The lights fall on the arena as the strobe light scan across the room illuminating the faces of the chosen fans. Chearing fills the room as the all the wandering light settles on the stage. “In this corner we have THE THORN standing at…” Flipping the page he looked to corner in which the wrestler was supposed to appear. Not seeing anyone the announcer begins again clearly confused. “Sorry about that folks it seems like there is a misprint. Seven Inches ten pounds?!” Walking into the rink under the ropes Aloes raises his fist up in challenge as the once happy excited crowed begins to boo. There were cries of ‘I want my money back’ some questioned is this a joke?’ None were pleased. Grinning with all the confidence he had to offer he told the announcer in loud unwavering voice, “You have it right”. As the cameramen adjusted his appearance was displayed for everyone to see. Looking directly into the camera he gave the thumbs up and a wink.

Recovering from his initial shock the announcer clutched his earpiece as he was given some commentary. “This right here is a rare treat. Tonight we are hosting our very first dwarf. Don’t let his small stature full you these little guys while cute are fast and strong. Maybe he has what it takes after”. The announcer last comment filled with doubt. None the less the crowds anger had lessoned and most were curious on what would happen next. “Thorn will be facing off against another amateur whom you all might know very well SCRAMBLE!” The arena was once again alive in cheers.

But in order to understand how we got first we must journey back a few days.

The sun was shining brightly glowing on the mirror ball that gave the island its name. Even from the port there was myrid of laughter that could be heard echoing off the sea. It was as if the town was in constant state of celebration. The dock was full of ships of all types. Many came here to trade but many more just came for a good time this island was flushed with tourist all eager to spend their money and partake in the many wonders that had to be offered. Every day and night there was some kind of show or sporting event. Publicly without shame people were casting their bets on sports. Lines lead out the door in some establishments.

Walking is going to be a nightmare Aloeus thought to himself as he hopped out of the ship that he had hitched a ride on. Upon exiting the dock there was a large announcement board welcoming visitors, had maps, and provided a up to date marquee of what was transpiring around the island. In fact it was so up to date that it paused when a new announcement had come in. Refreshing it read ‘Remo’s Dumplings sold out’ simultaneously a large nearby group sighed as the owner came out to apologize. But not one of them got violent or irate instead they peacefully dissipated.  Aloeus’ stomach rumbled as his body sampled the smell of the dumplings. They are all going to just add to the lines of the good food. No sense waiting in line. Running up to a person who was preparing to eat their dumpling, steam rolled off as she blew it. This was probably the last customer of the day. Aloe grabbed the back of her pants leg as she tripped the dumplings tossed in the air as she lost track of it briefly before hitting the ground. The food would not land on the ground with her. Instead Aloe snatched to large dumplings out the air walking off casually. The food was stacked in a single hand was now taller than he was but still barely noticeable in a crowd.

Music filled the streets and he danced while as he finished his first dumpling. But no sooner than he did the air around him began to turn humid and the smell was even worse. Aloeus couldn’t see because of the dumplings but before he could adjust drool came streaming down. “WHAT THE HELL YOU ASS HOLE!” Aloeus yelled as he threw down the inedible treat. Scowling he faced the trouble maker. A large labradoodle staring at Aloeus blankly with an open mouth and hanging tongue kneeling down he licked Aloeus. Now they both smelled. Before the dog to could pass him up to take the dumpling Aloe jumped up and smacked the dog hard. Squealing loudly the dog ran off knocking over several people as he did. Stomping violently on the discarded piece of food the ground shook and cracked. Between the dog running off and the cracked up dirt more than a few people took notice. Looking at his drool covered hands he decided he should get cleaned up. “Damn dog ruined my and my clothes.” Looking around at the signs he remembered there was supposed to be a spa nearby. Jumping on the shoulders and heads of people he used them as walk way to quickly move through the streets. Some people screamed a few tried to grab Aloe all in vain.

From a window a man watched as things unfolded never taking is eyes of Aloe the man grinned. Picking up the receiver of a den mushi he excitedly spoke into “We have found ourselves a contender. There’s a dwarf on the island” “Received” was the only response, the receiver clicked and the snails face no longer imitated the expression on the other end.

Aloe took this opportunity to slide out from under her blouse. Landing on the floor he noticed that a small crowd had formed with a few additions from the street. Not paying them any mind Aloe preceded. “I can’t find anything in my size babe, where do them (the clothes). Kneeling down simultaneously with others, Aloes eyebrow raised as he scowled at the crowd. “Oh my gosh, you can talk? Is this some sort of prank? You’re so cute too cute be a toy and felt real.” At the thought of how real he felt her body’s trembles were noticed. Smiling big Aloe’s own skin flushed as he responded “After we are done hear I can show you just how real I am. My names Aloeus, you can call me Aloe.”

