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Your body moves before you even think.
Your eyes turn to the thing that’s holding the huge gun, and you know you had to get rid of it first.
Before Poppy, before Giblet, before even Butcher…
That thing was the biggest threat, and it needed to go.
You aim one of the hands at the thing and shoot.
‘’What are you doing?’’ Poppy asks in a panic.
The thing turns to look at the hand before it slams into the screen. The hand grabs and you pull it back. The thing stumbles forward with the gun still in its hands, goes over the edge and falls on the floor with a huge CRASH.
You look down and inhale.
The Prototype also turns and he sees you still aiming at the thing.
Then you hear a noise right beside you and turn to see another thing coming towards you.
‘’You little pest. Come here, and I will show you what your head looks like when it’s crushed.’’
You take a step back, see a hook on the ceiling and aim at it. You see the hand connect, and you allow your body to be pulled.
Poppy screams in fear at your arms.
The Prototype moves at the same time as you and slams his hand on the platform where the thing was standing. It breaks and sends that thing flying.
You hang on the hand and look to see that thing slam against the wall and bounce down to the floor in tiny pieces.
You look around.
You see Butcher backing away as if they were shocked.
You see Giblet shaking his head in disbelief.
The Prototype leans back and looks over at you. His movements were slow and gentle as he reaches towards you.
Then you see the thing that you had pulled over the edge. It was still moving. You see it lifting the gun and aiming at the Prototype.
You don’t know what that gun might do to the Prototype, and you don’t want to know. So, you shove Poppy at your shoulder before you aim your other hand at the Prototype’s chest and fire.
The Prototype feels your hand and stumbles around as you pull him towards you.
‘’What…? Why are you…?’’ Poppy asks in shock right as you hear the gun fire.
It misses the Prototype, hits the ceiling and for a moment, it was silent.
And then the ceiling starts to come down.
You realize at that moment that there was no way to survive this.
The hand that you have on the hook is on the ceiling and it will come down with the ceiling.
You probably have three seconds to say your prayers.
And then you’re grabbed by the Prototype, who not only dives down but also pushes you and Poppy against the floor.
The last thing you see is the Prototype’s legs as they move closer to you, and then you feel the ground shaking and dust fills the air.
You’re so scared that all you can do is get as flat as you can against the floor and protect your head with your arms.
The noises lasted maybe five seconds, and the silence that followed them was haunting.
You stay still and wonder if you were even alive.
You can’t feel any pain, but that didn’t mean anything at that point. You could be dead and not realize it. Or maybe shock was keeping away whatever was supposed to hurt.
‘’Child!’’ Poppy voice came amongst the silence, and you realize that your ears were ringing.
You are half deaf for a moment and when you finally turn to Poppy, you see her lips moving but could barely hear her.
‘’What?’’ you ask.
Poppy is shouting and pointing.
‘’I… I can’t… What did you say?’’ you try to focus.
‘’Come on! We need to move!’’ Poppy’s voice is faint, but you finally understand.
Poppy pulls your arm, and you finally realize that you can actually move.
You press your hand down and slide yourself forward. You kick your legs and slide against the floor.
Poppy is moving ahead of you. She’s showing you the way out, and you decide to follow.
Darkness faints and you’re welcomed into the light by a very panicked Poppy, who apparently decides to run away.
You don’t know why she’s running. Not until you spot Butcher and Giblet ten meters away from you and see them staring up in fear.
You follow their gazes and see the Prototype.
He was leaning forward and hissing in pain. He had tried to protect himself, but he was clearly hurt.
And that was the moment when you realize…
The Prototype had pushed you under him when the ceiling was coming down. He had used his whole body to protect you and Poppy.
And now, Prototype was under huge pieces of the ceiling and clearly struggling. He was trying to stand up, but the pieces of the ceiling were too heavy.
‘’Pro… Prototype…’’ your voice sounds raspy.
