Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sometimes, Hat Kid missed sunshine.

Having to rely on artificial lights for her sleep cycle was second nature to her after 2 years on her ship, but sometimes she dreamed of the triple suns of her home planet before… everything happened.

She missed sunshine.. But she didn’t miss home. She was fine.

It was fine.

The current world she orbited - earth - might have been her favorite so far.

Sure, things started out rocky at best, but after she collected all of the TimePieces off of the planet, things calmed down considerably.

She had something here she’d never gotten on the worlds she’d visited before… friends!

Sure, Mu was… much, but they’d patched things up and the two loved to mess around with the Mafia, and end the day with dinner at Cooking Cat’s restaurant.

She’d become a recurring character in both The Conductor and DJ Grooves’ movies, causing amusing fan rumors about their movies taking place in the same general universe, which Hat Kid couldn’t be happier about. She loved reading the theories and explaining them to the older birds, who were also amused, though the Conductor made a show of being offended that his movies were connected to Grooves’ in any way.

The Alpine Skyline was fun to visit, and she often perused the markets and had decorated her room with many little flags and charms meant for good dreams, as explained to her. She’d even bought a very comfy scarf from there!

The Metro area overrun by a Cat Gang was a fun place to mess around in, her antagonistic relationship with the Empress kept things interesting, and she was fully intent on getting Mu to join her there. That was going to be a fun time, messing around with the Empress would be a good change of pace for the girls.

… She was going to pretend like her time on the cruise didn’t happen. Just for the sake of simplicity.

Heck, even Subcon forest was a fun place to visit … as long as she avoided the manor and the general area around it with gusto. The “Death Wish” contracts were nothing if not super engaging, and there was something about that forest that no longer left her frozen (hah) with fear. It was almost.. Comforting. She had to admit it, but it was mostly because of the weird relationship she’d developed with the Ghost of the forest, The Pri- the Snatcher. Not the prince. She totally didn’t know he was actually the lost prince. Totally didn’t. Totally wasn’t keeping that a secret. It was fine.

She stared down at the planet from the bridge of her ship, smiling to herself as she mentally planned out her day.

She was actually expecting for Snatcher to appear with a new contract, since it had been a few days and he had a tendency to pop in with new stuff for her to do on a sort of cycle. If he didn’t show up in the next 20 minutes, she’d pop down to Dead Bird Studios to see if she could do a cameo in whatever the Conductor was working on.

She went back over to her vault, grabbing a TimePiece just in case stuff happened and she’d need a rewind.

It had been such a routine thing for her to do, that she didn’t even contemplate that she might slip up.

She’d used the hourglasses so many times, finagled with them, tossed them, caught them, even stood on them as a show of balance, and not once had they broken in her care.

But apparently, her trusty hourglass had reached its ever-elusive breaking point, and she only discovered so when she went to do a fun little flip for her own amusement, and the glass shattered once it missed her hand and landed on the carpeted floor.

The flash of light was expected, but still blinded her.

She stood there waiting for the light to dim, and once it did, groaned at the sight of the slightly glowing, but very, very broken TimePiece.

She furrowed her brow a bit as she stared more. It seemed… bigger?

That didn’t make any sense.

“Did’t dist-”

She quickly covered her mouth as the slightly off, squeakier voice that came out of her, eyes wide.

Slowly, she looked down at her hands and noticed her sleeve - a nightgown sleeve? Like the ones she wore back when she was-

“OOOOH KIDDOOOOOO”

With impeccable timing, the ghoulish Ghost King of the Subcon Forest swirled his way into the bridge, his grin glowing and his eyes seeming to squint in delight

“I’ve got a HECK of a-”

He suddenly paused as he got a good look at the little contractor

… 'Little' was the correct word to use.

Before him was not a 9 year old with a sassy mouth and an impish grin. In front of him was a frazzled girl about half her size. Those eyes though, wide and nervously staring up at him in a little plain blue nightgown…

“... Kid?”

“... Uh… Hi” She awkwardly waved “Uh, a thin’ ‘appened”

“... What the Peck??”

“... Oopsie?”

The ghost before her shrunk slightly, looking down at the TimePiece that was still dimly glowing in disarray

“How the heck did you even break this thing on a carpet? You’re a special brand of “Yikes”, Kid”

Angrily pouting at him, she crossed her little arms “I’was an addident!”

“A what?”

“A...assident”

The ghost snorted “Keep tryin’ kid. You’re getting warmer”

“I’was a mistake!” She course corrected “I didn’ mean i’” She looked back down at it, seeing the glow get slightly brighter. “Look! I’s a’ready fixin’ isself!”

As Snatcher looked closer, he could see the miniscule grains of sand and shards of thick glass seemingly moving towards each other among the glow.

And then he saw a tiny hand reaching towards one of the sharper-looking pieces.

As if on some kind of instinct, his hand immediately grabbed her around her waist and lifted her away.

She startled “H-hey! Pu’ me down!”

“Don’t touch it you miniscule doofus! You wanna hurt yourself?”

“I wassn’ gon’ touch it!” She argued.

“Sure you weren’t that's why you were shovin’ your hand in there”

She just stuck out her tongue at him.

“How old are you now anyway?”

“Uh… i ‘unno… fou’?”

“Four?” he groaned “Great, and is there a way to reverse your unfortunate little-ization?”

“I godda wait till the piece fixes isself” She explained “once is’fixed I can use it t’go back t’normal”

“So. You’re stuck”

“... I’n stuck”

The ghost didn’t bother to hold in a snort. “Well, sucks to be you, huh?”

“Shu-up an’ pu’ me down! I don’ need y’r help!” She started kicking her legs and he noticed her fuzzy socks covered in glitter stars.

God, that was way too adorable.

He did concede though, putting her down on the floor just in time for her little vacuum to beep up to her with a loud beeping - sounding a bit frazzled itself, somehow.

She reached down and pat the little robot “Issokay Rumbi!” She reassured “I’ll be kay!”

“Well, you can’t exactly do my contracts when you’re half the size” Snatcher shook his head.

“... Yeah” She conceded “... Ugh, I godda get rea’ c’othes!” She groaned “I can’ walk ‘round in a nightgown”

Huh, Snatcher hadn’t thought of that.

“I can probably help with that,” He said almost offhandedly.

“Huh? How?”

“Well for one I can sew” He reminded her “and if not I can always just.. Steal clothes”

“No stealin’!” She squeaked out

He gave her an unimpressed brow raise. “As if you could stop me, short stack”

“I still got my ‘brella!” She threatened

“I’m pretty sure your head is too small for your hats”

She paused at that, looking around until she located her hat, which apparently fell off before she was little-ified. She grabbed it by the brim, and held it above her head until her whole head was in the top hat

“.... I’n small” Her voice carried her disappointment, and Snatcher had to desperately hold back a laugh - thinking that if he laughed she might start crying and he really didn’t want to deal with that.

He was about to grab the hat off her head before she hurt herself walking into something, but suddenly, there was the sound of one of the kids futuristic doors open.

“Darlin’ are you hungry?”

The cat.

“C-cookie!” The girl panicked a little, for some reason not taking off the hat.

“... Darlin’ you take in some helium?” the cat came onto the bridge from the kitchen, looking up at the ghost, who was seemingly hovering over the child. “Also, why’s the ghost here?”

“I come and go as I please” He quipped “And our little hatted… “friend” has a bit of a conundrum”

“Hm?”

Snatcher deliberately lifted the hat off the child’s head, with a bit of a struggle, as it seems the girl thought she could hide her “condition” from the cat.

The cat’s eyes widened “... Oh my goodness”

“Issokay!” Hat Kid held her hands up “The time-peese isahready fixin isself! Ah’ll be back t’norma soon!”

The cat sharply inhaled “How soon?”

“Uh… I ‘unno” The child admitted - cheeks reddening “Bu’ i’s fixin isself” She repeated “so i’ won’ be long!”

Cookie gave a slightly unimpressed look “Do you have any clothes?”

“We were just talkin’ about that. I can make her somethin to tide her over. I’d need time.” Snatcher replied to her in a slightly blasé manner.

“And who’s gonna watch her? I have to head back down for work! And bringin’ her to Mafia Town is a recipe for disaster!”

“Hmmmmm” The ghost made a thoughtful face. “How about…”

“Da birds!”

“The who?”

“Oh, excellent idea, darling!” The cat walked over to the girl “The conductor is already a grandfather! He could watch you for a while, definitely!”

“You mean that cranky yellow…. Bird?” The ghost raised a brow.

“Yes, the cranky yellow bird” She responded, suddenly picking up the little hat kid. “Now, get her down there, and give the poor girl some proper clothes!”

The cat then held up the rather annoyed tot up to the ghost, who awkwardly reached out and took her in one of his arms.

“Uh, alright” He dumbly responded, feeling very suddenly aware of how much smaller she is now.

“Stay safe, darling!”

And the cat just… left.

“... Was that weird? I think that was weird” Snatcher pointed out.

“... Yeah” The girl squeaked out “We goin’ t’the studio?”

“I guess we are” he instinctively brought her up to his chest “Hold on, kiddo. You know how crazy the shadows get”

She nodded, and grabbed at his fluff, shoving her head into his chest.

Something in his nonexistent heart twisted, but he shoved it down. 'Don’t think about it you idiot' He scolded himself, despite holding her a little tighter before the two of them fell into the shadows.

Chapter Text

Dead Bird Studios always had something going on.

A new movie being filmed, storyboards being drawn, special effects being tested, sets being built.

It was just how the Conductor liked it.

Hell, the bird was rarely ever in his office! What need did the old room even have?

Today was shaping up to be productive - with the sets and testing for a new train movie nearly finished.

Perhaps the hatted lass would pop by, He’d love to find a place for the little heroine in the next film. She was a delight!

I mean, sure, he’d been a bit… rude, but to be fair he forgets what human-shaped children looked like! He thought she was an adult for a little while!

He popped himself into his office to pick up the newest script, grabbing it off the desk and turning back to the door-

“HEY THERE, BIRDBRAIN!”

The bird let out a startled squawking sound as the shadow appeared, the grin glowing in his face

“Y- wha’ arrrrr ya doin’!!” The bird shouted “Ya tryin’ ta give me a ‘eart attack?!”

“Not this time, bud!” The ghost didn’t stop grinning “ I need a favor!”

“What? A fav-” The Conductor’s eyes fell to the little thing in the ghosts arms. two eyes staring widely at him

“... Lassie?”

“H-hii” the little girl waved “Der wassa …. Oops”

“That's one way to put it” The Snatcher rolled his eyes. “The kid got littl-ifed and you need to watch her while I get her somethin’ that isn’t a nightgown to wear”

The conductor paused for a moment, taking in the brief explanation with some skepticism

“... Alrightie, hand ‘er o’er” The old bird reached out and took the much smaller lassie in his arms, where she was a bit big, but still holdable.

“Ya a’right, lil’lass?”

The girl nodded “Uh huh.”

“Good” Snatcher nodded. “You can keep an eye on her?”

“I ain’t a granda’ f’r nothin’” The Conductor scoffed “Don’t spend too much time lollygagin’!”

“Wouldn’t dream of it!” the ghost grinned before falling down into the shadows, leaving the toddler and the Bird.

The child herself was fiddling with her little hands.

“How’re ya, lass?” he asked, trying to keep his voice down.

“I’n okay” She answered “Sorry we boddered you.”

“Ya ain’t never bothered me, Lassie! Y’r a delight t’ ‘ave, even a’ half y’r normal height” He encouraged, a bit confused at the comment “Naow” he put her down on her feet “Ya hungry? I can get ye a snack?”

“I’s kay” She responded, seeming sheepish.

“Wha? Come on, lass. Y’r always snackin’ on somethin’ when y’r on set” He reasoned, something in her expression raising the paternal alarms in his head.

It was the lack of eye contact, and the hand fiddling.

“I’n fine” She answered again.

The old bird huffed “Well, alllrightie then! Le’s get t’set then. Wanna see somethin’ explode?”

Her head quickly looked up in interest, and he grinned.

“Come along then, lassie! We’rrrrre off!” He offered his hand, which she took with an excited smile on her face.

He led her through the studio, stepping up onto the train platform set.

“So” he started “Ye remember tha explosion from th’ last movie?”

“Wit alla da sparks?” She asked with an adorable head tilt.

“Yup! Methinks we’ve made it even better!” He concluded “We’re settin off tha test. Ready t’see?”

She nodded excitedly, bouncing just a bit on the balls of her feet.

He picked her up, sitting her in one of the train seats “Then keep lookin ou’side. I’ve got to let those lollygaggers know it's time to explode!”

She nodded, seemingly trying not to giggle.

He gave her a grin before heading out of the train, his expression falling when he was sure she couldn’t see his face.

Oh, there’s… red flags all over the place with that little girl. Stuff that his old paternal instincts picked up on almost immediately. It was seriously, seriously bugging him.

How could a girl with so much “zeal” turn so inward?

He approached the Owls, who popped up from behind the strange-looking device

“Oh, Hello Conductor!” one of them greeted “We’re all ready for testing. Anything you need?”

“Lemme look i’ over” He approached, pulling up his sleeves and looking over the components of the device. “Hm…. say, why’s the red connected t’the green?”

“It’s the only way that the sparks’ll fly right, director” A different owl commented “Is that okay?”

“Hmmm, yeah, I think that’ll work” He grunted “Now, get back t’ the train! I don’ want a repeat a las’time!” he ordered, watching the parliament nearly squawk at the yelling and ran back to the train.

Hah, he didn’t even have to scream at them. Still got it.

He walked his way back to the train, seeing that the girl hadn’t moved an inch and decidedly not saying anything about it.

“Rrrrrready t’see sparks?” He asked enthusiastically, and she grinned and nodded in response

“I need verbal confirmation, lassie!” He encouraged.

“Y-yes! “

“Thar we go!” he poked her tummy, eliciting a giggle from the girl.

There we go, a smile!

“On the count a three!!” He shouted

“One…. two…. THRRREEEE!” He clicked on the button, and after a brief second, the BOOM of the explosive shook the ground, sparks flying out in all directions and sending a rather dramatic flair of golden sparks, and a nearly visible shockwave that pushed through the windows.

Hattie yelped, falling backwards, but before she could even think about bracing herself, the Conductor had effortlessly leaned over and kept her up.

“Whoo! Tha’ was a doozy!” He commented “Ya alright, wee lassie?”

She nodded “So’ry”

“Sorry? F’r wha?”

She looked at him with a confused expression, before sitting herself back up “Nothin’”

The Conductor held in a grumble, filing her look away for later. “Well, I thin’ tha’ went perfect! Whaddaya think?”

“It was real’y cool” she nodded to him “Lossa sparks”

“Lotsa sparks indeed!” he agreed “Now, we need t’do one more test, how ‘bout I get ya a snack, hm? T’pass the time if nothin’ else”

“Ya don’ hafta. I ca’ wait” She assured, sitting herself back down in her seat properly, looking down at her lap

He tried to hold in his disappointed feeling, reaching out to hold her hand “Lassie, look a’ me”

She looked up at him, and he found an unfamiliar, almost nervous expression on her face.

“I’m gettin’ ya a snack, alrightie?” He explained “I’ll get ye walnuts. Ya like those, right?”

She nodded

“Oi! Bird!” he pointed at an owl

“Huh?”

“Watch an’ entertain the lassie! I’ll be rrrrright back!” He let go of her hand and turned on his heel, hearing the owl approach the girl

“Uh-hiya, I’m Hooper! Uh, what’s your name?”

The Conductor didn’t bother to listen to the rest of the conversation, stopping in the café car to grab the girl a small snack, trying not to think too hard about her strange shyness.

“Darling?”

The yellow bird let out a yelp and turned quickly “Grrroves? What’re you doin’ on m’set!?”

“I heard our little starlet was with you! I wanted to see her!” The penguin smiled, opening his flippers performatively

“Uh.. Well, somethin’ interestin’ has happened t’er”

The Penguin’s grin faded into concern “.. What kind of somethin’?”

“I’s no’ like tha!” the owl responds “Poor thin’ had a.. Incident wit’ one’a ‘er time peices” He explained “I suppose you’ll hafta see it t’believe it”

“... I’m still pretty concerned, darlin. Lead the way!”

The Conductor groans a bit, but motions for the bird to follow him. The two directors walk themselves through the train cars, and back to where little Hat Kid was left.

He finds the owl - Hooper - showing her a puppet he’d apparently made, and teaching her how to make it move “So, you move these parts, and it looks like-”

“I’s blinkin!” She giggles, grinning from ear to ear.

“You got it! You’re a natural!” Hooper encouraged.

The conductor smiled at the scene, happy to see her showing some uncompromised positive emotion. He then remembered that there was a penguin next to him, and looked over to the bird, who was rather humorously staring at the tot.

“... She’s … small” He points out, and the old owl can’t help but laugh.

“Yup”

“Oh my goodness”

“Yup”

The penguin stepped forward “Darlin’?”

