Chapter Text
In the depths of the Playtime Co. toy factory, where the artificial light barely manages to reach in its entirety and the echo of the creatures is barely perceptible, Dogday reaches a corridor with the help of the elevator whose engine creaks under his weight, when he enters, silence reigns again in the area, being an eerie tranquility.
The floor beneath his feet is cold, each step echoes faintly on the walls covered with televisions that whisper in static, his body paints a shadow that stretches towards the end of the corridor where a double metal door awaits him. Arriving, he gives a firm push, making the hinges creak, squeaking with a guttural sound.
Dogday stands still for a moment, allowing his eyes to slowly adjust to the gloom of the place, he can smell the dust, moisture and rusted metal in the air.
-Ah... Dogday. -A monotone voice cuts through the silence. -What a pleasant surprise.
In front of him, in the center of the room, a colossal machine stands proudly, connected to the ceiling and floor by a tangle of thick and thin wires pulsing with a life of its own, at its core, a glass capsule reflects the dim light of the room, and inside this, floating in its prison, a human brain throbbed eerily.
But it was not just any brain.
The owner of that organ was none other than the same one who had been in charge of creating the beasts that now ruled the factory.
Harley Sawyer.
A shudder runs through Dogday's body, fear was beginning to make its way into his chest, but he swallows it, he cannot show weakness before the sadistic being. He slowly approaches the capsule, when suddenly, a loud bang echoes in the air making the orange fur turns, the door had slammed shut thanks to an animatronic, the figure moves away from the entrance.
-It´s rare for the leader of the Smiling Critters to enter these territories. -The eye that is projected on the screen squints. -Tell me... What brings you here?
-I've come to talk to you. -The Cocker Spaniel regains his firm tone. -It's about creating an alliance.
The machine brings its index finger to the bottom of the screen taking a pensive pose as it observes the canine in great detail, glimpses how his nose wrinkles every few seconds, the light from the pupils was only visible in one of his eye sockets, there was tear residue on his cheeks not to mention the blood crusts that adhered to his fur, and most importantly....
He notices the solar and moon pendant hanging from his neck.
Sawyer already has an idea of what the dog wants.
-What... kind of alliance? -The doctor makes eye contact.
-I need your beasts to track someone. -Dogday begins in a firm, almost authoritative tone -I may have a pack of mini Smiling Critters, but your creations know this territory better than anyone else.
A robotic laugh comes from the speakers.
-And what makes you think I'll help you? -The machine matches his tone of voice as it casts its shadow over the canine. -That I will put my creations at your service just to quench your thirst for revenge against the human who killed your boyfriend?
Dogday stands straight before the older one, his gaze remaining fixed on the eye of the screen as he brings one of his hands to his back where his spear is slung.
After a brief silence, the machine is the first to move.
-Don't waste your time, kid. -Sawyer speaks softly. -What you ask me is irrelevant.
But the one with the solar charm takes a step forward.
-I'll make it easy for you, Doctor. -He mumbles. -Help me with this and I'll give you what you've been looking for.... Rather than a waste of time, consider this a win-win.
Another mocking laugh.
-Oh, yeah? In the hypothetical case that I lend you my beasts and they find your human... What's for me? What I win?
-Poppy. -The dog crosses his arms with a smile. -I know you've been looking for a chance to kill her with your bare hands, well, I'm giving you that golden ticket.
Although, the proposal is too tempting, Harley is not one of those who accepts easily, he needs to analyze everything, evaluate it, see the fine print.
-You know, Dogday? -The machine walks slowly around the solar pendant, who only follows it with his eyes. -There's nothing in this company that escapes my sight, so I know perfectly that... In besides you, there is another one who is also looking for the human.
The atmosphere becomes tense, the rumble of the machine's feet making contact with the floor tile echoes, not until Sawyer stops with his back to the guest.
-So, dear puppy... I must ask you: what about the prototype?
Dogday's smile fades almost instantly, just as the Doctor suspected.
-What will you do if he finds out you're planning to act behind his back? -Sawyer turns around slowly, allowing his words to click in Dogday's mind like needles. -Don't forget who you're defying, your God, your creator... Your old friend.
The orange-furred one's face hardens, a guttural growl echoes from his throat as his trembling hands clench into fists.
-Those words mean nothing to me now! -He spits with a venom that he barely contains.
Noticing the almost amused expression on the doctor's screen, he takes a deep breath forcing himself to calm down, his shoulders relax just a little, but his gaze still burns with fury.
-Listen. -He growls under his breath. -I don't care what he says or does, I want the human, I don't care how they bring him to me: wounded, crawling, one limb less.... It doesn't matter, the only thing I care about is killing him with my own hands.
-Ah... -The eye hums with happiness. -So, Dogday, the 1006 experiment's number one pet, his most loyal disciple, hiss right-hand man?... Is finally being disobedient?
The room remains in a tense silence, only slightly interrupted by the creaking and whirring of the machinery that houses the brain. It is finally broken by Harley's voice echoing from the loudspeaker.
-Very well, I will accept this alliance you so request, my beasts will track your human and bring him to you, as you wish.
The countenance of the solar dije relaxes slightly, but not for long.
-But... -The machine leans forward, the eye on the screen flashing with a malicious glint. -In return, when you have sated your revenge, you will do something for me.
-What? -He squints.
-Not now. -Sawyer stands up straight and, with an unusually casual gesture, places his metal hand on the canine's shoulder, guiding him towards the door. -The time will come; for now, focus on the human's location, I will soon send the order to my pet.
Already in the corridor, Dogday watches the older man over his shoulder one last time, only to see his silhouette disappear as the door slowly closes, with a sigh and without wasting a second, the orange furred one takes his way to the prison, ready to meet one of the many creations of the former doctor.
As the elevator descends, the reflection of his own eyes on the metal wall look back at him, empty and hungry.
-Your hours are counted, Yuu. -He murmurs.
The game has begun.