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Inside a metal dome surrounded by a cave of pointed rocks was the ginormous underground structure of the “Playcare”.
The inside was hidden under a cloak of shadows. The false sun on the ceiling was hidden away and replaced by a painted crescent moon. The few still functioning lights flicker in the darkness, lightly glowing through the abandoned daycare.
Layers of dust and dirt gathered on everything from the benches to the walls of the abandoned buildings.
In the center was a pedestal that overlooked the ruined Playcare. The platform holds massive stone statues of Playcare's famous mascots.
The Smiling Critters.
The statues stood unified, paws brought together as if holding each other's hand. Green ivy and leaves consumed the entirety of each statue. From head to paw leaving only their lifeless eyes looking out, watching the Playcare.
All but two statues have yet to be fully consumed by the wild vegetation.
A wide stone smile accompanied a pair of cat ears and a long tail, jetting from behind. A moon charm secured on the zipper of his chest. The statue of the Smiling Critters purple cat.
CatNap.
The cat’s statue stood tall, unaffected by the destroyed world around him. Despite the occasional layer of dirt the statue was in perfect condition. Oblivious of any changes. Unaffected by the long years.
The other statue was of a stone cocker spaniel flashing a smile made of sunshine. Despite the lack of plants and little dirt like the cat's statue DogDay’s was tilted unevenly on its side.
The foundation below it was damaged. The stone paws sank slightly into the cracked cement platform. One more crack would be enough to break the Dog. Sending him tumbling down, shattering upon hitting the ground.
High above, poking out of the blue sky and puffy cloud wallpaper that surrounded the Playcare was an observation deck.
The room’s wall of glass windows overlooking the entire Playcare was covered by blinds. What once was a bland colored room filled with scientists observing children is now a home.
The light gray walls were replaced with purple wallpaper. The orange wooden floors were sleek and spotless. A window heater warming up the room to a cozy temperature.
An artificial plant filled a corner of the room. A stuffed Huggy Wuggy, DogDay and CatNap plush sat perfectly aligned against the wall.
An old VHS TV was in the corner. Accompanied with a box of old VHS tapes. Each with a different image of a Smile Critter on each one. Making a total of eight tapes in the box.
A stack of already read books was on the floor next to a giant paw shaped dog bed. Across from it were two bowls.
One purple and another orange. The orange bowl is significantly bigger than the purple one.
Resting on the fluffy paw bed much too big for him was a small purple cat.
A few feet away plugged into the wall was a retro radio. A pleasant tune of jazz streamed from it, tickling CatNap’s brain.
The feline was humming along softly to the soothing music from his soft bed.
CatNap’s ears perk up as the door creaks open in the other room. Immediately a cheerful smile overtakes the little feline's face. CatNap’s tail starts moving and he excitedly rushes out of bed into the other room.
Rounding the corner CatNap’s tail increased in speed, seeing DogDay was standing there.
The dog was massively compared to the smaller critter. CatNap barely reaching DogDay’s knees.
His legs were skinny and lengthy. Visible stitches holding his limbs together. His smile was a wide grin filled with a black void devoid of any teeth.
CatNap’s speed didn't decrease as he dived into DogDay’s leg. CatNap’s face smashed into DogDay, he quickly recovered and nuzzled the furry limb innocently.
“Look who’s back. Welcome home~” CatNap said with a light purr. DogDay looked down at the cat, surprised. His tired eyes shining with confusion.
“…Kitty? CatNap? What…? You’re still awake?” DogDay’s voice was rough, lacking any energy. His white eyes watched over dark black eye bags as CatNap continued rubbing against him.
“Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?”
“...Do you know what time it is?”
“12:34.” CatNap answered flawlessly, looking up at DogDay before going back to hugging him.
“You need your sleep. Just because your brand is “moons and stuff” doesn't mean you don't need it. You should have gone to bed.” DogDay frowned, gently removing CatNap from his leg.
CatNap blinked, confused but let go of DogDay.
“But if I didn't wait and went to bed I wouldn't have seen you at all today.” Sadness flicks in DogDay’s eyes, unnoticed by CatNap. “Hearing the door open and seeing you again is the highlight of my day.” CatNap said, his arms hugging himself happily.
DogDay’s mouth opened to say something but no sound came out. Sighing DogDay turned away from CatNap, hiding his tired frown from the cat.
DogDay walked forward, his sun charm swaying from his chest. CatNap’s face contorts into confusion before following DogDay.
