The hunger pains were finally starting to subside as the starving blue duck groaned and rolled himself as far onto his back as he could in the small lifeboat, he shared with three other Toons. There were two smaller boats that had escaped from Ahab's ship, and in just the course of two days, had become separated by circumstances outside of their control. Aboard the remaining crew was Calypso, Salty, and two other crewmates – The Naval Orange, an orange monkey and primarily a deckhand, and Pig In A Blanket, a pink hog and mechanic. Ahab had originally boarded with them but quickly jumped out into the sea and attempted to swim back to his own ship. Whether due to the madness, or a sense of duty to go down with his watercraft, the fowl could not say. The small boat did not have a lot of room for supplies, so things like food were scarce and limited to what they could fit without sinking themselves. Nobody had really planned beyond their initial escape, and willfully ignored that they were all likely just delaying the inevitable death waiting for them. Tensions had grown higher and higher, nearly boiling over but being restrained enough by the knowledge that any adverse actions would doom them all. "Hey, whose turn is it to be on watch? I think it's been two hours now." Calypso moaned out painfully, clutching his growling stomach. "Or wait… has it? I don't know. Anyways, I need a break."
"Aye, ye be spittin' yer foolish words, ain't been no two hours." Salty scowled and rubbed his eyes, appearing to have been woken up by the duck's calls for help. "Y'all better not be skimpin' yer responsibilities. Just 'cause we ain't on Ahab's ship no more, don't mean I still ain't have Captainship over y'all."
"Yeah, unless we mutiny…" The Naval Orange muttered to himself, purposely loud enough to be heard by everybody else.
The brown dog stood up and got into the younger chimp's face. "Argh, think yer a comedian? I wouldn't be speakin' lightly like I'm sum scurvy dog. I'll never fail to no landlubber like yerself."
Trying to stay neutral, Pig In A Blanket cut in. "C'mon everyone. Can we not do this for like the tenth time? I get it, we're stressed and hungry. Fighting won't do anything though! I'll just go on lookout, and everyone else can take a nap."
"Last time I took a nap, I caught you pilfering some provisions from the supply. Think I'm gonna sleep with you in control?" The fat monkey dimmed his eyes and spoke lowly.
"Aye, I can't let no food thief be alone with the vittles. We'ren all bein' awake while yer on duty. Can't trust any of you as far's I can throw ya." Salty began getting more aggressive, standing up and looming over the much shorter pig.
Calypso leapt up, pained by any sort of sudden motion, to intervene in the conflict. "You're imagining things again, Orange. We went over this, remember? You were dreaming and woke up and attacked me thinking I was her." The short, rotund primate backed down and nodded, embarrassed. "Salty, nobody here is questioning your authority. You have more years out at sea than all of us have been alive, likely. If we're going to survive, we need to make sure we all work together and get enough rest. I'm trying my best to keep track of time, but it is a bit difficult when we don't have anything to go by. I know everyone is scared and frustrated, but like she said, fighting won't do anything. We all need each other to get through this. Power in numbers and all that."
The pink pig smiled lightly, thankful to be able to breathe a sigh of relief. "Thanks, Calypso. If anybody still thinks I'm some traitor, they are free to stay up with me. I just wanted to give everybody a chance to sleep a bit. It hasn't rained in a while, so we should relax while we can, yes?"
"I'm sorry. That damn Ocean Madness is probably getting to me. I just want to get home and see my family. My brothers were planning a trip to Funny Farms and I told them I'd be home soon enough to go with. What are they going to think if I don't show up?" The Naval Orange slumped over and placed his head in his hands, lightly shaking his head back and forth. "How did this all happen?"
"Ain't a matter now, mateys. T'was fate given to us by the sea. All'n we can do now I fight another day and hope fer mercy. I've brushed with Davy Jones Locker many times in me life. Me coffers be empty but me mind is full of tales that'd blow yer socks off. Never question what the waves and water dictate, just fight for another day." The old hound was wise, even if his temper and temperament were a bit unnerving.
The next few hours were spent sleeping and rotating through for the crew. Sometime around mid-day, the foursome had grabbed a few bites to eat with what they could find. Anything requiring cooking/baking was off the table, so most had stuck to eating an apple which only made them hungrier. In the midst of a quick nap, Calypso was struck awake by the loud yell of two words that he thought were only possibly in his own mind. "Land ho!" boomed out over the empty ocean as the thick ape cupped his hands over his mouth and bellowed out to alert everybody, as if there was any chance nobody could not hear him.
