Monday morning: Kenny woke up and glanced over at his alarm clock. “Shoot! I’m gonna be late for work!” he said. He leaped out of bed and quickly put on his work clothes. The toons were downstairs having breakfast. Mitzi was eating a bowl of Trix cereal. “Uh, isn’t that supposed to be for kids?” asked Shannon. “Yeah, so?” said Mitzi. “I don’t see any around here. Oh, remind me to give some to the rabbit when we get back.” Kenny ran downstairs towards the door before anyone had a chance to greet him. “Sorry guys, can’t talk now;  I gotta go to work!” “Work?!” The toons said in shock. “Hey, I gotta make money somehow,” said Kenny. “But, Kenny there’s something we need to tell you,” said Flash trying to get his attention. “Not now, I gotta go!” said Kenny. “You mean you’d would go to your suck ass job than hang out with us?”said Shannon. “Look, it’s not like that,” Kenny said. “I’d love to hang out with you guys, I really do, but I’ve gotta job to do. Besides I’m in enough trouble for not showing up on Friday. I’ll see ya’ll later when I get back, alright?” “Okay,” the toons said. Kenny grabbed his keys and walked out the door. “Typical,” Vera said. “They love you when they’re kids; but when they grow up they never have time for you!”. Flash tried to reassure her. “C’mon Vera, Kenny’s not like that. He’s just busy that’s all”.  “Fine Flash; whatever you say.” Vera responded in a condescending tone. She walked into the living room and was about to step on the small rug that was covering up the hole in the floor. “I wouldn’t step there if I were you, dude,” said Cody. “Why? wha- ahhhhhhhhh!” Vera shouted as she fell through. “Dammit, Cody!” she yelled. “Remind me to fix that,” Cody said.

	It was only two minutes after eight when Kenny arrived at the dealership. The service manager, Mr. Baulbreaker, was waiting impatiently for him at the door. “Kenny! Where the hell have you been?”. “Sorry I’m late,” Kenny said. “The traffic was terrible and-”. “I don’t wanna hear it! I’m so sick of your excuses; now get to work! We got customers waiting!”. “Yes sir,” Kenny sighed as he went to work. It was business as usual; difficult customers, mechanics making messes on purpose, and everybody getting on his nerves. All morning long Kenny kept asking himself, “What I’m I doing here? How did I go from having an exciting weekend to such a lousy Monday? I don’t wanna be here. I’d rather be around my friends than with these idiots.”. At around noon Kenny was dragging some trash out to the dumpster. As he tossed in the heavy trash bag, he heard someone go “Ow!”. Steve crawled out of the dumpster rubbing his head. “Hey! Watch it!”. Kenny was shocked to see him. “Steve?! What are you doing here?” “Well someone tossed out half a peanut butter cup and was trying to get-” “Not about that!” Kenny interrupted. “I meant what are you doing at my job?! “I wanted to see where you work,” said Steve. “You’re supposed to be at the house, Steve,” said Kenny. What if someone sees you?” “Relax, I’m too fast. No one can see me,” said Steve. “Well, you need to get back home,” Kenny said. “And so should you,” Steve said. “I’ve seen the way everyone treats you here. You obviously don’t wanna be here. You should be at home with us; not with these guys. Think about it; is this the life you really want?” “Of course not,” said Kenny. “What else am I supposed to do? This was the only job I could find.” “Trust me, Kenny. You were meant for greater things then this,” said Steve. “What things?” Kenny asked. “Well...” Before Steve could answer, he caught a whiff of something in the air. As he sniffed the smell, he was lifted up and ran inside the building. “Steve! Wait!” Kenny yelled as he ran after him.

