Watchmen

Author's note: I now have a p-word as you all know, so if you feel like reading 3, and soon enough 5 advanced chapters at the measly price of $3, then do join. The link is in this book's bio, or you can just search 'Archonstine' followed by p-word on your browser.

Also, join my discord will ya? For movie and tv-show recommendations and character images. The link is in this book's bio.

Also, donate some power stones. I've still got shitty harem fics ahead of me.

21st July 1996 (Sunday)

San Diego Comic-Con

Ricky Stirling (POV)

"Ladies and gentlemen, if there's one name that has truly dominated our stage tonight, it's an absolute honor to bring him back once again. Our next winner has not only graced us with his talent but has already claimed victory in three earlier categories. Clearly, there's no stopping this creative force. With an impressive sweep that has left us all in awe, please join me in congratulating Ricky Stirling on yet another well-deserved Eisner Award, this time for 'Best Writer/Artist'. Let's give him the ovation he has truly earned!"

My name echoed through the venue, and was met with an enthusiastic wave of applause and cheers. The camera immediately panned to my face to get my reaction to the news. Naturally I responded with jubilation, clearly visible on my face, as I looked around in slight disbelief, my humble persona remaining intact.

I slowly got up and sweeped my eyes around the venue with a smile bursting with joy, and then proceeded to walk towards the stage, to receive the award, an excited strut in my walk.

Every single row of seats I passed stood up, clapping fervently, their beaming facades, facing me, as I made my way up to the stage and accepted the award, my eyes twinkling with unshed tears.

Sigh… the Gamer truly is unrivaled.

I accepted the award, and stood behind the mic, ready to make my appreciation speech just as the applause died down… but it didn't.

They kept on applauding, nearly every single member of the audience stood up, and kept on standing for 4 minutes.

My Second Eisner award ceremony in which I was nominated for 5 categories, I won 4, namely the Best Writer/Artist, Best Graphic Album, Best Cover Art (for multiple covers), and Best Serialized Story.

I lost Best Editing to Christopher Claremont, for his work on Uncanny X-Men this year.

Yep, the X-Men exist. So does Marvel Comics, and so do Stan Lee, Jack Kriby, Steve Ditko, and quite a few of the other legends.

But an interesting deviation from the real world, Major Malcolm Wheeler Nicholson and Jack S. Liebowitz didn't exist here. Since they don't, that meant that National Comics Publications was never founded, setting off a chain of events that eventually led to Action Comics introducing Superman in 1940 instead of 1938, but closed its doors a year later due to financial mismanagement.

And without the management of Liebowitz, and acquisition of National Comic Publications, Detective Comics crashed and burned harder than the Twin Towers of World Trade Center on 9/11.

So only Superman existed for a year and had a mildly successful run, but DC Comics as a whole never truly formed, so no Batman, no Wonder Woman, no Captain Marvel aka Shazam, etc.

Marvel, with virtually no worthy competitors, dominated the comics scene as hard as Google will go on to dominate the search engines market.

But due to the absence of a healthy competitor, comics took far longer to gain popularity among mainstream audiences.

That's partly why Sandman was so acclaimed here. Sandman was the first and is still the only comic to ever appear on The New York Times Bestseller List.

You know, I barely even spent a couple thousand dollars for its Eisner marketing run, I didn't really need to. Sandman had essentially become the Holy Grail of comic books, and what no one realized is that I was about to give them a maxiseries, on par with it, if not outright superior.

That's just how iconic Watchmen was in OTL, and here? Where there is no DC Comics? A place without Batman: Year One, and The Dark Knight Returns? Critics have been starved for an emotionally mature take on a superhero story long enough… I think it's about time I satisfied their thirst.

But before that…

The standing ovation, that had exceeded the 4 minute mark, finally died down, as the moment for my thank you speech came.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed guests and fellow creators. I have to say… that I don't know what to say, quite literally, this is my 4th time on the stage, and suffice it to say, that my narcissism only allowed me to write 3 speeches, I did not account for the fact that I would be awarded 4 times tonight." I said helplessly, as a smattering of polite laughter followed.

"But nevertheless, this is simply a test of my extensive improvisation skills, and I will treat it as such." My expression turned jokingly serious, as more polite laughter followed, "This," I started, raising my trophy over my head and giving it a slight wave, "is my 4th Eisner award tonight, and with each subsequent win, I am reminded of the countless hours I have spent at my desk, fuelled by late-night inspiration, and the support of my father and my beloved mentors. You know, it is a testament to the power of storytelling, the ability of words and images to connect us, inspire us, and transport us to worlds beyond our imagination."

"I share this award with every reader who allowed my stories into their lives, and with every mentor who guided me along the way. To my father… who believed in my dreams, even when they seemed outlandish - thank you, truly."

I ended with a sincere teary eyed nod towards the camera, as a resounding applause was heard, every single occupant on their feet once again. Hell, I could see a few wipe their own tears streaming down their cheeks… Damn.

I mean, I cooked up one of the most generic speeches on the spot, but somehow, my delivery just made it sound genuine. Why is that you ask?

Ping!

Public Speaking skill leveled up!

Public Speaking: Lvl 41

Hmm, on second thought… it's not that impressive. But I guess when you combine the skill with my CHA, my PRE and on top of that, my significant reputation… It's truly the perfect recipe.

…

…

22nd July 1996 (Monday)

??? (POV)

"Dude! Dude-Mark!"

