
Andre scoffed. "Nah, too many baubles. The Fifth age worked though. I loved the sepia colour."
The Polar Phantasm cleared his throat in a not-so-subtle way.
"I think he meant the animals," Teddy told him.
AJ pointed at the bird he'd been staring at. "That one's a druid."
Everyone just stared at him for a moment, uncertain how to respond, until Teddy tactfully changed the subject.
"Anyway, what's up, Guardians?" he asked.
Andre smiled warmly at Bonnie. "Lady Blue," he said, nodding. "And Mr. White. A pleasure to see you. We were here checking out these animals for spells and other such things of importance. Definitely not merely petting, especially not the Llama."
"Definitely not the llama, no. Indeed."
"Quite."
But Cameron, at least, wasn't listening. His attention had been diverted by a litter of baby bunnies that had hopped into the enclosure.
"Is there any way we can continue this discussion while cuddling these bunnies?" Polar asked. "I know I'm supposed to be intimidating and stuff right now, but- christ, just look at them. Those bunnies need love. I'm going to love these bunnies right now."
"Careful, now," AJ warned. "I've seen Monty Python..."
"Those things can eat your heart out. Attack, just like that!" Teddy added enthusiastically.
With extreme caution, Bonnie set down the little rabbit she'd just picked up, entirely unaware that she was being fucked with.
"It's OK, Lady Blue. This one is mostly harmless. I'm sure we will not have any issues today," AJ reassured her.
"Not today anyway," added Teddy. "We need to make sure that this bunny is away from the arena on Sunday."
"Sunday?" echoed Andre, confused.
"Yes. Remember what's happening Sunday?"
"Nope."
Teddy nodded toward the Guardians, trying to spark some recollection in his partner. "The match..?"
Bonnie and Polar exchanged an uncomfortable glance, as it dawned on Jenson what Teddy was talking about.
"AH! THE MATCH! Completely forgot. It will be a great honour to step into the ring with you once again, Lady. Last time I was a little out of sorts as you know so I didn't really get the chance to give you my best efforts."
Bonnie smiled at him again. "Lookin' forward to it, Sugar..."
Teddy shot AJ a quizzical look.
"Oh, yeah, I was somewhat possessed by an inter galactic space faring demon virus thing that had a blood lust for death and destruction and really hated Lady Blue here," he explained.
Bonnie nodded her agreement. "It got pretty weird. Not in the fun way."
"Oh, yeah," Teddy replied, with nonchalant shrug. "Happens."
"Rest assured," Jenson added, "I am no longer possessed. I am in charge of my own faculties. More so than that druid there, that's just taking the piss now."
He gestured toward the bird, which was hopping on the perch, pulling desperately at the straps securing its legs. Meanwhile, the llama had begun spitting at random children.
"Llama seems to be enjoying himself, though," Teddy observed.
"Listen, y'all, for what it's worth -- I'm glad we got you two this week. I've always been a big fan of Teddy's work, an' AJ... man, you're one of the best I ever stepped into the ring with. Gonna be a real pleasure doin' this without any distractions this time around."
Andre performed a theatrical, sweeping bow. "I thank you for those kind words Lady Blue. Mr Phantasm, I wish you the best of luck."
With impeccable timing, Amy hurried over to collect Jenson, explaining that he was required on the stage. Catching sight of Bonnie, she smiled.
"Hey, girl, whatup?" Bonnie greeted.
"Hi, Bonnie! Glad you could make it out this weekend! I'd stay and chat, but... well, we're in a little bit of a hurry."
“OK, I have to go. Nice catching up with you, Guardians. Hope you have a lovely time here. I know there is an amazing selection of old time snacks over in a tent that way. You won't regret going there!” Was what AJ wanted to say, before being shooed away by Amy as quickly as anything, leaving the guardians and Teddy Sol to stand there looking at each other. As it was, he couldn't say anything.
AJ points over to a part of the faire that looks like it may well be a re-enactment of medieval London. Complete with people throwing buckets of some yellowish liquid from the upper floors and others cackling maniacally because, well, why not?