	At the service desk, the secretary handed Mr. Baulbreaker a peanut butter and chocolate dessert. “What’s this?” he asked. “Some customer left it for you. It’s her way of thanking us for working on her car,” she said. “I think I’ll enjoy this,” said Mr. Baulbreaker. He took the pie into his office and set it down on his desk. As he stepped outside, Steve snuck his way through the body shop and into the service area. He peeked inside the office door eyeing the dessert on the desk. Steve, drooling with anticipation, ran inside and grabbed it. Kenny ran in from the back door looking for Steve. “Where did he go?” he said to himself. Then he saw the pie walking across the floor. Kenny ran over and snatched it from Steve. “What are you tryin’ to do? Get me in trouble?” Kenny said. “But I was hungry,” said Steve. Suddenly Mr. Baulbreaker entered the service area. Steve dashed behind a vehicle life where no one could see him. “KENNY!” he yelled as he approached him. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?! I thought I told you to take the trash out!” Kenny tried to explain. “I did. But-” “Again with these excuses!” Baulbreaker interrupted. “It’s bad enough you’re always slacking off, now you’re stealing things from my office?! And let me tell you something else, boy...” As Kenny stood there getting his ass chewed out again with everyone in the dealership staring at him, all he could think about was what Steve told him earlier. He didn’t have to take this. He was better than this. He finally realized what he had to do. Kenny has had enough. “Now give me back my pie!” Mr. Baulbreaker said as he finished ranting. Kenny gave him a sly look as he held it in his hand. “Oh, you want it?” he said. “Yes I want it!” Mr. Baulbreaker replied angrily. “Now let me have it!” Kenny waited his whole life to hear someone say that. “Okay, but remember, you asked for it!” *SPLAT*  He smashed the pie right in Baulbreaker’s face. Everyone in the service department stood there in total shock. “Well Mr. Baulbreaker, now I’m gonna tell YOU something,” said Kenny. “For the past four years I worked my ass off for you guys and I’ll you ever did was push me around, you disrespected me, and you treat me like dirt! And if that’s how you do business around here, you can find someone else to do your dirty work! I quit!” Mr. Baulbreaker just stood there as he wiped the pie off his face. Steve quickly scooped up the fragments off the floor. “C’mon Steve, let’s go home,” said Kenny. Steve hid inside Kenny’s jacket packet as he walked out of the building. One of the mechanics walked up to Mr. Baulbreaker. “Well now how’s gonna pick up my lunch?” he asked. Mr. Baulbreaker slowly turned to him and said, “Go get it yourself!”

	Back at home the toons were in the living room watching TV. They’ve spent all morning fixing up the house after last night’s worm attack and were in need of some down time. They were watching the movie Balto on cable. They came to part where Steele and the other sled dogs were picking on Balto in the alley. “Man, that guy’s a prick!” Mitzi said. “You’re telling me,” said Flash. “I met that guy before. All he did was throw snow at me and spit on my forehead.” “That’s terrible,” said Shannon. “It was no big deal, Shannon,” Flash said. “I got to meet Balto anyway. Sometimes I wish I was a hero just like him.” Just then Kenny and Steve came home. “We’re back!” Kenny said. “You’re home early,” said Wesley. “What happened?” “I quit my job,” said Kenny. “I didn’t belong there. Besides, my place is here with you guys.” “Well, good for you, dude!” said Cody. “By the way, have you seen Steve?” “Right here!” Steve shouted as he jumped out of Kenny’s jacket pocket. “Where have you been?!” said Flash. “We’ve been looking for you all morning.” “Relax no one saw him,” said Kenny. “By the way, nice job on the house, guys.” Kenny went upstairs to take shower. Steve sat in the living room with the others. Suddenly the TV went blank and a test pattern appeared on the screen. “Aw man; right during the good part!” Shannon said disappointedly. “Let’s just see what else is on,” said Wesley. He picked up the remote and changed the channel. Nickelodeon had a test pattern on, too. The Cartoon Network showed the same thing. As did Toon Disney and Boomerang. “What the heck’s going on?” Wesley asked. Then he switched over to CNN where a reporter just announced some disturbing news. “This just in, Congress has just passed a bill in which all animated programming to be temporarily removed off the air. This new bill came into effect by a surprising majority.” Everyone gasped. “Oh no,” said Flash. “It’s happening!” 

