Rook had always been a bartender, just as his father was, and his grandfather as well. Although he loved his job, there was a part of him that had dreamt of getting into cog enforcement. Since his brother's death, the white horse had hastened his shooting skills, and could take out even the highest level cogs with a squirt gun. Hardly ever bothering to carry any other gags, Rook always made sure to carry a pair of well-stocked weapons in a holster attached to his belt. Unlocking the door to the bar, the horse stepped inside and was pleasantly surprised to see that everybody had cleaned up and left everything in order. As he was the only one who worked the bar, he would have to open the saloon much later than he would like, as it was always better to stay open later than to open earlier. He never really knew what to do with his workdays before he left for work at noon, but lately he had gotten into target shooting. Jimmy Six-Shooter had opened up a small target gallery and had been seeing Rook as a regular. The stallion didn't want to admit it, but the cog invasion had awakened him to something. A feeling of newfound purpose. Seeing those cogs exploding had been the most exciting thing that had happened to him in ages. "Morning, Rook. I know you just opened, but would it be too early to stop in for a drink?" Standing at the door was a yellow duck. "I'm having a pretty rough day and I really need to get my mind off things."
"Of course Rubber. Come on in and take a seat. Just give me a few minutes to get everything turned on." Waving the dejected Toon inside, Rook walked behind the bar and began to flip a variety of different switches and buttons. "First drink is on me, bud. What can I get you?"
"I'll just take a root beer, please." Rubber placed his head in his palms and breathed heavily. "Rook. I'm really worried. Geoduck went out last night to work on his Toontasks. I thought it wouldn't be a big deal, I mean he is fifteen now. Well I guess he slipped off and went to Donald's Dreamland with his friends. I got a call last night from one of them and asked if he had come home because he disappeared at some point. I called the Toontown Rangers and they said they would send out a search party but they haven't gotten back to me yet. He's never been gone for this long before. I don't think he would just ditch his friends, either. I'm wondering if some cogs got to him or something."
The white horse filled a tall glass to the brim and placed it down in front of the worried father. "Hey, don't worry bud. I'm sure he'll turn up. Remember, he's fifteen. For all we know he saw a cute girl and ran off with her to have some fun or something. Maybe he got lost. The Rangers will find him." Rook began swirling ideas in his mind. "Hey, you know what. Why don't we go look for him? I can call up Billy and we can get our own little search party together. After all, you know him better than anyone. Plus it never hurts to have some extra eyes out looking, you know what I mean?"
The yellow duck lightened up a little, and took a sip of his drink. "Would you really do that? What about the saloon though? Who would run it while you are gone?"
"Listen, Rubber. I can close down for a day. It isn't the end of the world. There are more important things to focus on right now. Finish up your drink and I'm going to go give a ring to Billy. We're going to find him, alright? Just give me a few minutes." Escaping into the back, Rook shook his head dejectedly. He knew that there was a good chance that Geoduck had been greened by the cogs, or even worse... But he couldn't allow his own past to cloud his mind. Not when there was a good friend in need of help. He couldn't break the duck's spirit. Plus, maybe he would be wrong. Pulling out his whisper device, the horse held it up to his ear and listened as it rang.
"Hello? Rook?" A voice on the other line answered in a strange tone. "Not used to you calling, is everything okay?"
Inhaling, the stallion sputtered as he tried to speak. "Hey, Billy. We have an emergency I think. You know Rubber Duck? I guess his son went missing in Donald's Dreamland last night... It doesn't sound good. He's pretty beat up. The Rangers are on it, but I don't know. I feel like we have a duty to help him. Its outside our jurisdiction, but a sheriff has to help, right?"
"Yeah, absolutely. That's awful man. Listen. I'm already over here in Toontown. Why don't you two meet me in Dreamland. I don't want too many Toons here, it could lead to some issues with the Rangers. They're usually pretty thorough. Do you know when you can be here? I have something I really need to get done as soon as possible."
"Billy, I don't want you to go out of your way here. Me and Rubber can handle it if you're not able to go. If you have something you need to do, please do it. Besides, I'm the sharpest shooter in the west, remember?"
Waving off the response, the orange monkey perked up. "I'm not letting you two go alone. After all, friends don't let friends do things alone. I'll get a head start over there and you guys just let me know when you get here, alright?"
"Thanks, Buddy. We'll be there in about fifteen." Hanging up, the white horse fidgeted with his gag holster to ensure it was on tightly. "Well, Rook. Looks like it is your time to shine."
"Take that, loser!" Glen shouted as his character splatted his fourteenth straight enemy. "You guys don't have nothing on me!" Over the few hours the pair had been playing, Glen had become quite adept at the game. Due to his high processing power, hand-eye coordination, and an excitement to impress Muffin, the cog had gotten quite invested. The blue cat couldn't help but burst into laughter when the normally shy, reserved cog would start bragging and dancing around when he won. "I wish I had known about video games before. These are so much fun!" As the match ended, Glen leaned over and kissed the cat, blushing. Even though they had spent most of the past two days kissing, he still always felt a bit shy about it. It just didn't make sense that anybody would ever like him. Romance to cogs was generally treated like a transaction, how could each party benefit? Most cogs never bothered with relationships either due to their overwhelming work, or a lack of interest. Many were also destroyed shortly after being created. Glen was already in the upper percentile of all Sellbots at only four months since manufacturing.
