Knick Knack - My Original Champion - Portrait Added!

Would you play as Knick Knack?


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_Vidz_

Pack Mule
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Big update today! So, jump in the air and get ready to kick some flank! I've got Knick Knack's air attacks here for you today, what do you think?



As per usual, here's what's going on in each one.
Light - Knick Knack pulls out a paddle-ball (who remembers those?!) and shows off his skill with it in mid-air.
Medium - Knick Knack dawns his chef's hat and uses an oversized egg-beater (this'll make sense later, trust me) to whisk his opponent. (This attack is a multi-hitter).
Heavy - Knick Knack pulls out a Jack-- . . . Pony-In-The-Box? And the toy sends his opponent backwards from the impact to give himself some distance.

So, what do you guys think of these? Like always, thank you for keeping up with my progress! Have a great day, and I'll bring more soon!
 
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ty4brawl

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It would be an absolute honor to have my character actually added to their roster, in fact I might just faint. I'm also very flattered to know you think Knick Knack is 'top notch'! I really appreciate it! Not only that . . . but now I'm in the mood for a cinnamon roll. :p
Well yeah. He's got a great design. You're making a full set of attacks, jumps, hits, etc. He's a currently unused species. He's got a lot going for him. lol

Side note, if they met, I think Paprika would be the death of him. xD
 

Salty Beef

Fau Con, at your service.
Big update today! So, jump in the air and get ready to kick some flank! I've got Knick Knack's air attacks here for you today, what do you think?



As per usual, here's what's going on in each one.
Light - Knick Knack pulls out a paddle-ball (who remembers those?!) and shows off his skill with it in mid-air.
Medium - Knick Knack dawns his chef's hat and uses an oversized egg-beater (this'll make sense later, trust me) to whisk his opponent. (This attack is a multi-hitter).
Heavy - Knick Knack pulls out a Jack-- . . . small horse-In-The-Box? And the toy sends his opponent backwards from the impact to give himself some distance.

So, what do you guys think of these? Like always, thank you for keeping up with my progress! Have a great day, and I'll bring more soon!





very noice, the chef hat one is a bit odd but like you said, it'll make sense later so I'm eager to see what that's about. But something I've been wondering about your character for a while is... what KIND of fighter are you leaning towards with his play style? you know, Arizona's the rusher and general ground beat downs, Tianhuo is pretty much an air attacker. aaaand.. Oleander keeps her distance to a certain degree. and so does Velvet. and Paprika... I forgot what she does.. oh, and pom.. hmmmmm... trap characters I guess? I don't know any of the "official"slang names for the styles..

this is possibly too early of a question but I was just curious.

P.S. if somebody already asked you that I'm sorry I am repeating the question.
 

_Vidz_

Pack Mule
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very noice, the chef hat one is a bit odd but like you said, it'll make sense later so I'm eager to see what that's about. But something I've been wondering about your character for a while is... what KIND of fighter are you leaning towards with his play style? you know, Arizona's the rusher and general ground beat downs, Tianhuo is pretty much an air attacker. aaaand.. Oleander keeps her distance to a certain degree. and so does Velvet. and Paprika... I forgot what she does.. oh, and pom.. hmmmmm... trap characters I guess? I don't know any of the "official"slang names for the styles..

this is possibly too early of a question but I was just curious.

P.S. if somebody already asked you that I'm sorry I am repeating the question.
That's a good question, and I've been thinking about making him somewhat of a zoner with his own 'unique' type of projectiles/items that differ from the 'projectile-based' characters we already have. It sounds a bit vague as of now, but I'll elaborate on this more once I show off his magic and special attacks!
 

_Vidz_

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Feb 3, 2016
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Howdy y'all! Today I've got the last of Knick Knack's basic attacks, and that's his crouching moves!



