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In the forests of Acorn Acres a fierce battle was being waged. The Cogs were planning to take over the whole of Walnut Way and claim it for Cogs. Inc. The Toon Resistance was not about to let this happen and rallied the soldiers of Acorn Acres to push them back! Resistance Ranger Ridge and Professor Pi held themselves up at the entrance to Acorn Acres on Walnut Way along with many Resistance Members. Together they lead the Resistance push against the Cogs. But things weren't looking good.
"Latest report from the front sir! Multiple Cogs have been able to take 2 more buildings!" A Resistance Toon reported with his hand in a salute over his forehead.
"Drat! We were so close to getting those back." Ridge snapped his fingers at the news. "We'll just need to push harder to take them back!"
"I don't think that's going to work Ridge." Another voice called out from behind. Ridge turned to see Professor Pi walking towards him. She was holding an empty survival kit in her hand. "The new recruits have been pushing as hard as they can. And some of them have been getting injured. Lots of bruises and stamp marks."
Ridge ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. "AGH! Why are the Cogs suddenly attacking so hard?! I need to whip some recruits into shape fast!"
"Umm, Ridge? Can I ask something?" The reporting Toon spoke up, drawing Ridge's attention back to him.
"Sure, go ahead. But make it quick!" Ridge responded in his stern drill sargent voice.
"Do you think we'll be able to stop the Cogs before Toonsmas Day?"
Ridge and Pi were both caught off guard by the Toon's question. They both had been so caught up in the fighting that they completely forgot that Toonsmas Day was just one week away. Ridge had planed to wave off any question the Toon asked with a strong 'work harder' response. But he couldn't bring himself to do that with this question. "I... I don't know son. The Cogs aren't letting up any time soon. And we can't just let them take the street. I'll do the best I can to end this fighting by Toonsmas. Can you do the same?"
Ridge's inspiring words gave the Toon hope, and he responded with a proud "Yes sir!" Then he ran off to help the other Resistance Members.
Pi leaned in closer to Ridge. "Do you really think we can win this by Toonsmas?" She asked, filled with doubt as she looked at her green horse compatriot.
"Not by ourselves. But maybe..." Ridge slowly pulled out his small green Chatterbox that Toons used to talk to eachother from a distance. He switched it to Whispers and typed in an old name.
Pi's eyes went wide as she saw Ridge do this. "Ridge! Are you absolutely sure?! That guy is a nutjob! And if you wake him up, he won't go back for a while. Is his help really worth the mayhem?"
Ridge held his thumb over the send button, contemplating if this was really the best choice. "We have to. We need the Sargent back. He's our only-"
A loud crash sound interrupted Ridge and shook the whole Resistance camp! It shook so much that Ridge fumbled his Chatterbox and dropped it! "No! Where'd it go?!" He shouted out once he regained his balance.
"What was that?!" Professor Pi stumbled, waving her arms to try and regain her footing.
Just then a wave of Resistance Toons ran towards the front lines where the sound came from. "Massive Cog attack! They're trying to take the last of the street!" One of them cried as they all rushed to fight back. Ridge and Pi decided it was more important to help the Toons fight back than look for the lost Chatterbox. They followed and saw a horde of Cogs advancing. Some shot fire while others spewed ink from fountain pens. Toons were getting attacked while launching pies back and spraying with fire hoses.
Ridge rushed over to some Toons who were chucking pies and joined in on the barrage. "PI! YOU HELP THE OTHERS!" He shouted out to his feline companion.
Professor Pi immediately got to work healing up the other Toons with Confetti Canons and Pixie Dust. She was doing everything she could to make sure all the Toons were in fighting shape. But, there was only so much she could do.
The Cogs didn't let up. They seemed endless in numbers and overwhelming in fire power. Something Ridge realized when he ran out of pies to chuck. "I'm out! I don't know if we can take them!" The battle seemed lost. And just as Ridge was about to call for a retreat, losing the street to the Cogs, a small brown thing flew past his face. "Huh?" He said as he tracked the path of the thing. Whatever it was it landed at the feat of the advancing Cogs.
"What's that?" A Head Hunter wondered as he leaned down to see what the thing was. "Is that, a pinecone?"
*BOOM!!!*
The pinecone exploded in a massive blast that sent the Head Hunter flying into the Cogs behind him! Knocking them all to the ground! Tiny shards of pinecone flew out and scratched up the suits of other Cogs. Just when the noise seemed to settle, even more pinecones landed and started blasting away Cogs.
The Toons looked on in awe. The Cog advance had been halted by this suprise attack. They were so enamored that none of them noticed the lone Toon charging through the crowd. A light brownish grey Squirrel Toon clad in camo cloths, heavy boots, and flat metal helmet was weaving his way through the crowd of Toons. He got to the front and lept into the air off of a stump. As he flew, the Toon pulled an arms length hollow log off of his back and pointed it at the Cogs. "EAT ACORN!!!" He yelled before squeezed a trigger on one of the log's hand grips. A giant acorn was launched out of the log and fired towards the Cogs. It hit one of them and exploded sending Cogs flying over buildings and filling the area with the scent of roasted nuts.
"RUN!!!" On of the Cogs ordered in a panic. Soon, all of the Cogs were running for their lives. Leaving behind a shocked group of Toons.
The lone Squirrel looked over the area, checking to see if any Cog stragglers were left behind. "Coast is clear. Enemy has retreated." The Toon swung his log weapon onto his back before dusting off his hands.
