Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

You tirelessly type away at the keyboard in front of you. The metallic taps of your fingertips and the echoing of a ticking clock, are the only sounds heard in the dimly lit daycare. 

It’s been two days and you’re still trying to crack the encrypted data that you found floating around in the dead universe’s computer.

Whoever formatted the files, did a really impressive job at encrypting it with tedious algorithms and layers of complex firewalls as well as hidden Trojans. Everytime you think you've made progress, another puzzle is presented to you, full of seemingly random sequences and permutations. Each line of code seems more elusive than the last much to your amusement. Almost as if it’s mocking your attempts at unraveling its mysteries. But, you know there is a rhyme and reason to each piece of the digital puzzle and you determined to find out the answer. It’s also the most fun you have had with coding in a very long time. Your CPU and intelligence actually being challenged. 

A snide smirk pulls at the corners of your mouth, knowing you’re close to cracking it. A feeling of pride bubbling within you, as a small chip of giddyness escaping from your voice box. (Thankfully, no one is around to hear it.)

Nobody can hide anything from you when it comes to data and code. You think to yourself, well brushing back a stray antenna to rest over your shoulder. The fluff of it, obscuring your optics otherwise. Spending another two hours or so working on a particular tricky piece of data, before a sudden wave of tiredness washes through out your system. You pause in your task, blinking slowly, realizing your battery has reached under its halfway point. You debate with yourself for a moment, in whether or not to stop to change or to keep working, aware that your battery has been giving you issues lately.

Sometimes you really wish you could upgrade yourself but, that’s just how the cookie crumbled in the end. Nevertheless, those thoughts are fleeting as your attention shifts back to the glowing lines of code on your screen. Ultimately deciding to manually override the fatigue that is tugging aggressively at your circuits. Even so, small bits of your code still feeling weary…

Annoyed at the lingering, feeling you reach over to the side of the keyboard; hand dipping into a small bag, pulling out a shiny yellow and orange candy, before popping it into your mouth with a satisfied hum. Immediately feeling the left over tiredness being chased away by the burst of citrusy tasting energy running through your circuits. Not unlike that of a small shock or spark.

You get back to work. 

What you have gathered from the bits and pieces you have deciphered, it’s some kind of blueprint for a machine of some sort. It’s rather convoluted and intricate for whatever kind of function, it is supposed to serve. An odd amalgamation of magic and machine. As you delve deeper, the blueprint begins to take shape in your mind as to its potential purpose. You have never seen anything quite like it before. The urge to recreate it, pulling at your wires something fierce.

You wonder if you have the components to build it here or if you’re going to have to special order somethings. It would be a fun little side project to work on and It’s not like you have anything else better to do at the moment. 

The security bots you designed and built doing a wonderful job at keeping the building secure and in check without the need of you physically being there to patrol anymore. Sending you alerts if there is any problems or uninvited guests at happen to find themselves on the premises. It leaves you with quite a lot of free time on your hands. 

Time you often spend tinkering with meaningless gadgets and overly complicated coding to try and fill the void of loneliness…Right?

You stop typing briefly, humming to yourself quietly in thought. Before pulling out a small notebook and pen, flipping to a blank page to quickly compile a list of necessary parts. Making a checklist of possible suppliers for the rarer components. Sure, you could just log the list in your memory files, but you have always preferred to physically write things down. There is just something satisfying about putting pen to paper. (You think it has something to do with your daycare attendant programming or perhaps more so with your learning AI. Regardless, you find it satisfying, if not at the very least endearing.)

With your new pet project in mind you, close the notebook with a distinctive “snap!”. Putting it back in your pocket before going on to continue decoding and deciphering, occasionally popping another candy or two into your mouth when the tired feeling creeps in again. The sweet, tangy flavor reawakens your senses, keeping you alert and attentive to your task. Bright optics darting back and forth across the computer screen, with unbroken focus.

Time flies by without you even noticing, however heavy with the peculiar mix of fascination and fatigue-like haze that you have grown use to from the many late nights like this one. 

Always and forever the night owl, your brother would tell you…Or maybe your sleep schedule is just that messed up now, without him to keep you on one? Meh? Who needs sleep when there is so many others things you can do with your time…

Another 4 hours pass, before you get a ping notification from your internal system. You blink in surprise, learning back in the old computer chair. It lets out squeak of protest at the sudden shift of weight. You check the message.

*25% battery remaining.*

*Immediate Recharge Recommended.*

Oh?

You have already ran though your charge? 

Hm?

You glance over at the half eaten bag of SunDrop candies, picking it up. A finger tapping rhythmically on the desk in thought. Debating with yourself for a moment. If you eat the rest of the bag you could probably stay up another half-day or so…

Except, the last time you ate an entire bag of SunDrops by yourself, you started to have hallucinations and that didn’t exactly turn out well for you, thinking that the rats in the walls wearing conspiring and whispering you their secrets. Stating that you had helped them by finding the connecting corners or something along those lines. Making you paranoid. Your almost called your brother because of it…

Your faceplate scrunchies up at the unpleasant and disgruntled memory. Quickly shoving the bag into a pocket of your jumpsuit.

Ya, no thank you. You don’t want a repeat of that near miss. Guess you’re going to have to call it a night…You check your internal clock.

*6:05am.*

Err? Morning…

You let out tired sigh. Hitting a couple of more keys, allowing your scripts and modules to run their course to decode what they can, so you can go and charge before coming back to finish with it. (They won’t be as efficient as yourself when it comes to untangling the mess of codes, but least something is getting done well you’re are in the dubious clutches of sleep mode.)

Going to stand up you feel your endoskeleton lock up completely for a moment, a low hiss of discomfort escapes your vents as you manage to work past it. Carefully stretching your arms over your head to get your hydraulic system pumping again. Your back and wings hurting especially from the lack of movement. Your model type was specifically built with mobility and constant movement in mind. To easier keep up with the children in the daycare and preform out on the show floor, but you haven’t had to worry about kids coming here for a long time, let alone doing a show…

“Geez, I need to stop sitting still for so long.” You mumble to yourself, continuing to stretch. Arms bending side to side over your head. You can practically hear you brother scolding you now.

“Didn’t the techs tell us, we need to stretch at least every six to eight hours! Do you want your joints locking up?! Because, if I have to drag your sorry metal butt back down to parts and services one more time, I’ll make sure to drop you down every flight of stairs, I see!” A amber-gold finger wagging in your face as he finished helping you stretch out your wings, having carefully adjusting each joint to relieve the pressure. You let out an amused huff, playfully rolling your optics at him, knowing he doesn’t mean it and that he is just worried for your well being. You casually brush away his hand from your face with the back of yours.

”Ya, ya-Whatever you say Brother, always a worry wart. I’ll be fine, okay? It’s nothing I can’t fix, and once I finish with our new models. We won’t ever have to deal with locking up again.” You chuckle, dancing around him in a circle, clearly showing your body is in working condition. His gears whirring softy as he spreads his arms out, trying to catch you, but you quickly twirl out of the way with the grace of a ballerina. 

“And how long have you been working on those, exactly? Hmm? What, with all that free time you have, right?” He questions with a knowing smirk. Having caught you at least five times this week alone, staying up late just to work on personal projects that you are unable to do during working hours. Your face flushes with slight embarrassment as you playfully swat at him. He leans out of the way, laughing aware he’s hit a nerve, knowing you try and hide your terrible sleep schedule from him as much as possible.

