Post by Deleted on Mar 6, 2016 22:18:09 GMT
'You guys ready?'
I turn to Lyndsey – back in her rightful place as Masked Justice's official cameraman – and give the universal sign for 'all clear'.
'All right, babe', she says, peering at her tablet screen. 'You guys do your thing.'
I turn to my partner. 'You ready to go?'
El Vainillo nods, and Owl Man steps forward.
'Hello, Pollomania. This is Masked Justice, in what might well be our last address to the Pollo Nation as a team.'
El Vainillo nods gravely, and I continue.
'As you know, two weeks ago, in Montreal, my partner beat Tiger Mask Red to win the title of new Pollomania Supremo Champion!'
Vainillo pats his belt proudly, and I grin.
'Unfortunately, Pollomania does not allow a single person to try for two belts, even Tag belts. As such, by winning the ultimate prize, El Vainillo has left me short of a partner...sorry, man...'
El Vainillo shakes his head, waves his hand. 'It's all right.'
'However, those thinking our team was done with the Pollomania Tag Grand Prix had better think again. Masked Justice may be done, but someone has kindly stepped in and offered to fill in for Vainillo for the remainder of the tournament. This person has requested that his identity be kept secret until the Great Canadian Freeze, but on the night, expect to learn who the new second member of the hero team is.'
'Is good friend', Vainillo pipes up, helpfully. I repress a giggle as I continue.
'So, Adult Entertainment Express...if you were expecting a free ride, think again. Owl Man and partner will be there, present and accounted for! And what's more...we'll have the element of surprise! Sure, you two may be old hands full of tricks. You may even work better as a team, and certainly for longer, than me and my new partner. And I'm sure you're fully ready to take on me. But Ronie...Doug...how are you going to prepare for someone you don't know the identity of?'
I lean in, have to stop myself from winking, remind myself not to be smug.
'That's right, James Ronie, Doug Divine. You won't be short two opponents on March 9. You won't get to beat on Things One and Two, and you won't get a free pass to the top of the tournament table. You will get a match, against one of Pollomania's up-and-coming talents and his new mystery partner. And trust me, guys...he's not somebody you want to overlook.'
I lean in further.
'See you in Toronto, AEX. Get ready for a big surprise.'
We step away, the camera goes off, and there are hugs and high-fives all around.
'Glad 'your friend' came round in the end', I tell Vainillo. He just smiles. I smile, too.
AEX will never see us coming.
Final Word Count: 470