The little girl turned her head “Uh…” She seemed anxious suddenly “H-hi, deejay Gooves”

Hooper stepped away when he saw what seemed to be … sparkles surrounding the penguins expression as he walked forward and lifted her up from her chair with a yelp.

“Look at you, darlin! What kind of magical shenanigans did ye get involved in?” he teased. HIs energy was infected, and caused the little girl to giggle.

“B’oken time peez” She explained

“Ooooh, is it fixable?”

“Uh huh! I’s fixin isself” She nodded.

“Good! That means I can shamelessly coo over your adorable lil’ face!”

She made a face that made the penguin laugh, and the Conductor finally decided to step in.

“Okay, okay put the lassie down! She need ‘er snack!”

“Oh, yes, yes snack time is very important!”

The child’s pout didn’t leave.

Grooves put her back in her seat, and the conductor handed her the packaged snack “Need help openin’ it, lass?”

She shook her head quite easily tearing it open and taking her time eating the walnuts, going silent.

It seemed even Grooves noticed the abrupt quiet was out of character.

“So” The penguin started “Why’s the girlie down here?” He asked the conductor.

“Tha’ ghostie is gettin’ ‘er some proper clothes” The owl explained.

“AND I HAVE SUCCEEDED!” His ghost suddenly popped up from out of the ground with a big grin.

The owl squealed, the penguin squeaked, and the little alien girl just lifted her head

“Sacher!”

“Close!” The ghost grinned “But I managed to get you some clothes that don’t look ridiculous!” he held up a paper bag with his face on it “Can you try it on?”

The child nodded eagerly, and slid off of her seat, reaching up to the bag, which he dropped in front of her.

“Misser Conducer, where’s the bafroom?” She asked

“There’s a dressin room two cars down, lass” He pointed “Jus’ ask Timina f’r a stall, alrightie?”

She nodded and trotted away with the bag, disappearing as the door shut.

“.... Somethin’s up” The Conductor voiced

“What?” Snatcher raised a brow “She’s fine! What did you do?”

“ I didn’t do nothin, and neither did the penguin so shut up therrr!” The owl started “She’s actin’ funny. Reserved, way too quiet. It’s off”

Snatcher took in the words “Eh, I bet she’s just awkward about it”

“Y’r not listenin’, ya wiggly shadow!” The conductor practically hissed “I’s off. Keep y’r eyes peeled an’ maybe you’ll see it”

Grooves let the words sink in “Hmmm. She did seem a bit off” he concluded “But I only saw the darling for the minute”

‘Hm…” The ghost contemplated for a moment, before the door opened again.

“I’n back!” A little voice announced, causing the adults to turn their heads - including Hooper, who has left the others to talk while getting back to his work in the corner of the train car.

The child bounced on her heels, her feet now donning adorable little sneakers. She was dressed in light blue overalls with a pink shirt underneath with a rounded collar.

“ADORABLE!” Grooves announced, grabbing and lifting her up again, eliciting a surprised giggle.

“Y’r lookin’ good, lassie!” The conductor encouraged. Snatcher smirked, proud of his work

"Hah, I’ve still got it!” the ghost proclaimed “Does it fit right, kiddo?”

She nodded from her amusing position being held up by Grooves like a cat. “I’s comfy!!”

“Good!” The ghost then looked down at the conductor “Say, can you watch the brat while I get her more clothes?”

“Not a problem” he waved the ghostie off “Jus’ don’ take too long. Kid’s her age need lossa sleep”

“Sure, sure” Snatcher waved him off. “Just don’t kill her, thanks!”

And with that, the ghost was gone.

The Conductor just rolled his eyes - as if anyone would see it, and he turned back to Grooves and the dangling child, who let out a yawn.

“Ah, tired, lass? Seems y’ve had quite an eventful last hour ‘r so” He encouraged gently. “Put ‘er down on the loungin’ couch” he motioned to Grooves, who nodded, putting her down on the couch

“Time for some sleep?” Grooves, pat her head “Beauty sleep is important, darling!”

She pouted a little “I’m no’ a baby”

“No, no, dear” the conductor assured “but sometimes ye jus’ need a nap no ma’ter how old ye are!”

“He’s right!” Grooves agreed.

She tilted her head adorably “Really?”

“A’course! Now, lemme see if I can find ye a pillow an’ blanket…”

“Oh!” The forgotten owl - Hooper - waddled over, removing the scarf from his neck, the red fabric unfolding to reveal a rather large length of fabric.

“Aren’t’cha always cold?” The Conductor brought up.

“I’ll live, boss” The owl shrugged rather nonchalantly, rolling up a corner of the thick fabric and offering it to her “We all need a little rest!” he assured.

She gratefully took it, and allowed the Conductor to help tuck her in “Ye need anythin, lass? Though y’r lookin-”

Snore

“... Sleepy already” He backed away, his voice quieter than any bird that ever heard “I’ll be stayin’ ‘ere t’ get some paperwork done till tha’ shadow comes back.” he looked to Hooper “You, tell every’ne tha’ the testing car is off limits till I say so!”

The owl nodded and rushed off, leaving just the directors and the sleeping human toddler.

“.. You said somethin’ about her attitude, darlin’?”

The owl huffed “I just… I got suspicions”

“Hm… lemme know if you need any help then, darlin’” The penguin offered, surprising the bird. Sure, their relationship had drastically improved, but they weren’t… friends, per se.

“.. Thanks”

Grooves just nodded, giving a smile and finally leaving the train.

The conductor looked back at the sleeping girl. Snoring softly and curled into an adorable little ball, she looked much more peaceful than she had before.

His hand reached out, brushing the hair on her face, pensive

“.....Wha’ happen’d Lass?”

Chapter Text

The rest of the day was surprisingly pretty mild, with the ghost picking her up and having her try on all the clothes on her ship, and the Cat coming by to "mom" her to death with dinner, a bath, and bedtime.

“Sweet dreams, sugar” She reached, nuzzling the little girls head

“Tank you, Cookie Cat” The girl pulled her blanket up. The cat gave her a sweet smile before leaving the room in the dark.

Almost immediately after, the ghost popped up as if to check on her, seeing her starting up at her canopy with blank eyes. Damn, he’d figure that she’d pass out instantly after the busy day.
“.. Kid?”

She startled, and turned her head “Uh.. Hi?” Her brow furrowed

He internally groaned, knowing he’d have to ask

“Uh, you okay? You were staring like the dead”

“I’s kay” She passively answered “You can go”

His expression soured “Geez, okay then. Toodles, brat!” and he jumped down into the darkness..

But didn’t leave.

He hid himself in a particularly dark corner, his eyes losing their glow and watching her for a few moments, and seeing her shimmy her way out of the not just oversized, but now comically oversized bed and shoving her way into the pillow pile, baffling the ghost.

< What the hell is she doing? > He mused, until she shoved her way out, holding a faded, definitely-seen-better-days stuffed animal that looked vaguely like a rabbit.

She climbed her way back onto the bed, and curled up on top of the covers and looked at the thing

“I’s not the same this time.” She muttered to herself “I’s okay. I’s fine” she sniffed “right Mama?” She hugged the animal close, shutting her eyes tightly.

Snatcher suddenly felt like he shouldn’t have seen that. A weird - eugh - guilt about his actions.

Maybe that bird had been onto something.

--

The next morning, Cookie returned, back to full “mom” mode, and getting her up and at’em. Snatcher was nowhere to be seen.

“Hm.. How about you come down with me today, sugar? Mafia hasn't been too hectic recently”

“I can stay ‘ere” She answered “I can take care a m’self”

The cat frowned “I don’t doubt that honey, but how about you humor an old cat?”

“Y’r no’ old!” She argued “Snatcher’s old”

“We’re both old” The cat quipped, giving the girl a playful look, which she shied away from.

Cookie frowned “But come on! It’ll be fun. I’m sure Mu’ll go nice on you since you’re well-”

“Small?”

“That’s one word for it” Cookie gave her a toothy grin “Come on, darlin. You need some air. This ship can’t be good long term.

Hat kid didn’t bother telling her that she’d spent months at a time on this ship and she was fine. Adults just believed what they wanted, she knew.

So the two touched down in Cooking Cat’s home, where the cat grabbed a bag and proceeded to fill it with what seemed like an odd assortment of objects.

Hat kid simply stood there, dressed in the green and yellow flowery outfit that Snatcher had gotten her (He’d called it a “romper”? Whatever).

That is, until the door slammed open.

“COOKING CAT”

Ah yes, there’s Mu.

“Quiet down!” The cat hissed “Don’t scare our guest!”

“Guest? What are-” The blonde’s eyes finally found the slightly startled 4 year old staring at her with wide eyes “Who the ‘ell’re you?”

“Mu!” Cookie scolded again

“Wha??”

“Hi Mu” Hat tersely greeted, and Mu’s eyes widened, but then she squinted, bending over to make eye contact with her.

“You…. I know you!”

“.. Yeah?” Hat responded

“It’s your hatted friend, darling” Cookie explained

“... What?”

“Der was a addide- assi- mistake wit’ a timepiece” Hat Kid explained.

“And now y’r all… little?”

Hat kid nodded.

“Is it forever?”

She shook her head.

Mu gave a beat, before promptly grabbing her “I’s official!! I’m gonna be your big sister ‘till you’re back t’normal!!”

Okay, Neither Cookie nor Hat expected that reaction

“You goin’ t’work, Cat?” Mu asked.

“I was, yes”

“I’ll watch ‘er!”

“I don need watching!” Hat kid pouted.

“Y’r too tiny to jump around! I gotta watch you!” Mu reasoned “Come on, we can go prank the Mafia together still!”

Hat paused “..Really? Y’r not gonna.. Make me stay away?”

Mu furrowed her brow “A course not! Tha’s dumb! I was prankin these goofs when I was your age!”

“I’m older dan you!”

“Pfft, not right now y’r no’!” Mu teased “We’ll be back f’r lunch!” Mu adjusted Hat somehow to get her on the girls back, Hat instinctively wrapping her arms around Mu’s neck.

“Be careful you two!” Cookie called out

“Super duper!” Mu jumped, practically leaping out the door with a fiendish grin, jumping up onto a building and looking out at the town.

“So…. Who do’ya wanna prank first? I was thinkin we could aim high today!” Mu encouraged.

“Wai- you really wanna?”

“Uh yeah? Didn’t I say that?”

“I mean… “ She looked away.

“You mean wha?”

“I thou’ you were jus’ gon leave me at the side ‘r somethin” The child sheepishly answered.

“Why would I do tha? Tha’s dumb!” Mu reasoned, climbing the two of them up a ladder “I’m y’r big sister right now, so” She grunted as they pulled over the ledge “It’s my job to make sure you have fun and stuff! Cause that’s what sisters do!”

“I never had any sisters b’fore. Only a dad” the little girl revealed

“Well, I never had nothin, but I know that sister’s gotta be there for each other!”

Hattie had never known that, but contemplated it.

Mu took the two over to a town square building with a high vantage point.

“Hm…. You know wha- I think we should use the fish”

“Wh- really?? Now??”

“I’s easy to do! I wanna make sure we’re both defeatin’ the mafia, hm?”

Hattie gave a shy, but excited smile, and Mu returned it with a borderline malicious grin.

The remainder of the morning, and well into the afternoon, the girls spent the day tossing fish at different members of the mafia, and starting fights between them, amused that they all kept falling for the exact same trick for the entire day.

Mu started to notice that Hattie was looking tired once the noon bells rang, and also that they only had one more fish left.

“Okay, one more, than it’s time to eat somethin!” Mu reasoned, holding the fish “Who should get it?”

As if on queue, the leader of the Mafia marched in, and the girls looked at each other, first in surprise, and then with a grin.

“Should we?”

Hat kid nodded eagerly.

Mu gave her a grin, and peeked over, taking careful aim.

The fish knocked the Boss’ hat clean off.

Unfortunately, he spotted the culprit.

“YOU! MUSTACHE GIRL!” He pointed accusingly

“Oop! Time to go!” Mu knelt down “On my back! We gotta make a break for it!” Hat climbed on the girls back quickly.

“DON'T YOU RUN YOU FOOL!!” The boss yelled!

“MAKE ME!”

“WE WILL!!!!”

And Mu took off

The race to outrun the Mafia was always an easy one, the girls, no matter the circumstance, were always too quick, and small enough to hide in the most inconspicuous of spaces.

And that’s exactly what they did, taking residence behind some boxes and stifling giggles as, per usual, they evaded the bumbling Mafiosos.

“Hah! Those Bozos” Mu snickered “Come on, we gotta go to the restaurant and eat. I’m starvin!”

Hattie nodded from her perch on the girls back. This had been way more fun than she’d expected!

The two of them found their way to Cooking Cat easily, greeting the girls warmly “Hello there girls! Have fun?”

“Tons!” Mu answered “Right sis?”

Hattie nodded “Lo’s of fish!”

“Fish?” The cat raised a brow

“We’ll tell ya later! Can we get some food! We’re starvin’!”

“Sure, sure, how about you put her down and wash your hands, hm?” Cookie pointed to the sink.

Mu helped Hat get up to the sink to wash hands and the girls basically inhaled their food, getting a laugh out of the cat.

“Gosh and golly, girls, breathe for a minute!”

They just giggled in response, and the cat shook her head in amusement.

“Why do i even bother?” She jokingly chided, though that response seemed to have the wrong effect on Hattie, whose expression abruptly shut off and her quick eating slowed to a crawl like her stomach was decidedly full.

“So’ry” Hat suddenly said, getting an odd stare from Mu

“Wha for?” Mu asked

“F’r stuffin m’face” The child poked at her food, face staring down. “I’ll ea’ slower”

“No, oh honey I was just kiddin” Cookie cooed, putting a paw on the girls back and noting how she flinched “Now, now. Stuff your face all you want!”

“How else is Cookie gonna know we liked it??” Mu argued, shoving another forkful into her mouth

“Hm?”

Cookie chuckled “Eat however you want, okay dear? Just don’t throw the food”

Hat nodded, but didn’t go back to eating ravenously - only managing a few more bites.

Mu furrowed her brow, finishing her food “Cat! We’re gon’ head back t’your place and take a nap!”

“Excellent idea! Its a beautiful day, make sure to open the window” She encouraged “Are you up for that, Hat?”

The little girl nodded, pushing away her plate “Thank ya f’r the food”

“Always my pleasure, dear” She gave the child an affectionate nuzzle, and watched as Mu let the girl on her back again, jumping off and away.

-

Cat was right, it was absolutely beautiful out, with a shining sun and gentle sea breeze.

Mu wasn’t usually one for naps, but in this weather? After a full meal? She had a feeling she was way more interested in a nap than Hat was.

By the time the two girls got around the corner to the cat’s place, Mu could feel that Hat was only about half awake - she just felt heavier.

“C’mon hat stay awake!” She nearly shouted “We’re almost there!”

“But I'm tiiiiiirrrrrred”

“Well I am too but I’ve still got ya! Just a little longer, kay?”

The littler girl groaned in response.

The two turned the corner, and Mu nearly ran into a familiar masked face.

“Oi! Watch it!”

“Apologies, mustache child”

Hat looked up “Hi Bag seller”

“... Hatted Child?”

“She’s little for a while. I’m her big sister in the meantime”

“... My, quite a predicament” The seller commented, head tilting “You two look quite tired”

“We’re gon’take a nap” Hat yawned out. The badge seller paused

“Well children, do not let me stop you”

“We aren’t!” The muscatch-ed girl grinned.

The seller nodded to them, watching the girls turn the corner before they disappeared.

Mu eagerly got the girls inside the cat’s home, pushing her way through the bedroom door and finally got Hat off of her back, noticing that she was already asleep.

“Pfft, guess ya are kinda cute, in an annoyin’ kid way.” she commented, “But y’r all quiet. It’s weird”

The sleeping tot didn’t respond.

“Hm…” Mu sighed, finally lowering her hood and laying next to her. “Sleep well, sis”

Chapter Text

Snatcher knew he shouldn’t be snooping on the kid’s ship. 

After seeing that rather disquieting… event… the night before, it felt invasive in a way that kind of felt unfair. 

But then he noticed her little storybooks that she kept under her bed, and one of them had a very, very familiar story in it… It made him not feel all that bad. 

His eyes caught the broken piece, slowly, agonizingly slowly gathering itself back together. It looked similar to the last time he saw it… save for an odd black mark on the right side of the glass. 

He came closer, squinting at it. That probably wasn’t good. 

Before he could recoil and perhaps go hunting for the girl, the mark very suddenly pulsed, and his tail was enveloped, putting him in like he was sucked into the vacuum of space

Well… he hadn’t been expecting that. 

Having to wait several moments in a pitch black area, color suddenly flooded his vision like a rainbow was dumped on him, and shapes began to form nebulously. 

It was… a large building, the more time passed, the more the building took from, and he was in a hallway facing what he assumed was the front door. 

Oooh, he was *in* a time rift. 

