Chapter Text
It's been roughly five days. Five days since the collisions. Since the newcomers have been there. On day two, of them being there; Gemini, together as one, had gone back to training Lunar, despite the clear hesitation. It'd taken nearly twenty minutes of convincing, but Lunar had agreed, even if to get away from any possible after effects. Perhaps he truly was worried the collision and effects would kill him.
Nonetheless. Practice to control his powers had happened every other day, week after week. That was the agreed plan for this. So he had a bit more than a day to spend with friends and family, or to merely rest. Lunar was an odd one, truly. For one, he had an odd obsession with something called Nutella. For two, he was, on all accounts, an undead being. Another odd bit was how he seemed to have gone unnoticed for more than a year, despite having used his powers various times.
Although, maybe that one was understandable. Given how the planet, Earth, was never much of a priority for the past two years, it'd made sense how Lunar wasn't discovered, nor the other animatronics. Castor never bothered to use his all-seeing clouds. The most he knew of this planet was due to Nebula and her free time walks. But now, he's had to look from time to time, needing to understand the planet and the animatronics. And collisions were more issues to the plate.
Speaking of collisions… Castor needed to talk to those two animatronics swiftly… Ruin and Eclipse, was it?
Castor held the hatch to the pizzaplex, and tried to get it open. However, it was a little difficult, being only himself, and not wanting to break it to get in. He also didn't want to teleport, as Nebula had mentioned it'd startle someone, and the last thing Castor needed was to be shot at, even if it did nothing to him.
Footsteps walked behind him, but he wasn't exactly startled. Castor exhaled, and looked up, past his shoulder. Standing by his side, was now the taller, horror-esque Eclipse he'd seen back near the daycare. The eclipse model knelt down, peering down to the Astral being. “What are you doing here..?” The model hummed, tilting his head, as his neck creaked eerily.
The two didn't really know each other, nor bothered to. Castor saw him two or three times alone this week, pardoning the first time near the daycare, when he and his sister had come to gather Lunar for training. Castor learned rather quickly, through Lunar’s common rambles, that the eclipse model swiftly changed his name to Hybrid, thanks to Moondrop suggesting a name change more politely. Hybrid, or ‘Horrific Eclipse’ (As the orange-and-black Eclipse called him), was not too social, granted he seemed to remain distant from the others. He was most likely just getting accustomed to his new home, so it wasn't far too out there. Or maybe, it was due to the draining of DSP. Victims of such power could occasionally feel unwell and be distant, until up to a month after drainage or healing.
“I am here to talk to someone,” Castor said honestly, locking eyes with Hybrid.
“... You trained Lunar yesterday. I don't think you need to train him today, do you?” Hybrid questioned, raising a brow. His voice was still echoey, with a deep twisting tone. He wasn't hostile. Clearly he wasn't. But he still looked like a nightmare.
“I am here to talk to Ruin and Eclipse. Or whoever else has knowledge of collisions,” Castor said bluntly, earning another head tilt from the terror he stood beside.
“... Them, and three of the Moons are your best bet,” Hybrid rumbled thoughtfully, before turning his focus onto the hatch. “I’ll be talking to them, as well. Would you like help …?”
“It is not necessary, but would be appreciated. I do not intend on damaging your current home, but I also can not open it with my height, without possibly denting it if I were to use my strength.”
“.. It's fine..” Hybrid hummed, before opening the hood up, and propping it up. He waited a moment, allowing the star to step onto the staircase first. Hybrid would follow along, although his steps were larger than Castor's.
“You… are a star, according to Solar and Lunar.. I did not know Astral beings existed,” Hybrid commented, curiously. “Is it true you're omnipotent?”
“For the most part, yes.. Has there been anyone new due to the collision that we haven't met?” Castor questioned, continuing on downwards.
“... Not that I can think of, no.”
On the last step, Hybrid hopped off the staircase, and waited for a moment, until the star stood by his side.
“Thank you for opening the entrance. Do you know where these others are?”
“Follow me,” Hybrid answered, taking another step forward.
The walk was rather silent, with few waves here and there, from various other newcomers who'd spotted the duet of them both. Hybrid continued on, leading the way, until they came to a stop at the bowling alley. There, at the counter, sat Moondrop, Moonlight, and Moonie. Castor tilted his head, and glanced around for the other two. Ruin was at the railing, seemingly studying the area, while Eclipse was beside him, rolling his eyes. There was also a feminine eclipse model, who leaned her arms forward, against the counter, locking eyes with the female Moon, seemingly in the middle of a conversation, when she glanced over to the two arrivals.
“Hey,” Clipsey called out. “Somethin’ you need?” She questioned, tilting her head, rays swishing along.
Hybrid and Castor earned a handful of polite greetings, pardoning the grumble from Eclipse, as Hybrid stepped closer to the group at the counter. Clipsey stepped to the side, revealing that behind her remained a smaller sun model, who was sitting atop the back counter, listening to music happily. Ah. That must be Sundroid. Hybrid had heard of the feminine eclipse and smaller sun model, but hadn't gotten the opportunity to meet them both.
“I am here to speak with those who know of the collision, and at least understand it. I wish to learn more about it, and how the first happened,” Castor explained himself first, having teleported to Moondrop’s side, startling him slightly.
“Oh- Okay,” Moonlight said. “I think some of us could explain it, maybe. But uh- What're you doing here?” He questioned, looking up to Hybrid.
“I.. wanted to know if I could help looking around. Swap Sun mentioned something about looking around for others today..?” Hybrid spoke, his voice stretching.
