CHAPTER 064: Lunchtime intermission, pt. 1

Minutes earlier, in Festiville's Fantasy Lounge, the All Star League members casually gossiped about the matches on display.

"So Running back, have you seen any interesting prospects," Cosmo inquired.

"Not really, no."

"What about that speed power fighter in the first match," the John asked.

"Please, I was barely a speed user myself before becoming Untackleable. Plus, he has no flare for the dramatics; I need someone who can really rile up a crowd, you know?"

"You are always pretty mum about the particulars of your power, so how could I know?"

DING! DING! DING!

Red Cap's match had just ended. The half of Gregory which wasn't scurrying to the exit hurriedly made an announcement.

"Would you look at that! The morning matches finished so early, we will all have an extra hour at lunch! Remember, today is our food stall competition! So, don't forget to vote your favorite!"

Her Majesty got up to leave.

"I didn't know you were a fan of fried things."

"I could use a walk," she responded, "It is feeling a tad stuffy in here, after all."

When she left, two of her guards followed her. The other two remained behind, guarding a large trunk. Of the four, only the Indian was the same person as in the flashback. He looked nearly 60 years old now, though, indicating her Majesty possessed some method to delay aging.

The food stalls had quite a bit of variety in terms of ingredients. You had normal stuff like fried pickles, fried cookies, and fried macaroni right next to the more fantastical; like fried space starfish, fried mana worm, and fried clairvoyant toad.

"Ugh, isn't there anything that isn't deep fried in batter?"

"Your Majesty, what about that stall?"

She looked in the direction of her guardsman's pointed finger, where a terribly busy food stall could be seen.

"Breakfast in bed with Sunil Khan!?! Do you get his autograph, too? Quick, go get in line!"

"Wouldn't it be better if miss Keket went, instead?"

Hearing Ferdiad, the man who originally pointed out the stall, her Majesty studied the crowd more closely.

"Indeed, the line is primarily females. Okay, go now! I expect a detailed report when you get back!"

The Egyptian woman walked off the join the line, leaving Ferdiad alone with her Majesty. He escorted her to a nearby park bench, where the two waited Keket's return.

"Permission to speak," he asked, finally breaking the silence.

"Granted."

"Have you made any consideration as to which of us will be the successor?"

"HA! Why would I throw good money into a sinking ship? With the biggest competitor out of the way, I can finally open the Empire League!"

"Really? Could I join? You know I've always served you well!"

"Relax, all of my guardsmen will be given consideration. You just keep doing your job, and I bet you'll have a surprise waiting in your mailbox a few weeks later."

"Yes, your Majesty!"

"I appreciate the respectful tone, but remember I am in disguise."

The two descended into silence. Ferdiad focused on his surroundings, and thought for a moment he had eyes on him. But, after looking closer, it was merely two kids sharing a meal on the hill overlooking them. Luckily, Keket returned soon after this.

"Tell me everything," her Majesty immediately commanded.

"Wait! First, did you get him to autograph my copy of 'Dhoom cop 3'?"

"You didn't give me that copy, your Majesty."

"Ferdiad! Get in line, and don't come back without my autograph!"

Meanwhile, back in the fantasy lounge, Bubble's mother was busy with a phone call.

"Are you sure you'll be okay, sweetie? Mommy can come over there now, if you need me."

"Moooom," Teen Prankster exclaimed from the other end of the phone,

"I told you I need to do this alone! Somebody has to make sure Bubbles doesn't follow me!"

"Okay, I respect your decision to spend more time with your brother... But if it gets too dangerous, please just come home."

"... Yes mom," Teen Prankster said before hanging up. He currently stood just outside the Rainbow Tuna Saloon, a gay club on the bad side of town.

"Okay! Remember what old Prankster taught you, 'always act like you own the place!'"

He swaggered into the bar, passed the business card to the bartender, and waited. 3 virgin daiquiris later, and he was still waiting.

"Did that beak lady play a prank on me, Teen Prankster!?! Just you wait, I'll get you back!"

He stormed out of the club, only to be immediately shocked silent. For, when he opened the exit door, what greeted him was a vast, prehistoric landscape.

"Welcome, Teen Prankster," a blind cave-woman said from atop a nearby rock.

"Is this the Union of Super Villainy?"

"No, this is several thousand years in the past. I am a representative of the union, though, so don't worry."

"Kind of difficult not to, when you've kidnapped me."

"You can understand our concern, right? I mean, with your brother being who he is, we must take precautions."

"I'm 2 seconds from leaving; convince me, otherwise."

"How bad do you want to fight your brother?"

"I'll kill anyone who touches him."

"Ha! What if they were under your command, though?"

Teen Prankster, having walked halfway back towards the door, finally turned around.

"I'm listening..."

"I'm sure you know better than us, the current state of things. We are looking to found a team that can rival the new All Star League!"

"And since my brother will lead the new league, you want me to lead this nemesis league?"

"Exactly!"

Teen Prankster thought for a long time, before finally responding,

"I'm in!"