Chapter Text
The gardenview hall was bustling with noise as the toons ran around trying to conversate with their peers. In one corner, there was the circus trio discussing their next show. In another corner is Gigi, Flutter, and Connie gossiping. Then another were book club members planning the time for their get together. Every toon always has someone to talk to.
Dyle pushed the lever, the train started to move in response near the exit of Gardenview. Dyle looked across to find Dandy talking to Astro as usual.
“Are you ready to shoot the film Dandy?” Astro asked Dandy, his usual figure towering over the other.
“Of course! Apparently Deliah said it was an episode with Shrimpo and Tisha and you know anytime there's an episode with Shrimpo, we have to solve a disagreement.” Dandy replied as he held his cheeks like he always does.
“Okay Dandy, just make sure to not overexert yourself. Drink lots of water and get plenty of rest after the shoot.” Astro reminded him as the carefree flower nodded as some other toon approached Dandy to discuss with him.
He’s airing a show today it seems. Dyle looked at his schedule and scanned it to find any open areas in his schedule. He traced down the planner to find an empty spot around three to four. He can watch for a good 30 minutes before going back to his work. He glanced to find Astro staring right at him and then Astro quickly turned around when their eyes met and scurried off to his book club member.
Dyle noticed another pair of eyes looking at him beside his shop. Brusha was carefully painting something on her canvas, looking back at Dyle and then back onto her own paper. He remembered Brusha asking him if he could be her in her next artpiece. As long as he doesn’t need to stand still, he doesn’t mind her presence.
Dyle continued to wait out the time doing what he’s tasked with as the other toons scrambled around doing whatever it is that they are doing. Eventually leaving only him at the lobby.
Dyle cleaned his counter and got ready to head over to the studio when someone placed a hand on his shoulder. Dyle turned around to see the familiar figure of Delilah Keen and Arthur Walton standing behind him. Delilah has a clipboard in her hands, tapping her pen onto the paper. Arthur held his hand together and Dyle already knew what was going to come out of their mouths.
“Dyle, I bought some extra supplies for our shoot that had just arrived,” Delilah discussed as she scribbled something onto her clipboard.
“I hope you didn’t have anything you planned on doing just now,” Arthur discussed as he handed Dyle the list of supplies, “We really appreciate your help with the trains and supplies around here.”
Dyle looked towards the sound of the other toons laughing and talking about something and back at the two. “I was thinking of maybe, you know, watching the shoot?”
Arthur and Delilah shared a glance and then turned back to Dyle, “It’s okay Dyle, we’ll share the tape once the shoot is finished.” Arthur promised and Dyle frowned in response.
“I just wanted to see what it is like to be part of the shoot since I never got to take a look myself” Dyle started and then Deliah just clicked her tongue.
“You aren’t made to be in the show Dyle unlike Dandy, did you forget what we told you multiple times over and over again” Delilah reemphasized and Dyle just looked out at the ground in defeat.
“But it’s okay Dyle!” Arthur tried to cheer Dyle up, “You are just as important as any other toon in Gardenview! No one does your job better than you!”
“Why’s that? What does Dandy have that I don’t?” Dyle pressed and Arhur just clapsed his hands together.
“You know how Dandy is very iconic! You look at him and you can already tell he’s the lead actor! He’s simple in design and the children will recognize him. He has a charming personality and well you have a more serious one and that is perfectly fine since you are more fit for the role of Operating Assistant.”
“I think we have wasted enough time to answer his questions, Arthur. Dyle has some work to attend to, don't you?” Delilah remindeed and Dyle shrinked back.
Dyle knows Arthur meant well, but he still can’t shake off the pressure that formed in his chest. He takes the list that Arthur handed to him and heads towards the trains to drop off the supplies. Maybe if he can pick up the pace unloading the packages, he can maybe get a good 20 minutes watching the shoot.
With one hand holding his chains from dropping to the ground, the other holding the lists of supplies he quickly started to bring the box one at a time to the storage room.
Tick, tick, tick, Time was passing minute by minute as he opened the box using box cutters and then placed the items to where it’s supposed to belong.
At this rate, he’s going to miss the show!
