House of The Rising Pun was one of the best known comedy clubs in Minnie's Melodyland. Known for launching the careers of Ivan Stitches and Madame Chuckles, anyone who wanted to make it in comedy had to at least attempt to make it here. Boxer had taken a part time job as a server, as he continued to struggle to catch his big break. He had gone to two other auditions, and had not heard back. Unfortunately for him, and the dozens of other familiar faces he saw at each casting call, it was a competitive business. Even the tiniest job was sought after by anybody who had the chance. Walking out of the kitchen with a tray in his hand, he made his way through the dimly lit club, before setting two glasses of seltzer water in front of a couple. The crowd broke out into laughter as the comedian on stage continued their routine. "So what goes tick-tick-tick-woof... A Watchdog!" the crowd erupted into more laughter. "Alright everybody, I think that's it for me tonight. You guys have been wonderful, don't forget to tip your server because that's probably going to me after this routine!" Boxer chuckled under his breath as he had stopped to watch the funny joke-teller. Maybe he was doing the wrong thing? Maybe instead of acting, he was born to do comedy?
Finally the night of laughs had ended and the guests had gone home for the night, leaving Boxer and his co-workers to finish closing the club for the night. Bringing in the last of the dishes into the kitchen, Boxer spotted a fellow server and walked over to her. The short, purple duck was busy gathering cleaning supplies and did not see the purple dog approaching. "Hey Lollipop. What's brown and sticky?" waiting for her to turn around exasperatedly, he shouted excitedly. "A stick!"
"Are you going to finish those dishes?" Lollipop sighed, grabbing two glasses from Boxer's hands. "Oh wait. Was that a joke? Sorry, I'm a bit out of it tonight."
"Oh, um, yeah. I was thinking of maybe trying to get into comedy!" Boxer proudly stated.
Placing a wet rag into the dog's hand, Lollipop rolled her eyes. "How about you try to get into the space behind booth seventeen. Someone managed to spill an entire bowl of pasta back there and it's starting to smell." walking away, Lollipop left Boxer to his own devices. Grumbling, the purple dog made his way out into the guest area and started making up jokes to himself, chuckling at his own terrible sense of humor. Lollipop probably had the stick firmly lodged inside of her, and couldn't get the nuance of his joke. Ducking down beneath a small booth, Boxer gagged as the smell of old, rotting pasta sauce filled the air.
"Good evening everybody. My name is Boxer. You think with a name like that I'd be a great boxer, but actually I'm terrible!" nodding, Boxer chuckled uproariously. That duck was wrong, he was destined to get into comedy and he was going to be a star. Tossing his rag down on the ground, Boxer stood up and power-walked his way through the guest area, behind the stage and down the hallway to the manager's office.
Professor Guffaw was a well known master of comedy. The owner of several comedy clubs, and training schools throughout Toontown, the maroon dog knew jokes about as well as anybody. She was also quite well known for believing in opportunity. When Boxer had come in, she had immediately hired him without him asking for a job "because he looked like a nice kid." Knocking quietly on the door, Boxer bit his lip anxiously. Him and Guffaw had never really had a chance to have a prolonged conversation. "Come in!" Pushing open the door slowly, Boxer was met by a smile from the elderly dog. "Boxer. It's wonderful to see you! How was your night tonight?"
"My night was great Mrs. Guffaw. Everything is going well. I'm really getting into the swing of things." pausing, he took a seat across from the older dog. "Mrs. Guffaw, how do you find such great comedians every night? I mean, I'm surprised I haven't spilled any drinks from laughing so hard!"
"Ah. Well you're still new here Boxer. Of course, not everybody is a hit. Some Toons are just funnier than others. However, I believe that everybody who does well does so because they are trying their best. I feel like anybody is capable of being funny with the proper training. I have never turned away a student or somebody who wanted a chance to showcase their skills. Everybody deserves a chance to be heard! After all, how many voices would be squashed if never given that opportunity!" the Professor spoke pleasantly, causing Boxer to well up with excitement.
Clasping his hands together, Boxer rubbed nervously. "Mrs. Guffaw. I know I have only been here for a few days... But I was wondering if maybe I could try doing a routine? I've always wanted to get into comedy and well, you are the master! It doesn't have to be during busy time, maybe just like a slow Wednesday?"
Chuckling, Guffaw leaned over the desk and placed her hand on Boxer's. "You know, we actually just had someone call out from our lineup tomorrow night and needed someone to fill in, so this works perfectly! I know it is short notice, but Friday's are our biggest crowds, so you'd really have a chance to sport your stuff. What do you say?"
"I say it sounds amazing! Thank you so much Mrs. Guffaw. I promise I won't let you down!"
Wacky was pleasantly surprised how quickly things were progressing. In two days not only had he tracked down the legendary Captain Scurvy, he had also secured a ship, and a crew. Wacky was beginning to love the smell of the salty sea air. There was something refreshing about being away from the stuffy Council Meeting Room. As he walked down the creaky wooden planks that made up the shallow dock, he set his eyes on the prize in front of him. A large, wooden craft was bobbing up and down slowly in the water. Compared to the other small boats that were roped to the dock, this one towered over the rest. A crew was painting letters onto the side of the ship and making small modifications. Standing off to the side patiently, a small group of Toons in various "sailing" outfits talked among themselves.
