"I'm not really sure about this guys..." Mariner cringed as he looked at himself in the mirror. I mean, I guess it could work, but is this really the best we can do? Maybe we should try and head back to Toontown and get help. The blue dog had been given a monkey "suit" Horsenado had created a tail out of leftover ropes, and fake ears from leftover materials lying around the ship.
Cross, who had also been given a set of ears and a tail, admired herself. "You know, I don't look too bad. I mean, I'd never actually want to BE a monkey. But if I was, I think I could make it work."
"Sorry guys. This was the best I could do under such a time crunch." Horsenado nodded to Mariner who was tugging on his fake tail. "I don't think we can risk going back to Toontown. Even if we could remember the exact way back, that's almost an entire day with perfect conditions to get back and forth. That's a huge risk. Even now we might be burning time."
"He be right, mateys. Edmund be relying on us. These Toons don't be likely to know the difference. They not advanced like us. These Toons still living in trees. We just have to convince them enough we be monkeys."
Mariner shook his head. "Why us though?"
"Well, me and Five-O have pretty distinctive noses." Calypso responded. "We'd stand out pretty easily as monkeys. John and Scurvy, we can't risk them going. Captain can't run, and John has bad hips for a get away."
"Alright. Well can we go over the plan one last time?" Southern nervously inquired. "I mean, Mariner seems quite unsure."
Horsenado clasped his hands and nodded. "Alright everybody. We best be prepared because we only have one shot at this. Mariner and Cross, you're our in. You're disguised as monkeys, obviously. We need you to convince them you belong there. Now, me and Calypso? You guys captured us and are bringing us back to the horde." pulling out a sheathed sword that looked like an aoogah, Horsenado smiled. "When we see an opportunity, me and Calypso have these babies. We fight back, save Edmund, and run like mad beasts back to the ship. There, John and Captain will be waiting for us in the water, to be pushed off at a moment's notice. Then we get out of this horrible place!"
"It's the whole fitting in thing that worries me." Mariner quipped. "Even if they believe we LOOK like monkeys. I certainly can't speak like one. We don't know their mannerisms, or really anything about them. Plus, we'll be bringing you guys right to their doorstep. There's a lot of chances this can go terribly, terribly wrong."
"Hey, if anybody has a better idea we could certainly use them." Calypso injected. "If not. We need to be going soon. Like Horsenado said, time is a factor here." the silence from the crew confirmed their fate. "Very well. Everybody... let's go save Edmund!"
Calypso and Horsenado were led down the plank by the "monkeys." They couldn't take any risks of being discovered, so they made sure to walk in front of Mariner and Cross, who kept their eyes peeled for any signs of trouble. Aside from Mariner, the other three already knew where they were going, so it helped that Mariner was in the rear anyways. Nobody said a word, unwanting to bring any attention to themselves. As the four made their way across the beach, John and Scurvy made preparations to get the boat ready to go. John, using all of his strength, rowed as hard as he could as Scurvy navigated the boat at an angle. Just enough so that they would not float off into the water, but to allow themselves an easier escape. Leaving the anchor in its spot, the pair sweated through the pain, pushing their muscles to the absolute limit. After what seemed like a short eternity, the boat was now in an acceptable position. "I hope to never do anything like that again." John exhaled, walking over to the blue cat. "So what do we do now?"
"We wait bucko. We wait." Scurvy responded nervous.
The rescue crew made their way off the unstable sand of the beach into the solid jungle interior. Each Toon was equally nervous. This could be a literal life or death situation, and they knew it. The sounds of their own hearts beating could be heard in the otherwise silent forest. The familiar sights, and fresh footsteps let them know they were going the right way. Calypso, as the oldest, tried to keep composure for the rest of the group. "You guys. We're almost there. Be ready for anything." he whispered to Horsenado.
"Yeah. I'm ready, pal." Horsenado nodded his head slightly, keeping his eyes fixated forward.
