[ Episode 9 - Title TBD ]

Silver Spoon's POV

"... How exciting! Our final 10! And may I add fitting, considering we received a 10/10 on Ballpoint Pen's review! You guys are CRUSHING IT! " he heartily expressed, pulling out the review that was crossed out using a red pen, instead with a 10/10 rating above.

I rolled my eyes as everyone groaned. MePhone4 can't get enough of these cheesy puns. It was SUCH a sensitive subject for everyone else... Especially since I accidentally burnt everyone alive.

Balloon: " ' Crushing '? Seriously?! " he facepalmed, upset.

Nickel: " Dude, too soon. "

I can't believe I'm saying this but, I agree. MePhone gave them a death stare for a split second before speaking once again.

MePhone4: " Today we're going to make something awesome. Something we BELIEVE in! But why be held back by mere beliefs? That's right, this episode's challenge is to CREATE A CARTOON! " he waved, breaking the slight silence.

You're kidding me, right? this RIDICULOUS phone expects US to MAKE AN ENTIRE CARTOON FOR A WHOLE DAY!? What are we, servants forced to do extra work to please!?

The Floor: " But wouldn't making an entire cartoon take like... I dunno... months? " he questioned.

MePhone had a terrified look on his face before adding on.

MePhone4: " Feh! MONTHS? What're we in, MEDIEVAL TIMES? People don't make these things THEMSELVES anymore. " he responded, rolling his eyes.

Zoetrope: " Oh yes, it's a common misconception in the industry, but animation is truly easier than ever! Light-tables BEGONE! "

We all turned to the unknown object leaning against something, most of us were fascinated by the HUGE machine. How come I didn't see that earlier?

MePhone4: " Since I have absolutely no idea how the industry works, I've invited Zoetrope, a true industry pro, to walk us through how a cartoon is actually made! "

Hm... Zoetrope huh, Interesting.

Zoetrope: " It's effortless, really... Simply drop your script and artwork into the ANIMATION MACHINE! And you'll have the entire cartoon generated in seconds. Well, that and... a little fuel to get the wheels greased up. "

It was made like that the whole time? Maybe I should start my own once I return... Fame and Royalty are my gain to live.

The Floor: " Fuel? Oh, what does it run on? "

Zoetrope: " Eh, just a bit of... COLD HARD CASH. "

I gasped, what do they ALL think we are? Spending LOTS of cash on a stupid challenge involving a STUPID little cartoon!?  Even MePhone did seem traumatized while the infographics showed on his screen.

Zoetrope [ voiced over ]: " Each team will need five roles fulfilled. The writer and the artist will provide the necessary script and artwork, while the producer must manage, or in your case... fundraise a budget. And of course, none of it would be possible without CRAFT SERVICES. "

" I DO enjoy an unnecessarily complicated coffee order, but isn't that a bit dramatic? "

Zoetrope: " Without the precise assortment of snacks and bevs, the entire framework would COLLAPSE! "

Nickel: " Oh I may just collapse myself! " He sarcastically replied.
" Heh. So uh... what about the director? "

Zoetrope: " Oh right, uh... You just sit in the tall chair and... look pretty. "

Bot: " * Gasps *... Hm. " 

Zoetrope: " Directors have normally paid dues by this point. No need to lift a finger! You get that sweet cred either way. "

MePhone4: " And I'll decide which cartoon is best! So get animating! "

_

It's been a few minutes since the challenge started, and I chose to be the writer.. since Test-Tube was to be the director. I arrived at my ' workstation' which was just a simple typewriter on top of a unique brown desk. There were instructions included with the typewriter, which looked difficult but I started to get a hang of it.

I positioned a clean paper behind the roller and carefully turned the side knob, allowing a section of the paper to appear in front. I then adjusted the margins when to start and end writing. I started typing a paragraph when a key got jammed in between, as it said in the instructions to lift the type guide positioned in front of me. I slid the carriage return handle to the left to the starting position of a new line. I started to get enjoy it and hang off it until I saw their face.

Paintbrush: "... I SUPPOSE I can be the writer instead... Oh no." He noticed, looking upset.

" Ohohoho~ sorry my dear! I won't be taking any more portfolio reviews. But, if you'd like a leg up, I like my oat milk latte with a-" I smiled previously before the unthinkable.

They have done it. This yellow bristled stick had the AUDACITY to PUSH my dear typewriter OFF the table. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS!

Paintbrush: " Ohohoho~! But how can you continue? Without any equipment?! " They mockingly teased, with a sarcastic grin.

" GUFFAW! You try to u- ... SLURP me from my throne?! PERISH the thought. " I reacted, fanning my hand, signaling them to leave.

Test Tube: " Hey! This petty nonsense isn't gonna get us a winning cartoon! " she screamed at us quarreling.