"The Melville II? That's an interesting name for a ship, Captain." a yellow mouse squeaked out.
"Ah, yes. The Melville be a beautiful vessel, one worthy of such a name. The story behind it be quite sad though. I'm not sure it be something you;d want to hear from this sagging old sea star." Scurvy responded, dejectedly.
Shaking his head, Horsenado chuckled. "Captain, I really want to hear the story. Please!"
"Very well. I guess we have some time before we be sailin' off." grabbing an empty crate, the blue cat took a seat and motioned for everybody to gather around them. "It all started when I was but a Toon of forty-two years."
"Hey sweetheart, the sun is really burning down today, so we have anymore of that sunscreen?" a brown horse walked over towards a blue cat and tilted his head. "Scurvy, are you listening?"
"Oh yes. Sorry hon. I think we have some near the cooler in the backpack. If it's not in there, it's probably in the cabin!" the blue cat stood at the wheel of the small watercraft. Scurvy had been sailing for only about six months, but for the first time in their life had finally found total freedom and happiness. The blue cat had sported a long and varied line of work. Chef, gardener, professional race car driver. Yet none of them compared to the feeling of being out on the water, the wind blowing through their fur, smell of sea-water filling their nose. Truly paradise. However today was just about relaxing. Scurvy's fiancee Melville had proposed just several days before, and to celebrate they wanted to take out Scurvy's new boat for a spin. After a few minutes, Scurvy looked up to an empty boat and called out. "Did you find it, Mel?"
Keeping their eyes forward, Scurvy didn't see the brown horse sneak up behind them and squirt a huge glob of freezing cold goo onto their neck. "Yeah, I did! You put it in the cooler silly!" smearing the white goop onto the cat's neck. Melville watched the cat shiver and twinge in reaction.
"Oh my cog, that's freezing!" letting go of the wheel, Scurvy grinned and put on an evil face. "Give me that bottle. After all, you need to get your back too!" the cat chased their fiancee around the small boat. Unmoving in the water, aside from the swaying caused by the Toons running back and forth, the vessel rested. Scurvy finally managed to catch up to the horse and jump onto his back, tumbling onto a small cushioned seat. "You salty sea dog. Prepare to walk the plank!" in the middle of splashing lotion on Melville, Scurvy jumped up and perked an ear. "Wait, Mel. Be quiet for a second." a few moments passed by with naught a sound.
"What's wrong, babe? Something wrong with the boat?" Melville rubbed his neck and nervously watched his fiancee walk around concerned.
Scurvy leaned over and dipped a hand into the water. Closing one eye, the blue cat felt the water. Starting calm, he could feel the disruption as small ripples began to reverberate across their hand. "Melville. Get into the cabin!"
"Scurvy! What's going on!" Melville called out anxiously.
"I said get into the cabin!" Scurvy screamed back fearfully. Hopping up, they ran over to the steering wheel. Turning the key, they revved up the engine and cursed under their breath as the boat failed to ignite. "Come on you worthless pile of junk, move!" The water began to become less calm. The small ripples had turned to large waves as Scurvy manipulated every possible button, turned the key multiple times, and anything else they could think of. Running into the cabin, they addressed the confused horse. "Mel, we're in trouble!"
Eyes widening, Melville began to stutter. "Wh-what are you talking about Scurvy? What's going on?"
"I'm not really sure myself. But I can sense it. Feels like something under the water. Whatever it is, I don't want to take the chance that it is friendly. The boat isn't starting. I think something is clogged! I'm going to need you to take the wheel so I can check the engine. The second that baby turns on, I want you to floor it. Can you do that for me, sweetheart?"
"Um, I guess so. But, wait! Did you say something in the water! We're not that far out! It's possible there is just a submarine or something out testing the waters! Why don't we just call for a tugboat to come in and take us back to shore?" as Melville spoke, the pair were knocked down as the boat rattled with a thud as a large force smacked into the underside.
Recovering from the blow, Scurvy stood up and gave one last impassioned look to their love, before running outside. Looking down into the water, there was not a sight other than the distressed water which was still trying to piece itself together. "That's certainly no submarine." Scurvy whispered. Running over to the wheel, Scurvy picked up a radio and began to call out. "Calling all available assistance. My name is Scurvy and I am on the ship S.S. Ravioli. I am about fifteen-hundred parcels out off the coast of Donald's Dock with my fiancee Melville. We need immediate response. Our boat has broken down and we have been harassed by something in the water. Please hurry!" hanging up, Scurvy gave way to Melville who gripped the wheel. Leaning over and planting a kiss on the horse, Scurvy went into action. Diving over some equipment, the blue cat crawled to the front of the boat and unlatched a small section of the metal covering. Lifting it up, they began to work messing with various parts.
"Scurvy, watch out!" Melville screamed.