Here's what's going on in each one:
Light: "This is great! We can stay up late, swapping mule-ly stories, and in the morning. . ."
Medium: "I'm makin' waffles!" See? I told you the egg-beater would start to make sense! He's always prepared to whip up his favorite snack.
Heavy: Knick Knack uses a giant Drinking Bird to attack. . . Because we've all got one of those lying around somewhere!
Launcher: Knick Knack uses a horn to show off his lack of musical talent. The powerful, broken notes send his opponent up into the air.

Figuring these out have been the most difficult so far, and I'm really curious to know what you guys think of them! Once again, thanks for giving my thread a look, and have a great day!

. . . DONKEH' !
 

Salty Beef

Fau Con, at your service.
Howdy y'all! Today I've got the last of Knick Knack's basic attacks, and that's his crouching moves!



Here's what's going on in each one:
Light: "This is great! We can stay up late, swapping mule-ly stories, and in the morning. . ."
Medium: "I'm makin' waffles!" See? I told you the egg-beater would start to make sense! He's always prepared to whip up his favorite snack.
Heavy: Knick Knack uses a giant Drinking Bird to attack. . . Because we've all got one of those lying around somewhere!
Launcher: Knick Knack uses a horn to show off his lack of musical talent. The powerful, broken notes send his opponent up into the air.

Figuring these out have been the most difficult so far, and I'm really curious to know what you guys think of them! Once again, thanks for giving my thread a look, and have a great day!

. . . DONKEH' !


That egg beater tease paid off. these are really.. adorable. and hilarious. :arilove:
 
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_Vidz_

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What's up everyone! Before I get into the magic, special, and eventually the supers for Knick Knack; I've got a few extra sketches of things I couldn't really lump with any of the other updates. I hope you like these little extras!



1 - Knick Knack's 'staggered' pose as he takes a few steps back.
2 - Knick Knack adds some shades to complete his victory pose.
3 - Knick Knack fires off toast from his backpack to catch his opponent in mid-air.

Alright guys, we're getting to big stuff. It's going to take some time, and many sheets of paper to make sure I get it right (or at least try to). I hope you liked this little update, and I'll see you in the next one! Have a great day!
 

_Vidz_

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Hello! Today I've got Knick Knack's Magic Attacks! It took a lot of thinking, but I think I've finally got them settled.



(For the sake of convenience, Magic Attack will be described as 'A')
He has three types of Magic Attacks: Standard, Forward, Backward and Down. These attacks can only be initiated on the ground, and every attack begins with Knick Knack reaching into his backpack as shown above. He will toss out one of three items (Further than two feet in front of him, of course. I've only depicted it as a shorter distance to save space on paper. Same goes for the general size of the items. I may have drawn them a bit small.), and they stay on the stage until they are used, or another is thrown out. As for his Magic Bar, I was thinking of having it behave like Velvet's, and charges over time; but that's still up for debate.

Standard A: Knick Knack tosses out an alarm clock. Once activated, this item will bounce and ring, causing an 'area of effect' damage zone.
Forward A: Knick Knack tosses out a television. Once activated, this item's screen will flash on with a hypnotizing swirl for a short time. If the opponent is close enough, and in its field of view, they will become disoriented and dizzily wobble about for a few seconds. This item does not do damage, as this would provide Knick Knack an opportunity to strike. However, the opponent can jump over it as long as they're not caught in the screen's field of view.
Backward A: Knick Knack tosses out a table fan. Once activated, this item will blow a strong gust of wind for a short time, pushing against the opponent, and making it difficult for them to approach. This item does not do damage.
Down A: Knick Knack crouches down and connects two electric plugs that lead to his backpack, causing a small flash of electricity. Once connected, whatever item Knick Knack has tossed out will activate.

I hope you like what I've come up with! If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to ask! I hope you all have a wonderful day!
 

_Vidz_

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Hey! Time for some special moves!



