Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Velocity? Are you ok?" Her mother asked. "You haven't touched your salmon cassorole."
Also at the table was Flippy. He looked nervously at her. Since the day he and some other brave toons raided the lawbot hq. Velocity being one of those toons, fresh out of toon school she joined them and got caught by a swarm of high level cogs. She was taken to the chief justice. Flippy tried to save her but they caught him as well. The chief justice and flippy discussed a negotiation for peace between toons.
"She shall be married to the best of cogs!" The chief justice stated. "To my son Thaddeus... he'll be a perfect match."
It was get married or die... so you know what was the final decision.
They allowed her to go home to spend one last day in toontown. So here they are spending one last day here in her hometown. Eating her favorite foods one last time.
"Velocity?" Her mother asked again.
"I... I need some time alone"said Velocity as she bursted away from the table to her room. Which was now almost empty. And surrounded by bags full of her stuff.
Her mother followed her to her room. "Velocity?" She sat on her bed with her. "I know you're scared but if your husband can't let you have your pies or other types of fun. Hold this... have courage and be kind. Then you can accomplish anything. "
Velocity smiled within her tears and hugged her tight. Tomorrow was the beginning of her new life.

Chapter Text

Velocity dropped her bags in a temporary room set for her. The room was freezing cold and gray. All the furniture was gray and boring. Only symbols of the lawbots on the furniture was the only decorative thing in the room. She only had a bookcase full of law books to occupy her. All big and thick. They look so bland one page would send her to sleep.
Velocity looked at the Backstabber who led her here. He scoffed at her and bluntly replied. "Well toon, you better freshen up. I will be back here after a while to bring you for a fitting. You'll be getting a new suit, it'll be better off than that..."
He gestured to her yellow and pink heart t-shirt and pink and yellow shorts. She looked down at them. They felt so comfortable, now she's going to be stuffed in a suit for the rest of her life.
She bowed deeply. "Thank you... I'll be sure to look my best." She said so softly.
The Backstabber blinked multiple time at her kindness and respect torwards him. He shook it off and walked out of the room.
Velocity went to the bathroom and took at washcloth and washed her face. She brushed her teeth and combed her fur. Then as she finished up the Backstabber came in again. Velocity once again bowed and greeted him. "Hello, good afternoon. I am ready for my fitting."
The Backstabber smiled and escorted her to the maintenance depot. A skelecog measured her and in a short amount of them she was clad in a blue slimming lawbot suit and instead of pants, a pencil skirt was there. It stopped by the middle of her thighs but still passed the finger tip test. Her normal white gloves was now silk and steam lined. Her hair was pinned up and powdered white. She looked at herself in the mirror. She didn't feel like herself. She was deep in thought, she didn't hear the Chief Justice roll behind her.
"Beautiful... he'll be sure to find you as a perfect bride."
She gasped when he spoke. She smiled sheepishly.
"Come my dear, he is waiting."
She was led to a office on the very top floor. Two huge metallic grayish blue doors stood in front of her. The door opened and she was greeted by a tall big wig sitting slightly on his desk, legs crossed, arms folded. He was handsome for a big wig, but still had a cold heartless glare. Strangely enough he had open beautiful luminous green eyes. They were almost hypnotic. Velocity bowed low. "Hello, I am honore-"
"You will speak only when spoken to..." he boomed.

Chapter Text

Velocity quickly closed her mouth in front of the cog. Edward unfolded his arms and walked slowly towards her direction. His heels clacking slowly sending chills down Velocity's spine. He began to circle around her taking in every detail about her. He scoffed. "A kitty cat? You look a little too young for me. How old are you?"

"I am 18...sir..." Velocity answered timidly.
Edward wagged a finger to her face. "A-ha! Way too young for me. You may be legal age for marriage but you lack the maturity and grace of an appropriate aged woman."

Velocity spoke up. "I'm sorry but if it pleases yo-..."

"YOU WILL ONLY SPEAK WHEN YOU ARE SPOKEN TO!" Edward shouted at her. "Honestly toon... Have you ever learned manners at least once in your miserable life?"

Velocity nodded. Edward shook his head. "That was a rhetorical question because the answer is "no"."

He started walking back to his desk.
"I dont know what my idiotic father was thinking. Me... Marrying a toon?! For peace?! I would rather see to it that toons are erradicated from existence and cogs reign supreme! Then will there be "peace"."

Velocity sniffled but quickly wiped the tears from her face. Edward smiled. "Aww... Is the poor toon all sad? Did I make the poor kitty cat cry?"

Velocity once again nodded. Edward grunted. "Once again a rhetorical question... Never mind... What is your name?"

"I am... Velocity Skyrusher..." She said sternly.

Edward sat back in his large leather chair at his desk. "Hmph... I don't like it..."

Velocity balled up her fists in anger; indeed, one more rude outburst and this peace offering is over.
"Your name is Victoria... Only if we marry will you earn the last name of Cogsworth. I say "if" just in case I don-"

"I AM... Velocity Skyrusher! And I have been very patient with your rude behavior for the past five minutes. If you don't respond to me with my appropriate legal name. Then you should tell your father that the deal is off because I WILL not stand for such an injustice as being mistreated this way."

Edward tensed up and put on his glasses. The green eyes shining right through them. "I say "If" just in case I don't fancy you and can't marry you." He finished. "Victoria, you will have two weeks to win my favor."

"I AM VELOCITY!"

"IF YOU DO NOT WIN MY FAVOR BY THE END OF THOSE TWO WEEKS THEN YOU WILL BE DISMISSED, UNDERSTOOD, VICTORIA?"

Velocity gritted her teeth she started to cry silently in anger. "The deal is off..." She said softly.

Edward looked up. "Speak up?"

"The. Deal. Is. Off!" she yelled. "I refuse to be treated as a lesser being! The backstabber was kinder than you." She tried to storm out of the office but the doors wouldn't budge. Edward stood up walking to her and grabbing her arm tightly. She meowed in pain as he gripped the arm and yanked her back to the center of the room.

"You can't leave until you're dismissed, Victoria." He muttered in her ear.

"Velocity... I am Velocity!" She protested.

