All My Toys: 308

Wedding bells are ringing for Moth Lady and Wild One! Two of the strongest warrior women in all the land come together to profess their love and devotion. Click the link to find out what happens next. 

Glo's house...

Miss M: Thanks for letting me get ready here. I've got a whole team moving things around at my place ever since I expanded it. It's going to be a whole fancy place. Like if Dynasty took place in a pink apartment.

Glo: Nice! I can see that. I'm glad you're here, I feel like we haven't seen each other. I'm sorry for that.

Miss M: You don't need to apologize. You've been busy, I've been busy. Life has just been crazy. How has work been? 

Glo: (pauses) Good. (stammers) Everything has been good. It's been great. 

Miss M: (looks suspicious) Ok. Well that sounds cool. I'm glad you're there, and that you can look after my dad and his panic attacks. Has he looked stressed lately? 

Glo: At times. He does have a lot on his plate.

Miss M: The assistant manager, Itchy, I feel like he gives into my dad with bad eating habits. What's your take on him?

Glo: Oh uh. Assistant manager huh? He's alright. Kinda goofy.

Miss M: Ok. I just don't know too much about my dad and his business. I feel good knowing you are there. I really need to see one of your shows sometime. 

 

Glo: M, you don't need to worry about that.

Miss M: Glo, you've been working there for months. I feel like a really crappy friend.

Glo: M, you could never be that. (pauses) I need to tell you something. 

Miss M: Sure.

Glo: (almost tells the truth about Big Boy being a mob boss) I think I'm going to ask Billy to live with me. He's got that small space that is always losing electricity and water, and he's always babysitting Layla on my shifts, it just makes sense.

Miss M: I think that sounds perfect.

Later on, in the Cherry Blossom Forest...

Yvie: Dad, Mothma looks so pretty. I hope nothing bad happens at this wedding. 

Bruce Wayne: Why would something bad happen? (pauses) Oh. Right. The wedding I can't remember. There's nothing to worry about though Yvie. This won't be like that wedding.

Yvie: I hope so, because I helped Mothma and Wild One plan everything. I am ready to eat the cake. I want all of the cake to be honest. Oh, Mothma says I was born in this forest. That's cringe.

Bruce Wayne: Umm, why is that cringe?

Yvie: I don't know. It's outside.

Bruce Wayne: You sound like your other mom. (pauses) How do I know that?

Yvie: (shrugs) I don't know.

Yvie: Oh, speaking of mom. I like your dress.

Miss M: Thank you Yvie. My goodness, you just keep growing. Purple hair to be like Mothma?

Yvie: Yep. Dad thinks it will wash out, but we'll just let him think it will. (winks)

Bruce Wayne: Umm, I'm right here.

Yvie: I know.

Miss M: Where's your brother?

Yvie: Damian is with his mom.

Bruce Wayne: Yeah, they decided to go on a little vacation.

Miss M: How fun. 

Yvie: Is my new room ready for when I visit?

Miss M: Yep, they are working on it today and next time you come over you'll have a nice game room. The works.

Yvie: (grins) I'm so excited.

Bruce Wayne: Do you need any help with that?

Miss M: Nope, I got it figured out. Amanda, the landlord, she brought in a crew to remodel everything. 

Bruce Wayne: That's great. You look nice by the way. 

Miss M: (smirks) Thanks. 

Wild One: Thank you for everything Sorceress. Moth Lady and I are so thrilled you are able to perform the ceremony. You've been so helpful. With the wedding and also helping Moth Lady and her past.

Sorceress: I am happy to. Ya know, the two of you have both come quite a long way. 

Wild One: True. We battled and waged countless wars against Golden Girl and the Guardians of the Gemstones and now we gather a team of snacks to binge watch the Golden Girls. Life can surprise you.

Sorceress: Yes, life is full of surprises. I see such a wonderful future for you both. Is it time?

Wild One: (nods) I'll go get Moth Lady.

 

Sorceress: Bruce, M, we're about to start. Yvie, are you ready?

Yvie: Yes. (whispers hungrily) Cake...

Sorceress: Great. This is going to be a special day.

Sorceress: Looks like the weather will cooperate too. Let the wedding march begin.

