Another day passed in Critical Quest, and the store manager closed the shop for the day.
The Store Manager shuts off the store’s opening sign, puts all of today’s profit in the backroom safe, reorganizes all the board games to their proper shelves based on genre, and then jigsaw puzzles by their picture and piece count. However, the Manager took more time reorganizing the anime figurines behind the counter. He organized them by height, series of origin, and even by color of hair.
The manager took a few steps back to admire his hard work. He had a sense of self-satisfaction. Ever since corporate got the rights to sell these…annie-may figurines. Business has been booming!
But before he could clock out for the night, the manager quickly remembered he still needed to set up the new displays for the latest expansion packs. He always hated this part of his job.
He walks into the back room and wheels four boxes on a dolly. As the Manager begins setting up the new displays near the store’s entrance on two opposing tables, one of the other displays watches him…and boy, were they green with envy.
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“Wait….so if Mr. Greenbolt got a call for help from Mayor Given weeks ago, why didn’t he help?” Mr. Honeybun pondered as they walked closer to their destination.
Hank and Dorothy were trying to understand this as well. Hank only knew Greenbolt for less than an hour before he died. But judging by how every wondergoer he’s met so far keeps him in such high regard, it doesn’t sound right for him just to ignore a cry for help.
Dorothy knew for a fact Greenbolt wouldn’t just leave a call for help unanswered. But she couldn't shake the chilled feeling when that leader anime figurine looked at her. That disgusting look reminded her of those adults who often came into the toy store to buy toys not to be played with…but to be hoarded and collected. She shook her head to try and clear her mind, but the dress-up doll quickly remembered something Mr. Honeybun mentioned earlier.
“Mr. Honeybun…what did you mean before when you said the store is on the verge of getting shut down?” Dorothy asked trying to shake the uneasy feeling.
“Oh?Oh! For the last few weeks, Mr. Chuck has been getting complaints from everyone who goes in there. All of them complain about how the store is always a complete mess when it opens, but no matter what happens it’s always a mess the next morning. The store is on its last warning, one more complaint and the mall owner guy shuts them down. There were stacks of paper complaints as tall as me and had a ton of words I didn’t understand!” Mr. Honeybun explained as he waved his arms to exaggerate how tall the stack of papers was.
Dorothy remained silent and focused after hearing this. Like many other old toys, she has seen the rise and fall of so many stores in the mall and the civilizations inside those stores falling as well. Wondergoers inside those stores can get lucky and be sold in a ‘Going out of business’ or Sale or like Mr. Wonder who donates any unselling toys, but those who aren't so fortunate get thrown in the dumpster. Something she fears every day since she was left behind.
As soon as they passed the ever-popular smoothie cafe known as Fruity Fusion. They began to hear the subtle sounds of a battle in the distance. The Wonderkeepers were now so close to Critical Quest that they could even hear some random orders being given.
“FIREBALL!”
“GRENADE!
“MAGIC MISSILE!”
“ORBITAL LASER!”
As soon as they turned the corner to see the inside of Critical Quest, they were greeted with a simple store quite similar to the toy store they called home. But noticeably smaller, there were only four large double-sided gondola shelves stacked end to end with board games organized by genre and level of complexity.
An entire wall in the very back was dedicated to trading cards alone. Spanning from sports trading cards, Mystic: The Hoarding, Duel Legends, and PortéMon!
Close to the door leading to Critical Quest’s storeroom, stood a medium-sized circular table with different versions of the same board game, artfully stacked in a circular formation. All the board games stacked on that table were all variants of Given’s Game!
Given’s Game: Random 90’s Movie Edition
Given’s Game: Broadway
Given’s Game: Anime Edition
Given’s Game: Electronic Bank
Given’s Game: Electric Boogaloo
Given’s Game: Ladies Night
Given’s Game: Trek Wars Edition
Given’s Game: Prison Rules
Given’s Game: Dolly Dorothy Edition
Given’s Game: Quiet Mountain Edition
However, the toy trio did not have time to get a good look at the store surrounding them. Close to Critical Quest’s front entrance, lay two large rectangular tables connected by stacks of unopened tabletop game boxes that bridge the gap between the two tables. Both tables had displays that were committing acts of war that can only be described in two words:
Absolute Chaos.
On the left table, is a 5 feet long castle playest surrounded by a moat with minuscule plastic clear blue balls to simulate water. Surrounding the castle was a small village, and even a dungeon. Miniature figures of Knights, Wizards, Barbarians, and many other classes and monsters fought and cast every spell in their deck to ensure a victory. One roll of the D20 dice at a time!