"What's with you saying "I am.."? Why not a casual "My name is..." ? Hm, Victoria? Answer me!"

Velocity tried to push the cog off of her arm. "Ow! Because it gives my name power and purpose so assholes like you can stop calling me by other names."

Edward smirked and pulled her to the desk and pushed her on top of it to make her sit on it. He pulled out a leash and hooked it onto her collar. The collar was lawbot blue with a golden bell on it and white lace around the collar's edges. It was a bridal gift from her mother.

"Oh really? I'll break you, Velocity... I know I will. I always get what I want when I want it and you know what? I want you... I thought I didn't but now I do. You still lack grace and still have a long list of changes to fit my specifications, but I'll break you into it. In two weeks or less."

He wrestled her to her back and pulled out a syringe and shoved it in her left base of the back of her ear. She let out a yowl of pain that echoed throughout the halls of the office building attracting the attention of everyone who worked in it.

He shushed her quietly with a smile as he sadistically pushed the contents of the syringe slowly into her head. Velocity couldn't help yowling in pain; this wasn't like a shot at the doctor this was painful as if the contents of the syringe didn't belong in her body. It burned as it entered her and the pain started to become unbearable. She started to grab at his arm that was holding her.

"Scratch me and you'll have more where this came from." He grunted.

Velocity blinked her tears away and finally he was finished. He pulled the syringe out and climbed off of her. He smiled as he wiped the blood off of the tool with his handkerchief. She rubbed her ear. "What was in that?!" She demanded.

"A tracking device so I'll always know where you are. It'll sit nicely in your ear from now on." He smiled.

Velocity wiped her tears. "I thought you weren't interested in me?!"

Edward smiled. "You were right but I thought... "Why let her run? She's so strong?" And there's nothing that makes me happy than weakening the strong to my will. If I can't break you in two weeks then you'll go free." He let out a small sadistic laugh. "You're free to go... Velocity..."

He pressed a button under the desk and the sounds of a door unlocking was heard. Velocity sprinted for the door but Edward grabbed the leash choking her. He yanked her forcefully into his arms and purred in her ear. "Before I forget... Dinner is at 5 p.m. sharp. Don't be late..." He unhooked the leash from her collar and set her free.

Velocity scrambled out of the door and ran out of the office in tears. She scrambled into another office room that was dark inside with lots of open books to hide under. She started to sob uncontrollably.
First she lost her home, her freedom, her voice. She felt that she'll be broken into and made into a perfect cog wife. She can see it now... Silent, doing all the chores with no thank you, forced to please her husband in eveyway shape or form with no way to protest. While she highly doubt robots and anthromorphic animals can procrate, she'll expect a form of some type of major responsibility to care for. A race of immune cogs to take over Toontown? Oh no!

Velocity started to sob louder and louder, her thoughts in a mangled mess of everything. She can't live like this not here she would rather run away and live in the cold caverns of the Burrgh.
The office lights turned on and another big wig walked in. This one looked her age with glowing purple eyes. He had red square glasses on his nose and his hair was cut short like in the popular K-pop music videos. He immediately saw the crying cat and closed the door. He immediately grabbed a box of tissues and a blanket. He draped the blanket around her and dried her tears with a tissue.

"What did he do to you?" He asked gently.

Velocity told him through her sobs the events of the incident. The big wig growled. "He's a monster. This is only a part of the cruel things he's done."
The big wig pulled out a key and unlocked a cabinet. He pulled out a soda that was confiscated from toons. He handed it to her to drink and calm down. He took her hand and led her to a red couch in the office. He tossed aside the books on the couch and turned on a near by heater.
This was the first amount of warmth she felt in a long while.

"I heard you scream... I was in the library downstairs. I'm sorry that you've gotten into this. You stay here and calm down. You're always welcome to use this as a retreat if you need to. I have manga, food, and anything toony in here. They dump confiscated goods in my office because they are too lazy to take it all the way to storage."

Velocity curled up and stopped sobbing. She sniffled but was in a better state than she was 15 minutes ago. "Thank You... What is your name?"

"My name is Rowan... Rowan Gearsman." The cog smiled warmly. He looked way different than most cogs. "And you Miss Velocity are very welcome."

She smiled and finished her drink. "Do you mind if I take a nap?" She asked.
Rowan shook his head. "Sweet dreams. Miss Velocity.."

"Please..." She said as she outstretched herself over the couch. "Call me Velocity..."

"All right... Velocity..."

An:Don't worry she's not marrying Edward... And Rowan is a good guy. Amazing what can change in 3 years.

Chapter Text

Velocity quietly snored away quietly inside the warm office of Rowan. Rowan did his best to work quietly as possible but couldn't focus as he kept looking at Velocity. He seen toons fall asleep standing up but never curled up snuggling in a blanket. She looked pretty "kawaii" as the manga that he often read would describe her curled up state.

Rowan was different from most cogs in general. His hair wasn't curled as a bigwig's wig should be curled, nor was it powdered but dyed white with silver highlights. This made the wig looked more natural, shiny, and modern looking. His firey red glasses made him look like an anime character and secretly the envy of all cogs looking for a new appearence.
He probably gotten his style ideas from the manga and toon magazines that litters his office. He often reads them to pass the time or procrastinate on his boring work. In fact he spends most his time in his office as a result.
How did he even became a bigwig is a mystery even for him. It's most likely because of his ability to pass bar exams, writing skills, or his older brother Bleu doing favors for lawbot foreman in high positions. No matter he was still a low level Bigwig and almost no one takes him seriously.

Rowan pulled out a sketchbook and began sketching the cat on the couch. He had no concept of time as he scribbled away; the papers in his inbox piling up with work for the past month. A backstabber burst through the door waking Velocity up with a start.
"Ah! There you are!" He said with a sigh of relief. "It's almost dinner time and his honor is growing impatient of your arrival."
He looked up at Rowan and frowned. "Why is the toon in your office?"

Rowan stopped scribbling and replied. "She was tired and wanted to rest in my room for a while."

The backstabber scoffed. "Do NOT try anything Gearsman. She is betrothed to Edward and she will remain pure for him before their wedding night."