Bonnie and Polar look at each other, then back at AJ who was scurrying away with Amy as fast as he could go.
The stage was highly elaborate. It was based on the statue that appears in the halls of the ministry of magic in the Harry Potter franchise of books and other associated media. If you don't know what the statue is then a: Where have you been? And b: it's basically a statue of some wizards standing on a platform being held up by a few thousand normal people, or muggles, as they are called.. The stage was a lot like that, the platform itself was being held up by a thousand dwarves, all of which were chained to the floor and unable to move. Naturally, they weren't real dwarves, just stone statues, but still the point was there, dwarves are scum according to the people who ran this show.
This simple faux pas from the event organisers soon snowballed throughout social media and other forms of communication where people tend to get up in arms over things that are largely irrelevant and pointless. It snowballed to the point that the movement #freethedwarves happened and roughly 50% of the people who turned up to the faire dressed as dwarves and threatened to dismember people with their axes if they found out they were anything to do with the choice of staging or even remotely part of the company that set up this thing in the first place. So the atmosphere, as they say, was toxic in terms of the entertainment tent. Imagine 10,000 pissed off sweaty, hairy, drunken men and women standing in front of you, giving you death glares as soon as you got on stage. That's how AJ was going to feel soon. Yes, he was going to feel like Nickelback. Chad Kreuger in fact.
The host, a veteran of different geek festivals, such as Blizzcon, Comicon, Wrestlecon and other events ending in con was on the stage, waiting for the band “Elite Tauren Chieftan” to leave the stage. He had a mic in his hand. He was confidence personified, he knew his crowd and, well, they were a bunch of pissed off dwarves apparently. He didn't know this was going to turn into Dwarfcon, but there you go. A good announcer rolls with the punches, a good announcer knows what to do. This guy was PRIMED.
“My Dwarven brethren!” He began, because why not make out that you're related to these freaks? “We are so glad you could make it here today!” He continued with unflappable confidence, noticing the distinct lack of jumping up and down from the people in front of him. Unperturbed, he had to continue, he was the best in the world after all! “And now, for the man of the hour!” He applauded, just as AJ got to the side of the stage. AJ looked at Amy, having ran all this way he was pretty flustered. “Man of the hour?” He asked. Amy looked away.
“Erm, yeah, I need to explain to you..” Amy was interrupted by the booming voice of the host.
“Here he is, the man, the myth, the legend, the man who made all this happen! ANDDRRRREEEEEEEE JENNNNNNNSOOOOOOOOOOOON”
AJ cocked his eyebrows as he felt the trepidation that comes from having to go on stage in front of 10,000 angry people who hate the event that you're apparently hosting. Amy cringed.
“I'm hosting this?” He asked
“I'll explain later, just go up, it's been set up by the company in your name and, well we didn't know until now. Say a few things and I'll be here to go through it with you.”
AJ sighed a moment and just merely shrugged, going up to the stage, looking the least amount of flustered he could manage. He was met by a wall of silence. With the exception of one solitary voice in the background shouting “YAY” and applauding maniacally until at least they realised they were alone.
He took the mic off of the announcer, who was safe in the knowledge that he did a good job and he got paid. He was soon to be on a plane to host Wizardworld or some shit. He left AJ to the mob.
“Hi” Said AJ to the crowd. “I'm Andre Je” He was cut off by a heckler. “WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE! RACIST FILTH” Shouted one of them. “WHY NOT TAKE YOUR HUMAN PRIVILEDGE SOMEWHERE ELSE” Shouted another. “FUCK YOU AND THE HORSE YOU CAME IN ON!” Shouted a third. It was starting to get out of hand a little bit.
“Look” he started “I don't know”
“YOU DON'T KNOW!?” Came a voice “THAT'S THE PROBLEM WITH YOU HUMANS, RICH ONES ESPECIALLY” “YEAH, WALK A MILE IN OUR SHOES, BUDDY”
There was a swelling murmour of assent from the crowd. AJ wasn't equipped to handle this at all.