The sign hanging under this table advertised the name of the tabletop game.
Labyrinths & Legends: The Sorcerer’s Court! $249.99!
On the right table, was a model setup of a futuristic yet war-torn city. Surrounding the town was an entire futuristic army. Fully armored figured-piece soldiers. Some were hand painted while others were completely grey and unpainted. Various soldier figures were shooting at the frontlines, piloting tanks, or helping fellow soldiers return to the city for medical treatment rolling the dice and determining if their gunfire would even land a hit on the opposing table!
The sign hanging under this table advertised the name of the tabletop game.
Spearhead 10,000!: City of the High Command!: $249.99
On both sides, 4-inch tall miniatures were attacking one another with both of their tabletop games respectable weapons, and listed spells. Each time either side launched an attack, whether fantasy or sci-fi, it caused collateral damage to the surrounding store: other displays were knocked over, shelves fell off the wall, and pieces of both displays flew all over the place!
“They need to be stopped. Don’t they realize their store’s gonna go under if this keeps going!?” Dorothy states as she looks up to one of the higher shelves. Anime figurines and stacks on stacks of Funky Figures and various other stuffed animals were cowering in fear.
Without any warning, an RPG missile was shot off from one of the Spearhead 10K models. The Missile whizzed right past the toy trio and impacted the gumball machine base close to the entrance, startling the three. The gumball machine slowly began to tip over and fall, the loud impact of which could wake up Chuck.
Mr. Honeybun acted quickly, got a running start, and slid directly under the gumball machine to prevent it from shattering. As soon as the gumball machine impacted the floor, Mr. Honeybun’s fluffy body cushioned the impact.
“Mr. Honeybun!” Dorothy exclaimed as she ran to the teddy bear’s aide, Hank following behind. Mr. Honeybun was completely pinned under the weight of a full gumball machine.
“I-I’m okay! The hugs from the scared lost kids are WAY tighter….But a little help, please? I’m kinda sorta…stuck.” Mr. Honeybun tries to pull and wiggle free, but he does not move even a centimeter.
Hank and Dorothy quickly get to work trying to lift the Gumball machine off of their fluffy teddy friend but to no avail. Hank looks around to see if there is anything in the store to help, but no dice. Strangely, a single 20-sided Dice was dispensed from the machine's slot. Hank was confused about this and examine’s the bowl. The toy Handyman noticed that the gumball machine wasn’t full of gumballs, but various-sided dice. There was even a sign taped to the front, all bold and underlined letters.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
‘DICE! NOT GUMBALLS! DO NOT EAT!’
“Alright…You’re gonna be okay Mr. Honeybun! We lift on three!” Hank looks to Dorothy for assurance, ready to lift on his command.
“Ready! One! Two! THREE!” The trio uses all their strength to lift the gumball machine off of Mr. Honeybun. The Gumball machine slowly began to rise.
“Holy crap. I didn’t think you were that strong…” Dorothy stated in awe as she helped Mr. Honeybun stand up. But quickly grew concerned as she saw Hank’s uneasy expression.
“I-I’m not doing this…” Hank stammered as he watched the Gumball machine rise to its original vertical position, but it began to wobble and soon fall again. But before the trio could react to catch it again, three bright orange Wonder girders fell and staked the gumball machine directly into the floor. Making sure it didn’t fall once again.
The Wonderkeepers stood in awe, confusion, and slight panic. But jumped at the sound of someone wiping their hands in a satisfied manner, the Doll, the teddy bear, and the Handyman quickly turn around to see the source of that sound. Only to see another toy Handyman. One look and they could tell that Mr. Given’s description was accurate.
A foot-tall handyman toy with a muscular build, a chiseled chin, and bushy eyebrows that take the shape of flexing muscles. He’s wearing an orange plaid short-sleeved collared shirt and brown overalls, brown leather gloves, and black boots. He wields a massive orange girder that’s connected to his back via magnet just like Hank.
“You know what they say: A fallen structure always lacked a good Foundation…” This new toy proudly states.
“Frank…” Hank muttered under his breath.
“Why Yes! Actually! Now….I’d like the three of you to come with me. DJ Vortexx wants to have a word with the three of you. We can do this the easy way.” Foundation Frank pulls out his massive bright orange girder from the magnet in his back and wields it like a one-handed club and channels his bright orange-colored wonder through it.
“Or I can lay the groundwork with your faces and drag the three o’ you to him? Dealer’s choice!” He warns the trio.
Hank quickly glances down at the Single D20 die near his feet.
