Dippy sat at his desk. Sipping a cup of coffee, he spun around in his chair. What had just a few weeks ago been a slow, boring job had now become incredibly busy and quite stressful. Today alone there was four funerals, and that was after six the day prior. Every time somebody came, he would have to go outside to let them in. He had forgotten his jacket today, so every Toon coming in caused a small amount of dread in him. Seeing the grieving families and friends coming to mourn their friends certainly didn't help the situation. He had to try and be empathetic, when really he just wanted to be at home. It's not that he didn't feel bad, he was just tired of it all. Switching to coffee had not helped very much either. Looking out the window, up the trail three figures came into a view. A lime green dog, with two younger toons. Dippy bit his lip. "Looks like someone lost mom." he muttered to himself. Taking a swig from his mug, he stretched his legs and walked out to the front gate to welcome the trio. "Good morning everyone." he said quietly. "Are you with the group for Mr. Stupid Stupid Stupid Rabbit?"
Bloople, who had been wearing a large green scarf, unwrapped his face. Revealing his face to the freezing temperatures, he grimaced. "Petals."
"Ah, yes. So you will be up this path for a short ways. You will see the Doodle cemetery on the left. When you reach the end, turn right and you will see a gate. Go through there and you should see the rest of the party." slowly backtracking towards the warmth of his booth he quickly asked. "Will you need any help finding your war there?" asking politely, however he hoped that the Toon would say no.
"No. No. We'll be okay." Bloople responded, taking the two young Toons hands and walking as directed. Dippy quickly ran back inside and slammed the door. Grabbing his coffee, he sipped it. Sometimes he was glad to be here, because it meant he wasn't on the other side. Bloople was surprised that the cemetery was so unkempt. The grass did not look like it had mowed in months. Weeds and garbage littered the ground where grass had stopped growing. Gravestones had been knocked over, broken, or outright stolen in a few cases. Feeling as Miko and Hula's grip had tightened the further they went in, he briefly stopped and kneeled down. "Hey girls, are you two doing okay?"
"Daddy, why are we here? I thought we had school today?" Miko questioned.
Bloople looked away, trying to find an answer to the question. Before he could respond, he saw several other Toons approaching. All of them were holding singular red roses, and wearing bright green clothing. Hula called out to them before Bloople could stop her. "Your flowers are very pretty!"
An orange cat, much older than most of the others in the group put on a soft smile. "Thank you little miss. It was my daughter's favorite flower." the group continued on, not saying anything else. Bloople looked at Hula and Miko at the mention and felt his heart raise into his throat
"Come on girls, let's keep going. We're almost there." Bloople sped up his walk, as Miko and Hula struggled to keep up with him. Following the directions, he finally reached the gate. The fencing looked much newer than the rest of rusting, decaying graveyard. A golden plaque hung from the gate "Our Fallen Heroes." opening the gate, the three entered and made their way down the path to where the funeral would be starting soon. This area was much different than the rest. The grass was green, with the exception of the large amount of freshly dug graves covered with colorful flowers and pictures. Bloople felt more and more unsettled as he walked through. He had only attended two funerals in his life, both for his parents when he was a teenager. He didn't really remember much about them.
Bloople finally reached the burial place, which was already surrounded by Toons. Many of them wearing bright green, or holding flowers. Many cried. Some sat silently. That's when he saw her. Speaking with the older orange cat they had encountered earlier, he saw Clover. Like many of the other Toons she was wearing a bright green dress, holding a single rose. Reaching out she grabbed the orange cat and begun to sob. Miko tugged his jacket sleeve and looked up at Bloople. "Hey dad, it's Miss Clover. But she's crying. Is she okay?" the young mouse had an expression of worry on her face.
Deciding that he couldn't keep it a secret for much longer, he found three empty seats away from the group and sat the girls down. "Miko. Hula. I want you to listen to me very carefully, okay?" both nodded silently. They were not used to Bloople speaking so solemnly. "Girls, we're at what is called a funeral." pausing for a few moments he squeezed his hands together, unprepared for how to break the innocence of two sweet young creatures. "Girls, sometimes Toons, well sometimes things happen and Toons go sad but they don't stop being sad. Well when these Toons go sad, they disappear and don't come back.."
"So it's like dying?" Miko questioned.
"Um yeah. Well I guess it's exactly the same thing. You guys know about that already?"
Hula nodded her head slowly. "Yeah, don't you remember last year when Billie's goldfish died? He was really sad and had to stay home from school for a few days."
"Layla's mom too, a few months ago." Miko added. "We didn't see her again after that." the mouse kicked her legs slowly, saddened by the thought.