Screeching sounds rung out through the hollow forest, alerting the four they they were reaching their destination. Sure enough, as they walked into the empty clearing, two monkeys swung down off a vine and landed in front of the four. The one on the right, a green monkey, screamed out while pointing at Calypso. Nobody could comprehend what she was saying, but it didn't sound positive. The aggressors waited patiently for the Toons in the back to respond. "Um. Oooh Ooh! Ah!" Cross screeched out in her shrill voice. Shaking, she waited as the two monkeys looked at each other intensely for a few moments. The intensity shortly turned to laughter, as the pair walked over and each took a hold of a "captured" Toon.
Get your hands off me you darn, dirty ape!" Calypso yelled, antagonizing the enemies who lost their joyful expressions and began to screech again.
"Calm down, Calypso. We're outnumbered four to two here. We better cooperate for now." he winked at his friend.
The four followed the two monkeys. As they walked, the Toons gagged as a horrible, rotting smell soon permeated through the air. It was like nothing any of them had ever heard before. On the way, they had winced as piles of bones, random tattered clothing, and other items that seemed out of place became more common. An unsettling fear washed over the group like waves on The Melville. Their greatest fears were confirmed when they spotted a brown dog, tied up with what appeared to be vines, back against a log with his mouth full of leaves acting as a gag. Edmund screamed as he saw Calypso and Horsenado being led along. "sfssfsdfwef sdffdss fdfs fs dfs!" he struggled against the vines, pushing himself forward, before he was knocked back by two monkeys holding large sticks.
"Edmund..." Mariner whispered to himself. Calypso and Horsenado were quickly mobbed by a group of the savage Toons, wrapping them in vines and shoving similar leaves in their mouths. Being tossed down to the log, the monkeys began to jump and cheer.
Calypso leaned over and spit out the leaves. "Edmund. Edmund what happened? Thank goodness you're okay!" Edmund looked at him surprised, unable to spit the leaves out. Fortunately for Calypso, the monkeys didn't account for his beak very well. "No worries friend. We're going to get you out of here?"
Staring at his savior's restraints, he nodded his head and widened his eyes. Unaware of either Mariner or Cross who had stayed hidden behind. None of them had anticipated this. The captors had not confiscated Calypso or Horsenado's weapons, however they would be impossible to use with their hands tied. As the Toons plotted additional plans, the ground began to rumble. The vibrations were very noticeable. Staring up in horror the five Toons watched as the biggest, orangest, monkey they had ever seen. The hulking beast wore what appeared to be a crown made of vines and flowers. Standing at least twice as tall as any other Toon, and twice as wide to boot, the apparent leader flashed a toothy smile at the sight of the captured Toons.
"Ooh Ooh. AH AH OOH!" the monkey screamed. Licking its lips, the monkey pointed to a circle of rocks where a pile of chopped wood laid. Calypso's normally calm tendency was overwhelmed as he realized what was happening. That was a fire pit! These monkeys. Did these monkeys intend to COOK them?
"These monkeys are cannibals!" Calypso yelled, loudly enough that his entire crew around could hear. Realizing the suddenness of their potential fate, each reacted differently. Southern Cross froze up. Mariner choked up. Horsenado nearly fainted, and Edmund cried. Calypso though. All he could think of was his son. His greatest fear was being realized. That he would not return home to see him one last time. Struggling, his ties kept his hands behind him. Reaching for his sword, he could only graze the scabbard. Unable to get a firm grasp on it. As the fire was lit, the blue duck could feel the warmth from his position. The crackling, roaring flames towered over him. Gulping he looked to his last hope for help.
"Been a while, Captain. Do you think they're doing okay? I mean, what if they're not? How long should we wait before we go searching? I'm gonna be a mess if I don't see them soon."
"John. You be a Toon of many years. Surely you have learned patience. This be one of those times. Gotta trust the mateys know what they're doing. They be sharp and brave. Ain't no savage Toon a match for their wit. Just gotta trust them."
John B sat in a chair near the anchor. He was afraid to leave his spot, even for food, just in case everyone returned. He had to be ready. While the crew had only been together for a few days, they felt like family. The older crocodile could not let anything happen to his family. Trying to keep his mind off things, he thought of things to talk about. "Hey, Captain. Did I ever tell you about my son?"