”What?! It will get done! You know I always finish what I start!” You declare with mock offense, crossing your arms and sticking out your tongue at him like a misbehaving child would. It’s his turn now to roll his optics at you.

”I’ll believe it, when I see it.” He replays, humor lining his tone. “Come on, let’s get back to practicing, before you decide to lock-up again.” He gestures towards the stage in front of you both. You don’t hesitate, taking his hand and dragging him out there, both laughing at the childishness of your antics.

A small smile slips on your face at the memory, sparing a glance mid stretch to an old flip-phone on the desk, a cute but worn-out sun charm attached to it. Maybe, you should call and check up-You quickly shove that thought away.

No.

If your brother needed anything from you, he would call. You shouldn’t bother him otherwise. And it’s not like his endoskeleton locks up anymore due to the upgraded model he has now. 

Bending over to touch your toes, you finally hear a ”click” indicating that your joint valves are properly aligned and flowing again. With a satisfied sigh, you stand upright, shaking out the last bit of stiffness. Opening and closing your wings a couple of times to make sure they are functioning properly, before folding them down to rest against the curve of your back.

Leisurely walking out from behind the security desk you take a slow look around. Nothing has really changed over the last couple of years in the daycare in regards to appearance. Most of the bigger play equipment that is welded and screwed into the floor structure is still in place as well as the soft colorful cushion-like flooring checkered throughout. The massive pit underneath the balcony, is still as full as ever of the annoying colorful balls and the massive sun and moon-themed clock that hides the entryway to your room is still softly ticking and tocking away on the tower, along with all the hanging backdrops of fluffy white clouds and golden stars that move around with the day-night cycle of the daycare. (However, you always prefer to keep it in a state of in between as it’s most comfortable for you. Forever in dancing twilight.)

But…

Even with everything still intact, It’s rather eerie without the sound of your brother’s boisterous voice and the children’s overly excited shouts and laughter filling in the silence. Considering three years have passed since the plex was completely closed to the public and was turned into the company’s storage and cataloguing building, you’re still not quite use to it. 

You can’t say you didn’t enjoy it at first, but the quiet quickly became isolating to your processors. 

Somedays the whispers of nostalgia echo through out the empty daycare whenever you would reminisce, but they were a poor substitute for the joy and happiness that once thrived here. Back when you and your brother were just simple daycare attendances and performers. But, after every that has happened, it’s better this way. Better for you and better for him.

Safer.

The only real notable changes to the daycare are all the missing characters props and posters you took down. You alway disliked the oversized cut out of the animatronic characters. Finding them creepy with their gigantic eyes staring, unblinkingly at you. Only the faint outlines remain of the missing artworks now. No matter how hard you tried, you can’t seem to clean the scuff marks off the walls. Despite that you do try your best to keep everything clean and organized. Definitely not up to your brother’s standards by any means, but when you remember you’ll dust and tidy up. Speaking of which; you run a finger along the front of the security desk. A thin layer of dust sticks to it. You grimace, logging the chore for a later, as well as setting a reminder. 

With a half hearted huff you wipe the dust on the leg of your jumper and turn to face the balcony, careful not to step on the parts of your wings that drag on the floor. Having tripped on them one to many times before. Sure, the long tails of your wings looked pretty when you would sit on your swing to tell stories or fly through the air on the trapeze, but now they are more of a nuisance than anything else. You have considering removing them in the past, but finding out the wing joints are directly connected to your endoskeleton’s spine; it’s much more trouble than it’s worth. (You’ll never admit it out loud, but they also remind you of your twin.)

Just as you were going to call your tether down to bring you up to your room, the alert for the portal goes off.

“Portal opening.”

Your optics widen in surprise. What? It shouldn’t be possible for anyone or anything to open the dimensional portal due to you locking it. 

Unless…

You forgot to lock it, after your last run to the abandoned dimension. You quickly dig through your memory files and come to the conclusion that in your excitement, you did in fact forget to lock the portal after finding the coded blueprints. 

You deadpan. For somebody who’s supposed to be intellectually enlighten and a genius, you’re certainly prone to stupidity simple mistakes. Frustrated with yourself, you approach the portal, wings dragging silently behind you like an overly long cape.

“Damn it, Jade activate defense protocols.” You order around the halfway point to the pit. Rubbing at your faceplate, more than a little annoyed at the inconvenience. You’re way too tired for this…Reaching into your pocket you pull out a candy, popping it into your mouth and biting down on it with a “crunch”. A small burst of energy spikes through your system.

“Defense Protocols Activated. However, No Hostile Threats Are Detected.” The low voice of your super computer echos around the daycare. “Waiting For Your Command, Boss.”

“Standby.” You tell Jade, well brushing an antenna over your shoulder, a bit surprised to hear about the non-hostile. However, you have had one to many close encounters with uninvited guests to know that being welcoming could lead to disaster. Having worked to hard and sacrifice to much in order to keep your dimension safe and protect from past threats. You’re not going to mess it all up just because you forgetting to lock the equivalent of a door behind you.

You take a calculated breath; fan’s kicking up a notch, preparing yourself for whatever might step through the god forsaken portal this time.

“Whoever or whatever you are, you better step out of the ball-pit with your hands up and thats including any additional sets you may have.” You call out, where you’re standing. You can hear the shuffling of the plastic balls as if whoever is in there is deciding whether to heed your command or stay put. You frown, you have never had a lot of patience and it’s paper thin at this point due to your lack of charge. 

“You have exactly ten seconds, before I decide to vaporize you, straight down to your atoms.” You tell the intruder dryly. (It’s an empty threat, but the intruder doesn’t need to know that.) Crossing your arms over your chest and shifting your weight to one foot, tapping the other impatiently. Beginning to count down, only to stop when you hear an eerily, familiar voice. Your feathery antennas perking up, arms dropping to your sides.

“M-moon? Is-is that you??”

Your code stutters.

What?

It couldn’t be, could it?? 

But, the voice is unmistakable to you.

Why would he be here?—Quickly but, cautiously you step forward to the edge of the ball-pit. The owner of the voice’s slowly emerges from the plastic balls and you’re met with frightened pearlescent optics. 

Something painfully pulls at your circuits at the site of them. Wondering if you accidentally did eat the whole bag of Sundrops without realizing it and are hallucinating again.

Your processor scrambling to make sense of what you’re seeing as you continue to stare dumbly. 

Couldn’t they have been any other color? Blue, gold, hell even red would have been just fine, but no. They are exact same shade of milky-pealdrop white as your twin’s once was. (The LED’s in them having been burnt out from overuse and faulty wiring.) It's impossible, you remind yourself, but the resemblance is uncanny…

It’s a Sun.

That explains why Jade told you there wasn’t a threat. Looking closer at the solar themed attendant, he has undeniable similarities to your brother’s old model, he is just missing the butterfly wings and the petal like rays. (He also looks noticeably worn out in terms of upkeep and his paint is rather dull for a daffodil yellow.) The air in your processors becomes heavy, the realization washing over you like an unexpected rainstorm. The Sun twitches slightly as he shifts nervously watching you.