Breathing a small sigh of relief he didn't need to explain anything further, at least for now. "Exactly girls. Well you see, Miss Clover. Her sister died. We're here to let her know that we care for her and to say goodbye." Bloople looked at the cat who was now speaking with an older rose pink cat.
"Aw, I'm sorry Miss Clover!" Miko called out. Eliciting a few looks from others seated around them.
Bloople smiled sadly. "Thank you, Miko. Let's go ahead and sit and be quiet. They will be speaking soon." As the morning continued, the service started. It was an emotional affair, as it usually is when a Toon dies. It was even more tragic for someone as young as Petals died, as she was only thirty-one. Clover was one of the first ones to speak. She spoke of growing up with her sister who was her best friend, her influence on her, and a few heart-warming stories. She had started crying during her speech, having to re-group. Around him, most of the Toons had joined her in tears, including Bloople. Next up was the orange cat, named Bloom, standing up he approached the front of the group. Looking down at the coffin holding Petals' remains, he pounded the desk and began to sob.
"My baby is gone. Why, oh lord why?" he cried out. The pink cat from earlier ran onto the stage and began to comfort him. After several minutes, he regained his composure and stood up again. "I want to thank everyone for coming out today to, to say goodbye. Every parent fears this day. It's something you never want to believe that will happen to you. What can I say, other than Petals was my sweet baby. My little girl. She brought me more happiness than I ever could have imagined. She was my light in the darkest days for a long time. Raising two young daughters as a single father.. Well it certainly wasn't easy. You are forced to grow a lot as both a Toon and a father." his voice cracked, unable to fully complete sentences, Bloom continued talking. "Today I have to do the hardest thing that any parent could ever have to do, and one that I hope nobody else will ever experience. Petals, I love you. You will always be daddy's little girl and I know you are in a better place." Walking over to the coffin, he placed his hand inside and rubbed the deceased cat's cheek. Kissing her forehead, he placed his rose on top and walked away slowly, lowering his head and taking his seat.
"Ouch, dad. That hurts." Hula winced in pain as Bloople grip on her hand tightened.
"Yeah dad, can you please let go, I can't feel my hand." snapping back to reality, Bloople released his grip.
"I'm sorry girls." Bloople whispered. The rest of the event continued as normal. After the speeches commended, the Toons had an opportunity to say one last goodbye. Miko and Hula had stayed in their seats as Bloople got into the line. Toons hugged each of the family members, some placed roses on the coffin. When Bloople reached the front, he immediately went over to Clover. Neither one said anything. Bloople placed his arms around her and held her to him. The two swayed in silence. Understanding the moment. After some time, they separated, Bloople walked over to Bloom. "I'm sorry for your loss, sir." hugging the tear-worn cat.
Bloom looked at him and put on a weak smile. "You're the one with the two young girls, right?" Bloople nodded silently, looking back at the two who waved at him. "Hold on to them, and never let them go. They will be on their own before you know it. Don't let them forget how much you love them."
"Yes sir." was all Bloople could respond.
Raindrop, Cookie, and Walter creeped their way through the damp, rustic corridors. Raindrop had taken the candles from one of his birthday cakes and handed a few to each of his teammates so they could get a brief view of what was ahead. Raindrop could feel himself stepping into puddles of what felt like oil that had welled up on the ground from a dripping ceiling above. They had been walking for about twenty minutes down this same hallway. None of them wanted to speak. Before they had an experienced leader, and a small group. Now it was just three, young, inexperienced fighters. Raindrop's heart was gripped by an icy cold hand, which continued to squeeze it and drag it into his stomach and back into his throat. Sweating from the intense heat, he occasionally looked back to ensure that he was still being followed. After what seemed like an eternity, they finally reached the end where they came to a fork in the path. Raindrop turned to face the pair and get some input. "Um, which way do you guys think?"
"Um, let's go left." Walter responded slowly.
"Hmm. I was thinking right. Can't go wrong, going right, right?" Cookie contended.
Walter shrugged. "Sure, whatever. Let's go right." The group continued their search. They knew that time was limited, so they picked up the pace. Trying not to run, as the floor below them was metal and made a clanging sound if they stepped down too hard. Up ahead the three could make out a bright red light. Raindrop's face relaxed, comforted by something that wasn't darkness and metal. Turning from a slow walk into a jog, the trio forgot their earlier caution at the sight of some kind of hope. Finally reaching the end, the three's faces changed from excitement to confusion. In front of them were bright red lasers shooting down from the ceiling. On the floor, the lasers culminated in shifting shapes that looked like squares and skulls. Walter reached his arm out and stopped the two from progressing. "Hold on guys." he whispered. "I've read about these in training. I believe these are called traps."