That had to be what was going on. Hat kid had gone on and on about these things, about how dangerous they were, the rules of interacting with them. 

Or, not interacting with them, as she rambled. 

Once the area formed more solidly, he sunk himself into shadows, and looked to see that there was someone sitting outside, just beyond the door. 

Sneaking up, he recognized a similar small child waiting alone, staring out at what he assumed was a road. 

She was dressed in a plain, blue dress with her hair down, a headband keeping her hair back. She was almost perfectly still, staring out from her seat on the chairs. 

He was about to float himself forward, but then he heard a rather annoying voice in the back of his head

“Well cause you’re supposed to not be there! If you’re gonna interact, you gotta look the part!” 

Look at the part, huh? 

Turning an empty corner, he couldn’t help but slyly grin as his shadows morphed. He didn’t typically shapeshift this thoroughly - color could be tricky - but hey, it could be fun to play along. 

His furry mane lightened and reddened in color, his two-pronged hand splitting into five fingers and his tail splitting in two. It all happened at the same time - he went from a ghost to a man, his eyes still having a slight eerie glow to them. He looked at his reflection in the mirror and grimaced. 

He hated his stupid, dumb face.

He promptly shoved his hands in the pockets of this dark wool coat, and walked his way up towards the door, stopping when he saw that there was an older woman talking to the girl. 

“- ust come inside, dear” 

“No. He’s coming. He’ll be here soon” 

“.. If you say so” 

The expression on the woman spoke paragraphs despite her brief sentence. 

She shut the door, and looked up, seeing the Snatcher 

“Excuse me, sir?” 

“Sorry, sorry” he shrugged “I was here to pick up my sister’s kid but it looks like she picked him up without telling me. I was just leaving” 

“Oh.. okay” 

Snatcher tilted his head “What’s up with the tyke?” 

The woman made a face “Her father is late. Again” She huffed “Really, I just don’t know -” 

Snatcher raised his hand “I don’t need the kids life story, thanks. Just curious” 

The woman frowned further, not bothering to continue the conversation and headed back inside. 

Well, I’m already breaking her rules, might as well break more

Snatcher made his way to the entrance, opening the door and getting a better look at the tyke. 

She couldn’t have been older than 6. 

“What’cha waitin’ for, kiddo?” Snatcher, asked, leaning against the railing. She looked up at him with her cerulean eyes, a certain dullness and tiredness to them caught him a bit off guard. 

“My father” She answered in a quiet, little voice, looking back at her shoes “He’ll be here soon. He said he’d be here” 

“Sounds like this has happened more than once” 

“He’s forgetful sometimes, that what Mama used t’say” 

Snatcher grimaced. The bird was onto something. 

“Well that sounds irresponsible, aren’t adults supposed to be not that?” 

“You don’t understand!” the little girl yelled “He’ll come. He said he’d come. It’ll happen.” 

“Uh huh” Snatcher raised a brow. 

She looked away from him, and back out at the wide, wide road. 

And then he just… waited. 

Perhaps he was just… curious, as to when this illusive father would arrive? 

He wasn’t sure how much time had passed before he saw her adjust herself, and sighed, standing up. 

“Giving up?” he asked casually

“No. He’s obviously just runnin' late, but it’s gonna get dark and I can’t stay here. He’ll pick me up on m’way home” 

Snatcher couldn’t help but sneer. “Well don’t you known him well” 

“.. A course I do” She answered, giving him an odd expression “He’s my father” 

Snatcher wasn’t sure what about that statement was so gross, but it got to him.

He watched her disappear out of the space, turning a corner, and leaving him alone on the steps. 

“Ugh.. dammit” He grumbled, beginning to descend the handful of stairs before they faded right under his feet, and he was left abruptly in a white void that was - quite suddenly - not white at all. 

“Wh-” 

And he was unceremoniously tossed out, skidding against the carpeted bridge

“Ugh, if I had skin that woulda hurt..” He huffed, changing back to his more ghoulish form, and taking a closer look at the time piece. 

“... Hm” 

Chapter Text

Subcon was still cool, dark, and very pretty from the bridge of the ship. 

Snatcher had invited her down, stating that the minions were pestering him about where their “newbie” was. 

“They wanna see ya, kid!” 

“But i’n small” 

“I don’t think they care much” Snatcher shrugged “Plus, they might love you bein’ smaller than them” 

She pouted a bit “Fine..” 

He gave her a particular look, then grinning “But you’re missin’ somethin” 

“Hm?” 

A piece of cloth appeared, and dropped on top of her. 

She let out a startled squeak, fumbling until she found a hole to pop her head out of 

“Gah, pfft, wha?” 

“There you go, lookin’ the part!” 

She looked down, and gasped in childish delight. 

It was a vibrant, violet poncho with golden accents and black tassels. There was a fluffy fabric inside, feeling comfortable already. 

“Wowa!” She jumped, spinning in an attempt to see all of the details “isso pretty!!” 

“Like I would make you anything ugly” 

She looked up at him “You made it?” 

“Uh, duh” The ghost rolled his eyes “I made all your clothes 'cept the undergarments and shoes” 

“Whaaaa! I tought you jus’ steal-ed them” She admitted, and he let out a boisterous laugh. 

“I thought about it, but I haven’t been able to make clothes in forever so I just let myself have a little fun!” 

“Ooooooh” She nodded. 

“Yeah “ooooh” now come on! They’re waitin’!” 

She skipped right over to him, grinning and reaching up with her hands

“What?” 

“.... Can you pick me up?” She asks, suddenly seeming shy “so’y, y’don’t-” 

He grabbed her before she could finish that sentence 

“Just say “up” next time, kid” He stated, his face looking away from her “Don’t try sounding older than you are. Its weird” 

She pouted “... kay” 

“Hold on. We gotta bounce” 

She reached, and hugged the noodley ghost, shoving her head in the “fluff”. 

Ugh, every time she did that his face turned neon yellow. What was wrong with him? 

He decided not to think about it, and fell into the shadows, gripping the child tightly. 

They popped back up in his hollowed tree, and before she could even orient himself, he took in an unnecessary breath 

“MMMMMMMMMINIOOOOOOOONNNNS!” 

“Ughhhh loud!” Hat complained 

“Oh, now you complain about volume?” 

She scowled, and he fought the urge to laugh. 

“Oh shush!” he placed her down, watching as his various minions climbed their way into the hollow 

“You called, boss??” 

“I’ve got a kiddo that you’ve been missing” Snatcher waved his hand to the shorter kiddo. “Be careful, she’s tiny now” 

“I’n no’ tha’ small!” She whined, and the grouping of Subconites looked about as surprised as something without a proper face could look. 

“Newbie??” 

“Uh.. hi” She waved. 

There was a pause, and then- 

“AWWWW!!” 

“NEWBIE I LOVE YOUR PONCHO!” 

“YOU HAVE SUCH TINY HANDS!!” 

She looked back to ask Snatcher for help - but he was gone! 

She pouted, but one voice finally broke through the cavalcade. 

“Okay, okay, come on guys!!!” A small subconite shouted “Don’t overwhelm her!!” 

“Aw, come on Nell!” 

“Can it, Bonnie!” 

And the tiny subconite managed to make them all back off. 

“You okay, dear?” 

Hat nodded “tank you” 

The minions little, mitten hand, pat her cheek “Looks like boss wants us to watch you for a while. Have you eaten?” 

“Kids need to eat, right??” One minion asked

“Of course kids need to eat! They’re alive!” “Bonnie” answered. 

“Brambleberries are safe to eat, right?” Another minion pointed out 

“No!” Yet another spoke

“But what about Wipapples?” 

“Perfect!” Nell announced “In the mood for a snack, little dear?” 

“Uh, kay?” She tilted her head, amused at the group project that was finding her some sort of snack. 

Two different subconites took her hands, and led her out of the hollow and further into the forest, toward the old, abandoned village. 

Watching the subconites try to use their collective brain cell was much, much funnier than Hat Kid was expecting. 

Wipapples were these tiny, cherry-sized apples that grew on thin, waif-like trees very high in the branches. Nell told her that they tasted overly sweet- like candy, but were overall pretty healthy. 

“It was used in medicine for children way back when” 

“Whoa, das real cool” She looked up at the white fruits, currently being unsuccessfully reached for by the taller, bigger subconites climbing on top of each other. “Wha med-cines?” 

“Hm… I don’t remember” Nell admitted “Sometimes I remember stuff, but I don’t remember the details” 

“Well.. whaddaya ‘member?” Hat asked, drowning out the sounds of frustration coming from the other subconites

“Hm… herbs, medicines, sometimes recipes come to me” She answered vaguely “it comes and goes.” 

Hat tilted her head “Issit from when you were alive?” 

“Probably” Nell shrugged. 

A taller subconite approached

“Those doofs’ll have a snack for ya in no time, promise” They assured “You like the poncho?” 

The child nodded “I lub it!” 

The subconite chuckled “Awesome! I helped boss make it, you know” 

“Wha, really?” She looked back down at her comfy poncho “Whaddya do?” 

“Well, I dyed the fabrics! They were originally just a drab grey so…” 

“Owa, das so cool!” Hattie jumped a bit “Didya use berries?” 

“We did!” The minion nodded “They’re called “Glowberries”. Maybe I can find some to show you!” 

“Oooh! Yes pease!” She nodded

Nell chuckled, but then their head turned up, and let out a yelp. 

“BACK UP!!!” She grabbed Hat’s hand and yanked her back

Hat startled, feet fumbling, and before she could ask, there was a sudden BOOM!!! 

“WHa- Che’y bom?????” 

“I guess they ran outta ideas” The taller minion commented. 

“WE GOT IT!!” A group of them started bounding over, holding the tiny apples in their hands and tripping over one another. 

“Das a lot” Hattie commented 

“You don’t gotta eat 'em all!” The taller subconite encouraged. 

“Yeah! Just take a few bites!” 

Hat nodded, taking the little fruit in her hand, the thing only taking up her palm, it really was tiny. 

“Can I eat da whole thin’?” She asked, and Nell nodded.

“Totally safe to eat!” Nell gave her mitten-y equivalent of a thumbs up. 

The child finally took a bite 

And her eyes practically sparkled 

Snatcher got his daily to dos done in a decent amount of time today, something that he was pleased with. Sure, the traps needed resetting, but everything else went by just fine and dandy. 

About time he checked in on the brat. 

It took him a moment to sense where she was, but once he located her soul, he dunked himself into the shadows and raced through the earth, popping back up in a rather large clearing. 

It seemed that she was in the middle of a rather vigorous game of tag. 

Dozens of feet crunched on old leaves and weaved through older brambles, her brighter cloak made her stand out, and then he heard her laughter. 

He hadn’t actually heard her laugh very much since the inciting incident. It was… nice? Sure, it was nice. 

He watched the chasing occur for a few minutes, seeing the Subconites gleefully entertain her by either letting her catch them, or genuinely having a hard time getting away from her. 

He watched as she climbed up on a falling log “Who haven I tag yet?” She announced. 

The various subcontites looked among themselves, muttering. 

The little girl put her hands on her hips, making the girl look like a triangle, which was kind of hilarious. 

She went to get herself off of the log, but something about her tiny step was wrong, and, quite abruptly, she let out a yelp and began to fall

Snatcher wasn’t sure if he’d ever moved this fast in his undead life. 

The tiny girl was in his oversized hand, and she let out a pained whine. 

“Kid?” 

She let out a sniffle, seeming to be struggling not to cry. His eye spotted redness peeking out from the edge of her ankle socks. 

“.. You twisted your ankle” he grumbled a bit, and spotted the alarmingly quiet Minions just below him. 

“I-is… issokay.. I’-” She whimpered out, twisting to sit up and was desperately rubbing at her face. 

“Boss?” 

He huffed “Nell!”

“Yes?” 

“The recipe for Ubeneer, do you know it?” 

There was a pause “Yes.” 

“Go to the lab, make it. Let me know when it’s done” 

The subconite nodded. “Got it” 

He brought the whimpering toddler up to his chest. “Hold on” 

The shadows were brief. 

They popped back up into her ship, and saw that she seemed a bit less whimper-y, her breathing less heavy. 

He grimaced at the redness on her ankle again. Geez, how did she twist it that bad so fast? 

“Kiddo? How's it feel? Stinging?” 

She sniffled again “I’s fine” 

“Kid. Come on, that noise you made wasn’t a “fine” noise” 

“It’ll get better by isself” She argued back. 

He recalled her defensiveness in the rift. He couldn’t hold back a grumble. 

“Well I already had a minion make you something so you’re getting it!” he ordered “You’re tiny and tiny aliens can’t just get twisted ankles!” 

She pouted, but looked more confused at his reaction than anything. 

To be honest, he was a bit confused too. Where did this desire to.. help come from? 

Gross. 

There was a ringing in his head - a message - the medicine was ready 

“Don’t get up” 

He popped down, and popped right back up with a vial “Can you take off the shoe and sock?” 

She made a thoughtful face, and reached down to the velcro of the shoe, and pulled at it, grunting and wincing as she yanked at it. As she went to go pull it out she let out a hard yelp in pain

“Okay okay! Stay still.” 

The ghost huffed, shrinking himself down and attempting to take the shoe off gently - a hard task when you only have two digits on your “hands”. After a few tries, he nearly roared “FINE!” 

He shrunk even further, 2 digits turning to 5, and his much more dexterous hands were able to, very gently, remove the toddler’s shoe. 

When he finally looked up at her face. Her big eyes were wide as saucers, and he couldn’t help a sly grin “Do I look familiar, kiddo?” 

“Uh” 

“I know about your little books, kiddo” He teased, and then looked back down to take off her sock, seeing the redness still bright and vibrant and tender. She hissed just a bit, but was mostly quiet otherwise. 

“Ubeneer is an anti-inflammitory and painkiller.” He explained, if only to fill dead space “It’ll get your ankle better in no-time flat” 

She nodded, and watched as he opened the vial and immediately made a face at the putrid smell 

“I’smells like feet!” 

“Well, its going on your foot so that’s apt” 

She pouted. 

“Okay, kiddo, grin and bear it for a moment, I gotta pour it on and it might hurt” 

She screwed her eyes shut, turning her face away in anticipation. 

There was nothing more than a cool, wet feeling. 

“Tha’ didn’ hurt!” 

He just grinned “I know” 

She seemed to want to pout, but let out a giggle instead, rubbing at her eyes again, as if trying to make sure she hadn’t shed any tears. 

“Give the stuff a few hours, and you’ll be good.” He explained, “How about you take, like, a nap?” 

“Uh, i’n hungry” 

“Oh right. Physical food stuff” He grumbled. 

“Cookie lef’ soup in da kitchen” 

“Soup?” 

She nodded

“Okay then” he huffed, and without even thinking about it, picked her up  and placed her on his hip. 

They both seemed a bit taken back by the familiar action, but lucky for him, Hat recovered quickly and pointed to the door. 

He decided to just do so, walking - ugh, this is the most he’s walked in decades - over into the bridge

“I’s up” 

“I know where your kitchen is” he huffed. 

The next 20 minutes were… oddly quiet, but not bad. She stayed in his arm, showing him where things were, and watching him reheat the soup on the stove with some sort of practiced ease. 

“You use stoves?” 

“It's not that different from the burners in my lab” he answered, and the conversation just kind of died there, her head now resting on his shoulder, and he didn’t say anything. 

Once the food was warmed up, he finally put her down and she seemed disappointed, but didn’t say anything as he placed the bowl in front of her. “Eat up, brat” 

He thought she’d snap back at him, but instead she just nodded and started eating. 

He decided to chalk it up to her being tired, not wanting to linger on the behavior like he had for the last few days. 

Once she was done, she pushed the bowl away, and looked up at him. 

“All done?” 

She nodded, and raised her arms to him

He stared blankly, and she awkwardly squirmed. 

“... Up?” 

Oh, Right, ankle. 

He did in fact pick her up, suddenly this time felt much more awkward than the last - probably because it wasn’t an unconscious action like last time. 

They both just kind of stared at each other until she yawned, and he shook himself from the stupor, taking her back to her room. 

The food must have been enough to tucker her out, because she rested her head against him and, in a single exhale, she had fallen asleep. 

He let out a huff at this, and laid her down on the bed, finally seeing her look peaceful. 

Oh, there was definitely something going on here, and he was - unfortunately - interested. 

He’d see about that… 

But first

“What are you doing here?” 

A shadow from the corner came into the light 

“I came to see how she was doing” The being admitted “I saw her with the mustache girl” 

“She doesn’t even know you” 

“She does, just not this me” They clarified. “And you seem to be taking care-” 

“Shut up” 

The two of them didn’t say anything, but the other flew to the opposite side. 

“... She is so small” 

“She was always small. Now she’s tiny” 

The crescent-shaped being on the other side of the bed gave him an unimpressed look, but then stared, the expression almost shocked 

“... You haven’t taken that form in some time” 

“And what of it?” Snatcher snapped, baring his fangs and causing the blue ghost on the other side to hold their hands up in a sort of pseudo - surrender. 