Gods…

He looks so scared and it tugs at your synthetic heartstrings like nothing else could. He seems so fragile in that moment, his form trembling slightly amidst the vibrant plastic sea of colors.

How are we so careless. You growl to yourself bitterly. It’s always the same with your alternates selfs. Always taking their loved one’s for granted. 

But, it’s not you really have room to talk about taking people for granted, it’s basically programmed in your nature, isn’t? Being a Moon and all.

 
You despise that it’s such a common occurrence in other dimensions, having seen and experienced it firsthand. It’s one of the reasons you keep the portal locked. 

Moons are…

You are…

Careless, Narcissistic, Cruel, Selfish...

Those words playing on a loop in your mind. Chastising yourself inwardly, feeling the weight of your past mistakes and other selfs pressing upon your shoulders. 

Shared traits, you can't ever seem to escape from, so you hide. Right?

Anger and frustration begins to bubble through your wires, like hot sparks threatening to ignite at the unpleasant thoughts, hands clenching tightly, into fists at your sides. The urge to hit something pulls at you, but you quickly smother it. Knowing that it will accomplish nothing in this situation other than scaring the lost animatronic more and most likely breaking something in the process. Instead, you unclench your fists, forcing yourself to relax, bring up a hand rest on the middle of your torso. Shoving down the waves of emotions that are threatening to overtake your internal processors down as far as you can. 

Don’t scare him. Don’t be that Moon, don’t be that Monster.

Be calm.

You compose yourself. Coming off as calm and collective to the familiar, but very much at the same time, unfamiliar Sun in the ball-pit. 

“Good guess.” You tell the confused looking solar themed attendant. “ But, I’m not your Moon.” You extend your hand out for the other to take. He stares at it with wide doe-like optics. “A better question is; What are you doing here?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sun is not having a good day. 

Well, to be fair Sun hasn’t really had a good day in a long time, what with the constant gnawing of anxiety and guilt, twisting and pulling at his circuits. 

Ever since old Moon gave his life up to save KC, Sun has been struggling to cope with the loss of his brother. (Due to Sun’s screw up with the magic pool, completely backfiring in his face.)

Not, that Sun doesn’t love the new Moon. He really does (as he does with all his new siblings). New Moon is much kinder and gentler than old Moon ever was. Embodying everything Sun has ever wanted from his brother in regards to love and affection, even if new Moon can’t remember anything from his previous life. But, despite all these positive qualities, an emptiness still lingeres, a space once occupied by shared memories (no matter how painful) and brotherly bonds that new Moon couldn’t seem to replace. And that made Sun feel that much worse, not being able to see the New Moon as anything other than an echo. Unable to fill the void the old Moon left behind in Sun’s code, regardless of the harsh mistreatment or belittlement he would receive from his twin. 

Sun misses Moon deeply. 

He knows it’s not new Moon’s fault in the slightest and that it’s not fair to compare one to the other. But, sometimes it’s hard not to…They both have the same mannerisms. Liked the way they both would tilt their head ever so slightly when deep in thought or well working on something has their complete attention. Similar likes and dislikes. Such as the utterly annoying love they both share for dairy by products, regardless of them both being lactose intolerant…Yet, it's the small differences that remind Sun this is a new beginning and not merely a continuation of old Moon’s self. 

So Sun tried.

He tried to connect and bond with new Moon, showing him old videos from the Channel and playing games with him, but nothing seemed to really click between the two like it did with old Moon. Every attempt felt forced in Sun’s eyes, like trying to recreate something that is long gone and faded.

Then Solar came into the picture. As if Sun and Moon’s relationship wasn’t already like dancing awkwardly on eggshells. The nice Eclipse was able to easily slip into the family’s wacky and chaotic dynamic. Solar and Moon getting along like two peas in a pod. The fun and silly banter Solar had with Lunar and Earth often left Sun feeling like an outsider. Watching them all bond effortlessly, only highlighted the chasm between him and the family. Not that Sun doesn’t like Solar, he likes him well enough. But, whenever Sun would try to engage the Eclipse model in conversation or share a moment of levity, it often felt awkward and out of place. With Solar clamping up or giving one word responses before saying he needs to leave or do something else. Leaving much to be desired and making Sun feel boxed out from him without a reason why. Even when Earth would nudge him towards Solar with whispered assurances, Sun's attempts were always met with politeness, but not warmth.

Regardless, Sun continues to try. 

He tries with all his might to find common ground with Moon and Solar, to try and build a bond, like they have so effortlessly seemed to forged with each other. Having encouragement and support from Earth, who has been a great help with organizing little family events and game nights. However, Sun often found himself standing at the edge of the family’s get togethers observing the others with a joyous, smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes anymore. More often than not, being the odd one out in any game or activity that required a partner. Sitting on the sidelines. It was beginning to wear on him, this feeling of being an outsider in his own little circle of loved ones. 

It stung almost as bad as when old Moon would hit him repeatedly with that stupid stick. However, after observing the way, Moon and Solar interact with each other, Sun couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. Their synergy and natural ease to be together seemed to create a barrier he couldn't penetrate. Despite this, Sun refused to let his smile falter, not wanting to ruin their fun or give anybody the idea that his was jealous of their close bond…

But, there's just something about Solar and Moon’s relationship that pulls at Sun's code every time he sees them together. It’s almost like Solar and Moon should be brothers instead of Sun and Moon…Like Solar completes Moon in a way Sun never could. The inside jokes and understanding glances, going over the sun-themed animatronic’s head. To the point where they would talk like he is not even there sometimes. Not that Sun doesn’t try to enter into the conversation when he feels like he can contribute to it, but more often than not, he just ends up making it seem stilted. His attempts to join feel misplaced, as if the rhythm of their conversation is a dance he cannot grasp or imitate. 

And that’s where Sun finds himself right now. Standing awkwardly in front of the daycare’s security desk with both Moon and Solar staring at him, having missed-stepped and stumbled. Over hearing that they wanted to work on and tweak the portal a bit. Under normal circumstances Sun would never even consider volunteering to help with such a seemingly dangerous thing, Sun knows he is a coward. but the daytime attendant can’t remember the last time he has seen Moon outside of the occasional “hello” in the morning during breakfast. Considering, the lunar-themed attendant is always, always with Solar or in parts and services nowadays. Trying to find ways to stop Eclipse (Another thing Sun failed at succeeding with. Killing Eclipse.)

So, when Sun saw the opportunity to spend some time with his brother, he jumped at it. Wanting to show that he can be just as capable as Solar is. 

Sun wants to show Moon that he is good enough to be called his brother. That he is worthy enough to be loved.

There is a moment of silence, between the three animatronics.

“Ah? Ya, sure about this Sun? I mean, Moon and I can test the portal without your help. I’m sure you probably have better things to do. Like…cleaning or something?” Solar said looking away, avoiding eye contact with the other sun-themed animatronic. Something unpleasant twists in Sun’s chest chassis at the feeling of being brushed off. Shifting his weight from one foot to the other, nervously pulling at his wrist ribbons, making the bells chime softly. Anxiety tethering through his wires as he glanced at Moon, hoping for some support. It seems to work as his brother’s scarlet optics looked away from the PC screen to lock onto his own, sitting up in the computer chair.