"Oh yea, I remember these now. I believe you just need to push the button and it turns off the lasers." Raindrop pointed to a large gray button about fifty feet away. The twelve-by-twelve grid continued to change. Spots would quickly go from blank squares to red skulls. "Let's take our time and look for a pattern." before he could finish his sentence, Cookie had already started to sprint across the puzzle. Jumping out of the way of skulls, dancing his way through narrow pathways, he made his way to the other side.
"What was that Rain? You forgot that guys have the master over here." Cookie broke into a dance, celebrating his seeming invincibility.
Walter tapped his foot on the ground. "Come on Cookie, just hit the button already. You got lucky, it's not a big deal." The dark brown dog furrowed his brow at the crocodile's comment.
"Big talk from you Walter. I'd like to see you do this. Actually I bet I could do it a second time before you could do it once!" Raindrop put his hands out, trying to stop his friend, but again he was too slow. Skipping his way through, he easily made his way back. "Okay Walt, let's see what you got."
Raindrop grabbed his friend's arm. "Come on Cookie, let's just stop it. We're on a time limit, remember? Can we quit messing around?"
Cookie shoved his friend's hand off of him. "We'll be fine, Rain. This guy thinks he's better than us."
Walter threw his arms up. "Kid, you're testing my patience. Why didn't you just hit the damn button?" Throwing his gag pack down, he sighed. "Fine. If this will get us through, I'll do it. But after this, if we see a puzzle, we're not screwing around." approaching the puzzle, the crocodile gulped. He was never very fleet on his feet, and even though he had ran this through his mind, now that it was here he was scared. Taking a few steps, he began to feel his confidence increase. With his new energy, he attempted to show off like Cookie had, before landing on an unexpected skull. "Oh no!" he yelled out.
"Good job, dude!" Cookie yelled out. they watched as four laser cogs materialized out of the ceiling. All four level eleven Big Wigs. Cookie stood and watched as Walter was pulled into the battle. "You triggered it, you get out of it!" standing off to the side, he glared at the panicking Ranger.
"I don't have my gags, guys! Come on, I need help!" Walter screamed out, as he was quickly hit with back to back power trips.
Raindrop sprang into action, sprinting he grabbed the bag and flung it to Walter. Pulling out a birthday cake, he launched it and landed a direct hit on the center-left cog. Cookie continued to stand off to the side. Walter finished off the cog with a storm-cloud. The three remaining cogs attempted solo attacks on Raindrop, but were unable to hit due to the distance. Snickering, Raindrop reached in and pulled out another birthday cake. Shaking his fist as Walter's magnet pulled the cogs a bit closer, Raindrop took aim. "Happy Birthday!" he yelled, launching the cake, getting a direct hit to the face. The two celebrated as the second cog exploded. "Cookie. Come on, come help!" he screamed at his friend.
Scowling, Cookie pulled out a cream pie and tossed it, hitting the left most cog, as Raindrop and Walter had teamed up with pies on the right. Seeing an opportunity, the cogs continued their attack on Walter. After back two critical hits, Walter was visibly weakened as his laff had dropped to seventeen. "I need a toonup!" Walter yelled out.
"Cookie, can you do that? You're closer!" Raindrop yelled, reaching into his pocket for another cream pie. Walter prayed silently as he pulled out another big magnet, celebrating as his faith was rewarded. Much to the other two's surprise, Cookie pulled out a birthday cake, launching it at the orange cog on the right along with Raindrop, ensuring the cog's timely destruction.
Walter turned and threw his arms up. "What's your problem, Cookie. You trying to green me or something?"
"Sorry, didn't hear you in time." Cookie yelled out. Raindrop ran forward as the cog now posed little threat. Pulling out a jar of pixie-dust, he sprinkled the crocodile, who used a second storm cloud and watched as the final cog exploded. Each of them sat with their hands on their hips. Trying to catch their breath, they all laughed. Their first real cog battle and they had won.
Cookie walked over to the other two, sidestepping Walter. "You're welcome."
"Man, what's your problem!" Walter yelled out, running to catch up with Cookie, he grabbed him by the back of the shirt and turned him around. "Ranger, I demand an answer!"
"Pfft." Cookie responded, breaking free and continuing walking.
Raindrop was shocked. He had never seen his friend acting so erratically. Jogging forward he was soon walking with the other two. "Come on guys. We're not here to fight with each other. We need to find Mindy. We're her only hope. We gotta stay together!"
"Stay together? This guy just tried to get me greened. I'm not so convinced he's not helping the cogs!" Walter snapped his wrist towards Cookie.
"You're the one that set off that puzzle, you loser." Cookie screamed back
"Because you didn't just hit the button. We wasted valuable time because you have to act like a petulant child!" Walter was shaking with anger.