Forward Special: A boomerang! The projectile that comes back! Not only will his opponent have to worry about it head-on, but they'll have to watch their backs when it comes back around. Once Knick Knack deploys his boomerang, he cannot throw out another until the first makes its way back to him. Each of the attack buttons will determine how fast the boomerang travels. Light Attack being the slowest, and Heavy Attack being the fastest.
Back Special: Knick Knack pulls out an antique mirror. It's used to reflect oncoming projectiles such as Velvet's icicle, or Oleander's spells; and will do damage to the opponent if successfully reflected. However, it cannot reflect any projectiles that come from behind or below. This item does not do damage, and cannot be used in mid-air. As far as reflecting Supers such as Velvet's and Oleander's, I haven't really decided on that yet.

And that's all I've got for now. I hope you like what I've made, and have a wonderful day!
 

_Vidz_

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Time for something 'super'. . ! No?



For Knick Knack's Super, he slams his backpack onto the ground, ties a handkerchief around his neck, and watches with excitement as a barrage of waffles flies into the air towards his foe. Stay tuned for his Special Super coming up next! Until then, have a wonderful day!
 

ty4brawl

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Time for something 'super'. . ! No?



For Knick Knack's Super, he slams his backpack onto the ground, ties a handkerchief around his neck, and watches with excitement as a barrage of waffles flies into the air towards his foe. Stay tuned for his Special Super coming up next! Until then, have a wonderful day!
Has me wondering how it can be expanded to a level 2.

Bonus points if it's inflatable.
...
Sorry, I'll stop derailing. Great work sir, keep it up.
And it fires in spurts.
 

_Vidz_

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And now for his Special Super!



During his Normal Super, Knick Knack can activate his Special Super where he yanks on a rip-cord that extends from one of the pockets of his backpack, and covers his ears as his bag springs to life. During this time, the player has total control of the backpack as gadgets constantly explode with attacks. The bag can jump (as depicted here) or can travel forward on wheels. The player must deal as much damage as possible before the attack ends. However, Knick Knack will remain stationary; and if he receives damage during this time, the Super will end. Whether it's interrupted, or the attack ends, the backpack will travel back to him; and he will strap it back on.

So, I'm surprised I made it this far. From the Basic to the Supers, there's only one more thing I 'know' I need to make. However! Before I get to that, do you feel there is something I may have glossed over? Some sort of attack or pose I may have missed? At the moment, I know I've left out the 'Block' and 'Grab'. So, I suppose those will come next along with anything else mentioned here. We're getting pretty close to the end, and this has been a lot of fun for me so far! I hope you've been having fun as well! As always, have a wonderful day, and I'll be back soon!
 

ty4brawl

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And now for his Special Super!



During his Normal Super, Knick Knack can activate his Special Super where he yanks on a rip-cord that extends from one of the pockets of his backpack, and covers his ears as his bag springs to life. During this time, the player has total control of the backpack as gadgets constantly explode with attacks. The bag can jump (as depicted here) or can travel forward on wheels. The player must deal as much damage as possible before the attack ends. However, Knick Knack will remain stationary; and if he receives damage during this time, the Super will end. Whether it's interrupted, or the attack ends, the backpack will travel back to him; and he will strap it back on.

So, I'm surprised I made it this far. From the Basic to the Supers, there's only one more thing I 'know' I need to make. However! Before I get to that, do you feel there is something I may have glossed over? Some sort of attack or pose I may have missed? At the moment, I know I've left out the 'Block' and 'Grab'. So, I suppose those will come next along with anything else mentioned here. We're getting pretty close to the end, and this has been a lot of fun for me so far! I hope you've been having fun as well! As always, have a wonderful day, and I'll be back soon!
There's the taunt from pressing down rapidly.
 

TheGoldenW

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Aug 5, 2017
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And now for his Special Super!



During his Normal Super, Knick Knack can activate his Special Super where he yanks on a rip-cord that extends from one of the pockets of his backpack, and covers his ears as his bag springs to life. During this time, the player has total control of the backpack as gadgets constantly explode with attacks. The bag can jump (as depicted here) or can travel forward on wheels. The player must deal as much damage as possible before the attack ends. However, Knick Knack will remain stationary; and if he receives damage during this time, the Super will end. Whether it's interrupted, or the attack ends, the backpack will travel back to him; and he will strap it back on.

