MASCOTs

Frankie and Katie got up that morning without speaking a word to each other. Repeating this cycle, continuing to scour the park for tokens- it didn’t require much conference.

They just wanted to leave the hotel. They weren’t sure where they were going to go next, but both of them were thinking somewhere close this time. They weren’t sure if they would be able to afford another stop at the Universe Theater.

But as they entered the hotel lobby, they couldn’t even see the door. Everyone in the entire building had crowded around the lobby television screen, quite possibly all on their own way out before they were stopped by its contents.

“What’s going on?” Frankie spoke her first words for the day to herself.

“The first of three exciting events at Kidneyland as the contest wraps up!” An announcer claimed on the wide screen. “Today, I present the next advancement in trickery, produced by none other than Walter Kidney and his team of devoted engineers!”

Positioned on Kidney Road, letting all newcomer guests witness it- a huge stage was emplaced, on it posing a dozen costumed people- cyborgs, every last one of them.

“Please welcome… The MASCOTS!”

They all bowed, showing off the craft in their uniforms. It was clear each one was made for a specific area of the park- the sisters quickly spotted an iron cowboy and a man in a cheetah mask. This was quickly confirmed by the announcer.

“These individuals each represent a different branch of our park, and will be stationed there from now until…” He laughed. “Well, we’ll see just how much you enjoy them. We might consider keeping them around for a few centuries if so!”

The crowd watching them in-person clapped, so the people on the hotel mimicked it.

“All twelve are equipped with cutting-edge trickery… allowing them to meet and entertain guests in magical ways only Kidney could imagine!” He gestured grandly. “Like living attractions, they’ll shock and delight for years to come!”

They didn’t yet reveal these abilities. Katie nor Frankie were really interested in another roadblock, so they hoped it wouldn’t matter.

“Most importantly… while not strictly tied to this one event, each and every of these people have been given a special package of 300 Moon Tokens to reward to the first person who can complete the most difficult of their challenges! Thus the name… Mass-Assembled Super-Competitive Organized Trickery.”

…Nevermind.

“Thank you, everyone! And now- MASCOTs! To your zones! The people are waiting!”

Just like the crowd, the girls ran out of the hotel immediately. Their tokens were waiting.