"Wow... Never thought I hear you speak of purity and chastity." Rowan chuckled. "Especially after that Mingler scandal."
The backstabber growled and folded his arms. "That is none of your concern."

Velocity shrugged off the blankets and stood up. Her hair slightly dishelved.
The backstabber scoffed. "Oh your hair is a mess... What will the boss say?"

Rowan took a hairbrush out of a nearby box of more confiscated goods. He began to fix her hair into a new hairdo with more curled strands of hair at the front and from the bun giving her a fancier prettier look. "There... better?"

Velocity smiled. "Much better... Thank you..."

The backstabber grabbed her wrist. "Yeah yeah nice! We must go before I am scrapped metal."
He pulled out of the office sharply. Velocity barely had enough time to look at the office room number and waving a small goodbye to Rowan.

Deep within Lawbot HQ was a large building presumably where the Chief Justice resides because the outside was huge with a large fountain pouring water and a well kept lawn. It had a circular drive way and in it was the lower "tank" part that the cog boss would ride around in.
Velocity thought to herself. "He must have another mode of transportation inside of the house itself."
She examined the building the air was less smoggy here but the sky was still gray and the bricks that made up the house was still dull colored and boring, but the porch made up for it with it's Greek architecture. The collums of that held up the balcony up top and the Roman designs carved into the tops of the collums and around the sides.
The windows were very large and Victorian with Red velvet curtains covering them from the inside. Despite the well designed house exterior she couldn't help but feel the eerie dread that loomed over the house.

Velocity was nervous about entering the imposing house but she couldn't refuse or face dire consequences. This is for the peace of toontown, right? But is it worth become a slave to a cruel husband?
Velocity's anxiety was rising to the highest levels as she walked closer to the large house. The backstabber showed no signs of stopping till his job was done. Velocity choked a small sob as she went up the steps of the building, the backstabber turned to her.

"You'll be fine... Whatever..." He muttered.

Velocity nodded. "Ok... I believe you..."

The backstabber gave yet another look of shock. The large oak doors opened and they were let inside. Velocity gazed inside the house. The walls of the house was the same dull grayish brick from the outside but the floors were made of oak with a red carpet with golden intricate designs that led to different places all over the house. Statues of high level cogs were places at the edges of the house and rooms. Paintings of cogs and famous paintings with cogs painted over them littered the walls. More velvet curtains tied up around the walls.

Gothic candle chandeliers hung from the ceiling and they looked barely lit. The rooms were illuminated by the outside light from the windows. It made the house seems even darker and almost like entering a haunted mansion rather than a home.

As she passed the large den a large roaring fireplace was lit ablaze. It was so large Veloctiy noticed the logs were the size of literal treetrunks. Velocity was relived to not see stuffed heads of toons on the walls or a toonskin rug. That would easily upset even the toughest of toons.

She was led to the dining room which had two fire places on both sides of the room that was lit. The room was very long with white marble table and chair set. The plates were fine china. The table looked like it could seat up to 50 cogs. The chief justice sat on the left side of the room at the end of the table the fire from the fireplace coloring him to burning shades of red and orange. His face in a deep frown of impatience and his lower half now replaced with legs that were covered by his gown; nevertheless, Velocity was shocked that he has an ability to walk.

Sitting next to him on the right side of the table was a woman who looked like a lady version of the Chief Justice. She had longer hair that was curly at the ends and red lipstick; a blindfold covered her eyes. Sitting next to her was Edward who looked rather dissapointed, wether it was Velocity's failure to be punctual for the meal or the added additions to her hair he was disappointed regardless.

Velocity sat the opposite of the two cogs across the table. Dinner wasn't served yet and Velocity just decided to not say anything. "Here she is... Where was she?" The cog boss said.
The backstabber bowed low and calmly stated. "She was exploring the office and meeting high officals, sir."
The chief justice nodded. "I see... You're relieved of your duties."

The backstabber left and walked away. Velocity avoided the gaze of Edward, who was eyeing her hungrily.
The woman beside him smiled and said a kind. "Good evening, dear."

Velocity smiled sheepishly. "Good evening..."
She decided to speak when she was spoken too. Edward quickly noticed this and smiled. "She's so graceful, mother. She's a little angel. Aren't you?"

The pleasant tone of his voice burned in her ears. She decided that was a rhetorical question and said nothing. The chief justice spoke to his son. "You are treating her well? I would hope so since she is to be your wife."

Velocity wanted to throw up in front of them. Edward replied calmly. "Of course, father. I'll keep 'track' of her..."

Dinner was finally served with oil soup for the cogs and a small square of tuna casserole for her. She was utterly surprised.

"We tried to make you feel at home..." The woman said.
Velocity smiled sheepishly and nodded. "Thank you..."

Deep down inside something told her not to eat it. She had a strange distrust of the meal. It's probaly for the best if she ate pieces of it.

Dinner seemed like a never ending trial of the parents asking Velocity rather invasive questions of her interests and daily routine. Velocity didn't want to give out too much. She felt like they were onto something... Something sinister and she did not like one bit of it.
At least the questions kept her from eating. The tuna cassarole was horribly done; definitely not the way her mother would make it. Velocity had trouble swallowing it after one bite.

She filled her stomach with water but no one can live on water alone. She needs food, real food, something that didn't taste like it was dug out of garbage. She'll dig through garbage if she gets too desperate. But how will she get better food? She'll have to exit lawbot hq, but how? She'll need an escort. Her thoughts drifted to Rowan from earlier.
He seems nice... Maybe he can escort her? Plus she'll personally be his guide and protector from toons who don't know his kind and gentle nature. She'll need a plan however. She needs to be quick. This should be an in and out job.

She was so lost in thought she didn't notice the Chief Justice trying to get her attention.
"Miss Skyrusher?!"

She gasped and almost spilled water over herself; however, she caught the glass just in time.
"Pardon me, your honor. I was thinking about books."

"Ah yes! You did mention you loved books. What kind of books do you like?" He asked.

Velocity pushed some hair back from her face avoiding Edward's cold glare. "I like philosophy books! Satire is also my personal favorite. My favorite books are Candide and A Modest Proposal."