He tried to hurriedly bring the packages back and forth, when he suddenly tripped on his own chains. His arrow hands on his face spun wildly as he hit his head with his head to stop the spinning. He looked up to find a purple piece of fabric slipping away behind the wall before he collapsed.
—
Dyle slowly opened his eyes to find the familiar grey ceiling of his bedroom. He frantically got out of the bed. His hour hand is nearing the purple tick mark while the minute hand is close to the red. It’s already 10 in the evening?!?
He got up to find several things laying on his desks. A pink frosted cupcake with rainbow sprinkles on top that he assumes was from Sprout. It seems to be in Sprout’s character to help a toon in need, but he should’ve woken him up. Now he’ll never have the time to see another film recording again.
Next to the cupcake was a tape wrapped in a rainbow ribbon with a tiny notecard on the side.
“Hope you feel better Dyle! Signed Dandy”
Of course Dandicus would send him the newest tape to show off his episodes. If it was any other toon starring in the show, he wouldn’t have been so eager. He went to his closet and pulled out a cassette deck that he always has on him to watch the newest episodes. He placed the back of the tape into the slot and closed the cover. Pressed the on button to find the television static into the title of the newest episode: “Cleaning Havoc”
The start of the episode featured Tisha cleaning the many rooms in gardenview and eventually landing at Shrimpo’s room. Shrimpo being the main antagonist of the episode like usual and the two bicker before Dandicus went in to find the solution to the problem.
After a good 7 minutes of the episode airing, it eventually reached the end of the resolution.
“Then that’s settled!” Dandius announced as he crossed his hands together, standing inbetween Shrimpo and Tisha. “When it’s time for Tisha’s cleaning time, Shrimpo is not allowed to be in his room to cause a mess. That way, Tisha does not get in Shrimpo’s way and Shrimpo does not get in Tisha’s way.”
“That’s fine by me,” Tisha agreed and shook hands with Shrimpo.
“Hmph, I hate this agreement.” Shrimpo huffed, but still reluctantly shook the other’s
hand.
Then the screen fades the static as the tape automatically slipped out of the tape
machine and right into Dyle’s hand. Dyle looked at the tape and then back at the screen reflecting his own face. If only he can feel how it's like to play a part in this show.
Dyle placed the tape he was just watching into a box along with many other tapes with different titles. He pushes the box into a closet and sealed it away. He went back to his bed and noticed one of Astro’s many star pillows that he keeps, it seems that he also helped Dyle when he was unconscious.
He laid on his back and stared at the ceiling. How lucky Dandicus is to be able to be featured in nearly every episode, yet he’s forced to be doing all the background work. He has companions to support him 24/7, has his own toon handler, and is Delilah and Arthur’s pride and joy. Dyle reached his hands into the air and clenched it.
It’s not like him to get upset over this. Dyle pulled his blanket closer to his neck and tried to doze off, but after already resting when he passed out it was a rather difficult task.
“Hmmmm Hmmmmm Hmmmm,” A humming sound can be heard in the distance.
Dyle Timesly will never be part of the show, he’s well aware of that notion Deliah and Arthur pushes on him. If only he could be Dandicus, wouldn’t it be much better. He can be just as good in the spotlight as he can. Delilah and Arthur don't seem to have any plans for Dyle, but if he was Dandicus ... .He can finally feel what it would be like to be part of the show. Dyle’s eyes were struggling to stay awake as the lights automatically flicked off.
—
Dyle woke up but it was his familiar gray ceiling that he’s always used to, but instead the bright blue ceiling that was in the lobby. Dyle quickly got up and looked at the surroundings to find that he wasn't in his own room. He headed to the nearest restroom and looked up at the mirror to discover the impossible…
His head was missing his usual long chain that drops to the floor. His pocketwatch face was replaced with distinguishable rainbow petals and he had to step onto a stool to actually see his face. He had somehow morphed into Dandicus?
Dyle touched his face to feel the warm fluffy skin contrasting to his usual cold glass hard skin. How can his thoughts shape into reality? This has to be a dream and if so, the first toon he’ll have to find is Astro.