So, I'm surprised I made it this far. From the Basic to the Supers, there's only one more thing I 'know' I need to make. However! Before I get to that, do you feel there is something I may have glossed over? Some sort of attack or pose I may have missed? At the moment, I know I've left out the 'Block' and 'Grab'. So, I suppose those will come next along with anything else mentioned here. We're getting pretty close to the end, and this has been a lot of fun for me so far! I hope you've been having fun as well! As always, have a wonderful day, and I'll be back soon!
You haven't done grabs or blocking poses.
 

Salty Beef

Fau Con, at your service.
Time for something 'super'. . ! No?



For Knick Knack's Super, he slams his backpack onto the ground, ties a handkerchief around his neck, and watches with excitement as a barrage of waffles flies into the air towards his foe. Stay tuned for his Special Super coming up next! Until then, have a wonderful day!

And now for his Special Super!



During his Normal Super, Knick Knack can activate his Special Super where he yanks on a rip-cord that extends from one of the pockets of his backpack, and covers his ears as his bag springs to life. During this time, the player has total control of the backpack as gadgets constantly explode with attacks. The bag can jump (as depicted here) or can travel forward on wheels. The player must deal as much damage as possible before the attack ends. However, Knick Knack will remain stationary; and if he receives damage during this time, the Super will end. Whether it's interrupted, or the attack ends, the backpack will travel back to him; and he will strap it back on.

So, I'm surprised I made it this far. From the Basic to the Supers, there's only one more thing I 'know' I need to make. However! Before I get to that, do you feel there is something I may have glossed over? Some sort of attack or pose I may have missed? At the moment, I know I've left out the 'Block' and 'Grab'. So, I suppose those will come next along with anything else mentioned here. We're getting pretty close to the end, and this has been a lot of fun for me so far! I hope you've been having fun as well! As always, have a wonderful day, and I'll be back soon!

Well, well these are very noice! dude I love the angles of his movements. How long have you been drawing?
 
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_Vidz_

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Well, well these are very noice! dude I love the angles of his movements. How long have you been drawing?
Thanks! I'm so glad you like them!
Well, I drew a lot as a wee lad, but I didn't really get into drawing until High School. So, maybe about five years . . . give or take. Even so, I still don't consider myself that great of an 'artist'; but I try my best. ^_^
 

_Vidz_

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I've finally got Knick Knack's Grab figured out! I've drawn up a little mock-up Velvet just for demonstration purposes. What do you think?



Knick Knack swaps out his piece of wheat for a red rose, and goes in for the kill! He reaches out his hoof for a dance, and twirls his foe wildly (In this case, Velvet, will receive small amounts of damage during the twirl). Then, as he strikes his finishing pose, a larger chunk of damage is done before sending his foe tumbling backward. As a side note, his Backward Throw would be the same thing as depicted above, just mirrored to send the opponent the other direction.

Coming soon, his Block and Taunt! See you then!
 

ty4brawl

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I've finally got Knick Knack's Grab figured out! I've drawn up a little mock-up Velvet just for demonstration purposes. What do you think?



Knick Knack swaps out his piece of wheat for a red rose, and goes in for the kill! He reaches out his hoof for a dance, and twirls his foe wildly (In this case, Velvet, will receive small amounts of damage during the twirl). Then, as he strikes his finishing pose, a larger chunk of damage is done before sending his foe tumbling backward. As a side note, his Backward Throw would be the same thing as depicted above, just mirrored to send the opponent the other direction.

Coming soon, his Block and Taunt! See you then!
Knick-knack, you charmer you. :ollielove::arilove:
 

TheGoldenW

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Aug 5, 2017
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I've finally got Knick Knack's Grab figured out! I've drawn up a little mock-up Velvet just for demonstration purposes. What do you think?