We turned to gaze at Test Tube, who was sitting on the director's chair.

" Hm... CO-WRITERS! "

" CO-WRITERS?! " We both screamed in aghast. I hadn't agreed to this... co-partnership.

Paintbrush sprinted and quickly grabbed the typewriter, using it which was supposed to be MY JOB! We were both quarreling over this singular typewriter, pulling it back and forth. Our other teammates weren't much help either, especially Test Tube.

Balloon: " We don't have a producer or craft services! How am I supposed to do both?! " He questioned, watching the whole thing unfold.
.
.
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" Oh come on. "
_

Candle's POV

' Hm.. nope, the lines look uneven. '  I lifted the paper onto my flame, burning it into ashes beside me. This was the 100th time I burnt through loads of my hand-drawn drawings... I started with another paper and scribbled the caricature likewise. It's taking time for me to get used to the New Thinkers.

Goo is an optimistic and upbeat blob, Floory's a cheerful individual, easily angered and wouldn't hesitate to warn if stepped on. Yin-Yang, both are troublesome at times, but usually help each other and use their mindful positioning. Nickel.. is just a snarky piece of wealth that creates sarcastic remarks about other objects, resulting in him breaking many relationships and alliances in the past.

I sighed, lining the small details straight. I wonder how Paintbrush and Silver Spoon doing on the other team. They should have sort of their differences mostly because they argue all the time, even other objects had noticed them quarrel, which is the best on why I had to separate the two. I had to hear both of their sides to see what was going on. I carefully deepened some of the lines to emphasize the sketch, portraying a Knight in Shining Armour. It served as my inspiration for this cartoon... However, it sort of reminds me of Silver Spoon. I didn't know how and why it does. Of course, they both are silver and somewhat royal. -

Eek! I stared at the paper, I guess I didn't notice I doodled a little silver spoon at the corner of the paper during the time thoughts filled up my headspace. This was embarrassing, I quickly burnt the sheet as its remains fell beside me, on top of the baby yellow crosswise table, at the same time an alarm blared from the distance, turns out Nickel hopped off the director's chair, trying to help us... Wish I could have a little help with this situation. I pulled out another sheet before sketching anew.
_

Silver Spoon POV

Paintbrush: " Test Tube! Silver's forcing me to email him ALL of my script suggestions! And when I do, I just receive "out of office" replies! HE'S LITERALLY RIGHT HERE! " They screamed, reporting to Test Tube.

I inhaled aggressively, staring at them. Can't I just work and take a vacation in peace?

" Trying to work me on my accrued vacation days? What a TOXIC workplace! " I snarkily remarked, pointing at Paintbrush with a hostile look.

Test Tube: " As director, I simply can't contribute... But, why don't you two bring what excites you both to the table and find a way to... mesh it together? "

Mm... I suppose I can agree with miss-smarty-pants here, as long as we both stop annoying each other, I'm going for it.

" I suppose I could... shuffle my vacation days around. " I respond.

Paintbrush: " My emails could have been more delicately worded. ' Dear, Imbecile ' wasn't the strongest opener. " They confessed, leaving a furious look on me.

_

" .. Yes... this is the energy I've yearned for. Only 127 attempts. Pretty standard. " I said, looking at the perfect illustration I created.

Nickel: " Candle! Look, this movie is really important to Goo, so, can you go help out Yin-Yang? I'd hope that we could raise at least a modest budget. " He called out, marching up to my workplace.

" This is dire... I may have a solution. " I respond, leaving to find Yin-Yang.

I sensed them at the stage where Episode 6 was taking place, of course, both of them were arguing about the bike they auctioned for 10 million dollars... They both were also talking about something.. else.

Yin [ in Yin-Yang ]: " YANG! IF WE WANT TO WIN THIS CHALLENGE, JUST PLEASE FOLLOW MY DIRECTIONS! "
Yang [ in Yin-Yang ]: " NOO! WE NEED THOSE 10 MILLION DOLLARS, RIGHT. NOW! "

I took a deep breath, walking up to them. They both froze, seeing me.

" Now, now, we don't need to quarrel any further, there can be a solution here ". I softly stated, looking at both of them.

Yang [ in Yin-Yang ]: " What IS the solution then MISS? " he said, angrily sitting on an unoccupied stool.

" All you need to do is... blow out my flame. " I answered in a serious tone, pointing at my flame.

They both stare at me for a second. Yang laughs after.

Yang [ in Yin-Yang ]: " * LAUGHS * C-CANDLE, A-ARE YOU JOKI- "
Yin [ in Yin-Yang]: " Shh Yang! That's very impolite of you... U-uhm Candle, are you sure this is going to work e-ehm- "

" Do it. " I sternly responded taking a glance at both.