He quickly hurried off and opened the door to find Dandicus’s workshop with posters of him and Pebbles hanging on the wall and his shelves lined with paint from the colors of the rainbow. To his surprise, Astro was already there waiting for him at the entrance of his shop.
“You’re finally up,” Astro responded, a small smile on his face with his usual blanket wrapped tightly around his body.
Dyle looked around to see other toons doing their usual, with the circus trio in one corner, Gigi, Connie, and Flutter talking in another, the book club members in another, etc. It’s almost as if he was reliving yesterday’s event.
“Is something wrong?” Astro asked as he reached out with one of his stars. “We have a shoot today, are you feeling nervous?”
Dyle shook his head. If he were to confront Astro right here right now about the situation, would the dream just end? It doesn’t matter if it's a dream or not, he’ll take advantage of the situation.
“Of course not!” Dyle tried to imitate Dandicus’s bubbly personality. He found it harder than he imagined. How does Dandicus keep up with smiling all the time? “Do you have the script for today’s episode? I just can’t seem to find it. I want to freshen up my memory before the shoot.”
“Oh!” Astro responded and within his blanket, he pulled out a packet of today’s shooting and handed it to Dyle. “If you forgot, it’s an episode centered on Razzle and Dazzle.”
It seems that he’s not repeating the day. “Oh Razzle and Dazzle, they are an interesting bunch.” Dyle commented bluntly and Astro just cocked his head.
“Are you upset because you only have a little screentime?” Astro predicted as he flipped the pages of the packet to find the drawing board. The first scene has Razzle and Dazzle participating in a sport, demonstrating Razzle’s stamina and speed while Dazzle was breathing heavily. The next scene cuts to one where Dazzle is reading a book as Razzle tried to also focus, but ended up dozing off. The conflict scene occurs when Razzle and Dazzle get into an argument that they should just do one thing with Razzle wanting to stay doing sports while Dazzle wants to focus on reading. Lastly, Dandicus is there to demonstrate a lesson to the two.
“Not at all Nov- Astro! I love it when my friends get their own episode. You know that!” Dyle replied.
“I never doubted you,” Astro reassured. He then turned to his own shop to find the area vacant. “Have you seen Dyle today?”
“Oh,” Dyle put a hand on the back of his hand, “Dyle is probably busy unloading supplies
like he usually does. Let’s focus more on what’s going on with the shoot.”
After that, Astro averted his eyes from his. “I see. Then we better get going before Delilah says something.”
Dyle followed Astro to the studio and was astoundish at the vast equipment that littered across the room. Thousands of lights, cameras, and chairs were found as several toons were looking at their scripts, practicing their lines.
The twins Razzle and Dazzle walked over to greet the two of them. “Hey Astro and Dandy. (Hello).”
“Hopefully we don’t overwhelm you with the amount of lines you guys have to say during this episode,” Astro apologized as the twins shook their heads.
“Honestly we were wondering when our next main appearance would be, so this is just what we like. (I’m very excited).” Razzle and Dazzle brushed off as they looked at their scripts once more, “Dazzle is much better at memorizing than me. (Razzle is much better at improvising.)”
“Both are important in acting, trust yourself!” Astro rests two stars on their shoulders, “Most importantly, be yourself. The children love it when you are being you”
The two nodded before Arthur called them to the center stage to prepare for the shoot. Astro went ahead with Dyle trailing behind him as they grabbed a seat to watch the shoot. “Oh hey Astro and Dandy, I hope you two don’t mind me sitting with you guys!” Brightney walked over with clipboards and books in her hands.
“Sure, make yourself comfortable,” Astro invited and Brightney walked over and grabbed a seat next to Astro.
“Why are you carrying so many books with you? Should you leave it at the library?” Astro mentioned and Brightney shook her head.
“I was doing some research on writing plays and was thinking that I want to be able to create my very own episode plot!” Brightney revealed, patting the books on her lap.
Hmmmm, Brightney trying to create her own play? Dyle never imagined she would go with that path.
Just then the lights went off and only a spotlight shined towards Razzle and Dazzle as the scene from the storyboard came to life. Razzle is demonstrating his athletic ability, jumping over the hurdles placed in front of him with Dazzle trying to catch his breath after all the sudden movements.