Raindrop stood in-between the two, holding his arms up. "Okay, both of you just shut up!" the pair of his comrades stopped, quieted by Raindrop's unusual burst of anger. "Seriously, both of you need to just shut-up."
"You know what. I'm going on ahead. I'll go find Mindy" Cookie yelled out, sprinting away. Raindrop and Walter looked at each other in shock. A few seconds passed, before the two realized what was going on and gave chase. hoping to avoid any other tragedies.
Rudy reached the front door of the estate. Looking at the mailbox, she took another deep breath. "Berry." Still blinded by anger from her argument just minutes ago, she quickly pounded on the door. Seconds later, the door opened, and Berry stood in front of her wearing a bathrobe and slippers. With a blank expression, he tipped his head towards the inside, letting Rudy know she could enter. Inside of Berry's house was a lot simpler than she had expected. A single reclining chair was placed in the middle of the living room. A small entertainment center held a TV, and a video game console. A couple of plants and a rug decorated the rest of the room. No pictures, no paintings, nothing else. "Interesting place you got here!" Rudy commented.
"Yeah, just moved in a few days ago. Still getting stuff set-up." Berry sat down in the recliner and pointed to the kitchen. "There's a chair. Go on and bring it out." Rudy did as she was told. Dragging a small wooden chair out, she sat down next to her co-worker. "What do you want." he asked, bluntly.
"Ugh. I just needed someone to vent to, honestly. It's just been a bad day." Rudy ran her fingers through her fur, clenching as she reached as far as her arm could go.
Berry looked at her, still devoid of emotion. "Sounds like something for Romeo to handle I would think."
"It's actually about Romeo." Rudy responded, her arm returning to its normal position. "Well, Romeo and Allen to be specific."
Leaning forward, Berry's eyes narrowed. "What a surprise. What now? Did he forget to turn off an oven and burnt a cake? Spilled the strawberry filling again?" he listed several of Allen's blunders, sarcastically.
"Allen was promoted to junior chef.." Rudy responded, waiting for a response.
"Are you kidding me?" Berry hopped out of his chair. "Guy can't even tell the difference between a tart and a fruit pie! He's gonna be a chef? That's ridiculous!"
Rudy looked at the bear pacing back and forth. She sighed. "Well that's not it. I'm pretty sure Romeo told me if I had a problem with it that I was fired." a tear started to flow. "I gave up everything for him, and this is what I get. He's gonna FIRE me? His girlfriend? I just don't get it!"shaking from anger, and uncertainty, Rudy felt Berry place his hands on her shoulders. Embracing the moment she pulled herself closer to him.
"Rudy. You are a great chef. Maybe even the best chef I have ever worked with. If he's willing to throw that away for his loser brother. Well I guess that's that. You'll find something better anyways." Berry rubbed her back, feeling Rudy purring softly.
"I guess. But I mean, I don't understand how he could act this way. Plus what about you? I don't think he's going to keep you around if I'm gone. I don't want you to lose your job either."
Berry shrugged, still holding Rudy. "It's whatever. The only reason I took this this job was for you. To be close to you. I could work anywhere I want to, you think I came to some newbie restaurant because I had to? Come on Rudy, you know I'm better than that." laughing he watched as Rudy looked up at him.
"I had a feeling. But why would you come for me?" Rudy inquired, confused about Berry's actions.
Closing his eyes, Berry waited to answer. "Because I still love you."
Rudy pushed herself away. "You don't mean that, Berry. Besides, you know that I am with Romeo now."
"Yeah, but is he with you? Sounds like he's made his decision, and it doesn't look good for you" Berry looked down. "He doesn't love you like I do. I've never stopped loving you, Rudy. Don't tell me you don't feel anything for me. There's nothing there?"
Rudy's mind raced with mixed thoughts. While she was mad at Romeo, she did love him. But what if Berry was right? "Yeah. I mean. I do still think about you sometimes.." she responded sheepishly. "But.." her response was cut off, as Berry leaned in and kissed her. Unclenching her hands, she soon reciprocated. Reaching her arms around Berry's muscular shoulders, she ran her fingers down his back until they reached a the robe's belt. Berry stepped back removed her hand. Grabbing the belt, he slowly untied it and Rudy watched as it fell to the floor. Rudy's face turned blank and her eyes widened. Her heart raced. Conflicting feelings came over her. They were soon stopped when Berry walked over and kissed her. She felt herself being raised. Rubbing Berry's arms, she once again returned the kiss as the two made their way up the stairs.
Outside of the window, a light Blue duck stood stunned. Looking at his recording device, he re-watched the moment that had just occurred. Flustered, he pulled open his Shticker Book, selecting Donald's Dock, he quickly teleported away. He had to find Romeo!