Knick Knack swaps out his piece of wheat for a red rose, and goes in for the kill! He reaches out his hoof for a dance, and twirls his foe wildly (In this case, Velvet, will receive small amounts of damage during the twirl). Then, as he strikes his finishing pose, a larger chunk of damage is done before sending his foe tumbling backward. As a side note, his Backward Throw would be the same thing as depicted above, just mirrored to send the opponent the other direction.

Coming soon, his Block and Taunt! See you then!
Omg, that's your best piece yet. Wadda charmer
 

LockeRobster

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I've finally got Knick Knack's Grab figured out! I've drawn up a little mock-up Velvet just for demonstration purposes. What do you think?



Knick Knack swaps out his piece of wheat for a red rose, and goes in for the kill! He reaches out his hoof for a dance, and twirls his foe wildly (In this case, Velvet, will receive small amounts of damage during the twirl). Then, as he strikes his finishing pose, a larger chunk of damage is done before sending his foe tumbling backward. As a side note, his Backward Throw would be the same thing as depicted above, just mirrored to send the opponent the other direction.

Coming soon, his Block and Taunt! See you then!
Tango throw. This kid's an absolute boss.
 

_Vidz_

Pack Mule
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Feb 3, 2016
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Well, it's time. Let's keep spreading the love with Knick Knack's Blocks! I'm not talking about Legos though (cue cricket sounds).



What's a better way to show her you care than with a box of chocolates! He uses its heart-shaped box to block the tough love, then gleefully offers the candies as his Push-Block!

And that's pretty much all the moves! Shoutouts to TheGoldenW for helping me out with the stuff I've missed! So, as always, have a wonderful--WAIT! YOU THOUGHT I FORGOT?!





Huh . . . that came out larger than I thought it would; but yes! I've got two updates in one! Don't worry ty4brawl, I didn't forget you.
So, for his taunt, a speaker and a disco-ball pop out from Knick Knack's backpack as he joyfully bounces about to his favorite tunes!

Now that I've covered everything (I think), it's time for the story behind Knick Knack and his kin: The Pack Mules! Which will have to come in the next update. 'Til then, thanks for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful day!
 

ty4brawl

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Well, it's time. Let's keep spreading the love with Knick Knack's Blocks! I'm not talking about Legos though (cue cricket sounds).
Hey, I liked it. And I'm not talking about the movie.



What's a better way to show her you care than with a box of chocolates! He uses its heart-shaped box to block the tough love, then gleefully offers the candies as his Push-Block!
Yup. Like I thought, dude's gonna end up getting killed by papi love if they met. lol



Huh . . . that came out larger than I thought it would; but yes! I've got two updates in one! Don't worry ty4brawl, I didn't forget you.
So, for his taunt, a speaker and a disco-ball pop out from Knick Knack's backpack as he joyfully bounces about to his favorite tunes!
Nice, and thanks for the shout-out.

Now that I've covered everything (I think), it's time for the story behind Knick Knack and his kin: The Pack Mules! Which will have to come in the next update. 'Til then, thanks for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful day!
Can't wait, mah dude.
 

TheGoldenW

Lens Flare Thinking Emoji Specialist
Banished to the Hold
Aug 5, 2017
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Cleveland, Ohio
Well, it's time. Let's keep spreading the love with Knick Knack's Blocks! I'm not talking about Legos though (cue cricket sounds).



What's a better way to show her you care than with a box of chocolates! He uses its heart-shaped box to block the tough love, then gleefully offers the candies as his Push-Block!

And that's pretty much all the moves! Shoutouts to TheGoldenW for helping me out with the stuff I've missed! So, as always, have a wonderful--WAIT! YOU THOUGHT I FORGOT?!





Huh . . . that came out larger than I thought it would; but yes! I've got two updates in one! Don't worry ty4brawl, I didn't forget you.
So, for his taunt, a speaker and a disco-ball pop out from Knick Knack's backpack as he joyfully bounces about to his favorite tunes!

Now that I've covered everything (I think), it's time for the story behind Knick Knack and his kin: The Pack Mules! Which will have to come in the next update. 'Til then, thanks for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful day!
Thanks for the S/O my dude! Gl with that!
 