Oh this little bastard, can't he let me talk to this gorgeous elf in peace? Just a few more minutes, and I would've definitely gotten her number, and then my virginity…

Fuck you Dane, fuck you very very much.

"Dane, you have no idea what you just interrupted, now talk fast, and this better be important or I swear to Zeus…"

"Oh shut the fuck up will you? You had no chance in hell and neither did I, you really thought she would be into this? Into you? I am 80 pounds and you are twice my size, so drop your damn quest to lose your V-card, I just heard a totally swank rumor."

I'M GONNA PUNCH HIS GODDAMN TEETH IN- wait… , "Swank rumor? You're seriously doing this huh? Initiating the planned sequence?"

"Yes Mark, I'm initiating it, and the total spending limit is hereby increased to $50."

$50?! What th-, "DUDE! We are not burning through the cash reserved for dinner! What's wrong with you? I mean granted, you said a swank rumor but-"

"Ricky Stirling." And my thoughts came to a crashing halt.

"Ricky?"

"Mmhmm."

"Stirling?"

"Yepskerdoodle."

"Dude, out with it."

And this motherfucker had the gall to smirk and cross his arms, "Oh! So now you want me to spill?! Huh? No-no, why don't you go eat Kraft mac and cheese with a Tom-Yum Ramen on the side, while I go to the 'Meet and Greet along with a book signing' all on my own?"

…

"Qo!" He swore in Klingon.

"Ok Dane, listen. When and where is it? I checked the itinerary, and there was supposed to be a stall promoting 'Messiah', but not a single mention of him being here personally."

"Ok, I just bumped into this drunk guy in a Kirk outfit, he had downed like half a bottle of Romulan Ale, which is basically just vodka with blue dye. He was too far gone. But his buddy, who was dressed as Picard, told me that a guy he knew attended the Eisner Awards, where Stirling won 4 btw, freakin' awesome. Anyways, he overheard Stirling talking to his publicist, and how he was gonna meet some fans at the stall and sign a few copies before going."

…

"Dane… did you hear when? It's almost 3 right now, and stalls close in a few hours."

"He mentioned 4. Now we can't really verify this, but on the off chance it's true…"

"Yeah, but we got time right?"

"..."

"RIGHT?"

"... Mark, I wasn't the only one who talked to 'Picard'. I'm betting there's gonna be a line."

Oh hell no, not on my watch.

"Dane, grab your satchel, we run for it." I said, my voice displaying my utmost seriousness.

"Aye Aye, cap'n."

…

…

Ricky Stirling (POV)

Huh…

I was gonna pop by the stall anyway, but I wanted it to be a surprise…

"STIRLING! STIRLING! OVER HE-"

"I LOVE YOU-"

…

It seems news of my appearance got leaked somehow. But, who would do it? And why… Of course.

I mentioned it to my publicist yesterday, someone definitely overheard it.

Eh, who cares? It's not like it'll put a dent in my plans or anything, I'll just have a tougher time getting out after an hour or so.

You know what? Screw it. I'll just stay here till the day's end. I'll have to call Benjamin though, tell him to head to the Hotel early and come back to pick me up at night.

But for now…

"RICKY-RICKY-RICKY!" I wave my left arm around, while I dial Benjamin's number with my right.

Yep, dial. That's how good my memory is, I read out a phone number once, and I remember it forever. That's why I've never saved a single contact on my phone.

I honestly find it a drag to go to the contacts list and search the name… dialing means, I can ring up anyone without having to look at my phone, it's a thing I have managed to master, really. Normally I would call it a skill, but ever since the Gamer, my definition of what constitutes a skill has undergone a complete upheaval.

…

…

"Hello! My name is Ricky as you both might know! What 'bout you two?" I grin effortlessly, while I make small talk with the next set of fans.

"H-Hey, Mr. Stirling! We're… I am Dane, and he is Mark, let me just say… he's one of your biggest fans ever Sir! I mean, so am I!" 'Dane' stuttered through.

Sigh. Why do fans have to say the same damn thing almost every single time? 'I'm your biggest fan Sir!'

Yeah buddy, you and thousands of people I've met. I mean, I appreciate the fact I made an enormous impact on their lives, but after a while… it becomes monotonous real fucking fast.

"Ok first of all… call me Ricky! None of this Sir shit. And Mr. Stirling is my father, let's not go there." I said in an overly casual way, "Mark and Dane! It's great to meet you two! Would you be interested in buying a signed copy of Messiah? We have paperbacks going for $9.99, and hardcovers going for $24.99." I ask, wanting to get this over with.

They exchange a look of hesitance, right before Mark, who is… what the hell? Is he sweating out of nervousness? Anyways, he gives them a nod, and Dane with a pained expression, takes out a wad of cash, I count $50 in fives and tens.

And… oh. Damn it. A pair of 16, maybe 17 year-olds from out of town with a limited amount of cash, but enough fan worship to sacrifice a meal to get a signed copy…

Oh fuck it.

"You know what?" I spoke up suddenly drawing their attention, "How about… I give you two hardcovers as a gift for being such great fans of mine?" I could see their eyes widen, as they understood exactly what I meant by it.

"

There you go, 2 signed hardcovers, hope you have a blast reading them. Also… next time, don't sacrifice your health for signed memorabilia. Believe me, they're not as valuable as you think." I whisper the last line, as their shock subsided, and they shot me a grateful look.

I gotta say… 'Observe' after being maxed out, is one broken skill.