Turning around, Scurvy stared in awe at the sight beneath them. In the water was the largest creature either Toon had ever seen. The fin coming out of the water would easily dwarf both sailors, let alone the body it was connected to. Slamming the cover closed, Scurvy jumped back down and reached for a rope. "Hit the gas again!" Melville tried, to no avail to start the ship. Another rocking knocked the pair back to their stomachs. "I'm going to have to go underneath. Looks like something is caught in the propeller!" tying the rope around their stomach, Scurvy took a deep breath and without another word or action, dove overboard. Landing underneath the water, Scurvy let out a gurgle of bubbles and peered through the murky blue. There was not a soul in sight. Taking immediate action, the blue cat swam over the the boat's propelled and cringed. Somehow a large pile of seaweed had gotten clamped right into the thick of things. Yanking the tangled flora from it's resting place, Scurvy felt the need for oxygen overwhelm their sense of fear. Surfacing, they took several large gasps. Calling out for Melville, they were drowned out by the sound of rushing water. Feeling the panic returning, Scurvy dove back under and went back to wear, tearing out the strands of slimy green seaweed until most of it was removed. Swimming up one more time, Scurvy called out. "Melville! Pull me up!" Melville heard the feint calls of his lover and grabbed the rope. Pulling relentlessly, Melville used all the strength he had. Grinning with relief as the blue cat's face came into view, he was soon interrupted as one final ram from the sea creature floored him, causing him to lose his grip on the rope and drop Scurvy back into the water. Getting to his knees, he began yanking the rope when a voice called out. "Don't worry about me! Start the ship! Get us out of here!"
Standing up, the brown horse ran over to the wheel. With ease, the ship was started. Looking behind him, he looked for a sign of Scurvy, but trusted his lover's words. Putting the boat into full gear, he felt the water skipping beneath him as the boat went sailing. Turning around, his face dropped as now he could see the blue cat holding onto the rope, dragging themselves onto the boat. A few hundred feet behind, the large fin had made itself shown again. "Scurvy!" he screamed out. Placing the boat into auto-drive. he tumbled over as he reached for the rope and began to pull. Hand over hand, Scurvy struggled to pull themself up. Whenever they had gained momentum, a particularly rough wave or bump would knock them back a few more feet. Watching their fiancee struggle to handle the boat gave the captain a new sense of urgency. Taking one last breath, the cat let out a yell and began to pull. "Scurvy!" the cat heard as they watched Melville come running towards them. Turning around Scurvy screamed. Behind the couple was the largest Holey Mackerel, likely in the history of Toontown.
"Pull me up, Mel!" Scurvy screamed as the large fish quickly approached. The boat's speed was no match for the large fish and soon enough the abomination of nature was now within biting distance of Scurvy. Using their strength to avoid the snapping jaws, they felt themselves being pulled along. Kicking out, Scurvy immediately regretted their decision as they felt their leg connect not with a rubbery exterior, but a warm, damp, and wet mouth. Sudden pain surged through Scurvy's body, letting out a blood-curdling scream. The fish had gotten a taste of Scurvy, and now it wanted more. Vision becoming blurry as the unimaginable pain overcame them, the blue cat felt themselves pulled up on board. Melville kneeled and began to cry and scream in horror. As Scurvy's vision began to give, they grimaced and reached a hand out to grab Melville's. "Get us out of here!" the image of the brown horse running to the wheel was the last thing the blue cat would see before finally succumbing to the natural way of things and falling unconscious.
"When I came to me senses I was aboard a different vessel surrounded by sailors. That fish had caught up and capsized the ship. The other ship came and had found me floatin' along in the water next to a large cooler. For Melville... they sent a crew to look but he be gone. Not only had that beast taken me leg, but also me fiancee. Told me self that as long as I could sail the open seas, I would hunt down that monster and avenge Mel. Holey Jack be the fishes name. Sailed for twenty-four years, searchin'. Never ran across them again. When me last vessel the Melville was destroyed by Corporate Raiders, I gave up. I had no craft, no leg, and no hope. I decided to take me final years to studying and reading, making maps and living off of what I could sell. Part of me had always hoped to go out one last time, but it be all for nautical without a boat." Scurvy wiped a tear away from their one good eye and sighed. "Ye who decide to set sail with me, do not take this lightly. The sea be full of danger. Rogue mateys, sea-beasts, and the ocean blue itself. All waitin' for their chance to take you to Davey Jones' locker. Any Toon who not be wanting to come, I would not blame."
Calypso felt his stomach flip-flopping after the story. It explained the Captain's peg leg. When he had told his son that he was going to be going on an adventure, part of him had worried. But now he was screaming inside. The internal combat between his younger, adventurous self and his mature, fatherly self felt it could go either way. Trying to find the words to speak, he instead listened as Horsenado spoke up. "Captain. I have complete faith in you to lead us to the promised land. We have ourselves a great crew here. I can't speak for everybody, but I am terrified right now. I certainly don't want to die. But if we don't go, who will? Toontown is running out of time. I am with you all the way."
"John B here to say that I'm in!" a green crocodile enthusiastically called out.
"Southern Cross is along for the journey!" the yellow mouse squeaked out nervously. All around, each Toon placed a hand in the circle and reassured their commitment.
Closing his eyes, Calypso sighed. "Well I guess I can't be the only one left out. Let's do this!"