Topic: Knocked Into Things

Alfonso Carlson Avery

Date: 2012-05-13 13:18 EST
There was a city beautiful that went by the name of Eclesia. It was a modern city, apart of a modern world, and it saw many peaceful days above all else. The direction of the automobile was influenced in this world, though each civilization marks its right to to freedom of invention. The designs, though unlike any other, were clearly motor vehicles. But in many ways that cultures were different, so were they the same. Sporty paint jobs, conservative paint jobs; many of the same expressions that humans on Earth expressed themselves with. Because really, where there were such similarities as peace and prosperity, the rest were sure to follow.

It was a bright and regular day around noontide in the city of Eclesia, and on one of its busied streets did five foreigners, Declan DonEvans, Alfonso Carlson Avery, Techichi, Searcher, and Fox, walk.

?There's so much to do here! Literally every window we walk past is a store we could waste countless hours of fun in,? Searcher professed with expressive hands as they made down the sidewalk. He looked very excited, happy, and in his element. The white designer shirt he wore and the golden motorcycle jacket reflected the shopping he had already done, and the fun day he planned to have out with his friends.

Tetch gave him a strange look like something must have went wrong in the developmental stages of his frontal lobe, but she gave him the benefit of the doubt because there was something about him she stocked some faith in. ?Maybe if you have enough money to spend. That's kind of a crucial part to any fun that can be had shopping,? she said with a certain disdain towards the activity. Her hair was longer than she usually maintained it, but such was the confidence an Adennian woman wore her hair. When it was no longer a hindrance in battle, you could grow it however long you liked, and with the raven hair down past her shoulders, it spoke she was as confident as you could get.

?I wouldn't be so sure,? Fox said, halting his defense of window shopping to comb the wind-blown golden hair out of his face, something that didn't bother the black hair of Declan DonEvans walking beside him, ?You can have just as much fun without a single cent as a rich man ever will. You just have to have the imagination for it,? the blond man said, gesturing to Searcher who walked ahead of their group, window-shopping.

?Yeah, he's right,? Alfonso said, joining the conversation, ?It's all about imagination. Once, I took a whole week to kill a guy. Way more fun than just brainin' somebody. Life is what you make it,? he rose a pointed, indicative finger.

Tetch narrowed her eyes upon him, looking back over her shoulder. ?Charming; and brilliant thing to say in-front of a couple upholders of justice and order, by the way,? to which Alfonso innocently shrugged.

?Weeeeeeeeell,? Alfonso smiled.

?I'd hate to see a fight break out on a day as nice as this one,? Declan said, as if naturally riposting into his most handsomest grin, ?The breeze is everlasting, our schedule is open, and we walk with a woman who was given a more-than gracious chest,? his black-suited outfit mostly unbuttoned at the shirt, he remained his hands in their pant pockets while they walked. Techichi cast an inquisitive look back at the peculiar mentioning, and listened to him go on. ?Any party should be fortunate to walk in such company. Why spoil the pilgrimage by bickering??

?Took notice, eh?? Tetch asked in one of her more melodic tunes, walking backwards now so as to face the three. Her own jacket was worn only with the one purpose of making everyone whom beheld it wish that it would zip down just a little bit further, and the black tank-top underneath was a laughable cut at lowness. Oh, the danger of knowing your own beauty.

?Do we even need to say it, lady?? Alfonso asked with a most serious look of doubt, his arms cast out.

?A woman never gets tired of hearing she's got nice t*ts, pal,? Tetch said, playfully sticking her tongue while lacing her fingers behind her head.

?Heh,? Declan muttered quietly, closing his eyes in a most fine mood that Fox smiled to take notice to.

?Hark! Danger's ahead!? Searcher proclaimed, pointing down the road where he saw the alleged danger, and it would be one of the last things spoken in such quiet and tranquility following Alfonso's inquiry.

?Eh??

Alfonso Carlson Avery

Date: 2012-05-13 13:20 EST
The fluttering butterfly wings and ticking sprinkler on the lawn of a corporate building were just some of the peaceful things that were interrupted by the explosion of cars parked alongside the roads of Eclesia's downtown market. Cars that didn't explode were crinkled up into twisted metal and shattered window glass. Street corner buildings had their brick walls laid into as more cars flew into them like wrecking balls. The telltale sign of a few clipped fire hydrants spewing up into the air told that a havoc-wreaking evildoer was afoot.

