Fun 4 None

     "So, you're saying that you want another version of the Vaggendotra 5000?" she asked slowly through a speaker.

     The screen above her head flashed, showcasing her client on the other end, and his bulky head nodded, before a grin formed on his face and he replied.

      "Yes! However, this one would be different. Instead of simply being posable like other action figures, this one will be able to transform into other Neopets!" he clapped his hands together, his fingers wrapping around each other as his voice grew louder, "This will be the greatest toy Neopia's ever seen! Even bigger than the Morph-Hog Toy!"

     Cog looked down at the blueprints again, before turning toward other Moltarans, of whom were to become a part of this creation should it be accepted. She rubbed the side of her cheek lightly, before asking them, "Do you think it would work?"

      The client piped up from behind, his confidence clearly radiating with each word.

      "I know you lot can definitely make it happen!" he beamed, "The Fun 4 All is destined to become a great success! It's programmed to imitate any species of Neopet, but if you want to give it a few test runs prior to release, by all means! Do what you must to make sure it won't become another let down. It's a shame what Neopians are trapped with nowadays..."

      A heavy sigh, before the client gave his final words of advice.

     "Just give it a try. IF it fails, it's on me. I won't blame it on anyone but myself, and I will refund you for materials. I know you require so many precious metals for this."

     Cog turned back to reply, but the Mayor spoke up, stopping her short.

      "I assure you, sir, that we have plenty of materials to spare. Besides, the Vaggendotra 5000 is already made of said metals, as it's a combination of other brilliant creations from our city."

      He then turned toward Cog and stated, "The Fun 4 All will be a grand project for you all. Get yourselves ready; We mustn't let him or Neopia down!"

     The client grinned again and thanked the group, before the screen was shut off, and Cog watched as the Mayor walked out, giving her a cheerful wave.

      "I guess...We accept."

     Her tone, while still hinting at uncertainty, did have a hint of excitement as well. After all, the Vaggendotra was a pretty big success, and has been seen worth quite a bit on the Shop Wizard, and even if it wasn't, Neopets still enjoyed the Petpets that helped form it. Some of them were rather entertaining to Cog herself, and she enjoyed watching them coming to life.

     This time, the creation wasn't going to be made in a shop. This time, it was going to be a factory - a hidden factory where only those who worked on the Fun 4 All would be able to access.

      The Mayor had this factory made long ago, but no one really wanted to use it. They enjoyed having Neopets watching them create their signature products, and they were always eager to inform their audience of them, as well as sell them for a few Neopoints. They had shops made for themselves and their respective element of artistry, but for this project, they'd need to be together with their resources. This was going to be new, but also exciting.

     "I can't recall a time we've ever collaborated on a single project."

      A voice spoke from behind, before a rather bulky Blue Buzz walked up to Cog.

      "Actually...The first time we ever collaborated..." Cog thought aloud, "...Was when we introduced the Petpets -- and the Vaggendotra 5000."

     She turned toward the Buzz and gave a light smile.

     "Remember, Lampwyck? You're the one who offers the lantern to search for worms. Those worms eventually helped Neopets find more materials needed to build these Petpets. If it weren't for you, they'd never be able to gather the needed Red Moltite - and Tangor wouldn't be able to build all those awesome creatures."

     Lampwyck chuckled, now recalling this very event.

      "They still sometimes come to me for that same lantern." he sighed, "Though now I wonder...Just how many simply go to the Shop Wizard and buy what they need. I've had less customers lately, and it's hard to make any more Neopoints if Neopians don't visit."

     Cog noticed the change in tone immediately - and it was true. Lampwyck was known for making Neohome decorations and otherwise beautiful lighting. Compared to her clothing store, his was just a pretty sight to behold, and due to Neohomes being out of commission for the time being for some mysterious reason, he barely had any visitors, and most Neopians would grumble about how they couldn't believe he was still working there.

     Lampwyck noticed Cog's concern and tried to feign happiness, but it was clear from his drooping wings that he wasn't succeeding. He sighed again, then apologized.