"Ah, you have a son, matey? Can't believe that never ran my mind. I'm sorry John. Please tell me about him!" Scurvy smiled.
"He's a great kid. Well I guess he's not really a kid anymore. He's almost Calypso's age at this point. He runs a small business in Funny Farms now. When everybody was coming here, he saw a chance to try and branch out somewhere new. He was always one for new experiences. Found out that I was going to be a grandpa about a week before we set off. Still can't believe he's going to be a dad himself. When I told him you guys called me, he was the one who pushed me to go. I've never been anything like him. I lived in Donald's Dock for my entire life. Never really took any risks. Raised a family and worked hard. He told me that sometimes you have to get out and do something different. Now that I'm here, I'm still conflicted. Although I guess that is due to the current situation. Seeing these kids out for the first time, their courage? It brings a tear to my eye imagining my own son."
Scurvy rubbed their chin. "Bless me heart. I ain't never had no little 'uns of me own. Was always too set on the seat. Warms me heart to hear, John. He's gonna be a great dad if he anything like you my boy."
"Hey, hey. Watch that, I'm not that much younger you scallywag!" the two shared some comforting laughter, doing their best to bury their anxieties deep inside of them, hopeful they would not be warranted to return.
"These monkeys are cannibals!" Mariner heard Calypso scream. The realization had hit him like a cannonball. Him and Cross were the only hope of saving the other three. Glancing around, there were hundreds of these abominations of Toonkind. How could someone eat another Toon? There was fruit and fish everywhere! What did they do when Toons didn't show up? He shuddered at the thought. Near the large fire, a group of monkeys, including the large orange leader, danced in a circle.
"Cross. I have an idea. We're only going to have one attempt at this so you are going to have to trust me." leaning over he whispered the rest of his plan to the yellow mouse who's jaw dropped.
Shaking her head, Cross was in awe. "That's basically a suicide mission, Mariner. Even if the rest of us make it out, you're gonna be surrounded."
"What's our other option? Let them die. We have to try." Mariner didn't want to hear back from Cross, before running over to the circle of the dancing monkeys and imitating them. They would spin in a circle three times, jump, and then clap their hands, before sidestepping over a few feet and repeating the process. The monkeys screeched out what sounded like music, but honestly none of the crew had a clue. Mariners was never very swift on his feet, but managed to make a passable groove. Jumping in right between the leader, and a younger, brown monkey he danced like his life depended on it - because it did.
Horsenado, Calypso, and Edmund watched it amazement as Mariner blended right in with the blood-thirsty monkeys. Horsenado had managed to dislodge the leaves and whispered to Calypso. "What the heck are they doing?"
"I'm not sure. I'm thinking it may be some kind of sacrificial ritual or something. Mariner is doing something. I'm not really sure though." Calypso fixated his eyes, trying to get an idea.
Southern Cross tiptoed behind the line of onlooking Toons, too focused on their leader, and some occasionally joining in the dance. The captives were only about fifty feet when a chunky blue monkey turned around and noticed her. "Ooh. Ooh ooh ah!" he pointed towards the fire, motioning for her to join in.
Unsure of what to do, Cross faked her best monkey impression. "Ooo. Ooh ooo ooo ah ah ooo?"
"Ooh. Ooh ooh ah ah Ooh." the monkey nodded and turned around. Whatever she had said must have worked. Waiting a few moments, she watched Mariner's face as he came into view. His eyes directed her to hurry up as he could only keep the charade up so long. Hurrying her pace, Cross ducked behind the log that the three Toons leaned against. Pulling on the vines, she cursed as they were too tight to undo herself.
"Use the sword." Calypso instructed. "We'll let you know if anybody turns around.
Counting her good fortunes that nobody was on guard over here, Southern reached for, and eventually found the handle. Slowly releasing the sharp metal from its resting place, the yellow mouse ensured to keep the sword at a lower level to avoid any gleaning light from the fire. "Okay, stay still until everybody is undone. We need to make sure Mariner gets out safely too." slicing through the thick green restraints, and occasionally ducking to avoid being seen, Cross made her way through each of the Toons.