Yin [ in Yin-Yang ]: " If you insist. " he said, leaping off the stool and walking towards me, finally blowing off the flame.

In a split second, Everything went dark.

_

Yin-Yang's POV

We both stared at Candle's lifeless body on the stage... Not even moving a muscle.
' YIN WHY DID YOU KILL HER!? '
' WELL she CONSENTED so I did- B-BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN I KILLED HER! '
' IF SHE IS DEAD, I' M LEAVING YOU TO MEPHONE4 '
' I-HEY! WE'RE STUCK TO EACHOTHER! YOU CAN'T DO THAT! '

We both argued in our headspace, not until we saw Candle move for a split second.
'... WAIT-! I SAW HER MOVE- I SAW IT- '
' YOU DID TOO? '
' YEAH- SHE'S ALIVE? '

Her wick was lightened but with... a different color, a strong vibrant pink flame rested above her. A purple glow spread across her body as her eyes opened, colored pink and surrounding a deep purple glow. A third eye appeared on her forehead with the same color as her other eye. She slowly levitated into a lotus position as we take a few steps back, terrified.
" OH, MY PUDDING- "
'... We need to perform an exorc-'

" Be not afraid boys... I am not to hurt you all, turn on the camera and I will help you raise a budget. " She spoke in a mysterious echo voice.

"U-Uhm... Yang- should we trust her? " I quivered, looking at Yang.
" I don't know but we have no choice. " He sweated, walking in front of the camera and turning it on.

_

" WHEE WE'RE FLYING~! "

We both screamed in unison as we spun counterclockwise upon the air. Candle's idea was INCREDIBLE!
' I always wanted to fly around and spin 360 degrees around NON-STOP! '
' Yang. '
' Ehh you're no fun :/ '

The Floor: " Ey mates! what's going.... on ". He paused, gazing at us and other items and food levitating in the air.

" THIS IS FUN! HEHE! "

The Floor: " Woah! Awesome! " He cheered.

Nickel: ".. Just checking in, I hope you two have figured out a way to make at least a buck or two. " He mentioned, walking in a supernatural scene.

" We are making SO much MONEY! "
" * laughs * "

Candle [ Inner-Flame ]: " Yes... you may all experience the beauty of this sacred Inner-Flame power... for only $19.99. " It echoed.

Cha-ching! Lots of money rolled in, hitting 10 thousand dollars right off the bat!

" And if we reach twenty-thousand in donations, Candle will spin around in the air, like a magic fairy! "

" And for forty thousand, she'll spin again! "

" Let's not get carried away... "

" ... Time's almost up! And the network is counting on a big hit. And by network, I mean ME! " MePhone annouced from a distance.
_

"... Mr. Director, we're happy to deliver a... "modest budget". Ten million dollars. "  She tenderly declared, as we both ran, carrying the 10 million dollars on both hands.

Nickel: " HUH?! " he shrieked, bewildered.

" She spun SO much! I almost forgot about... Riggity. * cries * "

Nickel: " Yep, I'm not gonna ask. "

I cried, Yang wasn't such a help either.
' You' re too dramatic '
' * more crying * '

MePhone4: " I suppose we can start with The Pinkers. Only fair to show the lower-budget project first."

_

Silver Spoon' s POV

https://youtu.be/Sjy-e5qFj6w

... This is PREPOSTEROUS! what kind of LOW BUDGET film is this [ REDACTED ]!? Where did the REST of OUR script WENT?!

Yang [ in Yin-Yang]: " Not... sure... what the heck that was but WOAH! Those graphics were insane! So realistic! "

Candle: " Eh... a little uncanny valley... if you ask me. "

Well, It is portrayed as an uncanny valley movie. Since Bow drew the characters.

Paintbrush: " Wha- we worked SO HARD on perfecting that script! Barely any of it made it on screen! "

Zoetrope: " Eh, y'know, I enjoyed the succinct nature of the film. It really captured the idea that life is just... just fleeting. "

" YOUR INTELLIGENCE IS FLEETING! YOU COMPLETELY MISSED THE ARTIST'S INTENTIONS BEHIND THE STORY! " I screamed furiously.

MePhone4: " The... artist's intentions? Hah! When has THAT been relevant? Again, we're not in medieval times! "

He responded. Sigh, he doesn't get it, does he?

Goo: " Not yet! HOORAY! "

The rest of The Thinkers were confused, even I was too.
_

[ insert Title TBD movie since I havent found any short clips about it on YT. ]

... I- what IS this? Why is there a toaster? I-its doesn't make sense!? My mind is spinning in circles right now.