Now that the dust had settled, Pi and Ridge were able to get a good look at their savior. And they both knew who it was. "Well well well, look what the Squirrel dragged in! Still trying to find your nuts?" Ridge called out to the Toon.
The Squirrel Toon turned to face Ridge. A stern look on his face as he spoke in a gruff voice. "You couldn't find a nut if it was on the end of your long face!"
"At least I don't cover my head with a dinner plate!"
"Unlike you, I've got something to protect in my head!"
Both Toons approached eachother as they slung insults. They got up face to face and stared eachother down. Until they both broke out in laughter together. Ridge leaned far back while the Squirrel put his hand on his knee. "Ridge! You old horse! You're alive!" The other Toon said, wiping a tear from his eye.
"I didn't know if my message would get to you!" Ridge explained, relieved that the backup he called for had actually came.
"Of course old friend! Once I got that message all I had to do was follow the sound of combat! The rest was easy."
"Ahem..." Pi interrupted the two Toons' reunion. "Hello again Legumer."
The Squirrel took a moment to look over Pi. His face returning to the more serious look he had before. He wasn't as fond of her as he was of Ridge. "That's Sargent Legumer kitty. And what are you doing on the battlefield?"
"I'm keeping all of the Toons healthy, that's what. And why are you questioning me? From what I remember, you got kicked out of the Resistance for your methods being too extreme." Pi reminded the Sargent of the last time they met.
"My methods got the job done!" Legumer cut in. "And besides, the other top brass were basically begging me to stay. But I decided to leave so the greenhorns could have some rust buckets to themselves."
Ridge put himself between Pi and Legumer who looked like they were about to fight. "Hey hey! Let's both just calm down now. Pi, we called Sarge here to help fight back the Cogs. Sarge, just because Pi was one of the Toons who voted to kick you out doesn't mean you're enemies. Can we all just work together to get this fight won by Toonsmas?" Ridge looked at Pi, then to Legumer, waiting for both of them to make up and agree to work together.
Though she was reluctant to work with Legumer again, Pi eventually offered her hand to shake. Legumer waited a moment, before accepting it and shaking back. "If we have to work together, then so be it." She accepted.
"Roger that. Wait a minute, did you say before Toonsmas? What day is it?!" Legumer asked in a suprised voice with raised eyebrows.
"Deceber 18th. Did you not know that?" Ridge was a bit confused at Legumer's suprise.
"NEGATIVE! I've been sleeping the whole month away! I had no idea what day it was! Where are the troops? We need to rally now!" Legumer whipped himself into a frenzy. Looking around with wild eyes for any kind of camp or central building.
"These are our troops." Pi said gesturing with an open hand to the wrecked area and gathered Toons. Legumer was expecting something a bit more impressive. Not a small crew of Toons.
"...well, I'll have to really rally these troops..." The Sargent got up on a fallen log and tried to get everyone's attention. Most of the Toons were either too tired to notice him, or too busy fixing things around the street to pay attention. Frustrated, Legumer pulled a pinecone grenade off of his bandolier and pulled the pin with his thumb. He held the cone in his hand for a bit, then tossed it into the air. The grenade exploded with a loud bang that got all the Toons to look towards Legumer. "Atteeeeeention!!! My name is Sargent Legumer. You may refer to me as such or as Sargent. Right now you are all soldiers, fighting in one of the most important wars of our time. The enemy is strong. And they are many. BUT THAT WILL NOT STOP US! We are soldiers! We carry this war on our shoulders! We fight for the safety of our home and countrymen! We're not gonna just let those tin cans walk all over us! We're gonna fight back! We're gonna win! And we're gonna send em back to whatever hole they crawled out of! Now who's with me!" With his fist held high, Legumer got all of the Toons to cheer along with him, letting out rallying cries and fighting yells! The Toons were renewed and ready to fight for their home!
...
Over the course of 3 days, Ridge, Professor Pi, and Sargent Legumer led the small Toon Resistance group in multiple attacks against the Cogs who had taken Walnut Way. Legumer pointed out that the street had a short cut that led straight into the Cog occupied zone. This could be used to launch suprise attacks on the Cogs. With the Sargent's guidance (and firepower) the Toons attacked the Cogs from behind enemy lines, loosening their hold on the street. It seemed like the Toons may drive out the Cogs in time for Toonsmas day. An outlook that gave the Toons hope. And one that caused the Cogs distress. Two Cogs took it particularly hard. The two leading the takeover of the street. Spruce Campbell, the Treekiller. And Chip Revvington, the Chainsaw Consultant.
The Cut to the Chase! Logging Co. building was being used as the base of operations for the street takeover. Chip was inside of his office there with Spruce. Both Managers were discussing the recent surge in Toons counterattacks. Baffled by how the Toons could take back so much of the street after they nearly got driven out.
"It just don't make sense lad. They should 'av been felled in dat last attack! What happaned?" Spruce asked with both hands on his head as he stood in front of Chip's desk.
"Sigh... I don't know. It's like they suddenly got a second wind and started fighting back." Chip grumbled, leaning his head back to look up at the ceiling.
"Nay lad, it's more than that. It's like they've gotten more agressive. More violent. Something amiss with teh Toons I tell yah." Spruce explained. Starting to sound a little like a conspiracy theorist.