“Nothing of it!” 

“That's what I thought, moonie” 

The MoonJumper gave the Snatcher a sour expression, but then looked back down at the sleeping child “.. I shall introduce myself to her properly soon. I had wanted to wait longer, but…” 

Snatcher sighed “But what?” 

“It seems that If i wait any longer I might never do it.” 

Snatcher didn’t have a response for that, so instead - 

“Why are you still here? She’s fine” 

MoonJumper rolled their eyes (eye?) 

“Take care, Snatcher” 

“Whatever” 

The blue being glitched away, and Snatcher was left alone. 

Chapter Text

“AWWWWWEEEEEE!!!” 

A group of about 7 seals had surrounded her almost immediately. 

“YOUWA SEW CUUUUUTE!” 

“Ah! S’atche hep!!” 

“Sorry kiddo! Conductors on this ship and he’s watchin’ you today! I’ve got stuff to do!” 

“Nooooooo!!!!” The toddler whined as she was rubbed up against by adoring little seals. 

“OIE!!” 

The seals froze

“GET Y’r FLAPPY LITTLE MITTS OFF TH’POOR GIRL!!” 

She had never been more grateful for the Conductors booming voice. 

The seals backed off, and they seemed to pout dramatically, and he continued to chase them off. 

“Y’alright, lil’ darlin?” 

She turned her head, and she grinned “Deejay Gooves!” 

“The one and only, darlin!” The penguin couldn’t contain his smile as he grabbed her and lifted her in the air “Still small, huh?” 

“Still Small” She confirmed “Time peece is takin’ i’s time” 

“Well, hey! I get to gush about how tiny you are for a while yet!” Grooves teased, getting a small giggle out of her. “Now come on, let’s leave the conductor to blow off a little steam, hm? I’m sure his grandkids would love to see you” 

“Really?” She tilted her head, and he nodded 

“Yup!! Let’s go!” he put her down and offered his flipper, which she took as they descended into the ship. 

She was led to a recreational-;looking area similar to a daycare, head tilted at the bright colors. 

“Oooooh darlings!” He calls for them “Look who's here!” 

The little ankle biters suddenly paused, and looked back at Grooves and Hat, and they suddenly squealed in what Hat assumed was excitement. 

She was basically tackled 

“AHHHHHH!!!!” She squealed, her entire body got wrapped up in little hugging owlets. Grooves let out a laugh. 

“Oh, I shoulda seen that coming!” The penguin laughed “They missed you!” 

“R-really?” 

“HAh! Hah!” Several of them called out, as if attempting to say her nickname. This finally got a smile out of her 

“Hiya!” 

“How about we all have a snack. Hm?” 

The Owlets squealed with delight, letting Hat go and gathering around Grooves. Hat’s head tilted; the Conductors grandkids really seemed to like Grooves, something she wasn’t expecting. 

Honestly she was expecting bites. 

But she followed the lead of the disco penguin, and watched as he expertly wove his way around the babies, offering them food one by one, ensuring that no kid was left without a snack. He even caught a few of them trying to get seconds. He was a natural at this. 

“And for you, lil’darlin!” She handed her a little, plastic bag with what looked like apple slices in them

“M’favorite!” She cheered, grabbing at them with her little hands and grinning as she opened them, eager to pop one into her mouth. 

“I know my best stars favorite stuff” 

“Really? You ‘membered?” She tilted her head

“Well of course!” Grooves confirmed “You’re a mysterious lil’chickadee, but I've got sharp eye behind these shades” he lowered the sunglasses to give her a wink, which got a shy giggle from her. 

“.. Tanks” 

“No trouble at all, lil’darlin” The Penguin pat her back “How about I take you and the owlets over to the play area” 

Hat made a face, and Grooves interjected. 

“Listen kiddie” he started “Most people are only young once, but you’re gettin’ a mini do-over! If I were you I’d get to playin while you still can. One day you’ll be old like me” 

“Wha- Y’r no’ old!” She argued, and he let out a laugh

“Oh honey, you make me feel younger. But I am not a spring chicken these days” 

“How old’r’you?” Hattie asked, walking with the penguin. 

“Old enough that I don’t wanna answer that question” He responded rather curtly, but made sure to poke her in the side and get a giggle out of her. “I’m probably old enough to be your grandpa, darlin!” 

“Whoaaaw” She contemplated “I never had a grandparent” She contemplated - not seeming sad at the admission “Jus’ a mom’n’da” 

“Oh? Were they gone?”

 She just shrugged. 

“Hm” Was all Grooves responded with “Say darlin, can you tell me about your parents?” 

The girl paused, initially looking away 

“You dont’ have to!” he argued “But I do wonder if you look like your mom or your dad? Gotta get those good looks from somewhere!” 

She looked up at him, as if bewildered by the comment “... Dad used to say I looked jus’ like her, but I nev’r saw it” 

“And why is that?” 

Her tone lowered, and her face went contemplative “... He loved her a lot” 

Grooves paused at that answer. 

Thankfully, they entered that rather overstuffed play area, and before he would have to respond, the owlets grabbed at Hattie and pulled her away towards a ball pit, encouraging her to jump in with them. 

He was grateful to see her smiling so fast, playing with the tots with careful enthusiasm. 

“Herrrre ya are!” 

Grooves turned his head and gave The Conductor a tight smile 

“Hey there darlin” 

“How’re the kiddies?” 

“Well! They’re lovin’ the ball pit” Grooves answered, motioning to the current ball pit pandemonium. 

“Hm… ya notice anythin’ off, Grooves?” 

Well, he just went right for the throat, as always. 

“Very, darlin’” he kept it tone low so that the children wouldn’t hear “But I'll tell you about it when we get some alone time, hm? I don’t wanna risk the kids hearin” 

The conductor simply nodded, looking back towards the rambunctious group that was currently trying to balance the plastic balls on Hat’s head. 

At least they were having fun. 

After the kids went down for a nap - something that Hat had to be cajoled into - she went off on her own to see if she could locate Cooking Cat, who she’d noticed on the ship earlier. 

But before that, she ended up running into an unexpected face. 

“Oh… so the seals were correct” The captain gave her a skeptical expression 

“Uh, Hi cap’in” She greeted. 

“Hat kid” He greeted “Lookin’ for somethin?” 

“Uh, have’you seen cookie cat?” 

“I think she’s scolding my cooks, currently” He replied gruffly. Hat pouted 

“Which ways’th food?” She asked. 

“4th floor, to the left” 

“Mkay!” She gives him a smile “tank you” 

He gives her an odd look, but then looks away “Don’t mention it” 

Hat tried not to think about it too much as she descended the stairs. 

Once in the restaurant, he could already hear the cat delegating in the kitchen, and carelessly pushed the door open, which Cici noticed and she broke out in a grin 

“Hey there, Sugar!” 

“Hiya cookie” She greeted “Whatcha doin’?” 

“Bakin!” she answered “Wanna help?” 

“Really?” 

“Of course!” She grins

The next hour was full of flour, sugar, and chocolate chips, with Hattie giggling and trying to eat raw cookie dough- much to the chagrin of the cooking cat. 

“Darlin’ I dunno if your alien tummy can handle it!” The cat poked the girl in the stomach, causing further giggles

“I wanna try!” 

“I’m not lettin’ you, honey!” 

Hattie groaned “pleeeeease!” 

“Nooooo” Cici held the bowl up “We gotta bake these!” 

“Make ‘em gooey?” Hattie asked, and Cookie nodded

“Make ‘em Super gooey!” 

“Ooooooh!” She jumped 

Cici laughed, and showed the girl how to “pour” the dough in such a way that you got perfect cookies. 

“Wow, y’r magical, cookie!” Hat exclaimed

“I most certainly am not!” The cat proclaimed “I'm just that cool” 

“Super cool!”

“Mega Cool!” Cici reached over and tickled the girl

Hattie giggled wildly “Can we put ‘em in da oven now??” She eagerly asked. 

“Indeed indeed!” The cat grabbed the tray and popped them in the oven “Now we just have to wait!” 

“How long?” 

“Hmmm, 20 minutes?” 

“Whaaa- tha’s f’reverrrrrr!” Hattie groaned. 

“20 minutes is not “forever”” Cookie raised a furry brow at the whining

“It can feel so”

The cat and the tot turned their heads at the new voice

“Hi Bagseller!” Hattie greeted with a grin 

“Good afternoon, little one. Are you free for a moment?” 

“Uh, yeah?” Hattie tilted her head

“I wish to speak with you for a moment” 

Hattie looked to Cici for some reason. 

“The cookie’s aren’t going anywhere, honeybun” 

The little girl nodded “Okay!” She reached over to the hand of the Badgeseller, who led her out onto the deck. 

“How are you faring, child?” 

“I’n okay” She answered “How’re you misser?” 

“I am well.” They answered “But I have a secret to tell you” 

“A secret??” 

The toddler’s eyes seemed to sparkle. 

“Indeed, do you think you can keep it?” 

She nodded enthusiastically. God, she was so adorable. 

“Good..” The seller looked around, seeing that they were alone “On the count of three” 

She nodded again, getting a head start “One-” 

“Two…” 

“Fee!” She jumped, and the badgeseller’s mask was removed, the form flickering wildly before adjusting to the proper form. 

“Wha…” 

The fanged being gave a gentle smile “hello, little one, allow me to reintroduce myself” They offered a hand “I am Moonjumper” 

Hat blinked in absolute bewilderment 

“Y’r blue” 

Moonjumper laughed “I am!” 

“Why’s dis a secret?” She asked, head tilting. 

“Its a secret because…” he leaned down, hand up as if to hide his face and he stage whispered “Snatcher doesn’t like me, So i gotta hide” 

“Whaaaa- why???” She bounced, also stage whispering

“It’s… complicated” Moonjumper admitted “But, I really wanted to meet you! So here I am!” 

“Oh…” She made a thoughtful face “I’s nice t’meet ya then!” She offered a hand to shake

He couldn’t help himself, his smile looking like it’d break his face in two, and he reached down to pick her up, bouncing her “You are so cute!! It is so very nice to meet you!!” 

She let out a startled shout followed by a flurry of laughter “Tank you” 

“You are very, very welcome” He put her down, the mask and form of the badgeseller returning “I am happy to know you know, please know that you can come to me anytime, hm?” 

“Anytime?” She tilted her head 

“Anytime” He confirmed “Now, I bet you by the time we walk back to the kitchen, those cookies will be all ready.” 

“Waaaaa re’ey?” She jumped 

“Really!” 

And with that being all the motivation she needed, the girl turned on her heel back towards the stairs. 

Moonjumper stayed with her until they got back to the kitchen, and they parted ways. 

“Hey sugar, how’d the talk go?” 

“Good!” Hat jumped “I know a secret now” 

“Do you?” 

She nodded “Can’t tell ya though!” 

“I wouldn’t want ya to!” Cookie agreed “Ready to help me get the cookies out?” 

Hat nodded enthusiastically, grabbing for the mittens

The next ten minutes mostly consisted of pulling out cookies, and letting them cool, while Hattie whined about not getting to eat the cookies while they were hot enough to burn her mouth. 

“But i’n alieeeeeeeen” 

“Doesn’t mean you won’t get burned, honeybun” The cat pat her head. 

The girl pouted, crossing her arms and turning away. 

“Come now, dear” Cookie coaxed “I’m just tryin’ to keep you from hurtin, hm?” 

“... Really?” The child questions, and Cookie nodded. 

“Because I care about you, darlin” 

Hattie seemed to take a moment, before taking a breath as if to calm herself down. 

“So’y” 

“No need!” The cat grabbed at her, tickling her and getting a giggle from her. 

The cookies didn’t take very long to cool, and the two got to enjoy them thoroughly, with Cooking Cat sharing a few funny kitchen stories. Hat hung on her every word as she started to feel tired.

“Oh honey, ready for some sleep? It's already 7 PM” 

“Hm… t’ink so” 

“Well, do ya wanna sleep here, or go back to bed?” 

“Hmmm. I wanna sleep in my bed” She answered. 

“Then let's get out onto the deck” 

While headed up the stairs, Hat waved to others as they passed, including the now sleeping conductor and rather chilled out Grooves, who gave her a smile and a wave as she passed by. 

For some reason that little interaction made her really happy. She wished she knew why. 

Cooking Cat used the girl’s teleporter and the two BOOP-ED into the bridge. 

“Get ready for bed, darling, I have a little surprise for you today!” 

“Wha- anoder??” She was feeling spoiled

“Mhm! Now, go get in your PJs and shimmy on into bed!” 

The child eagerly did as she was told, and sat herself in bed, blanket over her legs with a bunch of fidgeting. 

The door opened a few minutes later, and the cat was holding two steaming mugs 

“Hot chocolate!?” Hattie bounced excitedly jumped 

“Indeed!!” The cat gave her a toothy grin and offered the girl a mug, and she eagerly took it. 

“Uwa, marshmallows??: She looked into the cup “An’ cimmamin!” 

“Yup!” Cici took her own sip from the drink. “Drink up darlin” 

The tot gladly did, sipping the warm, chocolatey drink with much delight. 

Once the drinks were done, Cookie took the cup, and laid the girl down, “Do you want anything, sweetheart?”

“I’m’kay cookie” Hattie assured. 

“Well, sweet dreams, darling” The cat nuzzled her forehead, garnering a small smile from the girl “Good night” 

“Gnight…” The girl turned, eyes closing. 

She dozed off more peacefully than before. She could get used to this. . . 

Chapter Text

There was another fucking smudge on that hourglass.

The curiosity was killing him. 

Ugh, he had to. He knew he had to. As annoying as it was. 

“This better not be as weird as the last one…” 

A rather painless transition later, and ….He was still on the ship? 

No, no this… this was different. 

For one, it was dark. The windows showed only sparse stars, no bright planet below them. 

He was absolutely somewhere else - some… time else. 

“Hm..” he started snooping almost immediately, keeping himself dark as the room, eyes scanning over the bridge and eager to press some buttons

But then the door opened, and he retreated into the shadows of the wall and watched a small form make its way  into the room. 

She didn’t look as young as she currently was, but her clothes did look a little big on her. She seemed to nervously titter, going over to the console. 

“Okay, I can do this, you passed all the classes, you can do this” She muttered. 

She then started finagling and maneuvering, pressing buttons and levers and letting things whir to life, the lights came on and she cheered 

“Yes! Yes! I did it!” She jumped “Hah! Heck  yeah!!” 

A map shown itself, a simple, direct map showing a planet marked as “home” 

“The new colony…” She looked at it, then looked down at the console, and then away, towards her room. 

She set up the autopilot, and walked back towards the bedroom. Snatcher followed. 

She was crawling back into bed, her head shoved directly into the plush stomach of that stuffed animal, which still looked old. 

Snatcher recoiled in discomfort. She was crying. 

What the hell? 

He huffed, then slid down into the shadows of the floor and floated above her, and she suddenly looked up at him, seeming not surprised or scared. 

He took a moment, and then asked “What are you so afraid of?” 

“... I’m alone” She answered simply, the  “And even when I get to the new colony I’ll be alone there too” 

His eyes squinted with suspicion

“No dad?” 

Her face hardened into something that resembled anger “He’s gone… He’s gone and never coming back” She Announced, and the white of the rift beginning to fade at the edges 

“No Mom?” he managed to ask with a raised brow

She just squeezed the animal one more time, and the stream faded off into static, 

In the static, surrounded by what he was now assuming were further, connected rifts, he spent a moment getting a good look at at least one of them, before getting flung out. 

He didn’t tumble this time, but once again, he was left with far, far more questions than answers. 

He looked over the child’s room, and slithered over, seeing that she was fast asleep. 

His mind raced with questions and theories. 

“What the hell happened to you, kid?” 

Chapter Text

Hattie had decided that she wanted to get out of the way today. That she wanted to go out and about by herself. 

And so, that morning, she’d told Cookie she wanted to stay on the ship that day. Mostly because she wanted to “spend time with Rumbi”

It was a lie… but eh, it wasn’t a big deal. Cooking cat watched her all of the time, and she needed time to focus on her regular stuff, right?

Hattie just wanted to go out by herself. She could do it! Totally! 

She dressed herself in some bright neons - a skirt, long sleeved shirt and a pretty comfy jacket, and even found that her old kitty mask still kinda fit! She took it as a sign of where to go today - The Metro!

Rumbi made a few confused and concerned beeps as the girl walked over to her telescope

“Issokay, Wumbi!” She assures, patting the bot. “In gon go t’the metro an’ ge’noodles!” 

There were a few beeps- seeming convinced for the time being, and then the robot scooted away. 

The child poked her eye into the telescope, and, looking down at the glowing city just below her with a barely subdued excitement. She needed some time just by herself! Yeah!  

“He’e we goo!!!!” She excitedly “boop!”ed herself down, landing easily on her feet right in the road, and took in the cool, sleek atmosphere. 

She grinned under her mask. 