“Ah. Yeah, true. Swap Sun and some other people will be looking for others. Everyone here'll be looking for something else,” Feminine Eclipse answered, before hopping to the other side of the counter, and sauntering over to Hybrid. She studied him for a moment, earning a confused head tilt from the taller.
“What are you doing?” Hybrid questioned, staring downwards.
“She likes Horror dimensions. She's probably studying you,” Moondrop suggested.
“Hah. Yeah, I am,” Clipsey responded, glancing over to Moon before flickering her attention back to the Eldritch-horror standing before her. “Hey, think you can sit down, or something? I want a look at your rays.”
Hybrid furrowed his brows for a moment, before flicking them back upward, and kneeling downwards, allowing Clipsey to study his rays. Having someone interested in his horrific appearance was odd, but he didn't fight about it. He thinks he might've seen worse? Then again, he couldn't think about it without a headache…
Clipsey tilted her head, and held onto one of his rays, as she studied it. She let out a small hum, before speaking up. “Did you have some kind of stripe on your rays?”
Hybrid glanced up to the feminine eclipse, before nodding once. “... Blue.”
“Huh. Maybe there's a reason you call yourself Hybrid, eh?”
Hybrid let out a small hum, before responding. “I had..stripes on my arms, too. Moon.. Always said it made me look like a hybrid between an Eclipse, and a Tiger. There was a reason he called me Hybrid... Heh.”
“Huh. Interesting,” Clipsey said, stepping back, and releasing the rays from her hands. “Your stripes aren't really noticeable unless you're up close.”
“I would suspect that is due to Negative power,” Castor cut in. “He does not have much in him at this moment of time, so he is not a threat. He merely has remnants of it, but it is not strong enough to harm him or others. I would assume it altered his body.”
“... Something did. I never.. was this tall, or like this..” Hybrid hissed, staring down at his stomach. Oh, how could he forget his second mouth? The one in his stomach? It was odd, and mildly disturbing, but he never really looked down. He'd been distant from nearly everyone here, trying to gather his bearings.
“Eh. You don't look bad, I'll give you that,” Clipsey assured Hybrid, although it might've been her unique tastes in looks and clothes and such.
“Yeah. Whatever,” Our Eclipse spat out, interrupting them. “So. What are you and Lunar's friend doing here, exactly?”
“As I said, I am here to learn more about the collisions, and how you all suspect it has happened. And as Hybrid seemed to have replied, he is wanting to help with search parties,” Castor responded honestly.
“Huh. Alright,” Clipsey answered. “We’ll start with the collision bit, then explain who or what each group's lookin’ for. Sounds good, star kid?”
“I am not a kid, but yes. That is suitable,” Castor nodded.
“Right. Whatever,” Eclipse rolled his eyes, stepping to Light's side, and looking to the tallest and the star. “First off, the first collision was a final screw you from someone. He messed with something called a wither shard,” Eclipse started, folding his arms.
Hybrid flinched silently, the words of a wither sounding eerily familiar in a sense. Why does he recall such a term? Was it just.. something he heard during this week here? Or did he recall that term from his brother? The voices overlapped heavily, when considering it.
“And the wither shard is deadly, if used the wrong way. If used any way, actually,” Eclipse continued, snapping Hybrid from his temporary distraction. “It's purely negative star power. Nexus was a Moon, but he went a bit insane when Solar died. He started spiraling, and eventually worked alongside someone called Dark Sun, who was merely manipulating him and didn't really care for him. Sunrise killed Nexus with his fire, and the crap Ruin placed in Nexus's chest exploded on impact. Nexus died then, but he did something before that crap happened, apparently.”
“He planned for the wither shard to collide with a star,” Ruin added. “I hadn't even been aware he had a shard. It was set to activate and occur after Dark Sun left. Supposedly, Nexus might've figured something was up. Wasn't wrong, of course, but to target a star with a shard? I didn't realize what happened until a few months after. Nexus figured after Dark Sun left, Sunrise, and Moondrop here, would go back, to figure out something. The collision between the star and shard was meant to kill them, but they never went back.”
“... It was overpowered. It wasn't meant to last forever. Nexus figured we'd be fooled, and went back to see what was there. It was only meant to be strong enough to kill us the moment we went back, and to destroy that pocket dimension, but..” Moondrop frowned, staring at the counter. “When we didn't, the power overheated. It grew overpowered, and sent shock waves through three dimensions. The one it was in, Eclipse and Ruin's, and this one. There was nothing in the first one. Nothing living, anyway.. The pocket dimension was destroyed, but Eclipse's world collided with this one. And it killed a lot of people.”
“It also seemed to alter things,” Moonlight explained. “Supposedly, no one in this dimension can even recall the pizzaplex, and it sank into the ground, with whatever empty cars were in the parking lot being damaged badly. Some plants and trees grow in seconds, too. It's odd to think of now, but uh-.. This. It is our home. We make due with it.”
“...” Castor lowered his eyebrows, looking between everyone here. So.. This is what the planet, and all these animatronics, have been through? The mentioned wither shard would send alarming bells ringing up to Taurus once he'd find out! They were dangerous, deadly, and world destroying. Taurus typically destroyed planets and at times even some worlds due to wither shards and dark, negative star power. To think that all this has happened, down below, here on Earth? This felt impossible, and that's a thought coming from an Astral being.
“...” Hybrid let out a strangled, disturbed sound, his claws flinching. He didn't know what to say. What to do, even. What kind of person would make something with that sort of power!? And for what? Because someone died?.. Hybrid cut off his thoughts immediately. He understands that anger. He really does. He saw something familiar to it.. somewhere. He just didn't recall where exactly..
