strawberry-storms

[strawberry-storms]

hello, betti!

Petunia stops, as she senses a presence right outside the door.

PETUNIA: Oh, it seems that our guest has arrived.

BETTI: PETUNIAAAAAAAAAA

PETUNIA: Haha, yes that’s me! What happened this time dear?

BETTI: PETUNIA A MEAN COG STOLE MY BOW.

Betti animatedly recounts the entire tale WAY too fast, but Petunia manages to understand everything regardless. She starts all the way from thing beginning with leaving Wesley’s house right to being thrown off a building.

BETTI: ...AND THAT’S WHY IM HERE NOW AND IM REALLY UPSET ABOUT IT!

BETTI: Oh, hi James!

JAMES: Heya!

BETTI: I’m being really loud, huh? Sorry.

JAMES: It’s no problem noodle!

BETTI: Anyways, the moral of the story is that I have to GO STEAL MY BOW BACK.

PETUNIA: Why not just get a new bow? I’m sure you have many already.

BETTI: NO PETUNIA! This is a FIGHT now ok? It’s about the BATTLE. That Backstabbers gonna get what’s coming to em just wait!

PETUNIA: ...If you insist! Please be careful as always, Betti.

BETTI: Why? You have another vision? I don’t know how your witch magic stuff works but you always know the right thing to do I think.

PETUNIA: Oh no, nothing like that! I just know how you are.

BETTI: What’s that supposed to mean!

JAMES: She means ya’ head’s as hard as a rock once ya decide on somethin’.

BETTI: HEY! Since when did you get so mean?

JAMES: Aye, I haven’t changed a bit, noodle!

BETTI: I told you to stop calling me noodle!

JAMES: I’m just messin’ with ya kid.

[JAMES and PETUNIA and BETTI are available for questions.]

[strawberry-storms]

how did you know that Betti was going to see you soon? Do you have precognition powers with being a witch?

PETUNIA: Yes- Sort of. I’d say its closer to almost a gut feeling? The only downside is that it mostly only works on someone I have an established relationship with. Since I’ve known Betti for some years, it’s easy for me to pick up when she’s around.

PETUNIA: Although a lot of the time I just hear her coming. She’s not exactly quiet… Aha….

[strawberry-storms]

Who was that back stabber?

PETUNIA: Ah, to be honest...

PETUNIA: I’d like to know that too. 

PETUNIA: Oh- but you must wonder how I even know about him. That Backstabber has actually shown up in a few of my visions. I have no idea who he really is, but at the very least I think I’ve deciphered two things.

PETUNIA: He is certainly an important factor to the near future, and his connection to Betti even more so. And I don’t believe he has truly bad intentions. ...Although, even as a seer, I’m not too fond of speculation. My visions are not always definitive, as a person’s fate is constantly shifting, but I’d really hate to see Betti in danger…

Petunia calmly rests her hands on the table.

PETUNIA: Ah, I’m rambling a bit aren’t I? Sorry.

PETUNIA: ...I just hope I’m right this time around.

[strawberry-storms]

How did you two meet?

PETUNIA: Well, that’s a rather long story-- for the time being I’ll give you the short explanation.

PETUNIA: You see, James has no ability to fight in battle. He cannot use any attacks or other functions other cogs can in battles. For that reason, he was deemed defective, and tossed out. At least, that’s my understanding of it. 

JAMES: Aye. I have no memory of what really happened...

PETUNIA: I found him half buried in snow around the outskirts of The Brrrgh! There was no way I could leave an unfortunate soul like that. So I took him with me. I was amazed he was still functional.

PETUNIA: That’s the short version anyways. James and I have been travelling together for some years now… 

PETUNIA: Maybe one day we’ll have more time for a proper story, but I hope that will feed your curiosity for the time being.

[strawberry-storms]

Why are you hanging out with a cog? Wouldn't you be concerned?

PETUNIA: Oh him? That’s my dear companion James.

PETUNIA: Please, go on and introduce yourself.

The Robber Baron named James stands tall, puffing his chest out a bit. It almost seems like he’s trying to make himself look more intimidating, but it’s not really working.

JAMES: Aye! Hiya, I’m James an’ I work for miss ‘Tunia! Books are heavy so I do alotta the heavy liftin’ ‘round here. In return, ‘Tunia takes care o’ lil old me.

PETUNIA: Yes, all of that is true!

PETUNIA: I’m sure to an outsider our friendship may seem strange– A cog and a toon living domestically? Working together? A witch and a cog no less? It’s an unusual situation so I don’t blame you for being skeptical. 