As the two Managers talked a knock was heard at the door. Neither one really cared to have company right now. So they just ignored it. Then another knock was heard. Much louder this time. Still, they ignored it and hoped whatever Cog was on the other side would just give up and leave them alone. This did not happen and the knock escalated into a loud banging on the door. Spruce had had enough of the noise, and yelled "Will yah just bleedin' leave us alone!!"
*CRACK*
A fist sailed right through the handles of the double door sending them both flying past the Manager duo! An orange metal fist stuck through the hole where the handles once were. Spruce and Chip were both startled by this, and had their attention fixed on the now broken doors. Slowly, the doors creaked open showing who had punched through them. A tall Cog in a brown suit with black pinstripes stood on the other side. Atop his shoulders was a head that resembled a tiger. He had an orange metal base with black stripes, sharp cheek "fur," and two small round ears on top of his head.
Once the doors had stopped the Cog looked up at the still startled Managers in the office. "Oh good, you are here! I was getting worried when no one answered the door. Then I heard some yelling and thought something was wrong. But it looks like everythings fine in here!" The Cog laughed loudly after explaining his actions.
Chip was the first one to snap out of his shock and actually say something to this new Cog. "The door was unlocked... You could have tried opening it first before punching a hole through it."
"Oh, was it? Haha! Sorry about that! I'll have some people come fix it up later." The Cog said without a hint of embarrassment or regret on his face. Just the same grin he had the moment he stepped in.
"Fahget about tah door! Who the blazes areh youh!?" Spruce yelled, pointing aggressively at the Cog.
"Right! Introductions! I'm Blake Stripe, the Tiger Boss! The newest muscle added to the Cogs. Inc workforce!" Blake seemed proud to announce him position in the company.
Spruce leaned over the desk and covered half of his very long mouth with his hand to whisper to Chip. "Why are all of tah com-pah-nee's newest hires alwayhs so looneh?"
Chip didn't answer the question. Thinking that some of the employee Cogs probably thought the same about the other Managers hired along with him. "Mr. Stripe, why-"
"Oh please, call me Blake!" Chip was interrupted by Blake enthusiastically correcting him.
Chip just rolled his eyes at the up beat Cog. "Whatever. Blake, why exactly are you in my office?"
"Right, I'm here because the boss man isn't too pleased with how the whole street takeover is going. Said something about it needing to be done yesterday. So he sent me to take over the task." Blake answered, seeming to finally mellow out, even just a little.
Chip didn't like where this was going. He decided to press Blake for more information before deciding if he could trust him or not. "Boss man? Who exactly is this boss man? I can't be certain your serious until-"
"The Chairman of course! Who else?" Blake interrupted again.
"Tah Chair Man sent you!?" Spruce interjected. "Tats crazey! Tah Chair Man trusted us wit this invasion! Not some tabbeh like you!"
"I'm sure he did. But he also expected this to be done a lot sooner. So he told me to head down to the Logging Co. and bring an end to the fighting. Oh, and you both work for me now. His words, not mine." Blake held his hands up as if to show he wasn't choosing to take over the Cog attack.
"What the blazes are yah on about!?!" Spruce yelled in anger. Moving closer to Blake as he ranted wildly. "Yah think yew can just waltz on in here and take over our project just like dat? Well yah got anothah ting coming to yah lad! Because I'm not gonna stand around and watch yah push me an Chip around!"
"Spruce, come here..." Chip asked calmly.
"What?! What is it Chip? Can't yah see I'm tryin' tah deal with this newbie?"
Chip handed Spruce a paper. "The Glad Hander squad needs these new orders. Go deliver it to them now."
Spruce pulled his head back and squinted his eyes. "Now?! Canne this wait a moment while I teach this overgrown cat a lesson?"
"Just do it now." Chip asked again. Maintaining his calm tone while talking to his friend.
"...alright. You're tah real one in charge here." Spruce said as he walked away with the paper. He stopped next to Blake and pointed a finger at him, squinting his eyes as he did so. "But I wouldn't trust another word outa his mouth! Not one bit!"
Spruce left the office. Closing the damaged doors as best he could on the way. As soon as he was out of earshot, Chip got up from his desk pushing his chair back with a loud screech. "You listen to me Blake! I have no idea why the Chairman sent you here! We have this entier situation under control and don't need help from you!" Chip's anger, which he had been hiding for the past few minutes, was showing. He despised Blake's loud and obnoxious presence and thought he wasn't needed for the takeover.
Blake folded his arms as Chip made his way over to him. "Is this supposed to scare me? Buddy, I was a luchador before coming to this company. I've been in the ring with guys ten times scarier than you."
Chip got right up in Blake's face. But the tiger Cog didn't even flinch at the chainsaw that was now mere inches away from him. "You should be afraid! Now get out of here before I lose it with you!" Chip warned, feeling his anger waking up something deep inside him.
"How about you get out of my face first!" Blake snapped back!
Chip put a hand on Blake's chest to push him out of the office. Blake hit Chip's arm away and shoulder bashed him into the desk! "You shouldn't have done-" Chip stopped mid sentance and became stiff. His posture becoming straight as his eyes turned completely white and the bulbs on his hat began flashing. "PERSONALITY OVERRIDE ACTIVATED. PLEASE WAIT."
This confused Blake who had no idea what was happening. He raised his arms and readied himself for whatever came next. "What have you got for me now?"
"PERSONALITY OVERRIDE COMPLETE. ENTERING EMPLOYEE TERMINATION MODE." Chip, or rather, the Override had taken full effect. The malicious program attempted to fire Blake out of a grey canon.