Sure enough when the duck and everybody else were stirred from their slumber, they were gifted with the beautiful sight of a sizeable looking landmass. Much different than the small island that they had passed by countless times back on the main ship. "Everybody, paddle! We can be there in about twenty minutes if we go full blast!" Pig shouted.
The crew pushed with a tenacity unforeseen in four weakened, starving Toons. A new motivation had reinvigorated the group, as they pushed their aching muscles to the extremes. After what seemed like an eternity, the bow had struck the sandy beach and for the first time in weeks, the crew was on land. All leaping out and embracing the ground, whether kissing, tossing sand into the air, or laying down and crying; there was an excitement that was desperately needed. This was quickly subdued however, when the realization came that the other crew members likely hadn't made it here as they had gone off in a different direction. "Well, I hope everybody else gets here soon…" Calypso whispered, knowing that it was likely a foregone conclusion that the others were gone. Once that thought had subsided, the duck was hit again with a memory of a not-so-distant voyage. "Hey guys, let's keep it quiet. We don't know who or what lives on this island. Last thing we need is to get attacked by killer monkeys" Looking to The Naval Orange, Calypso managed a smirk. "Er, not you buddy."
"E' be right, buckos. Never go'in unprepared to a new venture. This ain't no different. Hell, if'n we didn't learn from the "Ship-Shape" that wanderin in on somethin' yer not a'supposed to ain't the best idea, then I don't know what to tell ya other than I ain't diggin' yer graves." Once again Salty had managed to turn things much more ominiously than was probably needed, although they did have a sense to them.
"So, what do we do? We need food. We're not making it back home with what we have. We have to go in. If there are killer monkeys here, then I guess we just die here instead then?" Blanket trembled with worry at the idea of cannibalistic Toons cooking her bacon. "What do you think we should do, Captain?"
The Naval Orange scoffed at the mention of calling Salty the new Captain. "Hey, no more of this Captain stuff, alright? Nobody here is above or below anybody. We're just Toons trying to survive. Giving somebody too much power is just asking for trouble. Now, I think that we should probably split up into groups."
Calypso intervened, doing his best not to add fuel to the potential fire that the chimp was attempting to ignite. "Hold on, man. Let's not forget Salty does have a lot of experience. I do agree we should be making decisions as a group, but we can't discount his opinions too." The fowl' words seemed to calm the older canine who seemed ready to be riled up at the insult. Calypso felt more safe dealing with an antagonized Naval Orange than he was with Salty. "I do like the idea of splitting into groups, although there is safety in numbers. Maybe we could set up some sort of weapons first if we're going out unprepared into the jungle as pairs at least."
"Weapons? What could we possibly use around here, sand? I guess I can throw it in somebody's eyes and make a run for it? I think if we run across any danger, we're basically doomed anyways. I'd rather spend whatever energy and time I have searching for food, to be honest. Sorry, Calypso." The soft-spoken hog was conflicted, as was everybody. There didn't appear to be any good answers and every rebuttal swayed opinion from one idea to the next.
Eventually a consensus was formed when the Naval Orange had found a compromise. "Well, how about we do both? We could have one Toon stay behind and they can guard the ship, and maybe look into building some sort of defenses. Whether that's weapons or gathering firewood to make a fire. Then, the other three can go out and scout for food and supplies. We'll have one who leaves a trail for us, and the other two can watch each side. Then we still have the power in numbers, and in case of an emergency the solo one can ship off into the water and circle around or something. Anyone against that?"
After some mutters of agreement and grumbling from Salty, a unanimous decision was struck. "I ain't gonna sit around on me keester and do nothin'. If'n I'm gonna be attacked, I'm gonna be ready. Can't happen if I'm on me feet. I'm takin' lead."
"Fine, but I'm going too. I don't really know much about making a campfire or anything. I'd be useless back here." The Naval Orange, mostly afraid of being alone in the wilderness, jumped in to claim the second spot.
"Hmm. What do you want to do, Blanket?" Calypso inquired to the young pig. "I'm fine either way. I'm probably a bit more prepared for the unknown since I've done this either way. So, whatever you're more comfortable with."'