He turns to you, and you’re met with a face that you don’t recognize. It takes you a moment to realize that the Prototype’s mask had been broken, and you were seeing his real face.
It was…
‘’Don’t look.’’ the Prototype covers his face and turns away.
You shiver and stand up.
‘’Prototype…’’ you gasp.
‘’Don’t… Don’t look.’’
He sounds so scared. So ashamed.
And you can’t blame him. You would feel that way too in his position.
Your hand goes up to your face, and you feel the mask you’re wearing. You don’t think or hesitate as you take the mask off and walk closer.
‘’I… I won’t look. Just… take this.’’ you say and turn your head away. Out of respect, you move your free hand to the side of your face and make that into a wall between your eyes and the Prototype’s appearance.
Your curiosity knew no bounds, but… you did.
This was not the time to ask questions or to stare.
You don’t look, but you feel the mask leave your hand. You give the Prototype maybe ten seconds to make himself decent before you lower your hand and turn to look at him.
The Prototype’s shoulders were shaking as if he was crying. He was facing away from everyone, even with the mask on.
You feel bad.
‘’Hey… Hey, it’s okay.’’ you say quietly and dare to get closer. ‘’No one controls the way they look. It’s okay. Don’t cry.’’
The Prototype doesn’t turn to look at you. He just continues to look away and shake.
You slowly lift your hand, hesitate, and place it gently on the Prototype’s side.
‘’I… If it was me… I would feel really scared. I would be sure the people around me would think I’m a… hideous thing. I would be sure… the people who just saw my face, would be scared. Or disgusted. Is that how you’re feeling right now?’’ you keep your voice as leveled as you can.
You remember that someone once told you something like this. They had found you crying in the corner and asked you how you were feeling. When you couldn’t find the words, they had used theirs.
It had helped. It made you feel like what you were feeling wasn’t anything bad and that you had the right to feel that way, since someone else could describe it. It made you realize that someone else had felt that way too.
The Prototype doesn’t look at you, but you see him nodding.
‘’That is a horrible feeling. I’m so sorry. No one deserves to feel like that, no matter what.’’ you say that with as much comfort as you can. ‘’But… Although it feels bad, you don’t have to be scared. I’m not afraid of you.’’
The Prototype moves his hands slowly. His shoulders are still shaking and he refuses to look at you, but you don’t push it.
‘’I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.’’ you say calmly and dare to move your hand up and down the Prototype side to try to soothe him. ‘’For you, I’ll always be here.’’
You don’t know if you said the right thing, but it finally made the Prototype to look at you. Now that he was hiding behind a mask again, you didn’t know what kind of expression he was making, but you can see something like a hint of relief in his eyes.
The Prototype moves his hand behind you and slowly rubs your back. He’s gentle and careful, and you feel safe.
‘’Were you hurt?’’
‘’I… I was very scared and… didn’t feel anything. I don’t think I’m hurt.’’ you say all that with a hesitant voice, and the Prototype seems relieved. ‘’Thank you for saving me.’’
‘’You’re welcome. And I’m glad you’re okay.’’
You hear a gasp behind you and turn.
You see Butcher hesitating as if they weren’t sure whether you were okay or if they should butt in.
You see Giblet holding onto something like he was expecting a fight to break out, and he was ready to defend himself.
You see Poppy covering her mouth and staring at the Prototype.
And then you remember that the Prototype was still under a huge piece of the ceiling and he was most likely badly injured.
Instincts kick in, and whatever made you protect the Prototype took the front again.
You grab the GrabPack’s handles, take few steps towards Butcher and point the hands at them like they were guns.
‘’Stay away!’’ you order.
‘’Kid…’’ Butcher hesitates.
‘’I’m not letting you hurt him! Stay away!’’ you shout.
You know you’re not threatening. Butcher was taller and older than you, and they had more experience with the GrabPack and all the possibilities it had. If this turned into a fight, you would lose.