      "I'm sorry, Cog. I am just feeling like everything I do now is...Out of place." he turned toward the blueprint, a smile forming on his face at the sight of the idea, "Yet, I hope with this new project, that I can partake in something that makes all of Neopia happy. It's an honour to work by your side again."

     He gave the Shoyru a pat on the shoulder, his sadness being overtaken with joy and hope, before walking out into the city.

      Cog smiled after him, before giving the blueprints a final glance and leaving as well.

      |||

     The Moltarans gathered around, going through the blueprints and reading the functions the Fun 4 All was intended to have.

      Morphing into different species, light up eyes, moveable limbs (a must for any successful toy), and even being programmed to talk.

      "It will be fueled by Obsidian, correct?" Cog asked.

      "Yes." Lampwyck agreed, "Obsidian will also help stabilise the material, also giving the toy balance.'

      Cog looked down at the next feature.

      "You'll provide the lights for the eyes?"

      Again, Lampwyck agreed.

      "I've got plenty of items that could do the trick. Most aren't worth anything in the Shop Wizard and some are rather broken, but the lights still function perfectly."

      Cog nodded.

      "Now the question is...How will we do the last two?"

     Tangor piped up from the other side of the table.

      "Leave that to me! I am the one who built the Petpets and Vaggendotra 5000, therefore I shall build the Fun 4 All!"

     The Mynci's energy was admirable. He had a wide grin on his face, and both Cog and Lampwyck knew he meant every word. This one Neopet was able to mass build multiple Petpets, as well as combine them all to create the Vaggendotra 5000, all from materials outside Neopians would bring to him.

      And these same materials would soon bring forth an even greater creation.

     "The miners already brought in piles of Obsidian." Cog informed, laying a hand on the table with the blueprints on top, "Now we just need to figure out what Neopet we should start with. I believe our client made a good point; We should try it out and work out any bugs before sending it out into the world. If something happened to a Neopian, I wouldn't be able to forgive myself."

     Lampwyck and Tangor both nodded in agreement.

      "We should start off simple." the Buzz spoke, "Why don't we try a Neopet that still requires more research? Our client mentioned this also being an educational experience for young Neopians to enjoy."

      Tangor leaped into the air at this, excitement taking over.

      "The Vandagyre!" he explained, "It's the latest Neopet to arrive, after all! I'm sure they would be perfect! We can use what we've already got in the databanks, and go from there!"

     Cog gave a rather uncertain look; The Vandagyre was indeed a new species, and that's exactly what made it daunting to think of trying first. While there's not much information on them, most Neopians don't even know they exist - and the ones who do don't usually enjoy them. Something about their appearances being "strange" or "out of the ordinary".

     "Maybe we should try something different..." she spoke slowly, "While I agree we probably shouldn't go with a Gelert or Aisha quite yet, the Vandagyre is kinda...Risky."

     Lampwyck knew exactly what she meant, yet, he seemed uncertain himself. Would going off so little data be a huge risk for the toy, or would it be easier to start off small?

      After all, the toy wasn't going to have a life of its own...Right?

     "Maybe we should try the Vandagyre."

     Lampwyck's voice startled Cog, and Tangor beamed even more than before - to the point his grin might as well take over his whole face.

      "Cog, while I understand what you mean about having very little intel on the latest species, that could very well be in our favour." he went up to the blueprints and examined them, noticing how the shape was already similar to a Vandagyre, "Besides, it's not like the Fun 4 All will come alive. It's a toy, just like the Vaggendotra 5000. It would only be forged by Petpets, not become one."

     Cog looked up, noticing the ever confident and eager Tangor nodding quickly in agreement, and after a rather solemn nod from Lampwyck, smiled slightly and agreed.

      "Okay. Vandagyre it is."

     With a loud cheer from Tangor, the three went to work.

      Lampwyck provided the promised lights, Cog worked out the mechanics, and Tangor made sure that every piece was attached together perfectly.

      Out in the city, other Moltarans were also expressing excitement about the project. Some of them would try to see if it was a cool new outfit (Cog's been busy with those lately), a new gourmet treat from Molten Morsels, or if Lampwyck finally found something "unique and exciting" to add in his store. They'd notice Tangor leaping around happily, but they always saw him as such so never bothered asking him about it.