Perhaps the strangest thing about being smaller and younger while in the Metro, was that all of the cats seemed nicer. They didn’t even seem to recognize her! They just thought she was a really little kid! They even called her “kitten”! What was even up with that? 

But- She’d gotten free noodles! Free! Just for waiting in line and asking nicely. And they were so good! 

The doting that she’d been getting over the last week had been getting a little overwhelming and getting to sip on noodles on a bench by herself as the world passed her by had been exactly what she’d needed. Ah, quiet time. 

After having the noodles, She took some time to waltz about the land, taking the train loop several times just to enjoy the view, and the anonymity meant that she could go almost anywhere. And she did!

While munching on something called “Taiyaki”, she sat on a crate and watched the sparse but still pretty street. Perfect moment to chill before headed back up. 

“Hey!” 

She jumped, looking up at the cat who was calling out. Said lanky cat looked down at her 

“Is that Taiyaki?” 

She nodded

“Boss wants to know what cart you got it from” 

Hattie swallowed her bite and gave a weird look, tilting her head which made her mask fall further. “Boss?” 

“Ugh, why didn’t you just ask like a normal person? I have to do everything” A voice from her left made itself known. A recognizable one. 

Oh

Empress. 

Hattie’s eyes were wide and blinking at the tall cat, who was squinting down at her. 

“Wait…” The empresses tone seemed dangerous

“Uh…” Hat tried to start - attempting to come up with something to say. 

The Empresses bent down “... You.. You’re the troublemaker” 

“What? Boss, there’s no way! She’s too small!” one cat pointed out. 

Hattie was startled when the lanky cat suddenly lifted her, making her drop her snack. 

“M-my teeyakee!” She squealed, giving the Empress an annoyed look, though the cat clearly wasn’t impressed or intimidated. 

“You. What on earth happened to you?” 

“... Time stuffs” was all the tot answered with, and the Empress grimaced. 

“Ugh, your timepieces are more trouble than they’re worth, it seems” She awkwardly put the girl down. “You” She pointed at a seemingly random cat “Buy her a new snack since because of you she dropped it. And you '' She pointed to another one “Watch her. I don’t want more shenanigans now that she’s smaller and can fit in other places” 

“I don’ need a babysisser!” The girl pouted. 

“Too Bad” The Empress turned around. 

The cat assigned babysitting duty looks down at her “Uh, hi? Im Niko-Mino” 

Hat blinked  as Empress just… left her there with a different cat. She then looked up to said cat - Niko-Miko “I’m Hat Kid” 

“Well uh, your reputation precedes you!” Niko-Mino greeted “... I thought you were taller, though” 

Hat just pouted at that. 

“Sorry, sorry you said it had to do with time stuff?” The cat asked curiously, and Hat nodded “oh, Fascinating! I don’t really know much about that stuff, but I’m sure that it’s really interesting” 

A cat returned from the stall, holding the Taiyaki “Here you go, kitten” 

Hat’s pout returned in an instant, but took the snack “tank you” 

“Uh, No prob!” The cat responded “Good Luck NiMi!” 

Niko-Mino waved back at the cat, though they seemed confused by that wish of luck. She then looked back down at Hat, their smile showing through their eyes. 

“So… Wanna just finish your snack? If you wanna do something I have some suggestions!” The cat exclaimed

Hattie was mid-bite, and tilted their head at the cat. 

“‘Like what’? You ask?” The cat winked “Have you ever been to the Nyakuza Arcade and fun zone?” 

The girl's eyes sparkled at the mention of an arcade. And she started jumping up and down from her seat. 

“I’ll take that as a no. Finish up your Taiyaki and we’ll go there!” She suggested. 

The girl promptly scarfed down the snack and slid herself off of her seat, swallowing and eagerly shouting “Lessgo!” 

That cat laughed a bit “Eager are you? Come on, we have to catch the train!” 

The cat offered her paw, and Hat took it without thinking twice. 

The arcade was absolutely massive

Skee ball, basketball games, racing games that Hat was too small to play, just any and everything to do. There was even a play area! With another ball pit!

She wasn’t sure how long she spent in there with the very nice cat, but once it was all over (aka the place was closing for the night) She had completely lost track of all time. And her tired body really felt it. 

It was late. 

And it was raining. 

“Oh my…” Niko-Mino tilted their head. “Are you okay to go back to your home in all this mess?” 

“Yeah, is’fine” She answered quickly. “Just gotta “boop”” 

“You sure?” The cat squinted - not knowing what “boop” meant

Hattie nodded, showing her watch “Jus’ gotta use this” She pointed 

“Oh, alright!” The cat grinned - inferring that the futuristic watch was some sort of teleporter. “Well, it was fun playing with you today! Let's do it again sometime!” 

“Yeah” Hattie agreed, 

“Be safe!” Niko-Mino bowed lightly, and Hatte waved as the cat turned on its heel and ran off in the rain. 

Hattie sighed, checking her phone and seeing that there was no signal where she was. Which meant that she had to get herself into the upper part of the city in this rain… gross. 

But not something she wasn’t used to. Sometimes things just kinda sucked. Not like anyone knew she was here anyway. She was on her own. 

She started running on her little legs in the rain, moving her way through the alleys and finding herself on the still brightly lit main thoroughfare. Almost all of the stores were closed, and when she looked at her watch she was baffled at the signal was still off. That usually didn’t happen. Maybe because it was night? That sucked.

She got herself into an alley with some cover, and sighed, grumbling. 

“Hm…” She contemplated. “... I can.. Wait, I guess” She decided, climbing up on a crate and sitting in the cold, feeling a bit damp and gross. Just until the rain let up. That's all. 

She stared at her shoes, listening to the rain, waiting for it to peter off. 

She sat there

And waited

And waited*

She wasn’t sure how long she’d been waiting, but she couldn’t feel her toes

Then, a shadow crawled over her. 

“What the hell are you doing???” 

She startled, looking up with a bewildered expression

“Sn-” she sniffed ” Sna’cher?” 

The ghost looked down almost imposingly at the damp toddler, his expression borderline unreadable. Was he… mad? 

“Why are you just sitting damp in an alleyway in a cat city?” He asked with narrowed eyes. 

“.... My watch couldn’ ge’a siggal” She answered, sniffling again 

“So you just… sat here” 

“Wha wassi s’posed t’do?” She tilted her head, rubbing at her face. “Had’t wait f’r a siggul” 

“Uh, I dunno, call someone???” The ghost growled out “I went up there to give you some new pajamas and your stupid little robot was freaking out and somehow *dragged me* over to your little teleporter and showed me the telescope and i see you just- sitting in the rain like a kicked puppy- what are you even-” He looked down and further scolding died in his mouth. 

She was looking down at her shoes again, little fists trembling. 

He stared awkwardly, recalling her staunch independence in the rifts. Was this.. Connected? 

He shrunk himself, trying to get a look at her face, but she had covered it with her arm. 

He sighed deeply. Ugh, he was going to have to… eugh, apologize, wasn’t he?

“Kid I'm not… geez, I’m not mad” he started “Just… ugh okay, I'm sorry, alright?? Can you look at me?” 

Her head peeked up at him - and Dammit He made her cry. 

    *Ugh…. This was making him feel gross* 

He grabbed her, picking her up “Come on, hold on” 

She did, almost instinctively, and he dove down, popping back up into her bedroom. 

“Uh…” he awkwardly floated there with the damp child in his arms. “... Bath?” he suggested. 

“... Bathy time?” 

“Yeah, uh, bathy time” he coughed “You uh, you can bathe yourself, right?” 

She gave him a nod, and he put her down 

“... Need ….help?” he awkwardly offered, looking so uncomfortable that Hat nearly laughed. 

She shook her head “issokay” 

He watched as she walked away in her wet clothes, through the automatic door and leaving the ghost alone. 

“Ugh, Snatcher, what the hell are you doing?” he muttered to himself. 

Seriously though, what was he doing? Were those rifts getting to him? The hints of the child’s loneliness? How uncomfortable her self-imposed independence made him? 

He grumbled to himself. Why did he care So much? 

He’d think about it some other time. 

I nstead, he floated himself to the pillow pile, and watched the door for her to arrive, seeing her now in footie pajamas that he’d made for her- covered in little minion mask designs. Adorable. 

“All set?”

She sniffled, but nodded

Ugh, she better not wake up sick. 

Chapter Text

She woke up sick. 

Goddammit. 

He wasn’t sure why he’d stayed up on the ship, perhaps some sort of … instinct? Ew, no, absolutely not. No. But he was still up there, and when she awoke with a congested whine, he knew he probably wasn’t going anywhere. 

He hovered over her - the girl’s body flushed and face red with fever - and contemplated what the hell he should even do. 

She opened her eyes, groaning and looking up at him with a bit of confusion. 

Then she let out an adorable little sneeze, and curled up with yet another groan. 

The ghost let out a grumble “.. Kid?” 

She peeked up at him with another sniffle “s--s’abber?” 

“You’re looking pretty lousy, huh kiddo?” He adjusted his mood, forcing an amused grin. 

“... I fee’ lousy” She answered with a low, pained voice “rea’ bad…” 

“.. Want me to get the cat?” He asked 

She shakes her head, and his expression soured. Oh no, he was not dealing with that kind of ridiculousness 

“I’m getting the cat” He asserts, and is about to dive down into his own shadow, 

“No-no don’ go pease!” She suddenly shouted, pausing him like a glitching DVD.

His glowing eyes stared at the ill child, who sniffled, eyes wide as if she didn’t mean to say such a thing, and suddenly turned her head into her pillow in what seemed like embarrassment. 

Snatcher floated there for a few seconds, and moved closer to the bed. 

“.. What was that?” 

“Mufin’” She answered, muffled 

“Muffin? It's waayyyy early kiddo, I'm not feeding you” He answered, causing her to peek out from the pillow with a confused look in her eyes. 

He then got an idea. 

“Do you… want muffins? Now? reeeeally?” He stretched his words, his pitch a touch high

Her expression was even more confused, and she pulled her head off of the pillows 

“I don’t even HAVE any muffins!!” he went a bit overboard with the reaction, but when the sniffling girl showed him a tiny, amused smile 

“You nebur have mufens” Her stuffed up nose ruined what little diction she had. It was painfully adorable. 

“But you know who dooooooes?” 

“.... Coogie cab?” 

He held back a small laugh. Not now, Snatcher. Not now. 

“Yup! I'm gonna get her and I'll only be a minute! That okay kiddo?” 

It took her a moment, but she shyly nodded before sneezing again. 

"Great! Be right back with Muffins!” 

She chuckled again

And then she was alone. 

Snatcher kept true to his word, and had the cat by the back of her chef's coat. 

“You lousy ghost! Put me-” 

The scolding died when she saw the sick little alien. 

“H-hi Coogie” Hattie sniffled. 

Snatcher put the cat on her feet, and watched as Hattie was almost immediately coddled. 

"Oh, darlin! What happened?? You told me you were stayin’ home yesterday!” 

Snatcher raised a brow at that, and Hat looked away, not answering 

"Well, no matter. Ghost!” The cat turned back “She needs more pillows! Make her comfy! I’m gonna get started on some soup.” 

“What? Why?” 

“If you’re not gonna help then why are you still here?” 

Snatcher wasn’t quite sure how to answer that, but the cat didn’t wait for one. 

“I’ll be right back, sugar” She patted the girl's cheek before bouncing off. 

The ghost man grumbled, looking down at the pillow pile and swiping up a good dozen pillows, deciding to dump them on the child, if only for a laugh. 

The child was covered in the pastels, and let out a few indignant sounds before sneezing, and letting out yet another pained groan. 

“Sabberrrrr” her muffled pronunciation of his moniker cracked him up, and he lifted the pillow above her head to look down at the miserable tyke

“Need help?” 

She sniffled “You caused dis!” 

“That I did” 

“Figs id!” She sniffed again

“Okay okay, yeesh, kid” Snatcher lifted her up, starting to arrange the pillows like some kind of nest. 

He placed her back down, her back on the incline, and- without even thinking about it - poofed up a thick, green blanket that draped over her. He froze, blinking. 

He… still had that old thing? 

She looked down at the quilt, tilting her head at the symbols stitched into dark green and golden threads. Her hands traced over the drawing of an intricate sun. 

“Biddy….” She sniffled, coughing a bit  “Dis yous?” 

“.. It used to be, back when I was alive” he admitted, sitting over in the still rather large pillow pile “My grandmother made it for me” 

“You hab a gabmodder?” She tilted her head, sniffing once more. Ugh, was that going to stop anytime soon?

“Yyyyup, most people do” 

"... I dibn’ hab one” 

“... You had parents though, didn’t you?” 

Hat seemed a bit lost in her thoughts, but nodded. 

“Mom and Dad? Dad and Dad? Mom and mom?” 

“Mob n bab” she looked like she was about to sneeze, and Snatcher couldn’t stop himself from flinching when the sneeze happened, and she huffed in exhaustion. Her face seemed redder. Was her fever worse? 

He floated closer “and where are they?” 

“Gone” 

Well, that was a firm answer. 

“Gone like dead?” His “hand” reached up, she did seem warmer, eugh. 

She didn’t answer “Doden’ madder” 

He made a face, but decided to ignore the red flags “You’re pretty hot, kiddo. Like a little muffin in the oven” He made a contemplative face for show “You know what?  You need ice!” 

She sniffled, suddenly not looking thrilled “bu- I'm aweady colb” 

“Your head tells me otherwise! Be right back!” 

He popped away and into her kitchen, where the cat was busy making a very hearty-smelling soup. 

“Hooo!” He vocalized “That smells good! Almost makes me want taste buds” 

Cooking Cat turned her head to look at him and gave him a toothy grin “Thanks! She’ll be right as rain in no time! How’s she holding up?” 

“Hot and gross. Human illness is so nasty, I'm happy I can’t get sick.” He commented, opening the freezer and noticing a little pack - patterned with little circles. He lifted it, it was cold. 

“Oh, an ice pack! Excellent!” 

“Is that what this is?” He flipped it over, seeing a little smiley face on the other side. “It feels a bit too soft for ice” 

“Its not actually made of ice. It's got a special substance that turns ice cold, but stays malleable.” The cat explains “That’ll be perfect for her head” 

“Huh” he weighed it in his hand again 

“Wrap it in a towel and bring it over to her, hm?” The cat requested. 

“What? Why a towel?” 

“Because it might not be ice but it acts like it, and could give her freezer burn” The cat explained, tossing a small blue towel. 

“...Oh” was all he responded with, mind going back to some rather uncomfortable memories. He pushed it back down, and left the kitchen to head back to the girls room. 

He popped back into the girls room, where she was listlessly staring at the ceiling, her breathing labored. 

He floated above her once again, her eyes seeing him, and just barely focusing. 

“You’re lookin pretty lousy” he commented, comically “plop”ing the ice on her forehead. 

All she responded to that with was a delayed “... Owie” 

“... I probably shouldn’t have done that” He admitted, moving the ice from her eyes to her forehead, and the girl let out a sigh of relief. 

"Danks” 

“Kid, you’re lucky you’re sick or I’d be laughing at your congested pronunciation” He finally pointed out. She didn’t respond. “Man, you really feel lousy, huh?” 

She grumbled, pulling up the green blanket. He wondered if that was how he’d looked as a tot under the blanket. Something in his chest twisted. 

The door to the bedroom opened, and out popped Cooking Cat, holding a bowl in one hand, and a sippy cup in the other. 

“Where did you get that weird cup?” 

“It’s a sippy cup. It's so she can’t spill” The cat didn’t answer, coming up to the side of the bed. “Hey there kitten”  Her tone lowered. “The ice helpin’?” 

“Uh huh…” The child answered. 

“Good, Can you sit up?” 

The next few minutes were very quiet in the dimly lit room. Some soup, some water, and a still sniffly little tot not saying much of anything, and letting the cat do all of the talking. 

“... And then Mu just, ‘poof’! Left me there! That little hellion” 

Hat giggled a little at that, but then began to cough hoarsely, causing her to wheeze. 

The suddenness of the coughing startled even Snatcher, who was sitting in the pillow pile reading. The book was forgotten, he hovered over as the cooking cat patted her back, the coughs going away as the toddler devolved into sobs. 

"Oh honey, it's okay, it’s okay” The cat’s pats turned to rubs “I know it feels bad, I know” Cat reached to the now tepid ice pack, and pushed the girl back into the pillows “I’ll be back in a few okay? Just rest. The more you rest, the sooner you’re better.” 

The cat rushed out with the ice pack and the dishes, and the sniffling, red-eyed child was left alone in the bed, a ghost floating nearby. 

“You uh… you okay, kid?” He awkwardly asked. 

“No….” The child’s extended syllable sounded more miserable than he knew the girl could sound 

Before he could stop himself, he asked “What can I do?” 

She grabbed at the blanket, looking up at him and not answering at first. Something akin to embarrassment rose up in the back of his throat. 

But then, in a tiny voice, a small request

“C-ca’ you read a s’ory?” 