The Chief justice nodded with approval. "How fascinating... A toon who reads classic literature. Are you familiar with Shakespeare?"

Velocity nodded. "I have read Macbeth and enjoyed it thoughly."

The cog boss smiled even wider. "Just fascinating..."

The eerie chime of a grandfather clock rang throughout the house. "It's almost nighttime. I think you should get home, we shall talk more later. Maybe about getting some books for you to read."

Velocity gently stood up from her seat. "I would appreciate that, thank you."

The backstabber once again appeared to escort her to her room. Velocity never felt so relieved to exit the presence of Edward and his parents. The backstabber looked on her as she sighed. "Um... So how did it go?" He asked.

"Hell..." She said softly.

The backstabber nodded as he sat Velocity in a golf cart and began to drive her back to her apartment. The ride was silent but Velocity was too exhausted with the day's events. She no longer had the energy to break the ice in conversation with the backstabber anymore.

"My name is Ramsay by the way... Just thought you should know. You'll be seeing me everyday from now on... Hooray..." He said lifelessly.

Velocity continued on saying nothing folding her arms and crossing one leg over the other. When they got to their destination, Velocity stepped out of the vehicle and felt something cold on her head.

She looked up to see sleet precipitating from the night sky. What little snowflakes formed immediately turned into water on the floor of the polluted HQ.
"We get this alot... We live in a cold and dreary place... You should get in before you freeze and I'll be screwed." Ramsay said.
Velocity took one step and slid into the door. She broke the left heel of her shoes. She growled and yanked her shoes off in fustration. Ramsay chuckling in the back. Ignoring him she burst through the door and into the elevator. Ramsay made it before the door closed and pressed the button for the top floor.
Velocity held her shoes in one hand. She didn't feel like talking even more so now.

"Since the CJ liked you so much he gave you a better room... Well it's a whole apartment now so... Good for you..." He said.

Velocity looked into his eyes. "Thanks..."

Finally Velocity entered her new apartment. It was light blue with dark blue curtains and dignified furniture that was set up to look rather modern. There was an even bigger bookshelf with even bigger and more boring books than the last room. The floor was oak and there was a space heater in each room. Velocity glanced at the kitchen from the corner of her eye. It was dark but she'll explore it later. The backstabber handed her a key.

"Don't lose it because you're sure as hell aren't getting mine. Welp! Good night, Skyrusher! I'm off! My work is finally done. Uh... Bye!" He left closing and locking the door behind him.

Velocity dropped the key in a nearby jade keydish and threw her shoes to the side. She was soaking wet and her hair lost its powder. Her suit ruined by the water and her pantyhose was all dirty from walking without shoes. Her whole body was aching and her feet was killing her. She stumbled around trying to find a light.

She practicality fell inside her bedroom. She turned on a light to find the room colored black with a large canopy bed with royal blue sheets and curtians with gold trimming.
She looked and saw a red rug underneath the bed and turned to see a mahagony dresser covered with jewery boxes and make up items. A large pink container fulk of power for her hair no doubt. It smells of roses, something that the powder they put on her ealier did not have.

Velocity opened the boxes to find that they were full of jewels to wear. Velocity didn't care much for them and set them down. She saw a large walk in closet stuffed to the brim with suits and clothes for her to wear, approved by the chief justice of course. She opened a door to find the bathroom that was made of marble with a black sink, toilet, and a bathtub with a built in shower to match. Blue bath rugs in front of each utility.

Velocity threw her clothes off and to the side. She took one of the hottest showers she has ever taken and stepped out a clean cat. Some muscles didn't ache anymore but her feet still hurt and that tracking device in her ear. She dried off her fur and searched the closet for a nightgown. She pulled out a long white silk sleeveless gown and put it on.
It was specially tailored to show every curve of her body.

Velocity suspected that it was for Edward's pleasure. She growled at the thought of him. She held her arms and shivered. All the bad memories coming back to her and the feelings of hunger growling. She decided to try to sleep for she had a mission tomorrow.

Velocity cranked up the space heater in the room on full blast and curled up under the sheets. She suspected all of these things in her room was for flattery: something to keep her happy here. Velocity's head was racing with thoughts she felt scared and worried of the future. She tossed and turned trying to find a comfortable position to sleep with the pain from her ear. She barely found any.

All she knows is that she survived the devil at dinner, and how long did that take? 2 or 3 hours? She just have to keep doing this while she plans her escape. She has to escape this place. This isn't living. She doesn't want to live in fear for the rest of her life. She can survive and look the devil in his green eyes or his blindfold.
She can do this and she'll be free. Free to roam around in toontown again and see her friends and family. Free... Free...

As Velocity thought about her freedom she manged to finally drift off to sleep.

Chapter Text

Velocity woke up to the sounds of loud rapid banging echoing throughout her apartment. She groggily slid out of bed and stumbled to the door. She opened to find Ramsay looking worried and stressed already. He winced and gave her a look of disgust and covered his eyes in revulsion. Her hair was in complete disarray and bags had formed under her eyes; she knew she looked terrible, but she was so irritable over the loud banging that she just folded her arms and stared at the cog in front of her.

"Do you mind, Toon?" Ramsay asked.

Velocity sniffed and tilted her head side to side to crack her stiff neck. "Do I mind, what?" she stated firmly.

Ramsay shuffled still covering his face. "Your attire... You're under-dressed."

Velocity looked down at her gown; it was long, covering her whole body. The only thing provocative about it was how tight fitting it was around the bust and torso. She scoffed and shook her head.

"There's nothing wrong with it. I'm perfectly covered." She then yawned and stretched her entire body.

"No, you are not!" Ramsay protested. "Don't you have a robe or something? Actually... Why am I worrying about this when you're late for breakfast?! The one thing you can't be late for! Don't you know people have schedules?"

Velocity shook her head. "Hey wait a minute you are my escort, right? So it's your responsibility to wake me on time and whatnot. And, I wasn't informed of this last night! Therefore, this is all your fault!"

An ambulance chaser who just stepped out to hear her statement started to snicker followed by a snide "Ha, Got 'em!". As he walked away laughing, Velocity smugly put her hands behind her head and breathed in deeply. Ramsay growled in embarrassment, but then started to smile and nod his head.