The canon rose up out of the floor under Blake, containing him inside of the barrel. But he didn't stay inside for long. Blake broke out of the canon! Splitting it in two as he tore through the metal with a mighty roar! "Can't fire me that easy! Now fight me like a man!" He taunted!
"RESISTANCE DETECTED. ENGAGING MANUAL TERMINATION." The Override lunged at Blake, hands extended to grab and throw him out of the office by force.
Blake grabbed his attacker's hands, locking them both in a bind. "Ha! Now we've got a fight!" He laughed as they both struggled to overpower the other.
The Override turned on Chip's chainsaw and attempted to cut through Blake with it! He was forced to let go and dodge out of the way of the falling blade. The Override stumbled forward and carved a chunk out of the wall as the saw cut through it. The Override got back up and locked onto Blake. "CONTINUED RESISTANCE DETECTED. ORDER TO DISTRACT ENTITY RECEIVED. ENGAGING PAPER PROTOCOL."
The Override pulled out a Rolodex and began rapidly launching papers at Blake. Though he tried to push and swipe through them, the papers blinded him for a moment. Just long enough for the overrided Chip to slide into Blake's blindspot and punch him in the chest! But Blake was unfazed! Instead he grabbed Chip's arm, throwing him up and over his head, slamming him down onto the floor!
The Override slowly got back up after begin slammed on its back. But before it could act Blake jumped onto the desk then jumped onto Chip's back! Locking his legs around the berserk Manager who was trying to shake him off! "WARNING: UNKNOWN ACTION DETECTED. REMOVE ENTITY FROM SHELL. REMOVE. REMOVE."
Blake clung onto the raging Suit with all of his strength. "TIME TO WIN THIS MATCH!" Blake grabbed onto the bulbs on Chip's hat with both of his hands. "LIGHTS OUT!"
"REMOVE! REMOVE!! REMOVE!!!" The Override repeated as Blake continued to attack it's weak spot.
With one mighty yank, Blake pulled both of the bulbs clean out of Chip's hat! Sparks flew out of the sockets, accompanied by the sound crackling wires and grinding metal! "PRO-TO CAL CAL CAL- MISSIIIIIIIIIING- DATA LO-O-O-OST- ERRRRRROR..."
With the Override's control broken, Chip fell back into the corner of the office with Blake still on top of him. Blake was pinned under Chip's body, but he didn't care about that. He was too busy relishing in his victory. "GAHAHAHAHA!! Another win for El Tigre!"
Chip slowly came to as his eyes returned to normal. "Ugh... What happened? What happened to the override? It feels, quiet."
"You mean these things?" Blake held up the broken bulbs. "I just pulled them out when you were going nuts. Seemed to knock you to the mat fast!"
Though Blake didn't know it, he had done Chip a great favor. Chip couldn't remove the bulbs himself for fear of punishment from the Chairman. But since Blake had done it, he would get the blame and not Chip. Blake had given him a few days without worry of losing himself to the override. For the first time since getting that wretched upgrade installed, Chip felt at peace. "You know, maybe you taking over the invasion isn't such a bad idea." Chip thanked Blake.
Blake wore a proud grin and laughed. "Glad to hear it! A good spar always makes people see eye to eye."
Just then, Spruce walked back into the room. "Aight, I'm back! The Glad Handas have gotten their new orders and, are..." He paused at the sight of the damaged office and both Managers still fallen in the corner. "What happaned here?"
...
Just outside of the Walnut Way short cut Ridge and Legumer were preparing to launch another attack on the Cogs. "Alright men! On my mark, we charge in and cause havoc on the enemy camp!" Legumer instructed standing at the front of the group.
Though the Toons were on board with his attack, they seemed tired. They had been attacking the Cogs non stop, with no rest or break. And it was starting to concern Ridge. "Uhh, Sarge, is this attack really needed? We've been pushing the Cogs back non stop. Surely we can give the recruits a moment of rest?"
"Rest is for the weak! We fight until there's nothing left of the enemy!" Legumer answered back. He was determined to defeat the Cogs no matter what it took.
Ridge wasn't sure what to do. Normally he was the one pushing the Resistance recruits to the limit. It felt weird to be the one having his limits pushed. Still, he decided to follow Legumer's orders and continue with the attack.
On the other side of the short cut, Spruce and Chip were explaining to Blake why the secret path was causing them so much trouble.
"You see, we can't fit many Cogs in this path because of the size. Meaning we can't utilize it for our own attacks." Chip showed Blake just how small the short cut was by placing his arms on both sides of the path.
"And teh Toons can squeeze their tiny critter bodies through an' ransack our base!" Spruce added to Chip's explanation.
Blake placed a hand on his chin and looked over the path. "Huh, so this has been causing so many problems... Hey, is the stomping noise normal?" He looked over to Chip as he asked.
"What stomping?" Chip responded. But his question was answered when the sound of Toons storming towards them started getting louder.
"Teh Toons are comin'!! GET BACK TAH TEH BASE!!" Spruce yelled to the other two.
Spruce and Chip were about to start running back to the Logging Co. to alert the other Cogs. But Blake stopped them before they could start running. "Hey Chip. Can you start that thing on your face?" He asked pointing at Chip's chainsaw.
"Now isn't the best time to ask that!" Chip responded, trying to hurry along and not stay in the tight space with dozens of Toons rushing at him.
"But can you turn it on whenever you want?" Blake continued to ask, much to Chip's dismay.