_Vidz_

Pack Mule
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Feb 3, 2016
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Phew! It's been a while hasn't it? But I've got a big update today, and that's the beginning of Knick Knack's adventure through Foenum! This is something I kind of just wrote on a whim, and hope that it at least entertains you; and maybe gives you a little bit of insight as to how Knick Knack gets involved with the infestation of the predators! Just as a warning, I'm not the best at grammar. So, I wouldn't be surprised if this whole thing is riddled with mistakes (I apologize in advance!). Anyway, please enjoy the read!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From the sands of the harshest deserts, to the foliage of the lushest forests, the Pack Mules have been through it all; and there’s still so much more to see. They are a travelling society that carries their homes and most precious belongings on their backs. A herd built around the concepts of family, unity, and wanderlust. The elders of the Pack Mules have passed these ideas down for generations, and every member of the herd is dedicated to doing their part to support their way of life. The doctors carry their hospitals, the chefs carry their kitchens and food, so on and so forth. Over the years, the desire to see the rest of the world seems to have diminished amongst the herd. Life appears to have become an endless cycle of work and misery. However, they continue to push on and persevere as per their elders’ wishes. The oldest members of the herd have grown bitter, yet headstrong; and no mule would dare go against them and their duty to press forward just as their parents did all those years ago. Whilst every mule goes through great lengths to stay strong and pull their weight, there is but one member of the herd that has become a growing concern for the rest of the community.


Whilst every member of the herd carries only the most important and meaningful things to carry with them on their lifelong journey, this one is a bit different. One of the youngest members of the herd carries only the most mundane, and useless items with him, much to everyone else’s dismay. He’s always the one that falls the furthest behind, scrounging up everything and anything that may catch his slightest interest. From rusty, old kitchenware to toys of a most childish sort, he will most certainly take it along with him. Due to his love for worthless objects, his peers coined the perfect nickname for him: Knick Knack. Today, on an otherwise perfect summer morning, Knick Knack’s family has finally decided to try and talk some sense into him. Knick Knack’s Mother and Father travel closely with the herd through the thick forest they’ve found themselves in so as not to get separated. However, attempting to break Knick Knack’s collecting habit might prove to be the least of the herd’s worries.


“Are you finally going to have that talk with him?” Knick Knack’s Mother asks her husband.


“I will soon,” he replies.


“And how long is ‘soon’?”


“Well . . . tomorrow.”


“You said that yesterday.”


“I don’t see what the big deal is. Why can’t we just let him do what he wants?”


“Have you not been paying attention to what others have been saying these past couple of days?!” she exasperates.


Her husband groans and rolls his eyes. “You don’t know if that’s true.”


“Well, call me crazy, but I’d rather not take any chances!” Her husband sighs. “If he gets too distracted and strays away from the herd, and one of those . . . ‘things’ is out there; how are we going to protect him?!”


“He’s always with his friends. Besides, I’m sure he’s smart enough to—”


“Do you honestly think he’ll be thinking straight in a dangerous situation like that? Or even his friends?” Her husband pauses, pondering the idea she has thrust into his head. “I don’t know about you, but I’d rather keep our son alive than take a risk like that. I’m positive their parents feel the exact same way.”


“I know; you’re right.” He gives in. “I’ll go talk to him.”


“Thank you, and please, make sure you explain to him how important it is—”


“Hon, trust me. I know what to do.” As Knick Knack’s Father turns and goes against the crowd, Knick Knack is yet again scouring the perimeter of the forest for anything that might tickle his fancy. His two friends, who have also taken a liking to Knick Knack’s habit, join in on the excavation. Knick Knack crawls on his hooves, sniffing the grass like a hound as his friends watch confused, but entertained. They look to each other, hoping maybe one of them understands what he’s doing, but they both end up shrugging. Knick Knack’s eyes widen as he sets his eyes on a brightly colored insect perched on a blade of grass.