“So… how was your day?” CatNap asked, dragging the “so”. Happily trotting close behind DogDay, smiling, quickly abandoning his confusion.
“...It was fine.” DogDay blankly responded before forcing his voice to sound less hoarse. “How was yours?”
“Wonderful!! When I woke up I found the ball I lost yesterday and played with it again. It ended up hitting me in the nose but I got it back for it,” CatNap walked with peppiness in his step, gesturing expressively as he rambled on about his daytime adventures. A slight smile appears on DogDay’s face.
“…also the Playcare's artificial light felt more amazing today than usual. I laid in our bed for less than a few minutes and next thing I knew it was two-o'clock! It knocked me out cold! Though you know that's normal for me. Not the first time it's happened. Oh and after that the corner plant looked–” DogDay puts a paw on CatNap's face gently quieting the cat.
DogDay removes his paw and steps into the giant paw print bed. Circling twice before lowering his stomach on the bed.
DogDay's eyes look at CatNap before his head gestures to his open chest. CatNap’s face is ecstatic as he rushes into DogDay’s chest.
CatNap pushes himself against DogDay’s furred chest, nuzzling it lightly before resting his head. DogDay’s, fur against CatNap acting like a giant warm blanket.
DogDay looks dimly at CatNap’s smaller body, frowning before he curls protectively around the feline. He glanced around the cat before resting his exhausted eyes.
They laid together. The smaller purple cat contrasted the humongous messy furred dog around him.
“Did,” DogDay stopped his tired sigh, opening his eyes as he looked at CatNap. “Did you have a bad day?" CatNap finished resting on his paws, worriedly looking at the bigger dog.
“Did you? You seem sad?” Pain cramps around DogDay’s heart. He hated how concerned CatNap sounded; it made him want to cry for making his kitty feel like this.
“You… don’t have to worry, Nap. It was just a long… exhausting day.” DogDay mentally scolds himself. His voice sounded blankly hollow and too tired.
DogDay’s face lowers as he looks at CatNap, already seeing how his mistake of not masking his voice is affected him.
The cat was turned away, his ears drooped and face clouded with anxiety for him. DogDay can tell he’s hesitating accepting his answer. He refuses to let his feline feel like this. Especially for him.
“Did you know you were originally going to be a Bigger Body?” DogDay fills his voice with intrigue and excitement. Making his voice sound like his overly cheery cardboard cutouts, hoping to distract CatNap.
Ever the curious kitty CatNap’s head tilts.
“...Bigger Body?” CatNap turned and looked over DogDay’s massive frame compared to his tiny body. “Like you?”
“Yes, you were originally supposed to be my size and be the one in charge of Playcare. The staff, the children, everyone really!!” DogDay said. His laughter feeling fake.
“Really?” CatNap opened his mouth, looking absolutely shocked. A genuine smile spreads across DogDay’s face at the adorably sight.
“You would have been amazing at it too. But at the last second they decided to change you with me because they felt it would be more “on brand” if the leader of the Smiling Critters was the one in charge of the Playcare.” DogDay explained, lightly.
CatNap nodded his head, eagerly listening. DogDay watched fondly as the smart kitty absorbed the information.
DogDay saw CatNap's eyes get comically large. He silently laughed before turning back, pretending he didn't see anything, readying himself for the cat's question.
CatNap turns to the larger yellow dog, who’s smiling softly, waiting for him.
“Wait, does that mean you would have been as small as me?” CatNap asks, pressing his paw to his chest. The very concept of DogDay being his size being incomprehensible.
“Yeah I guess you would have been my size and I would have been yours.” DogDay said, “thoughtfully”. Acting like he just realized this with CatNap.
“Me…? Your… size?” Stars appear in CatNap’s eyes.
CatNap’s wide eyes look at DogDay’s body. Standing, CatNap moves to DogDay’s rib cage, looking at them astonished. He trails over them lightly. Real laughter leaves DogDay as CatNap’s fingers tickle his ribs. His eyes warmed ever slightly.
“I wish I was your height.” CatNap said. Now affectionately rubbing his head against DogDay’s chest
“Really? What's wrong with how tall you are now?” DogDay lightly teased. His chest feeling lighter. The hollow feeling that constantly followed him disappearing.
“Nothing I guess,” CatNap shrugged, claws tracing circles on the bed. “But if I was, I could be more helpful, generous and awesome,” CatNap listed each word on his claws.
“Nap you know your-”
“Like you!!” CatNap pointed at DogDay who froze.
CatNap flops on his back, innocently shifting on the cozy bed. Not noticing DogDay’s reaction.
