Work Text:
Misty looked into the little abode they called home, it was small and sometimes a bit cramped due to the amount of paperwork they had to fill, especially that one time with High Roller. But nevertheless it felt homey to her. With gifts given to her by friends to the furniture that came included with residency, it was a safe space for them.
She quickly got changed into some pajamas, doing their best to fix up any damage she took during battle. She grimaced at the charred markings left by zap gags, they tried their hardest to erase the spots off their body but it was futile. Some stuff was just irreparable to fix. ‘Scars’ as Toons called it, though for a cog the part could be repaired and replaced.
She sighed and finished up, taking off her mask, trying to avoid looking at the area around her mouth. There was a reason she wore a mask. It only reminded them of all the terrible things they’ve been through. The sound of screeching took her out of the thought, she accidentally pulled out the chair too fast, causing the terrible noise. Right, they had something more important to think about. Quickly filing their thoughts they collected some pens and papers, thinking what she should write down.
Her mind began to fog as she remembered the events prior before landing home. The last group of Toons that fought them, spared her at the last second, at their most vulnerable. They couldn’t wrap their head around as to why they would but she was very thankful anyhow. She didn’t know how to deal with the Toons just standing there in silence. They were at her mercy, but since they weren’t attacking her, did they want something else? She racked her brain as to what they wanted but came up with nothing. So they told the polite Toons about the things that pained her the most.
Maybe she could make a connection…?
She tightly grasped the pen she had grabbed, recalling all the things that other cogs have done to her, said to her, hurt her. She felt a tear slide down her cheek, threatening to drop on the paper she had yet to start writing on. She wiped the tears away and started to write the letter.
The reason why they were writing the letter was to let anyone know, she was running away. Quitting technically. But they knew if she was to tell one of the higher ups they wanted to quit, she’d most likely be fired. They’ve heard rumors of bad things happening to cogs that were trying to quit and promptly fired out of a cannon. She didn’t dare to attempt to resign, fearing she’ll end up like those poor unfortunate cogs.
She sighed and began to lay out her reasons and farewells. Especially to her friends who’d most likely worry for her, the thought wanted to make her cry.
Dear to whoever reads this,
I am leaving. Which I’m deeply saddened to say but I can’t take it anymore. That doesn’t mean I’m shutting down or anything! I just can’t function in the work environment I was placed in. The mistreatment and hostility I’ve faced while working under C.O.G.S. Inc. is too intense for me to handle. Some days I’d come home with more injuries caused from cogs than Toons! It just makes me want to drift away, to be forgotten, it hurts so much… So I’ve decided I’ve had enough and I’m leaving for good. I know some of you reading this will miss me, Mary, Belle, Chip… I’ll miss you guys too. But I know I’ll see you all again. It's just a matter of time. I just need some time to get better. So don’t worry too much about me, okay? I don’t have much of a plan as to where I’m going but I have ideas! Again, I care for you all, my friends, and I’ll promise I’ll be okay! I swear!
Sincerely, Misty Monsoon.
She looked down at the farewell note, reading over it multiple times for mistakes or missing things she wanted to share. Specifically if it involved any hints to where she had planned to go. In honesty she wanted to try to reach out to the Toons, to ask them if she could stay with them. They knew the dangers of Toons being a Cog’s mortal enemy, she couldn’t help but want to give it a shot. Since what happened earlier today gave them the push she needed to pursue this decision.
She overheard a conversation between a group of Toons wanting to befriend cogs, then during her battle the same Toons were there, showing her mercy. If Toons were willing to listen to her, then she could try to listen to them. Maybe they could become friends! Hopefully they wouldn’t throw cakes at the sight of her.
She was anxious but didn’t deny the new feeling of hope. For a better life, a better future. Yes, the life she would be leaving now was not good, there were still aspects of it she would miss. Like hanging out with Mary and listening to her ramble about marine life to sweet Belle helping her finish paperwork and let her snack on her famous cookies, and Chip.. They didn’t talk much but somehow they managed to grow close, preferring similar situations, being alone but still held conversations. Though sometimes the interactions were one sided depending how the other was feeling, they were there to listen and comfort each other with kind words. To her, the three made her life as a Lawbot a bit more bearable. But deep down she knew her work life would flood their personal life like a monsoon, which happened… Too often, too much. She didn’t want to drown.
