Hey everyone!  This was made before I joined The Voyager. It was submitted for an art contest for the other blog that I worked with: the PHB. I made this with one of my friends and I am very excited to share it with you. I’m also excited to say that this piece was one of the winners chosen in the Young Writers Annual Showcase for this year. This is only part 1 and part 2. Part 3, which is the finale, is still in the works. I hope you enjoy it

Worldly Games Part 1

Plot: Two young adventurers set on a quest to find their crystal pig to restore their world, Piglandia.  In order to find their crystal pig, they must compete in a series of death defying games against other infamous villains. Can the two adventurers make it and restore their world? Or will it be Game Over?

Beginning

SATURDAY AFTERNOON, ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF PIGLANDIA.

Smart Icicle: Hey Bronze Socks, have you ever wondered if there is another world besides Piglandia?

Bronze Socks: I am sort of wondering the same thing. Hmmmm??

Bronze Socks picks up a clock that looked like it came from Steamworks Island but different. The clock has a purple aura around it with a note attached to it.

Bronze Socks picks up the note off the clock and reads it.

Bronze Socks: DO NOT USE! MAY END YOUR LIFE!

Smart Icicle: Well that was certainly ominous. I don’t think we should take the chance.

Bronze Socks: Are you kidding? This could be our answer to what we have been wondering about for years! Wait, what is happening to Piglandia!

Bronze Socks points to Piglandia as it starts to turn dull and gray. Bits of buildings in the town are starting to crumble.

Red Ant: Help!

Bronze Socks and Smart Icicle rush back to Piglandia, rushing back and seeing the island in ruins. They see their friends, Red Ant and Maroon Lizard, at the center of town, unhappy.

Smart Icicle: What happened?!?!

Red Ant: Th…The crystal pig ornament is gone!

Maroon Lizard: I saw someone take it but I couldn’t tell who it was. They disappeared in a puff of smoke. 

Smart Icicle spots another note on the ground and picks it up. Smart Icicle then reads the note.

Smart Icicle: If you ever want to see your precious pig ornament again along with your island restored. I suggest you use the clock and participate in my games, signed GK. 

Bronze Socks: Wait, isn’t the clock dangerous to use? It could possibly end our lives, as the note said. 

Smart Icicle: Well, we have to in order to restore Piglandia. 

Red Ant: You two can go, me and Maroon Lizard will try to see what we can do here. So many people here have been worried lately. Someone here has to take care of them. 

Smart Icicle: Good luck to you two. 

Smart Icicle and Bronze Socks watch as Red Ant and Maroon Lizard leave them.

Bronze Socks: Well *gulp* time to see where this takes us.

Bronze Socks turns the clock hand clockwise. Nothing happens.

Smart Icicle: Well that didn’t work….wait

The clock sparks a portal underneath Smart Icicle and Bronze Socks. They fall through the portal.

Bronze Socks and Smart Icicle: AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

GAMEKEEPER’S PALACE

Bronze Socks and Smart Icicle: AHHHHHH!!! OOF!

Smart Icicle: Ow! Where are we?

Smart Icicle looks around and notices a banner saying “Welcome to the Gamekeeper’s Palace.”

Bronze Socks hears a door behind them open.

Bronze Socks: HIDE!

It was too late, they noticed a man walking towards them. It looks like he was from Steamworks Island but not. 

???: Why hello there! 

Smart Icicle: Hello? Who are you?

???: You may call me your Gamekeeper. You must be a special class of trouble to end up here.

Bronze Socks: Um, sorry we are not. We are here to take back our crystal pig and restore our world. 

Smart Icicle: That you stole from us!

Gamekeeper: We’ll see about that. What is your world’s name?

Smart Icicle: Piglandia, why?

Gamekeeper: Look, you want to have your crystal pork chop..

Bronze Socks: Pig!

Gamekeeper: Whatever. First, Don’t correct me. Second, if you want it back, you have to participate in my Games. I could offer it to you right now, but I’m not in the mood. 

Bronze Socks: What Games? Also, why should we trust you?

Gamekeeper: You should already trust me! My Games are simple: You are sorted into a tribe based on the world you came from, since you are in Piglandia, your tribe will be the Pigs. All you have to do is participate in quick paced games, and win, it’s that simple. Although you don’t want to lose…

Smart Icicle: What happens if you lose?

Gamekeeper: We will not talk about that, let’s just say it’s fun for me. The #1 rule though is no cheating. I don’t like rule breakers. 