The hollow feeling returns. DogDay trembles slightly. What CatNap intended to be a compliment striking a painful nerve.
DogDay’s emotions bubble in his chest. Depression, tiredness, sadness and pain all trying desperately to claw their way out of him. But one look at CatNap's joyful face reminds DogDay why he can’t do that.
The sun critter exhales trying to keep the shakiness off his breath quiet. He forces his voice to be level.
“...Yes… that would be… amazing.” The lie leaves DogDay’s mouth. The words leaving a vile taste.
He tensely watches as CatNap crawls over and hugs his leg. His stubby arms barely able to wrap around the giant limb.
The warmth of CatNap nuzzling his paw does little to help DogDay.
“We could’ve done all the things you did but together! You and me! Wouldn't that have been awesome?” CatNap brightly talked to orange fur on DogDay’s paw.
“I could’ve helped you with the children…”
“Danny Reed, Age 12, Room 23. Jeremy Bell, Age 12, Room 30. Nixie Carey, Age 9, Room 49. And finally Tory Perez, Age 8, Room 78. No conflicts are listed and subjects are to be taken to Science Wing Three.” The man finished, holding his clipboard to his chest. He activated the cage door.
The metal bar’s slid across as the door opened. The huge yellow and orange dog critter sauntered out, limping.
“Remember what happens if you fail.” The scientist said, sounding bored. His eyes hidden behind perfectly clean circular spectacles.
DogDay growls at the man but nonetheless continues forward to Home Sweet Home.
“…Protect the Playcare together…”
The employee’s blood tasted bitter in his mouth. DogDay chokes as the warm fluids burn his throat.
The employee lays motionless in his mouth. Her neck was broken and mouth opened to scream, but no sound would ever come out again.
DogDay stares at the women’s cold eyes. Her body frozen in time. Tears prick in the corners of his eyes.
He can feel the twisted gleeful and indifferent eyes piercing him behind the tinted glass.
Satisfied with his kill.
“...And go everywhere with you!”
The whip whistled through the air and landed with a loud crack against DogDay’s back.
DogDay whimpered as another bloody gash was added to his back. The dog’s arms were chained above his head. His pain filled body turned towards the white wall. Making him helpless to stop punishment from being delivered to his exposed back.
The brunette man grabbed the bloody whip, his hands ran down the weapon flicking the dog's blood off the end.
He looped the weapon before placing the tool on the table.
The man reached into the pocket in his lab coat and pulled out a handkerchief. With fine manners he wiped the splatter of red off his hands.
He neatly folded the rag and returned it back into his pocket. The scientist picked up his weapon again and began uncurling the strap.
DogDay tensed in anticipation. Spine hunched through his red stained fur. Tears gathered in his eyes as he heard the whip reel into the air again.
DogDay chokes down a sob but can't stop the tears from gathering in his eyes.
Through blurry vision DogDay see’s CatNap lightly playing with the fur on his leg with his claws.
His jaw clenches, trying desperately to keep his shallow breaths hidden from the cat.
DogDay blinked desperately, refusing to let his kitty be sad because of him. The tears refused to dissipate and continued to gather in the critter’s eyes.
CatNap smoothed over the circle he made in DogDay’s fur. He got off his side, feeling the light disorienting feeling of blood stabilizing in his head and looked at DogDay.
“Wouldn't that be cool?” CatNap intended to ask DogDay but found the dog’s face turned away. Curled on the other side of himself.
CatNap perked up with a smile at his very sleepy Cocker Spaniel.
“Oh you're tired? Right, you had a busy, busy day. You busy, busy bee,” CatNap’s joyful laugh at his own joke brought a temporarily small smile to DogDay's face.
“Anything else you want to talk about before we go to sleep?” CatNap asked pressing his body against DogDay’s chest.
DogDay’s eyes numbly traced the wood planks against the wall. He felt drained. His body felt horrible. The scars on his back itched and his mind wanted to do nothing yet simultaneously anything but lay here.
Realizing he still hasn't responded to his little kitty, DogDay mustered up the last of his energy to respond.
“Nothing I can think of. Let's go to sleep, CatNap.” DogDay keeps his head down. He didn't add any fake cheeriness to his voice. Just keeping it sounding tired enough that CatNap wouldn't question him.
“Ok,” CatNap chirped, successfully fooled by DogDay. "Good night, my Sunbeam.”
CatNap slowly crawled towards DogDay’s head. The dog showed no indication of hearing the critter but was internally panicking. Ready to hide his grief-stricken face from CatNap.