She’d miss them all so much, they almost didn’t want to go, but the odds were against her. If they tried to work any longer for the company she might break. It was just too big of a risk, a danger for her to continue.
She closed the letter and placed it in an envelope. With their signature ‘Monsoon’ written in cursive with a small cloud above it. She had a small habit to doodle clouds on her work so if anyone doubted it wasn’t her who wrote the letter, Belle would be there to defend the idea.
She pushed off the table and got up from her seat, walking over to her fridge which was mostly empty other than for a couple cans of oil. She took out one and brought it with her to the bedroom. She made sure everything was prepared beforehand. Her suitcase was mainly packed with her work clothes besides some pajamas, it was all she had.
They got ready for bed, it was the same thing over and over again on loop, it felt like a job too but she brushed the idea off. Taking a few more sips of oil before snuggling into her bed. Cuddling her deep-sea fish plushie close, a gift from Mary, and promptly fell asleep.
They awoke to a loud ringing, her alarm. She rolled over and turned it off. She groaned as she sat up, parts of their body creaking, needing to be tinkered. She ignored it, knowing today was too important to detour off the original path.
She quickly changed and made breakfast, double checking her suitcase and packing away anything else she might've missed. She grasped the plushie close to her chest, feeling anxiety rise in her core, she took a second to practice some breathing exercises that Belle had taught her to help calm down.
They started to feel a bit guilty, she didn’t want to leave, she didn’t want to leave Mary. Cog. She wanted to tell Mary what she was doing but they didn’t want anything bad to happen to her if another cog overheard.
She felt tears swell around her eyes, she wiped them away and placed on their mask. She took the letter and placed it on the kitchen table. As she reached for the door, she couldn’t help but look back at her home one more time. A tightness in her core grew as she rested her hand on the doorknob. She had to push herself to open it. Once she did. It felt.. Like she wasn’t chained anymore, she was going to be free.
She stepped through the door, suitcase tight in her hand, she locked the door and hid the key under the doormat. She didn’t need it anymore to where she was going. The device that helped her fly popped atop her head and they flew off with a feeling of lightness in their chest.
She rolled along her suitcase close to her side, looking around as music filled her hearing receptors and sights were filled with various vibrant colors. She’s heard of the place before, this was where all new Toons come to start their journey. This was…
Toontown Central.
She took a couple steps forward, it was early morning, none of the shops looked open and she could see a handful of Toons strewn about. None of the Toons had noticed her until she heard one loudly announce to their friend there was a cog and ran into a building. She noticed the building had a sign on it, squinting to get a better look, she could see in bold letters it said Headquarters. Before she could form a thought a squeaky voice broke her concentration.
“There's a lawbot in Toontown central.” Misty overheard a mouse Toon whisper.
“Isn't that one of the kudos managers?” Came from another.
She could feel eyes stare at her, watching, she turned her head from left to right, seeing that more Toons popped out of black holes, their odd but convenient way of transportation. She felt herself shrink, she couldn't move out of fear. They knew they shouldn’t have gone here, what were they thinking?!? Before she could turn and make a run for it, a brightly red colored dog ran up to her.
Automatically she dropped her suitcase and used her arms to guard herself, the dog seemed to show pity at the reaction. The dog coughed into its gloved hand, waiting for them to understand it wasn’t going to hurt her.
After a moment they lowered their arms, prying one eye open to look at the Toon. It's not attacking me.
“How’d you find yourself in Toontown Central?” It asked, she was taken aback at its hospitality, a Toon trying to converse with a cog? Unheard of! Speaking to them directly??? Unbelievable!
“I- Uhh.. I was.. I am..” She slowly fizzled into mumbling, they were extremely nervous.
“Cat got your tongue? No worries.. How about I introduce myself instead?” Going straight into introductions? She didn’t really prepare for that! “I’m Lord Lowden Clear, a part of the-” It stopped before continuing on. “Nevermind that. Who are you?”