Gamekeeper: Guards! Escort these two to their base.

Smart Icicle noticed two guards behind them. She recognized them, they were the same guards that failed to protect the Sultan’s palace.

The guards directed Smart Icicle and Bronze Socks to their base. While walking to their base, they noticed other people that looked familiar. 

Bronze Socks: You don’t think we met them before right? I’m still worried about this Gamekeeper.

Smart Icicle: Me too, but this might be the only way to restore Piglandia. I don’t want to figure out what happens if we lose. 

Smart Icicle and Bronze Socks went to their base. It was a military like shelter with pink banners. They notice someone walk towards them.

???: Arghhh! What are you in here for?

Smart Icicle: We are here to restore our world?

Bronze Socks: Who are you? Why are you in here?

Captain Crawfish: Name’s Captain Crawfish! Remember me, both of you and ye crew stranded me and my crew on a deserted island. Same reason as you, the Gamekeeper took my damaged ship away and told me that he will repair it as long as I participate in his games.

Smart Icicle: That’s the same thing that happened to us too. Except he took away our crystal pig ornament. 

Captain Crawfish: Well I wish you and your friends luck. You are not the only one here who wants to restore your island.

Smart Icicle and Bronze Socks wave goodbye to Captain Crawfish. They notice another person approach them.

??: Who are you? How did you get here?

Bronze Socks: My name’s Bronze Socks and this is Smart Icicle. We found a clock and turned it to get our token to our world back. Who are you?

Dr. Hare: My name’s Dr. Hare. I am so thankful you sent me to space. Say, you found a clock and teleported here, yes?

Smart Icicle: Yes.

Speaker: ATTENTION, ALL GUESTS PLEASE ATTEND TO THE GAME CENTER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FIRST CHALLENGE!

Dr. Hare: Give me the clock. Maybe, I could rewire it so it could teleport us home.

Smart Icicle: Sorry, but when we came in the clock was gone.

Dr. Hare: Ok, I came up with a plan. Meet me in the Game Center.

Dr. Hare runs to the Game Center. Smart Icicle and Bronze Socks follow him.

Black Widow: Hey, watch where you are going!

Smart Icicle: Sorry!

Guard 1: Listen up delinquents! The first challenge is Red Light, Green Light. You know the rules so I don’t have to explain them! Whoever is the last person to make it to the finish line loses.

(while the guard is talking)

Dr. Hare: Here’s the plan. I need you two to lose, distract the Gamekeeper. Meanwhile I’ll get the clock from his office

Smart Icicle: Why! We don’t know what happens if we lose.

Dr. Hare: I’m sorry, but it is the only way to get out of here.

Bronze Socks: Ok.

The guards escorted Smart Icicle, Bronze Socks, and the other competitors through the door to the game room. It looked like the island in Shark Tooth but more advanced. Ringmaster Raven was the one who would say Red Light, Green Light. They noticed the Gamekeeper sitting in his chair watching who would get eliminated.

Guard: And Begin!

Ringmaster Raven: Green Light.

At that moment, everyone started to move.

Ringmaster Raven: Red Light!

Everyone stopped. 

Dr. Hare: What are you doing?

Smart Icicle: SSHHHH

Smart Icicle took one more step during red light. 

Gamekeeper: Smart Icicle is eliminated!

Bronze Socks couldn’t bear to watch her friend get eliminated, so she also took a step.

Gamekeeper: Bronze Socks is eliminated! STOP THE GAME!

Once the game was over, Dr. Hare rushes out of the door.  The guards escort Smart Icicle and Bronze Socks to the Gamekeeper.

Gamekeeper: Well this is surprising! First game and you already get eliminated. Come with me!

Smart Icicle (whispers to Bronze Socks) : Hopefully Dr. Hare is having better luck than us. 

Smart Icicle and Bronze Socks are escorted into the Gamekeeper’s Palace.

GAMEKEEPER’S PALACE

Gamekeeper: Honestly I am surprised, really I am! First round and you both  get eliminated.

Smart Icicle: We did what we had to do.

Gamekeeper: Oh really, don’t think I know what you both are trying to do. 

The guards escort Dr. Hare into the room.

Smart Icicle and Bronze Socks were shocked to see that their plan didn’t work out.

Gamekeeper: I guess you didn’t know that Dr. Hare was working for me. He was my ears in the game and I knew what was going on at that point. 

Bronze Socks: You LIED to us. How could you?