“Just let him help, Sol. It’s just a routine check and recalibration anyway.” Moon says haphazardly, breaking eye contact with Sun, going back to typing on the keyboard. 

“But-“ Solar looks down at Moon in surprise. 

“It’s not like he can mess this up.” Moon cuts the mechanic off with a dismissive wave of his hand, both him and Solar missing the small flinch that Sun does at his brother’s words. “A simple in-and-out scenario to a friendly dimension.”

“Mmm…Fine. If you say so, Moon.” 

“Great, cuz I do say so. Sun-“ Moon started, Sun jumps a bit at being acknowledged so suddenly. “Go stand in the ball-pit. Well Solar and I finish up the calibrations. It won't take long.” 

Sun nods, still fidgeting with his ribbons before letting go of them. Turning away from his brother and Solar, briskly walking over to the ball-pit. The mixture of nerves and anxiety churning within him as he reaches the edge of the teleporter disguised as harmless child’s play structure. Vibrant plastic spheres shifting beneath his slippered feet as he steps in and makes his way to stand in the middle. Second-thoughts and self doubt being swarming his mind like mosquitoes. 

Maybe, he shouldn’t do this? It could be dangerous-No, It’s fine. Sun reassurance himself. Lacing his fingers together in front of himself, so he is not fidgeting and giving off the impression that he’s nervous to the other two animatronics. Making sure his faceplate is set to its default smile.

Like Moon said, this is just a routine check with the teleporter. He can’t mess this up. Nothing to worry about. Besides, he volunteered himself for this. Can’t chicken out now. Sun’s fan kicking up a couple of notches, trying to cool off his racing processor. 

Sun needs to show that he worth Moon’s time and love.

The daycare attendant takes a deep breath though his vents and focuses his attention on the swirling colors beneath him. The uneasy thoughts claws at Sun's mind, persistent and heavy as he forces himself to relax, hearing Moon call out to him from across the daycare.

“Okay, Sun we are booting up the portal now. You might feel a bit of disorientation after the transfer due to the dimensional shift and the portal’s recalibrations. But, don't worry, it's completely normal.” Moon's voice echoed, calm and reassuring. It’s not like Sun hasn’t been thought the portal many times before, but it still really nice to hear that coming from the other, regardless.

“Okay, brother.” Sun calls back. Sounding more confident than he really is. Looking over at the other two animatronics standing back behind the desk. Trusting his brother, Sun tries his best to shake off the mounting anxiety as the humming of the portal starts up beneath him, signaling that it was turned on. Watching as Solar and Moon work on the computers in front of them. Unable to make out what they are saying to one another as they are too far away for him to hear properly without having to rise their voices. So Sun waits, completely unaware of what’s happening behind the desk…

“Wait, Moon something isn’t right. The coordinates are completely off.” Solar exclaimed, his voice edged with confusion and a bit of alarm at what he is looking at. 

“Huh? What do you mean the coordinates are off?” The lunar-themed animatronic turns to look at the other bot next to him. “They were entered right when we started? ” Moon quickly checks the monitor, eyes narrowing as he scans the lines of code, seeing that Solar is in fact, right.

“I know, but I just double checked the data and the coordinates are for a completely new dimension. I can’t even pull up any information in our database about it.” Solar frowns. “Weird? It’s almost like something is blocking our scanners from seeing anything?”

“Well, change them back to the original ones. We can check out this new dimension later, after we finish up with testing.” Moon huffed, stopping his data tracking for a moment to watch Solar make said adjustments. Both knowing it shouldn’t be that difficult. Yet, as Solar keyed in the original coordinates, the screen flashed an error message: 

**Access Denied: Coordinates Locked.**

“Huh? I can’t? It’s not letting me?” Solar’s faceplate scrunched up with frustration, hands hovering over the keyboard will typing furiously at the keys.

“What do you mean you can’t-Then just power it down.” Moon frowns, his voice rising slightly. "We can't send Sun through there without knowing if it’s safe or not."

“I’m trying too, but I can’t trigger the override code.” Solar curses under his breath, still typing frantically on the keyboard trying to stop it. The same message kept popping up:

**Access Denied: Manual Override Required**. 

Moon glanced over Solar's shoulder, eyes widening as he reads the screen. Panic in both the mechanic and scientist, rising as the portal's hum intensifies, vibrating through the daycare like an electric storm as the swirling colors growing more chaotic underneath the unaware sun themed animatronic who is still standing in the of the ball-pit. Realizing that they’re not gonna be able to stop it in time, Moon shoots up abruptly. 

“Sun! Get out of there now!” Moon shouts urgently. Bolting out from behind the computer desk to try to reach his brother and pull him out. Well Solar frantically tries to manually shut down the machine.

But, it was too late.

Sun didn’t even have time to react only being able to watch in horror as his brother tries and fails to get to him in time. Feeling a sudden shift around him. An overwhelming feeling of fear grips his wires as he stares into his brother’s panicked cherry colored optics. Like a deer caught in headlights. There was momentary weightlessness underneath his feet as Sun is pulled under.

Then colorful landscape of the daycare and Moon blurs and twists together, folding in on itself like an origami napkin. Making Sun’s processors spin, trying to make sense of the sensations as they envelop him.

When the swirling chaos finally stopped, Sun found himself in the familiar embrace of the ball-pit. The colorful spheres of plastic completely blocking out his vision. Then, everything was still, a stark contrast to the whirling madness that had just swallowed him whole a minute ago. 

A small ping of hope sparks in Sun’s chest at the thought that maybe, he is still in his daycare? That maybe, the teleporter didn’t work? But, that hope was quickly squashed, when Sun hears Moon’s voice calling out.

Only, it’s not Moon’s voice.

Sun knows his Moon’s voice. He’d recognize it from anywhere. However, there was something slightly off about it (Not unlike new Moon’s voice is now.) Sun quickly realized.

The voice was softer, quieter, and carrying an almost dreamy-like quality to it. Or it would have, if it wasn’t currently yelling at Sun to exit the ball-pit with his hands up. 

Sun quickly put it together that this is another version of Moon. Shifting nervously within the confines of the ball-pit, each movement sent plastic spheres shuffling around him. He hesitated, debating whether to obey this universes Moon’s command or stay hidden. Having been in similar situations before, all ending up with him almost getting scrapped. 

The word vaporize is suddenly said. Making Sun’s processors stutter in alarm. The familiar sense of dread settled into his circuits as he tried to assess the situation. Maybe, Sun can stall for sometime, for his Brother to come and rescue him?

Sun takes a deep breath, metaphorically speaking, and calls out quietly.

“M-moon? Is-is that you??” Sun slowly emerges from the colorful ball-pit.

There was a moment of silence as Sun comes face to face with you…

Chapter Text

“So, your teleporter just upped and malfunctioned?” You ask, a bit skeptical, examining the screen in front of you. Clawed fingers typing aggressively on the keyboard. Finding it rather peculiar that something like this happened in the first place. Sure, Moons can be careless in regard to others and their feelings, but never in their work…   

You would know.

“I-I think so?” Sun stutters out, nervously picking at the red ribbons wrapped around his waists as he stands next to you, just out of arms reach. You don’t blame him for being cautious. You think most Suns have an innate understanding when Moons are irritated or mad. (Not that you’re mad at him. No, no, no you’re mad at his Moon. Because, who else would be so careless and senseless enough to send their brother to an undocumented and unknown universe.) And that just bothers you more, knowing this. You manage not to sigh out loud, but you can’t stop your feathery antennas from flickering up and down in frustration. 