She was being put on the spot. “Oh! I’m Rainmaker, uh. Misty, Misty Monsoon. You call me Mx. or Miss. Or just my name! Thats-That's fine too.” Why was she stuttering so much? They’ve said this thousands of times. Why is it so difficult?
The dog smiled, it was off putting to them, never had a Toon smile at her before, or show her kindness. Well except for that fight but they still hurt her.
“Well it's nice to meet you Mx. Monsoon. You can call me Lowden, no Mister needed. But I do need to get to the point. Why are you here? You do know cogs aren't usually welcomed here?”
Misty couldn't help but have her voice soften, accepting if she was going to be denied. “Yes. I know. But I’m.. I’m very desperate. You see. I can’t work for C.O.G.S. Inc. anymore.. My coworkers are mean, they’ve hurt me more than anyone Toon could understand. I just wanted to escape that life. I was hoping I could find something here. If you're okay with that of course, you don’t have to, I can leave if you want me to. I should just.. I’m sorry this was stupid.”
Misty started to turn, grabbing her suitcase, feeling ashamed trying to talk with a Toon. Her thoughts started to fog until a hand grasped her’s.
She looked back at Lowden, he gave her another smile before speaking.
“Don’t apologize! I get where you’re coming from. I’ve heard alot about C.O.G.S. unethical work environment, notably how terribly they treat their employees. I can’t begin to imagine how much pressure you’d feel on a daily basis. But don’t fear! A part of the Resistance is trying to make connections with cogs by attempting to befriend them. You could even help us! So I, Lord Lowden Clear, welcome you with open arms!” Lowden opened his arms for a hug, Misty was still unsure and didn’t reciprocate.
“Anyways. We can’t just let cogs in, you might try to gain important information! So I’m going to have someone supervise you. A buddy! And I know the perfect candidate.” Lowden suddenly grabbed a phone from nowhere and called someone, telling them to meet him soon. He then hung up and continued to talk to them. “They’re a really nice Toon, you might even recognize them! They’re one of the four who’s been tirelessly trying to talk with cogs.”
That made Misty’s gears turn, maybe they did meet the Toon? Could it be one of the Toons from the battle? Could they be friends? Even after putting them through so much? She knew her powers could be dangerous, especially during the right conditions.
Soon enough a hole appeared from the ground and popped out a mint-colored raccoon. It wore an apron that was covered in grease and grime. A belt hung from its hip, holding various types of tools in its pockets. It looked like it was in the middle of something.
“What do ya need me from Lowd- AH! ‘Deres a cog in Centra-” Lowden shoved a finger against the shocked Toon's lips, making it hush in a second. Once he pulled away the Toon started to talk. “Why hello ‘dere, Uh.” The Toon leaned in and whispered to Lowden. “Dats Rainmaker. What’s ‘em doing ‘ere?”
So the Toon did know her.
“I’m here cause I want to start a new life. I can do anything in my power to help you all but I can’t return to C.O.G.S.” Misty told it, hoping the raccoon Toon would pity her. “Please.”
A few seconds of silence passed with the raccoon scratching its chin, thinking.
The raccoon snapped their gloved paws. “Ah yes! I remember ya! You said some things the other day! I was hoping you were alright after ya disappeared in ‘da fog. I didn’t know you hated ‘dat company so badly, but I’m more than happy to teach ya everything!” Before the raccoon could ramble longer Lowden told it to introduce itself.
“Ah right. Where are my manners? I’m Beni ‘da Blacksmith. I go by they ‘n them. I work closely with studying anything and everything about cogs, I could even repair ‘em if I wanted. Oh and I work with the Resistance but I have my own little crew that's more centered on befriending cogs, but Lowden’s probably already told you that. Am I talkin’ too much? Yeah I think I am. Anyhow it's nice to me ya!” They shoved their hand out to Misty, Misty took the offer and shook theirs before pulling away, wiping off some grease that got onto her hand against her pants leg.
She couldn’t help but smile under the mask, the chilling anxiety slowly eased and became replaced with a sense of warmth.
“It's nice to meet you too. I hope we can be friends.”