“It’s a butterfly, Knick Knack,” one of the friends sarcastically teases. “Ever see one of those before?” In one swift motion, Knick Knack traps the butterfly in a glass jar. Tightening the lid, he observes the beautiful creature in awe. “H-How did. . ?” The friend’s jaw drops.


“You just gotta learn to stop asking questions, Tart. He just . . . ‘does’ things.”


“Oh yeah, Fritz!” Tart reaches into his bag, and pulls out a glass jar of his own. “Well, I’m gonna go out there and catch somethin’ even better!”


“Tart, it’s probably not a good idea to go too far. We’re already behind, and—” Tart, armed with his jar, leaps through the bushes further into the woods. “—don’t listen to a thing I’m saying. Great. . . Knick Knack, we should probably. . .” Fritz turns to Knick Knack to ask for accompaniment, but he appears far too enthralled by the butterfly fluttering inside his jar. “Or just me; I’ll go get Tart. . . Why do I always have to finish my own sentences?” Fritz rolls his eyes as he goes after Tart.


Struggling to forces his way through the thick brush, Fritz calls Tart’s name relentlessly into the wind. After a few moments of searching, Fritz finds Tart sitting on the ground. “There you are,” says Fritz. “What happened? Trip over a branch?” Fritz’s teasing comes to a halt once he notices the fear struck in Tart’s eyes. “What’s the matter with you?” Tart points his hoof, and Fritz is instantly overwhelmed with fear by what he sees.


Tart’s and Fritz’s screams fill the air, snapping Knick Knack out of his trance from taking in the beauty of the butterfly. His ears flare up, and he looks to the brush where his friends had entered. Confused and concerned, he stuffs the jar into his backpack, gets to his hooves and gallops into the brush. Knick Knack’s Father, still trying to force his way through the herd to reach his son, is stopped by a fellow member of the herd. “Woah, where do you think you’re going?” The herd member asks.


“I’m looking for Knick Knack,” says Knick Knack’s Father. “He’s sure to be in the back of the herd with your son.”


“Oh, had me worried there. I wasn’t sure what you were doing going against the flow of things.”


“Why would you be worried?”


“Well, with all this talk that’s been floating around, I’m surprised you’re not worried at all.”


“Look, rumors are rumors. My wife’s scared to death though, but hey, who can blame her? Say, uh, you didn’t tell your son about them, did you?”


“Of course not, I don’t want to scare Tart with stuff like that. He’s a bit sensitive when it comes to that type of stuff.”


“Good. I figured Knick Knack didn’t need to know about them either. We don’t need to scare the kids, but she’s right, it’s better to be safe than sorry.”


“Agreed. I should probably get Tart too, and I’m sure Fritz’s parents are gonna want him back up there too.” Together, the two mules make their way to the back of the herd, and are instantly struck with worry. Their children are nowhere to be found amongst the lush foliage, causing the two Fathers to stammer and sweat.


“W-Where are the kids?”


“I-I don’t know. Th-They couldn’t have lagged too far behind, right?”


“I don’t believe this—Knick Knack! Where are you?!”


“Tart! Where are you, son?!” The both of them gallop down the pathway their herd have trekked through the forest, hearts racing as they desperately search for their sons.


Knick Knack gallops headfirst through the branches that dangle in his way, and skids across the ground until he comes to a complete stop. Both Tart and Fritz are holding each other tightly as they stare into the solid, gleaming eyes of the threat. “Oh! K-Knick Knack!” Fritz calls. “H-Hey buddy! We’ve got a . . . a little bit of a problem here!” Knick Knack looks at the dark, almost shadowy figure creeping up towards his friends. Knick Knack stomps on the ground, and the four-legged figure whips its head around to glare at him. The creature growls, showing off its sharp, jagged teeth. Knick Knack’s eyes widen once the creature’s eyes meet his, and a shiver of fear crawls up his spine; but as he glances to his trembling friends, he stands his ground. The creature paces the ground without breaking eye-contact with him, and a smile emerges on Knick Knack’s face. “Knick Knack, what are you doing?! What’s so funny?!” Without warning, the creature leaps towards Knick Knack with a bark, ready to sink its teeth into him.


