Chapter Text
“do you think there's an alternative universe of us?”
A sun shining through the window casting a shadow in the room where a group of anthro sat by. A yellow chicken who asked the question look at his friends, in which meet with a mixed expression.
Naptunian look sceptical at first. His eyes meet with a confused expression of an orange spaniel dog who gave him a shrug in response. Huh.
Just now, Bubba had told them about the possibility of a multiverse. Where there are many type of possiblity that there is a difference version of their lives. And after they talked about how it would be cool to see a magician in real life, Kickin' shoot the question.
The possibility of having their supposed alternative version was... interesting, in the cat's opinion. But it also kinda pointless, since such a thing is likely just a fairly tale.
There's no research or factual data on that case. None that he know of, and mostly he didn't since he never really study anything like that, let alone wonder.
And as the chicken look around for answer, Daylight clear his throat. “well, that would be interesting to know. What do you guys thing we would look like?”
“oh! Oh! I think mine will be a good chef—”
“that's so lame, Picky. Alternative universe is about something bigger than that, you can always be a good cooker in this universe.” Kickin' cut in. “I think mine would be a cool half robot, CyberKickin! Y'know, with super strength and wings that can turn into guns!”
“that's bullshit—”
“language!”
“i think yours just going to be a real chicken in other world.” Hoppy chuckling when she sees the visible disbelief on the chicken face.
“fuck off you radioactive rabbit!”
“oh oh! You think mind would be like a godmother fairy? I mean, I know I have horn and all but it would be cool to actually have super powers. Like telekinesis!”
“uh huh! I want to shoot lasers from my eyes!”
“what are you gonna do with laser eyes? Heating up cold pizza?”
“I can burn a hole on your homework if you keep on skipping Miss Hope assignment.”
Before anyone could continue the conversation, a second class bell rang, ending their break with a series of groan from other group of students in the cafeteria. Naptunian look at his half eaten sandwich, and held it out to Daylight without a glance.
One second, the sandwich was in his hand, and the next he just retreat, the sandwich are gone.
What do you mean they want to have super powers if they already had this magical dog who can finish a sandwich in one bite?
Well, half eaten.
That would be cool to actually have an ability to just disappear and sleep somewhere nice and peace without a care of anything.
...
Actually, he can do that right now. Skip classes to smoke at the back of the school building. It just that the dog wouldn't let him go that easily. They has partner project due Thursday, and it would be not good to give away their shared grade just for a nap.
That, and he just didn't want to disappoint his best friend after promising on being productive instead of lazing around. Perfect, his weekend would be all about scientific facts.
As they all separated away in the hall to their each own classes of the day, Naptunian felt a buzz on his pocket. Searching in, and bringing his phone out, a notification appear on the screen.
A massage from Dad!:
I will come home late tonight. Your aunts will come by this afternoon with dinner, make sure to eat. Tell her don't drink the expired milk from this morning, she likes to be stupid.
Naptunian type out a simple "Kay." And send it, before deciding to ask which aunt he referred to. And when he didn't get a reply by 5 minutes, he closed his phone and head to the next class.
It's English, and since all his friends were on different classes, none of them shared this one with him. Miss Joy already been in the room, seemingly waiting for other kids to arrive, or just as bored to start as he did.
He took a seat next to a wolf anthro with piercing, just by the window.
And by the time he space out while looking outside, Miss Joy started the class. The sound muffled in his ears, he didn't even hear what she said, let alone listen. His thoughts wondered on the dinner part that his father told him.
He didn't had any sibling growing up, being an only child of Oliver Ludwig making him his father's only successor. But he did has many people sticking in his family. And most of them were from his aunt's family.
And by aunt, he mean Poppy. But if you think on why he asked his Dad which aunt who's going to be home when dinner, well it's pretty much complicated.
To simplify, like he said, he has many people sticking in while growing up. Mostly his father and Poppy's worker or friends who's tasked to babysit him since he's a toddler. And most of them who always come over were his aunts; female coworker or trusted friends of his father.
Well, mostly female, that's why he asked who was coming over. Which aunts.
Growing up as an only child makes benefits for him. He can get whatever he wanted as long as he behave, and Poppy likes to spoiled him when she always in to take care of him. But it also brought a drawback.
His father and Poppy are the Ludwig siblings. A founder and successor of the late Elliot Ludwig, an inventor, the big man himself, who's make this city as it is right now. A liveable and peace town.
And being his grandson can mean many things. His whole existence is mostly threatening, by all means, he can get kidnapped by some desperate, Money hungry stranger when he's alone. But he already 17 now, so it's mostly just a scene of someone threaten him to gave out his lunch money.
I mean, they can have it he doesn't even used the money to buy anything anyway.