"Alright, you got me... You're not as much as an idiot sandwich as I thought." He said calmly. "Just go get ready with some haste, please?"

Velocity nodded. "All right..."

Velocity picked out a light gray suit with a knee-length skirt with fishnet stockings. She found a new set of black pumps to wear and a clean white shirt. Most of the undergarments she had were corsets and white lacy bras with matching undies. She noticed how Victorian and dainty the corsets and the undergarments were as if they were trying to make her seem... 'pure'.

She pulled out a corset that was pure white with an overbust trimmed with white lace and was laced in the back. Carefully she tied it to herself to fit loosely and then she put on the rest of her clothes thinking about how obsessed Lawbots were with purity. They aren't pure with the environment or pure with justice or anything. "Why does what I wear matter to how pure they want me to be?" she thought. "Maybe that's the only way they can do it..."

She stepped outside to meet Ramsay and was escorted on a golf cart at full speed to yet another bland large tan building.

They arrived in the Chief Justice's office at the back of another courtroom. His wife was there stirring a teacup full of coffee slouching over the table; soon as Velocity entered she sat up and smiled at her warmly. "Oh! Welcome!" She frowned at Ramsay who backed away slowly out of the office. "The men had already left; they have schedules to follow..."

Velocity sat down in front of her careful not to disturb the powder that was hastily dusted in her hair. "I'm sorry I didn't know there would be breakfast..."

"I'm aware of that..." the lady justice replied. "Ramsay is literally supposed to guide you through everything here. From day to night. So, my husband is fully aware that this is not your fault."

Velocity sighed with relief. "Oh, thank you so much! This is comforting..."

The lady justice smiled again. "Don't worry about it dear... then again. It's nice to finally be alone and have another girl to talk to. The lawbot chain has rarely any 'female' cogs, period. Also, not many people know I even exist."

Velocity started to stir a teacup in front of her. She noticed the packet labeled 'Black Cherry blast'. "Do the other cog bosses have wives?" she asked trying to start a friendly conversation.

"Yes, but they prefer to keep to themselves. They don't talk to me very much. They like shopping, money, the newest trends, and other materialistic things. I always prefer the simpler things in life, you know?" The lady justice sipped her coffee and shook her head. "Blech! I could never enjoy bitter coffee or tea."

Velocity nodded. "I drank green tea for this weight-loss health challenge and it's an acquired taste, really."

The lady justice smiled mischievously; her face in a playful frown as she looked around her surroundings. When the coast was clear she pulled out a jar of honey and a small bag of sugar from her robe. Velocity stared in awe a bit as the Lady justice poured a generous amount of both confections into both of their cups. She chuckled as she placed them back in her robe. "There... that should liven up the taste," she said as she stirred and took a sip.

Velocity stirred and finally took a sip of the beverage. It tasted severely sweet. "Thank you, Mrs...?"

"It's Alva, my dear! Just Alva around me but when around my boys, Then you'll add the 'Mrs.' part and that's how we'll address each other all right?" she smiled.

The food that was served was even worse than before. The bacon was burnt and the hash-browns looked dry and flavorless. Velocity looked down at her eggs and almost vomited. The eggs were watery and a dull yellow; they smelled rotten and egg shells were still within the food. The lady Justice shook her head. "I don't know what my husband was thinking with hiring cogs to cook toon food."

She pulled out a cupcake from her robe. "I snagged this from the prisons. It's the freshest available. I don't know if toons can still eat gags."

Velocity took it and hid it in her coat pocket which was somehow able to hold it. "We don't. Gags are specifically for fighting and are laced with special preservatives that renders them inedible."

The lady justice nodded and handed Velocity a toon pouch filled with gags. Most of them were low-level gags with a whole pie and a seltzer being the highest level gags. Velocity stared at Alva who motioned her to put up the pouch before someone sees. "Why?" Velocity asked in awe.

Alva started to sniffle and held her face. The sniffling turned into a chuckle; she sighed as she looked at the cat again. "I know how my son can be... He's too strong. But so are you... I just want you to protect yourself that's all. Other than that don't worry about it. We should worry about getting you some food. You haven't eaten since the day before yesterday, have you? Poor kitten..."

Velocity nodded as she equipped her new pouch. "I have an idea, but I need to get away from Lawbot HQ for a bit."

"Let me take care of Ramsay. If anyone asks we spent the day together, OK?" Alva stood up smiling. "Is your idea ready or needs more time to plan."

"Do you know a Rowan?" Velocity asked.

"Red glasses, natural looking hair, an actual personality? Yes, I know him. You're in luck actually; he's been assigned to sort out the library, you should find him easily. And maybe convince him easily too! You have feminine charm in a world completely dominated by men, use it dear."

Velocity opened the door to the cold world of the HQ. "Thank you so much!"

"Don't mention it, dear. Literally! Please don't mention this... The library is to your left and it has a big sign. You can't miss it. Good Luck, dear." Alva exited the door and Velocity started to pace towards the library.

As Velocity walked she tried not to draw attention to herself even though she was the only toon wearing a suit in a world of cogs. She hoped that everyone will just think that she can walk alone without any escort or that she's going to meet someone. "If someone finds me then I'm going to the library to read." she thought.

She began thinking that to survive in this world you need to lie and you better think of them quick. Following Alva's advice, she finally reached the huge doors next to a sign that said 'Lawbot library'. Cogs were entering and exiting the library carrying books and papers. Velocity saw lower level cogs carrying coffee cups from some kind of 'cogbucks'. They seem like college students trying to prepare for their bar exams. Trying not to look at anyone in the eye, Velocity entered the library and bolted for the help desk. No one was there so Velocity began to look around.