CatNap stopped and grabbed one of DogDay’s floppy ears in his paws. Slowly he started to rub the ear.
DogDay’s face softens, slightly relaxing as CatNap massages his ear.
The moon critter leans towards DogDay’s ear. Bending down his lips gently connect to it.
DogDay smiles slightly, his tail wagging minorly at CatNap’s affection.
Just as quick as it appeared the kiss was gone. DogDay found he couldn't be disappointed. The effects of the kiss still making him feel happier.
“Sweet dreams~” CatNap’s blissful voice rumbled. The cat critter brought the ear up, purring as he briefly nuzzled it.
The purple cat smiled heartily and returned to his spot against DogDay’s chest. CatNap gave the dog a final lick to his chest before resting his fuzzy head in his paws to fall asleep.
CatNap’s over affectionate nature warms DogDay’s heavy chest. He looks at the cat tired but lovingly.
“Good night, my Moonlight.” DogDay licks the top of CatNap’s head. CatNap's eyes remain close but he purrs in response.
DogDay pulls away and settles his head on the bed, facing CatNap. The moon critter's eyes are gracefully closed. His whole body squished against DogDay’s cozy chest. Using the bigger dog as a giant warm blanket.
CatNap’s breaths get steadier. His back slowly rises and falls with each deep breath. His tail twitches slightly, brushing against DogDay’s side. DogDay could tell the tiny cat was peacefully asleep.
As he looks at the cat, DogDay realizes how grateful he is.
CatNap makes him feel happy. In this room is the only place left in the factory where any peace lies. And it’s because of CatNap. His kitty is innocent to what the factory has become, of no fault of his own.
DogDay created this place for him. To protect him from the awful cruelty that the world has become.
Despite being confined to one room for years CatNap loves it here. No matter how repetitive the routine is he always finds new things to do or is repeating the same old things without a care.
That’s what DogDay loves most about him. He’s always so joyous. Walking through life with a contagious smile.
DogDay doesn't want to lose that.
He doesn't want to see his kitty’s view of life be snuffed out. And seeing the depressed state the factory is in will do that.
Seeing all the terrible things that have happened.
All because of The Prototype.
DogDay grits his teeth, trying not to growl. Knowing the sound would only wake up CatNap.
The Prototype.
The ruthless beast with a deep hunger for control. Successfully spreading his influence to the entire factory. Using his fierce intellect to do it.
Somehow his intelligence led to the beast being telepathic, being easily able to slip into the minds of any toy to order them or see through their eyes.
DogDay can always feel his presence as he stalks around the Playcare. Distantly looming in the back of his mind, never making himself known.
But he could feel him watching every step he took with intensity. He could practically hear his mangled voice whispering in his ear.
Reminding him of what’s at stake for him.
Reminding him what disobedience could cost him.
Whom it would cost him.
“If you think I want anything to do with you then y-” Before DogDay could continue The Prototype swiftly cuts him off. Speaking with a multitude of different stolen voices.
“𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚍…ᴅᴏɢᴅᴀʏ. 𝘠𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰…𝕒𝕔𝕔𝕖𝕡𝕥 𝕞𝕪 𝔻𝔼𝔸𝕃…b̼e̺͆c̺͆a̼u̺͆s͆e̼…𝙔𝙊𝙐… 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍 𝚒𝚝. Yσυ'ɾҽ ɠσιɳɠ ƚσ…accept it…b͟e͟c͟a͟u͟s͟e͟ y͟o͟u͟r͟…𝔩𝔦𝔱𝔱𝔩𝔢 𝔠𝔞𝔱…nєє∂ѕ ιт.” He spoke matter of factly. Despite using different voices DogDay could feel his confidence. Like the future had already been decided.
“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒅𝒆𝒇𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇, 𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒕. ɪᴛ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ʙᴇ ᴇᴀsʏ...𝚏𝚘 𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚝𝚘𝚢…t͆o̟ o͆v͆e̟r̟p̟o͆w͆e͆r͆ h̟i͆m̟…ᴀɴᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ᴛʜɪᴤ. That's why you never let…𝚑𝚒м 𝚕єα𝚟𝚎…𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎.” The sound of a child's happy laughter rings from his voice box.
DogDay gulps, keeping his legs steady and trying to keep his face glaring at The Prototype.