Out of frustration Chip decided to just show Blake what he could do. He leaned forward and pulled back with his whole body, as if pulling a starter cord that wasn't there. In a flash the chainsaw on Chip's face whirred to life with a loud vroom, spinning rapidly. "There! Happy?!" Chip yelled over the sound of his own saw.
Out of the blue, Blake grabbed Chip by the collar of his suit with one hand, and grabbed onto the bottom of the suit with the other! Lifting Chip up like a heavy duty tool and resting him at his hip. "Very!"
Spruce looked on in shock! wide eyed and mouth agape! His log nearly fell out! "What are ya doin' wit' me best mate?!"
While this was happening the Toons were starting to get in view of the Cogs. They charged on bravely, but nearly stopped dead in their tracks when they saw the insane sight at the end of the short cut. Blake stood in there way screaming out in gleeful laughter as he held up Chip! Who himself was just screaming.
"OPEN FIRE!!!" Legumer commanded, unafraid of the sight before him. His Toons started throwing pies at the bizarre Cog duo.
Blake ducked and dodged through the volley, even cutting through some of the pies with his unwilling weapon. He swung the large Manager around. Nearly hitting some of the Toons as he attacked. The ferocity in his eyes scared the Toons and caused some of them to run away.
Ridge pulled Legumer out of the front and forced him stop attacking. "We're not winning this! We need to retreat NOW!"
The Sargent didn't like the sound of this. But he agreed that this was a losing battle. The more Blake swung the more damaged the path became. Trees started falling and blocking off the short cut. Begrudgingly, Legumer gave the order. "RETREAT!"
The Toons turned tail and ran back to their base. As they ran countless trees fell and piled up along the path. Blake returned to his side of the path, breathing heavily as Chip's chainsaw continued to spin in his hands. Once he caught his breath he stood upright and placed Chip down on his feet next to him. Resting his arm on the dazed Manager's shoulder. Blake stood silently, admiring his work.
Spruce walked up next to him. Looking up at the tangle of cut trees before them. "Aye don't like how yah manhandled me friend. But aye gotta say, those are some fine cuts there."
Blake smiled with pride at Spruce's compliment. He was quite pleased to have someone praise his handiwork.
"Uuugh, what? Hey! Get your hand off of me!" Chip swatted Blake's arm away after regaining his sense. Being used as an improvised power tool left him dazed for a few seconds.
"Woah take it easy! I just solved your biggest problem in a few seconds!" Blake raised his hands as he defended himself. He gestured with open palms towards the pile of felled trees before them. "The Toons were using this path to attack us. So I closed off the path! No more suprise attacks!"
Chip was still furious with Blake for using him as a tool. But he couldn't argue with him on solving their problem. "I guess you're right. Still don't like the way you handled it. Or me."
Blake laughed heartily at Chip's comment. "Sorry about that! Had to think in the moment with all those Toons coming at us. I'll be sure to ask you next time!"
"There won't be a next time!" Chip yelled at Blake, eyebrows narrowed and fist balled up in rage.
"Aye! Yah may have done good worke 'ere. But that don't mean yah get to throw him around willy nilly!" Spruce stood up for his friend.
Blake shrugged off both Cogs words. Looking off to the side indifferently. "Whatever you guys say. Let's just he'd back to the base and get to work!"
As they all walked back Spruce decided to ask Blake some questions. "Ay Blake, ayve got ah few questions for ya."
Blake looked down at the shorter Cogs. "Yeah?"
"Why are yah so energetic about this whole fight?"
"Well that's easy! I'm proud to fight for us! For our nation! Cog Nation!" Blake proudly declared holding his arms up to flex his mechanical muscles.
"For Cog Nation huh?" Chip questioned. "Never met a Suit with as much pride as you."
"And I've never meet a Suit with as much kickback as you!" Blake joked back.
Spruce laughed at Blake's joke. Chip found it only slightly funny. The three of them returned to the Logging Co. to lead the rest of the Cogs into battle.
...
Three days had passed since Blake joined the Cog side of the Walnut Way takeover. With his very hands on leadership the Cogs slowly started winning against the Toon Resistance. He pushed the Cogs beyond their normal limit to fight harder than they ever had before. While this tactic was effective at combating the Resistance, it also took a great toll on the Cogs themselves. Some would collapse form exhaustion in the middle of battle. When this would happen Blake would just pick them up and hurl them at a group of Toons. Going back to pick them up after the battle. His agressive attacks won back half of the street from the Toons. Leaving the street split in half between the two factions.
The day before Toonsmas was coming to an end. On the Toon side, Pi was tending to the tired and battered Toons who had been fighting relentlessly for nearly a week. "This is terrible. This would have never happened if that Squirrel wouldn't have gotten involved!"
She looked up from the Toon she was bandaging. Her whiskers sagged and here ears were pointed down. She had worry written all over her face. "I just hope Ridge can talk some sense into him."
In one of the empty buildings Ridge was having a heated discussion with Sargent Legumer. Though the door to the building was closed, their words could be heard just outside on the sidewalk.
"We've gone far enough Sarge! The Toons are tired and can't fight anymore. We need to stop and come back once we've recovered." Ridge pleaded with the Squirrel.
"No! We have come too far to let up now! We have to advance and break the enemy's hold on us!" Legumer retorted. Slamming his fist down on a table in the middle of the room which had maps and battle strategies strewn about on it.
