Chapter 34 – Best Single Line Award, CPNeb Award, and Kimmunity Achievement Award
At the rear of the auditorium, Liz's voice could faintly be heard as she argued with the security officer. It was a convenient distraction as any roaming eyes likely missed the other suspicious pair near the stage door, deep in conversation.
"I promise I can get you a date with him," GT insisted to a forlorn Dr. Hall, who was gazing all around the auditorium.
"Have you seen Monty? I haven't seen him since the start of the ceremony. I gave him one of my precious baby daschipedes* for his very own!"
GT quirked an eyebrow. "I thought you wanted to go out with Steve Barkin."
Amy flapped a hand in dismissal. "If only to make my Monty jealous."
GT sighed. "Okay, if I can get you a date with Monkey Fist, then do we have a deal?"
Amy narrowed her eyes on the writer. "How are you going to do that?"
"Just trust me," GT said, flashing a grin.
After another moment of scrutinizing the writer, Amy's expression brightened. "Okay, sugar plum!"
"So you remember, at the end of the ceremony we need to—"
GT stopped short when she caught a glimpse of the target of Amy's affections walking side by side with Duff Killigan near the back of the auditorium, in a notably unlit area along the wall. Amy started to turn, and GT hurriedly continued.
"We need to unveil the surprise right at the end, while pictures are being taken. We have a deal?"
Amy looked back, eyes narrowing slightly again. "As long as you get me that date with my sweet Monty."
"I'm on it right now!" GT said, flashing a confident grin.
As GT hurried through the aisles to catch the rapidly disappearing duo, a microphone was suddenly pushed in her face by none other than Tricia Lipowski.
"Gothicthundra!" the news anchor greeted excitedly. "How are you feeling about your near-historic wins this evening? Do you expect to surpass the record for the number of Fannies wins in a single event?"
Suddenly shy, GT demurred and smiled politely. "I'm just honored that so many people are reading and enjoying my work. I've gotta dash!"
With that, she lifted her skirts and hurried away up the aisle, leaving a confused news crew in her wake. But the interviewer was only caught off guard for a moment as she spied two more ideal candidates seated in the very row she was facing.
"Dr. Drakken! Shego!" she greeted the unsuspecting pair, who exchanged looks and then politely stood and removed their masks for the interview, forcing smiles. "Do you have any explanation for the strange happenings this evening?"
"We had nothing to do with that girl's jewels being—"
"The mysterious drinks, the changing lights, and the frosted muffins are all following a very obvious theme," Tricia continued.
Drakken relaxed as Shego gave him a slight glare. "Oh. We, ah, don't know anything about any of that," he said unconvincingly. Shego rolled her eyes.
"And you're topping the bill tonight, with more awards being won for stories centering on you two than anyone else! How does that make you feel?"
Drakken puffed up a bit and grinned broadly at the camera. "It's about time we were getting our due."
"And yet," Tricia interrupted before Drakken could continue. "You two have been mysteriously absent from the world stage throughout the pandemic. And it has caught everyone's attention that you have returned to using the names from your villainous lifestyle. Has there been a change in the winds?"
Drakken clammed up, his confidence faltering and his smile becoming forced once more. But Shego saved him as she spoke up.
"Not that it's anyone's business… But I contracted TEVID fairly early in the year," she said.
There were gasps from the news crew, and even Tricia took a step back, holding the microphone out further.
"As to our names, we just wanted to be true to ourselves. Life-threatening illness has a way of making you…reevaluate your priorities," she concluded, turning away from the camera and locking eyes with Drakken. Their hands slipped around one another's waists, and the cameraman adjusted his focus for what was sure to be a viral media moment. Shego glanced back at Tricia. "But I'm sure you'll be hearing more of our names in the near future."
Tricia leaned in with an inquisitive expression. "And why would that be?"
Before either of the couple could answer, everyone was startled as GT hurried between the group.
"I have no regrets, but I didn't need to see that…" she was muttering to herself, the writer's expression notably disturbed.
Tricia looked at Drakken and Shego, but they were hurrying back to their seats as the lights began to dim, signaling the end of the commercial.
"Gothicthundra!" Tricia called, rushing after the renowned author. The woman turned, almost startled as she was addressed and quickly tried to regain her composure. "Do you have any predictions for the rest of the ceremony?"
"I'm just glad to see so many deserving writers winning, and I wish that more could win," GT replied.
"That's very gracious of you!" Tricia commented.
"I hope everyone really reads the story excerpts onscreen. I've found a lot of hidden gems of tales that way. But if you'll excuse me, I need to go speak to someone before the commercial ends."
At that moment the lights began to dim, and the writer and artist scurried away, her skirts flouncing behind her.
"Stay tuned for more from your eyes and ears on the floor of the Rockwaller Opera House," Tricia addressed the camera. "We hope to have an update for you about the jewel robbery very soon, but for now, back to the show! This is Tricia Lipowski reporting."
Onstage, BCB adjusted her skirts and the long tresses of her hair as she stood waiting in front of the podium.