“ᗷᑌ丅...𝐟ᴏᴏᴅ’ꜱ…𝕘𝕖𝕥𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕕𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕠 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕓𝕪. Y͇o͇u͇'r͇e͇ h͇a͇v͇i͇n͇g͇ t͇o͇…ƚʀαʋɛʟ զʊιȶɛ ʄǟʀ…ᴛᴏ ғɪɴᴅ ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ. ƛƝƊ ЄƛƇӇ ƬƖMЄ ƳƠƲƦ…P̵REC̴I̵O̷U̶S̴ ̸K̵I̵TTY̷…realizes more and more how far…ᴛʜᴇ fᴀᴄᴛoʀʏ…h͙as͙͙ f͙al͙l͙e͙n͙. C̶r̶u̶e̶l̶t̶y is a f̶o̶re̶i̶g̶n c̶o̶n̶c̶e̶p̶t t̶o h̶i̶m̶ . He̾ ne̾ve̾r̾ saw the̾ tr̾ue̾ ho̾r̾r̾or̾s̾ of…𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘊𝘰. 𝑾𝑬 𝑫𝑰𝑫!”
DogDay’s anger flares. His controlled face and posture drops as he loudly snarls at The Prototype.
“Don't compare me to you!!!” DogDay growls as The Prototype simply stares at him. DogDay’s eyes widen as he realizes he lost control.
The Prototype’s red eyes glint with amusement. Looking at the dog like a child throwing a tantrum.
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 . 𝐘𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞. I ᴡᴀs sɪᴍᴘʟʏ ᴏꜰꜰᴇʀɪɴɢ ᴀ…u͠niq͠u͠e… c̵o̴nt̶ras̸t.” The Prototype's tone was cold and sharp, coming out as the voices of several scientists.
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣'𝙩 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧…and you're not the only…ᴛᴏʏ…ȓ̈ȇal̑ȋ̈zȋ̈ng̑̈ fȏ̈od̑̈ is̑̈ bȇ̈c̑̈om̑̈ȋ̈n̑g̑̈…𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚜𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚌𝚎. The small, the helpless…ᴡɪʟʟ ʙᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ғɪʀᴤᴛ ᴛᴏ ɢᴏ. 𝚃𝚘𝚢𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛…𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘬𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯…ᴡɪʟʟ ʙᴇ…ta҉rge҉te҉d f҉irst.” DogDay hates how his body flinches at his word.
His mind fills with gory images of CatNap’s bloody head trapped in a toy’s mouth.
His body laying still on the ground with his chest ripped open, exposed stuffing, blood and organs everywhere.
Or hanging from his broken neck by a noose. Still smiling through dead eyes.
DogDay’s breath stutters and his paws start to shake.
“Tʰᵃᵗ ⁱˢ ʷʰʸ ʸᵒᵘ'ʳᵉ ᵍᵒⁱⁿᵍ ᵗᵒ…𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙥𝙩 𝙢𝙮 D̶̙͋E̴̬̚Ḁ̵͒Ļ̷͑,” The Prototype’s calm voice snapped DogDay to reality. “Nᴏᴛ ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜʀsᴇʟꜰ, y͟o͟u͟ ͟d͟o͟ ͟f͟e͟w͟ ͟t͟h͟i͟n͟g͟s͟ ͟f͟o͟r͟ ͟y͟o͟u͟r͟s͟e͟l͟f, iт'ѕ αℓωαуѕ fσя уσυя…𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘬𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘺.”
“ʏᴏᴜ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ᴍʏ ɪɴғʟᴜᴇɴᴄᴇ, ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴏᴡᴇʀ ɪᴛ ʜᴏʟᴅᴤ. Y̽o͓̽u̽ ͓̽a͓̽n͓̽d ͓̽y͓̽o̽u͓̽r̽…𝙠𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣…𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚋𝚎 𝚜𝚊𝚏𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚕 𝚏𝚎𝚍.” Little tears of pain gather in the corners of DogDay’s eyes. He hates that his mind is starting to agree with the abomination of scrap.
“He will be protected…b̴e̴t̴t̴e̴r̴ ̴t̴h̴a̴n̴ ̴y̴o̴u̴ ̴c̴o̴u̴l̴d̴ ̴e̴v̴e̴r̴ ̴d̴o̴ ̴y̴o̴u̴r̴s̴e̴l̴f. 𝔸𝕟𝕕 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕀 𝕒𝕤𝕜 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕚𝕤 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣…s͜͡e͜͡r͜͡v͜͡i͜͡c͜͡e͜͡. Yσυɾ…c͇oo͇p͇e͇r͇at͇i͇o͇n͇…ƖƝ ЄƝƑƠƦƇƖƝƓ…₥Ɏ włⱠⱠ.Yσυɾ…αႦsσlυƚҽ… l҉o҉ya҉lty…T̷̫͉̰͕̒́O̵̷̪ͩ͆ͅ 𝙈𝙀.” The Prototype voice becomes consumed with radio static.
