Thunderbolt is questing! Episode 1/25

Have a seat Thunderbolt. Let me tell you a story about the Great Polar Annual Dodgeball Tournament.

Thunderbolt is questing! Episode 2/25

As we open our story book here you will notice it appears some pages are missing. Pets do not know how long this tournament has been going on for. Some pets say decades. Other say centuries, others say longer. This book is a record of each year and what is to come.

Thunderbolt is questing! Episode 3/25

Every year pets from both the North and South Poles meet at the venue just outside Santa’s Village to compete for bragging rights and this bold trophy to say they are the champions.

Thunderbolt is questing! Episode 4/25

Now you might ask why dodgeball? Is that even safe? Won’t the ball freeze solid and injure someone? Well Thunderbolt there is a simple solution. The Great Dodgeball Fight is actually a giant snowball fight! SPLAT!

Thunderbolt is questing! Episode 5/25

Now let me introduce you to the teams. Tossing for the South Pole is obviously a team full of penguins. They have travelled far to get here but do not think they are tired. They are ready to go out and carry on their victorious streak.

Thunderbolt is questing! Episode 6/25

The captain of the South Pole Team is Phil. He has led the team to victory the past 2 years in a row and is very quick witted and good at dodging incoming snowballs. His flippers are quite strong and he is ready to challenge the North Pole team.

Thunderbolt is questing! Episode 7/25

Team North Pole is more varied. You can see beaver, deer, geese and more. They are hopeful that their diversity gives them an advantage as they are fighting for revenge for an injured team mate Stephan who took a few too many snowballs to the head last year and is now dazed and somewhat cross eyed.

Thunderbolt is questing! Episode 8/25

The captain of the North Pole team is the scary looking Yeti. While this may be his first year leading the team he has played many years in the tournament and has great hide and seek skills that should give him an advantage.

Thunderbolt is questing! Episode 9/25

Have we mentioned Thunderbolt that the penguins think the entire game is rigged? Being so close to Santa’s village it is an obvious choice that his elves act as the referees for the tournament. The penguins tried contesting this claiming there would be bias for the team North Pole but that was declined in polar court. So we shall see how the rulings go in the game this year. Will team North be favoured more than team South?

Thunderbolt is questing! Episode 10/25

So Thunderbolt, shall we take a look at what is going on at this year’s tournament? Let's go to the tournament field and see what is happening.

Thunderbolt is questing! Episode 11/25

Oh look! Team South Pole appears to be constructing huts and barriers out of all the snow and ice found here around Santa’s Village. Such smart penguins! My guess is they intend to use these structures to hide from incoming snowballs.

Thunderbolt is questing! Episode 12/25

Let’s look in on Team North Pole. Oh my…it appears they have a similar idea but what are they doing? It appears they are moving structures from Santa’s Village! This must be against the rules. Let’s turn to the elves!

Thunderbolt is questing! Episode 13/25

The elves have discussed it matters and Team North Pole’s structures have been deemed legal! The penguins look quite upset while Team North Pole is rejoicing.

Thunderbolt is questing! Episode 14/25

Let’s see what else is happening on the field. It appears the penguins are making and stockpiling loads of snowballs. I guess they do not want to be caught short when the tournament starts and be down on their knees rolling more. They would rather have their flippers full of snowballs.

Thunderbolt is questing! Episode 15/25

And as we turn to Team North pole it appears they too have made loads of snowballs but what is that?!?! It appears team North Pole is bringing a CANNON onto the field! Do they intend to launch snowballs with that?!? Let’s head to the elves for a decision.

Thunderbolt is questing! Episode 16/25

It appears the elves are having a heated discussion on this one. Perhaps they are thinking back to last year when poor Stephan was pummeled in the head with snowballs and injured. Oh, it looks like we have a ruling….LEGAL! The penguins are fuming!

Thunderbolt is questing! Episode 17/25

Well Thunderbolt as preparations continue on the field for the tournament let’s read the interview the Pets en Vogue did with Stephan. It might be enlightening.

Thunderbolt is questing! Episode 18/25

“Hi, I’m Stephan. Last year I was critically injured in the Polar Dodgeball tournament. I really do not recall much of what happened but from what I have been told we were down to the final competitors. I was the last pet standing for Team North Pole and there were 2 penguins left for Team South. And they ganged up on me. The rules said they should have stopped with the first strike but they kept going. Nopet knows how many snowballs I took to my head. I was rushed to critical care and diagnosed with a concussion. I’m still not fully recovered and see double to this day as my eyes have not uncrossed. So this year we are going to get our revenge. Yeti and I have been working with the elves to bend the rules a little bit. Those penguins won’t know what is coming for them…”

Thunderbolt is questing! Episode 19/25

Well, it looks as if the crowds are arriving at the field. The tournament must soon be set to begin. Who will win this year? Will it be the South Pole penguins, the reigning champions? Or will the North Pole heroes claim victory?

Thunderbolt is questing! Episode 20/25

The elves are calling the teams to the field! The penguins are trying to get the crowd into the spirit cheering for them but it seems it is more of a hometown crowd there to cheer on the North Pole. Every pet is taking a position on the field and grabbing their first snowball.

Thunderbolt is questing! Episode 21/25

The flag has fallen! The battle is on! Snowballs are flying across the field and pets are being led off as they are struck! It appears the elves are calling off more penguins and letting the North stay on the field.

Thunderbolt is questing! Episode 22/25

We are down to the final few! Only a handful of penguins remain. The North Pole cannon has really done them in. The penguins cannot keep up this year. Stephan is cheering on Team North Pole and hanging close to the elves.

Thunderbolt is questing! Episode 23/25

One penguin remains! It appears to be Phil! Can he stand strong and ensure victory yet again? Oh no Yeti is launching the cannon! A fusillade of snowballs are heading right towards him! And he is down! Phil is down! Team South Pole is down and out of the tournament!

Thunderbolt is questing! Episode 24/25

Stephan and Team North Pole all rush the field! VICTORY! Sweet, sweet victory! As Stephan hoists the trophy the penguins are on the sidelines grumbling how the game was rigged this year and they never had a fair chance. Even the elves have joined in the victory celebration with Team North Pole. It appears as if the celebrations are going to go on all night as egg nog and other beverages are being broke out. What a party!

Thunderbolt is questing! Episode 25/25

And that dear Thunderbolt is how the 2024 Great Polar Dodgeball Tournament went down. You are part of history to have witnessed it as few ever have. Now let's go back to the house as I want to give you a surprise gift. I got this house from the Tournament compensation fund for my injuries last year but now that we have beat the penguins I fear they will hunt me down. You have been so wonderful listening to me and it is such a fabulous lil festive place I thought you would love to have it.
Thunderbolt has enjoyed his Reindeer Tale. Please select another pet as visitor, so it can join in the fun!