But still. It's embarrassing to be reminded that he was still being treated like a child that needed to be protected when he can protect himself just fine.
He wondered if he could actually get his dad to agreed on having pet at home. It's getting pretty lonely when he's busy.
Sigh, he seems to be in it long enough to see that Miss Joy already sit down again. He grabbed his book and a pen, going in for behind all the blank pages and starting to draw instead of noting the filled white board.
He draw lines, that turn into a typographic that read "monster" in bold font. Then draw another one in a messier font. He need to look up some references if he wants to draw a cool one.
He stare at the blank space, then decide to fill it up with a drawing. He was thinking of something Kickin' told him, something about a terrifying monster lurking in the forest a couple of weeks ago. It's funny, there's no such a thing called monster. Maybe he just stumbled into Mr. Pianosaurus and thought of him as some terrifying creature, because who is he if not a 'Captain Fright-Chicken'?
Get it? 'Cause he's a chicken and he's frightened? And it's sounds like—
Okay I'm shutting up.
Naptunian take a good look at his drawing and feels proud seeing it turns out how he wanted it to be. He really glad he took Crafty offer, if not then it would actually look more like a lizard.
Or something bad, anyway—
He didn't realize he actually draw a cat creature until he finished it. It's neat, but also horrifying to see. He chuckled at that. Him? Horrifying? Yeah, that would be a good luck on him, at least being scary mean no one would come closer and dare to hurt him. Then maybe his family would think that he can actually do things himself, being scary and feared and all.
He closed his notebook after seeing the clock above the whiteboard. Just a couple of minutes before the bell rang.
Finally, maybe he can just go home and actually get some sleep. He really needed one after his project with the girls today. Not like he can get better at cooking anytime soon either. And as Miss joy (who's didn't seem that joyous) finished with her lesson, the bell rang with a final announcement of the day.
Naptunian pack his bag and head out to the main hall, he already excited to get home early. Maybe he can get some chips on way home and watch tv till his supposed aunt came for dinner if he's quick enough. But as he stepped in the main hall, a bundle of orange fur and wagging tail greet him on his way. Naptunian stopped to open his arms and smile at his best friend before Daylight can even reach out to hug him.
It's been a routine of them to do this, ever morning when first met at school, or after the day was over. The first time was kinda embarrassing, but now Naptunian get used to Daylight clingy behavior.
Daylight broke the hugs with a gentle, final squeeze, then step back. “you're going to be at the festival, right?” he asked.
Naptunian froze. What festival? He didn't remember anything about intending a festival. And seeing the look on the dog face, he seem to get that.
“you're not actually forgot... right? Oh c'mon, Catnap. We already talked about this for a whole week!” the dog whine as they walked to the exit together.
“think I actually does... uh, when was this again?” he crack an apologic smile as they met with a golden light of the sun outside. “it's like, two days from now tho, but you still forgot about it.”
“yeah, yeah, sorry. I was thinking of spending my weekend on something else.”
“it's sleeping, isn't it?”
“what else? My name is literally NAP-tunian.” Daylight giggling at that. At least the festival come up later, he didn't want to change plan and go out tonight.
Daylight took the heat of the sun pretty nicely. He really live up his name, being all sunshine and rainbows. It's been a couple of days since Naptunian had seen him this excited in socializing with people.
Of course, who was Dogday if not an extroverted dog with no sense of time and infinite energy? It's a miracle they were even friends, since he and Naptunian were so much different. But it did work out eventually. Being picked by an extrovert was a nightmare, but he did survive in the end.
They talk a little about what happened today; classes that's boring, the cafetaria food that taste like trash, some kid stumbled and fall kissing the floor. And many more.
It's always endearing to hear about the dog's day (get it?). Seem like everything get more Interesting in his point of view.
Eventually, they got into a conversation about the multiverse thing. Say it's just Bubba being a nerd, but it's actually quite took Daylight interest. Something about wondering if they were best friend in other universe.
Naptunian look ahead, seeing clouds turning orangish color as they got into the neighborhood. Just a few feets from here, there's an abandoned mansion that got left behind by its owner. The place Kickin' told them about.
“think someday someone would have bought the house..?" Daylight asked, genuine curiosity in his tone. Naptunian look at the house again.
It's pretty big. Maybe for a married couple that has many kids, then yes, someone would buy it. But he doubt anyone will live there longer than a week, given how many people heard rumors about the house.
“aren't it's haunted? You already heard what Kickin' said”
“well Kickin' has a lot of good imagination going on his head, I don't think it's a ghost, anyway.”
Naptunian snort at that. “are you saying he's Schizophrenic?” and double down into a laugh after seeing an offended look on Daylight's face. The dog hit his arm as they walk.