 

Miss M keeps her composure as beautiful music fills the air from the hums of birds performing a Mogwai ceremonial song. She recalls her ill fated wedding to Bruce. Fighting back tears, she focuses on the present.

Bruce looks on, curious about the strange song playing but certainly aware that Miss M looks distant. He wonders what she looked like on their wedding that never happened, but managed to alter the course of their lives.

Moth Lady and Wild One walk together towards the Sorceress.

They both squeeze each other's hands tightly, both aware that they never thought they'd be experiencing this moment.

Wild One: We're really doing this huh?

Moth Lady: (laughs slightly while feeling nervous) Yeah, we are. I love you.

 

Sorceress: (pauses as the birds in the air quiet their Mogwai tune) I feel such magic in the air. There's history here in these woods. When Moth Lady and Wild One asked if I would marry them, we found ourselves tasked with an important question. Where would the ceremony be? They shared the history of this forest with me, how long ago these woods were dangerous, decayed from years of environmental neglect. But one fateful night on July 12th, 2015, the day Moth Lady's daughter was born, everything changed. (Yvie grins) And while no one has been able to prove it, it would appear that Yvie's birth created something remarkable. Look around you, at all these Cherry Blossoms. They didn't start showing up until after that July. Love blooms in this forest. Which is why we are here today. To join two beautiful people in love, binding their hearts in marriage. 

Sorceress: The brides debated for quite some time about if they should recite vows or share their own. We had many spirited conversations about this, and it was eventually decided that each would speak from their heart for the love they have for each other. And with that said, Wild One drew the shorter straw and goes first. (everyone chuckles)

Wild One: I may have drawn the shorter stick, but I found the greatest love. My name was given to me because I was born under a blood moon. My mother and father were told I would never be settled, always roaming free, creating chaos at my fingertips. There is no doubt I raised all manner of ruckus in my years, but your gentle introspective spirit helped settle my tempestuous ways. I found a home with you. A calm in the center of the storm. And now, I'm standing before you, embarking on this new journey, and I am so happy. I love you Moth Lady, and share my undying love and devotion under as many moons as we will get to see in this life.

Moth Lady: (chokes back tears, unsure if she can speak) I... (pauses)

Sorceress: It's ok. Take your time. Remember what is in your heart.

Moth Lady: For so long I let fear guide my life. And it drove me to such darkness. I never thought I'd be worthy of this kind of love. That I didn't deserve it. You refer to your ways as wild and free, but it was your sense of freedom that taught me what could be possible. That I could bask in the light of the sun and not hide who I am. Our history has been something else. We waged many battles across the kingdom of Argonia. Left a trail of enemies in our wake. Now we wage war over which snacks to eat while we watch our favorite shows. And have created a beautiful family, all things I never expected to embrace, those sorts of things were never meant for me. But they are. I see that they are for me, for us, every day, and I am so happy. We have our whole lives ahead of us. Wild One, I will forever love you.

Sorceress: And now for the part where you each recite a simple vow, that you two will honor and cherish each other, through the spectrum of emotion and experience, enduring this mortal realm and into what lies beyond. Wild One, you may go first. 

Wild One: Moth Lady, I will honor and cherish you, through the spectrum of emotion and experience, enduring this mortal realm and into what lies beyond.

Moth Lady: Wild One, I will honor...

The air suddenly grows cold as a chilling sound of soap opera violins tremor in the trees...

Moth Lady: And cherish you, 

Moth Lady: Through the spectrum of emotion and experience, 

Moth Lady: Enduring this mortal realm,

Moth Lady: And into what lies...

Moth Lady: (a chill runs through her as she pauses) Beyond. What lies beyond.

Wild One: Are you ok?

Moth Lady: Yes, just felt a strong chill in the air.

Wild One: My love, it's quite warm out.

Moth Lady: That was so strange. I'm ok though.

Sorceress: (smiles) Ladies and gentleman, she is ok! 

Miss M: (makes concerned and relieved face) I just wanna get through one wedding without any drama. Just once.

Bruce stares off feeling something begin to unlock and rattle in his brain. Memories begin to slip through. Memories of a wedding not too long ago.