"And…we're back to the show!" she exclaimed, looking at the prompter. "To present our next award for the evening, we welcome the recently retired Doctors P-squared!... Who wrote this…"
James and Ann Possible made their way to the stage to respectful applause. The graying retiree wore a tailored navy-blue tuxedo while Ann sparkled in a white satin Sabrina-neckline sheath with a blanket of diamonds studding the bodice, gradually spacing out until they were gone at her hips. Opera gloves completed her look and accentuated the Golden Rufus in her hands, while James waved the winning envelope as they took their places before the podium. They too sported his state-of-the-art transparent masks.
"A single line can make all the difference for any story," Ann began.
"Be it humorous, dramatic, or thought-provoking, sometimes just those few words are what keeps the reader hooked!" James said. "Just like in this one Captain Constellation fanfiction I wrote in college, in which— Ow!"
He raised a brow at his wife as he rubbed his sore ribs where she'd elbowed him. Ann cleared her throat.
"Tonight's nominees for Best Single Line are..."
"Too many emotions swirled within her at the kind insistence of his voice, the gentle authority in his eyes, and the tender way he held her hands as if they were glass and might break. Her lips trembled and she didn't know what to do as everything inside her seemed to collapse under a tsunami wave of passions, both good and ill." (from Ch 8 of Pandemic by bcbdrums)
"The moon, a friend of hers in nights of solitude, could not repair the cracks within her broken heart that continued to grow as she vividly imagined the rich relationships maintained by her brothers—relationships that she once held within her feeble hands, but let slip as her own selfishness tore her away from those she loved the most." (from Ch 4 of If You Could Read My Mind, Love by sammisue)
Kim knew even before alarms began to flare and emergency lights flickered on scarlet from every socket that [the button] must have been a self-destruct mechanism. It was just that kind of day." (from Ch 11 of True Blue by purplegirl761)
"It appears that you have again taken up a course of study that I at least, had hoped that you had abandoned years ago." Yori said, her face a blank mask hiding any real emotions. It was only the tone of her voice that let Ron know her true feelings. Subtle to any that didn't know her well, loud as a thunder clap to those that did.
He remained silent as he waited for her to continue.
"The art of being stupid. One of the more advanced classes." (from Ch 19 of Past and Present by Zaratan Volume 2 by levi2000a1)
"Well, let's get you to the cannon and blast you into space, cos your coffee is rank, Lady," Quinn said and the look in her eyes told Betty that the girl was only half-joking. (from Ch 57 of And You and I by Niaxi)
Traci dribbled confidently with her left hand, easily protecting the ball from Kim's feints at a steal. Nothing seemed to be about to happen when without warning Beth took three quick steps back to a spot well behind the three-point line. Before Crystal could react Traci dealt a perfect no-look bounce pass to the diminutive girl, who let fly a two-handed set shot right off a circa 1950 Minneapolis Lakers highlight reel that kissed the backboard and swished through the hoop. The crowd cheered.
"She'll sink that from Denver if the wind's with her," Traci told an astonished Kim. "You cheerleaders are goin' down like cheerleaders in a raunchy direct-to-video teen sex comedy." (from Ch 2 of Cri De Guerre by campy)
James tore open the envelope and revealed the winner. "And the winner for Best Single Line goes to...BCBDrums for Pandemic!"
BCB beamed at the audience as she held her award and waited for the applause to settle before she began her acceptance speech.
"Thank you! It means more than I can say to win this award. I spent so much time on that particular line, and it's probably my favorite in the entire story. It also comes at one of the more critical moments in the fic and marks a slight turning point of circumstances. I don't usually spend a lot of time on single lines, focusing more on moving the narrative forward, so winning for this line that I put so much effort into really means a lot. I'm so glad so many people enjoyed this story! Thank you again!"
The music played for the transition, but James leaned back in front of the podium to speak into the microphone. "Don't forget to buy your PP mask! State of the art protection and transparent! No fogging! You can buy them at—"
He was cut off as Ann tugged on his arm, forcing a smile as she pulled him toward the stage steps.
Everything shifted then as the lights were dimmed, and instead of the orchestral theme that played after each award, a curtain rose near the back of the stage to reveal one of the opera house's grand pianos. BCB set her newest Golden Rufus down on the podium and approached the piano. A slight murmur came from those in the audience who were new to the Kimmunity and were unfamiliar with the sudden solemn shift in the atmosphere.
BCB sat at the piano and began to play a soft, gentle rendition of "Can It Be," the song that Kim and Ron danced to at their Junior Prom and where they shared their first real kiss. As the music went on and the audience sat forward in curiosity and respect, a single spotlight was shone on Sharper.
"To present the most emotional award of the evening, per tradition, please welcome Wade and Joss Load to the stage."
Wade returned to the stage with his wife Joss on his arm. Together they placed the unique statuette on the podium to be viewed by all. It was a miniaturized version of the memorial statue, this golden vision of Rufus standing upright and proud, but with his head bowed low, his eyes closed, and his hands clasped together as if in reverent sorrow. However, despite the sorrow evident in the statue's features there was a smile on his face, as if remembering fond memories.