“No! Catnap, c'mon. I'm just saying he might just imagining things. Maybe it just a bigger anthro or like, idk, people that cleaning the place? Maybe he mistook some guy in a costume for a terrifying 8 feet monster.” he countered. Naptunian eventually stopped laughing and look at him, a smile still flashes on his face.
“well either way, it just Kickin' being Kickin'.”
Daylight grumble at that. Not entirely arguing, since Naptunian already make a point. And why should they care about some creature lurking around that's didn't have any proof of it existing except a mare encounter? It's not like this is the first time Kickin' had ever talked about a scary experience he had. “still, you think someone will still buy it? I mean, it can be a good place to practice given the big space. Maybe even throw some parties!”
The cat hummed at the idea. Yeah, they could totally used it as some kind of hide out or base. Maybe then he could smoke freely without get caught in his house.
“think my dad can bought the mansion for us?”
Daylight suddenly stopped in his track and freeze. “you're... going to ask Mr. Prototype to—buy it? for a bunch of teenager that maybe going to reck it??” his eyes disbelief and blow wide. Before he stepped in and go by Naptunian side again, walking in a more slower pace.
Yeah, actually. That's maybe not a good way to ask for that, but he already had an idea to make his father agreed.
“don't put it like that, he won't know. He didn't need to, anyway...”
Naptunian look at the dog's face, his word died in his mouth as his eyes lay upon the scene. The light from the sun casting him like some kind of mystical being. His eyes shine as they look at him, those bluish gray color really fit him. If he didn't know any better, he would have con—
Okay no, that's not how a good friend should felt toward their own best friend.
“—Nap! watch out!”
thunk!
“Ow!?”
Okay, yeah, ow. That's fucking hurt what the hack was that—
Without looking at where he's walking, Naptunian stumbled into a metal sign. He fall backwards and hit the ground.
“are you okay?! Are you hurt?” Daylight crouch down to check his head, there's no blood or any bruise, but it is sure as hell hurt. God that was embarrassing. “yeah.. I'm fine,” he said after focusing on his sight. Geez, he felt like his world is spinning Infront of him.
“i told you, you should watch where you going!” he calmly clasp Naptunian's hand into his and brought him to his feet. Catnap's world still spinning as he did that. He shook his head and look up. Trying to focusing his gaze, he sees a blur of colors that goes into the bushes.
His eyes narrowed. It's look like a person from this angle, but why would they go on all four? Especially with no shoes. No, that's not really matter, anthro and a bunch of people can go quadrupedal all the time. That's not weird, nor if it's a problem he's thinking.
The real problem is, why didn't it wear anything?
“Nappy?”
His thoughts cut short as Daylight face came into his view. His eyebrows furrowed, and his paws are on Naptunian's cheeks. God.
If he didn't just see some weirdo walking on four naked, he would say that this was the luckiest day of his life. He just got blessed by this look.
Naptunian feels a heat creeping in on his face. His ears turn a purplish red shade as Daylight brush his fingers. Still trying to see there's a wound that cause him to be distracted.
He swapped the paws off him gently, “i-i'm fine, really. Sorry, I got distracted for a moment there.” his eyes then goes to the bushes again. No one there.
Guess it just his imagination.
Maybe Kickin's influence got him paranoid.
After a couple of blocks, he and Daylight got into their separate ways. It's not to far away from the dog's house, just a few feet and he arrived.
Seem like there's already someone home, because the front yard lights already on. His plan to get a chips long forgotten after meeting Daylight, he can still get those with his aunt.
Talk about aunt, he took out his phone and check for a messages. A pop up screen comes as he removed his shoes and turn the knob.
A massage from Dad!:
Kissy and—
“Mrs. Longlegs!?”
As he said that, he heard a cheery giggles from inside.
Opening the door wide, he was greeted with a looming pink spider that has a bad taste in lipstick shade. He had a bad feeling about this..
“Catnap darling! It's been so long—” Marie took his arms and lift him up, startled the cat by kissing his cheek. Yup, bad feeling.
“—muah! How is my little nephew doing?” the spider asked as she put him down, Naptunian grumble as he trying to get rid of the lipstick stain on his cheek. “i'm doing great. Didn't know you would visit today.”
“aren't your father already told you we will come?”
“well, I just seen his texts...”
A clinking sounds come from the kitchen as Kissy place a plate down. Kissy greet him with a smile and a nod before telling him to put his stuff and change. Naptunian nodded, glance at them then hurried his steps to his bedroom before putting his stuff.
A couple minutes later, he already in his night wear, a pajama pants with a black t-shirt. They sit down on the dinning table, a pot on the center with a steaming broth. Naptunian took a plate, adding rice and pour some of the liquid with it, and add a few vegetables on the side.