	That evening at the Derrickson house, Kenny’s dad just came home from work. Kenny’s mom was in the kitchen cooking dinner. Kenny’s dad tried to kiss her, but she gave him the cold shoulder. “What’s the matter?” he asked. “Our son’s been gone for three days,” she replied. “Aren’t you a least bit worried about where he is?” “I’m sure he’s fine,” said Kenny’s dad. “He’s probably staying at a friend’s house.” “He doesn’t have any friends,” Theresa said as she came downstairs. “Theresa! Your mother and I are talking!” Kenny’s dad said.  “I’m sure he has some friends,” he continued. “I mean he couldn’t have moved all his stuff outta here by himself in one day.” “But how do you know he’s okay?” Kenny’s mom asked. “Look, if the boy can fly to California by himself, I’m sure he can find a place of his own.” said Kenny’s dad. Kenny’s mom sat down by the kitchen table worrying. Kenny’s dad tried to comfort her. “Come on, baby” he said. “Don’t you baby me!” she shouted. “Thanks to that temper of yours, my baby’s gone! Things between you two would’ve been a lot easier if you’d just accepted him for who he was. Now unless you like sleeping on the couch again, I suggest you go find my son and bring him back home!” Kenny’s dad grumbled as he went upstairs. Theresa sat at the table quietly eating her dinner. “Who’d have thought that one nerd could destroy an entire family,” she said. Kenny’s mom gave her a look. “You know young lady, just because you get good grades doesn’t give you the right to act like a smart ass!” she said.

	Back at the house, the toons received more bad news. “Dudes, we got a problem,” Cody said as the gang gathered in the living room. “What, now?” Flash asked. “Roger Rabbit just called,” said Cody. “The studio guards know where we are and they’re coming for us!” Everyone started to worry. “But that’s not all,” Cody continued. “Merrimacker has built some kind of machine and plans on using it tomorrow morning. I’m not sure what it does, but he did mention something the toon world being... permanently erased.” Everyone gasped in fear. “What are we gonna do?!” said Shannon. “I don’t wanna be permanently erased!” said Steve. “I’m too sexy to die!” said Vera. “Okay, okay. Let’s not panic!” said Flash trying to calm everyone down. “We’ll just tell Kenny what’s going on. I’m sure he’ll know what to do.” “Tell me what?” Kenny asked as he entered. The toons stood there trying not to look like something’s wrong. “What’s going on?” he asked. Flash stepped forward. “Kenny, we need you to come back with us to Hollywood,” he began. “Our world is in danger and you’ve got to help us.” “Yeah, you’re like the only one who can save us,” said Mitzi. “Now what a minute,” said Kenny. “All weekend long you kept telling me I’m the one who’s supposed to save all of you. I want to help you guys. I really do; but you’ve got to tell me why. What does all of this have to do with me?” The toons looked at each other. “Okay, we’ll tell ya,” said Wesley. “But you might wanna sit down for this. It’s pretty heavy.” 

