The remainder of the trip to Toontown had been a lot shorter than anticipated. Within the next day the outline of the largest buildings of Donald's Dock were coming into view. Scurvy had been swiftly rescued and nearly restrained to their bed to recover. The doctor on ship had told them they nearly avoided going sad, and to everybody's relief would make a full recovery. Big who had hit his head on the fall, had suffered a concussion but would also be fine with some rest. The group of the Melville had waited with bated breath for their arrival. Even though they had only been gone for almost a month, it was a strange feeling to return home. For many, nobody knew what was going to be next. Calypso sat at a desk in his room, a stack of papers from weeks of note taking. Sorting through, he relived the journey in his mind. Was he really going to be able to write this novel? The failure of his first book still loomed over him. Sliding papers around, he licked his bill anxiously. A knock on the door interrupted the peaceful quiet and startling the blue duck. "Hey, Calypso? Are you in there?"
Shuffling his papers together, Calypso stood up and walked over to the door. Slowly pulling it open, he peered through a crack and saw Horsenado standing there with his arms crossed. "Hey Five-o. How's it going? Want to come in?"
"Another time. We're going to be hitting Toontown in about fifteen minutes. Just wanted to make sure you're all ready to go?" the red horse sighed and looked at Calypso who rubbed the back of his head. "Don't worry if you're not. We're not in a huge hurry. Just wanted to let you know. Anyways, I have to go check in on everybody else." walking away slowly, Horsenado was stopped by a call from Calypso.
"Hey, Horsenado." the mixed color horse turned to face his friend. "Um, nevermind. I'll see you soon."
Nodding and smiling, Horsenado continued off to the next room, alerting the rest of his friends of their arrival.
Both ships stood just a few hundred feet from their docking locations. Toons from the Old World on each ship stood amazed at what they saw. This world was nothing like where they came from. It was incomprehensible to many. The buildings, the ground, the Toons? Some feared, and some were excited about the prospect of landing here. Melville had helped Scurvy up, now missing their peg leg which had been firmly planted inside of the Holey Mackerel, hobbled up to the bow of the ship, still exhausted. "Look Mel, we be home." putting on a weak smile they lifted their hand and placed it gently on Melville's cheek. "Finally home."
Slowly pulling into a docked position, the Melville and the Nine had finally reached Toontown. Lowering their ramps, both ships waited. Melville and Scurvy were to be the first to set foot onto Toontown. A small crowd of Toons had begun to gather around the edges of the dock at the sight of two large ships. Many had begun to notice the strange Toons that were on either ship. Were they some kind of costumes? Mel reaffirmed Scurvy in his arms and began to slowly tread down the ramp. The audible whisper of the Toons increased as Melville got closer. An elderly dark green duck pushed his way through the crowd, using his cane to separate Toons to get to the front. Now heading the group, he stared in awe at what was in front of him. Immediately Melville noticed the green duck and almost dropped Scurvy. "Billy?"
"Melville. Melville is that really you?" the green duck crouched down and gently laid his cane on the ground. Tears beginning to stream down his face, he was joined by others who were familiar with the horse. Most who had forgotten or given up hope.
"Yes. It's me Billy. It's really me..."
The new Toons had caused an almost widespread panic through Toontown when it was reported. However it died almost as quickly as it spiked as the Old Worlders were able to be introduced to Toontown. For the next few days, there were celebrations. Mayor Wacky had officially declared the third day a Toontown holiday, and the partying commenced. The Old Worlders were introduced to many things they had never seen. Electricity, different foods, gags. Former mayor Cupcake Doggenbottom had come with her husband Mark so that the other Toons could meet a Cog. They were celebrities, something that frightened many of them. However one perk of this that they had found, was unlimited pizza. Cloud had requested some of the Melville crew to take them around to all of the pizza places in Toontown. On the night of the third day it was decided that the Old World Toons would leave the next morning. The hours came and they went, and the dark night sky soon switched to a colorful dawn morning. As tradition Big Monkey and Melville had went out for their morning walk, joined by Scurvy who had been given a brand new peg leg, now with an attached foot for better stability. The doctor had informed them not to overexert themselves anymore and to retire from sailing, which the blue cat had swiftly laughed off. The trio had left their ship early and headed down Lighthouse Lane. The brown horse had tried to stay away from his former shop, however he had requested to stop by. "So, Melville. Now that you're here, what now? Do you resume ownership of the shop?" Big inquired.