“You sure bet! I’m friends with almost everyone ‘ere, don't worry about telling me if something is bothering you. I’m sure I can help. But first let's get ya acquainted with a room before we do anything big.”
Lowden, happy seeing the cog being cared for, left the two be. Making sure he’d have to tell the others about the newest member. If he could start to call them that.
“Jellybeans are our way of currency so cogbucks are useless. Unless you’re willing to give them away to a Toon in need of a suit.” Beni informed Misty as she looked around Beni’s estate. Beni had told Misty to drop their stuff off so she wouldn't have to lug it around Central.
“I see. So how can I get jellybeans? Do I need to get a job?” She asked while looking at some pictures on the wall.
“Nah. Instead you can play trolley games, sell fish, do tasks for Toons, and fight cogs.. But you don’t have to do that last one. Here, you can have some of mine.” Misty held out her hands, as instructed, and a pile was poured into it. “Oh and ya need a jar to carry ‘em.” Beni was quick to retrieve a jar from one of the cabinets in their kitchen.
“Wow. This is so.. Cool. Thank you so much Beni.” Misty said as she placed the jellybeans in the jar, holding it up so she could look closer at it.
“Anytime. Now, how about you go put ya stuff in the guest bedroom. It's right next to mine. Hope you don’t mind the interior or anything. My friend sometimes hangs here during cog invasions so I let ‘em decorate it.”
Misty had forgotten about cog invasions, those announcements always made her panic. The sounds of marching cogs and cries of worried Toons filled could be heard by them every time it happened. It made her sick, she grasped the edges of their suit, starting to feel fear rise in her chest. They had to remember she was safe here, she was okay. She took a second to center themself again before leaving to the guest room.
Entering said guest room, they admired the star patterned theme, interested in exploring all the nooks and crannies of the room, putting away the clothes in the process. Along with the cans of oil she had brought, placing them on the table next to the bed. She took a second to sit on the bed, feeling the nicely knitted quilt under her fingers. Belle would probably love to make a quilt, maybe she already did and Misty never asked. If only she had the time to talk with her more out of work, but those moments are few and far between. Besides the club Belle hosted but the socialization factor scared Misty off from attending.
Once done making the guest room ‘officially’ their bedroom. It was time to learn! She couldn’t deny she was a little excited to learn more about Toons, interested in all the activities they did besides battling cogs. Maybe it would actually be fun than what cogs find ‘fun.’ Hopscotch was the only activity she could recall Toons liked but the last time she offered someone to participate in hopscotch… It ended very badly.
After getting settled in, Beni showed Misty the phone and how it worked. Even helping her order some clothes that would fit them. Misty was surprised how fast the package was delivered, excited with the new set of clothes she was given. A semi-formal long sleeved shirt and a pair of shorts, she wasn’t familiar with wearing shorts so she opted to wear her business pants.
“Oh this is wonderful. I’m so grateful you’re willing to help me.” Misty spoke as she looked at themself in the mirror, ruffling their messy hair in the process. It was a nice whitish lavender color. A happy color she wanted to call it. She couldn’t help but mess around with it. It was so fluffy and pretty, the atmosphere around her felt a little lighter.
“Of course! We Toons gotta help our friends, even cogs too!” Beni patted her on the back before noticing the oil cans on the table next to her bed. “Would you like to place those in the fridge?”
Misty didn’t reply, she was frozen in shock, bewildered. Did they just refer to them as their friend?
“Oh thank you!” Misty couldn’t help but scoop Beni up in her arms and embrace them in a tight hug. Knocking the air out of them in the process, Beni at first was alarmed but soon hugged back. Misty then realized she was suffocating Beni with their grip so she quickly let them go. “I’m so sorry, I was so happy that you called me your friend.” After taking in what she said she continued. “Sad.. I know. But hearing it from a Toon instead of a cog is special to me. Sorry if I scared you…” She tapped her fingers together, embarrassed.
Beni waved her off while grabbing the cans of oil. “Don’t cha worry about a thing. It's better to express yourself than to hold back.” Misty smiled and nodded, wiping a few tears away with her finger. “How ‘bout we put these away and get ya a tissue?”