Knick Knack turns his body as one of the pockets of his backpack open up. From the inside, a wooden bird with googly eyes attached to a wooden arm pops out and extends towards the creature. The bird’s beak strikes the beast, knocking it out of the air and tumbling onto the ground. The bird retracts back into Knick Knack’s backpack, and the beast scrambles to its paws looking even more furious than before. It races towards him, and with Knick Knack unprepared, it slashes at one of his legs. He falls to his knee, and his friends gasp at the gash. Before the creature can strike once more, Knick Knack reaches into his backpack and pulls out something that grabs the beast’s full attention. Knick Knack holds a rubber, toy ball in his hoof, and the beast’s eyes stay locked onto it. With a nervous smile, Knick Knack teases the beast by moving the ball around in the air, causing it to pant and bark with excitement. The beast watches happily as Knick Knack tosses the ball up into the air, and from the top pocket of his backpack, a wooden paddle flips outward. The paddle smacks the ball, sending it flying between the trees further into the forest. Eagerly, the beast chases after the ball, leaving Knick Knack as he sighs with relief. “H-Hey!” Tart calls. “How did he—?”


“What did we ‘just’ talk about?” Fritz asks. “Don’t ask. Just be glad we’re still alive.”


“What even was that thing?”


“I don’t know, but I don’t care. We need to get back to the herd and let them know!” Just as Fritz and Tart get to their hooves, they stop and freeze as a bone-chilling screech echoes through the trees. They look up to the sky as flocks of disturbed birds fly overhead.


“Oh, come on,” Tart whines. “W-What is it now?” Before they know it, a shadow envelops both Tart and Fritz as an enormous bird swoops down. Its talons scrape and bend the surrounding trees before scooping up the two of them. Ignoring the cut on his leg, Knick Knack helplessly chases after his friends as scream for their lives. He follows the dark, shadowy bird for as long as he can, but the thicket of trees and bushes make it difficult to keep them in sight. Eventually, their screams fade away, but Knick Knack presses on without taking his eyes off the sky. Suddenly, Knick Knack slips and falls face first into a cold pool of water. Lifting his soaking wet head out of the water, he looks up solemnly at the sky in disbelief over how quickly his friends were taken away from him.


“Well, what do we have here?” Knick Knack’s sorrowful eyes look down from the sky to see a tall mare walking toward him. Her coat of fur is pure white, and her long, pinkish mane droops all the way down to her knees. “You must be lost, little one.” The mare’s curved horn glows with a greenish light, and Knick Knack’s body is enveloped by an aura of the same color. He can feel some sort of force lifting him up, but despite his struggling, he is unable to set himself free. “Ah, just a measly Pack Mule.” The mare approaches him, intimidating him with her piercing, feminine gaze and emerald-green eyes. “You must belong to the rest of the ‘filth’ that just passed through our forest. Why would you make the foolish mistake of leaving your herd to contaminate my drinking spot with your flea-infested fur?” Desperately, Knick Knack points his hoof to the sky. “Oh, you’re looking for that bird that flew overhead, are you?” Knick Knack nervously nods. “Yes, I saw it too; and judging by the sounds, it seems it’s taken one or more member of your herd. Is that right?” She smiles, then chuckles at the thought. “Isn’t that just wonderful? The way I see it, the less of you there are, the better.” Furious, Knick Knack flares his legs in a vain attempt to strike the mare. “Look at you, simply pathetic. However, you’re lucky you’re not the one I’m searching for. So, you won’t be harmed, but let this be warning to you.” The mare’s horn erupts with an intense greenish glow as Knick Knack shields his eyes from the blinding light. “If I ever see you again, things won’t end up well for you. I promise you that. Oh, and if by some chance you come across another Unicorn such as I by the name of Oleander; inform her that ‘Alandra’ will be coming for her.” Then in a flash of light, Knick Knack disappears.

--Continued on next post---
 
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