Work Text:
The security recording begins in front of an observation room. Inside, several objects are scattered across the floor of the cell. The humming of the lights is the only sound audible, and in the center of the area, a pair of figures are confined... One is a purple-furred feline with a moon charm hanging from his neck, while the other is a canine with more colorful fur (orange, yellow, and red) and a sun charm.
Both are cuddled up together, the body of the one with the moon charm surrounding the one with the sun charm, not only for protection, but also to feel safe. The one with the sun charm, for his part, caresses the feline's head, although his movement is slow, almost mechanical. The two creatures are eerily still, their eye sockets lying in darkness.
The silence is briefly interrupted by a soft beep.
-What are your names? -A female voice speaks firmly.
But she receives no answer.
The figures remain quiet in the center of the room.
-What are your experiment number? -The woman speaks again.
But she receives only silence in return.
-Can one of you tell me who you are?
That question causes the canine's hand to stop and look up; he observes the pair of scientists standing at the window for a moment and, without either of them expecting it...
BAM!
He crashes into the window.
Come here and find out. -He says through clenched teeth.
The recording cuts to black.
The screen shows a pair of diagrams that briefly illustrate the anatomy of both beasts; between them, a text appears.
“IN RELATION, EXPERIMENT #1188 ‘CATNAP’ AND #1189 ‘DOGDAY’
Original Exp. Date: 11/07/1990
Subject(s) Birth Name(s): Theodore Grambell, Aiden Henson.
On 11/22/1990, subjects 1188 and 1189 were sent for re-conditioning following an incident which resulted in the death of 6 staff, and injury of 8 others...
From the beginning, it was clear 1188 and 1189 would need extensive treatment."
The footage changes; it shows the pair of “Bigger Bodies” being transported on a stretcher, both under the influence of the sedative that was administered to them.
-It feels weird seeing them like this. -The man sighs.
-Like what? -The woman asks.
-Like Feral. -The man hesitates for a few seconds before retracting. -I-I don't know. I... I hardly recognize them.
The scientist lets out a giggle. -Preston, if I didn't know you, I'd say you sounded like a new guy.
Another cut.
Both monsters are in a different room. A white, sterile area with a single television hanging on the wall displaying the company logo loading. The creatures are sitting in front of the device, their eyes staring at the screen, the light reflecting on their fur.
-Does it...? -The man hesitates again. -...Does it ever bother you that the way they act after we-?
The tape gets corrupted.
It shows fragments of the show “Smiling Critters,” but those fragments are glitchy.
When the recording restores, the bigger bodies are now staring at the floor, as if the now-turned-off television had sucked out their souls and sanity. The scientists just watch them with indifference... At least the female scientist does.
-No, not really. -The woman shrugs her shoulders without uncrossing her arms. -The work´s important.
When it's time to return them to their cell, they are sedated again. Although this time the drug is potent, acting immediately as soon as the dart pierces their skin, both stagger, though the one with the moon pendant is the first to collapse.
-Aiden... -The canine whispers as he trips over his own feet. -My name... It's Aiden...”
That's all he manages to whisper before falling to the floor.
The screen goes dark again.
“Total treatment time: 49 days.”
The security camera shows the cell corridor, which is not completely silent, as in addition to the hum of the recording, a couple of screams can be heard.
Another black screen.
-I know it's important, Newman. -The man speaks again, his voice showing complete concern for the creatures. -But you can't deny the cost is... Well... There IS a cost.
Both scientists observe the pair in the center of their cell, both curled up on the floor, with the lunar charm one holding the solar charm one under his arm, using their size difference to act as a nest in which they both feel each other's warmth.
-You just can't dwell on it. -The woman says seriously. -The trick is to stay focused. Besides, if Grace's treatment plan works, 1188 and 1189 won't be... ¨Feral¨ for long.
Ding!
The communicator lights up with a chime; both creatures' ears react to the noise, but neither makes a move to get up.
-What are your names? -She asks.
Silence.
-What are...?
-Name? -The feline whispers as he raises his head suddenly.
This response catches the scientist off guard.
-Uh... yes. Your names, please.
The two beasts look at each other, the canine sitting up slowly, stumbling slightly as the feline moves...
-Name... -Whispers the one with the sun pendant, bringing a hand to his forehead. -Our... Our names...
The creatures look at each other again, although this time, white pupils appear in their eye sockets.
“...Are CatNap and DogDay.”
“Treatment outcome: Successful.”
Alarms...
Alarms blare at full volume, chaos reigns, and flashing red lights invade the cell corridor.
A man runs in panic, breathing heavily, his eyes frantically searching for the nearest exit... But he doesn't know he's running straight to his death. At least not until he turns the corner.
CatNap had already broken down the door to his cell and filled the hallway with red smoke; on his back, DogDay glimpses the man trembling with fear and, with a simple gesture, attracts the cat's gaze to his new prey as both let out a deep roar from the depths of their chests.
The last thing the camera records is the cat charging forward.