     Somehow, news never really stayed a secret for long in Moltara. Even when the Mayor would be zipping his lips about any massive upbringing, someone always found out another way.

      In this case, it was probably due to the factory suddenly working after years of being out of commission. Yet, that didn't keep others from disbelieving that it would be another grand achievement like the Vaggendotra 5000. It was most likely another outfit - while able to feel intense hype, not all of Cog's creations were a success compared to her old works - or another broken lighting piece from Lampwyck.

     Despite this, Cog, Lampwyck, and Tangor remained diligent with their work, and were also careful to take breaks when needed. Should they be asked about the project, Cog would simply wink and say "You will see" before leaving them guessing.

     The first step was almost complete, and the Fun 4 All was almost fully modelled - as the Vaggendotra 5000.

      They needed this to test out the transformation, and should it succeed, Tangor suggested that should Neopians want the Fun 4 All after the Vaggendotra 5000 was built, they could simply swap in the prize or have upgrades for a small fee. The former obviously was his main option, and everyone agreed. Not everyone may want a toy that can do so much, and may just prefer the simplicity of the Vaggendotra 5000, and they understood.

      "Now, let's try the basic functions first."

      Cog held a remote in her hand, and pushed a button, allowing the Fun 4 All to form into the shape of a Vandagyre - though only with the ears being able to shift ever so slightly to form into the signature Vandagyre shape.

      "Th-That's it?" Lampwyck asked hesitantly.

     Tangor sighed, his excitement dwindling a little.

     "Unfortunately, I just couldn't add all the Vandagyre features to the Vaggendotra 5000." he sighed, "To create the wings, for example, would be super tricky...Unless..."

      He paused for a moment, before exclaiming, "Keep testing this one! I may have an idea!" and bolting out of the room quicker than anyone could reply.

     Lampwyck looked at Cog, before she shrugged and said, "He said to keep testing. At least this segment works. Now let's try the eyes."

     Another button, and the eyes lit up immediately, flickering as if the bulbs were almost about to run out of energy.

      Lampwyck slapped his forehead with his hand.

      "I knew I got them mixed up." he groaned, "I'm sorry. I accidentally put in the ones I was about to throw out. Maybe the one Tangor has will have the proper bulbs."

     Cog sighed. So far, this wasn't going well. But it would've been curious if it was a success first try.

     "Well, here's the last test. Voice activated."

      She went up to the toy and spoke.

      "Hi, I'm Cog."

      The Fun 4 All moved its head, slightly turning toward Cog, before letting out a distorted sound that sounded like the mixture of scraping metal and a raspy voice.

      "I WANT TO BE...Your...Fr..."

     The voice cut off, unable to finish, and Cog set the remote on a table nearby.

     "Well, that could use some improvement." she couldn't help but let out a light chuckle, "We may need to see about that voice interaction too."

      Lampwyck stood further back, crossing his arms.

      "Perhaps we should buy some parts from Virtupets to help us out? While I don't normally want to mix parts, we kind of have no choice."

     Cog glanced at him, then the Fun 4 All - of which was now staring with near dimmed eyes - before replying.

      "We might. However, let's see if Tangor's plan works." she grabbed a seat and sat down, eying the still toy from afar, "At least it was able to transform."

     Lampwyck found a seat as well and nodded.

      "Yes. It's a start. And a start is better than nothing."

     Cog continued to stare at the toy, allowing a tiny smile to form on her face.

      "Y'know," she muttered, "This guy's rather cute. I think he has something here."

     |||

     More attempts were made, and while some tests proved to be a success, others failed.

      The transformation idea Tangor had was a success, and while the lights were also working, the voice refused to function properly.

      The latest attempt ended in a high pitched screech that nearly shattered windows in the factory, and it took every ounce of strength for Cog to silence the toy while holding one hand over her ear.

     "All we need is this voice to work."

      Tangor held his head, moaning in pain as he tried to recover from the sound that rang through his ears.

      "I don't think I can handle another of those test runs." he backed into a chair and flopped down like a rag doll, "My ears are still ringing from yesterday's tryout!"