But you don’t care about that. You wanted to protect the Prototype however you can.
Butcher looks at you and inhales deeply. ‘’Okay. Okay, I won’t come closer.’’
‘’You too!’’ you point at Giblet. He barely moved, but you’re too deep in your own fear to care.
‘’Kid, listen…’’
‘’No, you listen! What’s your deal?!’’ you hiss.
‘’Kid…’’ Butcher tries to calm you down.
‘’Is pointing guns at people fun for you?! Why were you trying to shoot at Prototype?!’’
‘’Kid…’’
‘’I might have been asleep for ten years, but I can still tell when someone’s playing a game and when you’re trying to hurt someone! Don’t even try to say otherwise!’’
‘’Kid, the Prototype… You saw what he did to you.’’
You glare at Butcher.
‘’Look at Giblet. Look at Poppy. He did that to them.’’
You don’t lower the hands.
You made your choice, and you were sticking by it.
‘’Kid, that thing… You know how danger-‘’
‘’That thing…! Has a name! And I will thank you for using it!’’ you shout in anger.
‘’Ah… The Prototype is dangerous. You’ve seen it. And who knows what else he’s done? He’s behind all of it. You know that.’’
You glance down. ‘’Yeah…’’ you admit it.
‘’Then you shouldn’t be…’’
You give Butcher a glare. ‘’Who are you to tell me what I should be?’’
‘’But… You should be scared of him. Why are you siding with him? Don’t you know that you’re just another experiment to him? That he can just…’’
The Prototype moves behind you, and your anger turns to concern.
‘’Don’t move, Prototype.’’ you beg but don’t look away from Butcher. ‘’I might be smaller than you, but I’ll keep you safe. Just… don’t move.’’
‘’What…?’’ Butcher blinks. ‘’Seriously, kid. Why are you protecting that thing? He’s evil. He has hurt you and a lot of other people. He was the one who led the Hour of Joy. Who knows what he did to the other orphans? A being like that…’’
‘’Would an evil being save someone like me?’’
Butcher hesitates.
‘’I know what the Prototype has done. And…’’ you blink and look down. ‘’I… I’m sorry, Prototype. Me and Poppy found the other orphans. We know what you did.’’
Giblet turns to Poppy, and she looks down.
You don’t know what the Prototype is thinking, and you don’t dare to look. Half because you don’t want to see the Prototype angry and half because you don’t want to give Butcher an opening to move.
‘’And I want you to know… I want everyone to know… That I forgive you.’’ you say it as clearly as you can.
You still don’t dare to turn away from Butcher, even when you feel the Prototype’s stare at the back of your neck.
‘’Forgive…?’’ Poppy blinks and looks at you in shock. ‘’How can you forgive something like that? You saw what he did!’’
‘’I did. And I am upset.’’ you admit and shake your head. ‘’Those were my playmates. They were the children I grew up with. I… I don’t exactly know what that gel is doing to them, or that… if there ever comes a day when they can get out of it. I don’t even know if they are the same people. Of course, I’m upset about that. And I think I have every right to be.’’
‘’Then why…?’’ Poppy shakes her head.
‘’Because… it’s… It’s my fault too.’’
Those words made everyone jerk.
‘’No… No, child…’’ the Prototype says gently.
‘’I know that it’s because of them that the Prototype was able to do what he did to me.’’ you glance down and turn to look at the Prototype. ‘’It took so much just to make me like you. That’s what you said. And you tried to save what you could… with every means necessary.’’
The Prototype looks at you and you get the sense that he’s hesitating and feeling shame.
‘’And I… I can’t even imagine what they went through. What you did to them… I don’t want to know what you did to them in details. But…’’ you turn to look at Butcher and hesitate before you let go of one of the handles.
Your free hand moves to your face, and you feel… skin.
Soft, warm, smooth skin. No felt, no fur, no cotton.
You make the realization that although the Prototype changed you, you were still very much normal-looking.
