[b]Two Days Later
Brooklyn
A Very Formal Event
Like Tuxedo Formal[/b]


"Thank you all for joining us at the first annual Mascots Maul Malaria benefit."

There was a steady round of applause as the well-dressed attendees of the charity event clapped for the MC. While he continued on talking about whatever charity they were all here to support, Howard the Duck walked among the party goers. For once, he was not out of place in the group of people. Among him were people dressed as tigers, and lions, and Native Americans. Yeah, that's still a thing. He'd gotten into the event because they just assumed he was a little person dressed as the Anaheim Ducks mascot in a mini-tux. 

He saw a snatch of green somewhere amidst the black tuxes and dresses. The sight sent his heart racing. Quickly, Howard made his way towards and it came face to face... with the devil himself.

"Good evening," he said to the Phillie Phanatic. "This is a lovely event."

"Yes," said the man inside the costume, his voice muffled. "Yes, it is indeed. Let me introduce myself I am--"

"Oh," said Howard. "I know exactly who you are. And what you've done. It's amazing how you've fooled the world."

Howard thought he caught just the slightest glimpse of a smirk somewhere through the nose hole the mascot saw out of. 

"You're a police officer?"

"No, worse. I'm a podcaster."

"So you have evidence of whatever it is I've done."

"For forty years," Howard hissed. "You've been hiding behind that fuzzy green headpiece. But, your days or numbered. Soon, very soon, they'll come for you. You can jump on your ATV and try to make a break for it, but you'll never get away. Our pasts always catch up to us, and you have a lot to account for. Forty years, you've hidden in shadow. Soon, you'll have to step into the light."

The Phanatic took a step back and walked away without another word. Howard watched him go. When he was on the other side of the room, the mascot turned and started in Howard's direction.

"Soon," Howard mouthed. "Very soon."