Marie took a bread and eat the broth with it, eyes gleaming at the taste. “oh honey, didn't know you really good at cooking! You should tell me the tips, BB would love this.” she compliment before took another bite.
Kissy stood up and brought a milk from the fridge. Stopping just Infront of the table to get a glass. “geez, it's not that hard to make, beside, what a good soup could do with the cold?” and before she can pour the milk, Naptunian stopped her. “actually, you should throw that, the milk expired.”
There's a few memories about her being stubborn and still drinking it despite his father warning. The next thing is going to a hospital again.
A groan then come after, she open the lid and Kissy throw the carton of milk into the trashcan. “you guys should really take care of the food here, it's barely half empty and already got wasted.” she sigh and then sat down beside Marie.
“yeah I don't really drink milk, we just get those because you usually drink it.” a chuckle come from the spider. “are those been there since the last time I visited?” Kissy asked, glad she throw it out, if not, maybe they would have to get her into emergency room. Naptunian chuckled, he nodded and continue his meal.
After a few moments of silence, Kissy decide to ask. “so, Catnap, how was school today?” as she grabbed a plate, a pause can be sees from the cat movement.
“uhm, great? Nothing exciting really happened except some random kid falling in the hallway.”
“that's must be hurt.”
“bet that's funny!”
The cat chuckle at the different opinion between his two aunt. He was fully expecting Poppy to be here, since Poppy usually came to visit this time around, but guess she and Dad had been too busy for a dinner again.
It's not a big deal, though. He can still had dinner with their best friend or coworker like old times again. The prime example is Mrs. Longlegs herself.
Usually, she would be eating with her family, but from their earlier conversation, Mr. Longlegs and their son, Ben, has already given permission for her to visit. Since they were busy with something, they can't come along with her.
“what about Daylight? I heard his father were in the same project as your old man.”
Naptunian ears perk at that. Project? “really? Huh, he been doing fine, heard he also working on a new song for the upcoming debut, but I didn't know Dad was working with... his dad.” he said, tossing and stir his spoon around the already finished dinner. He placed the spoon down and grabbed a glass, pouring some water in.
“oh... really? I'm glad then. Thought he would tell his son about it, since it's a big project.”
“really?”
She smiles and nodded “yeah!”
“well aren't that's interesting...” Marie mumbled. Thinking about something before saying, “anyway! We can't really stayed for tonight. Is it fine if you're home alone, darling?”
“yeah, it's fine. Oh wait! Can you guys bought a bag of chips before going? I'm really death for one.”
Marie hummed softly, “sure, what kind?”
.
.
.
It's 8 pm already and he's home alone for the whole night. He got the chips, a coke and some other snack to munch on.
Naptunian was watching some rom-com on the TV when he heard a loud clank from the back of the house. He didn't mind it at first, thinking it might be just a racoons making havock of their trash bin. But the sound keep on coming, first the loud one, and now another one.
He sighed, get up, and get to his room to grabbed a flashlight before deciding to check it by himself. He was sure they already closed the garage yesterday, even fixing the hole that the little demons always get in from.
But it seems to do nothing.
Damned rats, he thought. Naptunian stepped outside of his garage door, a few tapping sounds make him uneasy. the door didn't even fully closed, let alone locked.
He turned on the flashlight and started to get in. The room feels too dark, was it because of the weather? It is kinda cold outside. Maybe the racoons get in because of the cold?
Well either it's their fault or not, his Dad wouldn't like to see his old invention being recked by a bunch of racoons. So he took a step inside and used the light to see in the dark. Wait, isn't he's a cat? Should he can already sees in the dark?
He narrowed his eyes, focusing his eyes on the old machine. The old thing seem to be still in it place. The light monitor flash a red light and part of it sounds humming, but he didn't mind that. He stepped and circling the machine, seeing the plug in. He pull it and deactivated the thing, before sighing. Annoyed.
Guess the sounds come from that thing.
Didn't want to stay in the garage for to long, Naptunian walked to the door. It's already been a boring day, he didn't want to deal with his dad invention when he's not home. Say it's forbidden, but he also play safety first.
crack!
What? What was that? He spin around and narrowed his eyes at the room. The lid are still closed and the machine are deactivated. What is the cause of that sound?
He brought his flashlight into a corner, seeing another machine that looks old. He pout. Then bring the light into another corner and—
Nothing. There is nothing.
“...Catnap?”
A raspy, deep hoarse voice came from behind him. Naptunian immediately spin around and was meet with a tall figure. Its hands, arms and legs are stitched. A big horrifying, hollow smile on its face. And a dots of light for eyes.
A terrified face match his shocked one.
“Who—”
He froze.
“Daylight!?”
____________________★★★______________________