Dr. Hare: Sorry, but he promised me that I wouldn’t be eliminated. Look where I am now.

Gamekeeper: Oh, now I can tell you what happens if you lose. I will personally see to it that your world will be destroyed. 

Smart Icicle: What! First you steal our crystal pig, now our world is going to be destroyed.

Gamekeeper: Yep, that’s the fun for me. Now, since you two are honestly annoying to me, I’m going to send you two to a place where you’ll never..see..the..light..of day..ever.. again.

Smart Icicle and Bronze Socks: NOOO!

GAMEKEEPER’S PRISON

Gretchen Grimlock: Well, Well, Well, What do we have here?

END OF COMIC

The Worldly Games Part 2: The Great Escape

Worldly Games Sequel by Smart Icicle and Bronze Socks

Plot: After the incident with the Gamekeeper, Smart Icicle and Bronze Socks are now stuck in prison, but they are not alone. Meanwhile, the Gamekeeper has other plans. Will the adventurers make it out of the Gamekeeper’s prison? Or will they be trapped there forever.

Previously in the Worldly Games…

(Read the first comic here) 

Beginning 

IN THE GAMEKEEPERS PRISON, MIDDLE OF NOWHERE 

Bronze Socks and Smart Icicle: AHHHHHHHHHHHH! OOF!

Bronze Socks: Where are we?

Smart Icicle: I don’t know.

Smart Icicle notices Bronze Sock’s clothes and her clothes were not the same. They were now wearing prisoner clothes. Bronze Socks was Prisoner #6574 and she was Prisoner #6161.

Smart Icicle: It looks like we are in some sort of prison. 

Bronze Socks: Smart Icicle, I’m worried. What do you think the Gamekeeper will do to Piglandia?

Smart Icicle: I don’t know. I hope nothing bad happens.

Bronze Socks notices someone coming towards them. 

Gretchen Grimlock: Well, well, well, what do we have here. It’s nice to see you again.

Smart Icicle: Grimlock? What are you doing here? Last time we saw you, you were complaining about how we found the Cryptids first?

Gretchen Grimlock: Well, things change. Now look where I am. Now, I am the head warden of the Gamekeeper’s Prison. Which reminds me…

Bronze Socks notices two guards behind them. 

Gretchen Grimlock: You should both be in your cells. 

Bronze Socks: Wait!

Meanwhile….

GAMEKEEPER’S PALACE

Gamekeeper: Come on, Dr. Hare. We have work to do.

Dr. Hare (thinking): What have I done!

Gamekeeper: Dr. Hare!

Dr. Hare: Coming!

Later,

Dr. Hare goes back to his quarters, not saying a word at what happened.

Dr. Hare notices the other villains come over.

Captain Crawfish: Aye, where did those two adventurers go?

Dr. Hare looks around to see if any guards are around. He notices that they are on break.

Dr. Hare: They’re gone! The Gamekeeper isn’t what he says he is. He teleported both of them to his prison. I am going to help them get back home, but I can’t get in trouble with the Gamekeeper again. Will you help me?

He notices everyone staring at him in awe. They all sigh and nod their heads.

Captain Crawfish: Sure, we will help. Even though we don’t like them, they might be the only way to escape from this place.

GAMEKEEPER’S PRISON, SMART ICICLE’S AND BRONZE SOCK CELL

Smart Icicle: We have to bust out of here. I don’t want to stay here any longer…you okay Bronze Socks?

Bronze Socks: I’m okay, I’m just worried about Piglandia. 

Smart Icicle: Everything will be ok. We will get out of here and defeat the Gamekeeper. 

Smart Icicle comes up with an idea.

Smart Icicle: I have an idea!

Bronze Socks listens to Smart Icicle’s idea and agrees.

Bronze Socks (to the guards): Hey, I think I see someone over here escaping!

The guards come to Bronze Socks and notice the vent is open. Smart Icicle is nowhere to be seen.

Bronze Socks: You might need my help to lock her up. In exchange I would like to work here. I am her best friend after all.

The guards call over Gretchen Grimlock.

Gretchen Grimlock: Fine, but if you dare turn your back on us, we have a special cell for you.

Gretchen Grimlock gives Bronze Socks a guard uniform. 

Grimlock: Show me how disciplined you are. Take care of these poor, chaotic individuals.

Bronze Socks puts on the guard outfit.

As Gretchen Grimlock and the guards leave, Bronze Socks looks for Smart Icicle.

She notices Smart Icicle peep out of the vent.