"I'd never do such a thing. They have been running this place for thirty years without me. What kind of Toon would I be to just come back after so long and demand to be in charge?" just ahead of the group was their destination. Melville's Massive Mizzenmast Mart was still intact, and looked just the same as it did all those years ago. Melville got out in front of the other two and slowly jogged over to the front door. Placing his hand on the door's window, he gazed inside at the darkness. "Looks like they aren't open yet." walking back, he took a seat at the edge of the sidewalk and was soon joined by Scurvy and Big Monkey.
"Aye, we can always be startin' a new business. Or maybe ye can come join me in drawin' maps? We'll figure it out honey." Scurvy rested their head on Melville's shoulder. "We have many years ahead of us to figure it out."
Big placed his hand on Melville's other shoulder. "They're right, Mel. I know that whatever you do, you're going to be fine. You're Leader, right? Isn't nothing that you can't do." The three were quiet for a few minutes as they gazed up at the rising sun. Soon, Big Monkey stood up and stretched his back. "I guess I should be heading back now. The crew is going to be heading out soon. Do you two want to walk back with me? One last time?"
"Yeah. Of course, Big." Melville whispered. Standing up, he turned and helped up his fiancee to their feet. The trio made the slow trek back to the docks, nobody saying another word.
The Old World Toons had condensed to the Nine, as they would be unable to The Melville with them. Pulleying up crates of supplies that had been donated by Toontown, including the needed ingredients for pizza which many had requested. Cloud who had been instructing his crew saw the three encountering Toons and made his absence. "Hey, Mel. Big. Scurvy." hugging each one individually, he smiled and tried his best to keep a positive attitude. "I can't thank you all enough for having us here. I have to say it was quite a magnificent journey, and Toontown is a wonderful place. None of us will ever be the same." Grabbing Melville's hand, he closed his eyes and nodded. "Thank you, Leader. You have been more than a friend for all of these years. Just know you are always welcome to come visit any time. I will let you guys finish up, but we'll be departing soon, Big." the grey fox bowed and walked back to join his crew. "Come on guys, I know you can move faster than that. You won't be getting any pizza if we don't get out on the sea!"
Big Monkey turned to face his friend, and took short, quick breaths. Trying to hold in his emotion, he wrapped his arms around the horse. "Thank you for everything old friend. Please do not forget about us." unable to say more to avoid breaking, the pair patted each other on the back and said their goodbyes. Releasing himself, Big walked over and hugged Scurvy. "Please take care of him, Captain. Thank you for everything."
"Arrrgh, no need to worry there. We be seein' you soon. No waterworks, okay?" Scurvy said, trying to withhold their own tears.
"I guess that is my cue. Well you guys know where to find us now. Please come stop by sometime." Big Monkey bowed to the pair and slowly trudged towards the ship, ready to make his leave.
Scurvy rubbed Melville's shoulder and watched him silently staring at the ground. He hadn't spoken a word since they had left. "Don't worry, sweetie. We be seein' him again soon..."
Melville lifted his head and wiped away a tear. "Scurvy... Am I doing the right thing?"
"What ye mean, Mel?" Scurvy inquired.
"I don't know... I mean, when we got to the shop... That's not mine anymore. I don't have a job here. No family... It just doesn't feel right." Melville crouched down and grabbed a small twig, using it to prod between the cracks on the dock.
Scurvy watched as Big Monkey ascended the ramp and turned around to look at them. "That's because this ain't your home, Mel."