"The Toons can't take any more fighting! We're going to make ourselves sad at this rate! Why can't you see that?!" Ridge begged his friend to stop. Desperately trying to make him see reason and let up on his constant advances.
But Legumer was having none of it. He doubled down on his militaristic beliefs. "AS LONG AS I'M STILL STANDING NO ONE WILL REST UNTIL THE RUST BUCKETS ARE GONE!!"
Ridge was heartbroken by Legumer's stubbornness. The friend he was so happy to see again after so long was now causing him so much pain and distress. "I, missed you, so much... Pi tried to stop me from calling you. Said you would cause nothing but mayhem. But I didn't care. I wanted to see you again. But I guess I was wrong... Merry Toonsmas Sarge."
With that, Ridge left the building. Head lowered as he closed the door behind him. Legumer stood motionless at the table. "Get back in here Ridge! Ridge!"
But there was no response. Not even a peep from behind the door.
"Ridge!!!"
"..."
"Ridge?"
No answer was heard. The Sargent tried to shake off the feeling that something was wrong. But he couldn't. Because something was wrong. He had hurt his closest friend. And the guilt he felt would eat away at him for the rest of the night.
On the other side of the street the Cogs were all resting outside of the Cut to the Chase! Logging Co. Though resting was not exactly the right word as none of them were having a particularly restful night. They were all weary and tired from fighting. But one Cog was in unusually high spirits for all the fighting.
"Alright guys! Great work everyone! See you all day after tomorrow!" Blake announced to all the tired Cogs in the street. He was walking towards the entrance to Bossbot HQ.
"Woah woah, what are you talking about?" Chip asked the orange Cog, stopping him before he could take another step.
Blake looked confused at Chip's question. "What am I talking about? What are you talking about! It's Christmas! We all get the day off!"
"Get the day off? That's not happening. Not for us." Chip said coldly.
"What do you mean it's not happening? It's Christmas! A day to celebrate! Why would we be working?" Blake asked the Cog standing before him. Unwilling to accept anything but an entier day off for Christmas.
Chip shook his head, annoyed with Blake's up beat speech and hard headed attitude. "Look, maybe some of the other Cogs will get the day off to celebrate. But not us. The Chairman has ordered us to work non stop until the Toons give up the fight. Nothing we can do."
Blake was shocked and appalled by this news. Despite his constant pushing to win the battle, he felt it important to have the day off to celebrate his favorite holiday. "Well, that's... Uhh. That's not right! We should have time to party and enjoy eachother's company! Surely we can stop fighting for one day?"
Even though he didn't like Blake, Chip agreed with him. He also enjoyed celebrating Christmas. Especially with Spruce. Cutting down a tree and decorating it was one of their favorite things to do for the season. But, he also knew how strict the company was. "I'm sorry Blake. That's just how things are. We can't do anything about it. No matter how strong we are."
Chip left Blake alone. Returning to his office inside the Logging Co. Blake stood in the middle of the street. His mind dwelled on the thought of having to work tomorrow. And having to force all the Cogs around him to work. It left a bad taste in his mouth. All he could do was stand, trying to think of something to do. "It's Christmas... No one should be working..."
...
The day had finally arrived. It was Christmas morning, and both the Toons and Cogs stood ready to battle. The Toons had set up some fences near the middle of the street to hide behind. They were waiting for the Cogs to make the first move. Ridge, Pi, and Legumer were leading everyone in the front. "Keep your eyes on the enemy... We don't know what they're planning..." The normally wild Squirrel ordered. The usual fire in his commands now dimmer and less intimidating.
Legumer glanced over at Ridge. His old friend who had always stood by his side. But now, it felt like they were standing miles appart. Ridge hadn't spoken to him at all since the night before. Never the less, Legumer focused his mind on the fight to come. Or at least, he tired to. No matter how hard he fought, thoughts of the friend he had betrayed lingered in his mind.
On the Cog side, everyone knelt down behind barricades they had built. They were ready to strike at any moment. Chip and Spruce were huddled together behind a barricade. Neither Manager were really ready for the fight to come. "Don't back down now. This is the last fight." Blake said to the Cogs around him. Tyring to his best to rile them up for a battle.
But when he looked back at the Cogs, he didn't see fierce fighters. He didn't even see Cogs who looked remotely ready to fight. What he saw were tired and weary people who were done fighting. Cogs who couldn't last another day.
The air was tense between the two sides. Any moment either one could start the battle. They both waited with bated breath for someone to make the first move.
"..."
"..."
Suddenly, something shot up from the Cog side! A pair of metal hands raised themselves over the barricade. Two orange hands. Stepping out from behind the barricade was Blake Stripe. He had his hands raised in the air as he slowly approached the center of the battlefield. Neither side could believe what they were seeing! Spruce and Chip looked on in completely and utter bewilderment. The Toons stood ready for anything that the Tiger Cog could throw at them.
Blake took a deep breath, then spoke. "Hold you're fire! My name, is Blake Stripe. We have been fighting tooth and nail for our people all this time. But, but..." Blake's determination wavered, none of his colleagues stood with him. And yet, he steeled himself and continued. "But it's Christmas! No one should be fighting on this day! So, for just today, let's call a truce!"
The Cogs and Toons were a mix of amazed and tense. Both sat silently while Blake stood in the field, waiting for them to join him, or be brought down by the Toons. But then, a Toon started walking out from behind their fence. It was Ridge, slowly walking towards the field. His bright green hair capturing the attention of every Toon on his side.