Smart Icicle (whispering): Is the coast clear?

Bronze Socks gives Smart Icicle a thumbs up. 

Smart Icicle ducks back into the vent and searches for a way out.

BACK AT THE GAMEKEEPER’S PALACE

We see the Gamekeeper sitting in his office. One of the guards come in.

Guard: Sir! We have news regarding from your prison.

Gamekeeper: Ah, how are those two liking their new home. 

Guard: According to the warden, sir, it seems that one of the adventurers appears to be missing.

Gamekeeper: …WHAT! Huh, it seems that they have a new guard at the same time of the disappearance of that adventurer. Don’t worry, let me handle this one.

The guard leaves.

Gamekeeper (thinking) : Those two think they have the upper hand by busting out of my prison. Well, I have a few more tricks up my sleeve.

The Gamekeeper teleports to the prison. Behind the door, Captain Crawfish notices that he left and runs to Dr. Hare.

Captain Crawfish: How is the device, Doctor? The Gamekeeper seems a bit mad.

Dr. Hare: I need a few more minutes.

GAMEKEEPER’S PRISON

Smart Icicle: Psst,Bronze Socks!

Bronze Socks notices Smart Icicle. 

Bronze Socks: What?

Smart Icicle: I found a way out. 

Bronze Socks: Really!

Bronze Socks lets Smart Icicle out of the vent. They get interrupted by Gretchen Grimlock.

Gretchen Grimlock: Ah, I see you found Smart Icicle. It seems a promotion is in order for you.

Bronze Socks: Uh, you might want to save that promotion warden.

Bronze Socks and Smart Icicle notice people being teleported away. 

Bronze Socks and Smart Icicle: Uh-oh.

Gretchen Grimlock: WHAT DID YOU DO!

The Gamekeeper then appears.

Gamekeeper: Grimlock, I expected you to be better than this. You were supposed to keep an eye on things. And you two, why do you always ruin everything for me?

Gretchen Grimlock: I’m sorry sir!

Gamekeeper: Nope! You let these two escape! Forget the whole promotion. She was trying to escape.

Gretchen Grimlock (to Smart Icicle and Bronze Socks): You always ruin everything for me. Now I am in trouble, because of you!

Bronze Socks: We are just getting started, Gamekeeper. 

Gamekeeper: Nope, not anymore.

The Gamekeeper downgrades Gretchen Grimlock as a prisoner.

Gamekeeper: I’m done with all of you. Unless? 

Bronze Socks: Unless what?

Gamekeeper: I disguise as one of you of course! It seems to be that you two always win by working together with your other friends. Let me shuffle the board a bit.

Smart Icicle: BRONZE SOCKS!

Bronze Socks notices Smart Icicle teleported away.

Bronze Socks: Smart Icicle, no! What did you do with her!

Bronze Socks watches in terror as the Gamekeeper transforms into herself.

Gamekeeper (as Bronze Socks): Now I’m just getting started. I would need your friend as my captive if I’m going to pull this off. See you later!

Bronze Socks watches as the Gamekeeper teleports away and see the other prisoners get teleported back into their cells. 

Gretchen Grimlock: I’m sorry about your friend. Whatever you need, I will help!

Bronze Socks: The Gamekeeper just messed with the wrong person!

Bronze Socks notices an explosion in the far right cell. Dr. Hare and the others come forward. 

Dr. Hare: Hi Bronze Socks! It’s good to see you!

Bronze Socks: What is happening!

Dr. Hare: I heard that you needed to bust out of this joint, so I created a Resistance (if you so call it ) against the Gamekeeper. I also created this for you!

Dr. Hare hands Bronze Socks two devices: One was shiny and the other was the clock.

Dr. Hare: This shiny device is said to remove the Gamekeepers powers entirely and the other device is the same device you used to get here. I reworked it so after the fight with the Gamekeeper, you and Smart Icicle can get home. 

Bronze Socks: Wow, I can’t believe you would do this for me. Thank you!

Dr. Hare: Let’s say while you were gone, I had a change of heart. What say you, would you like to join and become the leader of the Resistance?

Bronze Socks: Count me in! 

As the rest of the inmates and the Resistance members were leaving, Bronze Socks stayed back for a bit.

Bronze Socks: Don’t worry Smart Icicle. I’m coming to get you, just wait. As for the Gamekeeper, it’s not just a fight anymore, it’s war.

Bronze Socks leaves the prison.

END OF COMIC