"Wait. What do you mean?" surprised by Scurvy's comment, Melville stood up and tilted his head.
"Mel, this ain't your home. You belong back on the Islands. I knew this the whole trip. Yet I selfishly be askin' you to come back with me here. Big be right, there ain't nothin' you can't do. However, that don't mean you should be. You belong at home, yer real home." Scurvy pulled out a picture they had found back in Melville's home. It was a small picture of Melville and Big Monkey. The photo had faded in color with time, however it was indistinguishably the pair. Handing it to the brown horse, Scurvy sighed. "Wouldn't be right to take brothers away from each other."
The brown horse looked at his fiancee confused. "Scurvy, I have waited thirty years to be with you. I couldn't possibly leave you again..."
"Well, what if ye weren't?" Scurvy smiled. "Ye know how much I love the beach."
"But - but. I couldn't possibly." Melville choked up.
The blue cat wiped a tear away. "Babe. I been waitin' to be with you for so long. That's all I be ever wantin'. Whether that be in Toontown, the Islands, or the bottom of the sea, as long as we together, I be happy."
Holding Scurvy to him, Melville finally broke. Tears gushing down the wrinkled cheeks, the horse was unable to contain the overwhelming feeling of relief. "We can come back any time of course, honey. I promise we won't be gone too long."
"I know honey. I know. I love you, Melville." Scurvy patted their fiancee on the back and broke free. Running for the ship, the blue cat waved their arms wildly. "Hold on! Wait just one second, will ye landlubbers!"
The crew of the Melville had been shocked, but not surprised at the news that Scurvy and Melville would be going back to the Old World to start their life there. After all, now that things were over, everybody had their own life to return to. It was sad, but understandable. A few months had passed, and everybody had begun to move on. A ringing alarm blurted through the sleepy atmosphere before a blue hand reached out and slammed his whisper device. Yawning and stretching, Calypso pulled himself up and looked at the time. Smiling, he threw off the blankets and slipped out of bed. "The Legend of The Old World." the latest novel by Calypso had become a best-seller. Especially after the arrival of the Old World Toons had brought a shine of authenticity onto the novel. Shortly after its release, the book had been picked up to be made into a movie by famed director Quentin Tarintoono, and today was the official premier. Slipping into his nicest shorts and shirt, the blue duck rubbed his head as he walked out of his bedroom and into the kitchen and was surprised at the sight of a younger green duck who was spooning a bowl full of cereal into his mouth. "Morning, dad!"
"Neville! You're up early today. I'm sorry, I could have made you something else. Do you want some pancakes or something?" shortly after his return, Calypso had went back to court and fought for a more fair custody arrangement with his son Neville. Much to his surprise, he was granted majority custody after it was determined that Marbles had frequently left Neville home alone to take trips with her new boyfriend.
"I'm okay! So dad, Cheesestick and Ape Lincoln got tickets to go to the Ava Maxtoon concert tonight. I know that your movie thing is tonight but would it be okay if I went to that..." Neville stared down into his bowl, preparing to be disappointed.
Calypso looked at his young son. "Are there going to be any adults there?"
"Yeah! Cheesestick's dad is going to take us! He even said I can stay the night over there if you want!" Neville stood up excitedly. "I mean, I've been wanting to go for months and she's actually in Prank City for the first time! This is the chance of a lifetime!"
The blue duck stood up and hugged his son, rubbing his head he chuckled. "Yeah, of course that's fine, Neville." pulling out his jellybean bank, he poured out a small pile and placed it into a small bag. "Gonna need money for snacks right?"
Eyes-wide, Neville grabbed the bag and squeezed his dad's waist. "Thanks dad! You're the best! I'm going to go call them and tell them I'll be right over. Do you think you could drive me dad?"
"Of course, Neville. Of course." Calypso smiled. He had finally had it all. Or at least everything he had ever wanted. For the first time in many years, he was happy. Watching the green duck go flying upstairs to get dressed, the blue duck looked at his watch and nodded. "Guess we better get going soon. The premier is in a few hours!"