?BRAAAHH!? a large monster roared, braying upon his fortress of a chest with his stupendous muscles. ?I AM FORMIDUS! GLADIATOR CHAMPION OF FIGHTER PLANET! YOUR PATHETIC WORLD LACKS WARRIORS! BRAAH!? he shouted to the many fleeing persons who ran in every direction they could that was ?away? from him. But it was this group of five, out for a stroll, that the people found the most difficult to get by, and that was because they were not fleeing.

?I think you're right after all, kid. We will get to have some fun today,? Tetch said with a grin, popping her knuckles.

With impressive force for a mortal man, Searcher punched the brick wall he was beside. ?If it's one thing I can't stand, it's needless violence. We have got to stop that brute,? he declared with a near snarl and pure spirit for fighting evil.

?Well?? Tetch looked back to the others, ?Anyone else man enough to join us??

?I try not to involve myself in things like this if I can help it. But you two seem more than capable. Go right ahead,? Fox said, pushing them on.

?No thanks, I'm fine with watching from here,? Alfonso said, reaching out to lean on a lamppost.

That left Declan who seemed to be weighing his options.

?Sure,? he said finally, ?Searcher... you're an alternate version of me from the past, so if you get killed, that could spell bad news for me,? he repaired the untidiness of his shirt collar, ?I'll help.?

Tetch scoffed, ?At least there's some bravery amongst you. Now let's go!? zipping her jacket up to the start of her neck before racing off to meet with the monstrosity head-on behind Searcher.

The car-smashing and havoc-wreaking was put on hold when the superpowered villain, Formidus, became aware of his attackers. The rule of smashing any and all things, particularly those who oppose him, came into play, and he had decided Searcher would be the first one he carried it out on. But Searcher had other plans.

He fared out quite well, ducking and dodging the destructive punches of such a fearsome foe. But he would not dodge many. A wind-knocking blow sent him flying straight out back down the street he had come, no less; and redirecting Declan's plans as the red-eyed man became very afraid for his safety all of a sudden.

?NO!? Declan shouted, making a line straight for Searcher and reaching to catch him just in time to be hit by and go flying with him.

Shattering a store window and flying through it, Tetch just barely took notice of it to turn back to Formidus and stand much better toe-to-toe with him than Searcher had, actually dishing punches to him.

?Neat! Just like in the comics. Whop! Kapow!? Alfonso chanted with a grin, getting into it. Not so involved though as to abandon his tired and lazy lean.

Formidus took the punches, taking each one better than the last until he could finally guard against one of the Siovanui's strikes and send out his own, blasting Techichi back ? this time towards Fox and Alfonso, who watched her soar by through a brick wall.

?Hahahah! Just like in the comics,? Alfonso repeated, looking up to the hole in the building she had gone through. He looked for Fox to share his enjoyment with, but turned on a surprised look when he didn't see him by his side any longer.

?Aaaahh!? A young boy screamed, a barrage of rubble and debris raining down after him from the demolition Techichi had so unwillingly performed.

When things started to look dire, however, the boy was saved by the figure of a man crouched over and taking hold of him.

?Aren't you sure you wouldn't rather be over here with us?? Fox asked the boy before disappearing from the scene of the raining brick and wreckage.

Returning back to Alfonso and his lamppost, Fox sat the boy down between them, who Alfonso looked to with some surprise but far more acceptance. ?Hey kid,? he said with an up-nod.

?H-Hello,? a bit nervous at first, but soon paying attention to the hand of Fox that came down upon his head.

Alfonso Carlson Avery

Date: 2012-05-13 13:25 EST
?You wouldn't know any fun places around here, would you?? Fox asked.

?Um ? ? the boy began, looking at the monster, Formidus, beginning to roam again for new things to wreck ? but he came back to answer Fox's question. ? ? well, there's a lasertag arena a few blocks down called LaserDome,? raising his eyebrows afterward, hoping he'd given a useful enough suggestion.

?Hm,? Fox hummed thoughtfully, looking to Alfonso who only shrugged.

?I'll do whatever, man,? Alfonso chipped in.

Meanwhile across the street, broken glass and the like shuffled and sprinkled from places they had not yet fallen while Searcher dizzily stepped out over the window he'd crashed through. ?Uuuugh,? he moaned, shaking his head slowly. ?Thanks for breaking my fall.?

Behind him, Declan walked up brushing any pieces of things off of his fine shirt. ?Don't mention it,? quietly, ?Say, did you uhh... ? ?

? ? Notice, anything?? Searcher finished his question for him, knowing what he was going to ask.

?Yeah... that was kind of...?

? ? Awesome,? Searcher again finished Declan's words.