She walked around hoping to find Rowan as soon as possible. She began to pretend to look for a certain book to not draw attention to herself. A bigwig with a ponytail tied with a blue ribbon started to stare intently at her. His face stuck in a 'stiff upper lip' fashion and his bright blue eyes burning past his glasses. Velocity tried to not notice that he was staring and pulled a random book from the shelf. She began to open the first page and read its contents. "Latin Laws: Guide to Speaking Legalese"

Velocity began to wander around some more over the same topic still feeling the eyes of the cog over her back. Her tail began to twitch and tremble, her breathing started to become irregular, and her eyebrows furrowed into a frown as she stopped walking and began to stare at the bookshelves reading each word on the spines of each book. The Bigwig started to walk over to her slowly. His fists were clenched, his face stoic and stationary, and his footsteps were slow and heavy. Each time his heels touched the floor they clacked and echoed throughout the room. The clacking made Velocity's hair stand up and her ears began to move back and flatten themselves against her head. She began to feel tremors and the world around her began to feel ultra realistic but yet she felt dissociated from her body to do anything.

Her lip trembled and she held the book close to her chest. Her heartbeat was pounding deep within her chest and she could feel it. Her face folded into a frown with clenched teeth; her eyes were wide open though and she began to breathe aggressively. As the Bigwig almost approached her she finally got the sense to walk away from him.
She walked quickly away from him to another side of the library. She felt like she was being chased by a bloodthirsty monster. She softens her face enough to not show that she was being bothered, doing so will bring attention to herself. Extremely small tears formed at the corners of her eyes; she did not dare to look behind her to see him. She made a hard left to the entertainment section and ducked under a bookcase to enter into a deeper part of the section.

She noticed this section was dustier than the others and that fewer cogs were in this section. Velocity was not surprised at all by this discovery as she kept walking deep inside the section. She looked back and saw no trace of the big wig that was behind her. She lost him... For now...

Velocity sighed and leaned against a bookshelf. She looked at the book in her hands. She had no interest in learning a dead language so she placed the book on the shelf.
"What are you doing?" A voice said.
Velocity yelped and turn to see Rowan pushing a cart around with books.
"I'm sorry! I just saw the book and I thought it went here and I..." She stammered fumbling her hands.

Rowan shook his head. "No... I mean: What are you doing here in the library?"

Velocity sighed and grabbed the same book again. Her eyes shifting side to side with a fake smile. "To read... Of course... What else?"

Rowan raised an eyebrow and gently leaned into her face. "Why are you really here?" He whispered; his voice full of concern.

Velocity sighed. "I came to see you... I... Heard that you would be here..."

Rowan looked surprised. "You came to see me? But why?"

Velocity's stomach began to growl loudly. It echoed throughout the library. Rowan nodded. "Oh... I see... You need my help?"

Velocity nodded. "Just escort me, please?" She tried not to sound desperate but sobs started to escape her mouth. She was starving and lonely. Alva can not be her only source of friendship or resources in this place. Velocity covered her face and buried it in Rowan's chest.

Rowan froze and held her trying to shush her before she attracts attention. Velocity calmed down and looked up at him. Her face stained with mascara and her wig powder over Rowan's right shoulder. Rowan handed her a handkerchief and tried to wipe the makeup off. Velocity sighed.

"I'm sorry..." She began as she took some makeup wipes from her coat. "...being hungry makes your emotions more sensitive and also makes you overly dramatic."

Rowan nodded and put the handkerchief back into his shirt pocket. It now hung out all stained with mascara and tears. Velocity finshed wiping the makeup off and Rowan took her over to an office piled high with books. "Listen you just wait here... I'm going to finish my work and get something."

Rowan bolted out and rushed to push a cart full of books.

Velocity sat back for at least 30 minutes. Rowan then came out with two extra sets of clothes in his hands.

"To blend in... Someone will say something of they see me and if they recognize you."

He handed Velocity a orange jacket with a denim mini skirt.

"There's also a black hole in there. To get us to Toontown Central and Back." He started to put on a hoodie over his clothes.
Velocity hid behind a bookshelf and began to change. Rowan got out some face paint.

"Hey when you're done, come here."

Velocity finished putting on her clothes and stuffed the suit in a nearby empty briefcase. She walked over to Rowan who smeared yellow paint over all over her face and legs.

"There... No one will recognize you..." He smiled and added two strips of paint on his cheek and covered his head with the hoodie.

He took Velocity's hand. "I'm ready if you are."

Velocity smiled. "I'm ready!"

She pulled out a black hole and the two jumped in.

Chapter Text

Rowan and Velocity hopped out in toontown central. Velocity almost screamed in happiness over seeing familiar items again. She took in deep breaths of fresh air and twirled around in the sun. Rowan smiled as she happliy danced. Toons saw them and moved on thinking nothing of them. Thanks to Rowan's clothes and hairstyle, they saw him as a human most likely from another disney universe. He sighed in relief and held Velocity's hand. "I love the sights too but we better get you some food before we're labled missing." His voice was sweet but with a hint of worry.

Velocity sighed and nodded. "Yeah you're right. I was thinking about buying groceries. My apartment has a kitchen. We can cook stuff there."

Rowan blinked. "Oh wait... How will we buy the groceries?"

Velocity pointed to the trolley. "Easy... We work for it!"

Rowan gasped. "Oh I've never done those before! I don't know if it will be ok!"

Velocity shook her head. "It will be fine! You don't have to be that great and you get paid a little bit even if you don't win. It'll be better than you staying out here with people to question you. There's no one around too much so we can play together."

Rowan blushed and rubbed his head. "Just the two of us?"

Velocity smiled. "Just the two of us... I know this is waayyyy out of your comfort zone but you seem to be able to handle toony culture. Maybe you have some tolerance for a bit. And I'll owe you big time!"

Rowan nodded. "All right you make a good point. Also, I'm just happy to help. Come on when those group of toons leave we'll get on the next one."

Velocity hugged him. "Thank you! Thank you!"

The two rode the trolley to the first mini game. It was the cannon splash game. Rowan gulped. "Uhhh, Velocity..."

Velocity hopped in and began adjusting. "You dont have to try, Rowan. You can pass... I'm not upset!" She fired and hit the side of the water tower, hitting it with a low 'OOMPH'.

After making her way back Rowan was still nervous over where should he adjust to.

"I understand if it's too scary for you! I don't want you to stress yourself... Remember this is all about fun and if its not fun for you, its not worth it." She called out.

Rowan gulped. "But I already said I would do it!"