The familiar craving for MoonDrops begins to itch beneath your fangs, but you manage to smother it. Instead, quickly popping a SunDrop into your mouth with an aggressive “crunch”. The new found energy helping you process the events that got you to this point.

After you managed to coax the frightened sun-themed animatronic out of the ball pit, you set about trying to get him back home. However, with little to no success on getting useful information out of him in regard to what happened other than he thinks there was a malfunction of some kind with the teleporter that resulted with him ending up here. His skittish nature isn’t helping at all either. But, then again you think that’s how any normal person would react in this situation. You wonder if the glitch he spoke of might have jumbled more than just his coordinates and looking closer at the data displayed on your computer screen, you come to the troubling conclusion that your theory is correct.

Great. 

Just great…

The path to his dimension is badly scrambled. The space around it warped and misshapen. A concerning amount of stray black holes, worm holes and space debris popping up around the dimension, are detected on your scanners. Sending him back now with the path being as broken as it is now, would most likely result in his death, being squished into spaghetti bits…And the only way for the broken path to be fixed would be from Sun’s dimension and right now you struggling to pinpoint his dimension’s signature code to get into contact with his stupid Moon. And let’s just say you’re a little more than stressed due to your sleep schedule or lack thereof.

“Mm, and you’re absolutely sure you have no idea what your dimensions signature code is?” You ask, sparing a glance at the other animatronic from your sit in the computer chair. Your tone sounding much more exasperated than you intended. Sun's expression is a mix of apology and helplessness, bright eyes dimming just slightly.

“No, S-sorry.” Voice quiet as he hunches in on himself. Wilting, not unlike that of a flower without his namesake. Something unpleasant twists in your code at the sad sight, quickly glaring back to the computer screen. 

The awkward meeting with your brother’s look alike has left your circuits buzzing and on edge. Part of you wants to shove away that gnawing discomfort, by sending this Sun to another dimension for someone else to deal with, but you know that would be wrong. 

The old you, would have done it. This isn’t your problem. A small voice whispers from the back of your mind. 

You stopped typing, claws scraping the keys slightly. Having gone completely rigid in your sit. The action catching the attention of the animatronic next to you, who shifts uncomfortably in his place. Watching you with wary optics unaware of your thoughts. 

No, you remind yourself, you promised to do better, to be better. 

You’re not that monster anymore…

Are you sure about that?

Then reassure him, you idiot. It’s obvious he’s scared out of his CPU. 

It isn’t his fault that he is stuck here. He is a victim of circumstance. It’s his lackwitted Moon’s fault that he is here in the first place and it’s your fault that the portal was left open on your end…

Take responsibility for your mistakes…

Right.

Don’t abandon him…

You have done it before, what’s stopping you from doing it again?

You promised him.

Taking a breath you didn't need, you force yourself to relax bring up a clawed hand to run through the fluffy mane that sits around your neck. The soft petting feeling calming and familiar, enough to allow your claws to retracted back into there casing. (You didn’t even realize that they had popped out at some point in your frustration.) Turning to your brother’s look-like, offering a gentle smile, hoping to reassure him that everything is okay. Much like you used to do with the children of the daycare who were frightened of the dark, telling them there was nothing to be afraid of. 

“I see, it’s not a big deal. It just means it will take a little longer to get you back home. Considering, I’m not able to send you back from my end, so we will need to get into contact with your Moon.” Your tone is softer and less frustrated than before. You can noticeably see the tension leave the Sun’s body; His shoulders relaxing as you explain this to him. God, you feel even worse now, seeing how much your mood affected him. Only, the faintest sound of the clock tower ticking in the background of the Daycare is heard between the two of you. As you think of the next thing to say.

“Sun?”

He jumps a bit, clearly startled that you used his name. 

“Y-yes, my name is-is Sunrise.” His pitch an octave higher.

Oof, you did’t mean to sound so firm when addressing him. It’s been while since you last had a proper conversation with someone other than Jade. It doesn’t really help that you don’t exactly have the best social skills, what’s more of your brother’s department.

“Ah? Got ya. Look, Sunrise sorry, if I seem upset or anything like that. I’m…It’s just very late and I’m a bit tired. I wasn’t expecting anybody to pop out the portal, either. Actually at all for that matter.” You apologize awkwardly, letting your hand fall to your lap. 

“S-so you’re, not going to hurt me or try and keep me for evil purposes?” Sun asks hesitantly.

What did he just say?

You blink, taking a moment, then blink again. Processors finally catching up.

“What?!”

The day-themed attendant nearly jumps out of his casing at the sheer volume of your harpy-like screech. Surprised your voice box is able to get that loud.

 “Oh my god, no!” You gasp in shock, antennas perking up, along with the fluff around your neck poofing out in a display of disbelief and concern. “Does…Does that like, happen a lot to you or something?” You stare at him in dismay.

“Ah? Hm, um...Well, kind of…N-not as often as you are thinking, I-I swear….Just s-sometimes…" He admits, fiddling with his cream colored fingers looking embarrassed and uneasy about the confession.

There was an awkward pause.

“And…You’re sure you want me to send you back?” You ask slowly, antennas folding back, not unlike that of a pair of cat or dog ears would, when hearing something unpleasant. 

The Sun hesitates, optics flicking to the portal, before looking back at you. 

“Y-yes?”

Of course the Sun wants to go back to the Moon, it’s in their code.

“That sounds more like a question, than an answer.” You hum out, willing yourself to calm down. Trying hard not to think about how you just overreacted. “But, if you really want to go back, I’ll help as best as I can.” Truth be told, you don’t really want to get involved more than you have to. If he wants help, he would ask you. Otherwise, you should mind your own business. Learning firsthand that meddling in other dimension’s affairs is best left alone. 

“Ah, t-thank you, my little brother is probably worried sick about me.”

Oh?

You take in this information, chewing on it for a moment. That’s a surprise. Normally, Moons are the older ones. Maybe, this Sun’s Moon is an exception? You find yourself curious about their dynamic, how the roles might be reversed, to some degree and what that means.

“Your Moon is younger?” You question, using your fingers to brush down the fluff of your mane, well staring over at him for your seat. 

“Y-yes, he is…Is that a problem?” Sun asked anxiously, shifting on his feet as if getting ready to run at any moment. Or, maybe that’s protectiveness you hear? There is still some fire to this one.

Either way, there you go again, asking questions you probably shouldn’t and not minding your own business.

“No, no, not a problem at all. ” You quickly wave your free hand up and down in dismissive manner, trying to ease his nerves. “I was just surprised to hear that. Normally, we Moons are the older ones, but I guess that’s not the case for you two.” You turn back to your computer. Trying your best to ignoring the saddened and far off look that suddenly flickers in the other animatronic’s optics. It’s not your business. “Anyway, let’s get back to looking for a way to get ahold of your little brother.” You fingers going back to typing all be it, much less aggressive this time. Barely catching the small “Thank you.” coming from the other. 