PETUNIA: But I ask you to keep an open mind. Every friend of mine has played a major role in my story. I’d say the stars had us cross paths, and the stars are never wrong. 

PETUNIA: …Plus, I know you are all kind and will surely keep our secret!

PETUNIA: Also there’s no real reason for concern, considering how completely harmless James is.

PETUNIA: (He is a lot more fragile than you’d think.) 

[strawberry-storms]

That's a cute hat, Petunia! Are you a witch?

PETUNIA: Why yes I am! My name is Petunia Parasol, and I am a witch.

PETUNIA: But more specifically, I am a seer.

PETUNIA: My magic involves having visions of the near future. They mostly are about those I consider my associates. I can also look into crystal balls, you know, all the works.

PETUNIA: In that sense, my magic is definitely not the most powerful type. Not the most entertaining either… from time to time i see things I’d prefer not to.

PETUNIA: But, it will certainly be helpful to our little Betti.

[strawberry-storms]

hello, petunia

 PETUNIA: Ah, and this one can go right here for the display.

PETUNIA: Let’s see, this one’s purple? Or a bit closer to blue actually? Maybe it can go right between them.

PETUNIA: James, could you take the rest of these books to the back? And put the kettle on please, I think we’re going to have a friend visit us.

JAMES: Sure thing, boss! Hup!

JAMES: Ya know who’s comin’ so late at night ‘Tuna?

PETUNIA: A certain bunny who’s prone to get into trouble, it seems.

JAMES: Aye! I remember that girl, the rascal!

PETUNIA: Heheh.

PETUNIA: It’s been a while, hasn’t it? I’d love to sit and chat.

[JAMES and PETUNIA are available for questions.]

[strawberry-storms]

elsewhere

Somewhere else entirely, a tiny mouse is organizing books in her shop by color palettes rather than alphabetical order. It’s very peaceful, and she is not expecting any visitors tonight. However, she has a feeling that she might be getting one rather soon anyways...

[strawberry-storms]

where am i? (4)

The Backstabber stands still for a moment longer after the other cog leaves, just to make sure they wouldn’t be coming back. When he thinks they’re gone, he goes back behind the shelf where Betti is.

BETTI: (Oh, the other cog left!!)

BETTI: Hey, what was all that about??? I was holdin’ my breath the whole time!

BACKSTABBER: You. Are leaving. Now.

BETTI: Wh- Hey wait no I just got here!!!

BACKSTABBER: Leaving! You’ve caused enough trouble as it is and I don’t feel like writing up a toon tonight.

BACKSTABBER: In fact, I’m feeling rather generous.

BETTI: What on earth are you talkin’ about??

BACKSTABBER: I’m gonna send you off the way you came up here, no paperwork or anything. Consider yourself lucky.

BETTI: How is that lucky- you still have my bow!

BACKSTABBER: Give me that pen.

BETTI: Wh- Why?

BACKSTABBER: This is why.

The Backstabber activate the helicopter mode of the INKPEN, and puts it back into Betti’s hand.

BACKSTABBER: Goodbye then, toon.

BETTI: WAIT!

But the Backstabber does not wait, and pushes Betti back off the landing bay.

BETTI: I’LL COME BACK FOR THAT BOW, YOU’LL SEE!!!

[strawberry-storms]

where am i? (3)

Betti peeks between the various boxes on the storage shelves to see just what, or who was bad enough a threat for the Backstabber to insist she hid herself. Another cog that is taller than the Backstabber is talking to him, but she can’t see their face. She can make out most of the conversation though.

???: Never thought I’d see you in here so late. Did you lose something, perhaps?

BACKSTABBER: Oh- See- No, nothing like that! I was just on my way out actually.

BACKSTABBER: But it’s strange, were you looking for me? I almost never see you outside of the lab.

BACKSTABBER: You- You could have just sent me an email or something if you wanted anything else, you didn’t have to--

???: Now now no need to panic. You’ve filled the quota for this week already, haven’t you?

BACKSTABBER: Ah- Yes I have. Is there a problem?

???: Not at all! Even you can be useful from time to time, it seems.

BETTI: (Just what are they talking about…?)

BETTI: (Quota? Like tasks maybe?)

???: It is getting rather late though, please do try and get home soon!

BACKSTABBER: Of course. Like I said, I was just on my way out.

???: Then I’ll let you finish up whatever… Business you have in here I suppose.

???: …

BETTI: (...Are they looking this way?)

The other cog turns their head to face directly at Betti, almost as if they knew she was there already...

???: And don’t forget to lock up once you’re done.

