Inside the very walls of Amalgam Electronics, the Arcadians were in a massive uproar once more. The Glitchy Figure had returned through the sliding doors and returned empty-handed, which only meant one thing. He had failed to steal the Spark of Wonder from Manuscript City.
The Arcadians ranging from 256-bit to measly 8-bit began to demand and shout for them to storm the toy store and take them by force!
The three display consoles turned up the volume on all their monitors and held back for a few moments. Then they all released their outrage.
“SILENCE!” The three Console Overlords shouted in unison. The crowd of Arcadians went silent, some even retreated into the TVs out of fear.
After a minute of pin-dropping silence, the Glitchy Figure stepped forward towards the display consoles and bowed down.
“I’m sorry my Lords, I have failed you. Dah-ahahahahahaha!” He sadly and instinctively laughed.
“Stand.” RecStation V commanded. The Glitchy Figure quickly obliged.
“Why have you failed? You are fully powered and completely aware of your abilities?” Asked Redtendo Shift. Even though the three consoles were fixed to their display shelves, the Glitchy Figure could feel their collective Wonder and Scorn mixing, making a near-intoxicating cocktail of power. But despite this overwhelming force of energy, he could tell all three of them weren’t happy.
They were pissed, in fact.
“It…turns out he can extend his unique power of Wonder to other toys when he does that, the other toys can damage Arcdians again.” The Glitchy Figure slowly uttered hesitantly.
The Console Overlord’s screens began to glitch out in rage. The surrounding Arcadians began to glitch out as well, but they all started to groan in pain as their coding began to get repeatedly ripped apart and pieced together.
But for the Glitchy Figure, their cloak started to fade just a little bit from the bottom of their feet. It dropped just a little to reveal….worn brown vinyl boots.
As soon as they stopped glitching out, Z-Cube resumed the discussion.
“Perhaps I should send my Roman Warriors from Nimbus. Monarch Overlord has been raring to go, he also has been recently upgraded with the Advanced Weaponry DLC pack, and the new story content gives him a better and deadlier assortment of weapons!”
ArcStation V scoffed at Z-Cube’s suggestion.
“Those blasted First-person Shooter Arcadians are always your first and only suggestion! I have an entire library of Arcadians ready to fight and have Wonder to spare!” Arcstation V proudly boasted.
Z-Cube scoffed at their suggestion and retorted “Oh Please! You haven’t even looked at half of those Arcadians since the early 2000s. All you care about now is overly complicated stories and remakes of older Arcadians!”
“BE QUIET THE BOTH OF YOU!” Redtendo Shift screeched in annoyance. Both Green and Blue color-coded consoles were immediately silenced as their equal forced the pair to focus.
The focus shifts back to the Glitchy Figure and the Shift commands them. “You will remain vigilant of this Handyman Hank and his inner circle. But once you see a weakness you will strike them dead. Understand?” Redtendo Shift slowly explained
“Y-Yes my Lords….” The Glitchy figure stammered.
“Good, and make sure our agent in Critical Quest is ready for extraction when he secures the Spark of Wonder. He is one of the best Masters of terrain in my library of Arcadian. But unfortunately, he isn’t that great in a fight.” The Redtendo Shift explained as a full list of all the console-exclusive games that appear on the display screen of the Redtendo Shift. The list stopped scrolling as soon as it hovered over the old title known simply as:
‘DJ Vortexx: Smooth Grooves!’
The Glitchy Figure stood, nodded, and walked towards the sliding doors leading to the Mall.
The three Consoles concluded their meeting. They shouted their chant once more.
“Power from our Players!”
The Arcadians all shouted in unison.
“POWER FROM OUR PLAYERS!”
“POWER FROM OUR PLAYERS!”
“POWER FROM OUR PLAYERS!”
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Following the founder's new objective, Hank, Dorothy, and Mr. Honeybun parked Ol’ Betsy at the base of the nearest pair of escalators to Mr. Wonder’s Toystore. There were only a few hours until opening, and they needed a quick getaway if things took too long.
Hank climbed each step with a hurdle with little to no struggle.
Dorothy acrobatically and skillfully jumped each step like a slinky in reverse.
Mr. Honeybun was about five escalator steps behind both of them and was nearly out of breath.
As soon as they reached the top of the escalator, they made it to the higher levels of the mall. Hank quickly looked around and saw that none of the X-Station Unlimited advertisements had spread to the upper level….yet.
“This is it…what the mall is supposed to look like. No cheap ass- advertisements every three steps, no constant bombardment of booming music. Just true peace for us and the shoppers.” Dorothy calmly stated as she looked around, letting the nostalgia take her.