You had wondered that ever since you saw the reel of Prototype cutting you open, but you hadn’t had the time to worry about it, until now.
‘’It took so much… just to get it right. That’s what you said.’’ you say quietly.
‘’And… it did take a lot.’’ the Prototype admits.
‘’That’s why I’m upset, but… it’s also the reason why I can forgive you. I see now what you did, and it was ugly. But you were sure that… if that was what needed to happen, it was worth it. I can’t fault you for that, no matter how upset I am.’’
The Prototype’s shoulders shake.
‘’It’s okay. And if you want… I’m willing to help.’’
‘’What?’’ Butcher’s voice makes you turn back to them and make sure you were still aiming at them. ‘’You can’t be serious.’’
‘’I am serious. I want to help my friend.’’ you say sternly and look down. ‘’It was my fault too. I am like this because of the other orphans were tested on. I want to make that right, and I can only do that with the Prototype. He did all that because of me, so it only makes sense that I will help him fix it.’’
‘’But child…’’ Poppy steps forward. ‘’Look… I don’t know what he did to you or if that’s the reason you feel like you can trust him, but he is a liar. He can manipulate people and…’’
‘’So what?’’ you ask.
‘’So what…?’’ Poppy blinks. ‘’Child! Look at what he did to us! Do you honestly think he won’t do the same to you?!’’
‘’No. Actually, I’m sure he will try.’’
Your answer seems to make everyone wince.
‘’Child…’’
‘’I’m not ruling anything out.’’ you say gently. ‘’I know what you did, and I’m willing to accept that you might do that to me too. I’m scared that you will, but I will not fault you. The… the world didn’t teach you any other way.’’
The Prototype lets out a soft exhale and just from that, you can hear his surprise and relief.
‘’But even so, you could still…’’ Giblet gives you a weird look. ‘’Why would you choose this?’’
You glance down. ‘’What else do I have?’’
You see everyone in front you blinking in surprise.
‘’Let’s say I go with you. I’ll get all the way up and see the outside world. What then? Do I just walk away? Out of the only place that I have ever known? And go where? To my parents that I never met? They could be dead for all I know, or they don’t want me around. Either way, I don’t have a home up there. And you think I’m gonna trust you to look after me? After all that I’ve heard? How will I know that you decide that I’m too much a monster like the Prototype and act on your name? How will I know, Butcher?’’
The way you toss their name at them makes them shiver.
‘’I… I wouldn’t…’’
‘’How will I know?’’ you ask sternly.
Butcher stays still. They don’t have an answer.
‘’Down here…’’ you say and glance down. ‘’It’s Hell. I know it is.’’
Butcher blinks and looks at you.
‘’But at least… it’s a Hell that’s familiar to me. At least I know what awaits me down here. I know how to survive.’’ you shake your head and smile at Butcher. ‘’I know it sounds weird to you, but this… I would choose this over whatever is up there. Because that, the thing you call the outside world… That scares me more than this place.’’
‘’I… I didn’t realize.’’ Butcher says.
‘’But to stay by the Prototype’s side…’’ Poppy says and shakes her head. Her eye looks at Prototype, and you can see the moment her fear turns into determination.
Poppy wants you away from the Prototype, and you know it.
‘’You are never safe with him around. He sees traitors everywhere and punishes them. Even when those people weren’t betraying anyone! You wanna know what Giblet’s crime was?! He refused to kill the surviving workers in here! And for that, Prototype…’’ Poppy turns to Giblet and shivers. She turns back to you with a worried expression. ‘’Whatever he did to you…! We can find a way to fix it! You can go out there and have a normal life! Be free! Isn’t that a good thing?!’’
You narrow your eyes and lower your hands. You allow yourself to think and pick your words carefully. And when you’re ready, you turn to look at Poppy.
‘’Will you stay then?’’
Poppy jerks. ‘’What?’’