"Some fanfiction writers are lucky enough to meet lifelong friends over the internet," Wade began. "But as is the way of life, there comes a time when we lose loved ones."
"Dedicated to all those who have been loved and lost in th' Kimmunity," Joss continued, "this award is named for and honors CPNeb, who passed away eleven years ago."
"He was a pillar in the Kimmunity and even helped create the Fannies," Wade added. "And we will never forget him, nor any of the others who have shared in the love of this fandom and have passed on."
"This award is given to th' individual who has helped build mah cousin's fandom the most in recent years, be it through fanart, fanfiction, roleplay, or whatever!" Joss added.
"Tonight's nominees for the CPNeb Memorial Award are..."
hotrod2001
bcbdrums
MrDrP
Tennente
Gothicthundra
F86Sabre53
"And the award goes to..." Wade said as he pulled the card from the envelope to read out the winner "...BCBDrums!"
BCBDrums startled at the piano but didn't miss a note as she finished the phrase to last chord. Applause took the place of music as she approached the podium. Her fingers reverently caressed the Golden Rufus before she addressed the audience.
"I don't really have words to express what this award means. I had always figured I was a very small player in my small corner of the fandom. I don't know too many people, and I don't get a lot of reviews except from close friends..." BCB looked out at the audience and made eye-contact with Split-N-Splice, who shyly bowed her head. "I just try to be a positive member in the vast Kimmunity. So to even be nominated for an award for a person who has made the most impact was a great surprise. But to win... There really aren't words. I hope my impact will be lasting enough someday to be remembered with the same fondness and positive memories as are held about the late CPNeb. And I would like to add that for those in the Kimmunity who have vanished from online activity, whose fates are unknown…you are not forgotten. Thank you to everyone who voted for me."
BCB collected her previous Golden Rufus and took her awards into the wings, while Sharper stepped back to his podium.
"And presenting the Kimmunity Achievement Award is CajunBear73!"
CajunBear looked around the stage to make sure the coast was clear of Kim and Monique. Seeing that neither was in the audience at present, he made his way to the podium.
"This award is the equivalent of the Lifetime Achievement Award. It is for those who have contributed in a lasting way to the fandom, whose names and contributions will be household names the same as our favorite red-haired heroine. Tonight's nominees are..."
hotrod2001
bcbdrums
Gothicthundra
Slyrr
Librana
purplegirl761
"And the Golden Rufus goes to...Gothicthundra!"
The mood in the entire room shifted, as a gasp preceded the loudest applause of the night. Nearly the entire room was on their feet, the screams and cheers making it seem as if the auditorium was full instead of near-empty due to social distancing. It was several minutes before GT made it to the stage, being hugged by so many friends and fans during her long walk up the aisle. When she finally made it, the petite woman nearly toppled over when BCB enveloped her in a bear hug, her smile bright as she exclaimed, "I knew it!" over and over again.
Finally, Sharper extracted her from her friend's embrace and brought her up to the podium. When the writer, artist, and friend to so many smiled and waved, the roars of applause began anew. Many stayed standing as GT gestured for them all to calm down, and her cheeks hurt for the smile on her face.
"I am so excited to win this award this year! I work very hard to try to put consistent, varied content into the wonderful world of KP, so thank you all so much! I hope to continue to push forth more and more content and always be a part of the Kimmunity! Thank you!"
BCB rushed over and leaned over the podium mic, forgetting in her glee that she was wearing a headset.
"You all know what this means?" she said excitedly, her heart thudding within her chest.
"Yes!" came the chorus of shouts from the audience.
"With this win, Gothicthundra has set a new record! Eleven wins in a single Fannies year!"
"And to commemorate this historic occasion, the Fannies Committee has prepared a new trophy!" BCB said with a grin. At that moment she produced a new statuette from behind her back, identical to the Golden Rufuses received by each winner excepting that this one wasn't gold. It sparkled under the bright stage lights, this effigy made of crystal, and the plaque on the statuette's base read 'Most Single Ceremony Wins – Gothicthundra.'
"Have any more words to say, GT?" Sharper asked with a grin.
Gothicthundra beamed out at the audience, her expression excited and yet reverent.
"I would like to thank all of you for this honor, it means a great deal for me! I am so glad that my hard work is bringing joy and entertainment to all of you and that it's been noticed."
Movement at the back of the auditorium caught the author's eye, and she cleared her throat and cut her speech short.
"Can't wait to see you all next year and have a great evening!"
BCB started following her friend in confusion, and the Kimmunicator beep and Sharper's following announcement were barely heard over the roar of applause that followed Gothicthundra down the stage steps. Whatever had arrested her attention was forgotten as she was swarmed by friends and fans alike.
"Congrats to my good friends BCB on winning Best Single Line and the CPNeb Award, and to GT for winning the Kimmunity Achievement Award and for breaking the record! We're almost done for this evening. After his commercial break, we'll be presenting the Best Reviewer award!"
Instead of a popular song, the orchestral version of the KP theme played during the commercial.