Boxer and Caramel each held a glass of fizzy seltzer as they listened to the black cat on top of the stage give a speech. "Well everybody. Tonight is the night. A new premier is always an exciting chance for the world to see my genius. Just remember, any positive reception you received is probably because of me, so don't let things get to your head. Anyways, enough kind words. Thank you all for your hard work, and I will see everybody tonight at the premier." a crowd of cheers from the cast and crew from "The Old World." lifted their glasses and celebrated.
"Ah, Quentin. Never change." Caramel lifted his glass and took a sip. The brown cat, after many years of working side roles, had been given an opportunity for one of the lead roles. After his well-received role in The Werewolf's Kiss, a revitalized career, and familiarity with Quentin had led to him being cast as Scurvy in the movie. It had been a truly transformative role, as the cat had to have a complete re-write in order to capture the wondrous captain.
"Hey, at least he said thank you this time. I'm pretty sure when we finished Werewolf's Kiss, he told us that none of us would ever have a career again for ruining his masterpiece. I'd have to say it is progress." Boxer clanged his glass against his friend's and gulped down his drink. The purple dog had retained his lead role in The Werewolf's Kiss, and had been widely praised as well. Hog McBuffson had retired from acting after his experience with Tyler and decided to continue his career as a model and teenage heartthrob. Boxer had turned down an offer to star in several other movies when Caramel had told him that he had gotten the role of Scurvy. Caramel had bugged Quentin enough to manage to land Boxer the role of Mariner, a supporting role, but one perfect for his friend as they would continue to work together.
The brown cat finished off his drink and smacked his friend on the back. "Boxer, I think this is just the beginning. I heard Quentin was planning on a new project and I think he's on his fifth glass of seltzer. Maybe we should go ask him about it. I smell a lead role in your future."
"Alright, well if I don't get it will you kidnap the lead actor for me?" Boxer joked.
"Hmm. I might have to be kidnapping you then." the duo continued their conversation as they walked off stage left in order to go get ready for the show.
"The program is called the land buyback, and this will be crucial in making Toontown a place where everybody has an opportunity to life and to flourish. I would like to pass the torch to our director of the program Horsenado!" a small applause broke out as Mayor Wacky stepped aside from the podium and clapped as the red horse took his spot.
"Good morning fellow Toons. My name is Horsenado. You may know me from the upcoming film "The Old World."" the red horse made a silly pose as he humble bragged about his upcoming movie. A small laughter broke out from the crowd. "Just kidding. Now, I know that for many of you, there is a lot of confusion and misinformation about this program. I'd first like to start by bringing up a little background. When I arrived in The Old World, I was amazed by how the Toons there lived. While the population was small, the land itself was smaller. However Toons there did not view this as a negative, but rather a positive. They believed in condensing their footprint and leaving as much of the land untouched as possible. Now, I understand that Toontown is a different place, but I wanted to find a way to try and combine the different cultures into something that could better benefit us all, and that is when it hit me. As many of us who own estates know... we use a lot of land. Much of it for nothing. Land that could be used to home many of our friends and family with nowhere to go. I implore you, as a fellow Toon, to consider the Land buyback program. An opportunity not just for you to better help your fellow Toon, but to get a nice financial reward out of it as well. I believe that this will be the best of both worlds. This program will be effective immediately, and open in every playground throughout Toontown. Anybody interested can sign up for the program at any Toon HQ. Thank you all for your time, and have a wonderful Holiday season!" the crowd burst into cheers as Horsenado stepped down and walked off to stand by Wacky as the next Toon stood up to speak at the annual policy report.
Wacky patted the horse on the back and pursed his lips. "You looked like a real leader out there, Horsenado. Quite a difference from when you first came to the council all those months ago."
Smiling, the red horse shrugged. "I guess I've always had it in me. Just took meeting a special friend to really show me what I was capable of I guess. Anyways, were you coming to the premier tonight?"