T hat hadn’t been what he was expecting. 

"... A story?” 

She wouldn’t look at him , and he assumed that she was grateful for the fever to hide her sheepishness. 

He took a second to go through the mental catalog of his book collection, before a book appeared in his hands. 

It was an old thing, something he hadn’t even contemplated in years. Dark green, with gold accents, with “FAERIE AND FOLK TALES” written in script on the front. He wondered why he kept it, but it seemed to be a good idea now. 

His slinky body sat on her bed, curled up like a snake. 

“Ready kiddo?” 

She nodded, her eyes a bit wide in surprise at his leniency 

She sniffled “Tanks” 

He sighed, “No prob, kiddo. Seeing you miserable without me causing it is sad” he playfully winked. She finally gave him a smile. 

He returned it, turning to a random page, ending up on an old classic. 

“In the kingdom of Astartina, There lived a King and Queen with a beautiful young daughter…” 

He regaled the story of a warrior princess protecting her kingdom to the child, and by the end, she’d finally dozed off, her wheezing breath slow and even. 

The cat returned a few minutes later, and gasped, staring at him. 

“What?” he spoke quietly “She’s asleep” 

“... And who are you, exactly?” Her voice was low, dangerous. 

“What? Cat, are you blind?”

She continued to stare “... You’re the ghost?” 

“Uh… yeah?” 

“... You don’t look like him” She pointed out, cautiously walking to the other side of the bed. 

“What?-” He looked down - 

An ascot stared back at him, as did 5 fingered hands, and feet- feet! 

“Augh dammit!” he groaned

“... I’m guessing that your shapeshiftin’ wasn’t intentional” 

He dragged his hand across his flat face “ugh.. That’s one way to put it” 

“Well, aren’t you handsome then?” Her quiet voice teased , putting her paw on the sleeping girl's forehead “Oh, she’s still hot… poor thing. I’m goin’ back down to get her some medicine and hope she’s similar enough to humans that it’ll work. Keep an eye?” 

H e huffed, his face glowing slightly “Fine. Whatever” 

The cat gave him an unimpressed look. 

And then - once again, he was alone with the child. 

The ghost let out a huff, looking over the girl again with a head tilt, her breathing perhaps a bit too fast for sleep, but he recalled distantly that breathing when sick was not fun. 

He cautiously put his hand on her forehead. Ugh, she was still burning. But when his hand landed there, she let out what seemed to be a relieved sigh. 

Right. Ghost. Cold. 

He watched her sleep, some part of him wondering if her congestion might cause her to stop breathing. Was that something that could happen? All that fighting and a flu might kill her? 

He shook his head. Nonsense. 

His thumb brushed over her forehead, pushing away her bangs. She let out a small whimper, shifting. 

“... Kid?” he called out, his voice softer than he thought. 

She groaned and turned on his side, and started to cough. His hand went to her back, that irrational fear from before coming back and clogging up his chest. 

Something in him reminded him that you need to sit up to cough, and he pulled her up into a sitting position, her coughing continuing for a few more moments before she started to cry again. No, god, why is she crying again??? 

She was still burning hot; was her fever rising? 

“Kid, god, kid what can I do? I’m 400 years removed from having illness!” He managed, holding her up still as her little body sobbed. 

She blindly grabbed at him, whimpering something that sounded like “hot, hot-” over and over again. Getting an idea, he pulled her out from under the blanket, adjusting her to rest against him as if he was carrying her before. 

His cool, ghostly body contrasted harshly with her fever, her forehead resting on his shoulder almost aggressively. Her grip on him was like iron. 

Her sobbing began to ebb, and she exhaled deeply. 

  “.. Better?” he feebly asked. 

She muttered a bit, but didn’t move. 

He huffed. Well, seems he was stuck. In his human form, with a toddler clinging like a fungus. 

Or an adorable little octopus. Whichever. 

He floated, sitting himself down on the bed, grabbing the old blanket and pulling it over the girl. 

“... Get better quick, kid” He muttered, glowing eyes looking up at her bed canopy. 

Chapter Text

Her fever had broken earlier that evening. 

Finally. 

It had been two straight days of her looking downright miserable, and he and the cat had taken up turns in watching her - luckily the medicine did in fact help. 

Now she was peacefully sleeping, and the cat had stated that frankly, she should be fine by tomorrow. 

He was back to his more ghostly form - legs are so annoying, eugh - and was on the bridge, contemplating returning to Subcon. 

But that damned timepiece, which was well over halfway done with repairing itself, had another dark blotch on it. 

Was he really going to do it again? Go diving into all of these unpleasant memories of a kid he keeps telling himself he doesn’t care about? 

… Yeah. 

He approached it again, and waved his hand over it, preparing himself for the pull in. 

When he was reoriented, he found himself in a small room, one, wide window letting in what he had to assume was moonlight. He looked out, seeing three, small moons up in the sky. His head turned, and noted that it was clearly a child’s room. Tons of children's books, a little desk covered in elementary homework, and a messy bed with that damned little rabbit-like creature on it. 

Her room? This must be her room. But she’s not here. 

Then he heard footsteps outside the closed door, and dove to hide in the shadows again. 

He watched from a dark, upper corner as the door abruptly opened and shut, the child looking only a little older than she did in the current timeline, she was looking down at the floor, and after a few more seconds, there was the sound of a slamming door that made her flinch. 

She then proceeded to crawl over to her bed and grab the little rabbit, completely silent. 

Snatcher felt morbidly curious, and his shadow spread above the child. He watched as she shifted, her back against the bed and her misty eyes staring up at him without even realizing it. On her face, from her brow to her cheek was an ugly, purple and yellow bruise. 

There were some on her collar bone too. 

He didn’t know what to think as she pulled the bunny back into her arms

“He was jus’ mad” She muttered to herself “Jus’ mad. He’ll be happy tomorrow” She turned onto the unaffected side of her head and shoved her head into the face of the stuffed animal “Tha’s what you always said Mami.. I’ll be ‘kay tomorrow an’ he’ll be happy and it’ll be fine” 

His form ended up melting off of the wall, and his ghostly form once again looking achingly human. She didn’t notice, continuing to mutter to herself. 

“Just do as you say Mami, sometimes he’s just mad for no reason and it's fine” she reassured herself and breathed deeply “Right?” 

If he’d had suspicions before, they were confirmed now, 'sitting' at the bedside and watching a small child try with all of their might to not cry. No fever to lower inhibitions. 

He wasn’t sure if he’d prefer her crying now or not. 

On the one hand, her cries really twisted up his chest. 

But one the other hand, a child should not have to control her emotions this early in life. 

A deep, old memory came up, of his own father - such a gentle man - petting his head when he was distressed as a small child. 

… He might as well. 

His shadowy hand reached out and touched her head, and she looked up, her eyes red and wet. 

“Rest, kid” 

“.... Are you Delti?” 

“If that calms you down, sure” 

“Does that mean I’m gonna go see Mami soon?” 

“.. Not quite” he answered, his hand rubbing her head “You’ve got a long time left yet” 

“Oh…” 

He was not pleased that she seemed disappointed at that. 

“Then.. why are you here?” She asked “You’re for after-times” 

He took a moment to respond “I’m here because I keep hearing your begging to see your mother again” 

“... Oh… Are you telling me to stop?” 

“...” His glowing mouth grimaced at the tone of her voice. Despite her better speech she was still so small. He started to notice the memory fading at the edges. 

“I’m here to tell you that this all goes away.” he vaguely stated. “That this life is not forever” 

She didn’t seem to understand, but was starting to actually look tired. 

His eyes scanned over the bruises on her face and neck, “Nothing lasts forever. Not good things. Not bad things” 

“Hm…” 

The white of the room reached her bed, and her eyes shut gently, as if his words had calmed her little, aching heart. 

The memory faded into the static of the inter-space, and flashes of other, much more recent memories scrolled by his vision as if on film. 

He landed on his “feet” this time, and quickly went back to his ghostly, legless form. “... You have got to be pecking kidding me” he huffed, before diving back down to earth. 

Chapter Text

She was thankful for the thick, comfy poncho that Snatcher had made her more than ever.

She’d forgotten how cold the Alpine was! 

She was also a little annoyed at how much harder it was for her to wander around. 

“Hey, careful!” She got pulled back by a familiar owl. 

“So’ry” She muttered 

“Hey, its alright!” Hooper gave her a pleasant smile “I’m just looking out for you!” 

When she’d wanted to go shopping for a new blanket cause she “Doesn’t have enough”, The conductor had been a bit iffy about letting her go alone, and managed to find and recruit Hooper to be her “guardian” for the day. 

Lucky for her, Hooper was pretty lax. 

“So, what’re ya lookin’ for in a blanket?” 

“Hm…. I wan it purple” She answered “mayb’green?” 

“Ooh, what about purple and green?” He recommended, spotting something at a booth. 

“Ooh Yes! Yes, yes, yes!” She jumped “Pease??” 

“Okay, you gotta hold on while we travel though!” Hooper reminded, opening up his wings. 

Having done this a few times already this morning, she got on his back piggy-back style, and he took off. 

If she were being honest, she had no idea that express owls were even capable of flight. 

But here she was, being flown around the skyline - much easier than using the zip-lines! Far more direct. 

Once they landed, Hooper let her off of his back, and gave her the winged equivalent of a “thumbs up” 

“Let’s take a look at the blankets!” 

“Oooh!” Hattie walked up to one of them - a golden one with green detailing. 

“Like that one?” Hooper asked. 

“Hm…..” She squinted at it, as if over examining it. “Maybe!” 

“Let’s keep looking then!” 

The time spent looking through the blankets felt productive, and Hattie eventually picked a comically large purple blanket with beautiful red, green and gold patterns. 

“You’ve got some good taste, kiddo!” Hooper encouraged “This is gonna keep you warm for-Ever!” 

“And ever and ever!” 

“Heck yeah!” He whooped. 

Hooper was fun. 

H attie watched with excitement as the blanket seller folded up the blanket and put it in a box, offering it to Hooper, which made Hat, who had offered her arms, frown. 

“It’s heavy, hat!” Hooper reminded “How about we pop back up and drop this off in your room, hm?” 

S he huffed, but conceded. 

As she fiddled with her little teleportation device, there was a slight commotion, followed by a blue before her eyes, and Hooper's indignant squawk. 

“Theif! Thief!!” 

A masked denizen of the skyline had swiped the box right out of his wings. 

“Hey!! I paid f’r tha’!!” She squealed

The hooded, colorful “person” Looked down at her, and simply turned their head and grabbed the flagged line- zip-lining away 

She grabbed Hooper’s jacket and tugged on it “We gotta - we gotta go aft’r him!” 

“What? Hat, I don’t think-” 

“No!!” 

Hooper jumped 

“Tha blanke wassa lotta pons!!” 

“... It was, wasn’t it” Hooper agreed, almost contemplative. 

“Come on!!!” She pulled at his coat repeatedly, looking back out and still seeing the culprit. “I still see ‘em come on!!” 

“Okay- okay!!” She started climbing up onto his back

“Lessgo!!!” 

“Alright! You gotta keep me on track!!” he responded, flying up and above, then diving down to catch up with the thief. 

The chase was surprisingly intense - it had been a while since Hat had been able to go on such a jaunt. 

After many swoops and tight turns and shouts, they finally cornered the vagabond. 

“Gimmie back my blankie!!” Hattie called out from Hooper’s back 

“Come on,” Hooper added “You look like a real jerk stealing from a little kid” 

The thief’s eyes squinted at them “And if I give it back you’ll let me go?” 

Hat nodded “Peas? It's gonna be a gift” 

“... You bought it as a gift?” The thief seemed weirdly enamored with the idea “Can it be a gift for me?” 

“... I can buy you a gift, but tha’ ones f’r someone special” Hattie explained “Is tha’ wa’ you want?” 

The thief looked a bit bewildered “So I don’t…. have to steal?” 

“I mean, most of the time, no!” Hooper answered, with Hat nodded from her place on his back. 

Hooper offered his hand “If you let us, we’ll buy you a blanket! Win-win?” 

The thief looked skeptical, but caught Hattie’s eyes, and her pleading seemed to be what finally broke them. 

“... Okay” 

“Give blankie back first!” Hat holds a hand out

“No! Buy new first” 

Hat pouted 

“It’s okay, Hat. we’ll do the trade, okay?” Hooper attempted to placate the girl. 

She pouted “... Fine” 

“Excellent!” Hooper jumped, “let’s go back to the market stall?” 

To Hat and Hooper’s surprise, the thief did in fact follow them back to the blanket stall. 

“D’ya have one ya like?” Hattie asked

The hooded thief tilted its head, looking up. 

“Hm…” 

There was a moment, before they pointed at a smaller, red blanket with deep green detailing. 

“Oh, how lovely!” Hooper commented. 

Once the transaction was completed, Hooper held out the blanket

“Now, hold out Hat’s” 

The thief tossed it, and aggressively took the other blanket before jumping off into the mountains on the zip-line

Hattie ran and grabbed it, holding it up “Success!!” 

“Is it really a gift?” 

She nods “Iss’fr a thank you” 

“Ahhh” Hooper nodded “So uh, ready to head home? I’m actually pretty tired” 

She gave him a nod “Yeah, me too” 

“Let’s go then!” He nodded to her watch, which she finagled with before they got “Boop-ed!” up into the bridge. 

“Whoo! What an adventure we had, huh?” Hooper commented “Feelin up to a nap?” 

She nodded, agreeing with a yawn. 

“Need anything before I head back down?” 

She shook her head at that, putting the blanket down and giving him a hug. 

“T’ank you” She muffled into his coat. 

He gave her a squeeze back “Oh you are so cute! My pleasure!!” 

She giggled, and they let each other go, leaving with a wave before parting ways. 

Hattie climbed herself into bed, putting Snatcher’s gift at the end before grabbing her little bunny 

“It was really good t’day” She muttered, feeling herself relax into her mattress “I hope S’atcher likes my p’esent” 

She dozed off quite easily, eyes closed, arms tight around her little stuffed animal. 

Chapter Text

Grooves really was not sure what to say about this. 

One one flipper, it felt like they were prying. But on the other flipper this needed addressing. 

Conductor seemed pretty prepared at least. 

“Darlin’ you really think she’ll be okay talkin’ about that stuff?” 

“Tha’s no’ the point of the conversation!” The conductor aggressed “She needs to know we’ll listen! Tha’s the point!” 

“I'm not really … experienced in dealing with that sort of thing. Why am I here?” 

“Well, you care ‘bout ‘er, don’t’cha?” 

“Of course!” 

“... Then Tha’s enough” The owl assured him 

Grooves wasn’t so sure, but tried to give the benefit of the doubt. 

She’d be popping down any minute now… 

When he spotted her, her hair down with some cute little flower pins holding the bangs back. She was in a bright, flowery dress with a poofy skirt. 

Oh she looked adorable, the penguin’s doubts were coming back. 

“Hey, uh, darlin’ are you” 

“Therrre ya are!!” The conductor greeted “Aren’t ya as pretty as a flower field in May!” 

“Tanks!” She beamed “S’acher made it” She twirled in the skirt. 

“Well he sure has an eye for design!” Grooves added in “Perhaps I need to see ‘bout commissionin’ him for my next theatrical release!” 

“Hehe, you’ll prob’bly have’t sign a contact!” She exclaimed. 

"And you didn’t?” He teased. 

She just shrugged. 

“Say, lassie” The conductor started “Can we talk to’ya?” 

“Hm?” 

“In me office” He pointed “it’ll jus’ be a moment!” 

“Uhhh- okay?” She tilted her head, taking his offered, feathered hand. 

The birds let her back into the studio, taking her into the Conductors office and helping her get seated. 

“So, darlin, we’ve got a few questions for ya” Grooves tried to start. 

“Q’estions?” 

“Yup” The Conductor started “Lassie, can ya tell me ‘bout your parents?” 

The change in her demeanor was instant. 

She seemed to shrink in on herself, looking at her hands and crossing her ankles 

“.. Darlin? Can you tell us anything?” 

“... Like what?” She sheepishly asked. 

“Well, where are they?” Grooves asked. 

“... gone” She answered 

“Ah.. ‘m sorry lass” 

“I’s fine” was all she answered with. 

“Darlin… “ The penguin tried to start “We’re asking cause… well” 

“Y’r pa wasn’t the greatest dad, was ‘e?” 

She sharply looked up at the conductor 

“Y’ve revealed jus’ enough, lass” The conductor's voice was… gentle, soft even. 

“...” Her eyes looked around as if she was trapped, her little fists pulling at her dress skirt. 

“.. Listen, lassie, can ye look at me? Just at me” 

His hand was on hers, and waited patiently for her to look at him. 

Eventually she did. 

“Y’don’ have t’tell me anythin’ Lass. Not a thin’ “ The conductor started “But… Well, just know that we got ideas” 

Her expression was hard to read, and looked away from him again. 

“Daddy was.. He was fine. I’was fine” She aggressed. 