?Yeah,? Declan said, looking back into the mess of a barber shop and barbers and clients alike who had frighteningly retreated to the walls and corners of the parlor.

?What are you two going on about?? Alfonso asked, leaning his head to one side, resting it on the lamppost while he stared out at them.

?Getting knocked into this business was really awesome for some reason,? Declan answered, thumbing behind him.

Fox listened to this, watching them step over and help one another out of the salon. Above him some more debris was shuffling, but this time it was Tetch stepping forth from the wreckage some floors above them.

?You guys should see this guy's apartment. Must be some hotshot artist or something. I think it's the whole floor,? Tetch looked back into it, massaging her neck.

?Yeah, we can't really see up that high, and that's three stories of stairs more than I care, princess,? Alfonso said, straining his neck to look up at her.

?I'll cram those words back down your throat once I get down from here,? Tetch said with a risen fist, but it was Fox's calling up to her that got her mind off any potential Hulk-smashing.

?Hold a second. Searcher, Declan, you said there was something about getting knocked into that parlor... and Tetch, you normally get upset very easily, don't you?? Fox asked her.

?Yeah?? looking at him like he was an idiot, ?What's your point??

?That flat up there, it is nice, isn't it?? Fox narrowed his eyes on her after asking his question that was more an experiment than it was a query. As he predicted, she lit up.

?You're kidding, right? This guy must get all kinds of pus*y with a place this nice. I know it's a guy, too. That TV is too big ? like ? way bigger than a woman would ever think about,? she told down to them with a grin.

?As I expected,? Fox said quietly and very scientifically, but it was enough to bother Alfonso.

?Look, you better start making sense real fast or there are going to be two monsters rampaging around here. Right, kid? Tell him,? Alfonso looked to the boy for support, but the only thing he got out of the young skateboarder was fright, much to the hanging of his head.

?Hey everybody, what happened to all the devastation?? Searcher asked inquisitively.

?AH! I SEE YOU STUPID HUMANS HAVE DISCOVERED THE JOYS OF SUPERHUMAN COMBAT,? Formidus said, approaching them peaceably. It appeared this subject was worthy enough to set the former matters of world domination aside. ?GETTING KNOCKED ACROSS THE ARENA BACK HOME WAS ONE OF THE BEST PARTS. I, FORMIDUS, AM GLAD YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS.?

Alfonso Carlson Avery

Date: 2012-05-13 13:38 EST
?Well I live to please, Mr. Tall Dark and Impotent,? Tetch said, leaping down from the hole in the apartment and back down to the street. Once she landed, she approached the giant alien centurion from another world and prepared a fist for him. ?Are you ready to experience being punched to death? It's my favorite part.?

Before they would get the chance to fight, Alfonso interrupted them. ?Wait. I want to try this. Fighting slave person... hit me,? he beckoned him.

?IT IS THE PLEASURE OF FORMIDUS,? he said, backhanding him with his closed fist with a tremendous amount of force that sent him flying far off and into one of the apartment buildings across the street.

They all watched, waiting for the smoke to clear.

Emerging from the framework Alfonso braced himself between the opening and showed his results to them, lifting his head. ?Alright, that was neat,? he turned to his side and pointed down the opening, ?Family inside having breakfast? I totally crashed right into that. I think there's even some Cocoa Krispies on my back,? reaching for them in addition to the dusting-off process.

Fox, Tetch, Declan and Searcher all looked with surprise at one another, having realized something amazing. They then looked to Formidus.

Shortly after in the city square of Eclesia...

?IS GIRLY BLONDE MAN PREPARED?? Formidus asked, and Fox gave him a sweet grin.

?I sure am. Whenever you're ready,? Fox said before being punched straight-on, flying up into the air this time and into a very large investment fund skyscraper.

A very important conference meeting had been taking place on that floor, and one that would change the future of the company for years to come.

?So if we buy Bradford's 75% economic interest, and a 15% interest from Williamsson's properties in our company, and a share of Kennedy's retail structure...? the corporate manager smacked his hands on the marble conference table and eyed his executives, ?...then we'll make a 500 million profit.?

The men looked between one another, nodding and gauging the others' reaction. But there was one who was playing with his chin thoughtfully and spoke up in disapproval.

?Hmm............. No,? he said, and that was when Fox crashed in through the window.

Back down on the street, Formidus looked around to those left with him. ?WHO IS NEXT??

Declan raised his hand to chest-level, ?Hit me.?

?AS THE STRANGE-DRESSED MAN WISHES!? Formidus replied, launching him across the gut with his arm into a mostly glass corner deli. The shatter was magnificent.

