Dippy grabbed his cup of hot chocolate, slowly sipping, looking up the trail leading to his entrance gate. The Toontown Graveyard seldom received visitors, so the days would tend to be slow and uninteresting. Placing his cup down onto a coaster, he spun around his wheely chair. Up the trail two figures came into view. A pink cat, and.. a cog? The fur on the back Dippy's neck pricked up at the sight, but soon relaxed as the two became more clear. Jumping out of his seat, he wandered out into the brisk February air. The dark yellow pig chose not to wear a jacket today, as he hardly ever needed to leave his post and it was heated inside. Walking up to the gate, he pulled up the latch, opening the door. "Mayor Cupcake, it's a nice surprise to see you today ma'am. As well as you Mr. Doggenbottom." He nodded towards the tall Telemarketer walking with the cat.

Cupcake managed a brief smile, nodding back towards the pig. "Good morning, Bacon, how are you this morning?" Her face quickly relieving itself of any emotion. She grabbed the cog's hand and walked inside, listening as the gate shut behind them.

The pig waddled in front of the pair, trying not to let the fact that he was freezing show. "Just another day." he muttered. looking up at the sky dark clouds became to congregate overhead. "Looks like it's going to rain soon. Are you guys here to visit..?" His voice tailed off, at the realization why the pair was here.

"Correct, Mr. Bacon." the Telemarketer responded, cordially. "Would you mind if we made the walk alone? I'm sure you understand."

"Yes, yes, of course, Mr. Doggenbottom." The pig quickly started walking back to his station, relieved that he was not going along, not in this weather. "You guys take your time. I'll be here when you're ready to leave." Fleeing quickly into the warmth of the inside, and his cup of chocolate, he waved at the two, and closed the door.

"Come on, Cupcake. Let's get going. The pig is right, it is likely to rain soon. According to my radar, there is a ninety-two percent chance to be precise." He felt his companion's hand clenching his as they continued down the path. Rows of colorful gravestones, covered with numerous flowers, gags, and other tributes to the lost littered the grounds. It was uncommon for a Toon to become permanently sad, as they lived very long lives, sometimes into their hundreds. However it did happen, usually due to age or unfortunately for those who suffered from rare health conditions such as a broken funny bone or depression. Continuing their walk, they passed by the pet cemetery, where Doodles who had passed away were buried. Doodles tended to have much shorter lifespans than their Toon owners, and were much more susceptible to becoming sad from medical problems or neglect. Cupcake's heart always sank when she visited this place. While it was meant as a celebration of life, there was no denying that fear and anxiety that came with going completely sad. She had almost gone permanently sad many years prior, and knew just how devastating the effect could be. Making their way up a shallow hill, they entered one final gate. This was a much smaller subsection of the graveyard, one that was reserved for truly elite Toons. Those who had great legacies or had considerable impacts on Toontown history. There were only a few buried here, as Toontown itself was just years old. Cupcake herself was only thirty-seven as of today. The graves here were much more decorated and detailed than those of other Toons. Usually they had life-sized sculptures instead of a single headstone, and the grounds were well-maintained, compared to the spotty, decaying area outside. Cupcake began to tremble with emotion as they finally reached their destination.

In front of them was a colorful, life-sized portrayal of a light blue dog wearing an orange shirt and purple shorts. In one hand he was holding a Doodle, and in the other a cream pie. A large, golden name plate was attached to the platform he was standing on. "Mayor Flippy: August 2004 - February 2061. Toontown's first Mayor, Flippy Doggenbottom helped to lead Toontown past the horrible Cog Invasions. With his leadership, he oversaw their defeat and led Toontown to a new period of peace. His spirit will live on through the hearts of Toons that succeed him, and his legacy will never be forgotten." Cupcake kneeled in front of the grave. Even though it had been a year, she still could not accept the fate that had befallen her father. She began to sob uncontrollably at the sight of the former leader of Toontown. Between deep breaths, and tears she spoke to the statue. " Hey Dad. It's my birthday today. Turning thirty-seven. Can you believe it? Looks like your little girl is getting old.." Stopping she looked up, waiting in silence for several seconds. "It isn't like you not to say anything. You're usually so talkative." stopping again she wiped away the tear forming in her eye. "Please dad. Say something. Anything.."