The rose-colored swine thought over her options for a few moments. Finally coming to a decision, she puffed out her chest and gave a salute. "I'll stay behind and watch the ship. I don't think I'm very fast, and if I have to run, I'd rather be near the ship. I can swim better than I can sprint. My parents had to go and animate me with these short, stubby legs." Kicking out her feet, the group laughed for the first time in too long. "I'll start by building a fire, and if I have time by your arrival, I'll probably look around for something to make a shelter with. No reason to be out stuck in the rain if possible."
Not even a minute after confirmation, The Naval Orange and Salty, both appearing to try taking the lead, both began speed-walking towards the trees. "Alright, let's go fellas. I think it would be good if I was in the front, after all us monkeys are known for our impressive eyesight."
"Nobody in their right mind aside from the lowest scallywag would be thinkin' an ape has better instinct than a dog. Me nose could still sniff out trouble ten miles away, 'eyup. I'll be takin' the lead. You'd be best behind if'n yer eyesights so good anyways? You'd see it from behind."
"Geez, you two argue more than me and my ex-wife did. Why don't you two just walk side by side and I'll back you up. I'd probably be doing the tracking anyways. I do have experience with navigation. I don't have time to babysit you two grown adults."
The Naval Orange scowled. "Hey, I'm not as old as him, I have a right to complain." Chuckling, the two others calmed down a bit and the three were off.
The foliage on the island was much different than anything that any of the Toons had ever seen. While there was large trees, and different plants, they were much duller and more muted than what they were used to in Toontown. The ground was littered with fallen leaves, dead tree branches, and a whole lot of dirt. Calypso would blaze the trail, leaving behind marks of their arrival to make navigating back to shore much simpler. "What kind of trees are these?" Calypso inquired, as he walked over and brushed his palm against the bark of a very tall, thick, and red in color. "I've never seen or read anything about these."
"Don't be too sure, but I think those be Redwood trees. They be growin' along coastal areas but I never thought I'd see one with me own eyes. Just believed they were a tall tale. Bet these'd make an impressive ship." Using a hardened fist, Salty socked the base and without a hint of pain from doing so, nodded approvingly. "Aye, this be our wood for buildin' a new ship."
"Wait, building a new ship? We have a ship already. Do you know how long it would take to cut down one of these? Let alone shape it into a boat? We don't have any tools besides maybe a sharp rock. We'd be here for the rest of our lives!" The orange ape was beginning to realize the totality of his own remark. "Oh my cog, we're going to be here until we die!"
Feeling his own mild anxiety setting in, Calypso tried to calm down his comrade. "Well, just wait a second, Naval. We don't really know what we have going on here. We might find some things we can shape into tools." As the three conversed, off in the deep brush behind them, rumblings of movement quietly shifted. Unnoticed by the three Toons, the jostling of leaves and small branches was minor compared to the distressed quarreling of the trio.
Salty who bad begun punching the tree to show his true strength, and unwillingness to lose to a tree, was almost struck when a wooden spear came flying from seemingly nowhere, eventually ending its short journey by planting itself into the thick bark before its own weight dropped it onto the ground near the dog's feet. "Damn it!" A voice hushed cried out and began retreating away from the scene.
"Looks like we have company, boys. They're puttin' us under attack. I ain't dyin' to no land-lubber with a spear!" Picking up the weapon, the seadog snapped the weapon over his knee like a twig and tossed it aside, not caring enough to use it. "Follow them!"
"But what if they're armed or have backup? They probably know this area better than us. We could be walking right into a trap!" The Naval Orange ducked down and cowered. "I don't want to be juiced!"
Disgusted, the brown dog shook his head and began giving chase, launching himself into the trees like a hunter fueled by bloodlust. Calypso hadn't seen that level of anger and aggressiveness since Captain Scurvy's climatic battle against the Holy Mackerel. "Don't be no lily-livered cowards now, if we sittin' around waitin', we'll be picked off and turned into dinner either way. Why not go down fightin'!"
Calypso, who had never been the violent type, sadly had to agree with Salty. He didn't want to be doing this, but he couldn't allow this to turn into another revisit of the cannibal monkeys. If whoever attacked them wasn't alone, they likely would go and get help. They'd have to stop them in their tracks. "Lets go! Naval, go back to camp and warn Blanket! Just follow the trail that way, it's a straight shot back to shore!" Waving off his fellow sailor, the blue bird began giving chase after the captain figure and the mysterious attacker. Calypso remembered how much he hated running through the forest. Tree limbs that broke through the ground caused him to constantly stumble and trip, barely keeping himself on his feet. The confusing, trailless layout, trees obscuring his view… it was all a mess. Somehow, he was able to keep the distant view of Salty in sight so he could follow behind him. Part of him was thankful that the old dog was capable of keeping up and took the lead, as Calypso didn't want to be the first one to have to go against whatever they were fighting.