“Hybrid? Ya good?” Moondrop questioned, catching the tallest's attention once more.
“I'm fine,” Hybrid said bluntly, before folding his arms. He tilted his head over again. “So, the second thing?”
“Right-. Everyone here is going to be looking for a specific thing. Swap Sun and some others are looking for people we might've missed from the first day of you all living here.”
“What are you all looking for?” Castor questioned.
“A star. We'll be looking around, to see if we can find that or a shard. We think that's what caused Hybrid's and the other worlds’ collision. Thankfully, most of us know what a star looks like.”
“It'd be something of a disappointment if you didn't, Moonlight,” Eclipse snickered, earning a quick ‘shush it’ from Light.
“Could I .. help look around for others?” Hybrid hummed.
“I.. dunno, actually. They're mostly going into the woods. But some might go to the nearest city, too. You are kinda.. terrifying.” Moondrop swiftly added. “Not to be rude, of course.”
“I will stay in the woods,” Hybrid replied.
“Yeah- Better there than the city, anyway. You might get unlucky and bump into some human who likes the idea of dating a nightmare's terror,” Light added. “Some are nice-ish, and respect when someone says no. Others keep pushing.”
“That is.. mildly disturbing,” Castor said flatly.
“Unfortunately, it is society and life,” Moondrop hummed.
“Not everyone is bad. Not everyone is good.”
“Well, I do believe it's settled, then,” Ruin spoke up. “Hybrid, Swap Sun should still be in the arcade, alongside various others. As for you, Castor … Are you perhaps staying, or going back to space?”
“I need to speak to another Astral, so I will be taking my leave. We will not disturb any of you during your hunts and gatherings to find these things and people. Thank you for being honest,” Castor nodded, before turning away, and teleporting off.
“.. I hate that guy,” Eclipse spat out.
“He SeEms WeiRd,” The shortest Sun model spoke up, seemingly pausing the music they'd been listening to.
“Sundroid’s got a point,” Clipsey glanced over her shoulder, before turning back to the group. “That one, along with Pollux, is sort of weird. Maybe it's due to them being star people, though.”
“Well either way, we kinda shouldn't push our luck with them,” Moonie replied. “Lunar mentioned they were omnipotent basically, and I don't feel like dying anytime soon.”
“Fair enough,” Clipsey shrugged, before waving Hybrid off. “It was nice to meet ya, Hybrid. Have fun lookin' for others, and make sure Swap Sun doesn't kill anyone. He seems like the type.”
“Whatever..” Hybrid replied, standing up straight, and echoing a single ‘goodbye’, before walking off to the arcade.
—------------- { Arcade … }
“Oh. Good. You're here,” Swap Sun said flatly, peering over his shoulder, to lock eyes with Hybrid. “Just got a stupid message. You're here to help find people, huh?”
Hybrid stared down at the Swapped persona, unamused, and narrowed his eyes. “Yes. Is it a problem?”
“No. I just figured, with how you look, you'd help those Moon's and Eclipse's look for whatever they're searching for,” Swap Sun dismissed.
“Be nice!” Swap Moons scolded, nudging his brother, earning a swat of the hand from Sun.
“Welcome, then,” Killcode rumbled, offering a large backpack to Hybrid. KC tilted his head, smiling as he saw Hybrid's confusion and curiosity. “None of us know who or what we may find.. Each bag has.. A weapon, food, drinks.. And other various things,” Killcode explained.
Hybrid let out a small hum, and nodded. He took the bag delicately, and slung it over two of his arms. Taking a swift glance at the others, and seeing their bags; It seemed quite clear the bag he was given was one of Killcode's personal ones. It was as large as Killcode's, and was quite clearly different to the others' backpacks. It was black,with gold lining. It was made of rather strong material, too.
“O-okay! Let's go!!” The ball of sunshine, Nova, exclaimed, jumping up and down. He was rather jumpy, and never really stood still. Hybrid, quietly, smiled a little. It reminded him of his Sun. His brother.
“Alright. Whatever. Let's go,” Swap Sun muttered, before leading the way.
—------------- { Thirty minutes worth of walking… Past the gates… }
“Okay. Killcode, Novafrost, Hybrid. You three stay here in the woods, or whatever it's called. Me and the others will split up in the city. Cover more ground,” Swap Sun stated. “There should be radios in everyone's bags, and most of us should have each other's phone numbers anyway. Don't stray too far, and if you do, don't be an idiot. Call someone.”
“Understood.”
“On it-!”
“Whatever you say.”
“Bye.”
And with that, the sum of people who were searching for unseen newcomers split up. The trio, who would remain searching throughout the woods, watched as Swap Sun opened a portal, and everyone else went in, him last. They waited until the portal was closed, to ensure no one was left behind, before turning and settling on a basic route.
Hybrid turned to Nova, flinching as he stared at the transparent persona beside him. Killcode seemed to be accustomed to it already, nodding quietly. Hybrid never really spent any time with Nova, after first ‘meetings’. Even then, he never truly paid attention to Nova or, he believes the name was, Frost? This was certainly unexpected, hm?
“O-okay! We should probably figure out different ways to go, and stuff.. Hm,” Nova hummed, as the silhouette beside him also let out a small hum, looking to the sides, as if to help decide on things.
“Perhaps you should introduce Frost, first..” Killcode rumbled, nudging Hybrid's rays, snapping his attention back from its zoned-out perspective.
“Oh! You're like Killcode and Charlie! You can see Frost!!” Nova cheered, clapping his hands happily, as he acknowledged how Hybrid was paying attention to Frost.