The bagelsmiths inside ducked for shelter as the glass rained upon everything from vacant lunch tables to today's freshly rainbow chalk-written menu. When the blast had subsided, a beautiful young and dark-haired employee of Chris's deli. The man was sprawled with arms up in a sitting-up position, having been blasted into many tables and the strong booth seats that were made into the wall.

Nervously, she reached for him. ?Are you okay?? she asked before squeaking at the sight of him unlocking his arms from the molds of them he had smashed for them, and pulling each of his knees up to drape those arms over in preparation of that whole standing up thing.

Looking up at the clock within the lunch hour, Declan broke the silence. ?...I was afraid there'd be a line,? his red eyes opened and looked at her, and a voice could be heard saying 'weak' at his use of a punchline opportunity.

?Hey, aim for that place,? Alfonso pointed like an eager child, and one who was appropriately spoiled as he was sent flying into the edifice of his choosing.

?IT IS INDEED FUN, EYEPATCH MAN. WHO IS NEXT? YOU, LOUD WOMAN?? Formidus asked to Techichi.

?Sure, if you promise not to hit like a girl this time,? she said, eliciting both a grin and challenge out of Formidus. When he swung his arm across her head, she went soaring with a little more velocity than all the others had thus far.

She bulleted past the latest hole left by Alfonso ? one he soon emerged out from looking utterly perplexed. ?That wasn't a bait and tackle store at all. Turns out it was a library!? he said laughing, ?You never ? never would have guessed until you've been inside.?

Smiling with a bruised face, ?Who would have guessed this could be so much fun?? Searcher asked.

?This is insane,? the skateboarder boy finally gave his much anticipated opinion on the recent events, flipping his backwards ball cap around forwards and walking on down sidewalk, presumably home.

Alfonso Carlson Avery

Date: 2012-05-13 19:38 EST
The evening sun had begun to set romantically on the somewhat still chalk-smoking wreckage of Eclesia. The damage done, but the damage also seemed to have stopped some time ago. Repairs were underway, and the people had even come back out. Whatever dangers were present earlier... they had all but gone away now. Things were quiet and peaceful and relaxing again... at least everywhere but the LaserDome.

The score was 3-1, but none of that really mattered in war. Alfonso laid his back against one of the maze's many walls and readied his plastic, infrared rifle for a quick turn and burst-fire. Though, when he enacted this plan, he was shot repeatedly in his chest sensor, and car-alarmed accordingly.

He looked out wide-eyed at Searcher, his murderer ? or at the very least the man who kicked him out of the game. The look that pathetic hero wore, it made Alfonso snarl. He ripped his laser tag equipment off and slammed it down on the ground.

?This game was stupid anyway!? he shouted, storming off to the exit where the skateboarder kid, Fox and Formidus were watching from behind a one-way mirror.

When Alfonso stepped through, Formidus greeted him with understanding. ?VALLIANT EFFORT, EYEPATCH MAN. AT LEAST YOU DID NOT GIVE AWAY YOUR POSITION WHEREVER YOU WERE LIKE I DID,? the giant gladiator from another world complained, hoping someone in charge of the rules like the laser-tag equipment (and arcade ticket exchanger) supplier might overhear and make the necessary changes.

Alfonso wanted nothing to do with it, though. With gritted teeth, he stomped out to the Pizza Planet carpet pattern, which was a trademark design on this world, and the various arcade consoles flashing lights and replaying demo and opening sequences of their games for all of eternity.

The young boy, Alex, looked up at Formidus, who in-turn looked down to him.

?Wanna play Time Crisis 6?? he asked.

?.....FORMIDUS CLAIMS THE BLUE GUN!?


Back in the 'LaserDome,' the only remaining players were Searcher and Techichi, accompanied only by the appropriate sounds of playlisted, auto-tuning/pitch-correction eurodance music. Like Alfonso, Searcher leaned against a wall for cover, having just seen Tetch doing the same across the polyurethane battlefield.

Searcher caught his breath, his glow-in-the-dark warpaint yellow and orange under each of his eyes. He readied his gun. It was all or nothing now. He was a first place contender ? always was, and here was no different. He was destined to win. He turned and attacked, and there stood Tetch, right around the corner.

They both shot each other's chest sensors point blank, only Tetch showed her disdain for this game by giving up very early on. Searcher, however, continued firing, enjoying every moment of it ? at least until Tetch pushed his gun away from her chest forcibly.

?Heyyy!? Searcher whined, having been took out of the dramatic experience.