???: Wouldn’t want any pesky toons getting in here, now would we?

[strawberry-storms]

where am i? (2)

BACKSTABBER: This evening just keeps getting worse and worse...

BETTI: Wow! One thing I can agree on with ya pal!!!

BACKSTABBER: This is bad. You need to leave-- Actually there’s no time, you need to hide. Now. Toons aren't supposed to access this level of the HQ.

BETTI: Access Shmaccess!!! What About my b-

BACKSTABBER: Duck yourself behind these, stay out of sight and--

BACKSTABBER: Stay. Quiet.

BACKSTABBER: Please.

BETTI: ...?

BETTI: (This is so shady! Why do I need to hide...? Is it really that bad?)

[strawberry-storms]

where am i? (1)

Betti stands up, dusting herself off from the crash. Miraculously the INKPEN seems to be in perfect condition, but that Backstabber looks rather irritated.

BACKSTABBER: Your hazardous actions could have gotten us both killed. Do you toons have ANY sense of self-preservation??

BETTI: Well if you hadn't taken MY BOW--

BETTI: AND DON'T COGS EXPLODE IN BATTLES LIKE ALL THE TIME??

BETTI: Gimmie back my bow!! Now!!!!!

BACKSTABBER: That's not even how that works--

BACKSTABBER: And sure, let me just give this bow back to the toon that nearly killed me and herself like a fool.

BACKSTABBER: That was sarcasm. You are not getting this-- this wretched bow back.

The Backstabber hears footsteps heading to the door of the landing bay. He freezes up, as if he knows something bad is coming.

[strawberry-storms]

...and the crash

BETTI: WE'RE GONNA HIT THE GROUND!!!

BETTI: Oooogh.. That did NOT feel good.

BETTI: Hello..? All my limbs still here? Gangs all here...?

BETTI: I think I'm okay--

Betti looks around wildly, not recognizing her surroundings. It's much more gray here, wherever that was, than what she was used to.

BETTI: Wait a sec, where in sweet strawberry land am I???

BETTI: AND WHERE IS--

BACKSTABBER: Pardon my manners but, DO YOU HAVE A DEATH WISH TOON???

[strawberry-storms]

the chase...

BETTI: Uh Oh... This things taking me a lot higher than I thought it could...

BETTI: How am I even supposed to find the guy-

BETTI: AH!

Betti spots a figure in the distance. Looks like he didn't get too far.

BETTI: He's right there!!!

BETTI: You're mine now you dumb Backstabber, just gotta guide over to em...

BETTI: Uh-

BETTI: UGH!

BETTI: This thing is harder to control than I remember...!

BETTI: C'mon!!! Go that way!!!!!!

Betti is struggling to control the INKPEN and it seems the Cog noticed the commotion going on behind him- But maybe just a little too late.

BACKSTABBER: What in the heavens--?

BETTI:  AHHHHHHHHH--

Betti, losing control of the INKPEN crashed directly into the Backstabber, sending them both hurling downwards in a certain direction. That can't be good...

[strawberry-storms]

Chapter 1: Bad First Impressions

[strawberry-storms]

heading home.. (4)

BETTI: Sweet strawberries this is so stupid!! I JUST got that bow back. Since when did cogs steal personal items? Have I just been lucky my whole life?

BETTI: WHY DIDN'T I JUST SMACK HIM WITH A CAKE??

BETTI: What am I gonna do...

Her eyes fall to her feet. The items from earlier are now sitting on the ground- she had forgotten about them for a while, what with everything that just happened. Betti takes particular interest in the INKPEN.

BETTI: ...Oh!

BETTI: Maybe I could...

BETTI: This is such a bad idea.

BETTI: But that's never stopped me before! I'm gonna get my bow back!!!

[strawberry-storms]

heading home.. (3)

BETTI: (He's talking to me?? Why is he talking to me??? Why is he trying to help me up?????)

BETTI: Uh-

BETTI: (I didn't even realize you COULD talk to cogs outside of battles!!! Aside from Petunia's friend but--)

BETTI: I- I'm fine!

COG: Hm, your loss then.

COG: And I do hope you weren't too attached to this.

Betti gasps at the sight of the bow in his hand. When had he grabbed that...?

BETTI: HEY! I just got that today give it back!

COG: Unfortunately, I think I need this more than you do.

COG: Trust me on this.

BETTI: That's stupid give it back!!! What on earth could you need a bow for??

BETTI: Hey! Where are you going!!!

COG: Somewhere I'll never see you again hopefully.

BETTI: UGH