“Isn’t this a great Dazzle?” Razzle called out as Dazzle’s head was just dangling in the air. “The breeze is just so nice!”
“(I think I’m going to throw up.)” Dazzle tried to call out, but his calls were muffled by the harsh winds.
Razzle and Dazzle eventually reached the finish line and Razzle waved his hands into the air at the imaginary crowd, while Dazzle was holding his chest.
“We did it, Dazzle!” Razzle cheered as the rest of the circus trio followed after the winners. He high fived Dazzle, but Dazzle turned away in shame at his performance. “(Razzle does this so easy. Why can’t I be Razzle? I’m always trying so hard to try to catch my breath while he makes it so easy).” Dazzle muttered under his breath.
Razzle turned to face his brother, “Did you say something Dazzle?”
Dazzle shook his head in denial. He didn’t need Razzle to hear his complaints.
“You guys did really well!” Looey complimented, dusting off his clothing.
“Cut!” Delilah yelled as the lights quickly got back on. All the toons went up to congratulate the others on their performance. Astro turned to Dyle to see him not getting up from his seat.
The four of the toons scurried out of the stage, preparing for the next scene where Dazzle is center stage.
“You should get ready for your part of the show,” Astro recommended as he grabbed Dyle’s hand. “I know you’re very excited when it is your turn.”
“Oh right!” Dyle remembered, he was so lost in the performance that he completely forgot that he’s going to be part of the show.
The two of them head backstage as Deliah gestured with her hands for Dyle to come over. Dyle pointed at himself and Deliah nodded, Dyle could hardly contain his excitement as he skipped over.
“Have you been able to find the time to memorize your lines?” Delilah questioned as she jotted something down on her clipboard.
Although Dyle didn’t have as much time as he would have liked, he believes he’s capable of memorizing a script. He’s been writing his own during the limited free time he has and practicing just for this moment.
“Of course!” Dyle exclaimed, “I have been born ready.”
“That’s the spirit, that’s why you are the star of the show Dandy,” Arthur recalled, causing Dyle to look down at the light green hands of his coworkers that now belong to him. He’s Dandy right now afterall.
“Right,” Dyle affirmed, this time with slightly less confidence.
“Why don’t you go practice in the other rooms to warm up? When it’s your time, we will call you out” Delilah suggested and pointed to a door.
Dyle nodded and Astro followed suit. Upon arriving into the room, he sighed and took a look at the script within his hands. Everything was written as something Dandicus would say, not anything he would say to anybody. He traced over the dialogue and crinkled the pages tight the moment the toon that is saying the dialogue is ‘Dandy’.
Astro poked him with his blue stars and Dyle turned to him.
“Don’t be afraid to speak your mind. You know that I’m always here to listen.” Astro reassured, making Dyle’s heart beat faster. Dandicus is so lucky to be able to have someone constantly checking in on him. He wanted to pull Astro close, to never let him go, yet he can only just look at him.
“I’m doing better now that you are here Astro,” Dyle brushed off his concerns. It doesn’t matter if he’s Dandicus right now. The more important thing is that he’s able to experience being part of the show for the first time. That’s right.
Astro looks at the crumbled part that Dyle had unintentionally done and goes back to looking at Dyle. “I just don’t like when you are acting like this,” Astro started, his body shaking even through the thickness of his blanket. “There are toons you can depend on that can support you if you just ask.”
Dyle turned to Astro. Why is he saying all this now? If anything, Dandicus is the more perfect version any toon wants to be. There is no fault besides his arrogance and narcissism, but he can fix that. He’ll be the star with no flaws. He’ll demonstrate to Deliah and Arthur that he is just as capable of being in the show as anyone.
“Why would you say that now Astro? You know this is exactly what I want. I get to be the star of the show, what more can I ask for?” Dyle explained, but Astro did not look convinced.
Astro covered his mouth with his blanket, “Then I believe you.” Those words weren’t as sincere as he hoped, but no matter because Deliah returned to the room. “I hope you are ready because it is for your part of the shoot Dandy.”