“... You don't talk in your mindscape? I thought you.. two shared a body?” Hybrid questioned, eyes thoughtful.
“Oh! We don't really talk in our mindscape! Especially when we can see each other constantly! Plus, Frost gets to look around, too! So we have uh– what's it called again, Frosty?”
“Two perspectives,” Frost answered, folding his puffy sleeves behind his back, leaning forward slightly, as he locked eyes with Nova for a second.
“Right! Two perspectives! So it works out really great!” Nova hummed, then added swiftly, “Oh! Frost, you should say hello to Hybrid, since he can see you!”
“Hm.. hello, Hybrid,” Frost greeted, nodding towards Hybrid, who did the same.
“Nice.. to meet you, then?” Hybrid blinked, nodding awkwardly.
“Me and Frosty can go that way!” Nova smiled, pointing towards a Southern direction. “We'll be okay, we promise!”
“Go on, then..” Killcode responded, giving a nod as an okay. “I and Hybrid will make our way.. East.”
“Okay then! See you two later!” Nova smiled, waving as a later.
“Goodbye, then,” Frost nodded, quietly turning towards the South, and following as his brighter half started towards the direction.
Hybrid and KC watched as the duet of them both marched onwards, walking South, on their mission to find others. Hybrid stood, quiet for a moment, as he let his gaze linger a bit longer than the tallest's, despite them vanishing from view. Spotting this, Killcode tilted his head curiously.
“Is something… wrong?” Killcode questioned, leaning his head closer to Hybrid's, locking eyes as the shorter snapped his attention to the other nightmare.
“Can the others not … see Frost?” Hybrid couldn't help but question.
“Ah. No.. Not unless they've magic..”
“But I don't have magic?”
“Star power.. It is magic. You have been drained of it .. I don't need the others to tell me what I can see,” Killcode explained, letting the pieces click into place.
“..!” Hybrid's rays snapped upwards, his gaze of mixed emotions. “So, you can see remnants of whatever is in me, like you can with dimensional energy?”
“Correct. And it's rather easy to tell.. just how different you are. You are from a Horror Dimension. Many are affected by Negative Powers,” KC answered. “Though.. You are the first I've met from one.. And you aren't violent,” He added, looking thoughtful.
“Has to do with me being drained, from what I heard..” Hybrid rumbled, looking away from the fatherly acquaintance beside him.
“Hm.. Perhaps so,” Killcode replied. “Come. Let's look, shall we..?”
Hybrid thought for a moment, before nodding. It's the whole reason they're out here, after all..
“Come along then, Hybrid.”
—------------- { In Space… }
“What is your news, Castor?” Taurus questioned, furrowing his eyebrows.
“I would like to know as well,” Pisces spoke politely, gazing up from her mug, filled with warmth and galactic potion.
“Tell us!” Aries demanded, his horns sparking with starry flames.
“I have questioned about the collisions, and I've been given answers. Would it be proper to alert Leo, Pollux, and Nebula?” Castor responded.
“I would think it'd be right to at least alert Nebula,” Pisces answered, shifting her position in her sector of the area. “She has been injured, and I'd prefer her to know than not...”
“We will alert them, and Libra, later. Continue,” Taurus replied.
“Taurus. I must ask you, a moment ahead, that you do not lash out on the animatronics below.”
“Why must he not act?” Aries questioned, narrowing his eyes. “Why not?”
“Just listen,” Castor responded.
“If you insist, then…” Taurus nodded.
—------------- { With the Moons, and Eclipses... }
“Was it really a good idea to send Hybrid out with the others?” Moonlight couldn't help but ask Ruin. “I know he wanted to go, and that's fine. But are we sure he'll be okay…?”
“I don't particularly see a reason as to why he wouldn't be. Why do you ask, Light?” Ruin questioned, sliding through the debris carefully, so as not to disturb much of it. Once on the other side, Ruin offered a hand to Light, to help guide him through carefully as well.
Light accepted the hand, and was led through the rubble, up until they made it to the other side; And would let his hand drop to his side awkwardly, as he bit his tongue. “I just- I don't know. Didn't he seem off earlier? I mean, he sort of froze, then also flinched before going to the others in the arcade.”
Ruin clicked his tongue, thinking for a moment. “Hm. I suppose you're right on that note. I did notice it. However, it's most likely due to learning too much at once. It might've, I suppose, overwhelmed him? If that's the word.”
“Hm.. Maybe you're right. I'm probably just overthinkin–.. Huh..” Light paused, staring past Ruin's shoulder seemingly.
“Hm? What's gotten your glance, Light?” Ruin questioned, peering over his shoulder curiously.
There, caught against old, rusty, metal hooks; Remained but three feathers. Ruin let out a small hum, walking over to it, with Light trailing behind.
The feathers were dark-to-bright; Purple but silky. Odd. But unique. Ruin brought a hand up, just above it, to pick it up; Only to bring it back swiftly, as a spark flew from a feather. A spark of bright purple. A spark; Of power. Ruin hesitated for a moment; Eyes narrowing in curiosity. Ruin picked up a feather, studying it despite the weaker sparks igniting by the touch. Ruin's never seen something like this. Curious; It was.
“What kind of feathers are they!?” Sunshine squeaked, gaining control of his and Light's shared body. “Normal feathers don't spark!”
“I'm not entirely certain, my Dear Sunshine,” Ruin hummed, before peering over his shoulder once more. “Do you have anything in your bag that I could put these in?”