Velocity jumped back in to adjust once more. "And you didn't know that the cannon would be too scary... You can always retract consent you know... Its not like we signed a contract!"
She fired and made it. She splashed and waved. "I'm not mad!"

Rowan nodded and stepped down. Then at the last couple seconds he climbed in aimed and shot out of the cannon screaming. He splashed next to Velocity shaking. When he realized he made it he started to laugh and cheer. Velocity cheered with him.

"What made you want to do that?" She asked.

Rowan rubbed his glasses with his wet shirt. "I don't know. I saw you having fun! I figured I'd have to go against my programming to do this. Glad I did... That was fun..."

Velocity smiled and the two replayed again for more jellybeans.

The next game was a Tug O' War game against Cogs. Velocity and Rowan tugged and Rowan easily won against every cog opponent with his super strength. Velocity almost barely made any effort to pull, in fact she was being yanked with Rowan as he pulled.

The next game was collecting apples from trees. Rowan and Velocity picked enough to make a substantial amount of jelly beans.
They quickly went to the nearest Farmer's market. Velocity began to think about the many dishes she could make.

She began to grab a basket and shove produce inside the basket. Rowan stood back and followed her. He had no idea about this food and he wondered how did toons make food.

Velocity shoved as much food as she could along with some snacks.

She used up all of the jellybeans they both had earned but had good amount of food to last about two weeks. Rowan and her pulled the food through the black hole and entered in the opening of Lawbot HQ.

Now here comes the hard part. Sneaking back into Velocity's apartment without causing attention or a scene.
"We're not going to get through without causing trouble." Said Rowan.

Velocity sniffed. The paint was starting to chip away. Everyone will notice a yellow cat with normal clothes enter lawbot hq.

"Take off your clothes and arrest me!" She said.

"What?! Why?!" Rowan gasped.

Velocity shushed him. "Pretend that you caught me. Sneak me into an empty cell. Then I can wash in a bucket and return to my apartment."

Rowan removed his hoodie. Velocity licked her thumb and rubbed off the yellow paint off Rowan's cheeks.
Rowan took out his briefcase and placed the food inside. Hey, cogs can fit entire watercoolers inside. Why not food?!

He handcuffed Velocity and gently escorted her to lawbot hq's cell area. Velocity jerked and squirmed to play the part of a captured toon. Rowan gnashed his teeth and struggled with her trying to pretend he's an angry cog. He was trying to hurt her as little as possible.

Finally they made it to the cell area. A spin doctor was at the reception desk writing everything down in a book. He looked up and saw Rowan holding a struggling Velocity.

"Well... Well... Well... Gearsman, you finally done your civic duty and bring justice to a toon! Now if you can only fix that bright hair of yours..." The doctor set the book down and stood up to open the door.

"Don't get too excited." Rowan muttered. "I just wanted something cool from her. So I am... 'Appropriating' it."

The doc shrugged. "Hmph! All right... What's its name..."

"Cheesey doodlecrunch!" Rowan spoke up.

The doctor opened the cell doors and Rowan pushed Velocoth to the very last cell away from almost everything. He gave her his briefcase and uncuffed her. Luckily no one else was around so they could relax for a bit.

"Holy shrimp!" Exclaimed the cat. "Can't believed that actually worked..."

Rowan pointed to the sink behind her. "You can freshen up there. I'm going to leave before the jailer notices. The cell is unlocked. Your clothes is in my briefcase as well! It was... Nice... Spending time with you! Honest, it was..."

Velocity smiled. "Hey... My apartment is at the decadence suite, room 1632... You can pick up your briefcase and maybe... Stay for dinner?"

Rowan winced. He sucked his teeth pulling his mouth into a grimace. But he shook his head and smiled again. "Screw it! I'd love to! I wonder what toons cook. And I could use a friend to eat with for once."

Velocity smiled. "Great! I'll be there around 7:30 maybe..."

Rowan nodded. "Hopefully same for me too... See you then..." He then left and Velocity sighed.

Rowan was refreshing to be around. She couldn't wait to see him again. She then began to peel off her clothes and bathe in the sink. The paint was hard to get off. It was a mess trying not to dirty the cell. After an hour or two she was done.
She put on her suit and exited the cell. She turned... The yellow was going down the drain. She carried her briefcase to a nearby exit. She opened it and briskly walked to her apartment.

When she got there she quickly shoved food inside her fridge. The strawberry fruit bars were soft and needed to be refrozen. She sighed and placed them in the freezer at least she'll have a treat for later. She began making up her own tuna cassorole. It won't be mom's but its real food! She slapped it in the oven and left it at 350°.

She decided that she would shower once more to make sure the paint washed off.
She was sitting on her couch in her bath robe reading a book about: "Laws and Rules: Guide to the Simlarites and Differences of Cog and Toon Legal Systems."

If she's going to deal with lawbots for the rest of her life then she will learn about her enemy. The book started off with how laws can be commonplace due to morality and universal truths. Murder, thievery, drug use, and a couple more were found in both lawbooks of toon and cog. It then had a chapter where the author discussed philosophy of how toons can have these laws and kill cogs. Everyday thousands of cogs die flaming horrible deaths but the worst thing toons recieve is going sad for a minute or two.

The author questioned such logic to which Velocity began to question herself. "This cog is actually having a rational thought. Thoughts about its own mortality and its sense of what's right and wrong."

She began to feel empathy for a cog. Yeah there are some toon-like cogs who act fun and enjoy toon things like Rowan, but what about normal cogs. They are bad because they ruin small toon business for big greedy corporations. She kept reading to find how the author never once mentioned about how cogs are victims and just want money and barp barp barp. But how life is for them. Some cogs just want to live, they aren't in it for the business. It's just all their programmed with... Yet they hide it under suits and mean demeanors. Not able to show off what is really inside them. And they die... Everyday they die never once being brave to break the cycle of their life and live their own. Dying under a legal law that allows them to die.

Granted they do attack toons but with how everything is so... 'You're on my side or on none at all.' There's no ground to find neutralness among anything.

Is fighting truly the way of peace?

This being said... Laws are just suggestions of what you're not supposed to do to please authority... When is abiding the law based on morality or by pleasing someone else?