Bruce: (shakes his head and whispers to himself) Wha- 

Sorceress: With vows and love sealed, now it is time for this wedding to end.

Sorceress: Let nothing try and disrupt the special bond of marriage between these two. I now present to you the happy couple!

They race to embrace. 

Wild One: Sure you are ok?

Moth Lady: Never better. 

Everyone cheers at the kiss.

Sorceress: There we go! Please join us at Castle Grayskull for cake and refreshments!

Yvie: Yes!! Congratulations! Let's eat cake!

Moth Lady: (laughs) I know you have been waiting on wedding cake for months now. Let's race over to the castle now, yeah?

Yvie: Yep! 

Sorceress: Will you two be joining for cake and refreshments? I've had Orko busy as a bee preparing everything. 

Miss M: I'll never say no to cake.

Bruce Wayne: (recalling memories) She loves food.

Miss M: (shakes her head) Ok. Rude.

Sorceress: (smiles in a knowing way) I'll see you two there.

Miss M: I need to make sure Yvie stops telling you details about the past. And yeah, maybe I do love food. What's wrong with that?

Bruce Wayne: (smiles, wanting to hold her more than anything) Nothing is wrong with that. I was trying to be funny. 

Miss M: (rolls eyes) Whatever. The wedding was nice. I'm really happy for them.

Bruce Wayne: Yeah. It was. M? 

Miss M: Yes?

Bruce Wayne: (ready to tell her he is recalling the last number of years, but falters) I need a moment alone, I'll see you there.

Miss M: Ok. Weird. But ok. See ya there.

Bruce Wayne: (sighs) What is happening to me?

And then everything comes rushing in...

Bruce Wayne: Agh! (squints eyes as the memories become overwhelming)

Bruce Wayne: I'm remembering. I don't believe this.

The After Life.

Galadriel: I was there yet I wasn't.

 

Galadriel: I saw her. She was there! 

Galadriel: (howls an eternal pain) 

Hori-Dame: Sister. I wish you had stayed here. Your tether to the mortal realm, it's far too weak.

Galadriel: (growls) I'm aware. (sobs in a dull tone that echos) My heart, it is aching. I was unable to stop the wedding.

Hori-Dame: Oh sister, I am so sorry.

Galadriel: How could she say those things, to offer her heart for the rest of their lives and then even here after their flesh fades from memory and into dust.

Galadriel: I will grow stronger. It will take time, but know this sister, I will return and claim my love.

Galadriel: And for anyone who tries to stop me, may they melt into fear before I make them perish.

Hori-Dame: (sighs) This is already getting out of hand.

Back to the land of the living. Miss M's apartment.

Miss M: Honey, I'm home. Oh yeah, I forgot. I'm not married. (looks across her home) What on Etheria will I do with this ugly computer?

Miss M: What a joke. 

Miss M: What was Vash thinking giving me this monstrosity? I can't believe I thought it would help me get to electronically connect with Dino Drac. It could barely use dial up. 

Miss M: Although, it is a relic. A lovely piece of history. And I do love holding onto things from the past. 

Miss M: It's just too big. Sorry computer, you'll be outta here tomorrow. Now, I think I deserve to order a pizza. Wedding cake just simply wasn't enough.

Suddenly, there's a loud thwomp! 

Miss M: Oh. That's fast delivery!

The pizza suddenly becomes alive! The role of Little Caesar will be played by Manos the Living Pizza.

Miss M: Oh no. Please, please, please tell me I am not losing my mind.

Little Caesar: That shipped sailed a while back lady. What the heck are you even doing?

Miss M: Excuse me? I'm trying to take it easy in my home. What the heck are you even doing?

Little Caesar: I'm here to smack some sense into you. I can't believe you are just going to give up. You're a quitter.

Miss M: Umm excuse me? I don't quit. And I'd be careful what you say to me, because I am capable of eating an entire pizza in one sitting. And if I've had a rough day, I'll even throw in dessert. Which, I just had dessert but I'll make it a double. Because I am trouble. Understand buster?

Little Caesar: Don't threaten me with a good time. Seriously though, you're just throwing in the towel huh? With this interview and Dino Drac?