As soon as Mr. Honeybun caught his breath, the teddy bear added “Mr. Chuck gets complaints from all the store owners all the time because of all the posters and loud advertisements. The Toy store guy always rips off any posters near the toy store, making the big game store owner mad.”
“Mr. Wonder does that?” Hank inquired with a raised eyebrow.
“Yeah. He does. The Manager at Amalgam Electronics is slowly buying out all the ad space in the mall to advertise that stupid console. But Mr. Wonder refuses to give up his space. Ever wonder why you still have a view to see people walking by on the display window?” Dorothy claimed as she pointed downward at the surrounding stores on the lower level.
Hank and Mr. Honeybun looked out to the stores below from the edge and could only see three stores from where they stood.
Popular stores such as The Bride and Groom Wedding Store known as Blissful Threads had posters plastered all over the front display windows, covering the fancy wedding dresses and groom suits. Then there was the generously large shoe store called Laced & Loaded, its storefront window showing off this year's newest pair of Snuggs. The pair of comfy-looking women’s shoes was blocked off by a pamphlet explaining the X-Station’s new and original features. Then finally, a candy store titled The Sugar Shack. The delectable, teeth-melting sweets in the store window weren’t blocked off by anything. Except for a laser projector that displays the X-Station’s Logo over the glass and reflects right into people’s eyes as they walk by.
“Be grateful Mr. Wonder is stubborn when it comes to business. Otherwise, you wouldn’t even have a display with a view…Man, I miss that view…” Dorothy lamented as she trekked onwards. Hank and Mr. Honeybun quickly follow behind.
Mr. Honeybun had noticed Dorothy’s downtrodden state and nudged Hank to say something. Hank shrugged, not knowing what to say, so Mr. Honeybun quickly intervened and implored “Hey Miss Dorothy? What does it mean to be a Storefront toy?”
Dorothy perked up for a moment and asked “Why? Weren’t you a storefront toy too?”
“Nope. When I first met Abby, I was just a teddy bear in a pile of other stuffed stuffed animals. I never sat in front of a window, I only got to sit at the top of the pile of other stuffed friends in a bin! It was comfy!” The teddy bear exclaimed as he twirled around.
“Y-yeah. To be honest, I’m wondering why it’s such a big deal too. Yeah, I need to tell everyone in the toy store when it’s all clear. But I doubt you, Greenbolt and the Cryptid Critters would make a big deal out of just that.” Hank added, jumping into the conversation.
Dorothy turned her head briefly and peered into the eyes of Hank and Mr. Honeybun. Mr. Honeybun has his typical childlike curiosity that she's grown fond of in the past few hours. But Hank’s eyes were full of…comfort and care, just like his were.
Dorothy gave a warm smile and said “Alright….”
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It was the late '90s when I was first unpacked, I didn’t know what it meant to be a storefront toy, either. I was just as confused as everyone else in my line. I was packaged with an entire massive playhouse, an amazing sports car, and three fellow dolls I considered my…family.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
My best friend, Dolly Darcy, was what the kids say nowadays my ‘Ride or die’ she always had my back and I hers.
My rival in all my hundreds of careers according to my backstory, Dolly Deedee. She was snooty, rude, and had the occasional conniving scheme. But she was always there to help me if I needed it.
And then…There was Tim. He was my boyfriend according to my backstory. He was kind, supportive, and considerate, and I'd be lying if I didn’t call him ‘An absolute dreamboat’ like I would used to say.
That’s when Greenolt approached us and told us all about what it means to be Storefront Toys. You were chosen, not only because you’re believed to bring the store a lot of money. But you’re chosen because Mr. Wonder believes you have the potential to spark wonder in kids. To inspire them and teach them to do great in the future. I’m a doll that inspires little girls that they can have any career they want. My friends and I held that spot for four long years until…
…………………………………………………………………………………..
Dorothy’s explanation ground to a halt and her breathing pace quickened. The Doll even started to grip her melted hand and she began to grow hysterical as the memory began to flood back.
Hank walked ahead to walk beside Dorothy. He recognized the look in her eyes from the night before after she saw his burn wound. At this moment, he knew he had to do something, but what? Hank took a deep breath and simply told Dorothy.
“Dorothy. You don’t need to tell us anything else if it’s too heavy for you. You can tell me and Mr. Honeybun when you’re ready.” Hank tenderly said as he hesitantly placed his hand on her shoulder.
Dorothy glanced at Hank and saw the sincerity in his eyes. She quickly walks ahead at a quicker pace. As that happened, Hank wondered if he had offended her with something he said.