DogDay whines, his ears pressing against his head to block out the sound.
“I… w-will never be loyal to you.” DogDay said through grit teeth, his head facing the ground. Not sounding sure of himself. His body openly shaking.
“ʙᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴅᴏᴇsɴ'ᴛ ᴍᴀᴛᴛᴇʀ ɴᴏᴡ ᴅᴏᴇs ɪᴛ? 𝕎𝕙𝕖𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕪𝕠𝕦'𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕣𝕦𝕝𝕪…l̾oy̾a̾l̾ t̾o m̾e̾…o͞r͞ ͞no͞t͞ is͞ ir͞r͞e͞l͞e͞v͞a͞n͞t͞,͞ ͞f͞o͞r͞ ͞y͞o͞u͞ ͞wil͞l͞ ͞d͞o͞ ͞a͞n͞y͞t͞h͞i͞n͞g͞…I ask with your…full effort to ensure your…𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚔𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚢…i̵͠s̶̭̃ s̸̘͝a̵̫̿f̶̓e.” The Prototype dragged out his words with great joy. The glitchy sound of his corrupted laughter fills the room.
The Prototype’s red eyes burn into DogDay causing the critter to take a shaky step back.
“S̡̢̡̢o̡̢̡̢ ̡̢̡̢g̡̢̡̢o̡̢̡̢ ̡̢̡̢o̡̢̡̢n, t̡̢̡̢e̡̢̡̢l̡̢̡̢l̡̢̡̢ ̡̢̡̢m̡̢̡̢e…уσυя αиѕωєr. 𝑨𝒍𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒘𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒍𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘…𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝑰𝑺~” The monster’s metal claw gestured to DogDay. His voice fully composed. Smugness dripping from his mutilated mouth.
DogDay sighs shakily, his whole body shrinking. His eyes stared at the uninteresting ground.
The dog couldn't find any anger left in him anymore. His mind felt tired and fuzzy. DogDay could feel the invisible weight of chains clamping around his ankles.
He looks at The Prototype who's smile seems to widen.
A single tear drop runs down his face. DogDay slowly speaks, choking on the words and numbly forcing them to leave his mouth.
“I…a-accept your…d-d-deal.”
DogDay frowns at CatNap who is smiling peacefully beside him.
CatNap deserves to live in a world that’s not controlled by The Prototype. But DogDay knew that wasn't possible. It’s too late. He can't be stopped now. And DogDay knows he is to blame.
All those toy’s were obeying that things orders because of him. Because of his threats to them. Forcing them to submit to him out of fear of himself killing them for disrespecting his “god”.
DogDay couldn't help but chuckle. A low and broken sound.
His kitty was in a gilded cage he couldn’t see while he was trapped on a leash.
Forced to be The Prototype's literal attack dog. Leading the group of toys who worship him and “righteously” killing whoever is against him.
Force to commit the majority of his time to serving him, resulting in CatNap being left alone.
That's what he hates most about his deal. Forced to work till he drops and barely having any time for his kitty.
Dull white eyes look at the purple cat, calmly sleeping.
I wish someone, some Angel would come to save us, to save you. To take you somewhere better. Somewhere you belong to.
DogDay’s paw gently rubs CatNap’s head. CatNap’s body is delicately curled into a comfortable sleeping position by his side. With his paws tucked underneath his body. His ears, resting gently against his head.
“My beautiful kitty.” DogDay’s voice comes out in a hushed whisper.
He continues stroking CatNap’s head. A single tear rolls down his check.
DogDay slowly rests his head on the bed. Not bothering to wipe the tears off his check.
His blank eyes stare at the wall again. The same empty feeling as before returning.
DogDay clears the tears from his eyes and rests comfortably on the bed. His aching body crying for sleep.
DogDay’s mind clears, trying desperately to fall asleep. It being the one place where he doesn't feel so awful.
The sun critter’s eyes close but not before checking on CatNap, making sure the tiny cat is still dozing beside him.
Expectedly he's there and deep asleep at his side.
One last thought enters DogDay’s head before trying to finally fall asleep.
No matter what happens, I will protect you, My Moonlight.
I'll make sure you're safe.
More than anything. I'll keep you safe.
Always.