“Okay! Okay!.....How about we let the dice decide?” Hank quickly drew his wrench and slapped the D20 die like a hockey puck, hitting Frank right in the face!
It just bounces right off of Frank’s plastic pectorals.
“Goh-Hohohohophohoho! Do you think a simple die can harm me? It can’t even-”
Frank’s gloating statement was interrupted when he saw the die landed on a certain side—and glowing with Hank’s wonder.
Nat-20
His arrogant smile quickly dropped and switched to a look of surprise.
“Oh, Shi-” He was then quickly and violently sent backward at high speeds, crashing right through a standee of a token shounen anime main character.
The trio were confused about why that had happened, but they didn’t have any time to ponder because Frank was already getting up. They had to run and had to run NOW!
The three ran directly towards the battle board tables and climbed up the boxes between the gaps. They saw up close how damaged the two battle boards were. Some parts are even noticeably fixed with resin, glue, and poorly painted tape. But judging by the quality of the repairs, it was done by the store employees.
The Fantasy-themed miniatures and the Sci-Fi military miniatures looked at the three outsider toys. Hank and Dorothy stood perfectly still, knowing that one false move would get them shot or fireball’d. Only for Mr. Honeybun to shout in greeting:
“HIYA!”
Hank and Dorothy quickly snagged Mr. Honeybun and pulled him behind one of the battle board set pieces to take cover, a busted-down brick wall. Both sides of the miniatures began to open fire towards the Wonderkeeprs. All three ducked down, Dorothy placed her non-deformed hand on Mr. Honeybun’s shoulder to comfort the panicking teddy bear.
“ROLL FOR SLEEP SPELL SUCCESS!” Shouted one of the Sorcerer Miniatures.
“Sucess?” Dorothy silently asked in a muddled disposition. But neither Hank nor Mr. Honeybun could hear her over the rapid gunfire and spell castings!
Another D20 die was thrown right over the fake brick wall and right at the feet of the toy trio. It landed right on 15 and glowed purple. Exploding purple Wonder energy surrounds the trio. Hank, Dorothy, and Mr. Honeybun all began to begin getting drowsy.
“It’s…not..bedtime….Zzzz” Mr. Honeybun was the first to fall asleep.
“What’s…happen….” Dorothy stands up and tries to draw one of her sharpened colored pencils…but the wonder die roll takes its effect on her too. Hank quickly caught her before she touched the floor and gently lay her down.
The L&L and Spearhead 10K miniatures aimed their respective futuristic and fantasy weapons at them. He drew his wrench ready to fight the surrounding miniature pieces, but soon succumbed to the Wonder-powered sleep spell. As the Handyman dropped his wrench and collapsed, he saw heeled boots step towards him.
Outside of the battleboards, Foundation Frank watched as the trio got captured. He shook his head in disappointment.
“Hoo Boy, DJ Vortexx isn’t gonna be happy bout this…” Frank mumbled as he rubbed the back of his head.
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An alarm sounds off inside the headquarters, alerting all the members of the team. Interrupting their moments of leisure.
The Orange member, the 2nd in command was hammering down a new fence while humming a merry tune.
The Violet Member, the head designer was busy painting her newest piece. She studied her model and was unsure if this was the vibe she wanted for this piece.
The Dark-Green Member, the head Welder. He was posing maniacally for the Violet Member’s painting. Just one look and you can tell he’s a tad bit unhinged.
Finally, the team leader is busy drawing floorplans for their newest project. He hears the alarm sound off, and the PA system announces the emergency. He puts down his pencil and gets up from his desk.
‘EMERGENCY! LEVEL 4 DEMOLITION DISASTER! CALLING THE-’
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“WAKE UP!” Shouted one of the miniatures who kicked Hank in the chest. Hank snaps awake and scrambles to get up. But both of his legs were taped together and his arms were taped together behind his back. He looked around and could tell he was inside the scale city on the Spearhead 10K side of the battleboard. He towered above certain buildings.
“Stand Up.” A more feminine voice commanded. A slight British accent hinted at.
Hank looks up and sees a miniature taller than all the rest. All the miniatures stood four inches tall, but she stood 9 inches taller, the only miniature he had met in close to equal height. She wore Light blue armor similar to her commanding soldiers but much lighter in looks. Along the breastplate were many medals, and one emblem in the center bearing a golden lion head. She also wore a dark blue flowing cape with the same lion emblem. Her hair is snow white and braided, her eyes light blue, and a scar down her right eye.
Hank could feel her authority and power in her presence alone. Despite his limbs being taped up, he squirmed and shifted his body to make sure he was at least sitting up straight on his knees. His points of articulation were put under severe stress trying to adjust to this new pose.