‘’The Prototype doesn’t want to spend the eternity alone. If what he did to me worked, and I am like him… Then it means I can’t die. It means I’m no longer a normal human.’’ you say and turn to the Prototype. ‘’Is that correct?’’
‘’Yes.’’ the Prototype nods.
You turn back to Poppy. ‘’And you’re the same. Are you not? You can’t die. You’re not normal.’’
Poppy blinks. ‘’Well… Yes.’’
‘’If I leave, will you stay with the Prototype?’’ you ask.
Poppy shakes her head. ‘’Well… I…’’
‘’I’m not leaving then. Because… an eternity alone sounds horrible. I don’t want that. For myself, or for the Prototype. But if you really want me out there, you have to promise me that you will always be by the Prototype’s side.’’
‘’I… I don’t…’’ Poppy’s eye goes between the Prototype and you.
‘’If you can’t do that… then I’m not leaving.’’ you say firmly.
‘’Child…’’ the Prototype’s hand presses against your shoulder.
‘’Why would I go and leave you alone? After everything you sacrificed for me? It doesn’t make sense to me.’’ you say softly and look over your shoulder at the Prototype. ‘’You said you wanted more like you. You had Poppy, but she didn’t like you. You said as much six years ago. And if I was your first success, then… how long will it take you to make another? Can you make another?’’
The Prototype looks away, and you can sense the answer.
‘’You… don’t know.’’ you guess correctly and nod. ‘’Then that settles it. I won’t leave unless Poppy stays by you.’’
Poppy jerks.
‘’But kid…’’ Giblet finally finds his voice.
‘’But nothing.’’ you say firmly and look down. You let your choice dominate the room and you give Poppy time to think.
You look at the huge pieces of the ceiling that laid on the Prototype.
‘’I… I’m going to help you.’’ you say and look around.
You spot a thick metal piece on top of you and aim your red hand at it. As you allow your body to swing up, you aim your blue hand at a piece of ceiling.
The Prototype sees what you’re doing and helps you by turning on his hips and pushing the piece of the ceiling while you lift it.
The GrabPack struggles with the weight, but you are successful. You let the piece go and move on to another one. You continue this until the Prototype got his body to stand.
You watch the Prototype get up and see him moving all six of his legs to make sure they work. One of them limps and another doesn’t want to straighten up, but the Prototype could get around.
‘’You’re not hurt elsewhere, are you?’’ you ask in a worried tone.
‘’I can fix this.’’ the Prototype says and turns to you. ‘’Were you serious? About staying… with me?’’
‘’Of course. Why would I lie?’’
The Prototype wants to believe you, and you can see it in his eyes, but… years of mistreatment doesn’t go away with sweet words and promises.
You know that, and you accept it.
You accept that the Prototype will doubt your words.
‘’Hey, Prototype.’’ you smile.
‘’Yes?’’
You let the blue hand drop and hold out your free hand towards the Prototype.
‘’Let’s go home.’’
You know words alone will never be enough to make the Prototype trust you, so you will need to learn to be careful and prove your words with actions.
You will start simply. Saying that you will go home together and reach out to him.
You show that you want him, that you choose him.
The Prototype hesitates a moment and then he reaches to you.
You’re still hanging on the ceiling, but you let yourself fall on the Prototype’s arms and hug him. You hear him let out an exhale as if he was surprised, but his arms hold onto you like you were the most precious thing in the world.
‘’It’ll be alright. I promise. Let’s fix every broken thing together.’’
You let him take you, happily welcome the paradise that the Prototype has made.
-----------------------------------------------------------
One year later…
You’re ready as the Prototype moves away from the operating table. You walk over with a mug full of clean water.
You look at one of the orphans that had been in the Poppy Gel for years.
He had been a teenage boy with brown hair, but now he was like a tall Bubba Bubbaphant with a human face and oddly shaped hands. His brown hair had perfectly mixed with the blue fur, and he opened his eyes, you can see that they had stayed in their natural green.