"Ridge!" Legumer called out. Lowering his acorn launcher to reach out a hand. "That's no man's land! This could be a trap!"
Ridge looked back at the Squirrel. "I'm done fighting."
He approached Blake. The Toon looked up at the tall Cog. He could easily pick up the horse and start beating him senseless. But Ridge trusted that he and his Cogs were just as sick of the takeover as he was. Blake reached out a hand to the green horse. And Ridge accepted it. A show of trust between the leaders of both sides. A show of peace for this one day.
The pair looked at eachother with respect, but their gaze was caught by a small white speck gracefully descending from the sky. It landed on their clasped hands, and they saw what it was. A snowflake had fallen in Acorn Acres. And it was followed by more, as snow fell on the grass of the forest. A rare sight for the Neighborhood. The two looked up in wonder. Both Cog and Toon in awe of the snowfall. As if the Neighborhood itself was giving its blessing to their truce.
On the Cog side, a Downsizer went up to join Blake in the truce. Tossing aside a can he was going to use to attack. A Resistance kangaroo walked up next to him, leaving her Fog Horn behind. One by one more and more Cogs and Toons dropped their things and followed them, joining in the truce that had been called.
The last to join were the other leaders of both sides. Pi and Legumer joined Ridge, while Spruce and Chip went up to Blake.
"You've done a great thing Ridge." Pi thanked the horse, placing her hand on his shoulder in gratitude. "And, there's a certain crazy Squirrel who has something to say."
She turned Ridge towards Legumer. He had his helmet off and held to his chest. "Ridge, I've been foolish. I got caught up in the battle and lost sight of what's important. The people were protecting. I'm sorry... I hope we can still be friends."
Ridge waited a moment, tears forming in his eyes. Then he pulled Legumer into a hug. "Of course we're still friends! Thank you Sarge!"
The Squirrel was completely caught off guard by this and had no idea what to do. He awkwardly raised a hand and patted his friend on the back. Pi just watched the whole thing and laughed to herself.
Blake looked around at all the Cogs who had joined him. Then he saw Spruce and Chip coming out from the barricades. "I can't believe you actually did it." Chip remarked as he stood next to Blake.
"Tah Chair Man's not gonna be happy wit' dis." Spruce added. Though his words were bleak, his voice had a hint of happiness in it. Like he was secretly in support of Blake's actions.
"Well, I guess I'll just have to take the heat later. But for now, it's Christmas! Now come on, let's celebrate!" Blake happily announces as he pulled Spruce and Chip into his festive antics.
The Toons and Cogs spent the rest of the day celebrating the holiday together. It was a rare sight to see the small Toons spending time peacefully with the large Suits. They combined their traditions in ways that none had seen before. An Advocate pulled out a watercooler, unscrewing the tank and removing it. A Toon took one of his Seltzer Bottles and screwd it into the cooler. Both sides enjoyed cold drinks of seltzer as they laughed amongst eachother.
Some Toons had the idea to play music on one of their Grand Pianos. They asked some Corporate Raiders to help with this by catching the Piano as it fell. They agreed and together were able to safely place the Piano down onto the snow. The Downsizer from before walked up to the piano. "I've always wanted to play one of these... Anyone got a stool?"
The kangaroo Toon from earlier hopped up to him and pulled a wooden stool seemingly out of nowhere. "You can use this!" She offered.
"Thank you ma'am." The Downsizer tipped his bowler hat to the Toon.
The Cog took a seat, placing his hat down on top of the Piano. He shook his hands before gently placing them onto the keys. With a deep breath, the Downsizer began playing beautiful music on the Grand Piano. It flowed through the street and brought the Cogs and Toons even closer together. Eventually a Toon suggested they sing some Toonsmas carols. Once they explained that the Toons called this holiday 'Toonsmas' to the Cogs, they were on board with caroling. Another Toon produced some sheet music and gave it to the Downsizer. He started playing Toonsmas music and the Cogs sang along with the Toons.
A Micromanager held a brown brick above her head with both arms. "Who wants fruit cake!!" She offered to the Toons and Cogs. She had baked it with the help of Spruce who provided the firewood and fire with his Fired attack. And a Toon provided the fruit from a colorful fruit hat.
Though the dessert wasn't a favorite among Toons, this particular one tasted sweeter than most. They enjoyed it, and the Cogs also indulged in the sweet treat.
While all of the festivities were ongoing, one Cog stood off to the side, watching everyone else mingle. Chip had removed himself from the celebration and decided it was best to not mix with everyone else. And he did stay by himself. Until he was approached by Blake, carrying multiple Toons up on his arms.
"Hey Chip! Me and these little guys are gonna make things out of the snow! Wanna join us?" Blake offered to the stoic looking Cog.
Chip held up his hand and politely declined the offer. "No thanks. The peace and quiet is enough."
Chip felt a tug at his suit's pant leg. He looked down to see a small blue mouse Toon looking up at him. "Please join us. We can make snowmen together."
The meek Toon's big eyes pulled at Chip's mechanical heartstrings. Even he couldn't resist the lure of a small cute creature. "...Fine."
"YES!" Blake shouted as he threw his arms up in the air. The Toons he was holding went flying, laughing and joyfully yelling as they flew through the air and landed in the soft snow. Blake grabbed Chip's arm and dragged him to a more open part of the street.