Edmund, finally able to reach and grab his gag from his mouth, nearly screamed in excitement. "Thank you!" he was cut off with a pair of hands from his crew mate, replacing the ball of leaves and dirt that had just been there moments prior.
"Stay quiet. Can't let them see us." Horsenado whispered.
"Okay. On my mark, we get up and make a run for it. We're going to have to go through the middle there. We can't risk going deeper into the jungle. That just gives them the advantage. Five-O, you and I are going to be up front and in the back because we have the swords. You're going to have to clear a path for us. Use that thing however you need to. Just be careful not to hit us."
Horsenado nodded nervously. "I hope I don't hit anyone. I mean, I know they meant to cook us but... you know. I don't want to kill anyone."
"Five-o. It's do or die right now. We can't worry about that. If you're worried, let me take over. I don't want you having any regrets or fear getting out of here." Calypso softly asked his young friend. The blue duck felt much the same way, he could not take a life, but he also did not want to die. It was a horrible situation to be in. However, he did not wish that burden to be placed on someone so young.
"No, Calypso. I can do this. No more being scared. I'm the one who suggested this entire expedition. This is my job. Our success or failure will be because of me." the red horse gulped, as four pairs of eyes stared at the disguised blue dog dancing away.
Mariner continued his routine; spin, jump, clap, step. It was becoming as mindlessly clockwork to him as chopping an onion. As he circled the fire, he was finally in view, across from his friends. His back was towards the exit. This was his chance. As he made one last spin, he inhaled and reached out his arms to his left. Grabbing the back of the monkey's make-shift shirt, he grabbed hold and spun around, launching the leader into the small pit of fire. Screams of anguish and anger from the large orange monkey brought attention to Mariner, who quickly darted off as fast as he could. Then confusion hit as the four Toons suddenly stood up and bolted towards the confused group. Many were trying to reach in and grab their leader, who was slowly burning alive. Some had given chase to Mariner, while the others stood screaming in anger and horror. Throwing in a toon slashing a sword like a mad beast, knocking Toons out of the way and into large piles with congealed upon themselves into larger piles. A horde of bodes, none knowing what was going on. Out of the clearing, the four Toons sprinted. Cross turned her head slightly and yelled. "Looks like they're coming after us gang. Keep up the pace! We have to catch up to Mariner!"
"Don't worry about me guys!" a voice yelled out from a short distance ahead. As the toons made a turn, they saw the blue dog charging forward, three monkeys in tow. The bleak shade was finally breaking, with small glimpses of light making through the thick trees. They were almost there! At Mariner's cry, a monkey, who looked to be around Horsenado's age stopped and turned. Facing the crew, the monkey snarled and began to hop angrily and screech. Winding himself up the monkey went head first running towards the Toons.
"Horsenado! One ahead! Watch out!" Edmund screamed.
Still leading the group, Horsenado cried out. Closing his eyes, he waited until the Toon was just a short distance away. Winding up his arm, the mixed-color horse swung his sword forward. A pained scream cried out from the monkey as Horsenado felt his momentum slow down as the sharp metal caught the enemy in the chest, causing him to fall flat and limp in a single motion. Ignoring his own overwhelming emotion, Five-o continued on, painfully aware that monkey would likely never get up.
Mariner quickly checked behind him. Only two monkeys left. As the brown and white sand of the beach became visible, the blue dog smiled. He had managed to gain a small gap between himself and his pursuers and the ship was only about a minute away. Mariner had never been this tired in his entire life. As he sprinted the realization popped into his mind. What would happen when he made it to the ship? They still needed to wait for the rest of the crew. The monkeys likely wouldn't just stop and go back once he got on the ship. He could hear footsteps further behind. It had to be them. Slowing himself down, he knew he was going to have to fight. While there was little chance he would not be able to take on a pair of these things by himself. Stopping he turned to face the aggressors. Both had sharp fangs pertruding from their growling mouths. Taking a sigh, Mariner pounded his chest. "Come and get a piece of me you cowards!"