“I-I think so!” Sunshine replied, swiftly yet fumbling with items in the bag he'd persisted on bringing. Ruin wasn't entirely certain why Shone wanted to bring such things; They weren't cleaning. The two were venturing within a small, pocket dimension that he and Eclipse suspected had recent star issues. Residue, if you may. It wasn't like they would stay to clean it. But, Moonlight said bringing the bag was fine. No harm in it.
“Here!” Sunshine said, giving a few sheets of paper towels to Ruin. “Can you wrap it in this?”
Ruin thought for a moment, before humming in approval. “This could work for now. We'll need to talk to Eclipse or one of the others about it later. This'll work temporarily. Thank you, Sunshine.”
Sunshine nodded, before letting Moonlight switch back into control; Just as Ruin cautiously wrapped the three feathers into the paper towels, and placed it in one of his arm compartments.
“Are you sure that's fine to do?” Light couldn't help but ask.
“No. Not exactly, but it'll work for now. Shall we continue?”
“... Yeah, I guess so,” Light agreed.
The two continued on; walking through the cavern cautiously, stepping away from any falling debris. At a point; they stopped to take a moment to allow their legs to rest. Walking for three hours tends to bother your legs; even if you're animatronic.
Moonlight had let his back rest against a stone wall, letting his and Shine's bag lay by his side. Ruin had sat at an opposite wall, providing space between him and the shared body. The older let his hands fall into his lap, as he hummed, occasionally lifting his arm to check his compartment; As if to ensure it didn't affect him negatively.
The two had small conversations, mostly letting Shine out to ramble away; wanting him to feel better about being in a darker, colder area than what he was used to. It also bothered Ruin a little; But that had to do with how his night vision wasn't working properly, and he required the flashlight in his hands instead. Light was the one with working night vision. Eventually, Shine gave Light control again, so as to let him continue on his and Ruin's mission of searching.
Ruin helped Moonlight up, and allowed him a moment to put the bag back on. They went back to walking, only to pause another seventy feet further; As they heard a soft voice panicking; A kid's voice.
Moonlight made his way through the cavern swiftly, Ruin following along, and trying to catch up. Hearing a kid's voice, in a cavern of all places, and following it was a terrible idea in hindsight; But Ruin and Eclipse clarified that the dimension wasn't with human, or animatronic, life. So who..?
Light froze, staring at the scene before him, just as Ruin made it to his side. There, in front of them both, was a ghost kid, who looked eerily like Eclipse's son, Jake. Beside him was much rubble, and beneath it? A thin, tall, and nightmarish variation of Moon remained unconscious; Red, pure blood oozing out of his damaged stomach. The moon had sharp, unsheathed claws eerily alike to Hybrid's.
The dark moon let out an eerie, slowed screech, as he struggled against his blood loss. One of his arms was mangled in a petrifying, twisted direction; And the other with its hand held by the child nearby. The tall moon turned his head, locking eyes with the other, shorter one.
“Is that.. blood?” Light choked.
The kid looked up, and flinched at the bright light of Ruin's flashlight, before immediately speaking up. “Can you please help him!?” A voice; Similar to Jake’s, spoke.
“On it!” Moonlight exclaimed, darting to the kid's side, and tossing his bag to the side, as Ruin made his way over to the group to speak with the kid, who protested when he was pulled away cautiously from the nightmare's side.
“N-! Moon-!” The child panicked, as Ruin kept him from going to their side.
“It's alright,” Ruin said softly, kneeling to the child's height. “It's alright. Calm down..”
“I-!..” Jake's voice took a deep breath, before speaking in a half-calmish, straightened tone. “I-Is he going to be okay?”
“He’ll be fine,” Ruin tried to reassure the doubting kid. “What's your name, hm? I'll tell you mine.”
“Uh.. My- name is Jake. Is- that- the Moon going to be safe? I didn't know he could bleed like humans do..” Jake explained awkwardly, watching as the Moon that arrived alongside the British one attempted to get the fallen rubble away from the taller.
“I- Didn't expect to see a ‘Moon’ model that could bleed, honestly. However.. So long as Moonlight can get rid of the debris and keep most of it from getting inside his body, he should be fine. I think a friend of ours could help him, once we're back home,” Ruin answered politely. “Are you two from the same dimension?”
“Uhh.. No, I don't think so. I think I remember a Moon model? But I don't know. I don't think it was him,” Jake answered, looking towards the nightmare for a split second, before focusing on the British person. “My memories are fuzzy. I just know that I woke up somewhere in this cavern thing, and he was already awake and panicking like he was trying to warn someone, or something. He said something about brothers, I think? We kinda just started looking around. Well- He did. We were mostly sticking to wherever there was light. But then we heard voic-”
Jake was cut off by a pained, strangled noise coming from the tallest; Who forced his jaws open to speak. “It.. hurts..” A voice all too alike to the nightmares Light, Shine, and Ruin knew spoke.
“Ru–!” Moonlight called over, not needing to continue, as Ruin stood up, his hand swiftly held by the child, as he made his way to the two Moons.
The nightmare Moon let out another loud, shaking screech of pain; His voice causing the ground to quake, and more debris hitting his open wound. It looked so painful, it churned Light and Shine's stomach; Leaving them to feel unwell. The blood was terrifying in itself, but now? Now; Some debris pressed against the sharp, damaged edges of the Moon's outer metal body; And sliced his stomach open even more.
It was disturbing, to say the least, when Ruin and the others saw not only a beating heart, but an entire ribcage as well. Made of metallic bones, and seemingly something else. It sparked off purple when it came into contact with some debris, jolting the nightmare to even more aching and painful sounds and feelings. It wasn't like something Ruin had seen before. To an extent; There were organs and bones. But there were also some missing, it seemed. Perhaps the hollowness in his body, pardoning the interior and organs, had to do with him being animatronic.