‘’Good morning, Philip.’’ you say.
You knew his name had been Philip. You knew him; he was part of the Wuggy Team like you.
‘’Uh… Huh?’’ Philip asks and blinks.
‘’Do you remember me?’’ you ask.
‘’No…’’
‘’Do you remember him?’’ you point at the Prototype.
‘’No…’’ Philip looks a little scared.
The Prototype gives you a look before he backs away.
You understand and give Philip your full attention.
‘’What do you remember?’’
‘’I… Play Care. Weird… soup. I… Where…?’’
‘’A lot has happened. And once you get your head straight and you know you’re safe, we will tell you.’’ you held the mug to Philip.
Philip sits up and looks at his hands. He’s shocked and looks down at his body.
‘’Yeah, that’s something to get used to. Don’t worry. We’re here for you. And so are the others.’’
‘’Others?’’ Philip’s hands are shaking as he takes the mug from you.
‘’They’re already in Better Place. We will go there, but first… we need to make sure you’re alright.’’ you rub Philip’s arm. ‘’Take your time and drink. You’re going to be alright.’’
Philip lets himself get used to his new body. He’s shaking and hesitating, but slowly let’s himself relax.
The Prototype helps Philip to his feet.
Philip was a little shorter than you, but he didn’t have a full control of his body and how he placed his weight. You have to be careful when you were near him.
Once he mastered walking, you decide to ask him more questions.
‘’Does anything hurt?’’
‘’No.’’
‘’Does your body feel weird?’’
‘’It… does. A little. I don’t… I don’t remember my feet being this heavy.’’ Philip says and shakes his head.
‘’You get used to it. I’m sorry about what we did, but these were the parts that went with you. You could say that they chose you.’’
Philip blinks. ‘’Chose me?’’
‘’It’s a long story, and… trust me when I say that you are better of not knowing how it works.’’ you say that as kindly as you can and glance down. ‘’And if you want to change some part of you, the Prototype can see what can be done. He knows about these things and has done a few surgeries on others. But we can’t guarantee that surgery is an option. Some things are too broken to fix. But that is a talk for another day. Right now, we must focus on your wellbeing.’’
‘’Is… Is everyone else like me?’’ Philip asks as he looks at his hands.
‘’Yes. The Prototype did what he could, and… Tho the end results might not be pretty, they all learned to live with them. And I have done my best to be their support. And Prototype has been very wonderful.’’
Philip looks over at the Prototype, who was walking close by and making sure everything was alright.
‘’Why is he keeping his distance?’’ Philip asks.
‘’Well… Few of the previous orphans ran away when they saw him, and he doesn’t want to be scary to them.’’
‘’Is that right?’’ Philip blinks.
‘’He is safe, and very kind. He was the one to save us. You might not remember the last day you were in Play Care, but things have changed a lot.’’
Philip looks down. ‘’Uh… Where… Where are the adults?’’
‘’The ones in the white coats? They’re… gone. All of them.’’
‘’Gone? What do you mean gone?’’
‘’Philip, I think you need to take it easy. It’s your first day.’’
‘’But I… I was about to be adopted. They said… I was chosen.’’
‘’Oh… Well… I have to ask for your forgiveness. That will not be happening.’’
‘’But…’’
‘’I think it’s best that we take you to Better Place. There will be others who can explain everything.’’
‘’Why can’t you explain?’’
You point behind Philip, and the two of you see the Prototype fuming.
‘’He hates to remember, and I want to protect him from those horrible memories. He isn’t himself when he’s angry, you see.’’ you say gently and grab Philip’s hand. ‘’Come. If we take this lift down, we’ll get to Better Place.’’
Philip gives the Prototype one last look before he gets in the elevator with you.
You hold onto Philip’s hand and smile to him the whole way down. When the doors open, you’re greeted by the sight of the Better Placa’s park.