“Aloe? Just what are you?” A customer that was observing would ask.” Jumping up this time eye level to person, Aloe brought back his tiny and landed a hard blow to the civilian. The crowd except the sales associate immediately backed away but remained in earshot. “Not thrown off by Aloe’s aggression she was all the more intrigued. She would introduce herself as Rachel and her contact info over him on a rather large piece of paper. Rolling it up he was also given directions to a toy artisan. Normally this would be quite the insult but after hearing of his work and the attention he put into the handmade clothing Aloe to take the suggestion in stride.

As the shops doors open and he exited his eyes met a dozen bear traps all which were armed and just in the vicinity of the boutique. Who the hell leaves bear traps in the middle of the street Aloe thought to himself as he walked past them. For a human the traps would have been hard to avoid. For one as small he there were many paths to take.

Arriving at the toy shop it wasn’t far away but it was considerably quieter there compared to the hustle and bustle of the main town. The shop wasn’t exquisite, non of the flash of the other shops. But it was well made and it sign was simple. Bob’s Toys. Aloe could tell that the sign was old, but it remained well treated under the sign was a ladder and a bucket of paint. Aloe could tell it had been there for awhile the grass around it was starting to die. A bell chimed as the door opened. A voice called out signaling that they would be right out. Looking at around there was a mixture of old a new cleanly split amongst the sales floor as well many boxes, marked Hasbro. The new generation of toys was clearly taking up more space than the rest.

From the back came a young man dressed in a flashy outfit of tight pants, shades, and a cap with some design that Aloe didn’t recognize nor could replicate. This man couldn’t have been older than Aloe, honestly he looked like a boy. Looking around the store he called out “Hello, can I help you with anything?” It wasn’t likely someone had left the store because the bell hadn’t chimed a second time. It wasn’t till Aloe had stood on a shelf that he was noticed. The boy’s face lit up. Was this one of Hasbro’s creation that came out the box?

The boy wondered to himself. Shaking his head he had reviewed the shipment details the very morning nothing like this was in the order. Then a thought had occurred to him, “A dwarf” He statement was one in which he knew that’s what was in front of him had to be but it still didn’t seem to be possible. “I was told that I could by clothes here” Is all Aloe said. If he entertained the shock of people’s response to him, every time, then it would eat up his whole day.

Clothes, why was the dwarf here inquiring about clothes, he would wonder. “We don’t sell sort of thing here he said gesturing to his inventory. “The clothes here are all plastic or glued to the toys.”

Not taking this as an acceptable response Aloe began throwing a fit. “Listen Jerk Off, get the owner down here right now, get Bob. I wanna talk to some who knows what they are talking about not some kid who still plays with toys!” Aloe was yelling and his tail had been thumping hard echoing he passion. Not only was the in shambles but the floor underneath. Aloe had to jump the counter keep his footing. “No! Stop that was on loan (the display). “It’s Bobbie, by the way, I need a new sign. My dad doesn’t work here anymore I’m packing up that stuff.
In the back of the store shuffling is heard that works its way to the store front.

From the back of the store comes a man who looks like he could have been a senior citizen 20 years ago. “I still play with toys.” Bob senior said in calming and soothing voice. “Excuse my son he has a ways to go on his customer service.” Bob shoots a dirty look at his son. Before eyes catch Aloe. “Does mine mind play tricks on me? A dwarf after all these years. Heaven has smiled on me once more even if my progeny wishes to take a different direction. “I am Bob Mattel. How may we assist you?” Rushing in between him Bobbie makes to interrupt and present himself as the one who should be taking the point but his father lifts a wrinkled but firm hand shutting down further interruption.

“Ahh yeah, so your Bob. Rumor has it that you make some fine clothes here. Who better to provide me with few things. Bag up what you got and I’ll be on my way.” Pulling at a sizable amount of cash Bobbies eyes light up with beli signs. Reaching for the money his demeanor changes, “Yes of course nothing but the finest for you. Mr…”

To Bob he replies, “Aloeus”
“That is much too much Mr. Aloeus and you can come to a payment arrangement after you see the pieces.

“Nope I don’t wanna.” Aloeus replied arms folded.

“Well in that case you give till the end of the day and no matter

where you are on this island I will track you down give you the finest clothes you will ever hope to see mark my words.” With that the old man turns his back and gets to work.

Laughing walks off leaving Bobbie alone on the sales floor but not before responding. “Don’t work yourself too hard old man, it would be a shame if you died before the job was done. I already paid after all. So you have to at least hold on until then.”