Unbeknownst to both of them. Mr. Honeybun held in a squeal of delight seeing the tender moment between the two toys. The naive teddy bear had to wonder just how long that’s been going on! But his thought process was cut short when He, Hank, and Dorothy quickly overheard hard sobbing in the distance, just two stores away from Critical Quest.
Hank pulled out his wrench, Dorothy quickly drew out her precision knife blade, and Mr. Honeybun channeled his Wonder into his paws again to create his Fighty Claws. They quickly run into one of the detour hallways that lead to the locked door leading to the mall’s underground maintenance halls for the mall’s custodian workers, and the restrooms for everyday shoppers.
Sitting on the bench across from the restrooms was one new face, and four similar faces.
The new face was a foot-tall, hard plastic statuette depicting a cartoony old man wearing a fancy black suit and green bow tie. He also wore a green monocle and tightly clenched his tophat as he bawled his eyes out.
Surrounding the fancy-dressed statuette were a slew of anime figurines. The most detailed one was busy comforting the crying statuette.
But one on the far left, sporting green hair, perpetually crying, and dressed like a lowly medieval squire glanced at Hank. His sad disposition quickly changed to being alarmed at the sight of the toy handyman.
“IT’S HIM! WE GOTTA RUN AWAY!” He shouted in a fearful and shrill tone.
The taller, shaven bald, more arrogant-sounding anime figure dressed in an all-red suit of armor growled “Like Hell, I'm running with my tail between my legs! I ain’t letting him smack me with his girder again!” He drew his massive sword that really shouldn’t be classified as a sword, just a big hunk of metal on a stick.
The villainous-looking girl anime figurine with long, dark purple hair dressed in a provocative mage outfit and an excessively large big-brimmed mage hat drew her staff and declared “Let my power of the Allmother course through me to make our foe suffer!”
Standing in front of all three of the anime figures was the most detailed anime figurine, wearing golden armor from head to toe and wielding a sword that glowed a little too bright. His hair was spiky and light blue and his eyes were piercing green. With his blade raised towards the Wonderkeepers. This leading anime figure boastfully declares.
“I won't let you hurt any of my friends you construction grade fiend!”
Hank, Dorothy, and Mr. Honeybun each had their own specific reactions to this whole display. Hank was confused and briefly lowered his wrench, Mr. Honeybun was completely starry-eyed, thinking this was the coolest thing he had ever seen, Dorothy…. inhaled deeply and exhaled in annoyance.
“Uhh…are we supposed to know who they are?” Hank asked as he looked amongst all the anime figurines.
“No….They never make it easy….” Dorothy groaned as she pinched her forehead.
Before the two groups could start fighting, the well-dressed statuette got between the two and exclaimed “Wait! Wait a second on 5th Avenue!” This isn’t the same construction worker! Look! He’s shorter and wears all blue and grey! He’s not even wielding a girder!” The persnickety statuette started pointing out the differences right at Hank. The anime figurines lowered their weapons but still kept their guards up, ready to strike if one of them even tried something.
Hank stepped forward and started to question this strange group.
“Let me start, are you all okay? Don’t you know it’s dangerous to be out in the Mall’s halls like this?”
The fashionable statuette stood forward, readjusted his monocle, wiped his metaphorical tears, and answered in a formal but still worried tone “We are all fine, we were all just banished from our home store, after all I had done to keep the peace, they decided to follow that Arcadian and his warmongering ways!”
After this explanation, Dorothy perks up for a second and quickly recognizes who this statuette is supposed to be. She remembered when Greenbolt told her and Doughboy Jack of his many journies to the upper stores. His well-dressed demeanor, his references to streets, and the dollar sign on his top hat.
“Greenbolt talked about you! You’re Mr. Given from Given’s Game, and the Mayor of Critical Quest aren’t you?” Dorothy guessed.
“Y-yes! Actually! Going strong since 1935! And over three hundred editions so far and counting!” Mr. Given pridefully adjusted his blazer, happy someone recognized him in the modern day. He cleared his throat and then signaled his Anime figure associates to step forward.
“These are my bodyguards. Figurines from the annie-mae…Oh dearie me, My old memory.” He sighed as he turned around to face the anime figurines to ask them. “Do you mind giving proper introductions yourselves?”
The golden armored anime figurine stood forward and said “With Pleasure sir. My name is Ren Raikuro and these are all my friends.” He casually points to all of his friends who are ready to introduce themselves. But Ren quickly resumed before they could give their proper introductions.
“We are very valuable and incredibly expensive figurines from the very famous anime series known as Soul Slayer Knighthood! Ren exclaimed as he raised his sword skyward.