An awkward 15 minutes of silence later, you’re finally able to locate the signal. However, it’s rather weak…  

**Dimensional Code; Earth-616; Match Found For Sunrise {DCA001]    

**Dimensional Signature Confirmed.

** Proceed With Connection?

**Y Or N…

“Found it.” You say triumphantly to yourself, a small smile breaking out on your face. Hitting a couple more keys, you pull up unstable video feed. Letting it ring for a few moments as you adjust the frequency to clear the static with the more stable connection that you’re able to proved from your end of the connection. Seeing this, Sun steps closer to you.

The call is answered rather quickly and you are greeted by a Moon. His sliver and navy blue face plate, uncomfortably close to the camera. A snarl pulling at his mouth showing off his sharp fangs as well as his striking cherry-red optics that are glaring at you. You grimace at this, trying to ignore the disgust crawling at the back of your mind, able to keep a neutral expression despite the unease your feeling in your wires at the other lunar-themed bot. Maybe, he won’t jump to conclusions, you think. But, you doubt it, knowing how Moons get when something doesn’t go their way. Taking note of somebody standing close next to him, their hand on his shoulder as if holding him back from jumping at you through the screen. Only able to catch glimpses of their arm and upper torso, but you easily recognize the burnt orange and ebony black of an Eclipse.

How curious?

A younger Moon and an Eclipse that seems to have some type of relationship with the celestial twins, you find this rather interesting. Everything about it seems so unnatural, yet you know that possibly and outcomes of other dimensions are pretty much endless. As you process this surreal scene, you can't help but ponder the implications of such an encounter. What are the probabilities of an outcome like this one to come to fruition? What would have it taken for you to keep your Eclipse with you like this Moon? What could have you done differently to keep them both with you? The question(s) echoes in your circuits, sparking both curiosity and a twinge of regret. You shove the thoughts away. Something to think about later, as you need to focus on the matter at hand—a way to get this Sun back to his home and let his Moon know, you’re not a threat. 

“Hello, It’s seems I have something of your-“ You start to say, but are interrupted.

“Where is my brother! I know, you have him!”

Not entirely unexpected behavior from the other the Moon, but still rude .

You open your mouth to answer him, but are interrupted again.

“Because if you hurt him in anyway, I swear to god, I will disassemble you myself, you weird looking mothball freak!!” 

What an original insult, you think sarcastically. You know you don’t look like a normal Moon per-say (You are extremely thankful for this fact, because you don’t think you would be able to look in the mirror otherwise.) but, you are still very much a Moon…regrettably.

The lunar model continues to rant, throwing threats at you. Hearing the Eclipse, trying to calm the enraged Moon down in a hushed voice, you can’t quite make out what they are saying.

You sigh, inwardly, antennas twitching softly with frustration. Bringing up a hand to smooth them back over your shoulders.

At the very least, this Moon is protective of his Sun, you suppose. Probably better than most other reactions you would’ve got or have seen in the past…

But, this Moon’s tone, seems so off, for some reason? Almost…gentle in a sense? It’s not very Moon-like at all. Perhaps it’s the fact, you know he is younger? But, looking closer, there is a lackluster quality to the anger, a sharpness that lacks the cold and calculated resolve other Moons often wield when angry or threatened. It piqued your curiosity as much as it made you skeptical.

Almost, like he is…

Scared.

Ah? You see what’s happing. He is putting on a façade, trying to seem fierce and threatening, when in reality, he is terrified. Subconsciously, you bring a hand to rest in the middle of your abdomen underneath the desk.

He is scared for his Sun…

That’s….That’s actually quite adorable, now that you realize this. Like a kitten, puffing up and hissing at the big bad wolf, trying to act intimidating…Not even realizing that said big bad wolf doesn’t have fangs anymore.

All bark and not bite.

There was a time where it was the other way around, truly a shame.

No, you are better this way.

Maybe, you can tease him a little bit?

After all he is the one who lost his brother in the first place. Gotta teach him a lesson in not to lose such important things. And let’s just say you get a kick out of knocking other Moons down a peg when you can. You know it’s immature, but it’s something all Moons seemingly due to each other when given the chance and you’re no exception to this rule.

You cut the Moon off mid sentence. A dark cackle (That would make any Lord Eclipse proud.) escaping from your voice box. Leaning fully into the bit of the villainess brother-napper that he is assuming you are. Allowing a dark expression to cross your face. Although your eyes betray you, glittering with mirth and mischief. The only one who notice this change in your demeanor is, the Sun standing next to you, having chosen to remain quiet. 

“Oh really, you’re going to end me?” Your tone is overly snide. “That’s rich, coming from the little Moon that lost his Sun in the first place, don’t you think? After I went through alll the trouble to find your dimensional code.” You hum, eyes half-lit. Not giving the other lunar-bot a chance to speak. Continuing on your monologue. “Considering the signal is completely scramble. I bet all you could find was static, right? Just screaming into the endless void for the brother you lost, unable to get a signal out of your own dimension’s border and with your teleporter being out of commission there was no way to get outside help until it’s fixed.” You tut, well bringing up your elbow on the desk and resting your chin on the back of your hand. “Mm, maybe I should just disconnect the call and let you figure it all out yourself? With how ungrateful you sound.” An arrogant smirk presents itself on your face, but the mischief still sparks brightly in your optics. Seeing how the other Moon visibly becomes tense at your words, as does the hand on his shoulder. Everything grows silent for a moment, the air thick with unspoken tension. They realize you have all of the playing cards in your hand.

Your lilac colored optics meeting cherry red ones in a battle of wills.

And just like that, his bravado cracks like thin ice under pressure, and beneath it, you see glimpses of vulnerability that genuinely surprise you.

“What, do you want?”    

It’s so uncharacteristically quick, for a Moon to crumble like that, you can’t stop yourself from breaking composure. Wicked little giggles of amusement, escaping out from your voice box. A flustered look suddenly appears on the other’s faceplate.

“Why are you laughing like that?! This is serious?!” The Moon at this point grabbing a hold of the computer screen shaking it back and forth. Making you laugh harder at the childish behavior.

“Wow, little Moon,” You croon, managing to finally get a hold of your giggle fit. “You’ve got to lighten up bit, I was just teasing you.”

“Don’t call me that!” He snaps, clearly annoyed by this. “Were you just messing with us this whole time?!”

“Ya I was, would you rather I wasn’t?” You say, bring up your hands in a shrug, winking mischievously at him.

“Why, you-“ He paused in his words, seemingly at a loss, clenching his mechanical fists tightly by his sides. But, the way his shoulders fall, you can tell he is relieved to some degree.

“Anyway, if you are done being overdramatic, I have somebody here that would like to talk with you.” You gesture to Sun, who had stayed surprisingly quiet through the whole exchange. (Perhaps he knew that you were just playing or perhaps he was simply too scared to step in? Hm?) Nodding your head to him, then to the screen. Signaling him to come closer. You are thankful he is quick to understand, stepping into view of the camera.

“Moon?”

“Sun?! You are okay?! You are not hurt are you!? I was so worried when I didn’t get to you in time to pull you out.” The concern in the other Moon’s voice is oddly authentic, you notice. You would find it sweet, if you did’t know it was a Moon speaking. You let the two brothers talk to each other, having moved out of the way to give the solar theme animatronic space to stand in front of the camera. 