Nonetheless, Ruin and Light did their best to push the debris away, and help out the one in pain.
When they succeeded in pushing some of it away from the taller’s arms; The larger twisted his arm back to the proper position with a sickening snap, upwards, and pushed the remaining debris away, struggling to sit upright. The nightmare slumped against the stone domains by his side, and let a low, irritated growl slip out, as he held a large, clawed hand over his open wound, attempting to prevent himself from a potential bleed-out.
“I.. hate this…?” The nightmare murmured; Voice echoing and crackling. It sounded as if it were a question; But it was a statement more than not.
“Are you okay, Moon?” Jake asked, standing by the tallest's side.
“Mmh… Fine..” The twisted Moon grumbled, leg involuntarily twitching.
“We should get you two out of here..” Moonlight said, standing by Ruin's sides.
“... Okay..” The Twisted exhaled audibly.
“Hm.. I would think we'd need to stabilize your torso before leaving.. Entering a portal with an open wound isn't exactly something that would go well,” Ruin said thoughtfully.
“Do you know how to stabilize wounds?” Light asked, facing the older, shorter celestial.
“I do! Kind of..” Jake answered. “Do you have anything with you two…?”
“Whatever's in the bag-” Moonlight answered, grabbing the bag, and opening it up, allowing the child to see what they had.
“Okay. Clean cloth, and pressure should do some good, I think,” Jake replied, peeking into the bag. “Your cloth or paper towels should work!”
“Let's get to it, then,” Ruin hummed.
—------------- { With Hybrid … }
“Oh! Did you find anyone?” A voice crackled from Hybrid's radio.
Hybrid paused his search, and picked the radio up. “Not yet,” He rumbled, gazing between trees.
“Oh, okay..” Nova replied, seemingly disappointed.
“You didn't find anyone either, did you..?” Hybrid questions.
“No. Frost can't find anyone, either. Oh, I hope we didn't walk past anyone!”
“Hm.. Should we regroup? I can radio Killcode,” Hybrid offered, kneeling to look within some hollowed logs.
“Mmh.. Frost says we should, so okay,” Nova responded, with rustling coming from his side of the call.
“I will let Killcode know.. Do we meet back at the tree we split up at
..?”
“Mhm! Probably. Frosty says it'll be easier to find each other then!” Nova hummed, agreeing with the nightmare.
“Make your way there, then,” Hybrid directed. “Don't get lost.”
“We won't! Frosty knows the way!”
—------------- { Killcode… }
“Hm? Yes, Hybrid?” KC rumbles, sitting on the soft grass, radio in hand.
“We’re regrouping at the tree.. None of us can find anyone,” Hybrid replied.
“Hm... Are you alright?” Killcode couldn't help but ask.
“What?” Hybrid crackled, being caught off guard.
“You were a bit tense; Before we split up.”
“I'm fine,” Hybrid spat out, before continuing. “I’m further into the woods.. You should make your way back. I'll be there soon..”
“Hm.. If you insist, Summer Child,” Killcode rumbled, before adding thoughtfully. “We will talk later, if necessary.”
“....” Hybrid let out a low hum, as if uncertain, as an answer. “If you say so..”
“Hm.. Perhaps we'll arrive at the tree at the same time,” Killcode's eyes lit up, mischief arriving in his voice.
“What are you planning –” Hybrid questioned, recognizing the playful tone in the taller's voice.
“Magic,” Killcode grinned.
“Killcode you wouldn't dare-”
“Killcode will dare!” Killcode chuckled, flicking his fingers; And acknowledging his magic.
—--------- { At the tree … }
“Okay! We're here!” Nova chirped, hopping up and down once he'd gotten to the meeting point.
“Do you see the others, Nova?” A transparent Frost questioned, peering over Nova's shoulder, as if to locate the other two.
“Hm.. No. But they should be here soon!” The brighter exclaimed.
“I see..” Frost hummed, walking on the soft, green grass blanketing the surface. He stared at the trees, and looked between various plants. He'd commented earlier about nature, back when he and Nova were looking around. It'd been some time since they got to go outside, and with this being a new dimension; They were curious on whether or not it was similar, nature-wise.
It was nice. The flowers were pretty. From the amount of time Frost and Nova had spent with the kids; Frost had reasoned that Dazzle and Charlie might like them. So, Frost motioned for Nova to walk over to him; To which Nova obliged happily.
“Yes, Frosty?” Nova asked, tilting his head curiously.
“Could you pick some of these for the little ones?”
“Oh! That's such a good idea, Frosty!! I'm sure they'd love them!” Nova smiled, eyes shining.
Frost let a smile slip out, eyes as sincere as Nova's. They both adored kids; And especially liked to spend time with them all.
Nova took the opportunity to sit down beside the flower patch; And started picking them some; One by one, color by color; And held them carefully. Nova hummed happily and softly, enjoying the quiet and peacefulness, with Frost by his side.
“KILLCODE-” A low, irritated voice hissed out loud, with a soft thud and quake occurring at the voice.
“Yes?” Killcode's voice rumbled, pleased his magic worked right, as he stared down at a laying-on-grass Hybrid.
Novafrost peered over their shoulders, curiously tilting their heads.
“What.. happened?” Frost questioned, standing up and peering over to the duet of nightmares.
“Killcode’s magic, that's what!” Hybrid hissed, struggling to sit upright.
Killcode laughed, amused and entertained. He truly did enjoy mischief. Especially when it bothered people. He was spiteful and mischievous sometimes. What can he say?
“I hate you,” Hybrid spat out, glaring at the tallest.