"I wish that I had met you earlier! But I guess at least it happened eventually! I told you that you would get competitive!" Pulling out her whisper device, Muffin nearly flew through the roof. Oh my cog, it's already noon! We've been playing for three hours! Goodness, we completely skipped breakfast." Opening her messages, the blue cat eyed the message from her father. "Plus it looks like dad isn't going to be home until late. He did say he found the doctor he was looking for and got their number. Said he's going to call them as soon as he can. Then we can get you all fixed up. Wouldn't that be incredible! Then we can go meet the rest of the town so they can see how wonderful you are!"
Blushing, Glen scooched over on the couch and rested his head on Muffin's lap, looking up into the dark blue of her eyes. "Do you really think everybody would like me? I mean, even other cogs didn't really like me and they're the ones who I would expect to. But at least no matter what happens I have you. Plus your father seems like he is really coming around on me!" Stomach growling, the robot frowned. "I kind of wish we had eaten breakfast now. Is it early late to make lunch?"
"Of course, silly! There's no rules on when you can eat! Heck, if you want I can even make breakfast! Maybe we can have some Cog O's!" Muffin ran her fingers through Glen's surprisingly soft hair. "What do you want to eat, cutie?" The feline booped the cog on the nose, giggling relentlessly as he turned bright red.
"I don't think we'd be able to find Cog O's anywhere. Although I wouldn't mind some more of that spicy oil soup. I know I probably sound like I am just schmoozing, but I genuinely feel that was the best thing I've ever eaten." Glen rolled over, turning to face the TV screen where the game had been paused. "Maybe we could eat and play some more Splat-Toon?"
Lifting Glen's head, Muffin gently placed it down on the couch and ruffled his hair. "Sure thing! I think I have created a monster. It's actually a bit funny how you are against fighting real Toons, but are so good at kicking their butts in a game. Maybe you really are a blood-thirsty killer, eh?"
"Hmm. You know, you're joking but maybe you have a point. Maybe there is some sort of underlying part of me who really wants to fulfill the mission that I was programmed for, and it is fighting against my resistance to hurting anyone? Oh my, what if I end up hurting somebody. What if I end up hurting you!"Hyperventilating, the Glad Hander began to clench his suit and pat around, looking for something to calm him. "I don't want to hurt anybody!"
"Glen! Glen!" Muffin knelt in front of the cog and gave him a reassuring look, slowly breathing in and out. "Everything is going to be okay, sweetie. Just breathe with me, okay?" Grabbing Glen's hands, the pair breathed in sync until eventually the panic had subsided. "You're not going to hurt anybody Glen. I think you're just having fun. I don't want to hurt Toons either and I love this game. Video games are meant to be fun! You're too sweet to ever hurt anyone." Leaning forward, the blue cat kissed the shaken cog and stood up. "Now, I'm going to go make us some lunch!"
As much as Billy wanted to get home to get started on helping Muffin and Glen, his dust as a sheriff was calling out to him. He couldn't not help somebody, especially not someone from his own town. As the orange monkey landed in Donald's Dreamland, he was immediately caught by how empty the playground was. Usually the playground was filled with Toons grouped together hoping for a generous Toon to come by and deliver jellybeans, however today it was empty aside from a few Toons in Resistance Ranger outfits. One, a gray cat jogged over waving their arms in the air. "Woah, woah. Sorry buddy I can't have anybody around here. This is a crime scene. I'm going to need you to clear the area."
"What do you mean crime scene?" The orange monkey leaned over and tried to get a peek into the alley off to the side of the playground where most of the Rangers had gathered around. "Anyways, I'm a sheriff from Toonstone. I'm just here looking for a missing Toon."
"Sheriff or not, this is within our jurisdiction, and being handled by the Toontown Rangers. I will ask you once more to please leave the area or I will have to physically escort you elsewhere. You can continue your search on Pajama Place or Lullaby Lane, the playground is off-limits for now. Do you understand?" The cat spoke with an elitist tone, frustrating the small-town sheriff.
Clenching his fists, Billy knew he wasn't going to get anywhere with this cat. "Fine. But could you at least please tell me if you've seen any red ducks? The missing Toon is a friend's son. He's only fifteen. He's been missing since last night and we are hoping foul play isn't involved."
"Wouldn't that be fowl play?" The cat joked, winking and laughing at his pun.
"Yeah, that's what I said. Foul play. We think someone he might have been attacked by cogs while completing a Toontask." Billy was becoming agitated at the Ranger's complete lack of professionalism.
Pulling out a notepad, the cat shook his head in frustration. "It's a pun. Get it, fowl? Like ducks? Fowl play? Not like foul, like bad." Writing the two words on the pad, he pointed his pen to each word, going back and forth.
As the duo went back and forth, another pair of Toons landed in Donald's Dreamland and quickly approached the orange monkey. "Hey, Billy! Billy!" Rook's voice was unmistakable. Especially in the quiet atmosphere of the already empty playground. "Great timing, we just got here." Joined by Rubber, the white horse came up and stared down the Ranger. "Hey, is this guy giving you trouble?"