     Lampwyck knew what had to be done. As much as all three hated to admit it, they couldn't rely on the forged Petpets to give the Fun 4 All its voice.

      "Let's contact Virtupets. I'm sure Grundo's Warehouse is open right now."

      Cog nodded, and immediately sent a call to Grundo's, being greeted by a rather disgruntled worker who appeared like he really needed some rest.

      "What? What is it??" he grumbled before noticing who it was and immediately lit up. "Oh, Cog! It's you! What could I do for you?"

     While the Moltarans and Virtupets weren't exactly "best friends", Cog was known for having communications with them regarding building tech that could help out Moltara. Sometimes, the Grundos would offer up tips, and they researched Moltara's own materials to help out with these tasks. They remained rivals in the tech industry, but both remained rather steady in competition - though with the latest downfall at Lampwyck's, Virtupets had a slight upper hand.

     "We've been working on this latest project." Cog motioned toward the Fun 4 All with one hand, before it was brought closer for the Grundo to examine, "Its main functions are working, but we are having a problem with its voice."

     The Grundo raised an eyebrow curiously.

      "Problems? Like what?"

     Cog admittedly figured he'd want a demonstration, but decided to explain it first.

      "When it talks, it's...Pitchy. Or it sounds like static, or some other sound that clearly isn't your friendly toy." she added, "Our last test nearly shattered our windows, and we could really use some help."

     The Grundo looked around Cog, noticing Tangor still slumped in his seat with his hands over his ears, this time bracing for another go, before calling to him, "I won't ask for a test. I get the idea from what I've been told."

      Tangor released his ears with a sigh of relief, but otherwise remained still in his chair, other than to grab a drink nearby and take a sip.

     "So...You probably don't have the proper voice box." the Grundo spoke, tapping his finger against his notepad, "It only makes sense, considering how I assume you're using that toy forged by Petpets?"

     "Vaggendotra 5000." Lampwyck spoke from behind somewhere, "And yes, we are. That's why we need your help."

     The Grundo, despite being thrown off by the sudden snappy remark, smiled at Cog.

     "Perhaps we could be of assistance. We know the perfect voice box for toys such as this. We will send someone over with a stock as soon as possible."

      A loud sound suddenly could be heard from within the warehouse, and he sighed, shaking his head.

      "After the latest release of Pinchits and avatars, we've been run ragged." he muttered, "I promise, I'll have those items delivered to you shortly. We'll need someone who can resist the Moltaran heat, after all."

      Cog nodded.

      "Of course. Take all the time you need." she glanced back at Lampwyck, of whom seemed to be somewhat irritated that they were on the line for this long, "And thank you. From all of us. We appreciate your help and what you do for Neopia."

      The Grundo nodded back, giving a light smile before the two disconnected, and Lampwyck heaved a sigh.

     "You'd think with all their fancy robot names, they'd remember the Vaggendotra 5000." he mumbles, holding his face in one hand.

     Cog giggled, knowing that he was just irritated at the call's length, but also had this huge rivalry with the Virtupets tech - a rivalry that would never end until he was above Virtupets with his lights and lanterns.

     "Hey, just think - we'll soon have another great piece of tech in our own town!" she beamed, "They'll send a shipment when things calm down, so that gives us a moment to relax."

      She headed toward the factory's exit, before stating, "I'm going to Moltaran Morsels. Anyone care to join me?"

      Lampywck followed behind, but Tangor slowly stood, shaking his head.

     "No thanks. I need to go lay down and rest." he moaned, "My head is still throbbing... Just let me know when you need the voice box put in and I'll be ready -- hopefully."

     Cog helped him out the door and he went home, while she and Lampwyck both went toward their favourite food joint, being greeted by the cheerful Bruce who ran the place and ordering themselves a large meal.

      That evening, Cog received a message from Grundo's Warehouse, stating:

      "The voice boxes shall arrive tomorrow morning. Just look for a Grundo in a giant robot suit."

     With a smile, Cog fell asleep that night, yet, she couldn't escape the excitement that would be another test run the next day...

     ...But would the Virtupets tech and Moltaran materials function in harmony?

      They were about to find out.

To be continued…