Velocity finshed the chapter and held her chin. Wow, a cog with deep thought...
She never thought she'd see the day...

She was knocked out of her train of thought with her door being pounded on against.

Ah s***, here we go again...

She opened her door to find Ramsey panting hard. He saw her in her robe and covered his face. "Again with the indecency! Where were you?! You're never supposed to leave my side! I'm about to be scrapped because of you!"

Velocity folded her arms. "Well, maybe I don't like being followed. I am heavily introverted after all..."

Ramsey sputtered. "T-that's not the point! You're never to leave me... Period. I looked all over the library for you! Jesus f***ing christ! You will be the death of me, literally..."

Velocity shrugged.

Ramsey sighed deeply. "Go put on some clothes now! It's dinner time... Please hurry up. You have 20 mins..."

Velocity closed and locked the door in his face. Stove was turned off the casserole looked done anyway. She put on another suit and put her hair into a simple bun. Her face was plain with no makeup, she stepped out and was escorted to hell again for another dinner date with satan.

Dinner with the chief justice went well again. Velocity was just decribing the book she ready about laws and what not.

"Ah, so you read about the logical falicy of murder laws for toons..." The cogboss said.

Alva looked up at Velocity with a worried look. Edward frowned and sniffed.

"Yes..." Velocity said. "I find it rather strange. Never thought about that. But granted you do act irrationally when you are scared. Which all toons are. We're scared of something changing our world... We're scared of another influence changing our way of life into something we can't understand. All the fighting leaves no room for debate or compromised thinking. I also thought about how I am to be wed to a cog and shown how happy I am. That cogs aren't as bad as they seem... Am I in the ballpark?"

The Chief Justice smiled and nodded. "Precisely, hm... You are a thought provoking young lady..."

Alva sighed with relief while Edward sipped his wine. He glared at her through his glasses. "Yes, you do seem like you... Get around... Don't you, toon." He muttered.

Velocity thought nothing of his reply. The chief Justice scolds his son. "Call her by her name properly. You will stop this derogatory comments immediately. We will make peace if its the last thing we do. We must set our pride aside for once..."

Edward looked at his father in shock. "Father! Pride is all we have left that the toons can't destroy..."

"We will make peace... Set. It. Aside..." The boss grunted.

"I never understood pride of anything." Velocity muttered. "Pride Should be felt when you achieved something, not because you're born into... Or well in your case, built into. That being said. Its ok to be happy to be something. Happy to be a cog or toon... Happy to be a lawbot or sellbot... Proud of earning that promotion or skillset. Pride goeth before a fall... Maybe setting aside pride is the way to be open minded to reach a compromise for peace..."

The chief justice and Alva was speechless. Edward's mouth was wide open in shock.

The Chief raised his wine glass. "Here here! Such wise words! You have spoken a well said truth!"

Edward continued to stay silent and sip.

Dinner was some sort of stew for her. Velocity thinks she smelled kerosene in the mix so once again another dinner full of water. She began craving for a big plate of tuna casserole and faked yawn.

"Excuse me, but I am very tired. I think I should go to bed early..." She said.

Luckily that lie worked. She was dismissed; she thank the cog boss for the meal and waved goodbye to Alva who smiled gently.

She got there around 7:45. Dismissing Ramsey who tried to enter her apartment. "Is that fish I smell?" He asked. "What are you doing?"

Velocity pushed him. "Nothing, now shoo! You're dismissed. Should I actually need to leave my room I'll call you. I am scared of the dark, now go!"
Ramsey huffed then shrugged. More time to himself, I guess.

Five minutes later Rowan rapped at her door gently. She opened it with a smile. "Hi! Glad to see you! Come in!"

She had two plates sitting on a very small, tightky packed with two chairs to sit at. The way the chairs were placed made room for intimacy.

"Probably made for Edward and Velocity to be close..." Rowan thought.

His mind filled up with anger and resentment for Edward. He was a jerk, always dumping toon items in his office, Piling work onto him for no reason, and just being so condescending towards him. He always acted entitled to whatever he wants and Rowan was always the butt of his jokes. Rowan couldn't stand him. He doesn't deserve Velocity... Not even her smile.

Rowan learned a new emotion... Envy...

His anger and envy was brushed aside as Velocity pulled out a warm tuna casserole from the oven. "You can... Eat, right?" She asked.

Rowan nodded. "Not too much... Just a bite. I do eat toon food but with a bite or two. I immediately clean my gears at home and i tend to spit out what im tasting. I usually taste candy and sweets. But drink lots of water and brush my teeth immediately after. Besides... More food for you to last. I don't know how often we can play off our little outings like today..."

Velocity set down the casserole down. "Point taken..."

Rowan looked down at the golden crispy seasoned bread crumbs encrusted casserole. "It looks delicious!" He exclaimed.

Velocity smiled. "Its not my mother's, but it'll do..."

She took a spoonful and placed it on Rowan's plate while she piled her plate high.

He took a bite and smiled. "So savory.. The fish melts in your mouth as the peas and carrots add the perfect amount of texture. The corn adding sweetness to counter it all! It's sugoi!!!"

He politely took a napkin to take it off his tongue. "Too bad I can't swallow..."

Velocity chuckled and began eating. "Are you really a food connoisseur or have you watched too many episodes of Food Wars?"

Rowan laughed. "I became a connoisseur through food wars..."

Talking with Rowan was once again refreshing. Velocity handed him back his briefcase and was sad to see him go. He smiled and said to drop by the library sometime to see him again.

Velocity may be making another trip sometime soon.

She took a warm shower and enjoyed a frozen strawberry fruit bar in bed. She read the same book from earlier until she passed out. Dreaming of chatting with her newfound cog friends: Alva and Rowan...

An: sorry this took soooooo long. Life got me...

I am also writing another story. One that will not be posted for I hope to actually publish it in writing someday. It's an Original story. One I hope you'll love. Thank you... And I hope to update soon again... Please share comments, concerns, Constructive Criticism...! (Honestly just be nice about it. I love improving! I type on mobile so forgive any text formatting.)

And feel free to share it. More people, more comments, more likes, more writing motivation!

Thanks for reading!