Chip was reluctant to start making anything in the snow. He looked to his right and saw Blake making, something large in the snow. He couldn't quite tell. To his left the Toons were making snowmen resembling both Toons and Cogs. This gave Chip an idea. He pushed some snow together and started working on his creation. After some time, he took a step back and looked at what he made. Before him were two snowmen who looked like Spruce and Himself. He had cut a log from a tree with his chainsaw and placed it in the mouth of the snow-Spruce. And he made a makeshift chainsaw out of some twigs and rocks for the snow-him.
"Huh, not bad." Chip said to himself as he admired his work. He felt a touch proud of what he had made. And he even had a small bit of fun doing it.
A Toon walked up next to him and looked over the snowmen. "Wow mister! You're really good at this!" He said smiling at the tall Cog.
Though Chip didn't have a traditional mouth, anyone could tell that he was smiling in that moment.
"HAHA! Perfect! Just like I remember it!" Blake shouted out once he was done with his work. His loud voice had caught the attention of everyone on the street. Then, their attention was grabbed by what he had made. He had built an entier wrestling ring out of snow and sticks! He stood at one corner and looked over his handiwork.
"Nice ring you got here." A gruff voice spoke to Blake. Legumer had walked up to the ring to admire it's construction.
Blake flashed a big grin at the Squirrel. "Thanks! Hey, you look like a strong guy. How about we have a match?" He enthusiastically offered.
Legumer looked up at the Tiger Cog who was at least twice his size. But he wasn't intimidated one bit. "You're on soldier!"
Blake's eyes lit up with excitment. "HAHAHA! I love you're spirit! Alright buddy, let's dance!" Blake grabbed Legumer and tossed him into one corner of the ring. He rolled under the ropes and got up on the other side himself. Before he stood up he reached into his pocket and pulled put a colorful piece of cloth. He donned a colorful Luchador mask with shades of green and yellow that formed a wing pattern around his eyes. A large crowd of Toons and Cogs had gathered to see the match.
Legumer cracked his knuckles against his face. "I've wrestled a few Cogs in my day. Let's see how strong you really are!"
"No holding back!" Blake shouted out.
They stared eachother down for a bit. Planning the first move that they would take. Then they charged at eachother! Blake went for a wide grab, but Legumer jumped up over it and latched onto Blake's head! The Squirrel scurried around the tall Cog pulling at his limbs to bring him down to the mat. Blake managed to get a hold of Legumer's shirt and threw him at the ropes! The ropes stretched far then snapped back into place launching Legumer forward. Blake held out his arm and ran at the flying Squirrel to clothesline him. Legumer grabbed onto his helmet and positioned himself like a missile heading straight for the big cat. He clashed with the Cog's arm, producing a loud clang that echoed through the ring! Blake was knocked back by the blow and nearly fell down to the mat. Legumer got up, feeling a bit dizzy from the impact.
"THAT'S THE ARTILLERY SPECIAL!" He cried, raising his arms in the air to celebrate the maneuver. "Now where's that cat?!"
Legumer looked around the ring, but didn't see Blake anywhere. Then he noticed a shadow covering him. He turned around and saw the Cog standing tall atop one of the poles of the ring. He held his arms out, then yelled, "POUNCING TIGER!!!"
He lept off of the pole and flew straight for the Toon! Legumer tried to run out of the way. But he was no match for the speed and ferocity of the diving Cog. Blake landed right on top of Legumer and pinned him down!
A random Toon wearing a referee outfit slid into the ring and started hitting the mat while counting. "One...! Two...! Three...! GAME!!!"
The Toons and Cogs erupted in cheers and yells at the epic conclusion of the match!
Blake shot up and flexed with both arms! "YEAAAAAAAH!!! EL TIGRE STRIKES AGAIN!!!"
Legumer got up from being pinned under the massive metal cat. "So that's what it feels like under a one ton weight." He turned to Blake once he was done celebrating. "Good stuff soldier. You're a fine combatant!" He offered his hand for a shake.
Blake smiled and took the Toons hand in his own. "You're a great opponent too! I'd love to spar any time!"
For the rest of the day the Cogs and Toons partied and celebrated together in peace. They reveled together long into the night before they finally went their separate ways. This day would always be remembered by both side. The day something miraculous happened. The day of the Toonsmas Truce.
...
Blake stood inside the Chairman's office. Head held high and arms behind his back. The Chairman looked down at the Cog from his tall desk. "So let me get this straight. I send you to the Woodchip & Paper District, with direct orders to end the conflict over one of its street, and you throw a party with the enemy? Am I reading this right?!"
Blake nodded. "Yes sir."
Cyger's eyebrows pointed down furiously. He stood up behind his desk with his hands down on the top. "YOU IDIOT! YOU WE'RE SUPPOSED TO END THE FIGHT, NOT PARTY WITH THE ENEMY!"
"But I did end the fight sir." Blake spoke up for himself.
"WHAT!?!" Cyger yelled back in anger. "IN WHAT WAY DID YOU END IT!?"
"Well, no one's fighting eachother any more. And the Cogs seem to be having an easier time moving through that street. Plus all you said was to 'bring an end to the fighting.' Which I did." Blake explained his actions to the Chairman.
Robert looked over his papers again. The Cogs were indeed experiencing less attacks from the Toons on Walnut Way. "Fine! You may have technically followed my orders, but you know that's not what I meant! Still... good work. Let's see if you can keep it up Mr. Stripe."
"Yes sir!" Blake answered with a determined look on his face.
The End