“I don't think they'd fit me,” He started to say and immediately regretted it. The noise sounded like a swarm of bees as the crowd started to boo AJ with the best of their ability. AJ had to dodge a few objects being sent his way. There was some rotten fruit, a couple of eggs, a live chicken, a clock and more than a few hammers being thrown on the stage in his general direction. AJ decided to bail. It's one thing randomly pissing some people off, it's another thing entirely to get hit by chickens and hammers. He left the stage as quickly as he could and almost clattered over Amy as he did, who was standing to the side.
“What in the blazes was that about?” He asked her, while she started to check him for damage.
“Apparently they are a little annoyed about the stage area.” She replied. “It's OK, we can speak to the dwarven king tomorrow and get it straightened out.”
“What about the stage?” He asked.
“Oh, you didn't see it? It's kinda offensive to dwarves.”
“Is it?”
“Yup, it's the statue from the ministry of magic, without the wizards and replacing humans with dwarves.”
AJ groaned. “You have to explain a lot of things while we get out of here.” He said to her while grabbing her hand and escorting her to the closest exit. Luckily he had arrived in his helicopter today.
“What about Teddy?” Amy asked, as they got to the helicopter – the pilot immediately starting his blades as soon as he saw AJ running towards him.
“He'll understand on this one! Trust me!” AJ shouted to try and make himself heard over the rotor blades.
They piled into the helicopter just as the horde of dwarves rounded the corner. Apparently they didn't like the fact he ran away from them on the stage and now were hunting him in perfect formation. They saw his helicopter starting to rise and each one of them roared in anger, throwing more objects as hard as they could at the machine which was now climbing rapidly as a rather nervous pilot tried to get away as soon as practically possible.
AJ and Amy put on their helmets and AJ quickly texted Teddy to let him know what had happened and that he'd send him a car asap to pick him up.
“OK Amy” He said across the comm system to Amy “What was that about?”
“OK, well the faire today was devised and planned by a subsidiary of one of your companies from what I can gather. They decided that in order to promote a new MMO they are going to release in the next few months they'd set up a renaissance faire for people to enjoy and the big reveal was going to be the new game.”
“That doesn't explain the dwarves.” He said, rather grumpily.
“While you were on the stage, I spoke to the president of said company. It turns out that in the new game the dwarven race were to be a sub-species of slaves and thus inferior to the rest of the races in the game.”
“That's not wise.”
“Not at all, nor was the idea to go on all social media platforms in character as one of the slave masters and start to denigrate all dwarven kind. I mean serious levels of hate here, like Nazi levels. All in character of course. However it managed to rile up a few people. Which you saw today.”
AJ groaned again.
“We're going to have to speak to the dwarven king tomorrow.
“Yes, well, i'm already working on that.” She replied. “In the meantime, it was nice to see Bonnie today. You didn't tell me you were facing her though! I could have done with a little chat, woman on woman, it's been too long.”
“Ah, yes, I neglected to mention that to you. Hopefully the match shall be competitive. We know so much about each other and she is one tough cookie to crack. It didn't help that last time we also had that other chap trying to fight us at the time. I'd have loved to see how things would have worked one on one with us. She is but a formidable foe!”
“Who was the other fellow?” She asked
“Polar Phantasm is his name. They are part of a team called 'The Guardians.' He's some sort of ice god. Pretty cool guy from what I can see.” AJ chuckles at his own pun. Amy doesn't.
“Anyway, yeah, Teddy and I are facing them on Sunday. It should be a good match. I mean we're friends and all but if the last match with Bonnie has any indication, we should be quite evenly matched. At least this time – especially now without that alien infestation and with Teddy by my side.”
“Do you think he's going to be ok with you bailing on him right now?” She asked.
“Yeah, he's a good guy. I really had no choice. You saw the dwarven horde out there. They were out of control. I hope he got away OK.”
Just then, AJ's iPhone buzzed and he saw he had a text message.
From: Teddy
No problem! I kinda managed to hitch a ride with their warband. They don't know I know you and they're trying to find out where Kem is. I'll get dropped off at the warehouse. See you later.
“Seems he did.” Chuckled Amy.