Their interaction is surprisingly wholesome to watch play out. Hearing them asking if one another was okay. The conversation peppered with concern but also warmth, which softens the tension in the room dramatically. It leaves you feeling envious curious, as to the depth of their bond. Seeing the Moon's faceplate soften with relief was strange. It’s almost a tender expression…So strange.

Then the mood shifts as soon as the Eclipse chimes in, his face finally coming into view of the camera as he leans down.

“So what’s the plan on getting Sun back home?” His voice is gruff, no wonder why you weren’t able to make out his words before. A soft-spoken Eclipse, you never thought you’d see the day…Huh?

Unlike the Moon who look’s rather well taken care of in regard to his appearance and Sun who looks like he needs a good polishing and touchup, the Eclipse looks worn out if not outright neglected in terms of his upkeep. A pair of well loved goggles sits amongst the rows of chipped and cracked black and orange rays and what you assume is oil, stains his “SuperStar Daycare” shirt in the various places. There's an air of resilience to him, that just screams ‘I’m so done, right now’. Not that you blame him, this situation would wear anyone thin, yourself included. Your battery running at 31% from eating the SunDrop. You wonder if you can afford to eat another one and if you do, how high are the chances of having a hallucination? Honestly, you wish this situation was a hallucination, so you can just wake up from it.

God, you want a MoonDrop so bad right now…

“Well, that actually all depends on you two, considering there’s not much I can do on my end to send Sun back, unless of course you want me to send him back to you in the form of spaghetti noodles.” You say half jokingly, having moved back fully into view of the video feed. The Moon and Eclipse don’t seem to find that very funny and Sun looks horrified at you.

“What do you mean by that, exactly?” The Eclipse asks.

“Exactly what I said, your dimension’s code is all messed up and if I try to send Sun through now, there is 99.9% chance of him being crushed by random debris or sucked up by a black hole, turning him into a sunny side up egg only, all his end trails will be on the outside, so I guess more like a scrambled egg, to be honest?” You hum out, tapping a finger on the desk. The shocked looks on all the other animatronics before you tell you all you need to know, that they are inexperienced in terms of interdimensional travels and how it works. To be fair, It did take you quite a few tries to get your own portal to work correctly and that was with the help of the data you stole found in your Maker’s base of operation. But, that just begs the question, why would they send Sun through it if they didn’t know that their portal worked properly and was safe to use? It’s so peculiar. Under normal circumstances, you would just chalk it up to the Moon’s carelessness, but it’s completely obvious that this Moon cares a lot about his brother. Moons also tend to break without their Suns being around. So that can’t be it. Is it because the Moon is just that inexperienced in regards to the technology? But, then what about the Eclipse, he seems rather experienced, but also out of place? It’s just not adding up to you. There has to be pieces missing that you’re not seeing. Then again, how involved do you wanna get with this? You keep your dimension closed off and locked for a reason.

Mind your own business.

Right.

You sign, overly loud, running a hand down one of your fluffy antenna. Catching everyone’s attention.

“Look, just to make this easier for everybody, myself included. All you need to do is hard restart your portal on your end and I should be able to send your lost Sun back to you. No problem.” You say, clapping your hands together, with a smile. “Like it never happed and we can get back to our normal lives.”

Now, both the Moon and Eclipse look sheepish. 

“Ya, about that…” The Eclipse starts looking away from the camera to look somewhere in front of him. 

“Our portal is completely fried.” Moon finishes.

Yep, you’re going to need that MoonDrop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One week.

The three of you have come to the conclusion that it’s gonna take the other Moon and Eclipse who you’ve discovered is named Solar and Moondrop, (The irony of the Moon’s name is not lost on you.) one week to get their portal fixed. It may have taken them longer If they didn’t send you the data log and had you look over it. Having comped a list of parts and hardware that they will need to replace and fixed, along with new software, that will need to be updated and installed to insure the portal works properly again.

It’s strange, well looking through the the logs you were able to tell the portal hasn’t been properly updated in a long time in regards to the software and the firmware hasn’t had a proper calibration in the last five or so months. There also appears to be some form of tampering from somewhere. All of which is rather concerning to find. You frown, tapping a finger against the scratched up keyboard (You’re gonna have to order a new one again. Great.), trying to come up possible explanations. 

Looking surface level at the data log, it all points to a simple malfunction due to poor maintenance and upkeep, but digging deeper…

There is a backdoor in the date that shouldn’t be there…

Could it be some type of sabotage, you wonder. Was somebody intentionally trying to get rid of Sun? Hoping that he would fall into a black hole, if it wasn’t for the fact that your dimension just so happened to be there and the door open? A small chill runs down your spine at the thought, pulling your wings closer to yourself. If it is sabotage—it is of malicious kind. All of you may be animatronics and you can technically survive for some time out in space, but there’s still limitations; too much time would’ve passed for Sun to be saved before he succumb to the elements…

But, then who would-

Nope!

You quickly shake your head, feather antennas, brushing your cheeks at the movement. Sliver bells chiming softly. Don’t jump to conclusions. Your are still missing to many pieces to the puzzle to come up with the a solid answer as to what causes the malfunction, let alone if it was foul play or not. For all you know that back door could intentional. Regardless, you shouldn’t stick your nose in other dimension’s business and make it your problem, but what is your problem is the Sun currently sitting next to you in an old kid’s chair you managed to dig out from underneath the security desk for him to sit in. Not wanting to have to have him sit on the floor while you were finishing up your conversation and planing with his brother and Solar…

Having met a handful of Suns in the past and observing their behaviors, he is unusually quiet for one. Even if some of the Moon’s weren’t very nice to them (That’s putting it lightly to say the least.) they’re still pretty talkative or at least to some degree they are. Then again, he did just get dumped into some random dimension and is stuck here with no way home for at least a week, with a random animatronic, he’s never met before. So maybe he is still processing everything?

Slowly glancing over, you blink curiously at him. 

Sunrise.

That’s his name, but…

He doesn’t really look like his namesake at the moment.

What with his head bowed, hands resting in his lap and legs extended out in front of him, bent slightly at the joints. It reminds you of how the dancing marionettes would be stored in between performances—limbs slack, expression placid yet somehow touched with fatigue. 

He looks so…somber. 

Why? You wonder.

Unbeknownst to you, you were staring at the other animatronic. Thoughts running a mile a minute with all the possibilities. So you didn’t see the pearl-drop optics flicker over to you. 

"Did you need something from me, friend?" Sunrise inquires softly, making you jerk up in your seat, snapping you out of your train of thought and back into the physical realm. Seeing now he has pulled his longs legs up to his chest, partially.

“Ah, no sorry. I was just thinking is all. Um…Did you need anything? I know this is probably not the most ideal of circumstances for you to be in." You fiddle awkwardly with the end of your antenna, weaving it through your fingers, feeling slightly embarrassed that you were caught staring at him.

“Well, ah? I-I actually do have a couple of questions..If that’s okay?” He shifting nervously in his chair now. Fiddling with his ribbons again. You turn the computer chair to face him giving him your full attention. 

“Oh? Ya, ask away. I’ll do my best to answer them.” You say with a smile, tilting your head at him. 

Sunrise pauses for a moment as if thinking of the right words to say, glancing at his intertwining ribbons. You wait patiently. 