The elevator that had brought you down was inside the rocky wall, and it couldn’t be used from anyone but you and the Prototype.
You tell yourself that it was to protect the orphans from any harm, but you also knew that it was about control more than that.
The Prototype said he wanted them to be locked in Better Place. It was safe there, and with the elevator only at your and the Prototype’s use, no rogue toy could get in so easily.
A happy sound could be heard, and misshapen toys started to come closer to you.
‘’It’s them! Oh, and they’re bringing someone new!’’
‘’Is that…? Holy God, that’s Philip!’’
Philip hesitates and hides behind you.
‘’Okay, everyone. Don’t overwhelm him.’’ you say and walk out of the elevator.
A small child that was covered in blue fur and had a weirdly shaped head came over and waved her hand.
‘’Hello, Sheena.’’ you smile to her and allow her to caress your face. ‘’How are you?’’
‘’Grr.’’ Sheena says softly.
‘’That’s wonderful.’’ you say softly and looked around.
You see Philip shivering.
‘’Don’t worry. You’re safe.’’ you say and look around. ‘’Everyone, please be kind! Philip needs time to adjust, but if anyone would like to fill him in, I would appreciate it!’’
‘’Oh! Oh! I can do that!’’ a tall Cat-Bee with blue eyes says happily.
‘’Thank you, Camila.’’ you say happily and turn to Philip. ‘’You remember Camila Hooper, right?’’
‘’Uh… Kinda…’’ Philip hesitates.
A sudden ringing makes everyone jump.
Some of the orphans back away in fear.
You reach into your pocket for the phone and answer it.
‘’This is Prototype’s Angel. How can I help?’’
Yes, that is what you were called now.
The Prototype’s Angel. The human that was not to be touched or harmed, or else the Prototype would bring out Hell upon you. But not that many knew that you were human.
In a year, you had not only been given a new title, but also clothes that were a mismatch of furs from different toys. You hadn’t gotten a new mask to wear, but your hood was made of a CatNap’s face, so when you wore it, you could hide away behind his face.
And you had gotten into the habit of wearing the hood up and hiding your face. It made it easier for the other orphans to accept you when you looked like them.
‘’We want to talk.’’ a serious voice was heard on the phone.
‘’Ah… I see. The usual place?’’ you reply.
‘’Yes.’’
‘’I’ll be there in ten minutes.’’
‘’Right now.’’
‘’Right now isn’t good. I have a friend that only just got to Better Place. I want to be sure he’s comfortable.’’
‘’Kid…’’
‘’Fine.’’ you roll your eyes and end the call.
‘’You need to go? Already?’’ a worried Bobby Bearhug with human hands and brown eyes asks.
‘’You know how Butcher gets.’’ you reply and smile to Philip. ‘’I’m so sorry about this. The Prototype should come down here soon.’’
‘’He is… coming here?’’ Philip asks and looks around. ‘’But… didn’t you just say that most of them are scared of him?’’
‘’They were, but not anymore. The Prototype has been nothing but gentle and kind. You get used to him in no time.’’ you say and turn to Camila. ‘’Will you tell the Prototype that I’m off to see Butcher?’’
‘’Of course.’’ Camila nods.
You smile to Philip before you let go of his hand and walk away.
‘’Bye, my friends!’’ you wave at them.
‘’Bye!’’ they all smile to you.
You grab the GrabPack’s handles, aim up and let your body be pulled up. You used the GrabPack to swing all the way across the Better Place.
Better Place had blossomed into a peaceful town of misshapen toys and playful souls that lived however they wanted. It was much more colorful and brighter, thanks to all the changed you and the Prototype made, and every new orphan brought their own creativity into the place.
You smile as you look at the place and landed on a platform that had a single security door on it and few huge windows.
Only you can open that security door, and this is the place where you usually meet Butcher, and sometimes Giblet.
For the past year, Butcher has been living with Giblet and Poppy in their own little safe spot, and it seemed that the three of them were still convinced that you would leave this place if they convinced you hard enough.