Miss M: Oh heaven help me. Did Slop put you up to this? 

Little Caesar: Like the stuff they serve at the cafeteria down the street? 

Miss M: Never mind. Listen, this break from reality is really cute, but I don't have time for this. I couldn't find the Pizzarias. No offering, no opportunity to meet Dino Drac for the most fun goofy interview the world would ever see. And with that, so goes the chance to be nominated for the final Bloglin Award Ceremony. Ever. It is what it is. 

Little Caesar: Must the imaginary characters in your brain always have to spell everything out? Since when do you let minor details stop you from what you want? Hmm? Though it is those minor details you are losing track of.

Miss M: I don't follow.

Little Caesar: When you had your visit with Slop, he dropped an important hint. Out of all the mountains around this town, Dino Drac could be living on any of them. Right? But Slop specifically said his castle was high atop V. Price Peak.

Miss M: Yeah, great. What does that have to do with the price of peanuts?

Little Caesar: You could always climb the mountain. Show up on his door step. Go for that interview, Pizzarias be damned.

Miss M: Oh no. Nope. I've already dropped in unannounced at a residence and nearly got arrested. Throw in having to hike up a mountain as well? None of that sounds appealing.

Little Caesar: See. Quitter. You give up. Just like you gave up on soccer. Art class. Theater club. Completing all the Mega Man games. You just give up.

Miss M: (heated) Ok rude as hell. I only got into soccer for the fashion. They told me if I made goalie I'd get a gold top. It was golden rod yellow. Not gold. I wanted lamé. They lied. Art class was short lived because they moved the classes from the Crafts Etcetera where they had a nice vending machine of snack and drink options to some old woman's house that smelled weird. With theater club, I wanted to perform my own take on Alexis Carrington Colby at the big debut play at the mall but had to be a witch instead. With only three lines! I am more than three lines, ok? I even threw up from getting dizzy on the stage! I mean, we were performing in the food court and not being able to eat any of the food was an exercise in self-restraint. As for the Mega Man games, have you even played those games? You're a piece of pizza, so probably not. Spoiler alert, they are frickin hard!

Miss M: (huffs) I don't give up. I've been at this blog for almost fifteen years! Fifteen years! I've held onto collectibles for most of my life. I don't give up. I have this passion to bring journalism and entertainment to the four readers that stick around. I won't give up on any of that. Ever. (pauses) Oh. My. Gawd. You're right.

Little Caesar: I know. (winks) Pizza. Pizza. (he vanishes)

Miss M: I have to go to V. Price Peak. 

Miss M: I'm going to find Dino Drac's castle on top of that grody old mountain, and I'm gonna get my interview! Bloglin or not, I will meet the most mysterious man in the nostalgia-verse!

Across Town, Wayne Manor...

Bruce Wayne: (stumbles into library) Why won't it stop?!

The flashbacks keep coming hard and fast!

Bruce Wayne: Miss M. Yvie. Moth Lady. Oh Alfred. How I wish you were here.

As more memories pour in, Bruce is uncertain how to contain this emotional revelation.

Bruce Wayne: I've got to call M. I need to tell her that I remember.

Cue sappy melodramatic montage soap music as Bruce remembers his life!

Bruce Wayne: Too much time has passed. 

Reality starts to set in as he looks back even further...

Bruce Wayne: I remember everything. (pauses in sadness) But now she has moved on. She's met someone new, someone who doesn't complicate her life. I can't tell her. They say timing is everything, and I've done enough. But what I can do, is go and hug my daughter tighter than ever before. Because I remember. My life. It's a beautiful life.

Cue Ace of Base "It's a Beautiful Life" and roll the credits!

Up Next: 

Miss M vs. V. Price Peak!

Like the previous posts on this blog, it is with great sadness that the blogging community lost William Bruce West. My heart goes out to his family, including his wife Lindsay and two daughters. Will contributed so much to the toy/comics/pop culture blogging and podcast community. His opinions on pop culture are the stuff of legend. Please check out the West Family GoFundMe and consider donating, they need our support more than ever. If you can't donate, please spread the word. West Family GoFundMe