"Hey, horse. You and your friend here need to clear the area! This is a crime scene!" The cat yelled, his voice raising as he spoke. "Do you guys not understand the meaning of leave?'
"Hold on. Did you say crime scene?" Rubber's face drained color, and an empty pit consumed his stomach. "What happened?"
"I'm not at liberty to disclose that information at this time. We are still investigating. Sir, this doesn't concern you. Why don't you three go hang out on Pajama Place and look for your missing Toon. The big boys have work to do." Turning around, the arrogant Ranger was grabbed by Rook who spun him around.
Trying to keep his cool, the stallion glared at the cat. "Listen to me. You're a damn Ranger for cog's sake. My friend here is looking for his son! His missing son! He is just a kid. The least you could do is at least let us know if you have any information!"
Jumping in at the opportunity with a new wave of confidence, Billy added on. "Exactly. I was a Ranger and the first thing we were taught was that we helped any Toon in need, regardless of our own safety! I understand you can't give details, but could you at least confirm that you haven't seen him?"
"His name is Geoduck! He's a very sweet boy, but he quite naive! He's always getting himself intro trouble because of it. He has long legs and a short torso! He's dark red! He was wearing a dark blue t-shirt, and green shorts. Please, please tell me you've seen my boy!" Rubber pleaded, voice trembling in fear and anger.
Once the description of Geoduck was given, the Ranger immediately shifted in tone. Staring down at the ground, he began to choke up as he tried to speak. "Would you three please come with me..." He whispered and slowly began to head towards the group of other Rangers.
Among the Toons were a few Rangers that Billy was familiar with, and a green mouse that looked awfully like Mrs. Guacamole who was likely a forensic scientoonst. Immediately the orange monkey knew that this crime scene involved a death. With the cat's response, Billy's heart immediately sank into his stomach. He knew quite well what they were walking into. However hard he tried, his mouth would not seem to open to speak. How could anybody tell a parent that their child was dead. He didn't want to even consider the idea of it ever happening. "Hey, Jenny. Can you come over here for a second?" the cat called out to the mouse who was writing down notes. Raising her head from her work, the mouse cursed under her breath when she realized there were three Toons who weren't rangers, including an older duck.
"Yeah, Blizzard. I'm coming." The short mouse walked over and joined the quartet of Toons. "What do you need?"
"Well, these Toons are from Toonstone. They are looking for a missing duck. Red, fifteen years old..." Blizzard turned and faced away from everyone else, unsure of how to finish his sentence.
Jenny grimaced, taking the duck's hand she closed her eyes. "Sir, do you think you would be able to identify your son?"
"Wait. What are you talking about identify my son?" Rubber panicked. "What do you mean!" he yelled.
Billy grabbed Rubber's shoulder and inhaled. "Rubber. I'm so sorry..."
"No! No! No!" Pushing his way through the Rangers who had all stopped to look at the scene unfolding, the yellow duck fell to his knees as he entered the alley. On the blood stained cobblestone was the unmoving body of one Geoduck. Dropping to his knees, Rubber placed his head in his hands as he shook his head. "No, this isn't it! Please, tell me he's going to be okay! Grabbing his son's head, he placed it on his lap and began to sob. "You're okay, son! You're going to be okay! We're going to get you home and you're going to be okay!" The Rangers all stepped away and allowed room for the grieving father to come to the realization of what had happened.
"It looks like he died instantly, the poor thing." The usually unemotional Jenny spoke quietly, trying not to tear up at the sight. Even she could not help but be struck by what was unfolding. "He was stabbed in the back, directly through the heart. Now, I don't want to say for sure but it is possible that this is from a Backstabber. It wouldn't be the first time it has happened and it is consistent in depth and location."
A different Ranger, a red pig snorted and joined in the conversation. "Yeah, plus we have a witness who said he saw a Glad Hander exiting around this area last night when the expected time of death lines up. I don't know if you're from around here but generally cogs stay away from the playground and on the streets when they're stupid enough to show up. Either this was personal, or it was a situation gone wrong. I mean, cogs usually don't kill unless they are truly evil. We can't rule out that a Toon did this either, but either way it is just a terrible tragedy. Please accept my condolences."
Rook looked over to his friend and sighed. "Did you hear that, Billy? A Glad Hander? Do you think...?"
"I don't know, Rook. I don't know." Images of Glen and Muffin filled Billy's mind. A sudden image of Glen harming the sweet blue cat couldn't be erased. Closing his eyes, the orange monkey fought back against his fears. "It was so long ago. It couldn't possibly be him. It just couldn't be, could it?"
"We can't rule it out, Billy. I don't know why he would be here, or why he would be attacking some poor kid. I will go ahead and stay here with Rubber... Maybe you should head on home and check on Muffin. Just to be safe." The horse hugged his friend and walked over to stand near the duck, keeping just enough distance from his friend to try and be comforting.
Dropping a teleportation hole, Billy quickly jumped in, racing to get home. Only hoping that he wasn't too late.