“Fine?” Grooves poked in, prodding ever so slightly. 

“... He was my dad an’ he was fine” was all she answered with. 

The birds shared a look, but then looked back at the clearly upset child 

“Alright, tha’s all we needed t’know” The owl confirmed “now…. I believe DJ Peckneck over ‘ere has somethin’ f’r ya!” 

“Language, darlin! She’s much younger now, you know!” 

“Ahhh she don’t care!” 

“Of course she does!” 

“Do ya care, lass?”

Hat gave him a weird expression, and she shrugged. 

“See??? She don’t care!” 

“Conductor, darlin’ she didn’t answer!”

“Yes she did!” 

And the two devolved into an absolutely strange argument over what’s appropriate around children. 

Still feeling a little nauseous from the confrontation, she took the opportunity to slide off the chair and rush out, desperate for some sort of alone time. 

She just wanted to get away. 

Finding her way out and back into the foyer, she got herself back up on her ship. She was not met my relative silence, but instead a head full of blonde hair

“There ya are!!” 

Ah. Mu. Of course. 

“Hi Mu” Hattie responded tiredly. 

“I haven’t seen ya in days! What gives! Sister’s don’t just ditch like that!” 

Hattie frowned further 

Mu paused at this, and tilted her head 

“You look real lousy, bad mornin’?” 

Before Hattie could respond, she grumbled a little and rubbed her stomach. 

“Oh, Tummy ache!!” Mu concluded

“Uh…” 

“We gotta get you tummy tea!” 

“Tummy tea?” Hattie tilted her head 

“It makes you feel better when your stomach is being gross,” Mu explained “we gotta get to the cat, come on!” 

“Huh??” Hattie didn’t have much time before the girls were headed back down to earth - this time to Mafiatown. 

Hattie’s nauseous, negative feeling only got worse, and Mu could see it on her face

“Ooh, you’re just not lookin’ well, huh” Her voice quieted. “Hm.. How about we jus’ walk there instead runnin and jumpin’ hm? Maybe walkin’ won’t make your stomach jump” 

“... Okay” Hattie responded, touched at Mu’s consideration for her state. Mu offered her hand and Hattie took it, and they were on their way. 

The town was weirdly quiet this afternoon, with a lot of the mafia men either sleeping or a little listless

“They partied all night last night for some reason” Mu explained as they walked passed a man passed out at the fountain “They’re lucky I can sleep through anythin!” 

“Oderwise you woulda beat em up?” 

“You bet!” She grinned “They know what we’re capable of!” 

“Wha’ y’r capable of. I’n too small” 

“Oh, come on, Hattie” Mu stressed “Y’r plenny capable! Small or no!” 

“Y’r jus sayin’ that” Hattie kicked a rock “Jus’ like how grown ups say nice thin’s they don’t mean” 

“Ugh, like what?” 

Hattie huffed “Hm” 

"Come on… Like what?” Mu pushed a little 

“I dunno.. Like.. when’dey say tha’ you were real good at somethin’ then later tell you you were bad at it?” 

“Tha’s just lyin’ then!” Mu clarifies “Only dumb adults do that” 

“.. Well adults lie a lot” Hattie answers. 

“... Does Cookin’ Cat lie?” 

“... No” 

"Then not all of ‘em do” She summed up. “Now come on, we’re almost there. You really need that tea!” 

Hattie wasn’t sure what all the hype was with the tea, but allowed herself to be dragged into the casino. 

Once they got up to Cooking Cat, the cat was happy to see them

“Well, if it isn’t my little trouble makers! How ya’ll doin’ hm?” 

"Hattie needs tummy tea! She’s not feelin’ good!” Mu announced, grabbing the little girl and sitting her on an overturned bucket. 

“Oh no! You’re not gettin’ sick again are you, puddin?” The cat put her paw on the girls head “Or is it just a tummy ache?” 

“... Jus’a tummy ache” Hattie conceded 

“Aww, I'm sorry honey. Eat somethin’ bad?” 

Hattie shrugged. 

Mu pulled on Cooking Cat’s sleeve, stage whispering “I need t’talk to ya real quick! Its private!” 

The cat gave her a look, but humored her, walking away from Hattie and a whispered conversation happening between the two of them. 

Cooking Cat’s face showed a sort of understanding, and she looked back at Hat, who shrunk a bit under the odd gaze. 

“Well, lets get that tea going!” she suddenly almost shouted “I gotta break out the big guns - the magic tea” 

“... Magic?” Hattie questions. 

"Magic! It’ll make you feel better no matter what!” 

Hat had never heard of this “magical” tummy tea. Her curiosity was very evident. 

“Wha’s magical ‘bout it?” She asked. 

" That it can make you feel better no matter what!” Mu excitedly added “it’s my favorite!” 

“Wha…?” Hat tilted her head “No way” 

“Yes way!” Mu grinned “You ready for the magic tea?” 

She nodded, curiosity piqued. 

" Well, come over here, sugar! I’ll show you how to make it.” Cooking Cat called the girls over to the stove. 

“First off, we start with just plain old milk” She states, pouring a good amount of milk in the saucepan. “Next, we let it heat up a little bit” She lit the stove, and the blue flames heated up the milk within 30 seconds “Okay.. next up, we add the secret ingredient” 

Hattie perked up 

“Do you know what cinnamon is, Hat?” 

She tilted her head, thinking “Spice? You pu' i' in ho'choc'late!” 

“It’s a magical spice” Cookie winks “Makes almost anything taste better!” 

"Anyt’ing??” 

“Mmm, not anything Mu added “Don’t make burgers better” 

“That… is very true” Cookie agreed, adding the cinnamon, the smell filled the area and made Hattie feel warm inside. 

“Next, we add cocoa” 

“Wha- cocoa!!” 

“Yes! But only a little” Cookie nodded “Wanna help?” 

Hattie nodded eagerly, and Mu grinned at the action. 

Cookie was happy to let her take the lead, and added a large scoop of cocoa powder to the milk, and mixed it in. 

The smell was heavenly. 

Okay, lets get the cups! We have to let this simmer juuuust a little” The cat grabbed three mis-matched cups. “And we have to add the real secret ingredient” 

“Is it magic?” 

"Extremely” The cat nodded solemnly. 

The cat took out a little bottle “Honey” 

“... Wha’s honey?” 

Mu’s head turned so fast, it looked like it might fall off “You don’ know what Honey is???” 

Hattie shook her head. 

“Wha….. wow. You’re lame” 

Hattie pouted. 

“Hey! Not her fault her home planet didn’t have bees - don’t be like that” Cookie chided Mu. 

Mu grumbled “Then her home planet was lame” 

“That’s better” 

Cooking Cat casually put in 1 spoonful of honey in each cup. 

“Okay! Back up a bit, girlies, gotta pour this potion here!” 

The girls ended up watching with much interest, the two of them both going “oooh” as the sweet smelling liquid was poured into the cups. 

“Now… we stir… and wait!” 

Mu groaned “Wait??” 

“So you wanna burn your mouth?” Cookie asked, and Mu just grumbled. 

“... Wha’s Honey?” Hattie asked again. 

Cookie turned to Hattie “it's a type of… syrup, kinda” Cookie explained. “It's made by little insects called bees, and they make this syrup and it's almost magically sweet!” 

“Whoa… so cool” Hattie looked into the mug on the table. 

Cookie chuckled “Ready to not have a bad tummy?” She asked, poking the girl in the shoulder. 

Hattie nodded “Mhm” 

There were a few more moments before Cookie grabbed a cup, and made an overly dramatic “hmmmmm” sound. 

“Ready!” She announced, and handed Hattie the first cup. 

Hattie was relieved at the warm drink, honestly feeling better already just from the warmth and smell. 

She deeply inhaled, then took a cautious sip. 

Warm, sweet, with a hint of cocoa and spice, it reached all the way down to her toes. 

“Whoaaa…” She softly muttered to herself, looking up. 

Cooking Cat and Mu were staring

“.. What?” 

"Feelin’ better?” Mu asked. 

Hattie tilted her head, thinking about it “Uh… yeah, I t’ink so” 

Mu jumped “Success!!” 

Hattie smiled a little, taking another sip. 

The next few minutes were pretty calm, with Cookie talking about how magical the drink was, and Hattie stared at her with doubt, but interest. 

Once the drinks were done, Mu suggested a nap “This drink makes me so tiiiiiired” The child groaned. 

“I must concur, that is a side effect” Cookie nodded “How about you two go back to my home for the afternoon?” 

“Whadaya think, Hat?” Mu turned her head, only to see that Hat was already half asleep. 

Cookie chuckled, “I think that she agrees.” 

Mu, with much finagling, got Hat on her back, and waved to cookie before leaving- trying to get the two over to the little house before Mu got too tired 

“Ugh, you’re lucky you’re cute or I’d call you heavy” She grumbled. 

Hattie just grumbled right back in response. 

Mu let out a laugh as she opened the door “Come on, we really gotta sleep, we’re waaaaaaay too tired” 

“Mmmmm…. Mhm…” The tired tot agreed. 

Mu plopped face first in the bed, and felt Hattie roll off of her, and crawled on the bed to flip one of the switches, turning on a fan. 

“Brilliant” Mu gave her thumbs up, and Hattie gave a tired smile before lying herself back down. 

“S’eep well” Hattie muttered before closing her eyes

“.. You too” Mu responded with a smile - happy that her plan had worked. 

I mean, making sure Hat was happy? That was a big sister’s responsibility, and she took that almost as seriously as beating up bad guys. 

Chapter Text

He swore the slow-fixing hourglass was mocking him at this point. 

A large, black, misty splotch felt like it was staring at him. 

Was he really going to go again??? Really? 

He groaned over-dramatically to himself. She wasn’t here. He basically had no choice

He fell into the warping feeling with a rather annoying familiarity, and found himself outside of the house he’d been in before. 

There was an alarm going off - the wind blowing around and through him. A storm? 

He slithered over to the window, where he saw the little girl from his last encounter pulling at something on the couch. The alarm was deafening. Her wide eyes looked out a different window from the one he was staring through, and her panicked little brain seemed to deem whatever was on the couch as a lost cause as she rushed over to a carpet and pulled it back, revealing a door in the floor. 

The storm only got louder. 

She struggled to pull open the door, her eyes constantly looking out the window and beyond. His eyes turned to where she was looking, and wondered briefly if he had blood that could turn cold as he saw a  glowing, vibrant storm coming for the group of homes. 

He knew this was just a memory, he knew she was going to be fine

But he found his form shifting again, for the third time already, and he opened the unlocked door to the home. 

The child looked at him with much confusion until he helped her pull up the door to the basement. She then didn’t question it, running down as the storm started to make its arrival at the home. 

Snatcher looked back at the couch, not really seeing who was there.. But there was someone there. 

If it was who he thought it was, good f’kin riddance. 

He followed her down, pulling the door shut. 

The basement was so dim that he could barely see in front of his face, but he was able to climb down the steep steps, and on a cot in the corner was little Hattie, her head turned up to the ceiling, as if she could see through it. 

“.. Kid?” He stands over her, and her dark eyes manage to still show their blue despite the lack of light as they come to him. 

Her expression was unreadable. 

“You weren’t home when the alarm went off?” 

“... Nope. Had to find the first safe place to hide” 

She nodded, looking back down, pulling her knees to her chest

He sat himself next to her (Not too close, obviously), hearing the wild winds and thudding above. 

“So uh, I’m not native to this planet” he started casually “i was told about the alarms but not what they’re about. What’s goin’ on here?” 

“... Its a Chrono-storm” She stated “Really dangerous.. If you’re caught in it, you can stop existing” 

“Altogether?” 

She nodded “An’ if you don’t got anybody else… You’re forgotten. You gotta hide” 

He took in all this information rather quickly, adding up what was happening above him with an alarming amount of confusion in his chest 

“Well… Glad we’re down here, huh?” 

She nodded, but didn’t look at him. 

There was some silence, before some rather sudden crumbling and trembling happened in the basement, dust falling. The child curled up further, trembling. 

At first it just seemed like a tremble, but then it began to feel like an earthquake, everything clattering and shuddering under some sort of weight. 

She squealed as things fell over, and he didn’t fight it as she crawled over to him - he gathered her up tightly and practically caged her under him. She was trembling, she was crying. 

“It's fine, you’re gonna be fine kid” He mutters to the frightened child, her head shoved into his chest “Think of it like… like a cleansing. All of the bad stuff, it's all getting blown away. You’re gonna be okay” 

She didn’t respond, but held onto him in a way reminiscent of when she was sick. He popped his head up as things calmed, and silence overcame them. He started spotting the telltale signs of the memory coming to an end. 

And yet he held onto her still, wondering how she ever handled such terror alone at such a young age. How she’d managed to get the storm door open, and then stayed down in this dark, dank basement while the earth above her shook and trembled all on her own. 

It made more sense now than it ever did. Right from the get go- she’d only ever had herself. 

Things faded more and more, and there was a knock at the storm door 

“Wellness check! There are two people listed at this location, please call out if you are here!” An authoritative voice called out, and Hat’s head shot up. 

“We are looking for Tyrell and Minona of the Quintess family! You have until the count of 3 to open this door before we begin the search” 

She scrambled from his lap as the white of the memory overtook him, and she climbed halfway up the stairs before looking back at him, an attempting to call for him just as the memory slipped away, and he was caught up in the static once more

He reassembled himself into his ghostly form as the hourglass released him, and his glowing eyes stared towards her door, where she was still sleeping. 

Minona… What a quaint name. 

Chapter Text

Snatcher was acting… weird. 

Really weird. 

Super weird. 

Hat wasn’t sure what to think of his odd, distant behavior. 

Which is why she’d invited Moon Jumper up to her ship! She needed a change of pace from Snatcher’s weird. 

“T’anks f’r comin!” She grinned at him, and the blue ghost returned the smile 

“Of course!” Moon Jumper answered “I am honored to be invited here. Do you have any plans?” 

“Uh… tea?” 

“Oh, lovely!” Moon Jumper “bounced” about the room “Where is the kitchen?” 

Hat pointed up the ladder to the double doors “Cookie go’ me lossa food!” 

“Well that is very kind of her!” Moon Jumper quickly picked her up and got her on the upper platform “Lets make some tea!” 

“Yes!” She cheered. It was so nice to be around someone who wasn’t treating her like glass. 

She looked back at the hourglass, which was so close to mending itself that she’d be back to normal any day now. She couldn’t wait. 

She was pretty tired of being this small. 

But she followed Moon Jumper into the kitchen, and the two of them watched the tea seep once the water heated up. 

“How much sugar do you want?” 

“... All of it” She declared 

“.. Hat, I am not doing that” 

Hattie pouted. 

“How about it, a good amount of sugar? Hm?” Moon Jumper suggested. 

“How much?” She asked. 

“Hm…. 2 big teaspoons” 

“Tha’s… hm lemme seeee” She reached for the sugar-

Before Moon Jumper lifted it up “Nope!” 

The ensuing argument about the sugar was all in good fun, and eventually they ended up back in her room with their tea 

“Are you excited to go back to normal soon?” Moon Jumper asked. 

“Supa” She answered “Wanna talk no’mally ‘gain” She sipped her tea

“I can understand that concern,” Moon Jumper chuckled. “It will be a shame that all of your outfits will not be usable.” 

“Hm… yeah, S’atcher made alla dese” 

“I know! He came to me for yarns for your little hats!” 

“Wha- re’ey?” She tilted her head, recalling a cute little winter hat he’d made for her for her trips to the alpine skyline. 

“Really! He was rather funny when asking. I must say-” 

BEEP - BEEP - BEEP - BEEP 

The lights in the ship turned red, and startled the two from their conversation. 

“What- what on earth is-”

Hattie dropped her tea, running back to the bridge as fast as her little feet could carry her. 

Moon Jumper rushed behind her, and the screen was blaring in her language. 

“Hat, Hat what does that say?” 

She slammed her little hand on one of the buttons, and the words came up in English

“BRACE FOR IMPACT! INCOMING SMALL ASTEROID SHOWER! SHIELDS INEFFICIENT” 

"Asteroids!?” Moon Jumper nearly screamed, grabbing Hat away from the windows and towards the back of the room as the ship was impacted, his ability to float making sure they didn’t get tossed around as the ship tilted from the impact.

Hat held onto him for dear life, squeezing the blue being and trembling in his arms. 

“It’s okay, Hat, we’re going to be fine” Moon Jumper tried to comfort her as the ship tilted the opposite way after an impact. “Worst comes to worst I will take us back to the surface, it’s okay” 

" No! No, no” She squealed, muttering incoherently and whimpering.

“It’s okay, it’s okay” Moon Jumper continued to mutter, looking up and around as the lights flickered. 

The rumbling took some time to end, and they were in the dark. 

Moon Jumper took in a deep breath, seeing that there were dimmer lights on around them

“It looks like it’s over” Moon Jumper looked down at her, her face still shoved in his tattered shirt. “Hat?” 