“Need help?” Killcode asked playfully, offering a large hand toHybrid; Who accepted it, grumbling.
Hybrid sat up, having accepted KC'S hand despite his annoyance. Deep inside; He had to admit it was a bit amusing to him; But he wasn't going to let the other know that! After all; KC did that despite him objecting! That was just plain rude!
Hybrid grumbled even when Killcode politely shifted a hand through Hybrid's rays; Calmly clearing the nightmare's head of any grass, leaves, and sticks that were stuck in his rays.
“Oh! Should we let everyone that went to the city know we're going back?” Nova questioned, with Frost by his side; Head tilting curiously.
“Yeah. Sure, whatever,” Hybrid hissed, rays shifting downwards at Killcode's touch.
“I prefer you don't hiss at Nova,” Frost hummed, looking at the sitting nightmare.
“..Sorry,” Hybrid grumbled, twitching.
“Oh, Frosty! It's not that bad! It's okay!” Nova reassured the transparent darker, nudging them lightly.
“Mmh… We should get going. Maybe some of the others found something,” Frost stated, offering a transparent hand to Nova; Who took it happily.
“Maybe! Oh, I hope everyone will be okay,” Nova replied, swiftly turning worried about the others. Would they be okay? No bad people would've come from the collision, right? Everyone would be safe, wouldn't they?
“Everyone should be safe, child,” Killcode rumbles, speaking thoughtfully. “I will take us back to the pizzaplex.. I will alert the others in the city once there…”
“Oh! Okay!” Nova agreed, nodding happily as his arms swayed swiftly by his sides.
“Another teleport?” Hybrid complained, earning himself a light flick on his head.
“Correct,” Killcode grinned. “Are you ready?”
—------------- { Pizzaplex; Empty Storage Room … }
“I wonder what happened?” Flare questioned, tilting his head. He'd been sent a text from Ruin, requesting an empty room for.. Someone? Something? Flare wasn't certain. The message was a tad bit cryptic. It did mention needing something soft on the floor, so maybe an animal? Hm…
“I-I don't- really know. Maybe they found someone?” Neptor asked quietly, though unsure. “That could explain why he wants a free room.”
“.. Perhaps. But weren't they looking for some item?”
“Maybe an animal?” Neptor answered, readjusting the soft, fluffy blanket upon the floor.
“Perhaps,” Flare replied, helping Neptor soothe the large blanket of any folds and wrinkles. No matter who, or what, they were bringing; Better to have it a flat blanket than not.
“Oh,” Neptor said, blue eyes blinking. “I just got a message from Killcode.”
“What did they say?” Flare inquired curiously.
“He said he and the others should be back soon, and to..” Neptor narrowed his eyes; Trying to read the rest. “Visit him and Hybrid in his and Eclipse's bunker later?”
“Oh. Is Hybrid alright?” Flare questioned, standing up beside the small bot.
“I would- I-I would think so. I think he would've said if something had happened.”
“I sup-” Solar Flare raised an eyebrow as their phone started ringing. “?”
Answering the phone; Flare was greeted by an oh-so familiar, British accent. “Ah. Flare. We're back now. And while I would prefer to - not - hurry you up; I don't suppose you could tell us what storage room is free?”
“The one near by the bowling alley. The others would've taken too long to clear out in comparison to your directions,” Flare answered.
“I see! Well, I, Moonlight and two others will be there in a moment! Is Killcode back? I'm afraid we may need his assistance..”
“Killcode sent Neptor a message a moment ago, stating he'd be back. He inquired that both I and Neptor go to his bunker soon, after he is back. What has happened?”
Ruin let out a soft, uncertain whistle before speaking back up. “We require some of his assistance. Magic and healing-wise, I would think. Please send him a text that we'll need him before you all go to his and Eclipse's bunker!”
“Understood, Ruin,” Flare answered; Before Ruin hung up.
“I-Is everything okay, Solar Flare?” Neptor questioned, worry spotting his vision.
“Someone is injured, but they did not say who. Ruin requested one of us send Killcode a message to be here, before leaving for his bunker.”
“Oh! O-okay. I'll go do that..” Neptor rambled, before hovering to the opposite side of the room, and sending a text to the nightmare. Flare stood by Neptor’s side; Concerned for their friend.
“Are you alright, Neptor?” Flare asked, eyes softening with concern.
“Mmh.. I-I’m worried about whoever is hurt.. Will they be okay?” Neptor asked hesitantly, looking up to Flare. “If it's someone from the dead, will they be like us?”
Flare paused; His arm joints locking up for a sharp moment, before decompressing, and loosening back to typicality. “...I do not know,” Flare responded quietly. “We should wait to see..”
“.. Okay,” Neptor responded, before hearing the door open swiftly; Ruin and Moonlight making their way through the door carefully. Turning around; Neptor and Flare are greeted with the two Celestials carefully helping a larger, nightmarish model come through the doorway, and guide him to the soft blankets resting on the flooring.
Alarms started ringing in Neptor's head, as he stared at the blood seeping through some ragged looking cloth, which nestled against the nightmare's stomach; As if to hold him conscious. The nightmare slumped down, laying on the blankets without much fight, as a child similar to Jake came running in after the group.
“Did you send a message?” Ruin questioned, glancing up from the nightmare's torso for a split moment; Before looking back down, and applying a bit of pressure.
“Y-Yes!” Neptor chirped, hovering slightly closer to the weakened Celestial concerned. “Who are they? Are they o-okay?”
“What is going on?” A low, rumbling voice came through the hall nearby; As a group came through the hallway.