All the surrounding miniature soldiers looked at one another seeing the toy handyman adjust to this, a few were even trying to suppress a laugh. The Leader even rolled her eyes in minor frustration.
As soon as Hank was on his knees. The leading miniature asks him.
“State your business interloper!” The leader commanded.
“H-Handyman Hank! The Storefront Toy of Mr. Wonder’s Toyland!” He nervously admitted.
All the miniature soldiers slightly stepped back at hearing the name of Hank’s store of origin.
Hank hears this discourse amongst the crowd and quickly assumes that this will get him free, that Greenbolt must have done them some kind of major favor in the past and this would-
The Leader quickly drew her chainsaw blade accessory and channeled Light-Blue Wonder that aligned the sharp edges of each tooth of the blade and placed it close to his neck. Hank could see his reflection in his blade, and the fear in his eyes.
“Perhaps you don’t know your place interloper. I am Commander Aurora! Slayer of Omega Marlaux, Bane of the Battle of the Black Eye Galaxy, Leader of the Space Naval Army, and one hundred and fifty dollar statuette! Now I shall ask again Hank of the Handymen. Why are you here!?” She demands as she places her sword closer to his neck.
“I-I'm here to put an end to DJ Vortexx and me and my friends are-.” He quickly realizes and looks around to see that Dorothy and Mr. Honeybun are nowhere to be found.
“Wait!? Where are my friends!? Where are they?! What have you done to them!?” Hank called out, no longer showing fear to the blade to his neck.
“Steel your Tounge Hank of Handyman….The minions of that dreaded King Augustus took away your associates. First, he steals the Spark of Wonder, and now he takes the other outsiders prisoner!”
“Aren’t you keeping me prisoner?...” Hank Questioned.
“SILENCE!” With one skilled flick of her sword, Commander Aurora cuts Hank free from his tape bindings.
Hank quickly stands up, and the other miniatures ready their guns to shoot Hank down if he even tries to harm their Commander. But Hank promptly took notice of something Commander Aurora had stated.
“Wait…Are you saying that King Toy on the other side of the Battleboard has my friends AND the Spark of Wonder!?” Hank asked as he pointed to the fantasy castle on the other side.
“Our intelligence confirms it, the teddy bear even gripping onto one of the knight miniatures in his sleep.” One of the scout miniatures concluded.
As soon as Hank heard of this, he realized that an opportunity to help him and get the spark of wonder. But first, he had to confirm something.
“Me and my friends here came to this store to get the Spark of Wonder. In less than a few days a new console will be released and destroy the economy of the Mall. The Founder believes that gathering the Seven Sparks and bringing them together will somehow stop it.” All of the surrounding miniatures of the Space Naval Army murmured between each other. But Commander Aurora lowered her blade at the mention of the Arcadians being put down for good.
“Is that true now? Does that include Arcadians who compel you to participate in their sickening games?” She asked.
Hank slightly perked up at noticing his honest statement had worked.
“Why…Yes! Are you referring to DJ Vortexx?”
Commander Aurora abruptly became quiet at the mention of his name. The games he forced them all to play brought out the absolute worst in all of them, including her. Friends turning on one another, everyone robbing one another, and the small wager battles made zero sense. But the worst thing of all….was that even if you won, you still would never forget the betrayal.
She quickly snaps back to reality and looks Hank right in the eye.
“Hank of the Handymen. If you truly are here to defeat the Arcadian menace, first you must help us gain victory over the Legends and Laberynth dogs once and for all! That includes rescuing your friends and securing the Spark of Wonder. If you do that, I might consider letting you leave with it…” Commander Aurora sheathes her blade and hands him a Golden Lion Emblem similar to her.
“You are now an Honorary soldier of the Space Naval Army. DO NOT… disappoint me.”
The surrounding soldiers saluted Hank and gave out their warcries. Even a few began to fire off their wonder-powered ammunition into the air.
But outside of the battleboard on the lowest shelf next to the Chinese Checkers, Foundation Frank and a hooded anime figurine watched the whole thing.
“See? I told you, they don’t know what they’re getting into…” Frank stated in a matter-of-fact tone.
“Agreed Foundation….they will feel the sting of my blade, I will ring their heads from their shoulders and melt them down and make plastic-” He placed a finger on her lips to shush her.
“What did we say about monolouging?” He asked in a fatherly tone.
She gave a frustrated ‘Hmph’ in annoyance…and ran towards Critical Quest’s stockroom. The battle was only just beginning. Who will win? It’s all left to chance with a roll of the dice.