Stepping outside Aloe’s attention became drawn to the sign once more. Foolish old man would probably climb here and to deal with this sign since his shitty son hasn’t done it. With paint in hand he Aloe climbed the ladder to get a little closer to the sign jumping way landing on the roof ledge. At first he notice but one screw then as he looked around he discovered all the screws holding the sign had been removed. Aloe wasn’t alone! Sudden something struck the knock it and him off. From this height even if he were to land on his back he wouldn’t be seriously hurt but the sign however would receive considerable damage. Even while falling Aloe was calculating and grabbed the sign not break his fall, but to save it. About half way down he pushed it back in the air. Using the extra time he turned the fall into a spin so that he could land on his feet. Moments later he

caught the sign. But it was also at this moment the paint can fell sending orange paint spattering everywhere. Aloe was covered. Furious Aloe put down the sign in the pile of paint. Just in time to see a person fleeing the scene Aloe ran towards him. Screaming out when he realized he had been found out the darkly dressed man ran down the street. Normally it would have been pretty easy for Aloe to catch except that he was covered the sticky paint.

Screaming the whole way the person ran as if his life depended on it. Turning corner the mystery man was out of sight momentarily. When Aloe did catch up he had discovered that his petty annoyance had multiplied into a problem of ten. All dressed similarly they all rushed towards Aloe. Shocked Aloe hesitated at first. All these weird coincides were actually poor attempts to catch him. There was no time to think the first to attackers were already on him un-armed he tried stumping on the dwarf. Even covered in paint that was drying Aloe only had a little difficulty maunuvering around the legs foiling his attempt at a game of Wacka-Mole it rather cute as if they were dancing. Clutching on to the man leg he lifted him up to everyone’s surprised. The nearest assailant most of all as his comrade was slammed into him. Sending him flying backwards into a third. The attackers behind him only learned from the experience

spreading out so the same couldn’t happen to them as well. One even pulling out a chain another grabbed a rather heavy look barrel. Spinning it around and drawing it back he watch carefully at Aloeus moves that were growing more sluggish by the moment casting it at their short target, a fisherman would have been proud. It was perfectly cast hitting Aloe in his chest, he made no attempt to dodge it wasn’t his fighting style but he wasn’t sure he could even if he wanted to. In a momentary struggle of tug of war Aloe is lifted up and immediately the chain slams down. The paint had dried.

Slow clapping a man appears down the alley dressed in what appeared to be an expensive but tacky suit. This suit was every color orange imaginable it was nauseating just to look at. “Brilliant performance, NOT” The man’s facial expression was hard to read somewhere in-between discuss and admiration. Slave trader thought Aloe struggling against the paint (Aloe can break paint but where is the fun in that). “You won’t be taking me captive, you damn slave traders! If I can’t move my arms I’ll bite you to death”

The grunts who were still standing around had lined up next to each other the appearance of their boss, tensed up. The man in orange mouth formed a circle and his eyebrows raised giving him a monkey like expression. “No need for all that despite losing to these guys. I’m still

willing to take you in. Thank you manager is what I should be hearing. This talk of slaves is exaggeration. Work hard yes I expect that but I think the compensation is more than fair.” Giving one of the guys a nod one of Aloe’s attackers pours a cup of water on him washing away the paint completely.

Standing up Aloe was still not sure what was going on but he chose to stay. Without being covered in paint he would sure kick these guys ass. Who would free someone they were attempting to catch that would be some elaborate plan. “Manager,” repeated Aloe. “What is it you want?”

Extending his arms as he were going to embrace someone in a hug the manager was celebrating as if deal was already struck. “Your career in the arena of course is what I’ll manage. I am very popular you know I can’t be taking on just anyone. This little show was to save me sometime to see if you could measure up, if your worth, to see I’m going to my time and money on the little guy, as the saying goes.” Although there were no direct shots fired at Aloe these comments filled subtly with things that spoke to his insecurities riled him up making him more susceptible to what the guy was asking.

Aloe: “So your saying I throw around a few people in the rink and I get paid?”

Manager: That is correct.


Extending their hands and shaking they had come to an agreement.

From the streets to the locker room the locker room Aloe got a crash course in wrestling and spent a few hours meeting some of wrestlers and engaging in light training before the big night. And then it was time for Aloeus’ East Blue debut. Putting on a dwarf sized mask adorn with fake black thorns he took a deep breath as he walked into in an arena full of people who rather see a bunch of meat heads collide. But tonight they were in for a treat that only a dwarf could provide. Armed with nothing more than Tontta Sumo he was going to win over the crowd. He going to show all of Mirrorball island and any of the local islands that this was being broadcast to, what dwarfs were capable of, what he was capable of. Taking the stage was his first opponent of the night. As he took the stage the crowd cheered. When the bell rung these two would collide and the spectacle would be on. Lowering his self towards the ground placing his hands just above the ground, as was common for sumo. Aloe stared up to his opponent who still putting a on a show for the crowd before gradually standing ready but not serious. I will make them all see me allow thought *Ding Ding*

What will become of Aloe’s wrestling debut? Will he ever call the young lady from the clothing store? What about Bob and Bobbie? Will Aloe ever get the clothes he already paid for? Stay tuned to Aloeus Blackthorn Adventures on Mirrorball

End scene