"I wouldn't miss it! The entire council will be there. Except Devin. He's still being a baby about being voted off the council at the end of this month. I'm honestly surprised it took so long." the two laughed and looked down. "Horsenado, you have a bright future, and I can't wait to see what else you do. This is going to be a monumental change in the history of Toontown. Soak it in, and remember you will be doing a lot of good here.
The red carpet had been rolled out and all of the high rollers of Toontown were showing up for the newest premier from Quentin Tarintoono. Inside of the theater, the first group of Toons had taken their seat. A pair of dogs wearing uncomfortably tight suits sat tossing popcorn pieces into each others' mouths. "C'mon Mariner, my mouth is up here. No need to toss it like a baby Toon."
"Me, a baby Toon? Let me remind you who saved you from those killer monkeys. You should be happy you're here to not be able to catch these popcorn pieces." Mariner tossed another piece, nabbing Edmund in the nose.
"Remind me? I'm sure we'll get to see it all in glorious action on the big screen. I just hope that they captured my bravery as I ran crying." the pair of dogs laughed.
A piece of popcorn hit each of the pair in the back of the head. "Will you two knuckleheads be quiet. I'm trying to watch the previews!" a yellow mouse reached into her large tub of popcorn and shoved a handful into her mouth.
"Oh c'mon Cross. I thought we ordered that for all of us. You've eaten like half of it already and we're like twenty minutes before the movie actually starts!" John wrestled with the yellow mouse for control of the delicious treat. "Hey Mariner, can you give me a hand here?"
"Sorry John, we planned ahead and got our own popcorn. You're the one that chose to sit next to Cross. We were smart and took a seat down here next to Calypso... Hey where is Calypso anyways?" Mariner responded sarcastically.
Almost as if on cue, the light blue duck came jogging down the stairs and hopped over his friends to land in his seat. Breathing heavily, Calypso put his hands on his knees and hobbled over. "Phew, sorry guys. Was dropping off my son and got lost." huffing, he reached into Mariner and Edmund's bucket and snagged a handful if popcorn. "Nothing better than popcorn for a movie."
"Hey, get your own! This is our popcorn!" Edmund teased. Pulling the tub away from the duck's reach, he looked at the two empty seats that were next to Calypso. "I really wish that Scurvy and Melville were here to watch this with us.
Everybody looked sadly at the empty seats, before Calypso spoke up. "Ah, come on guys. No need to be all moody blue? I mean, they are on their honeymoon after all. Let them enjoy things! They said they would be stopping by in a few weeks and we can all get together and maybe we can watch it with them."
"Do you really trust Cross to not spoil the movie for them though?" John pointed to the yellow mouse who had been licking butter off her fingers.
Looking around at everyone, Cross put her hand on her chest. "I would never! Besides, how could I spoil things? The movie is about US. Like, that doesn't even make sense." the group broke into laughter. This had been the first time since their arrival in Toontown that all of them had gotten together again. Usually someone was busy, or had to cancel at the last second. "I really hope they're doing alright."
"Come on guys, like Calypso said. Tonight isn't about being sad. Tonight is about remembering out buddy here had his book turned into a movie and now we are all celebrities! We should be having fun!" Edmund spoke up.
"Yeah, he's right for once." John joked, drawing a glare from the brown dog. "C'mon everybody, let's have some fun tonight!"
As the night continued, the crowds continued to fill in the theater, soon overflowing in anticipation of such an exciting movie. As the crew looked in awe of the many Hollytoons and other celebrities who had taken part among them, a voice soon came over the loudspeaker. "Good evening everybody. Before we get started, I would first like to thank everybody for being here tonight. The cast and crew worked tirelessly to bring this magnificent story to the big screen, and I would not have been able to do this without them. It was an incredible journey, and one that cannot wait to partake in once again with all of you. Now I want you all to sit back, relax, and prepare as we venture, into The Old World."