You knew they would try, and you let them. Mostly because you started to actually like being around them, and somewhat because you don’t want them to worry about you or the other orphans. You also see it as an opportunity to try to convince Poppy to talk with the Prototype.
You’re about to open the door, but you pause and turn towards the window that’s beside the door.
You can’t see the other side, but you’re more focused on your own reflection.
You look at yourself and remove your hood. You look at your face and wipe the little speck of Poppy Gel off your cheek. Then you just look at yourself and remember all the orphans that were still misshapen.
You feel bad for them. You would have wanted them to look like you: like a normal human being.
And every time you get like that, you inhale and remind yourself that it doesn’t matter what they look like.
They were alive, they were healthy, and you and the Prototype will always protect them.
The lights went on in the room, and you could see through the glass into the hallway where Butcher was. Giblet was with them and… to your surprise, Poppy was too.
You haven’t seen Poppy often, but she had changed a lot in the year.
Her face was still broken, but her dress had been changed into a suit that had pockets for everything a doll like her could need.
You wave at them, and they wave back. Then you hear something coming at you and you see them reacting by turning the lights off.
You turn to see the Prototype walking beside the walls and stopping behind you.
‘’Camila told me.’’
‘’I’m just going to talk with them.’’ you say gently.
‘’I know, doesn’t change the fact that I’m worried. They are persistent.’’
‘’That they are, but they will never be able to convince me to leave this place.’’
‘’I wish they would stop. And I would want you to not go. Why do you keep on seeing them?’’
‘’I know how you feel about them, which is why I would never ask you to reconcile with them. But in some way, I have grown to care about them. In the sense that I want them to be okay out there, and if they were to die out there, I would feel bad. But I wouldn’t welcome them to Better Place, nor would I let any of the others meet them face to face. For now, what we have works.’’
The Prototype looks down.
‘’Hey, you know they’re not working with the Doctor anymore. That threat was dealt with six months ago. You remember what I told you?’’ you ask gently.
‘’I do. The Butcher… and you… But it’s not the Doctor who I worry about.’’
‘’Ollie…’’ you say his name softly and hold your hand to him.
The Prototype had told you about Ollie and who he used to be. He had given you the okay to use that name on him, and you do, when the two of you were alone.
The other orphans knew him as the Prototype, the other toys knew him as the Prototype. To all of them, the Prototype was a protector and a God.
But to you, he was family. He was the one you chose. And you had chosen to use the name ‘Ollie’ not as a weapon but to as a sign of trust and devotion.
You see the Prototype look at your hand before he places his own needlelike fingers against your palm.
‘’I know you don’t care about Butcher or Giblet. And things with Poppy are… complicated.’’ you choose your words carefully and glanced down. ‘’I don’t want things to be like that. I’m alright with you hating Butcher and Giblet, but Poppy is family. You and I both know that the only way to get to her is through Butcher and Giblet. And I know that if I can somehow convinced her to talk with you, there could be a way to fix your relationship.’’
‘’I tried. I tried already.’’
‘’I know you did, for ten years. I know you exhausted every tactic you can think of. And I want to try too. I think I’ve made some progress. Maybe I can get her to sit down with you in two years. Don’t you want her to come back to us?’’
The Prototype looks down.
‘’I know it’s a lot to ask, but I want you to trust me, Ollie. We will fix the broken things, that’s what we do best. And the Better Place is a living proof of that. Poppy doesn’t want to be near you, and I want to fix that. I want you to let me try.’’
The Prototype nods and leans closer to you. His forehead presses against yours.
‘’Come back safe.’’
‘’I always will.’’
The Prototype leans back and pulls away. He’s gone before you know it.
You smile to yourself and turn to the security door.
Despite everything, you made the right choice. You know you did.
You open the security door just as the lights turn back on. You walk into the labs and close the door.
Ending 1: The Prototype’s Angel