	Kenny sat down on the sofa while the other sat on the floor around him. “Remember when we told you that everything in Who Framed Roger Rabbit happened in real life?” Flash asked. “Well...there’s one part of the story the movie or the novel never told.” “So, what is it?” Kenny asked. Flash began telling the story. “Some people are born with a special personality trait; a way of understanding cartoon characters. How they act, how they think, how they feel, etc. Eddie and Teddy Valiant had that. That’s why they liked working in Toontown. However, some people did not want that kind of trait to live on. Judge Doom was one of them.” “That’s the guy who tried to destroy Toontown!” Steve interrupted. “Steve, I know who he is. I’ve seen that movie a hundred times,” Kenny said. “May I continue?” said Flash. “Please,” said Kenny. “Well, back in 1938 when the Valiants first went into business, Teddy was involved in an affair with a married woman from Inglewood. No one knew about this until several years later. The real reason Teddy was killed was to stop the trait from being passed on, but it was too late. The woman already gave birth to a son. To keep them safe, the toons told them to move to the East coast since the toons were only allowed to stay in the Los Angeles area. Ever since then, the toons have been watching over the woman and child to make sure they were safe.” Kenny was intrigued by the story. “Well that was an excellent story,” he said. “Now can you tell me what that has to do with me?” Flash cleared his throat and told him. “The name of the son was George Theodore Derrickson.” Kenny heard that name before. “That’s... my grandfather’s name,” he said. “Wait...are you saying that?...” “Yep,” said Wesley. “You are the great grandson of Teddy Valiant.” Kenny was in complete shock and disbelief. “Are you serious?” he asked. All the toons nodded. “My great-grandfather is a dead white guy from L.A.?” The toons nodded again. Kenny just couldn’t believe it. “This is just crazy,” he said. “H-how do you know all of this?” “Roger told us,” said Flash. “When we first arrived in the toon world, we told Roger where we came from and he told us the whole story.” “Why didn’t you tell me all of this before?” Kenny asked. “We wanted to tell you, but we didn’t know how you were gonna take it,” said Flash. “We didn’t wanna overwhelm you.” Shannon jumped in. “When we first met that night, what were we supposed to say? Hi! We’re the cartoon characters you created, we actually exist, Oh, and by the way you’re related to that detective from Who Framed Roger Rabbit.”  Kenny stood up still trying to make sense out of everything. “How can this be?” he asked. “My dad hates cartoons, no one in my family has ever mentioned this. Why didn’t they tell me?” “We don’t know,” said Flash. “But trust us. You are a descendent of the Valiants. You great uncle saved the toon world in the past and now it’s up to you.” “But I can’t be a hero,” said Kenny. “I’m just some work-a-day guy.” “I thought you quit your job,” said Vera. “I’ll look for a new job tomorrow,” Kenny said. At that point he was getting tired. “Look guys, I need to lie down; this is too much for me.” “Kenny, wait!” Flash said to Kenny as he made his way upstairs. “Let him go, Flash,” said Wesley. “He needs some time to think about it.” “Well unfortunately we don’t have time,” said Cody. “What are we gonna do when those guards find us?” “I knew coming here was a bad idea,” said Vera. “And obviously Kenny doesn’t want to help us.” “Why do you have to be so negative?” said Shannon. “If Flash says that Kenny is the one, then I believe him.” “Oh sure, you’d believe anything your boyfriend says,” Vera said sarcastically. “What’s that supposed to mean?” defended Shannon. Soon everyone started arguing with each other. Flash whistled at them to stop. “Hey!” he yelled. “I know things are a little tense right now, but we’re still safe. The guards don’t know exactly what house we’re in.” The others agreed. “Now let’s just get some rest and tomorrow morning we’ll figure out a plan to save ourselves and the others. Okay?” “Okay,” everyone responded. As they walked away, Flash was still a little worried. 

	That night Kenny lied awake in bed thinking about everything. His childhood, his family, his former job, and everything else in his life. He kept thinking to himself, “Maybe it does make sense. My love of cartoons did have some kind of effect on me. Maybe this is what my purpose in life is. If this is what I was meant for, maybe I should accept it.”  Kenny fell fast asleep after all that thinking. During the middle of the night, a team of security guards from the studio were snooping around the outside of the house. They managed to break inside undetected. As they were sneaking around the house, they grabbed the toons one by one. They were tied up in nets and had tape over their mouths. The guards carried the kidnaped toons outside and threw them in the back of a white van. “We got ‘em all,” one of the guards said. “What about the wolf and the black guy?” the other guard said. “Leave ‘em,” the first guard said. “That wolf’s not gonna do anything. And by the time they’ve realized what happened, it’ll be too late. Now let’s go! The helicopter’s waiting!” The guards got into the vans and drove away.

	Tuesday Morning: Flash burst into Kenny’s room terrified. “Kenny! Wake up!” he yelled. “Wha- what is it?! What’s goin’ on?!” Kenny said startled. “They’re gone!” said Flash. “Who’s gone?” Kenny asked. “My friends! They’ve been kidnaped!” Flash said. “The studio guards must’ve taken them while we were sleeping!” “Are you sure?” Kenny asked. “Yeah, look!” Flash said he hold up Cody’s sword and gun. “Cody never leaves his weapons behind! Ever! They also left this.” Flash handed Kenny a note. He stood up and read it:

Dear Kenny,

	By the time you read this, your friends will be gone. Don’t bother to try to save them. By 7:30 AM Pacific Standard Time it’ll be too late. Good luck with your so-called career. HA! HA! HA!

Sincerely yours,

Mr. Merrimacker. CEO of Merry Maker Studios. Hollywood, CA

“I don’t believe this!” Kenny said angrily. “This is all my fault,” said Flash. “We never should’ve left the studio!” “Don’t blame yourself, Flash,” said Kenny. “We’ll get’em back. No, wait a minute. It’s already 8:00 AM here. Hollywood’s 3000 miles away. We’ll never make it there in time!” Then Flash got an idea. “You know, there is another way. But we gotta hurry!”