The Floor: " Gotta ask... why is he a knight? "

Goo: " With all the medieval talk today... I felt inspired! Plus think of the world building! "

Yang [ in Yin-Yang ]: " I don't want to watch this world... for another second. " he spoke, traumatized.
_

[ 2 hours later ]

I'm going to fall asleep.. This was TOO much information to handle, not to mention, boring. I'm going-

Yang [ in Yin-Yang]: " THAT'S IT! I can't take it! " He yelled fiercefully, grabbing the bike. He aims it in front of the TV screen. He then stops, realizing.

Yang [ in Yin-Yang ]: " Oh, I'm sorry. Thoughts, Yin? "

Yin [ in Yin-Yang]: " Uh... oh, I don't know. "

Candle: " Do it. " she responded in a serious tone.

I flinched as Yang smashes the TV with their own bike, leaving it shattered and broken. I felt relieved but scared.

Candle: " Marvelous. " She tenderly smiled, as if nothing just happened.

Zoetrope: " Aw... looks like someone lost their security deposit. Sorry, bud. " He remarked, patting MePhone4's back.

MePhone4: " Worth. That was, well... a lot to take in. A little... TOO much.
" Pinkers win immunity! Amazing directing work, Test Tube! You're entirely responsible for today's victory! "

Test Tube: " Ah?! " She squealed, startled.

The Pinkers: " HOORAY! " We cheered in unison.

Test Tube laughs nervously.

_

Candle's POV

" ... Look... we need to vote out Candle! Her control on Yin-Yang is really dangerous! She made him destroy our film! "

" ...Thank goodness she did but... yeah that is alarming. "
" I can't commit to anything quite yet, but whichever direction I go... just know it'll be a purely strategic one. "

"Mmhm. "

I sighed as the sound of 2 voices echoed through my mind, little did they both know I listened the whole entire time. It was right, I was being voted out... Let's just see how this goes.

_

We were all gathered and spreaded around the area. Trying to relax on a half sunken barrel, breath in and out and think that everything will be alright, still in my regular meditation pose.

MePhone4: " Thinkers, I gotta say. HUGE props on today's performance! I've truly never seen such a large budget wasted that immediately! I almost feel bad... almost. "

Yang [ in Yin-Yang ]: " Well, I actually do feel bad... so... I wanted you to have this, Yin. " He said, pulling out a half-burnt orange dinosaur plushie.

Yin [ in Yin-Yang ]: " Riggity! I can't believe it! "

I tenderly smiled, this was such a wholesome moment between these two.

"... This is so kind and-... wait. What? What's going on here? " He questioned, corncered at the state of Riggity.

Yang [ in Yin-Yang ]: " Oh yes, this time I only burnt my half of Riggity!"

The Floor: " Ah, I see you're also committing to 50% self-control. * clicks tongue * Nice move. "

MePhone4: " What an inspirational display of empathy, Yin-Yang. And it has earned you yet ANOTHER immunity win. " His screen showed Yin-Yang getting the most votes.

Yin-Yang hugs Riggity close as the voting starts.

" So... it's now time to read the votes. "

" First vote. Goo. "

...

" Candle. "

Breathing in and out..

" One vote Goo. One vote Candle. "

" Candle. "

I started to sweat, ' what if I got outvoted?' I doubted.

" Two votes Candle. One vote Goo."

" Goo."

' That was my vote.. '

" We're tied. Two votes Candle. Two votes Goo. One vote left. "

" Ninth contestant eliminated from Inanimate Insanity Invitational... "
.
.
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.
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" Goo. "

I exhaled, I fele bad for Goo, but someone had to do it.

The Floor: " I'm sorry, mate. After weighing the pros and cons. Yeah, you robbed us of two mil each. Really breaking the bank, yeah? " He explained to Goo, concerned.

Goo: " Ah, right. That's understandable. Welp! Have a great day! " He cheerfully responded.

Nickel: " Welp, I suppose endless franchising and sequels aren't always the way to succeed. "

MePhone4: " Eh, I dunno. Third time's the charm! "
" See ya, Goo! Hoping that you STICK that landing! "

The Fist Thingy tries punching Goo up to the sky, instead sticking on the fist, screaming.

MePhone4: " Oh boy... Cleanup on Aisle Goo! "

* inhale and exhales * today was a tiring day, I shall rest for now, for I sense another thing coming my way...

[ day 9 completed ]
_

[ Author's Note: Happy New Year! Well I mean in the Phillippines. I'm currently in Dubai, 9:37pm in the evening and attending a place to spend our new years at. Hope all is well, Sorry if this part was really bad, I rushed it to finish before 2022 ends. Thank you all so much for supporting me, May God bless you! ]

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Links :

Creator of this web series show: https://www.youtube.com/@AnimationEpic
Artistic Kick Clip: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Sjy-e5qFj6w
Provided by DiamondAnimation.
Total Time:  A week
Word Count: 3217 words