“Thank goodness that title isn’t a full sentence this time…” Dorothy muttered under her breath. But then she quickly realized. “Wait! You’re all speaking fluent English! Don’t anime figurines normally speak Japanese?” Dorothy questioned.
Mr. Honeybun winced at her comment and quickly chimed in by saying “Uhh…Miss Dorothy. Doesn’t that come off as a little insensitive?”
“No, No. It’s fine, we get this a lot. My associates and I are normally packaged in Critical Quest’s storeroom. We often hear the part-time workers watch our series in the English Dubbing….Please don’t ask about the subs. We hear that silly debate enough already. “ Ren disclosed in a matter-of-fact tone.
Mr. Given nodded in agreement at the brief explanation and then realized “My Lord! Greenbolt send you!? He promised he would come and assist me in reclaiming my town!”
Hank and Dorothy went quiet after that question. Mr. Honeybun followed suit by looking sorrowful as well.
Mr. Given sees all of their crestfallen faces and quickly understands what has happened.
“Oh…Oh, dear… I’m terribly sorry. He truly was a heroic and wonderful toy. I supposed I should call off his debt of 200 Given Bucks. The Wonderless don’t pay any debts after all.” He adjusts his monocle and faces Hank.
“Now…who might you be and why do you look like Foundation Frank?” He sternly asked.
“What? My name’s not Frank it-” Hank then connected the dots in his mind then quickly continued. “Wait! I’m looking for toys in my toy line! Are you saying he’s in your store?!”
“Yes actually. He’s much taller and lanky, in beige-looking overalls, and a red plaid collared shirt. He even has an old black pompadour for a hairstyle and wields a giant metal bar shaped like an elongated letter-I.” As Mr. Given articulated Foundation Frank’s description he started framing the dimensions of Frank.
“Either he’s wielding an I-Beam or a Girder...depending on how big it is.” Hank pondered as he started to imagine Foundation Frank in his head.
“So you ARE a part of his line! Sorry for such late introductions but…Who might you be?” Mr. Given implored the handyman for his name, a tad embarrassed he waited till now to ask for his name.
“Oh! I’m Handyman Hank. I’m trying to find out what my backstory is.” He stated in a hopeful manner. Hank gestures to Dorothy and Mr. Honeybun to do the same.
“I’m Dolly Dorothy. Everyone’s favorite dress-up doll and toy woman of a thousand careers and counting!” Dorothy said in a more enthusiastic and girly tone before resuming her original demeanor.
“And I’m Mr. Honeybun! Strongest bear in the woods and fighter of all Nightmares! And together we are-!” Mr. Honeybun quickly grabbed Hank adjusted him in a cool dynamic pose and placed him next To Dorothy. Then stood behind the both of them to flex his nonexistent muscles!
“-The Wonderkeepers!” Mr. Honeybun excitedly concluded.
Dorothy’s face of exhaustion says it all. She did not agree to that name, and still believes it’s not going to catch on, no matter what Doughboy Jack said.
Mr. Given applauded the three, as did his anime figurine bodyguards. “Wonderful! Just Wonderful! You might just be the ones who can help end the Civil War in my home store!”
The trio perked up when ‘Civil War’ was said.
Mr. Given noticed this and continued. “That’s right. For the past few weeks. I’ve been keeping the peace between the two newest tabletop board games. A Fantasy Roleplaying game known as Laberynth’s and Legends, and a Science-Fiction war game known as Spearhead 10,000. They’ve been feuding for weeks now and I’ve been keeping the damage to a minimum. But a few weeks ago, an Arcadian entered the fray and used his strange Wonder power to brainwash a great deal of them. The fighting got so out of control, that I and my associates had no choice but to leave. We’ve managed to sneak back in before opening, but they always chase us out at closing.” At a single glance, Mr. Given looks like he is about to start crying again.
Hank quickly started to connect the dots once again. If what Mr. Given said is true, then Foundation Frank is under his brainwashing too!
“So I ask you, If you defeat that wretched Arcadian, I will be in your Debt.” Mr. Given solemnly swore.
“...Will you give us the Spark of Wonder?” Dorothy carefully asked.
“Of Course! If you truly are the heroes you say you are. I could even throw 10,000 Given Bucks as well!” Mr. Given reaches into his blazer and pulls out a whole stack of play money with his face printed on it.
Hank and Mr. Honeybun were transfixed by the money in his hand. But Dorothy’s line of sight was fixed on something else. She was looking directly at Ren Raikuro. Behind his generic anime face and arrogant smile. She could see something else… something disgusting.
His eyes were unwavering. He wanted something, and she knew he would do anything to get it.