Coffee shop.
Street level patio.
Harry Chest shuffles through a copy of The City Gazette newspaper in his hands as foot and motor traffic hastily pass by. The flimsy newsprint pages constantly force him to readjust his grip as his hot cup of coco cools on the table to his side. The Every Dad reads the headlines aloud.
Harry Chest: Evil doer thwarted by caped hero at first ever pay-per-view.
He lowers the paper as if he has an audience watching him.
Harry Chest: Well shucks, it appears my reputation precedes me.
He continues reading the other headlines.
Harry Chest: Siamese cat still in distress. Hmmmmmm. That sounds like a job for me.
As Chest indulges in the obsolete entertainment medium, his attention can’t help but be drawn to a commotion coming from the coffee shop. It takes mere moments for an aproned barista and manager to spill outside in the middle of what appears to be a heated argument.
Manager: You’re showing up late for the last time, do you hear me!? You’re not passionate enough about coffee! You’re fired!
The enraged barista quickly takes his apron off and throws it at the manager.
Barista: Gee golly gosh! You know what? You can’t fire me because I quit!
Harry bears witness to the falling out as the manager collects the apron and heads back into the coffee house. Harry eyes the young barista. He’s barely 20 years old and is quite tall and skinny. Chest interjects himself into things.
Harry Chest: What was that about, random citizen?
The barista turns and makes eye contact with Harry.
Batista: Oh, nothing. He’s right. I’m not passionate enough about coffee. My parents are super rich. I don’t even know why I have this job in the first place.
The barista begins to stare uncomfortably at Harry.
Barista: Hey. Do I know you? You look familiar.
Harry extends his dimpled chin as if that would be the dead giveaway about who he is.
Harry Chest: Why, it is I, the savior of salutations! The protector of all that is good! HARRY CHEST!
The barista claps with genuine excitement!
Barista: Holy moly! You’re that CLASSIC wrestler! Wow, what are the odds?
Harry puffs out his chest, allowing his billow of chest hair to gain maximum breathability.
Harry Chest: Indeed I am and to what do I owe the pleasure, random citizen?
Barista: Oh man, you don’t understand! I’m a HUGE wrestling fan!
The barista’s eyes droop down to Harry’s copy of the newspaper.
Barista: Whatcha got there?
Chest pats the crumpled up paper.
Harry Chest: Proof that I vanquished a common foe.
The hero among heroes rises from his small chair and plugs his two fists into his hips for a vintage heroic pose. The barista chuckles.
Harry Chest: Random citizen, why are you laughing?
Barista: You think you’ve done it all just because you beat Dr. Devastation!? Bahaha. Guess again. You’re just getting started.
He walks over to Harry, flips through some of the pages until his index finger points at a very important advertisement. Harry’s gaze examines the printed words.
Harry Chest: Harry Chest versus Randall Schwartz. My journey continues!? Blasphemy. There are more foes to vanquish and here I was thinking I was fully vindicated.
As concern pours over Harry’s body, the young barista pats his defender on the back.
Harry Chest: What am I to do? I feel ill prepared and I’ve sworn to protect everyone. This Randall Schwartz fellow looks quite formidable.
The barista looks as confident as ever.
Barista: I have a grand idea. Why don’t you come train at my parents house? They’re always out of town and I know for a fact they wouldn’t mind. You can easily get in shape with all the equipment available. We even have an obstacle course and a butler who will cook you anything!
It seems like a no brainer for Harry.
Harry Chest: That is an awfully generous offer from you, my friend. Thank you. How can I ever repay you?
Barista: Ummm, well, have you ever thought of taking on a sidekick!? Look no further! I’m your guy!
Yes! It’s a match made in heaven! Harry Chest and the barista! What a nice ring to it! Harry nods with sincerity.
Harry Chest: Consider it done, random cit—errr, what’s your name, son?
The pair begin to walk away from the coffee shop.
Tanner Spray: The name is Tanner. Tanner Spray and I’m obsessed with a good spray tan.