“... Is it over? Rea’y?” She looked up at him with misty eyes. 

“Yes, The alarm is no longer ringing, and the rocking has stopped” The being assured “Do you want me to put you down?” 

She nodded. 

He gently put her on the ground, and she immediately ran over towards the engine room. He was swiftly following her, about to phase through the door that closed behind the child when-

“KID?!” 

Moon Jumper was startled out of his worry at the sound of the larger, more frantic ghost. Swiftly turning, he saw that Snatcher had a near-manic expression. When his eyes locked onto Moon Jumper, they narrowed, and suddenly he was floating above him menacingly 

“WHERE IS SHE?!” 

"If you’re going to see her you should calm down first!” Moon Jumper scolded “She’s fine, but was sufficiently freaked out”

Snatcher glared at Moon Jumper intensely, but relented, shrinking down to a more manageable size. 

“I saw the asteroids hitting the ship all the way from Subcon” 

“It was very sudden” 

“No shit. Where is she?” 

“The mechanical room - I was following her in there before you burst in here like Crow out of a pie” 

“That’s anachronistic, even for you.” 

“Snatcher” 

The ghost sighed deeply “Listen, I know that shit messes her up, okay? I wanted to make sure she wasn’t traumatized.” 

Moon Jumper gave him a look “And how do you know that?” 

The ghost did not respond, and Moon Jumper’s expression turned indignant

“Snatcher… you haven’t been snooping in her Dreams have you?” 

“No!” He reacted immediately

“Then how do you know? It’s not like the two of you talk about things” Moon Jumper nearly snarled “You have always been nosy” 

“It’s that stupid hourglass! Its- it sucked me in!” he explained, pointing to the nearly fixed item “I’ve… I've seen things, okay? Its messed up” 

Moon Jumper looked at the hourglass, then back at Snatcher 

“... Like what?”

“... Her name” was all snatcher answered with

“... What?” 

The floating beings turned sharply at the little voice, and two disbelieving eyes looked over at Snatcher. 

Snatchers' sheepishness morphed directly into a weird sort of terror. 

“Kid-” 

“You.. you wen in…” She looked at the timepiece “The rif’s?” 

He wanted to lie, he desperately wanted to lie, but something in him wouldn’t let him. 

“Yeah kid, there were rifts and I went in ‘em” 

She looked.. horrified, and her face lit up like a an ambulance light 

Was she… embarrassed? 

“You… you haven’ tol’ an’one!?” 

“What- no!” He bristled “As if I’m that low!” 

“Didja tell conduc’tr????” She pushed again, connecting unrelated dots?

“What? I just told you I didn’t tell anyone!” 

“Bu- bu he sai- he thought stuff” She tried to explain. 

“Kid, no one needs a time rift to know you’ve got some nasty baggage” Snatcher nearly sneered. 

“Snatcher” Moonjumper admonished him “Don’t say things like that!” 

“What? Who cares?? We all have baggage!” 

“I don’!” Hattie argued, her face still red and her eyes were following suit. 

“Oh don’t go lyin’ to yourself kid. I’ve seen your baggage.” Snatcher’s eyes narrowed. But before he could loom over her Moon Jumper stood before him. 

“That is ENOUGH!” The being yelled “I can take your vitriol but I draw the line at bullying a CHILD!!” 

Snatcher was about to retort - his “blood pressure” through the roof, but they were both stopped in their confrontation at the whimpering sound coming from the child. 

The ghostly beings looked down at the clearly upset child. She seemed to be trying very, very hard not to cry, and was failing in spectacular fashion. 

“G-ge’ out” She forced her tone to stay even despite her wheezing

“Hattie..” Moon Jumper tried to reach out but she backed up 

“No! Leave!” She nearly screamed “I wanna be a’wone!” 

“Kid” 

“GO!!” She finally screamed, and the ghosts recoiled 

Moon Jumper’s shoulders slumped “... Okay.. but I will be back to check on you” They relented, disappearing in a flash of light. 

Snatcher remained. 

Hat was rubbing at her face. 

“... Kid, I haven’t told anyone, I swear” 

She wheezed a little “I- I said go away!” 

“Kid, come on” 

“I DON’ WAN’ YOU HERE!!” She ran around him and towards her room

He floated there, watching her automatic door shut behind her. 

Chapter Text

The Cat banned him from the kid’s ship

The indigence he felt at this was tempered by his embarrassment and… ugh- shame. 

Why was he ashamed?? He was sucked into those damn rifts by accident! … at first. 

Yeah, at first. 

And now.. He knew way too much. 

Her name felt burned into his memory, he spent way too much time thinking about that last rift. Everything in it hurt him. 

God, he couldn’t even imagine spending your early years being treated like shit and then, in one fell swoop… he was gone. And you were alone. 

Everything added up, everything made sense… and it sucked

She hadn’t come back down to Subcon, and anytime he tried to come up on the ship, the Cat was there to chase him away with a rolling pin that she’d gotten enchanted so it could actually hit him. 

How the hell was he going to explain himself if he couldn't see her?

He stared up at the top of his tree watching the lumbering thing rotate around the planet like a blocky moon. 

He didn’t want to think about why he was trying so hard to help this kid. To apologize, to be.. Better? Was that the right word? 

But why? Was it the time rifts?

He admitted to himself that… that wasn’t true. He’d been acting like that even before he’d gotten dragged into the first rift. 

He hated getting attached, couldn’t stand it

But he was past that. He knew he was past that when he saw her old life end, and - in a memory he wasn’t even a part of - she’d come to him for comfort and he’d provided it. 

Why had he let himself get dragged so low? (or perhaps, the scarier possibility: Why had he let her lift him up?) 

He groaned 

He needed to apologize. He knew he needed to. 

If only to satiate his long-underused conscience. 

He waited until he saw the lights go off in the bridge, and waited for another moment - cautious -  before flying up into the atmosphere

He poked his head through the window, greeted by silence. 

Good, good, he can get this over with - without that damned caring cat coming at him with the rolling pin. 

He slithered in, pointedly ignoring the timepiece and popping up in her room. 

She wasn’t in her bed. 

He looked around, seeing her pillow pile shake and shudder, and he found himself hiding in her shadows as she left it, holding that little bunny once again. 

She looked at her bed, and her little eyes looked tired. But she instead walked towards the door back to the bridge. 

He followed, and watched her approach the timepiece. It was so close to being fixed, but another one of those dark splotches overcame a good chunk of it. 

She cautiously reached out to it, but pulled her hand back, looking out the window, where Subcon was visible. 

She then looked back to the timepiece, and reached out again 

“Wait- kid-!”

She looked at him just as her hand reached into the black, and he reached for her just as the two of them got sucked in. 

The two landed solidly on a dark bridge, with scant overhead lights outside in a starless sky. 

They seemed to be in the middle of the city, a river flowing under them and brighter lights off on opposite sides of the bridge. 

Thunder rumbled overhead. 

" ... Where are we, kid?” He looked over at the pajama dressed child, who looked like she was still orienting herself. 

Her shoulders slumped as she looked across the way to a stout building on one side of the bridge, the recognition in her eyes almost painful. 

She stood up, dusting her pajamas off, eyes not leaving the quaint building. 

“... Kid?” 

“... Sometimes.. When dad coudn’ ge’ some’un t’watch me he’d take me here an’ tell me t’sit” She explained, eyes going over to the curvy metal bench. 

Snatcher’s expression was flat

“.. He said i’was import’nt I stay” She walked over to it, pulling herself up to sit 

“And he just… left you here to go have fun while you did nothing?” 

She was looking down at her knees now, kicking her legs

Snatcher frowned, looking over again at the building she’d been staring at. It looked a lot like a pub. 

Typical. 

He looked back at her again 

“Jus… jus’ godda wait f’r the mem’ry to end… jus’ godda wait” her hands were clasped in her lap. 

Snatcher couldn’t pretend that the scene before him didn’t hurt. 

He’d seen hints of this behavior before, in real time, and the rifts gave it context.

But now? It was as if just being in this place again reverted her back to the little girl left waiting. 

For what? Everything, really. 

His form shifted, almost against his will, but he let it happen, hands finding the pockets of the long coat he’d formed.

He took a moment to think - really think of what to say next.

He had a feeling whatever he said next would matter more than anything else. 

He approached her, getting down on one knee. 

“.... Minona” 

She looked up at the mention of her name

“... You know that you’re loved, right?” 

Her confused expression told him enough. 

“Your father? What I’ve seen? He didn’t seem to care about you very much, hm?” 

She looked away again. 

“He was fine” She seemed to force herself to say. 

" No, he wasn’t” Snatcher reached a hand to her face, and his heart twisted when she flinched “It's okay that he wasn’t okay, kid. He wasn’t “Fine”. He hurt you” 

“I was bad” She argued weakly. 

“No, you weren’t” His hand caught her cheek, and the conviction in his voice got her looking at him again, her eyes misty. 

“Listen to me kid, cause I’m not gonna say this again” He took his other hand and held her face firmly. 

Her eyes seemed to be searching his, unsure of what he’d be saying next. 

“That bastard never deserved you. Not for a single moment. He was bad, and you have so many people that care about you now he deserves nothing more than to be cast off into the deepest part of your memory and never touched again” His gaze was firm, keeping eye contact as best as he could manage “After everything he did to you, he doesn’t deserve even a passing glance. You have other people, better people that care about you now. The cat, those birds, that girl that nearly destroyed the world…” 

There was a pause between them, like she was waiting for him to finish his sentence. 

He sighed “...And me” 

Her misty eyes seemed to be looking for a lie, but he didn’t falter. 

“... Will you care when I'm big again?” 

His hands left her face, reaching down to her own little hands. 

“Yeah, kid. Yeah” 

That seemed to be enough to get her tears flowing, and he reached to wipe them away 

“... Come on, kid. Let’s go” 

He opened his arms to her as the memory started to fade away at the edges, and she easily fell into his arms off of the bench. Her little arms around his neck, his own arms holding her up against him. 

He stood up, resting his head on top of hers as the memory began to fade more and more, reaching under his feet and giving him that familiar falling sensation

They landed surprisingly softly back in the bridge, and the timepiece shuddered, forming back into it’s complete self. 

The two shared a look before their gaze returned to the hourglass

“Ready to be able to wear your hat again?” Snatcher gave her a playful grin. 

She nodded eagerly, and he walked over to the timepiece with her, carefully watching as her hand reached out to it 

Chapter Text

She’d left the notice unread for almost 4 straight days. 

The notice had come the night after she’d returned to her true age, and she had some catching up she had to do. It could wait. 

Mu and her had some mischief to cause, and lunches to have with Cookie. 

She needed to sit down and talk with the Conductor and DJ Grooves - a long and painful conversation needed to be had. Hugs were to be given, and comfort received. 

There were fruits to collect, and Subconites to fool around with, and measurements to be taken for what Snatcher called her “proper wardrobe”- whatever that meant. 

Tea with MoonJumper (Proper tea, this time!) Needed to be had as well, among many other things. Meeting up with Niko-Mino, thanking Hooper for his help with a new scarf, etc .

And so, the notice beeped on her dashboard, almost mocking her. 

While alone in her ship, no one but Rumbi as her company, she went up to her dashboard and sighed. Might as well get it out of the way. 

She sighed, clicking on the notice and watching the pre-recorded video. 

“Hello, this has been sent to you because, on the last check in, we did not hear from you. A follow up check in was sent, and you did not respond again. This will be our last reach out to you.” 

She furrowed her brow. The check in must have happened when she was toddling around. 

"Please respond with one of the following: “ 

She rolled her eyes

“I am safe, but I was unable to answer this message due to technical difficulty and will be arriving at the colony at [BEEP]” 

“I am unsafe due to technical difficulty and require assistance immediately” 

“I have found a fully inhabited planet that has accepted me, and I will be staying at this planet” 

She didn’t hear the rest of them - honestly caught off guard by that option. 

She looked out the window and down at the planet below. 

You have other people, better people that care about you now.

She took in a deep breath, and tapped her dashboard a handful of times. 

“This is Minona Quintess, I'm sending this message to Command for ….” 

Subcon seemed brighter, recently. 

How? Beats Snatcher. He was too busy getting his minions to organize the fabrics he’d purchased in the Alpine Market. 

“Come on, put your fuzzy little backs into it!” He laughed 

“We aren’t fuzzy!” One of them announced indignantly “We’re just felt!” 

“Hey! I made your bodies, I can call them what I want!” 

The indignant subconite groaned, while others around them snickered. 

“Quite the overhaul, hm?” 

Snatcher groaned at the voice, rolling his eyes. 

“What do you want, Moon-boy?” 

“Just popping in!” The being smiled widely “You’re making a lot of extra room here, wonder why that is~” 

“Because I can” Snatcher growled out 

“Hm… Does ti have anything to do with all those pillows you have hidden in the-” 

“Shut up before i kick your head off” 

“You don’t have feet” 

“Stop testing me!!!” 

MoonJumper laughed “Calm, calm, friend!” they smiled at him, showing fangs “You really don’t take teasing well, hm?” 

Snatcher scowled. 

“Boss!” 

The ghostly beings turned their heads. 

“Minnie’s here!” 

“She’s early,” He shrugged. “Get her over here then! I need to tailor her new dress so it fits. She’d got a fancy movie thing to go to next week!” 

“On it boss!” 

Snatcher looked back at the now organized fabrics 

“Are you going to continue to annoy me?” 

“Maybe” MoonJumper grinned. 

"Maybe I’ll toss you back into the horizon, you-” 

“Snatcher!” a familiar voice happily yelled out

Snatcher turned away from the MoonJumper, and offered the jumping child a fanged smile

“Hey there brat!” he caught her when she jumped “Here to get fitted finally? If not I will have the minions hold you down” 

The girl giggled “No I'm here for it! No restraint!” She kicked her feet “Put me down! I gotta tell you somethin’ first!”

“Oh?” he mused, dropping her on his plush chair. She bounced a bit before standing up. 

“Yeah, so uh, I got a notification from the Head of my refugee fleet. It was ‘cause I missed my last check in” 

Snatcher’s expression sobered a little

“And?” 

Hat Kid rocked a bit nervously on her feet

“And… I told them that I’d found a populated planet that I’d like to settle on, so to take me off the register for the new colony” 

It took a minute for all that to register in his brain. 

“So.. You want to stay here?” 

She nodded “I mean, I think it's a good idea….” 

“Hm... “ he collected himself with a smirk “Well, you’re missing an important point” 

She gave him a confused expression. 

With a flick of his wrist, a contract appeared. “Here” 

“I thought you said no more contracts?” She raised a brow. 

“.. This is different” Snatcher’s face was bright yellow “Just read it” 

Minona took the floating paper and read it. Her expression going from focus, to surprise, to something rather unreadable. 

“... Really?” She looked up at him, eyes wide like saucers. 

“Really” He answered

“... Do I have to give up my bird passport?” She seemed to almost be joking

“As if I would rescind your citizenship elsewhere.” He grinned. 

Minona’s smile was practically breaking her face, and she jumped at him, hugging his torso tightly. 

He wrapped his noodley arms around her effortlessly, relieved at her delight. 

There was a moment of content silence before the sound of a throat clearing up.

“You two are very adorable” 

Oh right. Moonjumper was here

"How about you leave this tender moment alone then, hm? Rude of you” 

MoonJumper laughed at Snatcher’s annoyance “You’re the one who forgot I was here!” 

“Well how about I make it so you aren’t here at all!!” Snatcher moved the giggling alien child to one arm and raised the other with a bright blue fire ball. 

“Oh dear” 

Minona laughed louder as MoonJumper was chased out 

“See you later Moonie!!” She waved. 

“Goodbye dear!!” She heard distantly. 

Snatcher grumbled something about adding a clause to the contract. Minona re-hugged him with more vigor, and that seemed distracting enough. 

“Ready to start over, kiddo?” 

She looked up at him with a grin “I'm not starting over, I'm stepping up!” 

He gave her a fanged grin and tossed her in the air- causing her to squeal

“That’s the spirit!” He shouted “Now! Let’s get you all tailored up for that movie premier! It's your first one as an actual global citizen we gotta make it *Count!*” 

She grinned with a giggle “Hey uh, can I ask a favor?” 

“What kind of favor?” 

“Uh, a “come with me to the premier” favor?” 

There was a slight pause, before the ghost let out an over dramatic sigh. 

“If I must” 

She grinned widely, jumping from his arms

“Lets get the dress ready then! You need a cool outfit too!” 

“Do I?” 

“You do!” 

“If my noodley form not good enough?” He teased

“Nope!” She grinned at him. 

“Oh, you little gremlin!” He raced after her, hearing her delighted laughter at playing the “game” 

The minions watched with amusement at the play-fighting. 

“Sooooo how long till he offers those adoption papers?” One of the minions asked aloud. 

“I’d bet all my pons he won’t last 6 months” Another responded 

“Bet?” 

“Bet” 

The minions fist-bumped, and went right back to work.