For VIPs not wanting to watch the tournament from the bleachers, Festiville's fantasy lounge and tavern was closed to the public. When the John and Captain Cosmonaut arrived after parking the Caprice, they found the entire second floor rented out for the All Star League alone.
"There has to be a mistake," the John said to the waiter guiding them up the steps.
"There's no mistake, sir. Rest assured, nobody will know that the All Star League is just a few floorboards above them."
"Holy shit! Did you hear that, guys? The All Star League is here!"
Cheers erupted across the first floor, and the John felt his stomach twisting in knots with each clap. Arriving at the second floor, they discovered quite a lot of extra equipment had been brought in for their entertainment. All the televisions at the bar were switched to display different angles of the tournament arena, and telescopes were even set up at the windows for those wanting to witness events with the naked eye.
"Hey! You all finally made it," the Running back said, taking a break from drinking his agent under the table. he wore the same suit he did as an AFL commentator, and drunk the most expensive alcohol available.
"Another world tree ice tea, bartender," her Majesty requested from one of the telescopes. She looked not a day over 40, but her fashion style remained just as bright; the pastel pink dress and hat popped against the nature themed décor of the tavern. Her order, while incredibly alcoholic, also required the server to dawn a full suit of magical hazmat gear just to mix it.
"Weren't you all supposed to be discrete!?! Everyone and their mother knows about us here," the John complained loudly.
"Relax, friend. With the rate we party, won't it be better to have a floor all to ourselves? Bartender, bring me all the Vodkas!"
"Wait," the John interrupted, stopping Cosmo from leaping over the bar.
"What? I want to be hammered in case I lose the bet."
"Oh, did someone say bet?"
Her majesty floated toward the two.
"Count me in!"
The Running back approached, with every table and chair in between them moving out of his way.
Their whiskey breath could now be smelt by the John, they had surrounded him so close.
He opened his mouth, hoping to change the subject back to their missing member. However, Cosmonaut's timely explanation interrupted him.
"You know how he's always bragging about his sidekick, right? Well, I just happened to get myself a sidekick, so I wagered mine would beat his in the tournament."
"You got a sidekick," her Majesty asked with a confused look. "But I thought they couldn't replicate your powers?"
"Hey, don't go yelling state secrets, now. That is still the case, and thank the lord it is. No, my sidekick is from our brothers in south-east Asia."
"Ah, so you're using the spot for diplomacy?"
"Something like that, so what you guys think? Want to join this wager?"
"Me and the queen still ain't got sidekicks, though. Should we just pick someone before the semi-finals?"
"Why not? That's why you two came here, right?"
"What? I thought you wanted to support my Lynn..."
Seeing the John's sullen face, the other heroes quickly poured gasoline on the fire.
"And I thought you'd contact me if you ever decided to go famous! I had a 3 picture deal already lined up for you, buddy."
"Indeed, and such a risque story to tell. I thought for sure you'd spill the beans on our annual Christmas parties."
"Ha ha ha, you should be glad he didn't. Imagine the international incident for you if he told those teenagers about the time you burned the rain forest."
"That was your fault, mister! Showing off that you tore a hole in space, who do you think you are?"
"Oh, you're right. Good thing he told that story, after all."
Suddenly remembering the questions he meant to ask Cosmo, a blush appeared on the John's face.
"Are you okay," her Majesty asked him.
"Ah, I'm fine! Hey, where's bubble-bot at?"
"Yeah, where is that little tike? I brought him so many presents from Moscow!"
"He mentioned something about a booth, didn't he Saul? Hey Saul! Oh, he's passed out."
...
Meanwhile, across the park, Scissors and her team of heroes approached the arena.
"Okay, did we get snacks?"
"Check," Paper said, half wrapped around a huge pile of them.
"And did everyone go pee?"
"I forgot," Rock said.
"Go now, then. We can't afford to miss any up and coming competition."
"You mean cheer on Antonio?"
"Sure, that too."
Rock thus separated from the group, and headed to the port-a-potties.
"Excuse me, are you a hero?"
She turned to the source of the child-like voice, only to discover a faceless boy staring back at her. Still, being a professional, she suppressed the gut feeling of danger this kid gave off.
"That I am. What can I do for you?"
"I need your help! He has my mommy!"
"Who? Never mind, just show me the way!"
She sent a message via the teammate pager, and followed the boy to a nearby warehouse. He opened the large doorway inside, revealing a strange scene to the experienced hero.
There was another boy, this one with a face, dressed in a red and yellow suit. His face was covered in a clown-like face paint, and next to him was a tank of water. Suspended above this tank was a Latina woman bound in rope.
"MUAHAHAHA! I knew you could do it, my nemesis! Now, let Teen Prankster's game begin! Can you beat a robot!?!"
"So exciting! My two boys are so adorable. Hey, gray lady! can you get a picture of them? I must save this for the scrapbook."
"Moooom! You are supposed to be a hostage!"
"Oh, right. Sorry, sweetie. I'm just so excited finally seeing you two play together."
"Okay, but don't do it again!"
"Um, can someone explain what is going on here?"
The three turned their attention to Rock, who looked more confused than ever...