The Telemarketer kneeled down next to the weeping cat. "He was a great Toon, Cupcake. Truly the greatest that Toontown has ever seen. Besides yourself, of course." He stopped to dab the cat's nose with a tissue. "I know he would be very proud of you. Becoming the Mayor of Toontown? Impressive. I don't think he'd want you to cry for him anyways. While he may be gone physically, he lives on in our hearts. Like the nameplate says." Wrapping his arm around Cupcake, he pulled her to him. Rain has started to drizzle, and neither of them had brought an umbrella. "Let's get going honey, it's starting to rain." Standing up and helping her to her feet, the two slowly made their way out. Turning around Cupcake faced her father's resting place one last time, giving the Toon Salute, before jogging to watch up with her husband.


In Animationville, the weather was always beautiful. The once former safe haven for cogs known as Sellbot HQ was now a bustling playground. The factories that had one populated the area and polluted the skies with smog had been repurposed into industrial Toon buildings, pumping out gags and silliness that kept Toontown going. While the other former headquarters had been re-captured as well, Animationville was the biggest of the four new playgrounds. The former site of the Vice President's office had been re-made into a large park. Tug-O-War, fishing ponds, games, and lots of trees and lush grass had now filled the once steely and oppressive atmosphere. Toons young and old would frolic through the patches of beautiful flowers, barbecue at the picnic tables, and stay to watch the sunset. Even though it was February, the sun was shining and a warm air could be felt on the Toons who were outside enjoying a gorgeous afternoon.

Sitting on a blanket in the grass, sat a family of cats. They were partaking in a silly game of Chinese Checkers that they had grabbed from a nearby table. Stopping to take a bite of a nearby sandwich, the older dark pink cat watched as his son moved his pieces two at a time, giggling to himself as he knowingly misplayed the game. "Hey, Giggles is cheating!" a young black cat, pointed to the young orange cat who had been taking his turn.

"AM not! Mom she says I'm cheating. If I was cheating, mom would say so!" The young feline teased back.

"Are so! Mom! Come on, this isn't fair! I don't want to play anymore!" Turning around, the daughter turned crossed her arms.

The matriarch of the family put an arm around her two young children, tickling them and laughing herself. "Come on you two, no more playing around. We're here to have some fun today, right? No fighting!"

The dark pink cat looked over and laughed, pieces of sandwich flying out of his mouth. "DAD. You spit on me!" The son cat yelled, annoyed.

"Oh gosh I'm sorry, Criquet!" pulling out a napkin, he wiped the kitten's face. The rest of the group all laughed.

Overhead the sky got dark. Clouds started to roll in. Something Animationville was unused to, even this time of year. Toons throughout the park stood up and looked at the sky. Some ducked under their blankets or beneath trees and watched, expecting rain. In the distance a shape began to descend from the air. Along with another. Groups of figures started to fall from the sky. "No... NO!" the black cat screamed up. Grabbing her children's hands she started to run, with the father in pursuit.

"Reessess, this can't be real?" The patriarch yelled out. "How can this be happening?"

"Mommy why are we running?" the daughter called out, as Reessess lifted her into her arms and carried her to get away faster. Sirens from afar bellowed an ear piercing screeching sound. Running behind, the older male picked up his son, holding him to his body and followed his wife to a large building in the center of the park, where streams of other Toons fled. "Animationville HQ." The building had printed in large colorful text.

Looking outside, Reessess waited for the last Toon to flood in. Slamming and locking the door behind her she sprinted back to where her family was standing. "Wiggle. We need to send for help." Dazed by what was happening, she looked around to see crying Toons, old and young. "The cogs have returned.." she managed to whisper, sliding into a seated position on the ground. "The cogs... have returned."