“Your Daycare…it’s…umm…It’s rather……” 

“Empty?” You finish for him, making him jump, looking up at you with wide optics. 

“Bare! I was going say b-bare.” He says waving his hands wildly in front of himself. Golden bells tingling loudly together at the motion, like an orchestra of tiny chimes caught in a storm.

You can’t help, but let an amused laugh escape from your voice box at his reaction. Finding it rather charming. Spotting a light huge of red, dusting the metal cheeks of the other bot as he seems to find his slippers rather interesting at the moment. 

“It’s fine, I won’t take any offense to anything you ask me.” You say, taking pity on him. Not wanting Sun to feel embarrassed or put out by your candid responses. “As for my Daycare, it’s closed down. Same for the rest of the plex actually. This place is nothing, but a storage facility now. Collecting all sorts of dust bunnies and cobwebs.”

“Really?” He looks up at you. 

“Really, really.” You confirmed. Finding amusement in the bewildered look he is giving you. 

“But, Fazbear-“

“Ah ~ ” You hold up a finger, waving it in a no-no motion. “And here is one of the main differences between our universes. Freddy Fazbear's Mega Pizzaplex never existed, this place was called Candy’s Mega Mall Emporium. The Fazbear’s franchise was completely bought out and liquidated by R&C’s Theatre Inc. Merging into one entity.” Rising up your other hand, and bring your pointer fingers together side by side to emphasize your point. “Due to this, the company wanted a more Wonderland theme for the Daycare and from that idea; The Dreamland Daycare was created. Hence, why I look so different compared to your Moon.” You pause, watching as he works through the information you gave him, rays twitching in thought. “In short; there was some internal disputes and creative differences that happened within the company’s management, this resulted in the closure of the plex and here we are now.” You glossed over a lot of finer details, but you don’t think it’s that important to share them. Plus, you don’t wanna overload or bore him with useless information from the past.

“Wait, so you have no more Daycare duties or responsibilities, but you still stay here?” Sun sits up in the little seat. You blink, not expecting a question like that one. It seems he has a taste of wanderlust, perhaps? 

Just like your brother.  

“I mean, I have no real reason to leave, considering I can order pretty anything I need for my projects and have it shipped here without any questions, pulse I get paid to watch an empty building. It’s a win-win in my books.” You shrug. The thought has crossed your mind a hand full of times of course. You literally can go anywhere you want in this world or anywhere in the other universes for that matter, but you choose to stay here in the confinement of the sickening familiar walls and empty echoes of a time long pasted. Content, in a way that maybe baffle those with a thirst for more. You can’t leave him behind. You also don’t want to deal with the problems of other Moons and Suns mixing into your life. Except, here you are, having to deal with exactly that…Funny, how irony seems to find ways to weave itself into even the most mundane routines of your existence. It really just took one little slip up to turn everything upside down, didn’t it? Having had gone solid two years without incident until now. Just one little mistake was all it took for you to end up with your brother’s doppelgänger sitting in a chair across from you.

“Wow…That’s….That’s so different.” Sun mumbles. You nod in agreement with him

“Tell me about it. I was so confused when I learned that other Daycare’s were called the Superstar Daycare and not Dreamland.” You chuckle. “It was quite a surprise.” To be honest it was more like a culture shock, but you quickly realized that it was your dimension, that was the odd one out.

“Hm…” He starts fiddling with his ribbons again, pulling at them. A tick, you quickly realize. Something he does when his nervous or on edge it seems. “S-so, It’s just you here, by yourself?”

“Mm, Kinda. I have my super computer, Jade-wired throughout the whole complex to help me with security and whatnot. But, he’s pretty shy so you have to address him first. Jade say, hello to our new guest.” You call out. There was a short pause, making you worried that he wasn’t going to say anything.

“Hello, Guest Sunrise.” Jade speaks quietly through the intercoms.

Sun blinks looking around for the voice.

“A-ah, Hello, it’s nice to meet you?”

“Please, Do Not Overstay Your Time At The Daycare And Please Do Not Give The Boss Trouble When Being Escorted Off The Premises, otherwise There Will Be Consequences.” 

“Oh, o-f course.” Sun squeaks out, sinking down in his seat, just as his rays had into their casing. Clearly understanding the underlining threat of misbehaving. 

“Jade.” You hiss, antennas flickering back.  

“Yes?” He had to the audacity to sound innocent.

“Please, run a refresher of your behavioral scrips. Specifically sub-section 4:B and columns 36 through 67. Our guest did not break in, therefore is welcomed here.” you say with a hint of frustration.

“Technically Sunrise Did-“

“I will not be engaging you in the technicalities right now, Jade.” Your tone if much more firm. “Note that Sunrise is a welcomed guest. So, run your scrips as was previously instructed.”

“Yes, Boss. Sunrise’s Status As A Welcomed Guest Has Been Noted And Logged For Future Interactions. I Will Indisposed For The Next Six Minutes And 53 Aeconds And Will Be Unable To Assist In Any Urgent Matters. Booting And Running Scrips Now.” There was a small “click” and Jade spoke no more. With that out of the way, you turn your attention back to Sun who looked a little bit more than unsettled. Hands grappling the small chair on either side of him. 

“Please, don’t mind Jade. We don’t really guests all that often, so he is not sure how to interact with them properly. Considering we most our ‘guests’ -’” You make bunny ears with your hands, moving them up and down as you say the word guests. “-are just get intruders trying to break into the plex and we have to deal with them.” God, you really need to work with Jade on his manners…but, then again how often do you actually have people visiting you?

“Y-you have break-ins?” Concerned, laced in his tone.

“Sure do, lots of valuable and dangerous things stored around here. So we have idiots who think it’s a good idea to try and steal them. But, it’s nothing you to worry about. My security system is top-notch.” You say, well standing up to stretch your arms over head. Thankful to not have locked up in the process. “Anyway, let’s head up, I still gotta show you where you will be staying and charging for the next week or so. Assuming you need to charge a course?” You say as you walk just a little ways from the desk, giving Sun time to get up and follow. He sees you waiting; scrambles out of little sit to catch up to you nearly, tripping over his own two feet. 

“Ah? Y-yes I need to charge.”

Sun’s answer doesn’t surprise you, as most DCA models are non-organic. (Excluding nano mites, of course.) You let a hum of acknowledgment, as he walks just a little ways behind you. Leading him to the smaller teleporter that connects to the clock tower. (Normally, you would just take the tether up, but you have Sun with you and you don’t want to go through the hassle of adding him to the plex’s network right now.) The sounds of his golden bells are heard “jingling” throughout the daycare as to where your silver ones remain silent. You were only a couple of feet away from the teleporter when he stops suddenly calling out to you.  

“Hey, um…”

You turn to look at him from over your shoulder.

“Hm? What’s up?” You ask tilting your head at him. Seeing Sun looking downward at the floor shifting one foot together in unsure manner. Pulling at his wrist ribbons again although this time it’s more frantic and for a second you think he is might actually ripping or tear them off. You wonder what’s bothering him. Maybe Jade really upset him that badly? However, that thought was quickly banished from your mind when he abruptly looks up, catching your eye. There is spark of something familiar behind his pearl-drop optics as something cold pulls at your code.

“Where is your Sun?”