When Beni had brought Misty to their estate, they originally walked there and talked deeply about the differences of Cog and Toon culture. Now, Beni wanted to test if she could also use the portal, Beni had assured her it was safe and wouldn’t last long. They were only going to be teleporting from Beni’s home to Central, specifying there was more to learn.
Beni grabbed the two dimensional black hole from their pocket and threw it to the ground. Misty looked down at it in utter confusion but wonder. How does it work? She thought.
“I don’t actually know how it works to be honest but it's very helpful when low on Laff or a friend needs help.” She must've said that aloud…
“Interesting. But how do you know where you’re going?”
“Using my imagination! Or something like ‘dat. You have ta’ focus your mind on the place ya wanna be and throw down ‘da portal and hop in! Here, you can hold my hand if it makes you feel better.” Beni offered their hand up to Misty.
“That would be great. Thank you.” She grasped their hand in her’s, feeling a tight squeeze of reassurance.
“Counting down from three, take a deep breath and hop in when I say one. Sounds good?”
“Yes.”
“Alright let's do this!”
Misty felt a pang of nervousness course through her wires as she heard Beni begin the countdown.
“Three.”
She squeezed her eyes shut.
“Two.”
They grasped Beni’s hand tight.
“One!”
She jumped forward with Beni in hand and felt the solid ground under her disappear. She had to hold back a scream and just had to trust Beni was telling them the truth.
She then opened her eyes as the ground suddenly made contact with her feet, it happened so fast. It made her slightly disoriented, she released her hand from Beni’s and leaned over, trying to steady her dizzy mind.
“I forgot to say you might get a little unbalanced. Thankfully the feeling doesn't last long so don’t worry, you’ll get used to it in no time.” Beni said as they patted them on the shoulder. “I’m going to invite some pals to make a group.” She only nodded as she looked around again, now taking the time to read the signs on the buildings and observe the Toons running around the place, chatting amongst themselves. It was fascinating to see them in such a calm and happy setting, no fighting or bullying. They were just living happily without a worry in the world, she internally felt guilty for contributing to the takeover of their home. If only she wasn’t as airheaded when applying for the job initially, especially for the manager position.
“Hi, Beni the Blacksmith.” She overheard a new voice say, turning her attention to a taller Toon in front of Beni. The Toon was a dark blue cat with checkered patterned clothes with swirly glasses, she recognized them!
“Beni, is this one of the Toons that were with you when you fought me?” Misty asked, standing behind Beni, a little shy of the other Toon. Who knows how they’d treat them?
“Yes. This is Lanky Longhorn. He’s one of the three Toons who’s a part of my team.”
“Yup! You’re Miss Monsoon right? Beni told me over a whisper you ran away from that stinky company. I wouldn’t have guessed you had the bravery to do it!” Lanky laughed with a grin, holding out a fist to her. They were confused as to what he was trying to do but copied the hand formation. He bumped his fist against theirs and made an explosion noise as he twiddled his fingers away.
“Yeah.. I guess that was pretty brave of me.. Thank you Lanky.” They felt somewhat elated about the compliment the cat Toon gave her, they weren’t used to having so much positive attention so it was nice to feel appreciated.
“Yeah no prob! When’s we gonna get the fun train chugging? I’m pumped for Trolley games!”
“We’re still waiting for Sheila, she said she was grabbing some thi-” “HI GUYS!” Misty flinched, instinctively trying to hide herself behind Beni. A pink-colored dog joined the three, she had on a floral shirt and skirt, topped off with a flower crown. It looked really pretty to Misty. Didn’t they see a garden through the window of the bedroom? Maybe Beni would allow her to make one for themself.
“Oh golly! Sorry I didn’t mean to frighten you, Mrs. Rainmaker.” Sheila said with a concerned tone. “Are you okay?”
“Yes I’m alright. You can just call me Misty. I don’t really have the title ‘Rainmaker’ anymore.” Misty grabbed her arm, trying to find some comfort within herself.
“Well I think Misty fits you more anyways. It's more.. You. Y’know?” Sheila replied, cupping her hands together with a smile, Misty smiled back, even if Toon couldn’t see it. Beni was about to speak up before Lanky interrupted.