	At around 8:30 AM, Kenny and Flash arrived at Kenny’s grandparent’s house. Kenny’s grandmother answered the door. “Kenny! How nice to see you,” she said. “You know you weren’t in church on Sunday.” “I know, grandma. Something came up over the weekend,” Kenny said. “Is grandpa home?” Kenny’s grandmother called out to her husband. “Honey! Your grandson’s here!” Kenny and Flash walked towards the back room where Kenny’s grandfather was trying to fix an old TV set.  “Stupid thing!” he grumbled. “Maybe I should just get one of them flat screens.” Just then Kenny entered the room. Flash waited outside the door. “Hey grandpa,” he said. “Kenny!” Grandpa George said. He got up from the floor and gave him a big hug. “I was wondering where you are. Your mother kept calling for you.” “What about dad?” Kenny asked. “He didn’t call,” Grandpa George said. “Figures,” Kenny grumbled. “So, what brings you here?” grandpa asked. Kenny began to tell him. “Remember when I was kid and I told I wanted to be an animator?” “Yeah,” said Grandpa George. Kenny motioned to Flash to come in. “Grandpa, this is Flash Timberwolf. I created him.” “Hi, Mr. Derrickson,” Flash said. “Well, what have we here?” said grandpa as he took a good look at him. “I always knew someone in our family had creativity. I guess by now you know the truth.” “Well, kinda,” said Flash. “My friends and I told Kenny all about his family, but he doesn’t believe us. Is there a way you can convince him?” “I think I know what to do,” Grandpa George said. He went to his dresser and opened the top drawer. He pulled out a big photo album and showed it to Kenny. As he opened it, Kenny was amazed at what was inside. The album contained all the old newspaper articles seen in Who Framed Roger Rabbit; including the famous TOON KILLS MAN headline. Then Grandpa George showed Kenny an old photo of himself with his mother and Roger Rabbit standing with them. Kenny’s eyes widened. “No way!” he said in amazement. “It IS true! Everything!” “Told ya so,” said Flash. “Wait a minute, does dad know?” Kenny asked Grandpa George. “Of course he knows,” he said. “You mean he never told you?” “Of course not,” said Kenny. “This is dad we’re talking about. This is the same man who grounded me for a week for watching a Simpsons marathon!” Grandpa George sighed. “That son of mine was always stubborn,” he said. “Ever since he was a kid he never fully understood his abilities. So as he got older he just forgot all about them.” “That explains a lot,” said Kenny. 

	Kenny told Grandpa the reason why he and Flash came over. “We need your help. This evil studio head is about to destroy the toon world and we’ve gotta get to Hollywood like right now!” Grandpa George smiled and led Kenny and Flash towards the closet. “Don’t worry,” he said. “I know a short cut.” Grandpa George moved some boxes away from the closet wall to reveal a small door. “Go ahead. Open it,” he said to Kenny. Kenny slowly opened the door and a bright flash of light came out. “What IS it?” he asked as he looked inside. “This is the back entrance to the toon world,” Grandpa George said. “It’s how the toons watched over my mother and I when we first moved in. Just go through it and it’ll take you to where you need to go.” “This is amazing!” Kenny said. “Well we better get going.” “Wait,” said Grandpa. “I have something you might need.” He pulled out from under the bed a big black case. As he opened it, Kenny saw a familiar cartoon prop. “A mallet?” he said. “Not just any mallet,” said Grandpa. He picked it up and an extending boxing glove shot out of it. “This was the same mallet that defeated Judge Doom,” Grandpa said. “My uncle Eddie used it and now it’s yours.” He handed the mallet to Kenny. Kenny was filled with astonishment as he held it in his hands. “I’ve always wanted to use one of these,” he said. “I think your ready,” said Grandpa as he put his hand on his shoulder. “Now go get’em.” “Thanks,” Kenny said as he hugged him. “Come on Flash, we gotta world to save!” Kenny stuffed the mallet into his pocket as he and Flash went through the door into the toon world. “Good luck, kid,” Grandpa said. Just then Kenny’s grandmother entered the room. “George, have you seen Kenny?” she asked. “I just sent him to fulfill his destiny,” Grandpa said. Grandma just smiled. “Oh George, you and those stories of yours.” As she walked away, Grandpa looked towards the closet. "Good luck, son."

To Be Continued...