After a few minutes of intense sprinting, sucking in air and cursing his own existence, Calypso could see the scarred sailor start to trickle to a stop, allowing the blue duck plenty of opportunity to catch up. Why had he stopped out of the blue? Was it a dead end? Was there something dangerous looming? His questions were answered relatively quickly as the furious canine began to yell at something. "Thought ya could kill me did ya? Ya don't know who ye be messin' with! I'm Salty Seadog, the greatest fighter this sea's ever seen! I dare wonder why you think you could just walk up an' kill a Toon fer no reason!"
"What.. are you… talking to…" Calypso managed to catch up and slumped against a tree near Salty as he caught his breath, squeaking out a few words between gasps.
"This scurvy dog thought he could outmaneuver this Salty dog. Ain't nothing but a lowly fawn. Should make her walk the plank fer such a thing!" On the ground, trying to back up as she must have fallen and tripped over a limb, was maroon deer dressed in tattered clothing. "Dead Toons tell no tales, and this 'un ain't gonna be able to go seek help to kill us. Come help me tie er' up, Calypso. We'll bring er' back to camp and decide what ta do. Democracy 'n all that."
The deer didn't look like she could be much older than her early twenties. Shaking with fear, the doe-eyed doe looked towards the more friendly looking duck and pleaded for mercy. "Ay, you wouldn't do such a terrible thing to me, would you? I wouldn't ever do such a terrible thing! I was simply trying to defend your friend from the tree attacking him! After all, look at his fists! They're all messed up."
Both were surprised the Toon was capable of talking. After all, coming across a lone deer on a seemingly deserted island, thousands of miles from Toontown, who spoke fluently and naturally, was astounding. How was it possible? The duck was relieved that it didn't appear to be a tribe of cannibals, at least not yet. "Wait, you can understand us? How do you speak as we do? Do you understand what I am saying?' Calypso spoke slightly condescendingly, almost as if he refused to believe this wasn't some elaborate trap. "We both see her, so I assume we're not imagining this, right Salty?"
"Me eyes ain't what they used ta be, but you can blow me down if that ain't no deer." Stepping closer and looming over the desperate Toon, Seadog bared his remaining teeth and growled. "You think that's gonna work on me, matey? Ho ho, I'm older'n your great grandmother and I could take on any Toon in Toontown. That was a sneak attack if'n I ever saw one. Your first udea once settin' eyes on us was ta attack? Don't sit right with me."
"Well, what was I supposed to do? I don't know who you guys are. For all I know, you could just be figments of my imagination. I've been here so long I can't really tell anymore." The deer managed to get up onto her feet, before falling back down and nursing her ankle. "Damn it, I think I sprained the bloody thing."
Taking empathy on the younger Toon, Calypso came to her defense. "She has a point, Captain. I think we'd probably do the same thing in her position. Although, I'm still a bit confused why you're here. Where are you originally from?"
Rubbing her ankle, the deer glared. "Guess it won't do me no good to lie. You'll do whatever you do regardless of what I say. I ask though, can you at least carry me back to the shore before you kill me? I want to die near the water. You do that, and I'll tell you whatever you want to know. I guess it was all coming to an end anyways, I was barely surviving as it is." Shutting up, the deer watched the two sailors as they looked at each other.
"I reckon that'd be fine. I feel yer need to die at sea. That's a respectable wish and I ain't no kraken. I don't just kill Toons fer no reason, something ya should consider in the future." Bending down, he extended his arm. "Get up, ain't nobody whose out here throwin' spears and survivin' on the land is gonna be worn down by a bad ankle." The pair of crew members helped up the deer and each gave her a supportive shoulder so she could hop back to base.
"Yeah, if you've been surviving here as long as you say, you must surely know more about this place. Your information could prove vital in all of us living and getting out of here?" Calypso felt a bit optimistic for the first time since the beginning of the voyage. "My name is Calypso, and this is Captain Salty. We have two others with us back at our ship. So, do you have a name? It'll be a bit easier to communicate."
Looking over and grinning, the deer already felt relief. If this truly was the dreaded Ocean Madness coming to take her mind, at least it was doing so peacefully. "Ah, well that's great Calypso. Nice to meet both of you. As for me? My name is Captain Daeya."