“What about Quackers?” Lanky questioned. Beni was quick to reply. “He’s offline now so I don't think he's awake right now.” Lanky nodded. “Ah, probably stayed up all night fishing again. Y'know how much they love their bingo.”
The group laughed together and Misty giggled along, wondering who Quackers was and why they would stay up just to fish. “That's silly of them.” Misty mumbled aloud, not aware the others heard them.
“You think that's silly? Wait till you see all the different fish you can catch!” Lanky budded in with a smile. Beni spoke up with their own comment. “The clown fish always puts me in a good mood if I ever find myself sad.”
“I guess we’re going fishing, but first I made Misty something.” Sheila said as she grabbed something out of her pocket. “Here’s a cape I made for you. It says you're friendly so Toons won’t attack you. Maybe you could make some friends too!” Sheila handed the cape to Misty who quickly tied it around her shoulders and spun around with it, giggling how happy it made her. Ignoring internally she is still seen as an enemy by others.
“Are we all ready now?” Beni asked, Lanky gave a thumbs up while Sheila nodded. Misty clapped her hands happily and exclaimed. “Yes!”
The group spent the entire day fishing, learning about gags and how to use them thanks to Professor Pete. Winning a few Trolley games, Misty found she favored games that involved memory. Although the Trolley had the downside of any game that involved Cogs had to be skipped, they didn’t want to risk anyone knowing they were now on the Toon’s side. Even so, Misty prided herself, claiming that it was the most fun they had, ever! She hummed with content, smiling softly as she recalled her favorite parts of the day.
She took a sip of some cogfee they made with the unused coffee machine Beni had, saying they had won it at a Toonsmas party. Cogs never partied, a banquet, maybe, but they never threw parties where everyone was loose and free, it was way different. You had to wear your department’s designated suit, a tie or bow at a specific length and color, it was always treated with the utmost serious attention. It could get tiring fast, which was why she usually followed her friends around, anchoring at their side so they weren’t alone, fearful of drifting away in a sea of cogs that they didn’t know.
That made them think. How were her friends doing? Did they know she was gone? How were they reacting to the letter? They grasped the mug tighter, feeling sadness well up inside as her hair turned into a dark blue-ish gray. She grabbed out the handkerchief Beni had given her and wiped a few forming tears away.
“Are you okay?” Beni asked as they heard a sniffle erupt from Misty, looking up from their dinner to see the hair change in color, doubling as a way Misty expressed emotion.
“I miss my friends.. They were always nice to me, and I left them! Why did I do that? I know, I know why… But I never told them that I was leaving. O-other than a letter I left.” Misty couldn’t stop the tears from flowing down their face, she felt so remorseful, guilty. Why, why, why? She was so selfish for leaving them, why couldn’t they just be good at her job and not a burden to their friends. She should’ve just sucked all the pain up. “Why couldn’t I have been built stronger? I’m such a weak cog compared to all the others, just a cry baby.” She covered her face with her hands, ashamed.
Misty felt a pair of arms wrap around her side, feeling a soothing hand rub up and down her back, letting her cry out and give an ear to what she had to say. After a while they hugged Beni back once the sniffling subsided, the heaviness in her core started to feel lighter as they just silently embraced Beni.
A few minutes of quietness passed with Beni making the first move by pulling away, looking Misty straight in her eyes.
“Misty. You aren’t a weak cog at all. Lanky even said you were brave enough to walk into the Central, by yourself! Do you know how hard that must've been? But you did that! That’s probably why your friends like you! You’re strong enough by being yourself in a place that isn't as rewarding to that approach. They’re your friends ‘cause you were being yourself. I’m positive they care about you enough to understand why you made this decision, even if it might’ve been a hard one.”
Misty slowly nodded, wiping away another tear. “I guess you're right. Thank you Beni. I hope I’m not a burden to you…”
“What? Not at all! You were never a burden. Stop thinking that way, it's not true.” Beni’s tone softened. “What's true is that you're a sweet and considerate cog that wants friends. Would you like to tell me more about what you wrote in your letter? I can help make you feel better about it.”
Misty’s frown slowly turned into a smile. “Yeah. I’d like that.”