"Come and get a piece of me you cowards!" rung out. John B and Scurvy watched the blue dog on the fringe of the beaches' cut off point. Approaching him were two monkeys, the likes that John had never seen.
"My cog. There is Mariner! Where is the rest of them!" John screamed. "We need to go help!" picking up the closest thing to him - a ladle, he took off.
Scurvy closed their eyes and winced. Somebody had to stay behind to push off. However, they were not capable of leaving one of their own behind. Grabbing the bone from earlier, the blue cat followed behind the green crocodile and screamed. "Matey, best wait for me!"
Calypso looked behind him and was delighted to see the only Toon was Cross. "Looks like we're in the clear guys!" the blue duck cried out.
"Not quite yet!" Cross yelled out, pointed towards two monkeys who were coming into view and making ground on Mariner who had stopped to face him. "We need to help him!"
"Mariner! Watch out!" Horsenado screamed as the monkeys had caught up and begun to swing their fists and claws at the dog.
The blue dog had little fighting experience. Holding out his arms to cover his face, he felt the burning sting of sharp claws as they gouged into his skin. ignoring his own pain, Mariner looked for an opening, swinging a leg out, he managed to catch the monkey on the right in the groin, which caused them to double over. The call of his friend distracted him, and he did not notice the other monkey get a swipe in, getting Mariner's chest. "Ouch! You stupid monkey!" Mariner leapt forward and landed on the monkey. Full of adrenaline, Mariner let loose, mercilessly pounding his fists into the adversary's face. As he rounded up for another hit, he was tackled by the other monkey who had composed themself.
"No!" Horsenado cried. Putting himself into his highest gear, the second in command of the Melville knew that Calypso was right. This was do or die. Dropping his sword, the young leader made strides that could easily cover three to four paces for a normal Toon. Catching up to the carnage, the chubby horse barreled into the monkey on his friend. "Go!" he screamed.
Taking his chance, Mariner pulled himself up and took off. The remaining crew flew by. Cross, in a reverse role from earlier, held out the sheathed sword as she darted by Five-o, who barely managed to get a grasp on the bottom, feeling himself dragged through the sand. Using the mouse's momentum, Horsenado rolled into a ball and leapt up. The two monkeys were still on the ground trying to pick themselves up. By now Captain and John were halfway down the beach when the others sprinted right past them. "C'mon guys, we need to go!" Edmund called out, grabbing each of the older Toons hands and pulling them along.
"Arrrgh, I can't believe me eye, you all made it back. This ain't the time for celebratin' though! Everyone to their station! We settin' sail!" Captain smiled, and a tear rolled down their face at the sight of five living, breathing Toons. Up the plank they ran, as the group slowly hauled the large wooden plank back on board so nobody else could come up. Now the two monkeys, joined by a smaller horde had begun to run forward. Some holding rocks and sharp sticks, the enemies launched one last assault on the ship as it begun to push itself into the water. Scurvy ducked as a particularly large rock whizzed by their ear. Looking up, Scurvy gasped. A gargantuan orange monkey with black tinted fur and skin began charging. This beast had several rocks that could knock a Toon's head right off. "Edmund, release the sails!"
Edmund yanked down the ropes, freeing the mast from its burden. The large cloth flew open, filling with a small wind. The Toons avoided attacks, dodging as rocks and sharp sticks barely making their way over the hull, they breathed a sigh of relief as the distance between themselves and the cursed island increased, until slowly the angry attackers were finally out of sight, eliciting a cheer from the crew. Mariner dropped to the deck, finally allowing his weariness and pain to crash over him. Staring up at the remaining crew who had gathered above him, in horror. "Someone get the Toonup, kit!" Calypso called out.
"Hey Edmund." Mariner whispered, cringing in pain as he lifted his arm up. The stinging from his wound preventing much movement. "You're making us dinner tonight." he chuckled out as he laid back and let the warm sun caress his body. He was in pain, but he was alive, and so was everybody else. That was all that mattered.