“Killcode, we may need your help here,” Ruin answered swiftly, as the twenty foot tall beast ducked his head, and entered the room.
Killcode made his way to the Moon model's side; Only glancing at the young ghost child beside them all for a moment, a genuine look of reassurance in his eyes as the kid looked up, as if to say Killcode's saying sorry through his own eyes.
Killcode knelt beside the model, who numbly swatted at Ruin's hand at his torso. Just before Killcode was about to start with his magic; He saw the model twitch sharply, eyes staring right at Hybrid, who entered the room just after Novafrost. The nightmare Moon tried to reach a hand to him; Voice crowing weakly, but harshly.
“Hyb–rid?” The nightmare questioned, vision blurring as his voice, despite its restraint; Sounded panicked and broken.
Hybrid flinched, but slid to Killcode and the Moon's side; Holding the Moon model's hand, as if to reassure him. “Brother,” He heard Moon whine, as Killcode's gaze landed on the two for a moment, before darting to his wounds.
“This will hurt,” Killcode said blatantly. “You must keep him still, Hybrid,” He ordered.
Hybrid stared into the new nightmare's eyes, nodding quietly to Killcode's orders, and holding onto the newcomer's hand tightly.
Moments of gore flash through Hybrid's mind; Before a settling picture of not only this Moon; But a nightmare Sun as well, munching on a human carcass took his mind at hold. His brothers. The nightmares they became. The nightmares all of them became. Nightmares they all shouldn't be..
Hybrid winced as he felt his brother jerk violently; Aching painfully against the magic Killcode performed. He watched with darting eyes as his brother whined and yelped in sharp pain. Hybrid did his best to look away from the torso. He couldn't bear the thought of his brother dying. From blood loss, as well. That was a human thing! He.. didn't even know they could bleed. Could he bleed, too?
It was a disturbing thought. Hybrid did his best to shake it from his mind; As Killcode continued on.
Hopefully. Hopefully it won't take long.. And hopefully; it would stop hurting so badly.
—------------- { An hour later … }
“What is going on, Ruin?” Eclipse pinched the bridge of his nose as he spoke. “You said you needed to talk to us even though we were all still looking.”
“Yes, well..” Ruin tilted his head to face the door a few feet behind him, glancing at it before turning back to Eclipse. “It seems we found two others during our, well, ‘adventure’, in the caverns.. And something else.”
“Who did you find?” Clipsey asked, raising an eyebrow at the shortest Eclipse's words.
“It appears to be one of Hybrid's siblings.. And another Jake,” Ruin answered.
“I'm Sorry- Another Jake?” Moondrop couldn't help but question, surprise written in his gaze.
“What do you mean by that?” Eclipse asked, a slightly lower voice than his original, annoyed one.
“He isn't from Hybrid's dimension. That much is obvious. But Killcode hasn't necessarily explained what dimension he might be from, seeing as he hasn't exactly checked the dimensional energy yet. He, alongside the child, is watching over Hybrid's brother..”
“Is the kid.. Dead? Or living?” Eclipse asked cautiously.
“Very much a ghost. He phased through some walls, and his eyes gave it away rather easily. But that isn't exactly the only thing..” Ruin said, as he'd click open his arm's compartment; And carefully give Eclipse the wrapped-up feathers. “We may or may not need to test these..”
“Tch. Alright, fine,” Eclipse spat out, placing the wrapped items into an arm compartment of his own. “But KC's been using the lab for something. I don't know what,” He scoffed, rolling his eyes.
“Well then, please talk to him about him and his personal projects, kindly. You may need that bunker of yours..”
“I'll go talk to the others here. Let ‘em know there's more newcomers,” Clipsey hummed, as Sundroid jumped to her side.
“Can I CoME aLoNg, Big Mama!?” Sundroid exclaimed, holding Clipsey's hand, smiling.
“Heh. Sure, Lil’ Man,” She agreed.
“Eclipse, please talk to him soon. I believe Killcode already asked Solar Flare and Neptor to go to the bunker, so he'll be there soon, no doubt. See if you can borrow some time to test the feathers,” Ruin explained patiently, earning a begrudging nod and frown in return.
“Fine.”
—------------- { In the bunker; Three hours later … }
“Where are they?” Eclipse hissed, grumbling beneath his breath as he continued onwards, traveling further into the bunker.
Looking around; The place was mostly empty. Eclipse even checked the room Killcode had left cleared out for Neptor! The little bot didn't even stay here much. Eclipse swears he isn't mad. He knows Killcode had gone here with Hybrid, Neptor, and Flare. It took two hours to convince Hybrid to even go here; from what Eclipse heard from Nova, who was worried and currently watching over the nightmare Moon in the storage room; Back at the pizzaplex.
Eclipse heard muffled voices, and figured he'd gotten closer. Someone was talking about some Sun model, he thinks? Doesn't matter. Where is The Nightmare that once called Eclipse a son, like he did with Lunar?
“--Right, Hybrid?” An uncertain Flare's voice rang out, as Well stepped into the room.
“...” Grumbling and uncertainty was the eclipsed nightmare's response, as Eclipse walked closer, noticing they were in front of something, as if discussing it.
“What are all of you-” Eclipse spoke up, standing by the smallest bot’s side, looking down before looking at the.. Thing? It made him pause, as he vaguely heard an audible snap coming from Killcode's neck, as the nightmare realized he'd entered the room.
There; Lifeless, but possibly alive (?), was a Sun model. And the wires connected to his head were connected to the computer nearby, as well. When… Did this guy come here!?
Eclipse spun to face the others, demanding an answer immediately. “What in the absolute–”